China willing to work with Canada to promote steady improvement of bilateral ties: Premier Li Xinhua) 09:28, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with Canada, in the spirit of looking to the future, to promote the steady improvement of bilateral relations, bring them onto a track of sound and steady development, and strive for win-win cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday. Speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the phone at the latter's request, Li said that Canada was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and the bilateral relationship was at the forefront of China's ties with Western nations for a long time. However, in recent years, the relationship has suffered serious difficulties due to unnecessary disruptions, he added. The development of China and Canada represents opportunities rather than threats to each other, said Li, noting that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between the two, only a tradition of friendship and mutual benefits. He expressed hope that the Canadian side will make joint efforts with the Chinese side, view China's development in an objective and rational manner, and work together to achieve shared success and prosperity. Looking ahead, there is enormous potential for China-Canada cooperation as the two economies are highly complementary, said Li, urging both sides to deepen cooperation in traditional areas, expand collaboration in emerging fields such as clean energy, climate change and scientific and technological innovation, and strengthen people-to-people as well as economic and trade exchanges. Li called on both governments to listen to their people, respond to their concerns, and do more to enhance bilateral friendly cooperation and increase mutual understanding and trust. China is willing to work with Canada, on the basis of equality and mutual respect, to seek and expand common ground while shelving and narrowing differences, strengthen exchanges and dialogue in various fields, and address each other's concerns appropriately, Li said. Noting that the current international situation is intertwined with turmoil, and unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, Li said China is ready to work with Canada to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, promote economic globalization and the multilateral trading system to develop in the right direction, and inject more stability into world peace and development. For his part, Carney said that Canada and China have a profound traditional friendship and China is Canada's second-largest trading partner. While bilateral relations have experienced some setbacks in recent years, he said, Canada is ready to restart its relationship with China. The Canadian side looks forward to resuming high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms in areas such as diplomacy and economic and trade with China, and strengthening pragmatic cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy and environmental protection, he added. In the face of the current international landscape, Canada is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China, jointly safeguard the international financial and trading system, and contribute to promoting global sustainable development, Carney said. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) Foreign envoys in Kenya hail China's role in promoting dialogue among civilizations Xinhua) 14:24, June 07, 2025 NAIROBI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China's support for dialogue among civilizations has been instrumental in upholding multilateralism amid rising geopolitical tensions, intolerance and economic nationalism, foreign diplomats in Kenya have said. Through the Chinese-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), humanity is embracing dialogue instead of division, fostering unity in diversity, mutual respect, and understanding, said the diplomats. Ababu Namwamba, Kenya's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) and the United Nations Environment Program, said the GCI charts a new pathway for the human family, rooted in mutual respect, the quest for peace, solidarity and shared prosperity. "The GCI is a phenomenal, historic step forward to bring civilizations together, to build more understanding, more harmony, and better global solidarity," Namwamba said on the sidelines of an event to mark the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations held Thursday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. Senior government officials, diplomats, scholars and students attended the event, which was convened by UNON and the Chinese Embassy in Kenya. In June 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a China-sponsored resolution to designate June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. Namwamba said that the civilizational dialogue promoted by China has proved effective in bringing societies together, building bridges of friendship, and stabilizing the world order in the face of tensions. China has, for centuries, made immense contributions to revitalizing global civilizations, and that the GCI has reaffirmed the interconnectedness of the human race alongside shared aspirations, he added. The International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations reinforces the collective heritage of mankind, underscoring the importance of respecting cultural diversity while highlighting the crucial role of dialogue in fostering global peace. UN Resident Coordinator for Kenya Stephen Jackson said that respecting cultural diversity and value systems is the foundation of a thriving multilateralism. Multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, have thrived by embracing the spirit of dialogue to solve pressing global challenges including wars, poverty and the climate crisis, Jackson said. He added that a durable solution to emerging challenges such as pandemics, xenophobia, isolationism and growing inequalities lies in nation-states uniting in the spirit of dialogue and consensus, as opposed to hegemonic tendencies. Erfan Ali, the chief of staff in the Office of the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), said that civilizational dialogue has played a crucial role in ensuring that cities are livable and harmonious. Ali called for sustained exchanges and dialogue among diverse cultures to promote cohesion in a rapidly urbanizing world. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code An Australian actor looked completely unrecognisable as he stepped out for a New York premiere for his very famous pop star step-daughter. The 55-year old looked worlds away from his trademark clean cut look as he was spotted arriving at New York's Beacon Hotel on Saturday. He recently tied the knot with the world-famous American pop star's mother, with their union making headlines at the time. Away from his romantic life, he also got his start on Australian screens with a brief stint as a policeman on long running soap Home And Away. After turns in such shows as Raw FM, Heartbreak High, and Water Rats, he headed stateside where he landed one of his best known roles in a top prison drama. 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. This Australian actor looked completely unrecognisable as he stepped out for a New York premiere for his very famous pop star step-daughter, but can you guess who it is? He appeared in five seasons of the popular Fox series and picked up the international award for best actor for the role at the 2007 AACTA awards. But do you recognise who this Australian actor is? It's none other than Dominic Purcell, who stepped out to support step-daughter Miley Cyrus at the premiere of her visual album Something Beautiful on day three of the Tribeca Film Festival. Dominic's new look was a far cry from his Prison Break days, with the actor sporting a neatly trimmed salt and pepper beard. His trademark buzzcut had also been swapped for a neatly cropped 'do' that suited the actor to a tee. He cut quite the stylish figure in a dark grey Western-tinged jacket that featured leather embellishments on the collar, shoulders and pockets. He wore this over a black V-neck T-shirt that clung to his chiselled frame. Dominic finished his red carpet look with a pair of plain black jeans and a pair of very well-worn black leather boots. It's none other than Dominic Purcell whose new look is a far cry from his Prison Break days. Also pictured, Prison Break co-star Wentworth Miller Dominic stepped out to support step-daughter Miley Cyrus at the premiere of her visual album Something Beautiful on day three of the Tribeca Film Festival Dominic's new look was a far cry from his clean, shaven Prison Break days with the actor sporting a neatly trimmed salt and pepper beard Dominic arrived with wife Tish Cyrus, 58, who cut a very stylish figure in a form-fitting sequined off-the-shoulder jumpsuit. Miley, meanwhile was the epitome of glamour, arriving in a dazzling gold gown with boyfriend Maxx Morando on her arm. Her strapless, embellished gown perfectly hugged her curves, with the star adding to the glam with her showstopping locks, which were styled in voluminous waves. The couple looked happier than ever as they held each other close while walking through the crowds. Dominic also recently posted a black and white snap of himself to Instagram. Fans branded the star as 'unrecognisable' as he was sporting a long, white beard and moustache. His new look appears to be more recent, as the actor was still clean-shaven at his 2023 wedding. Prison Break viewers were quick to rush to the comment section to discuss his drastic change in appearance. He cut quite the stylish figure in a dark grey Western-tinged jacket that featured leather embellishments on the collar, shoulders and pockets. He finished his red carpet look with a pair of plain black jeans and a pair of very well-worn black leather boots Dominic arrived with wife Tish Cyrus who cut a very stylish figure in a form-fitting sequined off the shoulder jumpsuit Miley, meanwhile was the epitome of glamour, arriving in a dazzling gold gown with boyfriend Maxx Morando on her arm Her strapless, embellished gown perfectly hugged her curves, with the star adding to the glam with her showstopping locks, which were styled in voluminous waves OMG! Santa Claus is in the house,' one fan joked. 'For a second, I didn't recognise you,' another commented, while a third wrote, 'Bro, you are unrecognisable.' 'He looks like a different man. Still [fire],'yet another shared. Dominic tied the knot with Tish Cyrus back in 2023, in a romantic ceremony following her divorce from her husband of 28 years Billy Ray. While some family members such as daughter Miley were present for the August wedding, Tish's kids Noah and Braison were absent from the nuptials - fuelling speculation of a rift at the time. According to a DailyMail.com insider, Noah's absence at the wedding was not by choice, but the result of Tish failing to invite her. Us Weekly then published a report claiming Tish, had 'stolen' Dominic from Noah, 24, who was said to be 'seeing' the actor when her mother began to pursue him. 'Noah has always craved the attention because she did not get it growing up. Tish was always so Miley-sided because that is where the money was,' the source claimed. 'Miley and Tish are like sisters and Noah has always been envious of this because she's never had a connection with Tish like Miley has.' However, it was then claimed that Noah 'never dated' Dominic and she was accused by family insiders of 'fabricating' the relationship to 'paint herself as the victim' in her ongoing feud with Tish. An A-list actor went online looking like his current alter-ego and fans went wild. The action star was nearly unrecognizable, sporting greasy hair and a scruffy beard. Some fans compared him to Tom Hanks' character in Castaway, others said he looked more like The Big Lebowski. The face behind the fuzz belonged to none other than Chris Pratt, 45, who has been working on Season 2 of The Terminal List, based on the book True Believer. The actor, who mourned the tragic loss of co-star Jonathan Josh in an emotional tribute following the Parks & Recreation star's murder, explained how he came to look the way he did. SUBSCRIBE to our new Showbiz newsletter for all the latest on Taylor Swift An A-list actor went online looking like his current alter-ego and fans went wild. The action star was nearly unrecognizable sporting greasy hair and a scruffy beard After revealing he was on his lunch break, the Jurassic World star gave a shout-out to his makeup team. 'I just wanted to say, isn't this hair and makeup incredible?' Pratt said. 'My team does such an awesome job.' 'Look at I don't want to tell you what I've been up to, but there's blood on my hands,' he said showing them what appeared to be a blood stained palm. The Electric State star then explained that the rugged look is part of the daily makeup process he undergoes to transform into character. 'They do such great makeup and such great hair,' he bragged of the team of trained stylists. 'And this mustache's hair is is like a wig it's a fake beard. It looks freaking incredible.' Attempting a bit of humor he went into more detail. 'And the crazy thing about wearing a fake mustache or a fake beard is when you eat, you get hair in your mouth, which is gross, because it's definitely someone else's hair,' the Teen Choice Award winner revealed. The 'Scruffy-lord' as one fan referred to the gritty new look was none other that Chris Pratt, 45. The actor made the video while on his lunch break during production of The Terminal List season two Pratt praised his team for their realistic work, revealing that the hair and beard were fake as was the 'blood' on his hands. ''They do such great makeup and such great hair,' he said 'And you don't know who's or where it came from,' he said. 'I mean, look at that hair. That came from what? I mean, that's not, you don't think it's...No. Is it someone's pubes?' 'Scruffy-lord,' wrote a fan making a play on words about his Marvel character, Star-Lord, adding 'even like that you look this good.' Actor and pal Jesse Metcalfe had high praise writing, 'F**k yeah bro! You look awesome!' One fan was just happy the long wait for more adventures was getting closer to an end. 'Been waiting so long for Season 2!!! I know it will be well worth it!!' Marvel fans wasted no time putting Ryan Gosling at the top of their dream cast list for Black Panther 3 after the latest comic storyline introduced a white version of the iconic superhero. The premiere issue of Marvel Knights: The World to Come, which dropped Wednesday, introduces a new character named Ketemathe son of TChalla, prince of Wakanda and the original Black Panther. In a dramatic twist, Ketema grows to resent his father and eventually challenges him for the throne. After defeating TChalla in battle, Ketema removes his maskrevealing blond hair, blue eyes, and distinctly Caucasian features. The role of T'Challa was famously portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman in the first two Black Panther films. Now, with Black Panther 3 reportedly in development and the character's legacy evolving in the comics, fans have taken to social media to suggest Goslingbest known as Barbies Kenas a potential successor. SUBSCRIBE to our new Showbiz newsletter for all the latest on Taylor Swift Marvel fans wasted no time putting Ryan Gosling at the top of their dream cast list for Black Panther 3 after the latest comic storyline introduced a white version of the iconic superhero The role of T'Challa was famously portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman in the first two Black Panther films To complete the meme, Ryan Gosling as Ketema for the next Black Panther film in MCU. He needs to be cast to complete the circle of memes. PLEASE Marvel and Disney I want this. pic.twitter.com/YjF1KnsJD2 Anya Faye (@Rikoveno) June 4, 2025 Please say Ryan Gosling is going to be the Black Panther! one fan posted alongside a photo of Ryan as Ken, while another begged, PLEASE Marvel and Disney I want this. And one concluded, 'The "maybe Ryan Gosling should be Black Panther" fans have won. One chimed in, I guess that Ryan Gosling is the new Black Panther and people are pissed that it's being whitewashed and are threatening to boycott Avengers: Doomsday. While there has been no official word on Gosling joining the Black Panther cast, fans have speculated for years about the Canadian heartthrob finally entering the MCU. When asked about rumors of playing a Marvel superhero in a 2022 MTV News interview, Gosling joked, I was waiting for the Captain Canada call. The actor later told MTV News Josh Horowitz that he is interested in playing Ghost Rider. Its a character hes long been familiar with, since his longtime partner, Eva Mendes, starred in Ghost Rider back in 2007. Meanwhile, when the Black Panther news dropped Wednesday, social media instantly went into meltdown mode. Now, with Black Panther 3 reportedly in development and the character's legacy evolving in the comics, fans have taken to social media to suggest Goslingbest known as Barbies Kenas a potential successor Please say Ryan Gosling is going to be the Black Panther! one fan posted alongside a photo of Ryan as Ken, while another begged, PLEASE Marvel and Disney I want this' 'They looked at this and thought it was a good idea?' one user fumed. Another quipped, 'Life is a horror movie in 2025.' Boseman's Black Panther was celebrated for honoring African culture and representation. Now, some fans are questioning whether the latest storyline undermines that legacy. 'Black Panther having a white son would be ridiculous,' one person posted, while another raged, 'Black Panther is WHITE! Marvel actually did the unthinkable and it's INSANE!' Some even speculated about which actor might play the character in a future film. 'I guess he looks a little like Ryan Gosling,' one fan wrote. What if Ryan Gosling is coming into Marvel to play the Black Panther after all? In a new comic, the all new Black Panther is white dude. pic.twitter.com/SWBiO1hSl2 meme bastard (@mask_bastard) June 4, 2025 The reveal sent social media into meltdown Another added, 'What if Ryan Gosling is coming into Marvel to play the Black Panther after all?' Meanwhile, others online were quick to clarify that the writer behind the new comic is Black. 'Lol stop letting these non-Black people touch Black Panther. They do silly stuff like this,' one critic commentedprompting another to respond: 'The writer is Black.' Indeed, Christopher Priestwho co-created Marvel Knights: The World To Come alongside Joe Quesada, Richard Isanove, and Richard Starkingsis widely recognized as the first Black writer-editor in mainstream comics. He previously served as editor of Spider-Man in the mid-1980s and later penned major titles at DC, including Green Lantern. Still, one disgruntled fan claimed: 'If there would be any writer who would try to give the Black Panther mantle to a white person, of course it would be Christopher Priestthe man who made it his job to shove white characters into Wakandas mythos lol.' The Marvel Knights: The World To Come issue kicks off with TChallas death, but the real twist comes as the story rewinds to reveal how he got there, according to ComicBookMovies.com. After the death of his wife Storm, TChalla attempts to preserve his legacy by fathering a child with Lynne, one of his earliest love interests in the comics. Meanwhile, others online were quick to clarify that the writer behind the new comic is Black; (Chad Boseman as Black Panther) Regardless of how the lineage shakes out, one thing has stunned readers across the board: the Black Panther mantle now appears to belong to someone who presents as white; (Cast member Chadwick Boseman speaks on behalf of the cast of Black Panther after the film won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture in 2019) That child, a son named Ketemawhose name means fortified encampmentgrows up to challenge his father for the throne of Wakanda. Wearing the full Black Panther suit, Ketema defeats TChalla in combat but spares his life. Then comes the jaw-dropping reveal: he removes his mask to show that he is, in fact, white. The big question lingering for fans is how TChalla could possibly have a white son. Some readers are now speculating that Monica Lynne might not be the boys mother after all, per the outlet. Instead, attention has turned to Nicole Adamsa character who seems to appear on the cover of Issue #3as a more likely candidate. Although Nicole was believed to have died back in 2000, long-time comic fans know that death is rarely permanent in the Marvel universe. Regardless of how the lineage shakes out, one thing has stunned readers across the board: the Black Panther mantle now appears to belong to someone who presents as white. Jared Leto is facing allegations from nine women of inappropriate behavior, including with teenage girls. The frontman of 30 Seconds to Mars and star of films including House Of Gucci and Suicide Squad, 53, is alleged to have inflicted the behavior on them over the course of nearly two decades, and the accusations involve women who say they were teenagers at the time of the alleged incidents. According to an expose published by Air Mail, the claims, which have apparently circulated in Hollywood for years, have now been brought into the open, with one woman stating to the outlet: 'Its been an open secret for a long time.' Reps for Leto haven't yet responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment, but a representative denied all of the women's claims in a statement to Air Mail. The accusations came to light after Los Angelesbased DJ Allie Teilz, 30, re-shared a 2012 Facebook post on her Instagram Stories, in which she alleged Leto who was previously called out by other Hollywood stars for being 'full of himself' assaulted her when she was 17. 'Youre not really in LA until Jared Leto tries to force himself on you backstage in a kilt And a snow hat,' she claimed. 'I was assaulted and traumatized by this creep when I was 17.' Jared Leto, 53, is facing allegations from nine women of inappropriate behavior, including with teenage girls; pictured March 9 in Paris The accusations in a story by Air Mail include allegations of sexual assault, while others claim Leto made unwanted sexual advances at them, even after he allegedly knew they were underage; pictured in September 2024 in Paris She further alleged that Leto 'knew' her age but 'didnt care,' describing his actions as 'predatory, terrifying and unacceptable.' A second woman, whose name was not revealed, told the publication that Leto approached her in 2006 when she was 16 at Urth Caffe in Los Angeles. At the time, he was allegedly visiting the popular cafe with Ashley Olsen, whom he had been rumored to be in a relationship with at the time. 'I looked down and it was Jared Leto. We had a quick conversation, and he got my number,' she claimed. The woman alleged that he called her days later, adding: 'I dont know if he was on drugs or what it was the weirdest, grossest voice [but] for me, its Jared, you know?' The woman alleged their late-night conversations 'turned sexual,' and she claimed that Leto asked questions including, 'Have you ever had a boyfriend?' and 'Have you ever sucked a d***?' Model Laura La Rue, 33, also alleged that she met Leto in 2008, when she was 16 and he was 36, at a Yes! on Prop Two animal rights benefit. 'He asked how old I was,' she alleged. 'I said, "Im 16. How old are you?"' DJ Allie Teilz (R) recently reposted a 2012 Facebook post to Instagram. 'Youre not really in LA until Jared Leto tries to force himself on you backstage in a kilt And a snow hat,' she claimed. 'I was assaulted and traumatized by this creep when I was 17'; pictured in 2018 with Alfie Allen (L) A second unnamed woman claimed Leto met her in 2006 at LA's Urth Caffe while out with Ashley Olsen. He allegedly got her number even though she was 16, then called her to ask increasingly sexual questions; pictured in August 2024 in Austin, Texas La Rue claimed to Air Mail that Leto still asked for her number despite knowing her age, and she said he later invited her to his Los Angeles home, where he was 'flirting' and 'teasing [her] the whole time [she] was there.' She even alleged that Leto walked into a room she was in while completely naked at one point, as if 'it was normal.' 'I thought maybe this was just what adult men do,' La Rue added. Leto's representative denied all of the women's accounts in a statement to Air Mail: 'Their communications contain nothing sexual or inappropriate and Ms. La Rue later applied to work as Mr. Letos personal assistant, further underscoring the absence of anything inappropriate in any of their interactions.' But La Rue denied applying for such a role. Sources quoted in the article described parties at Leto's Los Angeles home and said they had a ratio of 60 'very young women to four or five men,' and they claimed that guests were encouraged to go skinny dipping at the events. Jareds publicist stated that the actor 'has not had a drink or used drugs in over 35 years.' A fourth woman who went nameless claimed she met Leto at an 18-plus club when she was 20. However, it was his assistant who allegedly approached her to ask for her phone number. A fourth woman, who also remained anonymous, claimed that a flirty text relationship escalated after she turned 18. She claimed Leto exposed his penis and began masturbating, before allegedly placing her hand on it; pictured February 16 in London She said they 'hook[ed] up a little' while still at the club, and she alleged that she subsequently spent time at his home on multiple occasions, but she described Leto as being 'weird.' 'I know some people are kinky, and thats fine,' she said, before adding that 'his kind of kink ... just didn't feel right.' Another unnamed accuser said she began a flirtatious back-and-forth over text messages with Leto when she was still a minor. During her alleged visits to his home, he would ask her sexual questions, including, 'Do any of the little boys you hang out with f*** you?' She said their relationship escalated after she turned 18, and Leto allegedly 'pulled his penis out and started masturbating' during a subsequent visit to his home. She claimed that the Blade Runner 2049 actor put her hand on his penis and told her, 'I want you to spit on it.' In 2016, Leto was reported to have sent his Suicide Squad costars used condoms as a gift that might have been sent by his character in the film, the Joker. But Leto subsequently denied that part of the report in a 2017 SiriusXM interview. Model Laura La Rue, 33, claimed that she met Leto when she was 16, and that he invited her to his home and had flirty conversations despite know she was underage. She alleged that he unexpectedly walked into a room she was in while completely naked at one point; pictured in June 2024 'There were some things that were mentioned about gifts and the fact that I was giving used condoms to people, which was not true. It was not true,' he said. However, the actor did admit to sending them gifts that were 'funny,' 'absurd or outrageous.' In a 2016 interview with E! Online, his costar Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who played Killer Croc, said that Leto had sent him 'sticky Playboy magazines' as part of his character's gift, and he also allegedly sent the entire cast a 'dead pig.' 'That was a good gift because it had the effect of unifying us as a group because then it became us against him,' Akinnuoye-Agbaje said. 'We sent the messenger back with the dead pig and our own personalized message. It got the ball rolling.' Eliza Dushku graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 6. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 44, shared a video clip of her receiving her degree on stage and walking off with it. She also shared several photos to her Instagram Stories including one photo posing with her classmates all looking very happy to be done with their studies. 'Graduating with my master's degree (!!) feels like more than an achievementit feels like a deep calling realized,' her caption began. 'True growth, energy, and passionmanifested. After nearly a decade of inner work and building a new life, I'm so grateful for this moment in time. 'To my highest selffor taking this wild leap away from everything I knew and making it happen. To my boys + for the little sacrifices made & love you gave, each day to honor and support this dream.' Eliza Dushku graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 6 The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 44, shared a video clip of her receiving her degree on stage and walking off with it She then went on to thank her 'family, friendsnew and oldmy colleagues/classmates, professors/teachers, and community.' 'I give thanks: for rooting me on, encouraging me day in and day out, and affording me the grace, strength, and space to step fully into these past years of clinical training. 'Today, I stand grounded and ready to support others on their journeys of becomingthrough self-discovery, healing, and transformation. 'The connectedness I feel in holding safe, compassionate space for those who seek the undertaking is such lifeblood now,' her caption concluded. The post also featured a photo of her young kids' handwritten notes, which read 'Good Job Mommy' and 'I Love You Mom.' Alongside her husband, real estate developer Peter Palandjian, Eliza is funding groundbreaking research and clinical trials on the potential of psychedelics, according to 2024 interview in Boston Magazine. 'I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others. I would be remiss if I didnt now share the transformation and the peace and the passion that I have,' Dushku said. 'This is just absolutely so clearly my real calling, my real purpose,' she continued at the time. She also shared several photos to her Instagram Stories including one photo posing with her classmates all looking happy to be done with their studies 'Graduating with my master's degree (!!) feels like more than an achievementit feels like a deep calling realized,' her caption began 'To my boys + for the little sacrifices made & love you gave, each day to honor and support this dream' Dushku hasn't been seen on screen since 2017, when she appeared in Netflix's The Saint and played J.P. Nunnelly in CBS's Bull. That year, she stepped away from Hollywood after accusing her Bull co-star Michael Weatherly of sexual harassment. In the wake of the allegations, which Weatherly has denied, Dushku was written out of the show and told that her role as a series regular had been abruptly canceled. Mediation with CBS resulted in the network agreeing to pay Dushku a confidential settlement of $9.5million - roughly the amount she stood to earn if kept on the show for four seasons. Weatherly apologized for his behavior toward Dushku in a statement to the Times, saying: 'During the course of taping our show, I made some jokes mocking some lines in the script. 'When Eliza told me that she wasn't comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized. 'After reflecting on this further, I better understand that what I said was both not funny and not appropriate and I am sorry and regret the pain this caused Eliza.' Dushku first rose to fame in 1998 when she was cast as Faith, the rebellious Slayer, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 'To my colleagues/classmates, professors/teachers, and community. I give thanks: for rooting me on, encouraging me day in and day out, and affording me the grace, strength, and space to step fully into these past years of clinical training' Alongside her husband, real estate developer Peter Palandjian , the 43-year-old beauty is funding groundbreaking research and clinical trials on the potential of psychedelics, according to a recent interview in Boston Magazine; (pictured in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) In her personal life, Eliza married Peter in 2018, and the couple has since welcomed two children; (pictured 2019) Her standout role as Faith, which she portrayed until 2003, earned her a devoted fanbase and solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood. Dushku also starred in the hit cheerleading film Bring It On (2000), which became a cult classic. In her personal life, Eliza married Peter in 2018, and the couple has since welcomed two children. The family has since made a home in Boston, Eliza's birthplace, where they are enjoying life away from Hollywood. Bobby Brazier is leaving his role on EastEnders after three years. The actor, 22, joined the soap in 2022 as Freddy Slater and even won the National Television Award for Rising Star for his work on the show. But Bobby has been inundated with other offers since taking part on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. According to The Sun, the actor will leave Albert Square later this year. An EastEnders spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.' 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. Bobby Brazier is leaving his role on EastEnders after three years The actor, 22, joined the soap in 2022 as Freddy Slater and even won the National Television Award for Rising Star for his work on the show A source added: 'Bosses had a meeting with Bobby only recently as they had a plan in mind for a storyline, and it just so happened that Bobby was also thinking that now was the right time to look for other opportunities outside the show. 'The timing of the decision worked for both, but his final scenes are not for a while yet. The character has had a great run, but the time is now right for Bobby to look for other opportunities, and for EastEnders to wave goodbye to Freddie Slater.' MailOnline has contacted a representative of Bobby Brazier for comment. Bobby revealed that he 'spent a lot of money' after suddenly becoming a household name during his appearance on Strictly. He also joked that his newfound fame left him 'thriving' off the attention of older ladies, who he said were fans of his gyrating hips. Bobby finished in second place behind ex Ellie Leach and won plaudits for his routine in memory of late mother Jade Goody. Speaking to MailOnline about his time on the show, Bobby insisted that he remained the same person despite the attention, including rumours of a move to Hollywood, but laughed: I spent lots of money 'You kind of just takes it as it comes and nothing really changes, theres what everyone see and then theres your life and Im too invested in my own life to get wrapped up in what everyone else says and is talking about'. But Bobby has been inundated with other offers since taking part on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 An EastEnders spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future' Bobby's co-star Clair Norris, who joined the cast in 2017 as Bernie Taylor, is also leaving the show after eight years (pictured on the soap) Before quipping: 'But I did see that a lot of older ladies liked my hips and I loved that and thrived on so thats cool'. It comes after Bobby's co-star Clair Norris opened up about her emotional departure from the long-running BBC One soap. The star, 27, who joined the cast in 2017 as Bernie Taylor, is leaving the show after eight years. Her exit follows the gradual departure of the entire Taylor family, prompting show bosses to write out her much-loved character, news that left Clair devastated. Despite the disappointment, Clair shared that she's now looking forward to what the future holds. Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'Obviously it's upsetting but also I'd been there for eight years, which is a long time to play a character, and I have absolutely loved being in the show. Bianca Censori is reportedly stepping out from her famous husband's shadow for a mysterious solo-branded venture. The 30-year-old wife of Kanye West has launched her own company in the US, Bianca Censori Inc., according to the US Sun. She reportedly registered her eponymous company in California in May. Censori has also reportedly registered a firm in Australia simply named Bianca Censori which operates out of the Melbourne suburb of Alphington, where her parents happen to reside. DailyMail.com has reached out to a representative for Censori and West for comment. The new companies appear to be the first signs of Censori who left fans calling for her arrest after posting seemingly nude photos on Instagram taking the lead on a project since beginning a relationship with the 47-year-old disgraced rapper. Bianca Censori is reportedly stepping out from her famous husband's shadow for a mysterious solo-branded venture; pictured in February 2024 in Milan, Italy The 30-year-old wife of Kanye West has launched her own company in the US, Bianca Censori Inc., according to the US Sun. She's reportedly listed on the paperwork as the CEO and secretary; pictured with Kanye in May 2023 in LA The Australian beauty previously worked as an architect for his Yeezy brand beginning in 2020, and they married two years later. Despite launching the companies under her own name, with one in her home country, Bianca isn't completely leaving her husband behind. Although she is listed as the CEO and secretary for Bianca Censori Inc., Kanye is reportedly listed on the registration as a director of the company. He's also connected via his attorney, Manoj Shah, who is providing legal services for Bianca's company. So far, there are few details about exactly what Bianca plans to do with the companies. However, the identify of a top executive may hold a clue to what exactly the provocateur plans to make with her new company. The paperwork reportedly indicates that Hussein Lalani is working as the chief financial officer, and Lalani is known for promoting cosmetics. He is the founder of the skincare company Zensa, which offers microblading products, home tattoo kits and accompanying numbing creams. Despite launching the American company and a similarly named Australian entity under her own name, Bianca isn't completely leaving her husband behind. Kanye is reportedly listed on the registration as a director of the company; pictured in February 2024 in Milan There are few details about the company's purpose, but the presence of Hussein Lalani suggests that it may be some kind of cosmetics company, based on his previous business, Zensa; pictured in June 2024 in Paris After weathering reports of a breakup, Bianca and Kanye reunited to spend time in Barcelona, Spain. There, she shocked fans by posting a photo of herself seemingly nude under a fishnet top and black pantyhose Lalani reportedly advertised that West planned to release the cryptocurrency 'meme coin' $YZY, which was initially described as a way to pay on the rapper's Yeezy website. Despite Lalani's press release, which indicated the crytopcurrency would begin selling on February 27, the release was inexplicably delayed inevitably. Lalani allegedly came into West and Censori's orbit after he met the couple at the West Hollywood condo they lived in last year. He's also reportedly listed on the corporate statement of information at the same address as the condo building. Censori and West have recently stirred up more controversy over the shockingly skimpy outfits. The two have been spending time around Barcelona, Spain, where they reportedly reunited after initially appearing to split in the wake of West deranged, antisemitic and pro-Nazi posts on the Elon Muskowned social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Fans were shocked to see Bianca post a photo of herself with her breasts seemingly exposed under a fishnet top, while her nether regions were apparently uncovered under her sheer black pantyhose. Some social media users even suggested she should have been arrested over public decency laws, though there are some parts of Spain where it is at least legal to go topless. Despite the uproar, Censori appeared to double down when she posted a second photo of the same outfit that was even clearer than the original, somewhat blurry post. Lily James put on a leggy display as she attended a screening of her film Relay at the SVA Theater in New York City on Saturday. The actress, 36, looked incredible as she slipped into a purple mini dress with long sleeves and a turtle neck. The garment highlighted the star's jaw-dropping figure and Lily added height to her frame with a pair of matching heels. Letting her locks fall loose down her shoulders, the Downton Abbey star completed her look with a pair of sunglasses. Earlier on the day, Lily stepped out in a white vest top tucked into a black mini skirt. 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. Lily James put on a leggy display as she attended a screening of her film Relay at the SVA Theater in New York City on Saturday Earlier on the day, Lily stepped out in a white vest top tucked into a black mini skirt She wrapped up in a matching blazer and also wore black shoes and carried a small handbag. It comes after Lily celebrated her 36th birthday in April at a Michelin-starred restaurant in North London with her famous friends. The actress splashed out on a private dining room at modern Italian restaurant, Luca, not far from Lily's Grade-II listed 3million home. Hiring a private space at the lavish eatery which has a minimum spend of 650, with the chef's fixed menu, including a wine pairing with each course, costs nearly 200 per person. Lily was all smiles as she was joined by several close friends including her Mamma Mia! co-star, Dominic Cooper, his girlfriend, actress Gemma Chan, actress Gala Gordon and socialite Poppy Delevingne, older sister of model Cara. Gala and Poppy took to Instagram to share pictures showing Lily looking happier than ever as she celebrated her day. She looked relaxed in a khaki sleeveless dress cut away at the waist, showing off her slender frame. The Surrey-born star and her friends drank champagne and red wine while feasting on a menu with mouth-watering items including 68 beef ribeye, 49 lamb with spiky artichoke and pine nuts and fresh pasta dishes such as 46 prawn taglierini. The actress, 36, looked incredible as she slipped into a purple mini dress with long sleeves and a turtle neck Lily wrapped up in a black blazer and also sported a pair of matching shoes The garment highlighted the star's jaw-dropping figure and Lily added height to her frame with a pair of matching heels At the end of the meal, Lily was treated to a big white birthday cake adorned with multi-coloured candles, meringue balls and an icing photo of herself as a child in an early acting role. 'Keep shining my girl - this is your year,' her close friend Gala, 34, captioned a video online. Gala is an executive producer of Swiped, the film starring Lily as Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of dating app Bumble, due out this year. Gala is also co-founder of a film production company, Parados Productions, with Lily. Poppy, 38, shared a video of her and Lily playing around in a lift, with a soundtrack of the quote: 'You are by the far the baddest, raddest, sexiest, most far-out kick-a** chick that I've ever met!' Lily celebrated her 36th birthday in April at a Michelin-starred restaurant in North London with her famous friends The actress splashed out on a private dining room at modern Italian restaurant, Luca, not far from her Grade-II listed 3million home It is a line said by actor Sebastian Stan as Tommy Lee to Lily's Pamela Anderson in the 2022 TV series, Pam and Tommy. 'You really f****** are,' wrote Poppy, who is heavily pregnant with her first child - a girl - by her billionaire boyfriend, Archie Keswick. 'Happy birthday beautiful LILS. Love you to Pluto.' Lily, who has previously been in long-term relationships with actor Matt Smith and US musician Michael Shuman, did not appear to be joined by a date at her birthday bash. It's not hard to imagine what Logan Roys response would be if he was asked to attend anti- misogyny training. And it seems Brian Cox thought much the same as his Succession character would as he gave typically short shrift to lessons that he is required to take before his upcoming play. The Scottish actor, 79, told The Mail on Sunday: Its all so proper, and Im so f****** sick of proper. Its all very conditioned and its about as deep as a blackhead, quite frankly. 'Im a bit long in the tooth to do any anti-misogyny training. Its for much younger people than me. Cox is returning to the stage in his home country for the first time in a decade to star in Make It Happen, a satire of the downfall of the Royal Bank of Scotland during the 2008 financial crisis. He will star as the ghost of Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith in the play, written by James Graham and directed by Adam Panton. The National Theatre of Scotland, which is staging the production, also asked white actors to attend anti-racism training saying it was not compulsory for people of colour or from the global majority [which includes anyone who is not white]. However, following a complaint from the Free Speech Union that the policy treated members of one racial group less favourably, the theatre ordered a review. It's not hard to imagine what Logan Roys response would be if he was asked to attend anti- misogyny training It seems Brian Cox thought much the same as his Succession character would as he gave typically short shrift to lessons that he is required to take before his upcoming play The Scottish actor told The Mail on Sunday: Its all so proper, and Im so f****** sick of proper. Its all very conditioned and its about as deep as a blackhead, quite frankly' It is now understood that black actors have been told to attend the training as well. The Free Speech Union reported the theatre to the UK equality watchdog under the Equality Act, which prohibits employers from treating staff differently based on race, skin colour, nationality and ethnic origin. Cox told the MoS he was feeling all right about starting rehearsals for the play, which will open at the Edinburgh International Festival on July 30. He celebrated his birthday last week at the Berkshire Film Festival in Massachusetts, where he was a guest of honour. The National Theatre of Scotland said: We acknowledge that use of the correct language around the offer of this training is important and this is currently under review. Elon Musk and hundreds of other tech mavens wrote an open letter two years ago about how AI was coming to 'automate away all the jobs' and upend society. It looks like we should have listened to them. Layoffs are sweeping America, nixing hundreds of thousands of jobs at Microsoft, Walmart, and other titans. The newly jobless speak of a 'bloodbath' on the scale of the pandemic. This time, it's not blue-collar and factory workers getting whacked it's college graduates with white-collar jobs in tech, finance, law, and consulting. Entry-level jobs are vanishing the fastest stoking fears of recession and a generation of disillusioned graduates left stranded with CVs no one wants. College grads are now much more likely to be unemployed than others, official data show. Chatbots have already taken over data entry and customer service jobs. Next-generation 'agentic' AI can solve problems, adapt, and work independently. These 'smartbots' are already spotting market trends, running logistics operations, writing legal contracts, and diagnosing patients. Layoffs are sweeping America, nixing hundreds of thousands of jobs at Microsoft , Walmart , and other titans. The newly jobless speak of a 'bloodbath' on the scale of the pandemic (this image was generated by AI) Glassy-eyed Patrick Lyons says he was culled in an 'emotionless business decision' by Microsoft Employers announced 220,000 job cuts by the end of February - the highest layoff rate since 2009 The markets have seen the future: AI investment funds are growing by as much as 60 percent a year. 'The AI layoffs have begun, and they're not stopping,' says tech entrepreneur Alex Finn. Luddites who don't embrace the tech 'will be completely irrelevant in the next five years,' he posted on X. Procter & Gamble, which makes diapers, laundry detergent, and other household items, this week said it would cut 7,000 jobs, or about 15 percent of non-manufacturing roles. Its two-year restructuring plan involves shedding managers who can be automated away. Microsoft last month announced a cull of 6,000 staff about 3 percent of its workforce targeting managerial flab, after a smaller round of performance-related cuts in January. LA-based tech entrepreneur Jason Shafton said the software giant's layoffs spotlight a trend 'redefining' the job market. 'If AI saves each person 10 percent of their time (and let's be real, it's probably more), what does that mean for a company of 200,000?' he wrote. Retail titan Walmart, America's biggest private employer, is slashing 1,500 tech, sales, and advertising jobs in a streamlining effort. Citigroup, cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, Disney, online education firm Chegg, Amazon, and Warner Bros. Discovery have culled dozens or even hundreds of their workers in recent weeks. Musk himself led a federal sacking spree during his 130-day stint at the Department of Government Efficiency, which ended on May 30. Federal agencies lost some 135,000 to firings and voluntary resignation under his watch, and 150,000 more roles are set to be mothballed. Two years ago, Elon Musk warned about AI coming for your jobs. This year, he sacked tens of thousands of federal employees Memes like this being shared on social media reveal how badly white-collar jobs have been hit Employers had already announced 220,000 job cuts by the end of February, the highest layoff rate seen since 2009. In announcing cuts, executives often talk about restructuring and tough economic headwinds. Many are spooked by US President Donald Trump's on-and-off tariffs, which sent stock markets into free-fall and prompted CEOs to second-guess their long-term plans. Others say something deeper is happening, as companies embrace the next-generation models of chatbots and AI. Robots and machines have for decades usurped factory workers. AI chatbots have more recently replaced routine, repetitive, data entry and customer service roles. A new and more sophisticated technology called Agentic AI now operates more independently: perceiving the environment, setting goals, making plans, and executing them. AI-powered software now writes reports, analyses spreadsheets, creates legal contracts, designs logos, and even drafts press releases, all in seconds. Banks are axing graduate recruitment schemes. Law firms are replacing paralegals with AI-driven tools. Even tech startups, the birthplace of innovation, are swapping junior developers for code-writing bots. Managers increasingly seek to become 'AI first' and test whether tasks can be done by AI before hiring a human. Walmart's next-generation fulfillment center in Joliet, Illinois, uses people, robots, and AI to boost efficiency. The company is now slashing 1,500 tech, sales, and advertising jobs Dario Amodei, CEO of leading AI company Anthropic, has warned of mass unemployment That's now company policy at Shopify. It's how fintech firm Klarna shrank its headcount by 40 percent, CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski told CNBC last month. Experienced workers are encouraged to automate tasks and get more work done; recent graduates are struggling to get their foot in the door. From a distance, the job market looks relatively buoyant, with unemployment holding steady at 4.2 percent for the third consecutive month, the Labor Department reported on Friday. But it's unusually high close to 6 percent among recent graduates. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently said job prospects for these workers had 'deteriorated noticeably.' That spells trouble not just for young workers, but for the long-term health of businesses and the economy. Economists warn of an AI-induced downturn, as millions lose jobs, spending plummets, and social unrest festers. It's been dubbed an industrial revolution for the modern era, but one that's measured in years, not decades. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, one of the world's most powerful AI firms, says we're at the start of a storm. AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs and spike unemployment to 10-20 percent in the next one to five years, he told Axios. Lawmakers have their heads in the sand and must stop 'sugar-coating' the grim reality of the late 2020s, Amodei said. 'Most of them are unaware that this is about to happen,' he said. Donald King was unceremoniously laid off from his data science job at consulting firm PwC Sacked workers have taken to social media to vent their frustrations about the new tech crunch 'It sounds crazy, and people just don't believe it.' Young people who've been culled are taking to social media to vent their anger as the door to a middle-class lifestyle closes on them. Patrick Lyons calls it 'jarring and unexpected' how he lost his Austin-based program managing job in an 'emotionless business decision' by Microsoft. 'There's nothing the 6,000 of us could have done to prevent this,' he posted. A young woman coder, known by her TikTok handle dotisinfluencing, posts a daily video diary about the 'f*****g massacre' of layoffs at her tech company as 'AI is taking over,' she says. Her job search is going badly one recruiter appeared more interested in taking her out for drinks than offering a paycheck, she said. 'I feel like s**t,' she added. Ben Wolfson, a young Meta software engineer, says entry-level software jobs dried up in 2023. 'Big tech doesn't want you, bro,' he says. Critics say universities are churning out graduates into a market that simply doesn't need them. A growing number of young professionals say they feel betrayed promised opportunity, but handed a future of 'AI-enhanced' redundancy. Others are eyeing an opportunity for a payout to try something different. Donald King posted a recording of the meeting in which he was unceremoniously laid off from his data science job at consulting firm PwC. Robots and machines have for decades been usurping blue-collar factory workers 'RIP my AI factory job,' he said. 'I built the thing that destroyed me.' He now posts from Porto, in Portugal a popular spot for digital nomads where he's founded a marketing startup. Industry insiders say it won't be long before another generation of AI arrives to automate new sectors. As AI improves, the difference between 'safe' and 'automatable' work gets blurrier by the day. Human workers are advised to stay one step ahead and build AI into their own jobs to increase productivity. Optimists point to such careers as radiology where humans initially looked set to be outmoded by machines that could speedily read medical scans and pinpoint tumors. But the layoffs didn't happen. The technology has been adopted but radiologists adapted, using AI to sharpen images and automate some tasks, and boost productivity. Some radiology units even expanded their increasingly efficient human workforce. Others say AI is a scapegoat for 2025's job cuts that executives are downsizing for economic reasons, and blaming technology so as not to panic shareholders. But for those who have lost their jobs, the future looks bleak. Dan Higgins Enterprise Editor Follow Dan Higgins 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 On his best days at work, Erie County forester Joshua Konovitz is walking through hemlock forests, or coming up with strategies to plant more trees to beautify Chestnut Ridge Park, and inform visitors about their place in our ecosystem. His less-great days at work are spent behind a desk, tinkering with budget adjustments. On his worst days, he considers the future of trees, not just at Chestnut Ridge in Orchard Park, where his office is based, but throughout Erie County and beyond. I love what I do ... but to answer your question directly, yes, it can be frustrating, stressful and a little depressing, he said. I asked him what it feels like to be a forester and to know that we were standing in the middle of a possible future disaster. We stood in an area about a five-minute walk from the Eternal Flame Trail parking lot, in what Konovitz described as a cathedral. It was a stand of fully mature, tall and broad hemlock trees. The lowest branches of some of these evergreens were 30 feet above the forest floor. With the sunlight filtered through the canopy, and the smoke drifting through this area from Canadian wildfires this week, the lighting was dim and golden. It was beautiful. It also may be doomed. This is the climactic state of a hemlock forest, Konovitz said. In the life cycle of forests, theres nothing good or bad about that statement. Forests grow up, and trees die. They fall to the ground, where they are consumed by bacteria, fungi and insects. This is a process that normally plays out over decades, or even centuries. Meanwhile, as a tree falls, another sliver of sunlight can reach the forest floor, and new trees sprout up in its place. But Konovitz pointed out that in this case, we may be looking at the hemlock stands end stage. The eastern hemlock, one of the most common species of trees you will encounter in hikes around Western New York, is under siege from a tiny aphid-like insect called the hemlock woolly adelgid. The invasive insect feeds on the sap at the base of the needles and eventually starves the tree. And the adelgid isnt the only invader. Beech leaf disease is moving fast through Western New Yorks beech trees, and other pathogens and pests, including the more well-known emerald ash borer, are quietly changing the face of our forests. Some of these invaders, Konovitz said, can kill trees in less than 10 years from the moment they are first infected. In the life cycle of forests, this is faster than a blink of an eye. In fact, the reason I sought out Konovitz in the first place is so we could talk about another kind of tree that we couldnt save, but that scientists, arborists and foresters hope to bring back someday, with a combination of smart crossbreeding, diligent management and cutting-edge genetic engineering. Imagine the year is 1900. You walk into a forest, or any stand of trees in the eastern United States, and what will you see? Chestnut trees. The American chestnut tree was once as common as maple trees are today. According to the American Chestnut Foundation, one in four wild trees in the eastern U.S., from Maine to Georgia, was an American chestnut. By all accounts they were magnificent. They grew straight and tall, with mature trees towering 150 feet over the forest. In addition to beauty and shade, these trees were prized for their rot-resistant wood. And the chestnuts they created were edible and tasty, to both people and livestock. There are many accounts of people in Appalachia who supplemented their livelihoods by gathering and selling chestnuts, and even subsisting on them for periods when more food wasnt available. The chestnuts in the song lyric Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, are American chestnuts. Beginning in the late 19th or early 20th century, a fungus known as chestnut blight was introduced here, probably because someone imported Japanese chestnuts, which evolved alongside the blight and had a resistance to it. But American chestnuts never stood a chance. In as little as 50 years, some estimate that 4 billion individual American chestnut trees died from the blight, which kills the trees before they are mature enough to reproduce. And in another blink of an eye if youre a tree they were gone. Functionally extinct, is the term Konovitz used. That is, the trees still exist, but not in anywhere near their previous splendor. In 2018, Erie County, which owns Chestnut Ridge Park, planted about 50 American chestnut trees, including about a dozen near the on-ramp into the parks main road. They are short, with wiry stems. Many of the trees Konovitz showed me displayed their telltale leaves long, green ovals with saw-toothed edges. But these looked more like shrubs than the dominant forest species that reigned overhead for millennia. Erie County officials planted the trees knowing they didnt have much of a future about two-thirds of those trees planted in 2018 still survive but as a nod to Chestnut Ridges namesake tree, to educate the public about this trees grand and tragic history and as a look to a hopeful future. In a laboratory at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, a small team of researchers led by Andrew Newhouse has done something remarkable: They have created a genetically engineered American chestnut tree that can survive the blight that wiped out billions of its ancestors. Newhouse and his team inserted a single gene from wheat that neutralizes the acid the blight uses to kill chestnut trees. The result is a transgenic tree, genetically modified but nearly identical to its wild ancestor, and capable of naturally passing on this resistance. They have been testing these trees for years, and Newhouse told me the results are promising. The next step is regulatory approval for wider planting, and maybe someday, even reforestation. It may be our best chance to restore something of what was lost, decades from now. When I asked Konovitz what he thought about the chestnut project, he said it gave him hope. Thats not a word he uses lightly. But standing beneath those towering hemlocks, knowing they may not survive another generation, we both understood whats at stake. Some of the forests we grew up with arent going to make it. But maybe we can plant something new. Something old. Something that can take root again. Brands are desperate to emphasize that they are 'Made in America' as President Trump continues to wield tariffs to push for a homegrown manufacturing renaissance. However, some companies have been accused of misleading customers by claiming their product was made in the US, when in fact it was in part made overseas. As a result, dozens of brands are now facing legal action over their advertising and packaging. The litigation is being driven by a California law firm Kazerouni Law Group which has already launched 10 of the 13 class action suits filed so far this year. By comparison there were only seven similar cases brought in the whole of last year, according to consumer advocacy group Truth in Advertising. 'One of the platforms the administration was running on was how important American-made things are,' Abbas Kazerounian, founding partner of Kazerouni Law Group, told the Wall Street Journal. 'So the American public has out and out said, "This is something that's important to us."' Kazerouni's cases allege that popular brands have used that sentiment to sell more products and justify higher prices, without their origins being entirely in the US. High profile consumer goods have been drawn in to the fray, including French's Mustard High profile consumer goods makers have been drawn in to the fray, including Goya Foods, French's Mustard, PepsiCo's Pure Leaf Teas and Dude Wipes. Only Dude Wipes has spoken publicly of their case, telling the Journal that they are confident it will be dismissed. The brand now puts 'Assembled in the U.S.A.,' on their men's toiletry products, to reflect the fact that some components come from overseas. Last year Kazerounian sued the hair care brand Olaplex, for claiming to be made in the US. The case resulted in a settlement, and while Olaplex does not admit wrongdoing it agreed to pay Kazerouni's $1.05 million fees and give the plaintiff $5,000. Another high profile case, brought by another firm, saw a jury award $2.36 million in April to class action plaintiffs that sued the maker of Bigelow Teas. The case argued that the tea company had inaccurately put 'Manufactured in the USA' on its packaging. The odds are certainly in Kazerounian's favor. Of the 80 'Made in America' class action suits brought since 2011 only five have been dismissed, according to data from Truth in Advertising. Abbas Kazerounian, founding partner of Kazerouni Law Group is leading the legal charge Goya Foods are being sued for claiming their products are made in America Pure Leaf teas made by PepsiCo have also found themselves in the firing line No juries have ever come out in favor of defending companies either, the group said. Companies are so concerned about the threat of legal action that they are preemptively amending their advertising and packaging materials. The maker of Jeep and Ram vehicles changed a new ad campaign to avoid saying their vehicles were built in America because they contain imported parts. 'I think it's important to educate the public, and the businesses for that matter, who are more sophisticated than consumers generally, on why these cases are important,' Kazerounian concluded. Haryana Police had summoned Punjab-based YouTuber Jasbir Singh on June 6 in the Jyoti Malhotra espionage case but before he could join the investigation, he was arrested by Punjab Police, Singh's counsel claimed on Saturday. He also denied the charge that Singh was an agent of Pakistanas spy agency ISI. A Mohali court on Saturday extended for two days the police remand of Singh, who was arrested on espionage charges on June 4. Singh was produced before the court after his three-day police remand ended on Saturday. Police sought a seven-day remand of Singh but the court granted them two days, said his counsel. Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (41), a resident of village Mahlan in Rupnagar district, was running a YouTube channel aJaanMahal Videoa with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs. Singh was allegedly in close touch with Haryana-based influencer Jyoti Malhotra, who is in custody on charges of spying for Pakistan. After Singhas arrest, Punjab police had claimed that it unearthed a aterror-backed espionage networka linking him to Pakistani intelligence and army officials. Police had said that the YouTuber was allegedly spying for Pakistanas Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Singhas counsel Mohit Dhupar said he met him in the court on Saturday. aWe spoke to him. There is no such thing that is being said in the media that he was an ISI agent,a said Dhupar, claiming he was just a vlogger. Dhupar said Singh was summoned by Punjab Police from May 17 till May 30. He had already given his mobile phone and laptop to the police, said the counsel. Dhupar said on June 2, Hisar police summoned Singh to join the investigation in the Jyoti Malhotra case on June 6. When Punjab Police came to know about him being summoned by the Haryana police, Singh was asked to appear on June 3 and he was arrested on June 4, said the counsel. aPunjab Police might have felt that if Haryana Police arrested Singh, it would be their insulta, claimed Dhupar. The counsel said there was no mention of Singh being summoned from May 17 to May 30 in the FIR. Hisar native Malhotra (33) who was running a YouTube channel aTravel with JOa was arrested last month. To a question on Punjab Police claiming that 150 Pakistani contacts were retrieved from his phone, Dhupar said there was no such thing. aMany people visited Pakistan multiple times. Did they become guilty (of doing wrong) by visiting the neighbouring nation,a he said while replying to a question. On Pakistani YouTuber Nasir Dhillonas alleged link to a spy network, Dhupar said the police did not take Dhillonas name in the court while seeking Singhas remand. Nasir Dhillon, a former Pakistani police official, runs a YouTube channel aPunjabi Lehara. He has claimed to unite families divided during partition in 1947. His role is reportedly under investigation for possible links to the espionage network unearthed by Indian authorities. Asked whether Singh gave his laptop to Pakistani official Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, Dhupar denied it and said when Singh visited Pakistan, his laptop was examined for a routine security check. On May 13, India expelled Danish, who was posted at the Pakistan High Commission, for allegedly indulging in espionage. Jasbir Singh was allegedly found to be associated with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO). He was in contact with a Pakistan High Commission official who was recently expelled from New Delhi on charges of spying and had met Pakistan Army officials during one of his three visits to the neighbouring country, police had earlier said. He was allegedly in close contact with Jyoti Malhotra who was earlier arrested by Haryana Police on espionage charges. Singh was found to be associated with Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa. The accused had also travelled to Pakistan on three occasions including in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and came into direct contact with ISI officers, who subsequently cultivated and recruited him to carry out espionage activities within India, police had said. Investigations revealed that Singh attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danishas invitation, where he met Pakistani Army officials and vloggers. After Jyoti Malhotraas arrest, accused Singh had attempted to erase all traces of his communications with these PIOs to avoid detection, police had said. The police had alleged that Singh was in touch with many Pakistan-based entities including ISI agents and had been providing sensitive information about the movement of the Indian Army and other inside activities of the country to Pakistan. A Mohali court on Saturday extended for two days the police remand of Punjab-based YouTuber Jasbir Singh, who was arrested on espionage charges on June 4. Singh was produced before the court after his three-day police remand ended on Saturday. Police sought a seven-day remand of Singh but the court granted them two days, said his counsel. Singh was allegedly in close touch with influencer Jyoti Malhotra, who is in custody on charges of spying for Pakistan, and after his arrest the police had claimed that it unearthed a "terror-backed espionage network" linking him to Pakistani intelligence and army officials. The police had said that the YouTuber was allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (41), a resident of village Mahlan in Rupnagar district, was running a YouTube channel "JaanMahal Video" with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs. Singh was found to be associated with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO), was in contact with a Pakistan High Commission official who was recently expelled from New Delhi on charges of spying and had met Pakistan Army officials during one of his three visits to the neighbouring country, police had earlier alleged. Singh was found to be associated with PIO Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, part of a terror-backed espionage network. The accused had also travelled to Pakistan on three occasions including in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and came into direct contact with ISI officers, who subsequently cultivated and recruited him to carry out espionage activities within India, police had claimed. Hisar native Malhotra (33) who was running a YouTube channel 'Travel with JO' was arrested last month. On May 13, India had expelled Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, who was posted at the Pakistan High Commission, for allegedly indulging in espionage. Malhotra was allegedly in touch with Danish since November 2023. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM) had its price objective hoisted by Royal Bank of Canada from $115.00 to $145.00 in a report issued on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the mining companys stock. Several other equities analysts have also commented on AEM. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $100.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 31st. Stifel Canada raised shares of Agnico Eagle Mines to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 19th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. They set an outperform rating and a $181.00 target price on the stock. TD Securities lowered their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $108.00 to $106.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, February 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, February 25th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and four have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Agnico Eagle Mines presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $127.40. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on AEM Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Down 3.4% Agnico Eagle Mines stock opened at $117.93 on Wednesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $114.38 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $99.11. Agnico Eagle Mines has a fifty-two week low of $63.01 and a fifty-two week high of $126.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 1.86 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The firm has a market cap of $59.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.20, a P/E/G ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 0.54. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The mining company reported $1.53 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.14. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 22.88% and a return on equity of 10.45%. The firm had revenue of $2.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.27 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.76 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 34.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 4.63 earnings per share for the current year. Agnico Eagle Mines Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 16th. Investors of record on Monday, June 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 30th. This represents a yield of 1.36%. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio is presently 34.04%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Agnico Eagle Mines A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AEM. Fruth Investment Management grew its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 10.3% during the first quarter. Fruth Investment Management now owns 6,975 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $756,000 after purchasing an additional 650 shares during the last quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 1.1% during the first quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLC now owns 113,638 shares of the mining companys stock worth $12,320,000 after acquiring an additional 1,242 shares in the last quarter. McAdam LLC bought a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines during the first quarter valued at about $201,000. Intech Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 144.9% in the first quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 68,697 shares of the mining companys stock worth $7,442,000 after purchasing an additional 40,644 shares during the period. Finally, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI grew its position in Agnico Eagle Mines by 32.6% during the first quarter. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI now owns 509,058 shares of the mining companys stock worth $55,214,000 after buying an additional 125,223 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock. About Agnico Eagle Mines (Get Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valuation and Earnings This table compares QS Energy and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio QS Energy N/A -$1.22 million -8.25 QS Energy Competitors $4.26 billion -$120.76 million 10.06 QS Energys rivals have higher revenue, but lower earnings than QS Energy. QS Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Get QS Energy alerts: Volatility and Risk QS Energy has a beta of -1.13, suggesting that its stock price is 213% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, QS Energys rivals have a beta of 1.08, suggesting that their average stock price is 8% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets QS Energy N/A N/A -1,020.74% QS Energy Competitors 0.13% 6.91% 4.50% Institutional and Insider Ownership This table compares QS Energy and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 73.7% of shares of all Oil & gas field machinery companies are held by institutional investors. 9.0% of QS Energy shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 13.0% of shares of all Oil & gas field machinery companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary QS Energy rivals beat QS Energy on 8 of the 9 factors compared. About QS Energy (Get Free Report) QS Energy, Inc. develops and commercializes energy efficiency technologies in the United States and internationally. The companys energy efficiency technologies assist in meeting energy demands, enhancing the economics of oil transport, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The companys primary technology comprises Applied Oil Technology, a commercial-grade crude oil pipeline transportation flow-assurance product that reduces crude oil viscosity by applying a high intensity electrical field to crude oil while in transit. It serves upstream and midstream energy sectors. The company was formerly known as Save the World Air, Inc. and changed its name to QS Energy, Inc. in August 2015. QS Energy, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is based in Tomball, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for QS Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for QS Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Wells Fargo & Company from $17.00 to $20.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning,Benzinga reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has an equal weight rating on the technology companys stock. HPE has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, March 7th. Bank of America reduced their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $26.00 to $20.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, March 7th. Daiwa Capital Markets cut Hewlett Packard Enterprise from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $16.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, March 12th. Barclays boosted their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $20.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Loop Capital decreased their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $24.00 to $16.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, March 10th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $21.50. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on HPE Hewlett Packard Enterprise Trading Up 2.0% HPE opened at $18.12 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The firm has a market cap of $23.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.54, a PEG ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 1.29. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a 12 month low of $11.97 and a 12 month high of $24.66. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $16.18 and a 200-day moving average price of $19.03. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, June 3rd. The technology company reported $0.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.33 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $7.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.51 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 8.94% and a net margin of 8.56%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.42 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.13 per share. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.87%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 18th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 25.37%. Insider Activity at Hewlett Packard Enterprise In other Hewlett Packard Enterprise news, Director Bethany Mayer sold 6,409 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.19, for a total transaction of $84,534.71. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.36% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. National Bank of Canada FI raised its holdings in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 1,369.1% during the first quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 16,279,442 shares of the technology companys stock worth $251,192,000 after purchasing an additional 15,171,314 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the 4th quarter worth about $292,959,000. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the 4th quarter worth about $119,067,000. Slate Path Capital LP raised its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 44.8% during the 4th quarter. Slate Path Capital LP now owns 12,689,164 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $270,914,000 after buying an additional 3,924,039 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 45.6% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 12,521,303 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $193,078,000 after buying an additional 3,922,516 shares during the period. 80.78% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLC reduced its position in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 2.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,974 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 51 shares during the quarter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $616,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Accenture in the 4th quarter worth $2,351,683,000. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in Accenture by 30,256.8% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,421,519 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,067,651,000 after purchasing an additional 3,410,248 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in Accenture by 22.8% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,175,518 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,283,225,000 after purchasing an additional 2,260,740 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Accenture during the 4th quarter valued at about $666,495,000. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors grew its stake in Accenture by 16.8% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 12,295,748 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,325,526,000 after purchasing an additional 1,770,024 shares during the last quarter. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Accenture alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes ACN has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Baird R W upgraded Accenture from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, March 17th. Barclays dropped their price target on Accenture from $415.00 to $390.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, March 24th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Accenture from $390.00 to $380.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 26th. Mizuho decreased their price objective on Accenture from $428.00 to $398.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, March 19th. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised Accenture from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $390.00 price objective for the company in a report on Monday, March 17th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $382.14. Accenture Price Performance NYSE:ACN opened at $317.49 on Friday. Accenture plc has a 12 month low of $275.01 and a 12 month high of $398.35. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $303.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of $337.25. The company has a current ratio of 1.47, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firm has a market cap of $198.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 1.33. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 20th. The information technology services provider reported $2.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.81 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $16.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.64 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 26.91% and a net margin of 11.41%. The businesss revenue was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.77 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Accenture plc will post 12.73 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Accenture Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, April 10th were given a $1.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 10th. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.86%. Accentures payout ratio is 48.89%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 2,284 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $281.63, for a total value of $643,242.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 9,965 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,806,442.95. This represents a 18.65% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, COO John F. Walsh sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.00, for a total value of $812,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 15,882 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,161,650. The trade was a 13.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 8,516 shares of company stock worth $2,507,366. Company insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock. About Accenture (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. See Also 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. Butensky & Cohen Financial Security Inc. reduced its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 1.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 32,159 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 380 shares during the period. Butensky & Cohen Financial Security Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $4,266,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Cim LLC grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Cim LLC now owns 16,967 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $1,919,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 6.6% during the 4th quarter. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 1,236 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $140,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. Capital Square LLC grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 2.7% during the 4th quarter. Capital Square LLC now owns 2,941 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $368,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares during the last quarter. Cyrus J. Lawrence LLC grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 9.0% during the 4th quarter. Cyrus J. Lawrence LLC now owns 954 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $107,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LMG Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 3.8% during the 4th quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,161 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $244,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Down 0.2% Shares of NYSE ABT opened at $133.61 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $99.71 and a 52 week high of $141.23. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $130.74 and a 200 day moving average price of $125.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $232.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.73. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.38 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.95% and a return on equity of 20.74%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several brokerages have recently weighed in on ABT. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $138.00 to $154.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, March 4th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $117.00 to $127.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, March 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $142.59. Read Our Latest Research Report on ABT Insiders Place Their Bets In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total transaction of $337,116.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 34,058 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,415,960.28. The trade was a 7.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.46% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Abbott Laboratories (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Butensky & Cohen Financial Security Inc. decreased its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 7.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 23,049 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,905 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. makes up 1.7% of Butensky & Cohen Financial Security Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Butensky & Cohen Financial Security Inc.s holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $5,654,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Redwood Park Advisors LLC purchased a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Curat Global LLC purchased a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 1st quarter valued at about $33,000. Sellwood Investment Partners LLC purchased a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada purchased a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Midwest Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $43,000. Institutional investors own 71.55% of the companys stock. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Performance NYSE:JPM opened at $265.81 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $247.68 and a 200 day moving average of $249.86. The company has a market capitalization of $738.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.47, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 1.08. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 1-year low of $190.88 and a 1-year high of $280.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.89. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, April 11th. The financial services provider reported $5.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.63 by $0.44. The company had revenue of $45.30 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $43.62 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 16.99% and a net margin of 20.96%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s quarterly revenue was up 8.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $4.44 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be given a $1.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.11%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s payout ratio is 27.49%. Insider Buying and Selling In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, COO Jennifer Piepszak sold 6,128 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.47, for a total value of $1,608,416.16. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 62,455 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,392,563.85. The trade was a 8.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Robin Leopold sold 1,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $246.92, for a total value of $308,650.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 49,127 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,130,438.84. The trade was a 2.48% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 101,722 shares of company stock worth $25,599,477 in the last quarter. 0.47% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Wednesday. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $273.00 to $265.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 1st. UBS Group lifted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $277.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. TD Cowen started coverage on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Thursday, May 15th. They set a buy rating and a $305.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $270.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, June 2nd. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $267.15. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on JPMorgan Chase & Co. About JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Curat Global LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 840 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $133,000. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in PM. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 53.7% in the 4th quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 206 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 115.0% in the 1st quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 215 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. Knuff & Co LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Ball & Co Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.1% NYSE:PM opened at $181.77 on Friday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $98.93 and a 12-month high of $183.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $282.93 billion, a PE ratio of 40.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.52. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $167.81 and a 200 day moving average price of $147.46. Analyst Ratings Changes Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.08. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 7.89% and a negative return on equity of 120.08%. The firm had revenue of $9.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.10 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.50 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on PM shares. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Needham & Company LLC started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. They set a buy rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 18th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $182.00 target price (up previously from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $168.00 to $186.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $175.30. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Philip Morris International About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Affirmative Financial Network raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 3.5% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,639 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 0.8% of First Affirmative Financial Networks investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. First Affirmative Financial Networks holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,354,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 74,248,997 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,320,226,000 after purchasing an additional 475,530 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.7% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 17,382,846 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,389,651,000 after acquiring an additional 291,875 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 103,831.6% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 14,866,380 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,278,292,000 after acquiring an additional 14,852,076 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 19.0% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,625,925 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,747,214,000 after acquiring an additional 2,012,129 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter valued at about $8,407,908,000. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth LLY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group dropped 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 report on Friday, May 2nd. Erste Group Bank downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, HSBC downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a reduce rating and dropped their price target for the company from $1,150.00 to $700.00 in a report on Monday, April 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,011.37. Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $770.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.97. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $677.09 and a 1-year high of $972.53. The company has a market capitalization of $729.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 65.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.40. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $770.87 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $799.95. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.64 by ($1.30). Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 23.51% and a return on equity of 85.24%. The firm had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.77 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.58 EPS. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue for the quarter was up 45.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 16th will be given a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.78%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 16th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 48.82%. Insider Activity In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 1,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $818.24, for a total transaction of $818,240.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,840 shares in the company, valued at $4,778,521.60. This trade represents a 14.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. About Eli Lilly and Company (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. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Free Report) had its price target lifted by Royal Bank of Canada from $52.00 to $54.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the natural resource companys stock. FCX has been the topic of several other research reports. Dbs Bank raised Freeport-McMoRan from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, March 10th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $50.00 price objective (up previously from $48.00) on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research report on Friday, April 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Freeport-McMoRan from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $47.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 6th. Raymond James reissued an outperform rating and issued a $52.00 price objective on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $47.82. Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on FCX Freeport-McMoRan Stock Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE:FCX opened at $41.50 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $59.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.17, a PEG ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 2.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Freeport-McMoRan has a 12-month low of $27.66 and a 12-month high of $52.61. The businesss 50 day moving average is $36.45 and its 200 day moving average is $38.36. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The natural resource company reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.23 by $0.01. Freeport-McMoRan had a return on equity of 7.50% and a net margin of 7.42%. The business had revenue of $5.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.36 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.32 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Freeport-McMoRan will post 1.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Freeport-McMoRan Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, April 15th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, April 15th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.45%. Freeport-McMoRans payout ratio is 24.79%. Insider Activity at Freeport-McMoRan In related news, CAO Ellie L. Mikes sold 8,584 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.02, for a total transaction of $343,531.68. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 48,333 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,934,286.66. The trade was a 15.08% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.75% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Freeport-McMoRan A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in Freeport-McMoRan in the 1st quarter worth about $366,959,000. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 237.4% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 9,218,518 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $351,041,000 after acquiring an additional 6,486,011 shares during the last quarter. Amundi increased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 28.1% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 27,635,497 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $1,046,280,000 after acquiring an additional 6,054,537 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 21.9% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 31,885,531 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $1,214,203,000 after acquiring an additional 5,735,171 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Crake Asset Management LLP increased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 2,140.8% in the 1st quarter. Crake Asset Management LLP now owns 5,929,623 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $224,496,000 after acquiring an additional 5,665,000 shares during the last quarter. 80.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Freeport-McMoRan (Get Free Report) Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BBB Foods (NYSE:TBBB Get Free Report) is one of 63 publicly-traded companies in the Grocery stores industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare BBB Foods to related businesses based on the strength of its risk, dividends, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation and profitability. Volatility & Risk BBB Foods has a beta of 0.17, suggesting that its share price is 83% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, BBB Foods competitors have a beta of 0.67, suggesting that their average share price is 33% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get BBB Foods alerts: Profitability This table compares BBB Foods and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets BBB Foods N/A N/A N/A BBB Foods Competitors 1.15% 10.46% 4.07% Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score BBB Foods 0 4 3 0 2.43 BBB Foods Competitors 1092 2948 3175 144 2.32 This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for BBB Foods and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat. BBB Foods presently has a consensus price target of $34.00, suggesting a potential upside of 24.94%. As a group, Grocery stores companies have a potential upside of 8.81%. Given BBB Foods stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe BBB Foods is more favorable than its competitors. Insider and Institutional Ownership 8.4% of BBB Foods shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 42.8% of shares of all Grocery stores companies are held by institutional investors. 24.2% of shares of all Grocery stores companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares BBB Foods and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio BBB Foods $61.89 billion -$17.30 million 123.70 BBB Foods Competitors $38.06 billion $567.26 million 10.97 BBB Foods has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. BBB Foods is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Summary BBB Foods competitors beat BBB Foods on 9 of the 13 factors compared. About BBB Foods (Get Free Report) BBB Foods Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates a chain of grocery retail stores in Mexico. It offers household cleaning, personal hyenine, cosmetics and beauty, pharmacy, and general merchandise products, as well as jellies and desserts, foods and drinks, pet supplies, coffee, tea, chocolates, breads, dry and frozen foods, snacks and sweets, and toilet papers and napkins. The company also provides branded, private label, and spot products. It serves low-to-middle income households through online channels. BBB Foods Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. Receive News & Ratings for BBB Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BBB Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Holland Advisory Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report) by 29.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,786 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 633 shares during the quarter. Holland Advisory Services Inc.s holdings in Dell Technologies were worth $254,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Bellwether Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Vision Financial Markets LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Byrne Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Dell Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, Stonebridge Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter valued at $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.37% of the companys stock. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on DELL shares. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on Dell Technologies from $165.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 3rd. OTR Global upgraded shares of Dell Technologies from a negative rating to a positive rating in a report on Wednesday, February 12th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $89.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 21st. TD Cowen upped their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 30th. Finally, Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating on shares of Dell Technologies in a research report on Thursday, May 29th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $138.00. Dell Technologies Trading Up 1.7% DELL stock opened at $113.77 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $79.39 billion, a PE ratio of 20.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.01. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $96.79 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $106.48. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 12-month low of $66.25 and a 12-month high of $161.52. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 29th. The technology company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by ($0.13). The firm had revenue of $23.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.17 billion. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 191.91% and a net margin of 4.36%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.27 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Dell Technologies news, CAO Brunilda Rios sold 926 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.29, for a total value of $86,386.54. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 37,948 shares in the company, valued at $3,540,168.92. This represents a 2.38% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Richard J. Rothberg sold 70,165 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.82, for a total transaction of $7,635,355.30. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 79,928 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,697,764.96. This trade represents a 46.75% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 79,091 shares of company stock worth $8,608,142 over the last ninety days. 42.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Dell Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Persium Advisors LLC grew its position in Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 2.7% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 6,073 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 159 shares during the period. Duke Energy comprises approximately 0.7% of Persium Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest position. Persium Advisors LLCs holdings in Duke Energy were worth $741,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in DUK. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its stake in Duke Energy by 11.6% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 6,754 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $728,000 after purchasing an additional 700 shares during the period. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Duke Energy by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,737 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $941,000 after buying an additional 303 shares in the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Duke Energy by 37.0% during the 4th quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 68,912 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $7,461,000 after buying an additional 18,604 shares in the last quarter. Financial Advocates Investment Management lifted its position in Duke Energy by 28.9% during the 4th quarter. Financial Advocates Investment Management now owns 8,551 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $921,000 after buying an additional 1,917 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp bought a new stake in Duke Energy during the 4th quarter worth about $261,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.31% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have commented on DUK shares. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $130.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $129.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $114.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 11th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $127.00 to $138.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $126.00 to $125.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $125.81. Duke Energy Stock Down 0.4% Duke Energy stock opened at $115.22 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $89.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.18, a P/E/G ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.37. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52. Duke Energy Co. has a twelve month low of $99.21 and a twelve month high of $125.27. The companys 50-day moving average price is $118.43 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $114.90. Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.76 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.59 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $8.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.70 billion. Duke Energy had a net margin of 14.90% and a return on equity of 9.50%. The businesss revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.44 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Duke Energy Co. will post 6.33 EPS for the current year. Duke Energy Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 16th will be given a dividend of $1.045 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 16th. This represents a $4.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.63%. Duke Energys payout ratio is presently 69.32%. About Duke Energy (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DUK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (CVE:RECO Get Free Report) was down 15.1% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$0.48 and last traded at C$0.49. Approximately 821,780 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 229% from the average daily volume of 249,470 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.58. Reconnaissance Energy Africa Price Performance The company has a market cap of C$112.00 million, a PE ratio of -4.41 and a beta of 1.24. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$0.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$0.75. About Reconnaissance Energy Africa (Get Free Report) Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd., a junior oil and gas company, engages in exploration and development of oil and gas properties in Namibia and Botswana. The company holds a 90% interest in a petroleum exploration license that covers an area of approximately 25,341.33 square kilometer located in Namibia; and 100% working interest in a petroleum license, which covers an area of 8,990 square kilometer located in northwestern Botswana. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Reconnaissance Energy Africa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reconnaissance Energy Africa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ridgeline Wealth LLC reduced its stake in shares of iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF (BATS:ICSH Free Report) by 71.4% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 6,283 shares of the companys stock after selling 15,649 shares during the quarter. Ridgeline Wealth LLCs holdings in iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF were worth $319,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of ICSH. Proficio Capital Partners LLC raised its stake in iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF by 4,423.0% during the 4th quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,480,416 shares of the companys stock valued at $125,087,000 after purchasing an additional 2,425,576 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $75,020,000. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC raised its stake in iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF by 161.4% during the 4th quarter. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC now owns 2,180,482 shares of the companys stock valued at $109,962,000 after purchasing an additional 1,346,255 shares during the last quarter. Constellation Investments Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $57,968,000. Finally, Winthrop Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $57,499,000. Get iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF alerts: iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF Stock Performance Shares of ICSH stock opened at $50.51 on Friday. iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF has a 52-week low of $50.29 and a 52-week high of $50.77. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $50.56 and a 200-day moving average of $50.55. iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF Profile The iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (ICSH) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is actively managed to invest in broad market, investment-grade bonds with ultra-short-term maturity. ICSH was launched on Dec 11, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ICSH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF (BATS:ICSH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond Active ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rubrik (NYSE:RBRK Get Free Report) issued an update on its second quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of -0.3500.330 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of -0.360. The company issued revenue guidance of $281.0 million-$283.0 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $273.0 million. Rubrik also updated its FY 2026 guidance to -1.0200.960 EPS. Rubrik Stock Down 0.5% RBRK stock opened at $98.03 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $18.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -34.64 and a beta of 0.87. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $75.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.25. Rubrik has a 52 week low of $28.34 and a 52 week high of $103.00. Get Rubrik alerts: Rubrik (NYSE:RBRK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 5th. The company reported ($0.15) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $278.48 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $260.39 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned ($1.58) earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 48.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Rubrik will post -7.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald increased their price target on Rubrik from $95.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Rubrik in a research note on Friday. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Rubrik from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $120.00 target price (up previously from $80.00) on shares of Rubrik in a report on Friday. Finally, Guggenheim lifted their price target on Rubrik from $105.00 to $108.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $95.81. Check Out Our Latest Report on Rubrik Insiders Place Their Bets In other Rubrik news, major shareholder Lightspeed Management Company, sold 13,213 shares of Rubrik stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.98, for a total transaction of $832,154.74. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 21,221 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,336,498.58. This trade represents a 38.37% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Kiran Kumar Choudary sold 87,971 shares of Rubrik stock in a transaction on Friday, March 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.04, for a total transaction of $6,161,488.84. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 413,458 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,958,598.32. The trade was a 17.54% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 632,609 shares of company stock worth $47,450,968. Corporate insiders own 32.38% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Comerica Bank increased its holdings in shares of Rubrik by 209.0% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 584 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 395 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its stake in Rubrik by 31.6% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 1,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $76,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its position in Rubrik by 204.1% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 2,980 shares of the companys stock valued at $182,000 after buying an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in Rubrik by 231.3% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 29,320 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,789,000 after buying an additional 20,471 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in Rubrik by 33.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 940,351 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,343,000 after buying an additional 236,181 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 49.54% of the companys stock. Rubrik Company Profile (Get Free Report) Rubrik, Inc provides data security solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. The company offers enterprise data protection, unstructured data protection, cloud data protection, and SaaS data protection solutions; data threat analytics; data security posture; and cyber recovery solutions. It serves financial, retail, trade, transportation, energy, industrial, healthcare and life science, education, technology, media, communications, and public sectors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Rubrik Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rubrik and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (NYSE:SDHC Get Free Report) Director George Ervin Perdue III purchased 6,840 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $18.34 per share, for a total transaction of $125,445.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 14,345 shares in the company, valued at $263,087.30. This trade represents a 91.14% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. George Ervin Perdue III also recently made the following trade(s): Get Smith Douglas Homes alerts: On Wednesday, June 4th, George Ervin Perdue III purchased 2,412 shares of Smith Douglas Homes stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of $18.83 per share, for a total transaction of $45,417.96. On Tuesday, June 3rd, George Ervin Perdue III purchased 10,000 shares of Smith Douglas Homes stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of $19.09 per share, for a total transaction of $190,900.00. Smith Douglas Homes Stock Down 1.8% NYSE:SDHC opened at $19.50 on Friday. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. has a 52 week low of $16.28 and a 52 week high of $39.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.00 billion, a PE ratio of 11.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.87 and a beta of 1.05. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $18.88 and its 200-day moving average price is $23.05. Smith Douglas Homes ( NYSE:SDHC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, March 12th. The company reported $0.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.46. Smith Douglas Homes had a return on equity of 21.01% and a net margin of 4.60%. The company had revenue of $287.49 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $265.85 million. Sell-side analysts expect that Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will post 1.73 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Smith Douglas Homes announced that its board has initiated a stock buyback program on Wednesday, May 28th that permits the company to repurchase $50.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to repurchase up to 5.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Smith Douglas Homes Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in Smith Douglas Homes by 32.7% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,211,274 shares of the companys stock worth $23,644,000 after buying an additional 298,227 shares during the last quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Smith Douglas Homes by 438.9% in the 4th quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP now owns 1,156,019 shares of the companys stock worth $29,640,000 after buying an additional 941,511 shares during the last quarter. Beck Mack & Oliver LLC boosted its holdings in Smith Douglas Homes by 20.2% in the 1st quarter. Beck Mack & Oliver LLC now owns 840,975 shares of the companys stock worth $16,416,000 after buying an additional 141,545 shares during the last quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership boosted its holdings in Smith Douglas Homes by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 813,082 shares of the companys stock worth $20,847,000 after buying an additional 35,702 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its holdings in Smith Douglas Homes by 11.6% in the 1st quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 486,509 shares of the companys stock worth $9,497,000 after buying an additional 50,713 shares during the last quarter. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have weighed in on SDHC shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Smith Douglas Homes from $24.00 to $18.50 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, May 21st. Royal Bank of Canada set a $16.00 target price on Smith Douglas Homes and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Smith Douglas Homes from $21.00 to $20.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Finally, Wedbush restated a neutral rating and set a $18.00 target price on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a research report on Wednesday, May 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have assigned a hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $18.90. View Our Latest Stock Report on SDHC About Smith Douglas Homes (Get Free Report) Smith Douglas Homes Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family homes in the southeastern United States. It also provides closing, escrow, and title insurance services. The company sells its products to entry-level and empty-nest homebuyers. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Smith Douglas Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smith Douglas Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Successful Portfolios LLC cut its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 2.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,534 shares of the companys stock after selling 161 shares during the period. Successful Portfolios LLCs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $745,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in AGG. Barclays PLC raised its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 53,507.4% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 43,422 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,398,000 after acquiring an additional 43,341 shares during the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC increased its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 238.0% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 9,984 shares of the companys stock worth $967,000 after purchasing an additional 7,030 shares during the period. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 50.0% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 9,127 shares of the companys stock worth $884,000 after purchasing an additional 3,044 shares during the period. Retirement Systems of Alabama increased its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 4.9% during the 4th quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 25,330 shares of the companys stock worth $2,454,000 after purchasing an additional 1,172 shares during the period. Finally, Trilogy Capital Inc. increased its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 4.0% during the 4th quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc. now owns 19,765 shares of the companys stock worth $1,915,000 after purchasing an additional 755 shares during the period. 83.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Trading Down 0.5% NYSEARCA AGG opened at $97.28 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $97.84 and its two-hundred day moving average is $97.82. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $95.74 and a 12-month high of $102.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $123.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 124.57 and a beta of 0.24. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Company Profile IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Parents at an innovative Buffalo elementary school argue that its leadership has lost sight of the schools mission, and the repercussions are affecting enrollment, student behavior and academic achievement. Five parents of students at Bennett Park Montessori Center spoke last week at a Buffalo School Board meeting about how they believe their school has deviated from the Montessori education model and may be misleading parents who believe all students enrolled receive a Montessori education. To see it degraded is disheartening, to watch my children suffer without speaking out is unacceptable, said Mary Badame, whose daughter Beatrix has attended Bennett Park the last three years. The parents, many of whom represent the Montessori Community Association, claim only about a third of the teachers at the school are certified to teach the nontraditional curriculum which involves hands-on activities and learning driven by student curiosity and manage classrooms that cluster several ages, such as 3-6 years old for early childhood and 6-9 years old for lower elementary. Following a debate over priorities, fractured Buffalo School Board narrowly passes budget "We're waiting until the 11th hour to begin this nonsense?" School Board President Kathy Evans-Brown asked after pounding her gavel at least three times in an attempt to restore order. "Our kids need us to be prudent." Bennett Park is the only Montessori school in the district, enrolling about 500 students up to eighth grade on Clinton Street just outside of downtown Buffalo. The parent group has begun discussions with Karen Murray, an associate superintendent of school leadership in Buffalo Schools, and Bennett Parks leadership team on how to move forward, Buffalo Schools Superintendent Tonja M. Williams Knight said. Im pleased to report that ASL Murray is working with Principal [Erika] LaMar, the program coordinator and consulting with the American Montessori Society to create an acceptable plan that will grow Montessoris capacity and to potentially provide an enhanced pathway to attaining Montessori certification for additional teachers, Williams Knight said in an update Friday. Certifications or credentials for Montessori are earned in about two years and awarded by several institutions, including one based on Main Street in Clarence. The parents point to some pressing issues that affect next school year. Previously, parents could navigate the lack of certified Montessori teachers by requesting certain teachers, they said, but that policy has been rolled back ahead of next school year, prompting their mobilization. In addition to a larger action plan, the parents are calling on Buffalo Public Schools to again honor teacher requests. Lisa Delmonte, president of the Montessori Community Association, urged greater transparency from the district should the school continue with only a fraction of Montessori-certified teachers, so that both current and prospective families can make school decisions based on accurate information until there is clear and consistent application of Montessori throughout all classrooms. Buffalo Schools community shares wish list for new district superintendent What does the Buffalo Schools community want in a new leader? Search firm Erie 1 BOCES on Wednesday shared with the Buffalo School Board the results of its public feedback campaign that included a web-based survey and smaller focus groups. Maggie Hamilton Winship, another speaker at the meeting, said Buffalo Schools should not market the school as aligned with the Montessori method if it is not executed with fidelity by school staff and administrators. Let me make this very clear: We left a top 10-ranked suburban elementary school to come to the City of Buffalo for Bennett Park Montessori Center, Winship said. Trying to place teachers without appropriate certification in a Montessori classroom is an inherently poor fit, parents said. The Montessori approach does not feature assigned desks for students, but instead focuses mostly on mat work, where students use specially designed materials to grow in five general areas: language, math, practical life, culture and sensory. Theres less of a top-down hierarchy: teachers dictate less of the pace and curriculum as a traditional class. Having untrained and unwilling teachers in these environments can lead to distraction, disruptive behavior from students, opening the doors to bullying, despondency and a general unsafe environment, said Vincent Rondinelli, vice president of the parent group. For bilingual students and teachers, a shifting emphasis poses dilemmas in Buffalo schools In Buffalo's bilingual schools, should time for extra academic help be given in English or Spanish? Bilingual Center 33 teachers responded sharply to an English-only directive, a "tip of the iceberg" moment illuminating longer-term inequities across bilingual education, they say. Several Montessori tenets dovetail with education focuses post-Covid-19, including wellness of the whole child, developing social-emotional skills and embracing hands-on learning. A purpose of multi-age classrooms is for older students to assist the development of their younger classmates. Academic performance at the Buffalo Montessori school, however, is a struggle, the parents said. The school has a state designation of Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), which is the tier just above state receivership. Enrollment at the school has decreased by about 75 students over the last five years, according to state Education Department data. After 4 hours behind closed doors, Buffalo School Board postpones choosing an investigator It took 4 hours of executive session during which the nine-member board met privately inside its City Hall meeting room for the board to propose and ultimately pass a resolution to expand the scope of the investigation and allow for more time for outside firms to declare their interest. The speakers highlighted positives from the schools Montessori classrooms. Benjamin Detty said his daughter Julie is prekindergarten age, but has improved her reading to a first-grade level, which Detty credits in part to the philosophy of self-directed learning. The multi-age classroom in which Julie learns fuels further growth, he said. Julies teacher, being Montessori certified, has access to first-grade materials and is able to comfortably implement them in class, enabling her to continue advancing, Detty told the School Board. But parents at Bennett Park, most of whom have seen the benefits of a true Montessori classroom and the drawbacks of a blended room, want some assurance that their children will continue or begin to receive a genuine Montessori education. I have two children being placed into new classrooms at BPMC next year, Badame said. Will they be with Montessori-certified teachers? Sulzberger Capital Advisors Inc. cut its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 29.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 572 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 241 shares during the quarter. Sulzberger Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $312,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 6.9% during the first quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,123,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. Reliant Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 846.8% in the first quarter. Reliant Investment Management LLC now owns 9,203 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $5,028,000 after buying an additional 8,231 shares during the period. Independence Bank of Kentucky boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 45.7% during the 1st quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 2,262 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,236,000 after buying an additional 710 shares in the last quarter. Hudson Valley Investment Advisors Inc. ADV grew its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 12.4% during the 1st quarter. Hudson Valley Investment Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 8,628 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $4,713,000 after buying an additional 950 shares during the period. Finally, Congress Asset Management Co. increased its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. now owns 265,362 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $144,965,000 after acquiring an additional 1,988 shares in the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance Shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock opened at $614.49 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $188.55 billion, a PE ratio of 15.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.32. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $437.37 and a 52 week high of $672.19. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $555.71 and a 200-day moving average price of $582.82. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 14th. The investment management company reported $14.12 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $12.57 by $1.55. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 13.30% and a net margin of 11.32%. The business had revenue of $15.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.99 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $11.58 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 30th will be issued a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 30th. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.95%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 27.85%. Insider Activity at The Goldman Sachs Group In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, Director John B. Hess bought 3,904 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 15th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $511.68 per share, with a total value of $1,997,598.72. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 3,904 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,997,598.72. The trade was a increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.55% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently issued reports on GS. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $610.00 to $560.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $585.00 to $550.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 24th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $690.00 to $660.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 27th. Daiwa Capital Markets lowered The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Friday, April 4th. Finally, Daiwa America lowered The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 4th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $593.40. Read Our Latest Report on GS The Goldman Sachs Group Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Business / Companies by Simbarashe Sithole In a powerful display of corporate responsibility and national pride, NetOne, in partnership with POTRAZ, the Ministry of ICT, and the Harare City Council, led a highly successful nationwide clean-up campaign. This initiative underscored NetOne's deep commitment to fostering a cleaner, healthier Zimbabwe in line with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa's vision of a sustainable national clean-up culture.The clean-up campaign saw overwhelming participation from citizens across all ages and backgrounds, demonstrating the collective will to build a cleaner nation. From Chitungwiza to Gweru, Murehwa to Masvingo, NetOne's teams, alongside community members, took to the streets, parks, and marketplaces to remove litter and promote environmental consciousness.Speaking about the event, NetOne's Group CEO, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, reinforced the company's dedication to environmental stewardship. "NetOne is not just a telecommunications provider; we are a responsible corporate citizen committed to the well-being of our nation. A clean environment is the foundation of a healthy society, and we fully support His Excellency's vision of a national clean-up culture. Today's campaign is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause."NetOne's clean-up initiative goes beyond a single day of action - it is part of a broader strategy to drive lasting behavioral change. By engaging communities and encouraging personal responsibility, the campaign seeks to instill a sense of pride and ownership in maintaining clean surroundings.The company has also integrated eco-friendly practices into its operations, including waste reduction measures, e-waste management, and promoting digital solutions to minimize paper usage. NetOne believes that sustainability is not just beWhile the nationwide clean-up was a resounding success, NetOne urges all Zimbabweans to continue the momentum. "A clean Zimbabwe begins with each one of us," said Mushanawani. "Let us make cleanliness a daily habit, not just an occasional effort. Together, we can build a nation we are all proud to call home."NetOne remains committed to supporting environmental initiatives, partnering with stakeholders, and empowering communities to take action. Through collective effort, we can ensure a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Zimbabwe for generations to come. Legal & General Group Plc (LON:LGEN Get Free Report) insider John Kingman acquired 10,121 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 5th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 256 ($3.46) per share, with a total value of 25,909.76 ($35,051.08). Get Legal & General Group alerts: John Kingman also recently made the following trade(s): On Monday, June 2nd, John Kingman acquired 654 shares of Legal & General Group stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 251 ($3.40) per share, with a total value of 1,641.54 ($2,220.70). Legal & General Group Stock Down 0.7% LON:LGEN opened at GBX 256.10 ($3.46) on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of 15.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 1.31. Legal & General Group Plc has a twelve month low of GBX 206.80 ($2.80) and a twelve month high of GBX 266.20 ($3.60). The stocks 50 day moving average price is GBX 239.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 236.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 155.18. Legal & General Group ( LON:LGEN Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 12th. The financial services provider reported GBX 2.89 ($0.04) earnings per share for the quarter. Legal & General Group had a return on equity of 7.79% and a net margin of 0.67%. Equities research analysts expect that Legal & General Group Plc will post 24.2376446 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Legal & General Group declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Wednesday, March 12th that allows the company to buyback 0 shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to repurchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are often a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Legal & General Group Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 24th were given a dividend of GBX 15.36 ($0.21) per share. This is a positive change from Legal & General Groups previous dividend of $6.00. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, April 24th. This represents a dividend yield of 6.18%. Legal & General Groups payout ratio is 387.68%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 265 ($3.58) price objective on shares of Legal & General Group in a report on Monday, February 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Legal & General Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 267 ($3.61). Get Our Latest Stock Report on LGEN Legal & General Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Legal & General Group Plc provides various insurance products and services in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates in Legal & General Retirement Institutional (LGRI), Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), Legal & General Capital (LGC), and Retail segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Legal & General Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Legal & General Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Get Premium Brands alerts: Premium Brands Holdings Co. (TSE:PBH Free Report) Raymond James lowered their Q2 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Premium Brands in a research report issued on Wednesday, June 4th. Raymond James analyst M. Glen now anticipates that the company will post earnings per share of $1.34 for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $1.45. The consensus estimate for Premium Brands current full-year earnings is $6.04 per share. Raymond James also issued estimates for Premium Brands Q3 2025 earnings at $1.62 EPS and Q4 2025 earnings at $1.39 EPS. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded Premium Brands to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 27th. Desjardins lifted their target price on Premium Brands from C$93.00 to C$98.00 in a report on Friday, May 9th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on Premium Brands from C$94.00 to C$100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, March 24th. CIBC cut their price objective on Premium Brands from C$98.00 to C$95.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 8th. Finally, Ventum Financial raised their price objective on Premium Brands from C$109.00 to C$120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, March 24th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$101.90. Premium Brands Price Performance PBH stock opened at C$80.16 on Friday. Premium Brands has a 52-week low of C$72.57 and a 52-week high of C$97.10. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$78.97 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$78.76. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 163.00. The stock has a market capitalization of C$3.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.98. Insider Buying and Selling at Premium Brands In other Premium Brands news, Senior Officer William Dion Kalutycz sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$81.57, for a total value of C$652,575.20. 2.01% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Premium Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food products primarily in Canada and the United States. It operates in two segments, Specialty Foods and Premium Food Distribution. The company provides processed meat, deli products, meat snacks, beef jerky and halal, sandwiches, pastries, specialty and gourmet products, entrees, panini, wraps, subs, hamburgers, burgers, salads and kettle products, muffins, breads, pastas, pizza, and baking and sushi products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Premium Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Premium Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report) Analysts at Seaport Res Ptn issued their Q2 2025 EPS estimates for shares of Lockheed Martin in a report released on Tuesday, June 3rd. Seaport Res Ptn analyst R. Safran expects that the aerospace company will post earnings of $6.62 per share for the quarter. The consensus estimate for Lockheed Martins current full-year earnings is $27.15 per share. Seaport Res Ptn also issued estimates for Lockheed Martins Q3 2025 earnings at $6.64 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $27.54 EPS. LMT has been the topic of several other research reports. Melius Research cut shares of Lockheed Martin from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, March 24th. Bank of America cut shares of Lockheed Martin from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $685.00 to $485.00 in a report on Monday, March 24th. Melius downgraded shares of Lockheed Martin from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, March 24th. Baird R W raised shares of Lockheed Martin from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Finally, Robert W. Baird upgraded shares of Lockheed Martin from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $540.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 23rd. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Lockheed Martin has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $541.80. Lockheed Martin Stock Performance Shares of LMT opened at $481.49 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $467.56 and its 200-day moving average is $472.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $112.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.63, a P/E/G ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.95. Lockheed Martin has a 12-month low of $418.88 and a 12-month high of $618.95. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 22nd. The aerospace company reported $7.28 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.34 by $0.94. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 7.51% and a return on equity of 101.47%. The company had revenue of $17.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.83 billion. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lockheed Martin Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 51.7% during the 4th quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund now owns 9,528 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $4,630,000 after purchasing an additional 3,247 shares in the last quarter. Aquatic Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 4th quarter worth about $33,294,000. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 51,253 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $24,906,000 after purchasing an additional 5,075 shares in the last quarter. State of Wyoming increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 93.9% during the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 1,113 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $541,000 after purchasing an additional 539 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Soltis Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 42.5% during the 4th quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,935 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $6,772,000 after purchasing an additional 4,159 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.19% of the companys stock. Lockheed Martin Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 2nd will be paid a $3.30 dividend. This represents a $13.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 2nd. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio is 57.02%. About Lockheed Martin (Get Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. A man caught in possession of explicit child sex material in his Killea home has been given one year to prove that he has genuine insight into his offending. Judge John Aylmer warned Terence Steele that he would need to see a positive probation report when he returns to court next year. Steele, who told Letterkenny Circuit Court that he has received a death threat since the matter came to light, has made certain denials when being assessed by the Probation Service. The court heard that the 51-year-old, of Ashlea Grove, Killea - who was found in possession of 10 videos and three images that constitute child pornography - has continued to deny a sexual interest in children and has denied that he was actively seeking the material, insisting that he was not aware of it and did not request it. Judge Aylmer said that the offence merited a starting point of two years in prison before considering mitigation. He said he would need to see accountability and acknowledgement of the activity. Judge Aylmer paused his final judgement and told Steele to go under the supervision of the Probation Service for the next 12 months. There has to be successful engagement, Judge Aylmer said, then I would be able to consider the imposition of a fully-suspended sentence, which is where I would like to go, but I am not going there when I see that level of denial and the lack of engagement. Steele previously pleaded guilty to a charge that he did knowingly have in his possession child pornography to wit, three unique images and 10 unique video files which constitute child pornography. The offence is contrary to Section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998. Detective Garda Donal Kelly told Barrister for the State, Ms Fiona Crawford BL, that 10 video files and three images were found on a Google Pixel mobile phone belonging to Steele. Enquiries were made after the offending behaviour came to light via a Snapchat account that was traced back to Steele. Gardai swooped on his home, armed with a search warrant, on May 18, 2022. Steeles mobile phone was seized and the accused man handed over his account names and possible passwords. The phone was analysed and material found. The 10 videos were deemed to be in the explicit category - the most serious category depicting sexual activity between adults and children. Of the images, two were of child exposure, which is category 2, and one was deemed to be child explicit. Steele was interviewed at Letterkenny Garda Station, Detective Garda Kelly said Steele gave an account that he wasnt sure how they ended up on his phone. The court heard that Steele was engaged in adult chat forums at the time. Steele told gardai that he was sent a file containing the material. However, Detective Garda Kelly informed the court that investigating officers could tell that they were downloaded on four separate dates. Steele has no previous convictions and has not come to adverse attention since. Put into the witness box by his barrister, Mr Colm Smyth SC, Steele said he accepted that he is 100% to blame and said he was sickened by his behaviour. A father-of-three, Steele told the court that his offending was horrific. Steele wept as he told the court that he had received a letter through the door of his home warning that he would be shot. He outlined that when he was eight years old he witnessed his own father being shot three times. His father had an attachment to the British Army and they lived in a Republican area of Derry. Following the incident where his father was shot, Steele said he began drinking and taking prescription pills at the age of 14 and he told Judge Aylmer that he struggles to explain myself at times. He has sought counselling for sex addiction and he has undergone a programme Search For Change, while he has been alcohol free for three years now. Steele, who works part time in a bed and breakfast, said his whole focus now are his children and his elderly parents. He recalled that he has attempted to take his own life and he struggles with his offending every day. He said: I feel guilty every day. Its the first thing I think about when I get up every day. Steele said he now wants to help people with addictions and pleaded for leniency. His wife also gave evidence and said that Steele has improved 100% and works hard for his family. She said that nobody really speaks to us in their local community, where they have lived since 2003, and her husband has lost so many of his friends. This has wrecked our lives, she said, begging Judge Aylmer for leniency. Mr Smyth said that his client engaged in very serious offending and there was a background to his behaviour regarding childhood trauma and PTSD. Mr Smyth said there had been a strong effort to rehabilitate and asked the judge to take account of Steeles early plea and the fact that he cares for his children and parents. The burning of a 5G mast on the outskirt of Belfast is being treated as a suspected deliberate attack. The incident happened in the Springbank Industrial estate in Dunmurry on Saturday. A police spokesperson said they received a report shortly after 2.40pm that a 5G mast has been set alight in the area. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire, they said. Inquiries are continuing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition. We are appealing to anyone who was in the area and who may have information, dash-cam or other footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 801 07/06/25. Sinn Fein West Belfast MP Paul Maskey condemned the incident. I want to strongly condemn the latest suspected arson attack on a 5G mast, he said. This behaviour is both ludicrous and absolutely nonsensical. Just a few weeks ago, Sinn Fein published the results of a survey highlighting widespread mobile signal black spots across the west of the city some of which are due to damage caused to masts. We will continue our efforts to secure better mobile coverage for our communities. Those responsible for this disgraceful vandalism must be brought to justice, and I urge anyone with information to come forward and contact the PSNI. Business / International by Staff Reporter Mt Hampden, Zimbabwe Addressing Trade Barriers Strengthening Historical Ties A Vision for Sustainable Regional Collaboration Advancing SADC's Industrialisation Agenda A Path Forward - In a bid to fortify economic cooperation, Zimbabwe and Zambia have outlined clear strategies to enhance their bilateral trade, emphasizing collaboration and mutual growth in light of shifting global geopolitical and economic dynamics. The renewed commitment was reaffirmed during high-level talks between Zambia's Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Honourable Chipoka Mulenga, and Zimbabwe's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, held on the sidelines of the 34th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Committee of Ministers of Trade meeting in Mt Hampden.A key focus of the discussions was the identification and removal of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) that have hindered the free flow of goods and services between the two neighboring nations. Both ministers agreed on the importance of tackling these impediments to ensure smoother and more efficient trade across their borders.To this end, the ministers resolved to establish Joint Technical Teams that will focus on resolving trade bottlenecks and fostering regional investment. The creation of these teams is expected to pave the way for stronger economic relations between the two countries and enhance regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).In his remarks, Honourable Chipoka Mulenga expressed the depth of the relationship between Zambia and Zimbabwe, referring to the two countries as "Siamese twins," united not only by geographical proximity but by deep-rooted historical ties."Beyond the Victoria Falls that join us, we have got strong historical ties post and pre-independence and that should continue to grow from strength to strength. We believe that you cannot share poverty; you can only share wealth. So wealth must be created between the two of us," Mulenga said.The Zambian minister emphasized the importance of intra-African investment and collaboration, viewing it as the key to achieving economic self-sufficiency. In light of global disruptions, including supply chain challenges, he called for African nations to rethink their trade strategies."We are talking about regional integration within Southern Africa, COMESA, and now the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). But for this to be a reality, neighbors must work together through enhanced trade. We must support Zambian and Zimbabwean businesspeople to invest in each other's countries, rather than solely relying on overseas investors," Mulenga noted.Both ministers acknowledged that the global economic landscape is rapidly changing, and Africa must position itself as a resilient and adaptive force. They highlighted that the continent's long-term success will rely on strengthening intra-regional trade relationships, with Zimbabwe and Zambia taking the lead.The discussions took place within the broader context of SADC's ongoing efforts to promote industrialization and economic integration across the region. At the 34th Committee of Ministers of Trade and the 24th Ministerial Taskforce on Regional Integration, SADC leaders committed to advancing the region's industrialization agenda and eliminating enduring barriers to regional economic cooperation.This resolution is in line with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to foster deeper trade ties across the continent and eliminate tariffs and barriers that have historically stifled economic growth. The decision to focus on industrialization will be pivotal in boosting Africa's capacity to compete on the global stage.The Zambia-Zimbabwe engagement marks a new chapter in bilateral trade relations between the two countries, with both sides keen to address the challenges that hinder economic growth. By working together to eliminate trade barriers, invest in each other's economies, and build a more resilient regional trading bloc, Zimbabwe and Zambia are positioning themselves as leaders in the drive towards greater economic integration within Southern Africa and beyond.As the African continent reassesses its place in a rapidly changing world, the continued collaboration between Zimbabwe and Zambia sets a powerful example for the rest of the region on the importance of unity and shared prosperity. In the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday 2 June at 1.28am, Clogherhead RNLI was requested by the Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to assist two sailors on a yacht with two sailors onboard that had drifted onto rocks and a shingle beach near Gyles Quay, Dundalk. The Clogherhead RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched to assess the situation where the yacht had lost engine power and was drifting onto a rocky shingle beach. The lifeboat crew on the call out included Coxswain Brian Sharkey, mechanic Barry Sharkey, and crew members Carol Holdcroft, Barbara Kirk, and Derek Shevlin. Upon arrival, the volunteer crew assessed the situation and found the two sailors were in no immediate danger. Both were wearing lifejackets. With their engine failed and anchor snagged however, the yacht had been dragged onto the beach and the sailors needed assistance to get to a safe port. The lifeboat approached the vessel slowly and passed a line to the sailors. Their yacht was brought alongside the Michael OBrien and then safely assisted into Gyles Quay to berth at the pier. This call out marked Coxswain Brian Sharkeys first shout since becoming a fully qualified Coxswain, making it a notable milestone for the station. Read Next: Call for urgent reform as father of fallen Dundalk soldier denied army pension support Speaking after the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Brian Sharkey said: "These two sailors did the right thing by calling the Coast Guard and explaining that, while they werent in imminent danger, they did need RNLI assistance to get off the beach and for the yacht to be safely towed to the nearest port. "For all boat owners, its important that your boat and engine are thoroughly inspected and maintained after the winter season. Make sure all your equipment - especially lifejackets are in good condition and working correctly. Have a suitable anchor ready to deploy when needed, and always check weather and tide conditions before setting off. If you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard." Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Manager (TCCM) Martin McElligott has said that he and the team behind the SEEK Festival, are excited to announce that EPSO Seek Art Language Culture Fest will take place from Saturday 7 June to Sunday 15 June this year in Dundalk. Revealing details of the festival, Mr McElligott said that: Over the past six years SEEK Urban Arts Festival has gone from strength to strength but now as we move forward, and look to the future, we are excited to introduce EPSO - an expanded vision for the festival that will elevate its scope and impact. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the success of SEEK, since the start of the project in 2019. So many people were instrumental along the journey and we would like to express a special thanks to Sarah Daly and the team in Creative Spark for their invaluable input. Moving forward EPSO FEST creates an opportunity to embrace all the creativity that is happening in Dundalk during the week of the festival - spanning a broader range of events to include talks, tours, music, poetry and more. Martin continued Over the next five years our aim is to deliver a contemporary creative arts festival that brings other elements of Dundalks Story to life in a vibrant and engaging way - celebrating local history, heritage, music, poetry, and culture through street art, creative practices, and storytelling in all its forms. EPSO will encompass a wider range of artistic disciplines and expressions, and offer the public a rich and immersive experience, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. The inaugural event of EPSO FEST 2025 is a celebration of poetry and song entitled Tribe & Fire: Poetry Day and will take place in Dundalk Library from 2pm on Saturday 7th of June. Read also: PHOTOS: Colaiste Ris in Dundalk school awards Organised by Dundalk Writers Group, and described as a gathering of the tribes, this event welcomes visiting poets Bernie Crawford and Ruth Quinlan, Donegal Poet James Finnegan, Cathy Conlon, Larry Doherty, Michael Farry and Eithne Lannon! The audience will also be treated to musical performances by Roisin Ward Morrow and Ines Tola. All welcome. Part 2 of this wonderful event will take place from 8pm in The Spirit Store at The After Party open Mic evening with plenty more poetry, ceol agus craic for all to enjoy! Also taking place on Saturday 7th of June at 3pm: Discover the History of The Green Church with Trevor Patterson - this insightful talk will explore the rich history and community of this landmark building in the town centre, and is open to all who are interested in learning more about the churchs fascinating past. The first in a week-long series of historical walking tours of the street art in Dundalk will take place at 2pm on Sunday the 8th. Tickets are free but booking is essential, contact Dundalk Tourist Office on 0429352111 for more information. Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Aiken Barracks on a special walking tour led by Sgt. Ricco Lucchesi. Taking place at 6.30pm on Thursday, 12th June, this 90-minute guided tour offers a unique insight into not only the heritage, but the people behind the walls of this historic barracks. Booking is essential, call 042 933 2295/6 Also taking place on Thursday is A Conversation on Dorothy Macardle at 7pm in Louth Libraries, Dundalk Branch. This captivating discussion will explore life and works of Dorothy Macardle, renowned Irish author, revolutionary and human rights advocate. Contact Dundalk library for full details 042 935 3190. At 1pm on Friday the 13th in County Museum in Dundalk, retired fire fighter Jim Kerley of the Old Dundalk Society, will give a highly anticipated talk on the iconic Merryweather fire engine. This historic fire engine travelled to assist with the relief efforts in Belfast during the German blitz of the city in 1941. After the talk Jim will provide a tour of the Merryweather which will be on display in the Museum courtyard. In addition to this exciting line-up of events four new largescale murals will be revealed in the town centre throughout the week! Artists from Spain, South Africa, Ireland and the UK will unleash their creative magic on the walls of Dundalk. The themes they will explore or reimagine include Aonbharr, Edward the Bruce, and St Oliver Plunkett - in celebration of 400 years since the birth, and 50 years since his canonisation! The 4th and final installation is more about our individual identity as it resonates to modern day Dundalk. all will be revealed throughout the festival. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to enjoy everything that the festival has to offer over the week, be sure to check out EPSO social media accounts or contact Dundalk BIDS & Tourist Office with any enquiries. EPSO FEST and Dundalk Town say they would like to thank all of their sponsors, Louth County Council, Failte Ireland, Colourtrend, Hire Direct, Mo Chara and The Brassil for their amazing support and commitment. Three Louth families affected by the childrens hip scandal at Temple Street and Cappagh hospitals had their cases highlighted in Leinster House last week by Dundalk TD Ruairi O Murchu. The Sinn Fein TD raised the childrens cases during a debate in the Dail about the Independent External Medical Audit for Children's Health Ireland and National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. Deputy O Murchu said the families and their children "had been through hell." The first case he highlighted was one where two of the mothers three children had hip operations, while the third is awaiting surgery. The children are aged five years, three years and 18 months and the mum has secured a review by a consultant in the North, costing more than 700. She wants it done, because she wants to know whether the youngest child actually needs the operation and whether her other childrens surgery was necessary, but she cannot afford it. Deputy O Murchu said the boss of the HSE, Bernard Gloster had indicated that those who want a third party second opinion could get one and it would be paid for by the HSE, but no mechanism has yet been put in place for that to happen, despite the fact that his constituent has an appointment for June 10. He said another mother living in mid-Louth spoke to him about her child who was three years old when she had surgery in 2023. Deputy O Murchu said: She now looks at the scars on her daughter and cries because she is worried that they are the marks of needless suffering. Hers was one of the families that received a letter earlier in the year telling her that her daughter was one of the children reviewed in the audit. She is now struggling to come to terms with what has happened and what is going to happen. Read Next: EPSO Seek Art Language Culture Fest in Dundalk next week She has asked for a mechanism for getting her daughter's medical records. We need to provide this information. She does not know what percentage her daughter falls into. We need that information and follow-up. The case of a third family, whose child was scheduled for surgery and who sought a second opinion before the operation which showed she did not need it, is now doing gymnastics. He said: We need such cases to be included in a review-type process also. Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill said in response to Deputy O Murchu about the HSE paying for third party second opinions, that she would work with the HSE on the matter. The Naughton Foundation Scholarship scheme is inviting all applicants from Louth to submit their entries as the 2025 closing date quickly approaches. The Naughton Scholarships are a scheme of scholarships to promote the study of engineering, science and technology at third level by students in Ireland. Each year from February to June, Leaving Certificate students can apply for a scholarship if they intend on studying science, computer science, mathematics, engineering or technology at third level that year. The closing date for receipt of application forms for The Naughton Foundation Scholarship 2025 is Saturday, 29th June 2025 at midnight. There will be one guaranteed scholarship for each of the participating counties, 36 allocated in total. The Naughton Foundation was established by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton in 1994 and its goal is to support worthwhile causes in the arts and education. In 2008 they decided to create the scholarship programme to increase their support for Leaving Certificate students who would like to study engineering, mathematics, science, computer science and technology at third level in Ireland. Originally the scholarship programme only applied to students from counties Louth, Meath and Monaghan however it has since expanded nationwide and students from all counties in the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply. Read also: PHOTOS: St Vincent's School Dundalk awards ceremony Students are invited to apply if they are currently attending secondary schools in County Louth, and if they are studying two or more of the following subjects- physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, and applied mathematics. Each Naughton Scholarship is valued at 25,000 so it is a contribution of 6,000 for each year of the students third-level course for a student studying science, engineering, maths or technology in any publicly funded university or third-level institution in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. The school of each winner is also awarded 1,000. Applications must be submitted by midnight Saturday, 29th June 2025 to be considered eligible for the scholarship. The 2025 application forms for The Naughton Foundation Scholarship Programme are available for download and can be completed online on The Naughton Foundation website, www.thenaughtonfoundation.com The closing date for receipt of applications is Saturday 29th June 2025. BAM, the main contractor for the landmark Narrow Water Bridge project in north Louth, brought together 148 pupils from four local primary schools across the Irish border to take part in The Big Bridge an educational initiative designed to inspire the next generation of engineers. As part of the event, pupils collaborated to build a 13-metre cable-stayed bridge, providing a fun and engaging hands-on experience that introduced them to the world of engineering and construction. Organised in partnership with the Narrow Water Bridge Community Network, Louth County Council, Roughan & ODonovan and social enterprise The Big Bridge, the initiative aims to spark interest in STEM subjects among young people, while celebrating the transformative vision of Narrow Water Bridge. A vision, which is already becoming a reality - not only through construction, but through the communities it connects. Once complete the Narrow Water Bridge will span 195 metres, offering sustainable transport options for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Read also: Exciting Girls in Immersive Tech event at Dundalk IT The schools - St. Dallans and Dromore Road Primary School in Warrenpoint, and Scoil Naomh Lorcan and Scoil Naomh Brid in Omeath - worked in mixed teams to construct the model bridge, sparking curiosity, confidence and cooperation. Pupils also learned about the historical significance of Narrow Water and the future potential of the landmark 195-metre bridge being constructed across Carlingford Lough. Speaking about the event, William Diver, Construction Director from BAM said: We are proud to partner with The Big Bridge to bring this innovative learning opportunity directly to schools. The Narrow Water Bridge is the flagship project of the Shared Island Fund, and our goal is to ensure that it delivers lasting social value beyond the build. By engaging young people in STEM and construction, we are investing in the workforce of tomorrow. We thank all participating schools for embracing this initiative. Amy Dillon, Principal Engineer at Design ID and Project Director of The Big Bridge, said: Were passionate about helping young people experience the creativity, teamwork and problem-solving that underpin engineering. Through this workshop, were not only building bridges - theyre discovering the wide range of careers that bring major infrastructure projects like Narrow Water to life. David Jones, Director of Services, Louth County Council, said: The Narrow Water Bridge is a landmark project that symbolises connection, and the Big Bridge workshop is a brilliant example of how major infrastructure can also deliver real educational and community value. By capturing the students interest in engineering and construction, were not only building a bridge, but were also hopefully building future careers and strengthening cross-border relationships that will last for generations to come. Borders divide, bridges bring people together, said Jim Boylan, Chairman of the NWBCN, a local community group based in Warrenpoint, which has campaigned for many years for the bridge. The Number One objective of our campaign was to unite communities around the Lough. It was truly inspirational to see children from both traditions and both sides of the border coming together so easily to build a bridge. The real bridge, of course will transform these childrens lives, creating opportunities denied to previous generations. News / National by Staff reporter In a landmark ruling that could reshape the legal status of thousands of Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has rejected an appeal by the Minister of Home Affairs against a High Court order concerning the controversial termination of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme.The decision affirms the Johannesburg High Court's 2023 ruling, which set aside former Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's attempt to cancel the ZEP scheme - a special dispensation that has allowed nearly 180,000 Zimbabweans to live and work legally in South Africa for over a decade.Friday's SCA judgment also clears the way for the Zimbabwean Immigration Federation to return to court with a critical constitutional argument: that the authority to extend or terminate the ZEP regime lies solely with Parliament, not with the Minister of Home Affairs.The ZEP programme was introduced to regularise the status of Zimbabwean nationals who fled political and economic turmoil in their homeland. The permits have been extended several times since 2009, but Motsoaledi announced their termination in 2021, sparking legal challenges from advocacy groups.The Johannesburg High Court ruled in 2023 that the minister's decision to end the programme had been procedurally unfair and ordered him to reconsider it following a proper consultation process.Counsel for the Home Affairs ministry told the SCA that the order was already being implemented and that the minister was following a fair process. However, the Zimbabwean Immigration Federation is pushing for a broader constitutional interpretation - arguing that the minister lacks the legal power to limit or terminate the permits in a way that infringes on rights held by permit holders and their children.The SCA's ruling did not decide whether the federation's constitutional argument is valid - only that the minister cannot prevent the federation from pursuing it in court.In its written judgment, Judge of Appeal David Unterhalter highlighted that the federation's legal challenge was distinct from that of the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF), which had previously won a final court order halting the termination of ZEPs. While the HSF pursued a final judgment, the federation initially sought only an interim interdict, intending to argue the constitutional question later.The minister's lawyers had argued that the interim interdict was now redundant, since a final order had already been granted. But Unterhalter dismissed that view, writing that the federation raised "distinctive grounds of review" that were not addressed in the HSF's case - specifically the question of constitutional rights and the separation of powers."If the federation's argument were accepted," the judge wrote, "it would not permit the minister to terminate the ZEP regime. That is a remedial outcome of a considerably more far-reaching kind."The ruling paves the way for a new round of litigation, with potentially sweeping implications for immigration policy and the rights of non-citizens in South Africa. If the federation's case is successful, it could set a precedent requiring legislative - not executive - decisions on special immigration dispensations that affect constitutional rights.For now, ZEP holders remain in legal limbo - protected by interim court orders, but still uncertain about their long-term status.The Department of Home Affairs has not yet commented on the SCA ruling. This July marks a significant milestone for senior counsel Dr John OMahony, one of Irelands most distinguished legal minds, who celebrates 50 years in practice at the Bar. The Crookstown native has built a formidable reputation across five decades, with a career defined by landmark cases, record-breaking legal victories, and perhaps a unique dual expertise in law and medicine. In 2021, he secured a record 23.5m award for a young Carrigaline woman who had sustained life-altering injuries at birth. In 2023, he broke records again, acting for a young Togher woman who was awarded 35m, the highest ever payout in a personal injuries case of its kind in Ireland. Although he specialises in medical law, Dr OMahonys legal acumen extends well beyond that. In the 1980s, he played a key role in several high-profile tribunals, including the Whiddy Tribunal, which investigated the catastrophic 1979 explosion of the oil tanker Betelgeuse at Whiddy Island, which claimed 50 lives. Dr John O'Mahony SC, delivers the oration at the General Liam Lynch national commemoration ceremony, at Kilcrumper cemetary, Fermoy. Picture: David Keane. Dr OMahony also served as legal counsel in the investigation into the 1980 Buttevant rail disaster, one of Irelands worst rail accidents, which left 18 dead and more than 70 injured. His practice has touched on diverse areas, including employment law, and in 2003 he represented former executives of Gurranabraher Credit Union in a case that spotlighted governance and accountability issues within the organisation. In 1974, while still a student in UCC, he ran for the then Cork Corporation, and that was when he first came to the attention of a young Turners Cross schoolboy who would later become his friend. I first came across Dr John through my late father in the 1974 local elections, when I was 14, remembers Taoiseach Micheal Martin. My father came into the house one evening and said he was out canvassing for a young, brilliant student, who was studying, he said, both law and medicine, which to us seemed an impossible feat, and my father was full of admiration for him. Dr. John O'Mahony, SC, (right) chatting with John Major and Albert Reynolds at the dinner hosted in honour of the former British Prime Minister, at the headquarters of Thomas Crosbie Holdings Ltd on South Mall.Pic: Brian Lougheed Mr Martins father, Paddy, nicknamed the Champ, was a popular figure in Turners Cross, being a bus driver and a gifted amateur boxer who represented his country 13 times. He was also a prominent member of Fianna Fail in the city. Dr John had come in from the country, from Crookstown, and was a candidate in a traditional working-class urban area, and did exceptionally well in the local elections, and its because he won the respect of people like my late father, who just admired his intelligence, admired his energy, and thought he would be a very worthy representative, the Taoiseach told The Echo. Dr OMahony spoke to this newspaper last year about that election, recalling: I was invited to stand for Fianna Fail while I was continuing to practice as a medical doctor and study for a postgraduate degree in law at UCC. He received a huge first-preference vote and recalled that he was comfortably elected, beaten only by the legendary vote-getter Pearse Wyse TD, on the Fianna Fail list of candidates. The youngest member of Cork Corporation, he worked well with Gerald Goldberg, a prominent solicitor who had been first elected as an Independent alderman in 1967. Dr John OMahony addressing Cork Circuit Court at the opening of the court term in 2011. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision It might be said in the language of today that they bonded over a shared love of Corks two martyred lords mayor, Tomas MacCurtain and Terence MacSwiney, and Mr Goldberg confided in the younger man that, not least as a representative of Corks tiny Jewish community, he would dearly love the honour of becoming lord mayor. Dr OMahony and another councillor, Shandon St barber David Buckley, convinced Mr Goldberg that he would never be lord mayor as an Independent councillor, and persuaded him to join Fianna Fail, which had a majority on Cork Corporation. According to Dr OMahony, it cost Dave Buckley and him considerable time and effort to convince a majority of our fellow Fianna Fail councillors, but they eventually succeeded in getting Gerald Goldberg nominated, and on June 27, 1977, he was elected Corks first and thus-far only Jewish lord mayor. Dr OMahony told The Echo he had proudly served as Mr Goldbergs deputy lord mayor on a number of occasions. Cork had many excellent lords mayor in its proud history. Gerald Goldberg was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished lords mayor of Cork ever, he said. The Taoiseach recalled from that time reading a newspaper report of Dr John at the city council, having gone out and taken measurements coming in from the city dump on the Tramore Rd, highlighting how negative an impact it was having on the surrounding communities. And of course that, if you like, was a precursor to an ongoing debate about the city dump, and eventually weve ended up with Tramore Valley Park, which is what the people of the area of Turners Cross, Ballyphehane, Douglas, and all around there, richly deserved, having endured the dump there for decades. That was a big issue with Dr John, he said. In July of 1975, Dr OMahony was called to the Bar, alongside his friend Kevin Cross, who is now a retired High Court judge. Mr Cross described Dr OMahony as a superb, enthusiastic, fighting and fiercely independent barrister and noted that his friend had never devilled the practice whereby young lawyers apprentice to an established barrister but immediately went to Cork to forage on his own. There were at that time fewer than 12 barristers in Cork. John, already a qualified doctor, initially combined his law work with membership of Cork Corporation. He quickly flourished, benefiting from the patronage of Gerald Goldberg of Goldberg, Fleming and Company, he said. Barristers Dr John O'Mahony and Doireann O'Mahony in 2022. Pic: Larry Cummins Success came rapidly and by the time I joined the Munster circuit, six months after John, he was already well established using both his forensic skills and his medical knowledge to the advantage of his clients. The Taoiseach said that Dr OMahony had left politics after a single term on Cork Corporation, and he had gone on to serve as an outstanding barrister, a leader in his field. He has given great solace and he has represented people tenaciously and brilliantly in the field of medical negligence, and many, many families have benefited from his advocacy, which has been very strong and which is an essential part of our democracy, that we have such strong, independent legal advocacy on behalf of citizens, Mr Martin said. Mr Cross noted that Dr OMahony had almost always appeared for the underdog, and for the 50 years of his practice he demonstrated a consistent enthusiasm for his clients and their cases. He rarely appeared for insurance companies or, despite his political connections, the State, being far more comfortable fighting the cause, often without a fee, of those who had no one to plead for them. He took silk, becoming a senior counsel in 1986, after little more than 10 years. He would have had many opportunities of becoming a judge or even attorney general had he really wished, but he was and is much more comfortable continuing as a barrister, Mr Cross said. As a judge I always welcomed John appearing in cases, usually involving alleged medical negligence often on behalf of infants injured at birth; for as well as his enthusiasm and skill he brought an obvious compassion for his injured clients. Beyond the courtroom, Dr OMahony has contributed to Irish public life in many ways. He was the longest-serving chair of the National Museum of Ireland, playing a significant role in preserving and promoting the countrys cultural heritage. He has also delivered the annual Liam Lynch oration at Kilcrumper cemetery in Fermoy, reflecting on the legacy of the revolutionary leader. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, said Dr OMahony had made great contributions to public life ever since his earliest days on what was then Cork Corporation. I would be aware of his ongoing contributions as well, for instance his involvement in personal projects developing properties in the city centre, encouraging people to live there again, Mr Boyle said. I think his life has been one of constant consideration of city life and experiment, and I would like to congratulate him on that. Maurice Gubbins, former editor of The Echo, first met Dr OMahony when Mr Gubbins was a young reporter covering Cork Corporation, and they have been friends ever since. To me, Dr John OMahony has been one of Corks outstanding citizens. Over the years, he has served people who suffered terrible injuries, in obtaining suitable compensation for them, he is an outstanding jurist, a brilliant public speaker, and in his role as a councillor he was a huge servant of the city of Cork, Mr Gubbins said. But apart from all of that, he is a thoroughly decent human being, and one of the finest people I have ever met. I regard it as a privilege to call him my friend. Mr Gubbins added that Dr OMahony and his wife Louise had a beautiful family, and both of their children, Cian and Doireann, had followed in their fathers footsteps to develop their own distinguished careers in the Law Library. John has also had a very learned interest in the history of Cork, particularly in the history of Terence MacSwiney and Irelands independence movement, and he has made a major contribution in terms of his support for the development of Independence Museum Kilmurry, he said. Mr Martin recalled that during his first term as Taoiseach, he had visited the museum, which opened 60 years ago as the Terence MacSwiney Memorial Museum. Dr John has been a big supporter of the museum, which is a tremendous asset to the community in Kilmurry, its of a very high standard, he said. Mary OMahony no relation is former chairperson of Independence Museum Kilmurry, and she said Dr OMahony has been its patron following the death in 2012 of its initial patron, Maire MacSwiney Brugha, daughter of Terence MacSwiney and his wife Muriel Frances Murphy. Dr John has been a great supporter of the museum, hes been a great supporter of his native Kilmurry and Crookstown, and any events we have on in the museum, he always supports us and he has great respect for the volunteers in the museum and what we are trying to achieve, she said. Hes a great support to us, a great man, and were delighted that we have him as patron. Kevin Cross, who retired as a judge four years ago, reflected on the retirement in which Dr OMahony has thus far shown little interest. Fifty years in continuous practice is a great moment, but for John it is but a date in a continuation into the future to be noted perhaps like OGaras drop goal against Wales as a pinnacle of his achievements, he said. Well done so far, John, we all expect great things in the future. Mr Gubbins said that Dr OMahonys legal expertise, medical knowledge, and dedication to public service had profoundly and positively impacted upon thousands of lives across the country. Dr Johns legacy is sure to endure for generations to come, he said. The Taoiseach said that Dr OMahony had made a lasting contribution to Irish law and society. What may be less known is that he has been a tremendous patron of the arts, and of artists, and culture, and of all matters historical. Hes a very, very well-read man, with keen observation of how society has evolved, and a very decent man. I wish John continued success, he said. The Curiosity Cube will be coming to Cork this month showcasing to young people the range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career opportunities which are available. The brainchild of the Life Science business Merck, who have a facility in Cork, the Curiosity Cube aims to provide access to hands on science education opportunities for students. As it tours Cork, the Cube will visit Scoli Mhuire Naofa on Friday (June 6) and Monday (June 9). The Cube also visits the Cork Carnival of Science on Saturday (June 7) and Scoil Chroi Iosa Junior Building on Tuesday (June 10) and Wednesday (June 11). These events will bring interactive learning experiences to local students. One of the areas which the Curiosity Cube focuses on is exploring the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI). This is done through experiments such as exploring the difference between AI images and real photos to understand and recognize authenticity. While also discovering the similar ways in which our brains and AI learn about the world around us. When visitors enter the Curiosity Cube, they become scientists for the day, participating in hands on science experiments and learning about new technologies. As well as sparking curiosity in STEM, the Curiosity Cube empowers employees in Merck to serve as role models and illustrate the diverse paths available in STEM. According to Merck, research shows that the exposure provided through the Curiosity Cube is key to helping children believe that they can pursue a STEM career. In 2025, the Curiosity Cube is touring across Europe for the fourth time, with the goal of reaching more than 20,000 students through more than 130 events in communities across the continent. While the Cube also will visit Canada, the USA and for the first time this year Africa. Follow the Curiosity Cube on Instagram @curiositycube_merck and #SPARKCuriosity. A Cork city councillor has criticised the decision of An Bord Pleanala to reject a planning application for the development of more than 800 apartments in the docklands. An Bord Pleanala rejected the planning application made by Tiznow Property Company Limited. This consisted of the demolition of existing structures, construction of 823 apartments, creche, and associated site works, along Tedcastles Yard on Centre Park Rd and the Marina in Cork. Outlining their reasoning for rejecting the planning application, the board of An Bord Pleanala said: It is considered that the proposed development by reason of its design, scale, bulk, and mass would be visually obtrusive when viewed from various viewpoints in the immediate vicinity, as well as from views citywide and the surrounding hinterland of the city. An Bord Pleanala also rejected the plans because as part the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 the site was zoned for educational use. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan has called on An Bord Pleanala to provide further detailed explanation behind their rationale for rejecting the application. Giving his reaction to the development in the Cork City docks being rejected, Mr Horgan said: In the middle of a housing crisis, with data [homelessness figures] from Government hitting 15,580, 10,805 adults and 4,775 children, we see a development on one of the largest brownfield sites in the city rejected by Dublin. A rejection that comes while there is still a process under way regarding the variation for the docklands under the development plan. A rejection that could have taken a more nuanced approach and said proceed but change. Mr Horgan added that better decisions in relation to planning applications are required. Politicians get it in the neck, and rightly so, for the lack of movement in addressing homelessness. But when one sees a decision like this, which strikes at the heart of the docklands project to house and create a mini city, the faceless bureaucrats must account for themselves in some fashion. A recent rejection for the Gouldings site in Marino Point has a direct impact on the docklands. We need better planning decisions to take account of the urgency we face. The proposed development also made provision for three cafe/restaurant units, two public houses, seven retail units, and a convenience retail story which would include the sale of alcohol for consumption off-premises. A library, medical centre, pharmacy, post office, dentist, and two childcare facilities with 130 childcare spaces were also planned as part of the development. A Sinn Fein TD and councillor have said they will work to secure an additional Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class for a Farranree school, but have questioned why parents and educators always need to fight when it comes to special education. Feargal Hurley, principal of Scoil Iosagain, previously told The Echo that they have had to disappoint parents awaiting a school place for their child after they were not allocated an ASD class they had already made provisions for. He explained: We signed the form and sent it, but it was never uploaded onto the system, and when the classes were announced last week, we werent included. We were absolutely shocked. Councillor for the north west ward Kenneth Collins called for the issue to be rectified, saying: This is an administrative error thats meant the people of the northside have been let down. We know theres children without school places, and this is a school thats doing fantastic work, their principal is incredible and knows what the community needs. Its disappointing that the school have done their part and the department has failed them. Over the last number of months weve seen parents take to the street in Cork and fight for places, theyve had to shout and roar about it, which isnt right. The government need to correct this wrong in Farranree. He added that currently, children with special needs from the northside are spread out all over Cork, having to go as far as Rochestown or Carrigaline for a place meanwhile theres a school here ready to open a special class. His party colleague, TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould, said he had spoken with the principal and contacted the department and minister for education. He told The Echo: A mistake has been made, but we still may have time to rectify it. Theres two children in mainstream school that will have to stay in mainstream if this isnt fixed, even though their parents want them in this special class if theres not a class there for them, those kids will regress. There was another four children that had signed up to attend also, and their families are very upset. He added that children from the northside of the city are travelling to Macroom to avail of school places, saying: People are travelling 45 minutes to school, and another big problem is children have siblings who can end up going to school far apart and frequently one of them has to be late. Ukrainians living in Cork are being moved from their accommodation, with a further 800 to move over the coming months. A briefing document circulated to elected representatives on the relocation of beneficiaries of temporary protection explains that the closing of accommodation centres to move people elsewhere was paused during March to allow for greater planning and notice periods for residents. The pause came after widespread concern around the uncertainty of where they would be moved to, and the fact that children may have to change school, including those preparing to sit State examinations. The department said: Relocations of residents from some Ukraine properties are now being planned to begin in June and continue throughout the summer period. In Cork, nine people residing in The Eldon Hotel, Skibbereen, were moved on June 1, and a further four properties will be affected in the next two months. The 380 people living in Carrigrohane Student Village and the 45 people living in IEC Kanturk will be moved on June 30. The 13 people living in Grand Hotel, Fermoy, will be moved on July 4, while 374 people living in Quality Hotel in Youghal are to be moved on August 8. The next use of the property after a contract ends is a decision for the provider, but, nationally, the department said that about 12,000 beds will be returned to tourism use and 1,800 beds will be returned for student accommodation. The document added: The department has received an expression of interest to provide international protection accommodation from the Quality Hotel in Youghal. This property is already providing accommodation for some people seeking international protection in vacancies. No decision has been made in relation to this offer, and the appraisal process is ongoing. Social Democrats councillor for East Cork, Eamonn Horgan, told The Echo: Since the postponement a few months back, there has been very little effort from the department to engage with the most vulnerable here. Ive been meeting with residents of the Quality Hotel, Youghal, recently to discuss further plans or options that they have, and I have been blown away by their willingness and the drive they show in trying to resolve their living situation. A table being broken during an incident at a hotel has cost a man over 4,000. The criminal damage was caused on November 9, 2024, at The Clayton hotel, Silversprings, Cork, and the man accused of being responsible for it pleaded guilty to the crime. The accused man is 33-year-old John Dunne of 1 Woodford Rise, Clondalkin, Dublin, and he pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the table, engaging in threatening behaviour, and being so drunk that he was a source of danger to himself or others. On Monday, at Cork District Court, he brought 3,000 compensation for the hotel in respect of the smashed table. Sergeant John Kelleher previously outlined that just before midnight on November 9 last, gardai responded to a report of a group fighting in the lobby of The Clayton, Silversprings, Cork. Sgt Kelleher said the accused was shouting at gardai and that he was seen on CCTV breaking the table. Solicitor Frank Buttimer confirmed that the 3,000 was in court and he said that the accused indicated from a very early stage that he would be pleading guilty to the charges against him. Judge Mary Dorgan noted all of this and fined him 300 on the threatening charge and took the drunkenness count into consideration. The judge said that on payment of 750 by the accused to the court poor box, he would be given the benefit of a dismissal of the criminal damage charge. There are nearly 500 empty social homes in Cork city and county and the city has by far the worst long-term vacancy rate in Ireland, latest figures show. Across Cork, 129 properties have been vacant for less than six months, 134 for six months to a year, 119 for 12 to 18 months, and 113 for more than 18 months, according to Freedom of Information (FOI) responses from Cork city and county councils. The figures were released as Taoiseach Micheal Martin said in the Dail last month: Local authorities take too long to release homes that have been vacated. Voids should be filled fairly quickly. It should happen within a week or two of the house being vacated unless there is some structural issue. In the majority of cases, there are no structural issues because families have been living in them already. In Cork city, there are currently 345 vacant social homes, up from 342 in April, while figures for the number of properties empty the longest have not improved. Cork city has the second highest amount of vacant social homes in Ireland, behind only Dublin city, which has considerably more houses. A total of 3.14% of Corks social homes are vacant, the fourth highest percentage in the country. Cork City Council is also the only local authority with more than 100 properties vacant for over a year. This is more than double the next poorest performer. Cork County has an overall vacancy rate of 1.8%, just below the national average of 1.82%. While just 36 properties are vacant for over a year, out of a total of 150 vacant properties, this includes three properties vacant for two-and-a-half to three years, one vacant three to three-and-a-half, and two vacant three-and-a-half to four years. The information released under FOI also includes details on maintenance budgets, and shows that Cork citys total maintenance budget for 2025 is 20,860,800, while Cork County has budgeted 11,848,057 for the year. This is broken down into planned and reactive maintenance, meaning upkeep work that is scheduled in advance, and repairs required as a result of a problem. Cork city has budgeted 3,366,935 for planned maintenance and 17,493,865 for reactive, while Cork County has budgeted 671,250 for planned and 11,176,807 for reactive maintenance. Cork city has received 18,520 maintenance requests so far this year, representing 169% of the homes it owns, while Cork County received a total of 19,743 maintenance requests, or 237%, second only to Kilkenny (238%) the totals are more than 100% due to multiple requests for repairs on the same homes. Sinn Fein TD for Cork North-Central Thomas Gould told The Echo: There is nothing more insulting to those impacted by the housing emergency than the sight of a perfectly good home left empty. Each of these homes should have a family living in them, children growing up in those four walls. Instead, these homes are empty and children are growing up in hotels. That is beyond scandalous, Mr Gould said. Cork city and county councils should be funded to do their job. Instead, red tape and bureaucracy, coupled with underfunding, leaves homes empty for years in Cork, and 99 homes in Cork city have been empty for longer than two years. This is a scandal. A spokesperson for Cork City Council told The Echo that it has a dedicated team managing the repair of vacant properties, which has led to significant reduction in void properties between 2023 and 2025. They added: It is important to recognise that Cork City Council prioritises the return of properties with the least work required, with the aim of returning the maximum number of houses each year. This can lead to properties requiring extensive repairs, such as fire damaged houses, requiring longer return times. A total of 196 properties have been empty for more than a year, including 97 vacant for 12-18 months, and 99 vacant for between 24 and 30 months, meaning 57% of its vacant social homes have been vacant over a year. Funding cuts which will see a cut of almost 30% to the support available to schools across the state for purchasing and maintaining information and communication technology(ICT) are frustrating school principals, Cork South Central Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire has said. Last week Minister Helen McEntee announced 35m in ICT funding for schools, down 14m on 2024, the Sinn Fein TD said, who described the cut as 'taking an axe to the ICT funding provided to schools. "Schools received their individual allocations this week and it is clear that every school is significantly down in funding," he said. In April 2024, the ICT grant provided 47.64 per pupil in a special class or school. After several months of uncertainty on when or if the funding would be provided, schools must try to account for a 17 cut per pupil. 2025 funding amounts to 30.40 per pupil in a special class or school. These cuts couldnt have come at a worse time. The education system is overwhelmed with uncertainty and anxiousness. There are major crises around assessment of need, Special Needs Assistants(SNAs) and Special Education Therapist(SET) shortages, and a lack of resources for special classes. The government continues to perpetuate these issues by continuing their chronic lack of funding trend. This slashing of ICT grants has a direct and negative impact on childrens learning and development in schools. Meanwhile, funding for mainstream pupils has been cut from 39.73 to 25.33 per pupil. DEIS schools have had their funding cut from 43.70 to 27.86 per pupil," he said, describing the situation as "utterly shocking". He said the situation was being made worse by the "chronic lack.. of investment by successive Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governments". According to the Department of Education, the 35 million in ICT grant funding announced "represents the third tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and builds on the 210 million already allocated under the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 Enhancing Teaching Learning and Assessment and the 100 million that has issued to date under the current strategy". Education Minister Helen McEntee said it was "vital" that schools could instil students with the skills they need to reach their full potential in our modern society. "This ICT funding will empower schools to harness the opportunities that technology presents, and to support children and young people to become competent, critically engaged learners," she said. A total of 615,818 in community recognition grants has been allocated towards groups in Cork. The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. There are 11 community based projects in Cork that will receive funding under the CRF, with 17 million being set aside for 212 community projects nationwide. The Carraig Centre in Ballincollig is to receive funding of 80,000. Another Cork project being funded includes a sum of 63,000 to Togher Community Association for the refurbishment of Lehenaghmore Park. Speaking to The Echo, Fergal Dennehy of Togher Community Association described how the funding will significantly benefit all in the local community. It is huge to us. Lehenaghmore Park is a community voluntary facility. We have two all weather pitches there. We have 1.5k walking circuit, we have a lawn bowls green. We will be able to upgrade the walkway, and we will be able to refurbish the lawn bowls green. "We will be able to carry our various renovation works." Meanwhile, Mayfield Sports Complex is to get funding of 54,140 for upgrade works to pool, gym and changing facilities. Other Cork projects that will receive funding include Skibbereen Rowing Club of 52,734 towards upgrade and refurbishment works. The Schoolyard Theatre & Arts Centre, Cloyne GAA, Mallow Search and Rescue, Midleton FC and Millstreet Community Council will all receive 50,000 each. Im especially delighted to see Millstreet receive this support, Cork North West Fianna Fail TD Aindrias Moynihan said in reference to the funding being provided to Millstreet Community Council. Its a vibrant town with a strong community spirit, and these upgrades will ensure the facilities match that energy. Mr Moynihan added: This funding is about investing in people, connection, and the future of our rural towns. Im proud to see this government following through on that promise. Cork North Central Fine Gael TD Colm Burke added that the funding highlights the commitment of the government to support local communities. I am delighted to see this funding for Cork as part of the Community Recognition Fund. "This funding has enabled communities to be more inclusive by improving community facilities and community spaces. This funding will enable our communities to become more inclusive, resilient and sustainable places in which to live and raise a family, to visit and to socialise." Fianna Fail TD for Cork South West Christopher OSullivan added: This is another boost for our local heritage and community spaces. Real change is happening, and community infrastructure is being improved and developed in West Cork and across the country. "We are delivering on our commitment to support local communities to be more inclusive and resilient. An expansion of the wage subsidy scheme will help more disabled people gain and retain employment while also benefiting more groups in the community and voluntary sectors, a Cork TD has suggested. Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O'Shea said he was delighted to see the improvements announced this week to the wage subsidy scheme. "Supports like this play not only a critical role in closing the employment gap for people with disabilities, reducing poverty and supporting families and communities, but also for employers in bringing new ideas, skills and knowledge to their businesses," said the TD. Under the new expanded scheme, eligibility for support will be widened to include all non-public sector employers, including the commercial semi-state sector. Other reforms to have been introduced include a reduction in the minimum of hours required for the scheme from 21 hours per week to 15. This will enable those with more limited work capacity to be included. The term 'productivity deficit' has been removed from the scheme to enable a focus on adapting a role to the ability of a disabled person while there is a new emphasis, also, on the expansion of the scheme beyond recruitment to include retention of people at work. This is regarded as being of particular importance as most disabilities are acquired. People who return to work on Partial Capacity Benefit and who have acquired their disability or health condition in the previous 12 months are now eligible. The subsidy rate is to be reviewed on a regular basis and knowledge of the scheme is also set to be promoted. A nationwide publicity campaign has been commissioned and will shortly be rolled out. According to Hildegarde Naughton, the Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities, empowering people to access meaningful employment remained a core priority. "This government has a vision of an Ireland where no one faces exclusion or discrimination in any facet of society, including in the context of employment," said Minister Naughton, adding that all people with disabilities should be able to live full lives on an equitable basis with all others. News / National by Staff reporter A white commercial farmer in Mashonaland West, Daniel Brink Bosman, has become the focus of intense controversy and calls for justice following chilling allegations that he deliberately ran down and fatally injured a 12-year-old boy with a combine harvester in 2022.The tragic incident occurred at Dandreanum Farm in the Lions' Den area near Chinhoyi, where Suarance Moffat was struck and killed while watching Bosman operate a giant combine harvester along with two other young boys.According to Suarance's family, the children were merely observing and cheering as Bosman worked the maize field. But what began as innocent fascination allegedly turned fatal when the farmer inexplicably turned the machine toward the children and gave chase. Suarance was struck with a sharp part of the machine, sustaining a deep laceration to the skull that led to his death.Suarance's father, Tichaona Moffat, has accused Bosman of orchestrating a cover-up in collusion with his tractor driver, Douglas Zhanewo. Following the incident, Bosman allegedly filed a false report at Murereka Police Station, claiming that Zhanewo accidentally ran over the boy with a tractor.Zhanewo was arrested and charged with culpable homicide, despite the family's protests that the boy was not crushed - a scenario they argued would have left the child's body flattened. Instead, a postmortem by Dr. Ivene Maponga, dated May 24, 2022, concluded that Suarance died from a deep head wound that pierced his skull, consistent with being struck by a sharp object.Eyewitness accounts from Suarance's younger brother painted a harrowing picture of the boy's body being impaled on the combine harvester's fork, bleeding profusely before succumbing to the injury. The family further claims the boy's body was later moved and dumped near a homestead, casting doubt on the official version of events.Zhanewo was ultimately acquitted in 2024 after the State concluded that the boy had not been killed by a tractor, effectively clearing him of wrongdoing.Now, in a renewed push for accountability, the Moffat family - represented by lawyer Tungamirai Chamutsa of Chamutsa and Partners - has filed a new criminal complaint against Bosman. Police have since opened two case files: one for murder under CR Number 45/04/25, and another for filing a false report under CR Number 46/04/25.Despite this, Bosman has not yet been arrested. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mashonaland West spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera claimed ignorance of the matter.In a strongly worded letter to District Public Prosecutor Herald Matura, the Moffat family's legal team accused the police and National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) of botching the initial investigation and possibly engaging in corruption.The letter highlights disturbing irregularities, including altered witness statements and a typed police report dated May 16, 2025 - a future date - allegedly authored by investigating officer Muchihwa Misheck. The statement reportedly downplayed the credibility of witnesses, which the lawyers say exceeds the officer's mandate.Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com, Tichaona Moffat said his family has been living in grief and anguish since the death of their son."We have not held a memorial service. Our boy's soul is not resting. We demand Bosman's immediate arrest so that he is prosecuted like any other accused person - not treated as an informant," said Moffat.The family maintains that all evidence - including the postmortem and eyewitness statements - points to intentional harm and an elaborate cover-up, and they insist that Bosman must be charged under Section 47(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for murder.Bosman declined to comment on the latest allegations, saying only: "I am not at liberty to comment as this matter is still in the courts."Public Outcry MountsThe case has sparked renewed debate about racial privilege, accountability, and justice in Zimbabwe's farming communities, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims. Civil society organizations are reportedly monitoring the case closely, with some expected to weigh in if law enforcement continues to delay further action.As the Moffat family fights for closure, the spotlight now turns to prosecutors and police officials to ensure that justice is not only done - but seen to be done. A major security operation saw the deployment of dozens of uniformed gardai on the streets of Cork on Saturday afternoon as two large rallies, each comprising thousands of people, briefly faced off in the city centre, passing off noisily but peacefully. The garda helicopter flew over the city, and three mounted gardai on horseback supported the garda public order unit and dozens of uniformed officers, as a pro-Palestine march took place around the same time as anti-immigrant protesters gathered in the city centre. Around lunchtime, approximately 2,500 people from Palestinian solidarity groups gathered at their weekly spot outside the Terence MacSwiney Library on the Grand Parade, while closer to the river anti-immigrant protesters gathered at the National Monument. There has been a march for Palestine through the city every Saturday afternoon since the war in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas-led militants. Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign weekly protest march in Cork City against the atrocities in Gaza. Picture Larry Cummins On Saturday afternoon, members of the public and Palestinian solidarity groups from across Munster gathered, many waving Palestinian flags and tricolours, to call on the Irish government to place sanctions on Israel, to stop the Central Bank from authorising the sale of Israeli bonds in Europe, and to pass the Occupied Territories Bill. At around the same time, people attending a separate protest waved tricolours and American flags, with both groups separated by barricades and a line of gardai blocking the Grand Parade. It followed a similar rally in Dublin last month, which saw several thousand people march. Some of the pro-Palestine groups traced their now familiar Saturday afternoon route down Patrick St, Winthrop St and back up Oliver Plunkett St, chanting slogans, while more stayed put outside the library. That rally eventually dispersed around 3.30pm. At the march for Palestine, Naser Swirki, a theatre and film director who was born in Gaza and now lives in Skibbereen, painted a bleak picture of life in the land of his birth. In Gaza, death spares no one; doctors, children, the displaced, and even hope itself. In Gaza, instead of saying, See you tomorrow, they say, See you in heaven, he said. Parents memorise their children's clothes to identify their remains later. They struggle to get a piece of bread, offering it before bed, so their children don't die while theyre still hungry. Meanwhile, the anti-immigrant rally marched along the South Mall to City Hall, by which time their numbers swelled to almost 5,000, according to one garda estimate. Protest march arrives at City Hall, Cork on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins The former Ireland First leader Derek Blighe, was one of the main organisers of that event, and he quoted scripture to the crowd, denouncing what he called false gods while being cheered with chants of get them out. Gardai said there was one arrest for a public order incident. Last weekend, at a family get-together, I learned that the term lads holiday has an expiry date. I had casually mentioned a forthcoming mini-break I have planned with a group of fellas my own age - assorted dads, deadbeats, male friends, and acquaintances. Its a lads holiday, I declared, My sister-in-law was having none of it. A lads holiday? she chortled. But youre all pushing 50... or even 60, she added, a tad cruelly I felt. Said sister-in-law proceeded to twist the knife, indicating that 25, or perhaps 30, was a cut-off point in age for a lads holiday. Anything after that was just a load of men failing to hold their drink and swapping prostate stories. And youre going to the Isle of Man... hardly Ibiza central, she trumpeted, in a final blow to my pride. I tried to protest, but she was right of course. Way back in the 1990s, me and the lads were 24-hour party people. Now we were a bunch of paunchy, middle-aged men with various hair-related hang-ups. The boys who went on tour in Malia in 1994 would be meeting up in Douglas in 2025 as 2.4 hour party people. Or even worse for us lightweights, 2.4 pint party people... then off home for an early night. Away the lads indeed... If that didnt make me feel old, my eldest son then began to eagerly regale the family gathering about his forthcoming first lads holiday abroad. This was a proper lads holiday, a big gang of young male friends all flying off to a party resort in Portugal to let their hair and hopefully not their parents down. Naturally, I wasnt a bit envious - honest! But this rite of passage for my son has done two things: It set me off reminiscing about my own lads holidays in my younger days, and that prompted me to wonder what advice I should pass on to my 20-year-old in order that he will stay safe on his jollies. I have compiled a few cautionary tales for him. Case study one: My friend, who, on the aforementioned holiday in Malia in Crete, hit the beach on the first day in order to develop an instant tan that would have the ladies swooning. Only he overdid it, despite our words of caution, and got a nasty bout of sun-stroke, which led to him wandering the hotel corridors disorientated in his underpants. No swooning ladies were in evidence. Luckily, our party included a guy who was mature and responsible enough to lead him away and hydrate him till he was better. Tip: Always have a mature and responsible guy in your party. Case study two: If youre booking an early morning boat trip after a boozy night, make sure youre not prone to seasickness. The sight of one of our party vomiting violently overboard, forcing the captain/DJ to abandon plans to drop anchor in that scenic spot for a deck dance and a swim, has long stayed with me, and possibly a good few of the would-be swimmers that day. Tip: Make sure you have your sea legs for an early boat trip, and try to eat something for breakfast - better still, go out in the evening instead when there is less chance of your insides churning. Oh, and while on the subject of the sea, although skinny-dipping was funny in The Inbetweeners Movie - filmed in Malia a few years after my holiday there - I can guarantee at least one of your friends will think it is hilarious to pinch your clothes and run away while you frolic. Case study three: Dont be that guy who forgets to drink copious amounts of water in the heat, and neglects to eat food. Sure, the beer will sustain them in the short-term, but a fainting episode may well ensue. And what if the mature guy of the group is back at the hotel tending to the idiot with sun-stroke? Tip: At the risk of infantalising, eat food and drink water. Oh, and do NOT drink the water from taps on the continent! I refuse to share that unhappy case study. Many of the other pieces of advice to offer before a lads holiday will be obvious to all. Namely... Dont fool about on balconies. Remember that traffic drives on the right before you cross a road. Beware of tides and currents when in the sea - look out especially for warning signs and take extra heed on windy days or when the sea is devoid of other bathers. And, for gods sake, do not drink too much on the flight, or get cheeky with the stewards and stewardesses on the plane. Oh god, now Ive started with the warnings, I cant even stop. Protect your passport, phone, and bank cards at all times, and be wary of pickpockets on the prowl for those who are worse for wear. Always be respectful to women. Dont do drugs. What else? Ive just had another worrying thought. As far as Im aware, there isnt a single photo in existence of my lads holiday in Malia, since we were all too busy having fun to capture the moment for posterity. Now, of course, we live in the smartphone/TikTok age... Tip: Always act like somebody else is watching you, and filming you, as they almost certainly are. I dont want any son of mine becoming a meme. At least with my auld lads break, what happens on tour, will stay on tour - but only because our memories arent what they were! Ive covered the sun and the sea part of the warnings done - and I havent even got to advice about the third part yet. Um, Ill get his mother to do that... Of course, all my advice will inevitably fall on deaf ears - I mean, if my father had given me tips before my first holiday abroad (he didnt), I would have ignored him anyway! If there is just one word of advice I hope he heeds, its this: Have a great time, and make some wonderful memories. Because one day, and sooner than you think, you too will be past the age limit for a lads holiday and will be discussing prostates with a balding or grey-haired auld man. 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. For the first time in millions of years, Earths atmosphere contained an average of 430.2 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide, the result of humans burning fossil fuels. The number, recorded in May at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)s Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii by scientists from University of California San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography, represents an increase of 3.5 ppm from May 2024. Another year, another record, said Ralph Keeling, director of the Scripps CO2 Program, in a press release from Scripps. Its sad. The monthly @keelingcurve.bsky.social atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration clocked in at 430.2 parts per million in May for 2025, a 3.5 ppm increase over May 2024s measurement of 426.7 ppm. Read more about the work led by Scripps Oceanography & @noaa.gov: bit.ly/43tMyeP [image or embed] Scripps Institution of Oceanography (@scrippsocean.bsky.social) June 5, 2025 at 3:17 PM Meanwhile, scientists with NOAAs Global Monitoring Laboratory reported a 430.5 ppm average. Ralph Keelings father, Scripps scientist Charles David Keeling, in 1958 started monitoring concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide at the observatorys NOAA weather station. Keeling was the first scientist to recognize that levels of Northern Hemisphere carbon peaked in May. He also discovered that the levels fell during the growing season, only to rise again when vegetation died in the fall. Keeling documented the fluctuations in the planets carbon dioxide levels in what is now known as the Keeling Curve. This record helped him recognize another pattern: Carbon levels were rising with each passing year. Exceeding the threshold of 400 ppm was unimaginable just decades ago, reported NBC News. It translates to more than 400 million molecules of carbon dioxide for every one million of gas in Earths atmosphere. The milestone was first reached in 2013, and now scientists are warning that carbon levels could reach 500 ppm in the next 30 years. Keeling said the last time atmospheric carbon levels were so high was likely over 30 million years ago. Its changing so fast, Keeling told NBC News. If humans had evolved in such a high-CO2 world, there would probably be places where we wouldnt be living now. We probably could have adapted to such a world, but we built our society and a civilization around yesterdays climate. The Mauna Loa Observatory sits at an elevation of 11.141 feet and is the worlds standard for monitoring average levels of carbon dioxide in the northern hemisphere. Daily independent measurements by NOAA began in 1974. The combined monitoring by Scripps at Mauna Loa and NOAA have provided a baseline for the establishment of a long-term record of the most important greenhouse gas. Like other greenhouse gases, CO2 acts like a blanket, trapping heat and warming the lower atmosphere. This changes weather patterns and fuels extreme events, such as heat waves, droughts and wildfires, as well as heavier precipitation and flooding. Rising CO2 levels also contribute to ocean acidification, a change in ocean chemistry that makes it more difficult for marine organisms like crustaceans, bivalves and coral to grow hard, carbonate skeletons or shells, the press release said. While Mauna Loa is considered the worlds standard for recording the global rise of carbon dioxide, it cant capture all variations throughout the atmosphere. There are monitoring stations in the Southern Hemisphere with a reverse cycle that have yet to cross 430 ppm. The measurements from Mauna Loa Observatory, along with data from other sampling stations all over the world, are incorporated into the Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network, which serves as a basis for policymakers attempting to tackle climate change. Carbon dioxide levels in Earths atmosphere are an indicator not only of how much humans are impacting the climate, but of the overall health of our planet. Theyre telling you about your whole system health with a single-point measurement, Keeling told NBC News. Were getting a holistic measurement of the atmosphere from really a kind of simple set of measurements. Milan Kovac, who leads Tesla's Optimus humanoid robotics program, is leaving the automaker. In a post on X, Milan talked about how he joined Tesla as an engineer for the core Autopilot team in 2016 and how he started leading the Optimus group in 2022. He explained that he's leaving his position, because he's "been far away from home for too long and will need to spend more time with family abroad." Kovac stressed that it was the only reason he's leaving and that his support for Elon Musk and the Tesla team was "ironclad," perhaps insinuating that his decision had nothing to do with Musk's politics or recent fallout with the president. Tesla first announced that it was working on a humanoid robot in 2021, though it wasn't able to debut an actual prototype until a year a later in 2022. Musk said back then Optimus will be able to move at 5 mph and carry loads up to 45 pounds. He also said that he expects it to sell for $20,000 each when built at volume and claimed that the machines can give the company a $25 trillion market cap. Since then, Tesla has demonstrated Optimus' ability to handle an egg, cook meals, fold the laundry and throw the trash. The robot doesn't have a solid release date yet. Musk said back in April that the robot's production had been affected by China's export restrictions of rare earth magnets, so it's most likely not going to be anytime soon. Bloomberg, which reported Kovac's departure first, said he's leaving the company immediately. Ashok Elluswamy, who's leading the company's Autopilot group, is taking over his responsibilities. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Relooted is a heist game about reclaiming African artifacts from the Western countries that stole them, developed by independent South African studio Nyamakop. Relooted is set in a future timeline where Western nations have signed a treaty to return plundered items to their African regions of origin, but things aren't going to plan. Western leaders are instead hiding the artifacts away in private collections, so it's up to a ragtag crew based in Johannesburg, South Africa, to strategize and steal them back. Relooted is broken into missions, and each one includes a briefing about the artifact, an infiltration planning stage, and the heist. Gameplay is a mix of puzzle and action as you case each building, set up your run, and then execute the plan. Once you grab your target artifact, the security alarms go off and you have a limited amount of time to escape, so thorough preparation is key. In the Day of the Devs reveal video for Relooted, producer Sithe Ncube cites a wild statistic from a pivotal 2018 report on African cultural heritage, saying, "90 percent of sub-Saharan African culture heritage is in the possession of Western collections. That is millions upon millions of deeply important cultural, spiritual and personal artifacts, including human remains, that aren't in their rightful place." The locations in Relooted are fictional, but the 70 artifacts you have to steal back are real, and they're all currently in Western and private collections, far from their original homes and owners. Nyamakop is one of the largest independent games studios in sub-Saharan Africa, with about 30 developers working on Relooted right now. Its previous game, the globular platformer Semblance, was the first African-developed IP to ever come to a Nintendo console, hitting the Switch in 2018. In order to get Semblance on the Switch, Nyamakop co-founder Ben Myres had to bootstrap his way around the world, buying one-way tickets and finding new partners on the fly in a daisy chain of game festival appearances. Here's how Myres explained it to Engadget at E3 2018: "The entry curve into being an indie game developer in South Africa is like a cliff face. Because you don't have the contacts, the platform holders like Xbox, Sony. You don't have reps that live in your country. The press that matter are all here. There isn't a big enough market locally to sell to, so you have to make works to sell to the West, which means you have to go to Western shows and you have to meet Western press. So basically, if you're not traveling a ton, you're not going to be able to make it." Nyamakop has grown significantly since 2018, and Relooted is an unabashedly African game built by a majority-POC team, Myres and Ncube said in 2024. "There is the thing about making games for Africans we say that a lot," Ncube told GamesIndustry.biz. "We say that should be a thing, we should make games for Africans because we're playing games that were made in the West. But will people even play those games, if you make them? And then if you make games targeting people ... even if you were to make one that's really good, there's no guarantee that you'll have a lot of people playing it. So I think there's some level of confusion, I can say, in terms of unexplored aspects of the African games market." Relooted is in development for Steam, the Epic Games Store and Xbox Series X/S, and while it doesn't yet have a firm release date, it's available to wishlist. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. News / National by Staff reporter In a landmark move to celebrate African liberation heroes, prominent national figures, and influential global revolutionaries, the Harare City Council has officially renamed several of the capital's key roads. The announcement, made this week, is part of a broader effort to preserve the city's historical identity while embracing regional solidarity and post-colonial pride.Among the most notable changes, Charter Road will now be known as Fidel Castro Road, paying tribute to the late Cuban revolutionary leader whose support for African liberation movements remains legendary.Third Street has been renamed Patrice Lumumba Street, commemorating the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo and a symbol of Africa's struggle for independence.Another central artery, Five Avenue, is now Leonid Brezhnev Street, named after the former Soviet leader whose government played a significant role in backing liberation efforts across Africa during the Cold War era.The renaming continues with Speke Avenue becoming Agostinho Neto Avenue, in honor of Angola's first president and a key figure in the country's fight for independence, while Angwa Street now carries the name Sir Seretse Khama Street, honoring Botswana's founding president.Rezende Street has been changed to Julia Zvobgo Street, named after the veteran Zimbabwean liberation fighter and influential post-independence leader. Meanwhile, Selous Avenue becomes John Landa Nkomo Avenue, and Cameron Street is now Joseph Msika Street-both names commemorating respected Zimbabwean leaders who contributed significantly to national unity and governance.Other notable road name changes include Baines Avenue to Herbert Ushewokunze Avenue, recognizing the former cabinet minister; Dieppe Road renamed Vitalis Zvinavashe Road, honoring the late commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces; and Argyle Road, now Sydney Malunga Road.Further changes include Lorraine Drive becoming Mama Mafuyana Drive, in tribute to the widow of nationalist Joshua Nkomo and a respected activist herself; Forth Street now known as Simon Vengai Muzenda Street, commemorating Zimbabwe's long-serving Vice President; and Enterprise Road renamed ED Mnangagwa Road, after the current President of Zimbabwe.Other roads renamed to honor key figures are Kirkman Drive becoming Solomon Mujuru Drive, for the late military commander and political leader; Livingstone Avenue changing to Oliver Tambo Avenue, in honor of the South African anti-apartheid hero; and Second Street now Sam Nujoma Street, after Namibia's founding president.Finally, Innez Terrace has been renamed Mayor Urimbo Terrace, in recognition of a former local government leader.The renaming exercise reflects Harare City Council's commitment to celebrating a legacy of struggle, leadership, and solidarity, while fostering a sense of pride in Zimbabwe's and Africa's rich historical heritage. Residents and visitors are encouraged to embrace these new names as symbols of the continent's shared journey toward freedom and progress. Blake Lively escalated her public criticism of Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal conflict over the production of "It Ends with Us." According to a statement from Lively's team provided to Us Weekly, 19 prominent survivors and organizations dedicated to women's, children's, and domestic violence rights have joined four separate amicus briefs opposing Baldoni's efforts. "All are united in opposing Justin Baldoni's attempt to dismantle a law designed to protect women who speak up simply to protect himself," Lively's spokesperson said. The statement further accused Baldoni of using "DARVO tactics" a psychological strategy where the accused Denies, Attacks the victim, and then Reverses Victim and Offender warning that such tactics could have chilling consequences beyond this case. Lively's representatives argue Baldoni's current defense conflicts sharply with his previous public stance on gender issues. The statement referenced Baldoni's past YouTube videos, podcasts, TED Talks, and interviews, in which he urged men to listen to women and believe their experiences, even if it challenged their perspectives. "Rather than defend his case on the facts, Baldoni is now contradicting years of his own public persona abandoning the message of his #MeToo platforms, where he once urged men 'to listen to the women in your life... to hold their anguish and actually believe them, even if what they're saying is against you,'" Lively's team said. The dispute centers around accusations of sexual harassment and defamation. Lively filed an 80-page civil rights complaint with California's Civil Rights Department in December, followed by a federal lawsuit on December 31. She alleges that Baldoni sexually harassed her during the making of "It Ends with Us." Baldoni has denied all allegations. He responded with a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit, filed in mid-January, against Lively, her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane. Baldoni claims the trio fabricated false accusations to damage his career. More Legal Tensions for Lively Meanwhile, Lively's hair-care line, Blake Brown, is at the center of a new legal dispute, as the brand's parent company, Family Hive LLC, filed a lawsuit challenging a trademark owned by Utah-based entrepreneur Kimberlie Hamner. According to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Family Hive alleges that Hamner's trademark, "Beauty by Blake," infringes on their pending trademarks for Blake Brown. Family Hive, a Delaware-registered entity, holds three trademark applications related to Blake Brown: one for the brand name, one for its distinctive bee hive-shaped logo, and one combining the logo with the name. These filings were submitted in 2023 and remain pending, despite the brand's product launch at Target this past summer. Hamner applied for the "Beauty by Blake" trademark in September 2024, seeking rights for a line of "cosmetic oils" and "serums for cosmetic purposes," according to the lawsuit. The conflict intensified after "Beauty by Blake" appeared in the Trademark Official Gazette in April 2025. Family Hive formally sought to block the trademark on June 5 over "priority and likelihood of confusion," which they believed would tarnish Blake Brown's brand name. Family Hive's lawyer, Leo M. Loughlin, wrote in legal filings that Hamner's trademark "is likely to be confused, to be deceived, and to assume erroneously that Applicant's goods are those of Family Hive or that Applicant is in some way connected with or sponsored by or affiliated with Family Hive." Hamner has "no connection whatsoever with Family Hive and no permission or license to use any related trademarks, Loughlin also stressed. Sean "Diddy" Combs complained that he was cast in the wrong light by the courtroom sketch artist during his case in Manhattan. At one point during a lunch break, Combs asked the artist if she could "soften him up a bit," adding that the drawing made him look like a "koala bear," according to Reuters. The odd request had come in a trial that does not allow photography and television coverage, making drawings the only visual record of the proceedings. A showman in his public appearances, however, the blossomed gray hair and the sweaters, the bland business attire, and the neutral tones Combs has been wearing in court stand in stark contrast to his red-carpet persona. and why was Diddy throwing up heart signs to Cassie or his family during court in these sketches??? Yeah, put him in there for life. pic.twitter.com/K4YIiuTZ3M Boochie is the Name (@stoppfeenin) May 13, 2025 Courtroom Sketch Artist Shares Insight Jane Rosenberg, the courtroom artist responsible for capturing the trial scenes, told Reuters that such complaints are not uncommon. She recalled former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani asking to appear less dog-like in his sketches during his own legal battles. Donald Trump reportedly quipped, "Gotta lose some weight" after seeing his courtroom sketch during his $250 million civil fraud trial. Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., also made a candid request to "make me look sexy" while facing a civil fraud case involving the family's real estate business. Rosenberg also mentioned a viral courtroom sketch of Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted cryptocurrency entrepreneur, which Trump Jr. had praised for making Bankman-Fried look like a "superstar" though Rosenberg herself noted the image was not an accurate likeness. Sketch of Diddy in the courtroom trying to warm himself up because the AC was on during a break Photo by Kane Rosenberg of Reuters pic.twitter.com/guGqhYTByH Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) May 22, 2025 Almost Got Kicked Out Tensions escalated during Thursday's session when Judge Arun Subramanian reprimanded Combs for attempting to interact with the jury. The judge noted that Combs was "nodding vigorously" and making eye contact during testimony, behavior deemed "absolutely unacceptable." The judge warned that further such conduct could result in Combs being removed from the courtroom. An incident on Wednesday had drawn attention when Combs appeared to silently communicate with a juror about feeling cold, an interaction caught by observers despite the strict courtroom rules. Originally published on Music Times Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. You Might Also Like Several rafts and a kayak capsized Friday on the Guejar River in central Colombia due to a sudden flood that left at least four people dead, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said. Gaza's civil defence agency said Saturday that Israeli forces had killed at least 36 Palestinians, six of them in a shooting near a US-backed aid distribution centre. The Israeli military told AFP that troops had fired "warning shots" at individuals it said were "advancing in a way that endangered the troops". The shooting deaths were the latest reported near the aid centre run by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) in the southern district of Rafah, and came after it resumed distributions following a brief suspension in the wake of similar deaths earlier this week. Meanwhile, an aid boat with 12 activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, was nearing Gaza in a bid to highlight the plight of Palestinians in the face of an Israeli blockade that has only been partially eased. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that at around 7:00 am (0400 GMT), "six people were killed and several others wounded by the forces of the Israeli occupation near the Al-Alam roundabout", where they had gathered to seek humanitarian aid from the distribution centre around a kilometre away. AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls compiled by the civil defence agency or the circumstances of the deaths it reports. Samir Abu Hadid, who was there early Saturday, told AFP that thousands of people had gathered near the roundabout. "As soon as some people tried to advance towards the aid centre, the Israeli occupation forces opened fire from armoured vehicles stationed near the centre, firing into the air and then at civilians," Abu Hadid said. The GHF said in a statement it had not distributed aid on Saturday because of "direct threats" from Hamas. Later Saturday, the Israeli army said an operation in Gaza City resulted in the killing of Asaad Abu Sharia, reportedly head of the Mujahideen Brigades. The armed group is close to Hamas ally Islamic Jihad that Israel has also accused over deaths of hostages seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz near the border. The army said he had taken part in the bloody attack on Nir Oz when Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. It said he was "directly implicated" in the killings of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, a family who became a symbol of seized hostages for many in Israel. - Activist boat nears Gaza - The GHF, officially a private effort with opaque funding, began operations in late May as Israel partially eased a more than two-month-long aid blockade. UN agencies and major aid groups have declined to work with it, citing concerns it serves Israeli military goals. On Saturday, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said that the overall toll for the Gaza war had reached 54,772, the majority civilians. The UN considers these figures reliable. The war was sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Israel has come under increasing international criticism over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the UN warned in May that the entire population was at risk of famine. The aid boat Madleen, organised by an international activist coalition, was sailing towards Gaza on Saturday, aiming to breach Israel's naval blockade and deliver aid to the territory, organisers said. "We are now sailing off the Egyptian coast," German human rights activist Yasemin Acar told AFP, saying they expected to reach Gaza by Monday. The Palestinian territory was under Israeli naval blockade even before Hamas's October 2023 attack and the Israeli military has made clear it intends to enforce it. A 2010 commando raid on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was part of a similar attempt to breach Israel's naval blockade, left 10 civilians dead. - Evacuation order - The Israeli military has stepped up its operations in Gaza in recent weeks in what it says is a renewed push to defeat Hamas, whose October 2023 attack sparked the war. On Saturday, the military issued evacuation orders for neighbourhoods in northern Gaza, saying they had been used for rocket attacks. Also on Saturday, Hamas released a photograph of one of the remaining hostages, Matan Zangauker, appearing to be in poor health, with a warning that he would not survive. His mother, Einav Zangauker, speaking at a protest in Tel Aviv, said "I can no longer bear this nightmare. The angel of death, Netanyahu, continues to sacrifice the hostages". During the October 2023 attack, militants abducted 251 hostages, 55 of whom remain in Gaza, including 31 the Israeli military says are dead. bur-kir/dcp/ysm/js/phz Sen. Tim Sheehy has placed up to $50 million in Bridger Aerospace stock into two blind trusts, following through with a campaign promise intending to separate his financial interests from his political influence. But ethics experts say the move doesnt go far enough. The trusts, posted on the Senate Financial Disclosures website and signed in April and May, are nearly identical and follow guidelines laid out by the Senate Ethics Committee. Both contain between $5 million and $25 million in Bridger Aerospace stock the Belgrade aerial firefighting company co-founded by Sheehy. During his campaign for Senate, Sen. Sheehy pledged to the people of Montana that he will raise the bar for ethical responsibility and accountability in Washington, a spokesperson told the Chronicle. These actions are making good on that pledge. While blind trusts can help prevent conflicts of interest and boost public trust by prohibiting a grantor Sheehy from exerting control over assets, some ethics experts assert such financial arrangements arent foolproof especially if the assets arent first divested. Its not a blind trust if you know whats in it ... you cant put the Trump Tower in a blind trust and pretend like you dont own it, Richard Painter, former President George W. Bushs ethics lawyer and former vice chairman of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a progressive watchdog nonprofit, told the Chronicle. Sheehy's chief of staff, Mike Berg, dismissed Painter's concerns. The so-called ethics experts attacking Sen. Sheehy for acting ethically by putting his Bridger Aerospace stock in a blind trust are hardcore partisans," Berg said in a text to the Chronicle. "Richard Painter is an irrelevant loser who recently ran for Congress as a Democrat and lost, badly. Donald Sherman spent his career working for Democrats on Capitol Hill. Its fair to say our office does not hold their opinions in high regard. Some criticism leveled at Sheehy has come from his financial interests in Bridger Aerospace, especially since he has introduced or co-sponsored numerous bills aimed at wildfire response reform many with bipartisan support that critics say amount to a conflict of interest. In February, Sheehy, who has an estimated net worth between $74 million and $200 million comprised of real estate, business holdings and other assets, told the Chronicle he would be placing his assets in a blind trust. He also said he had liquidated everything I own, donated my salary to charity, which may be confirmed when his financial statement is released this summer after he was granted an extension to the May filing deadline. Blind trusts, which can be expensive and time-consuming, are occasionally used by politicians to avoid accusations of corruption and show their intentions and actions are in the publics interest. The Senates Ethics Committee considers them the most comprehensive method for eliminating conflicts of interest. But they are rare. According to data from 2021, 10 legislators from both parties were using them. Once a blind trust is established, the grantor, Sheehy, or interested parties, such as his wife, Carmen, no longer have control over the assets. Communication between the grantor and interested parties and the trustee is restricted. The concept has gained steam as Sheehy joins a small cohort that has taken the measure to promote transparency. Other legislators have called for members of Congress to do the same. In January, Reps. Chip Roy of Texas and Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island, the former a Republican and the latter a Democrat, introduced a bill mandating blind trusts and preventing members of Congress from trading stocks. The American people should have faith that Congress is at work for the good of the country, not for their own bank accounts, Roy said in a statement from January. We have a long road ahead to address this Congress, but we can and should fix the problem during this term. CREW, the progressive ethics watchdog group, which sued President Trump in 2017 because he didnt sell some of his assets and put others in a blind trust, doesnt think much of Sheehys decision. Blind trusts arent truly blind because the senator obviously knows he put Bridger Aerospace into the trust, Donald Sherman, CREWs chief counsel, said. As long as he continues to own assets in this industry it represents a conflict of interest. Instead, Sherman and Painter say Sheehy should divest his assets and then allow a finance manager to reinvest them via the blind trust. Even assuming the best intentions, this does little if anything to address the concerns expressed by his constituents, Sherman said. Painter added that the issue is common in Congress among both parties. Its been a problem with Democrats and Republicans Nancy Pelosi also never took it seriously, said Painter, who ran for the Senate in 2018 and the House in 2022 as a Democrat from Minnesota. (Sheehy) should divest but what people should do and what people do are two different things. In an email to the Chronicle, Sheehys spokesperson stressed that the senator was living up to promises made during his campaign and added that the Senates Ethics Committee did not recommend establishing the blind trusts but rather assisted in their creation. Hes going above and beyond whats required because he believes its the right thing to do, the spokesperson said. He added Sheehy believes personal assets should not influence the decision-making of those who were elected to serve, that he wouldnt personally trade stocks in the Senate and that hell continue to push for wildfire reform because he has the unique background to do so. Sen. Sheehy has been clear that one of his top priorities in the Senate is using his expertise to stop the catastrophic wildfires destroying American communities, and he is not going to apologize for it, the spokesperson said. This story has been updated to include a comment from Sheehy's chief of staff. News / National by Staff reporter A weekend trip to Victoria Falls offers breathtaking experiences - from a serene breakfast at Makuwa Kuwa Restaurant, perched on the cliffs of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, to mesmerizing views stretching across Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. But beneath the beauty and luxury lies a harsh reality threatening this iconic destination: the near-collapse of the BulawayoVictoria Falls Road.The scenic journey from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, a critical 439-kilometre artery cutting through wildlife-rich and mining areas, has become a nightmare for motorists. Once a proud highway, it is now riddled with deep potholes and gullies, some so large elephants drink from them, while tourists sometimes joke by bathing in these "natural pools" for social media.This vital road feeds one of Africa's prime foreign currency-earning destinations but has been neglected for decades despite the government collecting billions in taxes. Heavy rains worsen the damage, and a surge in coal mining and haulage trucks has further ravaged the pavement, especially along the 100-kilometre stretch between Hwange and Victoria Falls. Here, trucks crawl through cratered sections, break down frequently, and deadly accidents have become common.The Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), touted as the government's solution over the past five years, has failed to stem the decline. Instead, the road is now a chokepoint that directly impacts tourism - Zimbabwe's third-largest contributor to GDP.Farai Chimba, president of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe, expressed concern over the impact on domestic tourism. "Locals opted for regions like the Eastern Highlands and Masvingo that enjoy better roads," he said. "Key resorts such as Kariba are struggling to attract weekend and conference business, with occupancies declining and some operators exiting."Anald Musonza of Africa Albida Tourism, owners of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, added: "That road needs urgent attention. It used to be a road, but now even 4x4s take twice as long. Domestic tourism is suffering. Victoria Falls is simply not accessible."Kalai Safaris CEO Charles Chakanya pointed to the mining boom and haulage trucks as major culprits. He advocated for the adoption of the "Polluter Pays Principle" (PPP), a legal framework that would hold those causing damage - miners and haulage firms - accountable for repair costs. Chakanya also suggested reviving the National Railways of Zimbabwe to reduce heavy road traffic.The neglect of this highway is not just an inconvenience; it is a threat to lives and Zimbabwe's tourism future. Crashed vehicles and tragic accidents line the road, a sobering reminder of the stakes.This weekend, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa celebrated the commissioning of the US$88 million Trabablas Interchange in Harare - a flagship ERRP project - the BulawayoVictoria Falls Road continues to crumble, signaling a disconnect between grand infrastructure projects and ground realities.Victoria Falls remains a jewel of Africa's tourism crown, a place where wild elephants drink, vultures soar, and the Zambezi flows majestically. But unless urgent action is taken to fix the road, this wonder risks becoming a cruel irony: a world-class destination marooned by broken roads, where tourists come cautiously - if at all.For Zimbabwe, the message is clear: paradise must be reachable, or risk losing the very visitors it seeks to attract. Chinas central bank recently conducted a 1-trillion-yuan (~$139 billion) outright reverse repo operation to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system. Outright reverse repo operationsa tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the banking systemare carried out once each month with a tenor of no more than a year. China's central bank recently conducted a 1-trillion-yuan (~$139 billion) outright reverse repo operation to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system. The operation will carry a three-month tenor and was conducted using a fixed-quantity, interest-rate-bidding and multiple-price-bidding method. The move is expected to control money market fluctuations and anchor market expectations. The operation will carry a three-month tenor and was conducted using a fixed-quantity, interest-rate-bidding and multiple-price-bidding method, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said. The move is expected to control money market fluctuations and anchor market expectations, a state-controlled news agency reported. The country also uses temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the buying and selling of treasury bonds in its monetary policy toolkit. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The global freight landscape is shifting as policy changes, regional bottlenecks, and trade realignments reshape logistics strategies, according to the June 2025 Asia-Pacific Freight Market Report by Dimerco Express Group. The report highlights ongoing impacts of USChina tariffs, rising air and ocean freight rates, and tightening capacity at key export hubs, signalling a potentially volatile summer shipping season. The report notes that US tariffs on Chinese goods, combined with Chinas temporary suspension of tariffs on US semiconductors, have triggered a sharp increase in shipments. Businesses are rushing to move goods before the 90-day reprieve ends in August, leading to shipping surges from Vietnam, Taiwan, and South China. This urgency is placing additional strain on already limited air and ocean freight capacity. Ocean freight rates are climbing sharply as carriers cancel sailings to manage capacity. In May, 8 per cent of East-West sailings were cancelled, and peak season surcharges are being applied in June. As a result, US-bound spot rates could reach as high as $8,000 per FEU in June. Dimerco's June 2025 Freight Market Report highlights rising freight rates, tight capacity, and shifting trade flows due to USChina tariffs and China's temporary semiconductor tariff pause. Surging demand from Vietnam, Taiwan, and South China is already straining air and ocean freight. Port congestion in Europe and North America adds pressure. On the air side, airfreight capacity remains tight, especially in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Airlines are diverting resources to transpacific and Latin American routes, while increased order volumes and revised flight schedules are further squeezing space from North Asia to the US. Meanwhile, European ports continue to face congestion due to labour shortages, strikes, and disruptions along inland waterways. In North America, summer shipments of perishables and limited flight availabilitydue to tariff-related airline adjustmentsare creating added pressure at key ports, as per the report. Finally, the semiconductor sector is seeing notable realignment, as Chinas temporary easing of tariffs boosts chip-related exports. With the 90-day window set to close in August, logistics providers are closely monitoring developments, as changes could again shift sourcing patterns and freight flows. "Demand is shifting quickly, and the market is recalibrating week by week," said Alvin Fuh, vice president of ocean freight at Dimerco. "Shippers are accelerating bookings to stay ahead of volatility, but capacity remains tight and unpredictable." Were seeing increased US demand across sectors, but most of it is still moving by ocean. We expect airfreight to pick up mid-June as lead times tighten and spot options shrink, Kathy Liu, vice president of global sales and marketing, said. The June report offers lane-level snapshots and updated space forecasts for all major Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe trade lanes, with insights designed to help shippers stay agile in a shifting policy and capacity environment. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR) US President Donald Trump yesterday announced a second round of trade talks with China in London next week since his administration launched the tariff war this year. The first such talks took place in Geneva last month. President Donald Trump has announced a second round of trade talks with China in London next week since his administration launched the tariff war this year. The first such talks took place in Geneva last month. The announcement follows his recent long telephonic conversation with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to end the tariff war. "The meeting should go very well," Trump wrote on social media. The announcement follows his recent long telephonic conversation with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to end the tariff war. "The meeting should go very well," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and US trade representative Jamieson Greer would meet the Chinese delegation, the President said. After the May 2025 talks, both sides agreed to temporarily bring down the levels, but then allegations were hurled by both accusing the other side of violating the deal terms. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) 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! China's economic powerhouse charts ecological path with smart tech Xinhua) 14:25, June 07, 2025 NANJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- In a wetland park in the industrial hub of Wuxi in Jiangsu Province, east China, an AI-powered system tracks bird species, among which is the critically endangered Baer's pochard. Installed at a biodiversity observatory in the district of Xinwu, the system can identify species and analyze population dynamics and behavioral patterns. Since its deployment in late 2024, the system has logged more than 30,000 bird activity video records. "The large-scale appearance of Baer's pochards reflects a significant improvement in the local ecosystem," said Yin Songjiang, an official with the district's ecology and environment bureau. This project offers a glimpse into how one of the nation's economic powerhouse provinces is leveraging smart technologies to protect the environment and biodiversity. Jiangsu, a manufacturing heartland with a GDP of 13.7 trillion yuan (1.9 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, has been pioneering a new path that reconciles dense industrial development with vibrant biodiversity. According to the Department of Ecology and Environment of Jiangsu Province, it has been redefining environmental stewardship with AI and digital tools, making ecological governance more precise, dynamic and effective. TECH-DRIVEN POLLUTION CONTROL In Jiangning District in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, high-tech instruments track air pollutants like PM2.5 in real time. "Airborne pollutants cannot escape the scrutiny of our automated systems," said Wang Xin, deputy director of the Jiangning district department of ecology and environment. "Once detected, the pollution source is automatically reported, enabling swift and targeted pollution response." Official data show that Jiangsu saw 82.5 percent of its days with good air quality last year, a 4.6-percentage-point improvement year-on-year and the best record since 2013. Local authorities have also beefed up efforts to monitor and tackle water pollution. Along riverbanks in the city of Suzhou, compact monitoring outposts autonomously analyze pollutants and transmit data. Drones equipped with infrared and high-definition cameras monitor river temperatures and detect illicit wastewater discharges. Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, reported its best water quality in three decades in 2024. A smart dredging vessel capable of removing 5,000 cubic meters of nutrient-rich silt daily has helped suppress algal blooms. A multilayered smart surveillance network, spanning satellite remote sensing, AI-powered hyperspectral drone imagery, and underwater sensors, tracks algae and dissolved oxygen in real time. SMART BIODIVERSITY MONITORING In Jiangsu's biodiversity database, wildlife footage is updated in real time. A few clicks can reveal infrared footage of a Pere David's deer -- an endangered species now thriving in Yancheng, home to the world's largest wild herd of the animal. From just 39 deer in 1986, the population there has soared to 8,216 today. Jiangsu's embrace of intelligent observation tools is redefining how species are tracked and studied. In Nanjing's Jiangxinzhou wetland park, 11 smart video stations help to monitor key species. Along the banks of the Yangtze River, the world's third-longest river, night-vision laser cameras capture footage of the elusive Yangtze finless porpoise. Nanjing has become the first city in China where this critically endangered freshwater mammal can be observed in the downtown area. In 2024, there were more than 1,800 sightings, a figure more than double that recorded five years ago. According to the provincial department of ecology and environment, Jiangsu is home to 8,842 species, an extraordinary number for a heavily industrialized region. These efforts have yielded tangible economic returns. In 2024, Jiangsu's ecotourism destinations welcomed 300 million visitors, generating over 16 billion yuan in direct revenues. The province has also passed a local regulation for biodiversity protection and plans to establish 20 AI-powered biodiversity observatories in key areas by the end of this year. "These smart observatories will lay a solid foundation for long-term biodiversity monitoring and scientific research," said Wu Jun, an official with the provincial ecology and environment department. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) News / National by Staff reporter Nelson Chamisa's recent video urging Zimbabweans to "be steady, be calm" has stirred a familiar mix of hope, skepticism, and debate across the nation. In a brief but heartfelt message shared on the X platform, he reassured his supporters that "the time is coming" and invoked divine involvement, leaving many wondering: what exactly is Chamisa signaling?On the surface, Chamisa's words sound encouraging - offering solace to a populace weary from economic hardship and political stagnation. His promise not to "disappoint you" aims to rekindle faith in his leadership and hint at a pivotal moment on the horizon. For supporters starved of political change, this message could be a lifeline of optimism.Yet, political observers and the public alike are divided. Some see the video as little more than political theatre - a tactic to stay relevant and keep opponents guessing. Dr Wellington Gadzikwa's analysis captures this well: Chamisa may be crafting ambiguity on purpose, neither confirming nor denying rumors of a new political movement. This "strategic haze" keeps his political brand alive but risks frustrating followers desperate for clarity and decisive action.Others, like Dr Arthur Fidelis Chikerema, remind us that Zimbabweans are growing weary of vague promises, hungry instead for tangible leadership that addresses their immediate struggles. A leader who disappears or delays engagement risks losing credibility. Chikerema's pointed question-how can a captain abandon his crew in stormy seas?-resonates deeply in a country where political patience runs thin.The mixed public reaction further illustrates the tightrope Chamisa walks. Some cynics dismiss him as a "content creator" playing the social media game for attention rather than offering real solutions. Meanwhile, detractors brand him as a ZANU-PF stooge, undermining his genuine efforts. On the flip side, many still regard him as a beacon of hope capable of rallying the masses and driving meaningful change.This duality reveals the core challenge for Chamisa: balancing the need to maintain visibility and inspire hope with the urgency for concrete plans and transparent communication. Words alone cannot rebuild trust or reshape Zimbabwe's political landscape; actions must follow.The question remains: will Chamisa move beyond symbolic gestures to offer the leadership Zimbabweans desperately need? Or will he remain locked in a cycle of strategic ambiguity, tantalizing supporters with promises but delivering little?Zimbabwe is at a crossroads, and its people deserve more than vague reassurances. They need a leader willing to step up, take risks, and provide clear direction. For Chamisa, the choice is stark: transform hope into action or watch that hope fade into political noise. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 6, 2025 / Empress Royalty Corp. (TSXV:EMPR)(OTCQX:EMPYF) ("Empress Royalty" or the "Company") announces that the Board of Directors has approved the granting of 1,400,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to purchase an aggregate of 1,400,000 common shares (the "CommonShares") of the Company to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company. Each Option is exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.68, being the closing market price of Empress' common shares on June 6, 2025. The Options will vest as to one-third on the date of grant, one-third one year from the date of grant, and one-third two years from the date of grant and will expire on June 6, 2030. All stock option grants will be governed by the Company's Stock Option Plan which was approved by the shareholders of the Company at its last annual meeting of shareholders held on June 26, 2024. In addition, the Board of Directors has also approved the granting of 1,750,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") and 650,000 deferred share units ("DSUs") to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company. Each of the RSUs and DSUs will vest equally over two years, with the first vesting date occurring June 6, 2026. Upon vesting, each RSU and DSU represents the right to receive one common share in the capital of the Company in accordance with the Company's Equity Incentive Plan, which was last approved by the shareholders of the Company at its annual meeting of shareholders held on September 28, 2022. ABOUT EMPRESS ROYALTY CORP. Empress is a global royalty and streaming creation company providing investors with a diversified portfolio of gold and silver investments. Empress has built a portfolio of precious metal investments and is actively investing in mining companies with development and production stage projects who require additional non-dilutive capital. The Company has strategic partnerships with Endeavour Financial and Terra Capital which allow Empress to not only access global investment opportunities but also bring unique mining finance expertise, deal structuring and access to capital markets. Empress is looking forward to continuously creating value for its shareholders through the proven royalty and streaming models. ON BEHALF OF EMPRESS ROYALTY CORP. Per: Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, CEO and President For further information, please visit our website at www.empressroyalty.com or contact us by email at info@empressroyalty.com or by phone at +1.604.331.2080. 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. The information contained herein includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate" ,"continue", "believe", "plans", "anticipate" or similar terms. Forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that Empress Royalty Corp. ("Empress" or the "Company") expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including those regarding future growth and ability to create new streams or royalties, the development and focus of the Company , its acquisition strategy, the plans and expectations of the operators of the projects underlying its interests, including the proposed advancement and expansion of such projects; the results of exploration, development and production activities of the operators of such projects; and the Company's expectations regarding future revenues. Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about Empress's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions and although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information and 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 results, performances and achievements of Empress to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of Empress including, without limitation, any inability of the operators of the properties underlying the Company's royalty and stream interests to execute proposed plans for such properties or to achieve planned development and production estimates and goals, risks related to the operators of the projects in which the Company holds interests, including the successful continuation of operations at such projects by those operators, risks related to exploration, development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any such projects, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, uncertainty relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future and the Company's ability to carry out its growth plans as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of Empress for the year ended December 31, 2024 and its other publicly filed documents under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 and statements, 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 information and statements. 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. Disclosure relating to properties in which Empress holds royalty or stream interests is based on information publicly disclosed by the owners or operators of such properties. The Company generally has limited or no access to the properties underlying its interests and is largely dependent on the disclosure of the operators of its interests and other publicly available information. The Company generally has limited or no ability to verify such information. Although the Company does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate. In addition, certain information publicly reported by operators may relate to a larger property than the area covered by the Company's interest, which often may only apply to a portion of the overall project area or applicable mineral resources or reserves. SOURCE: Empress Royalty Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/empress-grants-stock-options-and-equity-incentives-1036594 CHENGDU, China, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Kelun-Biotech", 6990.HK) today announced that results from its registrational study (OptiTROP-Lung03) evaluating sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) versus docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been published in The British Medical Journal (impact factor: 93.6). These data were also presented as an oral presentation in the Lung Cancer-Non-Small Cell Metastatic session ( Abstract #8507) at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Based on the encouraging data from this study, sac-TMT was approved for marketing by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of adult patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy in March 2025. This marks the first global approval of a TROP2 ADC for a lung cancer indication. The published results are based on OptiTROP-Lung03, an open-label, randomized, multicenter registrational study evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of sac-TMT monotherapy versus docetaxel for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC who have failed after treatment with an EGFR-TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy. A total of 137 patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC who had progressed after EGFR-TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy were randomized (2:1) to receive sac-TMT (5 mg/kg once every 2 weeks) or docetaxel (75 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks) until disease progression, intolerable toxicity or other reason for discontinuation, with a median follow-up time of 12.2 months (Data cutoff date: December 31, 2024). Sac-TMT achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful outcomes compared to docetaxel : Confirmed objective response rate (ORR) (As assessed by blinded independent review committee (BIRC): 45% (95% CI, 35-56) vs 16% (95% CI, 7-30). Median progression-free survival (PFS) (As assessed by BIRC: 6.9 months [sac-TMT; 95% CI, 5.4-8.2] vs 2.8 months [docetaxel; 95% CI, 1.6-4.1], hazard ratio (HR)= 0.30 [range, 0.20 -0.46], one-sided p<0.0001; as assessed by investigator (INV): 7.9 months [sac-TMT; 95% CI, 6.2-9.5] vs 2.8 months [docetaxel; 95% CI, 1.5-3.8], HR=0.23 [95% CI, 0.15-0.36], one-sided p<0.0001). With 36.4% of patients in docetaxel group crossing over to receive sac-TMT, median overall survival (OS) was not reached (NR) for both groups (HR =0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.88; one-sided p=0.007). The median OS analysed by pre-specified rank-preserving structural failure time (RPSFT) model adjusted for crossover was 9.3 months for docetaxel and NR for sac-TMT (HR=0.36; 95% CI, 0.20-0.66). Efficacy benefit favored patients with sac-TMT over docetaxel across all pre-specified subgroups, including prior EGFR-TKI therapy, brain metastases, EGFR mutation type, etc. Grade = 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 56.0% of patients in sac-TMT group vs 71.7% in docetaxel group. The results demonstrated that sac-TMT monotherapy achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) compared to docetaxel , with a manageable safety profile . Sac-TMT is being extensively studied in the NSCLC field. Covering treatment settings from later-line therapy to early-stage postoperative adjuvant therapy, including both monotherapy and combination regimens. Currently, five company-led registrational clinical studies for sac-TMT in NSCLC are underway in China. Meanwhile, Merck Sharp & Dohme ( the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA ) is also conducting five global Phase III clinical trials of sac-TMT for NSCLC in regions where it has exclusive rights. Professor Li Zhang, National Lead Principal Investigator, Medical Oncologist and Deputy Director of the Lung Cancer Research Centre at Sun Yat-Sen University, stated: "EGFR mutation is the most common driver alteration in NSCLC. The prevalence of EGFR mutations reaches 28.2% among NSCLC patients in China. Although third-generation EGFR-TKIs have become the standard of care for advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC and may significantly improve PFS, acquired resistance remains inevitable. Combining EGFR-TKIs with chemotherapy can offer additional survival benefits to some patients, but this approach is limited by safety concerns and may compromise future treatment options, posing significant clinical challenges. The publication of the OptiTROP-Lung03 study in the British Medical Journal marks a major milestone-not only highlighting international recognition of this study outcomes in lung cancer, but also demonstrating the global competitiveness of sac-TMT as a novel TROP2 ADC. " Dr. Michael Ge, CEO of Kelun-Biotech, commented: "We are thrilled to see the OptiTROP-Lung03 study published in a top-tier journal. Currently, EGFR-TKIs and chemotherapy remain the standard of care for patients with EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC, but the challenge of increasing efficacy with manageable tolerability. The results from OptiTROP-Lung03 highlight significant survival benefits with manageable safety profile and suggest that sac-TMT could emerge as a new standard of care for this population. We remain committed to working with our partners to establish sac-TMT as a new standard of care for this patient population and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide." Registrational Study Led by Kelun-Biotech OptiTROP-Lung03: Sac-TMT monotherapy versus docetaxel for locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC after treatment failure with EGFR-TKI and platinum-containing chemotherapy ; OptiTROP-Lung04: Sac-TMT monotherapy versus pemetrexed in combination with platinum for locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with EGFR mutations that have failed EGFR-TKI therapy ; OptiTROP-Lung05: Sac-TMT combined with pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy combined with pembrolizumab for first-line treatment of PD-L1-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC; OptiTROP-Lung06: Sac-TMT combined with pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy combined with pembrolizumab for the first-line treatment of PD-L1-negative locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC; OptiTROP-Lung07: First-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR mutations by sac-TMT in combination with ositinib. Registrational Study Led by MSD NSCLC not achieving a pCR after neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery. NSCLC expressing PD-L1>50% pre-treated NSCLC with EGFR mutations or other genomic alterations EGFR-mutated, advanced non-squ NSCLC progressed on prior EGFR-TK metastatic sg NSCLC About sac-TMT Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as NSCLC, BC, gastric cancer (GC), gynecological tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a novel linker to conjugate the payload, a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells. In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). To date, two indications for sac-TMT have been approved and marketed in China for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received at least two prior systemic therapies (at least one of them for advanced or metastatic setting) based on the OptiTROP-Breast01 study and EGFR mutation-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKI therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy based on the OptiTROP-Lung03 study. Sac-TMT became the first domestic ADC with global intellectual property rights to be fully approved for marketing. It is also the world's first TROP2 ADC to be approved for marketing in a lung cancer indication. In addition, two new indication applications for sac-TMT for the treatment of adult patients with EGFR-mutant locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who progressed after treatment with EGFR-TKI therapy and with unresectable locally advanced, metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) BC who have received prior endocrine therapy and other systemic treatments in the advanced or metastatic setting were accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and were reviewed via the priority review and approval process. As of today, the Company has initiated 8 registrational clinical studies in China. MSD has initiated 14 ongoing Phase 3 global clinical studies of sac-TMT as a monotherapy or with pembrolizumab or other agents for several types of cancer. These studies are sponsored and led by MSD. About Kelun-Biotech Kelun-Biotech ( 6990.HK ) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. The company focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. The Company is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, the Company has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 3 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage, and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. The company has established one of the world's leading proprietary ADC platforms, OptiDC, and has 1 ADC project approved for marketing, 1 ADC project in NDA stage, and multiple ADC and novel coupled drug products in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://kelun-biotech.com/ . Media: [email protected] SOURCE Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. A global study has recently revealed consistently low ocean literacy levels in 18-24-year-olds across 35 countries. 75% of young people are concerned about our ocean's health, yet 61% believe deforestation and other climate issues should be prioritised over ocean conservation. Young people have high expectations for governments, NGOs, and local communities but low expectations for businesses, highlighting a misunderstanding about who holds responsibility for ocean pollution. NICE, France, June 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- World Ocean Day serves as a vital reminder to protect our oceans. A global study by world-leading ocean health initiative of Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation, Back to Blue , has recently uncovered a concerning disconnect between young peoples' recognition of the ocean's vital role in climate change, and the measures required to protect and restore it. A large majority of young people are concerned about the ocean's health and believe it can protect us from climate change, yet they place a higher priority on protecting forests, tackling air pollution and freshwater scarcity. Results from the 3,500 respondents in 35 countries found that 75% of 18-24 year olds are concerned about the state of ocean health. Yet, few acknowledge the jeopardy the ocean is in, nor the ways in which this can be prevented because despite concerns for the ocean, almost half (47%) of young people think the ocean is still healthy. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and The Philippines are among some of the top countries that believe this, when each is struggling with plastic pollution, coral reef degradation and habitat loss. It strongly indicates that young people do not fully fathom the dire conditions of our oceans. This is also evident in the fact that 50% of young people do not understand how the ocean impacts them and how they, in turn, impact the ocean. Furthermore, 61% prioritise other climate issues, such as deforestation, over ocean conservation. Notably, this perspective is shared by 88% of young people in Panama-a country bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, where the ocean plays a vital role in the economy. Peter Thomson, UN Ocean Envoy said: "It is surprising and alarming to see so many young people misjudge the ocean's health. This level of low ocean literacy risks hindering progress and funding for protecting our oceans. We must invest in educating young people about the importance of ocean health and how to safeguard it for the future." Strengthened ocean literacy can be argued as pivotal for fostering a deeper understanding of the ocean's multifaceted role, not only as a driver of local economic prosperity through industries like fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy but also as a critical buffer against climate change impacts. A lack of this foundational knowledge risks delaying urgent policymaking and sourcing of funding as weak citizen or stakeholder pressure to reverse damage, will slow progress, perpetuating a vicious cycle of ocean neglect. Peter added: "The ocean is one of the most overlooked and underfunded areas in global sustainability, yet its decline directly impacts how we live. We must remember that the ocean is silently dealing with sea level rise, soaring temperatures and acidity levels as well as irreversible threats to biodiversity because of human activity. The least we can do is understand it better and make it a priority to save." Limited comprehension of the oceans' endangered state was also accompanied by little demand amongst young people for significant action or accountability from ocean stakeholders. The study found that less than half (46%) of young people want government action that will ensure the oceans health, and only 17% want to see corporations and businesses take increased responsibility. The latter finding is increasingly concerning as the study also reveals that young people are significantly concerned about contaminating the ocean - chemical pollution (48%) and plastic pollution (50%) yet they do not know where responsibility lies. Tackling ocean pollution is no easy feat, but private sector accountability will be paramount to its success via increased responsibility for the lifecycle of plastic products and chemical leaks in the process of production. Emma McKinley, Ocean Literacy expert and Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University said: "It's incredibly interesting to see that some young people recognise that the ocean can have a role in addressing the impacts of climate change and that damaging ocean health is detrimental to this; yet, this study suggests that not all young people recognise the need to demand more action from governments and the private sector to do more to prioritise ocean health." Emma added: "Given its roots in formal education, many ocean literacy initiatives are grounded in the importance of raising awareness and knowledge about ocean issues. Looking to the future, we must embrace diverse types of ocean knowledge and relationships to deliver ocean literacy as a societal outcome. If the ocean and the issues facing it were included more widely in education systems across the world, the more positive change we would see. Knowledge is one of our most powerful tools." Educators and policymakers have a unique opportunity to address the low levels of ocean literacy among young people. By incorporating ocean literacy into school curriculums-and with greater support from governments-they can equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools needed to protect our oceans and address the challenges they face. Notes to Editors About the survey The survey was created by Economist Impact and issued to 35 countries in September 2024. It was in the field for three weeks and acquired 3,500 responses from young people aged 18-24. Countries involved were: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam. Ocean literacy definition Ocean literacy is the understanding of the ocean's influence on us and our influence on the ocean. It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and communicate the ocean's essential role in our environment, climate, and everyday lives. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions and take responsible actions to protect the ocean and its resources. About Back to Blue Back to Blue is an initiative by Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation tackles ocean challenges with evidence-based solutions. Addressing gaps in understanding plastic and chemical pollution and ocean acidification, it leverages both organizations' strengths in research and program development to drive progress in ocean health. About Economist Impact Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. With framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, Economist Impact provides creative storytelling, events expertise and market-leading media products. About The Nippon Foundation Established in 1962, The Nippon Foundation is Japan's largest philanthropic foundation. In ocean affairs, the Foundation aims to cultivate human resources who will chart a course for the ocean's future and to pass on the ocean's riches to future generations. Other primary areas of activity include support for children, persons with disabilities and disaster relief. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/an-alarming-disconnect-global-study-by-back-to-blue-reveals-urgent-need-for-ocean-literacy-302475603.html In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Shweta Tripathi spoke about it and the evolution of queer love stories in Hindi cinema read more The incredibly talented Shweta Tripathi is all set to come back to theatre, this time as she is producing a play after over a decade under her theatre production company, AllMyTea. The play is a very popular international play by British playwright, Mike Bartlett. The play titled Cock is a queer drama, directed by Manish Gandhi. The play is a revival of the play that was last performed in India over a decade ago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shweta will be producing the play under her theatre production company, AllMyTea and will make its grand new premiere in Delhi on 6th June and in Mumbai on 10th June at Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai before travelling to other cities in India. The play is being launched in June as a celebration of International Pride Month with a key highlight on this unique queer themed drama that focuses on sexuality as its core theme. And in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, the actress spoke about it and the evolution of queer love stories in Hindi cinema. Edited excerpts from the interview You are returning to theatre as a producer after a decade so whats the feeling like? They say youll get anything that you like. Sometimes things come to you that you want to choose. We do attract a lot. I got into acting because I saw actors on stage. The control over their craft and the magic that unfolded. And whatever they created, I believed in that world. It has always been a magical world for me and it is only because of them that I have been able to understand my own emotions. It made my bubble bigger because actors are preoccupied in their own world. This definitely had an influence on me. Is this your debut as a theatre producer? No, this is not my debut. I have been producing shows and plays before. I became an actor because ever since childhood I wanted to be on stage. I want to live with myself through a certain medium or platform. So I really enjoy that. What do you have to say about the title Cock? This title belongs to the British playwright who has written the play. This is not an Indian play nor we are adapting it. This is an award winning play. This is a really popular playwright to whom the story and the title belongs. We are in the Pride Month. What does it mean to you in todays times? Just the word pride says it all. We are losing our individuality. How can we celebrate others if we refuse to celebrate ourselves? The conditioning has become so strong that other people are telling us who we are, but we should do and what we should not. We are going with the flow, but where is the fun in life? We have become products on a conveyer belt. How much have queer love stories evolved in cinema? We can evolve as much as the society does. For instance Gorej. And now, so many people have come out and spoken about it. We will be able to see the changes of the society on the big screen. The stories around queer are only going to see a rapid increase. One of my favourites is Rani Kohenur. What a brilliant performer. I went to her play and there was so much happiness and love that I was just mind blown. Why do we need to limit ourselves and put ourselves in a bracket? Unlike comedies like Baadshah and Dhamaal, Housefull 5 is unable to strike the balance between carefully crafting a deliciously bizarre plot and then winking at it with all glee read more Once upon a time in Bollywood, filmmaker Sajid Khan envisioned a franchise called Housefull along with his friends Sajid Nadiadwala, Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Chunky Panday. It was anything but a classic or a memorable film but its commercial success made way for Housefull 2 and before we could blink or breathe, came June 6, 2025, and we now have Housefull 5 playing in the cinemas in two versions with three hours, two killers, and one disaster. Incoherence was always this franchises forte but not innuendo. Its appalling sexual jokes and bad innuendo flow like stale wine throughout the running time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The three men have done pretty solid comedy in the past (Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan). What about the ladies of Housefull? Purely for screen presence and skin show. There are disconnected and discomforting jokes about bodies and the number 69 that suggest Milap Zaveri wanted to make Masti 4 out of this but Tarun Mansukhani won the race by having a smoother and faster drive (no puns here). The decision to cast 19 actors in one film and weave a murder mystery around it feels more banal than brave. All of them are stuck on a crisis and a cruise so theres no running away. Theres no running away from the staleness of the enterprise and the asinine assault on the brain cells due to the humourless gags that keep popping up either. Unlike comedies like Baadshah and Dhamaal, Housefull 5 is unable to strike the balance between carefully crafting a deliciously bizarre plot and then winking at it with all glee. The leading man Kumar and his vein popping mannerisms and preposterously revealing jokes are bordering on being exaggerated and excruciating. The effortlessness of Garam Masala and the recent Khel Khel Mein lacks here purely because of Farhad Samjis shockingly inept writing. And then theres the always reliable Riteish Deshmukh, and the perpetually self deprecating Chunky Panday, but the essence of their otherwise entertaining characters has been mercilessly snatched away. Which then brings us to two more key characters from the film- Shreyas Talpade and Chitrangda Singh. They both complete 20 years in the industry this year and had two of the greatest debuts for a Hindi film actor with the remarkable and rousing Iqbal and Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi. Here, both the actors have tried their best to surrender to the blind vision of the makers. Chitrangda has a solid screen presence and if given a chance to sink her teeth into a role that contains a of flesh, she can chew it with all grin. Ditto for Talpade, an untapped and unexplored talent after a stunning and sensational turn right with his first moniker. And and and, Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt return to the big screen together with purposely dim-witted characters to evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement. The Khalnayak background music swells to crescendo as if forcing the audiences to go back to 1993, even if we fail to recollect anything from that film except for the background music. The only actor who succeeds in at least putting a smile to your face is Nana Patekar, who laughs the least in this moronic mess. At least someone in this giant of a misfire realized what was coming, and that comedy is serious business. Now on to Housefull 6, box-office be damned! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Donald Trump and Elon Musks partnership appears to have reached its end. The US president has threatened to end the tech moguls government contracts and subsidies for his companies. Tesla is already staring at challenges, with the Thursday spat sending its shares plummeting 14 per cent followed by a recovery later. Will Musk suffer if Trumps ire befalls his businesses? read more US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, May 30, 2025, in Washington. File Photo/AP Donald Trump and Elon Musks public meltdown has glued the world to their phones. Their ugly online brawl seems far from over, with the United States president refusing to speak to the tech billionaire on Friday (June 6). Amid the row, Trump threatened to end Musks government subsidies and contracts. As the spat escalated on Thursday, Tesla shares went into freefall and Musks net worth plunged. Once a powerful political alliance, the relationship between Trump and Musk appears to have come to its end. But will the businesses of the worlds richest person bear the brunt of the public fallout with the president of the United States? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a look. Tesla takes a hit What began as a disagreement over US President Donald Trumps signature spending bill soon turned into an explosive row. The Republican leader and the Tesla CEO traded barbs on their respective social media platforms. As the animosity grew, Trump said the tech billionaire had gone crazy and threatened to cut Musks government contracts and subsidies for his companies. Musk responded, Go ahead, make my day. The high-profile falling out saw Teslas shares plummeting 14 per cent on Thursday, losing about $152 billion in market value the largest single-day plunge in the companys 15-year history on the public market. Teslas stock rebounded on Friday, rising four per cent after the steep fall. Musk continues to be the worlds richest person; however, his net worth declined by $34 billion, as per Bloombergs Billionaires Index. There are also reports that Trump is mulling selling the Tesla a red Model S he purchased in March to show solidarity with Musk amid anti-Tesla protests. A Tesla vehicle is parked on West Executive Avenue near the White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office building in Washington, DC, US, June 5, 2025. Reuters Tesla contributes to most of Musks wealth. However, the companys shares have been on a rollercoaster this year after the stocks rose about 29 per cent following Trumps US presidential election victory in November. Musk spent nearly $300 million to bring Trump back to the White House. The Republican leader rewarded him by giving him a major role in his administration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Tesla suffered because of Musks actions as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge ). Musk hasnt done Tesla any favors by taking extremely unpopular actions in his time at Doge, and globally the business is struggling from other decisions, like focusing on the Cybertruck instead of releasing more new practical models that consumers actually want, John Helveston, a professor at George Washington University who studies the electric vehicle industry, told NPR. In the European Union, sales are down heavily from the political damage, and sales in China are down from intense competition of very competitive Chinese EVs. Musks frustration with Trumps one, big beautiful bill, which he called a disgusting abomination, stems from the legislations proposal to cut funding for electric vehicles and related technologies, which would hurt the Tesla CEOs businesses. The bill slashes the electric vehicle tax credit and federal funding for charging stations. Tesla is Americas biggest electric vehicle company and also controls the countrys largest charging network. If Trumps plan to chop subsidies on new electric vehicles is implemented, Teslas full-year profit could decrease by $1.2 billion, Bloomberg reported, citing JP Morgan analysts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to NPR, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, an associate dean at the Yale School of Management, said further challenges for Tesla could eventually hit Musks wealth. Tesla is hugely reliant on federal largesse for the build-out of EV charging infrastructure, not to mention federal regulatory approval for his continued autonomous driving and robotics experiments, he said. His wealth is highly precarious, Sonnenfeld said, adding: The reality is that Musks position is far weaker than many realise. Tesla was already facing challenges before the feud between its CEO and the US president. After the companys stocks peaked at $428 in January, its shares declined by nearly half in March as investors got spooked by Musks role in the Trump administration. A rift with the Trump administration could affect government support for Tesla as well as tariff exemptions that the company is seeking to buy Chinese parts for its Cybercab robotaxi and Semi electric truck. The schoolyard fight between Trump and Musk underscores how Teslas weak accountability measures and poor governance threaten not only the companys financial stability and shareholder value, but also the future of homegrown EV production, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander told CNBC in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to The Washington Post analysis in February, Musk and his businesses have received at least $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits. However, the breakup with US President Trump may not be the end of the road for Musk and his companies. According to Paul Levinson, a professor at Fordham University, there could be more short-term stock market falls for Tesla and a hit to Musks riches. However, even if some federal funding to the billionaires businesses stops, it is unlikely to impact the tech billionaire in the long run. Musk has ample resources to sustain those losses, reshuffle and rebuild his companies and holdings, and come out ahead and on top, Levinson said to NPR. Bottom line: if all the Trump government does in its feud with Musk is attack his financial interests, Musk is very likely to not only survive but continue to thrive. SpaceX, Starlink may be safe from spat The US governments space ambitions are intricately linked to Musks SpaceX. As the public row with Trump escalated on Thursday, the 53-year-old former adviser to the US president threatened to decommission SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft. However, Musk soon seemingly backtracked when an X user suggested he cool down. The billionaire wrote, Good advice. Ok, we wont decommission Dragon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD SpaceXs Crew Dragon is currently the only US spacecraft certified to ferry crew to the International Space Station (ISS). The US Defense Department and the Nasa space agency have given more than $22 billion in contracts to SpaceX since 2000. While their political partnership appears to be at an end, it is difficult to imagine the government cancelling SpaceX contracts anytime soon, Dan Grazier, senior fellow and programme director at the Stimson Center think tank, told NPR. It will be some time before any of the companys competitors will be able to take up the slack, so it looks like the president and the tech mogul will have to find a way to get along, he said. SpaceXs Starlink internet satellite company could also be safe from Trumps ire. It is part of the US federal governments effort to provide internet access to underserved parts of the country. So, tearing up Pentagon contracts with Starlink could be a loss for both Musk and Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While they might not like it, the duo have to rely on each other. With inputs from agencies US Congressman Brad Sherman has told a Pakistani delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to press their government to release Shakil Afridi. The Pakistani doctor has been languishing in prison since May 2011. He was recruited by the CIA to lead a vaccination programme, a front to identify al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden at his residence in Pakistans Abbottabad read more A Pakistani doctor hailed as a hero in the United States but seen as a traitor in his own country continues to languish in jail. Now, a senior American lawmaker has called for the release of Dr Shakil Afridi, who helped the US track down al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Congressman Brad Sherman told a visiting Pakistani delegation, led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to emphasise to their government the need to release Afridi from prison. Freeing Dr Afridi represents an important step in bringing closure for victims of 9/11, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sherman also called on Pakistan to do all it can to eliminate the vile terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and ensure the protection of religious minorities. I urged the Pakistani delegation to relay to their government the need to free Dr. Shakil Afridi, who continues to languish in prison for helping the United States kill Osama Bin Laden. Freeing Dr. Afridi represents an important step in bringing closure for victims of 9/11. 2/5 Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) June 5, 2025 As Shakil Afridi gains centre stage again, lets take a look at who he is. Who is Shakil Afridi? Dr Shakil Afridi is a Pakistani doctor who helped the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the hunt for al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. Afridi graduated from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar in 1990. He served as the senior health official of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Afridi later went on to co-own a private clinic near the Khyber Pass. In 2008, he was abducted by Mangal Bagh, a bus driver turned commander of a Pakistani militant group, Lashkar-e-Islam. His family had to pay a ransom of PKR 1 million to secure the doctors release. After he was freed, Afridi moved to the US with his family. However, he returned to Pakistan by late 2009 as American life did not suit him, as per the National Geographic report. His role in Osama bin Ladens killing Afridi has reportedly told Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) that he was recruited by the CIA through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which had collaborated with Save the Children to vaccinate children in Pakistan. As head of health services in Khyber tribal district, the doctor had supervised several US-funded vaccination programmes. He proved to be an asset for the CIA, which was looking to confirm bin Ladens hideout in the military town of Abbottabad, about 160 kilometres west of Peshawar, Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Afridi was told to launch a hepatitis B vaccination programme, including in Abbottabad, where bin Laden was hiding. The US intelligence plan was to obtain a blood sample from one of the children living in the Abbottabad compound to identify whether they were relatives of bin Laden, reported BBC. In April 2011, Afridi knocked on the door of the three-story white house surrounded by 20-foot-high walls in Bilal Town, Abbottabad, where bin Laden was hiding. According to the National Geographic report, a woman opened the door who said no one was home and when pressed for the house owners number, gave one for Ibrahim Saeed Ahmed. The CIA knew that a man named Ibrahim Saeed Ahmed was bin Ladens trusted courier. On May 2, 2011, US Navy SEAL Team Six raided bin Ladens compound in Abbottabad , killed the 9/11 attacks mastermind and took his body, without any challenge. The operation was a huge embarrassment for Pakistan as Laden was hiding so close to Pakistani military installations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There was a wave of anger against Dr Afridi in the South Asian country. He was arrested on May 23, 2011, 20 days after bin Laden was killed. Shakil Afridi remains behind bars Afridi, who was 48 years old at the time of his arrest, was initially accused of treason. However, in May 2012, a Pakistani tribal court sentenced him to 33 years in prison for funding the now-defunct Lashkar-e-Islam under a colonial-era law. This financial assistance was the ransom that his family gave to the group for the doctors release after they kidnapped him in 2008. Afridis sentence was later reduced to 23 years on appeal. He is lodged in Pakistans Punjabs Sahiwal Central Prison, with his plea against his conviction still pending. A man reads a newspaper bearing the photograph of Pakistani surgeon Shakil Afridi, recruited by the CIA to help find Osama bin Laden, at a newsstand in Karachi on May 24, 2012. File Photo/AFP Lets be clear: Afridi has paid the highest price, Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre in Washington, told AFP. He became the fall guy. In an interview with Fox News in 2012 from his prison cell, the doctor said he had been kidnapped and tortured by Pakistani intelligence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It remains unclear whether Dr Afridi knew he was working for the CIA. US intelligence specialists say even if he knew, the Pakistani doctor is unlikely to have known that the man whose location he helped to identify was the notorious terrorist Osama bin Laden, reported National Geographic. There were talks between the US and Pakistan of a prisoner swap. However, the deal to exchange Shakil Afridi for Dr Aafia Siddiqui never materialised. Siddiqui is an alleged al-Qaeda operative currently jailed in the US. The fallout of Shakil Afridis case was the growing distrust in vaccine campaigns in Pakistan, with families refusing to inoculate children for curable diseases such as polio. Whenever someone works for a foreign intelligence agency, its one of the most unforgivable crimes, Asad Durrani, the former head of Pakistans ISI, told AFP in 2021, saying that Afridis arrest likely saved the doctor from being lynched. With inputs from agencies Salmonella is a leading global cause of diarrhoeal diseases, often spread through contaminated food and water, including fresh produce like cucumbers. While most infections are mild, severe cases can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable groups. Read here read more Salmonella is one of the four major global causes of diarrhoeal diseases, commonly affecting the intestinal tract. While most cases of salmonellosis, the infection caused by Salmonella bacteria are mild, the illness can sometimes be life-threatening depending on factors such as the infected persons health and the specific Salmonella serotype involved. The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella strains has further intensified concerns for public health worldwide, especially as these resistant bacteria impact the food supply chain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Salmonella bacteria naturally reside in the intestines of animals and humans and are typically spread through fecal contamination. Humans most often become infected by consuming contaminated food or water. Fresh produce, including cucumbers is particularly vulnerable to Salmonella contamination due to multiple potential points of exposure. Contamination can happen at any stage from farm to fork such as through the use of irrigation water polluted with fecal matter, handling by workers with unclean hands, or contact with contaminated surfaces during processing and packaging. Dr. Anurag Aggarwal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital (Faridabad), talked to Firstpost to discuss various aspects and health implications of consuming Salmonella-contaminated cucumbers. Potential Health Impact of Salmonella-Contaminated Cucumbers Dr Aggarwal: Consuming Salmonella-contaminated cucumbers can lead to a range of health effects, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically appearing 6 hours to 6 days after ingestion. Though infections are usually mild, some cases may become severe, leading to complications such as dehydration or the spread of infection to other parts of the body, which can be life-threatening. Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe Salmonella infections. Infants, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe or prolonged illness due to their less robust immune responses. For these populations, even a mild infection without typical symptoms can result in serious health outcomes. Recommended Consumer Response and Prevention Measures Dr Aggarwal: When an outbreak of Salmonella is reported, such as one linked to cucumbers, consumers should take immediate precautions. Checking for public health advisories on specific brands or sources of cucumbers is crucial. Consumers should discard any recalled products and practice thorough washing of any fresh produce, even if its not part of the recall, to reduce the risk of infection. Preventing future contamination involves coordinated efforts across various stages of the food supply chain. On farms, ensuring the cleanliness of water sources and equipment, along with strict adherence to sanitary practices, is essential. Regular testing for contamination at the processing and packaging stages can help detect and mitigate risks early. Additionally, consumer education on proper handling, storage, and preparation of fresh produce plays a vital role in preventing contamination. Washing cucumbers under running water and using separate cutting boards for raw produce and other items can minimize the risk of cross-contamination in home kitchens. By understanding the pathways of Salmonella infection and adhering to recommended safety measures, both consumers and producers can play a part in reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses and ensuring a safer food supply. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We, Indians, have to reject the models of learning we were drilled into by schools, colleges, corporate employers and peer groups which have turned us into mere employable robots and stop trying to force-fit our resplendent cultural traditions and expressions into the fringes and anonymous cubicles of modern society read more Vacalatvam ca panditye yasorthe dharmasevanam (In Kali Yuga, people think prattling is a mark of erudition and do dharma only for personal fame.) - Kalki Purana In the past few weeks, Indian-descent students in general and Hindu students in particular have been in the news once again. At UC Berkeley, a student request to observe a Hindu Heritage Month was denied by student officials who said they were worried about Hindu Nationalism. At Harvard, Hindu students spoke up about Hinduphobia when they found that the South Asia Institute there had hosted Pakistani government officials in a conference just days after the Pahalgam massacre, where Hindus and Christians were singled out and executed on the basis of their religion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If Berkeley and Harvard students were concerned about Hinduphobia, some MIT students were more worried, though, about Palestinian victims of war. Megha Vemuri, a computation and cognition student (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) presumably, and not humanities), won admiration and censure (from different quarters) after giving a pro-Palestine speech at the commencement. This article tries to analyse how Hindus typically respond to news concerning US colleges and identifies some institutional realities (and possibilities) which Hindu students, parents, and other stakeholders in US higher education from India should become aware of if they wish to ever acquire a little more clarity and influence. It comes from the personal and professional experience not of a political or community leader but that of an American liberal arts professor who believes that the emergence of a genuine Hindu voice in American humanities and social sciences is long overdue. It will be good for both American society and the well-being of Indian-descent students who are increasingly failing to find a purpose rooted in sanatana dharma for their lives and careers and pursue it instead in what they think is the most burning issue of the day, which is protecting Palestinians, Kashmiris, and other minorities facing persecution from Hindutvas and Zionists. Now, it may well be the case that these students are correct, and worried Hindu uncles and aunties on the internet are wrong. After all, these students and their parents are smart and accomplished and get into the most prestigious universities in the world. But, all the same, it is worth making the case that there might be things they dont know, just as there are things that their critics on social media, who are many, also do not know. On one side is the certainty that students who fight Zionism and Hindutva are on the morally righteous path of history. On the other side is the view that such students (and their parents or their teachers) are zombies or useful idiots who are supporting imperialist religious bigotry and terrorist violence against Hindus, Jews, and others designated as Kafirs. This is the reality of university life. There are a lot of different beliefs and opinions floating around, but as teachers and students, we have a duty to keep the focus on learning and on keeping learning open. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Anti-Establishmentarian Establishment The first theme to recognise is that the majority of Hindu parents in America quite likely do not share the frustration and anger that erupts in Hindu and Indian RW social media circles whenever incidents like the above are reported. It is a folly on the part of those in the latter circles to assume otherwise. Most immigrant Indian parents in America are tightly focused on measuring their childrens progress through the lens of career success, and their child giving a speech on an issue that half the countrys cultural, educational, business, and political establishment backs will not bother them. They share that establishments view that this is a moral issue and know deep down that it is also not a really dangerous or self-defeating view. The genius of woke issues in recent times is that they allow people to think they are anti-establishment while actually doing the work of the same. For Gen X or older Millennial parents who have left religion behind, STEM success and establishment-sanctioned moral politics are the new faith. And even for parents who still remain religious in some sense, there is a convenient discourse available now which argues that the ideal way to be a Hindu today is to support the human rights of persecuted groups like Palestinians, Kashmiris, victims of Hindutva and Zionism, and Brahmanism, and so on. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then, there are other parents who do worry a little when they see incidents such as this but satisfy themselves that as long as their children get good marks and jobs, none of this will affect them anyway. A subset of them might get involved with some sort of voluntary work for what the community calls Hindu advocacy, educating lawmakers, canvassing voter support, and so on. Students and Teachers Should Lead the Change, Not Lobbies and Leaders The second theme pertains to the patterns of response within this last subsection. No doubt, the numbers of people and the number of Hindu voluntary organisations trying to do something have grown in the last two decades. They face severe challenges in terms of resources and know-how, as well as know-why, a problem in social-historical self-knowledge, which we explain further below. But the pattern of response here is typically to host a bunch of online talks and then move from one gathering or awareness day to the next. But we rarely see organising oriented towards securing long-term institutional changes in universities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Right from the 1960s, most changes in academia have happened as a result of universities agreeing to set up tenured faculty positions for specific areas of study demanded by student groups. University administrators take student needs seriously in America, and so do faculty. If students point out a gap in a curriculum or systemic flaws in how a student constituency is being taught about in the relevant area studies or identity studies courses, they may well be invited to join in the conversation to create a course or program. If students make the case in a sustained scholarly manner (usually with help from sympathetic vanguard academic mentors), then the university will find the funds to create a position and fill it. If, say, a university agreed to create a tenure track position in Hinduphobia Studies or Hindu Human Rights, it will imply that every academic year, anywhere from 100 to 300 students (depending on the size of the campus) of all backgrounds, not just Hindus, will be educated, formally, in issues which so far have remained only in easily ignorable online spaces. And if that professor stays on and gets tenured, you are looking at a 30-year project or 30 multiplied by 100-300 students who have been exposed to their ideas over three decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thousands, if not tens of thousands, of students can get educated on human rights issues faced by Hindus, and not just in a fleeting online or weekend gathering format, but in an in-depth seminar meeting for several hours every week for a whole semester. Learning is built in-depth, and so is a long-term legacy for this body of learning in society at large as students graduate and go to work in humanities professions like teaching, arts, writing, journalism, media, film-making, social work, politics, diplomacy, and so on. This basic reality is something most other communities in US colleges are aware of. For instance, in the last two years of sweeping pro-Palestine activism on campuses, one of the demands universities have acceded to is exactly this more tenured positions and programmes in Palestine studies. Hindu organisations trying to offer moral and social support to Hindu college students, on the other hand, tend to approach campus Hindu issues in a top-down manner, completely bypassing the educational component of the Hindu student experience. They seem overly obsessed with framing the problem as a religious need issue, ignoring the core academic elephant in the room, and demanding cosmetic student life things like a prayer room or a recognition note or a Hindu Chaplain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hindus Should Talk Human Rights, Not Multicultural Platitudes These demands dont pose any challenge to the academic status quo or its main product, which is a false story about Hindus, Hinduism, and India today. Demanding recognition or praise for a religion in campus life outside of the classroom merely skirts around the issue and often backfires too. Islamophobia and antisemitism are understood on US campuses by faculty, students, and administrators as human rights issues, whereas anything Hindu comes across to them as a demand for just one religion to be treated like its special. That is one reason for the deep inertia on campuses when it comes to Hindu issues (based on personal experience, once again, of three decades in US universities and very specific conversations to this effect). On that note, one wonders, for example, how the Berkeley student officials might have reacted if the demand was made not for a Hindu Heritage Month with a focus on how successful Hindu Americans have been in America (which often defeats the messaging about Hinduphobia later) but simply and directly for an Anti-Hindu Racism and Genocide Awareness Month, forcing opponents to really reconsider which side of racism they want to be on. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Demonstrating bias, error, and egregious racism inside the institutions core product itself, its knowledge about us, and demanding our right to speak to it, is the only duty we have if in a university. And on this point, one more nuance needs to be understood. There are many more subjects beyond just religion or Hinduism Studies in which proper, academically guided engagement needs to take place. Community leaders and groups have in the past taken a helicopter view, assuming that all they had to do was to raise donations to buy India or Hinduism Chairs, and the problem vanishes. Unfortunately, this did not win the grace of the Goddess of Learning, and it seems that at least that lesson has been learnt. The Tamas-Rajas Trap The third theme, a key one in understanding our diagnosis here, has to do with why the obvious path towards long-term change hasnt been sighted, let alone pursued with determination by the Hindu community here. Rather than the usual blame games or the usual cliches about lack of unity, one may gain from a yogic view. Hindu responses to the deeply entrenched problems of Hinduphobia in the academia, in the media, and in the world at large seem to swing between a state of Rajas and Tamas. In the past ten years or so, the following pattern has played out numerous times. There are long periods of silence, punctuated by very routine, low-key, non-controversial cultural events and gatherings by Hindu or Indian students. At this same time, other initiatives, often bearing the signature worldview and institutional legitimacy and heft of South Asia studies faculty and their allies, progress very quickly. Professors get other professors and activists and lobbyists to come to campuses to speak about Hindutva and caste. Documentaries are screened about Hindu patriarchy and violence (but never about, say, the devastating phenomenon of grooming gangs in the UK). Peer pressure grows enormously on the vast number of silent, usually STEM-focused Indian students, to the point where even their non-controversial activities like celebrating Holi or Diwali suddenly become a political and moral choice they have to make. Usually around this time, a small group of students get emboldened. Their friends, from former students to community leaders, step in to advise them. Suddenly, there is a big-name event advertised, usually featuring a controversial speaker, usually a non-academic, and usually from India. Backlash ensues. After a brief bout of Rajassic assertiveness, the Tamas returns. For months, maybe years, students become overcautious and refrain from speaking up even when legitimacy and timing are on their side. In this Rajas-Tamas brashness and timidity cycle, the Satvic moment rarely gets to stick, unfortunately. Truth: There is a Threat, and There is Fear The fourth and last theme to consider here is that of ignorance and fear. We do not say ignorance in a judgemental manner, but to merely connote a lack of information, understanding, and experience in navigating educational institutions as a minority community and in surviving more generally in a host society where xenophobia and religious racism are clearly rising on both sides of their political divide. Hopefully, the first part of this problem, which is the fear of making institutional demands from universities that Hindu students, parents and community leaders (who are invariably from outside academia, or at least the pertinent fields of study in academia) seem to have, will be usefully mitigated by the facts shared in this essay. Most of the time, when we swing from aggressive posturing to timid self-erasure in our actions, it may well be because we havent learnt enough about the ecology we inhabit so as to centre ourselves in the balanced middle. A satvic understanding of what Hindu students today can do while in college to their home of four (or more) years so as to make it better for their younger siblings and descendants will be a wonderful quality to cultivate and practice. Unfortunately, there is a deeper problem of fear among Hindus which really needs to be talked about as well. A lot of modern Hindu behaviour in America can be understood in relation to this. Brash, successful, pro-Palestine HINO Hindus (as they are called), as well as more culturally rooted and concerned Hindus worried about Hinduphobia, all have one reality they share. Hindus live in a world that is non-Hindu at best and anti-Hindu at worst. We are all coping with it. HINO Hindus believe they have achieved top-level cosmopolitanism and that there is no such thing as anti-Hindu bigotry or prejudice in the world. What they dont realise is that there is something in the social and political ecology of the world which has turned them, in just two or three generations from their grandparents time, into whatever deracinated cosmopolitan far-right jihadist-supporting personas they now inhabit. They are, in a way, converts, not to the usual converting religions, but to the extremely superficial and shaky religion of selectively secular progressivism. It gives them an air of certainty and comfort and even superiority. But from the time of the Inquisitions to the present, a coercive system will always demand purity tests. Even someone as American, Californian, and culturally cosmopolitan as former Vice President Kamala Harris, for example, was accused of being a Brahmin supremacist by some activists. But for Hindus in America who still like to think they are spiritually and culturally active and would like to see the same in their otherwise materially successful children going to college, that fear plays out in a different way. They have found a way to cope by downplaying the threats which produce that fear and exaggerating the things which they think can counteract those threats: their education, economic status, model-minority good conduct, faith in liberal democracy, avoiding controversy and so on. They look at other immigrants who are successful and imitate each other, confining Hinduism to safe and tested routines like temples, hurried weekend classes for children, and, of late, a little bit of engagement with politicians, usually to get recognition proclamations passed. With the rise of the internet and social media, they have become more aware of problems and threats but have also fallen into the inertia of false security and complacency in gatherings and numbers. But the fact that they rarely go beyond talking about problems to doing what actually needs to be done (in higher education, in the case of this article) shows they are perhaps paralysed by fear too, sometimes, quite literally. In a recent planning meeting for Hindu parents organising childrens weekend classes for the coming year, a suggestion to include college experience reality check orientation sessions for high school students by professors and old students from the program now in college led to some strangely confused, silent responses, with people staring down at the floor and freezing up in tension! No wonder some Hindu American parents lament that their children loved Hinduism and Indian culture when in school but turned viciously anti-Hindu in college. Colleges will teach your children in their Hinduism, South Asian history and politics, or diaspora studies classes that their innocent childhood memories of going to Bala Vikas or Bala Vihar were actually wrong and that these were Hindu nationalist indoctrination camps. Thats what is published in peer-reviewed journals and books, and thats what is prescribed, and thats what will be taught (not always, but in most cases). The professors in many cases may not actually know better, and the students who do know better unfortunately have never been taught by parents or elders that they do have a right, indeed a duty, to speak up and assert the truth. And now, as more and more unhappy stories emerge, whether it is of extreme violence like Pahalgam or extreme self-censorship over it by Hindu students and parents, the elephant in the room has to be named. Maybe Hinduphobia is a term that should be re-understood not as bigotry or aversion against Hindus but simply as the Hindu state of perpetual fear of being Hindu. Smash the Hinduphobia at Home, First! The cause of that fear is not paranoia but the fact that there is a threat, and even those who avoid seeing it perhaps know it deep down in their hearts. To get out of this paralysis, though, is possible. Borrowed cliches from American liberalism or right-wingism wont do it. We must return to our ancient critical tradition of saying Neti, Neti. We have to reject the models of learning we were drilled into by schools and colleges and corporate employers and peer groups which have turned us into mere employable robots and stop trying to force-fit our resplendent cultural traditions and expressions into the fringes and anonymous cubicles of modern society. We must stop asking for small favours from modern institutions and rise to look at our role as the big favour we are about to do for all of them, given how much their brotherhood of man dreams swinging between Left and Right extremes have failed and how we still carry the energy and purpose and protection of our motherhood of god traditions in us. We must learn, however we can, to learn again. We have to become, each, our own cultural and spiritual revolutionary schools. A saffron storm must rise over these overrated racist hold-outs and teach them what it means to learn and to live under our mother earths reign once again. Vamsee Juluri is Professor of Media Studies, University of San Francisco. He has authored several books, including Rearming Hinduism: Nature, Hinduphobia and the Return of Indian Intelligence (Westland, 2015). C Raghothama Rao is a writer, podcaster and YouTuber. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Ukraines Operation Spider Web has revealed a stark new reality: drones costing as little as $1,000 can destroy aircraft worth $100 million or more. This wildly asymmetric cost ratio underscores urgent lessons for India in modern warfare read more Ukraine achieved its longest-range attack, into Russia, on Sunday, 1 June. Hitting targets on four strategic military bases nearly 4,000 kilometres away from Ukrainian territory and hitting around 40 Russian warplanes. As many as 13 of these were reportedly destroyed, and others were damaged. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that 117 drones were used in the so-called Spiders Web operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU). The strike had been nearly 18 months in the planning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia acknowledged the Ukrainian attacks and termed them as act of terror. Zelenskyy congratulated SSU head Vasyl Maliuk with the absolutely brilliant result of the operation. Interestingly, the office of our operation on Russian territory was located right next to the regional office of the FSB, the powerful Russian state security service, Zelenskyy said. All the people involved in the operation had been safely moved out of Russia before the strikes, he added. The attacks took place as Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were heading to Istanbul, Turkey, for a second round of peace talks on Monday. Ukraines audacious drone attack sent a subtle message to Russia and also the West, which is already suffering from war fatigue. This very daring operation is likely to further constrain relations and negatively impact peace talks. Meanwhile, Russia responded with a massive drone and missile attack. Let us look at the targets and the drone attack modalities. Complex Logistics Planning The whole operation can be described as an extremely complex logistic plan. The SSU first transported the first-person view (FPV) drones to Russia in mobile wooden crates. Once on Russian territory, the drones were hidden under the roofs of these cabins, which had been placed on cargo vehicles. The genius of this entire operation was not the technology but in the organisational and logistical part, multiplied by total local sloppiness in terms of ensuring elementary security measures. Drone Attack Modalities On the afternoon of 1 June 2025, the SSU launched a clandestine attack codenamed Spiders Web on multiple Russian military airfields, targeting strategic bombers. Undoubtedly an audacious and sophisticated operation. The strike that was 18 months in the making successfully targeted 41 Russian bombers. The drones were hidden in wooden mobile cabins atop trucks. The cabins had remotely operated roofs. Trucks were brought near the airbases. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the right moment, the roofs were remotely opened, and the drones took off to strike the Russian bombers. Each of the 117 drones launched had its own controlling pilot. The targets were Russian strategic nuclear-capable bombers Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, as well as A-50 early warning warplanes. The attack destroyed or severely damaged dozens of aircraft deep inside Russian territory. Screenshots from footage released by Ukraine purportedly showed drone attacks on Russian warplanes. Video footage from several Russian military airfields showed destroyed aircraft and planes engulfed in flames, though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Ukraine has estimated that 34 per cent of Russias strategic bombers were damaged, costing $7 billion in losses to Russian strategic aviation, a claim that most call highly exaggerated. The Russian government confirmed that in the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions, several aircraft reportedly caught fire after drones were launched from nearby areas. The blazes were extinguished, and there were no casualties. The Russian Defence Ministry said that the Ukrainian drones had attacked airfields in five regions, stretching across five time zones. The attack on Belaya air base in Irkutsk was especially significant; it marked the first time any location in Siberia had come under attack. The Olenya base in Murmansk is one of Russias key strategic airfields with high-value nuclear-capable aircraft. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The operation was reportedly authorised and carried out at the highest levels. Some military analysts have likened Ukraines elaborate drone operation to a covert Israeli strike in September 2024, when Israel remotely detonated beepers and walkie-talkies it had earlier distributed to Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and killed at least nine people and wounded some 2,800, after the devices exploded nearly simultaneously across multiple sites. The other somewhat equivalent operations were Israels 1976 Entebbe Raid to rescue hostages 2,500 miles away; US Navy SEALs 2011 Operation Neptune Spear to kill Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan; and the 2007 Israeli Operation Orchard stealth bombing of a Syrian nuclear facility. Such an elaborate operation, mostly by the Ukrainians, would have had the involvement of local Russians. Some of the participants in the terrorist attacks have been detained, Russian sources said. Russian Strategic Bombers The Tupolev Tu-22M is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed in the 1960s. Just before the Ukraine conflict, there were 66 aircraft in service. Combat range is 2,500 km with a typical 10,000 kg weapons load. It can carry four Kh-47M2 Kinzhal nuclear-capable hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles. Many of which have been fired on targets in Ukraine. The Tupolev Tu-160 is also a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber. It is the largest and heaviest Mach 2-plus supersonic military aircraft ever built. The first upgraded variant, the Tu-160M, joined service in December 2014. In addition to 16 old, 50 new aircraft were to be built. The aircraft has a combat range of 2,000 km at Mach 1.5 and 7,300 km at subsonic speeds. It can carry a maximum of 45,000 kg of ordnance, including 12 conventional or nuclear cruise missiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Attacked Airbases The Russian Aerospace Forces Belaya airbase is in Irkutsk Oblast (Siberia). This was the farthest target, nearly 4,900 kilometres east from Kiev. It is controlled by Russias long-range aviation. It has significant ramp space and 38 bomber revetments. It houses the Tu-22M3 bomber. There are a few transport aircraft. The base was especially important in projecting power against China following the Sino-Soviet split of the late 1960s. Not too far from the airbase is the Irkutsk Aviation Plant that produced over 7,000 aircraft, including the Su-27, Su-30 and Yak-130. It is also involved in the production of the MC-21 airliner. Olenya airbase, also of Russian Aerospace Forces, is at Olenegorsk, Murmansk Oblast. It is in the northwestern part of Russia, very close to northern Finland. It is also a major Russian Navy reconnaissance base, located on the Kola Peninsula, 92 km south of Murmansk. It is a key facility for intercontinental flights across the North Atlantic basin. The airbase operates Tupolev Tu-22M3 aircraft. Interestingly, the Tu-95V aircraft carrying the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated, took off from the airbase on 30 October 1961. The first test launch of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal dagger, a nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile, fired from a MiG-31K, in the Arctic took place mid-November 2019 from the airbase. In July 2024 Ukraine made an unconfirmed claim that they attacked the base with a drone and hit a Tu-22M3 bomber. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dyagilevo airbase operated by Russian Aerospace Forces is in the Ryazan Oblast. It serves as a training centre for Russias strategic bomber force. It is very close to Belarus and not so far from Ukraine. It has a Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA) regiment with the Ilyushin Il-78/78M and the Instructor Red Banner Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment as part of the Centre for Combat Employment. A number of Tu-16, Tu-22, and M-4 aircraft are mothballed here. It is a training base for Tu-22M3, Tu-134, Tu-95MS and An-26. Air tankers operating Il-78 and Il-78M are stationed here. On 5 December 2022, the base was attacked by Ukrainian drones which damaged a Tu-22M3 bomber and destroyed a fuel truck. Ivanovo Severny airbase, northeast of Moscow, is controlled by Military Transport Aviation. It is home to the IL-76 aircraft and also to the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aviation Regiment. It also has the combat training/development centre for military transport aviation and uses the A-50 and A-50U AEW&C aircraft. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Not the First Long-Distance Attack Despite the great success of Ukrainian attacks, the world needs to temper expectations of the strategic outcomes. Russia has been under these sorts of attacks for some time, and Moscows resolve to achieve its war goals has not been affected. Ukraine had been undertaking a long-range strike campaign against targets inside Russia. They have hit targets in capital Moscow. It has done this to degrade Russias war-making capacity by attacking factories and oil refineries. Ukrainian drone attacks on Russias Ryazan refinery southeast of Moscow in March and May 2024 knocked out 3.3 million metric tonnes, or 4 per cent, of Russias total oil refining capacity. In June 2024, Ukraine had claimed a successful drone strike on a Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation aircraft at the Akhtubinsk airfield, which is 589 kilometres from the front lines in Ukraine. Russian Response to Drone Strikes Ukraines most damaging drone strike of the war was escalatory in nature. Russia struck Ukraine with vengeance after the Ukrainian drone attack. The Ukrainian authorities say 472 drones and seven ballistic and cruise missiles were involved in a wave of attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine claimed it to be one of the largest single Russian drone attacks so far. Ukraine says it neutralised 385 aerial drones/projectiles. Ukraines land forces said 12 of its military personnel were killed and more than 60 injured in a Russian missile strike on a training centre. Ukraine accused Russia of undermining the next round of peace talks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Counter-drone Options Such a massive drone attack so deep was not anticipated by Russia, though there had been deep drone attacks in the past. There clearly was significant local support for this operation that had been building silently for 18 months. Ukrainians speak fluent Russian and merge with the local population. Clearly it was an intelligence failure from the Russian side. If it can happen in a country that is run autocratically with a powerful Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor of the KGB, then it can happen in other lesser security-conscious countries even more easily. The drones were flying in from just outside the airbases. Very little flying time. FPV control was carried out using the mobile networks. A webcam was connected to the PC, which transmitted the image and sent back commands to control the drone. If there had been some means to know and had there been time, the mobile Internet could have been turned off. An airfield with such strategic assets should have had anti-drone boundary security. This should have included electro-optical and IR cameras, anti-drone snipers, signal jammers, and anti-drone directed energy systems. The aircraft themselves could have been secured by foldable large nets. To Summarise The Spider Web operation represents a new normal for Ukraines asymmetric warfare strategy, combining long-term covert planning, insider logistics, and high-precision drone warfare to deliver one of the most impactful strikes of the conflict. It indeed was a black day for the Russian military and security establishment, as they made serious intelligence errors. The strike has been a tactical and strategic success with a high degree of symbolism. Ukraines ability to strike strategic infrastructure deep inside Russian territory, using low-cost and high-level intelligence tactics, brings in a new dynamic to warfare. Will these attacks force dispersal of Russias strategic assets? To create infrastructure to secure them? Will Russians now move their aircraft more frequently to different locations? Will Russia bring in anti-drone defences at all major airfields? The full import of the Ukrainian drone strikes on Russias military capabilities is too early to assess at this stage. The losses will reduce the number of cruise missile-carrying airborne platforms. These Russian supersonic/hypersonic air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM) are harder to intercept. These strikes have greatly enhanced the Ukrainian militarys and civilian populations morale and Will to continue to defend the country that was fast depleting since US President Trump decided to slow the military aid and support. For the peace talks, Ukraine has sent the signal that they are not negotiating from a position of weakness. The aim of the attack was to put political pressure on Russian President Putin to negotiate a war termination agreement favourable to Ukraine. If peace talks do not move forward, Russia could substantially increase aerial assaults to redeem its military honour. In 2012, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared, Nuclear weapons remain the most important guarantee of Russias sovereignty and territorial integrity and play a key role in maintaining the regional balance and stability. Russias nuclear arsenal would also come into play in the event of actions by an adversary affecting elements of critical importance, the disablement of which would disrupt response actions by nuclear forces. In 2024 Vladimir Putin ordered Russias nuclear doctrine to be updated to consider the complicated geopolitical realities that had emerged from the ongoing Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine, where the conflict had morphed into a proxy war between the collective West (NATO and the US) and Russia. Operation Spider Web has been an assault on critical Russian military infrastructure directly related to Russias strategic nuclear deterrence. Imagine an attack on B-2 bombers stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Many feel that this attack could not have occurred without the consent of Ukraines European partners, in particular the UK, France and Germany, all of whom were engaged in direct consultations with President Zelenskyy in the days leading up to the execution of the operation. Even the US could have been in the know. Hope such events do not push the world into a catastrophic situation. Lessons for India Whole of Nation Approach In the four-day Operation Sindoor, India had learnt lessons and the importance of drones and loitering munitions (LM) as offensive weapons and also the need for counter-drone systems and strategy. Ukraines Operation Spider Web has revealed a stark new reality: drones costing as little as $1,000 can destroy aircraft worth $100 million or more. This wildly asymmetric cost ratio underscores urgent lessons for India in modern warfare. The impact of drones on future warfare has been re-emphasised. The composition of future militaries would require a balance between exquisite weapon platforms with large numbers of cheaper capabilities. Military stations in densely populated cities are vulnerable to ground attacks. One would recall the attack by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Al Qaeda which took place on May 22, 2011, at PNS Mehran, the headquarters of the Pakistan Navys Naval Air Arm and the most populous Pakistani military installation, located near the PAFs Faisal Air Force Base of Karachi. 15 attackers killed 18 military personnel and wounded 16 in a sophisticated terrorist attack and also destroyed two American-built P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft. Similarly, there were failed attacks at IAFs Pathankot airfield and also a drone attack against Jammu airfield. The military bases, in war zones and deeper home, are now even more vulnerable. Some of the larger strategic assets, such as AEW&C, Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA), and Cargo aircraft, cannot be parked under hardened shelters. Placed in the open, they will be vulnerable. While aircraft strikes and even cruise missiles can be intercepted, small drones in large numbers, launched from across the airfield boundary wall, would have different dynamics. Airfield security would have to be tightened. These scarce and expensive assets must be dispersed more often. Security around all airbases and military installations has to be further tightened. The Russian intelligence agencies and internal security apparatus could not track these drone-laden trucks for so long. Security is now everyones business. India is a multicultural country with a huge population. Most military installations and airfields have civilian populations and structures close to the boundary walls. The local police, the highway and traffic police, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and military police all have to be in great coordination. General public awareness has also to go up. Anti-drone measures have evolved and need to be put in place at all to defend high-value targets. These could be used to hit not just military targets but also political centres of power. Large political rallies and religious congregations. Time to get into a huddle and do some out-of-the-box thinking and get our anti-drone act right. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. News / National by Staff reporter In the crowded, makeshift stalls of Hopley's open market - an informal settlement just south of Harare - buyers can find almost anything: rat poison, cleaning supplies, and even medicine. But behind the everyday hustle, a shadowy and dangerous trade thrives - counterfeit pharmaceuticals sold without prescriptions, diagnoses, or regulatory oversight.Gladys Chihozhwa, a resident of Hopley, is one of many who rely on these unregulated vendors for medical supplies. She regularly buys contraceptive pills from the market and turns to vendors for diagnoses when she falls ill, despite knowing the risks."I buy them because they are cheap," she explains.This informal and often illegal trade in medicine is booming, exposing Zimbabweans to fake or expired drugs and heightening public health dangers in a country already battling economic and healthcare challenges.Zimbabwe is grappling with a flood of counterfeit drugs, fueled by economic desperation, porous borders, and limited access to affordable healthcare. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) confirmed that unregulated pharmaceuticals have become widespread - with some counterfeit drugs mimicking legitimate products. In one recent example, fake rabies vaccines mimicking imports from India were discovered in circulation earlier this year."The danger is real," says Dr. Grant Marewanhema, a public health expert. "These drugs can be fatal or lead to long-term consequences, like antibiotic resistance."The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that over 250,000 people die annually in sub-Saharan Africa due to counterfeit medicines. A 2020 study by the Pacific Research Institute pegged the global counterfeit medicine trade's value between US$200 billion and US$431 billion, with Africa disproportionately affected. According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of global reports of fake and substandard medical products from 2013 to 2017 originated in Africa.Zimbabwe's economic instability has rendered much of the public healthcare system non-functional. Hospitals often run out of essential drugs, pushing patients to seek alternatives on the black market. Portifa Mwendera, a pharmacist with 25 years of experience, says many patients leave hospitals with only prescriptions and no access to actual medication."People are told to go find the drugs themselves - but at pharmacies, prices are high and most simply can't afford them," he says.Zimbabwe imports around 70% of its essential medicines. With the official supply chain strained and pharmacy costs out of reach for many, cross-border smuggling has stepped in to fill the gap.Sanudi, a cross-border truck driver who asked to use only his middle name, has smuggled medicine from Zambia into Zimbabwe for two decades. For a price, border officials or guards turn a blind eye."It's a risky operation, but I do it for the extra money," Sanudi admits.At the Hopley market, vendors like Gozo - who also declined to use her full name - sell everything from painkillers to antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, often at half the price of licensed pharmacies. Ten pills can cost as little as US$1.Gozo, who has no medical training, also offers diagnoses based on customer descriptions. She says her clients trust her, and most return after feeling better. But she's aware of the risks: arrest, hefty fines, or jail time. Police conduct periodic raids, forcing vendors to stash drugs out of sight and rely on loyal customers who know who to ask."I always take the risk," she says. "It's how I survive."Despite enforcement efforts - including joint raids by MCAZ and police, and occasional border interceptions - the demand for low-cost medicine continues to outpace regulatory capacity. MCAZ spokesperson Davison Kaiyo says they're working hard to stop the trade, but "as long as demand remains, the supply keeps coming."Zimbabwe's counterfeit drug problem is a complex web of poverty, weak regulation, and regional trafficking. Addressing it will require not just policing vendors and smugglers, but also rebuilding trust in the public health system and ensuring affordable, legitimate medicine is available to all citizens.Until then, millions like Gladys Chihozhwa will continue to gamble with their health - choosing survival over safety in a system that has long failed them. India has to realise that once it takes kinetic action against Pakistan, the world wants a quick cessation of hostilities because it fears escalation. In this process Pakistans terrorist action takes a back seat for the international community read more India has to make the world more sensitive to the dangers of Pakistani terrorism and highlight that, notwithstanding the sophistry of the arguments put forward by its generals, India will not absorb terrorist acts or succumb to Pakistans nuclear blackmail. Representational image: AFP The two senior-most defence officers of India and Pakistan Chairman of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Pakistans Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza participated in the recently held Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. On the sidelines of the event, they gave separate interviews to Reuters on May 31. The two generals were on the same page on the absence of nuclear signalling by Pakistan during the course of Operation Sindoor. Reuters quoted Gen Chauhan as saying, I think theres a lot of space before that nuclear threshold is crossed, a lot of signalling before that. I think nothing like that happened. The same news agency then reported Gen Mirza saying, Nothing happened this time. The agency further clarified that Gen Mirza stated that there was no move towards nuclear weapons during this conflict. As India has a no first use nuclear doctrine and Pakistan does not, any signal to get nuclear weapons into play can only come from Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While agreeing that no nuclear signal had been given during Operation Sindoor, Gen Chauhan and Gen Mirza differed greatly in their direct and indirect elaboration on the possibility of escalation during armed conflicts between India and Pakistan. The term escalation, in this context, refers to the possibility of conventional hostilities between nuclear countries leading to the use of nuclear weapons. The remarks of both generals on this subject would be closely studied worldwide by diplomats and scholars of security and strategic issues. On escalation, Gen Chauhan said, Its my personal view that the most rational people are people in uniform when conflict takes place, he added. During this operation, I found both sides displaying a lot of rationality in their thoughts as well as actions. So why should we assume that in the nuclear domain there will be irrationality on someone elses part? Gen Chauhan implied that as nuclear weapons were meant not for war fighting but to prevent existential crises, it would be irrational and illogical for their use for offensive purposes. Therefore, his conviction remains that the rationality of the Pakistani army would prevent it from using nuclear weapons. Gen Mirza did not share Gen Chauhans positive view about the rationality of people in uniform. He stuck to Pakistans position that India should not take kinetic action in response to terrorist strikes. Therefore, while noting that nothing happened this time, he added, But you cant rule out any strategic miscalculation at any time, because when the crisis is on, the responses are different. Mirza also dwelt on escalation during his participation in a panel on Regional CrisisManagement Mechanisms. What he said in his statement, as well as in response to questions, needs to be carefully evaluated by Indian policy makers and academics. In order to appreciate their significance, it is essential to place them in the context of past Indian responses to Pakistani terrorist acts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Until the Uri terrorist attack of 2016, India avoided open kinetic action against Pakistani terrorism. It absorbed these attacks and broke off engagement with Pakistan till the anger of the Indian public subsided. Thereafter the bilateral dialogue process resumed. The major powers encouraged India to pursue such a path because they virtually accepted the Pakistani stand that kinetic action through conventional forces between nuclear powers risked escalation. What the major powers ignored was that Pakistan had begun to use nuclear weapons as a shield to carry on terrorism against India. In fact, they overlooked their own doctrine that nuclear states cannot undertake provocative acts on each others territories because it is too dangerous to do so. Indeed, after the heinous Mumbai terrorist attack of November 26, 2008, the Western powers accepted that Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind it. However, they virtually absolved the Pakistan state agencies of having any hand in it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed the policy of absorbing terrorist attacks after the Uri incident. He sanctioned Indias special forces to go into Pakistan-held territory of the then state of Jammu and Kashmir to undertake surgical strikes to hit Pakistani terrorist launch pads. Pakistan denied that India had undertaken any such action. This denial was obviously to protect its doctrine that a kinetic response by Indian conventional armed forces was escalatory. By denying the surgical strikes, the Pakistanis thought that the validity of their doctrine would not come into question. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The luxury of denial was not available to Pakistan after Indias Balakot strike in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack. It therefore claimed that it had achieved the upper hand by downing an Indian fighter aircraft and capturing Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on its territory. It thereafter said that the major powers intervened to diffuse the situation and that, in a sign of goodwill, it quickly released the Indian officer. India said that it had also downed Pakistani aircraft and that it was its pressure which led Pakistan to agree to releasing the officer. India did not accept that foreign mediation resolved the situation but agreed that the major powers were in touch with it as with Pakistan. The important point stressed by Pakistan was that Indian and Pakistani issues could not be resolved bilaterally but required foreign intervention and that hostilities post-Balakot were also diffused through foreign intervention. The significant point that India made through the Balakot action was that kinetic aerial action was possible as a response to Pakistans terrorism. This meant that India had blown the lid off the Pakistani doctrine that the danger of escalation did not permit such kinetic action. As always, India also noted that it would not allow third parties to intervene in India-Pakistan issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the Shangri La Dialogue, Gen Mirza spelt out a modified Pakistani doctrine regarding the dangers of Indias use of kinetic force. He argued that the post-Pahalgam situation had taken strategic stability between India and Pakistan to dangerously low levels. He said while in the past borders were targeted, on this occasion, cities were attacked. He went on to state that now not only the disputed territory (meaning the UTs of J&K and Ladakh) but the whole of India and Pakistan would be involved. This, he claimed, would be extremely detrimental to investments, trading and the development needs of 1.5 billion people. He obviously implied that this negativity would impact both countries. Mirza went on to assert, In future, given the Indian policies and the politys extremist mindset and absence of crisis management mechanisms, we may not give enough time to the global powers to intervene and effect a cessation of hostilities. They will probably be too late to avert damage and destruction. As Mirza had already ruled out the possibility that escalation could be stopped bilaterally between India and Pakistan and needed the intervention of global powers, what he actually signalled was that Pakistan may use nuclear weapons if it was rapidly suffering major losses in a conventional war. Thus, Pakistan was actually, once again, asserting that India should revert to its old policy of absorbing terrorist attacks. Mirza was also perhaps responding to PM Modis declaration that India would not be deterred by Pakistani nuclear blackmail. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias strategic community has to effectively respond to this refined Pakistani doctrine which, at its kernel, is emphasising that a rapid escalation to the nuclear level may occur between India and Pakistan if India again uses kinetic force. And that the quick escalation may not give the international community time to diffuse the conflict during its conventional stage. The real point that India has to forcefully articulate is that the first step on the escalatory ladder is a terrorist attack from Pakistan. Also, India as the victim cannot be equated with Pakistan, the perpetrator of terror. Hence, for strategic stability, Pakistan has to be compelled to give up terrorism. India will have to patiently and continuously make this point to move the international community to effectively pressurise Pakistan. Many countries may be inhibited from telling Pakistan to stop terror because of the nature of Sino-Pakistan ties. India has to also realise that once it takes kinetic action against Pakistan, the world wants a quick cessation of hostilities because it fears escalation. In this process Pakistans terrorist action takes a back seat for the international community. Hence, India has to make the world more sensitive to the dangers of Pakistani terrorism and highlight that, notwithstanding the sophistry of the arguments put forward by Mirza, India will not absorb terrorist acts or succumb to Pakistans nuclear blackmail. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. It is PM Modis first visit to Canada since the bilateral ties nosedived under PM Trudeau following the Nijjar controversy. Modis visit provides an opportunity to both nations to press the reset button read more Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday (June 6) confirmed his participation at the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. The PM said his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney extended an invitation to him, which he accepted. Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J Carney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month, PM Modi posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The visit by the Indian PM to Canada is extremely significant, especially in the backdrop of Ottawa-New Delhi tensions that followed the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023. Carneys predecessor Justin Trudeau accused the Modi government of orchestrating the fatal attack on Canadian soil, which led to the rapid deterioration of bilateral ties. Now, Modis visit to Canada signals an emerging thaw in the bilateral relationship. First Modi-Carney meeting It would be the first meeting between PM Carney and PM Modi. During his election campaign, Carney repeatedly called India ties incredibly important for the country. There are strains on that relationship that we didnt cause, to be clear, he said. But there is a path forward to address those with mutual respect. Carney, who was under pressure by pro-Khalistani groups over the invitation to Modi, told reporters Thursday that a legal process was still underway in Canada and its never appropriate to make comments. He also justified G7 invitation to PM Modi, saying, India is the fifth largest economy in the world, the most populous country, and central to supply chains. First visit to Canada since diplomatic blow-up It is PM Modis first visit to Canada since the bilateral ties nosedived under PM Trudeau following the Nijjar controversy. The Trudeau administration not only accused India of interfering in its election process but also blamed agents of the government of India for Nijjars murder. Followed by this, diplomatic expulsions took place on both sides. Now, Modis visit to Canada provides an opportunity to both nations to press the reset button. Modis first foreign visit since the conflict with Pakistan It is PM Modis first foreign visit after Indias four-day military conflict and Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May. During the visit, the prime minister is likely to call out Pakistans terror agenda. Meanwhile, the Canadian readout did not highlight much about the visit. PM Modis first meeting with Trump amidst tariff tussle The G7 summit will see PM Modi and Trump come face-to-face for the first time since the latter imposed a 26 per cent tariff on India in April this year but later paused. As per reports, extensive talks are underway between India and the US to reach a trade deal. Both sides are pressing each other for tariff cuts and concessions amid pressure to hammer out a draft ahead of the July 9 deadline. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This will be Modis first interaction with Trump since their White House interaction in February. The G7 summit will be held in Alberta province from June 15 to 17. While India is not a member of the elite bloc, India has been receiving invitations to the table as a guest nation since 2019, when France first extended an invitation to the Biarritz summit. Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund announced the amnesty offer in a message for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice read more Taliban fighters speak with a boy during the Eid al-Adha prayers the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan. AP On Saturday, a top Taliban official declared that any Afghans who fled the country following the collapse of the old Western-backed government are free to return, and that they will not be harmed if they do. Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund announced the amnesty offer in a message for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. The offer comes only days after US President Donald Trump issued a broad travel ban targeting 12 nations, including Afghanistan. The proposal essentially excludes Afghans wishing to relocate in the United States permanently as well as those hoping to visit the country temporarily, such as for university studies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the U.S. and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. Afghans in neighbouring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion. Akhunds holiday message was posted on the social platform X. Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland, he said. Nobody will harm them." Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace, he added, and instructed officials to properly manage services for returning refugees and to ensure they were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were false judgements about Afghanistans Taliban rulers and their policies. We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished, he said. The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Taliban swept into the capital Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the U.S. military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighbouring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the U.S. during its campaign against the Taliban. Former PMs of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zias parties Awami League and BNP, respectively, slammed the countrys Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunuss Eid address in which he announced that the country will hold polls in April 2026. read more Two of the most prominent parties of Bangladesh have rejected the countrys Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunuss decision to hold elections in April 2026 , demanding that the polls be conducted by the end of 2025. After completing 10 months in power, Yunus used his Eid address to announce that the country would go to the polls in April next year. It is pertinent to note that this will be the first national election in Bangladesh after a violent protest in the country toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government. Shortly after Yunuss address to the nation, both ex-PM Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Hasinas Awami League issued respective statements condemning Yunuss 10-month-long leadership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following a meeting of BNPs national standing committee, chaired by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, the party said that Yunus is trying to delay elections. The chief advisers Eid address went beyond the traditional festive message and ventured into political issues unrelated to the Interim Governments stated three-point mandate," the party said in a statement following the meeting. BNP slams the timing of it all Zias party criticised Yunuss discussion of topics like ports and economic corridors, calling it inappropriate and politically biased. BNP insisted that the tone and language of the chief advisers speech felt like Yunus was crossing the boundaries of political decorum. BNP outrightly rejected the April election proposal, citing concerns over the timing, particularly the overlap with the holy month of Ramadan, school examinations, and adverse summer weather conditions. The party went on to question why the elections could not be held in December 2025 , a date also supported by the countrys Army, insisting that Yunus had provided no specific justification for the delay. Referring to the sacrifices of citizens during the JulyAugust 2024 uprising, the BNP warned that any further delay in polls would only deepen public frustration and anger. Awami League calls Yunus fascist Meanwhile, ousted Bangladeshi premier Sheikh Hasinas Awami League also criticised Yunuss address to the nation, where he announced that Bangladeshs general elections will be held in April 2026. We want an election that honours the sacrifices of the martyrs. One with the highest number of voters, candidates, and parties participating. Let this be remembered as the freest and fairest election the nation has seen," Yunus said in his address. The Awami League slammed Yunus, saying the chief adviser was trying to cover up his failures by blaming the previous Awami League government and creating a false narrative of crisis. It is pertinent to note that Hasinas party is already banned from contesting in polls , a move condemned by the party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Awami League said that Yunuss government lacks democratic legitimacy and serves foreign interests rather than the people of Bangladesh. The party warned that many in the interim government hold foreign passports and will leave the country, but their actions could cause irreversible damage to the nation. Overall, the statements from both the Awami League and the BNP reflected that two of the biggest parties in the country are displeased with Yunus. With inputs from agencies. The Canadian government has introduced Bill C-3 to address longstanding citizenship issues, targeting the 2009 First-Generation Limit (FGL), which denied or revoked citizenship for many born outside Canada read more While the Donald Trump administration of the US may have tightened immigration policies, posing significant challenges for Indian nationals seeking US green cards and citizenship, the Canadian government may offer them a major respite very soon. Notably, an executive order signed by Trump on January 20 aims to end birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents on temporary visas, such as H-1B and F-1. In contrast, the Canadian government has introduced Bill C-3 on Thursday (June 5) to address longstanding citizenship issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Citizenship Bill targets the 2009 First-Generation Limit (FGL), which denied or revoked citizenship for many born outside Canada or with foreign-born children. The new bill seeks to correct these injustices. Bill C-3 proposes automatically reinstating Canadian citizenship for those affected by the FGL and similar outdated rules. This change could benefit thousands, especially within immigrant communities, including Indian-origin residents and skilled foreign workers with ties to Canada. Beyond addressing past issues, the bill sets a new standard allowing Canadian parents born abroad to pass on their citizenship to their children, even if born abroad, provided the parent demonstrates a substantial connection to Canada. This connection is defined as at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) of physical presence in Canada before the childs birth or adoption. If enacted, the bill would enable Canadian citizens by descent to regain lost citizenship and extend it to their children born or adopted abroad beyond the first generation, provided the parent meets the physical presence requirement. The bill is currently under legislative review and must pass three readings and receive royal assent to become law. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has mandated that the federal government revise the existing legislation by November 20. Moreover, failure to comply may result in the court striking down or narrowing the contested FGL provisions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China accounts for more than 60 percent of rare earth mining production and 92 percent of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency read more Miners are seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China. File image/ Reuters China has suggested developing a green channel to facilitate rare earth exports to the European Union, the commerce ministry announced Saturday, after Beijing restricted their sale abroad. Since April, Beijing has asked for licences to export these key commodities from China, which accounts for more than 60% of rare earth mining production and 92% of worldwide refined output, according to the International Energy Agency. The metals are used in a broad range of goods, including electric vehicle batteries, and industry leaders have criticised Chinas licensing process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Export control on rare earths and other items is an international practice, the commerce ministry said in a statement. China attaches great importance to Europes concerns and is willing to establish a green channel for eligible applications, fast track the examination and approval, and instruct the working level to maintain timely communication on this, a ministry statement said. The comments were attributed to Chinas Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who met Tuesday with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic. During the bilateral talks, Wang said he hoped the bloc would in turn take reciprocal action, adopt effective measures to facilitate, safeguard, and promote compliant trade of high-tech products with China, according to the commerce ministry. The two officials also discussed imports by European countries of Chinese electric vehicles, which the EU has hit with levies over allegedly unfair subsidies from Beijing. The negotiation on the price commitment of electric vehicles between China and Europe has entered the final stage, but both sides still need to make efforts, the commerce ministry said. The discussions will be followed by China hosting a summit with the EU next month, 50 years since Beijing and Brussels established diplomatic ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas foreign ministry said on Saturday that Chinese vice premier He Lifeng will visit the United Kingdom between June 8 and June 13. read more Chinas foreign ministry announced on Saturday that Vice Premier He Lifeng will travel to the United Kingdom from June 8 to June 13. During this visit, He will also participate in the inaugural meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, according to the ministry. He Lifeng previously led the Chinese delegation in the initial round of trade negotiations held in May. On Friday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will lead the American side in the upcoming discussions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ongoing friction between the United States and China continues to simmer amid a prolonged trade conflict that has weighed heavily on both economies. Although the two sides temporarily rolled back most tariffs following breakthrough trade discussions in Geneva last month, tensions have reignited. The two nations, whose bilateral trade in goods exceeded $582 billion last year, now face renewed setbacks. Beijing has accused Washington of eroding the limited progress made, particularly after the US Commerce Department issued a warning to the chip industry against sourcing semiconductors from China. Additionally, China voiced strong opposition to the Trump administrations recent move to revoke visas for several Chinese students enrolled at American universities. In turn, the US has criticised China for allegedly dragging its feet on a commitment made during the Geneva talks, specifically, a pledge to increase exports of rare earth minerals critical to American industries. With inputs from agencies US Congressman Brad Sherman gave a reality check to the Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, insisting that the country should do all it can to eliminate terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad from the region read more Pakistans bid to spread its false propaganda in Washington failed horribly after a US lawmaker called out the countrys support for a globally recognised terrorist organisation, Jaish-e-Mohammad. On Thursday, American Congressman Brad Sherman delivered stern advice to the Pakistani delegation led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that the country should do all it can to eliminate the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad. Sherman also told Bhuttos team that Pakistan should ensure the protection of religious minorities in the country. Interestingly, the remarks from the US lawmaker came months after Pakistans Army Chief Asim Munir made provocative remarks, expressing his support for the so-called Two-Nation Theory, days after which India witnessed the Pahalgam terror attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sherman took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to reveal that he emphasised to the Pakistani delegation the importance of combating terrorism and, in particular, the group Jaish-e-Mohammed. The American lawmaker pointed out that it was the JeM that was behind the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002. For years, the people of #Sindh have faced political repression through enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Since its founding in 2011, Pakistans own Human Rights Commission has documented over 8,000 cases of enforced disappearances, many of which have never been Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) June 6, 2025 Sherman shares the plight of the Pearl family In his post, the US lawmaker noted that he told the Pakistani delegation that it is important to combat terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and shared the plight of the Pearl family. I emphasised to the Pakistani delegation the importance of combatting terrorism, and in particular, the group Jaish-e-Mohammed, who murdered my constituent Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Congressman said. Pearls family continues to live in my district, and Pakistan should do all it can to eliminate this vile group and combat terrorism in the region, he added. Daniel was kidnapped by terrorists in Pakistan in January 2002, while he was on his way to what he had expected would be an interview with Pakistani religious cleric Mubarak Ali Gilani in Karachi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Congressman from California also raised concerns about the lives of minorities in Pakistan. Christians, Hindus and Ahmadiyya Muslims living in Pakistan must be allowed to practice their faith and participate in the democratic system without fear of violence, persecution, discrimination, or an unequal justice system, he said in the post. During the meeting, Sherman also called for the release of Dr Shakil Afridi, who continues to languish in prison for helping the United States kill Osama bin Laden . Freeing Dr Afridi represents an important step in bringing closure for victims of 9/11, he said. Dr Afridi is a Pakistani physician who helped the CIA run a polio vaccination programme in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The campaign eventually helped in the collection of the DNA sample of the Bin Laden family. Afridi was eventually arrested by Pakistani authorities shortly after the American raid on Bin Ladens compound in Abbottabad in May 2011. In 2012, a Pakistani court eventually sentenced him to 33 years in prison. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The AP sued in February after the White House restricted the news outlets access over its decision to continue referring to the Gulf of Mexico in its coverage despite Trump renaming the body of water the Gulf of America read more President Donald Trump is free to bar The Associated Press from some White House media events for now, after a U.S. appeals court on Friday paused a lower court ruling mandating that AP journalists be given access. The divided ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit temporarily blocks an order by US District Judge Trevor McFadden, who ruled on April 8 that the Trump administration must allow AP journalists access to the Oval Office, Air Force One and White House events while the news agencys lawsuit moves forward. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 2-1 ruling was written by US Circuit Judge Neomi Rao, joined by fellow Trump appointee U.S. Circuit Judge Gregory Katsas. Rao wrote that the lower court injunction impinges on the Presidents independence and control over his private workspaces and that the White House was likely to ultimately defeat the Associated Press lawsuit. The Associated Press in a statement said it was disappointed by the decision and weighing its options. A White House spokesperson, Taylor Budowich, in a statement on the social media platform X said the Associated Press has no right to unfettered access to limited spaces, like the Oval Office and Air Force One. In a dissent, Circuit Judge Cornelia Pillard, an appointee of President Barack Obama, said her two colleagues ruling cannot be squared with any sensible understanding of the role of a free press in our constitutional democracy. The AP sued in February after the White House restricted the news outlets access over its decision to continue referring to the Gulf of Mexico in its coverage despite Trump renaming the body of water the Gulf of America. The APs lawyers argued the new policy violated the First Amendment of the Constitution, which protects free speech rights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD McFadden, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, said in his ruling that if the White House opens its doors to some journalists it cannot exclude others based on their viewpoints. Trump administration lawyers said the president has absolute discretion over media access to the White House and that McFaddens ruling infringed on his ability to decide whom to admit to sensitive spaces. The Constitution does not prohibit the President from considering a journalists prior coverage in evaluating how much access he will grant that journalist, lawyers for the administration said in a court filing. On April 16, the AP accused the Trump administration of defying the court order by continuing to exclude its journalists from some events and then limiting access to Trump for all news wires, including Reuters and Bloomberg. Reuters and the AP both issued statements denouncing the new policy, which puts wire services in a larger rotation with about 30 other newspaper and print outlets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other media customers, including local news organizations that have no presence in Washington, rely on the wire services real-time reports of presidential statements as do global financial markets. The AP says in its stylebook that the Gulf of Mexico has carried that name for more than 400 years and, as a global news agency, the AP will refer to it by its original name while acknowledging the new name Trump has chosen. The public feud between the US president and the worlds richest man was an easy target for Russian politicians who have a history of gloating over perceived turmoil in Washington read more The high profile bromance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk finally imploded on June 5. File image/AP The feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk provoked chatter, mockery and amusement among the ruling class in Moscow, where one senior official joked about hosting peace talks and another said Musk should bring his businesses to Russia. Elon, dont be upset! nationalist senator Dmitry Rogozin, who once ran Russias space programme, wrote on Musks X social media site. If you encounter insurmountable problems in the U.S., come to us. Here you will find reliable comrades and complete freedom of technical creativity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dmitry Medvedev, a senior security official and former president, posted: We are ready to facilitate the conclusion of a peace deal between D and E for a reasonable fee and to accept Starlink shares as payment. Dont fight, guys! The public feud between the U.S. president and the worlds richest man was an easy target for Russian politicians who have a history of gloating over perceived turmoil in Washington. Margarita Simonyan, one of Russias most powerful state media executives, mocked it as an example of modern U.S. political culture Sort of like the English Industrial Revolution. Only in reverse. Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russias sovereign wealth fund, who has in the past tried to interest Musk in cooperating with Russia on flights to Mars, asked on X: Why cant we all just get along? He then asked Grok, Xs AI chatbot, how Musk and Trump could reconcile. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, when asked about the clash, said it was an internal matter for the U.S., though he was confident that Trump would handle it. Presidents handle a huge number of different things at the same time, some more and some less important, Peskov said. Others saw clear benefit for Russia from the feud distracting Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We can just be glad that they wont have time for us, said Konstantin Malofeyev, a hardline nationalist tycoon, who said it was now the best time to strike back against Ukraine. News / National by Staff reporter A citywide operation aimed at curbing the growing threat of stray dogs in Bulawayo has failed to get off the ground after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reportedly failed to cooperate, city officials have confirmed.The initiative, known as the "tie-up order," was scheduled to begin on 5 May 2025 and was meant to run through 30 June, targeting the rising number of stray dogs linked to rabies outbreaks and recent fatal attacks. However, the operation was never implemented.During a full council meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu expressed concern over the programme's apparent ineffectiveness in light of recent incidents, including the fatal mauling of a man in Harare."I noted that last month the council implemented the tie-up order. May we hear about the successes of the programme, especially after last week's tragedy?" Cllr Ndlovu asked. "Stray dogs and cats continue to roam our neighbourhoods, yet resources were allocated to this campaign. How many dogs have been dealt with, and how many are still roaming?"In response, Ward 23 Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo acknowledged that the campaign never commenced due to a lack of coordination with police."The tie-up order was supposed to begin on 5 May, but it required coordination with the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Unfortunately, there was no cooperation from the ZRP, and the exercise was not initiated," said Cllr Khumalo.The tie-up order was a joint effort involving the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), the Department of Veterinary Field Services, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and the ZRP. Under the directive, dog owners were required to confine their pets to their properties, and any unrestrained or unclaimed dogs found roaming would be subject to impoundment or euthanisation.Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube previously stressed the need for urgent action, noting a rise in rabies cases and reports of dog bites."The City of Bulawayo has noted that there is an increasing number of people who are being bitten by stray dogs," Dube said earlier this year.Under city by-laws, Bulawayo residents are permitted to keep no more than two dogs on properties smaller than 2,000 square metres, and a maximum of four dogs on larger plots. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.Residents who exceed these limits are encouraged to surrender excess animals to the SPCA shelter in Thorngrove.The council also reiterated that secure boundaries-such as walls and fences-are required for pet containment. Hedges are not considered secure under the city's regulations.The failed operation has sparked public concern, especially in high-density suburbs where packs of stray dogs are often reported roaming at night. Residents say they feel unsafe and fear the spread of rabies, particularly among children who are most at risk of attacks.While the city remains committed to reducing stray animal populations, the setback underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation. Without the active participation of law enforcement, city officials warn, future efforts may continue to fall short.It remains unclear whether the campaign will be rescheduled or revised in the coming weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally accepted the invitation extended by his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, to attend the G7 Summit in Alberta after weeks of speculation over PM Modis participation read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted the invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to participate in the G7 summit scheduled to take place in Alberta. During the visit, the prime minister is likely to call out Pakistans terror agenda since this will be his first foreign trip since India conducted Operation Sindoor against nine terror camps in Pakistan. On Friday, the prime minister officially confirmed the news on X, formerly known as Twitter. The invitation from Carney and PM Modis acceptance came after a week of suspense over PM Modis participation due to the lack of an invitation from Canada. India is not a member of the G7 nations, but the prime minister has been invited to all the G7 summits since 2019. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his post, PM Modi thanked his Canadian counterpart for the invite. Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month, the Indian premier wrote in the post. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit, he added. Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2025 PM Modis first foreign visit since Operation Sindoor This will be Prime Minister Modis first foreign trip after Indias Operation Sindoor . Hence, many believe that PM Modi would likely highlight Pakistans terror exports . Meanwhile, the Canadian readout did not highlight much about the visit. Importantly, there was agreement to continue law enforcement dialogue and discussions addressing security concerns, the readout said about the call between the two world leaders. During the phone call, PM Modi and Carney, who was sworn in as Canadas PM in March and won federal elections the next month, pledged to rebuild the relationship that was soured by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India-Canada relations nose-dived into an abyss after Trudeau stood in the Canadian parliament and alleged that agents working for the Government of India were involved in the murder of pro-Khalistan terrorist and Canadian national Hardeep Singh Nijjar . New Delhi vehemently rejected the allegations, calling Trudeaus assertion absurd. The whole saga spiralled down to a point where both countries called back their high commissioners. When asked about the Nijjar investigations, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said last week that while the rule of law will never be compromised, Canada is looking forward to continuing to build this partnership. The two leaders discussed the longstanding relationship between Canada and India, including deep people-to-people ties and significant commercial links, said the Canadian readout on the Friday phone call. The summit will also see PM Modi coming face to face with US President Donald Trump for the first time since the latter introduced a 26 per cent tariff on India in February this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Will the Khalistan row be at the centre of PM Modis visit to Canada? Carney did not share much when asked about extending an invite to PM Modi amid the Nijjar probe. A legal process is underway I cannot comment on an ongoing legal process, Carney said on the ongoing probe into the murder of the pro-Khalistani terrorist. My message to Canadians is Our country follows the rule of law, and we will not disrupt that, he added. Commenting on the Indian Prime Ministers upcoming visit, Canadian lawyer and MLA for VancouverQuilchena in British Columbia, Dallas Brodie said: I think the relationship will be improved and it will be exciting to have the two leaders meetingIt also brings to light that Canada needs to have a positive relationship with India, she said. India is a great country to have a trade arrangement with an educated population, brilliant people, motivated people, a democracy and such a gigantic market. Canada could do nothing but benefit from having a positive relationship with India, she furthered. Several minor survivors have revealed that they were raped and abused by the very mullahs who were supposed to teach them religious values read more The are at least 17,738 registered madrasas in Pakistan, educating about 2.2 million children. (AFP file photo) A report by public broadcaster France 24 has again thrown light on widespread abuse of children in Pakistani religious schools known as madrasas. The report says that while these schools claim to provide free religious and Islamic teachings to children from humble backgrounds, a systemic culture of abuse and sexual violence has developed in the shadows. The report by France 24 mentioned testimonies by several survivors, who revealed how they were raped and abused by the very clerics who were supposed to teach them religious values. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All the boys in the village were talking about the risk of being raped in the madrasas I didnt think it could happen to me," said a 14-year-old survivor as he talked about how a mullah raped him. The channel shared a video on the social media platform X, featuring a minor who said the headmaster of his school took him to his house under the pretext of cleaning the house. The boy said that as soon as they reached the place, his teacher came into the room, locked the door, forcibly removed his pants and started assaulting him. I got on his motorbike and we left. He came into the room, closed the door and started assaulting me," the boy said. He pulled down his trousers and took mine off by force. And then he did horrible things to me. I couldnt stop crying," he added. In 2017, news agency Associated Press conducted a major investigation that uncovered numerous cases of sexual abuse within Pakistans madrasas. That report, which utilised police records and interviews with victims, families, clerics, aid workers, and officials, suggested that the actual number of cases might be much higher due to underreporting and silence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Currently, government data indicates there are at least 17,738 registered madrasas in Pakistan, providing education to approximately 2.2 million children. However, many more religious schools operate without formal oversight. There is no central authority to regulate these institutions or address allegations of abuse. The operation included 280 kg of liquid methamphetamine, cocaine hidden in cement sacks, and a network of trusted insiders at port facilities who assisted the ring. The network made at least $443,000 selling contraband cigarettes on Sydneys black market alone read more Gurvinder Singh, 42, an Indian-origin Australian, was arrested after a two-year probe for allegedly masterminding a global drug smuggling network. News18 Gurvinder Singh, a 42-year-old Indian-origin Australian man, was arrested following a two-year multi-agency investigation for allegedly masterminding an international drug operation that smuggled 20 million illicit cigarettes and over half a tonne of cocaine into Sydney, according to Australia Today. The operation included 280 kg of liquid methamphetamine, cocaine hidden in cement sacks, and a network of trusted insiders at port facilities who assisted the ring. The network made at least $443,000 selling contraband cigarettes on Sydneys black market alone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last month, the strike team executed synchronised early-morning raids involving over 150 police on residences in Punchbowl, Wetherill Park, and the neighbouring suburbs. Gurvindar Singh was arrested outside a private property shortly after exiting his car near a waiting police car. Two Canadians of Indian descent, Aman Kang (24) and Mani Singh Dhaliwal (31), were also arrested. Authorities claim that they were hired by Gurvindar Singh to recover and distribute the cocaine cargo. Singh is facing five charges for importing a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs and illegal tobacco, two counts of dealing with proceeds of crime, and two charges related to leading a criminal group. If found guilty, he could face life in prison. Kang and Dhaliwal have been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of drugs and participating in a criminal group. All three were denied bail during their initial court appearances and are scheduled to return to Downing Centre Local Court in July. Singhs lawyer argued for his release on bail, citing his clients underlying health issues and the fact that he is the sole provider for his family. News of the soldiers deaths came as Gazas civil defence agency reported 38 killed Friday in Israeli attacks across the territory, where Palestinians observed the Eid al-Adha holiday under the shadow of war for a second consecutive year read more This picture taken from a position in southern Israel shows Israeli tanks deployed on the border with the Gaza Strip on May 17, 2025. AFP Photo Israels military announced Friday the deaths of four soldiers in Gaza, saying it needed thousands more troops to press its offensive, just as the premiers coalition faces the prospect of collapse over ultra-Orthodox conscription. News of the soldiers deaths came as Gazas civil defence agency reported 38 killed Friday in Israeli attacks across the territory, where Palestinians observed the Eid al-Adha holiday under the shadow of war for a second consecutive year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Military spokesman Effie Defrin said the four soldiers were killed as they were operating in the Khan Yunis area, in a compound belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation. Around six in the morning, an explosive device detonated, causing part of the structure to collapse, he said, adding that five other soldiers were wounded, one of them severely. The losses suffered today by the occupation in Khan Younis illustrate what the occupation forces will face wherever they are present, said a statement attributed to Abu Obeida, spokesman for the armed of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, while urging the Israeli public to force its leaders to end the war of extermination or prepare to receive more of its sons in coffins. The deaths bring to 429 the number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since the start of the ground offensive in late October 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his condolences to the soldiers families, saying they sacrificed their lives for the safety of all of us. Israel recently stepped up its Gaza campaign in what it says is a renewed push to defeat Hamas, whose October 7, 2023 attack sparked the war. Conscription row Asked by a reporter about the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, which has emerged as a thorn in the side of Netanyahus government, Defrin said this is the need of the moment, an operational necessity. The army was short around 10,000 soldiers, he added, including about 6,000 in combat roles, adding that tens of thousands more notices will be issued in the upcoming draft cycle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conscription issue has threatened to sink Netanyahus government, with ultra-Orthodox religious parties warning they will pull out of his coalition if Netanyahu fails to make good on a promise to codify the military exemption for their community in law. At the same time, much of the public has turned against the exemption amid the increasing strain put on reservists families by repeated call-up orders during the war. In April, a military representative told a parliamentary committee that of 18,000 draft notices sent to ultra-Orthodox individuals, only 232 received a positive response. Netanyahus office announced shortly after 1:00 am on Friday that he had met with a lawmaker from his Likud party who has recently pushed for a bill aimed at increasing the ultra-Orthodox enlistment and toughening sanctions on those who refuse. The premiers office said significant progress was made, with unresolved issues to be ironed out later. Netanyahu also faced scrutiny after he admitted to supporting an armed group in Gaza that opposes Hamas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Knesset member and ex-defence minister Avigdor Liberman had told the Kan public broadcaster that the government, at Netanyahus direction, was giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons. The European Council on Foreign Relations think tank describes the group a criminal gang operating in the Rafah area that is widely accused of looting aid trucks. He wears a white shroud The humanitarian situation in Gaza, meanwhile, has reached dire lows, with residents enduring severe shortages of food and other essentials, even after a more than two-month Israeli blockade on aid was recently eased. The shortages have made it all but impossible for many Gazans to celebrate Eid al-Adha, which fell on Friday and is traditionally marked with huge family meals and gifts of new clothes. Suad al-Qarra told AFP from Nasser Hospital on Friday that her son never got a chance to wear his new clothes. He went to get dressed and there was an explosion, she said, her soft voice breaking. I took him to the hospital and (they) found him dead. They took the children from us, she continued. I bought him Eid clothes yesterday and he didnt wear them, instead he wears a white shroud. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the Muslim faith, Eid commemorates the sacrifice Ibrahim known to Christians and Jews as Abraham was about to make by killing his son, before the angel Gabriel intervened and offered him a sheep to sacrifice instead. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Fridays strikes. Hamass unprecedented attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, at least 4,402 people have been killed since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18 after a brief truce, taking the wars overall toll to 54,677, mostly civilians. Israel has in recent weeks expanded its offensive across the Gaza Strip as U.S., Qatari and Egyptian-led efforts to secure another ceasefire have faltered read more Palestinians search for casualties at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City. Reuters The Israeli military has retrieved the body of a Thai hostage who had been held in Gaza since Hamas October 7, 2023 attack, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday, as Israeli airstrikes killed 55 people, according to local medics. Nattapong Pintas body was held by a Palestinian militant group called the Mujahedeen Brigades, and was recovered from the area of Rafah in southern Gaza, Katz said. His family in Thailand has been notified. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pinta, an agricultural worker, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a small Israeli community near the Gaza border where a quarter of the population was killed or taken hostage during the Hamas attack that triggered the devastating war in Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid group, said on Saturday it was unable to distribute assistance to Palestinian civilians, blaming threats by Hamas, which Gazas dominant militant group denied. Israels military said Pinta had been abducted alive and killed by his captors, who had also killed and taken to Gaza the bodies of two more Israeli-American hostages that were retrieved earlier this week. There was no immediate comment from the Mujahedeen Brigades, who have previously denied killing their captives, or from Hamas. The Israeli military said the Brigades were still holding the body of another foreign national. Only 20 of the 55 remaining hostages are believed to still be alive. The Mujahedeen Brigades also held and killed Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, according to Israeli authorities. Their bodies were returned during a two-month ceasefire, which collapsed in March after the two sides could not agree on terms for extending it to a second phase. The military said on Saturday it had killed Asad Abu Sharaiya, who served as the head of the Mujahideen, but there was no confirmation from the group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel has in recent weeks expanded its offensive across the Gaza Strip as U.S., Qatari and Egyptian-led efforts to secure another ceasefire have faltered. Medics in Gaza said 55 people in total were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the enclave on Saturday. At least 15 Palestinians were killed and 50 wounded by airstrikes in the Gaza City district of Sabra in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, local health authorities said. More than one missile landed in the area. The target seemed to have been a multi-floor residential building, but the explosion damaged several other houses nearby, according to witnesses and media. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. It later warned people to evacuate the nearby district of Jabalia, saying it was going to strike there after rockets were launched by militants in the vicinity. The Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday that Gazas hospitals only had fuel for three more days and that Israel was denying access for international relief agencies to areas where fuel storages designated for hospitals are located. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There was no immediate response from the Israeli military or COGAT, the Israeli defence agency that coordinates humanitarian matters with the Palestinians. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it had uncovered an underground tunnel route, including a command and control center from which senior Hamas commanders operated beneath the European Hospital compound in southern Gaza. It added that it had located several bodies of militants whose identities were under examination. The Israeli government and military said last month it had killed Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas Gaza chief, but Hamas did not confirm his death. US-backed aid group halts distributions The United Nations has warned that most of Gazas 2.3 million people are at risk of famine after an 11-week Israeli blockade, with the rate of young children suffering from acute malnutrition nearly tripling. Aid distribution was halted on Friday after the GHF said overcrowding had made it unsafe to continue operations. The GHF, which has been fiercely criticised by humanitarian organisations for alleged lack of neutrality, said it was unable to distribute any humanitarian aid on Saturday because Hamas had issued direct threats against its operations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These threats made it impossible to proceed today without putting innocent lives at risk, the GHF said in a statement in which it also said it intended to resume aid distribution without delay. A Hamas official told Reuters he had no knowledge of such alleged threats. On Wednesday, the GHF suspended operations and asked the Israeli military to review security protocols after Palestinian hospital officials said more than 80 people had been shot dead and hundreds wounded near distribution points between June 1-3. Eyewitnesses blamed Israeli soldiers for the killings. The Israeli military said it fired warning shots on two days, while on Tuesday it said soldiers had fired at Palestinian suspects who were advancing towards their positions. The Israeli military said on Saturday that 350 trucks of humanitarian aid belonging to the U.N. and other international relief groups were transferred this week via the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza. The war erupted after Hamas-led militants took 251 hostages and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, in the October 7, 2023 attack, Israels single deadliest day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israels military campaign has since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to health authorities in Gaza, and flattened much of the coastal enclave. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that since India is the fifth-largest economy and the most populous country in the world, it was essential to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit in Alberta read more Many had hoped that Mark Carney's victory at the polls would result in better ties with India. AP Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday elucidated the reasons why Prime Minister Modi was invited to the G7 Summit scheduled to take place in Alberta. While India is not a part of the G7 nations, Prime Minister Modi has been participating in the international summit since 2019. When asked about why PM Modi was invited, Carney made it clear that Indias presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. The Canadian premier noted that India is the fifth-largest economy in the world and the most populous country in the world, hence its voice becomes extremely essential. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets put the two aspects in context- first is, we are in the role- Canadas in the role of the G7 chair and those discussions as agreed with our G7 colleagues, include important discussions on energy, security, on digital future, critical minerals amongst others and partnerships actually in building infrastructure in the emerging and developing world, Carney said at the presser. Canadian PM on invite to Modi for G7, says its the 5th largest economy, and a critical partner. Also get a sense that other G7 countries pushed Canada to invite Modi, as Carney says invitation is determined by consultations with G7 partners. pic.twitter.com/YNez5BUJt4 Yusuf Unjhawala (@YusufDFI) June 7, 2025 The Canadian PM maintained that India is central to a number of supply chains, which makes its presence pertinent at the G7 chair consultation. There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions, and in my capacity as G7 chair, I will consult with some others to make those determinations. India is the fifth largest economy in the world, effectively the most populous country in the world, central to a number of those supply chains at the heart of a number of those supply chains, so it makes sense, he averred. India & Canada focusing on law enforcement: Carney Carney told reporters that PM Modi has accepted his invitation and noted that both nations are focusing on law enforcement. There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions, and in my capacity as G7 chair, I will consult with some others to make those determinations. India is the fifth largest economy in the world, effectively the most populous country in the world, central to a number of those supply chains at the heart of a number of those supply chains, so it makes sense, he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi issued a separate statement on Friday confirming that he would be attending the summit. Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J Carney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit, he said in a post on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2025 India-Canada relations nose-dived into an abyss after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood in the Canadian parliament and alleged that agents working for the Government of India were involved in the murder of pro-Khalistan terrorist and Canadian national Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi vehemently rejected the allegations, calling Trudeaus assertion absurd. The whole saga spiralled down to a point where both countries called back their high commissioners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When asked about the Nijjar investigations, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said last week that while the rule of law will never be compromised, Canada is looking forward to continuing to build this partnership. The two leaders discussed the longstanding relationship between Canada and India, including deep people-to-people ties and significant commercial links, said the Canadian readout on the Friday phone call. The G7 Summit will also see PM Modi coming face to face with US President Donald Trump for the first time since the latter introduced a 26 per cent tariff on India in February this year. British Foreign Minister David Lammy is the highest-profile Western official to have visited both New Delhi and Islamabad since the South Asian neighbours agreed to a ceasefire last month after their worst fighting in nearly three decades. read more Britain and India held talks on strengthening their counter-terrorism cooperation in the wake of recent cross-border clashes between India and Pakistan, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy told Reuters on Saturday following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Lammys visit makes him the most senior Western official to travel to both New Delhi and Islamabad since the South Asian rivals agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, ending their most intense period of conflict in nearly 30 years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for your warm welcome to India. Building on the free trade agreement between our great countries, we will continue working together to deepen our partnership, celebrate our unique living bridge, and deliver growth and security. pic.twitter.com/UbPXRey4Wn David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 7, 2025 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for decisive international action against terrorism and those supporting it in a meeting with Lammy. The Prime Ministers Office said Lammy strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi expressed satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention and appreciated the constructive engagement by both sides that led to this milestone. Pleased to meet UK Foreign Secretary Mr. David Lammy. Appreciate his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further strengthened by the recently concluded FTA. Value UKs support for Indias fight against cross-border pic.twitter.com/8PDLWEwyTl Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The PMO statement said Modi welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the deepening of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He welcomed the continued collaboration under the Technology Security Initiative and noted its potential to shape trusted and secure innovation ecosystems. Tensions had surged in April after 26 people were killed in Indias Kashmir, an incident India blamed on Pakistan-backed militants, which Islamabad denied. In response, India launched strikes on what it described as terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan, prompting retaliatory moves and escalation until both countries agreed to halt hostilities. We want the situation to be maintained, but of course we recognise fragility, particularly in the backdrop of terrorism, terrorism designed to destabilise India, Lammy said in an interview at the residence of the British High Commissioner in New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are keen to continue to work with our Indian partners on counter-terrorism measures. He said he discussed the next steps with both Modi and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, but gave no specifics. Last year, India and Britain discussed combating the financing of terrorism, cooperation between law enforcement and judicial bodies and information sharing. Lammy said he also discussed boosting trade between the worlds fifth and sixth largest economies. The countries concluded talks for a free trade deal early last month. I know that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is very much looking forward to coming to India very soon to sign the free trade agreement, Lammy said. There is so much that our two nations can continue to do together. With inputs from agencies Musk said on Thursday that the Republican leader is named in classified government papers on former Epstein associates. Epstein committed suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges read more US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, May 30, 2025, in Washington. File Photo/AP Tech billionaire Elon Musk has deleted a controversial social media post that alleged a connection between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, shared amid a heated exchange with the US president this week. Musk, who left his position as a key White House advisor last week, said on Thursday that the Republican leader is named in classified government papers on former Epstein associates. Epstein committed suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration has stated that it is evaluating tens of thousands of documents, recordings, other investigation materials, which his MAGA campaign claims will reveal prominent people involved in Epsteins crimes. Time to drop the really big bomb: (Trump) is in the Epstein files, Musk posted on his social media platform, X as his growing feud with the president boiled over into a spectacularly public row on Thursday. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Musk did not reveal which files he was talking about and offered no evidence for his claim. He initially doubled down on the claim, writing in a follow-up message: Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. However, he appeared to have deleted both tweets by Saturday morning. Supporters on the conspiratorial end of Trumps Make America Great Again base allege that Epsteins associates had their roles in his crimes covered up by government officials and others. They point the finger at Democrats and Hollywood celebrities, although not at Trump himself. No official source has ever confirmed that the president appears in any of the material. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump knew and socialized with Epstein but has denied spending time on Little Saint James, the private redoubt in the US Virgin Islands where prosecutors alleged Epstein trafficked underage girls for sex. Terrific guy, Trump, who was Epsteins neighbour in both Florida and New York, said in an early 2000s profile of the financier. 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. Just last week Trump gave Musk a glowing send-off as he left his cost-cutting role at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But their relationship imploded within days as Musk described as an abomination a spending bill that, if passed by Congress, could define Trumps second term in office. Trump hit back in an Oval Office diatribe and from there the row detonated, leaving Washington and riveted social media users alike stunned by the blistering break-up between the worlds richest person and the worlds most powerful. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With real political and economic risks to their row, both then appeared to inch back from the brink on Friday, but the White House denied reports they would talk. According to Zelenskyy, comparing the war to a playground fight distorts the reality of Russias aggressiveness. We are not kids with Putin at a playground, he emphasised. Putin is a murderer who came to this park to kill the kids. read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to US President Donald Trumps recent remarks, in which he compared the conflict between Ukraine and Russia to a playground fight. Speaking to ABC News on June 6, Zelenskyy emphasised the intensity of the conflict and argued that people who are not in Ukraine cannot completely comprehend its consequences. According to Zelenskyy, comparing the war to a playground fight distorts the reality of Russias aggressiveness. We are not kids with Putin at a playground, he emphasised. Putin is a murderer who came to this park to kill the kids. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy reacted to Trumps statements earlier this week, in which the US president stated that Ukraine and Russia should be allowed to fight it out before he intervenes, implying probable sanctions on both countries. Zelenskyy emphasised that the issue is not Trump personally, but rather the physical and emotional barrier between people watching the war from afar and those experiencing it. Its not about President Trump. Its about anyone thousands of miles away who cannot fully feel or understand this pain, Zelenskyy explained. Zelenskyy highlighted the human toll of the war by sharing a story about a Ukrainian father who lost his wife and three children in a Russian missile strike. Though unnamed, the man was likely Yaroslav Bazylevych, whose family died in a similar attack last year. Zelenskyy said that the father told him: Every morning when I wake up, I look for my family all over the apartment It still feels like a nightmare a bad dream. Zelenskyy stated that such agony is hard to understand for those who have not experienced it firsthand, and he emphasised the necessity for further international pressure on Russia. Following his discussion with President Trump in Washington on June 5, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that some US senators are unaware of the scope of Russias rearmament efforts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Merz spoke in Berlin, urging US senators to recognise the threat presented by Russias military development and supporting Trumps proposal for Nato members to increase defence expenditure to 5% of GDP. India will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put on par with its victims and expects partners to understand its policy of zero tolerance against terrorism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday during extensive talks with his British counterpart David Lammy. read more Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised on Saturday that India will never accept equating terrorists with their victims and expects international partners to respect its strict zero tolerance stance on terrorism. His comments came amid concerns in New Delhi about some countries linking India and Pakistan following recent clashes between the two neighbors. Glad to meet UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today in Delhi. Appreciate UKs strong condemnation of the terrorist attack on Pahalgam and support in combatting terrorism. Our conversation focused on the significant strides being made by the Comprehensive Strategic pic.twitter.com/R9yssJiZCI Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 7, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After arriving in Delhi, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who welcomed the UKs support in Indias efforts to combat cross-border terrorism. Following the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the British foreign secretary strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack while Modi underscored the need for a decisive international action against terrorism and those who support it. Appreciate his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further strengthened by the recently concluded FTA. Value UKs support for Indias fight against cross-border terrorism, the prime minister said in a social media post. Modi described the recent conclusion of the India-UK free trade pact and double contribution convention (DCC) as a strategic milestone that will unlock potential of the partnership in diverse sectors, according to the MEA. It said the prime minister conveyed his warm greetings to his UK counterpart Sir Keir Starmer and reiterated the invitation for his visit to India at the earliest mutual convenience. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his televised opening remarks at the meeting with Lammy, Jaishankar thanked the UK for its strong condemnation of the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack and Londons solidarity and support to New Delhis fight against terrorism. We practise a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it, and we will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with its victims, he said. It is understood that the Indian side explained Indias challenge of dealing with cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The UK was among countries which were in touch with both India and Pakistan in an attempt to de-escalate their tensions during their military conflict from May 7-10. Lammy paid a two-day visit to Islamabad from May 16 during which he welcomed the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan to stop the military actions. After the meeting, the British foreign secretary said: We are advancing a new era in UK-India relations boosting trade and technology, tackling the climate crisis and providing greater security for our people. In his remarks, Jaishankar described the recent conclusion of the India-UK free trade agreement and the double contribution convention as truly a milestone which will not only propel our two-way trade and investment but will also have a positive effect on other strategic aspects of our bilateral ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Lammy landed in Delhi, a British readout quoted him as saying: Were building a modern partnership with India for a new global era. It said he will also welcome progress in our migration partnership, including ongoing work on safeguarding citizens and securing borders in both countries. The MEA said the two ministers reviewed the overall bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the progress in diverse sectors, including trade, defence and security, technology, health, green energy and climate, education, and people-to-people ties under the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership. Lammys visit provided a valuable opportunity to sustain the high-level engagement and to further consolidate the partnership as both sides agreed to continue working closely to advance their shared objectives, it added. Addressing migration remains a top priority for the government and Lammy is focused on working internationally with global partners to secure the UKs borders at home, the British readout said. India was one of my first visits as foreign secretary, and since then has been a key partner in the delivery of our Plan for Change. Our relationship has gone from strength to strength securing our future technologies, adding over 25 billion pounds in trade every year between our countries and deepening the strong links between our cultures and people, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lammy said the signing of the free trade agreement with India is just the start of the ambitions for the two countries. Were building a modern partnership with India for a new global era. We want to go even further to foster an even closer relationship and cooperate when it comes to delivering growth, fostering innovative technology, tackling the climate crisis and delivering our migration priorities, and providing greater security for our people, he was quoted in the readout. The British foreign secretary was also scheduled to meet leading figures in Indian business to discuss how both sides can unlock greater investment by Indian business in the UK. In 2023-24, India was the UKs second largest source of investments in terms of number of projects for the fifth consecutive year. In his remarks, Jaishankar listed various initiatives which were rolled out recently to bolster the ties. Since your last visit to India, there have been significant initiatives which both of us have taken and those initiatives have progressed well. Jaishankar singled out the Technology Security Initiative (TSI) and said it will enable deeper collaboration in strategic technology sectors of AI, semiconductors, telecom, quantum, health-tech, bio-tech, critical minerals and advanced materials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have also launched the strategic exports and technology cooperation dialogue, the first meeting of which was held, I believe, this week. This will enhance among others the TSIs effectiveness in promoting trade in critical and emerging technologies, including the resolution of relevant licensing or regulatory issues, he said. Jaishankar also pointed to the UK-India infrastructure financial bridge and said it can unlock quality long-term capital flows from the United Kingdom to India, and that would surely contribute to our infrastructure development. There is very good collaboration in the education sector with many more universities, I believe, planning to establish their campuses in India, and on the people-to-people ties front, we had the privilege I myself had the honour to open two new consulates in Manchester and Belfast, he said. The overall focus of the talks was to further deepen and diversify the India-UK partnership. With inputs from agencies News / National by Staff reporter A major crackdown on rogue witch hunters known as Tsikamutandas has been launched in Zaka and Nyajena districts of Masvingo Province, following rising reports of fraud, family disruptions, and illegal exorcisms.The operation is being spearheaded by the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). It targets individuals posing as traditional healers, accused of extorting livestock from vulnerable villagers and accusing people of witchcraft under the guise of "spiritual cleansing."In a letter dated 28 May 2025, TMPC Acting Registrar Givemore Kanda alerted the Officer in Charge of the Zaka and Masvingo policing districts, as well as local District Development Coordinators, urging immediate intervention."The council notes with concern the increased illegal activities of fraudulent traditional medical practitioners and persons operating as Tsikamutandas swindling villagers of their possessions in cahoots with some traditional leaders and village heads," wrote Kanda."We are seeking your assistance for the arrest and bringing to book of persons operating as Tsikamutandas throughout Masvingo Province, including the culprits in Zaka and Nyajena."The TMPC clarified that these actions violate both the Traditional Medical Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:14] and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], and emphasized that the council does not support such exploitative practices.ZRP sources confirmed their involvement in the operation and called on the public to report any sightings or movements of Tsikamutandas. Officers are also investigating allegations that some traditional leaders and law enforcement personnel are protecting or benefiting from these fraudulent activities.Chief Bota Born Tafirenyika Bwazvo stated that he had personally investigated reports of Tsikamutandas in Dzoro, Mushaya, and Dekeza villages."I am not involved in any way. I even summoned the headmen who were alleged to be working with them, but they did not come," he said.However, sources within the community have cast doubt on Chief Bota's claims, suggesting he and other local leaders, including Headman Muchibwa, may be complicit. Some allege that Tsikamutandas have been paying headmen up to US$100 per day for permission to operate.The crackdown also seeks to dismantle networks of corruption said to involve police constabularies, village heads, and Tsikamutandas themselves. Reports indicate that bribes are used to bypass livestock clearance procedures, allowing the suspects to keep extorted cattle with minimal resistance.One Tsikamutanda operating in Mutukirwi Village (Bota) reportedly fled after learning he was being sought by authorities and is now believed to be hiding near Bangala Dam, working from abandoned homesteads. Another is said to reside in Chiponda Village (Muchibwa), reportedly at the home of a police constable who is also the aide of the local village head.Locals say Tsikamutandas are frequently seen drinking with traditional leaders at rural shops, raising further suspicions of collusion.While the effectiveness of the operation remains to be seen, it marks a critical move by authorities to curb widespread abuse and restore order in affected rural communities. For years, Tsikamutandas have operated with relative impunity, using fear, manipulation, and superstition to defraud villagers and divide families.The TMPC urged communities to work with law enforcement and only engage with licensed traditional practitioners for medical and spiritual services.As the dragnet tightens, residents are hopeful that this joint effort will bring long-awaited relief to communities plagued by rogue spiritualists and their corrupt backers. The complaint was filed in Florida by Henry Enrique Tarrio, the former head of the far-right group, and Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Ethan Nordean, all of whom played leadership positions, as well as Dominic Pezzola read more Former far-right Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs and former national chairman of the Proud Boys Henry "Enrique" Tarrio. File image/ Reuters Four Proud Boys leaders who were pardoned after being found guilty of attempting to keep President Donald Trump in office after losing the election to Joe Biden filed a lawsuit against the government on Friday, seeking $100 million. The Plaintiffs bring this suit to seek redress for the multiple violations of their constitutional rights, according to the paperwork. The complaint was filed in Florida by Henry Enrique Tarrio, the former head of the far-right group, and Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Ethan Nordean, all of whom played leadership positions, as well as Dominic Pezzola. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tarrio was convicted of crimes including seditious conspiracy for his involvement in organising the Capitol riot that attempted to prevent Congress from certifying Bidens electoral victory against Trump in 2020. He was ordered to spend 22 years in jail. Biggs, Rehl, and Nordean all held senior positions in the Proud Boys and were convicted with Tarrio for seditious conspiracy and other offences. Pezzola was accused of assaulting former Capitol Police Officer Mark Ode by snatching his riot shield and smashing a window in the Capitol. All four received prison sentences. On the first day of his return office in 2025, Trump issued a sweeping clemency order, granting pardons to almost all of the more than 1,500 defendants who stormed the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 and issuing sentence commutations to 14 others. Patel said that he didnt know how Musk would know about the details of the Epstein files and clarified that he wont participate in the conversation read more Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has refused to wade into the public spat between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, saying he wont participate in this conversation. Patel was speaking at the Joe Rogan Experience" podcast on Thursday (June 5) when he learnt about Musks allegations regarding Trumps involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Im not participating in any of that conversation between Elon and Trump," said Patel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rogan: Jesus Christ. Thats a crazy thing to say. How does he know that Donald Trump is in the Epstein files? Does he have access? Patel: I'm not participating in any of that conversation. That's way out of my lane. Kash clearly uncomfortable. pic.twitter.com/OrEBfirSRB Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) June 6, 2025 Musks big bomb Elon Musk on Thursday dropped what he said a big bomb on X when he claimed Trump was sitting over Epstein files and not releasing them because his name is mentioned in them. 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." In another post on X, Musk stated, Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out." Soon after Musks claim, Democrats too demanded the list be released. House Democrats reportedly pressed the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate Musks. Joe Rogans reaction to Musks remarks Podcaster Joe Rogan said it was crazy for Musk to say such a thing on X. Thats a crazy thing to say. How does he know? Does he know that Donald Trump is in the Epstein files? Or does he have access to the Epstein files?" Meanwhile, Patel added that he didnt know how Musk would know about the details of the Epstein files. Im just staying out of the Trump-Elon thing; thats way outside my lane. I know my lane, and that aint it," Patel said. Ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, Trump declared he wouldnt have any problem releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. However, the US president has not fulfilled this promise yet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In February 2025, the Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, released approximately 200 pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs, a redacted contact book, and an evidence list from investigations into his crimes. These documents, described as Phase 1, largely contained previously leaked material, such as pilot logs from Ghislaine Maxwells trial and Epsteins black book, but offered no major new revelations. Bondi later claimed that the FBIs New York Field Office was withholding thousands of additional pages related to Epsteins investigation and indictment. China has signalled for more than 15 years that it was looking to weaponise areas of the global supply chain, a strategy modelled on longstanding American export controls Beijing views as aimed at stalling its rise. read more China has long indicated its intention to weaponise parts of the global supply chaina strategy now visibly playing out through tighter control of rare earth exports. Modelled on longstanding US export restrictions that Beijing believes are designed to limit its technological rise, China is now turning similar tools to its own advantage. The recent rush by companies to secure export licences for rare earth materials, culminating in a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, highlights how Beijing has refined a powerful lever in the ongoing trade war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Industry experts say China may approve more shipments in the near term but it has no plans to dismantle the new system underpinning those approvals. Instead, Chinas new export licensing regime, closely mirroring the US model grants the government deeper visibility into global supply chokepoints including critical sectors such as electric vehicle motors and precision systems used in missiles. This level of control offers Beijing a potent means to retaliate in the trade dispute while asserting dominance in strategically vital markets. China sharpens rare earth export controls in trade war playbook As relations between the two countries sour and supply chains fracture, both Washington and Beijing appear determined to shift from broad tariffs to more focused, technical barriersones that could have lasting implications for industries worldwide. China originally took inspiration for these export control methods from the comprehensive U.S. sanctions regime, Zhu Junwei, a scholar at the Grandview Institution, a Beijing-based think tank focused on international relations told Reuters. China has been trying to build its own export control systems since then, to be used as a last resort. After a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Trump said the two leaders were straightening out some of the points, particularly regarding rare earth magnetskey components in electric vehicle (EV) motors and high-tech weaponry. But Trump did not confirm whether Beijing had agreed to speed up export licensing, a sticking point since Washington imposed restrictions on chip design software and jet engines over what it calls Chinas deliberate slow-walking of approvals. China, which holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, added some of the most advanced types to its export control list in April. The move forces all exporters to seek government licences before shipping these materials, turning a once-obscure division of the commerce ministrystaffed by around 60 peopleinto a powerful gatekeeper of global manufacturing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The export curbs, part of a broader retaliation package against US tariffs, have had ripple effects well beyond the US. Several European auto parts manufacturers were forced to shut down production lines this week after exhausting their supply of rare earth magnets, underscoring the global reach of Beijings measures. Though Chinas commerce ministry has not publicly commented on the issue, analysts say the blanket controls offer Beijing both leverage in its trade war with Washington and a strategic tool to reshape global supply chains in its favour. Beijing has a degree of plausible deniability no one can prove China is doing this on purpose, Noah Barkin, senior adviser at Rhodium Group, a China-focused U.S. thinktank told Reuters. But the rate of approvals is a pretty clear signal that China is sending a message, exerting pressure to prevent trade negotiations with the U.S. leading to additional technology control. China mines about 70% of the worlds rare earths but maintains a near-monopoly on refining and processing, giving it a powerful position in global manufacturing. Even if export approvals accelerate, as U.S. President Donald Trump indicated after a call with President Xi Jinping, Beijings new licensing system offers it unprecedented visibility into how companies use these critical materials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD European and U.S. executives warn that by forcing exporters to apply for licences, Chinas government can now closely monitor supplier chokepoints in sectors ranging from electric vehicles to advanced weaponry, oversight that other governments lack due to the complexity of global supply chains. Hundreds of Japanese companies are expected to need Chinese export approvals for rare earth magnets in the coming weeks, a person lobbying on their behalf told Reuters. Without timely licences, they risk production disruptions, underscoring how Beijings new trade tools could reshape access to materials essential to modern industry. Its sharpening Chinas scalpel, said a US-based executive at a company seeking to piece together an alternative supply chain who sought anonymity. Its not a way to oversee the export of magnets, but a way to gain influence and advantage over America. Chinas export controls deepen as fears grow over weaponisation of supply chain power Fears that China could weaponise its dominance in critical supply chains first emerged in 2010, when it briefly halted rare earth exports to Japan during a territorial dispute. But those concerns have intensified in recent years as Beijing sharpens its trade tools and broadens export restrictions across strategic sectors. As far back as 1992, former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping noted, The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths. That sentiment has shaped policy: in 2020, China passed a sweeping Export Control Law allowing it to restrict exports of any items deemed vital to national security, including materials, technology and data. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, China has built up its own sanctions arsenal in response to U.S. restrictions, investing heavily in alternative supply chains while tightening its grip on key exports. In 2022, the United States imposed broad curbs on chip and semiconductor tool exports to China, aiming to slow the countrys military and AI advancements. But analysts say Beijing has continued to make headway despite those barriers. In retaliation, China has steadily expanded its export controls. Last year it imposed licensing requirements for gallium, germanium, and certain graphite productsvital inputs for defence, electronics, and green technologies. Shipments of these minerals to the U.S. were banned outright in December. Then in February, China added five more metals to its control list. Now, following a phone call between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, attention has turned to whether China will ease its latest rare earth export curbs. But analysts warn of a lack of transparency. Its virtually impossible to know what percentage of requests for non-military end users get approved because the data is not public and companies dont want to publicly confirm either way, said Cory Combs, an analyst at China-focused consultancy Trivium. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The opaqueness of Beijings process and its expanding powers over chokepoint materials are reinforcing Western concerns that supply chains are becoming geopolitical battlegrounds. With inputs from agencies Marylands Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man who was mistakenly deported by US President Donald Trumps administration to El Salvador in March, returned to the US only to face further criminal charges. read more Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the U.S. legally with a work permit and was erroneously deported to El Salvador, is seen wearing a Chicago Bulls hat, in this handout image obtained by Reuters on April 9, 2025. File image/ Reuters The man who was mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador by US President Donald Trumps administration in March returned to the United States on Friday, only to face criminal charges. In a press briefing on Friday, the US attorney general, Pam Bondi, announced that a federal grand jury in Tennessee indicted 29-year-old on counts of illegally smuggling undocumented people as well as of conspiracy to commit that crime. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Our government presented El Salvador with an arrest warrant, and they agreed to return him to our country, Bondi said of Abrego Garcia during the presser. She went on to thank Salvadorian president, Nayib Bukele, for agreeing to return him to our country to face these very serious charges. This is what American justice looks like upon completion of his sentence, Bondi added. Meanwhile, in a statement to The Hill on Friday, Abrego Garcias lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, accused the Trump administration of disappearing his client to a foreign prison, calling it a violation of a court order. Now, after months of delay and secrecy, theyre bringing him back, not to correct their error but to prosecute him, he added. This shows that they were playing games with the court all along. Due process means the chance to defend yourself before youre punished, not after, the lawyer explained. Sandoval-Moshenberg argued that the White Houses treatment of his client was an abuse of power, not justice. What are the two sides saying? Sandoval-Moshenber called on Abrego Garcia to face the same immigration judge who had granted him federal protection in the past against the order of the administration to deport him to El Salvador. He said that it should be done to ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent there". He also mentioned the fact that this is what the US Supreme Court ordered back in April. Meanwhile, Bondi on Friday noted that federal grand jurors found that Abrego Garcia has played a significant role in an abusive smuggling ring that had operated for nearly a decade. The attorney mentioned that if convicted, Abrego Garcia would be deported to El Salvador after completing his sentence in the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is pertinent to note that, as per the record filed in the court, Abrego Garcia entered the US without permission in about 2011 while fleeing gang violence in El Salvador. Despite a judicial order that provided him protection from being deported, on 15 March, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials deported him to El Salvador after arresting him in Maryland. He was held in the so-called Centre for Terrorism Confinement, a controversial mega-prison better known as Cecot . It is important to note that Abrego Garcia had no criminal record in the US before the indictment was announced on Friday, according to court documents. Not only this, but the Trump administration subsequently admitted that Abrego Garcias deportation was an administrative error . However, he was repeatedly painted as an MS-13 gang member on television a claim which his wife, a US citizen, and his attorneys staunchly reject. With inputs from agencies. After garnering 80 per cent support on his X poll, Tesla CEO Elon Musk floated the idea of forming a new party called The America Party amid feud with US President Donald Trump read more Amid his ongoing feud with US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk floated a new political party on Friday, naming it The America Party. A day before this proclamation, Musk launched a poll on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, asking whether the US needed a new political party to represent Americans properly. The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle! And exactly 80% of people agree. This is fate, Musk wrote, citing numbers from his survey. He went on to share a potential name of the political group, The America Party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The America Party https://t.co/hO5S8Kjb5O Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 6, 2025 In recent days, Musk has outrightly rejected Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, suggesting that the United States would increase its national debt by $4 trillion as proposed in the bill. He insisted that the legislation undermines all the work he did at the Department of Government Efficiency, geared towards reducing government spending. The monumental breakup In response to Musks criticism of the bill, Trump said that the Tesla CEO was mad over slashes to electric vehicle incentives instead of other clauses in the legislation. Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here. He had no problem with it, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 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, he added. Meanwhile, Musk backed a call for Trump to be impeached and replaced by his vice president. In response to Musks rants on social media, Trump publicly questioned the billionaires motives for slamming his leadership right after leaving his role in the administration. 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, 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! he wrote on TruthSocial. Overall, it will be interesting to see if Musk follows up with his promise of forming a new party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US President Donald Trump continued unleashing wrath against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, claiming that the tech mogul has lost his mind. Experts claim that the public spat between the two men is likely to have political and economic consequences. read more US President Donald Trump talks to the media, next to Tesla CEO Elon Musk with his son X A-12, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, March 11, 2025. (Photo: Reuters) US President Donald Trump continued unleashing wrath against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, dismissing any form of peace offering in the ongoing public spat. On Friday, Trump said that his former First Buddy is losing his mind, as the dramatic breakdown is inching closer towards having drastic economic and political consequences. Trump snapped back at Musk in a series of phone calls from US media houses on Friday. Trump continued with his rant after the tech mogul launched an extraordinary social media attack on the president the day before, which ended with him accusing Trump of being named in the so-called Epstein files documents related to the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The POTUS eventually took to his TruthSocial platform and posted a statement attributed to the Epstein criminal defence attorney David Schoen that denied the accusation hurled by Musk. I can say authoritatively, unequivocally and definitively that [Epstein] had no information to hurt President Trump, Schoens statement said. I specifically asked him! Trump doubles down During the phone calls with US journalists, Trump doubled down on his hostility towards Musk, the same man who spent over $300 million to get him back in the Oval Office . In an interview with ABC News, Trump was asked if there was any prospect of peacemaking between two firebrands, to which Trump vehemently said no. You mean the man who has lost his mind? Trump responded and added that he was not particularly interested in talking to his former confidant right now. While speaking to CNN, Trump said: Im not even thinking about Elon. Hes got a problem. The poor guys got a problem. However, he told Politico that the relationship with Musk was going very well, never done better. During his rant against Trump, Musk suggested that he would start a new political party that actually represents the 80 per cent in the middle and, given his wealth, he would be able to pump millions into next year. It is pertinent to note that Trump made these comments after Musk appeared to offer an olive branch in reply to a post from the hedge fund owner Bill Ackman, who called on Trump and Musk to make peace for the benefit of our great country. However, on Friday, Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, told NBC News, There are no plans for a call between the two men. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The quarrel between the two most powerful men in America began after Musk slammed Trumps Big Beautiful Bill , a tax and spending legislation that experts say would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt, strip more than 10 million people of their health insurance and enshrine tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Musk went on to call the bill a disgusting abomination. In response to this, Trump said he was very disappointed in Elon over the criticism, resulting in a war of words between the two. Trump sought to downplay Musks contribution to the defence and space sectors, saying the country can very well function without anybody except me read more US President Donald Trump Friday (June 6) suggested that his administration would be reviewing all government contracts currently held by tech billionaire Elon Musks companies. This comes as the worlds most powerful leader engaged in an ugly public spat with the worlds richest man on Thursday, culminating in back-and-forth attacks and insults. Signs of thaw emerged by Thursday night but Trump cleared the air by saying he was not interested in sorting things out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Well take a look at everything. I look at everything. Hes got a lot of money. He gets a lot of subsidy. So, well take a look at that, Trump said. However, he added the decisions would be driven by national interests. Only if its fair. Only if its fair for him and for the country. I would certainly think about it, but it has to be fair, Trump added. Trump again dismissed rumours of his potential talks with Musk, saying, No, I dont have any plans. Somebody made a mistake Im not even thinking about that. Will Trump reopen past investigations into Musk? When reporters aboard Air Force One asked whether Trump would reopen any past investigation into Musk or his companies, the president said he didnt know if there were any. I didnt know that they had any, but if they had them, I would just let them speak for themselves. I have no idea, said Trump. US can survive without anybody, except me Trump also sought to downplay Musks contribution to the defence and space sectors, saying the country can very well function without anybody except me. The US can survive without almost anybody. Except me, he said. Trump then said he was focused on the contentious Big Beautiful Bill and claimed he had enough support on the legislation. I dont have too many critics Maybe Rand Paul or somebody. But over the last 24 hours, its even solidified. We have tremendous support on the bill. During his interaction, Trump avoided direct attacks at Musk but signalled deepening cracks in the bromance that began ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump-Musk feud Just last week, Musk received a warm farewell from Trump as he stepped down from his role as a special employee for the US government. However, on Thursday, Musk didnt pull punches after the president said he was disappointed and surprised by Musks criticism of his tax and spending bill. He took to X, calling the bill a big, ugly spending bill, and started a poll asking if its time to create a new political party that actually represents the 80% in the middle. He pinned the poll to the top of his X account. Over 2.1 million people voted, with 81.9 per cent saying Yes. Trump responded by threatening to cancel Musks government contracts, claiming Elon Musk went CRAZY. Since then, Musk has said that Trumps tariffs will cause a recession, and escalated matters with an unverified claim about Jeffrey Epstein. Abrego Garcias homecoming represented a watershed moment in a case cited by critics of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown as evidence that the government was violating civil liberties in its quest to increase deportations read more Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the US legally with a work permit and was erroneously deported to El Salvador, is seen wearing a Chicago Bulls hat, in this handout image obtained by Reuters on April 9, 2025. File Photo/Reuters Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man wrongfully deported from Maryland to El Salvador by the Trump administration, has been flown back to the United States to face criminal charges for transporting illegal aliens within the country, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Friday. Abrego Garcias homecoming represented a watershed moment in a case cited by critics of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown as evidence that the government was violating civil liberties in its quest to increase deportations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Abrego Garcia, 29, a Salvadoran whose wife and young child in Maryland are US citizens, appeared in federal court in Nashville on Friday evening. His arraignment was set for June 13, when he will enter a plea, according to local media reports. Until then, he will remain in federal custody. If convicted, he would be deported to El Salvador after serving his sentence, Bondi said. The Trump administration has said Abrego Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang, an accusation that his lawyers deny. Officials on Friday portrayed the indictment of Abrego Garcia by a federal grand jury in Tennessee as vindication of their approach to immigration enforcement. The man has a horrible past, and I could see a decision being made, bring him back, show everybody how horrible this guy is, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that it was the Justice Department that decided to bring Abrego Garcia back. According to the indictment, Abrego Garcia worked with at least five co-conspirators as part of a smuggling ring to bring immigrants to the United States illegally, then transport them from the US-Mexico border to destinations in the country. Abrego Garcia often picked up migrants in Houston, making more than 100 trips between Texas and Maryland between 2016 and 2025, the indictment alleges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also accuses Abrego Garcia of transporting firearms and drugs. According to the indictment, one of Abrego Garcias co-conspirators belonging to the same ring was involved in the transportation of migrants whose tractor trailer overturned in Mexico in 2021, resulting in 50 deaths. Abrego Garcias lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, called the criminal charges fantastical and a kitchen sink of allegations. This is all based on the statements of individuals who are currently either facing prosecution or in federal prison, he said. I want to know what they offered those people. The indictment also led to a high-level resignation in the federal prosecutors office in Nashville, with news that Ben Schrader, chief of the criminal division for the Middle District of Tennessee, had resigned in protest. A 15-year veteran of the US Attorneys Office, Schrader had grown increasingly uncomfortable with the administrations actions, and the indictment of Abrego Garcia was the final straw, a person familiar with the situation told Reuters. Schrader declined comment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Schrader had posted notice of his resignation on LinkedIn last month, around the time the indictment was filed under seal, but he did not give a reason. Abrego Garcia was deported on March 15, more than two months before the charges were filed. He was briefly held in a mega-prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, despite a US immigration judges 2019 order barring him from being sent to El Salvador because he would likely be persecuted by gangs. Bondi said Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele had agreed to return Abrego Garcia after US officials presented his government with an arrest warrant. The grand jury found that over the past nine years, Abrego Garcia has played a significant role in an alien smuggling ring, she told a press conference. In a court filing on Friday, federal prosecutors asked a judge to keep Abrego Garcia detained pending trial. Citing an unnamed co-conspirator, prosecutors said Abrego Garcia joined MS-13 in El Salvador by murdering a rival gang members mother. The indictment does not charge Abrego Garcia with murder. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Abrego Garcia could face 10 years in prison for each migrant he is convicted of transporting, prosecutors said, a punishment that potentially could keep him incarcerated for the rest of his life. Tensions with the courts The case has become a symbol of escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary, which has blocked a number of the presidents signature policies. More recently, the US Supreme Court has backed Trumps hardline approach to immigration in other cases. After Abrego Garcias lawyers challenged the basis for his deportation, the US Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return, with liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor saying the government had cited no basis for what she called his warrantless arrest. US District Judge Paula Xinis has opened a probe into what, if anything, the Trump administration had done to secure his return, after Abrego Garcias lawyers accused officials of stonewalling their requests for information. That led to concerns among Trumps critics that his administration would openly defy court orders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a court filing on Friday, Justice Department lawyers told Xinis that Abrego Garcias return meant they were in compliance with the order to facilitate bringing him back to the US Sandoval-Moshenberg said Abrego Garcias return did not mean the government was in compliance, asserting that his client must be placed in immigration proceedings before the same judge who handled his 2019 case. Chris Van Hollen, a Democratic US senator from Maryland who visited Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, said in a statement on Friday that the Trump administration has finally relented to our demands for compliance with court orders and the due process rights afforded to everyone in the United States. The administration will now have to make its case in the court of law, as it should have all along, Van Hollen said. News / National by Staff reporter In a poignant tale of love tested by crime and conviction, 23-year-old Hazel Mangwiro has vowed to remain celibate until the release of her fiance, Taurai "Prosper" Vanhuvaone, a man recently jailed for posing as a medical doctor and defrauding numerous victims.Vanhuvaone was convicted on March 20 this year - the very day Hazel made her heartfelt commitment. His conviction stems from a sophisticated two-year scam in which he posed as a doctor at Mpilo Central Hospital, treated patients without qualifications, and fraudulently offered fake nursing placements. He was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison, with two years suspended on condition of restitution, leaving him to serve three-and-a-half years behind bars.Despite the serious charges, Hazel remains unshaken in her loyalty."It's not an easy decision, but it feels right," she told reporters. "Prosper and I share a deep connection I want our first time together after his release to be special - a symbol of our commitment and the journey we've been through."Hazel and Vanhuvaone's romance began in July last year, blossoming from casual kombi encounters in their neighbourhood to heartfelt dates. Their first date, Hazel recalls fondly, was a drive to the airport filled with "honest conversation and laughter." It was during their courtship that Vanhuvaone told her he was a medical student - a claim that would later be proven false.Despite the revelations, Hazel insists her love is genuine and unwavering."I know people might think I'm young and naive, but I'm in love with him. I believe he's innocent, and I'll wait for him. Nothing will separate us."Hazel continues to visit him regularly in prison and says she's channeling her energy into self-care, spending time with loved ones, and maintaining hope for their shared future.Vanhuvaone's conviction followed shocking revelations that he had established an unauthorised office within Mpilo Central Hospital, where he posed as a legitimate doctor. He even attended to patients at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), all while defrauding individuals through promises of nursing school placements in exchange for cash.Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura found him guilty on three counts of fraud and one of impersonation. The court heard how he operated under multiple aliases, including Prosper Mpofu, and had collected over US$8,165 from victims.In mitigation, Vanhuvaone pleaded for leniency, claiming he was a former medical student who dropped out due to peer pressure. He said he was now a reformed man with assets, a company, and plans for a family life.But prosecutor Samuel Mpofu warned against showing mercy."This case is of national interest. Granting a non-custodial sentence would endanger public lives. His actions have eroded confidence in the healthcare system," said Mpofu.The scandal has rocked Mpilo Central Hospital, prompting internal reviews. Chief Medical Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga expressed deep regret over the breach, promising stricter vetting and monitoring protocols to prevent similar infiltrations."We are reviewing our systems to ensure this never happens again. We urge the public to remain vigilant," Dr Dzvanga said.For Hazel, however, the headlines and judgment mean little. She continues to believe in Vanhuvaone's innocence and envisions a future together, undeterred by public scrutiny."It's about supporting Prosper, staying true to myself, and building a future together, brick by brick," she said. "Our love is worth fighting for."As Vanhuvaone begins his prison term, Hazel's vow stands as a striking reminder of how love and loyalty can endure - even in the most unlikely of circumstances. Golden hour hits the mountains at Rothera Point on the Antarctic Peninsula. (Jill English/CBC - image credit) For 65 years, an international treaty forged at the height of the Cold War has governed Antarctica. But with rising geopolitical tensions, consensus is increasingly hard to find. "Up until just a few years ago, we talked about the Antarctic Treaty as a framework for peace and stability in the Antarctic region, and the Arctic as a place of relative stability," said David Hik, chief scientist at Polar Knowledge Canada, an agency focused on strengthening polar science and technology in Canada. "Now, both of those assumptions are being challenged." Fifty-eight countries, including Canada, are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty , which preserves the continent for scientific exploration and peace, and bans military and mining activity. ADVERTISEMENT But only half the signatories can vote on treaty business. Canada wants to secure voting rights as a so-called consultative party, and will make its case again at the Antarctic Treaty meeting in Milan, Italy, later this month. But there have been barriers to this. "Canada's claim to be a consultative party has been blocked, first and foremost, by Russia," said Klaus Dodds, a political biographer and Antarctic expert at Royal Holloway, University of London. "And the reason is, Russia wants its ally Belarus to be made a consultative party alongside Canada." WATCH | Who owns Antarctica? It's preserved for peace and science, for now: In March, a first-ever all-Canadian expedition sailed to Antarctica on HMCS Margaret Brooke, with 15 polar scientists hosted by the Canadian Navy. The Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE) 2025 mission conducted weeks of research and visited multiple countries' research stations on the continent, in part to raise Canada's profile at the southern pole. CBC News got exclusive access to the expedition. ADVERTISEMENT To capture the voyage CBC's international climate correspondent Susan Ormiston, producer Jill English and videographer Sam Martin spent a month aboard the Margaret Brooke broadcasting live via satellite, sending news of the voyage back to Canada. WATCH | How CBC's international climate team reported from a Navy ship in Antarctica: Hunting for climate change clues in Antarctica The polar regions are changing faster than other parts of the world, due to climate change. Antarctica's ancient glaciers are receding and sea ice reached near-record lows this year, both of which contribute to rising global sea levels. "The Antarctic ice sheet contains enormous amounts of fresh water, and as the ice sheet thins and melts in places, calves at faster rates, that's going to affect global sea level change," said Thomas James, chief scientist on the CARE 2025 mission. ADVERTISEMENT "What happens in Antarctica doesn't stay in Antarctica," he added. The southern ocean is a huge carbon sink and helps regulate the global climate. But warming ocean waters may disrupt those patterns, said Brent Else, co-scientific director at MEOPAR, which supports ocean research and training at Canadian universities. "As oceans warm as circulation patterns change, it's expected that ocean carbon sink will slow down over time. And the polar regions are the areas where those carbon sinks are most important," he said aboard HMCS Margaret Brooke. WATCH | Antarctic treasure searching for climate clues in the Southern Ocean: Canada monitoring security concerns in polar regions Canada is a polar nation and, with rising concerns over sovereignty in the Arctic, the government is boosting military presence in the north. ADVERTISEMENT "Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation, and we can never take our sovereignty and security in the region for granted," Prime Minister Mark Carney said on a visit to Iqaluit in March. A year ago, the Royal Canadian Navy began to plan a deployment to Antarctica to support scientific exploration and enhance its knowledge of geopolitical pressures at the southern pole. "We can see climate change in the North, we can see what China and Russia have been doing in and around the Canadian North, [and thinking] I wonder what's going on in the South Pole, and [can we] get the perspective and experience of the South American navies that are down here all the time," Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee told CBC News in an exclusive interview. The idea, he said, was to "do some science, and see if we can figure out things that can help us better protect and defend our own North." Topshee believes there are security concerns in Antarctica that threaten its stability. "I am concerned that the whole agreement that we would not [militarize and mine Antarctica] would, could change. And I don't think that's in our interest to allow that to change easily." WATCH | Do polar security concerns extend to Antarctica? The Canadian Navy says yes: 'Nighttime is always about what you can't see' To voyage across the Antarctic Circle, HMCS Margaret Brooke sailed into some extreme weather and ice-clogged channels. As an Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), it is designed to break through new ice up to a metre thick. But with rapidly changing weather patterns, the ice moves and shifts, so that an open channel one day can be clogged with ice the next. An ice specialist from the Canadian Coast Guard, Donavan Tremblay, and an officer with the Chilean Navy, Javier Idiaquez, travelled with the Margaret Brooke crew to help chart a safe path. Even so, there were unexpected blockages, and navigating at night presented even more challenges. En route to Rothera Point beyond the Antarctic Circle, as the weather deteriorated and the ice encroached, Cmdr. Teri Share had to make a decision about whether to proceed. "It was a heightened level, absolutely," Share told CBC News from the captain's quarters on the Margaret Brooke. "We can take all the precautions that we can take. We can use all of the information that is provided to us. But still, there comes a point that it's on me as the commanding officer to say yes or no." In the end, Share made the call to push further south, with the crew threading the vessel through icebergs and sheet ice to reach Rothera Point, the ship's final destination, and the most southerly point the Canadian Navy had ever travelled. "It feels like just yesterday you and I were on the bridge, and you were asking me what [is the Navy] going to be doing down there, and what was I excited about," Share told the CBC's Susan Ormiston. "It's gone by really quickly," Share said, reflecting on the historic mission. WATCH | Blocked by ice in Antarctica, how the Royal Canadian Navy broke through: Watch full episodes of The National on CBC Gem, the CBC's streaming service. Everyone in Nebraska has been stuck behind a tractor on the highway at some point, but seeing 30 in a single-file line is pretty unusual. For the Tractor Relay Across Nebraska's dedicated crew of riders, however, it's an event they look forward to for months. The Nebraska Antique Farming Association isn't just doing a parade, segment leader Scotty Andreasen said. They're raising money for a good cause and having fun. "We decided we should have a cause while we're going across the state," he said. "We did some research and came up with an American Legion program called Operation Comfort Warrior." Operation Comfort Warrior raises funds to help veterans that have physical or mental injuries and need additional services beyond those the government provides. "The government maybe provides their basic needs, but like, if they're recovering in Walter Reed (Memorial Hospital) or something, maybe they've got equipment they need, or maybe they even just need something as simple as an iPad so they can communicate with family back home or something," Andreasen said. TRAN started in 2012 as a relay event similar to the Pony Express, taking nine days to cross the state. Antique tractor collectors across Nebraska join the ride every year, whether as hosts or riders. The event has since become more of a rolling antique tractor show and a tour of the state for the riders, picking up the charity aspect in recent years. The group kicked things off with "tractor church" at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk on June 1 before visiting the Stanton Nursing Home and Larry Clark's tractor collection in Stanton. The next day was a trip to the Elkhorn Valley Museum, the Norfolk Nursing Home, Randy Rolf's tractor collection in Norfolk and Elwood Meier's tractor collection in Pierce. On June 3, the group toured Larson Dairy in Creston, something Andreasen and several riders found interesting, as the cattle-milking process is automated to where the cows know what time they need to head to the barns. They ended the day with visits to Rosendahl Seed and Feed, the Loup Power Powerhouse Park, the American Legion Hartman Post 84 in Columbus, and camping at Ag Park. The intrepid, if slow, relay spent June 4 traveling to Schuyler and Bellwood, then coming back around to The Barn, 110 41st Rd. just south of Columbus, where segment leader Arron Schmidt had gathered a collection of tractors for them to see specifically Oliver and White tractors. Platte County is probably home to one of the largest populations of Oliver tractors in the country," Schmidt said. "We've got three or four families in this part of the county that like Oliver and White, all probably within three miles here," Schmidt said. "Most of the guys in this area farmed with them back until about the late '70s, early '80s, that's why there's a strong presence here." One of the tractors on display, an Oliver 77, Schmidt noted, was in the Rose Bowl Parade. Another had been modified with modern technology to self-drive. After the tractor tour, the group chugged along HWY 81 to the Columbus Area Antique Fire Apparatus Museum on 13th Street to finish out Wednesday. Thursday, June 5, the final day of their tour took the group to CSS Farms near Duncan, then to the JC Lonestar Saloon and a final visit to the Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial in Columbus before breaking for the year. Andreasen said of all the stops they had made so far this year, the most enjoyable in his opinion were driving by the nursing homes in Stanton and Norfolk. "It has to be when we paraded around the veterans in the nursing homes, all the veterans they brought out on the patios and were able to see our tractors go by," Andreasen said. "I don't know, it was very patriotic, very emotional anyway. That's who we do this for, our veterans." 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. Nathan graduated with his journalism degree from Auburn University in 2017. After growing up in the flatlands of rural Alabama with his parents and older sister, Nathan enjoys Western Colorado's natural resources and recreational opportunities. He currently covers education and business for The Daily Sentinel. As the year-old horse Yucatan relaxes in the shade of a corral, enjoys a hug from foster caretaker Dora Bensch and submits to petting by visitors, its hard to believe he lived the first half of his young life in the wild in the Book Cliffs that rise just across the desert from Benschs property in the Grand Junction area. Yucatan may have been born a wild horse, but with his calm manner it appears hed be an easygoing addition to the family of anyone looking to adopt an animal from the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range in an upcoming event in Grand Junction later this month. Hes so sweet. I can pretty much do anything with him, Bensch said. About 70 wild horses, the majority of them removed from the Little Book Cliffs herd last September in an effort by the Bureau of Land Management to control rising horse numbers there, will be offered during an adoption event at the Mesa County Fairgrounds on June 28. The event will be part of a larger, multi-day wild horse event called Colorado Mustang West, featuring a film festival, panel discussions, horse training demonstrations, an art fair and more. The idea was to try to make more out of the adoption event so instead of the average probably 100 or 200 people who show up at an adoption (of wild horses), to create an experience and give more people reasons to come learn about the horses whether theyre adopting or not, said Sloane Milstein, who is helping with the event. Milstein, like Bensch, is a member of the local Friends of the Mustangs group that works in support of the Little Book Cliffs herd. Shes also helping out someone, who like Bensch, is playing a foster role to help gentle some of the horses to be offered for adoption, in hopes of improving their adoptability. Were just really excited to have this event and have all the education features that are going along with it, said Katie Palubicki, a BLM spokesperson. The event also will provide an opportunity for local residents to provide homes to horses that come from a beloved local herd. Said Palubicki, Its kind of an exciting opportunity for them because you dont always have horses that are kind of local to a community, I guess you could say, available for adoption. So this is really kind of a homegrown event for the Grand Junction area, the opportunity to adopt horses right outside their door, really. The upcoming event follows adoption events the BLM held in Castle Rock in April and Greeley in May. Palubicki said about 38 animals, all of which had been removed from the Piceance-East Douglas herd in Rio Blanco County, were adopted at Castle Rock, and 30 were adopted in Greeley that were from that herd and elsewhere. About 40 horses were offered at each event, so there were good adoption numbers for both events, Palubicki said. So were excited to see what happens in Grand Junction, she said. NEXT STEP FOR REMOVED HORSES Altogether, the BLM removed 98 horses from the Little Book Cliffs herd in last years roundup, which the BLM calls a gather. The agency says the population needed to be thinned to protect remaining horses and their habitat on the range, as well as wildlife and other resources. The helicopter-based roundup drew some opposition, including from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, and unfortunately on its final day a mare with a young foal had to be euthanized after it broke its leg while a helicopter was driving the mare, foal and a third horse. The removed horses were taken to a BLM holding facility in Canon City, and the BLM and Friends of the Mustangs turned their attentions toward trying to find homes for them through events like the upcoming one. Part of the effort for Friends of the Mustangs entailed finding volunteers to foster some of them in preparation for them being offered for adoption this month. Fifteen fostered animals will be auctioned off live at the June event along with six yearlings that will be offered after trainers work with them for a few days as the public gets the chance to watch. The remaining horses will be offered in a silent auction. For Bensch, fostering a horse is just the latest step in her growing involvement with wild horse work. Shes from Ohio, and said she always loved horses while growing up, spending summers visiting her grandmother, who raised them. She and her husband Alan moved to the area from Ohio about a decade ago and more recently became active with Friends of the Mustangs. Bensch has served as its secretary for several years now, and Alan is its treasurer. Dora Bensch also is active doing work to manage and improve the Little Book Cliffs horse range. The Bensches also have a horse, Autumn, that is from the Piceance-East Douglas herd, and another, Zuni, from the Little Book Cliffs herd, both removed from the range during previous roundups. THE PERFECT ONE Yucatan is the first horse they have fostered. This is a dream. Im so thrilled I was able to get one (to foster) and I got the perfect one, Bensch said. She had reason to think Yucatan would be a gem of a horse. Yucatan has the same father as Zuni. Zuni has been a friendly and generally trouble-free horse, and Bensch figured that with Yucatans lineage, hed have a good disposition. If he was anything like Zuni, I knew he would be good, she said. She said the horses to be fostered were really worked up the day foster volunteers picked them up. But Yucatan immediately adapted to his new surroundings when he arrived at the Bensch property, which besides having tree-lined corrals, has room to ride and a couple of acres planted in hay thats used to feed their horses. Honestly I was brushing him almost the second day (after his arrival), she said. He loves his butt rubbed. As Bensch talked about Yucatan during a recent interview, Audrey Mack, her 10-year-old granddaughter, entered Yucatans corral to say hello. I think hes pretty. Hes like my best friend now, said Audrey, as her grandmother mused about Audrey spending time with her grandmothers horses just as Bensch had once done with her grandmother. Bensch said those fostering the horses to be adopted were tasked with working on being able put on their horses halter, lead it, put it in a trailer, and get it to lift all its feet so a farrier can work with it. With Yucatan, no problem. Ive got all four done, Bensch said. NOT GOING BACK Yucatan is a pretty small guy now but Bensch said hes expected to keep growing in coming years. She has in mind the type of person for whom he be a good fit, perhaps in part because of how he and her granddaughter have bonded He will make a young gal a super horse. Very friendly, does just anything you ask him to do, Bensch said. She wouldnt mind seeing someone local adopt him so she can help the adopter work with him if they would like her help, but her hope primarily is to see him go to a good home. But Bensch said its hard to know how its going to go for even a horse like Yucatan at an adoption event, and she plans to register to bid on him and make him a permanent addition to their stable of horses if no one else makes a bid. I wont let him go back to Canon City. Were not getting any younger, but you know, whats one more (horse), Bensch said with a laugh. Id hate to see him go back to Canon City, her husband Alan agreed. Not all of the fostered horses that will be auctioned off have been as easy to gentle as Yucatan, and most of the 70 or so horses to be offered wont yet have been subject to efforts to gentle them. But Dora Bensch said the Little Book Cliffs herd produces some really healthy, nice-looking, nice-sized mustangs and the adoption event will provide an opportunity for people to go home with some of them. IF YOU WANT TO ADOPT Horses will be available for viewing at the adoption event on June 26-27, ahead of the June 28 auction. The BLMs Palubicki said its important that anyone interested in adopting a horse check on the BLM website to look at adoption requirements ahead of the event. We want to make sure people are aware of those before they bring their trailer to the event and try to take one home, she said. More information may be found by visiting https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/adoption-and-sales/how-to-adopt-or-purchase. Palubicki said people also can call her for more information at 720-413-2814. William Henry Jackson through the Library of Congress Wiliam Henry Jackson took this photograph of the mouth of California Gulch in 1873, a decade after the Espinosa Brothers sparked fear in the region. Mount Massive is in the background. The town of Leadville did not yet exist. Demand for guns skyrocketed in the United States five years ago as the country grappled with COVID-19, social unrest, and a contentious presidential election. 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. Contracts Contracts For June 6, 2025 ARMY Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $1,735,721,252 modification (PZ0001) to contract W58RGZ-23-D-0011 for the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision System. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 1, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. BL Harbert International LLC, Birmingham, Alabama, was awarded a $178,931,003 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of modeling analysis computing exploitation labs. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of July 25, 2028. Fiscal 2023 and 2025 military construction, defense-wide funds in the amount of $178,931,003 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W91278-25-C-0017). Weston Solutions Inc., West Chester, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $9,219,244 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a water well at Buckley Space Force Base. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Aurora, Colorado, with an estimated completion date of June 21, 2027. Fiscal 2024 military construction, Army funds in the amount of $9,219,244 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-25-C-A026). NAVY Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $646,519,738 fixed-price incentive (firm-target) modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-22-C-5500) to exercise options for hardware production of the AN/SPY-6(V) family of radars. Work will be performed in Andover, Massachusetts (31%); San Diego, California (9%); Sykesville, Maryland (9%); Scottsdale, Arizona (8%); Syracuse, New York (5%); Cerritos, California (5%); Stafford Springs, Connecticut (4%); Tulsa, Oklahoma (3%); Indianapolis, Indiana (3%); Portsmouth, Rhode Island (2%); Riverside, California (2%); and various locations across the U.S., each less than 1% (19%). Work is expected to be completed by September 2028. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $270,651,566 (42%); fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $187,934,086 (29%); and fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $187,934,086 (29%), will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Aviation Systems Engineering Co., Lexington Park, Maryland, is awarded a $294,019,257 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide engineering services and supplies associated with the research, development, system prototyping and limited production, modification, and sustainment support of naval airborne anti-submarine warfare systems. The requirements span all Navy and Marine Corps type, model, series, other government agency and Foreign Military Platforms, and across all phases of the systems life cycle. Work will be performed in California, Maryland (20%); Lexington Park, Maryland (20%); Patuxent River, Maryland (10%); Jacksonville, Florida (10%); Warminster, Pennsylvania (10%); Horsham, Pennsylvania (10%); Huntington Beach, California (10%); and Whidbey Island, Washington (10%), and is expected to be completed in June 2030. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured with one offer received. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042125D0082). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $53,058,280 modification (P00003) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001924F0259) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This modification exercises an option for the production and delivery of 30 Next Generation Electronic Attack Unit (NGEAU) B-Kits and 22 NGEAU B-Kit Spares in support of the Growler Block II phase 1 upgrade for the Navy. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minnesota (75%); Linthicum, Maryland (23%); and St. Louis, Missouri (2%), and is expected to be completed in December 2028. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $53,058,280 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Advanced Internet Marketing, doing business as GBS Group,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (N3220525D4054); Auxiliary Systems Inc.,* Norfolk, Virginia (N3220525D4055); AVMAC LLC,* Chesapeake, Virginia (N3220525D4056); Custom Panel and Controls LLC,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (N3220525D4057); EMS Industrial,* Chesapeake, Virginia (N3220525D4058); Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corp.,* Port Arthur, Texas (N3220525D4059); KD Shipyard Repairs LLC,* Portsmouth, Virginia (N3220525D4060); MD Marine Electric,* Tacoma, Washington (N3220525D4061); Marine Systems Corp.,* Boston, Maine (N3220525D4062); Olokun LLC,* Chesapeake, Virginia (N3220525D4063); PowerGen Controls LLC,* Houston, Texas (N3220525D4064); and The McHenry Management Group Inc.,* Chesapeake, Virginia (N3220525D4065), are awarded a combined maximum-value $44,585,355 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for electrical services for Military Sealift Command vessels. Each awardee will be awarded a $3,500 minimum contract guarantee at contract award. These contracts include a five-year base period and an unexercised six-month option period. Work will be performed at government and commercial facilities worldwide and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2030. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $3,500 per contract, for a total of $42,000, will be obligated on the initial delivery orders for the minimum guarantee and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside solicited via the Government Point of Entry website and 12 offers were received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is being awarded $37,378,000 for a ceiling-price delivery order (N00383-25-F-YY1T) under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-22-G-YY01) for the repair of 109 horizontal stabilizers used on the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft. The delivery order does not include an option period. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida (85%); and St. Louis, Missouri (15%). Work is expected to be completed by March 2027. Fiscal 2025 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $18,315,220 will be obligated at the time of award as an undefinitized contract action, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Surface Ships Ltd., Portsmouth, United Kingdom, is awarded a $10,519,547 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-6407 to exercise options for explosive MK64 MOD 0 destructors and fiber optic spool kits for the Airborne Mine Neutralization System-Archerfish. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, and is expected to be completed by December 2027. Fiscal 2025 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,519,547 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY SecuriGence LLC,* Leesburg, Virginia, has been awarded a $174,254,183 modification (P00063) to previously awarded task order HR001121F0006 for information technology multi-network support services. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the task order to $698,451,122 from $524,196,939. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an expected completion date of June 2026. Fiscal 2024 and 2025 research and development funds in the amounts of $1,948,000 and $34,698,771 respectively, are being obligated at time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Systems Planning and Analysis Inc., Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a $16,906,573 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-reimbursement hybrid contract, for Information Innovation Office (I2O) support services. This contract provides technical and subject matter expertise support to I2O for existing and planned programs, new start efforts, scientific research, and technology transition. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an expected completion date of December 2025. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,966,287 are being obligated at time of award. This contract was a sole source acquisition. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HR001125CE032). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Georgia, was awarded a ceiling $56,041,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price undefinitized contract action for contractor logistics support for the C-5M Super Galaxy fleet. This contract provides for sustainment and logistical support services required for the C-5M fleet modified by the avionics modernization program and reliability enhancement and re-engining program to provide strategic aircraft capability to the Air Mobility Command and Air Force Reserve Command. Work will be performed at Marietta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2026. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $27,460,090 are being obligated at time of award. The C-5 Galaxy Contracting Branch, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8525-25-C-B001). De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, was awarded a $10,128,817 firm-fixed-price contract for a DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G cargo aircraft. This contract provides for one new, commercially produced, Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft, a spares package, and ferry flight service for the aircraft to Guatemala City, Guatemala. Work will be performed at Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 20, 2025. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Guatemala. This contract is a country-directed sole source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $10,128,817 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8625-25-C-B004). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4208884/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guardsmen, Montenegro, North Macedonia Strengthen Cyber Capabilities at Immediate Response 25 By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine and David KennedyJune 5, 2025 PODGORICA, Montenegro -- Nearly three years after a sweeping cyberattack disrupted Montenegro's government networks, the country has taken a powerful step forward in strengthening its digital defenses by hosting its largest and most complex cyber defense exercise called Immediate Response 25. The 2022 cyberattack lasted more than 20 days. It disrupted government platforms and exposed vulnerabilities across banking, water and power systems. First responders included cyber units from the Maine National Guard as part of a long-standing partnership through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. Many of those same service members returned to Montenegro for Immediate Response 25. Instead of responding to an emergency as they did in 2022, they worked side by side with the Vermont National Guard, the Armed Forces of Montenegro and the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia in a joint multinational exercise designed to simulate a full-spectrum cyberattack. For 10 days, participants navigated complex challenges modeled on real-world threats, including ransomware deployment and infrastructure disruption. While technical teams defended networks against an advanced persistent threat, a simultaneous tabletop exercise brought together senior leaders from Montenegro's government, academia and private cyber industry as well as international partners for strategic decision-making and crisis response. Lt. Col. Kerry Boese of the Maine Army National Guard assisted in planning the tabletop exercise, helping to bridge the gaps between the military, government, industry and academia. "The tabletop exercise focused on a whole-of-government approach to pre-coordinate a response in case something ever happens," Boese said. "It reinforces our collaboration with NATO allies and shows that we can work together, meet NATO objectives and build a unified response to cyberattacks." Montenegro's planning team set out to make the exercise truly multinational in scope. Tijana Turkovic, head of planning, development and cooperation for cybersecurity in Montenegro's Ministry of Defense, played a key role in designing the tabletop component. "We wanted to use our 2022 experience as a foundation," Turkovic said. "The goal was to connect technical incidents with strategic-level decision-making and coordinate a national-level response that includes ministries, the private sector and our state partners." For the first time, cyber operators from North Macedonia embedded directly within combined Montenegrin and U.S. cyber defense teams. Working together in these multinational teams, they undertook threat hunting, log analysis and incident response tasks, gaining valuable hands-on experience in network defense. Senior Master Sgt. Zachary Poulin from the Maine Air National Guard, who deployed to Montenegro during the 2022 crisis, served as the exercise controller for the tactical portion. Behind the scenes, Poulin's team directed the evolving scenario and ensured all training objectives were met. "In this exercise, there are good guys and bad guys. We're the puppeteers behind the scenes," Poulin said. "We design a believable scenario and make sure every team is hitting [its] targets." Poulin noted that the simulated attacks were modeled closely on ransomware techniques used during Montenegro's actual cyberattack. In addition, it provided Montenegro with an opportunity to demonstrate its capability to lead in the cyber domain. "This is giving Montenegro the opportunity to host and manage a live cyber exercise," he said. "And they've done an amazing job for their first time, with great collaboration from North Macedonia." The role of the adversary was led by 2nd Lt. Ivan Bajceta of the Montenegrin Armed Forces, who designed and launched threats based on recent global incidents. "At first, the response from the defenders was chaotic," Bajceta said. "But as time went on, they were more ready to respond. It's been amazing to see their growth and communication improve every day." As the exercise commenced, the international cyber defense teams quickly began working to accomplish their mission. Each team had its own leader, one from Montenegro and one from North Macedonia. This brought unique challenges and required careful coordination and attention to detail throughout the exercise. "Working at an international level with people around the world is an amazing experience," Bajceta said. "You get different perspectives and learn how to grow with other teams. But in cyber, there are no shortcuts. One mistake can ruin everything." That global collaboration and attention to detail were central themes throughout the exercise, echoed by leaders at every level. Maj. Isak Mrkaic, the exercise director from Montenegro, said the event was an opportunity not only to improve his country's capabilities but also to elevate cooperation across borders. "In the beginning, we had three goals," Mrkaic said. "First, to show that the Montenegrin Armed Forces can conduct an allied cyber exercise. Second, to conduct tactical training and apply our knowledge. And third, to take a whole-of-government approach with stakeholders and national partners." What began as a modest concept quickly expanded. By the time the event launched, it had grown into a 10-day operation involving more than 120 participants from four countries, spanning tactical, operational and strategic levels. "This is the largest cyber exercise ever conducted by our Armed Forces and Ministry of Defense," Mrkaic said. "It's a big step forward in how we work with partner nations." Beyond its technical success, the exercise also marked a leap forward in integrating artificial intelligence as a tool for training in cyber defense. Junior analysts used large language models to process alerts from tools such as Security Onion and Splunk, interpret malicious code and receive real-time guidance on attacker behavior. The artificial intelligence acted as a digital advisor, accelerating analysis and enabling even the least experienced team members to make informed decisions quickly. "The cyber domain is here, and systems are under perpetual attack," Poulin said. "Exercises like this, tied to major units and partner nations, are a perfect stepping stone. The 2022 attack was devastating, but it showed us the complexity of Montenegro's system and how we can connect and support one another." In a world where cyberattacks increasingly blur the line between civilian and military targets, the events in Montenegro underscore a new reality. National security is no longer confined to physical borders or conventional threats. On today's battlefields, where attacks in the cyber domain can result in kinetic effects, connectivity is both a strength and a vulnerability. Countering this vulnerability may lie in the ability to act quickly, collaborate across nations and trust both partners and technology. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army leaders propose bolstering lethality through transformation By Joe Lacdan, Army News Service June 5, 2025 WASHINGTON During a hearing with Congress members, the Army's top leaders shared details on the Army Transformation Initiative, which calls for cutting spending on stagnant programs, upgrading equipment and restructuring forces. In April, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Army leaders to prioritize building lethality and to eliminate unnecessary cost. Following the success of Ukraine's effective, low cost unmanned aerial systems attacks on Russia's bomber fleet, Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll stated before lawmakers that the Army needs cheaper solutions to bolster U.S. Soldier lethality. Using more than 300 drones in a single swarm attack last week, Ukrainian forces dealt a catastrophic blow to the Russian military. "At a cost of a mere tens of thousands of dollars, Ukraine inflicted billions in damage, potentially setting back Russia's bomber capabilities for years," Driscoll said Wednesday. "The world saw in near real time how readily available technology can disrupt established power dynamics. And drones are but one example of a broader shift. The Army needs to keep pace." As the service prepares to posture its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, Driscoll and Gen. Randy A. George, Army chief of staff, asked Congress for more "agile" or flexible funding to support unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS initiatives that bolsters the force. The Army's top officer said that the service cannot afford to be locked into a program of record but rather must purchase new technology when available. "Technology is changing too rapidly," George said. "We've got to be able to buy capabilities, not specific programs." To restructure the Army into a more efficient, combat ready force, George said that the service would cancel obsolete unnecessary programs that do not contribute to enhancing the lethality of Soldiers, including eliminating a budget request for more Humvees to be added to the service's fleet of vehicles. In May, the Army stopped funding to the M-10 Booker Tank, citing design flaws and concerns over its deployability. Instead of spending on programs like the M-10, Driscoll said the service will focus on drones and counter drones, "off the shelf" technology, and strengthening sensors and the Army's network. The service will also cut funding to the AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopters, removing Apache battalions from the active component. George said four Apache battalions will remain in the National Guard, which will eventually receive the AH-64 E model. He added that UH-60M Blackhawk, a medical evacuation aircraft, will replace the UH-60L and V models. Driscoll also proposed giving the service more autonomy on repairing certain equipment immediately instead of waiting on defense manufacturers. Driscoll cited one example, where at one installation Soldiers could not use a piece of advanced technology for up to a year due to a missing piece. However, the Soldiers learned they could 3-D print the required part at a fraction of the manufacturer cost. Army also plans to cut 1,000 positions from the Department of the Army staff and will move many Soldiers to more combat-related jobs, George said. Upgrading Soldier training For the first time, the Army Reserve partnered with active-duty Army units in the largest mass exercise of its scale, Mojave Falcon. Beginning May 28, over 9,000 reservists and active-duty Soldiers participated in the mass logistics training moving equipment and supplies across vast distances in northern and southern California. "When not deployed, our units are conducting tough, realistic training at their home stations and at our combat training centers," George said. "Our Army is a professional team that remains focused on its warfighting mission, and young Americans want to be a part of it. And this is evidenced by our strong recruiting numbers this year." The service announced it had met its recruiting goals early, welcoming more than 61,000 new Soldiers to its ranks, despite raising its recruiting goal by 10 percent from 2024. The service recently began phase two of Transformation in Contact, or TiC, the service's initiative where Soldiers rapidly train, equip and field new technology. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment from Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Stewart, Georgia will take part in TiC 2.0, which, expands the scale to two divisions and two Stryker brigade combat teams. The Soldiers will incorporate UAS and counter UAS. In January, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Johnson, Louisiana, successfully completed a TiC training rotation as part of Combined Resolve, an annual exercise hosted by U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army Africa. One TiC brigade that trained in Europe improved to 300 percent more effective in lethal targeting, George said. "This was a great proof of concept," George said. "It confirmed that our formations are capable of rapidly improving their lethality." "Transformation in contact taught us some valuable lessons about what our Army should be buying and how we should be buying it, and we're just getting started," George added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 5, 2025 Transcript Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Holds a Press Engagement at the NATO Defense Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Belgium Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: [Inaudible] is the goal that President Trump set out in his first term. President Trump said other countries need to carry the burden, pay their fair share. A lot of people thought that was impossible, it couldn't happen. Here we are and countries in there are well exceeding 2 percent. And we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5 percent commitment for NATO in The Hague later this month. There are a few countries not quite there yet. I won't name any names. We don't it's amongst friends in that room. We'll 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 percent on defense spending. When you consider the threats that we face, the urgency in the world, it's critical. We don't need more flags; we need more fighting formations. We don't need more conferences; we need more capabilities, hard power. That's why President Trump has committed to spending $1 trillion in our defense budget. We're standing in that room looking out at all the other countries saying we're spending 13 percent more on our defense inside our formations in real capabilities. We need our allies here in Europe and in Canada to step up even more; to step up and take the lead; to recognize the defense of the continent is a core mission. So, 5 percent is our message, and we will deliver that. President Trump at The Hague at the summit. It's been his commitment, and I believe our allies will step up and do that for real capabilities and that Europe returns to its forefront defense of the continent, and burden sharing being central to that. America has led for a long way. Now it's time for Europe to step up. So, I'm very encouraged by what we heard in there. I appreciate the leadership from Secretary Rutte, our Ambassador Whitaker who's done a great job. I'll take a few questions. Q: Sir, the UK says you didn't mention the UK about commitments to 5 percent. They say they will spend 3 percent by 2030. SECRETARY HEGSETH: Our friends in the UK, we're going to get there. We're going to get there. Q: You're going to get there? SECRETARY HEGSETH: We think everybody's going to get there. We really do it's important. Well, I think it's important they do. [Crosstalk] SECRETARY HEGSETH: [Inaudible] $1 trillion in the next budget, 13 percent historic investments in our southern border, Golden Dome, advanced technologies, F-47 we're leading the way. The question is, will our allies step up the way we need them to. Considering the threats in the world today, they have to. We all have to live in history together, recognizing it's not over. Q: What if they don't? Would you ever consider withdrawing the United States from NATO? SECRETARY HEGSETH: That's not what we're here to discuss. What we're here to discuss is that NATO countries you heard that in there. It was actually very heartening to listen to all the countries step up and say 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, and President Trump in his first term said you need to step up and spend more. And he has in this term done the same. And what I saw in there were countries prepared to step up to push the limits of what they can do. That's a good thing. So, we're only talking friends. Q: What about the timeline, sir, for the 5 percent? How many years would you give allies to actually reach that? SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, there's those discussions are ongoing. The ambassador is a key part of that. Go ahead. U.S. AMBASSADOR TO NATO MATTHEW WHITAKER: Yeah, but again, the timeline is not being driven by the United States of America. It is being driven by the serious security threats that Europe faces, that the United States faces. And so, our allies all have their unique situations, but everyone in that room was committed to doing dramatically more. To the 5 percent. I heard everyone saying that the capabilities are necessary for the hardening of our societies and our infrastructure, and all of the investments that it's going to require. Everybody's on board, everybody's going to have a unique timeline, but I think there's a serious commitment here and we're continuing to negotiate that. But you know, again, we're not driving the timeline. The threats are driving the timeline. Russia's going to reconstitute in five years or less. Europe continues to tell us that Russia is their biggest threat. And we agree in the Euro-Atlantic it is. And so, we need to make sure everybody's invested. Q: Sir, can you tell us about American troops and American military personnel in Europe? I think you suggested that there would be a decision about the level of forces you maintain because you're facing threats elsewhere, sir. Can you tell us what your thinking is about, I think, 100,000 military personnel at the moment in Europe? SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, it would only be responsible for the United States to continually assess our force posture, which is precisely what we've done. We have an interim defense strategy that clearly specifies we're going to defend our southern border and close it, unlike the previous administration that let 21 million people invade our country, and we're going to get 100 percent operational control of that. We're going to make sure we shift properly to the Indo-Pacific and reestablish deterrence there. And then we're going to increase burden sharing across the world. America can't be everywhere all the time, nor should we be. And so, there are reasons why we have troops in certain places, and we respect and understand that. It's also prudent that we review that force posture, in real time, alongside our allies and partners to make sure it's right sized. So, I don't want to get ahead of the president's decision on that. But we're reviewing everything. And I think our allies' commitment and willingness to spend more means a lot, to your point. You can talk I hear a few countries talk about capabilities and the importance of capabilities and then hedge a little bit on how much more we spend. Unfortunately, you've got to spend to have hardened power oftentimes, you can't do it [crosstalk]. Q: And is 3 percent enough, sir? Is 3 percent enough? SECRETARY HEGSETH: Each country is going to make that determination. But 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 defense-related activities. That combination constitutes a real commitment, and we think every country can step up. Q: [Crosstalk] Does the U.S. want Zelensky to be at the summit in The Hague? And by skipping all the events related to Ukraine at this NATO meeting, are you sending a message that the U.S. no longer supports Ukraine? AMBASSADOR WHITAKER: I'm at all the meetings, yes. SECRETARY HEGSETH: We've been at that meeting and we at the beginning of this administration AMBASSADOR WHITAKER: I think he just insulted me saying that I'm not the United States. SECRETARY HEGSETH: I think he did. We were definitely at that meeting and made a contribution. And, from the beginning of this administration, worked with our British and German counterparts for them to take the lead of that contact group, which they've done. And I appreciate that. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4208718/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Showcases Capabilities of Uncrewed Vessels with Demonstrations in the Baltic Sea NATO Allied Maritime Command Jun 5 2025 NORTHWOOD, United Kingdom -- NATO's standing naval forces will conduct a series of capability demonstrations of uncrewed vessels in the Baltic Sea throughout the month of June to advance the integration of these vessels into Allied maritime operations. These demonstrations are an operational lead-up activity to NATO's Dynamic Messenger innovation exercise scheduled this autumn in Portugal and are also part of NATO's Task Force X innovation initiative. The capability demonstrations are a partnered initiative between NATO's Allied Command Transformation (ACT), Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) and participating Allied nations. Experimentation activities will occur in various locations throughout the Baltic Sea and are designed to enable critical learning and insights about how these vessels are best employed in critical maritime environments. "We remain focused on testing the Alliance's ability to trial and integrate uncrewed systems into a networked operational environment," said Royal Navy Vice Admiral Mike Utley, Commander, Allied Maritime Command. "These trials are focused on operational output and enhancing the spiral development of both NATO's innovation teams and the national initiatives of Allies. Our objective is to deliver unmanned systems to NATO's Standing Naval Forces with speed and scale, in the most relevant operational environments, further building on the military advantage of the Alliance." NATO's experimentation and integration of uncrewed vessels are part of a broader partnership between ACT and MARCOM, aimed at delivering capabilities to include autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, to enhance the Alliance's situational awareness of sea lines of communication and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Task Force X, with its focus on delivering innovative technology solutions, continues to play an integral role in delivering viable uncrewed vessels for experimentation and integration into NATO's maritime forces. "Task Force X demonstrates NATO's responsiveness and leverage of rapid innovation in support of the safeguarding of critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea," stated French Navy Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. "Operationalized at unprecedented speed following recent cable disruptions, this initiative directly supports Allied Command Operations by merging Enhanced Vigilance Activities with cutting-edge autonomous systems. By combining cost-effective mass solutions with exquisite capabilities, we not only detect unidentified vessels more effectively but also preserve high-value naval assets for priority missions. It enables nations to immediately field commercially available dual-use technologies alongside advanced AI-driven platforms, creating layered persistent surveillance at a level of cost that will demonstrate resolve and operational edge through federated capabilities. The model's success - already demonstrated in early Baltic operations - will offer nations in its next step to scale up the model to an even wider protective umbrella." Task Force X leverages successful campaigns like the U.S. Navy's Task Force 66, employing maritime uncrewed systems to provide persistent surveillance, detect and track potential threats, and enhance situational awareness. The initiative enables nations to contribute their own capabilities, while ensuring integration within the overall NATO framework. The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) will also be participating in the demonstrations with the deployment of the NATO Research Vessel Alliance, NATO's only purpose-built scientific-research vessel - a uniquely equipped floating laboratory supporting the Alliance's operational priorities at sea. NATO Allied Command Transformation leads the strategic warfare development of NATO's military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines. It aims to innovate and maintain a warfighting edge to improve the military effectiveness of the Alliance. Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) is headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom. MARCOM is the central command of all NATO maritime forces, and the MARCOM commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance. Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CENTCOM Supports Partner Forces During Defeat ISIS Operations in Iraq and Syria U.S. Central Command Press Release | June 6, 2025 USCENTCOM June 04, 2025 Release Number 20250604-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Central Command forces supported partner forces in operations in Iraq and Syria, May 21-27, in support of the ongoing Defeat ISIS campaign. USCENTCOM forces supported six D-ISIS operations, five in Iraq and one in Syria, resulting in 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, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and U.S. and partner forces in the region. From May 21-22, Syrian Democratic Forces, enabled by USCENTCOM, conducted a D-ISIS operation near Deir ez-Zur, resulting in the capture of an ISIS operative. From May 21-27, Iraqi forces, enabled by USCENTCOM, conducted D-ISIS operations in northern Iraq, within the Salah al-Din Governorate, Kirkuk Governorate, and Al-Fallujah, resulting in the clearance and destruction of multiple locations, confiscation of small arms weapons and munitions, recovery of material for further exploitation, two ISIS operatives killed in action, and the capture of an ISIS leader. The U.S. and members of the multinational Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF - OIR) maintain our ongoing commitment to the fight against ISIS. "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, USCENTCOM Commander. -30- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Oman: 5th High-level Political Dialogue held in Muscat European External Action Service (EEAS) 06.06.2025 Muscat, Oman EEAS Press Team The 5th High-level Political Dialogue between the European Union and the Sultanate of Oman was held in Muscat on 29 May. The two sides had the opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of bilateral issues, with both parties eager to elevate the partnership to a strategic level and intensify high-level contacts. Discussion also covered current regional developments in the Middle East and beyond, including the war in Ukraine, the war in Gaza, as well as regional developments pertaining to Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and the Red Sea, including in light of recent EU and Omani efforts towards de-escalation, as well as continued cooperation in multilateral fora. Oman's central role in US-Iran talks was also welcomed during the discussions. The EU and Oman agreed on the added value of maintaining close contacts on issues of mutual interest in the region, with a view to addressing common challenges through dialogue and cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired by the Undersecretary for Political Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, and Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Olof Skoog, consolidating further the solid EU-Oman partnership following the October 2024 EU-GCC Summit in Brussels. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address European Peace Facility in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Partners for security European External Action Service (EEAS) 06.06.2025 Sarajevo, BiH Press and information team of the Delegation to BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA Between 4 and 6 June, EU Member States representatives from the European Peace Facility (EPF) Committee visited their partners in Sarajevo. The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently supported by the European Peace Facility with assistance packages worth over 20 million, and the EPF also finances the common costs of the EU military operation in the country, EUFOR Althea. EU support as a security partner with Bosnia and Herzegovina is making a real difference. The visit of the European Peace Facility Committee, led by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, provided an opportunity to engage with partners on the EU support and meet the EU family in the country, including the Commander of EUFOR Althea, Major General Florin-Marian Barbu and the Head of the EU Delegation and the EU Special Representative, Luigi Soreca. With the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) - which the EU supports with different assistance measures - EU Member States discussed military capability development. Looking at synergies between those who support Bosnia and Herzegovina in building their military capacities, they also met with NATO Commander Brigadier General Valas. Contributing to the modernisation of the Armed Forces Since 2021, the EU supports the strengthening of the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the European Peace Facility. The EU adopted a first support package in 2021, sending a strong signal about the strategic importance of engaging with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of security and defence. This support, worth 10 million, targeted the modernisation of the demining equipment of the Armed Forces with the objective of supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina to become mine-free. The support will also facilitate the demining battalion's participation in future EU missions and operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy. Implementation of this package is now completed. A second support package under the European Peace Facility, also worth 10 million, was adopted by Member States to continue strengthening the Armed Forces' operational capabilities. The European Peace Facility support will improve the security and deployment conditions of the Armed Forces of BiH when in operations. This means it will also upgrade targeted operational capabilities, specifically counter-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) as well as defensive and early warning capabilities, so that the armed forces meet common operational requirements. The support package is currently being implemented and it targets the provision of field equipment (such as tents, water tank vehicles, electric generators), key tools for military engineers including transport vehicles and high accuracy GPS devices, as well as sampling kits, decontamination systems, radiological detectors for CBRN. Deliveries are ongoing and are accompanied as relevant by training on the equipment delivered to ensure the effectiveness of the support. EUFOR Althea: supporting a safe environment on the EU path In December 2004, nine years after the war ended and following NATO's decision to hand over its own peacekeeping mission that had maintained security in the region, the EU launched the military Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina under the 'Berlin Plus' arrangements. A robust EU military force, called "EUFOR", was deployed to ensure continued compliance with the Dayton/Paris Agreement and to support Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment in the country. This was done through close liaison to local security providers, combined training with the Armed Forces of BiH, and providing expertise and support in the relevant fields. EUFOR helps to create the conditions to deliver the long-term political objective of a stable country. Over the years, the responsibility for the execution of several tasks has been handed over to the local authorities, according to the principle of 'local ownership' and in line with BiH's path towards EU membership. Flagship tool The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NB8 political directors visit Armenia and Azerbaijan Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06.06.2025 | 16:47 From 3 to 5 June, Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary for Political Affairs Martin Roger accompanied the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) political directors on a visit to Armenia, where they met with the president, the prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs, and to Azerbaijan, where they met with the deputy minister of foreign affairs, the president's adviser and the Delegation of the European Union. The aim of the visit was to support the peace process between the two countries and to discuss developments in the region and cooperation with the Nordic-Baltic countries and the European Union. he meetings in Armenia underlined the importance of strengthening relations and expressed support for Armenia's ambition to deepen cooperation with the European Union and European partners. The NB8 countries praised Armenia's progress on democratic reforms and human rights and reaffirmed their readiness to continue supporting their implementation. "At the meeting, we also stressed the need for a new and ambitious EU-Armenia partnership agenda and encouraged Armenia to pursue democratic reforms," Undersecretary Roger said. In Azerbaijan, NB8 countries stressed the importance of increasing cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan and recognised the country for its support in reliable gas supplies and logistics. The participants expressed hope that the progress shown in relations between Azerbaijan and the EU in recent months would continue and that the parties would focus on key areas such as energy, trade and regional stability in deepening their cooperation. NB8 undersecretaries also expressed hope that a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan would soon be signed, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries, and welcomed initiatives that contribute to regional connectivity and economic cooperation. NB8 countries include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, BG Effie Defrin-June 6, 2025 IDF Press Release June 6, 2025 06.06.25 IDF Good evening, During an operational mission of troops from the Commando Brigade Combat Team, four soldiers fell in combat this morning - Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver from the Yahalom Unit, Sergeant Major (Res.) Chen Gross from the Maglan Unit, and two additional combat soldiers whose names have not yet been cleared for publication, their families have been notified. Additionally, five combat soldiers were injured, one soldier was severely injured, and four sustained moderate injuries. The troops were operating in an area in Khan Yunis, in a compound of the Hamas terrorist organization. At around 6:00 AM, an explosive device was detonated, causing a part of the structure to collapse. This is a difficult evening; we share in the grief of the families, embrace them, and continue to accompany them. The troops have been operating in the region for the past three weeks under the command of the 98th Division. The troops in the field operated with full operational support. As I described earlier this week, our activities in this operation are ongoing - the troops are engaging and advancing according to a structured method. This morning, we held a situational assessment and a preliminary inquiry of the incident at the Southern Command, led by the Chief of the General Staff. We are reviewing and learning from every incident, and also from this incident - we will draw conclusions. We continue striking Hamas, damaging its capabilities, and operating for the security of the civilians of the State of Israel. On Wednesday night, in a covert operation, also in the area of Khan Yunis, we recovered the bodies of the couple, Judi Lynn Weinstein, aged 70, and Gad Haggai, aged 72, may their memory be a blessing. They were murdered on October 7th during their daily walk in the fields of Nir Oz, and then abducted by terrorists. Based on accurate intelligence and after conditions were met, the recovery was carried out in the heart of Khan Yunis. The recovery was carried out by IDF troops under the Southern Command, in coordination with the Intelligence Directorate, the Hostages Task Force, the ISA, and special forces. We share in the grief of Judi and Gad's children and families, and we embrace the community of Nir Oz. We have a critical and moral mission to bring all 56 hostages home, and our troops are working towards this with courage and determination. In the northern arena, last night, the IDF began striking targets in Dahieh, in Beirut, and in southern Lebanon. IAF aircraft struck six underground terrorist infrastructure sites used for the production and storage of UAVs. These sites were used by Unit 127, the aerial unit of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which was severely damaged throughout the war. The IDF already struck its assets and chain of command, and eliminated the unit's commander. After uncovering Hezbollah's renewed production program, we struck the relevant sites. We will not allow this threat to grow; we will respond with full force to any threat. The renewed production was intended to prepare Hezbollah for carrying out thousands more UAV attacks against Israeli civilians in the future. We will not allow that to happen. Throughout the war, Hezbollah's aerial unit launched over a thousand UAV-based attacks toward Israeli territory, resulting in casualties on Israel's home front. This renewed production constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire and understandings between Israel and Lebanon. We will continue to enforce the ceasefire agreement and keep removing every threat to the citizens of Israel. In addition, yesterday, we also struck a drone manufacturing workshop used for attacks and intelligence collection in southern Lebanon. The infrastructure sites targeted were located within civilian areas, in the heart of Beirut, beneath the homes of Lebanese residents. This is further proof of the cynical use by terrorist organizations of the civilian population as human shields. It is important to emphasize that last night's strike was carried out against the Hezbollah terrorist organization. We will not allow Hezbollah to rise and restore the capabilities it had on October 7th. We will strike targets wherever necessary. Our troops are prepared for both defense and offense. We will continue to act to achieve all of the objectives of the war, ensure the security of our citizens we are mission-driven. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei 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of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Iran condemns Israeli regime's airstrikes on Lebanon IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 6, 2025 Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned the latest Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, describing them as blatant aggression against Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Baqaei said on Friday that Israel's repeated acts of aggression against Lebanon are taking place in the wake of inaction of the United Nations Security Council (U.N.S.C.), according to a post on the official Telegram account of the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson. He said that the guarantors of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, namely the United States and France, are directly responsible to guarantee the truce. Without the green light, and the open and covert support from the U.S., the Israeli regime is undoubtedly unable to continue to break law and violate the U.N. Charter and international law in such a blatant way, the spokesperson stressed. Baqaei also called on the U.N.S.C. to fulfill its responsibilities and oppose the Israeli violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon. He said that the ongoing actions of the Israeli regime in the region, including its aggression against Lebanon, underscores the urgent need for Islamic countries to strengthen their defense capabilities and uphold dignified resistance to preserve their independence and sovereignty. Israel launched multiple airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs on Thursday night on the eve of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday. The attack on Thursday was the fourth time Israel bombed Lebanon's capital since a ceasefire took effect in late November last year, according to Al Jazeera. Later Thursday night, Israeli strikes also targeted the southern village of Ain Qana, Lebanese media reported. That was the latest Israeli violation of the ceasefire with Lebanon in areas outside Beirut. The ceasefire halted fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement, which intensified in September last year and left more than 4,000 people dead and nearly 17,000 more injured in Lebanon. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address International military exercise "BALTOPS 25" starts in Latvia Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 06/06/2025 - 10:42 In Latvia Military exercise Information prepared by Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces Information Analysis and Management Department Communication Division From June 5 to 20, the Baltic Sea region will host the large-scale annual international military exercise "BALTOPS 25" (Baltic Operations 2025). This exercise provides a valuable opportunity for allied forces to train jointly, enhance interoperability, and demonstrate collective readiness to defend NATO member states and maintain freedom of navigation. The objective of the exercise is to promote cooperation and interoperability, strengthen the ability to respond rapidly using the capabilities of all branches of the armed forces, and demonstrate NATO's commitment in order to ensure regional stability and readiness to defend the Baltic Sea region. The "BALTOPS 25" exercise involves 16 NATO member states, more than 40 ships, 25 aircraft, and approximately 9,000 participants. As part of the "BALTOPS 25" exercise, various tactical operations will be conducted at multiple locations across the country, involving allied naval vessels, aircraft, and land-based military equipment. The exercise in Latvia involves soldiers and National Guard members from the National Guard's 4th Kurzeme Brigade, the Naval Forces, the Air Force, the Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the Training and Doctrine Command as well as units from the armed forces of the United States, Portugal, and Italy. This year, as part of the "BALTOPS 25" exercise, allied forces will train together by conducting unmanned systems training, medical evacuation, air defence, maritime interdiction operations, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, combat engineers and amphibious operations. These areas reflect the broad range of NATO's collective capabilities and the emphasis on modern technologies and multidomain interoperability. Participating nations include Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. "BALTOPS" is an annual exercise led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet and command-and-controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. Held in the Baltic Sea, the exercise provides an opportunity for NATO and regional partners to enhance interoperability by training together in joint tactical manoeuvres across a variety of operational scenarios. Latvia has been participating in the "BALTOPS" exercises since 1996. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of National Defence thanked Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command for the longstanding support Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2025-06-06 International cooperation | Minister's news | Security and defense policy Today Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene met with Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command General Bryan Fenton and thanked him for the long-standing United States support to the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces. Their meeting also was focused on regional security and options of strengthening bilateral cooperation. "We are grateful for over 20 years of support to our Special Operations Forces. The U.S. troop presence on the ground in Lithuania and their active contribution in ensuring our regional security is one of the most effective ways to ensure deterrence along the eastern flank of NATO and defence of it," Minister said. She also stressed that Lithuania was prepared to host even more of U.S. military personnel, including the Special Operations Forces, for which reason infrastructure intended for America forces is constantly upgraded. "We understand that Europe must take more responsibility for Ukraine's and its security and to continue the aid in every way possible. Lithuania is doing the homework and demonstrating a responsible attitude by increasing defence spending, investing in weapons acquisitions, fortifying our borders and strengthening defence capabilities collectively" D. Sakaliene noted. Minister has also underlined that participation in multinational operations side by side with the United States remains high among our priorities. "We are committed to deploy forces to multinational missions and operations and to deliver on our commitments, therefore the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces are ready and open to opportunity to deploy to multinational operations with the U.S.," Minister said. Lithuania and the U.S. Special Operations Forces kicked off their cooperation more than two decades ago, and grew even closer after 2002 when the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces joined the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Logistics survivability in the battlespace New Zealand Army Basic all-arms skills are vital for our combat service support force elements and essential to our soldiers' survivability and lethality on the battlefield. 06 June, 2025 116 soldiers from 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion (3CSSB) have been on Exercise Rorke's Drift in the Tekapo Military Training Area honing their warfighting skills. Soldiers from 3rd Catering and Supply, 3rd Workshop, 3rd Transport and 3rd Army Reserve Companies utilised a variety of weapons and capabilities throughout the 10-day exercise. Soldiers used the New Zealand Army's MAG 58 machine guns, LSW machine guns, MARS-L rifles, 40mm grenade launchers, whilst also using our Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicle (MHOV) HX58 as gun trunks. 3CSSB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Valanda Irwin said this training gives our combat service support soldiers a better chance of surviving in combat zones. "Exercise Rorke's Drift is aimed at increasing the survivability and lethality of our personnel by building basic small-arms skills to fight their way out of harm's way," LTCOL Irwin said. "Soldiers practiced tactics, techniques and procedures that would allow them to break contact with an enemy using the weapons and vehicles they would operate within deployed areas of operation," he said. LTCOL Irwin said this type of training is critical for our combat service support soldiers as it enables the force element to deploy as part of the New Zealand Army's Motorised Infantry Battle Group (MIBG) or Company Group (MICG). "It is essential for us to be ready to integrate effectively as part of the MIBG or MICG because logistics support also provides critical back up to our frontline units and enables them to achieve battlefield success." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Condemns Airstrikes by Israeli Forces on Beirut, Lebanon Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Government of Pakistan unequivocally condemns airstrikes by Israeli forces on Beirut's southern suburbs and parts of southern Lebanon on 5 June 2025. These attacks, launched on the eve of Eid al-Adha, constitute a blatant violation of international law, sovereignty of Lebanon, and the ceasefire agreement of November 2024. The reckless use of force threatens civilian lives, fuels regional instability, and undermines efforts for lasting peace. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of Lebanon, during this difficult time. We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations and ceasefire mediators, to take immediate action to hold Israeli occupying forces accountable and prevent further escalation. Pakistan remains firmly committed to peace, justice, and the principles of international law. Islamabad 6 June 2025 165/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Strongly Rejects the Indian Prime Minister's Misleading Remarks Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan firmly rejects the baseless and misleading remarks made by the Prime Minister of India regarding the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Such statements represent a deliberate attempt to deflect international attention from the grave and persistent human rights violations being committed in a territory under foreign occupation. We are deeply dismayed that the Indian Prime Minister has once again chosen to accuse Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam attack, without presenting a single piece of credible evidence. Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised disputed territory, the final status of which is to be determined in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people. No amount of rhetoric can change this legal and historical reality. Claims of development in IIOJK ring hollow against the backdrop of an unprecedented military presence, suppression of fundamental freedoms, arbitrary arrests, and a concerted effort to alter the region's demography in violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. Pakistan remains steadfast in its principled support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for their rights and dignity. We call upon the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organisations, to hold India accountable for its oppression and to ensure that the Kashmiri people are allowed to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. Islamabad 6 June 2025 166/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP holds patrol ops, communication check in Kota Island Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno June 6, 2025, 4:30 pm MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday conducted a routine patrol and communication check on Kota Island, a Philippine-held feature in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This is part of its ongoing maritime patrol operations in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) to ensure security, assert sovereignty, and boost troop morale in the WPS, the military said in a news release. The operation in Kota island was conducted by personnel aboard the Navy offshore patrol vessel, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), the AFP said. This feature has strategic and symbolic significance in the WPS. "The patrol included a communication and coordination check with stationed personnelan essential measure to ensure operational readiness and boost morale, especially amid challenging weather conditions. The vessel also passed by Patag Island, continuing its mission to monitor and secure other Philippine-held features in the area," the AFP added. This operation underscores the AFP's commitment to regularly maintain presence and coordination across remote Philippine outposts, which is also in line with national defense and maritime domain awareness objectives. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP units hold patrols, ground activities on Likas Island Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno June 6, 2025, 10:46 am MANILA -- Filipino military units carried out a maritime patrol and conducted ground activities on Likas Island, one of the Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea, on Thursday. In a statement Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said these activities are part of its efforts to assert the country's sovereign rights and demonstrate an enduring presence in the area. "The visit to Likas featured a ship-to-shore operation, direct engagements with deployed personnel, and interviews with troops on the ground. Beyond their operational function, these activities served to reaffirm the AFP's support for its front-line units, boost troop morale, and demonstrate the Philippines' sustained and visible presence in the area," it added. Likas Island is one of the Philippine-occupied features in the WPS and plays a key role in maintaining maritime situational awareness and supporting national defense objectives in the region. "Through these engagements, the AFP reaffirmed its commitment to the morale and welfare of its troops stationed in remote areas and highlighted the strategic significance of continued operations in the KIG (Kalayaan Island Group)," the AFP said. Earlier, the AFP also conducted a maritime patrol in Parola as part of efforts to secure the WPS on June 4. "The patrol is one of a series of maritime operations being conducted from June 4 to June 7 to reinforce the country's sovereign rights over its maritime domains in the Kalayaan Island Group. These operations are part of the AFP's commitment to maintaining a credible defense posture in the region," it added. While aboard the offshore patrol vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), AFP personnel established direct communications with the Parola detachment to synchronize updates, assess operational conditions, and express support for the troops deployed to this remote post. The activity served to maintain clear situational awareness and ensure coordinated maritime security efforts in the area. "The AFP's sustained presence in the KIG reaffirms the Philippines' commitment to peace, regional stability, and a rules-based international order, assuring Filipinos of its continued vigilance in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests," the AFP added. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DND hails Muslim military personnel for valuable role in PH security Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno June 6, 2025, 10:04 am Updated on June 6, 2025, 5:21 pm MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. recognized the valuable role of Filipino Muslim military personnel in preserving national security, in observance of Eid'l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) on Friday. "I also wish to recognize the invaluable contributions of our Muslim personnel in the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Your commitment to our sovereignty, peace, and security is an inspiration to all," Teodoro said in a statement. He said the occasion reminds of the enduring values of faith, sacrifice, and service to others. "It calls us to reflect, give generously, and strengthen our ties with family and community," he added. He also expressed hope that the observance brings all Filipino Muslim families peace, joy and countless blessings. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. also extended his warmest greetings to Filipino Muslims for the occasion. "This significant 'Feast of Sacrifice' holds profound meaning, reminding us of the values of faith, obedience, and selfless devotion. As you gather with your families and communities to commemorate this sacred event, know that the AFP is one with you in spirit, celebrating the peace and joy that this occasion brings," he added. Brawner said that Eid al-Adha also serves as a powerful reminder of the shared aspirations for unity and service. "It renews our collective commitment to uphold the principles that bind us as Filipinos, regardless of our beliefs," he stressed. The AFP chief also hopes that the celebration brings spiritual renewal, strengthens the bonds of kinship, and inspires greater cooperation among all Filipinos in pursuit of lasting peace and national development. Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., meanwhile, said Eid'l Adha embodies the importance of faith and obedience. "On this sacred day, we commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering obedience and faith, as he willingly followed Allah's command even if it meant sacrificing his own son - a reminder to all Muslims to keep the faith in the midst of challenges," he added. Galvez also said the observance highlights the importance of making sacrifices to achieve a higher purpose. Although Filipinos are composed of different faiths, the OPAPRU chief said, "We are all bound by the principles of selflessness, compassion and empathy." "May the great Prophet serve as an example not only to the members of the Muslim faith but to all Filipinos that we must not be afraid to go beyond our comfort zones, reach out, and help those who are most in need," Galvez said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas: Our fighters continue striking until Israeli occupation vanquished Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 10:01 PM Abu Ubaida, spokesman for al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, has vowed that resistance operations against the Israeli occupation will continue "until it is vanquished." "Our fighters, the heirs of the prophets, continue to hurl the Stones of David at Gideon's Chariots, striking down the arrogance of the occupation until it is vanquished," Abu Ubaida said in a statement issued on Friday. He praised the resilience of the resistance fighters, stating that through their heroism, "they inscribe the triumph of the faithful and oppressed over the arrogant and tyrannical." Referring to a Friday morning ambush in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis, which left five Israeli soldiers dead and others wounded, Abu Ubaida said, "the losses inflicted upon the occupation today in Khan Yunis and Jabalia are but a continuation of a series of precision operationsa model of what awaits the occupying forces wherever they set foot." Palestinian resistance groups conducted a series of successful operations across the Khan Yunis on Friday, targeting key Israeli military positions amid continued Israeli offensives in the Gaza Strip. Fighters from the Al-Quds Brigades, in coordination with Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, struck the Israeli occupation's headquarters near Canada Hall in southeastern Khan Yunis with a heavy mortar barrage. In a separate operation, resistance fighters destroyed an Israeli military vehicle using a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) in the Kafr Qarara area in northern Khan Yunis. Another Israeli armored target was also neutralized in the Al-Jumayza area during a precision resistance operation. Addressing Israeli settlers, Abu Ubaida warned that they faced two choices: "force their leadership to end this genocidal war or prepare to receive more of their sons in coffins." Relentless Israeli bombardment and siege have left at least 54,381 Palestinians martyred and more than 124,054 injured in the Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities. On Friday, Palestinian resistance fighters carried out a deadly ambush targeting Israeli forces in Khan Yunis, amid the regime's intensified genocidal campaign across the Gaza Strip. According to the Gaza-based Safa news agency, citing Hebrew-language sources, an Israeli special forces unit was targeted in an attack east of Khan Yunis. A booby-trapped building reportedly exploded, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and injuries to others. "At least five soldiers were killed and seven wounded, including two in critical condition, by blowing up a building by military force," the agency reported. Safa added that Israeli military helicopters were deployed for urgent air evacuations from the combat zone inside Gaza. The Palestinian Information Center reported that the Israeli unit had entered a building prepared in advance by Palestinian fighters. The structure exploded and collapsed on 12 soldiers, with efforts to evacuate the wounded hindered by ongoing heavy fire. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China allocates 580 mln yuan to bolster flood control efforts Xinhua) 14:26, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China has allocated 580 million yuan (about 80.73 million U.S. dollars) to provincial-level regions to strengthen their flood control work, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday. These funds, distributed by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Water Resources, have been directed to 29 provincial-level regions and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Local governments are required to conduct in-depth hazard inspections of water conservancy facilities critical for flood control -- such as river and lake embankments, reservoirs and key sea dikes. They are also urged to make comprehensive preparations for flood prevention and control during the main flood season. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) Five 'elite' Israeli forces killed in ambush by resistance fighters in Khan Yunis Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 11:19 AM The Gaza-based Palestinian resistance fighters have killed and injured a number of Israeli occupation forces in an ambush in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Yunis, amid the regime's escalated aggression on the besieged territory. Palestine's Safa news agency cited Hebrew-language reports as saying that a special force of the occupation army was subjected on Friday morning to a security attack east of Khan Younis, resulting in five deaths and injuries to others in its ranks after a bombed building exploded. "At least five soldiers were killed and seven wounded, including two in critical condition by blowing up a building by military force," the agency said. Safa added that intensive air evacuations had been activated as Israeli military helicopters were sent to remove the wounded from inside the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Information Center said Israel's special forces had entered to comb a building that was booby-trapped and prepared in advance, where it exploded and collapsed on the 12 troops and there were difficulties in evacuating them because of the intensity of the fire. Other reports said the occupation army evacuated 13 soldiers from the site of the explosion, and the majority of the special forces who were wounded in the ambush were "elite." Earlier, the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, announced the implementation of a qualitative field operation on Sunday against the Israeli occupation forces in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, confirming the targeting of military vehicles and the infliction of deaths and injuries among the Israeli soldiers. The al-Qassam Brigades stated that they were able to destroy an Israeli tiger tanker using a Yasin 105 shell and a Shawaz explosive device, which led to the death and injury of its crew members. Israel launched its Gaza genocide on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led resistance groups carried out a military operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. So far, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 54,677 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 125,530 others in the besieged territory. During its bloody aggression, Israel has targeted Gaza's civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, in blatant violation of international law. Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for the Israeli regime's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his former war minister, Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war crimes against civilians in the enclave. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel threatens to intensify strikes on Lebanon if Hezbollah not disarmed Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 10:42 AM Israel's minister of military affairs, Israel Katz, has threatened to intensify attacks on Lebanon, vowing continued strikes until the Hezbollah resistance movement disarmsescalating tensions as the Tel Aviv regime persists in its cross-border aggression. "There will be no calm in Beirut, and no order or stability in Lebanon, without security for Israel. Agreements must be honored and if you do not do what is required, we will continue to act, and with great force," Katz said in a statement on Friday. Katz claimed his threats of intensified attacks on Lebanon were in response to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's condemnation of Thursday night's Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Aoun condemned the Israeli airstrikes carried out on the eve of Eid al-Adha, denouncing them as a flagrant violation of international agreements, presenting "conclusive evidence" of the occupying Zionist regime's contempt for regional peace and stability. "This is a blatant violation of international norms, UN resolutions and human decency, especially on the eve of a sacred religious holiday," Aoun said in remarks reported by Lebanon's official National News Agency. He stressed that the targeting of the southern suburbs is "irrefutable proof of the aggressor's rejection of stability, a resolution, and a just peace in the region." Aoun said that "it is a message sent by the perpetrator of these atrocities (Israel) to the United States of America and its policies and initiatives, first and foremost through Beirut's mailbox and the blood of its innocent civilians. Lebanon will never submit to this." Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them a "systematic and deliberate assault on Lebanon's security, stability and economy." Salam demanded that the international community should "shoulder its responsibility to deter Israel and ensure its full withdrawal from Lebanese territories." Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri echoed the condemnation, saying the "Israeli aggression targets not just one sect or region but all Lebanese and Arabs - even in their holiest celebrations." On the eve of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, targeting the densely populated neighborhoods of Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj al-Barajneh. On January 27, 2025, Lebanon had announced its decision to extend the ceasefire with Israel until February 18. However, since the beginning of the ceasefire, Israeli occupation forces have repeatedly violated the agreement by launching assaults on Lebanese territory, including aerial bombardments across the country. Although the February 18 deadline has passed, Israel continues to occupy five key regions in southern LebanonLabbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hillall located near the border. Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Israel was obligated to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26. The deadline was later extended to February 18, yet Tel Aviv has refused to comply. To this day, Israel maintains a military presence at the five border outposts of Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of at least 208 people and injuries to more than 500 since the agreement. Lebanon has condemned the continued presence of Israeli military forces, viewing it as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Senior officials in Beirut have expressed their commitment to take "all necessary measures" to remove the occupying troops from the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Israel carrying out strikes on Lebanon with US green light Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 10:39 AM Iran has strongly condemned Israel's recent strikes on Beirut's densely-populated outskirts as "a blatant violation of Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty". Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Friday, after the Israeli military conducted aerial assaults on the southern Beirut suburbs of Dahieh on the eve of the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha. The attacks marked yet another violation of the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance group. Baghaei said the guarantors of the truce, including the United States and France, bear responsibility for Israel's repeated acts of aggression against Lebanon amid the silence and inaction of the United Nations Security Council. "Undoubtedly, the Zionist regime cannot keep breaking the law so recklessly and violating the principles of the UN Charter and international law without the United States' green light, as well as its overt and covert support," he added. The spokesman also called on the Security Council to take practical action against Israeli attacks. "The continuation of the Zionist regime's lawbreaking in the region, along with its assaults on and occupation of Lebanon and other Muslim states, shows that the only way to protect the independence and national sovereignty of countries is to strengthen their defense might and honorable resistance against the regime," he noted. Shortly before its strikes, the Israeli military ordered residents living near buildings in Dahieh's Hadath, Haret Hreik and Burj al-Barajneh neighborhoods to evacuate. It further claimed that its air raids targeted "underground UAV production facilities" operated by Hezbollah. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun both denounced Israel's Thursday strikes, with the latter saying 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 a sacred religious festival. Hezbollah opened a support front for Palestinians only a day after Israel unleashed a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, launching numerous retaliatory attacks against targets in the occupied territories. Nearly 14 months into the conflict, Israel agreed to the ceasefire with Hezbollah after suffering significant losses and failing to achieve its objectives despite killing over 4,000 people in Lebanon. The ceasefire took effect on November 27. Since then, however, the usurping regime has been carrying out near-daily attacks on Lebanon while occupying positions in the country's south. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen launches hypersonic strike on Israel's Ben Gurion in support of Lebanon Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 8:30 AM Yemen's Armed Forces have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile attack against Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv in response to the Israeli regime's latest aggression on the Lebanese capital of Beirut. Yahya Saree, the Yemeni army spokesman, said in a statement late on Thursday that the anti-Israel operation, conducted with a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile, was in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip and "in response to its aggression against the southern suburbs of Beirut." "The missile force of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a military operation targeting Lod Airport in the occupied area of Yaffa using a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile," Saree said. "The operation successfully achieved its goal, thanks to Allah, forcing millions of occupying Zionists to flee to shelters and halting air traffic at the airport." The spokesman underlined that the Yemeni Armed Forces saluted "all the steadfast, loyal, and sincere resistance fighters in proud, glorious, and dignified Gaza, and throughout Palestinethe frontline defenders of the entire Islamic nation." The statement reaffirmed the Yemeni people's and their Armed Forces' unwavering stance alongside the Palestinian people and their resistance "until the aggression stops and the siege is lifted." Thursday's ballistic missile attack marks the first time Yemen announced it had operated against the Israeli-occupied territories in response to the regime's onslaught on Lebanese soil. The Israeli occupation carried out eight airstrikes targeting residential buildings in Beirut's southern suburb on Thursday, with Israeli Channel 14 saying the attack was in coordination with the United States. 'We will not abandon them' Nasr al-Din Amer, a senior official with Yemen's Ansarullah movement, confirmed the attack on the Israeli airport and voiced Sana'a's unrelenting support for Beirut and Gaza. "We will neither accept nor permit the policy of unchecked aggression that the Zionist enemy, with American support, is trying to establish in the region. We will face it with our faith and reliance on Allah," said Amer, deputy head of Ansarullah's Media Authority. "Beirut and Lebanon are part of this nation, and God willing, we will not abandon them, just as we have not and will not abandon Gaza, al-Quds, and all of Palestine, as well as all other Arab and Islamic lands." The Israeli military claimed that a long-range ballistic missile launched from Yemen had been intercepted by the regime's air defenses. The military conceded that sirens had sounded in the occupied al-Quds, southern West Bank settlements, and some areas of central and southern Israel. Since March 18, when the Israeli regime resumed its offensive against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the Yemeni army has launched 46 ballistic missiles and at least 11 drones at Israel. The Yemeni military has launched heavy strikes against the Israeli-occupied territories since the regime's war machine started ravaging Gaza in October 2023, also enforcing a strategic blockade on essential maritime routes to obstruct the delivery of military supplies to Israel. The Yemeni Armed Forces have declared they will not stop their assaults unless Israel ceases its ground and aerial offensives in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICC slams US sanctions as 'attempt to undermine independent institution' Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 1:17 AM The International Criminal Court (ICC) has condemned the sanctions imposed by the United States on four of its judges, calling it a "clear attempt" at undermining the court's independence. The United States imposed sanctions earlier Thursday on four ICC judges, including over an arrest warrant for the Israeli regime's convicted prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Under the sanctions, the four female judges will be barred from entering the US, and any property or interests they hold there will be frozen. These measures are typically taken against policymakers from US adversaries, rather than judicial officials. Rejecting the move, the ICC affirmed its unwavering support for its personnel, vowing to continue its work undeterred. "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 court emphasized that targeting those working for accountability only emboldens people who believe they can act with impunity. "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. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes related to Israel's ongoing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The ruling obliged all the 125 countries, which signed the Rome Statute establishing the ICC, to detain and surrender the pair to the Hague-based court. The United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, which investigates individuals suspected of the world's worst crimes. The world court said it "provides justice and hope to millions of victims of unimaginable atrocities." Israel unleashed its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas resistance group carried out its historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed at least 54,677 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 125,530 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Washington's Visa Ban Deals New Blow To 'Stranded' Afghans By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi June 06, 2025 Samar and his family were among tens of thousands of at-risk Afghans who were flown out of Kabul aboard US-organized flights to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates after the hardline Taliban returned to Kabul in 2021. Samar, whose name has been changed for security reasons, has been waiting to be resettled to the United States through refugee programs for Afghans who have worked for US-affiliated organizations. Four years on, however, the US resettlement remains a distant dream and Samar now fears that it might never happen after the US President Donald Trump on June 4 announced a new travel ban for 12 countries, including Afghanistan, citing national security threats. "I live at a [temporary refugee center] in Abu Dhabi, while my wife and our four children have been housed at a refugee facility in Qatar," Samar, 34, told RFE/RL on June 5. "We are still hopeful that we will be given permission to move to the United States, but this uncertainty over the past four years has drained us mentally and physically," he added. The list of banned countries in Trump's newly announced travel ban also includes Iran, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens of these countries will not be allowed to enter the United States unless they qualify for an exemption, according to the proclamation announced by Trump. The document also imposes partial restrictions on visitors from seven additional countries that include Turkmenistan, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Venezuela. The policy takes effect on June 9. For Afghan nationals, an exemption has been envisaged in the new policy for those who qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). Created in 2001, the SIV program offers a pathway to Afghan nationals who were directly employed by the US military and diplomatic missions in Afghanistan. Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration attorney and professor at Cornell Law School, said the travel ban will likely be challenged but courts may uphold it. "In 2018, the Supreme Court narrowly upheld President Trump's prior travel ban, holding that presidents have wide discretion on immigration and national security issues," he said in an e-mail. For that and other reasons, "courts are likely to uphold this travel ban," Yale-Loehr said. 'No One Cares' In January, the United States suspended the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for at least three months, dealing a blow to tens of thousands of Afghans waiting for resettlement. Among them were about 15,000 Afghans living with temporary visas in Pakistan, according to figures provided by Pakistani authorities. "We were shocked by that announcement, but didn't lose hope because it said 'suspended,' not ended, so it was like it will resume again," said Muska, a former Afghan media worker, who had been waiting for permission to move to the United States. "But this time, it sounds so final, it is a ban," Muska, 25, told RFE/RL speaking via WhatsApp from Pakistan on June 5. "We Afghans are just stranded here, and it seems no one cares about what will happen to us." Muska said she can't return to Afghanistan, where the hardline Taliban-led government has severely restricted women's lives, banning them from work or getting education beyond primary school. Staying on in Pakistan is not also an option for Muska, who like many Afghans depend on a temporary visa that must be renewed every month. They face increasing pressure by Pakistan, which has forcibly deported more than 800,000 undocumented Afghan refugees since it launched a major crackdown in 2023, according to the United Nations. Another 1.4 million Afghans who are formally registered with the Pakistani government have until June 30 to return to their homeland. "I have been anxious since I heard about the travel ban last night," said Wali, a 30-year-old Afghan who lives in Islamabad with his wife and their 3-year-old daughter. Wali, who gave only his first name, had been cleared for US resettlement, but his visa process was halted since January. Wali, who worked for a US-affiliated NGO in Kabul, believes he will face persecution if returned to Afghanistan. "The proclamation exempts only SIV-holders from the ban. We call on the US government to extend this exemption to all Afghans whose immigration visas were being processed," Wali said. "We all have worked together to support the US government efforts [in Afghanistan]." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-travel-ban- afghanistan-taliban/33435096.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 Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Oleg Bartsits 6 June 2025 17:12 970-06-06-2025 On June 6, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov held talks in Moscow with the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Oleg Bartsits, who is undertaking his first working visit to Russia. In a comprehensive dialogue, characterised by the traditionally amicable and trust-based atmosphere that epitomises Russian-Abkhaz allied relations, the ministers addressed an extensive array of subjects related to bilateral collaboration, regional affairs, and international issues of mutual interest. Both parties lauded the numerous joint initiatives currently in progress in the areas of security, socio-economic development, and humanitarian cooperation, executed under the instructions of the Presidents of Russia and Abkhazia. It was emphasised that the successful implementation of these projects fortifies the bonds of friendship between the nations and augments prosperity in Abkhazia and the region as a whole. The Russian side reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the holistic development of an independent Abkhazia and the broadening of its international engagements. Particular emphasis was placed on synchronising efforts within the framework of the International Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus. Both ministers reiterated their mutual determination to establish legally binding agreements on the non-use of force between Georgia, on the one side, and Abkhazia and South Ossetia, on the other. The ministers concurred on the necessity of maintaining regular consultations to enhance bilateral relations and advance the interests of our nations on the international stage. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spain regrets announcement of new US sanctions against four ICC judges Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 054 June 6, 2025 Spain regrets the announcement of new US sanctions against 4 judges of the International Criminal Court. Spain expresses its firm support for the International Criminal Court, the cornerstone of the international criminal justice system, and rejects any kind of interference in its work. The work of the Court is essential for accountability for the most serious crimes against humanity. The Court receives its mandate from the 125 Member States of the Rome Statute. Its work is key to the reparation of victims and to the maintenance of international peace and security. Spain will continue to comply with its obligations under the Rome Statute and international law, respecting and guaranteeing the full jurisdiction of the Court. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump's Pricey Gift Just Got Pricier: Upgrading Qatari Boeing Will Cost Top Dollar Sputnik News 20250606 Ekaterina Blinova Controversies continue to surround Qatar's generous gift to US President Donald Trump, as the upgrade of the Qatari Boeing is now revealed to come with a hefty cost. Retrofitting a Qatari luxury Boeing 747 jetliner to serve as Donald Trump's Air Force One will cost around $400 million, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told US lawmakers. What's driving the hefty price tag? Experts say the aircraft will need extensive security upgrades, including advanced communication systems to block eavesdropping and sophisticated defenses to detect and counter incoming missile threats. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement on attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan Joint statement from the UK and 29 other donor countries on attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Published 6 June 2025 Joint donor statement condemning attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan by the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. "We condemn in the strongest terms the attack on a humanitarian convoy of 15 trucks from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Al Koma, North Darfur, on the night of 2 June, which resulted in the death of five members of the convoy and injuring several others. Four of the 15 trucks in the convoy were destroyed in the attack and five more sustained partial damage. These trucks were carrying about 100 metric tons of essential nutrition, health, education, and WASH supplies, intended to support children and families in El Fasher town. The deliberate targeting of humanitarian personnel is a violation of international law. Civilians and humanitarian workers must not be targeted by parties to the armed conflict. We urge all parties to allow civilians to safely exit areas with ongoing hostilities, and to guarantee immediate, unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver assistance to those in urgent need throughout Sudan. We repeat our call to the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and their militias to immediately cease hostilities and uphold their obligations towards international humanitarian law, which includes the obligation to protect civilians and civilian objects - as also reiterated in the UN Security Council resolution 2730 (2024). Once again, we stress the civilian character of humanitarian agencies, the neutral and impartial nature of their life-saving operations, and the need for them to operate across all of Sudan, regardless of area of control. This attack represents yet another deadly and unacceptable attack on civilians and humanitarian workers since the beginning of this armed conflict two years ago, in blatant disregard of international humanitarian law. We remind the parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and their assets. Last April, the international community strongly condemned the attacks on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps which resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians and at least 12 aid workers. Just last week, a hospital was targeted in El Obeid, North Kordofan. On several occasions, UN and NGOs offices throughout the country have been directly hit, including WFP's office in El Fasher only last week. These are just some of the many attacks over the past two years targeting civilians, aid workers and facilities, hospitals, and critical civilian infrastructure, which constitute direct violations of international humanitarian law. We deplore all loss of civilian life resulting from acts of war throughout this conflict. The continuous attacks on humanitarian aid workers cannot be normalised. These serious and continued violations of international humanitarian law committed by the warring parties are unacceptable and must cease immediately. We support the UN Secretary General's call for an immediate and independent investigation into this attack and accountability of the perpetrators. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed and those who have been injured while working to deliver humanitarian assistance under extremely dangerous conditions." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address I wouldnt be in this room. I dont think wed be in a relationship, Will Dickinson said, looking over at his husband seated next to him on a leather sofa in the sunlit corner of his favorite cafe in downtown Charlottesville. Holding his gaze, Mike Pruitt slowly nodded his head in agreement. Even if we had met, but were in a universe where we couldnt be married Pruitt trailed off, gathering his thoughts. There were serious changes in our lives that went into getting married, right? Will left the job he loved and moved to another part of the state. If an eternal commitment is not part of that, that is not an easy decision to make and probably one that doesnt get made, he continued. A timeline in which Dickinson and Pruitt never married was only narrowly avoided on June 26, 2015. On that day a decade ago, five of the nine U.S. Supreme Court justices ruled on the side of plaintiff Jim Obergefell, acknowledging his constitutional right as a gay man to marry another man. Pride in Their Union On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court passed its landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalizing same-sex marriage throughout the country. In honor of its 10-year anniversary, The Daily Progress presents "Pride in Their Union," a four-part series featuring gay and lesbian couples living in Central Virginia whose marriages would not have been possible a decade ago. This is the first part of that series. Legalizing same-sex marriage did more than open church doors for gay couples across the country. The landmark decision that was Obergefell v. Hodges brought down a barrier to the imagination, as Dickinson put it. For most of his life, Dickinson said, he was denied the luxury of even daydreaming of married life. Standing on the steps of the Supreme Court among the hundreds who flocked to the nations capital in anticipation of the historic ruling, Dickinson remembers feeling, on the one hand, really just incredible, pure joy, but also a deeper sense of wariness. If its this easy to say yes, then is it this easy to say no? As the years progressed, Dickinson said that barrier he felt for so long started to crumble. It encouraged me to seek a partner a husband to do life with, he said. If marriage was inconceivable for Dickinson 10 years ago, bachelorhood is just as unfathomable now. He and his husband seem to be locked in an endless conversation, one that is sometimes carried on without words: They pick up a day-old, lighthearted debate over the origins of the rap squat, communicate through knowing glances and gentle squeezes and, frequently, complete each others sentences. If it werent for their more youthful faces, they could be mistaken for a much older married couple. The pair has only been together for two years. Dickinson and Pruitt matched on the dating app Hinge in February 2023. Dickinson was in his third year as associate rector at St. Georges Episcopal Church in downtown Fredericksburg after graduating from Yale Divinity School and, prior to that, the University of Virginia. Unbeknownst to Dickinson, his Hinge profile was set for a 100-mile range, which is why Pruitt, a UVa law student in Charlottesville at the time, popped up on his feed. He swiped right. Pruitt made the roughly hour-and-a-half commute for their first date, a willingness that didnt go unnoticed by Dickinson. Unfortunately, neither did Pruitts slight tardiness, although he had a sufficient explanation. Originally from the small, rural town of Williamson, South Carolina, Pruitt decided to run for the Scottsville District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors while in his last year of law school. On his drive to Fredericksburg, he learned that another county resident who had made some noise about challenging him had dropped out, meaning Pruitt was now running unopposed. As Im going in to meet Will for the first time, the universe is like, Hey, youve won, and you dont need to be stressed about this, he recounted with a smile. Basically, it was like God saying, That is not your priority this year. Focus on this. And, he did. Nine months after their first date, Dickinson dropped to one knee in front of the UVa Rotunda and asked Pruitt to marry him. The engagement came four days before Pruitt was voted into office so that you knew that I wasnt just marrying you for your office, Dickinson joked. And, in all seriousness, its not as though Dickinson is not also a civic leader. We both have very, I would say, community-focused work, said Pruitt. Thats right, agreed Dickinson. And think about things in that kind of others-first capacity, said Pruitt. We want to be of service, sometimes to a fault, said Dickinson. Were both tediously extroverted, said Pruitt. And both really, really enjoy being right, concluded Dickinson. Dickinson grew up in the Episcopal Church, which he said has served as a place of solace and welcome for queer and LGBTQ people for centuries. I came out when I was 16 or 17, he said. My experience of church was always welcoming, was always inclusive, and it feels incumbent on me in some ways to extend that same welcome and opportunity to folks. It took his husband, who now also worships in the Episcopal Church, much longer to find that sense of belonging. At a fairly young age, Pruitt began to develop an inkling about his sexuality. By the time he was in high school, he took pride in his ability to rattle off the finite and very countable number of places where same-sex marriage was legal around the globe. Though he came out as bisexual as a teenager, Pruitt went back into the closet in college. He attended Duke University on a military scholarship due to his enrollment in the Reserve Officers Training Corps, or ROTC. At the time, all branches of the military still operated under a policy regarding gay service members called Dont Ask, Dont Tell, or DADT. Instituted during the Clinton administration, Dont Ask, Dont Tell lifted the World War II-era ban on gay servicemen and -women, under the condition that they did not disclose their sexual orientation and no one questioned them. However, on his first day of ROTC training, Pruitt was handed a release form that would allow the military program to access his college application materials, including his admissions essay. Will The essence of queerness is knowing that that fragility is there and choosing to embody joy anyway." -Rev. Will Dickinson He wrote about discovering his sexuality and his conversion to Catholicism. Panicked and on the verge of tears, he called the universitys admissions office, explaining that there are some things in my application essay that could make it so I cant be in the Navy. I dont know what they did, either they literally destroyed all records of my application essay or they put it under a different office or in a different archive, but it worked, Pruitt said. That was 2009, only four years before Obergefell filed suit in the U.S. District Court, petitioning the Ohio state government to lawfully recognize his marriage to John Arthur, who was dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease commonly known as ALS. Pruitts plea to the admissions office may seem astonishing, possibly even paranoid, to many. But for the roughly 10 million gay men and women in America on June 26, 2015, they knew all too well how extremely precarious life could be, he said. Dickinson and Pruitt were children when the Defense of Marriage Act was passed in 1996, strictly defining a marital union as between one man and one woman. In the five years after Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003, 26 other states amended their constitutions to ban it, including Virginia and Pruitts home state of South Carolina. The past decade has offered some reprieve. Dickinson and Pruitt were able to achieve goals previously unimaginable, both as individuals and as a couple. Their wedding is one example. Held in the historic, 18th-century sanctuary where Dickinson served in Fredericksburg late last August, he stood on the altar in his clerical vestments next to his soon-to-be-husband, an out elected official clad in his Naval dress uniform. The former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese presided over the ceremony with 300 people in the pews. One of those guests later commented to Pruitt that their wedding was like the American version of a royal wedding in a lot of ways. Because [it was] steeped in ritual, steeped in the state in its own ways, he said. Every constituent component of that was unfathomable 20 years ago. But over the past year, Dickinson and Pruitt have started to wonder if that old barrier to the imagination might be going back up, threatening their radical union of church and state. As of February, Republican lawmakers in nine states have put forward measures explicitly urging both state and federal courts to overturn marriage equality. Others are attempting to strip different rights afforded to same-sex couples, such as per-child tax credits and adoption processes. This cultural and political resurgence of anti-gay rhetoric is likely threatening to those who have only grown up in their personal queer awareness in an era of legal inclusion, Dickinson said. But that community has not only endured but thrived amid oppression in the past. Its very existence, Dickinson said, is defined by defiance of traditional legal and social constraints. The essence of queerness is knowing that that fragility is there and choosing to embody joy anyway, Dickinson said. US decision to sanction ICC judges 'deeply corrosive' to justice: UN rights chief 6 June 2025 - The US Government's announcement of sanctions against four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday has been condemned by Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as "deeply corrosive of good governance and the due administration of justice." Mr. Turk was responding to an announcement by Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, on Thursday, of measures targeting the judges, who are overseeing a 2020 case of alleged war crime committed in Afghanistan by US and Afghan military forces, and the 2024 ICC arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, the former Defence Minister. "I am profoundly disturbed by the decision of the Government of the United States of America to sanction judges of the International Criminal Court - specifically four women judges, from Benin, Peru, Slovenia and Uganda - who had been part of rulings in the situations in Afghanistan or in the State of Palestine," said Turk, who called for the prompt reconsideration and withdrawal of the measures. The sanctions, the statement continues, attack the judges for performing their judicial functions, an act which, he said, runs "directly counter to respect for the rule of law and the equal protection of the law - values for which the U.S. has long stood." The statement by Mr. Turk follows the ICC's strongly worded press release on Thursday, describing the sanctions as "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 reinforced its position on Friday with a release from the Assembly of State Parties -the management oversight and legislative body of the court - rejecting the US sanctions which, it declared, "risk undermining global efforts to ensure accountability for the gravest crimes of concern to the international community and erode the shared commitment to the rule of law, the fight against impunity, and the preservation of a rules-based international order." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Commissioner-General on Gaza: the ban on international media must be lifted UNRWA 6 Jun 2025 From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter) The Israeli Authorities have banned the entry of international journalists to Gaza since the war began, 20 months ago. This is unprecedented in any other conflict in modern history. It is a ban on the truth. It is a ban on reporting the facts. It is the perfect recipe to fuel mis-information, deepening polarization and dehumanization. International journalists must independently report from Gaza and support their Palestinian colleagues who continue to do a heroic job at a heavy price. Nearly 200 of them were reported killed since the war began. The ban on international media must be lifted. Background Information: UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on. UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Boosting readiness: AETC's plan to train 1,500 pilots annually Published June 6, 2025 Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- To maintain air superiority, project global power and ensure national security, the U.S. Air Force requires a consistent supply of trained aviatorsspecifically, 1,500 pilots per year. Achieving this goal has been a persistent struggle prompting Air Education and Training Command officials to develop a comprehensive solution that includes optimizing existing resources. This effort led to a transformative overhaul of Undergraduate Pilot Training, or UPT, which has evolved into the Future of Undergraduate Pilot Training initiative. The future of pilot training FUPT boldly transforms pilot training by integrating commercial flight programs through Educational Service Agreements, optimizing the T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon curriculum and utilizing XR technologies and modern training platforms, particularly the T-7A Red Hawk. AETC partners with select aviation programs in Texas, Arizona, Florida and Georgia leverage commercial instruction, instilling foundational aviation skills, such as those required to earn Federal Aviation Administration private pilot certificates, instrument ratings, and multi-engine ratings. They employ an FAA Part 141 syllabus, which AETC refers to as Initial Pilot Training. The military-specific training then focuses on instilling and qualifying on military and combat-relevant competencies. Brig. Gen. Matthew Leard, AETC's director of Plans, Programs and Requirements, stated, "The foundation we're building with commercial aviation programs is paying dividends. Beyond learning the basics of flying, students immerse themselves in aircraft with modern cockpits preparing them for their future assigned aircraft; and they fly in more complex airspaces at these locations, setting them up to be even more successful in operational squadrons." The first group to complete the IPT model graduated in September 2024 and transitioned to a modified T-6A UPT phase at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. "Thus far, IPT shows success with 29 students graduating and earning their wings," Leard added. "The program is still in its early phases with robust data collection ongoing, and the team will continue to iterate to ensure FUPT produces the highest quality military pilots." The 19th Air Force employs a data-driven competency mapping process to optimize the updated UPT curriculum focusing on quality graduates. Identifying essential skills at each training stage reduced T-6A training days by 31% and accelerated student progress while maintaining desired quality. Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air Force commander, remarked, "By adjusting each phase of our pilot training syllabi through competency mapping, we have introduced objective rigor into pilot training that better prepares our future warfighters for their operational units. Further, by embracing student-centered learning, we can opt them for more advanced objectives earlier if their performance warrants." In the new model, pilots will earn a private pilot certificate, instrument, and multi-engine ratings in approximately 120 flying hours within a maximum of 139 calendar days. Pilots then complete military specific flight training, earning wings after 108 days55 hours in the T-6A and 50 hours in simulators. Leard explained, "Prior to implementing this new program, our fundamental challenge was getting enough flying hours in the T-6A to meet our goal. This new program ultimately provides our pilots with more flight time than the legacy system while exposing them to a greater number of aviation competencies." On May 16, Columbus AFB graduated the first students from IPT under the modified T-6A program. Leard noted, "This graduating class is unlike any other; they weathered the leading edge of a 'true proof of concept' to meet or exceed all training standards." Pilot Training Ecosystem The current pilot training ecosystem relies on the T-6A Texan II, T-38C Talon (for those selected for fighter and bomber aircraft), and key bases at Columbus, Vance, Laughlin and Sheppard AFBs. Student pilots begin their military aviation training on the T-6A Texan II, a single-engine turboprop. After earning their wings, new pilots selected for fighter and bomber aircraft progress to the T-38C Talon, a 60-year-old supersonic jet trainer. However, the aging T-38C fleet faces increasing maintenance and technological challengesissues that the T-7A will address. New pilots selected for mobility, special operations, command and control, or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft proceed directly to their aircraft-specific training. Bolstering Near-Term Readiness The T-6A fleet readiness plays a crucial role in the early success of FUPT. As FUPT implementation begins, Air Force UPT bases must prioritize consistent sortie generation to meet their pilot production goal of approximately 425 pilots each year at Vance, Laughlin, and Columbus AFBs. To fully realize FUPT's potential, each of the four UPT bases must consistently achieve an average of 75 student sorties daily, according to Leard. "Meeting pilot production goals is essential to maintaining a sustainable and experienced force, which supports the Air Force's capability to execute its global mission," Leard stated. "Daily sortie rates, ranging from 70 to 110 across our installations, are critical to ensuring AETC meets its annual pilot production targets of approximately 425 new pilots at each of the three traditional UPT bases." AETC's FUPT overhaul is on track to produce 1,500 active duty, Reserve, Guard, and international pilots annually starting in FY2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby Meeting with Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy Vice Adm. Rene Tas US Navy - Press Release 06 June 2025 Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby met with Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy Vice Adm. Rene Tas for a counterpart engagement at the Pentagon today. The two leaders reaffirmed the strength of their naval partnership and their shared commitment to European maritime security. The visit also highlighted the Royal Netherlands Navy's consistent contributions to multinational maritime security efforts. During the meeting they discussed the Netherlands' ongoing naval modernization efforts, which encompass the development of deep strike capability development as well as air-defense and command frigate interoperabilityinitiatives aimed at deepening strategic alignment and enhancing cooperation between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy. Kilby expressed his gratitude for the Royal Netherlands Navy's dedication to interoperability through joint exercises such as Formidable Shield, and said he looks forward to future opportunities to train together. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Unleashes American Drone Dominance Fact Sheets The White House June 6, 2025 UNLEASHING AMERICAN DRONE DOMINANCE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure continued American leadership in the development, commercialization, and export of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)otherwise known as drones. The Order directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand drone operations by enabling routine "Beyond Visual Line of Sight" drone operations for commercial and public safety missions, and to accelerate the development, testing, and scaling of American drone technologies, including advanced air mobility and autonomous operations. The Order establishes an electric "Vertical Takeoff and Landing" integration pilot program to accelerate the deployment of safe and lawful vertical operations in the United States, selecting at least five pilot projects to advance applications like cargo transport and medical response. It directs the FAA Administrator to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools to streamline and expedite UAS waiver reviews. The Order directs the FAA Administrator to publish an updated roadmap for the integration of civil UAS into the National Airspace System. It strengthens the domestic drone industrial base by prioritizing U.S.-manufactured UAS, promoting their export and taking action to ensure our technology remains secure from undue foreign influence and exploitation. It enhances global competitiveness by streamlining regulations, expanding market access, and utilizing federal financing tools. The Order supports the warfighter by expanding access to U.S.-manufactured high-performing drones while streamlining airspace and spectrum access. DRIVING INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: President Trump is harnessing the potential of drones to boost American productivity and global leadership. Drones enhance U.S. productivity, create high-skilled jobs, and are reshaping the future of aviation in areas such as logistics, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, emergency response, and public safety. Emerging technologies, such as vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, promise to modernize methods for cargo delivery, passenger transport, and other advanced air mobility capabilities. For too long, unfair foreign competition has posed a national security risk, disincentivizing our drone industrial base. This order is removing regulatory barriers and directing federal agencies to prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones, secure our supply chains, and promote American leadership in production, certification, and export. ADVANCING DRONE TECHNOLOGIES: President Trump is advancing drone technologies for economic, security, and public safety benefits. In his first term, President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to speed up commercial drone integration, launching a UAS Integration Pilot Program to test innovative applications with State, local, and tribal partners. President Trump has deployed UAS to patrol the southern border, strengthening national security through advanced surveillance and monitoring capabilities. President Trump has advanced cutting-edge drone technologies through smart, targeted regulation, unlocking economic growth while strengthening safety, security, and innovation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 06 June 2025 - Day 1199 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 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that so far, there have been 164 combat clashes. To date, the Russian enemy, according to the data, launched one mass missile and 41 air strikes, used 45 missiles and 77 guided air bombs, engaged 1519 kamikaze drones to impact, carried out more than 4,427 shelling the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian enemy four times attacked near vovchans .kih, the red first and vovchanskih farms. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian forces tried to advance to Ukrainian positions four times during the day in the areas of the settlements Zagrizove and Stepova Novoselivka, Ukrainian units repelled all Russian attacks. In the Lyman direction, Russian forces attacked 17 times in the areas of settlements of Green Valley, Grekivka, Kolodyazi and in the directions of the New Peace, Olgivka, Ridkoduba, Vovcogo Yara, Grigorivka, Torsky and Serebryansky forestry. Four clashes are currently underway. In the Sivers komu direction, Russian forces twice attacked the positions of the Defense Forces in the direction of Serebryanka. In the Kramators komu direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled eight attacks of the opponent in the areas of Kurdumivka, Time Yar and towards the White Mountain. In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces carried out 12 offensive actions on the positions of Ukrainian troops in the areas of the settlements of Diliyivka, Kleban-Bik, Toretsk and towards Oleksandro-Kalinovy, Rusiny Yara, Stepanivka and Yablunivka, two clashes are ongoing so far. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian enemy has tried 56 times to infiltrate Ukrainian defense in the Pokrovsky direction in the areas of settlements Nova Poltavka, Elizabethtivka, Lisivka, Pokrovsk, Udaachne, Novosergiyivka, Novooleksandrivka, Gorihove, Nadiivka, Novoukrainka, Andriyivka and in the direction of settlements Malinivka, Mirolyubivka, Poltavka. There are currently five clashes underway. According to the available information, the casualties of the Russian occupiers to date are 210 Russian occupiers killed and wounded, in addition, one tank, four armored vehicles, seven cars, ten motorcycles, 14 unmanned aircraft, one satellite terminal, five unmanned aircraft antennas, in addition, a Russian motorcycle was damaged. In the Novopavlovsky direction today, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 15 attacks of the Russian occupation army in the areas of settlements of Konstantinopil, Zaporizhia , Komar, Novopil, Green Field, Shevchenko, Free Field, in the direction of Dachny, Bagatir. The Olgivsk settlement suffered airstrikes. In the Gulyaipil direction near Malinivka and towards Poltavka, the Defense Forces have successfully repelled three Russian attacks, so far two more clashes are ongoing. In addition, Russian forces caused aviation strikes on gulyajpol, poltavtsi and malinivtsi. In the Orihivsk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled two Russian attacks in the area of Pyatihatok and in the direction of Pavlivka. In addition, Russian forces caused air strikes on Kamians .komu. In the Pridniprovsk direction, Russian occupiers made an air strike by unkekorovanimi aviation missiles around the area of the settlement of Mykolaivka. In the Kurs komu direction generally for today Russian occupiers have made 30 attempts to move forward. The Russian enemy launched seven air strikes and dropped 15 controlled air bombs, carried out 157 artillery shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including four from reactive systems of open-fire. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tianwen-2 probe operating normally in orbit, image of unfolding of circular solar panels released: CNSA Global Times By Global Times Published: Jun 06, 2025 12:09 PM As of Friday morning, the Tianwen-2 probe had been operating normally in orbit for over eight days, reaching a distance of more than 3 million kilometers from Earth, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced. To meet the power supply requirements for exploring main belt comets located approximately 375 million kilometers from the sun, the Tianwen-2 probe was equipped with circular flexible solar panels, the CNSA said. The CNSA also released an image captured by the probe, showing the unfolding of its circular solar panels. China launched its first asteroid sample-return mission, Tianwen-2, on May 29. A Long March-3B carrier rocket blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province at 1:31 am (Beijing Time). And about 18 minutes later, the Tianwen-2 probe was sent into a transfer orbit from Earth to the asteroid 2016HO3, according to the CNSA, Xinhua reported. Shan Zhongde, head of the CNSA, said that the Tianwen-2 mission represents a significant step in China's new journey of interplanetary exploration, according to the Xinhua report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran and Russia discuss developing space cooperation IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 6, 2025 Moscow, IRNA -- Kazem Jalali, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia, met with Dmitry Bakanov, the head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, on Friday, June 6, and discussed the development of cooperation between the space agencies of the two countries. During the meeting, the two sides discussed space cooperation between Iran and Russia in the development of advanced technologies, joint design and construction of satellites. Joint development of infrastructure, holding training courses and knowledge exchange, confronting western sanctions, and supporting joint initiatives in the field of maintaining international peace and security were other topics of discussion between the Iranian ambassador and the head of the Russian Space Agency. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Space Commanders discuss commercial contributions to NATO Space Operations during conference at Ramstein NATO Allied Air Command Jun 6 2025 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- Space Commander's from 19 NATO Nations and two Partner Nations, Australia and Japan, met for the annual NATO Space Operations Commanders' Conference at Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, June 4 to 5, 2025. The conference brought together Space Commanders and subject matter experts from Allied and Partner nations to strengthen collaboration and deepen strategic ties. Since its launch in 2023, the annual event has served as a platform for enhancing cooperation in space by fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and building integrated approaches to common challenges. The key focus of this year's conference was commercial contributions to NATO Space Operations. The continued collaboration ensures agile, scalable innovative solutions that complement national and Alliance-led capabilities, enhancing NATO's operational resilience and technological edge. This year's conference aimed to deepen multinational and commercial collaboration, featuring panel sessions dedicated to innovative solutions and space capability development. These discussions underscore the importance of aligning innovation efforts, shared standards and interoperability. Space is fundamental to modern public services and global communication. Precise GPS signals guide emergency services and facilitate transportation, satellite imagery is crucial for disaster response and environmental monitoring, and satellite communication supports terrestrial communication infrastructure. Space enables the delivery of reliable mobile phone services and internet connectivity to global broadcasting, vital for daily life, economic stability, and informed societies. Space also plays an essential role in deterrence, defence, and operational effectiveness. In 2019, NATO recognized Space as an operational domain, the NATO Space Operations Centre, part of the Combined Force Space Component Command is located at Allied Air Command and is staffed with a multinational team of military personnel and civilian experts. The Centre is designed to coordinate Allied Space activities, support NATO missions and operations from Space, and protect Allied Space systems by sharing information about potential threats. The Space centre works closely with the National space operations centres, agencies and organisations, appropriately sharing data, products and services to support the timely decision-making of Commanders across all domains. The close coordination of Allied Space activities support NATO missions ensuring that NATO can rapidly respond to any current or emerging threat, whilst continuing to promote regional security and stability. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tianwen-2 probe operating smoothly in orbit: CNSA People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:31, June 06, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- As of Friday morning, the Tianwen-2 probe had been operating smoothly in orbit for over eight days, reaching a distance of more than 3 million kilometers from Earth, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA) Friday. The CNSA also released an image captured by the probe, showing one unfolded solar panel. China launched its first asteroid sample-return mission, Tianwen-2, on May 29, an endeavour to shed light on the formation and evolution of asteroids and the early solar system. The Tianwen-2 mission aims to achieve multiple goals over a decade-long expedition: collecting samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and exploring the main-belt comet 311P, which is more distant than Mars. To meet the power demands during the deep-space voyage, the Tianwen-2 probe is equipped with circular, flexible solar panels. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Roughly 20 people participated in a mock mass suicide outside the University of Virginias Rotunda Thursday, protesting the schools decision to comply with the Trump administrations order to halt chemical and surgical treatments for transgender youth within its health system. The demonstration was meant to drive home the point that, as previous protesters have said, Theres blood on the hands. That point was meant more for the wider community, organizers said, considering the schools governing Board of Visitors is unlikely to risk federal funding and reverse its February decision to refer new transgender patients under the age 19 to alternative health care providers. Existing UVa patients may continue to receive care via the university health system or be referred elsewhere. The board did meet Thursday, though there was no vote or discussion planned on the February decision and at the last minute the meeting was moved from the Rotunda to the Boars Head Resort just outside Charlottesville city limits. Protesters gathered outside the Rotunda Thursday afternoon and covered their forearms in fake blood, dispensed from what appeared to be a ketchup bottle. The image was meant to evoke slit wrists, the most common method of suicide used by transgender people. Bloodied, they lay down side by side on the grass next to paper gravestones bearing the names and faces of 19 transgender youth from across the United States who have committed suicide in recent years. One of the demonstrations organizers, a media liaison for the Queer Liberation Front who identified themself only as Mouse, said they hoped it would produce a visceral impact on people. What we did here today was showing publicly what happens behind closed doors as the result of administrative decisions by people that have no idea what were going through, a local resident and transgender man at the demonstration, who identified himself only as K Evirytt, told The Daily Progress. Evirytt, now 36, said he attempted suicide several times when he was younger, something he added could have been avoided had he received the sort of gender-affirming care UVa Health and other public hospitals are now banning at President Donald Trumps direction. UVa has changed its policy regarding health care for transgender youth three times this year after Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 28, titled Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation. The order directs any institution that provides certain gender-affirming care services, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy or any procedures that require surgical intervention, to suspend such services or risk losing federal funding. Two days after Trump signed the order, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares sent letters to UVa in Charlottesville and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, advising the schools hospitals to follow the order or risk losing federal funds and exposure to legal liability. Both schools complied early on, but UVa reversed course two weeks later, after federal judges in Baltimore and Seattle temporarily blocked Trumps order. The back-and-forth prompted the Board of Visitors to call for a special meeting that resulted in the decision to allow existing patients to remain at UVa Health and new patients to be referred to other health care providers. Part of Trumps executive order also directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to publish a review of the existing literature on best practices for promoting the health of children who assert gender dysphoria, a condition in which a persons gender identity does not match their biological sex. On May 1, HHS published that review, in which it criticized the use of surgeries and hormone blockers for transgender youth due to the risks associated with such treatments, including infertility/sterility, sexual dysfunction, impaired bone density accrual, adverse cognitive impacts, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, psychiatric disorders, surgical complications, and regret. Proponents of those same treatments say the benefits outweigh the risks. Many at the UVa demonstration described it as life-saving care and equated denying access to gender-affirming care to murder. These are kids who would be alive if they had access to gender-affirming care, if they had access to supportive communities, Mouse said, referring to the paper gravestones of the 19 dead transgender youth in front of the Rotunda. As far as Im concerned, these kids were killed by the state. They were killed by institutions like UVa. During the demonstration which attracted a much smaller crowd than the 150-strong protest held in January protesting UVas initial response to the executive order multiple people took turns reading the words of the families and friends of the suicide victims pictured. We get no enjoyment from showcasing trans suffering and trans deaths to the wider world, Mouse said. We do actions like this because we need something to change, and this is how you get peoples attention. After the mock mass suicide, protesters held signs and chanted slogans, such as Trans rights are human rights every day and every night, as they stood along University Avenue next to the Rotunda. Some motorists honked their horns in support, others yelled expletives at the demonstrators, two even stopped to rev their engines, blanketing protesters in a cloud of black exhaust smoke. Shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday, the demonstration moved into the street, where protesters blocked traffic and used the remaining fake blood to paint the interlocking male and female symbols that transgender people and their advocates have used for decades to represent their cause. Once traffic resumed, car tires quickly smeared that symbol into a long, red stain. Mouse said that the Queer Liberation Front is prepared to escalate its protests to capture the attention of the universitys Board of Visitors. What form that will take, they did not say. Youll have to wait and see. Australia signs long-range precision strike missile agreement with the United States The Hon Richard Marles MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for 6 June 2025 The Albanese Government has taken the next important step towards increasing the Australian Defence Force's long-range strike capabilities and supporting domestic defence industry, with the establishment of a new cooperative program with the United States for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). Australia and the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for PrSM production, sustainment and follow-on development. The MoU provides the ADF access to PrSM munitions and establishes PrSM as a cooperative program between Australia and the United States. This opens the door for Australian industry participation in the PrSM supply chain, including for locally manufactured components and sub-components. The MoU also provides options for future domestic manufacturing and maintenance of PrSM in Australia, with negotiations on options expected to commence later this year. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomed the signing of the MoU during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, building on the outcomes of the 2024 Australia United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). PrSM is a next generation surface-to-surface missile that can deliver potential effects at longer ranges, providing enhanced lethality to Defence's integrated and focused joint force. The missile can be fired from High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HiMARS) launch vehicles. The first of these vehicles arrived in Australia in March 2025, giving the Australian Army a world-leading strike capability. Defence is contributing approximately $310 million over 10 years to become a full cooperative partner in the PrSM program. Defence will also invest around $150 million over the next five years to acquire the initial quantities of the capability required to establish the first Long Range Fires Regiment. Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Richard Marles MP: "Australia's capability and technology cooperation with the United States is a critical part of our Alliance. "The Albanese Government's investment in the Precision Strike Missile will expand and accelerate land-based long-range strike capabilities. "This will enable deterrence against potential threats and ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to meet our strategic circumstances and keep Australians safe." Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, The Hon Pat Conroy MP: "This demonstrates our commitment to deliver on priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, to accelerate acquisition of long-range land and maritime strike capabilities and adopt a Strategy of Denial. "Through this cooperative program, the Australian Army will contribute to and acquire the latest technology required to counter current and future threats. "This is another example of the Albanese Government working with the United States to increase opportunities for Australian industry in global supply chains." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney speaks with Premier of China Li Qiang Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney June 5, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Premier of China, Li Qiang. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, including the importance of engagement, and agreed to regularize channels of communication between Canada and China. The leaders also discussed trade between the two countries. They welcomed their trade ministers' meeting this week, during which Canada and China agreed to convene the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) at an early date to address outstanding trade issues. Prime Minister Carney took the opportunity to raise trade irritants affecting agriculture and agri-food products, including canola and seafood, as well as other issues, with Premier Li. The leaders took note of recent bilateral engagement on fentanyl and other opioids, and committed their governments to working together to address the fentanyl crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney speaks with Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney June 6, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte. The leaders discussed the upcoming G7 and NATO summits, trans-Atlantic security, and supporting Ukraine in its self-defence. Prime Minister Carney affirmed the new government's mandate to increase defence spending and assert Canada's sovereignty, including as part of the NATO Alliance. The Prime Minister and the Secretary General will meet again at the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney speaks with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney June 6, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The two leaders discussed the longstanding relationship between Canada and India, including deep people-to-people ties and significant commercial links. Importantly, there was agreement to continued law enforcement dialogue and discussions addressing security concerns. Prime Minister Carney extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend Canada's 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to meeting at the G7 Leaders' Summit later this month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on May 29, 2025 Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Ministry of National Defense EditorChen Zhuo 2025-06-06 16:40:56 By Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.) Zhang Xiaogang: Friends from the media, good afternoon, welcome to this month's regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China I have a piece of news to release at the top. The PLA National Defense University (NDU) sent a delegation to attend the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) upon invitation on May 29. The visit is scheduled till June 2, during which the delegation will also have exchanges with military and civilian units in Singapore. Journalist: Not long ago, the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum was held in Beijing. President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered an important speech. Could you please provide more details about military cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries? Zhang Xiaogang: Recently, President Xi Jinping attended the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and delivered a keynote address. He summarized the best practices for developing China-LAC relations, and announced the launch of five programs of Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace and People-to-People Connectivity. In the speech, President Xi has charted the course for building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future. China-LAC cooperation has withstood winds and rains, and transcended mountains and oceans across half a globe. The cooperation has bolstered economic growth and improved the livelihoods of the LAC region, bringing tangible benefits to the local people. In recent years, the Chinese and LAC militaries have had frequent high-level exchange, and conducted numerous working level meetings. Events such as the China-LAC States Defense Forum, China-LAC Military Medicine Forum and Seminar for Senior Military Officers from LAC Countries have been held multiple times. China-LAC defense cooperation has been productive, deepening our friendship and mutual trust. The Chinese side stands ready to work with the defense establishments and militaries of LAC countries to act on the Global Security Initiative, and deepen substantive cooperation in such areas as mutual visits, professional exchanges and personnel training. Together, we will promote sustained and solid progress in building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future. Journalist: In his recent speech, Lai Ching-te said that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its defenses and avoid war by preparing for it. Will the PLA conduct military exercises as countermeasures as before? Zhang Xiaogang: As long as Lai Ching-te continues his provocations for "Taiwan independence", there will be no tranquility in the Taiwan Strait and no stability for our Taiwan compatriots. We warn the DPP authorities that "Taiwan independence" separatists will come to no good end. The PLA will remain combat-ready at all times, enhance combat readiness, and safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Journalist: The US recently unveiled plans for the Golden Dome missile defense system, and announced that it would be completed in 3 years. May I have your comments on this? Zhang Xiaogang: The US presses ahead with the Golden Dome system and deploys space-based weapons, continuously expands its military build-up and stokes an arms race in outer space. Such acts violate relevant principles of the Outer Space Treaty, heighten the risk of turning the space into a war zone and triggering a space arms race, and shake the international security and arms control regime. Its actions will once again open the Pandora's box. This proves again that no country has done more than the US in militarizing the space and making it a battlefield. We urge the US side to stop expanding military build-up in space, and take concrete actions to uphold global strategic stability. Journalist: I have two questions. The first one is that Japan's Defense Ministry recently announced that Chinese aircraft carrier PLANS Liaoning conducted take-off and landing operations of ship-borne aircraft in the East China Sea. Officials of the Japan Self-Defense Forces said that similar activities were conducted by Chinese aircraft carriers before, but this training occurred in waters closer to Japan. The Japanese Defense Ministry therefore decided to make it public and this is the first time for the Ministry to release such information. What's your comment on this? The second question is that the US President Donald Trump recently said that the US was mass-producing hypersonic missiles. As one of the major countries that develop hypersonic technologies, how does the Chinese side view the impact on the global arms control regime caused by the US accelerating its deployment of such strategic weapons? Zhang Xiaogang: On the first question, the task fleet led by PLANS Liaoning conducted training in relevant waters, which does not target any specific country or entity and is in line with international law and practice. I think the Japanese side overreacted. On your second question, We pursue a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, never engage in arms race with any other country, and are committed to global strategic stability. Journalist: I have two questions. The first one is that the US Carrier Strike Group led by USS Nimitz re-entered the South China Sea through the Singapore Strait on May 26 after its visit to Malaysia. What's your comment on this? The second question is that reports suggest that the Indian side recovered an undetonated PL-15E air-air missile during the India-Pakistan conflict. Can you confirm this? Will this give the Indian side assess to relevant military technology? Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, activities to flex its muscle and stir up troubles in the South China Sea will find no support. The Chinese side will firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. On your second question, the type of missile you mentioned is for export and has also been exhibited in international and domestic defense expos multiple times. Journalist: I have two questions. The first is the Commander of the US Army Pacific recently claimed that China's increasingly aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific had made the situation more dangerous. He said that no one would have imagined that Beijing would conduct drills simulating a blockade of Taiwan five years ago, but now such moves were commonplace. In addition, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command said that the Chinese side was conducting comprehensive exercises in preparation for recovering Taiwan and was increasingly active in other regions of the Pacific. May I have your comments on this? The second question is that according to Taiwan media reports, the DPP authorities have stepped up its procurement of the Patriot missiles, drawn personnel from its Marine Corps to form combat units for the "Greater Taipei Area", and launched several drills on responses to the so-called "PLA attacks on Taiwan". Public opinion in Taiwan believes that these actions are preparing for Lai Ching-te's desertion in the face of war. Do you have any comment? Zhang Xiaogang: For your first question, Taiwan is part of China. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, which brooks no external interference. For the cross-Strait situation, there is no factor more destabilizing than the provocations made by the "Taiwan independence" separatists and the disruptions by foreign forces. It's legitimate, necessary, lawful and justified for the Chinese side to take actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We urge the US side to stop fanning the flames on the Taiwan question. Such behaviors would only backfire. For your second question. Don't be fooled by Lai Ching-te's reckless provocations now. When the day comes, people like him will be the first to run away. For the PLA, defeating military elements of the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces is like shooting fish in a barrel. Those notorious separatists have no chance to escape. Journalist: I have two questions. Firstly, you just announced that the PLA NDU sent a delegation to attend this year's SLD. Why didn't the Chinese side send higher level military officials to attend the dialogue? The US Department of Defense has already announced its attendance at the dialogue, and said that the US was a more credible regional partner than China. What's your comment on that? My second question is that this year marks the 80th year of the World Anti-Fascist War. Many European countries have held celebrations commemorating this victory. September 3rd marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Many people are expecting the Chinese side to hold a military parade to commemorate this anniversary. What's your comment on that? Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, China consistently engages in constructive dialogues to articulate our vision and initiatives. We are committed to enhancing mutual trust and deepening cooperation through these exchanges, contributing Chinese wisdom to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The PLA NDU delegation attending this year's SLD will have in-depth exchanges with participating parties to build more consensus. As for the second question, I have no information to release here. Journalist: What is the Chinese Ministry of National Defense's assessment on the equipment supplied by the Chinese military to Pakistan in the recent conflict between India and Pakistan? An Indian official said that China provided satellite and air defense systems for Pakistan, but these systems performed below average. What's your comment on that? Zhang Xiaogang: Pakistan and India are neighbors who cannot move away from each other. We call on the both sides to keep calm, exercise restraint and avoid complicating the situation. China will continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Journalist: It's reported that US Defense Secretary recently said that the US side would build up its military to meet China's "threat" at every turn, and counter China in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Commander of the US Army Pacific said that the US army was building agile new units in response to potential conflicts with China. What's your comment on Zhang Xiaogang: Conflict and confrontation should not be the choice of either side. Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the right way for China and the US to deal with each other. The US side should stop conjuring up a powerful enemy for itself whether intentionally or unintentionally. Such imagination is not rational and extremely dangerous. The Chinese military will make all-out efforts to enhance our combat readiness, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. Journalist: Some US and Israeli media outlets call on the US to stop its military assistance to Egypt, because of Egypt's close cooperation with China. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: China-Egypt cooperation is not aimed at any third party, nor will it be interfered by any third party. The Chinese and Egyptian militaries will continue to deepen friendship, mutual trust and practical cooperation. Journalist: As China's first aircraft carrier with catapult system, PLANS Fujian is undergoing a series of intensive sea trials. What kind of signal does that send out? Zhang Xiaogang: The sea trial is a necessary part for the construction of aircraft carriers. PLANS Fujian will conduct relevant tests as planned. Journalist: According to a satellite image revealed last week, H-6 bombers and a KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft were seen on Yongxing Dao of Xisha Qundao. What is the purpose of this deployment? Some experts suggest that it is to send signals to the Philippines and Vietnam. What's your comment on that? Zhang Xiaogang: I am not aware of the information you mentioned. I want to emphasize that the Xisha Qundao is an inherent part of the Chinese territory. We oppose the hype about relevant military activities. Journalist: An African Young Officers Delegation visited China recently. Some commentary regarded the trip as one that combines culture, technology and friendship. Could you please provide more details on this? Zhang Xiaogang: The African Young Officers Delegation concluded its 10-day visit to China on May 15. During the visit, nearly a hundred military officers from over 40 African countries, including Egypt, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya, came to cities such as Beijing, Changsha and Shaoshan. They visited military units, academies and high-tech enterprises, attended themed lectures and seminars, toured the Museum of the Communist Party of China and the former residence of Comrade Mao Zedong, and had in-depth exchanges with their Chinese counterparts. Members of the delegation expressed how impressive and inspiring this visit was. This is the 4th African Young Officers Delegation invited to China by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense. This visit deepened the traditional friendship between the Chinese and African militaries, and advanced the building of an All-weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era. Journalist: I have two questions. The first one is that the US Indo-Pacific Commander reportedly said that China was outpacing the US in the production of warships and other equipment. He said that the rates of changes on the depth and breadth of PLA's exercises was what kept him up at night. May I have your comments on this? The second question is that it's reported that China's third large hospital ship PLANS Ark Auspicious has been commissioned, marking the deployment of large ocean-going hospital ship to the Eastern Theater Command, South Theater Command and North Theater Command respectively. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, China does not engage in arms race with any other country. We develop our military to defend China's national sovereignty, security and development interests and to bring stability and positive energy to global peace and security. On your second question, PLANS Ark Auspicious is the third 10,000-ton-class ocean-going hospital ship domestically designed and built by China. It features a combat-oriented layout and is equipped with advanced medical equipment. PLANS Ark Auspicious, together with Ark Peace and Ark Silk Road, not only forms the backbone of medical support on the sea, but also executes tasks of international humanitarian medical services, emergency medical rescue in major disasters, and foreign exchanges and cooperation on military medicine. PLAN hospital ships will help the Chinese military materialize the vision of building a maritime community with a shared future and offer the world more public security goods of higher quality. Journalist: Does the Chinese delegation plan to meet with any other delegations on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue? Is there any planned meeting with the US delegation? Zhang Xiaogang: Regarding this, we will release information in due course. The Chinese side values our defense relations with the US military and is open to communications at different levels. We hope the US side will earnestly respect China's core interests and major concerns, work with us in the same direction, and promote the steady and sound development of military-to-military relations. Journalist: Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun recently visited France and Germany, and attended the 6th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial. Please provide further details about this. Zhang Xiaogang:Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun led a delegation to visit France and Germany and attend the 6th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin from May 11 to 17. Minister Dong held talks with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius respectively. The leaders had an in-depth exchange of view on international and regional issues of mutual interests, and reached consensus on strengthening substantive engagements and cooperation between the Chinese and French and the Chinese and German militaries. Minister Dong also met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Under Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix on the sidelines of the 6th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial. In his speech delivered at the conference, Minister Dong emphasized that the Chinese side will work with different parties to act on the Global Security Initiative, uphold the core position of the UN, redouble efforts on the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs), support the training of professional peacekeepers, optimize the composition and capabilities of Chinese Peacekeeping Standby Force, advance continuous innovation of UNPKOs, and contribute more to UNPKOs. Journalist: Lately, official new media accounts of PLA theater commands and services and arms have been opened on the 'China Bugle" app. What's your comment on that? Zhang Xiaogang: China Bugle is the mobile flagship platform of information release launched by the PLA News Media Center. As of now, the PLA Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, and the PAP, as well as the PLA Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern and Central Theater Commands have opened their official new media accounts on this app. This demonstrates the deep integration of different forms of military media, and provides an important channel for the public to learn about defense and military development in an all-round manner. Going forward, more military units and media outlets will join the "China Bugle" app to form an integrated new media platform for military news. Journalist: The draft of the Japanese defense ministry's Defense White Paper 2025 was revealed. The draft claims that China is ramping up its nuclear, missile, maritime and aviation capabilities; that PLA's activities near Taiwan demonstrate that Beijing is trying to improve its combat capabilities; and strengthened China-Russia military cooperation is a concern for Japan. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: In the draft of its Defense White Paper, the Japanese side repeats its irresponsible comments about China's military development, and points fingers at China's legitimate military activities and external military cooperation. We are strongly opposed to this. This year marks the 80th year of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At this special historical juncture, it's even more important for Japan to reflect on its behaviors, instead of making unfounded smears and accusations against others. We urge the Japanese side to follow the path of peaceful development, act prudently in the domain of military and security, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the rest of the international community with concrete actions. Journalist: Head of Taiwan's defense authorities Koo Li-hsiung reportedly said in an interview that US forces and alliances across Asia was crucial for holding Beijing in check. He also expressed hope for the US to expedite arms sales to Taiwan to help Taiwan address military threats from China.What's your comments on this? Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, which brooks no interference. We will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and greatest effort. However, should the "Taiwan independence" separatists make provocations, challenge our bottom lines, or even cross the red lines, we will have to take decisive measures. The US side supports "Taiwan independence" separatists through arms sales. Such acts are self-defeating and will push Taiwan into the abyss of war. Journalist: Recently, the Chinese and Cambodian militaries successfully held the Golden Dragon 2025 joint exercise. Please provide more details. Zhang Xiaogang: The Chinese and Cambodian armed forces conducted the Golden Dragon 2025 joint exercise in Kampong Chhnang Province and the airspace and waters off the Sihanoukville Port from May 14 to 28. As the 7th iteration of the Golden Dragon series, this year's exercise has three highlights. First, it focused on counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance operations, conducting drills on relevant subjects. Second, the China-Cambodia Joint Support and Training Center at Port Ream provided support for drills on the sea for the first time. Air force helicopters took part in the exercise for the first time. Land, naval, air and joint logistic support components from both sides conducted drills together. Third, the exercise consisted of two parts: naval & air operations and ground & air operations. Participating troops were organized into mixed groups to learn from each other during tactical training and comprehensive drills, which helped to enhance command coordination and emergency response capabilities of the two sides. During the joint exercise, the PLA contingent also donated school supplies and provided free medical services to the local community. China and Cambodia are iron-clad friends with rock-solid relations. The Chinese and Cambodian militaries will work in concert to act on the important consensus between leaders of the two countries, and make greater contributions to building a China-Cambodia All-weather Community with a Shared Future for the New Era, and to preserving regional security and stability. Journalist: The Philippine Coast Guard said that the Coast Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Coast Guard conducted a joint patrol in waters off Palawan, which reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to maritime security and the "rule-based international order". What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: At present, the situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable. The freedom of navigation and overflight entitled to all countries under international law has never been an issue. Some countries provoke confrontation in the name of cooperation, flex muscles under the guise of freedom, and create chaos with the pretext of order. They have become the biggest source of risks that undermines peace and stability in the South China Sea. We urge relevant countries to stop ganging up and stirring up troubles in the South China Sea, and stop harming regional peace and stability. Journalist: I have two questions. The first question is about the PLA aircraft carrier Liaoning and its task fleet. They are currently off the southeast coast of Taiwan. The Taiwan authority said that they have taken joint intelligence means to monitor relevant operations throughout the whole process. Some people suggest that the PLA will probably conduct military exercises before or after the Dragon Boat Festival. Can you confirm whether the PLA has relevant plans? My second question. According to media reports, the CIA is about to release its annual report, suggesting that the Chinese mainland poses the greatest threat to the world and increasing menace against Taiwan. It also said that the rapid modernization of the PLA would prevent the US from entering the Pacific. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question. Relevant military activities organized by the PLA recently are routine arrangements according to our annual training plan. On your second question, as we all know, China is unwavering in our commitment to peace, development and international order. The biggest threat to the current cross-Strait situation comes from separatist activities for "Taiwan independence" and support from foreign forces. If relevant countries truly care about stability in the Taiwan Strait, they should abide by the one-China principle and unequivocally oppose "Taiwan independence". If there are no other questions, this concludes today's press conference. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi receives visit from Panchen Rinpoche Global Times By Xinhua Published: Jun 06, 2025 03:17 PM Updated: Jun 06, 2025 03:39 PM Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on Panchen Rinpoche to make greater contributions to promoting ethnic unity and religious harmony, as well as the stability, development and progress in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while receiving a visit from Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po in the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing. During the visit, Panchen Rinpoche presented Xi with a hada, a traditional Tibetan silk scarf that symbolizes purity and auspiciousness, and briefed the president on his studies and work in recent years. Congratulating Panchen Rinpoche on the progress he made in various respects, Xi expressed the hope that Panchen Rinpoche will carry on the glorious tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in loving the country, and resolutely safeguard national unity and ethnic solidarity. Xi called on Panchen Rinpoche to continuously deepen his religious studies and play an even better role in forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, systemically promoting the principle that religions in China must be Chinese in orientation, and advancing the modernization drive in Xizang. Panchen Rinpoche said he will firmly uphold the leadership of the CPC, resolutely safeguard national unity and ethnic solidarity, and contribute more to enhancing ethnic solidarity and progress, ensuring that religions in China must be Chinese in orientation, and promoting the modernization drive in Xizang. Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi during Panchen Rinpoche's visit. Wang and Cai are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Anti-China separatist Joshua Wong arrested for endangering national security: HK media Global Times By Global Times Published: Jun 06, 2025 08:28 PM The Hong Kong Police Force's national security department arrested a 28-year-old man in Stanley on Friday for suspected "conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security," according to an official statement on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's website. According to multiple Hong Kong media outlets, the arrested man is Joshua Wong Chi-fung, an anti-China separatist who was arrested on Friday again while already serving a prison sentence. The 28-year-old man was arrested for suspected violations of Article 29(2) and (4) of the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong, and for suspected involvement in "dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence," contravening Section 25 of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, according to the official statement. The case was mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Friday afternoon, the statement said. Wong's case was heard at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Friday for its first hearing, during which he was not required to enter a plea, according to local media stheadline.com. At the prosecution's request, Designated NSL Judge and Chief Magistrate Victor So Wai-tak adjourned the case to August 8 to allow time for further police investigation. Wong did not apply for bail, the media report said. Wong is currently serving a 4-year and 8-month prison sentence (a total of 56 months). He was rearrested on Friday at Stanley Prison on fresh charges under the National Security Law for Hong Kong, hk.on.cc reported. On November 19, 2024, the Hong Kong High Court issued verdicts for 45 individuals previously charged with "conspiracy to subvert state power." Among them, Benny Tai was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Joshua Wong received a 56-month sentence. All were accused of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law and had either pleaded guilty or been convicted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China willing to work with Canada to bring bilateral ties onto track of sound, steady devt: Premier Li Global Times By Liu Yang and Chen Zishuai Published: Jun 06, 2025 11:03 PM China is willing to work with Canada, in the spirit of looking to the future, to promote the steady improvement of bilateral relations, bring them onto a track of sound and steady development, and strive for win-win cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday when speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the phone at the latter's request, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The call marks another important interaction between senior officials of the two economies. On Tuesday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Maninder Sidhu, Canada's minister of international trade, on the sidelines of a WTO ministerial meeting in Paris, France, with both sides conducting discussions on China-Canada economic and trade relations, upholding the multilateral trading system, and economic and trade issues of mutual concern, China's Ministry of Commerce said. Recent high-level exchanges between China and Canada indicated that the bilateral ties are currently at a critical moment of improvement, a Chinese expert said, noting that the enhanced cooperation between the two countries will further inject confidence into the world to promote multilateralism amid growing external uncertainties. During the call, Li said that Canada was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and the bilateral relationship was at the forefront of China's ties with Western nations for a long time. However, in recent years, the relationship has suffered serious difficulties due to unnecessary disruptions, he added. The development of China and Canada represents opportunities rather than threats to each other, said Li, noting that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between the two, only a tradition of friendship and mutual benefits. He expressed hope that the Canadian side will make joint efforts with the Chinese side, view China's development in an objective and rational manner, and work together to achieve shared success and prosperity. For his part, Carney said that Canada and China have a profound traditional friendship and China is Canada's second-largest trading partner. While bilateral relations have experienced some setbacks in recent years, he said, Canada is ready to restart its relationship with China. The Canadian side looks forward to resuming high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms in areas such as diplomacy and economic and trade with China, and strengthening pragmatic cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy and environmental protection, he added. "The call was constructive, setting a crucial tone for easing and restoring China-Canada relations. In particular, Carney expressed a desire to resume high-level exchanges, which is significant, as the stagnation of various dialogue mechanisms has been one of the main reasons for the low point in China-Canada relations in recent years," Liu Dan, a researcher at the Center for Regional Country Studies at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, told the Global Times on Friday. "China-Canada relations are inherently mutually beneficial. Amid a turbulent external environment, the Canadian government, with more policy independence, has now adopted a pragmatic approach toward China, while the Chinese side has consistently regarded Canada as an important partner. The bilateral relations are currently facing a 'window of opportunity' for improvement," Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday. During the call, Premier Li said there is enormous potential for China-Canada cooperation as the two economies are highly complementary, said Li, urging both sides to deepen cooperation in traditional areas, expand collaboration in emerging fields such as clean energy, climate change and scientific and technological innovation, and strengthen people-to-people as well as economic and trade exchanges. Premier Li noted that China is willing to work with Canada, on the basis of equality and mutual respect, to seek and expand common ground while shelving and narrowing differences, strengthen exchanges and dialogue in various fields, and address each other's concerns appropriately. Li Haidong said that amid increasing external uncertainties, both China and Canada should engage in pragmatic and in-depth trade consultations to address trade disputes such as electric vehicles and agricultural goods. Noting that the current international situation is intertwined with turmoil, and unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, Premier Li said China is ready to work with Canada to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, promote economic globalization and the multilateral trading system to develop in the right direction, and inject more stability into world peace and development. In the face of the current international landscape, Canada is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China, jointly safeguard the international financial and trading system, and contribute to promoting global sustainable development, Carney said. Li Haidong said that the two parties are important partners for supporting free trade and globalization, and enhanced coordination and cooperation are appropriate policies to counter the uncertainty and concerns brought by unilateralism and protectionism to the world. It also serves as a guarantee for continued contributions to global economic and security stability, moving toward a stable, healthy, and sustainable direction, he noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on June 6, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: June 06, 2025 18:19 Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the opening ceremony of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, Hunan from June 10 to 12. China News Service: You just announced that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the opening ceremony of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. Could you give us more information? Lin Jian: Last September, the Beijing Summit of FOCAC was successfully held. President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the summit and delivered a keynote speech. China and Africa reached extensive common understandings on joining hands to advance modernization and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. The China-Africa relationship has been at its best in history. Since then, the two sides have been working closely together to actively implement the common understandings reached by the leaders and the outcomes of the summit. The two sides have made important progress and achieved many early harvests. As agreed by China and Africa, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC will be held in Changsha, Hunan from June 10 to 12. The Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo will also be held back-to-back. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the 54 African members of the FOCAC will attend the event. China will enhance coordination with Africa with a focus on implementing the six-point proposition of jointly advancing modernization and the 10 partnership actions put forward by President Xi, so that people in China and Africa will benefit more from the outcomes of the FOCAC summit. The two sides will work together to create more great stories about China-Africa cooperation for high-quality development and send a strong message of solidarity and collaboration among members of the Global South. EFE: It was reported that when meeting with Lai Ching-te in Taipei, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo said that he intends to take the ties between Guatemala and Taiwan "to the next level." What is China's comment? Lin Jian: There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is a prevailing consensus in the international community, which brooks no challenge. The DPP authorities use so-called "diplomatic allies" to seek political gains. This is self-deceiving and will not stop the inevitable reunification of China. The fact that 183 countries in the world have established diplomatic relations with China fully proves that upholding the one-China principle is the right thing to do, and it is where the public opinion trends and the arc of history bends. Recognizing the one-China principle, developing relations with China, and sharing opportunities for development are what truly serve the fundamental interests of Guatemala and its people. We urge the government of relevant country to see the ultimate trend, meet its people's aspirations, and make the right choice at an early date. AFP: Regarding the phone call yesterday between the Chinese and U.S. presidents, Donald Trump wrote that there should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of rare earth products, but the Chinese side's readout did not mention this topic. So can the Foreign Ministry provide more details about what was discussed between the leaders in the call specifically with regard to rare earth? Lin Jian: China has repeatedly made clear its position on relevant issue. I'd refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. RIA Novosti: There has been a public row between U.S. President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk. What is China's comment? Does China expect this will affect China-U.S. relations? Lin Jian: This is a domestic affair of the United States. Reuters: This is also to do with President Xi and President Trump's phone call last night. Trump said after the phone call that there should no longer be any questions about rare earth. Does this mean China is now going to speed up its approvals process for rare earth and related products' export licenses, especially to the U.S.? Lin Jian: I just answered this question. Shenzhen TV: We noted that amid the severe international economic environment, China's trade and economic ties with the rest of the world remain robust. In the first five months of this year, China opened 101 international air cargo routes in total, and over 195 weekly round-trip flights were added. From January to April, China's port cargo throughput was 5.755 billion tonnes, up 3.7 percent year on year, and port container throughput exceeded 110 million TEUs, up 7.9 percent year on year. What's your comment? Lin Jian: I noted the reports. In the first four months of this year, China's trade in goods grew by 2.4 percent year on year. Trade growth in April was 4.3 percentage points higher than that in the first quarter. China's economy continues to unleash its vitality, and resilience in trade continues to strengthen. It fully shows that whatever challenge may appear in the external environment, China's manufacturing remains needed by the world, and the Chinese market will always be a magnet for foreign investment. Unilateralism and protectionism are unsustainable. Walls and barriers created by some will not stop China from engaging in open cooperation with other countries for shared development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Imprisoned Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong faces new 'foreign collusion' charge Rights groups say authorities intend to prolong the imprisonment of one of the pro-democracy movement's most recognizable figures. By RFA Cantonese 2025.06.06 -- One of Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy activists, Joshua Wong, was transported from prison to court Friday and charged with colluding with foreign forces, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Wong, 28, is already serving a four-year-and-eight-month sentence for subversion. He is currently due for release about one-and-a-half years from now. If found guilty on the new charge it could prolong his imprisonment. Wong is one of the most internationally recognizable faces of the now-quashed democracy movement in the city. He was among 45 Hong Kong opposition politicians and pro-democracy activists who were convicted with "conspiracy to commit subversion" under the city's 2020 National Security Law for taking part in a democratic primary in the summer of 2020. Wong appeared at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Friday afternoon wearing a navy blue shirt. He appeared in good spirits. After the court clerk read out the charge, Wong responded, "Understood," and waved and nodded to supporters as he left. The entire hearing lasted about three minutes. He was charged with one count of "conspiring to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security." He was specifically accused of conspiring with exiled activist Nathan Law and others in 2020. The case was adjourned until Aug. 8 to allow for further investigation, and Wong did not apply for bail and will remain in custody. He was not required to enter a plea. Dozens of uniformed officers were stationed outside the courthouse. Police set up barricades and vehicle-stoppers at nearby intersections, and police dogs were deployed for searches. Sarah Brooks, China director at Amnesty International, said: "This new charge underscores the authorities' fear of prominent dissenters and their willingness to do whatever it takes to keep them locked up for as long as possible." The nongovernment Hong Kong Human Rights Information Centre condemned what it called strategic abuse of the National Security Law to launch politically motivated prosecutions of pro-democracy leaders. The group said the timing of the new chargenearly five years after the alleged eventsas clearly designed to avoid any overlap in sentencing, thereby maximizing Wong's time in prison. Wong rose to prominence during student-led protests more than a decade ago. He also joined massive democracy rallies in 2019 that triggered the imposition of the national security law. China maintains the law is required to maintain order. It has cracked down on political dissent and squelched a once vibrant civil society in the territory. 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 Chinese, French FMs hold phone talks on bilateral, int'l affairs Global Times By Xinhua Published: Jun 07, 2025 08:27 AM Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call on Friday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, held a phone call recently, reaching important consensus on strengthening strategic coordination between the two countries. Both sides should make preparations for the exchanges at all levels in the next stage, and China welcomes senior French representatives to the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai in 2025. Noting that the two sides have reached consensus on resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation, Wang stressed the need to enhance people-to-people, cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, so as to promote the sound development of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and China-EU relations. Wang said that China and France, both upholding a tradition of independence and autonomy, should enhance strategic mutual trust and respect each other's core interests. He stressed the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China concerning the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is fundamentally different from the Ukraine issue. China attaches great importance to France's commitment to the one-China policy, he said, adding that China believes France will turn this commitment into practice. Wang expressed China's hope that France will uphold the right position and oppose NATO's interference in Asia-Pacific affairs, emphasizing that the two countries should jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard free trade, while opposing unilateral bullying practices. For his part, Barrot said Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is welcome to attend the UN Ocean Conference in France, noting that France-China relations are growing more important for today's world in increasing uncertainty. France always regards China as a friend and partner, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges and close strategic communication with China, he said. Strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two sides will send a strong signal of opening up, which is of great significance at present, Barrot said, adding that France opposes trade wars and tariff wars, and is willing to continue to properly resolve economic and trade frictions through consultation. The two sides also exchanged views on issues concerning Ukraine, Palestine and Israel, as well as Iran's nuclear program. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China willing to work with Canada to promote steady improvement of bilateral ties: Premier Li People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:28, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with Canada, in the spirit of looking to the future, to promote the steady improvement of bilateral relations, bring them onto a track of sound and steady development, and strive for win-win cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday. Speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the phone at the latter's request, Li said that Canada was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and the bilateral relationship was at the forefront of China's ties with Western nations for a long time. However, in recent years, the relationship has suffered serious difficulties due to unnecessary disruptions, he added. The development of China and Canada represents opportunities rather than threats to each other, said Li, noting that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between the two, only a tradition of friendship and mutual benefits. He expressed hope that the Canadian side will make joint efforts with the Chinese side, view China's development in an objective and rational manner, and work together to achieve shared success and prosperity. Looking ahead, there is enormous potential for China-Canada cooperation as the two economies are highly complementary, said Li, urging both sides to deepen cooperation in traditional areas, expand collaboration in emerging fields such as clean energy, climate change and scientific and technological innovation, and strengthen people-to-people as well as economic and trade exchanges. Li called on both governments to listen to their people, respond to their concerns, and do more to enhance bilateral friendly cooperation and increase mutual understanding and trust. China is willing to work with Canada, on the basis of equality and mutual respect, to seek and expand common ground while shelving and narrowing differences, strengthen exchanges and dialogue in various fields, and address each other's concerns appropriately, Li said. Noting that the current international situation is intertwined with turmoil, and unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, Li said China is ready to work with Canada to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, promote economic globalization and the multilateral trading system to develop in the right direction, and inject more stability into world peace and development. For his part, Carney said that Canada and China have a profound traditional friendship and China is Canada's second-largest trading partner. While bilateral relations have experienced some setbacks in recent years, he said, Canada is ready to restart its relationship with China. The Canadian side looks forward to resuming high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms in areas such as diplomacy and economic and trade with China, and strengthening pragmatic cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy and environmental protection, he added. In the face of the current international landscape, Canada is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China, jointly safeguard the international financial and trading system, and contribute to promoting global sustainable development, Carney said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address N Korea leader vows 'unconditional support' for Russia as Ukraine war escalates Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 1:24 PM North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has reiterated Pyongyang's "unconditional support" for Moscow, particularly in its ongoing war in Ukraine. Kim assured visiting Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu that Pyongyang will continue to back Moscow's foreign policy "unconditionally," the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday. Kim reiterated his country's support during a meeting with Shoigu on Wednesday in Pyongyang, KCNA reported on Thursday. The North Korean leader also vowed to "responsibly" observe the articles of a mutual defense treaty signed by the two countries. The two countries signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in June last year. Both sides agreed to develop bilateral ties in the framework of a "powerful and comprehensive relations of a strategic partnership." Kim emphasized North Korea's commitment to the terms of its bilateral treaty, repeating that his nation would continue its unwavering support for Russia in international affairs, including the war in Ukraine. The North Korean leader expressed hope for the Russia's "eternal victory, prosperity, and happiness." On April 28, 2025, North Korea confirmed that it had sent troops to Russia under the mutual defense treaty to assist Moscow in the Ukraine war. For his part, Shoigu voiced Moscow's gratitude for North Korea's help. He thanked the nation for North Korean soldiers' sacrifices, specifically for their help in the recent liberation of Russia's Kursk region. Shoigu praised their courage and heroism, empathizing that they fought as if defending their own country. South Korean intelligence sources estimate that around 300 North Korean troops were killed fighting in Kursk, with 2,700 more injured. Meanwhile, a US State Department spokesperson reiterated on Thursday that North Korea's troop deployment to Russia and Moscow's support to North Korea "must end." "North Korea's military deployment to Russia and any support provided by the Russian Federation to the DPRK in return must end," Tommy Pigott, the department's principal deputy spokesperson said referring to North Korea with its formal name as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Pigott said at a press briefing that country's like North Korea bear "responsibility" for the role they are playing in the war against Ukraine. "We continue to be concerned about North Korea's direct involvement in the war," he added. Meanwhile, as the Ukraine-Russia war escalated this week, peace negotiations between the two countries have reached a standstill. Russia's top negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said on Monday that the peace negotiations in Istanbul failed to reach a ceasefire. However, Moscow and Kiev agreed on the largest-ever prisoner swap. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that he doubted if there was any value in negotiating with Ukraine after deadly attacks on Russia that killed seven people and injured 115 more. Also, two bridges in Russia's Bryansk and Kursk regions collapsed overnight on May 31 in what Russian authorities have described as terrorist attacks orchestrated by Kiev. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Opening Remarks by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Rome Statute Review Conference Berlin Germany Federal Foreign Office 06.06.2025 - Speech We are living in an era of unprecedented challenges to the international legal order. When we in Europe speak about this crisis, we immediately think of Russia's war of aggression. A war that is raging in its fourth year. But we all know that the threat to the international legal order goes far beyond Ukraine. Across the globe, we are witnessing violations of territorial integrity, the redrawing of borders, and the commission of atrocities against civilian populations. More and more states - and non-state groups - seem to be following a dangerous logic: that might is right, that the powerful may dominate the weak, that the building of empires by coercion and war is justified. Let me be clear: All acts of aggression undermine the international legal order. They are in violation of one of the core principles of the United Nations Charter: they violate the prohibition of the use of force enshrined in Art 2 IV of the Charter. It is this Charter that the peoples of the world created in the wake of the horrors of the Second World War. Ladies and gentlemen, in 1986, after finishing school and serving for a few years in Germany's Federal Armed Forces, I chose to study law at the University of Kiel. I did so because I held a deep conviction: that the law serves us all. That it protects us. And that it makes societies more just and more secure. Today, I am no longer the law school fresher I was in 1986 - but that conviction remains unchanged. And it guides my work as Foreign Minister. 80 years ago, the Nuremberg trials established an important principle: That even those acting on behalf of states can and must be held accountable when they commit the most serious crimes. In the aftermath of the most serious crimes committed by Nazi Germany, Nuremberg gave rise to the principle of individual accountability under international criminal law - and with the creation of the ICC we built a permanent institution to ensure such accountability. Today, it is thanks to these principles, treaties and institutions that the international legal order - despite all its shortcomings - is currently more just and more stable than it has been at any other time in modern history. But if we want to preserve this system, we need to adapt it to today's challenges. That is why I am grateful to all of you for being here today - to explore how we can address crime of aggression more effectively. And while international law and the principle of non-aggression are under threat - the ICC itself faces intense pressures. We note with regret yesterday's announcement by the US to impose additional sanctions on the court. Germany will continue to be a steadfast supporter of international law and the ICC. Because it serves us all - and more than that: it protects us all. Ladies and gentlemen, the upcoming Review Conference of the Rome Statute this July offers a critical opportunity to strengthen the Statute. Legally, by aligning the jurisdictional scope of the crime of aggression with that of the other core crimes, a step which would close a major accountability gap. In addition, the review should also be an occasion to reinforce the Court institutionally. When all 125 States Parties come together to reaffirm their commitment to the ICC and its founding principles - especially at a time like this - they send a powerful message of solidarity and support. To uphold the rule of law and to strengthen institutions like the International Criminal Court as well as the International Court of Justice, we will work closely together with you, our international partners. I am pleased to see so many familiar faces here today - particularly from Africa and Latin America. Someone recently pointed out to me that, in my first weeks in office, I have already met with nearly half the foreign ministers of Africa's 54 countries. That tells me one thing: I still have work to do to meet the other half. And I intend to engage just as meaningfully with our partners in Latin America. Let us join forces to strengthen international law and accountability; to make our institutions fit for the future, and to build a world that is more just and more secure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address English rendering of PM's address at the launch of various development projects in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 06 JUN 2025 4:14PM by PIB Delhi , Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha Ji, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet Ashwini Vaishnav Ji, Jitendra Singh Ji, V Somanna Ji, Deputy CM Surendra Kumar Ji, Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Ji, my colleague in Parliament Jugal Kishore Ji, other public representatives and my dear brothers and sisters. This is the land of Veer Zorawar Singh Ji, I salute this land. Friends, Today's program is a huge celebration of India's unity and India's willpower. With the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, today the valley of Kashmir has been connected to India's rail network. While describing Maa Bharati, we have been saying with reverence - Kashmir to Kanyakumari. This has now become a reality for the railway network as well. Udhampur, Srinagar, Baramulla, these rail line projects, these are not just names. These are the identity of the new strength of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a proclamation of India's new strength. A short while ago I had the opportunity to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge. Today itself, Jammu and Kashmir has received two new Vande Bharat trains. Here in Jammu, the foundation stone of a new medical college has been laid. Projects worth Rs 46 thousand crores will give new impetus to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. I congratulate all of you for the new era of development. This is the land of Haji. I salute this land. Friends, Many generations of Jammu and Kashmir have passed away dreaming of rail connectivity. Yesterday I was watching a statement by CM Omar Abdullah ji and also mentioned in the speech that he had also said that he was waiting for the completion of this project since the time he was studying in 7th-8th standard. Today the dream of millions of people of Jammu and Kashmir has come true. And this is also true that all the good work is still left for me. Friends, It is the good fortune of our government that this project gained momentum during our tenure and we completed it. In between, many difficulties came due to the period of Covid, but we stood firm. Friends, Difficulties in commuting, weather problems, stones constantly falling from the mountains, it was difficult and challenging to complete this project. But our government has chosen the path of challenging the challenge itself. Today, many all-weather infrastructure projects being built in Jammu and Kashmir are an example of this. Sonmarg tunnel was started only a few months ago. Just a while ago, I came among you through Chenab and Anji Bridge. While walking on these bridges, I have experienced the strong resolve of India, the skill and courage of our engineers and workers. Chenab Bridge is the world's highest railway arch bridge. People go to Paris, France to see the Eiffel Tower. And this bridge is much higher than the Eiffel Tower. Now people will not only go to see Kashmir via Chenab Bridge, but this bridge will also become an attractive tourist destination in itself. Everyone will go to the selfie point and take selfies. Our Anji Bridge is also a great example of engineering. This is India's first cable-supported railway bridge. Both these bridges are not just structures of brick, cement, steel and iron, they are a living symbol of India's power, standing on the inaccessible hills of Pir Panjal. This is the roar of India's bright future. This shows that as big as the dream of a developed India is, so high is our courage and our capability. And the most important thing is good intention and immense effort. Friends, Be it Chenab Bridge or Anji Bridge, these will become a means of prosperity for both the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. This will not only increase tourism but will also benefit other sectors of the economy. Rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir will create new opportunities for businessmen of both regions. This will give impetus to the industry here, now Kashmir's apples will be able to reach the big markets of the country at a low cost and will be able to reach on time. Be it dry fruits or pashmina shawls, the handicrafts here will now be easily able to reach any part of the country. This will also make it very easy for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to travel to other parts of the country. Friends, I was reading a comment in the newspaper by a student from Sangaldan here. That student said that only those people of his village who had gone out of the village had seen the train till now. Most of the people of the village had only seen the video of the train. They still can't believe that a real train will pass in front of their eyes. I also read that many people are remembering the arrival and departure timings of the trains. Another daughter said a very good thing, that daughter said - now the weather will not decide whether the roads will open or remain closed, now this new train service will keep helping the people in every season. Friends, Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of Maa Bharati. This crown is studded with beautiful gems. These different gems are the strength of Jammu and Kashmir. The ancient culture here, the traditions here, the spiritual consciousness here, the beauty of nature, the world of herbs here, the abundance of fruits and flowers, the talent that is present in the youth here, in you people, it shines like a jewel in the crown. Friends, You know very well that I have been visiting Jammu and Kashmir for decades. I have had the opportunity to visit and live in interior areas. I have constantly seen and felt this potential and that is why I am working with full dedication towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Friends, Jammu and Kashmir has been the pride of India's education and culture. Today, our Jammu and Kashmir is becoming one of the biggest knowledge hubs of the world, so the participation of Jammu and Kashmir in this is also going to increase in the future. There are institutions like IIT, IIM, AIIMS and NIT here. There are central universities in Jammu and Srinagar. The research ecosystem is also expanding in Jammu and Kashmir. Friends, Along with studies, unprecedented work is also being done here for medicine. In the last few years, two state level cancer institutes have been established. Seven new medical colleges have been started here in the last five years. You also know that when a medical college opens, not only the patients but also the youth of that area get the most benefit from it. Now the number of MBBS seats in Jammu and Kashmir has increased from 500 to 1300. I am happy that now Reasi district is also going to get a new medical college. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, this is not only a modern hospital, it is also an example of our culture of charity. The money spent to build this medical college has been donated by people coming to pay obeisance to the feet of Mata Vaishno Devi from every corner of India. I convey my best wishes to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and its Chairman Manoj Ji for this sacred work. The capacity of this hospital is also being increased from 300 beds to 500 beds. This will also be very convenient for the people coming to visit Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra. Friends, The BJP-NDA government at the Centre has been in power for 11 years now. These 11 years have been dedicated to the welfare of the poor. The dream of a concrete house for 4 crore poor people has been fulfilled through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Ujjwala Yojana has ended the smoke in 10 crore kitchens, our sisters and daughters have been protected. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has provided free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to 50 crore poor people. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has ensured enough food in every plate. For the first time, the Jan Dhan Yojana has opened the doors of banks for more than 50 crore poor people. The Saubhagya Yojana has brought electricity to 2.5 crore families living in darkness. The 12 crore toilets built under the Swachh Bharat Mission have freed people from the compulsion of open defecation. The Jal Jeevan Mission has brought tap water to 12 crore new homes, making life easier for women. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has provided direct financial assistance to 10 crore small farmers. Friends, Due to many such efforts of the government, in the last 11 years, more than 25 crore poor people, our own poor brothers and sisters, have fought against poverty and 25 crore poor people have come out of poverty by defeating and conquering poverty. Now they have become a part of the new middle class. Those who consider themselves experts of the social system, big experts, those who are immersed in the politics of the past and the future, those who have been making political gains in the name of Dalits, just take a look at the schemes that I have just mentioned. Who are the people who have received these facilities, who are those people who were deprived of these basic facilities for 7-7 decades after independence. These are my Dalit brothers and sisters, these are my tribal brothers and sisters, these are my backward brothers and sisters, these are the people who live in the mountains, these are the people who live in the forests, these are the people who spend their entire lives in slums, these are the families for whom Modi has spent his 11 years. The central government is trying to give maximum strength to the poor, the new middle class. Be it one rank one pension, making salary up to Rs. 12 lakh tax free, giving financial assistance for buying a house, helping for cheap air travel, in every way, the government is walking shoulder to shoulder with the poor and the middle class. Friends, Helping the poor to get rid of poverty, but also increasing the potential of the middle class, who live honestly and pay taxes for the country from time to time, for the first time in independence, so much work has been done for this, which we have done. Friends, We are continuously increasing new employment opportunities for our youth. And one important means of this is tourism. Tourism provides employment, tourism connects people. But unfortunately, our neighbouring country is against humanity, against harmony, against tourism, not only this, it is also against the livelihood of the poor. What happened in Pahalgam on 22 April is an example of this. Pakistan attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. His intention was to create riots in India. His intention was to stop the earnings of the hard-working people of Kashmir. That is why Pakistan attacked the tourists. The tourism that was growing continuously in the last 4-5 years, every year a record number of tourists were coming here. The tourism that sustains the households of the poor in Jammu and Kashmir, was targeted by Pakistan. Some were horse riders, some were porters, some were guides, some were guest house owners, some were shop-dhaba owners, Pakistan's conspiracy was to destroy all of them. The young man Adil who challenged the terrorists, he too had gone there to do labour work, but he was working so that he could take care of his family. The terrorists also killed Adil. Friends, The way the people of Jammu and Kashmir have stood up against this conspiracy of Pakistan, the power that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown this time, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have given a strong message not just to Pakistan but to the terrorist mentality of the whole world. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have now made up their mind to give a befitting reply to terrorism. This is the terrorism that burnt down schools in the valley, and not just schools or buildings, it burnt the future of two generations. Hospitals were destroyed. It ruined many generations. The people here could choose representatives of their choice, elections could be held here, this too had become a big challenge due to terrorism. Friends, After enduring terrorism for years, Jammu and Kashmir had seen so much destruction that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had stopped dreaming, and had accepted terrorism as their fate. It was necessary to get Jammu and Kashmir out of this situation, and we have done it. Today, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are dreaming new dreams and are also realizing them. Now the youth of Kashmir are happy to see the markets, shopping malls, cinema halls buzzing. The people here want to see Jammu and Kashmir become a major center for film shooting again, want to see this region become a hub of sports. We have seen the same sentiment in the fair of Mata Kheer Bhavani as well. The way thousands of people reached the temple of Mata, it shows the picture of new Jammu and Kashmir. Now the Amarnath Yatra is also going to start from the 3rd. We are also seeing the excitement of Eid everywhere. The environment of development that was created in Jammu and Kashmir is not going to be shaken by the Pahalgam attack. Narendra Modi's promise to all of you in Jammu and Kashmir and to all of you is that I will not let development stop here. If any obstacle comes in the way of the youth here from fulfilling their dreams, then Modi will be the first one to face that obstacle. Friends, Today is 6th June, remember a month ago, exactly a month ago, on that night of 6th May, Pakistan's terrorists were doomed. Now whenever Pakistan hears the name of Operation Sindoor, it will remember its shameful defeat. The Pakistani army and terrorists had never imagined that India would attack terrorists like this by going hundreds of kilometers inside Pakistan. The buildings of terror that they had built with years of hard work have turned into ruins in a few minutes. Seeing this, Pakistan got very agitated and it vented its anger on the people of Jammu, Poonch and other districts too. The whole world saw how Pakistan destroyed homes here, threw shells on children, destroyed schools and hospitals, shelled temples, mosques and gurudwaras. Every citizen of the country has seen the way you countered Pakistan's attacks. That is why every citizen of the country stands with their families with full strength. Friends, A few days ago, appointment letters were handed over to the family members of those who died in cross border firing. The suffering of more than 2 thousand families affected by shelling is also our own suffering. These families were given financial help to repair their houses after the shelling. Now the Central Government has decided to increase this assistance further. In today's program, I also want to give you information about this. Friends, Now, those houses which have suffered extensive damage will be given Rs 2 lakhs and those houses which are partially damaged will be given Rs 1 lakhs as additional assistance. This means that now they will get this extra amount after the first-time assistance. Friends, Our government considers the people living on the border as the first sentinels of the country. In the last decade, the government has done unprecedented work for development and security in the border districts, during this period about ten thousand new bunkers have been built. These bunkers have helped a lot in saving lives in the situation created after Operation Sindoor. I am happy to tell you that two border battalions have been formed for the Jammu and Kashmir division. The work of forming two women battalions has also been completed. Friends, Even in the remote areas near our international border, new infrastructure is being built by spending hundreds of crores of rupees. The Kathua to Jammu highway is being made a six-lane expressway, the Akhnoor to Poonch highway is also being widened. Under the Vibrant Village Program, development work in border villages is also being accelerated. 400 villages of Jammu and Kashmir that did not have all-weather connectivity are being connected by laying 1800 kilometers of new roads. The government is going to spend more than 4200 crores on this too. Friends, Today I have come to make a special request to you people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth here, and from the land of Jammu and Kashmir, I want to make a request to the country as well. You have seen how Operation Sindoor has shown the power of self-reliant India. Today the world is discussing India's defence ecosystem. And there is only one reason behind this, our forces' faith in 'Make in India'. Now every Indian has to repeat what the forces have done. In this year's budget, we have announced Mission Manufacturing. Under this mission, the government is working to give a new impetus to manufacturing. I would like to tell the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, come and be a part of this mission. The country needs your modern thinking, the country needs your innovation. Your ideas, your skills will give new heights to India's security and India's economy. In the last ten years, India has become a big defence exporter. Now our goal is to include India's name among the top defence exporters of the world. The faster we move towards this goal; the faster millions of new employment opportunities will be created in India. Friends, We have to take another pledge that we should first buy only those products which are made in India and in which the sweat of our countrymen is used and this is patriotism, this is service to the nation. We have to enhance the honour of our forces at the border and we have to enhance the pride of Made in India in the market. Friends, A golden and bright future awaits Jammu and Kashmir. The central government and the state government are working together for development and are supporting each other. We have to continuously strengthen the path of peace and prosperity on which we are moving ahead. With the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi, may this resolution of developed India and developed Jammu and Kashmir be fulfilled. With this wish, I once again congratulate all of you for these numerous development projects and for so many wonderful projects. Close both your fists and say with me with all your strength - Bharat Mata ki Jai! The voice should reverberate in every corner of India. Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Thank you very much! **** MJPS/VJ/SS (Release ID: 2134533) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone, inaugurates and dedicates multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore in Jammu & Kashmir India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office PM inaugurates Chenab bridge - world's highest railway arch bridge and Anji bridge - India's first cable-stayed rail bridge The inauguration of mega infrastructure projects today marks a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir's development journey: PM We have always invoked Maa Bharati with deep reverence, saying 'from Kashmir to Kanyakumari,' Today, this has become a reality even in our railway network: PM The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project is a symbol of a new, empowered Jammu & Kashmir and a resounding proclamation of India's growing strength: PM The Chenab and Anji Bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir: PM Jammu and Kashmir is the crown jewel of India: PM India won't bow to terrorism,the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have now made up their mind to give a befitting reply to terrorism: PM Whenever Pakistan hears the name Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its shameful defeat: PM Posted On: 06 JUN 2025 3:34PM by PIB Delhi The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra, Jammu & Kashmir today. Saluting the land of the brave Veer Zorawar Singh, he remarked that today's event is a grand celebration of India's unity and determination. Shri Modi said that with the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, the Valley of Kashmir is now connected to India's vast railway network. "We have always invoked Maa Bharati with deep reverence, saying 'from Kashmir to Kanyakumari,' today, this has become a reality even in our railway network", exclaimed the Prime Minister, emphasising that the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project is not just a name but a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir's new strength and a testament to India's growing capabilities. In line with the commitment to boost rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region, he inaugurated the Chenab and Anji rail bridges and flagged off Vande Bharat Trains, enhancing connectivity within Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, Shri Modi also laid the foundation stone for a new medical college in Jammu, reinforcing the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare facilities in the region, stating that 46,000 crore worth of projects will accelerate development in Jammu and Kashmir, driving progress and prosperity. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes and congratulated the people on this new era of growth and transformation. Underlining that generations in Jammu and Kashmir had long dreamt of railway connectivity, Shri Modi said today, that dream has become a reality. Referring to a recent statement by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Prime Minister noted that even as a student in seventh or eighth grade, Shri Abdullah had been anticipating the completion of this project. Shri Modi emphasized that the fulfillment of this long-awaited aspiration marks a historic moment for millions of people in Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and progress. Stating that it is a privilege for their government that this ambitious railway project gained momentum during their tenure and has now been successfully completed, Shri Modi emphasized the challenges encountered, like the difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions, and falling rocks in the mountains, making the project immensely tough and demanding. However, he remarked that their government has consistently chosen to face challenges head-on and overcome them with determination. The Prime Minister noted that numerous all-weather infrastructure projects underway in Jammu and Kashmir exemplify this commitment. He cited the recently opened Sonmarg Tunnel and his experience traveling over the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge as remarkable milestones. Shri Modi lauded the engineering brilliance and unwavering dedication of India's engineers and workers, stating that the Chenab Bridge, the world's tallest railway arch bridge, stands as a testament to India's ambition. He observed that while people travel to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, the Chenab Bridge surpasses it in height, making it not only a crucial infrastructure achievement but also an emerging tourist attraction. Similarly, the Prime Minister described the Anji Bridge as an engineering marvel, being India's first cable-supported railway bridge. He asserted that these structures are not just steel and concrete, but living symbols of India's strength, standing tall in the rugged Pir Panjal mountains. Shri Modi declared that these achievements represent India's vision for a developed nation, proving that as grand as India's dream of progress is, so too is its resilience, capability, and determination. Above all, he emphasized that pure intentions and relentless dedication are the driving forces behind India's transformation. Emphasizing that both Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge will serve as catalysts for prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said, "these landmark projects will not only boost tourism but also benefit various sectors of the economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and industries". He highlighted that enhanced rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir will open new doors for local entrepreneurs, driving economic growth. Shri Modi noted that Kashmir's apples will now reach major markets across India at lower costs, making trade more efficient. Furthermore, dry fruits and Kashmir's renowned Pashmina shawls, along with other traditional handicrafts, will now be easily transported to every corner of the country, strengthening the region's artisanal industry. The Prime Minister stated that this improved connectivity will also make travel more convenient for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, allowing smoother movement across different parts of India. Shri Modi shared a touching comment from a student in Sangaldan, who stated that until now, only those who had traveled outside their village had seen a train in real life. Most villagers had only watched trains in videos, unable to believe that soon, a real train would pass right before their eyes. The Prime Minister also mentioned that many residents are already memorizing train schedules, excited about the new connectivity. He highlighted a thoughtful remark from a young girl who stated, now, the weather will no longer decide whether the roads remain open or closed. This new train service will help people in all seasons. "Jammu and Kashmir as the crown of Mother India, adorned with dazzling jewelseach representing the region's immense strength and beauty", described the Prime Minister, praising its ancient culture, traditions, spiritual consciousness, breathtaking landscapes, medicinal herbs, flourishing orchards, and vibrant youth talent, stating that these qualities shine like precious gemstones in India's crown. Having visited Jammu and Kashmir for decades, the Prime Minister affirmed his deep understanding of the region's potential and reiterated his dedication to the continuous development and upliftment of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring prosperity for its people. "Jammu and Kashmir has long been a pillar of India's education and cultural heritage", affirmed the Prime Minister. He added that as India establishes itself as a global knowledge hub, the growing participation of Jammu and Kashmir in this transformation. Shri Modi pointed out the presence of premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and NIT, alongside Central Universities in Jammu and Srinagar, strengthening academic excellence in the region. He also noted the expansion of the research ecosystem, further enhancing innovation and learning opportunities. The Prime Minister emphasized that remarkable advancements have been made in healthcare, with two state-level cancer institutes established in recent years. Over the last five years, seven new medical colleges have been opened, significantly benefiting both patients and aspiring medical students. Shri Modi highlighted that MBBS seats in Jammu and Kashmir have risen from 500 to 1,300, ensuring greater access to medical education. Additionally, the Reasi district is set to receive a new medical college, enhancing healthcare facilities for the region. The Prime Minister praised the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, describing it as not only a modern hospital but also an embodiment of India's rich tradition of philanthropy. He also lauded the contributions of devotees from across India, whose donations helped establish the institution. Extending his best wishes, Shri Modi congratulated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for its dedicated efforts in this noble endeavor. He also announced that the hospital's capacity would be expanded from 300 to 500 beds, further improving medical services. The Prime Minister noted that this development would provide greater convenience to devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra. Highlighting that their government has now completed 11 years in office, dedicating this period to uplifting the poor and empowering citizens, the Prime Minister outlined several key welfare initiatives that have transformed millions of lives. He listed out the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which has fulfilled the dream of 4 crore poor families by providing pucca houses. Ujjwala Yojana, which has helped eliminate smoke from 10 crore households, protecting the health of women and children. Ayushman Bharat, which enabled 50 crore underprivileged citizens to receive free healthcare up to 5 lakh. He added that Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, ensured food security, filling every plate with adequate nutrition while the Jan Dhan Yojana, helped open banking access for over 50 crore poor individuals, bringing them into the financial system. The Prime Minister further mentioned Saubhagya Yojana, which delivered electricity to 2.5 crore families living in darkness and Swachh Bharat Mission, under which 12 crore toilets were built, eliminating the challenge of open defecation. He added that the Jal Jeevan Mission provided tap water to 12 crore households, easing the burden on women, while the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi offered direct financial support to 10 crore small farmers, strengthening rural India. Shri Modi stated that over 25 crore people have successfully overcome poverty in the last 11 years, transitioning into the neo-middle class. He emphasized that the government remains committed to strengthening both the poor and the emerging middle class, ensuring economic and social security through key reforms. The Prime Minister cited initiatives such as One Rank, One Pension, tax exemption on salaries up to 12 lakh, financial support for home buyers, and assistance for affordable air travel, affirming that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with the people, driving progress for all. He added that it was for the first time since independence that their government had worked for the honest, tax-paying middle class. Underlining that their government is consistently creating new employment opportunities for the youth, with tourism emerging as a significant driver of economic growth and connectivity, Shri Modi highlighted that tourism not only generates jobs but also fosters unity among people. Condemning Pakistan's repeated attempts to disrupt this progress, the Prime Minister stated that it stands against humanity, social harmony, and economic prosperity. Referring to the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, Shri Modi asserted that Pakistan attacked both Kashmiriyat and humanity, intending to incite violence in India and cripple the earnings of hardworking Kashmiris. He pointed out that this deliberate attack on tourists was meant to sabotage the flourishing tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which had witnessed record-high visitor numbers over the past few years. The Prime Minister remarked that Pakistan's malicious intent directly impacted local workers, including horse riders, porters, guides, guest house owners, and shopkeepers, aiming to destroy their livelihoods. He praised the courage of young Adil, who stood against terrorists, but tragically lost his life while striving to support his family through honest labor. Shri Modi reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that terrorism will never succeed in halting the region's progress. Lauding the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister stated that their firm stand against Pakistan's conspiracy sends a powerful message. He remarked that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are now determined to confront terrorism head-on. Shri Modi condemned the destructive impact of terrorism, recalling how it burned schools, devastated hospitals, and shattered generations in the valley. He noted that terrorism even made free and fair elections a major challenge, depriving people of their right to choose their representatives. The Prime Minister affirmed that the strength and determination displayed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir marks a turning point, signaling their commitment to peace, progress, and a brighter future. Shri Modi stated that for years, Jammu and Kashmir endured terrorism, leading many to abandon their dreams and accept violence as their fate. However, he emphasized that their government has changed this reality, enabling the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to dream againand fulfill those dreams. The Prime Minister expressed that Kashmir's youth now take joy in seeing bustling markets, vibrant shopping malls, and flourishing cinema halls. He noted that locals aspire to revive Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination for film shoots and develop it into a hub for sports. Shri Modi cited the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, where thousands of devotees gathered, reflecting the new, optimistic face of Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlighted the excitement surrounding the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and the festive spirit of Eid, demonstrating the region's resilience and progress. Firmly asserting that the momentum of development in Jammu and Kashmir will not be shaken by the Pahalgam attack, the Prime Minister reassured the people that nothing will hinder the region's growth, declaring that any obstacle threatening the dreams of Jammu and Kashmir's youth will have to face himself. Recalling that exactly one month ago, on this very night, India executed Operation Sindoor, delivering a decisive blow to Pakistan-based terrorists, the Prime Minister said, "whenever Pakistan hears the name of operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its humiliating defeat". He emphasized that Pakistan's military and terror networks never anticipated India's bold move, and within minutes, the terror infrastructure they had built over decades was reduced to ruins. Shri Modi stated that Pakistan was left in shock and frustration, reacting by targeting innocent civilians in Jammu, Poonch, and other districts. He condemned Pakistan's brutal attacks, pointing out that the world witnessed how it destroyed homes, bombed schools and hospitals, and shelled temples, mosques, and gurudwaras. The Prime Minister praised the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that their courage in facing Pakistan's aggression has been seen by every Indian. He reaffirmed the commitment declaring that every citizen stands with full strength beside the families affected, ensuring unwavering support and solidarity. Prime Minister announced that families who lost loved ones due to cross-border firing have already received appointment letters for government assistance. Recognizing the hardship faced by over 2,000 families affected by shelling, Shri Modi affirmed that their pain is the nation's pain. He stated that financial aid was previously provided for home repairs, ensuring relief for those impacted. The Prime Minister further declared that the Central Government has now decided to enhance this support, offering greater assistance to affected families. Prime Minister announced additional financial aid for families whose homes were damaged due to cross-border shelling. He stated that households suffering severe damage will now receive 2 lakh, while partially damaged homes will be granted 1 lakh in additional assistance, beyond the support already provided earlier. Shri Modi reaffirmed his government's commitment to standing by affected families, ensuring continued relief and helping them rebuild their homes and lives. "The government recognizes border residents as the nation's frontline protectors", affirmed the Prime Minister. He said that over the past decade, unprecedented efforts have been made to strengthen development and security in border districts. Highlighting key initiatives, Shri Modi stated that approximately 10,000 new bunkers have been constructed, which played a critical role in safeguarding lives during the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister announced the formation of two new Border Battalions for the Jammu and Kashmir division, further enhancing security operations in the region. Additionally, he shared that two dedicated Women Battalions have also been successfully established, reinforcing defense capabilities and empowering women in the armed forces. Highlighting the significant infrastructure development taking place in India's international border regions, particularly in challenging terrains, the Prime Minister announced that hundreds of crores are being invested to improve connectivity and security. He stated that the Kathua-Jammu Highway is being upgraded into a six-lane expressway, while the Akhnoor-Poonch Highway is undergoing widening to facilitate smoother travel. Under the Vibrant Village Program, development initiatives in border villages have been accelerated, ensuring better living conditions and opportunities for residents. Shri Modi mentioned that 400 villages in Jammu and Kashmir, previously lacking all-weather connectivity, are now being linked with 1,800 kilometers of newly constructed roads. He announced that the government is allocating over 4,200 crore for these infrastructure projects, reinforcing economic growth and regional development in border areas. Prime Minister made a special appeal to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to actively participate in India's manufacturing revolution. He emphasized that Operation Sindoor demonstrated the strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and today, the world is recognizing India's defense ecosystem. Attributing this success to the armed forces' trust in 'Make in India', stating that every Indian must now emulate their commitment, the Prime Minister highlighted the Mission Manufacturing initiative, announced in this year's budget, aimed at accelerating India's manufacturing sector. He called upon young innovators and entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir to join this mission, stating that India needs their modern thinking, innovation, ideas, and skills to elevate national security and economic growth. Shri Modi remarked that India has emerged as a leading defense exporter over the past decade, and the next goal is to position India among the world's top defense exporters. He asserted that the faster India moves toward this objective, the more employment opportunities will be generated nationwide, benefiting millions. Calling upon every Indian to make a commitment to prioritize products made in India, Shri Modi emphasised that these goods are a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of fellow citizens. He asserted that choosing Indian-made products is the real service to the nation, strengthening the economy and empowering workers. The Prime Minister urged that just as the nation honors its armed forces at the borders, it must also uphold the pride of 'Made in India' in the market, ensuring that India's strength is reflected in both defense and commerce. Prime Minister affirmed that a bright and prosperous future awaits Jammu and Kashmir, as both the Central Government and the state government continue to work together toward development. He emphasized the spirit of collaboration and progress, ensuring that peace and prosperity remain the foundation of this journey. The Prime Minister expressed his unwavering resolve to strengthen the path of growth, driven by the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi. He reiterated the commitment to a developed India and a developed Jammu and Kashmir, striving to achieve this vision with determination and unity. Shri Modi concluded by extending his heartfelt congratulations to the people for these remarkable projects, celebrating the spirit of advancement. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, Union Ministers Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shri V. Somanna & Dr. Jitendra Singh were present among other dignitaries at the event. Background Chenab and Anji rail bridges The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated at a height of 359 meters above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. Through Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge, it will take just about 3 hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing existing travel time by 2-3 hours. The Anji Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge that will serve the nation in a challenging terrain. Connectivity projects and other development initiatives Prime Minister also dedicated Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country aiming to transform regional mobility and driving socio-economic integration. Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back. They will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, pilgrims among others. In a major boost to last mile connectivity especially in border areas, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various road projects. He laid the foundation stone of road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore. He also inaugurated two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44. These projects will ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow for the commuters. Prime Minister also laid 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. **** MJPS/SR (Release ID: 2134513) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with an Indian Parliamentary Delegation US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson June 6, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met today with an Indian parliamentary delegation in Washington. The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries. The Deputy and delegation discussed the importance of advancing key areas of the bilateral relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster economic growth and prosperity in both countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran dismisses U.S. allegations as unfounded, devoid of credibility IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 6, 2025 New York, IRNA - Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Sa'eed Iravani, has dismissed allegations made by his U.S. counterpart against the Islamic Republic, calling them unfounded and incredible. Dorothy Shea, the United States' ambassador to the U.N., speaking at the Security Council meeting on Gaza Wednesday, accused Iran of instability by supporting resistance groups including Hamas. In that meeting, Washington vetoed a draft resolution calling for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Iran's representative dismissed the allegations in a letter to U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Security Council President Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, saying that it is regrettable that the U.S. has once again chosen to obstruct the Security Council from fulfilling its mandate and to divert attention through politically motivated accusations against others. The following is the full text of the letter: I categorically reject the unsubstantiated references and unequivocally condemn the unfounded allegations made against the Islamic Republic of Iran by the representative of the United States in her statement before the vote on the draft resolution concerning a ceasefire in Gaza delivered during the Security Council's 9929th meeting under the agenda item "The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question." These allegations are entirely unfounded, devoid of credibility, or legal foundation. At a time when the Security Council must act with unity and urgency to end the unparalleled suffering of the Palestinian people, enduring relentless bombardment, forced displacement, famine, and the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, it is regrettable and shameful that the United States has once again chosen to obstruct the Council from fulfilling its mandate and to divert attention through politically motivated accusations against others. This calculated deflection serves a single, cynical purpose: to shield the occupying and illegitimate Israeli regime from accountability for its ongoing and egregious violations of international law. Even more egregiously, the United States' veto of the draft resolution, proposed by the Council's elected members and intended to establish an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire, as well as to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, represents a blatant dereliction and abuse of the responsibilities entrusted to the Security Council under the UN Charter. This is not an isolated incident, but rather a continuation of a deeply troubling pattern we have witnessed throughout the past 19 months of Israel's genocidal war against the people of Gaza. By once again shielding the occupying regime from accountability, the United States has actively enabled the continuation of a catastrophic military campaign that has already killed tens of thousands of civilians, most of them women and children, and driven Gaza to the edge of absolute collapse. The Islamic Republic of Iran's principled position and support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle and resistance against occupation are fully grounded in the United Nations Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions, in particular numerous Security Council resolutions. Blaming others for the consequences of Israel's unlawful and brutal campaign is nothing but a willful distortion designed to absolve the Israeli regime of its crimes. As many Council members rightly stated in their position during the meeting, failure to act decisively in the face of war crimes and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, not only erodes the Council's credibility but also paves the way for further atrocities against Palestinian people. The Security Council must uphold its Charter-based responsibilities and take immediate action to end the Israeli regime's brutal aggression, lift the siege in Gaza, establish an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, provide humanitarian access in large scale and put an end to the immense suffering of the Palestinian people. Selective approaches, double standards, and political expediency must have no place in the face of mass atrocities. I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US imposes new round of sanctions against Iran despite talks Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 6:31 PM The United States has imposed new sanctions against Iran despite Washington's engagement in indirect talks with Tehran over the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear program. The new round of sanctions issued on Friday targets 10 individuals and 27 entities, some based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hong Kong. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control inscribed Ace Petrochem FZE, and Moderate General Trading LLC, both registered in the UAE, to its Specially Designated Nationals List, freezing any of their US assets. OFAC claimed that they are both linked to the state-owned National Iranian Tanker Company, which is under US sanctions. Iran and the US have so far held five rounds of indirect talks on a replacement for the 2015 nuclear deal, which was derailed by the American withdrawal in 2018. However, the talks have faced an obstacle over the US demand for Iran to stop enriching uranium under any new deal. Iran says it will not forgo its right to uranium enrichment, which is guaranteed under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the NPT. The new sanctions came a day after US President Donald Trump announced a complete travel ban for nationals from 12 countries, including Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's new INS-guided missile part of 'new models' of confrontation with enemies: Official Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 5:30 PM A high-ranking Iranian military official has hailed a newly-unveiled GPS-independent ballistic missile as a key piece of defensive hardware that is in the service of the "new models" of confrontation with the country's adversaries. Deputy Head of Science, Research, and Technology at the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Mohammad Mehdinejad Nouri made the remarks on Thursday. He was addressing the capabilities of the country's Qassem-Basir missile, which was unveiled by Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh on May 4. The official identified the projectile as an instance of "significant achievement" in the field of cyber technology as well as the areas of designing and manufacturing military equipment. "Whether on the ground, at sea, or in space, these achievements contribute to the Islamic Republic's defensive deterrent power, and enhance the capabilities of its [military] equipment against any potential threat from the enemy," he noted. He commended the missile's non-reliance on the Global Positioning System (GPS), pointing to its rather using its own Inertial Navigation System (INS). Mehdinejad Nouri noted that such technology used to be available only to the United States and a few other countries, praising Iran's "capable experts" for harnessing the knowhow. He also reminded that the world's GPS services' global navigation and control systems were also being controlled by the US and some other countries, suggesting that Qassem-Basir's independence from GPS complicated the work of those seeking to track and destroy the projectile. Therefore, he remarked, the Islamic Republic could now "strike designated hostile positions, even without the need for GPS, whether in times of war or disruption of [navigation] systems." Mehdinejad Nouri additionally lauded the Iranian Armed Forces for entirely indigenize such missiles' new generation from the designing stage to ultimate manufacturing. "Currently, inside the Islamic Republic, the designing and production of all pieces of equipment that are required for military engagement, especially drones, missiles, vessels, tanks, and other equipment, are made by domestic experts," he said in the same context. "This successful and promising path continues." The official also underlined the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s development last year of the Shahid (Martyr) Bagheri homegrown drone carrier vessel as a case in point when it came to advancement of the country's naval firepower. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran issues warning as Europeans 'ponder another major strategic mistake' Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 11:16 AM Iran has warned Britain, France, and Germany (E3) over their "malign action" of drafting a resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) next week accusing Tehran of non-compliance, calling it a "strategic mistake". The Europeans reportedly plan to submit the draft resolution to the IAEA Board of Governors at its next meeting on June 9, creating a window to trigger the snapback of all the UN sanctions on Tehran before the mechanism expires in October. "After years of good cooperation with the IAEA resulting in a resolution which shut down malign claims of a 'possible military dimension' (PMD) to Iran's peaceful nuclear program my country is once again accused of 'non-compliance'," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X Friday. "Instead of engaging in good faith, the E3 is opting for malign action against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors. When the E3 engaged in the same foul conduct back in 2005, the outcome in many ways was the true birth of uranium enrichment in Iran. Has the E3 truly learned nothing in the past two decades?" he added. Araghchi said the false accusations that Iran is violating the Safeguards Agreement - on the basis of shoddy and politicized reports are clearly designed to produce a crisis. "Mark my words as Europe ponders another major strategic mistake: Iran will react strongly against any violation of its rights. Blame lies solely and fully with irresponsible actors who stop at nothing to gain relevance," the foreign minister cautioned. An IAEA resolution could further complicate nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. Tehran has already pledged to take decisive countermeasures should the snapback mechanism be activated. On Monday, IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi got a dressing down in Cairo from Araghchi who reminded him of his duty to professionally carry out his statutory duties. Araghchi said the "IAEA should not allow its credibility to be undercut by political motives and pressures from some member states", apparently referring to the E3. Iran has held five rounds of talks with the United States in search of a new agreement and is pressing the United States for guarantees that it will drop sanctions as a condition for a nuclear deal. The country has vowed to keep enriching uranium "with or without a deal" on its nuclear program. E3 leaders, on the other hand, think they must act swiftly because the snapback mechanism which they see as leverage to coerce Iran into concessions is slipping out of their hands. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Pezeshkian, Egypt's Sisi say keen to enhance bilateral ties Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 9:52 AM Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi have expressed their eagerness to enhance bilateral relations between their countries. Pezeshkian and Sisi made the affirmation during a phone call on Thursday where they exchanged Eid al-Adha greetings. During the phone conversation, Pezeshkian expressed Tehran's readiness to deepen and expand ties with Egypt at all levels, hoping for a "constructive" meeting with his Egyptian counterpart in Tehran soon. Pezeshkian stressed the importance of exchanging experiences, utilizing shared capacities and combining efforts to achieve the Muslim nations' development and prosperity, urging Islamic countries to become a model of "brotherhood, solidarity and constructive interaction". Referring to Israel's genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, the Iranian president emphasized the necessity of unity among Muslim nations to adopt a unified action against Israeli atrocities. For his part, Sisi expressed Cairo's eagerness to deepen bilateral ties with the Islamic Republic. He also expressed hope that Muslim nations will be able to take effective steps towards strengthening peace, promoting brotherhood and combating evil. Israel launched the campaign of genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023. It has killed at least 54,677 Palestinians there so far. In January, the Israeli regime was forced to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas given the regime's failure to achieve any of its objectives, including the "elimination" of the Palestinian resistance movement or the release of captives. The 42-day stage of the truce, which was marred by repeated Israeli violations, expired on March 1, but Israel is refraining from stepping into talks for the second stage of the agreement. On March 18, the regime resumed the strikes on Gaza, breaking the nearly two-month-long ceasefire. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's ambassador to UN condemns 'unfounded' US allegations Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 2:48 AM Iran has categorically condemned the latest allegations made against the Islamic Republic by the United States as "unfounded." Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, commented in a letter to the UN chief and the president of the Security Council on Thursday. The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent" ceasefire 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. Iravani said US' allegations against Iran during the meeting on the UN Security Council "were entirely unfounded, devoid of credibility, or legal foundation." He stressed that Washington's anti-Iran allegations were aimed at shielding the Israeli regime from accountability for its ongoing violations of international law in Gaza. "At a time when the Security Council must act with unity and urgency to end the unparalleled suffering of the Palestinian people, enduring relentless bombardment, forced displacement, famine, and the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, it is regrettable and shameful that the United States has once again chosen to obstruct the Council from fulfilling its mandate and to divert attention through politically motivated accusations against others," he wrote. "This calculated deflection serves a single, cynical purpose: to shield the occupying and illegitimate Israeli regime from accountability for its ongoing and egregious violations of international law," the Iranian diplomat said. "Even more egregiously, the United States' veto of the draft resolution, proposed by the Council's elected members and intended to establish an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire, as well as to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, represents a blatant dereliction and abuse of the responsibilities entrusted to the Security Council under the UN Charter," Iravani stated. "This is not an isolated incident, but rather a continuation of a deeply troubling pattern we have witnessed throughout the past 19 months of Israel's genocidal war against the people of Gaza," he noted. "By once again shielding the occupying regime from accountability, the United States has actively enabled the continuation of a catastrophic military campaign that has already killed tens of thousands of civilians, most of them women and children, and driven Gaza to the edge of absolute collapse," he continued. Iravani emphasized that Iran's principled position in support of the Palestinian people and their legitimate resistance against occupation is fully grounded in the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions. He emphasized that Iran's principled position in support of the Palestinian people and their legitimate resistance against occupation is fully grounded in the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions. Iravani said blaming others for the consequences of Israel's unlawful and brutal campaign is nothing but a willful distortion designed to absolve the Israeli regime of its crimes. "The Islamic Republic of Iran's principled position and support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle and resistance against occupation are fully grounded in the United Nations Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions, in particular numerous Security Council resolutions. Blaming others for the consequences of Israel's unlawful and brutal campaign is nothing but a willful distortion designed to absolve the Israeli regime of its crimes," he pointed out. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Iranian Network Laundering Billions for Regime Through Shadow Banking Scheme U.S. Department of the Treasury June 6, 2025 Updated FinCEN Advisory Highlights Iranian Oil Smuggling, Shadow Banking, and Weapons Procurement Typologies WASHINGTON Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating over 30 individuals and entities tied to Iranian brothers Mansour, Nasser, and Fazlolah Zarringhalam, who have collectively laundered billions of dollars through the international financial system via Iranian exchange houses and foreign front companies under their control as part of Iran's "shadow banking" network. The regime leverages this network to evade sanctions and move money from its oil and petrochemical sales, which help the regime fund its nuclear and missile programs and support its terrorist proxies. Concurrently, Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing an updated Advisory to assist financial institutions in identifying, preventing, and reporting suspicious activity connected with Iranian illicit financial activity, including oil smuggling, shadow banking, and weapons procurement. "Iran's shadow banking system is a critical lifeline for the regime through which it accesses the proceeds from its oil sales, moves money, and funds its destabilizing activities," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Treasury will continue to leverage all available tools to target the critical nodes in this network and disrupt its operations, which enrich the regime's elite and encourage corruption at the expense of the people of Iran." Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which targets Iran's financial and petroleum and petrochemical sectors, and E.O. 13846, and is the first round of sanctions targeting Iranian shadow banking infrastructure since the President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, directing a campaign of maximum pressure on Iran. SHADOW BANKING: THE REGIME'S CLANDESTINE AND CORRUPT SCHEME Iran's shadow banking networks, comprised of numerous financial facilitators like the Zarringhalam brothers, allows sanctioned Iranian persons and military organizations to access the international financial system and facilitate Iran's international exports, the proceeds of which fund Iran's military and its terrorist proxies. The system operates as a parallel banking system in which settlements are brokered through Iran-based exchange houses that use front companies outside of Iran, primarily located in Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates (UAE), to make or receive payments on behalf of sanctioned persons in Iran. To justify payments for sanctioned goods, shadow banking brokers may generate fictitious invoices or transaction details. Front companies are created in jurisdictions with lower levels of regulatory supervision so that they can avoid scrutiny of their business practices or ownership. The shadow banking system negatively impacts the Iranian people as well; Iranian whistleblowers have highlighted instances of Iranian government agents embezzling billions of dollars and other acts of corruption through this banking network. THE ZARRINGHALAM Brothers Through a network of front companies in the UAE and Hong Kong, the Zarringhalam brothers assisted sanctioned regime officials and affiliated businessmen in receiving payments from the sale of petroleum, petroleum products, and other commodities from foreign purchasers. The Zarringhalam network is used by Iran's main oil and petrochemical exporters, as well as the Iranian military, to evade sanctions and send and receive funds related to oil and petrochemical sales. Mansour Zarringhalam (Mansour)and Nasser Zarringhalam (Nasser) operate Iran-based exchange houses Mansour Zarrin Ghalam and Partners Company (also known as GCM Exchange), and Nasser Zarrin Ghalam and Partners Company (also known as Berelian Exchange), respectively, through which they oversee a sprawling network of front companies, largely operating out of the UAE and Hong Kong. These front companies operate accounts in multiple currencies at various banks to facilitate payments for blocked Iranian entities engaged in the sale of Iranian oil and petrochemicals, among other goods, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). For example, GCM Exchange has assisted the IRGC-QF in receiving funds from the U.S.-sanctioned Astan Quds Foundation via money transfers through China and has alsoassisted Astan Quds Foundation and the IRGC-QF in collecting approximately $100 million through currency exchanges. The Nasser-controlled Berelian Exchange has assisted the U.S.-designated National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) in executing financial transactions for over a decade; Nasserworkedwith NIOC to finance the shipment of Iranian crude oil to the former regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria. Berelian Exchange has also facilitated transactions on behalf of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Mansour and Nasser, throughGCM Exchange and Berelian Exchange, have played a particularly significant role laundering money for Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industry Company (PGPIC), Iran's largest petrochemical conglomerate, and its marketing arm Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industry Commercial Co. (PGPICC), both designated in 2019. According to some estimates, Mansour annually managed billions of dollars' worth of currency transactions related to the sale of PGPIC petrochemical products, with the express consent of senior Iranian security officials. Berelian Exchange has employees both in Iran and abroad, including Iran-based Fatemeh Sarlak Kuhi and China-based Yu Zhang, who coordinate Berelian Exchange's transactions and assist in the daily affairs of the company. A third brother, Fazlolah Zarringhalam,operates a third exchange known as Zarrin Ghalam and Partners Company (also known as Zarrin Ghalam Exchange) in Iran. Zarrin Ghalam Exchange has assisted the Central Bank of Iran in exchanging over a hundred million dollars' worth of foreign currencies and has enabled the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) to pay non-Iranian companies employed by NITC. Zarrin Ghalam Exchange has, in coordination with the U.S.-designated Sadaf Exchange, transferred foreign currency on behalf of MODAFL, in addition to transferring funds related to Iranian petrochemical sales and procurement activities. Mansour Zarringhalam, Nasser Zarringhalam, Fazlolah Zarringhalam, Mansour Zarrin Ghalam and Partners Company, Nasser Zarrin Ghalam and Partners Company, and Zarrin Ghalam and Partners Company are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy. Fatemeh Sarlak Kuhi and Yu Zhang are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Berelian Exchange. HONG KONG FRONT COMPANIES The Zarringhalam brothers operate a network of front companies in Hong Kong and the UAE to facilitate international transactions on behalf of Iranian entities. Illicit actors such as the Zarringhalam brothers frequently use Hong Kong or the UAE to establish their cover companies because they are easy to establish and subject to less scrutiny and oversight in these jurisdictions. Hero Companion Limited, Plzcome Limited, and Kinlere Trading Limited have assisted NIOC in receiving millions of dollars in payments for petroleum product sales. In February 2025, Hero Companion Limited facilitated NIOC's receipt of approximately $20 million in payments from petroleum products sold to U.S.-sanctioned Petroquimico FZE. Hero Companion Limited has also been used to obfuscate Iranian shipments of petroleum products to end users in China. In April 2024, Plzcome Limited assisted NIOC in receiving over $9 million dollars in payments for petroleum product sales. Kinlere Trading Limited supported NIOC in receiving over $18 million dollars in payments from the sale of petroleum products. Questano HK Limited and Chunling HK Limited have similarly been used by MODAFL to transfer foreign currency for its economic activities. Kinlere Trading Limited and Yiminai Autoparts Trading Limited have been used by PGPICC to engage in international financial transactions and access foreign currency related to the sale of Iranian petrochemical products. OFAC is also designating the following 11 Hong Kong-based front companies used by both Berelian Exchange and GCM Exchange to conduct money laundering activities. These Hong Kong-based companies have engaged in hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of clandestine financial activity in multiple currencies, including dollars and euros. Bstshesh HK Limited Fitage Limited Gutown Trade Limited Konosag Trading Limited Lastsix Trading Limited Magical Eagle Limited Marlena Trading Limited Prettandy Trading Limited Profu Company Limited Saledige Trading Limited Xia Trading Limited Bstshesh HK Limited, Chunling HK Limited, Fitage Limited, Gutown Trade Limited, Hero Companion Limited, Kinlere Trading Limited, Konosag Trading Limited, Lastsix Trading Limited, Magical Eagle Limited, Marlena Trading Limited, Plzcome Limited, Prettandy Trading Limited, Profu Company Limited, Questano HK Limited, Saledige Trading Limited, Xia Trading Limited, and Yiminai Autoparts Trading Limitedare all being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf, directly or indirectly, Berelian Exchange. UAE FRONT COMPANIES OFAC is also designating five UAE-based front companies that are either owned by, or operate in support of, the Zarringhalam network. Wide Vision General Trading L.L.C and J.S Serenity FZE have been used by Mansour and GCM Exchange for coordinating shadow banking transactions. In 2023, J.S Serenity Trading FZE was used by Mansour to coordinate a brokerage agreement with U.S.-designated Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, a front company for Iran's Armed Forces General Staff and its oil sales activities. Moderate General Trading L.L.C, Ace Petrochem FZE, and Golden Pen General Trading L.L.C have each been used by Nasser and Berelian Exchange as front companies to help sanctioned Iranian entities engage in international financial transactions. For over a decade, Nasser has used Moderate General Trading L.L.C to conduct financial transactions worth millions of dollars on behalf of NIOC and NITC. In 2022, both Ace Petrochem FZE and Moderate General Trading L.L.C were listed in correspondence from Berelian Exchange confirming payments with NITC. Ace Petrochem FZE has also been used by PGPICC as a third-party account in payments to obscure the destination of funds and evade sanctions. Wide Vision General Trading L.L.C is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Mansour Zarringhalam. J.S Serenity FZE is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, GCM Exchange. Golden Pen General Trading L.L.C is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Berelian Exchange and Nasser Zarringhalam. Moderate General Trading L.L.C and Ace Petrochem FZE are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13846 for , on or after November 5, 2018, having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, NITC, an Iranian person included on the SDN List. THE ZARRINGHALAM FAMILY AND ITS ECONOMIC INTERESTS In addition to their significant currency exchange businesses, the Zarringhalam family controls a number of companies involved in various sectors of Iran's economy. OFAC is designating Zarrin Tehran Investment Company, the Zarringhalam family's investment company in Iran, as well as a company active in the oil, gas, and petrochemical fields tied to the Zarringhalams, Kimia Sadr Pasargad Company. OFAC is also designating a number of Zarringhalam family members and associates tied to the Zarringhalam exchanges and other Zarringhalam companies. Mitra Zarringhalam is the CEO of Zarrin Tehran Investment Company and sits on the board of directors with her brothers Fazlolah Zarringhalam and Nasser Zarringhalam. Parvis Soltanizadeh sits on the board of Kimia Sadr Pasargad Company along with Nasser Zarringhalam. Hossein Shetaban and Farahnaz Meshkat sit on the board of directors of Berelian Exchange and GCM Exchange, respectively. Pouria Zarringhalam is a member of the board of directors of an Iranian construction company along with his father, Nasser Zarringhalam. Kimia Sadr Pasargad Company is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy. Parvis Soltanizadeh is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Kimia Sadr Pasargad Company. Hossein Shetaban and Farahnaz Meshkat are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy. Pouria Zarringhalam is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the construction sector of the Iranian economy. Zarrin Tehran Investment Company is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Fazlolah Zarringhalam. Mitra Zarringhalam is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Zarrin Tehran Investment Company. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities with designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List. Click here for more information on the persons designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Courtesy Call on State Minister Fujii by General Randall Reed, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan June 6, 2025 On June 6, 2025, commencing at 5:05 for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a courtesy call from General Randall Reed, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, during his visit to Japan. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows. At the outset, State Minister Fujii welcomed General Reed's visit and stated that the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance is higher than ever in the face of the increasingly severe security environment in the region. In response, General Reed expressed his gratitude for Japan's hosting of U.S. Forces and stated that he will continue to work closely with Japan for peace and stability in the region. Both sides shared serious concerns about the increasingly severe security environment and reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, both sides exchanged views on security and defense cooperation between Japan and the U.S. to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the alliance, and concurred to contribute to strengthening deterrence and response capabilities in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects. June 6, 2025 17:30 Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region The key topic was the launch of new national projects aimed at achieving Russia's national development goals for the period to 2030 and beyond to 2036. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon. In 2025, new national projects were launched. In fact, they represent key and basic tools for creating and shaping the country's future. They consolidate the efforts of all levels of government, business and research circles, our development institutions, and public associations in order to achieve national goals. As you may be aware, these goals have been calculated through 2030 and beyond to 2036, and set in areas such as demography, the environment, improving the well-being of citizens, improving the business climate and creating conditions for self-actualisation, the digitalisation of governance processes, public services, the service sector, and so on. Of course, the big, system-wide work within the national projects is not done from scratch. Based on the results of the previous national projects, even amid the difficult external conditions, we managed to achieve noticeable positive changes in the country's life, to do much for the steady and progressive development of the economy and the social sphere, and to improve the quality of life of Russian families. These findings have been confirmed by the Accounts Chamber's analysis, among others. The Chamber has examined in detail the implementation of national projects from 2019 to 2024, prepared its assessments and recommendations, which, of course, should be taken into account by the Government and our colleagues in the constituent entities of the Federation. Colleagues, we hold meetings of our Council twice a year. As agreed at our previous meeting in December, today we will assess the start of implementing new national projects and their initial, ongoing results. Let me stress that at this initial stage, it is crucial to fully establish the legal and regulatory framework for these national projects, thereby setting transparent working parameters clear for all participants - primarily regions, municipalities, contractors, and local implementers. Equally critical is ensuring their stable, uninterrupted financing. The pace and quality of national projects hinge on how these issues are resolved. Let me reiterate: standards must remain uncompromising from the outset - neither simplifying objectives nor lowering benchmarks to convenient thresholds but rather establishing ambitious yet achievable goals while mobilising all available resources to attain them decisively. In this context, a few words about the quality of national project planning. Statistical data indicates that certain 2030 targets have already been met in this year's first quarter. This is undoubtedly a positive result. For instance, infant mortality has reached a new historic low. Russia now firmly ranks among nations with the most effective neonatal health care systems. Similarly, the proportion of families receiving child support benefits proactively - that is, without the need to fill out applications, submit requests, and so forth - has now come very close to 100 percent, even though the 2030 target was somewhat more modest. On the one hand, these results are certainly commendable and, I believe we can objectively say, inspire pride in the specialists and work teams contributing to this effort. On the other hand, we already need to set new goals. I emphasise - objectively assessing our capabilities yet understanding that we can achieve more. There are other examples as well. They indicate that we must enhance the quality of planning and that not all factors are being accounted for in a timely manner. For example, the national transport mobility project has been launched. It is being implemented for just a few months. However, the government suggests we should review its funding, reducing this year's expenses, as well as financing for means of production - cut it too, and significantly. It is clear that reasons for this may be different, and they are; including the fact that expenses can be transferred from the current year to the next one, and that is what happens in day-to-day work. To tell you the truth, it happens quite often. But the question arises about the quality of the planning that I just mentioned. Let me stress: we are talking about national projects, designed to strengthen our technological sovereignty, and these are such areas as aircraft manufacturing, robotics and the like. As I have already said, this year will largely determine Russia's technological development. It is important to clearly define the areas that will set the pace of growth today and in the long term, as well as development dynamics of industries, regions, and the entire country. We need to clearly determine the areas where genuine global technological leadership must be ensured - the leadership of companies, research centres, and enterprises. I would like to stress that specialised national projects must be aimed at achieving technological leadership not merely in name, but in substance. I ask you to thoroughly analyse this matter ahead of drafting the budget for the next three years. Furthermore, these specialised national projects must be geared towards enhancing technological sovereignty not just in isolated elements, but across entire industries. Such instructions have already been issued, and I would like to hear a report on their implementation in the near future. Another point that is both fundamental and evident: new technological solutions should not be developed only to be shelved. We are all well aware of this, and we discussed this many times. These solutions must be widely adopted and replicated across all sectors. Most importantly, their application must lead to increased competitiveness of Russian goods and services and boost the national economy overall. They should also help make life better and more comfortable for our people. In this regard, I ask all my colleagues in the Government to personally monitor the introduction of new technologies in your areas of responsibility. The key objective here is to adapt the regulatory framework, placing an emphasis on experiments, testing and introducing promising innovations. Colleagues, please expedite the approval of relevant action plans. This matter is especially critical in the development of such sectors as unmanned aerial systems. We are all acutely aware of the risks and consequences should we fall behind in their advancement, particularly when it comes to counter-drone technologies. Let me note that over the recent years our engineers and designers have made noticeable progress. Russian-made drone prototypes and production models were recently displayed at an exhibition in Moscow. They were viewed, inter alia, by foreign leaders, who visited Russia during the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. In certain segments, Russian remotely piloted air systems are already the most advanced in the world, surpassing foreign counterparts. Some of them are copied by foreigners. A special national project is being implemented with a view to increase the output and enhance the quality of unmanned aerial vehicles. We will discuss it today as well. Our aerospace industry must also consolidate its position as a technological flagship. We are proud of the unique achievements by our Soviet and Russian scientists, cosmonauts and all space industry specialists. And we will certainly develop bold and long-term plans in this sector, set the agenda for its comprehensive development for a confident work of rocket builders, spaceship designers and their colleagues from adjacent sectors. The specialised space national project has been prepared and its consideration will also be part of our agenda. We met not long ago and talked about all this. And one more subject, in conclusion. Last December, we talked about the need to include in the national projects some measures of the Far Eastern and Arctic cities' master plans. I know that such work is underway. In the near future, the Government must approve the long-term development plans for 16 key cities in the Arctic. Meanwhile, there are a number of issues that require our special attention. They are primarily related to financing. This is natural, we have discussed all this. In this connection, I think it possible to support the proposal by the Finance Ministry and speak about allocating a special separate maximum permissible amount just for implementing the master plans of the Far Eastern and Arctic cities. It should gradually reach the level of at least five percent of the expenses spent on relevant state programmes in the next six years. This will not require additional funding in general. We just need to look carefully at the programmes and target them at developing this particular region, which is strategically important for Russia. Let us begin. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Citizen Joseph Tater Leaves Russia After Being Held In Psychiatric Clinic By RFE/RL June 06, 2025 US citizen Joseph Tater has left Russia after being detained in Moscow last August on charges of abusing staff at a hotel -- which he denied -- and subsequently moved to a psychiatric clinic, Russia's state news agency TASS reported. Tater was detained in Moscow on August 12, 2024, on a "petty hooliganism" charge and handed a 15-day jail sentence. His detention was then extended as Russia's Investigative Committee launched a probe into a more serious charge of using violence against a police officer. On April 6, a court ordered Tater be removed from pretrial detention and sent for compulsory psychiatric treatment. The court, according to state media, said he was not criminally responsible for his actions after he was diagnosed with a mental disorder. According to TASS, Tater was discharged from the psychiatric clinic on June 6. Unnamed medical sources told TASS the clinic had no reason to keep Tater and released him for outpatient treatment. TASS said Tater was no longer in Russia but that his current whereabouts where unclear. There was no immediate comment by either the US Embassy in Moscow or the State Department in Washington. Earlier, Reuters cited a Kremlin source saying Tater was one of the nine Americans being held in Russia that the United States wanted returned in a prisoner exchange. The information came after Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said such an exchange was discussed by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in their phone call on May 20. Washington and Moscow have already conducted two prisoner swaps since Trump took office in January. In April, Russian-American citizen Ksenia Karelina, who was imprisoned in Russia for donating $51 to a US-based Ukrainian aid charity, was freed by Russia in exchange for Arthur Petrov, a dual German-Russian citizen who allegedly exported sensitive microelectronics. Earlier, in February, the United States released confessed Russian cybercriminal Aleksandr Vinnik in exchange for the American teacher Marc Fogel. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-us-citizen- prisoner-exchange-tater/33435967.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 Video address by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the occasion of Russian Language Day, Moscow, June 6, 2025 6 June 2025 09:03 968-06-06-2025 Friends, My heartfelt wishes go to you on the occasion of Russian Language Day, which takes place annually on the birthday of great Russian poet and writer Alexander Pushkin. The importance of the Russian language as a pillar underlying the Russian civilisation and the whole Russian world can hardly be overestimated. Our "great and mighty" (as it is called) language is among the world's top five most widely spoken languages. It is widely used as an official or working language on international platforms. Its role in the development of scientific, cultural and educational exchanges and people-to-people contacts is enormous. Russian Language Day features on the UN calendar of significant dates as part of the programme for promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity. Spreading the language of Leo Tolstoy and Ivan Turgenev, and Russian culture across the former Soviet Union objectively contributes to the formation of a space of peace, security, economic and humanitarian cooperation in Eurasia. I would like to note the great strides in the joint efforts with our partners to complete the procedures related to the establishment of the International Organisation for the Russian Language that was initiated by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Importantly, all countries without exception, where the Russian language is known and loved, and where the people are willing to study it, are welcome to join it. I look forward to the Organisation becoming operational soon. This year that marks the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. We remember with gratitude that the Red Army soldiers, who saved the world from the horrors of Nazism, defended, among other things, our right to speak our native Russian language. In 1942, outstanding poetess Anna Akhmatova wrote about it in her poem "Courage" as follows: "It is not scary to lie dead under bullets, It is not bitter to be homeless, And we will preserve you, Russian speech, great Russian word. We will carry you free and pure, We'll give you to our grandchildren and save you from captivity. Forever." The "great Russian word" could be seen in denunciatory texts, including at the Nuremberg Tribunal, documenting the atrocities of Nazi war criminals. It strengthened the fighting spirit, brought consolation, and asserted the inevitable victory of good over evil. The works of art created during the Great Patriotic War are rightfully included in the golden collection of the Russian and world culture. Respect for the Russian language, the great culture created on its basis, and the people who speak it are very important for us. We cannot tolerate discrimination, not to mention the open terror against everything Russian that was unleashed by the Kiev regime. The Ukrainian followers of Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevich are systematically and legally exterminating everything that is in any way connected with Russia. The Kiev regime finds the Russian language particularly hateful. It was banned, including by law, from use. Russia will not leave Russians and Russian-speaking people in trouble and will make sure that their legal rights, including the right to speak their native language, are restored in full. We will continue to speak about this pressing problem on international platforms. We will insist on having it resolved as a prerequisite for a lasting peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict. Further strengthening of the position of the Russian language in the world remains among the unconditional priorities of our humanitarian foreign policy. We will continue to do our utmost to meet the needs of our foreign partners in studying and using the Russian language, in obtaining general interest and scientific information in Russian, and in expanding knowledge about Russia. On a final note, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to all those who love the language spoken by Pushkin and who contribute to its preservation and dissemination around the world. Special words of gratitude go to our compatriots who maintain an unbreakable spiritual and linguistic bond with their historical homeland, and who do much to preserve the rich cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of the Russian world. I wish you a happy holiday and all the best. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns Israeli attacks on Syria defense systems and infrastructure IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 6, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the Israeli regime's recent attacks on Syrian defense centers and infrastructures. He said that the Israeli regime's attacks on Syria are an example of aggression against territorial integrity. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson termed these attacks as gross violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental norms of international law. Baqaei pointed out that these attacks are carried out with the aim of destroying and weakening Syria, and is a sign of the dangerous and law-breaking nature of this criminal regime. He stressed the need for the international community to take action to end the occupation of important parts of Syria by the Israeli regime. Baqaei said that the responsibility for escalating insecurity in the region and violating international peace and security, due to the regime's aggression against regional countries, is borne by its Western supporters and arms suppliers, especially the United States. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns Israel's attacks on Syria, says Western supporters 'accountable for escalation' Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 3:22 PM The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Israeli regime's recent attacks on Syria's infrastructure. In a statement on Friday, Esmaeil Baghaei said the Israeli regime's attacks are a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and fundamental norms of the international law. "The Zionist regime's military attacks on Syria are a clear example of aggression against Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity which are being carried out with the purpose of destroying and weakening the Muslim country." He said Israel's airstrikes in Syria exposed the "dangerous and law-breaking nature" of the regime. Baghaei urged the international community to take immediate action to end the Israeli occupation of the Syrian territory. He said Israel's supporters and its Western arm suppliers, especially the United States, are responsible for the escalation of insecurity in the region and the violation of international peace and security as the regime continues to attack regional countries. Israeli artillery units 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. Militant factions, led by the HTS, 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. 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 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/06/06 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Jun. 5 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Jun. 6 (Fri.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 38 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 35 out of 38 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140606_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] 1140606_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan: 5 June 2025 The Prime Minister hosted His Majesty the King of Jordan Abdullah II at Downing Street this afternoon. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 6 June 2025 The Prime Minister hosted His Majesty the King of Jordan Abdullah II at Downing Street this afternoon. The leaders discussed the gravity of the intolerable situation in Gaza, and the concerning developments in the West Bank. The Prime Minister reiterated that if Israel did not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, the UK and its partners would take further concrete actions in response. It was vital a sustainable ceasefire and the release of all hostages was secured, and humanitarian aid was delivered at speed and volume, the Prime Minister added. Both leaders agreed on the importance of the Palestinian Authority's reform agenda as part of the path to a two-state solution and lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The leaders also discussed the wider bilateral relationship between the UK and Jordan, and the opportunity to deepen business and investment links between the two countries. Both looked forward to speaking again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Congress President meets President of Ukraine Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Kyiv (Ukraine) 6 June 2025 A high-level Council of Europe Congress delegation led by President Marc Cools met President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv on 6 June. President Cools reaffirmed that the Congress was proud to be helping Ukraine to preserve local democracy during Russia's war of aggression against the country. "Showing democratic resilience by improving citizens' daily lives and strengthening their trust in public institutions, having strong and vibrant communities is the best answer to those who want to destroy Ukraine," stressed the Congress President. "The work done at local level, democratic innovation and active citizenship show the world that the European democratic spirit, values and identity are thriving in Ukraine and that despite the war and destruction the Ukrainian spirit and identity remain strong," he said. On the same day, President Zelenskyy and President Cools opened the 3rd International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv. "Ukraine's strength and resilience are not only on the battlefield, but also in its town halls, city councils, and local communities," said Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. "I commend the Congress of the Council of Europe for reaffirming this truth in Kyiv today reminding all of us, including President Zelenskyy, that as we look to the future, local democracy is our first line of defence." The Congress delegation also included Vice-President Andrew Boff (United Kingdom, ECR), Deputy Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights Melanie Lepoultier (France, ILDG), Spokesperson on Youth and Co-rapporteur for recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine Veronique Bertholle (France, SOC/G/PD), and Deputy Spokesperson on Migration and Integration Kristoffer Tamsons (Sweden, EPP/CCE). They were accompanied by Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New EUMC chair in video call with Ukrainian armed forces commander-in-chief European External Action Service (EEAS) 06.06.2025 Strategic Communications Chair of the EU Military Committee (EUMC) conducts video call with Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On 5 June 2025, General Sean Clancy conducted a video call with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi. The discussion centered on the current situation with regards to Russia's illegal war of aggression and the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine. During the call, General Clancy reiterated the ongoing, continued and enduring commitment to support Ukraine. General Oleksandr Syrskyi expressed his gratitude for all of the supports received from its' EU partners and wished General Clancy every success in his new role as Chair of the European Union Military Committee. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine says it struck Russian missile unit in Bryansk region People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:02, June 06, 2025 KIEV, June 5 (Xinhua) -- 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 Kiev, 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia retaliates against Ukraine 'terrorist act' with major airstrikes Iran Press TV Friday, 06 June 2025 5:39 PM Russia has launched large-scale retaliatory airstrikes against Ukrainian defense industry sites, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry. The attacks, involving drones and long-range precision-guided weapons launched from air, sea, and land platforms, were described as a response to recent "terrorist acts" carried out by Kiev. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Moscow's overnight strikes targeted "design bureaus, enterprises involved in production and repair of Ukraine's weapons and military equipment, workshops for the assembly of attack drones, flight training centers as well as warehouses of weapons and military equipment." The ministry added that, "The goal of the strike was achieved. All designated facilities were hit." Last week, Ukraine initiated a series of offensives inside Russian territory, reportedly killing at least seven people and injuring more than 120. These operations included the destruction of railway bridges, which led to the derailment of both civilian and freight trains. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the railway sabotage incidents as "undoubtedly a terrorist act" committed by the "illegitimate regime in Kiev," which, he said, is "gradually turning into a terrorist organization." Ukraine's attacks against Russian assets last week are said to have destroyed approximately $7 billion worth of Russian aircraft stationed at bases across the country, including installations as far as Siberia. As part of the operation, Ukraine also launched drone strikes on multiple Russian airbases, targeting long-range, nuclear-capable bombers located in the north and far east of Russia. Russian officials also noted that this was the sixth combined strike against Ukrainian military-related targets since May 31. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address London Court Sets Trial Date For Ukrainians, Romanian Accused In Starmer Arson Attacks By RFE/RL June 06, 2025 A London court set an April trial date for two Ukrainian men charged with orchestrating a series of arson attacks that targeted property linked to Prime Minister Kier Starmer. Neither of the two men -- Roman Lavrynovych and Petro Pochynok-- nor a Romanian man, Stanislav Carpiuc, who is also charged in the case -- entered pleas at the June 6 hearing, held at London's Old Bailey court, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesman told RFE/RL. Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb ordered the three held in custody until their next hearing in October, with a trial date scheduled for April 2026. British counterterrorism police have been investigating how and why the three men, plus an unnamed fourth, allegedly set fire to a car and two houses linked to the British prime minister. No one was injured in any of the blazes, which took place in May. The fourth man was arrested at London's Stansted Airport in connection with the arson earlier this week and released on bail. Starmer has called the incidents "an attack on all of us, on our democracy, and the values we stand for." The Financial Times, citing unnamed government officials, said police were investigating whether Russian intelligence agencies played a role in recruiting the men, perhaps unwittingly. Ukrainian police have said they were cooperating with British and other European law enforcement entities, trying to determine if there was a connection to "foreign intelligence services or other terrorist groups." On June 2, the same day the fourth unidentified man was arrested, Ukraine's military intelligence agency issued an unusual public warning, saying that Russian intelligence agencies had "intensified" efforts to recruit Ukrainians for various tasks. Viktor Yagun, a former deputy director with Ukraine's main security agency, the SBU,told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that Telegram channels and chats -- particularly those geared for job seekers -- are one tool Russian intelligence agencies use to identify and hire people, some unsuspecting. They "are a modern method of attracting people who are in a difficult situation and are trying to somehow find themselves in life," Yagun said "In addition, the same Ukrainians are not looking for work on Polish or British sites but often on Russian-language ones." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/london-britain-arson- starmer-ukraine-russia/33435829.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Hits Seven Ukrainian Military-Industrial Sites in Retaliation for Terror Attacks Sputnik News 20250606 The Russian military inflicted a mass strike on the military targets connected to the Ukrainian armed forces in response to Kiev's terrorist attacks, the Russian Defense MInistry said on Friday. "Last night, in response to the terrorist actions of the Kiev regime, the armed forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike with long-range air, sea, and ground-based high-precision weapons, as well as with strike UAVs against design bureaus, enterprises producing and repairing weapons and military hardware of Ukraine, attack drone assembly workshops, flight training centers, and AFU weapons and military hardware depots," the ministry said on Telegram. Russia carried out six group strikes on the military-industrial complex enterprises and other military facilities of Ukraine in the past week, and all the targets were hit successfully, the ministry added. Russia's Tsentr group of forces has eliminated more than 3,435 Ukrainian soldiers over the past week, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. "The enemy lost over 3,435 troops, 39 armored combat vehicles, including a Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and five US-made M113 armored personnel carriers. [A total of] 44 vehicles and 29 field artillery pieces were destroyed," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Yug group of forces has eliminated more than 1,750 Ukrainian soldiers, while the Zapad group has eliminated over 1,490 Ukrainian troops, the ministry added. Kiev has also lost over 1,565 soldiers in battles with the Sever group and over 1,240 soldiers in battles with the Vostok group over the past week, the statement read. Russian troops have taken control of Fedorovka village in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. "As a result of intensive operations, units of the Vostok Group of Forces liberated Fedorovka (Donetsk People's Republic)," the ministry said on Telegram. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Air Defense Systems Down 174 Ukrainian Drones Overnight Sputnik News 20250606 Russian air defense systems shot down and intercepted 174 Ukrainian drones last night, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. "During the past night from 20:00 Moscow time [17:00 GMT] on June 5 to 04:20 Moscow time on June 6, air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 174 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles of the aircraft type over the territories of the Bryansk, Rostov, Saratov, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Ryazan, Tula, Belgorod, Tambov, Moscow regions and the Republic of Crimea," the ministry said in a statement. Additionally, the air defense systems destroyed three Ukrainian Neptune-MD guided missiles over the Black Sea, the statement read. Air defense forces destroyed two Ukrainian drones in Russia's Tula Region at night, three people were injured, Governor Dmitry Milyayev said. "This past night, air defense units of the Russian Defense Ministry destroyed two Ukrainian aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles that attacked the Tula Region. As a result of the enemy attack, three people were injured," Milyayev wrote on Telegram. He said those injured had been taken to a hospital. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's Drone Attack on Russia Sparks US Debate on Abandoning Zelensky - Reports Sputnik News 20250606 Ukraine's drone attack on Russian strategic airfields prompted discussions within the White House about the possibility of reassessing support for Ukraine, The Atlantic magazine reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter. On Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Kiev had carried out a terrorist attack using FPV drones at airfields in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. All of the attacks on airfields in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were repelled. According to the ministry, the fires that occurred as a result of Ukraine's attacks on airfields in the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions were extinguished, and there were no casualties among the personnel. The surprise Ukrainian attack has reignited President Donald Trump's longstanding dissatisfaction with Volodymyr Zelensky. Following the incident over the weekend, Trump has privately voiced his frustration that the strike could escalate the conflict, complicating his efforts to negotiate a resolution, the report said. Furthermore, the attack has even prompted Trump to rethink the possibility of a trilateral summit involving himself, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He now doubts that such a meeting will take place anytime soon, according to the report. Steve Bannon, a former adviser to US President Donald Trump, said on Tuesday that the Ukrainian attack just before the second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul was an escalatory move by Kiev. Bannon has communicated similar sentiments to senior advisers in the West Wing, according to the report. The Ukrainian attack on Russia also lacked support from Trump's special envoy, Keith Kellogg, who voiced concerns that the strike, involving a component of Russia's nuclear triad, was inherently escalatory. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A 21-year-old woman is currently detained by German authorities after allegedly traveling with cannabis from Thailand. Cameron Bradford, from Hertfordshire County in eastern England, was arrested at Munich Airport in late April, according to German authorities. She remains in custody, though the next steps in the process are unclear. The Sun reported this week that Cameron, a mother of one, had initially planned to fly into London's Heathrow Airport via Singapore, but later changed her flight route. A family friend shared that Cameron had traveled to Thailand alone and posted a photo of her journey on Facebook in April. Bradford raised suspicion after changing her original flight route to one transiting through Germany. Border police at Munich Airport subsequently discovered cannabis in her luggage, leading to her detention while police launched an investigation. Her family had reported her missing when she failed to return to the U.K., only to later be informed that she had been detained in Germany, according to Thaiger. Although Germany legalized cannabis for residents in 2024, it remains illegal for tourists to import or carry cannabis. Bradford now faces at least four months in prison, with formal charges still pending. In February, the U.K.'s Border Force and the National Crime Agency participated in Operation Chaophraya, a cannabis anti-trafficking operation led by the U.K. Home Office at Bangkok Airport. This operation resulted in over two tons of cannabis being seized from transiting passengers, with an estimated value of 6 million (US$8.14 million), the Home Office said in a statement on April 25. Between July of last year and April of this year, over 50 British nationals have been arrested in Thailand for attempted cannabis smuggling, highlighting the importance of deterrence efforts upstream, the Home Office said. The United States of America Continues to Support Ukraine - Andriy Yermak President of Ukraine 6 June 2025 - 23:17 The United States of America continues to support Ukraine, and our state is counting on the U.S. Senate to pass the bill on strengthening sanctions against Russia. This was stated by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak during the United News telethon. He spoke about meetings with representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump's Administration, the State Department, and Congress, which were held during the Ukrainian delegation's visit to the United States. "It was very important to once again feel that America maintains a high level of support for Ukraine. Practically everyone congratulated us on the incredible Operation 'Spiderweb' - they were all impressed. And it gave momentum, and Ukraine was once again at the center of media attention," the Head of the Presidential Office said. Andriy Yermak emphasized that the Ukrainian delegation's visit served as preparation for the meeting between the President of Ukraine and the President of the United States on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, which will take place on 15-17 June in Canada. In addition, discussions were held on continuing military assistance to Ukraine. "There is a shared understanding on this issue, we need to keep working. President Zelenskyy clearly outlined our position: under the signed agreement on economic cooperation, we are also ready to buy some of the equipment, especially missile defense systems, etc.," the Head of the Office of the President noted. He stressed that the members of Congress who participated in the meetings expressed support for the continued provision of military aid and for the sale of weapons for Ukraine to partner states. Andriy Yermak emphasized that Ukraine is counting on the U.S. Senate to pass the bill on strengthening sanctions against Russia and introducing secondary restrictions on countries and companies that help the aggressor state circumvent sanctions. "We hope this new sanctions package will be adopted. But even the process that should begin in the Senate next week will be a very important signal - because everyone understands what it's about. It's quite clearly about reducing Russia's revenues from energy exports, primarily oil," the Head of the Presidential Office concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Russians Constantly Try to Drive Wedges Into the Unity of the World in Order to Prevent Stronger Pressure for Their War - Address by the President President of Ukraine 6 June 2025 - 20:25 Dear Ukrainians! Today, rescue and emergency operations continued all day across various regions and cities of our country. Ternopil, Lutsk, Kyiv and the region, also Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Lviv, Chernihiv, Odesa and Sumy regions. In total, 80 people have been injured - all have received assistance. Unfortunately, there are fatalities. As of now, four people have been confirmed killed - in Kyiv and in Lutsk. My condolences to their families and loved ones. There may still be people trapped under the rubble. Those killed in Kyiv were rescuers who had arrived at the scene after the first strike and were tragically killed by a second Russian strike. Danylo Skadin, Andrii Remennyi, and Pavlo Yezhor - firefighters and rescuers from the 18th State Fire and Rescue Unit. This was a cynical Russian attack on ordinary cities. Over 400 drones, more than 40 missiles were launched. A significant number were shot down - but not all. And, unfortunately, not everyone in the world condemns such attacks. And this is exactly what Putin exploits. He is buying himself time to keep waging war. The Russians constantly try to drive wedges into the unity of the world in order to prevent stronger pressure for their war. We must clearly see the task at hand. Diplomacy must work, security guarantees must be ensured, peace must be established - and for that, initial steps are needed, particularly a ceasefire. Pressure must be applied on Russia to make that happen and to stop the attacks. Today, I received a report from our team that was in the United States this week: our government officials, military leaders, the Office. I was briefed on the meetings held and the negotiations still in preparation. I am grateful to everyone in Congress, the U.S. Administration, and the American media who understand what is happening and how this war can be ended with dignity and in a reliable way. I also held a preparatory meeting with our diplomats regarding events scheduled for June, involving European countries, the G7, and our partners in other parts of the world. All is aimed at upholding Ukraine's independence and ensuring that our resilience remains firm. Thank you. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Peace Is a Task Not Only for National-Level Politicians - The President President of Ukraine 6 June 2025 - 16:50 Strengthening cooperation at the interregional and intermunicipal levels is crucial for achieving a just and sustainable peace, as well as for Ukraine's recovery and European integration. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during his speech at the 3rd International Summit of Cities and Regions "United for Peace and Security," held in Kyiv. The Head of State noted that overnight, Russia once again launched strikes on cities across Ukraine, damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. "This is what the Russian war is - they are waging war against cities and against life itself. Wherever the Russian army has set foot on Ukrainian soil, wherever there is, unfortunately, Russian occupation - normal life has vanished. In some cities, tragically, nothing remains at all - only scorched ruins," he said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that establishing peace is a task not only for national-level politicians, which is why it is vital for mayors and community leaders to contribute as well. He called for support for measures that apply fair pressure on Russia, including the introduction of new, effective sanctions. "The most important thing we can achieve together is ending the war with a dignified peace and establishing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and for all of Europe - so that no one in Europe has to fear being left unprotected. We can do this," the Head of State emphasized. He thanked all participants for their unity with Ukraine, their support for Ukrainians, and their cooperation. Thanks to collaboration with partners from Europe, the United States, and other countries, hundreds of infrastructure facilities have already been rebuilt. This cooperation helped Ukraine get through challenging winters and secure over 7,000 units of energy equipment. For their significant personal contributions to providing charitable and humanitarian assistance amid the Russian Federation's armed aggression, and for their support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, President Zelenskyy presented the Golden Heart award to Veronique Bertholle, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg (France); Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe; Linda Ludmila Mai, Head of the German-Ukrainian organization Blau-Gelbes Kreuz (Germany); Yoshihiko Okabe, Director of the Matsuguchi Tadashi Ukraine Research Center at Kobe Gakuin University and Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Kobe (Japan); Alfred Riedl, Mayor of Grafenworth (Austria); Eirik Lae Solberg, Governing Mayor of Oslo (Norway); and Klen Jaarats, Executive Director of the Estonian Centre for International Development. Volodymyr Zelenskyy established the Golden Heart award in 2022. Since then, this special distinction has been presented by the Head of State to individuals who have made significant contributions to volunteer assistance and the development of the volunteer movement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by the President at the 3rd International Summit of Cities and Regions "United for Peace and Security" President of Ukraine 6 June 2025 - 15:52 Dear attendees, dear representatives of cities and communities - direct representatives of the people, President Jung, President Cools, President Tutto, All representatives of Eurocities, I want to thank you for your unity and for standing with Ukraine - and therefore with all of Europe. Our continent has likely built its strength in just this way - through unity, through peaceful cooperation, and through the resilience and extraordinary potential of European cities and regions. Every part of Europe matters to the whole of Europe - and it is we who prove this through our united efforts and mutual respect. Today, those of you who are in Ukraine - right here - witnessed yet another brutal Russian attack against Ukrainian cities across the entire territory of our state: from Chernihiv in the North of our country to Lutsk in the West, from Kyiv to our southern regions. Over just this one night, there were more than 400 attack drones and over 40 missiles - including ballistic missiles. With this strike, the Russians damaged residential buildings and ordinary, of course, ordinary city infrastructure in Kyiv. In Lutsk, Volyn region, an ordinary hotel where Ukrainian athletes were staying was destroyed. In other regions, residential infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and industrial enterprises were damaged, unfortunately. The Russians even burned down yet another warehouse with humanitarian aid. This is what the Russian war is - they are waging war against cities and against life itself. Wherever the Russian army has set foot on Ukrainian soil, wherever there is, unfortunately, Russian occupation - normal life has vanished. In some cities, tragically, nothing remains at all - only scorched ruins. Once lively cities and towns in the Donetsk region - industrial cities like Mariupol, for example - are now barely alive. And in place of many Ukrainian cities and villages there is simply dead land. This is what Russia is - this is what it does best: killing and destroying. We must stop it together. Peace is a task not only for national-level politicians. We need the truth that mayors - and, very importantly, community leaders - can convey to their people. We need political work for peace to be supported at the level of local self-government as well. We need cities and communities to be able to support one another. And I thank you for the fact that this is truly happening. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is here, to those joining us online, to those listening now or who will watch a bit later - thank you for your support! Over the years of this war, many of you have truly given strong support to Ukraine, to our communities, to Ukrainians - to individuals, families, children - to all of us. We are deeply grateful for that. You are helping our resilience, helping people survive, endure, and stand strong. You are helping with recovery - and of course, full recovery is an enormous task, but we are already taking concrete steps. Hundreds of infrastructure facilities have already been rebuilt together with our friends in Europe, with our friends and partners in various countries, in the United States - thanks to cooperation between regions and cities. I am especially grateful to those of you who helped us get through the winters of this war - when the Russians did everything they could to plunge us into blackout. Thanks to our cooperation, we received over 7,000 units of energy equipment, and there are already 454 projects in alternative energy underway. We deeply value our cooperation in the field of cultural diplomacy and in supporting our people who, during the war, have found refuge in your cities and communities - our people among yours. Refuge truly matters, and I thank you for showing respect for Ukrainians, despite the length of this war. Thank you. And thank you for our shared understanding that Ukraine will undoubtedly become a full member of the European Union. We see how much Ukraine can offer to all of Europe - our experience, our aspiration to be free, our ability to provide a foundation for unity - all of this is undoubtedly needed by Europe, and by the European Union in particular. This year, we truly need progress in the accession negotiations - and I want to thank each and every one of you who supports us on this path. The most important thing we can achieve together is ending the war with a dignified peace and establishing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and for all of Europe - so that no one in Europe has to fear being left unprotected. We can do this. Please support all efforts aimed at exerting entirely justified pressure on Russia - support diplomatic efforts, political and economic pressure. Please call for new and effective sanctions against Russia, against their regime - for the sake of stopping the killings and strikes, for the sake of achieving a true peace, for the sake of making sure that Russia's accountability for the war is truly felt - felt in Moscow. We need resolve at all levels - and the more cities and communities speak out about this, the better. Resolve so that no one ever again dares to repeat what the Russians are doing to Ukraine and Ukrainians - and so that the Russians are forced to seek peace. Right now, they are looking for ways to drag this war out even further and, in my view, what they are doing is bargaining for it. They must feel that peace is necessary. Please help us not only with resilience, but also with important political efforts for the sake of peace. Once again, I want to thank all of you for being here today, in Ukraine - and not only today. Thank you for standing with, perhaps, one of the freest and strongest countries throughout this time, this difficult time. Thank you for standing with Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains FSB agents who adjusted russian strikes on Dnipro Security Service of Ukraine 11:00, 6 June 2025 In Dnipropetrovsk oblast, the SSU Counterintelligence has apprehended another two FSB agents who were adjusting russian air strikes on the region. The individuals were recruited via Telegram when they were looking for quick money. The assets acted separately but had one common handler. His identity has already been established by the SSU. One of the detained is a 47-year-old former employee of a local defense enterprise who, on FSB's orders, was searching for combat positions of anti-aircraft missile and radar systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The traitor also passed to the occupiers the coordinates of repair bases and other logistics centers of the Defense Forces. Another enemy agent is a 54-year-old car park security guard from Dnipro. For the russian special service, he drove around the outskirts of the city, trying to locate the positions of Ukrainian air defense units. In addition to reconnaissance sorties, the spy elicited the necessary information from acquaintances during seemingly common conversations. During the searches, phones with evidence of working for russia were seized from the suspects. SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU - high treason committed, under martial law). The suspects are in custody without bail and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of Donetsk Region Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address After A Barrage Of Attacks On Ukraine Last Night And Over 1000 Days Into Ukraine's Fight For Freedom, Shaheen and Schumer Lead Legislation Calling For Administration To Transfer Additional Air Defense Systems To Ukraine; Reaffirm Continued Support For Our Ally In Crucial Time Of War U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Published: June 06, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Following President Trump announcing that Putin was planning a massive attack on Ukraine, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee joined Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), along with Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Chris Coons (D-DE), to introduce legislation that would encourage the administration to quickly identify additional air defense systems that could be transferred to Ukraine to provide a layered defense against further Russian attacks and save civilian lives. This week, President Trump announced that he spoke to President Putin for over an hour where Putin revealed he planned to retaliate against Ukraine for Ukraine's successful attack against Russian military assets. Overnight, that attack became a reality as Putin launched an aerial assault consisting of missiles and drones, which claimed the lives of multiple civilians, and injured many more. In a strong affirmation of U.S. support for Ukraine, Ranking Member Shaheen and her colleagues introduced the following resolution to promote the need for sustainable security assistance to Ukraine to provide a credible defense and deterrence against horrific Russian aerial attacks by expediting already-approved air defense systems. The legislation is co-sponsored by other top Democratic leaders on the national security committees, including Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed (D-RI), Vice Chair of the Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Chris Coons (D-DE). The Ukraine Air Defense Resolution would push the Trump administration to use the existing authority that Congress provided in the 2024 National Security Supplemental to identify additional air defense capabilities, especially advanced PATRIOT air defense interceptors; National Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMs); and radar guided air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs), within existing United States stocks for transfer to Ukraine to provide a layered defense against Russian attacks. The resolution also calls on the President to rapidly approve the re-export of available United States air defense systems that are currently owned by our allies and partners they can provide them for the defense of civilians in Ukraine. Only sophisticated U.S. air defense systems have proven effective against the increasingly deadly Russian ballistic missile attacks. Ukraine does not have enough of these air defense systems, especially the interceptors. Getting more of these advanced air defense systems is a matter of life or death for the people of Ukraine. Even Secretary Marco Rubio in congressional testimony, on May 20th, 2025, cited Ukraine's need for additional air defenses, noting that "to the extent that the Ukrainians have asked for anything additional, what they've asked for is air defenses." Congress has already authorized and appropriated more funding for these advanced missile defense systems. The administration must work immediately and expeditiously to transfer these life-saving systems. The full resolution text can be found here. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denver, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BrainDefender Research today announced the launch of BrainDefender Memory Support Supplement, a new cognitive wellness formula developed to support focus, mental clarity, and memory in adults. Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility in the United States, the product is designed for individuals seeking to maintain healthy cognitive function through natural, plant-based supplementation. The new formula features a combination of Ginkgo Biloba, Bacopa Monnieri, Huperzine-A, Phosphatidylserine, and N-Acetyl-L-Carnitineingredients that have each been individually studied for their potential roles in brain function. BrainDefender Research emphasizes that the supplement is intended for use as part of a wellness routine to support cognitive performance and healthy aging. Consumer interest in natural brain support has grown significantly in recent years, said a spokesperson for BrainDefender Research. We developed this product to offer adults a well-rounded option for supporting mental clarity, focus, and memory performance using recognizable, research-supported ingredients. The company recommends consistent daily use over a 90-day period for best results and offers a 60-day refund policy for customer satisfaction. The product is available for purchase in 30-day, 90-day, and 180-day supply options to accommodate individual wellness goals. Availability BrainDefender Memory Support Supplement can be ordered directly through the companys official website and is also offered via the ClickBank platform. Domestic orders are typically delivered within 57 business days, while international shipping may take 1012 business days. About BrainDefender Research BrainDefender Research is a U.S.-based wellness company focused on the development of cognitive support supplements using plant-based ingredients. All products are manufactured in GMP-certified facilities to ensure quality and safety in every batch. Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individuals should consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement routine, especially if taking medications or managing a medical condition. Media Contact Complete Incompetence at the Board Level Results in Fire Sale of Treasured MediPharm Asset, the Hope Facility, to a Competitor Hope Facility was One of Canadas Best Cultivation Assets Before it was Acquired by MediPharm, Grossly Mismanaged, and Ultimately Shut Down in 2024 MediPharm Labs Board is Pursuing its Worst Deal Yet: A Highly Dilutive NO CASH Sale of the Remaining Company Apollo has a Concrete and Achievable Plan to Drive MediPharms Share Price from Nearly $0.06 to Over $1.00, Restoring Value to its Loyal Shareholders SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO VOTE THE GOLD CARD FOR APOLLO CAPITALS SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND NOT VOTE MEDIPHARMs GREEN CARD TORONTO, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Technology Capital Corporation ("Apollo Capital"), one of MediPharm Labs (MediPharm) largest investors, warns MediPharm shareholders that the Companys current leadership is continuing its pursuit of value destructive M&A, with the ultimate goal of a non-cash dilutive sale of the entire company. A sale of the Company which would trigger over $5M in change of control and other payments to current management. Its a travesty for shareholders to have what is believed to be a $12M asset sold for just $4.5M, likely netting shareholders less than $4M after fees and expenses. Worse still, the acquirer will wisely use the facility to produce cannabis for export that will directly compete with MediPharm in Europe, says Regan McGee of Apollo Capital. Yesterdays fire sale announcement makes it crystal clear that MediPharms Board has no actual value creation strategy, just a desire to sell off MediPharms assets at shareholders expense to keep paying themselves at 500% above market norms. Is MediPharm pursuing growth facilities as a strategy or not? Is the Napanee facility the next fire sale we will see to a competitor? questions Regan McGee of Apollo Capital. Apollo expects the scaling of MediPharms Napanee facility to cost shareholders significantly more than what the buyer of the Hope Facility will spend to achieve real profitability. Apollo expects the scaling of MediPharm's Napanee facility to cost between $3 million and $5 million and take 12 to 18 months to generate revenue. Apollo notes MediPharm's management team does not have cultivation experience, which could result in millions of investment dollars needed before it provides a return, if ever. The Hope Facility, formerly known as CannaFarms, was built by the highly respected Laflamme family to be one of the first licensed facilities in Canada. As exceptional visionaries, the Laflamme family built a world-class facility at immense personal cost to service patients in need, including military veterans. After nearly a decade of strong operational success as a positive driver for the community, MediPharm leadership not only failed to realize the value of its acquisition, but handed its assets to a competitor for well below market value. This sale is a tragic outcome for MediPharm shareholders. CEO David Pidduck has sold off MediPharms Hope. Apollo Capital asks: Why did the Board fail to capitalize on the value of the operational and profitable Hope Facility, as MediPharms competitor plans to? How will the MediPharm and its shareholders pay for ill-advised investments in cultivation? How will MediPharm avoid insolvency, given CEO Pidducks current strategy? Is the Board pursuing a highly dilutive sale of the Company that will destroy remaining shareholder value? In the case of such a transaction, how many millions of dollars of the shareholders money will go directly to the compensation of management? Apollo Capital has invested significant capital into MediPharm and nominated highly qualified director candidates who can drive the urgent change needed and propel share price over $1.00. For more information, see our strategic five-pillar plan at www.curemedipharm.com. Apollo urges shareholders to save their investments and vote the GOLD CARD by June 13, 2025. Shareholders are urged to NOT sign or return the green proxy cards sent by the Company. Contacts For Shareholders: Carson Proxy North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189 Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted) E: info@carsonproxy.com For Media: media@curemedipharm.com This solicitation is being made by and on behalf of the Concerned Shareholder, who, as of the date of this Circular, beneficially owns or controls, directly and indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nobul Technologies Inc., 12,491,500 common shares of the Company (Common Shares), representing approximately 3% of the total Common Shares issued and outstanding, and not by the management of the Company (Management). Legal Disclosures Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law In connection with the annual general and special meeting (the Annual Meeting) of shareholders of MediPharm, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular dated May 15, 2025 (the Circular), as amended and supplemented by an addendum to the Circular subsequently filed by the Concerned Stakeholder dated June 4, 2025 (the Addendum and together with the Circular, the Amended Circular), each in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. The Concerned Stakeholder has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (NI 51-102) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Amended Circular, available under MediPharms profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Amended Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of the Concerned Stakeholders director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Amended Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharms profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1. SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE AMENDED CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharms profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and other relevant documents by contacting the Concerned Stakeholders proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (Carson Proxy) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com. Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholders attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting. The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by the Concerned Stakeholder and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting. This press release and any solicitation made by the Concerned Stakeholder is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of the Concerned Stakeholder who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, the Concerned Stakeholder may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf. Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Concerned Stakeholder for the Annual Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee from Apollo Capital not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (G&Co) to act as communications consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that the Concerned Stakeholders nominees make up a majority of the board of directors of MediPharm (the Board) following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses. Anteris Advisors, LLC (Anteris) has also been retained by Apollo Capital to act as strategic consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain activism strategy, material creation and strategic communications services, for which Anteris will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$100,000 in addition to a success fee of US$100,000 in the event that one or more of the Concerned Stakeholders nominees are appointed or elected to the Board following the Annual Meeting or as a result of any settlement or arrangement, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Companys last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Companys affiliates. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors and the election of directors to the Board. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forwardlooking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forwardlooking, and the words anticipate, believe, expect, estimate, plan, and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forwardlooking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Concerned Stakeholder and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Concerned Stakeholder disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which the Concerned Stakeholder hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law. Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, June 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Victims killed in crashes involving alcohol, cannabis and/or other drugs will be honoured today during a ceremony hosted by MADD Canada at the Saskatchewan Provincial Monument in Saskatoon. Families and friends of victims will be joined by community members and special guests for the remembrance ceremony. The Monument, located on the grounds of Saskatoon City Hall, is etched with the names of 69 victims, including two new names added this year. Every life represented here mattered deeply to their families, to their friends, and to the communities that grieve their loss, said Tanya Hansen Pratt, National President of MADD Canada. Todays ceremony reminds us of the lives behind the impaired driving statistics and the importance of preventing this heartbreak for others. Special guests will be attending the ceremony today, including The Honourable Tracy Muggli, Senator for Saskatchewan; The Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Advanced Education; Ward 10 City Councillor, Zach Jeffries; Deputy Chief Saskatoon Police Service, Darren Pringle; Saskatoon Fire Deputy Chief, Yvonne Raymer; and Superintendent Grant St. Germaine, RCMP Traffic Services. Following the lighting of candles in honour of each victim, families and friends will attend the unveiling of the new names that have been etched on the Monument. MADD Canada thanks the City of Saskatoon for supporting the creation of the Saskatchewan Provincial Monument and the annual ceremonies. Since 2009, MADD Canada has established Memorial Monuments for victims of impaired driving in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario. Ceremonies are held each year to unveil new names added to the Monuments and to pay tribute to all victims. We are currently working to establish Memorial Monuments in Prince Edward Island and British Columbia. About MADD Canada MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in close to 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. For more information, visit www.madd.ca. For more information, contact: Arielle Nkongmeneck, MADD Canada Communications Manager, 1-800-665-6233 ext. 240 or ankongmeneck@madd.ca New York, NY, June 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goldstein Patent Law, a national leader in patent law, is happy to announce it has recently published a new article on How to patent an idea. Leveraging the expertise and nearly 30 years of experience from the founder of the law firm and principal patent attorney Rich Goldstein, the new insights answer the question, Can a concept be patented? and help to demystify IP rights, how to secure patent protection and how intellectual property attorneys can help navigate the process. With intellectual property (IP) as the only focus, Goldstein Patent Law has helped create over 2,000 patents, including products that have been sold in major national retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Urban Outfitters. From 10,000 patent attorneys in the US, Rich Goldstein was asked by The American Bar Association (ABA) to write The ABA Consumer Guide to Obtaining a Patent. The distinguished attorney employs the same client-focused approach and use of plain English in the new article to provide a comprehensive resource for entrepreneurs and innovators interested in patenting their ideas. At Goldstein Patent Law, were on a mission to connect, protect, and educate. We exist to help you protect your valuable idea with a custom legal strategy, said Mr. Goldstein. Unlike many other law firms, we bring more than 40 years of business acumen. We understand the entrepreneurial landscape and how your patent may fit into it. A patent offers individuals a competitive advantage to help secure their market position. By obtaining a patent, they can legally prevent others from making, using, or selling an invention without permission. Additionally, by protecting their intellectual property, creators can increase the value of their business and potentially attract investors, partners, or buyers. Some of the core points highlighted in Goldstein Patent Laws new article on how to patent an idea include: How Can the Patent Law Protect a Concept? From detailing the four categories that help to determine if an idea is patentable (machine, manufacture, composition of matter, and process) to explaining how to distinguish prior art or distinctiveness, Goldstein Patent Law shows how an individual can work out if their idea meets the criteria for a patent. How Can I Protect My Idea in the Patent Process? The patent system aims to provide patent protection for novel, non-obvious, and useful inventions. The law firms article outlines the 8 steps creators should take in the patent process to protect their ideas. These are: Transform Concepts into Inventions Conduct a Preliminary Patent Search Connect With a Patent Law Professional Craft a Compelling Patent Application Create a Prototype and Test Your Invention Set a Dialogue With the Patent Office Strengthen Your Patent Application Using Office Actions Manage Patent Litigation How Can I Maximize the Value of a Patented Invention? Effective patent protection provides a competitive advantage that can drive business growth and success through strategic diversification of existing patents. By maximizing a patents value through Patent Rights Enforcement, Licensing, and Commercialization, as well as International Patent Protection and Continuous Innovation Intellectual Property Portfolio Management, individuals can establish a strong foundation for innovation and expansion. Our firm was built with your needs in mind. We exist to help you multiply the value of your ideas. We do this through a simplified process, experienced guidance, boutique-style service, and a simple flat-fee pricing structure. From software patents to product trademarks, we have the experience to protect your valuable ideas, added Mr. Goldstein. The law firm encourages individuals interested in reading the full article to visit the Goldstein Patent Law website, where they can also book a free strategy call today to find the best path to protect their valuable idea. About Goldstein Patent Law With nearly 30 years of experience and a renowned national reputation as a leader in patent law, Goldstein Patent Law offers a premier, boutique-style approach to serving clients. Led by founder and principal patent attorney Rich Goldstein, the law firm helps creators and innovators protect their valuable ideas with customized legal strategies tailored to their unique business goals. More Information To learn more about Goldstein Patent Law and its new article on How to patent an idea, please visit the website at https://www.goldsteinpatentlaw.com/. https://thenewsfront.com/goldstein-patent-law-publishes-insights-on-how-to-patent-an-idea/ Vietnam and Estonia have signed an agreement to cooperate in areas including digital infrastructure development, technology application, and training of high-quality human resources. The memorandum of understanding, signed by Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology and Estonias Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs on Friday, was witnessed by the prime ministers of both countries. Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung had earlier held a bilateral meeting in Tallinn with Kristina Kallas, Estonias Minister of Education and Research. The two discussed opportunities for cooperation in education, research, and the development of information and communications technology (ICT). A memorandum of understanding was signed by Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung (leftmost) and Estonias Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (rightmost), who represented Estonia's Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, on June 6, 2025, as witnessed by Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (middle left) and Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Photo by VGP PM Chinh, at a VietnamEstonia business forum in Tallinn also on Friday as part of his official visit to Estonia, noted that his earlier talks with Estonian PM Kristen Michal was highly successful, with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation across all sectors, particularly fostering political relations as a foundation for expanding economic ties. Providing an overview of Vietnams current development, the PM highlighted the Southeast Asian country's strategic breakthroughs in institutional reform, infrastructure development, and human resources training. He also emphasized Vietnams shift from a passive, bureaucratic approach to a proactive, service-oriented apparatus, aiming to transform the nation into a high-income developed country by 2045. In the immediate term, Vietnam is targeting GDP growth of over 8% in 2025 and double-digit growth in subsequent years. PM Chinh called on businesses of both countries to strengthen ties, listen to each other, share visions and actions, and jointly strive for mutual success, happiness, and pride. The PM urged Estonian firms to support and partner with the Vietnamese Government and enterprises to expand investment in areas of mutual potential. He also advocated for proactive, innovative, and modern cooperation strategies that are diverse, transparent, and sustainable. PM Chinh reaffirmed Vietnams commitment to creating favorable conditions for all investors, pledging continued government support for successful, long-term, and sustainable foreign investment in the Southeast Asian country. He expressed his hope that businesses from both nations will find success in each other's country, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of both Vietnam and Estonia, and to peace, stability, and prosperity in their respective regions and beyond. At the forum, leaders of ministries, sectors, business associations, and companies from both countries presented their respective strengths and investment priorities, while exchanging ideas to boost economic, trade, and investment ties. Despite the positive trajectory of VietnamEstonia relations, participants noted that bilateral trade remains modest, reaching only US$73.8 million in 2024. Currently, 35 Estonian companies are operating in Vietnam, with five valid direct investment projects totaling $280,000. Delegates agreed that Vietnam, located in a dynamic and fast-growing economic region, and Estonia, a global leader in digital transformation, are well-positioned to complement each other. Both sides expressed their readiness to act as gateways to their respective regional markets. Recognizing the role of businesses in driving bilateral cooperation, delegates pledged to enhance connectivity by organizing business delegations to explore mutual investment opportunities, especially in science, technology, digital transformation, energy, and aviation. Image Description: Sidd Mahajan is the founder and managing director of Tulip Real Estate LONDON, June 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a landmark move that solidifies its presence in the UKs luxury hotel market, Tulip Real Estate, led by founder and managing director Sidd Mahajan, has acquired the prestigious 5-star Hilton London Syon Park for approximately 30 million. Image Description: Hilton London, Syon Park Hilton London Syon Park: A Jewel in West London Located within the historic 200-acre Syon Park Estate near Brentford, the Hilton London Syon Park is a standout destination in West Londons high-end hospitality scene. Overlooking Syon House, the Duke of Northumberlands historic residence, and bordering Richmond Park, this 137-room luxury spa hotel offers a serene yet accessible escape for affluent travelers and is a top choice for high-end Indian destination weddings. Initially opened as a Waldorf Astoria during the 2012 London Olympics, the hotel was repositioned as a deluxe Hilton in 2019. Its long-standing reputation for elegance and service made it a prime acquisition target. Strategic Transaction with Lone Star The property was acquired from American investment fund Lone Star, which had taken control of the asset as part of a four-property portfolio earlier this year. Asset management during the transitional phase was handled by Hudson, with Tulip stepping in as the new owner. This 30 million transaction is a significant milestone for Tulip Real Estate, highlighting its expanding ambitions in premium real estate investments. Tulips Growing Heritage Portfolio and Refurbishment Legacy Beyond modern luxury assets, Tulip Real Estate has also demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving and revitalizing the UKs historic properties. The group owns and operates several landmark heritage hotels, including: Warbrook House Heritage Hotel An almost 300-year-old property that recently earned the distinction of "Highly Recommended Country Wedding Venue" in the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards. Whately Hall Hotel An almost 400-year-old establishment that remains a favourite for guests seeking classic British charm and history. A portfolio of formerly derelict properties, which were acquired from previous owners and meticulously refurbished to bring them back to life, combining historic preservation with modern luxury. A Powerful Partnership Structure This acquisition also represents Tulips first major hotel partnership in the UK, executed via a joint venture with a leading operator that currently manages six luxury hotels across the country. Operational management of Hilton London Syon Park will be handled by Countrywide Hotels, bringing in their specialized experience in high-end hospitality operations. Strategic Significance For Sidd Mahajan and Tulip Real Estate, the Hilton Syon Park acquisition is a defining step forward: It is their first Hilton-branded hotel in the UK. It represents a significant joint venture with experienced hospitality partners. It reinforces Tulip's strategic move into luxury hospitality, complementing their existing portfolio of historically significant properties. Tulip Real Estate continues to strengthen its footprint across the UK, blending modern hospitality investment with a deep respect for British heritage. With its mix of revitalized historic properties and newly acquired luxury assets, Tulip is positioning itself as an emerging force in the UKs premium hospitality sector. Sidd Mahajan is the founder and managing director of Tulip Real Estate, a leading property consultancy specializing in UK residential and commercial real estate investments. Company name: Tulip Real Estate Email: info@tuliprealestate.co.uk Website: https://tuliprealestate.co.uk City: London Country: UK Contact Person Name: Nikita Shah Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Tulip Real Estate. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52d87bcc-d909-48ef-aa75-eee30d84e0c5 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/64582785-29e2-462d-a8fe-ee3939d7cfd3 FORT LAUDERDALE, June 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Super Feels Kava Kratom Shot, a plant-based wellness solution developed by Super Speciosa, has updated its official website to share new information about its daily supplement formulated to support mood balance and natural relaxation in adults. Now available across the U.S., the convenient liquid shot is designed for individuals seeking a natural, on-the-go wellness solution rooted in traditional botanicals. According to the official product website (https://superspeciosa.com/products/super-feels-kava-kratom-shot), Super Feels is intended to work in harmony with the bodys systems to support a sense of calm and well-being through its unique combination of kratom leaf extract and noble kava root. The company positions the product as a ready-to-use formula that easily integrates into modern lifestyles without the need for pills or powders. We wanted to create something portable, natural, and approachablesomething people can use to help manage lifes daily stressors in a more mindful way, said a spokesperson for Super Speciosa. This product reflects our commitment to clean formulation and botanical tradition. The company states that Super Feels Kava Kratom Shot is manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities that prioritize rigorous quality control and ingredient sourcing. It is crafted to meet the needs of adults seeking a plant-based option to support relaxation and mental clarity without artificial additives. As noted on the product website, Super Feels includes a satisfaction guarantee for first-time buyers. Those interested in exploring the formulations functional use cases or ordering directly can access detailed information, customer FAQs, and secure checkout at the official site. About Super Feels by Super Speciosa Super Feels is part of Super Speciosa, a Florida-based wellness brand dedicated to premium kratom and herbal-based solutions. With a focus on transparency and natural sourcing, the company creates functional plant-based products that support modern wellness goals. Product and Contact Information Brand: Super Feels by Super Speciosa Website: https://superspeciosa.com/products/super-feels-kava-kratom-shot Email: support@superspeciosa.com Phone: +1 (888) 958-5401 Mailing Address: 727 NE 3rd Ave, Suite 201, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA Disclaimer This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The statements made about this product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Individual results may vary. Consumers should consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new dietary supplement. Wilmington, June 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brain Song, a digital wellness experience by Binaural Technologies, has updated its official website to showcase a breakthrough audio supplement designed to support clarity, focus, and memory in adults. Now available in the U.S., the newly enhanced platform introduces a 7-minute memory soundwave, offering individuals a natural, non-invasive method to optimize mental performance. According to the official product website (www.brainsongoriginal.com), The Brain Song is a daily-use audio program created to work in sync with the bodys neural rhythmshelping listeners reduce mental clutter, improve presence, and feel more cognitively aligned. The new soundwave is positioned as a standalone digital ritual that can be accessed via mobile or desktop, without the need for pills, powders, or physical supplements. Our goal is to help people clear their minds and reconnect with focuswithout ingesting anything, said a spokesperson for Binaural Technologies. This audio experience reflects our vision for accessible, technology-driven wellness thats rooted in neuroscience and simplicity. Binaural Technologies affirms that The Brain Song is engineered using advanced sound design principles, including entrainment techniques aligned with memory and concentration patterns. The platform aims to support common wellness goals like cognitive sharpness, calm attention, and improved daily rhythm. As noted on the product website, The Brain Song is backed by a satisfaction guarantee for new users. Full access instructions, FAQs, and purchasing details are now available on the updated site. About Brain Song The Brain Song is a digital wellness innovation from Binaural Technologies, a Delaware-based brand specializing in audio solutions for mental clarity and focus. Designed to support natural brainwave alignment and mindfulness, The Brain Song offers a simple, effective tool for adults seeking cognitive support through sound. Product and Contact Information Brand: Binaural Technologies The Brain Song Website: https://brainsongoriginal.com Email: support@BrainSongOfficial.com Mailing Address: 2810 North Church Street, Wilmington, DE 19802, USA Disclaimer This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The statements made about this product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Individual results may vary. Consumers should consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new health regimen. BALTIMORE, June 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New briefing claims President Trump has quietly deployed the most advanced artificial intelligence system in U.S. history and handed the keys to Elon Musk. In a recently surfaced briefing, tech entrepreneur and author James Altucher alleges that Donald Trumps first move back in the Oval Office was more than symbolic it was tactical. According to Altucher, Trumps repeal of Bidens AI executive order set off a hidden chain reaction that gave Elon Musk the freedom to unleash a classified project known as Project Colossus an AI facility located in Memphis, Tennessee that may now house the most powerful supercomputer on Earth. The Fastest Supercomputer on the Planet It contains not just one or two but 200,000 units of Nvidias all-powerful AI chips making it the most advanced AI facility known to man. The fastest supercomputer on the planet. Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO Altucher says the facility is growing fast with rumors Musk plans to double its processing power within weeks. A Quiet Reversal. A Bold New Doctrine. In one of his FIRST acts as President Donald Trump overturned Executive Order #14110 . That order signed by Biden had imposed regulatory constraints on advanced AI. Altucher claims the reversal was calculated, opening the door for private actors like Musk to move without delay or oversight. Trump later followed with a $500 billion initiative dubbed Stargate , focused on expanding Americas AI infrastructure. Beyond Chatbots Toward Supremacy Altucher argues that whats being built isnt just faster software its a new class of intelligence entirely. AI 2.0 gives that knowledge to intelligent machines that I believe will solve our problems for us. He says July 1 could mark a critical turning point, when Musk unveils a 10X expansion to Colossus potentially redefining U.S. dominance in AI for decades. About James Altucher James Altucher is a computer scientist, bestselling author, and entrepreneur who has worked in AI for over 40 years. He has advised tech firms, built AI trading systems, and contributed to IBMs Deep Blue supercomputer project. His latest research focuses on the convergence of AI, national policy, and private innovation. CALGARY, June 06, 2025 - Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG | FRA: SS60) ("Pan American" or the "Company") announces, further to its news release of May 29, 2024, that it has issued, 205,841 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Settlement Shares"), at a deemed value of $0.20 per Settlement Share, in full and final settlement of accrued and outstanding debt to certain creditors of the Company in the aggregate amount of $441,168.50 (the "Debt Settlement Transactions"). All securities issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement Transactions are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on October 7, 2025, being the date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation. About Pan American Energy Corp. Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG) (FSE: SS60) is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties containing battery metals in North America. The Company has executed an option agreement in Canada with Magabra Resources pursuant to which it has acquired a 75% interest in the Big Mack Lithium Project, 80 km north of Kenora, Ontario. The Company can earn an additional 15% interest in Big Mack, for a total of 90% interest. To register for investor updates, please visit https://panam-energy.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Adrian Lamoureaux Chief Executive Officer Contact Phone:(587)885-5970 Email: info@panam-energy.com Cautionary Note 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. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Debt Settlement Transactions, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including the assumption that the Canadian Securities Exchange will accept the terms of the Debt Settlement Transactions and that the Debt Settlement Transaction will proceed as currently anticipated. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that the Debt Settlement Transaction does not close, including as a result of failure to receive the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange for the Debt Settlement Transaction; risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined and the risk that exploration and development activities will cost more than the amount budgeted for such activities by the Company; access and supply risks; operational risks; regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits; financing, capitalization and liquidity risks; and title and environmental risks. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. Vancouver, June 6, 2025 - Rusoro Mining Ltd. (TSXV: RML) (the "Company" or "Rusoro") is pleased to announce that, subject to regulatory approval, it has granted incentive stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company to acquire an aggregate of 30,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.92 (the "Options") in accordance with its 10% rolling Incentive Stock Option Plan. All Options are fully vested as at the date of grant and exercisable for a 10-year term expiring June 6, 2035. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Andre Agapov" Andre Agapov, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements: "This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of Rusoro Mining Ltd. in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause Rusoro's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. Rusoro Mining Ltd. disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required." Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254854 Vancouver - Panther Minerals Inc. ("Panther Minerals" or the "Company") (CSE: PURR) (OTC: GLIOF) (FWB: 2BC) announces that it has closed its previously announced debt settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") to settle outstanding debts owed to an arm's length creditor (the "Creditor") totaling CAD $14,785.71 (the "Debt Settlement"). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company has issued an aggregate of 924,106 common shares in the capital of the Company ("Shares") at a deemed price of CAD $0.016 per Share. The Shares issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement are subject to a four month and one day hold period, pursuant to National Instrument 45-105 - Prospectus Exemptions. The board of directors of the Company determined that it was in the best interests of the Company to complete the Debt Settlement in order to preserve the Company's cash for working capital. About Panther Minerals Inc. Panther Minerals is a mineral exploration company actively involved in the exploration of its North American project portfolio. The acquisition of the Boulder Creek option reflects the Company's continuing intention of pursuing advanced, high-quality prospective uranium projects that can be readily worked on and efficiently explored in a timely manner. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. David Beck, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary For more information please visit: www.pantherminerals.ca or email info@pantherminerals.ca. The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "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. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors may include, among others, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; the Debt Settlement Agreement; and the issuance of the Shares. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; and (ii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Missouri Republicans have created a lot of problems for themselves. In May, House Speaker John Diehl was forced to resign for exchanging innuendo-laden texts with a college intern. Diehl was the third GOP speaker to step down over the past decade under an ethical cloud. The last Republican governor, Matt Blunt, suddenly pulled the plug on his re-election bid back in 2008 amid rumors about his personal life. During the next cycle, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder canceled his bid for governor due to his one-time romantic attraction to a stripper. Then theres Todd Akin, the former congressman whose Senate campaign imploded over his comments about legitimate rape." These events are emblematic of a larger dynamic: Republicans just cant seem to consolidate power in the state. Missouri hasnt supported a Democrat for president since Bill Clinton. Republicans have big supermajorities in both the legislature and the states congressional delegation. But time and again, Missouri Republicans havent looked quite ready for prime time.Poor performance by both politicians and party officials helps explain why Democrats control six of the eight statewide offices. The GOPs problems leading up to next years gubernatorial election have already made national news, given the suicides of Auditor Tom Schweich and a top aide . Even before their deaths, it was clear that Republicans would be heavily divided amongst themselves heading into the race.In a sense, theres nothing new about this. Missouri Republicans have been badly factionalized at least since a brutal primary race for governor back in 1992. They hold veto-proof majorities in the legislature, but Diehls sexting scandal and earlier complaints about lobbyists gifts this year led editorial writers to complain about a culture of entitlement in Jefferson City.With the Democratic vote heavily concentrated in major cities and college towns, most GOP legislators dont have to give any thought to broadening their appeal. Missouri Democrats who have won statewide have all been better at appealing to rural and suburban voters than their GOP counterparts have been with urban voters, says Peverill Squire, a political scientist at the University of Missouri. Heavy GOP control of the General Assembly has made a lot of Republicans forget how many Democratic voters are packed into St. Louis and Kansas City.Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster is now the early favorite to succeed Gov. Jay Nixon next year. Unlike Democrats in most other states, he will have the advantage of running for governor in a presidential year, when turnout will be higher.Koster is a former Republican. The fact that he saw a more profitable future as a Democrat speaks volumes about Missouri politics. In an era when so many other states have gone red, Missouri remains stubbornly purple. Republicans have power in the state legislature, says Saint Louis University political scientist Kenneth Warren, but thats the only place they have any power. ELKO Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear ballcaps, like country music star Chris Janson, who was on his fishing dock two days ago when he got word that Country Under the Stars needed a headliner immediately! Nate Smith, who was advertised for this years concert, was ordered to strict vocal rest for the month and cancelled all performances in June, including Elkos appearance on Thursday night. In a statement released on Smiths Instagram page Wednesday, he said, it breaks my heart knowing I wont be there to see all of you! Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Nevada CEO Rusty Bahr said they learned about the cancelation at 8 p.m. Tuesday and got on the phone to about every country band we knew across the world, and we got ahold of Chris. Janson performed at the 2019 Country Under the Stars. Bahr said he is a Boys and Club Boy. He said, Rusty, Ill be there. You get us a private jet out of Nashville, well be here tomorrow night. A big hand for Chris, hes making this happen, Bahr said. The high-energy concert in front of approximately 4,050 people kicked off with Drake Milligan with Elvis Presleys Blue Suede Shoes and his several of his hits, including Hating Everything She Tries On and Goin Down Swingin. An hour later, the capacity crowd maintained the momentum, singing along with a recording of YMCA by the Village People just before Janson took to the stage to loud cheers. Opening with Redneck Life, Janson added the lyric, I really love Northern Nevada, I hope northern Nevada loves me. Janson paid tribute to military veterans and toward the end of his first song, he asked members of the Elko County Sheriffs office, including Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza, to join him on stage. Let it be known the Chris Janson camp salutes law enforcement and we respect law enforcement. Law and order, thank you so much, Janson said before thanking them for their service. Janson also brought to the stage Isis Manzanarez, who opened County Under the Stars with the National Anthem. Later, his son Jesse joined him on stage for a father-son duet. Janson said his positive experience performing in Elko several years ago prompted him to make the sudden decision to drop everything, gather his band at the last minute and fly in for the concert. I was sitting outside on the dock watching the fish come in. I got an email that said, Hey! You want to go to Nevada to play a concert last minute? Janson recalled. Well, heck yes, we do! Yes, we do! Janson asked the crowd to stream his music in return for jumping on the plane last minute. I got one favor to ask you is that tonight is when you leave you go home and remember that Chris Janson was sitting at the dock on the bay and he remembered Elko, Nevada, he said. With no time to prepare and all my guys were on vacation, and I said, Rally the troops, were going! Brief disruption With hundreds in the VIP section in front of the stage for the show, an altercation led to a shirtless man escorted out of the area by Narvaiza and another deputy. Narvaiza later said the man and another man had been bumping chests, two guys that were drinking but did not harm anyone in the crowd. We didnt arrest anybody, he continued. We just asked them both to leave. We stopped it before it got any worse. We like to give everybody a chance to have a good time. Long-running tradition Country Under the Stars was sponsored by Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club. A Sandvik representative told the crowd, We are proud to be here again. Thank you to Rusty and his team for putting this together. They put a lot of hours and work to get this done. For nine years, the concert has featured multiple country music stars. Along with Janson, other Country Under the Stars performers include Chris Lane, Granger Smith, Ned LeDoux, Randy Houser, Jagertown, Rodney Atkins, Carver Louis, Troy Bullock, Joe Nichols, Mark Mackay, Dylan Scott, A Thousand Horses, Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band and Lonestar. At 22, Michelle Wu found herself as the caretaker of her mother (who had begun struggling with mental illness), the legal guardian of her sibling and the owner of the family business. She witnessed first-hand the ways government can help -- and the ways it can frustrate business owners. I saw how much government matters, she says, and I wanted to help take down barriers for all families trying to navigate bureaucracy and access opportunity. In 2013, at 28, Wu was elected to the Boston City Council, the first Asian-American ever to join the body.Wu has helped make Boston a national leader on paid parental leave policies. Thanks to her efforts, Boston now offers six weeks of paid leave to any new parent who has worked for the city for at least a year. Wu says the measure is about leveling the playing field for employees across Boston. Implementing paid parental leave is fundamental to addressing income inequality and the gender gap, she says.Wu is regarded as a warm and empathetic official who genuinely cares what other people have to say, says Boston City Clerk Maureen Feeney. Shes just so lovely -- and you dont often use that word when talking about an elected official. Russell linked to Red Bull and Aston for 2026 George Russell could have a couple of top options if he is dropped by Mercedes. George Russell, Spanish GP 2025 Mercedes Although Toto Wolff is happy with the on-form 27-year-old, who is the highest ranked F1 driver this year behind the McLaren duo and Max Verstappen, there is no doubt the Mercedes boss is leaving a door open for Verstappen. Former Formula 1 star Ralf Schumacher thinks the chance Verstappen could flee Red Bull ahead of the radical new regulations for 2026 is quite high. Schumacher was the one who floated the theory that Verstappen's antics in Barcelona could have been his attempt to deliberately trigger a contract exit clause. However, the German admits: "If Max wants to leave, you couldn't stop him. Red Bull is struggling at the moment and will continue to struggle for the foreseeable future, he told Sky Deutschland. The multiple updates didn't work out so far, so why would you assume that Pierre Wache will suddenly build a miracle car for the new regulations when he doesn't even understand the old one properly? An arguably even bigger concern is the Red Bull-Ford power unit for 2026. Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko insists: "We're on track with our engines for 2026, but obviously we don't know exactly what the competition is doing. There's already talk about who has the edge, but that's only really clear once you take them out to the track. The rumours suggest Mercedes will come out of the box with a significant engine advantage. Max obviously wants a car that works, says Schumacher. "This isn't guaranteed at Red Bull at the moment. Max has time before he has to decide. He can wait until or even after the summer break. Schumacher thinks it's obvious that Wolff is still wooing Verstappen - especially given his diplomatic comments regarding the Verstappen-Russell clash in Barcelona. I thought Toto Wolff's reaction was very nice, Schumacher smiled. "It was so diplomatic. "Normally you expect a team boss to protect his own driver, but Toto more or less said 'let's look calmly at what Max actually did'. I found that very striking. You almost get the idea that he and Max are already sitting around the table eating and chatting about next year, Schumacher added. Wolff parting with his teenage protege Kimi Antonelli would seem extremely unlikely, as is the prospect of a Verstappen-Russell pairing. It is believed informal talks between Russell's management and Red Bull have already taken place, while The Times is now reporting that Aston Martin could be another option for the on-form British driver. (GMM) Previous article: From social media boss chick to FBI arrest: All you need to know about Nigerias Sapphire Egemasi Featured Africa Travel Indaba 2025 ends in South Africa Joshua Bediako Koomson Showbiz News Jun - 07 - 2025 , 20:03 2 minutes read This years Africa Travel Indaba 2025 has officially ended, leaving attendees and exhibitors alike buzzing with excitement and newfound opportunities. The event, which officially kicked off on Tuesday, May 13, once again proved to be a premier platform for showcasing Africa's rich tourism offerings. It offered fostering networking, and driving business partnerships by bringing together over 2,500 tourism stakeholders from across the continent to promote intra-Africa travel, investment and innovation in the sector. Held on the theme Unlimited Africa, exhibitors lauded this years Africa Travel Indaba for providing the platform to promote their works, connect with new markets, and strike strategic partnerships. One of the exhibitors from South Africa, Sheiley Singh, who deals in spicy products, said the exposure this year was unmatched. She said it gave her the opportunity to introduce her products to buyers from all over Africa. An exhibitor from Nigeria, Fatima Abdullahi, said the event offered her the chance to showcase Nigerias rich traditional food. She said there was a surge in interest and she was able to meet her target. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism, Thembisile Sehloho, celebrated the growing spirit of unity and collaboration across the continent. Its really underpinned by true joy, the joy that people find in tourism. As Africans, we must co-create a sustainable tourism ecosystem rather than compete with one another. We envision a one-stop Africa where travelers can land in Nigeria and seamlessly journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ghana, and beyond, she said. Mrs Sehloho emphasised the importance of culture as Africas soft power, urging countries to invest and showcase immersive cultural experiences that are uniquely African, rather than allowing others to commercialise and benefit from them. She highlighted the impressive turnout at this years Indaba, noting that the attendance was 9,900, exceeding the expected 9,600. This is our showyes, its held in South Africa, but it belongs to the whole continent. I hope next year, we can have 50 African countries exhibiting. That would be a true celebration of African tourism, Mrs Sehloho said. Previous article: How bitter Trump-Musk feud escalated - And what happens next Featured Decolonizing the mind: A path to African sovereignty and self-determination Gilbert Attipoe Opinion Jun - 06 - 2025 , 16:55 5 minutes read Ngugi wa Thiongos Decolonizing the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature (1986) and Edward Saids Orientalism (1978) offer profound frameworks for understanding the enduring psychological impact of colonialism on African societies. Both scholars address the concept of mental slavery, where colonial powers imposed cultural, linguistic, and intellectual frameworks to subjugate colonized peoples, fostering a sense of inferiority that persists post-independence. Ngugi emphasizes the role of language and culture in perpetuating this mental colonization, particularly in Africa, while Said critiques how Western representations of the Other shaped global perceptions to justify imperial dominance. For African countries to achieve true sovereignty, they must dismantle these internalized structures and reconnect with their ancestral homelands to imbibe their history, culture, and identity. This article explores their ideas, highlighting the necessity of decolonizing African minds and the importance of returning to cultural roots. Colonialism was not merely a physical occupation of African lands but a deliberate assault on the psyche, designed to instill dependence and self-doubt. Ngugi argues that the imposition of European languagesEnglish, French, Portuguesewas a strategic tool to alienate Africans from their cultural heritage. By embedding colonial languages in education, governance, and literature, colonizers ensured Africans viewed their own languages and traditions as inferior, creating what Ngugi calls a cultural bomb that shattered self-confidence. Similarly, Saids Orientalism reveals how the West constructed Africa and the East as primitive and exotic through literature, art, and scholarship, reinforcing imperial control. These distorted representations, embedded in works like Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness, shaped how Africans perceived themselves, fostering a colonized mindset that equated Western culture with progress. This mental slavery persists today, as many African societies prioritize colonial languages and Western norms, often at the expense of their own histories and identities. Language is a cornerstone of mental decolonization. Ngugi asserts that language carries culture, history, and worldview, and by embracing African languages, communities can reclaim their narratives. His decision to write in Gikuyu instead of English was a radical rejection of mental slavery, challenging the dominance of colonial languages in African literature. Said s analysis complements this, showing how Western discourse used language to marginalize non-European cultures, portraying them as inferior to justify domination. For African countries, promoting indigenous languages in education and public life is a vital step. Ethiopia s use of Amharic in schools and South Africa s recognition of 11 official languages, including Zulu and Xhosa, demonstrate efforts to restore linguistic pride, though uneven implementation and elite resistance highlight the depth of colonial legacies. By prioritizing African languages, nations can foster cultural confidence and dismantle linguistic hierarchies that perpetuate mental subjugation. Reclaiming African narratives is equally critical. Ngugi calls for the validation of African oral traditions, myths, and histories as legitimate knowledge, countering colonial narratives that dismissed African civilizations as primitive. Saids critique of Orientalist scholarship reveals how the West marginalized African contributions, creating a canon that glorified imperial achievements while silencing colonized voices. Central to this reclamation is the need for Africans, particularly those in the diaspora, to return to their ancestral homelands to imbibe their history. Physical and intellectual reconnection with the continent through visits, study, or engagement with local communitiesallows Africans to rediscover their cultural roots, languages, and stories. Initiatives like Nigeria s Ake Arts and Book Festival and the Pan-African Writers Association amplify African voices, while campaigns to repatriate looted artifacts, such as the Benin Bronzes, restore historical agency. Returning home, whether physically or through cultural study, enables Africans to confront the distortions Said critiques and embrace the authentic histories Ngugi champions. Education remains a key battleground for decolonizing the mind Ngugi critiques colonial education systems for producing Africans who served imperial interests without questioning their legitimacy. Said similarly notes how education under colonialism propagated Western superiority, embedding Eurocentric curricula that marginalized African knowledge. Many post-colonial African education systems retain these biases, prioritizing Western frameworks over indigenous wisdom. Reforms like Kenya s Competency-Based Curriculum, which integrates local knowledge, aim to address this, but face challenges like resource shortages and resistance from elites invested in the status quo. Returning to ancestral homelands can enrich education by exposing Africans to oral histories, traditional practices, and local philosophies that counter colonial narratives. For instance, engaging with elders or historical sites in Ghana or Zimbabwe can provide insights that formal education often overlooks, grounding individuals in their heritage. Art and media are powerful tools for mental liberation. Ngugi emphasizes African literatures role in shaping consciousness and fostering resistance, while Said highlights how Western cultural productions reinforced imperial dominance. Today, African filmmakers, musicians, and writers are challenging these legacies. Nollywood s stories rooted in African experiences and voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies amplify authentic narratives globally. However, Western mediathrough Hollywood and streaming platformscontinues to promote Eurocentric ideals, alienating Africans from their identities. Returning to ancestral homelands can inspire artists to draw from local traditions, as seen in musicians like Burna Boy, who incorporates Yoruba rhythms. Initiatives like South Africas MultiChoice Talent Factory support local content creation, but strengthening African media industries is essential to counter Western dominance. The journey to decolonize the mind faces significant obstacles. Globalization and economic dependence on the West reinforce colonial mentalities, as African elites often prioritize Western validation over local innovation. Africas linguistic and cultural diversityNigeria alone has over 500 languagescomplicates unified strategies. Yet, Ngugi and Said emphasize collective resistance. Returning to ancestral homelands fosters a deeper connection to cultural roots, enabling Africans to challenge internalized inferiority. Grassroots movements, like those advocating for mother-tongue education in Ghana or cultural revival in Zimbabwe, are vital. The African Union can support policies that preserve heritage, while intellectuals and communities must collaborate to rewrite curricula and promote indigenous languages. Ngugi wa Thiongo and Edward Said provide complementary lenses for dismantling mental slavery in Africa. Ngugis focus on language and cultural reclamation and Saids critique of Orientalist discourse underscore the need to reject colonial frameworks. By embracing African languages, reclaiming narratives, reforming education, amplifying local art, and returning to ancestral homelands to imbibe history, African countries can break free from mental chains. This process demands courage, investment, and a rejection of the belief that Western ways define progress. True liberation begins in the mind, enabling Africans to forge a future rooted in their own identities and histories. [email protected] Next article: Decolonizing the mind: A path to African sovereignty and self-determination Featured How bitter Trump-Musk feud escalated - And what happens next Anthony Zurcher Opinion Jun - 07 - 2025 , 07:57 6 minutes read That happens when the richest person and the most powerful politician have a knock-down, drag-out fight? The world is finding out and it's not a pretty picture. Donald Trump and Elon Musk have two of the biggest megaphones, and they have now turned them on each other, as a disagreement has ballooned into a war of words. Trump has threatened Musk's voluminous business dealings with the federal government, which form the lifeblood of his SpaceX programme. "The easiest way to save money in our budget, billions and billions of dollars, is to terminate Elon's governmental subsidies and contracts," Trump posted menacingly on his own social media website. If Trump turns the machinery of government against Musk, the tech billionaire will feel pain. Tesla's stock price plunged by 14% on Thursday. It's not a one-way street, however. After that volley, Musk called for Trump's impeachment and dared him to cut funding for his companies. Musk also said he was accelerating the decommissioning of his Dragon spacecraft, which the US relies on to carry American astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. But hours later, he appeared to back down from that threat, saying in response to a post on X urging him to cool off: "Good advice. Ok, we won't decommission Dragon." Musk has near limitless resources to respond, including by funding insurgent challengers to Republicans in next year's elections and primaries. And late on Thursday afternoon, he said he was dropping the "really big bomb" suggesting without evidence that Trump appears in unreleased files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, offered only a tepid pushback to Musk's allegations and accusations. "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 said. Musk may not win a fight against the whole of Trump's government, but he could exact a high political - and personal - price for Trump and the Republicans. Trump, perhaps aware of this, appeared to tamp down the heat a bit by the end of the day. He avoided commenting on Musk during a public appearance at a White House event and posted a message on Truth Social that said he didn't mind "turning against him", but wishes he had quit government service months ago. He then pivoted to boosting of his "big, beautiful" tax and spending legislation. It's difficult to envision an easy walk-down after Thursday's heat, however. Trading insults and threats The feud started at a simmer last week, began bubbling on Wednesday and became a full-on boil on Thursday afternoon in the Oval Office. As new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz the day's visitor sat in awkward silence, the President sounded a bit like a spurned lover. He expressed surprise at Musk's criticism of his legislation. He pushed back against the notion that he would have lost last year's presidential election without Musk's hundreds of millions of dollars in support. And he said Musk was only changing his tune now because his car company, Tesla, will be hurt by the Republican push to end electric vehicle tax credits. Musk quickly took to his social media site, X, with a very Generation X response for his 220 million followers: "Whatever". He said he didn't care about the car subsidies, and that he wanted to shrink the national debt, which he says is an existential threat to the nation. He insisted that Democrats would have prevailed in last year's election without his help. "Such ingratitude," he told Trump. The billionaire then launched a series of extraordinary attacks throughout the afternoon, and the feud was on in earnest. Musk and Trump had formed a powerful but unlikely alliance, culminating in the tech billionaire having a key position of budget-slashing authority in the Trump administration. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, became one of the biggest stories of Trump's first 100 days, as it shuttered entire agencies and dismissed thousands of government workers. It wasn't long, however, before speculation began over when and how - the two outsized personalities would ultimately fall out. For a while, it seemed like those predictions were off the mark. Trump stood by Musk even as the latter's popularity dropped, as he feuded with administration officials and as he became a liability in several key elections earlier this year. Every time it appeared there would be a break, Musk would pop up in the Oval Office, or the Cabinet room or on the President's Air Force One flight to Mar-a-Lago. When Musk's 130 days as a "special government employee" ended last week, the two had a chummy Oval Office send-off, with a golden key to the White House and hints that Musk might someday return. It's safe to say that any invitation has been rescinded and the locks have been changed. "Elon and I had a great relationship," Trump said on Thursday a comment notable for its use of the past tense. There had been some thought that Trump's surprise announcement on Wednesday night of a new travel ban, additional sanctions on Harvard and a conspiracy-laced administration investigation of former President Joe Biden were all efforts to change the subject from Musk's criticism. The White House and its allies in Congress seemed careful not to further antagonise him after his earlier comments. Then Trump spoke out and so much for that. 'A zero-sum game' Now the question is where the dispute goes next. Congressional Republicans could find it harder to keep their members behind Trump's bill with Musk providing rhetorical and, perhaps financial, air cover for those who break ranks. Trump has already threatened Musk's government contracts, but he could also take aim at his remaining Doge allies in the administration or reopen Biden-era investigations into Musk's business dealings. Everything at this point is on the table. Meanwhile, Democrats are on the sidelines, wondering how to respond. Few seem willing to welcome Musk, a former donor to their party, back into the fold. But there's also the old adage that the enemy of an enemy is a friend. "It's a zero-sum game," Liam Kerr, a Democratic strategist, told Politico. "Anything that he does that moves more toward Democrats hurts Republicans." At the very least, Democrats seem happy to stand back and let the two men exchange blows. And until they abandon this fight, the din is likely to drown out everything else in American politics. But don't expect this spat to end anytime soon. "Trump has 3.5 years left as President," Musk wrote on X, "but I will be around for 40-plus years." BBC Featured Lets not be too hard on ourselves Vicky Wireko Reality Zone Jun - 07 - 2025 , 08:35 5 minutes read The more we keep comparing ourselves to other countries, particularly the developed world, the more we believe we are being too hard on ourselves, especially in this digital age. We are learning the ropes, though late it might seem, the journey of one thousand steps, it is said, starts with one. Our mentality should be that we will get there and that is why my verdict is not to be too hard on ourselves by comparing apples to oranges. Let us keep going and accept each day as it comes to strive to do better than the day before. At 10 a.m., Eastern time on Wednesday, far away in America, I had just settled down to go online to browse through the days news and see if any headline back home was news enough to develop as my article for my Saturday column. Internet failure As I switched on my tablet, I realised the internet was not connecting. What was going on? Faulty tablet or internet failure? I asked myself. At first, I panicked thinking my device had been hacked in a world, of unpredictability. I did everything to get my internet connection light up but alas, it was not to be. In my desperation, I turned on my laptop to see if the internet connection there would work. There was no internet there either. I turned on my phone to check but again there was no internet. My frustration was turning into anger. I had used the internet up until 9.30 a.m. when I decided to go and have breakfast. What could have happened between then and when I got back to my desk? Not wanting to look stupid, I went back to have another try. Something was definitely wrong. At this point, I decided to seek help. External problem I soon learnt that the problem was more than I thought. It was not misbehaviour from any of my devices. The problem was external, out of our reach and more of a general problem, occurring in the entire area. Nearby communities, however, had internet as the public library sought to confirm. We were told that the internet would come on at 1 p.m. It was past 1 p.m. but there was no internet connection. The latest information was that the internet would come back on at 10 p.m. I resumed writing later in the evening and kept on till 10 p.m. It was gone past 10 p.m. and the internet service was still not back on. At last, the internet came back on after 36 hours. I had to pinch myself to confirm that this internet failure was happening in mighty America. At a time when many people still work from home, how could this have happened? Surprisingly, I also learnt that hot spots on personal phones were also affected since almost every subscriber was trying to use their hot spots; thus, slowing down access. Ghana Back home in Ghana, I would have been on the neck of my service provider. I would have called their customer service line and given it to them. Normally, they would not promise to sort out time within 24 hours no matter how hard one presses them. They will inform the customer that an engineer will be on their case in five working days. Woe to you, if your fault occurs on a Friday. Five working days means a whole week without internet. How does one get along in the world of the internet? That is when I would have taken the phone to try and get answers from my relationship manager. I would have threatened to move my account to another service provider for competent service. Now, I am bowing my head down in shame for having been so hard in the past on my internet provider in Ghana. I am now learning to be patient in cases like that because something like internet failure happens even in mighty America and one must accept it. Internet failure is never deliberate, neither is it due to incompetence of the service provided. Even in the county of all possibilities as applies in the West, internet failure in this day and age happens if one accepts that nothing is foolproof. What is important is the quality of the customer service that comes with the service being sought. When frustration sets in at a time of network failure, what one expects is speed to action and empathy. Respect for the customer at the end of the day is key. In a similar vein, customers should be patient with service providers for the failures and sometimes poor performance of their services. There definitely must be genuine reasons and when they promise to deal with it, we should have confidence that they will. It is a two-way affair. Let us appreciate our providers and not be too hard on them because even providers in countries one looks up to have problems with their services. It has been a wait of a good 36 hours to get an internet link and indeed, connection with the rest of the world. Writers E-mail: [email protected] Next article: Government officials must pay fuel levy too Kwame Jantuah calls for fairness Featured FAWAG backs Mahamas ban on wooden school furniture Jemima Okang Addae Jun - 07 - 2025 , 12:22 2 minutes read The Furniture and Wood Products Association of Ghana (FAWAG) has backed President John Dramani Mahamas proposed ban on wooden school furniture, calling it a timely and eco-friendly policy. Speaking in an interview on Channel One, the Administrative Assistant of FAWAG, Christopher Dadzawa described the decision as wonderful and welcome news, citing the heavy toll school furniture production takes on Ghanas forests. We received this announcement by the president to reduce the use of wood products for furniture in our schools. We are all aware that school furniture made of wood takes a very huge volume of wood from our forests, Dadzawa said. President Mahama announced the initiative on June 5 during World Environment Day celebrations, pledging to replace wooden furniture with environmentally friendly materials such as recycled plastic and metal. He highlighted the contradiction of promoting reforestation while simultaneously depleting forests for wood products in schools, promising a directive to phase out such practices. 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, Mahama stated. Mr. Dadzawa applauded the presidents environmental motivation, noting it aligns with national efforts to preserve forest cover and promote sustainability. The president was quick to give the reasons for that decision to promote our forest cover and contribute to sustaining the environment, Dadzawa noted. However, he clarified that while FAWAG supports the shift, it may be impractical to eliminate wood entirely from school furniture, explaining that some components would still require wood even in metal-based designs. "When we are working with metal for school furniture, it is not the whole 100 per cent that is metal. Some components of the furniture would be in wood," he added. From farm to frustration: Bono Easts agri-food start-ups grapple with fragmented regulatory framework Biiya Mukusah Ali Jun - 07 - 2025 , 09:57 6 minutes read ERTAINLY, Ghana's agri-food Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) industry plays a vital role in building a robust economy. The sector, which remains an essential contributor to the growth of the country's economy, continues to contribute significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and food security. The agri-food value chain involves the journey of a food product from the farm to the consumer, including input suppliers, farmers, processors, distributors and retailers, creating vast employment opportunities and promoting food security. It's a well-known fact that the northern belt is a major contributor to Ghana's agricultural industry. Bono East The Bono East Region within the northern belt is noted for its active involvement in agri-food SMEs. Gloria Azerongma Salifu, Bono Regional Principal Regulatory Officer of the FDA The region, with 11 municipal and district administrative areas, has vast fertile land suitable for agriculture and agribusiness. Its population is about 880,921 according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. Majority of its population are energetic young people, including graduates who have ventured into agriculture and agribusiness, increasing the number of youth in the industry. The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Bono East Regional Department of Agriculture, Bawa Amidu, told the Daily Graphic that several youths in the region had ventured into agriculture and agribusiness. He, however, said the youth were interested in vegetable production more than the tree crops because of their short gestation period. "But we also realised that the elderly have shifted from crop production to tree crops such as cocoa and cashew because the sector is more regulated," he said. Mr Amidu said the region's agriculture and agribusiness prospects were bright because of the youth's active involvement in the sector. Challenges However, one of the major challenges that keeps frustrating the industry players, particularly start-ups in the agrifood-SMEs is bureaucracy and regulatory hurdles hindering the efficient operation of agrifood-SMEs. Bawa Amidu, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Bono East Regional Department of Agriculture Some Agrifood entrepreneurs, mainly start-ups, told the Daily Graphic that the process involved in registering their business or products was too cumbersome and frustrating. The industry players said they go through several frustrations and processes when engaging with regulatory agencies to license and register their businesses. These challenges, they said, negatively affect the growth of their businesses. They said they had to go through several regulatory agencies such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Registrar General's Department (RGD), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). Others include the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), among others, to get their businesses licensed. Frustrating processes Sharing her experience, a 33-year-old Sobolo (a beverage made from hibiscus) producer, Asana Fatima, told the Daily Graphic that she went through several frustrating processes to get the FDA to approve her products. Prof. Justice Bawole (inset), Dean of the University of Ghana Business School She said it took her more than six months to complete the registration process because of the long procedure and requirements involved. "I nearly halted the process because it was time-consuming, frustrating and costly because I had to travel from Techiman to Sunyani every week," she said. Another fruit juice producer, Evelyn Pomaa, who had no formal registration of her business, told the Daily Graphic that she was interested in registering, but the process involved was killing her desire to do so. "I have not made any attempt, but I had an experience with my friend, who registered her business. I don't want to go through similar frustrations," she said. Mrs Pomaa appealed to the government to decentralise the operations of the regulatory agencies to reduce the cost of travelling. FDA response However, the Bono Regional Principal Regulatory Officer of the FDA, Gloria Azerongma Salifu, told the Daily Graphic that FDA registration processes were not as cumbersome as the public say. The participants "Our officers are willing to help applicants go through the process. So you don't need a middleman to register your products," she said. Mrs Salifu said because safety was paramount to the FDA, they had put in place several measures, including online registration, to make the process easier and faster. She said the documentation was for safety purposes, which focused on the persons, the raw materials, lab analysis of the product and the facility. Mrs Salifu said some of the processes were free, adding that FDA was always ready to assist businesses acquire the necessary documentation. She urged potential agrifood entrepreneurs and other MSMEs to ignore the information that registering businesses with FDA and other regulatory agencies was frustrating. NKABOM initiative In a bid to resolve the frustrations start-ups go through to register their businesses and expand access to education and career opportunities in the food systems, a northern belt stakeholders dialogue on Agrifood Regulation and youth enterprises has been organised for the industry players at Hansua near Techiman in the Bono East Region. It was organised by the University of Ghana (UG) through its Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-food Collaborative (NKABOM), an entrepreneurship pillar, in partnership with McGill University and Mastercard Foundation. The engagement brought together key regulatory institutions, youth-led agri-food businesses, and local policymakers across the nine regions in the northern belt of Ghana. The aim was to foster dialogue on regulatory challenges, support mechanisms and pathways for co-creating an enabling environment for agrifood SMEs. The pillar is part of the institution's efforts to strengthen Ghanas agri-food entrepreneurship ecosystem and promote dialogue between regulatory agencies and agri-food start-ups. The partnership is to enhance capacity building by equipping students and beneficiaries with skills and resources needed to create sustainable livelihoods within the agri-food systems sector. The project is guided by three key objectives, namely learning and training, inclusive access and food security and entrepreneurship promotion. Food safety The Dean of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Justice Bawole, said the engagement was to foster a dialogue-driven approach to address challenges in food production, processing, distribution and retail. He said the dialogue was also to advocate regulatory reforms that align with international food safety and trade standards. Prof. Bawole said the engagement was to enhance policy implementation, compliance and enforcement in food safety, trade and sustainability. He said it would help bridge the gap between regulatory bodies and agri-food start-ups across the northern belt by facilitating dialogue and co-developing strategies for a more enabling business environment. He said the UG NKABOM was a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the agri-food system of Ghana, by empowering people, particularly the youth, women, persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons. Prof. Bawole said the project was crucial for improving food security, enhancing livelihoods and driving national development. The Bono East Regional Head of Compliance and Debt Manager at the GRA, Mohammed Ibrahim, said: "By law, the first institution to go to when developing a business idea is GRA. At this initial stage, you will discuss your business plan with GRA for advice." He explained that GRA would give advice on the proposed business in order to help them succeed. The stakeholder interactions brought to the fore the need for regulatory reforms to streamline regulations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, to create a more conducive environment for agri-food SMEs. Writer's email: [email protected] Death toll in Ukrainian city of Kharkiv after night attacks rises to 3 Photo: https://t.me/kharkivoda The number of fatalities from the massive combined Russian overnight attack on Kharkiv continues to rise, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported. "One more person was killed in the Osnovianskyi district of Kharkiv. This brings the total number of residents killed in this terrorist shelling of the city to three," Terekhov wrote on Telegram. A total of 21 people were injured in the terrorist attack, including a 1.5-month-old baby and a 14-year-old girl. Three civilians were killed. "As of now, there are 21 confirmed injured, including a 1.5-month-old baby and a 14-year-old girl. Three Kharkiv residents have been killed by the Russian occupying army," Terekhov said. The shelling damaged 18 apartment buildings three of which sustained structural damage and 13 private homes, he added. Ghana eyes share of $261m climate fund to boost resilience Daily Graphic Jun - 07 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read One of the countrys leading climate advocates, Dr Samuel Dotse, is actively positioning the country to benefit from a $261 million global climate fund, as he participates in the 69th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council Meeting in Washington, D.C. Dr Dotse, who serves as the CEO of the HATOF Foundation and is a Laureate of Distinction in Climate Change, is using his presence at the high-level event to advocate for increased climate financing, deepen global partnerships, and secure support for transformative environmental initiatives in Ghana. Invited by GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos, Manuel Rodriguez, Dr Dotse is representing Ghana at a pivotal moment when the GEF is allocating substantial funding to biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and locally led environmental actions. Of the total $261 million under discussion, $195 million will go towards projects aimed at eliminating harmful substances in cosmetics and industrial processes, enhancing cooperation on international waterways, and supporting grassroots environmental efforts, including microfinance initiatives. In addition to the Council meeting, Dr Dotse will speak at the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) 2025 Observer Onboarding Workshop hosted by the World Bank. There, he is expected to share key insights on improving transparency in the governance of multilateral climate funds and highlight the important role observers play in holding institutions accountable. He will also hold a series of high-level bilateral engagements with the Adaptation Fund Secretariat, CIF leadership, multilateral entities, and development partners. These meetings aim to secure dedicated support for climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land use initiatives in Ghanaareas identified as critical for the countrys long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Dr Dotses participation is seen as timely, as the GEF Council aligns its funding mechanisms with shifting global environmental priorities, while reviewing the implementation of key international conventions. His efforts may also help the nation access future opportunities through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), which is currently considering $26 million in grants to expand biodiversity protection and community well-being programs in developing nations. Ghana has not yet benefited from this fund. GIRSAL begins sesame cultivation trial to boost export capacity Daily Graphic Jun - 07 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) has begun a sesame cultivation trial in Keyeme-Ziope in the Volta Region in a bid to unlock the crops full commercial and export potential. The trial is to test the agronomic activities, yield, cost and challenges associated with sesame seed production in the country. With a target to export $500 million worth of sesame seeds annually to the international market within three years, GIRSAL is expected to develop protocols and business cases to support agribusinesses that produce the seed for export while facilitating access to capital for them. While the crop has been traditionally dominated by producers in countries like Sudan, Nigeria and Burkina Faso, Ghana has seen growing interest in sesame cultivation, particularly across the middle belt and northern regions. Despite earning $12.46 million in export revenue in 2016, Ghanas sesame export volumes drastically declined to 510.86 metric tonnes, representing $ 278,900 in 2023, due to limited production data, technical capacity and policy support. Visit The Chief Operating Officer, GIRSAL, Samuel Yeboah, who led a team to the project site last Friday, explained that the initiative was part of GIRSALs five-year strategy to develop essential commodities, starting with chilli peppers and now sesame seeds. As part of a broader strategy, GIRSAL sought to develop the value chains for various crops, including maize and soya, which Ghana currently produces on a non-commercial level. The first phase of the project, he said, was targeted at producing sesame seeds on 10 acres of land, with plans to scale up to 200 acres and eventually 50,000 acres. After a successful trial, he said his outfit would create professional templates for agribusinesses to produce these crops in economic quantities. The COO said although Ghana had the land, the labour and capability to produce sesame seeds was capturing less than one per cent of the global market for the seeds while neighbouring Nigeria managed only 3.6 per cent. Position With the initiative, he said, GIRSAL was aimed at positioning Ghana as a significant player in the global sesame seed market, targeting major markets such as America, Japan, Turkey and China. The insights from this trial would help local businesses understand how to cultivate sesame economically, and if successful, this initiative could stimulate lending from banks and unlock vital funding for agribusinesses, he added. We are developing templates and protocols for businesses to follow, he said, reinforcing GIRSALs commitment to supporting local farmers. Mr Yeboah said beyond sesame, his outfit was also working to tap into the potential of other staple crops, such as maize and soybeans. Our strategy is comprehensive, he explained, indicating that GIRSAL was not just focusing on sesame but also planning to enhance the production of other essential commodities. Featured Tree for life initiative takes off Timothy Ngnenbe Jun - 07 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Tree for Life programme, targeted at restoring over seven million hectares of degraded land across the country, took off last Thursday with President John Dramani Mahama rallying all citizens to plant at least one tree within the month. The President planted a commemorative tree at the Kwabenya Community Senior High School in Accra to mark the commencement of the month-long exercise, with a target to plant 30 million trees. Key stakeholders such as government officials, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corpss and development partners gathered to lend their support to the national exercise. I entreat everyone in Ghana to actively participate in this important national task for the benefit of current and future generations, President Mahama declared, urging all citizens to unite and save the environment. One Child, One Tree The commemorative tree-planting event, which coincided with the World Environment Day (WED), was used to launch the One Child, One Tree initiative, an intervention under the Tree for Life programme designed for students to actively participate in revegetating the country's degraded landscape. Present at the event were the ministers of Land and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Education, Haruna Iddrisu; and Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie. The Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown; Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Brown Klutse respectively; as well as some Members of Parliament (MPs), members of the diplomatic corps, and development partners also participated in the event. The President explained that the One Child, One Tree initiative was part of the larger Tree for Life Programme, which sought to empower every child in Ghana to plant and nurture a tree. He said under the initiative, each student would receive a seedling of a native species suited to the various ecological zones, and plant it on school grounds or in their community. Transformative initiative For his part, Mr Iddrisu said the One Child, One Tree initiative was a transformative step towards instilling environmental consciousness in children at an early age. He said the Ministry of Education would work closely with MEST, Land and Natural Resources, Forestry Commission, and other stakeholders to ensure the distribution of seedlings to all schools across the country for planting. Again, he said the Ghana Education Service (GES) would implement a new instruction module that focused on instilling environmental consciousness in schoolchildren. Modalities for planting Dr Brown explained that the trees would be planted in urban centres, rural communities, school compounds, farmlands, riverbanks and on degraded forest reserves. He said the tree-planting activities had been categorised into components, with the amenity planting by the public to be undertaken from June 5 to June 30. Aside from the planting by the public, he said there would be the establishment of 10,000 hectares of forest plantation under the Modified Taungya System (MTS) through collaboration between Forestry Commission and local communities. Again, he said there would be direct planting of 2,000 hectares by the Youth Forest Champions recruited under the Tree for Life Reforestation initiative while tree seedlings would also be distributed to farmers for planting within farms. Additionally, he said 500 hectares of mine-out lands had been earmarked for reclamation as part of this years exercise, which would also see enrichment planting within degraded forest reserves. The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, urged members of the public to actively engage in efforts aimed at addressing the menace of plastic pollution. She underscored the need for every Ghanaian to get involved in the Tree for Life initiative to help revegetate the environment. Next article: Two armed robbers jailed 48 years for robbery in Wa Municipality Featured Government officials must pay fuel levy too Kwame Jantuah calls for fairness Gertrude Ankah Jun - 07 - 2025 , 12:19 3 minutes read Private legal practitioner and energy expert Kwame Jantuah is calling on government officials to pay their share of Ghanas newly imposed fuel levy, warning that exempting them would be unfair to ordinary citizens. Parliament this week passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, under a certificate of urgency. The bill introduces a GHS1 tax on every litre of fuel sold across the country. The government expects the measure to raise an additional GHS5.7 billion to help reduce mounting energy sector debts and ensure a stable power supply. According to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the energy sector debt currently stands at $3.1 billion, with a further $3.7 billion required to clear arrears fully. An extra $1.2 billion is also needed to procure fuel for thermal power generation in 2025. Dr Forson has insisted that the increased levy will not directly raise the ex-pump price of fuel for consumers. 'Necessary evil' but fairness is key Speaking on TV3s Key Points programme on Saturday, Mr Jantuah described the fuel levy as a necessary evil to tackle the countrys ballooning energy sector debt. However, he criticised the apparent double standard whereby many government appointees use fuel coupons provided by the state, shielding them from the full impact of the new tax. "Are presidential nominees and government appointees buying fuel from their own pockets? If ordinary Ghanaians are being asked to share this burden, so must those in power If the entire country is being asked to share the burden of resolving the energy sector debt, then government officials must also pay the fuel levy," Mr Jantuah insisted. "They do not feel the pressure that ordinary Ghanaians feel." He warned that without transparency and fairness, public support for the new levy could quickly erode. "Do we have a debt? Yes. How do we pay it? If this were your private business, you would sit your family down and agree on how to clear it even if it means selling the car," he argued. Calls for clarity and an end date While supporting the principle behind the levy, Mr Jantuah expressed disappointment at the governments poor communication about the measure. "As difficult as it is, the levy is necessary but I would have expected the Finance Minister to explain where we stand with the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA). How long will this levy stay in place? Will it be till Kingdom come? We need clarity," he stressed. He further urged the government to introduce a sunset clause a clear timeline for when the levy will be reviewed or phased out. "Ghanaians will not object to this if we know when it will end. We deserve to know," he added. Governments assurance The Energy Sector Levy Amendment was signed into law on Thursday, June 5, by President John Dramani Mahama during a ceremony at the Jubilee House. The President assured Ghanaians that all funds raised from the new tax would be used strictly to pay down energy sector debt and improve the countrys power supply. Related articles: GH1 fuel levy necessary to avert crisis President Mahama GH1 fuel levy a necessary sacrifice to avert power crisis Nii Lantey Vanderpuye NPP to protest GH1 Fuel Levy National Organiser Government cannot raise GH10bn for power generation without sacrificing GETFund Jinapor defends fuel levy Next article: MP for Upper West Akim donates sanitary pads to Adeiso PRESEC Previous article: Government officials must pay fuel levy too Kwame Jantuah calls for fairness Featured Two armed robbers jailed 48 years for robbery in Wa Municipality Jemima Okang Addae Jun - 07 - 2025 , 12:14 1 minute read Two armed robbers have been sentenced to a total of 48 years in prison with hard labour for conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery. The convicts, Abdulai Ibrahim alias Baba, 34, a drivers mate, and Abdulai Kipo, 36, a butcher, received 28 and 18 years imprisonment respectively from the Wa Circuit Court. According to a police statement, the two were involved in a string of robberies in Napogbakole, Danko, SSNIT, and Konta, all within the Wa Municipality. Their arrests followed intelligence-led operations and diligent evidence-gathering by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate. The conviction and sentencing were carried out at the Wa Circuit Court, presided over by Jonathan Avoogo, which the police say demonstrates their firm stance on tackling violent crime in the region. The Upper West Regional Police Command reiterated its commitment to public safety and pledged to continue intensifying efforts to rid the region of criminal elements. Next article: President Mahama pledges substantial cut in Hajj fares if cedi stability holds GH1 fuel levy necessary to avert crisis President Mahama Kester Aburam Korankye Politics Jun - 07 - 2025 , 07:57 3 minutes read President John Mahama has defended the governments decision to impose an additional GH1 Energy Sector Recovery Levy (ESLA), stating that the move, though difficult, is 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 of the National Economic Dialogue, the President gave the assurance that the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi had cushioned the impact, meaning consumers would not face immediate fuel price increases. The energy sector, burdened with over $3.1 billion in debt, faces an additional $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. 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. The President also assured that revenues from the levy would be strictly ring-fenced, meaning it would not go into the Consolidated Fund to pay energy sector debts and fund fuel purchases. President Mahama added that the government would also work to reduce inefficiencies in energy procurement and distribution, while expanding social interventions for vulnerable groups. Future outlook Looking beyond the immediate crisis, President Mahama outlined a brighter energy future for the country. He expressed confidence that the country's energy mix would gradually shift away from expensive liquid fuels as domestic gas production would increase from the ENI Sankofa field, Jubilee and TEN fields. Additional gas supplies expected through the West African Gas Pipeline would further reduce reliance on costly fuel imports, he added. Economic Reform 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 Ghana's 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 government's 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 (GEPA) has been tasked to implement an ambitious new strategy targeting $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 to eliminate duplication, digitise operations and improve service delivery standards. President Mahama said education and training systems would be realigned to better meet labour market demands, with particular focus on preparing the youth for emerging job opportunities. The ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers and senior government officials, including the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah. Also present were members of the planning committee of the National Economic Dialogue, including its chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson. Featured Vice-President advocates Unexplained Wealth Orders to fight graft Diana Mensah Politics Jun - 07 - 2025 , 08:34 6 minutes read The country needs to adopt the Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) across all facets of society as a critical tool in the fight against corruption. The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who made the call, said the UWO, a legal tool used to investigate and recover assets suspected to have been acquired through illicit means, such as corruption or money laundering, was necessary to expand the anti-corruption fights beyond public and civil servants to all across every sector. Speaking in Accra yesterday at the Africa Union High-level Conference which focused on Ghanas Anti-Corruption Architecture, the Vice-President stressed the need to legislate unexplained wealth orders, extend their application to both public officials and private citizens, while anchoring the principle of reverse burden of proof in the Constitution. Again, she called for the need to strengthen the asset declaration regime beyond mere compliance to full scrutiny beyond mere submission. We must ensure sustainable financing for anti-corruption institutions to reduce political influence and enhance their independence. The financing of political parties and national elections must be regulated through comprehensive legislation that addresses both internal party leadership selection and national campaign funding, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang added. Conference The conference was organised by the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), a specialised organ of the African Union established in 2009 to promote and enhance the implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC). It was held on the theme: Revitalising the Anti-Corruption Architecture in Africa: Ghanas Accountability Journey. The conference was also to commemorate two decades of AUCPCC. Present at the conference were the Chairperson of AUABC, Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, the Commissioner of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Whittal, a board member for AUABC, Yvonne Mutepuka Chibiya; the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng; the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice-President, Alex Segbefia; ministers of state, a lawyer and anti-graft campaigner, Oliver Barker-Vormawor; members of the diplomatic corps, the clergy and representatives from the security services, among others. Foundations Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the country had positioned itself as a pioneer in Africa's anti-corruption efforts, adding that the country was one of the first nations to ratify AUCPCC in 2007 and submitted one of the first baseline reports to the AUABC. The first National Anti-Corruption Action Plan, which guided our efforts from 2015 to 2024, showed our commitment to coordinated, strategic anti-corruption activities. As we develop NACAP 2, we are building on lessons learned and adapting to emerging challenges, the Vice-President said. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said in spite of the gains, the countrys performance on key anti-corruption indicators had stagnated and declined. Citing data from the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index and the 2022 Ghana Statistical Service Corruption Report, she said the country lost over GH5 billion to bribery alone in one year. Citizens continue to express concerns over weak enforcement, political interference and the lack of systemic deterrence. These concerns reflect not just dissatisfaction, but an expectation that Ghana can and must do better, she added. Commitment Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to revitalising the countrys anti-corruption architecture. She said the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) was an effort to send a clear message that corruption would not be tolerated going forward. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the launch of a comprehensive code of conduct for all presidential appointees established clear ethical standards from the highest levels of government. The Conduct of Public Officers Bill will soon be laid in parliament. The revised Conduct of Public Officers Bill will onboard the views of civil society organisations (CSOs), anti-corruption institutions, the media, academia, the international community, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that this bill stands the test of time, she said. The Vice-President also lauded the appointment of a Presidential Advisor on National Anti-Corruption Programme, a strategic approach since 1992, to coordinate inter-agency cooperation and legislative reform. Cooperation Prof. Opoku-Agyemang lauded the AUABC's non-adversarial review model, which, she said, created an environment conducive to honest self-assessment, peer learning and technical cooperation over punitive measures. She said the country was committed to implementing AUABC's recommendations through regular progress reviews and collaborative engagement. Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang called for broader civic education and the creation of more accessible channels for reporting corruption. No anti-corruption architecture can succeed without active citizen engagement. Civil society organisations, investigative journalists and ordinary citizens are our partners in this fight, she said. She acknowledged the gains made through the Right to Information Act, adding that more needed to be done to ensure the public knew their rights and how to hold authorities accountable. Highlighting the critical role of young people, the Vice-President described Africas youth as the continents greatest asset, noting that their familiarity with technology presented a powerful tool in the transparency and accountability agenda. We must create platforms for meaningful youth participation in anti-corruption efforts, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said. Ghana's economic recovery and long-term prosperity depend on our ability to demonstrate that we are reliable stewards of public resources. International investors, development partners and our own citizens need confidence that their contributions will be used effectively and transparently, the Vice-President said. Teamwork For his part, the Commissioner of CHRAJ called for strengthened national, regional and international collaboration in the fight against corruption across Africa, emphasising that no single institution or country could tackle the scourge alone. Mr Whittal said that CHRAJs mandate, created under the 1992 Constitution, reflected the complex interplay between human rights and anti-corruption efforts, saying, Our fight against corruption must take into cognisance individual liberties and freedoms, especially in view of some of the excesses that occurred under military rule. The Commissioner also reiterated the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary. He emphasised that NACAP was built on three key pillars prevention, education and capacity-building, and deterrence through investigations and prosecution. These are our building blocks. Our experience has shown that no single institution can successfully fight corruption alone, Mr Whittal said. A Board Member of AUABC, Yvonne Mutepuka Chibiya, commended the government and the people of Ghana for their commitment in strengthening national accountability frameworks and for hosting the timely dialogue. She also commended the government for opening its doors to transparent and constructive dialogue and for its commitment to the State Party Review Mission conducted under the AUCPCC. At the AUABC, we view this conference as part of the broader continental momentum to reinvigorate anti-corruption strategies in line with the convention to which Ghana ratified in 2007 and has committed to domesticate and implement, she added. Ms Chibiya said Ghana's willingness to undergo the technical, non-intrusive and impartial process demonstrated commendable leadership in Africa's fight against corruption. The review process, I must emphasise, does not rank or reprimand. Rather, it helps to identify promising practices, legal and institutional gaps, as well as opportunities for improvement, she stated. Ms Chibiya explained that the process was to strengthen partnerships, as well as reinforce the shared mandate to promote good governance across the continent. We have gathered a lot from the five days we have been in Ghana. The insights from Ghana's review mission will inform not just national reforms, but regional strategies, the AUABC board member said. Sentencing for Hansen Helicopters President and CEO John D. Walker will continue next week, following expert witness testimony and newly introduced documents during Fridays hearing in District Court of Guam. Walker appeared before Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood nearly three years after a federal jury found him guilty on 110 charges in September 2022. Those charges included conspiracy to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration, wire fraud, money laundering, bribery, and falsification of aircraft registration. He was also convicted of causing serious bodily injury and death through fraudulent aircraft operations. The government called an expert witness from the FAA to testify. Prosecuting attorney Marie Miller presented documents showing that Walker remained active in Hansen Helicopters operations long after claiming retirement. It was brought up that Walker has been retired from the business since 2011 and has not been active with Hansen Helicopter and all of his other companies, defense attorney Steven R. Welk said. But FAA Management and Program Analyst Misty K. Pena countered that claim. In almost every document he would sign off as the president, Pena said. Government prosecutors introduced trial evidence showing Walker continued signing off working actively as president from 2011 through 2021. The prosecution also referenced an August 16, 2022 fatal crash involving one of Walkers helicopters in the Philippines and implicated another of his aviation businesses based in New Zealand. Tensions escalated during the courtroom exchange between Miller and defense attorney Welk. The liability of evidence is highly questionable, Welk said. Miller also presented records indicating Hansen Helicopters executives, including Walker, Director of Maintenance Phillip Turner Kapp, and Director of Operations Kenneth Rufus Crowe, knowingly hired uncertified mechanics and pilots, used counterfeit helicopter parts, and rebuilt damaged helicopters illegally to boost profits. We have someone whos been committing fraud since 1990, Miller said. He has not stopped and he doesnt care. Miller told the court the men bribed FAA officials to approve what she called Frankenstein helicopters. In April, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Guam announced a global settlement agreement with individuals affiliated with Pacific Spotters Corporation, PSC. The agreement required those defendants to sever ties with the criminal defendants in the Hansen Helicopters case and the companies listed in Civil Case No. 23-CV-00002. It also included the forfeiture of aircraft and operations and required full cooperation. The PSC defendants include Cherry Anne Espion, director, corporate secretary, and treasurer; Oswald Espion, board chairman and president; Antonio S. Padua; and Robert Dodd Plew. During Fridays hearing, an 11-page memo detailing Espions immunity agreement was also introduced. In 2022, the jury found that Walker and Hansen Helicopters had engaged in a pattern of acquiring scrapped or damaged aircraft, falsifying records, and deceiving federal regulators. His sentencing will resume next week. The Guam Department of Education announced its Summer School Program for school year 2024-2025. GDOE said there were several challenges in implementing summer school this year, but continued to persevere to provide an outlet for students to continue their education. The original plan prioritized refurbishing school facilities to improve the learning environments, due to poor facility condition that have significantly contributed to learning loss, GDOE said. However, refurbishments projects have been placed on hold. Despite this shift majority of our schools were able to adjust their schedules based on their individual needs to ensure students still receive the support they need, GDOE said. Jesse R. Pendon Jr., project lead for classroom support and interventions, thanked the Department of Public Works especially everyone involved in bus operation for their support in providing transportation for summer school. Given the nature of the last-minute changes to our plans, their role has been absolutely critical to the success of our program, GDOE said. GDOEs Classroom Supports & Academic Interventions Project team manages summer school. This activity is administered by the Guam Department of Education and is funded by the U.S Department of Education Consolidated Grant to the Outlying Areas. For elementary and middle schools, summer school runs from June 9 to July 1, Monday to Thursday. Elementary school instruction is from 8 a.m. to noon and middle school instruction is from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Summer school for high schools are from June 9 to June 30, Monday to Friday with instructional hours 8 a.m. to noon. Participating elementary schools: Adacao Elementary Agana Heights Elementary Astumbo Elementary B.P. Carbullido Elementary D.L. Perez Elementary Finegayan Elementary H.B. Price Elementary H.S. Truman Elementary Inarajan Elementary J.M. Guerrero Elementary Tamuning Elementary at J.M. Guerrero Elementary L.B. Johnson Elementary at J.M. Guerrero Elementary Chief Brodie Elementary at J.M. Guerrero Elementary J.Q. San Miguel Elementary Liguan Elementary M.A. Ulloa Elementary M.U. Lujan Elementary Machananao Elementary Merizo Martyrs Elementary P.C. Lujan Elementary Talofofo Elementary Upi Elementary Wettengel Elementary Participating middle schools: Agueda Johnston Middle V.S.A. Benavente Middle F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle at Okkodo High School Inarajan Middle V. Jose L.G. Rios Middle L.P. Untalan Middle Oceanview Middle Astumbo Middle Participating high schools: George Washington High School John F Kennedy High School Simon A. Sanchez High at John F Kennedy High School Okkodo High School Tiyan High School The Office of the Governor announced registration is now open for the 81st Guam Liberation Parade, taking place on July 21, as part of the islands annual celebration of resilience, remembrance, and freedom. This years Liberation theme, Fanohge CHamoru, is the powerful opening line of Guams national anthem, written by Ramon Manalisay Sablan in 1919. The theme is a tribute to the unshakable spirit of the CHamoru people and a call to rise united, proud, and strong. The 2025 celebration also marks the 75th anniversary of the Organic Act of Guam, which granted American citizenship to Guam residents and laid the foundation for self-governance. As we prepare to celebrate the 81st anniversary of our islands liberation, we do so under a banner that calls on us to rise united, proud, and strong, said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in a statement. Fanohge CHamoru is not only a reflection of our past but a commitment to our future. All interested groups, including villages, nonprofits, government agencies, cultural organizations, military units, and private businesses, are invited to participate in the 2025 Liberation Parade. Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 8 To register: Email register.libertion.parade@gmail.com to receive a full packet, which includes: Digital registration form Parade rules & regulations Participation fees Waiver & affirmations Checklists of reminders and deadlines Judging criteria Payment Drop-Off: Accepted on Tuesday, July 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Guam Museum Mandatory Safety Briefing: Wednesday, July 16 at 6 p.m. at the Guam Museum For those without email access, please call (671) 646-4361 to make arrangements to pick up a hard copy or receive assistance with the digital registration process. Guams Liberation and the passage of the Organic Act are key pillars in our history, said Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio in a statement. One represents the end of violence under a brutal enemy, and the other represents the foundation on which we continue to pursue our hopes and aspirations as a people." Tenorio encourage all villages, cultural groups, nonprofits, military units, and private organizations to register and take part in this momentous eventone of the biggest and most meaningful celebrations of the year. "Whether youre walking in remembrance, dancing in celebration, or building a float with your village, this is your moment to be part of our islands living history," he said. More information on Liberation Day festivities, memorials, and commemorative events will be announced in the coming weeks. Commentary: Recalibrating direction of giant ship of China-U.S. relations Xinhua) 14:27, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday held phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the latter's request. At a critical juncture when China-U.S. relations and the world landscape are undergoing profound adjustments, this direct communication between the two heads of state was timely, necessary and of far-reaching significance. In the phone talks, the Chinese president used the metaphor of "recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations" to point out the core task facing the current bilateral relations. That is, the two sides should take the helm of the ship, set the right course, and steer clear of various disturbances and disruptions as it sails forward. The highest-level strategic communication not only provided strong political guidance for maintaining the momentum of dialogue built by China and the United States in Geneva, but also created an important opportunity for their relations to return to the right track. The recent China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva was itself a valuable outcome of the pursuit of rational dialogue. The meeting's substantial progress and joint statement heightened market optimism, which fully proves that the international community highly recognizes the importance of China and the United States resolving differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly maintaining the stability of economic and trade relations. They also lent support to the truth that dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice for the two countries. However, after the Geneva meeting, certain U.S. officials have deviated from the correct path in their words and actions. Disregarding facts, they have spread false narratives, smeared the hard-won achievements of the meeting, and successively imposed multiple discriminatory restrictions against China. Under such circumstances, the phone call between the two leaders carried great significance, and both sides should cherish this opportunity and leverage it as momentum to fully implement the Geneva agreement and steer their economic and trade relations back on track. Ultimately, the true test lies in whether the U.S. side can honor the agreement with sustained and credible actions and provide the certainty so urgently needed in bilateral relations. The China-U.S. economic and trade relationship is an inevitable outcome of the optimal allocation of resources in the era of globalization and is, in essence, mutually beneficial. In the past decades, China's development has presented immense market potential and collaborative opportunities to nations worldwide, including the United States, while U.S. capital and technological expertise have likewise played a vital role in advancing China's progress. Any attempt to deliberately sever the relationship or pursue a zero-sum mindset runs counter to the trend of the times, as it is ultimately self-defeating and harms the interests of all parties involved, including the United States itself. As the world's two largest economies, the trajectory of China-U.S. relations holds pivotal significance for global stability and prosperity. The saying that "China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation" is a profound conclusion drawn from decades of trials and challenges. Following the Geneva meeting, China has acted promptly by removing or suspending relevant tariffs, demonstrating its sincere commitment to preserving the outcomes achieved through dialogue. However, China also stands firmly by its principles. It never wavers in its determination to safeguard its core interests and the fundamental well-being of its people, as well as uphold international fairness, justice and the multilateral trading system. On matters concerning its national sovereignty and dignity, China will never make the slightest compromise or concession. For the U.S. side, the immediate priority is to acknowledge the progress already made, and remove the negative measures taken against China. This represents not only the fulfillment of commitments in the truest sense, but more importantly, an essential prerequisite for advancing practical cooperation. For the giant ship of China-U.S. relations to sail steadily forward, both nations must expand constructive agendas across broader domains while managing their differences well. Moreover, preserving the political foundation of China-U.S. relations is fundamental to ensuring this vessel stays on course and avoids hidden reefs. It is imperative to maintain high vigilance and properly address major sensitive issues that could undermine the bedrock of bilateral ties. 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 dangerous confrontation and even conflict. This is a solemn message sent to the U.S. side. The phone call between the two leaders represented another critical step by both sides to bridge differences following the Geneva meeting. It is hoped that the U.S. side will work with China to fully translate the common understandings reached between the two heads of state into policies and actions, to ensure that the ship of China-U.S. relations can weather challenges and move forward steadily. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) Married couple killed in overnight shelling of Ukrainian city of Kherson In an overnight attack on Saturday, Russian occupying forces shelled the Korabelny district of Kherson, killing two civilians, reported Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration. "Residential buildings came under enemy fire two apartment buildings were damaged. Tragically, a married couple a 56-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman were killed in the attack," Prokudin wrote on Telegram. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, a new Trump White House pick, will come to Guam next month, ahead of plans for about 2,300 soldiers, civilians and dependents on move to the island to run the planned missile defense system. Driscoll shared the plans with Del. James Moylan, while discussing Guam missile defense at a House Armed Services Committee hearing this week. Guam, we talk about it often. I think next month, Im going out there to visit it. And so it comes up in conversations, if not daily, at least weekly, Driscoll told Moylan. Driscolls visit will come months after Trump White House Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visited the island, and in the wake of Navy leadership calling the Indo-Pacific region the worlds center of gravity. The Army secretary, who was confirmed about four months ago, did not speak in detail about the planned visit. But Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George did briefly comment on a recent scathing Government Accountability Office report that found the Pentagons plans for a 360-degree missile defense lacked some of the basic building blocks needed to sustain it. Were working with the Navy. As you know, the Navy is in charge of all the installations, George said, when asked by Moylan about plans to support personnel coming to the island. When I came out to visit, one of our big thing was making sure that, you know, we understood what our soldiers were, how they were living, what they were doing, the general said. I would agree that we need to make some adjustments. George said the Army had recently signed an agreement with the Navys Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of Indo-Pacific Command, and the commandant of the Marine Corps. to house soldiers already on Guam for missile defense. Moylan in a statement Thursday said he was happy to hear about the development. An environmental impact statement for the missile defense system anticipates the number of military service members and civilians on Guam to run the system growing from 89 as of 2025 to 357 by 2026, 805 by 2027, and 1,044 by 2031. Another 1,300 dependents associated with the system will arrive by 2031, according to the report. However, the Government Accountability report released publicly last month states its unclear how many personnel are actually needed to sustain the system. National Guard The general also mentioned an interest in tapping the Guam Army National Guard to get a better mix of Guam residents involved in defense of the island. Last month, the Army officer responsible for overseeing missile defense of the island said the service has been discussing an expanded mission for local guardsmen. Moylan asked whether the Armys fiscal 2026 budget would help advance the needs of the Guam Guard, and ensure they got the latest training. We would love to work with you and hear more about that, and I can follow up with specifics to your office, Secretary Driscoll replied. George added that the Army was looking at advancements across the board, to become more mobile and low signature, and incorporate drones, among other goals. What that (Guam) unit is doing out there, thats part of that integrated air missile defense system. You know they will be a priority for making sure that they can do those things, George told Moylan. The delegate in a statement after the hearing said he was pleased to hear that Gen. George holds our Army National Guardsmen in high esteem. Our brave men and women deserve the same level of readiness and support as their counterparts across the nation, Moylan said. South Korea plans Moylan did ask the Army secretary about reported plans to relocate 4,500 troops from South Korea to Guam and other locations in the Indo-Pacific. A Pentagon spokesperson last month told the Pacific Daily News that the reports were not true. The delegates office did not respond to an email inquiry about the report last month. Can you also clarify whether the army is actively planning to any movements of personnel or units from South Korea to Guam? Moylan asked Driscoll this week. I cant provide any sort of confirmation on those specific movements, Driscoll replied. But I think the secretary of defense and president are very actively engaged in the posturing of our troops around the world, and we support them. Haiti - Diaspora : The Minister of MHAVE on tour in the Dominican Republic On Thursday, June 5, 2025, Kathia Verdier, Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), met with Ricot Almonord, Head of the Haitian Consulate in Dajabon, to assess the quality of services and support offered to Haitian compatriots. They also assessed the living conditions of Haitians in the region and the challenges they face. The objective was to gather valuable information and identify ways forward to provide quality services and assistance to Haitians. The points discussed included : - Strengthening reception and documentation services for Haitians in the process of migrating or recently returned (passport, national identity card, birth certificate, etc...); - Intensifying coordination to document cases of human rights violations, particularly those related to deportation. On Friday, June 6, 2025, after her visit to the Haitian Consulate in Dajabon, the Minister of the Diaspora met with Haitian Ambassador Fritz Longchamp at the Haitian Embassy in Santo Domingo, as well as representatives from several Haitian sectors from different regions. Among those present was Edwin Paraison, Founder of the Zile Foundation and former Minister of the MHAVE (Minister of Foreign Affairs). Discussions focused primarily on legal documents, administrative support, and the humane treatment of Haitians living in the Dominican Republic. Minister Verdier emphasized the need to establish stronger structures to guarantee the rights and dignity of all Haitians abroad, wherever they may be. The Zile Foundation and other stakeholders recommend, in particular, the creation of humanitarian corridors and integrated monitoring of human rights compliance during expulsions and repatriations. Minister Verdier confirmed that all these recommendations are part of the ministry's revitalization plan, which already includes the creation of the necessary mechanisms and the strengthening of collaboration with human rights organizations for all our citizens living abroad. S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Education : A new Director takes charge of the National Bureau of State Examinations (BUNEXE) After 23 years of service, including 18 years as Director of the National Bureau of State Examinations (BUNEXE), Renan Michel is retiring down from his position. Despite the challenges, he believes that the BUNEXE has supported all the reforms implemented by the Ministry. In this regard, he highlighted recent achievements such as the online registration of candidates for State examinations and the online delivery of graduation certificates. "At the BUNEXE, we have no room for error. It is one of the Ministry's key bodies. We are not here to please people, but to apply principles in the interest of the Republic," reiterated Renan Michel, who expressed confidence in the ability and integrity of his successor, Osny Jean Marie, who was his deputy for 18 years. Osny Jean-Marie was installed in his new position this week during a ceremony attended by Inspectors General, several senior Ministry officials, family members, and friends. The ceremony was presided over by Augustin Antoine, Minister of National Education. In his opening remarks, Minister Antoine drew the audience's attention to the importance of the BUNEXE (National Education and Training Office), one of the Ministry's key entities, which primarily deals with the organization of State examinations. "I am here this morning to install the new Director of the BUNEXE with pleasure. This is a change in continuity, not a break. Because the outgoing and incoming Directors have extensive experience working together." Osny Jean Marie assured that he would do his best to lead BUNEXE with a high sense of responsibility and commitment, while drawing on his 30 years of cumulative experience within this office. "This moment is an honor for me, but also a challenge that pushes me to redouble my efforts to contribute with all of you to building a better future for our youth and our society." He expressed his awareness of the challenges that accompany this position. However, he believes that far from discouraging him, these challenges should, on the contrary, stimulate him to find innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. "In this regard, my commitment will be to continue the work begun, strengthen ongoing initiatives, and propose reforms that are part of a medium- and long-term strategic vision." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - OPC / CEP : Right to vote and citizen participation in referendum and electoral processes A delegation from the Office for the Protection of Citizens (OPC), composed of Jean Wilner Morin, Citizen Protector, his Deputy, Amoce Auguste, and Jude Jean Pierre, Director General of the OPC, visited the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to discuss with electoral councilors the respect of voting rights and the participation of citizens, particularly displaced persons, in the referendum and electoral processes. Patrick Saint-Hilaire, President of the CEP, General Treasurer Jacques Desrosiers, and Councilors Rose Therese Magalie Georges and Yves Marie Edouard, representing the human rights and women's rights sectors respectively, participated in the meeting, which lasted approximately 90 minutes. The OPC delegation sought to inquire about the progress of the referendum and electoral processes while ensuring that citizens' rights are respected at all stages of these processes. The Ombudsman and his team took the opportunity to inform the CEP members that the OPC will soon organize workshops to promote broader consultation on the preliminary draft of the new Constitution. The idea is to gather public comments, consolidate them, and submit them to the executive branch before the text is adopted by the Council of Ministers, emphasized the OPC delegation, which also discussed the issue of updating the electoral roll and the participation of women as both candidates and voters. President Saint-Hilaire welcomed the OPC's approach and assured that the CEP, as a technical institution, intends to continue preparing the machinery for the organization of the constitutional referendum and elections with significant citizen participation. With this in mind, advisors will travel to the region starting this week to consolidate the progress already made, he announced, expressing his satisfaction with this strengthened collaboration between the CEP and the OPC. HL/ HaitiLibre France has adopted stricter rules for verifying the age of pornography consumers, which came into force in March. As a result, a major provider ceased operations in France on Wednesday. Shortly afterwards, VPN providers recorded a sharp increase in user numbers. Anzeige User numbers rose sharply on Wednesday morning. (Image: reddit) The Canadian media and IT company Aylo, which owns porn portals such as Pornhub, YouPorn and RedTube, ceased operations in France at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. At around 5:30 a.m., Proton noticed a sharp increase in the number of users of its VPN service ProtonVPN. Access to pornography, not our intention When asked by heise online whether the figures were real, Proton replied: We developed Proton VPN to help people in authoritarian countries deal with online censorship a gateway to pornography was obviously not our intention. But a VPN can be used in this way, and registrations from France have temporarily increased tenfold. The provider goes on to explain: We believe that age verification is not the best way to prevent children from accessing adult content. There is no age verification exclusively for children it always affects everyone. If foreign porn sites or other third-party providers collect ID documents from adults, this creates new risks, for example as potential blackmail material. A technically more sensible approach would be content controls that are implemented directly on the devices that parents make available to their children. Other VPN providers are also seeing similar effects. Malwarebytes also offers VPN software and now writes that wherever people normally want to watch porn, the use of VPNs has increased. This has also been observed in the USA. Pornhub blocked access to its services in Florida for similar reasons, whereupon VPN demand increased by 1150 percent. In Texas, the increase in VPN usage following the introduction of similar laws amounted to around 235 percent. Anzeige The company Aylo announced this move on Tuesday of this week. The French government reacted with a demonstrative shrug of the shoulders. If Aylo prefers to leave France instead of applying the law, the company is free to do so, said Clara Chappaz, the French Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technologies. The Minister for Gender Equality, Aurore Berge, also reiterated her government's commitment to protecting minors child protection is the goal of the more robust age verification. (dmk) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. The police are investigating the incident as aggravated vandalism. According to Helsinki police, a security guard reported two people, a man and a woman, fleeing the scene at 1:42am. No arrests had been made by Saturday evening. A pro-Palestinian activist group has claimed responsibility for an act of vandalism at Finlands Ministry of Defence, where red paint was thrown on the buildings main entrance early Saturday morning. The group Palestine Action stated it was behind the protest, saying it opposes Finlands military dealings with Israeli defence companies and the countrys stance on the war in Gaza. The group has conducted similar actions in the United Kingdom, targeting premises linked to Israeli arms manufacturers. In a message published on social media, the group claimed it used water-soluble red paint. Photographs taken at the site show splashes of bright red substance across the historic buildings stone facade, with thicker deposits pooled on the ground. The material appeared to have been mixed with powder, making some areas darker than others. The Defence Ministry is located in Kaartinkaupunki, central Helsinki, in a protected building originally completed in 1822. Designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel, the building is part of Finlands national architectural heritage. Any alteration or damage requires specialised handling. Due to the buildings age and status, restoration cannot begin immediately. You cant just go in with pressure washers, said Sanna Jaaskelainen, communications director at Senate Properties, the agency responsible for state buildings. Cleaning work is scheduled to start after the weekend, under the supervision of conservators from the Finnish Heritage Agency. This will be approached with the same care as the cleanups at the Parliament Building last September and the Ateneum Art Museum in February, said Lieutenant Colonel Mikko Koskimaa, military assistant to the Ministrys permanent secretary. Jaaskelainen added that allowing the substance to dry will make removal more controlled. Its important not to rush, especially with material on a protected site like this. Palestine Action accused Finland of complicity in genocide against Palestinians due to reported cooperation with Israeli arms firms. Finland has confirmed some defence procurement links with Israeli companies, but the government has not commented on the protest or its claims. Police say they are still working to identify the two individuals seen leaving the scene. The classification of the case as aggravated vandalism reflects both the buildings significance and the visible extent of the damage. HT Dnipropetrovsk region came under a combined attack by Russian forces overnight Saturday, injuring two women and damaging infrastructure, reported Serhiy Lysak, head of the regional military administration. "Overnight, the region endured a combined Russian attack. Our air defense units shot down six enemy missiles and 27 drones. Thank you to our defenders of the skies!" Lysak said. In Dnipro, two women aged 45 and 88 sustained injuries; one is being treated on an outpatient basis. A business, an educational institution, residential high-rises, dozens of garages, and vehicles were damaged. In Pavlohrad, nine vehicles were destroyed, and residential buildings and a business sustained damage. No casualties were reported. In the morning, Russia launched FPV drone and artillery attacks on the Nikopol area. A nine-story building in Nikopol was damaged, but there were no fatalities. In her policy speech on Saturday, Virta criticised the governments economic direction, calling recent budget cuts harmful to Finlands social framework. She said the cuts undermined the foundations of the welfare state. Sofia Virta has been re-elected as chair of Finlands opposition Green Party, securing her second term unopposed during the party conference held in Hameenlinna. Of course, debt must be brought under control, she said, but not at the expense of social security, education or environmental protection. Virta, 34, has led the Greens since 2023. She told delegates her long-term aim is to return the party to government after the 2027 parliamentary elections and reclaim the seven seats lost in 2023. She ruled out forming any future coalition government with the Finns Party, citing irreconcilable differences over equality and human rights. There are no compromises on issues such as the treatment of people, equality and women's rights, she said in an interview with Iltalehti. The Greens currently hold 13 seats in the 200-member Parliament, ranking fifth. The latest Yle poll places the partys support at 8.7 percent, up 0.8 percentage points. In her address, Virta promoted a vision of Finland as an internationally minded, liberal country committed to environmental leadership. She urged stronger climate and biodiversity action, calling for Finland to become both carbon-negative and nature-positive. We choose ambition, researched knowledge, and the will to fight the climate crisis, she said. She proposed cutting environmentally harmful corporate subsidies, and increasing investment in education to support long-term economic and social resilience. On labour issues, she warned that government reforms were creating instability in the labour market. She called for balance, saying that both employers and employees benefit from predictability and trust. Vice-chairs and other party officials were scheduled to be selected later in the day. Party Secretary Anna Moring is running unopposed for another term. Under Virtas leadership, the Greens gained support in this years regional elections but lost ground in the municipal vote. In both races, the party faced growing competition from the Left Alliance, now polling slightly ahead. HT The country is already committed to increasing defence expenditure to 3.5 percent of GDP, following a proposal by NATOs defence minister Mark Rutte . The new target exceeds both NATOs two percent baseline and Ruttes proposal, aligning more closely with demands made by US President Donald Trump , who has repeatedly urged allies to raise military budgets to five percent. Finland plans to raise its defence spending to five percent of gross domestic product by 2032, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Saturday at the National Coalition Partys spring council meeting. There have been internal discussions about the timeline, and we are looking at 2032, Orpo said during his address. He confirmed the government's earlier decision made in April to increase military spending to three percent of GDP by 2029. Raising defence spending to three percent would require an estimated additional 10 billion annually by the end of the decade. Increasing it to five percent would demand further funds, placing pressure on the long-term sustainability of Finlands public finances. Orpo declined to specify how the increased defence spending would be financed, but ruled out tax hikes. I dont want to start with raising taxes. Our debt is already at a critical level, he said. According to Orpo, the added military, interest and social costs will be covered through economic growth. The prime minister did not commit to any further austerity measures or borrowing to fund the proposed defence increases. Orpo said he remained confident in the governments fiscal direction. Recently Ive been criticised for being too optimistic about the economy. Thats a criticism Im happy to accept. I believe firmly that our decisions are the right ones, he told the party council in Helsinkis Little Parliament building. He emphasised that the governments economic policies had not yet taken full effect. Talks of failure are premature, Orpo added. The prime minister defended the governments 10 billion fiscal adjustment package, arguing that without it, Finlands annual borrowing would be 4 billion higher. He warned that debt levels would otherwise rise to 90 percent of GDP next year and surpass 100 percent before the end of the decade. Economic issues were closely linked to security policy in Orpos speech, where he reiterated Finlands ongoing commitment to support Ukraine. We will not let Russia win, he said. HT The Swedish climate activist is one of 12 passengers on the vessel Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The group departed from waters off Alexandria, Egypt, and was expected to reach the vicinity of Gazas territorial waters by late Sunday or early Monday, according to on-board participant Yasemin Acar , speaking to AFP. Greta Thunberg is aboard an aid ship heading toward Gaza in an effort to breach Israels naval blockade of the territory, raising the risk of confrontation at sea. The ship is carrying humanitarian aid and aims to deliver supplies to civilians in Gaza. The group has called on Israel to allow the cargo through, citing the worsening humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave. Israel has stated it will act appropriately to prevent the vessel from reaching its destination. The phrasing echoes previous warnings issued before similar blockade-breaching attempts. The situation has drawn comparisons to the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when Israeli forces boarded a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza. Ten activists were killed during that operation, triggering international condemnation and a prolonged diplomatic fallout. There has been no confirmation of whether the Madleen is carrying journalists or whether the activists have communicated directly with Israeli authorities. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has not disclosed the full contents of the aid shipment, but states it includes food and medical supplies. Thunbergs participation has drawn global attention. It marks her first public involvement in an attempt to breach a military-enforced blockade. In a recent press appearance in Italy, she said the action aims to pressure governments to act against what she described as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel has imposed a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, restricting maritime traffic and aid deliveries. Humanitarian groups have criticised the blockade as a form of collective punishment, while Israeli officials argue it is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas and other armed groups. The Israeli military has not confirmed specific rules of engagement regarding the Madleen, but past practice has involved radio warnings, intercepts at sea, and, if ignored, the use of force to redirect or seize vessels attempting to reach the coastline. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition was also involved in the 2010 flotilla, which included the Mavi Marmara and five other ships. That incident remains one of the most high-profile confrontations over Gazas maritime access. No government has publicly endorsed the current voyage, and there has been no indication of naval escort or protection from any state. Egyptian authorities have not commented on the vessels departure. Thunbergs presence on the ship has sharply raised the political visibility of the voyage. Israeli officials have not named her directly but warned that all attempts to violate the blockade would be met with resistance. The Madleens progress will likely be closely monitored by international media and military forces in the region over the next 24 hours. HT LOCAL BRIEFS: Paramedics certified, Born Learning Trail, Postcard Party, AAUW Students load a patient into an ambulance during training for their Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification. [CONTRIBUTED] Related Stories Paramedics ace certification exam Blue Ridge Community Colleges entire paramedic class passed the challenging Advanced Emergency Medical Technician state certification exam on their first attempt. Blue Ridge Community College Emergency Medical Services faculty paramedic instructor Virginia Purdy said her six students have been working incredibly hard to reach this milestone. The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification is the next step after EMT, allowing providers to perform IVs, administer a limited formulary of medications, and perform more advanced skills, all of which are essential building blocks on the path to becoming a paramedic, Purdy said. Purdy attributed her students determination to their existing and substantial hands-on experience. They know whats at stake, she said. They were all working as EMTs during the hurricane and saw first-hand what working in EMS means to our communities. Purdy leads by example, demonstrating to her students the same commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning that she encourages in them. This spring, she earned a specialized Community Paramedic certification by passing a rigorous examination administered by the International Board of Specialty Certification. Purdy continues her professional growth by preparing for another challenging IBSC examination to become a certified Critical Care Paramedic. United Way cuts ribbon for Born Learning Trail United Way of Henderson County recently celebrated the update and ribbon cutting of the Born Learning Trail on the Oklawaha Greenway. On May 22 the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to officially open the refurbished trail on the Oklawaha Greenway. Henderson County has two Born Learning Trails. The Oklawaha Greenway segment runs from the parking lot at Kimberly-Clark to the Berkeley Road parking lot and the Mills River Park trail is located at 124 Town Center Drive in Mills River. Quality early learning experiences for all children are a key driver of school readiness, said Kat Carlton, executive director of United Way. Our impact areas of kindergarten readiness and school success align with the purpose of the Born Learning Trail. This interactive trail provides a learning opportunity tailored to our youngest neighbors and their parents and caregivers and expands upon local opportunities for them to learn and grow. Originally constructed in 2017, the Born Learning Trail on the Oklawaha Greenway has received an update to the signage, including the addition of Spanish language signs, and a fresh coat of paint on the interactive learning spaces. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Hunter Subaru, the refurbished Trail is open for all residents to enjoy. The trail consists of a series of ten signs placed along a walking path through the park. Each sign offers an educational prompt that guides adults on specific ways to create learning games outdoors and suggests tips to use at home. The Born Learning Trail on the Oklawaha Greenway helps parents and caregivers turn a small excursion into a creative and fun learning experience. Progressive Alliance announces Postcard Party The public is invited to join the Progressive Alliance of Henderson County at its free Postcard Party and social time from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 20, from at Trailside Brewing, 874 Lenox Park Drive. The Postcard Party and Social Time is an opportunity for civic-minded individuals to mingle and write postcards to elected officials and others on current legislative topics and concerns of participants. The theme for June aligns with the nationwide Hands Off Our Democracy! initiative, with special focus on due process and the rule of law. For more information, visit progressiveallianceofhendersoncounty.com. Stokes speaks to university women The AAUW invites all to its 47th annual meeting on AAUWs Power & Purpose Thursday, June 12 from 11:30-1 at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 1735 Fifth Ave. W., Laurel Park. Trina Stokes, executive director of Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, will speak on The Power of Giving." The club will also discuss AAUWs new strategic plan and priorities. A buffet catered by Dandelion is $25. Reserve by June 8 byemailing ssmreb@bellsouth.net Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) has joined emergency response efforts in Kharkiv following a night-time Russian terrorist attack. "Volunteers from the Rapid Response Unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in Kharkiv region are working at the site of the emergency together with the city's rescue services... A canine search-and-rescue unit has also been deployed to assist with rescue operations," the URCS reported on Facebook. Volunteers carried out door-to-door checks of damaged residential buildings and surrounding areas to locate victims. They provided first aid to the wounded and handed them over to ambulance crews for transport to hospitals. Psychological first aid has also been offered to victims and continues to be provided. Volunteers are supplying water and hot beverages to victims, utility workers, and emergency responders. According to reports, a heavy Russian attack involving drones, aerial bombs, and missiles on Kharkiv overnight from Friday to Saturday left three people dead and injured 21 others, including a 1.5-month-old infant and a 14-year-old girl. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said one of the strikes hit a nine-story residential building. Private homes, a civilian enterprise, and other facilities in the city were also damaged. Emergency rescue operations are ongoing. A French car manufacturer, in cooperation with a French small or medium-sized defense enterprise (SME), will launch drone production in Ukraine, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu announced during a broadcast on LCI, as reported by Le Monde. "We're starting an entirely new partnership, where a major French car manufacturer I won't name it, as it's up to the company to make the announcement will team up with a French defense SME to equip production lines in Ukraine, enabling drone manufacturing," Lecornu said. According to him, the drones will be produced for the Ukrainian Armed Forces but could also be used by the French military. "We, too, will benefit our own armed forces will be able to conduct tactical and operational training that reflects the realities of the conflict in Ukraine," he added. The minister emphasized that Ukrainians have extensive experience with drones: "Ukrainians are ahead of us in terms of conceptualizing drones and especially in developing the surrounding doctrine." As reported, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has discussed the involvement of French companies in drone production for Ukraine's Armed Forces with Minister Lecornu. Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/06/03 Member of Parliament from the European Solidarity faction Viktoria Siumar believes that the basis for the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine's sanctions decision against Ukraine's fifth president (20142019), MP and European Solidarity leader Petro Poroshenko, was originally introduced in 2019 by former Ukrainian politician and lawyer Andriy Portnov, who was killed in Spain on May 21. This was reported on the political party's official website. "In Portnov's Telegram channel from 2019, we found a post that completely replicates the premise of the 2025 NSDC sanctions against Poroshenko," Siumar said during a broadcast on Radio Svoboda. According to her, after returning to Ukraine in 2019, Portnov sought revenge against participants of the Revolution of Dignity and against Poroshenko personally in part for the sanctions imposed on the Yanukovych regime, the confiscation of assets, investigations, and court sentences. "In 2019, Portnov wrote a post alleging Poroshenko's involvement in the Kharkiv Accords an absolute absurdity. And in 2025, this narrative is practically repeated word-for-word in the sanctions and related documentation," the MP said. Siumar also noted that MPs from other factions have yet to sign onto the initiative to form a parliamentary temporary investigative commission (TIC) to probe Portnov's influence on Ukraine's judicial and law enforcement systems an initiative launched by European Solidarity a week ago. "A certain number of signatures is needed to gather 150 votes in favor of establishing the TIC. It will happen But when we asked our colleagues from other factions, not a single MP signed. We are currently working to collect these signatures," she said. As reported, Portnov was killed on May 21 in the Madrid suburb of Pozuelo de Alarcon. He was shot in the back as he was about to get into his Mercedes parked on the sidewalk. Spain's National Police have issued a search warrant for three individuals suspected of involvement in the killing. The judge overseeing the investigation has ordered the proceedings to remain confidential. On June 2, Iryna Gerashchenko, co-chair of the European Solidarity faction in the Verkhovna Rada, announced that the faction had initiated the creation of a temporary investigative commission to examine Portnov's influence over the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. The faction is awaiting representatives from all parliamentary groups to join the commission. On February 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree enacting the NSDC decision from February 12, 2025, "On the Application of Personal Special Economic and Other Restrictive Measures (Sanctions)." According to the annex to the document, sanctions were imposed on five individuals: Petro Poroshenko; Ihor Kolomoisky; former Finance and Credit Bank owner Kostiantyn Zhevaho; former PrivatBank co-owner Hennadiy Boholiubov; and former MP Viktor Medvedchuk. Poroshenko has challenged the sanctions in Ukraine's Supreme Court. The case began on April 17 in the presence of Ukrainian MPs as well as diplomats from the European Union delegation and embassies of Germany, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Lithuania, and Denmark. Poroshenko's representatives argue that the sanctions were unlawfully imposed on a Ukrainian citizen residing in Ukraine with Russia being the only party labeling him a "terrorist." Therefore, they claim, there is no legal basis under Ukrainian law for such sanctions. Three killed, one injured in Saturday shelling of Ukraine's Donetsk region Three people were killed and one injured in Saturday's shelling of Donetsk region, according to Vadym Filashkin, head of the regional military administration. "In Yablunivka, part of the Illinivska community, Russian forces killed two civilians and damaged two houses. One more person was killed in Kostiantynivka," he wrote on Telegram. A resident of Pokrovsk was wounded when an FPV drone damaged an outbuilding. "In addition, we have confirmed information about a civilian from Rubtsi in the Lyman community who was killed the day before," Filashkin added. Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty announced the provision of military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of CAD 35 million after participation in the 28th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting and a meeting of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). "During the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, Canada reaffirmed unwavering support to Ukraine as its citizens fight for their freedom, and we look forward to working closely with Allies to strengthen our collective security," the minister said. According to a statement on the Canadian government's website, the new announcement includes more than CAD 35 million in military assistance, including: CAD 30 million for Coyote and Bison armoured vehicles, accompanied by new equipment and ammunition supplied by Canadian companies. This donation complements Canada's previous donation of 64 Coyote armoured vehicles that arrived in Ukraine in December 2024; and CAD 5 million for electronic warfare anti-jammer kits from Canada's defence industry. This military assistance is from existing funds identified in Budget 2024 funding in support of the Canada-Ukraine Strategic Security Partnership. Minister McGuinty also shared with partners updates on advanced pilot training for Ukrainian pilots underway in Canada. Canada has taken over leadership of the fighter-lead-in-training (FLIT) element of the UDCG Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC). This CAD 389 million investment over five years includes F-16 pilot training for Ukrainian personnel, critical airfield equipment, and other support to Ukrainian air bases and fleets all provided by Canadian industry. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. One of the worlds most thrilling automotive competitions the international rally Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is passing through Azerbaijan for the second time, Trend reports. The vintage car rally is being held with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation, and the Baku City Circuit Operating Company. The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is a true test for legendary 20th-century automobiles and their crews. Over 37 days, participants must cover 14,500 kilometers across 12 countries. The rally began on May 17 at the Great Wall of China and, after passing through China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan, has now reached Azerbaijan. Today, on June 7 at 18:00, a vintage car exhibition opened in the Seaside National Park near the "Seven Beauties" fountain. The oldest participating vehicle is an American LaFrance Type 10 from 1917, while the newest is a 1984 Toyota Hilux. On June 9, the Azerbaijani stage of the rally will begin at the Heydar Aliyev Center and will run through Gobustan, Shamakhi, the Ajinohur-Jeyranchol plain, and other scenic regions of Azerbaijan, ending in Gakh. A total of 55 vintage cars will take part in the Azerbaijani leg of the rally. The participants will leave the country on June 10. After Azerbaijan, the rally will continue through the challenging routes of Georgia and Turkiye, followed by the final European stage through Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, and Switzerland, ending in France. It is worth noting that the Peking to Paris rally has been held since 1907, and this is only the second time in its history that it passes through Azerbaijan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. On June 2, a ceremony was held to hoist the National Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (MARSEC COE), located in Istanbul, Republic of Turkiye, Trend reports. During the ceremony attended by the military personnel of the centre, the National Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan was hoisted to the sound of the National Anthem. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the NATO MARSEC COE, 1st grade Captain Mehmet Cengiz Ekren emphasized the role of maritime security in global trade, international cooperation, and collective security, highlighting its vital importance in todays globalized world. It was also emphasized that the admission of the Republic of Azerbaijan as the fifth member of the NATO MARSEC COE is a significant development and a reflection of its dedication to shaping the future of maritime security alongside the current member countries Turkiye, Greece, Portugal, and Romania. The speech also expressed confidence that 3rd grade Captain Muradov Murad Eldar, who has been appointed to the position of "EDU/007 Education Staff Officer" at the NATO MARSEC COE for a three-year term starting in 2025, will successfully apply the experience gained during his service in the Motherland. At the end of the ceremony, a commemorative gift was presented to Azerbaijani officer in honor of the Republic of Azerbaijan's accession to the NATO MARSEC COE as a contributing country. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Today, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a telephone conversation with Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministers discussed issues arising from the Azerbaijan-Pakistan partnership, as well as various aspects of the bilateral and multilateral cooperation agenda. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing dynamic of high-level and top-level reciprocal visits. They also reviewed matters stemming from the recent Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Pakistan Trilateral Summit held in Lachin, including preparations for the upcoming Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul on June 2122, and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit that Azerbaijan will host in July this year. During the call, the two ministers also exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest. Chinese market always be a magnet for foreign investment: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 14:29, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Whatever challenge may appear in the external environment, China's manufacturing remains needed by the world, and the Chinese market will always be a magnet for foreign investment, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here Friday. It was reported that amid the severe international economic environment, China's trade and economic ties with the rest of the world remain robust. In the first five months of this year, China opened 101 international air cargo routes in total, and over 195 weekly round-trip flights were added. From January to April, China's port cargo throughput was 5.755 billion tonnes, up 3.7 percent year on year, and port container throughput exceeded 110 million TEUs, up 7.9 percent year on year. In response, Lin Jian told a news briefing that in the first four months of this year, China's trade in goods grew by 2.4 percent year on year. Trade growth in April was 4.3 percentage points higher than that in the first quarter. He said China's economy continues to unleash its vitality, and resilience in trade continues to strengthen. It fully shows that whatever challenge may appear in the external environment, China's manufacturing remains needed by the world, and the Chinese market will always be a magnet for foreign investment. "Unilateralism and protectionism are unsustainable. Walls and barriers created by some will not stop China from engaging in open cooperation with other countries for shared development," he said. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. A regular meeting of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic was held in Prague, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. The delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev, and the delegation of the Czech Republic was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Marian. During the consultations, an exchange of views took place on the prospects for the development of political relations between the two countries, the importance of mutual visits and contacts within the framework of international events to promote continuous political dialogue was emphasized. In the context of cooperation in the economic sphere, the possibilities of increasing bilateral trade turnover, as well as the implementation of joint projects in such areas as energy, transport, and high technology were discussed. The strategic role of Azerbaijan in the framework of important transport projects was highly appreciated. The meeting also provided detailed information on the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period, the process of normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and the factors hindering this process. During the visit, Fariz Rzayev also held other bilateral meetings and took part in round tables with representatives of leading research and analytical centers. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. On the occasion of the Gurban Bayram, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense visited military units and met with the personnel, Trend reports. The congratulations of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, and the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, were conveyed to the military personnel. The leadership of the Ministry also met with servicemen at the combat positions and inquired about their service and combat activities. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. From June 5 to 20, the Baltic Sea region will host the large-scale annual international military exercise BALTOPS 25 (Baltic Operations 2025). Data obtained by Trend from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Latvia. Led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet and command-and-controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, this critical exercise brings together NATO allies to strengthen joint operational capabilities and demonstrate the alliances commitment to regional defense and freedom of navigation. BALTOPS 25 will involve 16 NATO member states, more than 40 naval vessels, 25 aircraft, and approximately 9,000 military personnel. Participating nations include Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The goal of the exercise is to improve cooperation and interoperability among NATO forces, enhance rapid-response readiness across all branches of the armed forces, and ensure stability and security in the Baltic Sea region. Throughout the two-week exercise, various tactical operations will take place across multiple locations, including Latvia, involving joint air, land, and sea forces. Latvian participants include members of the National Guards 4th Kurzeme Brigade, Naval Forces, Air Force, Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Training and Doctrine Command, and partner units from the United States, Portugal, and Italy. Training missions will cover a wide range of operational capabilities, including: Unmanned systems integration Medical evacuation drills Air defense operations Maritime interdiction and anti-submarine warfare Mine countermeasures Amphibious landings Combat engineering support These exercises reflect NATOs focus on multidomain interoperability and modern military technologies. Latvia has participated in BALTOPS since 1996, reinforcing its ongoing contribution to regional defense and alliance solidarity. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Kazakhstan could see a significant boost in oil transit revenues if Western sanctions on Russian crude tighten further, according to an outlook by Teniz Capital Investment Banking, Trend reports. With Europe potentially introducing harsher restrictions, such as a full embargo or stricter price caps, Russia may increasingly redirect exports to China, making Kazakhstan a critical transit route. In May 2025, Moscow and Beijing signed a protocol to raise the annual transit quota through Kazakhstan from 10 to 12.5 million tons. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed readiness to supply the additional volume, contingent on technical upgrades - either boosting capacity along the current Priirtyshsk-Atasu-Alashankou route or building a new pipeline bypassing the congested Omsk-Pavlodar corridor. This development spells tangible gains for KazTransOil (KTO), Kazakhstans state pipeline operator. With a tariff of $4.23 per ton, an extra 2.5 million tons in transit would yield at least $10.6 million in additional annual revenue. Including profits via its 50% stake in the Kazakhstan-China Pipeline, the financial upside could reach $24 million - an increase of about 3.5% of KTOs total revenue, with net profit potentially rising by up to 20%. In a high-case scenario - 20 million tons of Russian oil transiting through Kazakhstan annually - KTOs income could grow by over $96 million, and net profit could increase by as much as 80%, Teniz Capital estimates. However, accommodating these flows will require infrastructure investments. The Atasu-Alashankou pipeline can handle up to 20 million tons per year but currently operates below capacity. Technical measures, including new pumps and winter flow optimization, are already underway in coordination with CNPC. The bigger bottleneck lies upstream on the Soviet-era Priirtyshsk-Atasu section, which maxes out at 10 million tonnes. Russia has signaled its readiness to fund a new link into Kazakhstan, which could become a joint project with KTO and enhance long-term transit flexibility. Geopolitically, the arrangement is delicate. Western observers may scrutinize Kazakhstans role to ensure Russian oil isn't being rerouted to circumvent sanctions. However, officials in Astana stress that all flows to China comply with a 2013 intergovernmental agreement and are transparently accounted for. Since the China-bound trade falls outside Western sanctions and pricing mechanisms, the risk of political fallout is limited. Beyond KTO, national oil company KazMunayGas and related service firms would also benefit. Higher transit volumes mean more income for the state and expanded employment and tax revenues. While increased Russian supply to China could crowd out Kazakh barrels, analysts say Chinas growing import demand provides enough room for both. Over the long term, Kazakhstan stands to elevate its position as a regional energy transit hub. KazTransOil is evolving from a national operator into a strategic player in Eurasian transit, Teniz Capital notes. Stability, reliability, and careful navigation of geopolitical tensions will be key to securing this role. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Kazakhstan is ready to expand exports to Italy by over $1 billion across more than 100 product categories, with a focus on high-value non-resource goods, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the first-ever Central AsiaItaly Summit held in Astana, Trend reports. Tokayev emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and economic ties amid ongoing global trade tensions. "Tariff conflicts between major economic powers pose serious risks to all countries. In such circumstances, it is critical to not only preserve but also deepen existing trade partnerships," the president said. He highlighted that Kazakhstan sees particular potential in launching joint ventures and diversifying its export offerings beyond raw materials. "We believe there is room for significantly expanding exports to Italy, especially in non-commodity sectors with high added value," he added. Tokayev also pointed to the broader potential of Central Asia as a supplier of agricultural and food products to European markets. To support this expansion, he proposed opening new trade houses and logistics hubs to facilitate bilateral trade. In a concrete step toward that goal, the president suggested establishing an Italian Trade House in Almaty to strengthen commercial ties and provide a platform for promoting Italian goods and services in the region. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 7. Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom have signed a Military Cooperation Plan between the defense ministries, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to the information, the signing of the document took place in London, where a delegation from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, led by the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel Yerbol Kumarbekuly, arrived on an official visit. "During the event, current issues of bilateral military cooperation and promising areas of interaction were discussed. The main directions include peacekeeping, language training, and the education of Kazakh servicemen at the higher military educational institutions of the United Kingdom," the ministry's statement says. At the end of the event, the parties signed the Military Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for 2025-2026. 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. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu compared immigration agents to members of NSC 131, a New England-based neo-Nazi group. "I don't know of any police department that routinely wears masks," Wu said Wednesday. "We know that there are other groups that routinely wear masks, NSC 131 routinely wears masks," she added, referencing Nationalist Social Club-131, a neo-Nazi organization founded in Massachusetts in 2019. Wu, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and his administration, made her comments in response to criticism from Leah Foley, the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts. Foley, a Trump appointee confirmed in January, accused the Boston mayor of spreading "false narratives" about federal agents. The dispute stemmed from Wu's remarks, made last week, about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, which she said had "terrified" her constituents. Wu previously told WBUR people were being "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." Foley labeled Wu's comments "reckless and inflammatory," and defended ICE agents' masks, asserting they and their families were being "threatened, doxxed, and assaulted" in social media posts. When asked to respond to Foley's comments, Wu pointed out that Boston police work "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," according to the Boston Globe, before comparing ICE agents to the neo-Nazi group members. "We see what's happening with our own eyes. A land ruled by fear is not the land of the free," Wu wrote in a Bluesky post Thursday, accompanied by the Boston Globe article referencing Foley's comments. We see whats happening with our own eyes. A land ruled by fear is not the land of the free. Michelle Wu (@wutrain.bsky.social) 2025-06-05T09:52:23.340Z Federal officials held a press conference earlier this week to tout their monthlong operation that resulted in the arrests of nearly 1,500 undocumented Americans, according to Boston.com, marking one of the largest ICE operations ever. Originally published on Latin Times The Trump administration's Council of Economic Advisers chair promised that a "flurry" of trade deals will close in the near future, but failed to name a single country likely to be first on the docket. "There's a number of deals in the works with a number of our trading partners, particularly in Asia, and Europe as well," Stephen Miran, a former fellow at the ultraconservative Manhattan Institute, stated during a Fox News interview Friday when asked which country will be the first to close a trade deal with the U.S. Nations have until July 9 to close a new trade deal before Trump's reciprocal tariffs go into effect. "I expect these deals to come out in a flurry as we get closer to the deadline," Miran continued. "Some may come out very soon, but I expect there to be a flurry as we get closer to the deadline because of the process in which these deals are proceeding where there's steps that everyone is taking to move the deal forward, and those steps are designed to yield success around the time of the deadline." Trump economic advisor: There are a lot of deals in the works. I expect a flurry around the deadline Fox Host: I'm sorry to interrupt but every time we do these segments, I'm just looking for the name of a country. Can you give me a name? Trump economic advisor: I cannot pic.twitter.com/8RKwHM8frI FactPost (@factpostnews) June 6, 2025 Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer, who appeared frustrated throughout the exchange, interrupted to challenge Miran's rambling response. "Every time we do these segments, I'm just trying to find the name of a country," Hemmer stated. "Who will be first in line? Can we say today who that country will be?" "I cannot," Miran responded. Trump has reportedly reached two preliminary trade agreements, one with the UK and another with China. However, the deal with China may now be in jeopardy after Trump accused the nation of violating the temporary terms of the agreement, which included a 90-day suspension of most tariffs on each other's imports. Meanwhile, Trump has 88 additional trade deals to make before July 9, according to Investopedia. Originally published on Latin Times Taconic High held its graduation at Tanglewood in Lenox on Friday. Resilience Emphasized at Taconic Graduation Valedictorian Nicholas Kerwood, above, said the class needed courage to continue their journey and embrace uncertainty; salutatorian Alec Ginsberg told them to put ' growth over fear, curiosity over comfort.' See more photos here. LENOX, Mass. Resilience was the theme of Taconic High School's 2025 commencement ceremony. "You began high school in a time of uncertainty and change. You stumbled, adapted, matured, and showed resilience well beyond your years. As we celebrate your achievements today, resilience is the word that keeps coming to mind. It's what brought you to this moment, not just your grades or awards," interim Principal Angela Johansen said. "For some of you, resilience looks like staying up late to study, revising essays, and pushing yourselves to earn As and Bs through dedication and determination. Your academic effort is truly impressive. For others, it meant getting through a tough class, a hard week, or a challenging month and still showing up. And for those of you in our career, technical programs, resilience showed up in mastering complex skills, reading blueprints, wiring a circuit, building a shed from the ground up, preparing meals for others, or creating professional content in the studio." The 176 students of the class crossed the stage at Tanglewood on Friday afternoon before the rain began. Graduates were reminded to keep their heads up in a world of uncertainty. Valedictorian Nicholas Kerwood reminded his classmates that "it wasn't just about the grades we earned, but about the lessons we learned, the friendships we formed, and the way we lifted each other up when things got tough." "We've seen each other grow, not just academically, but as people, and that's something we're celebrating. As I reflect on these years, I think about the late-night study sessions, the moments of self-doubt, the struggles that made us question whether we could keep going, but I also think about the joy of overcoming them," he said. "I think about the teachers who believed in us when we didn't believe in ourselves, the classmates who became friends in the moments that made us laugh, even when we thought there was nothing to smile about. It's important to recognize that while this is the end of our time here, this is also a new beginning. The world beyond these walls is vast and full of endless possibilities. We may not have all the answers, no, but the beauty of life is that we don't have to have it all figured out. What we do need is the courage to continue the journey, to embrace uncertainty, and to trust that our hard work and passion will guide us forward." Kerwood asked them to remember that success isn't defined by a title or award. "True success is about the impact we make on the world, the kindness we share, and the lives we touch," he said. "It's about being brave enough to fail and resilient enough to try again. It's about being true to ourselves and lifting each other as we go." The valedictorian has a GPA of 103.6 and graduated as an AP Scholar. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Link Crew, and Rotary Club, served as a student summit leader for the school's Portrait of a Graduate program, and received the the Bausch & Lomb Science Award from the University of Rochester (N.Y.), the Endicott College Book Award, and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents certificate of academic excellence. Kerwood was captain of the varsity cross country team and will attend the University of Vermont in the fall. Salutatorian Alec Ginsberg described senior year as a "complete emotional rollercoaster" and "chaotic masterpiece." He referenced the saying "You can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails." "The closest I've gotten to navigating a sailboat was steering a shopping cart with a broken wheel, but this quote spoke to me, because it's really about us. Our resilience, perspective, and choice," he said. "The wind is unpredictable. It changes. Pushes you off course. It messes up your hair on picture day. The wind is everything you can't control. The hard times, the unexpected losses, the pop quizzes, or the wifi going out right before you submitted that last assignment that was due at 11:59, but the sail, that's you. Your attitude and decisions, your response, and adjusting that sail doesn't mean pretending the wind isn't blowing you sideways. It means grabbing the ropes and saying, 'Let's go this way.' We, the class of 2025, have mastered adjusting our sails." Ginsberg feels that his class has grit, something he has seen in hallway conversations, last-minute rehearsals, the kindness they showed each other, and the way the class has grown. "Some of us are heading to college, some of us to work. Some of us might be figuring it out, but that's okay, because life will keep throwing us new winds. We don't always get to control them, but we do get to decide how we meet them," he said. "We can choose growth over fear, curiosity over comfort, gratitude over regret, journey before destination, and when things go off course, because they will, we remember that we have the power to realign, shift, and try again. We've been doing it since freshman year." Ginsberg has a GPA of 103.4 and graduated as an AP Scholar. He has served as a student representative to the School Committee and is a member of the National Honor Society and Link Crew. He was awarded the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, the Binghamton University Scholars Program annual scholarship, and won the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy essay contest. He was captain of the varsity cross country and swim teams and will be pursuing a career in mathematics at State University of New York at Binghamton. "The class of 2025 has faced its share of challenges, but you've chosen to hold on to hope, friendship, laughter, and the growth you didn't even notice happening. That's what makes you resilient, not just what you've experienced, but how you've made meaning of it, and how you choose to tell your story," Johansen told the graduates. "My wish for you is that when you look back on your time at Taconic, the good outweighs the difficult, and that you carry forward the relationships, joy, and lessons that brought you to this moment. Wherever life takes you, stay curious, kind, and courageous, and remember resilience doesn't mean being unbreakable. It means rising again and again with purpose." Graduate Ryley Schwarz sang the national anthem, and the ceremony included performances by the Taconic band and chorus. Taconic High School class of 2025 Letter: Town Officials Not Listening on Police Budget To the Editor: On May 5, at the annual town meeting, Dalton residents voted 162-117 to reject the police budget which has risen by 59 percent, or $600,000, since Chief Strout's appointment ($1.049M FY21 versus $1.665M 2026 projection). The vote against the police budget is not a targeted attack or an attempt to defund the department. The police budget is the third highest for the town. The [Central Berkshire Regional School District] is No. 1, and is voted on by the seven towns it covers, not just Dalton. The second highest is sewer treatment, and its costs are dictated by the [city] of Pittsfield. Coming in behind the Police Department is health insurance, which was discussed at length during the meeting and Bill Drosehn suggested looking into other providers to save costs. Unfortunately, the police budget is where voters can make the greatest impact on their tax bill. The Finance Committee didn't approve the police budget during their March 26, 2025, meeting and received criticism. They approved the budget after a $14,564 decrease during the April 16, 2025, meeting. However, the residents of Dalton did not vote in favor of the revised budget, and we, the voters, are at the top of the town's organization chart. To further support this, during the Select Board candidate forum, when candidates were asked, "What is the role of a Select Board member?" Marc Strout repeated many times, "I work for you; I'm the employee you're the employer. I report to you." (16:46). Former Select Board Chair Joe Diver commented on his May 4, 2025, post in the "Marc Strout, Town of Dalton Selectman Facebook" group, "Welcome to New England town government. In my opinion, it is the best form of government because the final say is in the hands of the voters who show up, make motions to adjust budgets and final decisions and vote on on key items for the town." If you believe the police budget is outsized, then another no vote on the budget is necessary or it will continue to balloon. When the town surpasses the levy limit then drastic cuts to services and layoffs will need to occur across town departments and nobody wants that. Whether you support the $1.665 police budget or not, the best way to let your opinion be known is to vote at the special town meeting on June 9. Diane Lowe Dalton, Mass. IEA projects transport investment to hit record $330B in 2025 Photo: Artificial Intelligence Global investment in the transport sector has more than doubled over the past decade and is set to surpass $330 billion in 2025, driven largely by electrification efforts, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register 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 A new coronavirus discovered in China is only a small step from mutating and causing another global pandemic, experts have warned. Scientists believe the variant, called HKU5-CoV-2, may infect a broader range of animals than Covid-19 which caused millions of deaths and may have more potential for jumping between species. US researchers fear that HKU5-CoV-2, found in China, in February, could also infect humans, leading to a widespread outbreak. open image in gallery SARS-cov-2 caused the pandemic that started in 2019 ( Getty/iStock ) The new study, published in Nature Communications, looked at a lesser-known group of coronaviruses called merbecoviruses, which includes HKU5 and MERS-CoV, which is responsible for the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. The team from Washington State University looked at how the new pathogen interacts with human cells. They found that a small change in the virus's spike protein could allow it to attach to human ACE2 cells in people's throats, mouths and noses. HKU5-CoV-2 can infect and replicate inside human cells in both the airways and gut. According to the World Health Organisation, about 35 per cent of people infected with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome die. Since 2012, some 27 countries have reported cases, leading to 858 known deaths due to the infection, which spread from camels. But when HKU5 was discovered in February, scientists warned against exaggerating the risks because it does not enter human cells as readily as Sars-CoV-2, which caused Covid-19. HKU5 was first detected in bats by scientists from the Chinese laboratory where some say Covid originated in 2019. Prof Michael Letko, a virologist 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. open image in gallery Workers make a barbecue at a market in Wuhan ( AFP/Getty ) When Covid-19 emerged it was widely blamed on markets in China where different breeds of wild animal are kept caged and often slaughtered close to other animals. Meat is sold at the open-air stalls. Critics said the markets were the perfect breeding ground for new zoonotic diseases those that spread to humans to emerge. The scientists, whose experiments studied how the new pathogen interacts with human cells, believe the virus would have to carry certain mutations if it were to infect humans. These viruses are closely related to MERS, so we have to be concerned if they ever infect humans, Prof Letko said. While there's no evidence they've crossed into people yet, the potential is there and that makes them worth watching. 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 Christian Brueckner, the key suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, reportedly wrote a letter listing decisive questions that can never be answered regarding his alleged involvement in the case. The 48-year-old German national reportedly sent the letter to officers saying questions which would implicate him in the case of the three-year-old British girl, who vanished from the Praia da Luz resort 18 years ago, cannot be answered. Brueckner is currently in prison for raping a 72-year-old woman in the same resort in 2005. In the note, seen and translated by The Sun newspaper, Brueckner reportedly wrote: It is the important questions, the decisive questions that can never be answered. Was I or my vehicle clearly seen near the crime scene on the night of the crime? Is there DNA evidence of me at the crime scene? Are there DNA traces of the injured party in my vehicle? open image in gallery A search team close to Praia De Luz, Portugal, where searches are being carried out by officers investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann ( James Manning/PA Wire ) Are there other traces/DNA carriers of the injured party in my possession? Photos? And, dont forget, is there a body/corpse? All no, no no. It is not clear when the letter was written. Brueckner spent time in the Praia de Luz area between 2000 and 2017 and had photographs and videos of himself near a reservoir. It comes as German and Portuguese investigators finished three days of searching a 120-acre stretch of land near Lagos, Portugal, on Thursday as part of attempts to source evidence to implicate Brueckner. In the searches, requested by German authorities, crews spent three days scouring scrubland and abandoned structures. Brueckner 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. 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 bull on the loose charged around parts of Birmingham for several hours on Friday. Shocked residents and passers-by took footage of the animal, and traffic in New Bond Street was brought to a halt. A police officer was seen chasing after the bull, before council staff eventually helped officers corner it. open image in gallery Shocked onlookers captured footage of the runaway ( Brum Life ) The black bull was first spotted at 9.30am near New Bond Street, Digbeth, about a mile from the centre of the city, which is famous for its Bullring shopping area. The animal then charged past Small Heath railway station, towards traffic. John Cooper, who works at the station, told BirminghamLive: I had to go for another look and thought oh god, it's a bull. It was quite a shock I didn't know to react. It was a first for me. open image in gallery Police and council officials eventually captured it ( Brum Life ) During the afternoon, West Midlands Police officers and Birmingham city council employees together guided the bull into an old Dunelm building, where animal-welfare officers were called in. Social-media users called for the animal to be rescued and protected. No one knew where the bull had come from, and council officials were trying to track down its owner. Councillor Majid Mahmood said: This magnificent animal seemed to be enjoying an unexpected city break but our amazing street cleansing staff werent phased at all, helping move it into a safe place. Hillside animal sanctuary in Norfolk offered to rehome the bull, and said it was being loaded ready for transport. The sanctuary said the animal was thought to have escaped from an abattoir. 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 Two paintings by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, previously owned by a wealthy art collector suspected of financing Hezbollah, are set to be sold, with the proceeds being reinvested into the police, according to Scotland Yard. The artworks were seized from Nazem Ahmad, who has been designated by US authorities as a suspected financier for the Lebanese organisation. Hezbollah has been banned as a terrorist group in the UK since 2019. Mr Ahmad, based in Lebanon, was sanctioned by the UK Government under counter-terrorism rules in 2023. BBC Bargain Hunt art expert Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53, sold artworks worth around 140,000 to Mr Ahmad and failed to report the sales. Ojiri was arrested in Wrexham, North Wales, on April 18 2023, the same day the Government announced sanctions against Mr Ahmad, and on Friday was jailed for two-and-a-half years for eight offences under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. open image in gallery Art dealer Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53. Picture date: Friday May 9, 2025 ( PA ) After Ojiri, of Brent, north-west London, was sentenced, the Metropolitan Police revealed that in 2023 they had obtained a warrant to seize several artworks belonging to Mr Ahmad which were kept in two warehouses in the UK. The artworks, including a Picasso and Andy Warhol paintings, were seized on May 4 2023. Later that year, the National Terrorist Financing Investigation Unit got a forfeiture order which allowed it to seize the artworks. Valued at almost 1 million, the pieces are due to be sold, officers said, and the money will be used by the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Home Office. The full set of Andy Warhols Flowers was sold at auction for 2.3 million dollars (1.7 million) on April 19 2023, according to Christies website. open image in gallery Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of one of Andy Warhol's artworks that belonged to Nazem Ahmad ( Metropolitan Police ) Bethan David, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said: It is clear that Oghenochuko Ojiri was aware of new money laundering regulations in the art world and that he had knowledge of Nazem Ahmads background. Ojiri engaged in activity designed to conceal the identity of the true purchaser by changing the details on invoices and storing Mr Ahmads name under a different alias in his mobile phone. His motivation appears to be financial along with a broader desire to boost his gallerys reputation within the art market by dealing with such a well-known collector. Ojiri has appeared on a number of BBC shows including Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip. He described himself as absolutely obsessed with collecting contemporary art in a BBC Q&A. He has previously worked as an auctioneer and is known for championing African and European contemporary art. 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 found in the search for a missing walker who vanished on the Isle of Skye. Roddy MacPherson, 67, was reported missing on Wednesday and his family have been informed. He was last seen on Monday outside Sligachan Hotel, walking in the direction of the Sligachan Bridge, and has not been heard from since. Mr MacPherson was described as an experienced walker in an appeal by Police Scotland. On Friday afternoon, the body of a man was traced by police and local mountain rescue teams on Cuillins. There would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. Formal identification has yet to be made. A spokesperson for Skye mountain rescue team (MRT) said: Extensive searches were carried out, mainly focusing on the Red Hills and parts of the Northern Cuillin. On Thursday, thanks to helpful information from a local guide, efforts shifted to the area around Bruach na Frithe. Around midday on Friday, with improved weather and cloudless tops, a body was sighted on a grassy ledge high on the cliffs between Harta and Lota Corries. It was immediately clear that lowering the casualty to safety would be long and technically demanding. A team member was lowered to a position above and confirmed there were no signs of life, and that significantly more equipment would be needed. Fortunately, Stornoway Coastguard helicopter R948 was able to return and carry out a direct lift from the ledge an incredible effort and a huge relief. The helicopter later returned multiple times to help extract the teams and equipment back to Sligachan. Skye MRT contributed over 350 hours to this search not including the time and effort given by Police Scotland (N division), Royal Air Force mountain rescue service, Kintail mountain rescue, Glenelg mountain rescue, Search and Rescue Dog Association Scotland, local Coastguard teams including HM Coastguard Portree, Isle of Skye, and helicopter crews of R948 and R951. Our sincere thanks to all involved. Thanks also to the Sligachan Hotel for feeding and supporting us on Wednesday night and Thursday. Skye MRT extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Roderick MacPherson at this very difficult time. While formal identification has yet to be made, we understand this will come as deeply sad news to those that knew him. 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 Rachel Reeves could be forced to raise up to 30bn through tax rises or funding cuts as the chancellor seeks to meet Labours pledge to boost defence spending, an economist has claimed. The government has promised to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, and has an ambition but no firm commitment to raise it to 3 per cent in the next parliament, after 2029. But the UKs Nato allies are expected also to push for a fresh target of 3.5 per cent, with the alliances chief Mark Rutte pushing for a dramatic increase, with discussions over a possible 5 per cent target as called for by Donald Trump also taking place. And Sir Keir Starmer this week vowed to make Britain a battle-ready, armour-clad nation as a long-awaited defence review called for major upgrades to the UKs military. While the major proposals were based around Labours current spending pledges for 2027 and the next parliament, the report warned that as we live in such turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster on increasing the UKs defence capabilities. Michael Saunders, a senior economic adviser at the Oxford Economics consultancy, suggested that the government could take steps towards this in the chancellors next Budget. To establish a more credible path to defence spending considerably north of 3 per cent next decade, the government may decide in the autumn Budget that it needs to add some extra spending within the five-year OBR forecast horizon, said Mr Saunders. Its not hard to see pressures for extra fiscal tightening of 15bn to 30bn, he told The Telegraph. Fiscal tightening involves either raising taxes or cutting government spending. The prime minister promises to make Britain a battle-ready, armour-clad nation ( PA ) Earlier this week, Paul Johnson, the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), also warned the only way to pay for the increased defence budget would be through chunky tax rises as the government grapples with other key areas of public spending. He told Times Radio: You really do have to ask that question, what are the choices that you're going to make? Bluntly, it really does seem to me that the only choice that is available, is some really quite chunky tax increases to pay for it. According to the IFS, hitting the 3 per cent target by 2030 would require an extra 17bn pounds between now and then which is yet to be accounted for. Sir Keir has previously said that increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent would mean spending 13.4bn more on defence every year from 2027. The Office for Budget Responsibility has also estimated that reaching 3 per cent by the next parliament would cost an additional 17.3bn in 2029-30. Speaking in parliament as the defence review was unveiled this week, Lib Dem defence spokesperson Helen Maguire said: It is staggering that we still dont have an answer to the vital question: Where is the money coming from? The government has flip-flopped a number of times on 3 per cent. On Tuesday, defence secretary John Healey failed to rule out tax rises to make Britain war ready and insisted he was 100 per cent confident the 3 per cent target would be met but struggled to say how it would be paid for. It came as defence sources were reported to expect that Britain will be forced to sign up to a target to hike defence spending to 3.5 per cent by 2035 at a Nato summit later this month in a bid to appease the US president. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nigel Farage has claimed ex-Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf quit the party having snapped after receiving a "tirade of personal racist abuse" on social media. The Reform leader suggested Mr Yusuf was burnt out, saying the very hard extreme right" was to blame for the abuse he received on social media. Mr Yusuf, a Muslim businessman, left the party on Thursday saying he no longer believes working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time. open image in gallery Zia Yusuf has resigned as Reform UKs chairman (Ben Whitley/PA) ( PA Wire ) It came after the then chairman who was brought in to professionalise the party - 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. Mr Yusuf - who has been the target of anger by many activists over several months - was hit with a tirade of abuse on social media in the wake of his remarks. Speaking about his decision to quit the party, Mr Farage told Times Radio: He and I have been pretty much inseparable over the course of the last 11 months. He is, frankly, a bit burnt out. He added: When Zia says anything you cannot believe the absolute tirade of personal racist abuse that he gets on a platform called X, formerly known as Twitter. And I just think he snapped. Asked where the abuse comes from, Mr Farage responded: Well, the interesting thing about it and and and and where he's really made a mistake is if you look at the nastiness, most of it comes from anon. I think it comes from the very hard extreme right. I have little doubt about that. They're Indian bots. Someone's paying for it to happen. I've no idea who it is. He denied that Mr Yusuf quit the party as a result of the row over whether or not the burqa should be banned in Britain, saying: No, absolutely not. And Zia just thought we should be focusing on different priorities. But he later said he thinks that on balance the burqa should be banned, adding: But do I think this is a major political priority for my party? Absolutely not. open image in gallery Reform UK have seen a surge in popularity during the campaign (Ben Whitley/PA) ( PA Wire ) After the row over Ms Pochins remarks broke out, a Reform spokesperson clarified that banning burqas was not party policy, sparking calls from the far right for Mr Farage to adopt the proposals. The latest party fracture comes just months after MP Rupert Lowe was ousted 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Arif Aghayev, Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC part of AZCON Holding met with a Chinese delegation led by Lin Keqing, Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, at the Baku International Sea Trade Port, Trend reports. According to Azerbaijan Railways, the meeting focused on potential cooperation between Baku Port and the ports of Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shantou, and Zhanjiang in Guangdong province. Discussions also covered the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, a key segment of the EastWest transport corridor, efficient and secure cargo movement along this route, and matters of mutual interest in freight transportation. The Chinese side was briefed on Azerbaijan Railways efforts to develop international corridors, particularly the Middle Corridor, which ensures an efficient and reliable transport link between China and Europe. The role of Baku Port in international cargo transport was also emphasized. The Baku International Sea Trade Port, a core segment of the Middle Corridor, offers broad opportunities for EastWestEast freight movement, with its advanced technological capabilities and infrastructure enabling rapid cargo handling and an annual throughput capacity of 15 million tons. The Chinese delegation was introduced to Baku Ports growing logistical potential in the region and its favorable conditions for multimodal transport. Regular container block trains are currently dispatched from Chinas Xian port via the Middle Corridor. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The government is struggling to cut the amount of money from the foreign aid budget it spends on asylum seekers in the UK, new figures show. Home Office figures show the department expects to spend 2.2bn of overseas development assistance (ODA) this financial year, of which 2.1bn is expected to be spent on asylum support. The predictions for this year are only slightly less than the 2.4bn spent in 2024/25. Official development assistance (ODA) which was slashed earlier this year to 0.3 per cent of GDP to pay for a boost to defence spending - is used to promote the economic development and welfare in developing countries around the world. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper appeared before the Home Affairs committee on Tuesday (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) ( PA Wire ) A portion of this money is handed to the home office to support asylum seekers after they arrive in the UK, most of which goes towards their accommodation. But the governments failure to cut back on this spending has led aid organisations to accuse ministers of robbing Peter to pay Paul, claiming they are in danger of a reckless repeat of decisions taken by the previous Conservative government. Figures published in March revealed that the number of asylum seekers housed in costly hotels has increased by more than 8,000 since the general election, with 38,079 migrants being housed in hotels at the end of December. It comes despite Sir Keir Starmer previously saying a Labour government wouldnt use the foreign aid budget to pay for asylum seekers hotel costs but admitted that the government would not be able to stop doing so immediately. Im not going to pretend to you we can do that in the first 24 hours, he said in May 2024. Meanwhile, Labours election manifesto vowed to end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds. Gideon Rabinowitz, director of policy at the Bond network of development organisations, warned that cutting the UK aid budget while using it to prop up Home Office costs is a reckless repeat of decisions taken by the previous Conservative government. "Diverting 2.2bn of UK aid to cover asylum accommodation in the UK is unsustainable, poor value for money, and comes at the expense of vital development and humanitarian programmes tackling the root causes of poverty, conflict and displacement. "It is essential that we support refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, but the government should not be robbing Peter to pay Paul, he told the BBC. Meanwhile, Sarah Champion, chair of the International Development Committee, said: "Aid is meant to help the poorest and most vulnerable across the world: to alleviate poverty, improve life chances and reduce the risk of conflict. "Allowing the Home Office to spend it in the UK makes this task even harder." "The government must get a grip on spending aid in the UK. The Spending Review needs to finally draw a line under this perverse use of taxpayer money designed to keep everyone safe and prosperous in their own homes, not funding inappropriate, expensive accommodation here." The Home Office told the BBC it is committed to ending asylum hotels and is speeding up asylum decisions to save taxpayers' money. The department also said it had reduced overall asylum support costs by half a billion pounds in the last financial year, saving 200m in ODA which had been passed back to the Treasury. In April, The Independent revealed that the government had awarded a contract which allows for hotels and barges to house asylum seekers up until September 2027, despite Labour vowing to end the practice. The contract, advertised ahead of the election, was awarded by the Cabinet Office in October 2024 just months after Labour won a historic landslide election victory - and runs up until September 2027. In June, the home secretary admitted she was "concerned about the level of money" being spent on asylum seekers' accommodation, adding: "We need to end asylum hotels altogether." A Home Office spokesperson said: We inherited an asylum system under exceptional pressure, and are urgently taking action to restore order, and reduce costs. This will ultimately reduce the amount of Official Development Assistance spent to support asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. We are immediately speeding up decisions and increasing returns so that we can end the use of hotels and save the taxpayer 4 billion by 2026. The Rwanda Scheme also wasted 700m to remove just four volunteers instead, we have surged removals to nearly 30,000 since the election, are giving law enforcement new counter-terror style powers, and increasing intelligence sharing through our Border Security Command to tackle the heart of the issue, vile people-smuggling gangs. 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 Labours biggest financial backers are piling pressure on Rachel Reeves to avoid making cuts at next weeks spending review and instead pursue wealth taxes to fund Britains public services. Polling commissioned by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) reveals a majority the public (54 per cent) back taxes on big corporations and the most wealthy individuals as an alternative means of raising revenue. Just 28 per cent oppose the move. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak urged the government to stay on track and build on the positive start it made at last years budget by providing sustained funding for our public services and infrastructure warning that people are fed up with a system where those with the broadest shoulders dont pull their weight. It comes after deputy prime minister Angela Rayner pressed Ms Reeves to consider eight wealth taxes rather than try to impose cuts on departments. Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure to change course ( PA Wire ) The civil war within the government over next Wednesdays spending review has seen holdouts from Ms Rayners Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as well as Yvette Coopers Home Office. The chancellor is expected to unveil a swathe of spending cuts as she attempts to walk the tightrope between delivering on the partys election promises and sticking within the bounds of her self-imposed fiscal rules. The TUC has also joined criticism of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) over whether its flawed predictions are having a negative impact on spending plans. The OBR produces forecasts twice a year alongside the autumn budget and spring statement, which are used by the government to make fiscal policy decisions. But Mr Nowak said it is now time to review the role of the OBR and its fiscal assumptions to give the UK greater flexibility to invest in our future, with the TUC arguing that short-term changes in forecasts should not be driving long-term government decision making. Mr Nowak said next weeks spending review can be the next key step in the governments plan to rebuild Britain and deliver industrial renewal as communities are still crying out for meaningful change after more than a decade of Tory austerity and neglect. The global outlook is challenging, but leaving our decimated public services without sufficient investment would risk both future growth and public trust, he added. The message from voters is clear. They want the government to protect and rebuild our public services, he said. If that means asking the wealthiest to pay more, the public are behind it. People are fed up with a system where those with the broadest shoulders dont pull their weight. The warning from the TUC which represents 5.3 million people in 47 member unions will pile pressure on Labour, a party which has historically been heavily dependent on the funding it receives from trade unions. In 2024, Labour declared 2.4m from union backers significantly less than the 5m it declared from unions in 2019 after Unite refused to endorse the partys manifesto. The poll of more than 2,000 adults, conducted by Hold Sway for the TUC, shows there is widespread frustration at the current amount of tax paid by the wealthiest in Britain. Nearly 6 in 10 (59 per cent) think the wealthiest do not pay their fair share including 74 per cent of Conservative-to-Labour switchers and 72 per cent of those strongly considering switching from Labour to Reform. More than half (56 per cent) think big businesses do not pay their fair share of tax, while just 31 per cent think they do. The polling showed that two-thirds (67 per cent) of voters back an annual wealth tax for estates above 10m, including 88 per cent of Tory-to-Labour switchers; and 81 per cent of Labour voters now strongly considering Reform. Meanwhile, more than six in 10 (63 per cent) back a windfall tax on banks including 85 per cent of Tory-to-Labour switchers, and 78 per cent of those Labour voters now strongly considering Reform. Some 50 per cent back raising capital gains tax, including 75 per cent of Tory to Labour switchers, and 67 per cent of those Labour voters that are now strongly considering Reform. Just 26 per cent oppose a capital gains tax hike. The Hold Sway poll surveyed 2,000 adults in Great Britain online between 30 May and 2 June. A HM Treasury spokesperson said: At the Budget, the chancellor increased investment in Britains security, health and economy. We did that at the same time as protecting taxes on working people. This week, the chancellor will announce further plans to invest in Britains renewal. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Britain is already at war with Russia, one of the authors of the governments strategic defence review has warned, while arguing that the UK can no longer rely on the US as a dependable ally. Dr Fiona Hill, who served as the White Houses chief Russia adviser during Donald Trumps first term, said the UK is in pretty big trouble, warning that the country is stuck between the rock of Russia aggression and the hard place of an increasingly unreliable US under Mr Trump. Her comments come after the governments strategic defence review (SDR) unveiled last week found that the armed forces are not ready to fight opponents like Russia or China. open image in gallery Dr Fiona Hill is a former adviser to Trumps White House ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Russia has hardened as an adversary in ways that we probably hadnt fully anticipated, Dr Hill told The Guardian, concluding that Russia is at war with us. Arguing that the Kremlin has been menacing the UK in various different ways for years, she cited the poisonings, assassinations, sabotage operations, all kinds of cyber-attacks and influence operations. The sensors that we see that theyre putting down around critical pipelines, efforts to butcher undersea cables. The SDR, authored by Dr Hill, Lord Robertson and General Sir Richard Barrons, was presented by defence secretary John Healey last week. He warned that the British army needed to become 10 times more lethal in the face of the immediate and pressing threat" from Russia and the rise of China. We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK defence, he told MPs. The review found that the armed forces are not ready to fight its opponents as a result of inadequate stockpiles of weapons, medical services that cannot cope with a mass-casualty conflict and a personnel crisis that means only a small number of troops are ready to be deployed. Meanwhile, General Sir Richard Barrons, warned that a cruise missile was only 90 minutes away from the UK. Sir Keir Starmer, unveiling the review of the Govan shipbuilding yard in Scotland, pledged to make Britain "a battle-ready, armour-clad nation. The plan includes increasing the army to 100,000 personnel, commissioning 12 new submarines, deploying drones and rolling out artificial intelligence systems. However, doubts were raised over the governments big ambitions to make Britain safer and stronger after Sir Keir refused to commit to spending 3 per cent of Britains gross domestic product on defence by 2034, which the review warned was essential to ensure the plans were affordable. Dr Hill, who was highly critical of the Trump administration, said Britain could no longer rely on the USs military umbrella as it did during the Cold War, at least not in the way that we did before. open image in gallery John Healey said Britains army must become 10 times more lethal ( AFP/Getty ) It comes after the SDR contained a similar warning, saying: The UKs longstanding assumptions about global power balances and structures are no longer certain. The defence adviser argued that the US president really wants to have a separate relationship with Putin to do arms control agreements and also business that will probably enrich their entourages further, though Putin doesnt need any more enrichment. Speaking about Mr Trumps White House, Dr Hill warned it is not an administration, it is a court, arguing that the president is driven primarily by his own desires and interests, and who listens often to the last person he talks to. Speaking about the rise of the populist right in the US, she expressed concerns it could do well in British electoral politics if the same culture wars are allowed to grow in influence. Warning of the impact of Reform UK, she said: When Nigel Farage says he wants to do a Doge against the local county council, he should come over here [to the US] and see what kind of impact that has. This is going to be the largest layoffs in US history happening all at once, much bigger than hits to steelworks and coalmines. Doge (the Department of Government Efficiency) is an initiative by the second Trump administration, which aims to cut wasteful spending. 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 Zia Yusuf has announced he is returning to Reform UK just 48 hours after quitting as the partys chair. The businessman, who said his decision to leave was an error that came as the result of exhaustion, will take up a new role in the party following peace talks with leader Nigel Farage. While his formal title has not been decided, he is expected to lead Reforms Elon Musk-inspired Doge unit, modelled on the Department of Government Efficiency set up by Donald Trump in the US. Reforms Doge UK team was set up to identify spending cuts in councils the party now controls and was formally launched this week. Mr Yusuf will also oversee some aspects of policymaking, fundraising and media appearances for the party. A new party chair is expected to be appointed next week and a deputy chair will be hired too. Zia Yusuf says many party members want him to stay ( PA ) It comes just two days after Mr Yusuf said he no longer believes working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time. While Mr Farage is pleased about his ex-chairs decision to rejoin the partys leadership, it is unlikely to resolve growing concerns about the Reform leaders ability to work with others. Mr Yusuf announced plans to quit the role after describing Sarah Pochin who won last month's Runcorn and Helsby by-election for the party as dumb after she challenged Sir Keir Starmer over the legality of women wearing the burqa in the UK during Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday. But speaking to The Times on Saturday alongside Mr Farage, Mr Yusuf said his decision to quit was an error. When I pushed that tweet out it was a coming together of a bit of exhaustion and a feeling that all I got in return for it was abuse, he said. I was doing so many things, in the foreground and in the background. Anybody who has been part of a high-growth start-up outside of politics will sympathise and empathise with that. What has happened since then is that Ive been inundated with messages from Reform members and supporters, who were saying they were devastated and heartbroken and asking me to really reconsider my decision. Mr Yusuf added: It made me realise that in that moment I was turning my back on that and I didnt want to do that. I realised I did have an important role to play. I spoke to Nigel and said I dont mind saying I made an error. It was a function of exhaustion. The ex-Reform chair who has been the target of anger by many activists over several months was hit with a tirade of abuse on social media in the wake of his remarks about Ms Pochin. But asked about the row over banning the burqa, Mr Yusuf a practicing Muslim said: I certainly did not resign because I have any strong views about the burqa itself. He admitted that he felt blindsided by Ms Pochins decision to ask about a ban at PMQs, saying it was an internal miscommunication issue. I learnt about it for the first time on X, he said. I dont mind saying that it frustrated me. But these things happen. Im not an MP, its perfectly reasonable for me not to have known about it and Sarah did inform the other MPs. Mr Yusuf added that he would probably vote to ban the burqa if there was a vote and he was in parliament, but added: Philosophically I am always a bit uneasy about banning things which, for example, would be unconstitutional in the United States, which such a ban no doubt would be. He continued: I do not think it is one of the most important issues British people face when they go about their day-to-day lives. The latest Reform fracture came just months after MP Rupert Lowe was ousted from the party following a row which began in December. Just hours before he announced he was rejoining the party, Mr Farage said Mr Yusuf had snapped after receiving a "tirade of personal racist abuse" on social media. The Reform leader suggested Mr Yusuf was burnt out, saying the very hard extreme right" was to blame for the abuse. Mr Farage told BBC News: "Zia regrets what he said and did the other day. It was a combination of 11 months hard work and exhaustion." Mr Farage said Mr Yusuf "gets even more racial abuse on X than ever" when Islam is being discussed. "In retrospect he knows a lot of it is bots trying to damage Reform. It is not Reform members. Yes some of it is the alt right, but there's a lot of bots. He regrets it and wants to continue working for us." 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 Denny Hamlin is unfazed that a three-judge federal appellate panel vacated an injunction that required NASCAR to recognize 23XI, which he owns with Michael Jordan, and Front Row as chartered teams as part of an antitrust lawsuit. That's just such a small part of the entire litigation, Hamlin said Saturday, a day ahead of the FireKeepers Casino 400. "Im not deterred at all. Were in good shape. Hamlin said Jordan feels the same way. He just remains very confident, just like I do, Hamiln said. NASCAR has not commented on the latest ruling. 23XI and Front Row sued NASCAR late last year after refusing to sign new agreements on charter renewals. They asked for a temporary injunction that would recognize them as chartered teams for this season, but the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday ruled in NASCAR's favor. We're looking at all options right now, Hamlin said. The teams, each winless this year, 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. Hamlin insisted he's not worried about losing drivers because of the uncertainty. Im not focused on that particularly right this second, he said. Reddick, who was last year's regular-season champion and competed for the Cup title in November, enters the race Sunday at Michigan ranked sixth in the Cup Series standings. The charter system is similar to franchises in other sports, but the charters are revocable by NASCAR and have expiration dates. The six teams may have to compete as open cars and would have to qualify on speed each week to make the race and would receive a fraction of the money. Without a charter, Hamlin said it would cost the teams tens of millions, to run three cars. We're committed to run this season open if we have to, he said. We're going to race and fulfill all of our commitments no matter what. Were here to race. Our team is going to be here for the long haul and were confident of that. The antitrust case isnt scheduled to be heard until December. 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 36 chartered cars for a 40-car field. We feel like facts were on our side, Hamlin said. I think if you listen to the judges, even they mentioned that we might be in pretty good shape. ___ AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Supreme Court will hear an appeal from Alabamas Attorney Generals Office in its push to execute an intellectually disabled man, according to an order released early on Friday. Joseph Clifton Smith, now 54, was sentenced to death for a decades-old murder a decision that continues to be challenged in court. In 1997, Smith beat Durk Van Dam to death with a hammer and a saw in Mobile County to steal his boots, tools and $140, Reuters reported. Van Dams body was found in his truck in an isolated wooded area. Lower federal courts found Smith is intellectually disabled and cant be executed. People who are intellectually disabled are protected from the death penalty following a Supreme Court ruling from 2002. But this fall, the Supreme Court will hear arguments about what to do in cases when IQ scores are slightly above the widely accepted 70-point marker to determine if someone is intellectually disabled. open image in gallery The Supreme Court will hear an appeal from Alabama in its push to execute a 54-year-old intellectually disabled man named Joseph Clifton Smith ( Alabama Department of Corrections ) When a federal appeals court ruled in May 2023 that Smith could not be executed due to his intellectual disability, it detailed how he struggled in school from an early age. Since first grade, Smith struggled in school, and when he underwent an intellectual evaluation he received an IQ score of 75, CNN reported at the time, citing the appeals court. In fourth grade, Smith was placed in a learning-disability class. After that placement, Smith developed an unpredictable temper and often fought with classmates. His behavior became so troublesome that his school placed him in an emotionally conflicted classroom, the appeals court wrote in its ruling. Smith dropped out of school after failing seventh and eighth grade and then spent much of the next 15 years in prison for crimes of burglary and receiving stolen property, according to the ruling. The appeals court said Smith confessed to killing Van Dam and that he offered two conflicting versions of the crime. Smith first said he watched Van Dam be killed, and then he said he took part in his murder but didnt mean to kill him, according to the appeals court. The Alabama Attorney Generals office decried the appeals courts ruling, saying at the time, according to CNN, Smiths IQ scores have consistently placed his IQ above that of someone who is intellectually disabled. The Attorney General thinks his death sentence was both just and constitutional. The Supreme Court will now consider making it harder for convicted murderers to show their lives should be spared because they are intellectually disabled. 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 really wants to fly on an upgraded Air Force One but making that happen could depend on whether hes willing to cut corners with security. As government lawyers finalise the legalities of accepting a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family, discussions are underway regarding modifications to ensure the aircraft's suitability for the US president. Integrating capabilities akin to those of the current Air Force One Boeing 747s could mire the project in similar delays and cost overruns as Boeing's replacement initiative. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers on Thursday that security modifications would cost less than $400 million, though specifics were not provided. To meet Donald Trump's desire to utilise the new plane before his term concludes, some security precautions may need to be omitted. A White House official said Trump wants the Qatari jet ready as soon as possible while adhering to security standards. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details on equipment issues or the timeline. Trump has survived two assassination attempts, so hes well aware of the danger he faces. However, he seems willing to take some chances with security, particularly when it comes to communications. For example, he likes to keep his personal phone handy despite the threat of hacks. He boasted this week that the government got the jet for free, saying, We need it as Air Force One until the other ones are done. open image in gallery US President Donald Trump speaks with the media aboard Air Force One as he flies from West Palm Beach, Florida enroute to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on May 4, 2025 returning to the White House after spending the weekend in Florida ( AFP/Getty ) Air Force One is the call sign for any plane that's carrying the president. The first aircraft to get the designation was a propeller-powered C-54 Skymaster, which ferried Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference in 1945. It featured a conference room with a bulletproof window. Things are a lot more complicated these days. Boeing has spent years stripping down and rebuilding two 747s to replace the versions that have carried presidents for more than three decades. The project is slated to cost more than $5.3 billion and may not be finished before Trump leaves office. A 2021 report made public through the Freedom of Information Act outlines the unclassified requirements for the replacement 747s under construction. At the top of the list survivability and communications. The government decided more than a decade ago that the new planes had to have four engines so they could remain airborne if one or two fail, said Deborah Lee James, who was Air Force secretary at the time. That creates a challenge because 747s are no longer manufactured, which could make spare parts harder to come by. Air Force One also has to have the highest level of classified communications, anti-jamming capabilities and external protections against foreign surveillance, so the president can securely command military forces and nuclear weapons during a national emergency. It's an extremely sensitive and complex system, including video, voice and data transmissions. James said there are anti-missile measures and shielding against radiation or an electromagnetic pulse that could be caused by a nuclear blast. The point is, it remains in flight no matter what, she said. open image in gallery Elon Musk carries his son X A-Xii as they arrives on Air Force One with President Donald Trump, not pictured, at Miami International Airport, April 12, 2025, in Miami, Fla. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) If the Qatari plane is retrofitted to presidential standards, it could cost $1.5 billion and take years, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that aren't publicly available. Testifying before Congress this week, Meink discounted such estimates, arguing that some of the costs associated with retrofitting the Qatari plane would have been spent anyway as the Air Force moves to build the long-delayed new presidential planes, including buying aircraft for training and to have spares available if needed. In response, Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., said that based on the contract costs for the planes that the Air Force is building, it would cost about $1 billion to strip down the Qatar plane, install encrypted communications, harden its defenses and make other required upgrades. James said simply redoing the wiring means youd have to break that whole thing wide open and almost start from scratch." Trump, as commander in chief, could waive some of these requirements. He could decide to skip shielding systems from an electromagnetic pulse, leaving his communications more vulnerable in case of a disaster but shaving time off the project. After all, Boeing has already scaled back its original plans for the new 747s. Their range was trimmed by 1,200 nautical miles, and the ability to refuel while airborne was scrapped. Paul Eckloff, a former leader of protection details at the Secret Service, expects the president would get the final say. The Secret Service's job is to plan for and mitigate risk," he said. "It can never eliminate it. If Trump does waive some requirements, James said that should be kept under wraps because "you dont want to advertise to your potential adversaries what the vulnerabilities of this new aircraft might be. It's unlikely that Trump will want to skimp on the plane's appearance. He keeps a model of a new Air Force One in the Oval Office, complete with a darker color scheme that echoes his personal jet instead of the light blue design that's been used for decades. open image in gallery President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Trump toured the Qatari plane in February when it was parked at an airport near Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort. Air Force chief of staff Gen. David Allvin was there, too. The U.S. official said the jet needs maintenance but not more than what would be expected of a four-engine plane of its complexity. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it would be irresponsible to put the president and national security equipment aboard the Qatari plane without knowing that the aircraft is fully capable of withstanding a nuclear attack. Its a waste of taxpayer dollars, she said. Meanwhile, Boeing's project has been hampered by stress corrosion cracks on the planes and excessive noise in the cabins from the decompression system, among other issues that have delayed delivery, according to a Government Accountability Office report released last year. Boeing referred questions to the Air Force, which said in a statement that it's working with the aircraft manufacturer to find ways to accelerate the delivery of at least one of the 747s. Even so, the aircraft will have to be tested and flown in real-world conditions to ensure no other issues. James said it remains to be seen how Trump would handle any of those challenges. The normal course of business would say there could be delays in certifications, she said. But things seem to get waived these days when the president wants 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 Labor leader David Huerta was detained while observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids taking place in Los Angeles. The Service Employees International Union California (SEIU) says that its president was injured during the ICE raids and is calling for his release, NBC4 Los Angeles reports. SEIU California members call for the immediate release of our President, David Huerta, who was injured and detained at the site of one of today's ICE raids in Los Angeles. He is now receiving medical attention while in custody, Tia Orr, Executive Director of SEIU California, said. Mayor Karen Bass told NBC4 that Huerta had been pepper-sprayed during the incident. "He is doing ok physically, but I know what really impacted him the most was the emotional trauma of watching parents and kids being separated," Bass said. "He's going into ICE custody and we hope to get him out very soon." open image in gallery Police take positions as they clash with protesters gathered around the Los Angeles Federal Building following multiple detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in downtown Los Angeles, California ( REUTERS/Daniel Cole ) The mayor said she does not know why Huerta is being detained. The SEIU issued a statement supporting Huerta, insisting that he was "exercising his First Amendment right to observe and document law enforcement activity." We are proud of President Huertas righteous participation as a community observer, in keeping with his long history of advocating for immigrant workers and with the highest values of our movement: standing up to injustice, regardless of personal risk or the power of those perpetrating it," the union said. open image in gallery Labor leader David Huerta arrested observing ICE raids in LA ( White House ) Orr also condemned the ICE raids. We call for an end to the cruel, destructive, and indiscriminate ICE raids that are tearing apart our communities, disrupting our economy, and hurting all working people. Immigrant workers are essential to our society: feeding our nation, caring for our elders, cleaning our workplaces, and building our homes, she said. Angelenos opposing the raids took to the streets early on Friday evening, but their protest was quickly met by officers in riot gear. The LAPD declared the protests an unlawful assembly after 7pm. Bass said she is going to meet with immigrant support groups to discuss plans for responding to situations like the mass ICE raids in the future. "My message to them is that we are going to fight for all Angelenos regardless of when they got here, whether they have papers or not," she said. "We are a city of immigrants, and this impacts hundreds of thousands of Angelenos." ICE arrested approximately 44 people in Friday's raid, according to Homeland Security Investigations. Today, ICE officers and agents alongside partner law enforcement agencies, executed four federal search warrants at three location in central Los Angeles. Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested and one arrest for obstruction. The investigation remains ongoing, updates will follow as appropriate," HSI spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe said in a statement. 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 Musks X profile is like a window into his psyche: an inescapable stream of consciousness where impulsive tweets reveal his unfiltered thoughts and shifting moods. Musk harnessed his social media platform to propel Donald Trump to the White House, feeding anti-Democrat content and election conspiracy theories to his followers. Now Musk is turning that same platform home to nearly 600 million monthly users against him. After posting earlier in the week that Trumps signature budget policy was a disgusting abomination that will drive America into debt slavery, the billionaire is openly taunting Trump on X, even calling for his impeachment. An analysis of Musks tweets by The Independent shows that Musk has undergone a dramatic shift in both the tone and volume of his posts since his initial support of Trump in mid-2024 to when he began distancing himself from his governmental duties earlier this year weeks before the White House announced his Washington tenure had finished. And now the platform has chronicled the rise and fall of the worlds most powerful bromance. open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty ) Musk began tweeting incessantly after he publicly endorsed Trump in July last year following the first attempt on the presidents life in Butler, Pennsylvania. Then, once Musk was tapped in November to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, he emerged as Trumps tweeter-in-chief. Despite his new White House commitments, not to mention running six companies including SpaceX, Tesla, and X itself Musk appeared more glued to his keyboard than ever, using the platform as his primary news source, and place to share his views and stir up controversy. The first 50 days of the Trump administration arguably marked Musks most fervent display of support for the president, both in terms of tweet content and frequency. On February 7, he mused that, I love @realDonaldTrump as much as a straight man can love another man. Take Presidents Day, February 17, his most prolific 24-hour posting spell to date. open image in gallery Elon Musk was gushing in his love for the president just a few months ago ( X/@elonmusk ) Musk posted 262 times, according to The Independents analysis, with messages ranging from single emojis to lengthy missives attacking Democrats. All told, the posting spree equated to one message every five-and-a-half minutes, with no breaks. Musk had a busy Q1 between January 20 and March 10, he posted 6,778 times averaging more than 135 X posts per day. open image in gallery Elon Musk (R), besides Alphabets CEO Sundar Pichai, at Donald Trumps inauguration in Janaury ( AFP/Getty ) And he stayed on message, tweeting about his government-slashing force DOGE more than any other topic in that period, quickly followed by Trump and president. Social media analytics firms like Social Blade were forced to stop tracking tweets after X said these businesses had to pay for an Enterprise subscription, at $42,000 to $210,000 a month. The resulting gap has made transparency on X murkier than ever; and is also why The Independent could only analyze Musks posts until mid-March. open image in gallery The Independent pulled together the phrases most commonly used by Musk between January 20 and March 10 ( Liam James/The Independent ) In early spring, Musks public pledges of MAGA allegiance and trollish squibs began to slow down, and the subjects of his posts moved from Trump administration duties to his own commercial interests. Buyers of his electric vehicles protested against his shift to right-wing politics and efforts to dismantle federal departments, with Teslas stock price plummeting, and a Rome dealership set ablaze. In April, Musk announced plans to significantly reduce his involvement with DOGE, opting to work remotely and allocate more time to Tesla. A month later, Musks X daily posts at points reached single figures. In hindsight, it might be considered the calm before the storm. By the end of May, Musk came off the platform to deliver a gut punch to the Trump administration. He told NBC News that Trumps showpiece tax bill undermines the work done by DOGE, without directly mentioning the president. Musk landed a heavy blow on Tuesday, blasting the presidents Big, Beautiful Bill as an outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination. But it was after a press conference with the German Chancellor where Trump said he was disappointed with Musks comments, that Musk went on his most destructive X rampage yet calling Trump ungrateful, calling for his impeachment and saying hes linked to Jeffrey Epstein. open image in gallery Elon Musk accuses Donald Trump of being linked to Jeffrey Epstein ( X@elonmusk ) And these claims get read and spread by a wide audience: his Thursday post declaring Trump would have lost the election if it weren't for his support garnered nearly 15 million views in a single day. This is more than just a playground spat between the two rich powerful men, because Musks ownership of X allows him to reach a vast audience, some of whom are skeptical of mainstream media, and control a narrative and his posts have been known to set off market reactions, media cycles, and political waves. Those who have stuck with X, whether they are one of Musks 220 million followers or not, have been inundated with his musings and attacks morning, noon, and night. Musk is believed to selectively issue suspensions and use algorithms to throttle foes that are critical of both him and his ventures. According to the tech news site Platformer, the self-styled free speech absolutist directed a team of 80 engineers to amplify his own tweets over others, ensuring they reach vast audiences (he allegedly did the same for Trump in November). Musk has subsequently blurred the line between platform owner, political provocateur and propagandist. How will he next use X to punish the social media-reliant, legacy media-averse president? 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 Earlier this week, it looked like Elon Musk had delivered arch conservatives a gift when he trashed President Donald Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill. On Tuesday, Musk called the legislation an outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination. It seemed like a boon for some of the fiscal conservatives in the Senate like Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin who criticized the fact the bill still blows up the deficit. Had Musk stopped there, he probably would have given fiscal conservatives additional leverage. House Speaker Mike Johnson had spent much of the first part of the year getting every faction of the House GOP on board with the bill despite fiscal conservative grumbling. But Johnson admitted during his weekly press conference that he had tried to call Musk with no response. Immediately, House Republicans and members of the Freedom Caucus including its former chairman Scott Perry and Andy Ogles, who has tried to allow Trump to run for a third term voiced their criticisms of the bill that they had when it was being deliberated. The House Freedom Caucus tried to avoid getting in between Donald Trump and Elon Musks public feud. ( Getty ) They could have voiced them at any moment but did not. It clearly showed that they had abandoned their fiscal conservative principles in fear of the pressure campaign from Trump. Had Musk kept his critiques strictly to the bill, the tech tycoon could have offered an effective counterweight to give conservatives leverage against leadership given his immense wealth and his wide reach as owner of X. But the worlds richest man chose to blow that to smithereens when he turned the attacks personal. First, he said that Trump would not have won the presidency, Republicans would have lost the House and would have a smaller minority in the Senate had it not been for Musks money, before huffing such ingratitude. Then Musk lobbed the ultimate grenade when he said that Trump had not fully released the Epstein files information related to the late financier who parlayed his money into sex trafficking teenaged girls because Trump was mentioned in them. The Tesla founder took it a step further by calling for Trumps impeachment. Not only did Musks words permanently spike any chance for reconciliation, it killed any chances for budget reconciliation, the arcane process through which Republicans hope to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who has spent much of the legislative process in the House trying to make the bill more conservative but ultimately voted for it, tried to split the difference. He's got concerns with the bill, he's a free American, and he can speak freely and and God bless him for what he's been doing to try to make improvements, Roy told The Independent. Again, is it what Chip Roy would draft? Not even close. But did it move in the right direction to get to a place that I felt comfortable sending it to the Senate to see if they could make it better? Sure. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who has spent much of the new Congress trying to declassify information related to Epstein, said it was too early to tell about the Senate bill since text did not exist. Ive always been a big fan of going back to pre-Covid spending levels, Luna told The Independent, but understood it would require negotiation. Rep. Andy Harris, the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, who ultimately voted present on the bill last month, said he agreed. I still think his concerns about the deficit are real, he said. But the damage might already be done. If Republican elected have learned anything in the past decade, theyve learned that their voters are not so much devoted to conservative ideals; theyre devoted to Trump. Deviation from Trump, even in the name of conservative principles like restraining spending and balanced budgets, amounts to heresy. Musks decision to start talking about forming another political party further alienates him from the GOP. He is now no longer part of the Trump coalition or even the Republican coalition. That means that fiscal conservatives cannot depend on him to drop millions of dollars for people opposed to the reconciliation bill or if he does, that it will immediately be tainted as money coming from a heretic. This makes Senate and House leaderships job easier. It gives them a foil to oppose and allows critics of the bill to tied to Musk. And theyve already seen that most Republicans bluster about spending levels are just that given that they will ultimately fold. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee spent much of the early parts of the reconciliation process intimating to reporters that he would not vote for the bill only to fold. As votes wrapped on Thursday, he did not seem worried about it all. It's just two biggest dogs in the pound, they're both gonna fight a little, he said. Except now, Musk just defanged fiscal conservatives. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. If the indirect talks between Iran and the US reach an agreement on Iran's nuclear program, it may have a positive impact on increasing transit through Iran, Javad Hedayati, the director-general of the Transit Office of Irans Road and Transport Organization, told reporters, Trend reports. According to him, ongoing talks between Iran and the US have had a positive impact on the transit of goods through the country. Overall, the discussions have had a positive impact on the country's trade and transit. However, an important issue is the lifting of sanctions against the country with an agreement. The lifting of sanctions on money, insurance, banking, and investment will have a direct positive impact on transit. The development of transit depends on the arrival of foreign investment, and foreign investment should be allowed to enter the trade sector, he said. To note, five rounds of indirect talks between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program have taken place on April 12, 19, 26, May 11, and May 23. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and 3rd rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the 2nd round was held in Rome, Italy. 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 Five Proud Boys leaders who were convicted of spearheading the January 6 Capitol riot are suing the federal government and claiming that their constitutional rights were violated. The lawsuit, which was filed on Friday in a federal court in Florida, is seeking $100 million in restitution and comes after President Donald Trump pardoned almost all of the January 6 defendants on the first day of his second term, The Hill reports. The five men bringing the suit are Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Zachary Rehl, Joe Biggs and Dominic Pezzola. Four of the men were convicted on charges of seditious conspiracy. Pezzola was acquitted but was convicted on other felonies associated with the infamous riot. They are claiming that "political prosecution" violated their constitutional rights. What follows is a parade of horribles: egregious and systemic abuse of the legal system and the United States Constitution to punish and oppress political allies of President Trump, by any and all means necessary, legal, or illegal, their lawsuit alleges. open image in gallery Enrique Tarrio, a leader of the right wing Proud Boys gang who was pardoned by Donald Trump after he was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the Capitol riot, is one of five January 6 defendants suing the federal government for $100 million ( Getty Images ) In the filing, the Proud Boys accuse the FBI of using paid informants to spy on their defense team, allege they were denied bail, and claim that federal agents had altered what they say was exculpatory evidence relevant to their defense, according to the New York Times. The lawsuit will force the Department of Justice under Trump to either defend its prosecution of Capitol rioters or offer a payout to the right-wing gang members. Ed Martin, who is now the Justice Departments pardon attorney, has said he believes that the Capitol riot convicts deserve compensation for what he claimed was mistreatment by the federal government. open image in gallery $100 million lawsuit comes after Trump pardoned almost all of the January 6 defendants on the first day of his second term ( Getty Images ) Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison, the longest for any January 6 defendant before he was pardoned by Trump. The Proud Boys' lawsuit cites Trump's pardon in its language, arguing that it sought to "end a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years." The Independent has requested comment from the Department of Justice. 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 On Friday May 30, President Donald Trump handed his close aide and first buddy Elon Musk a golden key to the White House, praising the work the tech billionaire had done for his administration. Elon gave an incredible service, Trump said at the joint press conference with Musk. Theres nobody like him. That event was intended to mark the end of Musks 130 days as a special government advisor, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in slashing excess federal spending. open image in gallery Elon Musk and Donald Trump in happier times ( Getty ) Although there had been some disagreements during Musks time in the role the Tesla owner made it clear he was not a fan of Trumps tariffs, for instance the event seemed to mark a conciliatory end to their working relationship. But there were rumblings: Musk, whose whole purpose at DOGE had been reducing federal expense, was deeply opposed to Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, fearing it would ramp up the national debt over the next 10 years. While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had successfully managed to spin their difference of opinion as an example of healthy debate for a couple of days, everything came to a head on Thursday June 5. A month later and the two billionaires are back to trading pot shots as Trumps deadline to pass the bill looms. Heres a timeline of how the very public fight between Trump and Musk unfolded, which appeared unresolvable until Musk offered a grovelling apology six days later, only to then blow up again three weeks later. Trump vs Musk: Minute-by-minute 1.31pm ET, Tuesday June 3: Musk attacks the Big Beautiful Bill Writing on X, Musk says: 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 continued: It will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America [sic] citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt. Two days later, things escalated dramatically. 12pm, Thursday June 5: Trump says hes surprised by Musk and very disappointed In an Oval Office appearance with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said he was very disappointed by Musks comments. Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here, Trump told reporters. Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore. Trump added he would have won Pennsylvania easily anyway, without Musks help. open image in gallery At first, Trump was uncharacteristically restrained with Musk ( AFP/Getty ) 1.44-1.57pm June 5: Musk renames bill, asks his followers if it is time to create a new political party Musk posts a slew of tweets to X, in one of which he rebuts Trumps point about Pennsylvania, arguing: Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. In another, he asks, Where is this guy today?? in response to a tweet of screenshots from the presidents previous criticisms of increasing the debt ceiling. He then tweeted: The Big Ugly Bill will INCREASE the deficit to $2.5 trillion! This is shortly followed by a new suggestion from Musk: Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? This post was still pinned to the top of the X owners timeline for several days thereafter. 2.16pm June 5: Musk says he will be around for longer than Trump Responding to MAGA blogger Laura Loomer on X, who was commenting about the divide amongst Republicans over the fight between Musk and Trump, the billionaire said: 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... 2.37pm June 5: Trump attacks from Truth Social The president says that Musk was wearing thin in a series of posts on his social media platform. 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 said. He then added: 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! 2.48 pm June 5: Musk hits back Retweeting a screenshot of Trumps EV mandate comment (alluding to the Big, Beautiful Bill scrapping a $7,500 tax credit for EV customers, which would impact Tesla), Musk said: Such an obvious lie. So sad. 3.10 pm June 5: Musk alleges Trump appears in the Jeffrey Epstein files Musk tweeted: Files linked to the investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have emerged as a point of fixation for Trump and his allies and right-wing media figures. 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. Shortly after, he wrote: Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. 4.09 pm June 5: Musk says he will decommission the Dragon spacecraft In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately, he tweeted. Another X user replied, urging Musk to cool off and take a step back for a couple of days. Musk replied: Good advice. Ok, we wont decommission Dragon. open image in gallery SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida ( NASA ) 4.06 pm June 5: Trump defends the bill Trump wrote on Truth Social: 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! 4.11 pm June 5: Musk seems to agree Trump should be replaced by Vice President JD Vance Musk retweets an X user, who said: President vs Elon. Who wins? My money's on Elon. Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him. 4.26 pm June 5: Musk brings tariffs into the fight Musk tweets: The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year. The point echoes a warning issued by many of the presidents critics, from economists to pundits, but most notably his former presidential rival Kamala Harris. 7.50 pm June 5: Musk says Kill the bill Musk tweets: Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL. open image in gallery Musk and Trump posing with a Tesla at the White House on March 11 2025 ( Reuters ) Last post of June 5: Impeachment for Trump? Musks last repost for the day came from an X user, who said: This is why Republicans will likely lose the House in 2026 and then Democrats will spend two years investigating and impeaching President Trump. Trump and the Republicans in Congress need to deliver. We want budget cuts. We want agencies shut down. We dont want big govt. June 6: Trump shuns phone call to clear the air The following day, West Wing aides briefed the media that the two men were planning a private phone call to clear the air, only for the president himself to tell reporters that he had no interest in speaking to the man who had donated at least $288m to his election campaign just months earlier, leaving their once-close relationship in limbo. Trump told Jonathan Karl of ABC News he was not particularly interested in talking to Musk and said to Dana Bash of CNN: Im not even thinking about Elon. Hes got a problem. The poor guys got a problem. 3 am June 11: Musk seeks reconciliation? With Trump and his administration subsequently shifting focus to the Los Angeles anti-ICE protests, the tech boss unexpectedly extends an olive branch. I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week, Musk wrote on X in the small hours of the morning. They went too far. 4 pm June 28: Megabill disagreement erupts again After several weeks of quiet, in which Musk returned to his businesses and the president turned his attention towards Los Angeles and joining Israels offensive against Iran, the two egos clashed again when Trumps bloated, 940-page Big, Beautiful Bill made its way to the Senate. The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country! Musk wrote on X. Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future. open image in gallery Musk revived his attacks on Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill in late June, objecting to its likely increase to the national debt ( AP ) 4 pm June 30: Musk pledges to support primary opponents of Republicans who back bill After the presidents signature bill narrowly passed the Senate 51-49, it was subjected to a marathon vote-a-rama in which lawmakers tabled amendments seeking to modify a legislative package many feared went too far in cutting welfare programs while cranking up the national debt, a particular concern of Musks. Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame! the worlds richest man posted. And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth. 1am July 1: Trump suggests DOGE investigate Musk subsidies with veiled threat to send him home to South Africa While the president was largely preoccupied with keeping Republican grandstanders in line as the Senate voting progressed, he finally snapped and went after Musk on Truth Social in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate, Trump huffed. It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one. Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!! 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 mystery of the missing three-year-old Madeleine McCann has preoccupied the British public since she vanished from her familys holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, in Portugals Algarve 18 years ago. Millions of pounds have been spent on investigation after investigation amid relentless media scrutiny, but progress appeared to have all but stalled until 2020, when German investigators revealed they had identified a prime suspect convicted rapist Christian Brueckner. So when German federal officers this week descended on a string of abandoned buildings in a stretch of neglected wasteland near a cottage he used to rent outside Praia da Luz, armed with high-tech ground penetrating radar, the world watched. Was it possible that this time they would uncover the truth? open image in gallery Search teams used everything from excavators to their hands to search through scrub ( PA ) Officials have not yet commented on what, if anything, they discovered. But as crews packed up with a few soil samples and some animal bones after three days of searches on Thursday, it seemed like they were once again leaving without answers. Not even Portuguese police, who supported the German search efforts, knew what intelligence had prompted them to suddenly target these remote locations. But without concrete evidence linking Brueckner to Madeleines disappearance, German officers are in a race against time. open image in gallery The search area was near a cottage where Christian Brueckner used to live ( AP ) The 47-year-old suspect could be freed from Sehnde prison, outside Hanover, by September as his seven-year sentence for a raping a 72-year-old American woman in Praia da Luz in 2005 comes to an end. Brueckner, who denies any involvement in Madeleines disappearance, has already revealed he plans to leave Germany when hes released, with suggestions he could move to Asia or South America. Small teams of a dozen-or-so officers spent three days this week in the beating sun as they scoured derelict farmhouses and outbuildings in the stretch of scrubland just over a mile from where Madeleine was last seen. The 120-acre area, off a dramatic clifftop path along the coast between Atalaia and Lagos, is said to have once been populated by a farming community, but it has long been abandoned because it is so arid. open image in gallery A digger was used to move rubble during the search ( PA ) Officers from Portugals most senior force, the Policia Judiciaria, usually spend their time investigating serious organised crime, terrorism and murders, but found themselves shifting rocks and rubble in the unrelenting heat as they were drafted in to support German investigators. They used shovels and chainsaws as they battled with rock-hard ground and overgrown vegetation. They brought in a digger as they cleared rubble and detritus from inside the old structures, seemingly to clear the path to use ground penetrating radar equipment on the second day. Fire crews helped them to pump out a disused well at one derelict farm building, which was littered with graffiti. Watching them work, it was apparent that if the answer to Madeleines disappearance lies in this outback, the odds of them finding any meaningful evidence after almost two decades are depressingly slim. open image in gallery Officers scoured abandoned buildings and scrubland ( Reuters ) The swathe of scrubland is completely devoid of shelter from the midday sun or strong winds blowing in from the coast. The vast expanse of hilltop is dotted with old buildings, barns and other structures which have fallen to wrack and ruin. Many appear to have been used by itinerants or those looking for a remote haunt to drink, with signs of old campfires outside. It was clear that it is an area so vast and inhospitable, you could never search every square inch, and the search teams seemed resigned to their gruelling duties. When one local policeman was asked by a journalist what they expected to find, he rolled his eyes and shrugged, before saying: You tell me. open image in gallery Gerry and Kate McCann have never given up hope they will find answers ( AP ) In a valley less than a mile away, where Brueckner rented a run-down cottage at the time of Madeleines disappearance, a neighbour recalled how the angry young man used to have regular rows with his girlfriend. She hit out at the latest search operation, adding: Its a pile of rubbish, we are all so exhausted, it just goes on and on. It beggars belief. Brueckners former friend Helge Busching, who has testified to German police that he confessed to him a year after her disappearance, this week issued a stark warning. They have to find something because time is running out, he told the Daily Mail. Brueckner could go free in September and, if he does, he will disappear. There has to be some hope for Madeleines parents. When investigators appeared to pack up and leave without answers at the end of the search on Thursday evening, there were no obvious signs of any major discoveries. Kate and Gerry McCann have not commented on the latest efforts, which come just a month after they marked the 18th anniversary of Madeleines disappearance and what would have been her 22nd birthday. But it is not the first time their hopes have been dashed in the long years since she vanished without a trace. Nevertheless, nearly two decades on, they remain optimistic. In a statement posted on their website findmadeleine.com last month, they wrote: As we arrive at the 18th anniversary of Madeleines abduction, wed like to thank our faithful supporters once again for standing by us and never forgetting about Madeleine. The years appear to be passing even more quickly, and whilst we have no significant news to share, our determination to leave no stone unturned is unwavering. We will do our utmost to achieve this. Whether this most recent search will ultimately produce the answers they desperately seek remains to be seen. 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 peevish spokesman for Vladimir Putin bristled with indignation recently at Donald Trumps description of Russias invasion of Ukraine as like kids fighting in the park. Not so, Dmitry Peskov pouted; the conflict is an existential question for Russia. This is a question of our security and the future of ourselves and our children, the future of our country, continued Putins spokesman, who has grown more accustomed to preening with pleasure at the relentless assaults on Ukraine from the White House this year. He is right. Victory for Russia was once defined as regime change in Kyiv. But it really need only be a messed up Ukraine, unstable, violent and impoverished. Because a democratic Ukraine enjoying cultural renaissance, freedom, and economic growth with lots of Russian speakers shows Russias population that theres an alternative to the kleptocratic autocracy they currently endure. As the summer fighting season gets underway in the fourth year of Putins full-scale invasion of its neighbour, Russia has clearly shifted its main effort to permanently destabilising Ukraine. open image in gallery ( Global Images Ukraine/Getty ) Kyiv, meanwhile, has demonstrated that it is no longer on the back foot and that it is far from defeated. Indeed two years after its failed summer counter-offensive, Kyiv is growing in strength and confidence. Ukraine doesnt have the capacity to drive Russia out of its lands this year. But it is hanging on and by next year may find it has the upper hand as European aid begins to come through to replace the military support that the US has withdrawn. Donald Trump has provided no new military support this year. About $3.85bn (2.85bn) remains unspent from previous allocations after that nothing. Russian forces have renewed their attacks around Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka on the eastern front. The aim here is to try to encircle Ukrainian forces and cut the supply routes to Kramatorsk, the administrative headquarters of Ukrainian-held Donetsk province, which Russia has mostly captured and illegally annexed. open image in gallery Smoke rises after a Russian air strike on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday 6 June 2025 ( AP ) Ukrainian military sources on the ground have reported a massive increase in the range and efficacy of Russian fibre optic guided drones, with a range up to 15 miles unspooling a filament of optical cable directly connected to an operator on the ground. The guidance system makes them invulnerable to jamming equipment used by Ukraine. Elite Russian drone forces have been deployed from the Russian counterattacks to drive Kyivs forces out of Kursk to the eastern front, they said. The results have been very small advances by Russian troops, at enormous cost. Nato estimates that around 950 Russians are being killed every day. Although casualty figures are rarely accurate, live video feeds show small numbers of Russian and Ukrainian troops scrabbling for cover and dodging drones in the dust and rubble of apocalyptic landscapes unmanned aircraft which are now believed to be responsible for more than 70 per cent of casualties. open image in gallery In this photo, taken from video and released by the Russian Defence Ministry Press Service on Thursday 16 January 2025, a Russian soldier tries to shoot a Ukrainian drone on an undisclosed location in Ukraine ( AP ) Ukraine has repeatedly offered an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and face-to-face meetings between Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin. The US efforts to broker an armistice have gone nowhere while Russia is trying to capture more of Ukraine. Putin may have given up on regime change, but he wants to take all of the territories Russia has illegally annexed Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Luhansk and Donetsk, as well as hanging onto Crimea. If he manages this, he may be able to convince European leaders that a peace along lines defined by the Kremlin is the least-bad outcome. This summer, his main targets continue to be the central section of the eastern front, but he is also driving hard on Ukraines northern border with incursions and the capture of small border villages. This allows Moscow to add pressure on Kyiv keeping the battle closer to Ukraines centres of power by putting major cities, and regional capitals, like Sumy and Kharkiv, under constant threat from artillery and short-range rockets. Russias wider air campaign has been drastically ramped up. More than 400 missiles and drones are now swarming Ukraine on an almost nightly basis, with cruise and ballistic missiles getting through air defences in greater numbers because of a shortage of air defences notably the US-manufactured Patriot systems, which are the most effective in downing Moscows most dangerous long-range weapons. On Saturday, the mayor of Kharkiv said citizens had faced the largest Russian bombardment of the city so far attacks involving dozens of drones. Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war, Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram. But Nato has recently announced an extra 20bn (16.9bn) in military aid. Germany has said it will soon send Ukraine long-range bombs capable of striking deep into Russia. The UK has added 350m in funding for 100,000 new drones and already delivered 144,000 rounds of artillery ammunition this year. Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans said the Netherlands is giving 400m, including 100 naval vessels such as patrol boats, transport boats, interceptors, and special operations ships and more than 50 naval drones. Norway is stumping up $700m in drone-aid too. This shift to drone warfare has allowed Ukraine to regain the initiative to offset the sheer mass of old-school military might that Russia has brought to bear. open image in gallery Attack on Russian nuclear bombers captured in new Ukraine drone footage as part of Operation Spiderweb ( Security Service of Ukraine ) The meat grinder assaults by Russian infantry have almost stopped. Ukrainian officers told The Independent that Russian artillery bombardments have fallen away as drones have easily tracked and destroyed the big guns of the traditional battlefield. And Ukraines Operation Spiderweb, in which Kyiv claimed to have destroyed or damaged a third of Russias strategic bombers along with some spy planes in a staggering long-range, long-term operation that hit Russian airfields 5,000km apart, has greatly boosted morale. Along with ongoing long-range assaults with drones on Moscows airports, its energy infrastructure, and commanders themselves, Ukraine has turned the tactics of hybrid warfare developed by Russia back on Putin. It is unlikely Ukraine will turn Trump back to outright support for the embattled democracy he has gone too far in his public support for Putin to make that a credible ambition. But there are signs that America wont try to cripple Kyivs war efforts as it has threatened to do. No wonder Putins peeved. 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 body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai national taken hostage during the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, has been recovered from Rafah in southern Gaza, defence minister Israel Katz said. Mr Pinta, an agricultural worker, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community near the border with Gaza that suffered heavy losses during the Hamas-led attack. One in four residents were either killed or taken hostage. Mr Katz said Mr Pinta's body had been held by the Palestinian militant group, the Mujahedeen Brigades. The Israeli military said Mr Pinta was abducted alive and later killed by his captors, who were also responsible for the deaths of two Israeli-American hostages whose bodies were recovered earlier this week. Mr Pinta's family in Thailand has been notified. There has been no immediate comment from the militant group. open image in gallery Palestinians carry boxes and bags containing food and humanitarian aid in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, June 6, 2025 ( AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana ) Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in Israel in the 2023 attack, Israel's deadliest day, and took 251 hostages, 55 of whom remain in Gaza. Twenty hostages are believed to still be alive, according to Israeli authorities. Israel responded to the Hamas attacks with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities in the Hamas-run strip, and left much of the enclave in ruins, with a population of more than 2 million people largely displaced. Authorities in Israel have come under pressure in recent days for shootings which have occurred in the vicinity of aid hubs where Palestinians have been directed to collect food. Several aid sites ran by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation have now temporarily ceased operations after dozens of Palestinians have been killed in recent days. Responding to the incidents, Sir Keir Starmer called Israels actions in the region appalling, counterproductive and intolerable, telling MPs that sanctions on members of the countrys government were under consideration. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Israel has announced the retrieval of the body of Nattapong Pinta, a 35-year-old Thai national taken hostage during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Pinta was among 31 Thais abducted during the assault that triggered the ongoing conflict. Thailand's foreign ministry confirmed Pinta's death in a statement on Saturday, noting that he was the last Thai hostage held in Gaza. The ministry added that the bodies of two other Thais killed in the conflict have yet to be recovered. According to the foreign ministry, 46 Thais have died since the start of the war. Thai citizens comprised the largest group of foreign nationals held captive by Hamas, and were among tens of thousands of Thai workers residing in Israel at the time of the attack. Why are there so many Thais in Israel? Israel once relied heavily on Palestinian workers, but it started bringing in large numbers of migrant workers after the 1987-93 Palestinian revolt, known as the first Intifada. Most came from Thailand, and Thais remain the largest group of foreign agricultural laborers in Israel today, earning considerably more than they can at home. Thailand and Israel implemented a bilateral agreement a decade ago to ease the way for workers in the agriculture sector. Israel has come under criticism for the conditions under which the Thai farm laborers work. A Human Rights Watch report in 2015 said they often were housed in makeshift and inadequate accommodation and were paid salaries significantly below the legal minimum wage, forced to work long hours in excess of the legal maximum, subjected to unsafe working conditions and denied their right to change employers. A watchdog group found more recently that most were still paid below the legal minimum wage. How many Thai nationals work in Israel? There were about 30,000 Thai workers, primarily working on farms, in Israel prior to the attack by Hamas. In the wake of the attack, some 7,000 returned home, primarily on government evacuation flights, but higher wages than those available at home have continued to attract new arrivals. The Thai ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, recently said there are now more than 38,000 Thai workers in the country. What happened after some left? Faced with a labor shortage in the wake of the exodus, Israels Agriculture Ministry announced incentives to try to attract foreign workers back to evacuated areas. Among other things, it offered to extend work visas and to pay bonuses of about $500 a month. Thailands Labor Ministry granted 3,966 Thai workers permission to work in Israel in 2024, keeping Israel in the top four destinations for Thais working abroad last year. Thai migrant workers generally come from poorer regions of the country, especially the northeast, and even before the bonuses, the jobs in Israel paid many times what they could make at home. 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 Jaber Dabbaseh sits upon a pile of dust-strewn rubble. We feel oppressed, let down by a world that claims to be humane, while it does nothing, the father-of-five says. The ruins once formed his family home in Khalet al-Dabaa in the occupied West Bank, before his village was almost entirely demolished by Israeli bulldozers. A crippling 2025 for Palestinians in the West Bank has seen 14 children among 80 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the north of the territory alone. In late May came a hammer blow when Israel announced that 22 new settlements had been approved. Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich warned Israel would not stop until the entire area receives its full legal status and becomes an inseparable part of the State of Israel, a lucid illustration of the aggressive pro-settlement policies of Benjamin Netanyahus government. On Thursday 5 June Palestinians marked Naksa Day, a commemoration of the forced displacement of around 300,000 Palestinians during the June 1967 war. Nearly six decades on, demoralised West Bank residents tell The Independent that the current situation is worse than ever. Their future is lost and we cannot provide for them, even a little, says Mr Dabbaseh, lamenting the life awaiting his five boys. The situation is very, very tragic. open image in gallery Khalet al-Daba'a prior to its destruction by the Israeli military on 5 May ( Mohammad Hesham Huraini ) open image in gallery Almost the entire village of Khalet al-Daba'a is razed to the ground in a matter of hours ( Mohammad Hesham Huraini ) Mr Dabbaseh is one of the residents of Khalet al-Dabaa that have remained on the land, living in tents and residential caves since Israeli machinery razed it to the ground on 5 May. The IDF says the village is built illegally within a military firing zone and that Palestinians live there illegally. This is disputed by the UN, EU, and rights organisations who say the forced expulsion of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta is illegal. Israel must immediately halt illegal practices leading to the forced displacement of Palestinians, including attacks on residential areas, destruction of property and infrastructure, pervasive access and movement restrictions imposed on Palestinians, Amnesty International said on Thursday in a statement marking Naksa Day, as it accused Israel of presiding over a ruthless system of apartheid. Since Khalet al-Dabaas destruction, settlers have roamed the remnants of the village daily, grazing their sheep and vandalising remaining structures in the hope of pushing Palestinians away from the land, residents say. Footage shows settlers stood among the wreckage of Khalet al-Dabaa as three soldiers watch on, hands in pockets, relaxed and chatty. Our children are struggling to reach school and live in anxiety and fear. We cannot protect them from the settlers. We have no clinics, no schools, no recreational facilities for children, Mr Dabbaseh says. Nine houses, 10 water tanks, four animal shelters, a community centre and most of the villages solar panels in the village were flattened by the army of bulldozers in less than two hours, according to activists. Residents watched on helplessly from a nearby hilltop, witnessing the stark transformation of their small village into a bleak landscape of lost livelihoods. open image in gallery Jaber, a husband and father of five sons, witnessed his home being demolished in Khalet al-Daba'a ( Jaber Dabbaseh ) Masafer Yatta, a collection of hamlets in the south Hebron Hills which the Israeli army declared a military firing zone in the 1980s, has faced some of the most brutal manifestations of Israeli occupation. After decades of legal wrangling, the High Court ruled in 2022 that there were no legal barriers to prevent the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes. Many Palestinians have repeatedly rebuilt their homes after they have been flattened. Others have moved into caves which have been renovated by locals and activists to make them habitable for families. Jaber Dabbaseh says the latest eviction was the eighth time he has seen his home demolished in as many years. Increasingly emboldened by the Israeli governments pro-settlement policies, the rate of settler attacks on Palestinian villages has increased over the past year, residents say. Each week, footage emerges on social media of settlers, often masked and armed, descending on Palestinian villages in the West Bank. We are full of sadness, full of weakness. What can we do? asks Mohammad Hesham Huraini, a 22-year-old activist who lives in the nearby village of at-Tuwani. The people are scared and afraid. They want someone to stand by them to at least feel that we are not alone. open image in gallery Mohammad Hesham Huraini (right) and his cousin Mohammad Hureini (centre) are apprehended by Israeli troops in Masafer Yatta ( Mohammad Hesham Huraini ) Speaking in a phone call last Friday, Mr Huraini says he is due to join fellow activists and resident to visit the remnants of Khalet al-Daba'a. I dont know if we will come back in an ambulance, or a military jeep, or a police jeep, he says. It's really worse than ever before, more dangerous than before. The people feel that they are alone, the international community just watches. Days later, Mr Huraini was detained while sitting in a tent with other activists in Khalet al-Dabaa. Israeli police have routinely detained activists and residents on the land, including 70-year-old Irish woman Deirdre Murphy who as of Friday remained in detention as she appealed her deportation and Swedish national Susanne Bjork, both UK residents. The army says entry into the area is prohibited under military orders. Every day its getting worse and worse, and we expect there is more worse to come, says Mohammad Hureini a cousin of the previously-quoted Mohammad Hesham Huraini. Speaking of the settlers, he said: There is no power to stop them, they are roaming daily, shooting, stealing land. Anyone who stands up for their rights will be attacked. The Israeli military says its troops are required to act to stop the violation in instances of violence against Palestinians and to delay or detain the suspects until the police arrive at the scene. But Palestinians say Israeli authorities offer no such protection. open image in gallery Palestinians are regularly removed from their land by Israeli troops, who say it belongs to the army. Mohammad Hesham Huraini is pictured, right ( Mohammad Hesham Huraini ) Activists including Basel Adra, the Oscar-winning director of the documentary No Other Land, which depicts settler and military violence in Masafer Yatta, have issued an urgent call for journalists and activists from the international community to flock to the West Bank. Its not easy for me to write this, but my community Masafer Yatta will be destroyed unless more activists and journalists dont urgently come and join us on the ground, Adra wrote on X along with a video showing Israeli settlers standing among the ruins of Khalet al-Dabaa. During one such visit led by Adra earlier this week, masked Israeli soldiers barred around 20 journalists from entering the villages. As the conversation draws to a close, Mr Huraini thanks the international community for their support. But now, he says, as the community of Masafer Yatta looks ahead to a gloomy future: We need you here on the ground. The IDF said: The mission of the IDF is to maintain the security of all residents of the area, and to act to prevent terrorism and activities that endanger the citizens of the state of Israel. Enforcement against illegal structures is carried out in accordance with the law, operational priorities, and subject to approval by the political echelon. The structures built in [Khalet al-Dabaa] and nearby areas were constructed illegally and were therefore demolished after the owners were given the opportunity to present their claims. The IDF monitors developments in the area and acts in accordance with regulations. Israeli police were also contacted by The Independent. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Whatever else may be concluded about the shooting of Palestinian civilians at, or near, aid centres in Gaza, they do not suggest that sufficient humanitarian aid is being delivered in a timely and efficient manner. As has been widely proposed, a fully independent inquiry is needed before the claims and counterclaims about responsibility can be settled. But, for the time being, the efforts of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to replace the United Nations have proved to be utterly inadequate. That, of course, may turn out to be a wildly generous understatement if it is indeed proved that the Israel Defense Forces committed war crimes in these most pitiful and unforgivable of circumstances. From what can be discerned from the reportage, the verdict of the International Red Cross on the situation appears accurate worse than hell on earth. It bears repeating that Israel, too, suffered its own atrocities on 7 October 2023 but its conduct of the war waged since has become increasingly indefensible, intolerable and counterproductive to its interests. It is a total catastrophe for all involved, most of all the vulnerable non-combatants. The death toll across three major incidents at GHF sites amounts to about 60 people, and each and every case must be properly investigated. The Red Cross not Hamas says that, for example, its medical teams in Rafah treated 184 patients, including 19 people dead on arrival and eight others who died of their wounds shortly afterwards. This represents the highest figure for casualties from a single incident at the field hospital since it was established last year. And, of course, there are countless Palestinians far from even a GHF base, with no hospital facilities to speak of, and still under constant bombardment. They cannot all be terrorists and they cannot be dismissed as mere inevitable collateral damage. These are human lives, and, as the universal phrase goes, they matter. In due course, a more comprehensive accounting for the actions of the Israeli authorities will also have to be made, taking full account of the terrorist threat they face, but not thereby absolving Israels government and its agencies for everything they have done. Israels friends and partners across the world, as well as its own people, cannot adopt a Netanyahu, right or wrong approach, in which every single action and incident is justified by the 7 October massacres and kidnappings. Perhaps the most emphatic admission of failure by the GHF is that such operations as it has been undertaking and they are grossly inadequate to the task have been suspended. So, at least no Gazans will be shot trying to get their hands on food, but they and their families will stay hungry. Indeed, so hungry that malnutrition, especially of children among many thousands of people, and famine stalk the land. The Palestinians of Gaza, their homeland, face what the UN calls a hunger crisis and critical famine risk. The Israeli government knows this. The Arab states in the region know this. The whole world knows this. We see the television images of emaciated infants. Not even the White House can deny these realities. And yet nothing happens. We should be clear at least about how things will develop in this medieval-style siege if the world fails to pressure Israel into relenting and permitting the UN agencies and charities to resume their work immediately. For some, it is too late but for the living, it is never too late. The aid is waiting to pour into the territory, all parts of it, not just the cynically misnomered safe zones. To make the aid effort fully effective would mean a ceasefire, and the restoration of medical facilities and the means for a civilised existence principally, shelter. It is not, in that sense, the kind of hopeless, overbearing situation that follows some environmental disaster a flood, a terrible hurricane or a drought. This is a manmade catastrophe and could be stopped in short order with the political will to do so. Such political will does not exist within the Israeli government. One reason why the war has gone on for as long as it has, and with such pain and destruction, is that it suits Benjamin Netanyahus domestic political interests. The secondary reason is that the United States has acquiesced in much of what he does, which was true of the Biden administration and is even more the case under Donald Trump. However, recent weeks have shown the limits to American forbearance and the failure of Mr Netanyahu to stabilise the situation. Some of the hostages have still not been released, and Hamas still operates, as it will even if every one of its leaders is eliminated. Israel has lost the chance to build peace with its neighbours, and is less secure than it was before 7 October, even if Iran is temporarily disarmed. At that time, it would have been inconceivable that Israel would stand accused at the International Criminal Court of such grievous atrocities, that more of its European allies would recognise the Palestinian state, or that theyd be openly discussing arms embargoes and sanctions. Since 7 October, Mr Netanyahu has played into the hands of Hamas, who wished for nothing more than for Israel to lash out, provoke Arab and Muslim opinion, outrage the West and become the perpetrator, not the victim, of terror. All the goodwill that was shown, rightly, on 7 October has been squandered. In other words, it is in the interests of Israel itself to cease the fighting and allow the aid to come through to what the UN calls the hungriest place on Earth. But who can and who will make Mr Netanyahu see sense? Irish shares hit all-time high despite tariff uncertainty Major risks are on the horizon as July deadline looms for trade deal between the US and EU Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Photo: Reuters Donal O'Donovan Sat 7 Jun 2025 at 03:30 Shares in Dublin hit an all-time high yesterday, as investors shrugged off the threat of severe US tariffs potentially as soon as July 9. A 54-year-old man who stole 17 bottles of spirits to repay a drug debt has been given a probation bond. Brian Early, of St Josephs Avenue, Newbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty at Dun Laoghaire District Court to theft, possession of stolen property and possession of certain articles in relation to two incidents in February last year. The court heard that on February 12, 2024, Early stole 17 bottles of alcohol worth 660 from Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt, Dublin 18. Detective Sergeant Wendy Byrne told the court that Early had removed the security tags from the bottles using wire cutters. He had made a small payment for a packet of toilet rolls to give the impression of a legitimate purchase. She said the theft was premeditated and that two bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin, worth 50 to 60 each, were recovered. When asked by Judge Conor Fottrell if all of the stolen goods had been retrieved, Sgt Byrne said not all were recovered, but the total value taken was approximately 700. Silvia-Maria Crowley BL, counsel for the defence, said Early, a father and grandfather, had developed a serious addiction to crack cocaine in recent years. After a five-year battle with cancer and the death of his father, his life became chaotic, the court was told. She said her client stole the alcohol to repay a drug debt, but has since gone cold turkey and remained clean for the past 10 months. The court heard he did not attend a formal drug programme but had sought support from Pieta House after a previous mental health crisis. Ms Crowley said that her client receives a disability allowance and had entered guilty pleas at an early stage. He is no longer in counselling but is making efforts to rebuild his life, the court heard. Judge Fottrell noted the court was told the offences arose out of a drug debt. "That may well be the case - but its ridiculous. You need to sort it out, he told the defendant. These are serious matters - stealing alcohol in order to pay off a drug debt is not acceptable. But I accept youve taken steps to address your situation, he added. Taking into account the guilty plea, Early's personal circumstances and his engagement with support services, Judge Fottrell imposed a 12-month probation bond on condition that Early keeps the peace and engages in good behaviour. I suggest you continue to engage with Pieta House and any further counselling available to you, the judge said. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Iran will face a challenging year in the transit sector in the current Iranian year (March 21, 2025 - March 20, 2026), Javad Hedayati, the director-general of the Transit Office of Irans Road and Transport Organization, told local media, Trend reports. According to him, three major problems have been observed in Iran's transit sector this year. Hedayati stated that, firstly, 40 percent of transit cargoes through Iran are fuel products. Considering that the cost of fuel worldwide has dropped to $62, this price change will also hurt the transit of fuel products. He added that the second port, Iran's Shahid Rajaee, is considered the country's most important transit port. The explosion in this port was not limited to these days and will harm the country's transit in the future. The official noted that the third issue is related to the protests of truck drivers in Iran. The drivers' protest led to serious problems in freight transportation for some time. Over the last Iranian year (from March 20, 2024, through March 20, 2025), transit through the country increased to 20 million tons. This year, it is expected to increase to 22 million tons. A persistent offender with over 100 previous convictions has been jailed for three months after admitting to a string of theft and public order offences. Thomas Greene (33), of Sarsfield Street, Sallynoggin, Co Dublin appeared before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dun Laoghaire District Court, where he pleaded guilty to 14 charges including multiple thefts, public intoxication, abusive behaviour in a public place and repeatedly failing to appear in court. The offences took place between March 2021 and March 2023. One involved Greene stealing 10 worth of petrol from Applegreen in Booterstown. In another, he shoplifted four bags of Kindle products and a 25 scarf. On January 1, 2022, he was found in an aggressive and intoxicated state on Boyle Street, Monkstown, calling gardai scumbags and refusing to provide his name and address. In March 2023, he was seen pushing a buggy while heavily intoxicated. Other charges included stealing 140 worth of Bulmers cider, and three counts of failing to appear in court. Greene has been in custody since June 2 on foot of multiple bench warrants. The court heard Greene has 107 previous convictions, including those for robbery, assault, drug and firearms offences, criminal damage, and 34 public order matters - as well as 23 for failing to appear in court. He received a four-month sentence in November 2024 from the Circuit Court for possessing a knife. Defence counsel, Sylvia-Maria Crowley BL, said Greene had a deeply troubled background, having grown up entirely in the care system, where she said he was subjected to serious abuse. The court heard Greene began using drugs at 14 and spiralled into long-term addiction to heroin and cocaine, suffering a drug-induced coma and long-term health issues including seizures and fractures. Ms Crowley said Greene is now clean and has a bed awaiting him in St Michaels Unit at Beaumont Hospital, where his GP believes he urgently needs treatment due to the risk to his life. She said Greene was doing his best to get on the right track. Judge Fottrell imposed a three-month custodial sentence, backdated to June 2, saying the offending was serious and persistent. When Ms Crowley asked the court to accept 400 in cash from Greenes family in lieu of an independent surety as part of his recognisance, Judge Fottrell refused, insisting on an independent surety and remarking: This is a revolving situation here. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. A mother of three caught with 800 of cannabis in her Dublin home said it was not hers, but she knew it was there and accepted responsibility. A 24-year-old man whose partner died after they both took drugs following a music festival has avoided a conviction for simple possession, in what a judge described as "one of the saddest cases" to come before his court. The District Court was told that the defendant Brian Carroll has now made a commitment to living a "drug-free life". Mr Carroll, of Cedarmount Road, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin pleaded guilty to possession of MDMA and cannabis and appeared before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dun Laoghaire District Court on Wednesday. The court heard that Mr Carroll and his girlfriend had attended the Forbidden Fruit festival on June 2, 2024, where they both consumed drugs, while further substances were taken later at a house in south Dublin. The woman was found unresponsive later that night and died as a result. Mr Carroll had been in a relationship with the deceased for two and a half years. Gardai who carried out a search of the house recovered cannabis worth 44, 16 of MDMA and a small quantity of cocaine. Garda Harry Poole told the court that the drugs were for personal use and were at the lower end of the scale. The court heard that Mr Carroll later voluntarily attended a garda station, gave a full account of what occurred and has not come to garda attention since. Stock image. Today's News in 90 seconds - 7th June 2025 Judge Fottrell initially questioned whether the District Court had jurisdiction to hear the case, given the serious background circumstances. I appreciate the plea before the court today, but this is a serious matter, he said. Im not sure its a District Court matter. Defence solicitor Mark OSullivan said it was a tragic accident and argued that the case before the court concerned a minor possession matter. Thats all the court is being asked to hear today, he said. After considering the details, Judge Fottrell accepted jurisdiction. On the basis of whats before me, the circumstances are tragic. Ill accept jurisdiction. Mr OSullivan told the court that Mr Carroll and the deceased had bought the drugs together, but the woman had taken more than his client. He said his client was fully cooperative, had no previous convictions, and had voluntarily presented himself to Gardai. Letters were handed into court from Kilmacud Medical Centre and the Community Addiction Response Programme. The court heard Mr Carroll had engaged in trauma counselling following the incident, tested negative for drugs in recent months and remained in full-time employment. He had also volunteered with Little Flower Penny Dinners during the Covid-19 pandemic. The womans father and sister were present in court. On behalf of my client, I extend our sympathies to the family, Mr OSullivan said. Relations remain good between them. This was an absolute tragedy. In a personal letter to the court, the man expressed remorse and a commitment to living a drug-free life. Judge Fottrell acknowledged the mans remorse, the steps he had taken since and the tragic nature of the case. This is a tragic case, he said. The consequences were anything but minor. However, the value of the drugs involved is low, and there are no previous convictions". Youve pleaded guilty, made full admissions, and taken meaningful steps since. I dont propose to impose a conviction. "This is one of the most unusual and saddest cases to come before the court. I hope you continue your recovery," the judge said, addressing the defendant. Judge Fottrell concluded the matter without a conviction, following a 1,000 charitable donation. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. '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? Credit cards, gift vouchers, contractor payments, annual accounts delays and audit concerns at charity were asked about before a full investigation was launched When the board and managers of Vision Ireland sat down at an emergency meeting, the financial crisis was the only item on the agenda. Payroll and direct debits were due the following week, according to the new chief financial officer Donal Lawlor, attending his first meeting in April last year. The funeral service of Kevin Kelly (31), who died in a house fire alongside death row survivor Sunny Jacobs this week, has heard how he would go above and beyond to help others as he was remembered as someone who loved to laugh and have fun. Latest | He truly lived every moment Michael Gaine remembered as caring and proud Kerry man at his funeral mass Michael Gaine remembered as caring and proud Kerry man at his funeral mass Sinead Kelleher Sat 7 Jun 2025 at 13:52 The community in Kenmare have been asked to honour Mike Gaines memory by doing as he did, living life to the full, spending quality time with loved ones and always helping others. It was a terrible shock to see how bad he is wife of Robert Pether freed from Iraqi jail pleads with Government to get him home Family living in Roscommon have not seen father and husband for four years Robert Pether's wife Desree and daughter Nala (12) in their home in Elphin, Co Roscommon. Photo: Brian Farrell Cian O Broin Sat 7 Jun 2025 at 03:30 The wife of Robert Pether, who was imprisoned in an Iraqi jail for four years, has pleaded with the Government to help get her husband home. An international effort to track ocean giants such as sharks and whales and seabirds such as puffins migrating from the Irish coast may help to pinpoint the most useful areas for protecting them across the globe. Jenny Maguire: For so many students, our options are: live with mammy or head to Australia and government policy is to blame Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, Trend reports. Pezeshkian said that his country is ready for inspection of its nuclear facilities, but does not accept coercion. According to him, the country's nuclear activities are completely transparent, which has been repeatedly confirmed by the IAEA. Nurtleu, in turn, expressed Kazakhstan's respect for Iran's principled and logical position on peaceful nuclear activities. The parties agreed to develop bilateral relations in all areas. UN investigator seeks urgent action as gardai ordered to disclose confidential file to facilitate defamation case Michel Forst wrote to Government over discovery order relating to environmental activists complaint Michel Forst, UN special rapporteur on environmental defenders. Photo: Getty Caroline O'Doherty Sat 7 Jun 2025 at 03:30 Deep concerns have been raised over court proceedings where gardai were ordered to hand over a confidential complaint for use in a defamation case. Former chief medical officer to marry his partner, Ciara Cronin Five years ago today, Ireland marked 100 days since the first case of Covid-19 here. After three months of restrictions, the government announced an acceleration of the easing of social distancing against the advice of the chief medical officer (CMO). Dr Tony Holohan cautioned against a plan to allow people to travel throughout the country, instead insisting on a 20km limit from their homes. The CMO was at the height of his powers, with a mural on a pub depicting him as Superman and he was awarded the honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin around that time too. An alliance between the two most powerful men in the world seemed destined to blow up into a volatile feud yet somehow held until it didnt. Within a few hours on Thursday, the public spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk exploded into debates over the presidents impeachment and Musks accusation that the president is implicated in a sexual abuse scandal. But how they choose to escalate from here could have far-reaching impacts and not just for the fate of a massive bill that sparked their break-up. Trump and Musk command the worlds attention, own competing social media platforms, and are each in a position to wield the power of the presidency and spend, and lose, billions of dollars against one another. US president Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Photo: Reuters How Trump could go after Musk Kill government contracts Trump has already suggested yanking government contracts for Musks companies Tesla and SpaceX, which are due to receive at least $3bn in contracts from 17 agencies. 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. On his War Room podcast, Trump ally Steve Bannon urged Trump to retaliate against the worlds wealthiest man by, among other things taking control of SpaceX. The US government should seize it, Bannon said on Thursday. Cut off Elons access to the White House Musk ended his 130-day special government employee term in the Trump administration last week after serving as an adviser to the president for the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk unleashed across the federal government to make drastic cuts to spending and the workforce. But Trump left the door open for Musk to return. That 130-day term can be renewed next year. Trump could sever that arrangement at any time. Bannon also called on Trump to strip Musks top-secret clearances, which he is granted in conjunction with his work on SpaceX and NASA. Make X illegal With more than 220 million followers on a social media platform under his control, Musk can use that audience and ability to shift media narratives against the president to advance his agenda. Trump, whose entire campaign was built on retribution, possesses executive authority to shut X down, according to experts. Trump could declare X a national security risk, which would permit him to ban the platform outright, claims Devan Leos, from platform Undetectable AI. He can ban Trump from X in retaliation, but that would almost certainly trigger an executive response from the White House The president could invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on national security grounds to prevent X from operating, which would probably trigger a high-profile legal battle. Musk now faces a difficult choice. He can ban Trump from X in retaliation, but that would almost certainly trigger an executive response from the White House, according to Leos. The president, meanwhile, owns more than 100 million shares, or roughly 53pc, of Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of social media platform Truth Social. His stake in the company is worth billions of dollars. Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Photo: AP Investigate Musks immigration status and drug use Musk was born in South Africa before he emigrated to Canada and later the US. Last year, the Washington Post reported that the billionaire worked in the country illegally before gaining citizenship. Bannon called on the president to deport him. Elon Musk is illegal. Hes got to go too, Bannon said on his podcast. Trump also could wield the power of his office to initiate other investigations under a Department of Justice controlled by his fierce ally Attorney General Pam Bondi, including into allegations of his drug use at the campaign trail and within the administration. Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Photo: AP How Musk could go after Trump Flood opponents with cash The worlds wealthiest person spent tens of millions of dollars supporting Trumps 2024 campaign. On Thursday, he took credit for his victory. But this year, his multi-million dollar effort to support a conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate blew up in his face, with his DOGE efforts tanking his and Teslas appeal. Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80 percent in the middle? Still, Republican candidates fear being his target. Musk and his allies have threatened to fund primary challenges against any GOP member of Congress who supports legislation he doesnt. Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80 percent in the middle? Musk asked on Thursday. Democrats agree with Musk that Trumps big, beautiful bill is a disaster, but arent necessarily welcoming him to the party after the right-wing billionaire torched government agencies and helped but Trump back in office. We should ultimately be trying to convince him that the Democratic Party has more of the values that he agrees with, California Democratic representative Ro Khanna, whose district represents Silicon Valley, told Politico. A commitment to science funding, a commitment to clean technology, a commitment to seeing international students like him. Wield social media against the president It took just four hours for a feud playing out on two different social media platforms for Musk to drop what he called a bomb against the president. Time to drop the really big bomb, he wrote on X. Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. That loaded accusation Musks suggestion that Trump was involving the sex offenders trafficking scheme appeared to be the tipping point in their feud. Musk, who just days ago seemed to have no problem associating with a man he is now alleging is implicated in Epsteins crimes, could launch a humiliation campaign against the president for an audience that has been largely disappointed with the Trump administrations approach to the Epstein case. Far-right influencers have turned on top federal law enforcement officials over the case, accusing Trump of continuing what they believe is a deep state conspiracy theory covering up powerful people. Musk could leverage that hostility. Use DOGE against Trump Musk hired a small army of young loyalists and old allies for his government-wide operation to not only eliminate jobs and spending but extract reams of data from millions of Americans. DOGEs unprecedented access to Americans data is alarming, made worse by the complete absence of meaningful oversight, according to Ben Zipperer, a senior economist with the Economic Policy Institute. That unrestrained access to data will likely worsen the problem of identity theft in the United States, which could cost working families tens of billions of dollars annually. A report from Democratic senator Elizabeth Warrens office also uncovered more than 100 instances that Musk allegedly abused his role as a special government employee overseeing DOGE to benefit his private interests. Musk violated norms at an astonishing pace, amounting to scandalous behaviour regardless of whether it subjects him to criminal prosecution. The report accuses Musk of using the government to promote his businesses, including turning the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom, and allegedly discovered roughly two dozen instances where the government entered or explored new lucrative contracts with the billionaire while halting enforcement actions against his companies. David Blair: History lesson shows loss of one million casualties is just all part of Putins plan The invasion of Ukraine has cost more lives than every Soviet conflict since 1945 yet history offers him justification, not caution A woman looks from a balcony decorated with a flag of Russian Navy and flags in national colours, and a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Sevastopol, Crimea June 5, 2025. REUTERS/Alexey Pavlishak David Blair Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sat 7 Jun 2025 at 03:30 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. Event Director Thomas Duggan and Course Designer Mike Etherington Smith thrilled with the reaction to the Millstreet International Horse Trials. Picture John Tarrant A rewarding visit to the Millstreet International Horse Trials by Gemma Stevens, piloting Chill Morning IV over an obstacle at Drishane Castle. Picture John Tarrant. A podium finish for Kevin McNab (Australia). Joseph Murphy (Ireland) and Cathal Daniels (Ireland) during a presentation ceremony at the Millstreet International Horse Trials. Picture John Tarrant. Olympic gold medalist Laura Collett on To Kalo Arlo competing in the Cross Country at Drishane Castle during the Millstreet International Horse Trials. Photos by John Tarrant Millstreet extended the best of welcomes to visitors from across the globe over the June Bank Holiday weekend for the hugely successful International Horse Trials. With 15 countries participating, favourable weather bar a shower or two made for a hectic atmosphere in the picturesque Green Glens Complex and Drishane Estate. Some of the best horses and riders in eventing circles descended on the North Cork location by ferry and truck with visitors drawn from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and across Europe. The picturesque setting against the backdrop of Clara Mountain and Drishane Castle was a perfect amphitheatre for cross country with dressage and show jumping hosted in the adjoining Green Glens Complex. We are overwhelmed and delighted that so many international riders are coming to Millstreet, it was the largest entry since the event commenced in 2015, the arrival of so many leading figures in the international eventing world is a major highlight in the Irish calendar and we have been working hard to ensure some great competitions and a fun weekend, said Event Director Thomas Duggan. Upwards of 400 horses were in Millstreet, riders included double Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo and Paris Laura Collett, the Great Britain rider is a MBE recipient for her pursuits on the world stage. Collett was joined by compatriots Emily King, Izzy Taylor, Max Warburton, Jack Pinkney, Harry Horo and Gemma Stevens. Stevens figured prominently in a number of categories and savoured the Millstreet atmosphere. What a weekend in Millstreet, to enjoy success here is something quite special at a great venue. For me, its also such a relief to win on the Irish bred Flash Cooley because Ive been second in a CCI4*-L class four times, she said. Australian Kevin McNab, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics is a popular visitor to Millstreet, amongst his strong line up was Newmarket Amy, bred by the Scarteen Equine Farm in Newmarket and sold to Co. Meath based Rhiannon Burton with McNab becoming the regular pilot. En route to Millstreet, the pair enjoyed success at the Strzegom Show in Poland, a podium place also in Millstreet. Four time Olympian Austin OConnor was back in familiar territory, the Mallow native and UK-based rider delivered one of his finest performances to date at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials recently, finishing third overall aboard his long-time partner Colorado Blue. The Drishane Cross Country course saw new developments, the terrain bedded in well over recent months, new fences and a reshaped water development adding to the appeal against the backdrop of Clara Mountain with Event Director Thomas Duggan accepting the plaudits. We are thrilled that so many international competitors want to come here to educate their horses and enjoy the superb courses and footing here. It has been such a successful showcase for the Irish Sport Horse, he said. Equestrian excitement returns to Millstreet next month for the Pony and Young Rider Show from July 3-6 with the Millstreet International CSI2* Horse Show scheduled from July 23-27. Cork man accused of phishing over 2,000 from woman was scam facilitator, not beneficiary Adrian Ambroziak of 18 Manor Court, Manor Park was charged with scamming a woman in Longford Stock image Kevin Galvin Sat 7 Jun 2025 at 08:00 A man living in Mallow involved in a phishing scam swindling over 2,000 from a woman in Longford was put into the hands of the Probation Service. When is the All-Ireland hurling final between Cork and Tipperary? Match and ticket details for big showdown The author put out a plea for the people of Cork to teach them how to make her own version of mushy peas A Spaniard who lived in Cork for a year has turned to Reddit back in her homeland for help to replicate the taste of. mushy peas. The post author said they used to eat mushy peas every day, and used to frequent Aldi and Dunnes Stores to get the goods, but sadly, they cant find a Spanish alternative. The plea called on the people of Cork to either teach them how to make their own version of mushy peas or point them in the right direction for a Spanish source. One person commented by saying: Having lived in Spain for a while and fallen in love with their food waking up to see a Spaniard has fallen in love with mushy peas has absolutely made my morning, they said. The post author replied by saying Ireland has great food and they enjoyed their time in the country. Various comments flooded in with links to recipes, information on the type of peas necessary as well as locations that might have the all-important marrowfat peas. The Alicante-based author replied to those offering advice with thanks and kind answers, and one account cited that that a shop a bit of a drive from Alicante has marrowfat peas in stock. The author replied by saying: Thanksssssss i will go for sure (sic). A kind-hearted Redditor offered to send the mushy peas deprived Spaniard with the sweet green treat if they are unable to source them in Spain. Like many people who surf Reddit throughout the day, I will be waiting attentively for an update on the mushy peas thread. You can find the thread here: https://www.reddit.com/r/cork/comments/1ky1c0g/hi_guysim_spanish_and_i_was_living_in_cork_for_a/ Defendant with 145 previous convictions stated drugs blew the socks off me Gyles Quay basking in glorious sunshine on a day similar to the incident. Photo: Ken Finegan/www.newspics.ie A court has been told about a womans terrifying ordeal when a man burst into her home and held a knife to her throat demanding car keys as Armed Gardai closed in on him. This was after the man crashed a stolen car close to where she lived in Gyles Quay, a popular North Louth beach which was packed with cars on a sunny Sunday afternoon last year. James McDonagh (38), Dominic Street, Newry, Co. Down, appeared before Dundalk Circuit Court via video link for a sentence hearing. He has been in custody since the offending occurred. He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, unlawfully using a car without consent, dangerous driving and driving without insurance, at Gyles Quay on June 23, 2024. Other charges including false imprisonment of a female are being taken into consideration. He told Gardai who arrested him at the scene that he had taken too much cocaine. It blew the socks off me. The defendant, one of 13 children, moved to Newry from Dundalk, and has 145 previous convictions on both sides of the border. Judge Dara Hayes adjourned the matter to June 19 and said that there will be a significant sentence. Gardai had been alerted by the PSNI about a stolen BMW which had crossed the border. A car was spotted acting suspiciously around Bellurgan, north of Dundalk, but despite extensive searches throughout the early hours of the morning it could not to be located. Around 2pm this car was seen on the main Carlingford Road. It turned for Gyles Quay and went into a car park. Det Gda Eimear Gallagher in plain clothes and a colleague wearing full uniform approached the BMW. Its drivers door was open. A man was in the front seat. He didnt engage with the officers and reached down. Det Gda Gallagher testified that she feared he had a weapon. The driver turned on the ignition. She asked him to get out. By this stage the other guard was standing in front of the car. The engine was being revved and Det Gda Gallagher told her colleague to move. At that point Mr McDonagh took off at such speed that the car was bouncing across the potholed surface as he left the car park. The two Gardai raced to their vehicle and once on the move activated the blue lights and siren to try to get the BMW to stop and to warn pedestrians. One man had to lift a buggy containing a child out of the way to avoid being hit by the defendant as he sped past. The car struck a parked van and as it continued back towards the main road it mounted a footpath on which there were a lot of pedestrians before colliding with a wall and coming to a stop. The driver got out and ran. He had a large silver knife in his right hand and a hammer in the other. He scaled a fence and ran along the beach towards Fergusons caravan park. Meanwhile, a woman living in a bungalow at the park was sitting on a sofa. It was so warm she had the back doors open. Suddenly, around 3pm, a man came through the door with what she described as a butchers knife. He had something else in his other hand but she was only focused on the knife. He had blood on his face. He screamed for her car keys and demanded money. The womans young son came out of his room and was screaming. The woman was in such fear that she was willing to co-operate to protect her son. She couldnt find the keys. McDonagh held the knife to her throat until she found them. While this was going on armed Gardai had arrived outside. The victim saw them. The man ran and was chased through the house by the guards and out the back door. Det Gda Gallagher told the mother and child to stay inside and not come out until Gardai returned. Outside, one of the other officers pulled his gun and the man lay down on grass. He was arrested there by Det Gda Gallagher at 3.04pm, some 500m from the house. The man said: I think I took too much cocaine. It blew the socks off me. I took the car. I didnt know it was wanted. I was driving nice and slow. I was washing up Coke to do Crack. I didnt know they were guards. I put the boot down and drove off. I panicked and I crashed. Later, he added: Jesus, I didnt do a burglary, did I? Only slagging. McDonagh said that he wasn't going to use the knife. "I was only scaring her. I saw youse outside and I ran. You got me. He denied putting a knife to the womans throat. "She walked to me. She must have wanted a claim or something. "I could get big time. Im sorry for what I said and what I did. He signed the memos of interview. The court heard of 145 previous convictions 85 in the Republic of Ireland and sixty in the North. These included unauthorised taking of vehicles, theft, possession of a knife, robbery, trespass, assault, burglary, assaulting police and drugs possession. Gda Laura OConnor read out out a harrowing Victim Impact Statement which detailed how the woman and her family had moved to Ireland hoping for a safe and better quality of life. Her husband lost his life tragically here. She spoke of her son screaming for his life and the ongoing consequences of the attack. She felt completely unsafe in her own home. There were flashbacks of the knife against her throat. Her sons terrifying screams haunted her. She thanked the Gardai. It was stated in a probation report that James McDonagh accepted full responsibility. He had taken a combination of drugs with whiskey when he stole the vehicle in Northern Ireland to sell across the border to buy cocaine. He identified as a member of the Travelling community, the second youngest of 13 children. His parents moved to Newry and he intends to live with his brother in Dundalk. Single, and the father of two adult children, he had never worked and was reliant on social welfare. The defendant was on methadone and continued to use drugs in custody. He was assessed at high risk of reoffending. Judge Hayes said that he was grateful to the victim for coming to court. It was of much assistance to him. It was a horrifying experience for you and your son. Im dreadfully sorry. Its unimaginable how awful it must have been for you and your son. The judge said these were extremely serious offences. He allowed time for a drugs counsellors report to be prepared. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Growing up in Enniscorthy, Mamobo Ogoro admits to having feelings of not belonging. Arriving in the Co Wexford town as a three-year-old she was part of the first wave of African immigrants to come to these shores, to attempt to integrate into communities which, up until that point, were almost exclusively white Catholic. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Iran has urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to make greater efforts to conduct appropriate tests related to the countrys nuclear fuel and activities, Trend reports. This call was issued in response to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossis report to the agencys Board of Governors titled Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement with Iran. In a statement, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) affirmed its continued cooperation with the IAEA on the implementation of standard safeguards, while emphasizing that the agencys report confirms the peaceful nature of Irans nuclear program, with no evidence pointing to military dimensions. There is no credible document suggesting the remaining issues pose a radiological threat, AEOI noted. The organization stressed that the IAEAs assessments must rely solely on verified and credible sources. Unconfirmed data submitted by third parties undermines the agencys fundamental obligation to impartiality, the statement read. AEOI underscored that all of Irans nuclear activities and materials have been declared to the IAEA and inspected accordingly. Iran is also investigating the discovery of unknown particles at declared sites. The countrys security authorities have gathered additional evidence suggesting potential hostile acts or sabotage at those locations. It contradicts the IAEAs professionalism and neutrality to publish unrelated issues in the director generals report. For example, enriching uranium to 60 percent is not prohibited under the NPT and has been carried out entirely under the agencys supervision, AEOI added. Iran, IAEA reached agreement in March 2024 to enhance cooperation on Irans nuclear program. Iran has emphasized that its engagement with the IAEA is limited strictly to two frameworks: the NPT and the agencys safeguards regulations. While the IAEA acknowledges ongoing cooperation with Tehran, it maintains that the level of collaboration remains inadequate. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Art dealer Oghenochuko Ojiri is believed to be the first person charged with the specific offence. Photo: PA A BBC Bargain Hunt art expert who failed to report a series of high-value art sales to a man suspected of financing militant group Hezbollah has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. Oghenochuko Ojiri (53) sold artwork worth around 140,000 (166,000) to Nazem Ahmad, a man designated by US authorities as a suspected financier for the Lebanese organisation. Ojiri, of Brent, north London, previously pleaded guilty to eight offences under section 21A of the UKs Terrorism Act 2000. He is believed to be the first person to be charged with the specific offence. The art dealer, who has also appeared on the BBCs Antiques Road Trip, was charged with failing to disclose information about transactions in the regulated art market sector on or before dates between October 2020 and December 2021. US prosecutors say Mr Ahmad was a major Hezbollah financial donor who used high-value art and diamonds to launder money and fund the group. Following the introduction of new money-laundering regulations in January 2020 that brought the art market under HMRC supervision, Ojiri is said to have discussed the changes with a colleague, indicating awareness of the rules. The defendant was, at the relevant time, the owner and operator of Ramp Gallery latterly Ojiri Gallery, Lyndon Harris, prosecuting, said. The defendant engaged in discussions with and sales over a 14-month period with Nazem Ahmad and his associates, selling art to the value of 140,000 over that period, Mr Harris said. The defendant knew Mr Ahmad had been sanctioned in the US, a previous hearing was told. Ahmads phone number was saved on Ojiris phone as Moss, the court heard. [It] appears to have been a name deliberately chosen to disguise Mr Ahmad as being one of his contacts, the prosecutor said. He added that Ojiri was warned by others about his conduct but proceeded to engage in dealings with Ahmad in any event. Gavin Irwin, defending, said Ojiri was arrested while filming a BBC TV programme. He said the defendant had been naive in relation to his participation in Ahmads art market, but that he was preyed on by more sophisticated others. Strikes came just days after Kyivs assault on enemys military airfields The barrage was one of the fiercest of the three-year war, lasting several hours, striking six Ukrainian territories, and killing at least four people and injuring about 50 others. Among the dead were three emergency responders in Kyiv and someone who was pulled from the rubble of an apartment building in a northwestern city. A swarm of giant city-killer asteroids hiding near Venus poses an invisible threat to life on Earth, astronomers have warned in a new study. These space rocks, known as co-orbital asteroids, tag along with Venus as it circles the sun and likely originated from debris in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. 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. National Best Friends Day 2025: National Best Friends Day 2025 is celebrated every year on June 8. Its a special day to honour the bond we share with our closest friends. The day started in the United States. In 1935, the U.S. Congress declared June 8 as a day to celebrate friendship. Over time, it gained global recognition. Now, people in countries like India, the UK, and Canada also celebrate this day with joy and love. History and Significance of National Best Friends Day The origins of National Best Friends Day go back to 1935, when the U.S. Congress officially declared June 8 as a day to honour close friendships. The date was chosen for its pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor meetups and bonding. Some believe the modern version of the celebration began around 2002 in Richmond, Virginia. Still, the purpose remains the samecelebrating the joy of friendship and reconnecting with our best friends. National Best Friends Day 2025 | Credit: Freepik This day reminds us how important best friends are for our emotional wellbeing. They help reduce stress, offer support, and walk with us through lifes highs and lows. Whether it's sharing laughs or lending a shoulder, best friends make life better. Happy National Best Friends Day 2025 Wishes "Wishing you endless joy and laughter on National Best Friends Day 2025! Thanks for being my rock." "Happy Best Friends Day 2025! May our friendship grow stronger every year." "To my best friend, happy National Best Friends Day! You make life brighter." "Cheers to unforgettable memories and a lifetime of friendship. Happy Best Friends Day 2025!" "Sending love and hugs on National Best Friends Day 2025 to my forever friend." National Best Friends Day 2025 | Credit: Freepik National Best Friends Day 2025 | Credit: Freepik Best Friends Day 2025 Captions for Instagram and Facebook "Friends like you are rare gems. Happy National Best Friends Day 2025! #BestFriendsDay #ForeverFriends" "Side by side or miles apart, best friends are always close at heart. #BestFriendsDay2025" "Making memories with my bestie this National Best Friends Day 2025! #BFFGoals" "Here's to friendship, laughter, and endless support. Happy Best Friends Day! #TrueFriendship" "Celebrating the bond that never fades. Happy National Best Friends Day 2025! #FriendsForever" National Best Friends Day 2025 Quotes to Share "A true friend is the greatest of all blessings. Happy National Best Friends Day 2025!" "Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together. Woodrow Wilson" "Best friends are the siblings God forgot to give us. Happy Best Friends Day 2025!" "In the cookie of life, friends are the chocolate chips. Celebrate your best friend today!" "Good friends are like stars; you don't always see them but you know they're there." Happy National Best Friends Day 2025 | Credit: Freepik National Best Friends Day 2025 Greetings for WhatsApp and Facebook "Happy National Best Friends Day 2025! Grateful for your friendship every single day." "To my best friend, wishing you a day filled with love and happiness. #BestFriendsDay" "Thank you for being my partner in crime. Happy Best Friends Day 2025!" "Sending warm wishes on National Best Friends Day 2025 to the one who knows me best." "Celebrate friendship today and always. Happy National Best Friends Day!" Best Friends Day 2025 WhatsApp and Facebook Status Ideas "Forever grateful for a friend like you. Happy National Best Friends Day 2025! " "Best friends make the good times better and the hard times easier. #BestFriendsDay" "Laughing, loving, and living with my best friend. Happy Best Friends Day 2025!" "True friendship never fades. Celebrating my bestie today! #NationalBestFriendsDay" "Cheers to friendship that lasts a lifetime. Happy Best Friends Day 2025! " Best friends Day images & Photos National Best Friends Day 2025 wishes in Hindi " #2025" " , ! #" " , , 2025" " #BestFriendsDay" " , !" Happy National Best Friend Day 2025: Instagram and Facebook Captions Cheers to our bond. Inseparable since day one. Unbreakable friendship, infinite memories. Together, we conquer everything Friendship goals, forever strong Heartfelt gratitude, eternal friendship You make life better. Forever grateful for us National Best Friends Day 2025 | Credit: X Happy Best Friends Day for Girl 2025 Through thick and thin, youve always been there. Happy Best Friends Day, lovely! Heres to many more adventures with my best girl. Happy Best Friends Day! Happy Best Friends Day to my rock, my confidant, my best friend. You make the world a better place just by being in it. Happy Best Friends Day! To the girl who is like a sister to me, Happy Best Friends Day! Forever grateful for you Funny Happy Best Friends Day Messages Happy Best Friends Day! If we were on a deserted island, Id totally share my snacks with you. To my bestie: Youre like a sister to me, but better because you cant steal my clothes. Happy Best Friends Day! Happy Best Friends Day! Lets celebrate by doing something well probably regret tomorrow. Thanks for always being there to laugh at my terrible jokes. Happy Best Friends Day! Happy Best Friends Day! Youre the only person I can send a text to without using any words, and you still understand. National Best Friends Day 2025, celebrated on June 8, is a special chance to appreciate the important role best friends play in our lives. Its a day to share heartfelt messages, celebrate together, and create joyful memories filled with gratitude. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Amid the ongoing feud between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, a claim has gone viral on social media that states the Vice President JD Vance is resigning from his role in the Trump administration. But how true are these viral claims? Let's have a fact check. The vice president, JD Vance, appeared to wade into the increasing tension between Trump and Musk by sharing a cryptic post on social media. On Friday, Vance shared a photo with comedian Von, where he appeared to subtly allude to the highly publicised fallout between the former president and the tech billionaire that's currently making the headlines. Is JD Vance resigning as Vice President amid the Elon-Trump feud? The viral claims are reportedly false, as there have been no reports of Vance resigning from his post, as per Times Now. Moreover, the claim that surfaced on social media is based on a theory that the fallout between Donald Trump and JD Vance is related to a larger fallout between the Trump administration and the Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. JD Vance is generally looked upon as someone close to Silicon Valley because of his past work as a venture capitalist and his link with the PayPal owner, Peter Thiel. A look at the viral claims about JD Vance Amid this, several misleading posts about JD Vance resigning are going viral on the internet. Here are some of them: Credit: Facebook | @marlastonecipher JD Vance has so far maintained his silence over the ongoing public feud between Donald Trump and Tesla owner Elon Musk, who have been throwing punches at each other. Additionally, even though a wide rift has emerged inside the Trump campaign, with supporters choosing to support either Musk or Trump, the former senator from Ohio has not responded to it. Know about Donald Trump's and Elon Musk's feud The fallout between the US president and Tesla owner came in the wake of the 78-year-old drumming up support for the GOP-backed budget and government spending bill. The package's drastic tax cuts and federal budget cuts have drawn criticism from Musk and other opponents, who estimate that the bill would increase the national debt by over $2.5 trillion. Meanwhile, the billionaire demanded Trump's impeachment on Thursday, even going so far as to say that Trump would not have won the election without his backing. Euphoria fans, buckle up. Sydney Sweeney has officially entered the chat about that viral image from the Euphoria Season 3 set you know, the one where Cassie appears to be walking straight into a chaotic wedding storyline? The internet went full FBI when the photo leaked, and now, Sweeney is playing coy but clearly loving the attention. That viral wedding dress pic? Yeah, she saw it During her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Echo Valley star was shown the infamous photo of herself in a wedding dress, looking like a blushing (or breakdown-prone) bride. Fallon wasted no time, asking if Cassie was getting hitched this season. Sweeney, clearly prepped for the interrogation, dodged like a pro: Um, I cannot confirm or deny. Classic. Then she served up a zinger, joking that the photo could be AI, prompting Fallon to laugh and shut it down with a firm, No, it cannot. Cassie in Euphoria season 3? More unhinged than ever What Sweeney did spill is that Cassie is not calming down anytime soon. In fact, she is levelling up her chaos. Sweeney confessed that Cassie is even worse this season, which, if you recall her emotional spiral in Season 2, should have everyone shaking. This is not just unhinged, this is unhinged with glitter eyeliner and possibly a veil. EUPHORIA Season 3 LEAK: Sydney Sweeney in a wedding dress filming EUPHORIA Season 3 with Alanna Ubach #EUPHORIA #EuphoriaSeason3 pic.twitter.com/EmqLS1pcSt EUPHORIA Season 3 NEWS (@euphoriacentral) April 16, 2025 She previously told Empire magazine that she loves how flawed Cassie is, describing her as someone who messes up constantly but always from a place of messy, tragic love. Working with showrunner Sam Levinson, Sweeney revealed she often calls him with ideas to make things even wilder, and he is all for it. | Sydney Sweeney filming the third season of Euphoria in a wedding dress. pic.twitter.com/EA6jSL9FJJ Sydney Sweeney Daily (@sweeneydailyx) April 16, 2025 Season 3 still MIA, but expectations are sky high With filming reportedly starting in January 2025, fans are crossing their glittered fingers for a 2026 release. That would mark four years since the last season aired, and yes, the anticipation is feral. Wedding or not, Cassie is back, and Sydney Sweeney is promising maximum drama. Let the chaos reign. In a shocking incident, a 19-year-old girl from Arizona died after attempting a viral, life-threatening trend called the 'dusting' challenge on TikTok to get famous. According to AZ Family, her parents revealed that she was taking part in the viral 'dusting' challenge, which is also called 'chroming.' The teen has been identified as Renna, whose parents further told AZ, the local broadcast television network, that she went into cardiac arrest soon after inhaling the toxic fumes. Following this, she was immediately rushed to the hospital and remained unconscious for nearly a week before being declared brain dead. The teen participated in the trend to get famous The teen's father, Aaron ORourke, shared her desire to be famous. He said she always used to say that he would be a famous dad, 'Just you watch.' Unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances," he added. Her mother, Dana, pointed out how dangerous this trend is and how easily accessible the substance is. She said, to get the substance, there is no ID proof is required, as well as it is odourless. Credit: Facebook | @AaronO'Rourke "Its everything kids look for. They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesnt show in Mum and Dads drug test," she added. Both the parents of the deceased are now engaged in the work to raise awareness about the lethal trend that has already claimed many young lives. What is 'dusting' or chroming? The latest TikTok trend, currently going viral on the social media platform, is called 'dusting' or 'chroming.' This is a risky recreational activity that involves inhaling hazardous household chemicals and substances like nail polish remover, hairspray, aerosol deodorant, lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinners, spray paint, and permanent markers, as per Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. According to the American Addiction Centres, this form of drug use leads to a brief euphoric effect, but it is a dangerous activity that can even lead to adverse effects, including dizziness, vomiting, cardiac arrest, and brain damage. There's a lot of things that no one should ever have to do, and today I have to do one of them. Say goodbye to my... Posted by Aaron O'Rourke on Sunday, June 1, 2025 Past cases of deaths linked to the 'dusting' trend on TikTok This is not the first case of death; earlier to this, in 2024, an 11-year-old UK boy, Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington, died while attempting the 'chroming' challenge at a friend's house. A 2017 study titled "Understanding Adolescent Inhalant Use" found that over 684,000 teenagers engaged in the harmful habit of sniffing or huffing chemicals, even though the online trend is a new fad in and of itself. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. In a plot twist nobody had on their 2025 bingo card, Khaby Lame, the TikTok king and the famous YouTuber with over 160 million followers has allegedly been arrested in the United States and thrown into ICE custody. Thats right. The silent reaction king, famous for mocking absurd life hacks, has now become the centre of an online storm. Khaby Lame | Credit: Instagram/khabylame But before anyone starts hyperventilating, let us break down the drama. BREAKING: President Trump's ICE just officially arrested far-left TikToker, Khaby Lame, whom I reported as an illegal alien. According to the official DHS website, he's currently being held at the Henderson Detention Center and is in ICE CUSTODY. pic.twitter.com/5aBzlndlH0 Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) June 6, 2025 Khaby Lame has been arrested and detained by ICE. He is likely to be deported but is rich enough to stay anywhere he wants. pic.twitter.com/4libHc2DNy ADAM (@AdameMedia) June 7, 2025 Khaby Lames alleged arrest sends internet into meltdown The chaos erupted when Bo Loudon, a self-proclaimed conservative commentator (and self-declared bestie of Barron Trump yes, that Barron), went full keyboard warrior mode and dropped what he called a scoop. According to Loudon, Khaby was arrested after he personally flagged him for being an illegal alien and overstaying his visa. Meet far-left TikTok star "Khaby Lame." He's an ILLEGAL ALIEN! I've been working with the patriots at President Trump's DHS to make this happen. He was just ARRESTED in Vegas and is in ICE CUSTODY! To verify, go to ICE's Locator, type the A-number, and Senegal as country. pic.twitter.com/Xx7UVfTgqR Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) June 7, 2025 In a series of wild posts on X (formerly Twitter), Loudon claimed the TikToker had evaded taxes, was living on an invalid visa, and had finally been nabbed in Las Vegas. He even provided what he claimed was Khabys A-Number and a screenshot from the ICE detainee locator site. U.S. Immigration Authorities Arrest TikTok Star Khaby Lame According to American media, TikTok star Khaby Lame, who has over 162 million followers, was arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to an expired visa. As per the official Department of pic.twitter.com/GmADcUfpwU khaled mahmoued (@khaledmahmoued1) June 7, 2025 But even the official ICE website came up empty. Still, the rumour mill did not stop churning. Reality check: Is it all just noise? Despite the viral drama and far-right celebration online, there is currently no official confirmation from ICE or Khabys reps. What we do know is this: Khaby Lame was born in Senegal, raised in Italy since he was one year old, and only became an Italian citizen in 2022. He has mostly lived in Italyso why he would suddenly get arrested in the US is raising more questions than answers. BREAKING: Far-left ILLEGAL ALIEN TikToker Khaby Lame was just ARRESTED and is now in ICE custody under President Trump. I discovered he was an illegal who overstayed an invalid VISA, evaded taxes, and I personally took action to have him deported. No one is above the law! pic.twitter.com/cpcxfQFRIm Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) June 6, 2025 Also, lets not forget that Khaby went from being a laid-off factory worker during the pandemic to becoming a global icon with collaborations alongside Will Smith and Tom Cruise. So, yeshe is kinda a big deal. The internet reacts: Chaos, memes, and confusion While some took the claims at face value and started a cancel-fest, many fans quickly came to his defence, calling the allegations xenophobic and baseless. Why would ICE even arrest someone who lives in Italy? one user questioned. Another wrote, Sounds like someones desperate for clout. TikTok fame doesnt grant immunityjust ask Khaby Lame and his expired visa. pic.twitter.com/qoureWQZ55 Politickle (@PolitickleNews) June 7, 2025 So is Khaby Lame actually in detention or just the target of a social media smear campaign? Until we get that official statement, the internet remains shook, divided, and very, very confused. Recent releases from brands like Oris, Parmigiani, Moser, Tissot, and Ressence show that there is so much more to the colour green than racing green. After a decade of very dark greens, a lot of lighter greens have come, said freelancing designer and watch expert Stefano Macaluso. This pastel trend with paler and subtly nuanced hues follows a few years of shiny green watches like Kermit the Frog from Oris. With this development the brands wanderlust into the material libraries is evident. Big Crown Pointer Date Oris For me the colour green works best when it is connected with a concept, for instance the Girard-Perregaux Aston Martin collaboration. An example of that is the Girard-Perregaux Aston Martin Laureato Chronograph, released at the beginning of the year, Mr. Macaluso said of the watch where the dial is painted with iridescent automotive paint. This gives it a mesmerising minty green-to-orange gradient, depending on the angle of the reflected light. MINTY UNIVERSE Other watches in the minty universe are H. Moser & Cies Endeavour Small Seconds Concept Pop, Hublots Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic, Norqains Wild One Skeleton 39 Limited Edition Mint, Tissots PRX Quartz Mint, and Oriss Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre. Big Bang Unico Mint Green Hublot On these watches the technologies for achieving the green hues vary a lot. Moser joins the parallel trend of stone dials by using Burmese jade, contrasting it with a pink opal small seconds subdial at six oclock. Hublot uses its expertise in coloured ceramics to create a green lollipop held in place by an equally minty rubber strap. Norqain has mint green rubber shock absorbers and minty crown protectors combined with an integrated mint green fabric strap with Milanaise pattern, while Oris and Tissot have lacquered dials. Endeavour Small Seconds Concept Pop H.Moser&Cie. The niche market with fantastic dials made of semi-precious stones like malachite and jade is a very interesting vintage trend from brands like Piaget, which is now really back with contemporary brands including Biver, said Macaluso. ITS GETTING SLATE A closely related green area that was frequent among the 2025 spring drops is that of salvia, olive and slate. A strong contestant in this area is the maison of Parmigiani Fleurier a brand up for grabs, but hitherto without a buyer. At Watches & Wonders the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante was introduced in Verzasca Green, a tone inspired by the crystalline, jade green waters of the Verzasca River flowing through Switzerlands Verzasca Valley. If slate green is more your cup of (green) tea, Parmigiani also released the Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton in a slate green version. Said Mr. Macaluso: A less mainstream watch with a green dial is perhaps not your daily watch because it can be complicated to combine with other colours but with these lighter greens it is easier. Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante Parmigiani Fleurier TECHNICAL AQUAMARINE In the Aquamarine universe a colour sitting in between cyan and green in the colour wheel, you have many examples of green-blue hues with a fresh tone that goes well with a summer tan and a casual wardrobe. Named after the mineral that gives the colour its name, Ressence Type 7 Aquamarine is a great example of this. With its first integrated sports watch, the brand founded by Belgian industrial designer Benoit Mintiens has given the tone to the convex Grade 5 titanium with three eccentric, inclined biaxial satellites. There is always a cycle in colour trends that also depends on materials, explained Mr. Macaluso. In a major milestone for Indian cuisine, Semma, a popular South Indian restaurant in New York, has been named the No. 1 restaurant in New York City for 2025 by The New York Times. Known for its bold flavours and authentic South Indian dishes, Semma has proudly taken the top spot on the papers prestigious list of the 100 Best Restaurants in New York. This marks a historic moment not only for Semma but also for South Indian food, which has often been underrepresented in fine dining across the United States. A New Format, A New Champion In 2025, The New York Times changed its ranking format. Unlike previous years when all 100 restaurants were ranked in order, this time only the top 10 received a numbered position, with Semma leading the list at No. 1. Other top restaurants that followed Semma in this years ranking include Atomix, Le Bernardin, Kabab, Has Snack Bar, King, Penny, Sushi Sho, Szechuan Mountain House, and Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi. In 2024, Semma had already gained recognition by ranking 7th, and was one of only four Indian restaurants to be featured on the list. Celebrating the Soul of South Indian Cuisine Semma is not just any Indian restaurantit is a restaurant that proudly showcases the flavours of South India in a bold and authentic way. Headed by Chef Vijay Kumar, who hails from Tamil Nadu, Semma offers a deeply personal and traditional menu that highlights ingredients like coconut, curry leaves, and dry red chillies. The restaurant has become known for its signature dosa, which is fermented to perfection, crisped with ghee, and served with a side of fiery gunpowder spice. Many food critics call it the best dosa in New York. In a heartfelt Instagram post following the announcement, Semma shared: "Semma isnt just about Indian food, its about what happens when a cuisine speaks in its own voiceuntranslated and unafraid. This win is for every chef, every cuisine thats ever been overlooked." About Semma The Star of South Indian Food in NYC Located in Greenwich Village, Semma is part of the Unapologetic Foods group, which is known for celebrating bold regional Indian cuisine. Semmas focus is on the traditional recipes of Tamil Nadu and other southern states, presented without dilution or westernisation. Since opening its doors, Semma has received critical praise for maintaining its originality and delivering high-quality, flavour-rich food. Chef Vijay Kumar continues to lead the kitchen with passion and precision, keeping the essence of home-style South Indian cooking alive in the heart of New York City. Michelin-Starred Excellence Semma is currently the only Indian restaurant in New York with a Michelin star, and it has proudly held this honour for three years in a row. Despite the competition from many high-end restaurants in the city, Semma stands out for both its culinary vision and cultural representation. Other Indian restaurants like Dhamaka, also part of Unapologetic Foods, are pushing boundaries toobut Semma remains the most celebrated, especially after its recent top ranking. Semma's rise to the top of New Yorks food scene is a proud moment for lovers of South Indian food and Indian cuisine as a whole. It proves that authentic regional cooking can not only hold its own in the fine-dining world but also lead it. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here PASOK party leaderNikos Androulakis has emphasized the crucial importance of preservingthe Greek language among diaspora communities, calling it "theDNA of every nation," during his official visit to the Greekcommunity of Alexandria. Speaking after hismeeting with Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria Theodoros II and a tourof local community institutions, Mr. Androulakis praised the role ofthe Greek community in safeguarding cultural heritage and promotingGreek language education abroad. "No child inthe world Greek or not who wants to learn Greek should bedeprived of that opportunity," Mr. Androulakis said. "Language isthe DNA of every nation, and we must take advantage of all moderntechnologies to ensure its transmission." He highlighted theimportance of supporting a new generation of Greeks living abroad,particularly children of those who left the country during thefinancial crisis, stressing they must be empowered to carry forwardthe Greek language. Mr. Androulakis alsoextended thanks to the president of the Greek Community ofAlexandria, Mr. Andreas Vafeiadis, and board members for their warmwelcome and guided tour of the citys Greek schools, nursing home,and cemeteries. He referenced therenowned poet Constantine Cavafy, calling him "our greatAlexandrian poet," and commended the communitys efforts touphold the spirit of what Mr. Cavafy called the "Common GreekTongue." iefimerida.gr The Ogun State Security Network, also known as Amotekun, foiled a robbery attempt in the early hours of Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Akinale town in Ewekoro Local Government Area. The incident occurred around 1:20 am and left a 28-year-old man, Opeyemi Olusanya, with a gunshot wound on his left leg. According to the Deputy Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Tajudeen Bakare, operatives from the Ewekoro Command responded swiftly to a distress call and arrived at the scene while the suspects were attempting to escape. Advertisement The robbers, who were operating in a wine-colored Kia Cerato with registration number KRD 840 JS allegedly owned by one Ariwoola Wasiu from Ifesowapo Estate, Adunbu, Itoriabandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/you-were-governorship-running-mate-with-drug-suspect-yet-act-like-moral-judge-olayinka-tackles-abati.html At the sight of the combatant Amotekun operatives, the robbers took to their heels, made off with valuables, including eight sophisticated mobile phones, two laptops, jewelries and Fifty-four thousand naira cash (54,000:00), as they managed to escape into the nearby bush, leaving behind their operational vehicle, the statement read. The vehicle has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itori Division, who are working with Amotekun to investigate the robbery and trace the suspects. Olusanya was rushed to a private hospital in Obada-Oko for urgent medical care. The local community has commended Amotekun for their timely intervention, describing their response as commendable and vital to securing the area. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as part of a broader security effort in the state. National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress has expressed delight over the defection of Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party to APC. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had reported that Governor, on Friday announced his defection from PDP to APC, citing need to connect Akwa Ibom to the government at the centre, among others reasons. Reacting to the development on Saturday, the ruling party described Unos defection as a thoughtful decision that would ensure the greater progress of the South South state and its people. Advertisement In a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, titled APC Welcomes Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, Into Party, the party assured Eno that he would be fully be accommodated. READ MORE: My Values, Principles Dont Match With APC Akwa Ibom Commissioner Resigns From Gov Enos Cabinet Morka said: The National Working Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of His Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is delighted at the news of the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Umo Enos decision to join our great Party. We are confident that his thoughtful decision will inure to the greater progress of Akwa Ibom state and people. Our great party assures the governor of its fullest cooperation and accommodation in the APC family, as we continue to grow the Party and work together towards the full realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the good and benefit of all Nigerians. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has issued a strong response to Governor Hyacinth Alias recent allegations linking Abuja-based politicians to ongoing killings in the state. Governor Alia, during a live interview on Saturday, had claimed that some political figures from Benue, now holding office in Abuja, were responsible for the insecurity ravaging parts of the state. But in a swift rebuttal on Saturday, the PDP described his claims as political escapism and challenged him to name names or stop playing to the gallery. Advertisement The partys Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, criticized the governors approach as irresponsible and dangerously misleading. Instead of addressing the fundamental issues, the governors rhetoric is marred by distractions, false accusations, and propaganda, the statement read. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/pdp-calls-for-economic-reforms-seeks-divine-intervention-for-nigeria.html The PDP further noted that security challenges in Benue are not isolated incidents, as neighboring states like Plateau and Taraba also face similar threats. Their governments have taken responsibility and acted. Governor Alia, instead, has resorted to blame-shifting from Abuja politicians to so-called foreign invaders, the party added. The statement argued that Alias approach lacks the seriousness expected of a leader, warning that to insinuate or outrightly claim that Abuja representatives are sponsors of herdsmen terrorism is not only irresponsible but a dangerous misdiagnosis of the problem. The PDP urged the governor to submit any evidence he has to security agencies, stating: If he genuinely believes his claims, he should present comprehensive security reports to the relevant authorities rather than resorting to baseless propaganda. Concluding, the PDP advised the governor to adopt honesty, responsibility, and a unifying spirit, especially as someone who holds both political and moral leadership as a Reverend. Tragedy struck popular Kano GSM Market on Friday, as fire incident on Sallah Eid Day, burnt hundreds of shops and destroyed properties worth millions of naira. It was gathered that the devastating incident was said to have started around 2:00 pm at the popular Farm Center, in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State. The inferno, which started at the (Dan Sileka) building within the market, destroyed many shops and caused significant losses, particularly in mobile phones and accessories. Advertisement READ MORE: Kano Fire Service Recovers Lifeless Body Of Man From Dry Well No human casualty was recorded as low human traffic was experienced in the ever busy market, because of the Eid El Kabir celebrations on Friday. Speaking to journalists at the scene, the treasurer of the Farm Centre Market Association, Hassan Saminu, said: The incident started around noon, catching most shop owners off guard. By the time we arrived, the fire had already spread across most of the shops. It started from one of the shops where we suspect a solar battery and electricity connection caused a spark. Securities and Exchange Commission, has warned Nigerians against investing in cryptocurrency known as Punisher Coin, or $PUN, due to its unauthorized presale and lack of regulatory approval. In a statement spotted on SECs website on Saturday, stated that promoters of $PUN are not registered to operate in any capacity within Nigerian capital market. According to the Commissions preliminary investigations, Punisher Coin falls under the category of meme coins, digital assets typically characterized by absence of tangible utility. Advertisement SEC highlighted that the value of such coins is often driven by hype and social media buzz, making them vulnerable to market manipulation through schemes commonly known as pump. The commission explained that these schemes involve promoters inflating the price of the coin through misleading claims, only to sell their holdings at the peak, leaving other investors exposed to significant losses when the hype fade dump. READ MORE: CBEX Collapse: EFCC Widens Dragnet, Names Two New Suspects The statement reads: The Commission hereby informs the public that the promoters or issuers of Punisher Coin aka $PUN are not registered to operate in any capacity in the Nigerian Capital Market, and also Punisher Coin ($PUN) is not approved by the Commission for issuance to the public. Accordingly, the public is advised to refrain from engaging in the purported presale of PUNISHER COIN ($PUN) as any person who invests in the scheme, does so at his/her own risk. The Commission similarly reminds the investing public of the need to always VERIFY the authenticity of crypto/virtual or digital assets, the registration status of their promoters and trading platforms via the Commissions dedicated portal: https://home.sec.gov.ng/fintech-and-innovation-hub-finport/registered-fintech-operators/ before engaging in any form of virtual or digital assets investment. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for a single term of six years for elected political office holders across all levels of government in Nigeria. Speaking on Friday, while addressing Muslim faithful who visited him at his Ibadan residence shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, Governor Makinde noted that elected officials are only serious with governance for five years out of the eight years in office. He added that here are always distractions of re-election campaigns, adding that a single term will remove such distractions. Advertisement The Governor said: First, let me use this opportunity to say Barka Da Sallah to our Muslim faithful and we shall have the opportunity to celebrate many more by the grace of God. I was just looking at the trajectory for me in government. I have spent six years already and due to no fault of anybody, we lost the year 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We lost almost one year, campaigning all over the place for the second tenure. Now, people have started distracting us on what I want to do next and all of that. So, I feel that, effectively, the time we can say we are very serious with governance is just about five out of the eight years. That is why I feel if you remove all these distractions, a single tenure of five or six years is actually enough to focus and do the work that we are trying to do in eight years. Well, we shouldnt be afraid to say the facts based on data that is available to us. It has nothing to do with me. If they say I should end it, so be it. So, I am just calling the attention of our people to this because it is a constitutional issue. We should start looking at it. I know that it has been brought to the attention of the national assembly but, quite frankly, it is a model that should work for this country. Former Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has decried over what he described as get-rich-quick syndrome among Nigerian youths. The former governor of Anambra State called on young individuals in the country, to embrace urgent value re-orientation. Speaking on Friday in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State during the maiden Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit, Obi said that the get-rich-quick syndrome was counterproductive in the society. Advertisement He urged youths to key into skill acquisition, trading and entrepreneurship to enhance their productivity rather than indulge in unlawful acts just to acquire wealth. According to him, in 1957 his father owned three Mercedes Benz cars among other properties but today the properties are no more. Obi said: In 1957, my father owned three Mercedes-Benz cars among other properties. Today, none of those properties exist. READ MORE: Coalitions Agenda To Unseat Tinubu In 2027 Will Amount To Nothing APC Chieftain Tells Atiku, Obi I do not believe in acquiring wealth all over the world that is not for your immediate need, what for? If people understand life in a simple manner, the need to get rich by all means will not exist and life will be more meaningful to all and sundry. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review economic policies affecting the wellbeing of the masses, particularly the high cost of fuel, electricity tariffs, and charges on essential services. The party made this appeal in a statement released on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, as Nigerians mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Advertisement It urged the Federal Government to implement measures that would alleviate the economic burden on citizens and promote national unity during this festive period. In the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir, which represents selflessness and submission to the will of God, President Tinubu must use the remaining two years of his administration to refocus governance towards the welfare of Nigerians, the statement read. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/ignore-critics-give-us-more-money-to-deliver-projects-umahi-tells-tinubu.html The PDP also encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the prevailing economic, security, and social challenges in the country. The party called for prayers for divine intervention, unity, and continued patriotism among citizens. The PDP charges Nigerians not to give up hope but remain patriotic, continue to share with one another at this trying time, and pray constantly for Gods divine intervention in the affairs of the nation, the statement added. The opposition party further urged national leaders to imbibe the fear of God, address insecurity, tackle corruption head-on, and recover stolen public funds to invest in infrastructure, boost the productive sector, and enhance security. The PDP concluded by felicitating all Muslims and Nigerians, wishing the nation a peaceful and joyful Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The city disconcerts me enormously. It shifts from an enormous lyricism of raw material to a harshness of raw material. I dont know why I think of the combustion engine. You know, that engine works thanks to a chain of small successive bursts a string of explosions. Well, thats how New York seems to me: it chugs along with bursts, with shocks. Violence, everything is violent. And of course, alongside violence, its indispensable opposite: tranquility, stillness, wrote the poet Pedro Salinas to his wife, Margarita Bonmati, in a letter dated September 13, 1936. He had just arrived in the city, almost two months after the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). My impression is confirmed, Marg. New York is [uncivilized] and violent does everything have to mean something? What does New York mean? The question posed by the professor who spent the rest of his life in exile remains relevant in the millions of texts that the city inspires and has inspired. It seems that writing about the five boroughs that stretch between the banks of the Hudson and the East River is almost a reflex for any author who walks its streets. In every bookstore in the city, theres a large section dedicated to New York itself. This affirms that the citys literary popularity is overwhelming. Theres a legend and myth that surrounds the metropolis: all at once, its photogenic, egocentric, neurotic, absorbing, ambitious, rabidly vital, dense and contradictory. Faced with this vast panorama of books, the traces of Spanish literature in the American city might seem scattered and lost. But the list of Spaniards who have written about New York, however, is very long. It would approach the thickness of old telephone directories if the circle were expanded to include all those who have written about the city in Spanish. After all, New York is the nerve center of Latin culture. Self-portrait of Federico Garcia Lorca. WIKIPEDIA A major poetic and literary revolution was forged in Manhattan at the beginning of the 20th century. In a study titled Historia poetica de Nueva York en la Espana contemporanea (2012) translated as The Poetic History of New York in Contemporary Spain Julio Neira traces the verses that the city has inspired. He highlights the long list of excellent books, [collections] of poems and individual poems set in New York in the last century, which portray the intense life experience of that city. In Diary of a Newlywed Poet (1916), the poet from southern Spain Juan Ramon Jimenez opened this new and decisive chapter in Spanish literature: I am now at the center, where what comes and what goes unite the disillusionments of arrival and departure. New York, marvelous New York! [In] your presence, I forget everything! He arrived in the U.S. by boat from Cadiz, beginning the book on his long journey. The family of his fiancee Zenobia Camprubi lived in New York, where the couple married. Composed of both prose and verse, part-diary and part-poetry collection, the book interweaves genres, ideas, feelings and observations. And, if this Spaniard openly echoed the influence that Nicaraguan poet Ruben Darios verses had on the city, his diary also left an indirect mark on the next milestone: Federico Garcia Lorcas iconic Poet in New York (1940). During his 1929 stay in Manhattan the epitome of the modern, capitalist city the native of Granada discovered Harlem, talking pictures and skyscrapers. And, in the city that he described to his family in letters, he witnessed the enormous Wall Street crash on the sidewalks surrounding the stock market. The breath and screams contained in this surrealist collection of poems have reverberated ever since, maintaining their power. Literary scholar Andres Soria Olmedo points out that Lorcas work also captivated the Anglo-American world, particularly given his anxiety of influence, defined by Harold Bloom as the immense anxieties of indebtedness that a poet feels toward his predecessors. Illustration by Juan Carlos Eguillor for 'Poet in New York' (1940), by Federico Garcia Lorca. JUAN CARLOS EGUILLOR (PRAMES 2006) Exile brought the poets family and many of his friends to New York. Collections of letters such as Poco a poco os hablare de todo: historia del exilio en Nueva York de la familia de los Rios, Giner, Urruti, 1936-1953 (translated as Little by Little, I Will Tell You About Everything: A History of Exile in New York) and biographies such as Lo Que En Nosotros Vive (What Lives Within Us) by Manuel Fernandez Montesinos and Recuerdos Mios (My Memories) by Isabel Garcia Lorca capture this story. The New York of exile appears in three volumes of letters by Zenobia Camprubi and in Pasatiempo (Passing Time) by the artist Luis Quintanilla. And the recently-published Excomunistas: De la Revolucion a la Guerra Fria Cultural (Excommunists: From the Revolution to the Cultural Cold War, by Alberto Sabio Alcuten) about Joaquin Maurin (1896-1973) reconstructs the life of the man who was a member of various Marxist parties. Maurin set up a press agency in New York the American Literary Agency (ALA), alongside fellow exile Ramon J. Sender. Before his exile and the Civil War, the librarian Jose Moreno Villa wrote two memoirs recounting his romance with a New Yorker and his trip to that city. Pedro Salinas, Jorge Guillen and Luis Cernuda all wrote about New York in letters and verse. The city is inscribed on the map of the exiled Spanish diaspora. And, in a later poetic generation that of the 1950s Jose Hierro burst onto the scene with New York Notebook (1998), a work based on his trips to the city, as well as his stays at the home of poet Dionisio Canas and literary critic Jose Olivio Jimenez. Beyond the rich, poetic vein, another great genre for Spanish authors of the last century related to New York is travel literature in the broadest sense of the term. In a variety of works written between the early 1930s and the late 1980s such as the La ciudad automatica (The Automatic City), by Julio Camba; Fin de semana en Nueva York (Weekend in New York), by Josep Pla; Nueva York (New York), by Eduardo Mendoza; Historias de Nueva York (New York Stories), by Enric Gonzalez; Diccionario de Nueva York (New York Dictionary), by Alfonso Armada; New York, New York, by Javier Reverte; or Ventanas de Manhattan (Manhattan Windows:), by Antonio Munoz Molina the perceptions and the history of the frenetic city are portrayed. New Yorks promise dazzles its inhabitants while tearing them apart. The story keeps changing. The image conveyed of New York by Julio Camba or the socialist Luis Araquistain is resoundingly negative but in general, Spanish society, [the] urban and modern [strata of] Spain, is fascinated [with the city], notes Juan Francisco Fuentes, the author of Bienvenido Mister Chaplin (2024). Translated as Welcome Mr. Chaplin, his book is a study of the American influence on interwar Spain. This suggests that the imagery of New York was created by images, films and photographs, not texts. Skyscrapers, cars, hustle and bustle it was like a glimpse into the future. Its a place you know and yet never fully know, reflects Jose Maria Conget, during a phone interview with EL PAIS. Several of his books feature the skyscraper-filled metropolis that he discovered when he arrived in 1970s New York. Everything was there: the novels and films, the poems, Latin America, exile what couldnt you find? When he first began writing about New York, he decided to write about his immediate surroundings. One street corner gave him a story title Fifty-Third and Eighth where he captures an ordinary day in 1993, using brief glimpses of the people he observed. More than splendor, theres a lot of grime there, he jokes. Lugares que no quiero compartir con nadie (2011) and Noches sin dormir (2015) translated respectively as Places I Dont Want to Share with Anyone and Sleepless Nights are the two books in which Elvira Lindo recounts her 10 years in New York: When I wrote the first one, I was just starting to live there. [It] was my perspective as a newcomer, [tinged] with humor and intuition. The second is the farewell of someone who knows theyre going to leave, but is already settled [and] has a daily routine. On those streets perfect for storytelling and full of expectations of achieving a better life she encountered the cliches that weve accepted as being part of the city, even though you know there are other [realities]. These other aspects are explored in a contemporary work of nonfiction titled Mas Alla Del Bien Y Del Mal: Experiencias De Una Psicologa Forense (2019) translated as Beyond Good and Evil: Experiences of a Forensic Psychologist where Virginia Barber Rioja discusses Rikers Island prison and the forensic psychiatry unit at Bellevue Hospital. An interior collage from the book 'Vision de Nueva York' (2005) translated as Vision of New York by Carmen Martin Gaite. CARMEN MARTIN GAITE (EDITORIAL SIRUELA) And in fiction? Well, Cromos originally written in English in the 1940s and republished in 1991 explores the history of Spanish immigration to New York. The author himself Felipe Alfau immigrated to the Big Apple as a teenager and wrote most of his works in English. This topic is also addressed by Maria Duenas in her bestseller, Las hijas del Capitan (2018), The Captains Daughters. In his novel A prueba de fuego (2021) Fireproof Javier Moro revived the figure of Rafael Guastavino, a Valencian construction foreman and builder. The real-life character triumphed in New York at the beginning of the 20th century by exporting the brick vaults that still support iconic places, such as Grand Central Station. Jordi Punti in his novel Confeti (2025), about the musician Xavier Cugat also recreates a specific cultural period in New York. Even closer in time is the city described in the autobiographical Matar el nervio (2023) translated as Kill the Nerve by Anna Pazos. Or the scene in which Enrique Vila Matass alter ego is at Paul Austers Brooklyn house in Dublinesca (2010). He also set his story about the search for a painting by Edward Hopper at The Roger Smith Hotel in New York. Benjamin G. Rosados 2025 Biblioteca Breve Prize-winning novel El vuelo del hombre (The Flight of Man) is also a nod to Auster, featuring New York in one of its sections. This award-winning Spanish fiction genre also includes Eduardo Lagos Llamame Brooklyn (2006) Call me Brooklyn which won the Nadal Prize, or Bilbao-New York-Bilbao (2008), in which Kirmen Uribe reconstructed a family story on a transatlantic flight, earning himself the 2009 National Literature Prize for Narrative. Marina Perezagua winner of the Sor Juan Ines de la Cruz Prize also set her novel Don Quijote de Manhattan (2017) in the city, where she began her teaching and literary career. And this year, an iconic amusement park in Coney Island lends its name to her new collection of stories: Luna Park (2025). Its been 25 years since I arrived and the city has changed a lot. Its a stimulating place for writing: it has those big contrasts, which have now exploded. The epic nature of the city, the struggle and dreams of the immigrant the solidarity, the madness in the streets, that non-stop action. Its captivating, Perezagua gushes. Two Spanish-language classics about New York have also been reissued. This year would have been the 100th birthday of Carmen Martin Gaite (1925-2000), the author of the famous Caperucita en Manhattan (1990) Little Red Riding Hood in Manhattan which brought that island (with a spinach pie at its center) closer to several generations of children. Her book Vision de Nueva York (2005) translated as Vision of New York is a beautiful book of collages that the writer put together in the 1980s. It was published posthumously and has since been revived. Also back in bookstores in the Spanish-speaking world is El hombre que invento Manhattan (2004) The Man Who Invented Manhattan a collection of stories that Ray Loriga released 20 years ago. New York is a place like any other, but one where many people have been and everyone thinks they know it: [its an] extremely difficult and tempting [place]. How can you talk about anyones life there and find an angle? he asks. Loriga says that he got started when the janitor in charge of the building where the author lived was found dead in the basement. He had hung himself with his suspenders. I thought [that maybe] New York didnt give him what he was looking for, because it never gives you what youre looking for, he muses. The city never sleeps; it continues to be narrated and fabricated. Because, as the poet Dionisio Canas writes, New York is a magnet, a center of gravity, that attracts all those who believe that just by being attached to it their lives and works will acquire a special, different aura. But New York is also a relentless crusher. Therein lies the citys literary heart. The one Lorca sang of in his verses: New York of wire and death / What angel lies hidden in your cheek? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Joint security operatives have killed a suspected member of a criminal gang in Agulu-Ezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Tochukwu Ikenga, the police public relations officer (PPRO), disclosed on Saturday that the operatives also set a criminal camp in the area ablaze. He explained that the operatives, made up of members from the Department of State Service, Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and State Vigilante, successfully overpowered the criminal camp following a seven-hour gun battle with the armed criminals. Advertisement READ MORE: Two Policemen Killed, Chinese, Nigerian Abducted In Kwara He mentioned that among the items seized during the operation were a white Toyota Sienna with the registration number EKY 03 FF, an unregistered white Mazda Hilux, and a motorcycle. Others are some household/kitchen items which include: pots, gallons, groceries, some sleeping mattresses, Mechanical tools, clothes and other incriminating items. Meanwhile, the Operatives are still combing the area for possible arrest of other fleeing suspects because of a lot of fresh blood stains in the area, he added. Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham manager 16 days after leading them to victory in Europa League final. Recall that a 1-0 win Manchester United in Bilbao brought Spurs a first major trophy for 17 years. The victory came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, with the London club finishing 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches. Advertisement READ MORE: Tottenham End Trophy Drought After Beating Manchester United To Win Europa League The Australian told fans season three is better than season two as they gathered at Victory Park to mark European success in his second campaign. But the 59-year-olds time in north London has ended two years to the day after Spurs announced he would join them from Celtic on a four-year contract. Brentford boss Thomas Frank is among the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. Bournemouths Andoni Iraola, Fulhams Marco Silva, Crystal Palaces Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, now managing the United States are among the other candidates to have been considered. Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on Reuben Abati, accusing him of hypocrisy and selective morality. Speaking on Friday with news men, Olayinka referenced Abatis political past, specifically his 2019 role as the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/insecurity-era-of-sharing-noddles-gone-tinubu-may-not-be-re-elected-northern-elder-warns.html Advertisement Abati had run alongside the late Buruji Kashamu, who was wanted by the United States government for alleged drug trafficking prior to his death. Olayinka said it was ironic for Abati to now pose as a moral authority while criticizing Wikes political conduct. Abati has always come to this station to present himself as a moral police to postulate, Olayinka stated. He will not one day tell us that at a moment in his life, he was a politician a member of the PDP and was the partys deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State and was comfortable having his picture displayed with somebody who was wanted by the American government for alleged drug trafficking. He continued, That is the person that will come here and pronounce with his mouth that a former governor and Minister that he once ran to for help is a rude person, he is a bully. Olayinkas remarks follow recent tensions between Wike and former Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, which Abati weighed in on, criticizing Wikes tone. The clash signals rising political heat aheadof 2027. Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable; so we are told, But he was a leper. On that little word but, ten thousand sermons have been preached. Advertisement This is the beginning of Bruce Bartons story The Little Maid in the Captains House from Good Housekeepings Children of the Bible series, published in 1929. Some may know how the rest of the story goes: Naamans unnamed wifes unnamed young maid, captured from Israel by the Syrians, implored that Naaman seek healing from the prophet Elisha. He did and eventually healed. Lesser known, perhaps, is the fact that the Good Housekeeping story was illustrated by N.C. Wyeth, the Massachusetts-born painter and illustrator who traveled to the Brandywine Valley in 1902 to study under the Father of American Illustration, Howard Pyle. Wyeth, father and grandfather to artists Andrew and Jamie Wyeth, respectively, then settled in Chadds Ford. He was killed in a car crash, along with a grandson, in 1945. In 1963, the original painting for Wyeths illustration, In Naamans House, was gifted to the Brandywine Baptist Church by his widow, Carolyn Bockius Wyeth. I felt [its] what N.C. Wyeth would have wanted, she said of the gift. Decades on, the painting is being deaccessioned and auctioned on Sunday by the auction house Freemans|Hindman. It shows the young maid speaking to a reclining Naaman whose wife is shown listening to the maid with her face turned toward the young girl. In a dramatic play of light and shadow, we see Naamans face in an almost frown, his bejeweled tiara and green robe, a multicolored waistband, and his bright red cape shimmering in the sunlight streaming in through the window behind him. Outside, we see a blue cloudy sky with a distant pair of palm trees. Inside, the green and red tiles of Naamans room glisten in the sun. The paintings dramatic play of light and the depiction of the tense conversation is something that Wyeth would have learned from Pyle, whose style was to always emphasize the dramatic moments in a scene, said Adam Veil, Freemans|Hindmans head of department, American art and Pennsylvania Impressionists. The painting, he said, was intended to be educational in nature. [Wyeths] illustrations not only accompanied the stories, but illuminated pivotal or important moments within them. And because they were meant for a broad readership, they had to be easily readable and easy to understand. The qualities [shown in the painting] of being charitable, of helping others and using children as intercessors between humans and gods, made it an apt gift for a church, said Raphael Chatroux, Freemans|Hindmans head of department, Modern and Impressionist art. It was really their pride. A jewel for many years. The Brandywine Baptist Church, founded in 1692, was the only church in Chadds Ford back in 1964. And for 62 years, it served as a fitting home for a painting that was meant to live beyond the confines of galleries and museums. Its a church thats Pennsylvanias second-oldest congregation. And its a painting by arguably one of the most important American illustrators. So theres a whole lot of superlatives here. Oldest, best, and so on. But well-deserved in many ways, said Veil. Ahead of next years Semiquincentennial, proceeds from the sale of the painting will aid the churchs renovation efforts and the restoration of the adjoining historical cemetery that lies at the edge of the site of 1777s Battle of Brandywine. READ MORE: Betsy Wyeth: The woman who created the worlds captured on canvas by her husband. Its not always that you find paintings by Wyeth being in such public places, and especially churches, said Chatroux. From our perspective as specialists, we see a painting that was pretty much left untouched for all these years. Illustrations [usually have] a lot of hands go around the painting. Here its really from the family to the church, which means that we received the painting in a pristine condition. Still in its original canvas, visible in the back of the painting is a dedication note in Carolyn Wyeths handwriting. In Naamans House. Presented to Brandywine Baptist Church. By Mrs. N.C. Wyeth. November 1963. Those inscriptions tend to just be erased, and eventually they just vanish, said Chatroux. So its almost like a time capsule of a 1920 painting that was preserved in that incredible state of conservation, quite miraculously. He called the early 1920s the golden age of American illustration art. Those paintings, he said, tend to fetch a higher price. And of course, the more dramatic they are, the better they perform. While the auction house estimates the highest bid to be between $250,000 and $400,000, neither Veil nor Chatroux are ready to predict the highest bid. If I werent a superstitious person, I would talk all day about that sort of thing. We have high expectations for it, just because of what it is and who its by, said Veil. In 2023, Wyeths 1936 Jetty Tree fetched an astronomical $2,450,000 when the sale was estimated between $200,000-300,000. For collectors who are preparing their collections for the nations 250th anniversary, Chatroux said of In Naamans House, theres a piece of America right there on that canvas. Lynne Cutler, founder and president of WORC, speaks at Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse during a press conference in Philadelphia in 2019. Read more After financing more than 1,000 loans to some of the Philadelphia areas smallest businesses, Lynne Cutler is leaving the top job at the Womens Opportunities Resource Center. She founded WORC 32 years ago and now passes the torch to new executive director Iola Harper. Amid the transition, future federal funding for its microloans and other programs are in doubt due to changes in Washington. Advertisement President Donald Trump in a March executive order called for eliminating or reducing the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, which last year granted WORC $723,000. Trumps budget proposal calls for reducing funds to programs that focus on minority borrowers, redirects 60% of small-business aid to rural areas, and urges the funds to be self-sustaining instead of relying on federal aid. WORC says it lends to owners of all backgrounds, and that, besides loans, it needs money for staff that helps small businesses start and grow. While banks, credit unions, and Congressional allies of these community-development financial institutions have rushed to defend the programs, and Trumps Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has agreed they are key to meeting Trumps goal of helping Main Street businesses, federal funding remains uncertain. WORC has appealed meanwhile to private donors and won its first funding from Vanguard Groups charitable arm. Cutlers move is a semiretirement to the post of executive chairman modeled, she says, on Firstrust Bank owner Richard Greens move to a similar part-time post. At a party Wednesday to celebrate the transition, Cutler sought to go out on a high note, sharing with hundreds of bankers, lawyers, borrowers, and other supporters an ambitious plan to more than triple WORCs projected lending to $5 million a year by 2028. They aim to do so mostly by financing small-business real estate purchases among its other programs. But theres a problem: WORCs largest funder is the federal government. State and city governments nominally sponsor small-business capital, credit, and real estate assistance programs that fund WORC, but they, too, rely on federal money thats now threatened, Cutler said. Im deeply concerned with the federal cuts, she said. We dont know the full impact on WORC or on our clients, but underlying these state and city programs, its all federal funding. Who WORC helps WORC has funded factories and lawn services, nail salons and skin care businesses, design and accounting firms. As if to highlight the diversity of the founders backed by WORC, the center hired an assortment of food businesses the agency has financed over the years to feed guests at the party for Cutler. They included Tun Wins Sushi Avenue, Dalia Soliman and Mohamed Alazzazys Cilantro Mediterranean Cuisine, Daniel Anggriantos Cafe Square One, Tova du Plessis Essen Bakery, Pamela Thorntons Pound Cake Heaven, and Jeanne Hiens Le Baobab. Cutler and leaders of another 30 Pennsylvania nonprofit community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that make loans too small for banks to profitably close are lobbying Congress members to maintain threatened funding for U.S. Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, Small Business Administration, and Office of Refugee Resettlement programs, which they have used to fund small businesses. They hope business allies will prevail to keep business subsidies flowing, as Small Business Administration supporters have fought efforts to end politically popular SBA programs with some success, though Biden-era SBA initiatives have been canceled. We wont really know until this fall how much funding will be lost, Cutler concluded. Shes hoping Philadelphia city government will make up the shortfall as part of its neighborhood-business support initiatives. Can the private sector fill the gap? The crowd at Wednesdays meeting included Aldustus A.J. Jordan, who left a senior job at national banking giant Wells Fargos foundation at the end of 2022 to become president of the Vanguard Group foundation and head of community stewardship for the Malvern-based investment company, the nations second-largest. The foundation is embarking on a new strategic philanthropic focus on financial well-being to improve the economic outlook for historically marginalized individuals and communities, it said in a statement. Theyre working to strengthen the nonprofit financial ecosystem in the Philadelphia area, where the company employs more than 10,000, and other key Vanguard markets. Jordan didnt speak at the WORC event, but his colleague Evan Cantiello, a Vanguard charitable program manager, told the crowd the company would be supporting WORC. Cutler said Vanguard funds will pay for a sixfold expansion in WORCs client savings account programs, which provide up to $2 in matching grants for every $1 clients save for education and homeownership. The Vanguard aid should pay program costs and expand participation to around 215 savers a year, up from the current 35, though individual grants vary, Cutler said. That would restore the program to around the size it was in the mid-2000s, before state funding dried up. WORC kept it going at a lower level with smaller grants from United Way and other donors. Cutler said she had met Cantiello and other Vanguard officials through the Asset Funders Network, a national group uniting big financial institutions and nonprofits that focus on helping start and grow small businesses. They saw my passion, she said. This is the first support weve provided to WORC from the Vanguard foundation, spokesperson Katie Craven confirmed. Asked how much Vanguard, which invests over $10 trillion for retirees and other clients, expected to contribute to WORC, she referred to the companys charitable foundation report. That report shows Vanguards largest charitable gifts in recent years include $4.9 million for the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, which advocates for childcare; $4.6 million to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia; $3.9 million to the Reinvestment Fund, a nonprofit lender and research group; $1.7 million to the Free Library of Philadelphia. All are based in Philadelphia. The foundations largest contributions were typically spread over several years. Pennsylvania House of Representatives Speaker Joanna McClinton (right) looks at the Nike Cactus Plant Flea Market Air Flea 1 Overgrown sneaker on display during Change Our Futures fifth annual Sneaker Ball on Friday at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. Read more The Change Our Future Sneaker Ball took over Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia on Friday for a night of fashion and philanthropy. For the fifth consecutive year, the event hosted by former Eagles safety and Super Bowl champion Rodney McLeod and his wife, Erika, invited fans to the gala, which blended evening attire with stylish sneakers to raise funds for the Change Our Future Foundation. Advertisement READ MORE: Rodney McLeods Eagles days are over, but his Sneaker Ball shows his Philly ties remain strong Sneaker Ball is important to have in Philly, McLeod said. [Philly has] really given us a lot, and we wanted to pay it forward by hosting Sneaker Ball here. But more importantly, birthing our organization here five years ago, we really felt like there was a huge need to serve the youth here. The foundation, which started in 2020, aims to provide mentorship, educational resources, and opportunities to underserved youth across the city. The event featured live and silent auctions for items that included signed Eagles jerseys and a signed Mike Tyson Punch-Out!! framed photo. The event also featured appearances from current and former Eagles players, including Jordan Mailata, Nakobe Dean, Jason Avant, Brian Westbrook, and Malcolm Jenkins. Former Eagles defensive end Chris Long couldnt attend Fridays event but accepted his Game Changers Award in a prerecorded video. But the players who did attend showed off their outfits on the red carpet ahead of the program. Heres what they had to say about their looks: Rodney and Erika McLeod Of course, its only fair that we start with the couple of the night. After missing out on last years Sneaker Ball, Erika made her return in style. She paired her metallic gold dress with a pair of metallic baby blue Adidas Gazelles. Meanwhile, Rodney went with a more retro look and wore an all-black suit with a cropped blazer and some familiar-looking accessories. For me, I just went with a 90s look, Rodney said. One with the crop fit and kept it real simple on the bottom with some Asics built for comfort; built to last. Theres some dope accessories. You got a sneaker on here, and we got a Super Bowl ring to top it off. Once the event kicked off, the couple walked the runway at the end of their kids fashion show, honored Dr. Debbera Peoples-Lee, Chris Long, and Kenny Holdsman, and thanked the crowd for attending. Its always great to be back in Philly, Rodney McLeod said. Brotherly love is truly a thing when you come back to a community that you played with for 6 years, and to see the outpouring of individuals coming and supporting a foundation thats near and dear to our heart, putting those kids first right here in the Philadelphia community. Nakobe Dean For his first time attending the event, Dean kept it simple. The Eagles linebacker wore an all-green suit with a pair of his go-to sneakers: white Nike Air Force 1 lows. I had to rock the green just for the Eagles, Dean said. And then I just went with the sneaks. I had this [suit] for about two years, and its just been sitting there. So I was like, Im going to pull it out tonight. READ MORE: Sources: Eagles Super Bowl ring ceremony postponed Dean admitted that hes not a huge sneakerhead, but when he heard about the event, he knew he wanted to support McLeod. I always heard great things about it, Dean said. So I just wanted to come out here and show support. It says a lot about Rodney, just continuing to embrace the city of Philadelphia and give back. Jordan Mailata This isnt anything new for Mailata. The Eagles offensive tackle is already quite familiar with the event, having attended in previous years. So, when he was asked to describe his look, it should come as no surprise that the Australian responded with, I call this No thought. In a black buttoned-up shirt and khaki dress pants with a pair of Zegna sneakers, Mailata posed on the red carpet alongside his wife, Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Mailata. Said Maialata: I [asked my wife] What are you wearing? She said, Im wearing a black dress. I was like OK, great. Went to the closet, no thought, just picked whatever I had. Mailata befriended McLeod on the field. They played together from 2018 to 2021. Since then, the two have kept in touch with the help of their wives. Rodney and Erika are dear friends of ours, Mailata said. Our friendship started on the field and carried on through our wives. And through our wives, Rodney and I have built a great friendship. So, one, Im here for Rodney to support the cause. Its such a great foundation. And, two, for the kids. What they do, what they offer, and what they provide for these kids is something so special. A kid who lives down the road, down the 95, can come into the Philadelphia community and do what he does best. And thats give back. Jason Avant Avant could be spotted from a mile away in his baby blue blazer, white jeans, a blue fedora, and a new pair of Jordan 1 lows he bought just for the occasion. You know what, I feel like Im the most stylish person here because I always have the most confidence, he said. READ MORE: Jalen Hurts surprises local girls flag football champions at Eagles NovaCare Complex Having grown up on the South Side of Chicago, Avant wanted to support Change Our Futures mission of giving back to underserved kids. The former wide receiver has been to past fundraisers for the organization. Its been a great event, Avant said. Its an event where the community comes together in order to raise money for a good cause, but its also fun in the process. This is a pretty fun event where you get to see some old friends and some buddies. But you also get the chance to cut a rug a little bit at the end. Which he definitely did. Deptford School Superintendent Kevin Kanauss has rolled out a new cell phone policy that will require students to put all electronic devices away during the day, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Read more Two South Jersey school districts plan to take a tougher stance to ban cell phones during the school day to lessen classroom distractions. Deptford and Moorestown will both require students to keep their phones put away during the school day, and the move comes as the New Jersey Legislature considers requiring all schools to adopt such policies. Advertisement In Gloucester County, Deptford School Superintendent Kevin Kanauss this week rolled out a plan to enforce its Off and away during the school day policy for all electronic devices. Deptford, like many school districts, has long had a policy to limit students from using cell phones and electronic devices during class, but it was not consistently enforced, especially at the high school, he said. Beginning in September, phones and devices must be turned off and put away when the first bell rings. Students have the option to put them in their book bags or keep them in their pockets. Kanauss said the district decided to beef up enforcement after conducting a survey of parents, students, and staff. Teachers were especially frustrated by students who disrespected them and refused to follow the rules, he said. It became very apparent that we needed to come up with something a little more strict, Kanauss said. Its no longer going to be a distraction to the learning day. Students can pull out the devices as soon as the school day is over. The devices can be used on the school bus before and after school. READ MORE: Gov. Murphy proposes banning cell phones in N.J. schools during State of State address Kanauss reviewed the new enforcement plan at a community forum Wednesday with parents. A district spokesperson said board approval was not needed because the policy was previously adopted. The policy drew mixed reaction on social media from parents and students. Deptford enrolls about 4,100 students. Im a senior and I demand we keep phone usage, wrote Mike Joseph. It is a safety concern for the kids to not have them. Said another commentator: Everyone [relies] on technology soooo much these days. I dont think they should be allowed to be on the phones all day anyways. Elsewhere in the region, Moorestown has also proposed tweaking its policy for better enforcement beginning in September, said Superintendent Courtney McNeely. Moorestowns cell phone policy Similar to Deptford, the Moorestown policy would require K-8 students to safely secure their phones during the day. Smart watches may be worn, but used solely for timekeeping. High school students would be allowed to responsibly use the devices between classes and at lunch, McNeely said. There are exceptions for students with IEPs, or individual education plans, who use the devices as part of their curriculum. McNeely said the policy ensures that our classrooms remain environments where students can focus, engage, and thrive. The Moorestown school board is expected to adopt the revised policy at its meeting later this month. READ MORE: How a South Jersey school district is implementing a cell phone ban to ease classroom distractions Cell phone policies in other N.J. school districts A growing number of districts are tackling how to curb cell phone use during class. Policies vary, and enforcement can be inconsistent even within a single school. Cherry Hill, Woodbury, and Washington Township are among those that recently implemented restrictions. Woodbury schools chief Andrew Bell has called the move to a cell phone-free campus a game changer for his district; students must put their devices in magnetic pouches. Educators say phones hinder learning and student mental health. Students have been using their phones to text and watch movies during class. The devices have also been used for cyberbullying. Kanauss said he hopes the tough policy will also stop students from improperly recording their classmates in locker rooms and bathrooms and posting material that violates their privacy. Gov. Phil Murphy has called for a model policy for New Jerseys more than 600 districts prohibiting the devices. A bill is pending in the legislature that would require local boards to adopt a policy, but allows some flexibility to meet their needs. The biggest objections have come from parents concerned about being unable to reach their children in the event of an emergency, such as a school shooting. As a compromise to alleviate parents concerns, Deptford students will have their phones on them, instead of locking them up all day, Kanauss said. No devices will be confiscated by school officials, he said. Students who need to contact a parent or guardian can go to the main office or guidance office to make the call or do so while in the presence of an administrator, Kanauss said. The policy calls for progressive discipline, beginning with a warning, then escalating to detention and suspension. Students who violate the policy must take their devices to the office where they can be retrieved, in most cases, after parental notification. This is obviously a polarizing issue, Kanauss said. It just came down to enforcement and enforcing it universally. Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran, following County Commissioners meeting on May 21 where the board approved a resolution opposing having his deputies participate in an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program. Read more The ACLU of Pennsylvania and several advocacy groups have sued Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran to try to stop him from helping ICE enforce federal immigration laws. They say hes illegally seeking to have deputies serve as immigration agents, and asked the court to issue an injunction to block him from going forward. Advertisement If the sheriff truly cared about public safety, he would be working to strengthen our communities, not terrorizing them, said Karen Rodriguez, a member of plaintiff organization Make the Road Pennsylvania, which works for immigrant rights. Efforts to reach Harran and a department spokesperson were unsuccessful on Saturday. The lawsuit, filed Friday, says Harran entered into the agreement without authorization from the Board of Commissioners, the countys government body, who have disavowed the sheriffs actions. More, the suit says, the agreement would siphon county resources to serve ICE while eroding trust between police and immigrant communities. Sheriff says residents will be safer Harran has defended the alliance, insisting it would make county residents safer. He says it will not be used for broad enforcement or random checks points disputed by immigration activists but those who commit crimes must face the consequences regardless of immigration status. His department would be the first in the Philadelphia region to collaborate with ICE under a controversial initiative known as 287(g), named for a section of a 1996 immigration law. ICE and the sheriff have formally agreed upon the partnership. As of Saturday, 649 police agencies in 40 states had signed such agreements. Others have declined on legal and policy grounds, saying police need undocumented people to come forward as victims and witnesses to help get criminals off the streets. Harran describes his departments involvement as a narrowly defined initiative focused on public safety, one in which 12 of the departments 76 deputies would be trained to access a federal database, identifying people taken into custody on criminal charges and who have outstanding warrants in Bucks County. Immigration activists say thats untrue, that the program would allow sheriffs deputies to ask anyone about their legal status and to serve warrants for immigration violations, turning local officers into de facto ICE agents. Harrans agreement with ICE has provoked wide dispute in Bucks County, prompting dozens of people to speak in favor and against at public meetings. Some say local taxpayers should not be paying deputies to perform federal functions, while others said those in the country without permission must be identified and kicked out. Asked about the controversy in Bucks, an ICE spokesperson said last month the 287(g) program helps promote public safety by deporting undocumented residents involved in serious crimes. ICE: A force multiplier The 287(g) Program is a force multiplier, an ICE spokesperson said. That expanded ability helps keep our streets safer for our families, friends, and loved ones. The dispute in Bucks comes as the Trump administration embarks on an effort to deport millions of people. Gaining the assistance of state and local police agencies, voluntarily or otherwise, is crucial to that because of the scale of the operation. ICE employs about 21,000 people nationwide, cast against an undocumented population estimated at 13 million. The Trump administration recently released a list of hundreds of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that it says must enforce immigration laws or lose federal funding. A spokesperson for the county Board of Commissioners could not be reached on Saturday. But the Democrat-led commissioners have insisted that they, not the Republican sheriff, hold sole power to contract on behalf of the county, and warned county employees that they could be personally liable for helping enforce federal immigration laws. Last month the commissioners voted 2-1, with the lone Republican opposed, to approve a resolution asserting their authority and declaring that an agreement with ICE is not an appropriate use of Bucks County taxpayer resources. The commissioners were not named in the lawsuit, filed in Bucks County Common Pleas Court. Other plaintiffs include NAACP Bucks County, the BuxMont Unitarian Universalists and a Bucks County voter, resident, and taxpayer, Juan Navia, who, the suit says, has an interest in the proper use of county tax dollars. Demands on Bucks deputies Harran, the suit said, is responsible under Pennsylvania law for duties that include serving criminal warrants and civil processes, transporting criminal defendants for court appearances, administering property sales, issuing firearms licenses, and more. As of January, the Sheriffs Department had 6,626 outstanding warrants to serve, the suit said. Adding immigration enforcement to department duties at local taxpayer expense would further limit the offices ability to serve warrants and conduct other work, it said. Local law enforcement is not equipped to operate as immigration agents and often make serious mistakes that can put the lives and livelihoods of those they target in serious jeopardy, said Stephen Loney, senior supervising attorney at the ACLU of Pennsylvania. The ACLU says 287(g) agreements have proven to be pathways to racial profiling, poor jail conditions, and civil rights violations that expose taxpayers to legal liability. Bucks was the only county in the Philadelphia region where the majority voted for President Donald Trump last year. The commissioners resolution noted that ICE is under no obligation to pay for legal defense should the county be sued over immigration actions taken by deputies. The commissioners specifically warned that any actions taken by the sheriff, his deputies, or other county employees under 287(g) have not been approved. And that county employees who act under 287(g) do so as individuals, and may lose the qualified immunity that normally protects employees who act in an official capacity. For police officers, for instance, that immunity generally shields them from liability for their official actions. Nobody is above the law, said Witold Walczak, legal director at the ACLU of Pennsylvania, as the suit was filed. Sheriff Harran is no exception. Staff writer Katie Bernard contributed to this article. WASHINGTON Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose mistaken deportation to El Salvador became a political flashpoint in the Trump administrations stepped-up immigration enforcement, was returned to the United States on Friday to face criminal charges related to what the Trump administration said was a large human smuggling operation that brought immigrants into the country illegally. His abrupt release from El Salvador closes one chapter and opens another in a saga that yielded a remarkable, months-long standoff between Trump officials and the courts over a deportation that officials initially acknowledged was done in error but then continued to stand behind in apparent defiance of orders by judges to facilitate his return to the U.S. Advertisement The development occurred after U.S. officials presented El Salvador President Nayib Bukele with an arrest warrant for federal charges in Tennessee accusing Abrego Garcia of playing a key role in smuggling immigrants into the country for money. He is expected to be prosecuted in the U.S. and, if convicted, will be returned to his home country of El Salvador at the conclusion of the case, officials said Friday. This is what American justice looks like, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in announcing Abrego Garcias return and the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. Abrego Garcias attorneys called the case baseless. Theres no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy, attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Federal Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville, Tennessee, determined that Abrego Garcia will be held in custody until at least next Friday, when there will be an arraignment and detention hearing. Abrego Garcia appeared in court wearing a short-sleeved, white, button-down shirt. When asked if he understood the charges, he told the judge: Si. Lo entiendo. An interpreter then said: Yes. I understand. Democrats and immigrant rights group had pressed for Abrego Garcias release, with several lawmakers including Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, where Abrego Garcia had lived for years even traveling to El Salvador to visit him. A federal judge had ordered him to be returned in April and the Supreme Court rejected an emergency appeal by directing the government to work to bring him back. But the news that Abrego Garcia, who had an immigration court order preventing his deportation to his native country over fears he would face persecution from local gangs, was being brought back for the purpose of prosecution was greeted with dismay by his lawyers. The case also prompted the resignation of a top supervisor in the U.S. attorneys office in Nashville, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel matter. Ben Schrader, who was chief of the offices criminal division, did not explain the reason for his resignation but posted to social media around the time the indictment was being handed down, saying: It has been an incredible privilege to serve as a prosecutor with the Department of Justice, where the only job description Ive ever known is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons. He declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press on Friday. Abrego Garcias lawyer calls charges preposterous This administration ... instead of simply admitting their mistake, theyll stop at nothing at all, including some of the most preposterous charges imageable, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Ama Frimpong, legal director with the group CASA, said Abrego Garcias family has mixed emotions about his return to the U.S. Let him talk to his wife. Let him talk to his children. This family has suffered enough, she said. Sandoval-Moshenberg said Abrego Garcia is one of the first, if not the first, person released from a notorious prison in El Salvador, though he was later imprisoned at another facility. So its going to be very interesting to hear what he has to say about the way in which he was treated, the attorney said. The indictment, filed last month and unsealed Friday, lays out a string of allegations that date back to 2016 but are only being disclosed now, nearly three months after Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported and following the Trump administrations repeated claims that he is a criminal. It accuses him of smuggling throughout the U.S. thousands of people living in the country illegally, including children and members of the violent MS-13 gang, from Central America and abusing women he was transporting. A co-conspirator also alleged that he participated in the killing of a gang members mother in El Salvador, prosecutors wrote in papers urging the judge to keep him behind bars while he awaits trial. The indictment does not charge him in connection with that allegation. Later, as part of his immigration proceedings in the United States, the defendant claimed he could not return to El Salvador because he was in fear of retribution from the 18th Street gang, the detention memo states. While partially true the defendant, according to the information received by the Government, was in fear of retaliation by the 18th Street gang the underlying reason for the retaliation was the defendants own actions in participating in the murder of a rival 18th Street gang members mother," prosecutors wrote. The charges stem from a 2022 vehicle stop in which the Tennessee Highway Patrol suspected him of human trafficking. A report released by the Department of Homeland Security in April states that none of the people in the vehicle had luggage, while they listed the same address as Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime, while the officers allowed him to drive on with only a warning about an expired drivers license, according to the DHS report. The report said he was traveling from Texas to Maryland, via Missouri, to bring in people to perform construction work. In response to the reports release in April, Abrego Garcias wife said in a statement that he sometimes transported groups of workers between job sites, so its entirely plausible he would have been pulled over while driving with others in the vehicle. He was not charged with any crime or cited for any wrongdoing. Immigrant rights advocates vs. the Trump administration Abrego Garcias background and personal life have been a source of dispute and contested facts. Immigrant rights advocates have cast his arrest as emblematic of an administration whose deportation policy is haphazard and error-prone, while Trump officials have pointed to prior interactions with police and described him as a gang member who fits the mold they are determined to expel from the country. Abrego Garcia lived in the U.S. for roughly 14 years, during which he worked construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records. Trump administration officials said he was deported based on a 2019 accusation from Maryland police that he was an MS-13 gang member. Abrego Garcia denied the allegation and was never charged with a crime, his attorneys said. A U.S. immigration judge subsequently shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs. The Trump administration deported him there in March, later describing the mistake as an administrative error but insisting he was in MS-13. Even if Abrego Garcia is convicted of the charges announced Friday, the Trump administration would still have to return to a U.S. immigration court if it wanted to deport him to El Salvador, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. He also expects the case in Maryland to continue as the federal judge there considers whether the administration obeyed her orders to return him. Abrego Garcias return comes days after the Trump administration complied with a court order to return a Guatemalan man deported to Mexico despite his fears of being harmed there. The man, identified in court papers as O.C.G, was the first person known to have been returned to U.S. custody after deportation since the start of President Donald Trumps second term. Jaycel Santos, 20, of Camden, at a boat launch in a pond leading to the Cooper and Delaware Rivers in Camden. Santos helps operate weekly boat rides for the nonprofit Upstream Alliance. Read more Don Baugh was eager but had doubts, years ago when he and Camden County officials first envisioned a Cooper River water trail that would wind through multiple towns including Camden before ending at the Delaware River. Baugh, founder of the nonprofit Upstream Alliance, loved the idea, but thought: Would anybody come? Advertisement He changed his mind as enthusiasm grew. On Saturday, that vision came to fruition as officials held a grand opening for the $3.4 million, 15.5-mile Cooper River Water Trail, amid festivities that included free kayaking and fishing. My hope is twofold, Baugh said. That the trail is going to reconnect the residents of Camden who have not had the opportunity to see clean water for generations and be good for the economy of Camden. The second is for it to become a regional destination. Wheres the trail? At the eastern end, it starts at Crows Woods in Haddonfield, ambles through several parks, crosses Cooper River Lake, runs through Camden onto the Delaware River, and loops around Pettys Island before ending at Pyne Point and Cramer Hill Waterfront Parks overlooking the Philadelphia skyline. The goal is to lure people to explore the back channels of the Delaware and Cooper Rivers. The trail makes about 1,100 acres of formerly inaccessible water passable. Additionally, Upstream Alliance, an environmental advocacy group, has also commissioned a 49-foot, solar-powered catamaran that will make its home on the river, possibly in the fall, to provide river trips for children. The county has a website with information on the new water trail. It includes maps, programs, and a trip planner. The trail has seven launch sites along the way, five of which are open. A boat launch is scheduled to open in September at Gateway Park off Admiral Wilson Boulevard. Signs direct trail users and include information about safety. Some points along the trail, like Kaighns Avenue in Camden, require kayakers to carry, or portage, boats across the road. We run safety training, and beginner and intermediate programs, Baugh said. The whole idea is to reengage Camden, and people in the area, including Philadelphia, with their waterways. READ MORE: He lives on a sailboat on Phillys waterfront There are four regular paddle programs on the water trail, including free paddle instruction from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day at Cramer Hill Waterfront Park. The county hosts free sunset paddles at Cooper River Yacht Club Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Hidden gem The water trail is another enhancement to the quality of life in Camden County, said Jeffrey Nash, a county commissioner and liaison to the parks department. Nash said the county plans to install kayak rentals in several locations similar to Indego, Philadelphias bike-share system. He calls the Cooper River as it flows under U.S. Route 130 and into Camden a hidden gem in Camden County. The water trail is probably the least explored part of our parks, Nash said. People dont know that these amenities exist in their backyard. If you get into the water and at any point of this water trail you will be amazed by what youll see. You will lose yourself, Nash continued. It is that peaceful and the wildlife is extraordinary. Its a spectacular experience. And its our job to let people know this exists. The Firefly Meanwhile, the Firefly, a 49-foot-long, 20-foot-wide, solar-powered catamaran commissioned by Upstream Alliance, is under construction in Maine. Expected to be complete this year, the Firefly will be operated by a crew of four with room for 36 passengers. Because of its low draft, it will be able to operate in shallow water. It will be docked at Wiggins Park. Baugh said in a previous interview that he hopes to, take every kid in Camdens school system on the water that will be an educational experience integrated with the classroom. The catamaran will contain photovoltaic panels on its roof to convert sunlight into electrical energy and power the aluminum, dual-hull boat, according to the Upstream Alliance website. A battery will store energy and the boat is expected to operate quietly. The rivers source At the Cramer Hill Waterfront Park boat launch, Jaycel Santos, 20, of Camden was gearing up to help with free kayak rides in a pond that leads to the two rivers. Santos helped make a documentary in 2022 about a quest to find the source of the Cooper River, about 16 miles as it strings through 17 municipalities, stretching from Gibbsboro to Camden. I went to Urban Promise school, Santos said. I was part of a program called Urban Trekkers. I was one of five people chosen to go on the expedition. Now Santos works for Upstream Alliance and said he was proud to help launch the new water trail. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, 82, has since childhood witnessed the turbulent relationship between Arab countries and Israel, whose creation in historic Palestine in 1948 sparked a seemingly eternal conflict. Its latest manifestation the Israeli invasion and offensive in Gaza has already left a death toll approaching 54,000. Meanwhile, Arab intellectuals point to the contradiction between their governments condemnation of Benjamin Netanyahus government and the lukewarm attitude they criticize for a lack of concrete action. Only five of the 22 Arab League states Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain maintain diplomatic relations with Israel; none have broken them off over Gaza. Gheit justifies this by arguing the need to talk to the Israelis to achieve peace. The Cairo-born diplomat participated in the negotiation of the 1978 Camp David Accords, which made Egypt the first Arab country to recognize Israel. He recounts this in Witness to War and Peace, the book he presented on June 2 at the Casa Arabe in Madrid, where he spoke with this newspaper. Question. The meeting convened by Spain last Sunday to build an international coalition against the Israeli blockade of Gaza, at which you represented the Arab League, ended without a final communique. Were there any disagreements? Answer. No one opposed any of the proposals. The purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the conference on a two-State solution for Israel and Palestine on June 17 in New York. I would emphasize that, in Madrid, countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, and France participated for the first time, and that the Maltese Foreign Minister even announced the recognition of Palestine. The discussions focused on calling for an end to the killings and accusing Israel of causing a famine in Gaza to displace the population. We all agreed that Israels actions were criminal under international law, including those European countries I mentioned. Even Germany participated. The change in attitude of some states known to be friendly to Israel, who are now talking about sanctioning it and halting trade if the attack on Gaza continues, is striking. Q. Concrete measures were mentioned at that meeting. Why havent Arab states with diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Egypt, severed them? A. Severing relations is not a prudent policy when it comes to negotiating with the parties: Egypt and also Qatar [which does not officially recognize Israel] are trying to mediate to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, which requires communicating with both sides, including Israel [the other being Hamas]. If there are no diplomatic relations or communication, it would be impossible to get anything from Israel. Relations between Egypt and that country are merely formal, but very cold. And the same goes for Jordan and the rest of the Arab states [that recognize Israel]. Egypt cannot recall its ambassador to Israel for consultations, because it does not have one [the Egyptian government refused to appoint a new ambassador to Tel Aviv in 2024]. There is hardly any trade or cultural relations. The Israeli Cultural Office in Egypt is closed. There is no life in that relationship, which is normal because the Egyptian people are affected [by Gaza] like never before. Q. An Arab League country, Jordan, helped Israel intercept missiles that Iran launched at that country in April 2024. A. Neither the Arab League nor I personally have any confirmation of this. These are claims disseminated by the media. Those missiles flew over Jordanian skies, and some fell on its territory, so that country was defending its airspace. Q. Does the fear of a new war with Israel weigh more heavily in the Arab states than the majority support for the Palestinians among their populations? A. We Arab countries do not want war. We aspire to a peaceful resolution to this situation. We Arabs proposed a peace plan in 2002, at the Arab League summit in Beirut, which proposed Israel withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories [Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem] in exchange for all Arab states establishing diplomatic relations with that country. Israel rejected the plan because its objective remains the same as always: to expel the Palestinians from their lands and seize all of historic Palestine. We are witnessing a dramatic history of the use of force against a defenseless, unarmed people. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who was Egypt's Foreign Minister from 2004 to 2011, during the interview at Casa Arabe. Claudio Alvarez Q. What is the Arab League going to do now that Israel has launched a new offensive in Gaza? A. We want to take everything Israel is doing to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court. We also try to defend the Palestinians at the United Nations General Assembly. Q. Are you referring to the resolution that Spain wants to present to the ICJ ordering Israel to lift the blockade on the entry of aid? A. We fully support all initiatives to defend the Palestinians. The issue is that the West allows Israel to act the way it does without firm punishment. Spain is taking an ethical stance and has moved ahead of all European states regarding Gaza. Thats why it enjoys impressive standing in the Arab and Islamic region. The problem is that there are European states with great influence that continue to live with the idea that Jews must be defended because they were persecuted in Europe. That persecution happened in the past, while the persecution of the Palestinians is happening right now. Europe should understand this difference and that the Palestinians are paying the price for that past. Q. Do Egypt and other Arab countries fear a large influx of Palestinians if Israel succeeds in expelling them? Does that influence their position? A. The forced, or even non-forced, mass displacement of a population is illegal under international law. The international community calls it ethnic cleansing. Q. Is Israel already committing this ethnic cleansing? A. I firmly believe it. The forced or voluntary displacement of Palestinians from their land to Egypt or other countries would not prevent Israel from continuing to attack them within those countries, which would provoke wars between Israel and those host states. And then we would return to the situation we had 30 or 40 years ago. Israel is constantly trying to expand its territory at the expense of Arab countries [the Israeli army maintains an occupation of parts of Lebanon and Syria], under the guise of seeking security. Q. When U.S. President Donald Trump announced his plan to build what he called the Riviera of the Middle East in Gaza, Egypt and the Arab League presented an alternative reconstruction plan. Do you think they will be able to implement it? A. The League completely rejects Trumps plan. Its an ethnic cleansing that we will not allow. Not only in the countries surrounding the Strip [Egypt and Jordan], which Trump mentioned as receiving Palestinians, but in any state. Q. And what about the Arab League plan? A. That plan has as its priorities a ceasefire, agreeing on a new administration in Gaza and the West Bank, which will be managed by the Palestinian Authority (PA), and providing security to Gaza on a temporary basis through some international arm. Q. Are you referring to an international military force? A. Yes. With Arab and international forces. Reconstruction could then begin. Q. Israel refuses to allow the PA to rule the Strip. A. Israel rejects anything other than consent to its complete domination of all of Palestine. Its a country thats always trying to expand its territory at the expense of its neighbors and behaves like states that did the same in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are many examples in European history that you and I know, but I dont want to mention names. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition File photo of the beach in Ocean City on July 3, 2023. Read more Ocean City has launched a new real-time system, including a phone app, to direct visitors to available spots at municipal parking lots in the popular Jersey Shore destination. Using sensors in the parking lots, the system will direct motorists through the Ocean City Parking Spot Finder mobile app, which is available on iOS and Android, and through digital messaging signs along Ninth Street and at the parking lots in the boardwalk district, the city said. Advertisement It should be a great convenience to our guests, and its a way to support our local businesses, maximize parking lot usage, and enhance traffic flow citywide, Mayor Jay Gillian said in a statement. Last year, the city approved a $310,713 contract to establish the new parking system, which includes the parking sensors, signs, and other components, OCNJDaily.com reported. Ocean City made $4.1 million in parking revenue in 2024, public information officer Doug Bergen said in an email. The digital signs cover 836 parking spots at seven surface lots closest to the boardwalk, Bergen said. The boardwalk district also includes more than 1,000 metered parking spaces on the street, and, further away, most of the rest of the town includes free parking on streets. There are no restrictions on who can park where, Bergen said. More information about parking in Ocean City is available on the citys website. District Attorney Larry Krasner (right) and his Democratic primary challenger, former Judge Patrick Dugan (left) appear at a candidates forum March 23, 2025, hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, in West Philadelphia. Read more When Kathleen Cameron, 73, stepped into the voting booth at Settlement Music School on Clarendon Avenue in Philadelphias Far Northeast last month, she had already decided she was going to vote for former Judge Patrick Dugan in the Democratic primary for district attorney. Her neighborhood had been lined with campaign signs for Dugan in the lead-up to the May 20 election, and Cameron said that was enough to sway her vote. Advertisement I hate to say it, said Cameron, adding that the people who posted the signs must be a lot more into whats going on than I am. I watch the news all the time, said Cameron, who is retired, and I think I realize whats going on, but they have the inside information, I would think. The people who posted those signs were, in all likelihood, dispatched by Chris Guest, the Democratic leader of Ward 66-A, which endorsed Dugan. We campaigned for him hard up there, said Guest, who leads one of the three large wards split into A and B sections for organizational purposes. We did signs. We did lit drops. We did door-knockers. Cameron was one of the 2,102 Democrats in Philadelphias Ward 66-A who voted for Dugan, giving the former Municipal Court judge his best showing in the city: 84% percent of the vote, vs. his 36% citywide. District Attorney Larry Krasner ultimately cruised to victory over Dugan in the primary, but the one-on-one contest offered an opportunity to examine the influence of the citys 69 Democratic ward leaders. The ward system is in some ways a relic of a bygone political era, and many operatives now question its relevance in modern campaigning. The Inquirer analyzed results from this years district attorney race and found that ward endorsements, while far from determinative, can still give candidates a substantial boost, especially in a low-turnout election where a candidate with a strong ground game has a major advantage. Both candidates significantly outperformed their citywide results in wards that backed them, with Krasner taking 76% of the vote in his endorsing wards compared with 64% overall. Dugan won 59% of votes in his wards. Because ward endorsements often align with the preferences of local voters, The Inquirer also examined demographically similar wards that backed different candidates, finding those who had the wards endorsement still had an advantage among voters when accounting for factors like age, education, income, or racial makeup. For example, if a candidate was more likely to win wealthier voters, he was even more likely to have their support in wards that endorsed him. The endorsements also appear to have played a role in the results of neighboring wards. For instance, South Philadelphias Ward 39-A endorsed Krasner, who won 65% of the vote in the ward. Adjacent Ward 39-B went for Dugan, and he took 68%. Philadelphias Democratic establishment has been criticized for the partys lackluster turnout in recent elections, and the district attorney primary race was no exception, with 152,000 votes cast in a city of nearly 1.1 million registered voters. READ MORE: Low voter turnout in Tuesdays primary is a warning sign to some Philly Democrats But the district attorney race and this years judicial elections, where party-endorsed candidates won 11 of 12 open seats on the Philadelphia bench, indicate ward leaders still hold sway. I couldve told you that, said former U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, who has chaired the Democratic City Committee since 1986, when informed of The Inquirers findings. The party and the people Brady is elected by the partys 69 ward leaders, who are in turn elected by the committeepeople in their wards. And the roughly 3,400 Democratic committeepeople are elected by Democratic voters in their divisions. The ward system still works, Brady said, because neighbors trust the candidates that their local committeepeople recommend. They worship with them. They go to school with them. They shop with them, Brady said. So when you go to the polls, you see a friendly face. Critics of the Philadelphia Democratic establishment contend that the party is more interested in having its favored candidates win in low-turnout elections than in boosting voter turnout overall. And there is little debate that ward endorsements matter in low-information elections like judicial races, in which the party-selected candidates almost always win. Their relevance in more high-profile races is contested. In the district attorney primary, the Democratic City Committee declined to endorse either candidate, allowing each to vie for the backing of individual ward leaders and providing a fertile ground for analysis. But analyzing the efficacy of ward endorsements in the race also has limitations. Krasner is a polarizing figure, with significant name recognition in the city, and many voters may have made up their minds about him long ago. And the ideological divide in the race makes it more difficult to sort out whether voters were influenced by their local party representatives. It may also seem counterintuitive to point to a race won by Krasner, an antagonist of the Philly Democratic establishment and of Brady in particular, as evidence of the partys influence. But Krasner, who is likely to run uncontested in November, is now well on his way to winning a third term, and despite the lack of party endorsement, large swaths of the party machine were activated on his behalf. Not that thats how he sees it. Ward leaders, committeepeople, even people who are close to the chairman those people are insiders who are supposed to serve the [voters], not manipulate them, not trick them, not mislead them, not sell them out for side money," Krasner said. The power of the ward leaders come form the people who elect their committeepeople. Lets not get it twisted. He suggested that some ward leaders endorsed him because he was always likely to prevail. People who sit on the finish line can see which horse is about to win, pick the horse thats already gonna win, and then take credit, he said. Dugans campaign manager did not respond to a request for comment. Supercharged margins Krasner dominated Dugan citywide, taking more than 64% of the vote, so it is no surprise that he won a majority of ballots in nearly three-quarters of the citys wards. However, it is revealing that both candidates fared much better than their citywide performance in wards where they were endorsed. Krasner beat his citywide share of the vote in every ward that endorsed him, compared with only two-thirds of wards overall. Dugan, meanwhile, exceeded his share in nearly 75% of the wards that backed him. READ MORE: A precinct-level breakdown of Larry Krasners victory and how it stacks up to his 2021 win Wards demographics were largely predictive of election outcomes. Receiving the endorsement of a ward had the effect of supercharging those patterns. Generally, Krasner did particularly well in poorer wards, winning a majority of those in the bottom half of median household income. But he beat his citywide share of the vote in every one of those wards in which he received an endorsement. The pattern extends to education, where Krasner appears to have been popular among the most- and least-educated voters. He again won a majority of wards on the poles of educational attainment and 100% of the wards where he was endorsed. There also appears to have been an age gap in the race, with Krasner beating his citywide average in 13 of the 18 youngest wards while Dugan managed to beat his citywide share of the vote in almost half of the 17 oldest wards. Again, endorsements appeared to have helped boost natural advantages: Krasner beat his average in 100% of the younger wards that endorsed him, while Dugan did the same among the older wards that backed him. Lastly, Dugan did better in the citys 20 majority-white wards, outperforming his citywide share of the vote in 11 of them. Dugan won all but one of the majority-white wards that backed him. Krasner outperformed his overall result in three-quarters of the wards with nonwhite majorities including all that endorsed him. Wards giveth, and taketh Ward endorsements offer candidates a boost to their ground game the nitty-gritty work of knocking on doors, distributing campaign literature, and rustling voters on election day. The most visible form of the wards get-out-the-vote operation are the so-called sample ballots listing endorsed candidates that get handed to voters entering the polls by the partys paid election day workers. But its not a one-way street: Campaigns often donate hundreds or several thousand dollars to the party or the wards that back them. The payments are meant to cover the wards costs for promoting their chosen candidates, such as printing fliers and paying canvassers. But the arrangement has long been attacked by critics of the ward system as a shakedown scheme. Its difficult to determine how much Dugan and Krasner contributed to wards. Campaign finance records show the candidates paid a combined $10,464 to ward committees, with Krasner shelling out $6,302 to 11 committees and Dugan making $4,162 in contributions to 12 committees. But that is likely a significant undercount because the payments are sometimes directed to consultants employed by wards or other PACs related to them. How to win an endorsement In races without a citywide Democratic endorsement, like this years district attorney race, wards largely determine their own processes for picking candidates. In so-called traditional wards, the leaders often wield near-total control. Open wards, which have sprung up in more progressive and highly educated neighborhoods, allow committeepeople to vote on all endorsements. The spread of open wards is often framed as a rebellion against the partys old guard. But on election day, they largely operate the same way: handing out sample ballots listing their preferred candidates. Kathleen Melville, leader of the open 1st Ward in South Philadelphia, said her committeepeople have worked really hard to build trust with our neighbors. Voters look out for our recommendations, especially in low-information races, because they know that we do the research and we vote our values, said Melville, who is also a staffer for City Councilmember Kendra Brooks. Brady is the leader of Overbrooks 34th Ward, which Krasner won. His ward was one of seven that did not back either candidate in the district attorney race, which Brady said is usually his practice in races where the citywide party does not endorse. Brady said his goal is to empower his committeepeople, who were allowed to hand out literature promoting Krasner or Dugan. But he conceded part of the reason is to avoid the appearance that the chair has unofficially picked a side for the party. That message doesnt always get through. I even told Krasner that, Brady said. He didnt believe me. Staff writers Aliya Schneider and Chris Williams contributed to this article. The city Department of Human Services overburdens frontline workers in Philadelphias outsourced foster care system by measuring their caseloads based on the number of families, rather than individual children, that they work with, child welfare advocates told City Council on Friday. DHS Commissioner Kimberly Ali said the city funds the nonprofits it relies on for foster care services at levels designed to give the average social worker 10 cases at a time. Currently, she said, case managers are averaging 11 cases. Advertisement But for DHS, a case is a family regardless of how many children are in it. Most other jurisdictions measure caseload size in terms of the number of children, not by family," said Donna Cooper, executive director of Children First PA. We really need the city and the department to reach agreement that we will adopt this best practice. READ MORE: Philly removes neglected children from homes to keep them safe. But they often face worse abuse in foster care placements. Councils Committee on Public Health and Human Services held a hearing Friday examining the citys child welfare services in response to an Inquirer/Resolve Philly investigation that found major problems in the citys unusual foster care system, which since 2013 has outsourced case management to a network of nonprofits known as community umbrella agencies, or CUAs. The recent investigative reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer uncovered systemic failures and raised deeply disturbing questions about how DHS and its contracted agencies are functioning, Councilmember Nina Ahmad, who chairs the committee, said at the hearing. These revelations demand transparency, introspection, and urgent reform. The Inquirer investigation found that the nonprofits face annual staff turnover rates as high as 40%, that incidents of deaths and near-fatalities have not significantly fallen since the city launched the system, and that the CUAs have faced nearly 70 lawsuits alleging they allowed children to be abused and, in 14 cases, killed. Ali said she disagreed that DHS was not meeting its goal of improving outcomes for children. The agency, she said, has focused on working with families to prevent situations where children need to be removed in the first place. During the last two fiscal years, community-based prevention providers serviced over 6,000 children in their own homes and communities by offering supportive services to meet their individualized needs, Ali testified. For children in DHS placements, the city continually evaluates the CUAs performance, including through its public scorecards, which Ali called an invaluable performance management tool. It recognizes areas where CUAs are doing well and targets areas that need improvement and technical assistance, she said. DHS, which also oversees the citys juvenile justice services, has a $943.6 million budget this year. A majority of its funding comes from the state. The agency plans to pay the seven nonprofits in the CUA network a total of $115 million in the budget year that begins July 1. Cooper and other nonprofit leaders who testified at the hearing applauded DHS for reforms over the last decade that have led to a significant decline in the rate of children being removed from their families. Ali said the rate of child removals fell from eight per 1,000 in 2015 to 3.7 per 1,000 in 2022. Investigations of child abuse and removals are handled by DHS staff, not the CUAs. Once children are placed with new families, social workers employed by CUAs are responsible for checking in on them to ensure their safety and well-being. The system was created as a reform in the wake of the horrific 2006 death of 14-year-old Danieal Kelly when she was under DHSs care. But there has been significant turnover among the groups in the CUA network, and some of the nonprofits have said the city is not doing enough to either protect them from lawsuits or help cover the cost of legal liability insurance, an exorbitant expense in their inherently litigious field. David Fair, executive director of Turning Points for Children, a former CUA that declined to renew its contract with the city in 2022, testified that his agency needed to exit the CUA system solely because we could not afford the high cost of liability insurance. Turning Points was proud of our CUA work, and although we had differences with DHS from time to time, we applaud DHS for what we believe is a significant improvement in child welfare practices in Philadelphia, he said. Fair offered several recommendations for improving the CUA system, including extending the citys legal immunity to its contracted providers and reducing workloads on social workers by changing how DHS measures cases. One can have 10 cases but be faced with over 20 children, each of whom requires hours of attention and documentation, Fair testified. This results in the worker concentrating on completing their paperwork within deadlines, rather than prioritizing what is best for the child. High workloads, he said, lead to burnout and turnover at the CUAs. Ali said DHS has worked to reduce turnover among social workers in recent years and was having success. We have made significant investments in the CUAs to improve recruitment and retention efforts, including partnering with local colleges and universities to hire case managers, salary increases comparable to DHS social workers, and mentoring, she said. After the hearing, she declined to comment on the question of how DHS measures CUA caseloads, but said she would review all recommendations from the hearing. Ahmad said the committee will hold another session on DHSs child welfare services in September. When families interact with DHS, often during their most vulnerable moments, Ahmad said, we have a sacred obligation to ensure the interactions are rooted in dignity, compassion, and accountability. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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Meanwhile, Trumps rise to power has shaken the confidence of U.S. allies that Washingtons nuclear umbrella will protect them, and they are therefore more or less explicitly considering alternatives. China is moving forward in expanding its arsenal to approach the magnitude of those of the U.S. and Russia, which in turn are embarking on extraordinary nuclear weapons modernization programs instead of moving toward the disarmament mandated by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Meanwhile, the security treaty architecture is collapsing. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, expressed his concern about this general dynamic last Wednesday during a meeting with a group of international journalists invited to the agencys headquarters in Vienna to gain a deeper understanding of the nuclear landscape. Asked by this newspaper whether this geopolitical context is increasing the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation, he responded emphatically: Yes. There are countries that even respected the NPT despite having all the technologies and capabilities [to acquire atomic weapons]. Now they are beginning to have an open conversation that asks whether, in this changing world, in which certain guarantees of the past are no longer as firm, they should reconsider. Whats new is that countries that firmly upheld the NPT are now asking questions. I think thats where the risks lie. I think this is a moment fraught with enormous consequences, in which the principle of nonproliferation must be upheld more firmly than ever, Grossi said, emphasizing a novel aspect of the proliferation challenge. In South Korea, for example, polls indicate that up to 70% of the population supports the development of its own nuclear weapons. Polands leaders are considering options, not for the manufacture of weapons, but for new and more reliable nuclear safeguards. Poland must pursue the most advanced capabilities, including nuclear and modern unconventional weapons. This is a serious race a race for security, not for war, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in March. The distrust of U.S. allies regarding their protection is a new factor that adds to old, worsening problems. The IAEA has been documenting for years an acceleration of Irans nuclear program, which, along with evidence of secret activity, is raising concerns. Tehran already enriches uranium to a level of 60%, far above that needed for nuclear power plants, and already close to the threshold of over 90% needed for bombs. The IAEA plans to publish two reports on Iran, which some news agencies have seen. One notes the new jump in enriched uranium production, with a cumulative total of about 400 kilograms enriched to 60%, compared to about 275 kilograms in February. About 40 kilograms, once enriched to over 90%, are enough to build a bomb. In the second a special report requested by the IAEA Board of Governors the agency notes the existence of evidence of nuclear activity at three previously undeclared sites in Iran, the circumstances of which remain unclear. We are still in the process of trying to clarify a number of issues about which Iran has not provided us with adequate answers, Grossi told the international group of journalists. In recent years, the agency has managed to discover traces of uranium in locations that, in principle, did not host any atomic activity in the past. To date, we have not received that clarification, he added. Diplomatic sources cited by Reuters suggest that, on this basis, Western powers will push for the passage of a resolution declaring that Tehran is violating its nuclear non-proliferation obligations for the first time in more than 20 years. This development would, of course, represent a serious obstacle to negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to conclude a new nuclear deal. Grossi, who is not involved in the bilateral negotiations but is in contact with Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, and also with the Iranians, expressed some optimism, noting a willingness to engage in dialogue. Trumps willingness to pursue arms deals is a source of hope in this context. In an interview with this newspaper in early May, Fiona Hill, Trumps national security adviser during his first term and a strong critic of the Republican highlighted the presidents inclination to pursue such agreements. Trump is very interested in negotiating arms control treaties, whether with Russia, perhaps later with China, or with Iran and North Korea. That was one of his top priorities in his first term. Hes concerned about the expiration of New START (the nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia, which expires next February), Hill said. Some speculate that this inclination has narcissistic undertones, specifically a desire to win a Nobel Peace Prize, which Barack Obama achieved through this means. But whatever the motivation, the reality is that both geopolitical movements and Trumps own political volatility cast a serious shadow over hopes that the negotiating push will actually be effective. Israel is seriously considering launching an attack on Irans nuclear program. Last Saturday, Benjamin Netanyahu again called on the international community to curb Irans nuclear ambitions. Sources cited by Reuters indicate that the Saudi defense minister recently warned Iranians in Tehran that it is in their best interest to reach an agreement with Trump, otherwise an Israeli attack will follow. Within the Iranian regime, there is a standoff between those who believe the opportunity for dialogue should be seized and those who believe the extreme weakness evidenced by Israels military superiority requires nuclear insurance. Riyadh, for its part, announced its willingness to enrich uranium, something that falls within the civilian dimension of a nuclear program, but which has a potentially ambivalent meaning. This context becomes even more complicated when looking at Chinas military developments. The Pentagon has been indicating for years that Beijing is expanding its nuclear arsenal. The Chinese regimes opacity makes it extremely difficult to determine the reality, but the general dynamics of Chinas military buildup and the opinions of respected experts agree that this increase is very credible. China undoubtedly wants to bring the size of its arsenal closer to that of the United States and Russia, which are larger due to their enormous development during the Cold War. This development is accompanied by major advances in hypersonic technology, which represents revolutionary changes in the field of bomb delivery, alters previous balances in missile defense, and contributes to instability. In the background, there is a long list of treaties that the U.S. and Russia had been building during the Cold War to prevent the arms race from degenerating, but which have collapsed in recent years. Some concern conventional forces, but others have nuclear value. The outlook does not seem conducive to rebuilding them, among other reasons because Washington now wants China to also make commitments, and Beijing seems very unwilling to do so. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition After a landmark year in 2024, Shannon Airport is building on its momentum with new routes, increased investment, and a growing passenger base taking it from strength to strength. Welcoming 2.1m passengers last year, its highest number since 2009, the Shannon Airport Group posted an 8% rise in annual turnover in 2024 rising to more than 73m, with its pre-tax profit for the year totalling almost 26m. Its success has caught the attention of several major airlines, with the airport now offering its largest transatlantic schedule with five daily nonstop flights to the US, landing in New York, Newark, Boston and Chicago. Its latest vote of confidence came earlier this week from budget airline Ryanair, which announced three new routes alongside a $100m investment in the airport as it continues to expand its presence across regional hubs. The investment includes the addition of a new aircraft to be stationed at Shannon, bringing its total number to four for its 2025 winter schedule. It now hosts one more Ryanair aircraft than Cork, despite the second largest airport having 1m more passengers last year. We see a huge potential for growth and believe there is a real opportunity for us, said Mary Considine, the chief executive officer of the Shannon Airport Group. Passenger numbers at Shannon Airport rose to 2.1m last year, the highest since 2009, and turnover rose to 73m, despite the amount of people travelling from Ireland to the US falling by 27% in March as a result of political uncertainty. Appointed in October 2019, Ms Considine told the Irish Examiner: The more aircraft we have here, the more frequency and services Ryanair can offer. In addition to increased frequencies for our six most popular routes, they have also been able to announce three new routes for the winter: Madrid, Madeira and Lapland. Yet despite its enhanced connectivity across Europe, Shannons transatlantic flights remain some of its busiest and are a vital component of its overall operations. However, as political tensions rise across the US, the number of people travelling across the Atlantic from Ireland has fallen drastically. Recent figures from the US International Trade Administration (ITA) found that passenger travel from Ireland fell by 27% in March when compared to the same month in 2024, with Ireland representing one of the highest decreases across all European countries. When geopolitical events are happening with heightened uncertainty, sometimes people hesitate in making decisions Yet, despite this downward demand pressure on US travel, Ms Considine remains optimistic. Talking with our airline partners, theyre very confident about the summer season. There are very strong forward bookings, which go back to the strong market for the US from here," she said. We have very strong foreign direct investment in the catchment area of Shannon Airport. Almost 50% of the [foreign direct investment] in the country comes from within our immediate catchment area. "Were also the international gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, and we are seeing strong tourism growth. Noting recent figures from the Central Statistics Office, which found tourism numbers had fallen by 4% in April, Ms Considine says that has not been reflected in the airports performance. Weve seen good growth here. We saw 7% growth last year, and we expect to be up by between 7-8% again this year. Preclearance facility The CEO also notes Shannons US preclearance facility one of only two across Europe, the other being in Dublin which she says brings greater comfort to Irish people, especially young adults and those travelling on J1 visas, and even provides an opportunity for the airport to grow. Take Charles De Gaulle [Airport], for example, Ms Considine said. They bring quite an amount of transfer passengers here, because people prefer to pre-clear here than be refused once they get to the US. We see that kind of demand growing at Shannon, which provides an opportunity for us here But Shannon Airports long-standing history with the US is reflected across its operations and not just in its commercial flight offerings. Recent months have seen a renewed focus on the regional airport over reports that Israeli aircraft have flown weaponry from the US to Ireland through Irish airspace. Last week, RTE reported that between 2022 and 2024, a total of 978 US military flights landed at Irish airports, mostly in Shannon, for refuelling and maintenance purposes. During the same period, more than 1,000 applications were made by US civil aircraft with munitions of war on board to land at Shannon. Reports of these flights have drawn large crowds to the airport in protest of its accommodation of US military aircraft, particularly those bound for Israel. Addressing these demonstrations, Ms Considine said that while the airport accepts and recognises the right to protest in a peaceful manner, Shannon Airport operates solely based on government policy. At the end of the day, we work under the direction of the Irish Government. We are State-owned and our focus is on providing a safe, secure and operational airport "Anything that interferes with the safety and security of the airport is obviously something to be concerned about," she said. Concerning recent incidents, were working very closely with gardai to ensure there is no impact on the operation of our aerodrome facility. Addressing the reports of military aircraft coming through the airport, Ms Considine added: Its government policy. Everything is done in line with existing policy, and everything that requires clearance from the Government receives that clearance. It is government policy, and we implement government policy. Shannon has five daily transatlantic flights, its pre-clearance facility reassuring passengers of guaranteed entry to the US. Picture: Denis Scannell Looking forward, Ms Considine says recent investments from Ryanair and US airline partners fall concisely in line with its own future strategy, which prioritises passenger growth, infrastructure improvements, and the airport groups commercial property portfolio, which the CEO says has experienced strong growth in recent months, particularly across the manufacturing sector. In addition, Shannon is also seeking to re-balance what Ms Considine has called a lopsided market share among Irelands airports. If you look at Dublin, it has an 85-86% market share. We need to look at where people want to go and then meet those needs. That is why growing the range of services from Shannon Airport is so important, so we can offer that choice and then grow our market share. This is why we have been calling on the Government to revise its aviation policy. One avenue open to them is to amend the threshold under the regional airports programme so that airports up to 3m passengers can apply for grant funding. I also think it would be good for the country if we had better distribution of air traffic to free up capacity in Dublin, allowing them to go after those long-haul markets, while allowing us all to be complimentary of one another. It's not about not allowing Dublin to grow, its about growing all airports and using the airport system more holistically. A good cocktail is only ever improved by something savoury to nibble on Once schools out, its summer romance season. For Megan Lawlor and James Ensor, their sunshine chapters have unfolded into a life-long love story. Megan, a primary school teacher, says: We met in San Francisco while we were on our J1 in the summer of 2016. We were introduced by a mutual friend, Tomas Barry. Six years later, another holiday trip set the scene for the engagement. As Megan and James who works for Google motored around Kerry in a campervan, they decided to stop off at Dingle marina, which is where James popped the question in August 2022. Megan Lawlor and James Ensor. Pictures: Awake and Dreaming Their pal Tomas played a key role yet again, as groomsman; as Megan, from Ballinasloe, Co Galway, and James, from Sandymount, Dublin, were married recently by celebrant Grainne McGibney, Atlantic Vows, at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare with a reception at the same venue. Grainne made the ceremony so personal. Everyone was raving about how great she was, says Megan. A golf cart transported me, my dad, and the bridal party the short journey across from Armada House [where they got ready] to the Armada Hotel. The ceremony music was by Rachel Goode and the flowers were kindly sourced and arranged by the grooms mother, Lydia Ensor. Megan Lawlor and James Ensor. Pictures: Awake and Dreaming Lydia and the grooms father Simon Ensor, along with Megans parents Caroline and Robert Lawlor, celebrated with the newlyweds, as did the brides grandfather, James Lawlor Sr. It was very special to have my grandfather in attendance on the day, in his 87th year, says Megan. The speeches were also a highlight, especially my dads as I am an only child, it was an emotional day for him and my mam. Megans close friends Aine Kinsella, Ciara Corbett, Claire Keane, Jane Corbett, and her cousin Sinead Doherty were her bridesmaids. James had his friends by his side also, with Christian Stevens as best man and Andrew Cloonan, William Shanahan, and Oran Mulvey joining Tomas as groomsmen. Megan Lawlor and James Ensor. Pictures: Awake and Dreaming Their big day was full of laughter, love and lots of dancing, says Megan: The food at the Armada Hotel was a standout highlight for the guests, especially the drinks reception snacks [tacos and bao buns] and the duck starter at the meal. Brian Dalton performed the entertainment for the drinks reception. He set the perfect vibe, accompanied by his friend Johnny, says Megan. Mixtape had everyone dancing later in the evening. Our first dance song was an acoustic version of Times Like These by the Foo Fighters [Jamess favourite band]. Megan Lawlor and James Ensor. Pictures: Awake and Dreaming Megan bought her dream dress at The One by Sinead Corcoran in Rathmines: It is called The Hamilton by Moira Hughes and was so comfy to wear! The veil and earrings were from Kyna Maree online, and I wore shoes from Asos. Eilish Moran was the makeup artist. My own hairdresser from Dublin, Kelly Griffin, assisted by her friend Ruth, did my hair, says Megan. Megan Lawlor and James Ensor with their wedding party. Pictures: Awake and Dreaming The groomsmens suits were from Tector, Rathmines. Photography was by David Olsthoorn and Laurie Brosnan of Awake and Dreaming (Awakeanddreamingweddings.com), with videographer Kevin Caffrey of Little Bear Film. The newlyweds spent a week in Morocco as part one of their honeymoon. We plan to go away somewhere else in the summer for Honeymoon: Part Two. says Megan. She and James live in Harolds Cross, Dublin, in the house they bought and renovated last year. Jacqueline Connolly, whose sister and three nephews were murdered by Alan Hawe, has written to the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, asking for a review into the garda investigation to be published. Hawe murdered his wife Clodagh and sons Liam, 13; Niall, 11; and six-year-old Ryan at their home in Co Cavan in 2016, before taking his own life. The investigation into the murders was found to be incomplete and flawed in a number of respects and a review was ordered after Jacqueline and her mother went public on the matter. In her memoir Deadly Silence, Ms Connolly revealed the family was given sight of the completed review which ran to 800 pages but the family was not furnished with a copy. Ms Connolly believes it should be published in order to help prevent any similar tragedy from occurring in the future. I am appealing to you to release the findings in an appropriate way so that the timelines, behaviours, and patterns of family annihilators are given to the public, for those in abusive and controlling relationships, and to aid domestic violence services in expanding and advancing their policies, she wrote to commissioner Drew Harris. "This, in turn, will align with the prevention and protection pillars of the Governments third national strategy on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence" Speaking on The Mick Clifford Podcast, Ms Connolly said she met with justice minister Jim OCallaghan in March to ask for his assistance in having the review published but nothing has been done. Warning signs She said that the learnings to be taken from the review are vital in trying to ensure that a similar tragedy does not occur again. Ive received hundreds of messages since the release of Deadly Silence, and some have been from women who read my book and said: Youve shown me warning signs, its really raised red flags with me, Im in the process of quietly leaving my partner.' If 'Deadly Silence' can do that, imagine the power impact that the truth in the findings [of the review] would reveal and the lives that could be saved Her call for publication of the review is supported by Womens Aid, the support organisation for the victims of domestic violence. Sarah Benson, the chief executive of Womens Aid, told the Irish Examiner that since the publication of Ms Connollys book, she had been contacted by women for whom elements of the story had resonated. Some who contacted me said they felt lucky that they may have had a near miss in terms of the risks they have been subjected to in a relationship, Ms Benson said. It could be extremely beneficial and in the public interest to have reports like this shared in order to do what Jacqueline is saying, to help understand where there may have been missed opportunities, and to better bolster community response to domestic abuse and the risks associated with it. Key flaws A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana told the Irish Examiner that in general reviews conducted by the Garda Serious Crime Team are not published for operational reasons. The spokesperson also referred to a statement from Mr Harris on the case dating from 2019. In her book, Ms Connolly wrote that the review uncovered three key flaws with the original investigation. These were the mishandling of CCTV evidence, the interviewing of witnesses without the proper expertise, and digital evidence that simply was not collected. She said that accommodation could be made for redactions where the gardai thought necessary but that there are huge learnings to be taken from the detail of how Alan Hawe conducted himself and where red flags could be raised in the future. Its frustrating and angering that I, as Clodaghs sister and the boys aunt, am here again fighting for justice? Why should that have to happen? Why should the onus be on me to fight to do whats right for women and children? she said. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. Members of Ireland's largest teaching union have voted to reject proposals to enable Leaving Cert reforms, and have also endorsed industrial action. The ASTI ballot rejected proposals to adopt new support measures for the largest changes to the Leaving Cert in a hundred years due to be implemented this September. The union rejected the Department of Education proposal by a margin of 68% to 32%, raising the prospect of industrial action this autumn. The support measures had already been endorsed by the other major secondary teaching union, the TUI. In a statement, the unions general secretary Kieran Christie said that the vote shows that second level teachers have real and significant concerns regarding the senior cycle overhaul programme. He said that a key concern is a perceived lack of resources to aid teachers in implementing the new programme, which would see a minimum of 40% of marks at Leaving Cert level delivered by project work. Teachers had expressed concerns as to how those reforms are to be effectively implemented, and how the growing challenge of Artificial Intelligence is to be handled, with the unions arguing that insufficient time had been given towards easing the transition to the new format. Mr Christie said that the supports offered by the Department of Education, which included a commitment to early reviews of the implementation of the new reforms and the creation of specific posts of responsibility to support that implementation, do little to provide a senior cycle experience for all students that addresses the core inequalities that are in place in the second-level system. Minister for Education Helen McEntee said she had noted the result of the ASTIs vote, but said that, given the ASTIs members had previously committed to cooperating with senior cycle redevelopment that the reforms would continue as planned. The implementation of the programme will continue with the introduction of the first tranche of new and revised Leaving Certificate subjects in September 2025 as previously announced, the Minister said, adding that engagement with the TUI will ensue in the coming days for the implementation of the support measures that the ASTI has now rejected. Last April, both the ASTI and TUI served warning of potential industrial action should the then-ongoing engagement with the Government regarding the controversial new reforms not reach an acceptable conclusion. Gardai have arrested a man in connection with the robbery of a filling station in Ballybrack Village, Dublin earlier this week. According to a garda spokesperson, at approximately 5.30pm on Monday, June 2, "a male entered a filling station in Ballybrack Village with his face covered, brandishing a knife. He threatened staff and took a sum of cash before fleeing the scene". Michael Gaine was today remembered as soft and loving, caring and affectionate, kind and considerate. The 56-year-old farmer, mourners heard at his funeral in Kerry, was unafraid to show his emotions. In a tribute read on behalf of the family by his cousin Eoghan Clarke, he was also described as brave, fearless and strong. The tribute was delivered after Janice Gaine and other members of the farmers family arrived with Mr Gaines ashes, cradled in a sheepskin-lined basket and carried into Holy Cross Church, Kenmare. Family and friends gather outside Holy Cross Church in Kenmare, awaiting the funeral Mass of Michael Gaine. Picture Dan Linehan Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Clarke said: Micheal was a proud man, a proud Kerry man, and an even prouder Kenmare man. While I can't even scratch the surface of all the lovely stories that his sisters, nieces and nephews will have of Micheal, I know he was always delighted to spend time and to share his interests with him. Micheal meant so much to so many people, and I'd ask that everyone thinks of their favourite memories of Michael, and to hold those happy memories in your mind. Eoghan Clarke cousin of murdered Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine speaking at his funeral at the Holy Cross Church in Kenmare. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire He spoke of Mr Gaines broad interests, including rallying, farming, current affairs, holidays to faraway exotic places, Done Deal, and all music even opera. He said: Michael was generous, incredibly generous. He had time for everyone and would chip in to help anytime and any place. Michael seemed to always find the time to do the work of three men on his own farm, help out friends, family and neighbours, keep up to speed on current affairs and enjoy himself. He loved life. He always made the most of it, and he truly lived every single moment. He always had the iconic twinkle in his eye - the I'm delighted to see you, I'm in great form and Let's go and enjoy ourselves glint in his eye." The urn of murdered Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine is carried into the Holy Cross Church in Kenmare for his funeral. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire Mr Clarke added: Mike, by virtue of an incredible character, attracted a lot of good people into his life. He had a photographic memory for facts, faces, places and words, and personally, this was always one of the most fascinating things to me about Micheal, the ability to put in a full day's shift on the farm and then to chat about politics, world events, economic developments while Being fully up to speed on all of them. In Janice's own words, Michael was a true man. He was soft and loving, caring and affectionate, kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong. He was strong mentally. And as anyone who ever tried to follow him up the mountain in wellies will know, he was strong physically, too. Michael Gaine's sister Catherine at Holy Cross Church in Kenmare for the funeral Mass of her brother Michael Gaine. Picture Dan Linehan Mementos of his life were brought up later, including a photograph of him on his quad bike with his faithful Cavalier dog, Teddy. Other symbols included a photo of him on holiday, representing his travels to Taiwan, Australia, and the US; a globe, reflecting his interest in current affairs; and a CD, symbolising his love for all kinds of music, including opera. Mourners heard he was a fan of The Mamas and the Papas, blues artist Seasick Steve, and Fleetwood Mac. Friend Shane McCarthy brought up his rally helmet, while brother-in-law Sean ORegan presented a photo of Mr Gaine in his rally car. The funeral cortege of Michael Gaine makes its way through Kenmare town following the Requiem Mass at the Holy Cross Chruch, Kenmare, Co Kerry. His rally car held the Urn in the front seat. Picture Dan Linehan Celebrant Father George Hayes said during his homily that it was important now to remember Michael Gaine for how he lived, not how he died. He said: Over the weeks since Michael went missing, we've asked so many questions, and in life, sometimes there are no answers. But in the best tradition of Irish funerals, today is a day for recovering the dignity of Michael Gaine. Today we recover Michael's dignity, because today we speak Michael's name with love, and it is the dignity of Michael's life and not the manner of Michael's death that will abide in our hearts." The guard of honour for Michael Gaine at the Holy Cross Chruch, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Picture Dan Linehan After the service, Mr Gaines widow Janice led his family down the church aisle, holding the basket with his urn. She then passed his ashes to funeral director John Finnegan, who walked to Mr Gaines white, recently restored rally car parked behind the hearse, and placed the basket in the front passenger seat. The hearse, with Janice inside, led the funeral procession from the churchyard, followed by the rally car driven by his friend Shane McCarthy. His tractor also joined the cortege, driven by another friend, DJ Neil. The procession wound slowly through the town, passing Main Street, Shelbourne Street, Henry Street, the Square, and Park Street, pausing briefly outside his former home on Railway Road. He was then taken to a private family burial. Members of the public looking on ast the funeral cortege of Michael Gaine makes its way through Kenmare town following the Requiem Mass at the Holy Cross Chruch, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Picture Dan Linehan Mr Gaine was last seen alive on March 20, buying phone credit at Centra in Kenmare. The missing person search became a murder investigation on May 16, after a contractor found a piece of human tissue while spreading slurry on Mr Gaines farm. The man, who had worked with the Gaine family for years, discovered the remains after his machinery jammed. The farm was sealed off and declared a murder scene. Michael Kelley, who lived on Mr Gaines farm for three years, was arrested on May 18. Although he was questioned at length in Killarney Garda Station, he was later released without charge and no file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Kelley has since confirmed he was a suspect and has publicly denied any involvement in Mr Gaines death. In a separate interview, he said he had not been invited to the funeral and chose to stay away. As Sunny Jacobs sat in her tiny cell on death row, waiting to be executed for a crime she insists she did not commit, she decided the only way she could find some peace was to pretend she was a monk in a cave, and not a prisoner in a cell. Every day, she would work on her mind, because that was all she had left that belonged to her. As a young mother of two, Sunny spent 17 years in prison and five in solitary confinement on death row in the US before she was released in 1992 at the age of 45. In 1976, she had been accused of murdering two police officers who approached a car she was in with her partner, Jesse Tafero, her two young children, and an acquaintance, Walter Rhodes, who had broken parole conditions. As they approached the car, the police officers were fatally gunned down. Rhodes blamed the murders on Sunny and Jesse who were tried and sentenced to death. Jesse Joseph Tafero was put to death in 1990 a malfunctioning electric chair meant it took several attempts and 13 minutes to kill him. Flames reportedly shot out of his head during the horrifying execution. I still grieve for him Sunny said in her soft American accent when we first met in 2008. It was so awful, really, all I could do was try to survive. I cant imagine it, I try not to. Her parents, who were caring for her children Christina and Eric while she was in prison, were killed in a plane crash Christina went into foster care and Eric, a teenager, learned to support himself. Sunny Jacobs had experienced the worst type of hell on earth. After she had found peace and tranquillity in the west of Ireland years later, where she lived in an idyllic community in Casla, Co Galway, with people who adored her, she expected to live out her life in peace. But sadly, that was not to be. Early last Tuesday, Sunny, who was 78, died along with her carer, Kevin Kelly, as a blaze ripped through her cottage. It was a tragic end to a remarkable life that was documented in books, a play, and a film, The Exonerated. All week, tributes have poured in for the woman who beat all the odds and had survived nearly two decades behind bars. Her RIP notice said We share the tragic news of Dr Sunny Jacobs tragic death at her home in Casla, Connemara, Co Galway on June 03, 2025. Sunny, a beloved member of the community as well as the wider international community where she was well-known for her humanitarian work and as an activist supporting and giving a voice to others. She is a huge loss, and will be heartbreakingly missed by her daughter Christina, son Eric, and grandchildren, Claudia, Jesse, and Bella. She was loved and will be missed by many, many close friends and family. Proceeded in death by her spouse Jesse Tafero, and her late husband and activist, Peter Pringle. The first time Sunny Jacobs told me her story was in 2008 when I worked on a late-night talk show. She recalled how after Jessies horrific execution, Walter Rhodes confessed he had fired the fatal shots, He confirmed what Jesse and I had said all that time, but it was too late for him, and I had lost so much, my children were not with me, my parents killed so horribly, she said. What was I to do? I had nothing left, it was beyond traumatic, shocking, the worst, yes the worst, but the only thing the authorities didnt take was my mind. I had some control over my mind, but I had to learn to work with my mind and that is where I learned meditation, yoga, mindfulness and how important it was. It kept me alive, it really did, so I began working on my mental state, I pretended I was a monk praying in a cave and not a prisoner in a cell. All those dark days when you are alone in that cell, with no window and no light, you have your mind, you either lose your mind or use it to its full potential." By deciding she was not going to be a prisoner, Sunny believed she gave herself some hope. Outside of my cell and the prison, death row, the world, the death of those police officers, the death of Jesse, my parents deaths, my kids being left without parents, that was the nightmare. I would allow myself to be really really angry for a few minutes, and then I began to believe I was a monk. I was in a cave and not a cell, I was not a prisoner, instead I was a monk. Im not particularly religious, I just wanted to find peace and somehow this drove me to peace and my own mind saved me from hell. I know what happened was awful but why think about it now? she said years later. I came here to Ireland to find peace and I did get peace. I am surrounded by a lovely community. For years afterwards, Sunny and I spoke to each other on email and the phone. Every so often, she would pop up on chat, when online chat first went live. She would say things like: Hey again, this is like meeting on street corners, Ill talk to you real soon." She told me about that awful night in the US, and although she did not witness the events from inside the van where she was sleeping with her children, she has always said Walter Rhodes murdered the police officers. Having fled the scene in the police car, they were captured at a roadblock and arrested. Sunny Jacobs with her late partner Peter Pringle, who spent 14 years in prison for the murder of two gardai, before being exonerated. Sunny Jacobs and Jesse Tafero were sentenced to death, while Rhodes was given three life sentences, despite being the only one to have tested positive for traces of gunpowder. Sunny, when freed, went on to live in Galway with her partner Peter Pringle, who led a parallel life to hers, having been wrongly imprisoned himself for 15 years. I think the universe brought us together as a gift because both of us had chosen the path of peace and healing, rather than revenge or retribution she said. That path included forgiving those responsible for what happened to her, but she said it was not a selfless act. For me, forgiveness is a selfish act that I do for myself so that I dont have to live with hatred in my heart and I can fill those places with joy and love and happiness instead and its just as simple as that. Her ability to forgive always astounded me because she suffered so much in her life. I told her I would understand if she hated the world. But, "I never did", she said. My kids suffered of course, they lost their father and me. I was not dead, but they knew what happened to their dad, they would always find out. Christina went into foster care, and she believed we were guilty of those crimes. My son Eric had to make his own way in life By the time Sunny was released from prison in 1992, her children were adults, her son was a dad, and she had to learn to live a new way. I was not the young mother anymore with my two tiny children she said. I was in my 40s, and they were all grown up. She met her future husband Peter Pringle through Amnesty International in Galway after her release. He had also been on death row in Ireland for the murder of gardai John Morley and Henry Byrne in July 1980. He had spent 14 years in jail before being released, saying he had been exonerated and later wrote a book claiming he had been framed. They set up the Sunny Centre together and worked in mediation and trauma healing. Peter died on New Years Eve at home in Glenicmurrin in 2023. Despite all the horrors in her life, Sunny found peace in Galway. She had an incredible emotional intelligence and an ability to see outside the trauma and terror working on her mind so she could find contentment. When I realised they could not take my mind in prison, I was able to see a future, and moving here to Galway I found that future, and I found my peace. In early 2025, Russian troops seized control of a coal mine crucial to Ukraines steel industry. This mine, located on the front line of the disputed city of Pokrovsk, in the Donetsk region, is one of the main targets of the 203-millimeter howitzer shells fired daily by Soviet-made 2S7 Pion self-propelled guns by members of the 43rd Ukrainian Artillery Brigade. Odin, the nom de guerre of the 23-year-old commander in charge of four of these guns, displays on his cell phone screen, in real time, the enemy positions they are firing on, which are being flown over by Ukrainian reconnaissance drones. Theyve been out of Soviet ammunition for over a year now and have to rely on U.S. supplies. What if Washington stops sending it and they run out of stock? Were going home, says Kondor, a 25-year-old battery commander. The reality is that, without this ammunition, the 2S7 Pion could no longer be deployed on the front line, as there are currently no NATO-compatible rounds that can replace Soviet or American ones, according to unit leaders. Going home is a figure of speech, as Odin, Kondor, and their comrades, around a dozen of them, have already received training in Germany that qualifies them to operate other systems such as the PzH 2000. For the moment, neither Odin nor Kondor are clear about the stockpile of material supplied by Washington in Ukraines arsenals. Kyiv has increased its arms production in the last three years, but, compared to the worlds second-largest army, it still relies heavily on foreign support. Last January, Kyivs military authorities had enough U.S. stockpiles to last six months. Amid a diplomatic back-and-forth and threats from President Donald Trump, they havent ruled out those stockpiles expiring soon. The White House, Kyivs main external supporter, has repeatedly stated recently that it may back down if talks to end the war dont progress. Ukraine signed an agreement with Washington this month for the exploitation of its subsoil and hopes that, as a businessman, Trump will maintain his involvement in the conflict, even if its purely for economic gain. Ukrainian soldiers prepare to load a Soviet 2S7 Pion howitzer battery, firing U.S. ammunition, on the Pokrovsk front, May 15. Luis De Vega Hernandez Kondor and his men (seven soldiers and a former firefighter now serving as a medic) have been in the position since February without any relief. There is no team to replace them, they say. Far from civilization, he laments, but immediately adds: Its forbidden to be tired here. The group listens to him. Some nod, docilely accepting the sad reality; others console themselves with having gone to the post office in recent days to pick up some packages aboard an old Lada car, which, like the artillery piece, they also hide under the trees. They all live in a pair of bunkers dug underground, sheltered by the tree line that serves as a parapet for the position between muddy runways. They kill time however they can, because in war, dead hours abound. Coffee and shooting, one of them sums up the bulk of the activity. Several of the younger soldiers suggest a visit to the farm. Next to one of the shelters, in a wooden ammunition crate covered with plastic, a bored quail is incubating a solitary egg. The farm! one of them shouts by way of explanation. Members of the Ukrainian army's Achilles unit control the takeoff of a drone on May 14 that will amplify the signal of suicide drones used to attack Russian positions. Luis De Vega A member of the Ukrainian army's Achilles drone unit prepares a bomb-equipped device for launch at enemy positions. Luis De Vega A house in a village near the Pokrovsk (Donetsk) front used as a drone workshop. Luis De Vega An employee in a drone workshop in the Pokrovsk region, equipped with glasses that monitor the flight of the drones. Luis De Vega In this house in a village near the Pokrovsk front, up to 100 devices are prepared each day to be converted into combat drones. Luis De Vega The improvements being made in this drone workshop are intended to transform civilian drones into weapons of war. Luis De Vega Amid some chaos, a dozen employees modify drones for the military to use as weapons near the front lines. Luis De Vega A cat inside a house in a village near the Pokrovsk front used as a drone workshop. Luis De Vega A pilot from the Ukrainian army's Achilles drone unit at a house on the Kupiansk (Kharkiv) front, May 13. Luis De Vega From an underground bunker, members of the Ukrainian army's Achilles unit launch drones toward Russian positions on the Kupiansk front, on May 13. Luis De Vega The 2S7 Pion, over 10 meters long and weighing 45 tons, leaves its hiding place, dug into the ground and covered with camouflage netting, several times a day. It only emerges when superiors, from a command center, give the order to attack. In just a few minutes, the crew starts it up, puts it in place, and, once they have confirmed the coordinates kept in a notebook carried by Kondor, they train it on the designated enemy position. At the cry of Cannon! from one of the soldiers, the projectile, loaded by three men a few moments earlier, is fired amid a roar that forces those present to cover their ears if they are not wearing ear protection. They repeat the operation four, five, or six times before the engine roars again and they place the armored vehicle, manufactured in the mid-1980s, back in its lair. The original Soviet ammunition weighs about 110 kilos and has a range of about 35 kilometers (22 miles). The shells they use now, sent by the United States, weigh about 85 kilos with a range of between 15 and 17 kilometers (9.3-10.5 miles). Position changes, Odin explains, occur for two reasons. One, when they are detected by the Russians and are directly attacked. Two, when the front line is altered. For example, if Russian troops advance, they have to retreat to maintain the necessary firing distance from the battery. The commander confirms that they are about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Russian positions and that their target today is the invading troops logistics facilities in the area occupied by the towns of Pischane and Shevchenko, southwest of Pokrovsk. On one of the rare occasions when they have been able to announce progress, the Ukrainian army managed to dislodge the Russians from the village of Kotlyne in late February, in the same area where the coal mine is located. The Russians are still at these facilities because they provide cover from Ukrainian artillery, Odin explains. Our objective is to continue bombarding to open the way for the infantry and allow them to recapture the mine, one of the pillars of coke production (a coal-derived fuel used in metallurgical furnaces), he emphasizes. The facilities belong to the Metinvest company, a giant owned by oligarch Rinat Akhmetov. Steel production has suffered a severe blow with the destruction of the countrys main plants during the Russian invasion. Ukraine was previously a major steel producer and exporter, but has witnessed a drop of more than 70% in production, according to Reuters. Ukrainian servicemen of the 43rd Brigade on the Pokrovsk front, May 15. Luis De Vega Hernandez For a couple of hours, the vehicle carrying Odin and his driver, Sasha, along with the reporter and his interpreter, has to idle en route to the S27 Pions position due to the presence of a Russian Zela-type reconnaissance drone in the sky. There cant be any rush either to enter or to leave. We dont keep time for that, the commander calmly comments from the copilots seat. Meanwhile, the conversation revolves around, among other things, the possibility of a truce coming to fruition. Odin says he gets most of the news from Sasha, a 44-year-old native of Kyiv, who keeps him informed and elevates him to the status of political analyst. Im not an optimist, but a realist, the commander clarifies. He doesnt believe anything will come of the current contacts sponsored by the United States and Europe. Yesterday we saw seven Shahed drones [Iranian-made and used by Russian troops] fly over our heads. That doesnt reflect any desire for a ceasefire on the other side, the commander comments. Its all bullshit, Sasha adds from behind the wheel of the vehicle, while playing solitaire on his cell phone, waiting to continue along the road. The driver alternates between that screen and the small device confirming the presence of enemy drones. And Odin returns to the attack: A Zela has us blocked here while peace talks are supposedly taking place. Peace and ceasefire, he adds, amid skeptical laughter. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Many Irish people pride themselves on the fact that Ireland is practically a gun-free nation. When looking at the atrocities committed so regularly in the US by mass shooters, we comfort ourselves that something of that nature could never happen here. The events at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow town last Sunday night have perhaps shaken that belief somewhat. The self-inflicted death of 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald, who was already on bail and facing charges for the illegal possession of various firearms, while in possession of a shotgun gives rise to many questions. How the young man came to the attention of the gardai in the first place is well-documented. A man with an admitted fascination with firearms, he and two associates ordered a number of high-powered weapons via the dark web only to be apprehended by gardai soon after acquiring them in March of last year. They had come into possession of a handgun, an automatic rifle, and over 40 rounds of ammunition. Prior to his death, Mr Fitzgerald was facing at least 13 charges of possessing firearms, ammunition, and explosive substances. He had been released on bail on strict conditions pending trial. Gardai believe that he had been suffering from mental health problems prior to the shopping centre incident. The first question is: How did a man with a known fascination for guns, who had no valid gun licence in his possession, come to be able to walk through a shopping centre with a fully-licensed shotgun? The second question is: Was this incident an aberration? Could it happen again? When one looks into the subject, one becomes aware for the first time of an unexpected statistic: Ireland might have a reputation for being gun-free, but that is simply not the case in practice. According to the most recent annual report from An Garda Siochana, valid as at the end of 2023, there were roughly 204,000 licensed firearms in the country at that date, with several thousand illegal versions seized across the year. Each of those weapons would require an individual licence. Put in simple terms, with an adult population of 3.8m people, roughly 5% of that cohort per capita owns a firearm a massive figure by any standards. 'Huge hobby' That still leaves us far adrift of the US, which has about 120 guns for every 100 population, but it is nevertheless a significant figure for a country where law enforcement is typically not armed (the 5% figure is broadly in alignment with the number of firearms held by the British public). Its a huge hobby, says Pat Cooke, the proprietor of the Hilltop Gun Shop and Ranges in Newtownmountkennedy, Wicklow, and one of Irelands many registered firearms dealers. He explains that the enthusiasm for shooting as a sport takes many different guises. It depends on what kind of sport someone is into. Theres clay pigeon shooting, which is huge. Game shooting. Hunting. Then there is just target shooting, which is huge again, Mr Cooke says, noting that the day prior to our conversation he had a customer in his shop who had just returned from Britain, where he had travelled to take part in a target shooting competition. Quite a few people travel during the hunting season to shoot game in Africa, the 74-year-old says. I used to travel to Germany for shoots. Others go to Russia, Lithuania for super competitions. Quite a lot of people travel to Australia for world shoots Asked what kinds of guns people are looking to acquire when they walk through his door, the broad response is: Handguns and rifles, it varies. Asked how he first came to love shooting, Mr Cooke says he has been involved in the sport from when I was a youngster, when there were far more younger people attracted to it than there are now. When they were 16, theyd start shooting. Wed walk hail, rain, and snow for the sport with a dog and a gun, he said. We didnt sit at computers all day long, because we didnt have any. So how complicated is it to get a gun in Ireland? Well, there are two stages. The first is to apply for a licence via An Garda Siochana, a process which has no definite timeframe but will, by and large, take weeks into months to complete, according to sources. Gardai have been piecing together the last hours of 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald since Sunday when he fired a shotgun inside Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow before turning the gun on himself. There is one certainty regarding licensed firearms in Ireland so far as the gardai are concerned: If you want a gun, you need to have a good reason. The majority of licences relate to farming, other professional agricultural requirements, and hunting. If you want to own a firearm in this country for recreation, then you need to be a member of one of the roughly 970 gun clubs in the country. One key difference between the US and here is that there is one reason that will not fly under any circumstances when it comes to applying for a licence in Ireland: You cannot hold a gun here legally for the reason of your own security or self-defence. Firearm application To apply for a licence, the application is made directly to the local garda superintendent, a person who also has the power to revoke same. The process itself is not a pro forma one. Once an application has gone in, the applicant will be subject to a garda interview. Their living space will be inspected to see where the gun will be kept. All guns have to be kept under secure lock and key by their owners, while ammunition has to be stored separately in an inaccessible area. The applicant will be given guidance on the implementation of Irelands firearms legislation. Every gun, meanwhile, requires a separate licence, meaning the process has to be repeated for every firearm without exception. Then, once a licence has been obtained, the aspiring gun-owner can go about sourcing the firearm they desire. A lot of those guns will be purchased from the aforementioned firearms dealerships. Some others will be imported. Receiving a gun in the post is not permitted, as every firearm has to be checked by the gardai to ensure it conforms to standards. In Mr Cookes case, all firearms are sold in person. I do it all over the counter. I had bad experiences with couriers, so I try not to use them The problem is that the case of Mr Fitzgerald shows that the strict rules that are in place can be circumvented. Mr Fitzgerald didnt have a valid licence himself. Even if he had, it likely would have been revoked given the charges he was facing. However, the shotgun he used was legally held just not by him. Given that rules can be gotten around, are we somewhat fortunate that incidents such as that which occurred in Carlow dont happen more often? It doesnt happen more because the regulations are in place, and there is a lot of process around the system, says a source. Even if someone is involved in say a domestic violence incident, their situation would be reviewed. The regulations come down to the wording that only a person suitable to hold a firearm may own one. Asked about the incident in Carlow, Mr Cooke says it is something that shouldnt have happened. He adds that none of us know the true story. If anyone has any marks on their character at all, they wont have a licence. I have gotten calls from gardai about people asking is there any doubt about them at all. I cannot give anything out, be it firearms or ammunition, you cannot even ask if you dont have a licence, he says. One aspect of the conversation Mr Cooke objects to is the suggestion that obtaining a gun is the equivalent of acquiring a weapon. When someone is looking for a gun, they are looking for a firearm. A hammer is a weapon. We class guns as what they are, he says. He disputes that people with bad intentions could seek to acquire a gun legally. They have to go through all the rigmarole to get a licence, and they have to fit all the criteria, he says. Not that he has experienced any trouble at his own dealership. Absolutely, there has been very little crime. When it comes down to it, 99.9% of gunholders in this country are very reliable people, he says. I will be thinking of Lizzie ONeill, also known as Honour Bright, this Monday on the centenary of her murder on June 9, 1925, aged just 25. Her death caused by a single bullet to the heart rocked the new Irish state, not least because Leopold Dillon, a former superintendent of the Civic Guard, and Patrick Purcell, a doctor from Wicklow, were tried for her murder. It was a sensational trial which recounted a hideous tale of a night of debauchery, as prosecutor William Carrigan described it, to a packed Central Criminal Court in Dublin in February 1926. Yet, it took the jury just three minutes to acquit the high-profile defendants. Three minutes. That is not to say they reached the wrong decision. The revolver owned by one of the accused, Dr Purcell, could not have been the one used to kill Ms ONeill, the court heard. HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading And while the men were freed, their reputations were in shreds; Dr Purcell was forced to leave his Wicklow practice and emigrate to the UK, while Dillon was dismissed from the police and is thought to have left for Canada. What has always bothered me, though, is that Lizzie ONeills reputation was also left in shreds. In court, she was described as an unhappy girl of the unfortunate class and a woman who, through some cursed necessity, was compelled to seek her livelihood on the streets at night. It didnt help that the only surviving image of her was the police photo showing her dead body in a field in Ticknock on the outskirts of Dublin, surrounded by gawping onlookers Nobody has ever been convicted of her murder in a case that has generated much fevered speculation. But that is not the focus of this weeks column which, instead, is dedicated to trying to restore a little bit of respect to a young woman on the centenary of her death. Lets start by recalling this single, overlooked detail. During the trial, Superintendent Reynolds gave evidence that her pockets contained a purse, some other small articles and a rosary beads. A rosary beads. Interpret that as you will, but it is a tiny shred of evidence that helps us to counter the reductive image of a woman so misrepresented during the trial. She not only lost her life but her dignity and good name, a phenomenon that endures to this very day. There was no mention during the court case, either, that Lizzie (as her friends called her) was the mother of a young son. Kevin Barry ONeill was born on November 9, 1920, in the Coombe Hospital in Dublin. The fact she named him for the IRA volunteer and medical student executed just days before says something about the new mother. Like Barry, she had a link to Carlow. Perhaps she was acknowledging that shared connection or maybe she was voicing her support for an independent Ireland. Artist Holly Christine Callaghan restores some dignity to Lizzie O'Neill, aka Honour Bright, in her portrait of the young woman whose murder caused a sensation a century ago. Census returns tell us that Lizzie, born Elizabeth, ONeill was living with her parents, Elizabeth and John ONeill, a printer, lino-operator, in College Street, in Carlow in 1911. She was the second eldest of the couples seven children, three boys and four girls. All the family, and the boarder Patrick Hanrahan, a sacristan, are listed as Roman Catholic and, we can see that 11-year-old Elizabeth was going to school. Shes listed as a scholar who can speak Irish and English. She moved to Dublin when she was about 18 and, according to an account in a book by John Finegan in 1995, she got an apprenticeship at a drapery store in Lower Camden Street. He offers this uplifting, though unattributed, vignette: People who knew Lil [she was known as Lil and Lily] ONeill when she first arrived from the country described her as an attractive, fresh-complexioned, warm-hearted girl, with brown hair and deep brown eyes. She loved dancing too, a detail mentioned by Finegan and her granddaughter, and was apparently a regular at the citys dance-halls and ballrooms despite the political turbulence of the time. Pregnancy We know she got pregnant a year after her arrival in Dublin, but nothing of the man she may have hoped would support her. When he did not, she lost her job and the accommodation that went with it. It is hard to find documentary proof of what happened next, but it seems Lily found a foster mother for her child and paid for his upkeep weekly. We know from court reports that she was living in Newmarket in the Liberties at the time of her death. On the night of June 8, she and her friend Madge Bridie Hopkins were working on St Stephens Green when they met the two men later accused of her murder. She had assumed the name Honour Bright a few years before. Some said it was because she was fond of the colloquial phrase, honour bright, which meant on my honour or honestly (for example: Ill do that, honour bright). It adds another layer of poignancy to think of this young woman adding her bond of honour to the end of her sentences. Or perhaps her pseudonym was her attempt to separate her work persona from her private one, a mother who one day hoped to earn enough money to care for her son. We will never know but what we can do is attempt to pick her up from that lonely field in Ticknock and remember her as she might have been in life Newspaper reports described her as a woman of about five foot four, with chestnut brown hair. She was wearing a black hat, a grey tweed suit with a mauve silk blouse, black patent leather shoes with T-straps and silk stockings. Her hair was in a bob. That in itself says something because, on the same day her trial opened, the Irish Independent ran an article by suffragist Agnes Maude Royden, observing that many women were bobbing their hair even though men, in general, preferred them to wear it long. It was a sign, she said, that women were thinking for themselves and acting accordingly. We might think of Lizzie ONeill, then, as a young woman who was trying, against the odds, to be independent so that she might raise her son. To help us imagine and remember the woman she was, artist Holly Christine Callaghan completed this beautiful portrait: Her story really moved me, she says. It reminds me a lot of Black Dahlia (Elizabeth Short, an American woman whose murder in 1947 was highly publicised because of the mutilation of her body), and similar discarded women. I was really struck by how victims are just erased, and rarely honoured properly. At least Honours son and her late granddaughter, Patricia Hughes, tried very hard to find out more about her death. In her book, Hughes developed an elaborate though speculative theory that her grandmothers murder was a conspiracy to cover up her connection to the poet WB Yeats. If you take the time to read through the reports of the trial, a question emerges about the taxi-driver who gave Lizzie ONeill a lift on the night of her murder. One witness said she saw him with a revolver in the summer of 1925, but there is no more than that. On June 9, all we can do is think of Lizzie or Lily ONeill as a person, snuffed out in the prime of her life. Perhaps we might mark her anniversary by calling for greater recognition of victims in court. Victim Impact Statements were introduced in 1993. Maybe it is time to introduce something like a Victim Profile Statement in murder trials so that victims are no longer lost in the evidence that follows. We might think of it as a small honour in memory of Honour, and the very many others who have been overshadowed in the legal process. Leamlara, Co Cork 850,000 Size 412 sq m (4435 sq ft) Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 BER C3 A CHAP skilled at turning concepts in to blueprints, and with the technical nous to design his own home, gave free reign to his creativity when drawing up plans for this distinctive Leamlara property. Draughtsman Kevin ORiordan had a store of knowledge by the time he and his wife, Linda, got down to researching the kind of home they would like. They built the house in Ballyvatta while the Celtic Tiger was still rumbling and didnt scrimp on any of the materials. The warm, earthy hues of Ballydesmond stone are everywhere. It took 14 truckloads of stone in total, and it took two stonemasons six weeks to build the fireplace, Kevin says. The masons did a remarkable job. The stone chimney breast sweeps up through two floors into the vaulted, double-height ceiling. Its outdone only by the showstopping glazed wall of windows that rises into the vault, delivering stunning countryside views. When you come here first, you think its remote, but, actually, were only 10 minutes from Glounthaune and 15 minutes from Midleton, and Watergrasshill village is a three-minute spin, Kevin says. Their home, named Suaimhneas (Tranquility), has a touch of west coast US about the interior. The entire ground floor is largely open plan and steps down through three levels. The towering chimney breast acts as a divider between the dining area and lounge and has a double-aspect gas fire. The kitchen, with cherry timber units and granite worktops, is off to one side. Italian Travertine flooring runs throughout the ground floor. Underfloor heating runs through the house, as the upstairs floors are also concrete. Much of the internal work is bespoke (eg, the impressive, handmade, solid-walnut stairs, which leads to a mezzanine lounge, with terrific light levels). Three of four bedrooms are upstairs, with en-suite bath and separate shower and his and her walk-in wardrobes in the main. Theres a downstairs bedroom and the option of turning a study in to a fifth. As Suaimhneas is set on 1.7 acres (mainly lawn), the couple had plenty of space to create patio areas. The main one is accessed off the large lounge and also the utility room. There are no less than four sets of patio doors to different seating areas. One of the most impressive details is the time it took to build the house. Given its huge size c 4,500 sq ft, with plenty of room to entertain 20 at Christmas dinner its no mean feat that it was done and dusted in 18 months. We started work on March 1, 2005 and we moved in on September 1, 2006, says Kevin, who project-managed the build. Twenty years later, and as they spend more time overseas, the couple are downsizing and selling up. Ed ODonovan, of Sherry FitzGerald ODonovan, says its a magnificent property, with incredible attention to detail and an abundance of living space. Hes seeing good interest from house hunters looking to move out of Cork City to the countryside, yet less than 15 minutes from the Jack Lynch Tunnel. The house comes with a double garage. Mr ODonovans price for this striking home is 850,000. VERDICT: A home that cuts quite a dash with great attention to detail and high-end finishes. A man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador has been returned to the United States to face criminal charges. Kilmar Abrego Garcia faces charges related to what US President Donald Trumps government said was a large human smuggling operation that brought immigrants into the country illegally. His abrupt release from El Salvador is the latest twist in a saga that sparked a months-long standoff between Trump administration officials and the courts over a deportation that officials initially acknowledged was done in error but then continued to stand behind in apparent defiance of orders by judges to facilitate his return to the US. The development occurred after US officials presented El Salvador President Nayib Bukele with an arrest warrant for federal charges in Tennessee accusing Abrego Garcia of playing a key role in smuggling immigrants into the country for money. He is expected to be prosecuted in the US and, if convicted, will be returned to his home country of El Salvador at the conclusion of the case, officials said. This is what American justice looks like, US attorney general Pam Bondi said in announcing Abrego Garcias return and the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. The indictment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia that charges him with transporting people who were in the United States illegally (AP Photo/Jon Elswick) Abrego Garcias lawyers called the case baseless. Theres no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy, lawyer Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Federal magistrate judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville, Tennessee, determined that Abrego Garcia will be held in custody until at least next Friday, when there will be an arraignment and detention hearing. Abrego Garcia appeared in court wearing a short-sleeved, white, buttoned shirt. When asked if he understood the charges, he told the judge through an interpreter: Yes. I understand. Democrats and immigrant rights groups had pressed for Abrego Garcias release, with several politicians including senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, where Abrego Garcia had lived for years even travelling to El Salvador to visit him. A federal judge had ordered him to be returned in April and the US Supreme Court rejected an emergency appeal by directing the government to work to bring him back. But the news that Abrego Garcia, who had an immigration court order preventing his deportation to his native country over fears he would face persecution from local gangs, was being brought back for the purpose of prosecution was greeted with dismay by his lawyers. The case also prompted the resignation of a top supervisor in the US attorneys office in Nashville, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel matter. Ben Schrader, who was chief of the offices criminal division, did not explain the reason for his resignation but posted to social media around the time the indictment was being handed down, saying: It has been an incredible privilege to serve as a prosecutor with the Department of Justice, where the only job description Ive ever known is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons. He declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press on Friday. Republicans fearful about potential consequences of a prolonged feud between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are urging the pair to call a truce. At a minimum, the explosion of animosity between the two powerful men could complicate the path forward for Republicans massive tax and border spending legislation that has been promoted by Mr Trump but criticised by Mr Musk. I hope it doesnt distract us from getting the job done that we need to, said representative Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Washington state. I think that it will boil over and theyll mend fences. As of Friday afternoon, Mr Musk was holding his fire, posting about his various companies on social media rather than attacking the president. Mr Trump departed the White House for his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, without stopping to talk to reporters who shouted questions about his battle with Mr Musk. The feud could hinder the progress of a key piece of legislation for the Trump administration (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) I hope that both of them come back together because when the two of them are working together, well get a lot more done for America than when theyre at cross purposes, senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, told Fox News host Sean Hannity. Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, sounded almost pained on social media as Mr Trump and Mr Musk volleyed insults at each other, sharing a photo composite of the two men and writing, But I really like both of them. Who else really wants @elonmusk and @realDonaldTrump to reconcile? Mr Lee posted, later adding: Repost if you agree that the world is a better place with the Trump-Musk bromance fully intact. So far, the feud between Mr Trump and Mr Musk is probably best described as a moving target, with plenty of opportunities for escalation or detente. Repost if you agree that the world is a better place with the Trump-Musk bromance fully intact@elonmusk @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/ivHNkJQ07J pic.twitter.com/E5H2HE1KtD Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) June 6, 2025 One person familiar with the presidents thinking said Mr Musk wants to speak with Mr Trump, but that the president does not want to do it or at least do it on Friday. In a series of conversations with television news presenters on Friday morning, Mr Trump showed no interest in burying the hatchet. Asked on ABC News about reports of a potential call between him and Mr Musk, the president responded: You mean the man who has lost his mind? Mr Trump added in the ABC interview that he was not particularly interested in talking to Mr Musk at the moment. Still, others remained hopeful that it all would blow over. I grew up playing hockey and there wasnt a single day that we played hockey or basketball or football or baseball, whatever we were playing, where we didnt fight. And then wed fight, then wed become friends again, Mr Hannity said on his show on Thursday night. Acknowledging that it got personal very quick, Mr Hannity nonetheless added that the rift was just a major policy difference. House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson projected confidence that the dispute would not affect prospects for the tax and border bill. House speaker Mike Johnson is confident the tax and border bill will pass (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Members are not shaken at all, the Republican said. Were going to pass this legislation on our deadline. He added that he hopes Mr Musk and Mr Trump reconcile, saying I believe in redemption and its good for the party and the country if all thats worked out. But he also had something of a warning for the billionaire entrepreneur. Ill tell you what, do not doubt and do not second-guess and dont ever challenge the president of the United States, Donald Trump, Mr Johnson said. He is the leader of the party. Hes the most consequential political figure of this generation and probably the modern era. Israel says it has retrieved the body of a Thai hostage kidnapped and taken into Gazaon October 7, 2023. The countrys prime ministers office said on Saturday that the body of Thai citizen Nattapong Pinta was returned to Israel in a special military operation. The announcement comes as Israel continues its military offensive across the strip, killing at least 22 people overnight, according to health officials. Mr Pinta was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity near the start of the war, said the Israeli government. This comes two days after the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages were retrieved. Fifty-five hostages remain in Gaza, of whom Israel says more than half are dead. Israels defence minister said on Saturday that Mr Pintas body was retrieved from the Rafah area. He had come to Israel from Thailand to work in agriculture. A statement from the hostage forum, which supports the hostages, said it stands with Mr Pintas family and shares in their grief. It called on the countrys decision makers to bring home the remaining hostages and give those who have died a proper burial. Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive by Hamas militants. Many of the Thai agricultural workers lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, and Hamas militants overran those places first. A total of 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, according to Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The retrieval of Mr Pintas body comes as Israel continues its military campaign across Gaza. Hospital officials said they received the bodies of nearly two dozen people on Saturday. One strike hit a flat killing seven people, including a mother and five children. Their bodies were taken to Shifa hospital. Israel said on Saturday that it is responding to Hamass barbaric attacks and is dismantling its capabilities. It said it follows international law and takes all feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm. Saturday, Jun 7th, 2025 (12:01 am) - Score 3,560 ISPreview has uncovered that the Scottish Government (SG) have stopped their tender for a supplier to deliver on the proposed 43m (state aid) Project Gigabit broadband roll-out scheme in Fife, Perth and Kinross (Lot 4 Scotland). This had been expected to help expand full fibre (FTTP) connectivity to an estimated 28,441 premises in hard-to-reach rural areas. The SG is already working to expand FTTP coverage in these areas as part of their existing 600m Reaching 100% (R100) contract with Openreach (BT), which is due to reach completion by 2027/28. But that will still leave some premises unserved by gigabit-capable broadband, which is where the follow-on Project Gigabit scheme supported by the UK Government (Building Digital UK) was expected to focus. NOTE: The latest data from The latest data from Thinkbroadband indicates that 99% of premises in Fife can already access broadband speeds of 30Mbps+, which falls to 84% for gigabit speeds (1000Mbps+). As for Perth and Kinross, its 91.7% and 54%, respectively. The new 43.14m (state aid) Project Gigabit procurement for Fife, Perth and Kinross (Lot 4 Scotland) launched at the start of this year (here) and was aiming to award a chosen supplier in September 2025 (estimate). The contract would then remain in force for approximately 11 years comprising a build period of approximately 4 years, followed by an operational period of at least 7 years. It is the intention that the build period will be completed by the end of 2029, said the original contract notice. Advertisement In our earlier report we noted how several network operators had a presence in the area, including Openreach, Virgin Media (inc. nexfibre), Hyperoptic, Netomnia, GoFibre, CityFibre and Highland Broadband (Lothian Broadband). But we also suspected that most of those players either lacked the funding or had little interest in bidding on this sort of contract, including Openreach which tends to prefer cross-regional Type C procurements (Lot 4 was Type B Regional). However, this week saw the SG quietly update their contract notice for the ongoing procurement, which changed its status to be listed as not awarded, apparently due to a discontinuation of procedure. In short, the SG had chosen to put the process on ice, albeit without giving much in the way of an explanation for what will inevitably cause a noticeable delay. But we were later informed that it was due to the strong impact of existing commercial builds. A Scottish Government spokesperson told ISPreview: The most recent data provided by broadband suppliers shows there has been a significant increase in the number of premises which have been delivered to or are now included in commercial build plans since the Contract Notice for the Fife, Perth and Kinross procurement area was published in January 2025. It is positive to see such an increase in commercially-funded broadband roll out and this provides an opportunity for public subsidy to be refocused to where it is needed most. In agreement with the UK Government, we have therefore discontinued the procurement for Fife, Perth and Kinross in its current form and will engage with the supplier market to determine interest in bidding for a revised procurement in this area. The outcome of these discussions will inform next steps. Despite what the statement says, we arent aware of any major new commercial builds taking place in this part of Scotland, at least not any that have surfaced since after the related procurement began. But both Openreach and Virgin Media (inc. nexfibre) are still fairly active across the same patch and so it may be that the SG is also reflecting build plans that were released just before the procurement began too. In addition, ISPreview also queried whether the separate, albeit related, 40.7m Project Gigabit procurement for Orkney & Shetland (here) was still ongoing and unaffected by the issues above. The SG told us that the procurement for Orkney and Shetland is indeed unaffected by this decision. In Spains most technologically-advanced village, there are no flying cars or humanoid robots. The mayor plays a Baroque lute. High-speed internet has yet to arrive. Its streets and stone walls deserted on a recent May afternoon are decorated with bronze plaques whose inscribed verses are recited by the authors themselves. A decade ago, here in Juzbado in the province of Salamanca the poet Antonio Gamoneda read from one of his works: Theres black grass on the slopes and purple lilies among the shadows but what am I doing standing before the abyss? A roosters cock-a-doodle-doo and a storks croaking are the only sounds that can be heard on the streets. However, the Technological Employment Map of Spain, prepared by the Cotec Foundation, indicates that this peaceful community of 189 inhabitants is the Spanish municipality with the highest percentage of workers in the technology sector: more than 91%. So where are they? The musicologist Fernando Rubio has been winning local elections for almost two decades. He recalls that when he first took office as mayor, he began receiving confusing calls at City Hall. Hello, Im calling from Juzbado. No youre not, youre calling from the factory, he would reply. Im in Juzbado." Rubio is referring to Spains only uranium plant, a double-fenced bunker opened in 1985 by the National Uranium Company (ENUSA). Its located just under two miles from the village center. The facility, which employs 381 workers, has twice the population of the municipality. So, little by little, it also took on the name Juzbado. The hustle and bustle of the factory, which even has night shifts, contrasts with the peaceful tranquility of the village. The factory supplies uranium to around 20 nuclear power plants across Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden and Finland. Around 17% of the electricity in Spanish homes, as well as the energy of tens of millions of Europeans, depends on the fuel pellets that are processed on the outskirts of this tiny location in Salamanca province. Juzbado, the most technologically-advanced town in Spain, with its uranium plant in the distance. Ayuntamiento de Juzbado The newspaper archives kept by EL PAIS reflect the protests that the project sparked in its early days. Many towns dont want the factory, proclaimed the then-mayor, back in 1980. The journalist described Juzbado as a town without asphalt and without unemployment, where residents lived off their own land and their few heads of cattle. There were fears of genetic mutations in human beings. Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the barbed wire fence. Today, after 40 years of operation, there are no reports of serious safety problems or radioactive emissions but the annual drills are a reminder that this isnt just any ordinary factory. Three years ago, workers rehearsed what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. The scenario was a supposed act of arson, to divert attention from the placement of a bomb. ENUSA is a public company; 60% is owned by the State Industrial Holdings Company (SEPI), which is part of the Ministry of Finance. The remaining 40% is controlled by the Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT), part of the Ministry of Science. Its annual turnover is around 300 million ($341 million). The 10 residents surveyed by EL PAIS believe that this lucrative uranium monoculture, which has been growing for decades, should have contributed more to Juzbados development. We dont have high-speed internet; well have it by the end of the year, because the State Secretariat for Telecommunications is implementing universal broadband. Right now, we have fairly mediocre internet, its patchy, laments the mayor, a member of the ruling Socialist Workers Party (PSOE). Benedicto Martin is a retiree. He used to have a maintenance job at the uranium factory in Juzbado, Salamanca. Emilio Fraile Fernando Rubio a specialist in Baroque and Renaissance music teaches at the University of Salamanca, but lives with his family in Juzbado, on a cliff with impressive views of the Tormes River. Ironically, as the mayor of Spains most technologically-advanced municipality, as soon as he took office he embraced poetry. Every year, since 2008, the best Spanish-language poets have come to this community to recite their verses, which are then engraved on bronze plaques. Since youre not safe from anything, try to be the salvation of something, proclaimed the Uruguayan poet Ida Vitale, winner of the Miguel de Cervantes Prize. The pigeons coo in their nests. And, in the distance a bell can be heard a small heartbeat that calls on us to live close to the mystery, recited Francisca Aguirre, who won the 2018 National Prize for Spanish Literature. The mayor strolls through the narrow streets filled with engraved verses, until he reaches the towns only bar, El Toral, run by Lourdes Garcia. An 84-year-old man, Benedicto Martin, comes in and orders a glass of wine. He explains that he worked half his life in la nuclear, as they used to call it. Another local resident, 71, orders a glass of beer. His name is Antonio Ruiz, like the bullfighter [nicknamed] Espartaco. He participated in the construction of the factory and then stayed on, processing uranium fuel pellets until his retirement. No one at the bar can accept the fact that Juzbado is the Spanish municipality with the highest percentage of workers in the technology sector. Theyre not people from Juzbado; were the same old people here, Ruiz scoffs. Theres bitterness in his voice, because his son hasnt found a job at the factory. Everyone in the village knows everyone else, yet the mayor and the locals can barely name 15 people who live in Juzbado and also work at the uranium factory. Informational brochures at El Toral, the only bar in the town of Juzbado Emilio Fraile Entering the factory isnt easy. This newspaper requested a visit from ENUSA on April 7, following the publication of the report that ranked Juzbado as the most technologically-advanced municipality in Spain. After a few weeks, the publicly-owned company proposed May 13 as the date of a visit. During this waiting period, the mysterious massive blackout of April 28 placed uranium at the center of the political debate, with the right-wing Popular Party and far-right Vox demanding that the government extend the useful life of Spains seven nuclear reactors. The phased closure of these facilities is scheduled between 2027 and 2035. Two weeks ago, in the Congress of Deputies, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, of the PSOE, proclaimed: Theres a lot of talk about nuclear power plants, but little talk about the fact that theres no uranium in Spain. Therefore, well have to import it. Where will it come from? The PP immediately responded on social media: We have more uranium than Pedro Sanchez is [aware] of, referring to the reserves of more than 34,000 tons of low-quality uranium found in the Spanish subsoil particularly in Salamanca according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Hours later, Sanchez made a clarification: The uranium deposits that exist in Spain stopped being exploited decades ago because they were absolutely unviable from an economic point of view, [while also being] highly-polluting. ENUSA closed its last uranium mine in 2000, during the right-wing administration of Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, of the PP (1996-2004). The public company has spent more than $120 million on the environmental restoration of that mine, in Saelices el Chico, another municipality in the province of Salamanca. Pablo Vega, director of ENUSAs uranium plant in Juzbado, Salamanca. Emilio Fraile The Juzbado-based plant is primarily dedicated to converting uranium oxide powder which is purchased from other countries, primarily Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Namibia, Russia, Niger and Canada into fuel pellets. Each pellet less than half-an-inch in diameter generates the same amount of energy as a ton of coal, enough to last a family for a year. Pablo Vega, the facilitys director, sat down with EL PAIS in a meeting room. According to his figures, 23 of his workers (6%) are linked to Juzbado, either by birth or residence. As a public company, I cant say: Ill [hire] people from this town. If a position opens up, anyone can apply under equal conditions, he argues. Cotecs Technological Employment Map analyzes Social Security affiliation data in all of Spains municipalities. Juzbado has 411 employees, with 375 of them dedicated to technological activities. Most of the facilitys employees, however, live in the city of Salamanca, about 15 miles away. Buses make the trip every day. Having a factory in the municipality clearly represents an opportunity for young people and [guarantees] a stable population. And, logically, local authorities benefit from the taxes, says Vega, a 51-year-old industrial engineer originally from Zamora who now lives in Salamanca. The mayor has outlined the impact of the factory on the town. ENUSA owns more than 1,500 acres almost 40% of the land as well as heritage properties across the municipality. The City Council owns only 1%. The council receives about $250,000 each year from ENUSA, primarily from property and business taxes, which represents a third of its total income. The salary of the president of ENUSA alone, however, exceeds 245,000 or $278,000 annually. The position has been held for three years by Mariano Moreno, the former director-general of the PSOEs Federal Executive Commission. A resident of Juzbado carries a bucket of water through the town's streets on May 13, 2025 Emilio Fraile The Juzbado plant, as Vega emphasizes, is classified as a strategic facility for the European Union. There are only three other similar facilities: in Lingen (Germany), Vasteras (Sweden) and Romans-sur-Isere (France). The directors mission is to continue producing uranium after the Spanish nuclear reactors shut down in 2035. The plant already exports 65% of its production. And ENUSA has signed an agreement with an American company, Westinghouse, to manufacture fuel for the Russian-designed VVER reactors in Europe. Juzbado will help Finland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria avoid dependence on the autocratic Vladimir Putin. Mayor Rubio, a leader in his partys fight against depopulation, has reflected extensively on the slow death of towns, many of which have been condemned to accept mega-farms that deliver the final blow with their foul odors. [The autonomous community of] Castilla y Leon has the sad honor of having seven of the ten regions in all of Spain that are at extreme risk of depopulation. In [the province of] Salamanca, we have three: Campo Charro, Vitigudino and Ledesma. We have a practically desert-like population density, he sighs. One of the big problems, Rubio continues, is that rural areas have lost their self-esteem. Its in the fatalism of a predetermined destiny: were going to empty out. We need to radically change that dynamic, he argues. There are [cliches] that the vast majority of politicians in this country use, such as that there must be jobs and infrastructure [to repopulate empty Spain]. But the better your job, the more likely you are to leave [your hometown]. And fixing the roads has essentially served to encourage people to flee. Its essential to have jobs and roads, but thats no longer enough. Nobody is going to go live somewhere because they have a job right next door [to their house] if theyre going to rot in the afternoon, with absolutely nothing to do. Cultural development is needed, he proclaims. Were vibrant people. One of the poems engraved on the walls of Juzbado speaks about the precision of language. Expectant words, fabulous in themselves, promises of possible meanings (...) a brief error turns them ornamental. Their indescribable precision erases us, recited Ida Vitale. Juzbado may be the most technologically-advanced town in Spain thanks to the uranium plant that sits on its outskirts, but this Cervantes Prize winner searched for and found another adjective: I am enraptured; I have discovered a divine town. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By Charles Kurzman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (The Conversation) 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. 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. 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. The thoroughness of the visa review process is evident in the numbers. 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. 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. If the travel ban is not really going to improve national security or public safety, then what is it about? 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. 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. Deporting Liberty, Digital, Midjourney, 2025 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. Charles Kurzman, Professor of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Oxford (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) The reports of the past few days are extremely worrying. The acrimonious and open split between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk will have major repercussions for US politics and for the rest of Trumps presidential term. Consequently, it will also have a negative impact on international politics, which is already very unstable. However, Ukraines attack on a large number of Russias strategic nuclear bombers is of a much higher level of danger that can certainly intensify the war between Russia and Ukraine. According to Ukrainian sources, as a result of a complex operation that had been prepared over 18 months, various trucks carrying drones and missiles had managed to penetrate deep inside Russia and had destroyed over a third of Russias strategic bombers. Even if the figures are exaggerated and the missiles have succeeded in destroying a fraction of what they claim, it has been an audacious and provocative venture. According to agreements between the United States and Russia, the two countries must keep their strategic nuclear bombers in the open so that each side knows what the other side is up to. To be able to penetrate at least four of these highly sensitive airfields and to destroy some 40 of these very expensive bombers is unprecedented. After his telephone conversation with President Putin, President Trump, in a tweet which he later deleted, wrote that Putin had vowed to retaliate strongly for those attacks on its nuclear sites. The question that arises is how and against whom Putin will retaliate, and whether those attacks would be limited to Ukraine or whether they will also target other countries which allegedly have been involved in those sophisticated attacks. Many international and nuclear experts have raised many questions about the nature and consequences of those attacks. Those attacks give rise to a number of important questions. First, did Ukraine plan and carry out those attacks by itself without any help from its Western allies or not? That scenario seems highly unlikely because Ukraine does not possess independent satellites to identify and carry out those attacks deep inside Russia. If it did it by itself, did it inform its allies or not? If it didnt, why did it keep such a provocative move secret from them? If it did inform them, how did they respond? Did they approve of those attacks, or did they try to stop them? If Ukraine did not inform its allies, it would be an act of monumental betrayal to the allies who have provided so much financial, military and political backing for Ukraine, enabling it to continue the war. It would be extremely discourteous, to say the least, if she did not inform them of those attacks that affect international peace and security and may get them involved in a war, maybe a nuclear war. Second, did the US and European intelligence organisations know of that highly dangerous move or not? If they didnt, why not? How could they have been kept in the dark about such a major move by one of their allies, which had taken over a year to plan and carry out? How much credibility would they have if they had not discovered such a major operation that had taken such a long time to plan and execute, with potentially disastrous consequences for them and for the whole world? If the US and European intelligence organisations knew about it, did they keep it to themselves, or did they inform their respective governments, as they should have done? If they kept their governments ignorant of what was going on, is this not the worst example of the machinations of the Deep State? Is it not highly irresponsible of them to go above the head of the elected officials and keep them ignorant of such a momentous event that could endanger international peace and security? If intelligence organisations did inform their elected masters, how did they react? Most importantly, how did President Trump, who says that he wants to be seen as a peace president, react to that information? In his telephone conversation with President Putin, he allegedly told the Russian leader that he knew nothing about it. The question that arises is, why did he not know about it? As the commander-in-chief of the worlds mightiest army, who is also in charge of the worlds most sophisticated intelligence organisations, why was he not informed of such a move of global significance? There are really no good answers to any of these questions. The least that needs to be done is for Western leaders, especially the US president, to order a thorough investigation of what has gone wrong and who has been responsible for such a consequential omission, and heads must roll. At such a dangerous period in world history, intelligence organisations should not be allowed to run a shadow government and keep their masters ignorant of such events that could result in a global conflagration. The Russian invasion of Ukraine started on 24 February 2022 and has been going on for nearly three and a half years. During that period, hundreds of thousands of Russians and Ukrainians have been killed, and many more have been wounded. Out of a pre-war population of 41 million, about eight million Ukrainians have been internally displaced, and more than 8.2 million have fled the country, creating Europes worst refugee crisis since the Second World War. Ukraine has suffered major destruction, and its economy has been shattered. The genocide in Gaza has continued for over 600 days. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, mainly women and children, have been killed and wounded. Due to Israels blockade of Gaza, no food, water, fuel, or medicine has been allowed to enter Gaza, and over two million civilians are on the verge of famine and starvation. Since the start of the war, in retaliation for Hezbollah rockets, Israel has invaded Lebanon, killing thousands of Hezbollah fighters and ordinary Lebanese. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to occupy large tracts in southern Lebanon and is violating the ceasefire almost daily. Netanyahu boasts that Israel has been instrumental in the invasion of Syria by HTS (former Al Qaida and ISIS terrorists) and the ouster of Bashar al-Assads government. Meanwhile, Israel has destroyed practically all of Syrias military assets and has occupied a large part of Syria. Israel attacked the Iranian Consulate building in Damascus on 1st April 2024 and killed 13 people, including seven members of Irans Quds Force. Two of those killed were a senior Quds Force commander and his deputy. Iran regarded those attacks as a violation of its sovereignty and attacked Israel with drones and missiles. Since then, there have been two more rounds of rocket and missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, and Netanyahu is working hard to get the United States involved in a major war with Iran. Disaster, Digital, Midjourney, 2025 As though the wars in Europe and the Middle East are not enough, in a keynote speech at a security conference in Singapore on 31st May, US Secretary of Defence Peter Hegseth spoke about an impending war with China over Taiwan. He said: We are not going to sugarcoat it the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent. He promised that Washington would bolster its defences overseas to counter what he described as a rapidly developing threat by Beijing. The world is on the brink of a major catastrophe. The so-called Doomsday Clock stands at 89 seconds to midnight. This is the closest it has ever been to a symbolic time representing a nuclear war and global Armageddon. Its time for all of us to pay attention to the impending doom and for our leaders to take serious action to reverse the course and take a step back from the precipice. There are serious disagreements between major powers, which should not be dismissed, but nothing is more important than saving humanity. If President Trump can leave behind some of his current distractions and find a solution to these daunting problems, he will deserve the Nobel Peace Prize. We need a new global security system supervised by a new global political architecture. The alternative would be too horrendous to contemplate. April Attack Killed 80 Civilians; Aid Delivery Hindered Human Rights Watch (Beirut) US military strikes on the Ras Issa Port in Hodeidah, Yemen, on April 17, 2025, caused dozens of civilian casualties and significant damage to port infrastructure, Human Rights Watch said today. The attack should be investigated as a war crime. As part of its military campaign against the Houthis, who control much of Yemen, that began on March 15, the United States targeted Ras Issa Port, one of three ports in the town of Hodeidah through which about 70 percent of Yemens commercial imports and 80 percent of its humanitarian assistance passes. Human Rights Watch identified via satellite imagery multiple attack sites. The independent research group Airwars found that the strikes killed 84 civilians and injured over 150. The US governments decision to strike Ras Issa Port, a critical entry point for aid in Yemen, while hundreds of workers were present demonstrates a callous disregard for civilians lives, said Niku Jafarnia, Yemen and Bahrain researcher at Human Rights Watch. At a time when the majority of Yemenis dont have adequate access to food and water, the attacks impact on humanitarian aid could be enormous, particularly after Trump administration aid cutbacks. Sources in Yemen said that the Houthis have threatened and reportedly arrested people from areas hit by US strikes for speaking to the media or nongovernmental organizations, making it difficult to verify information about the strikes. Human Rights Watch interviewed one person whose uncle was killed in the attack and two sources with knowledge of the destruction, including a staff member of Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, an independent research institute. Human Rights Watch also analyzed satellite imagery, reviewed photographs and videos of the attack site, and assessed data published by the Yemen Data Project, another nongovernmental group, and Airwars. Human Rights Watch wrote to the US Defense Department on May 8 with preliminary findings but received no response. Based on satellite imagery and other sources, the attacks on Ras Issa took place between the morning of April 17 and the morning of April 18. They destroyed fuel tanks and considerable areas of port infrastructure. Two sources said that several berths, the customs area, and cargo unloading facilities had been severely damaged or destroyed. Both sources said that initially after the attack, the destruction had significantly reduced the ports operations. Port operations are still limited. Airwars identified 84 civilians who were killed in the attack through analyzing social media posts. Forty-nine were people who worked at the port, several were truck drivers, and two were civil defense personnel. Others may have been workers family members. Three were identified as children. The list contained one person identified as a colonel, but who was not necessarily a military member. The Hodeidah Branch of the government-owned Yemen Oil Company posted photographs of 49 employees they said were killed. Human Rights Watch has not independently verified the identities of those who were killed. US Central Command said in an April 17 statement about the attacks: Today, US forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue that has funded Houthi efforts to terrorize the entire region for over 10 years. The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis. A United Nations spokesman stated that the secretary-general was alarmed by reports of significant damage to the port infrastructure and of possible oil leaks into the Red Sea, and that at least five humanitarian workers were reportedly injured. In a satellite image collected on the morning of April 18, long trails that appear to be fuel leaks are visible from the location of strikes and extending into the sea. The applicable international humanitarian law during the fighting in Yemen prohibits deliberate, indiscriminate, or disproportionate attacks on civilians and civilian objects. An attack not directed at a specific military objective is indiscriminate. An attack is disproportionate if the expected civilian loss is excessive compared to the anticipated military gain. When used by an armed force or non-state armed group, port facilities and oil storage tanks can be valid military objectives. However, attacking the port fuel depot because it is an economic source of power of the Houthis or provides them revenue would make virtually any entity that provided economic benefit subject to military attack. Under UN Security Council Resolution 2534 (2020), the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement is mandated to oversee Hodeidah city and the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Salif to ensure that no military personnel or material are present. No information has been made public indicating that weapons or military supplies were stored at or delivered to the port, or that the oil, monitored under Resolution 2534, was being diverted to the Houthi military, which would make the US attack unlawfully indiscriminate. However, even if the attack were against valid military objectives, the harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure most likely made the attack unlawfully disproportionate. In addition to the civilian casualties, the damage to the port facilities would appear to inflict excessive immediate and longer-term harm for many Yemenis who rely on the Hodeidah ports for survival. Under international humanitarian law, serious violations of the laws of war committed by individuals with criminal intent are war crimes. Commanders may be criminally liable under the principle of command responsibility if they knew or should have known about crimes their subordinates committed and failed to adequately prevent the crime or punish those responsible. The US should credibly and impartially investigate this and other attacks in Yemen with civilian casualties in apparent violation of the laws of war and provide prompt compensation or ex gratia payments to civilians harmed. These include an April 28 attack on a migrant detention center in Saada that killed dozens of migrants and asylum seekers. US airstrikes in Yemen began on March 15 and continued until May 6, when President Donald Trump announced an end to the strikes. The US Defense Department said it had carried out over 1,000 strikes in Yemen between March 15 and April 29. The US has been implicated in laws-of-war violations in Yemen since it began targeted killing operations in 2002 against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Those strikes continued until at least 2019 and killed many civilians, including 12 people attending a wedding in 2013. To Human Rights Watchs knowledge, the US has never acknowledged or provided compensation for civilians harmed in this or other unlawful attacks. Bombing Yemen, Digital, ChatGPT, 2025 The US also provided direct military assistance to the Saudi-led coalition in their conflict against the Houthis, starting in March 2015. Numerous coalition attacks during that conflict violated the laws of war. The recent US airstrikes in Yemen are just the latest causing civilian harm in the country over the past two decades, Jafarnia said. The Trump administration should reverse past US practice and provide prompt compensation to those unlawfully harmed. Via Human Rights Watch An aid ship with 12 activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, is nearing Gaza, having reached the Egyptian coast, organisers said Saturday. The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, left Sicily last week with a cargo of relief supplies "to break Israel's blockade on Gaza". "We are now sailing off the Egyptian coast," German human rights activist Yasemin Acar told AFP. "We are all good." Acar said the ship is now near Egypt's Alexandria coast and expects to reach Gaza by Monday morning. "We're about 288 miles away -- which means by Sunday evening we will likely be near Gaza's territorial waters," she added. The ship's crew nonetheless reported a series of drone sightings during the voyage. According to a video posted by the coalition on its social media platforms, a Hellenic Coast Guard Heron drone flew over the Madleen on Tuesday evening. Hours later, two other drones -- believed to be operated by the EU border agency Frontex -- approached the vessel. Another drone visited in the early hours of Thursday. Activists said the crew remains safe but believes the drone surveillance was intended to intimidate them. "We are fully aware of the potential consequences," Acar said. She added that the Madleen is sailing under a UK flag and approaching Gaza's territorial waters, which she described as "occupied by Israel". "If Israel attacks us, it would be yet another war crime." "We would not be on this mission if we did not believe we could reach Gaza." - Safe passage - In London, the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza -- a member organisation of the flotilla coalition -- said it remains in contact with international legal and human rights bodies to ensure the safety of those on board. It warned that any interception would be "a blatant violation of international humanitarian law". European parliament member Rima Hassan, who is on board the boat, urged governments to "guarantee safe passage for the Freedom Flotilla". She also said more than 200 European lawmakers have signed an open letter to Israel calling for the Madleen to be allowed to reach Gaza and for the "immediate entry of its humanitarian cargo". In a statement on Friday, Amnesty International described the voyage as an "important solidarity initiative" and said there was "no justification" for obstructing humanitarian aid amid what it called "one of the worst manmade humanitarian disasters in the world". Aboard the boat are nationals of Germany, France, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands. In May, another Freedom Flotilla ship, the Conscience, reported coming under drone attack while en route to Gaza, prompting Cyprus and Malta to send rescue vessels in response to its distress call. There were no reports of any casualties. Israel has enforced a naval blockade on Gaza for years before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the war in the Palestinian territory. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition was founded in 2010 to oppose this blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. Alongside the flotilla, the Global March to Gaza -- another international initiative aiming to draw attention to the blockade -- is preparing a coordinated campaign. The two groups have formed a joint committee to synchronise their efforts. The Global March to Gaza plans to gather in Cairo on June 12 before travelling by bus a day later to Al-Arish near Egypt's border with Gaza. From there, over 2,700 participants from more than 50 countries will walk on foot to the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing, camping there for a few days before returning to Cairo on June 19, organisers told AFP. Israel has faced mounting international condemnation over the resulting humanitarian crisis in the territory, where the United Nations has warned that the entire population of more than two million is at risk of famine. Malaysian actress Bella Astillah and politician Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman are once again taking center stage as speculation surrounding their alleged romance has resurfaced following a recent viral on-stage incident. In a popular video clip that circulated on Instagram and TikTok, Syed Saddiq is seen presenting Bella with a pink rose during a public event as the crowd erupted into cheers. Bella, visibly surprised, smiled warmly and accepted the gesture, while Syed Saddiq exited the stage with a wide grin. The video clip, which has amassed hundreds of thousands of views across platforms, follows months of speculation about the pair's relationship. Rumors first circulated in January when the two appeared in a TikTok dance challenge together. At the time, fans quickly noted their apparent chemistry and growing closeness. Syed Saddiq, 31, a member of Malaysia's Parliament and former Minister of Youth and Sports, has not confirmed any romantic relationship. However, he has not shied away from public displays of affection. In a previous TikTok video, he declared, "Beauty? Bella Astillah," while looking directly at the camera. Bella, 30, divorced Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz for the second time in 2023 following allegations of infidelity. At a press conference last summer, she claimed Aziz had been involved with 11 women during their marriage, including her own sister. Fans have continued to speculate on Bella's relationship status, particularly after Syed Saddiq's mother was quoted as saying the pair reminded her of "Romeo and Juliet." Neither Bella nor Syed Saddiq has publicly confirmed a romantic relationship, but both have remained publicly supportive of one another, with reports suggesting their families approve of the potential pairing. Despite the public attention, neither party has responded to media inquiries regarding their current relationship status. The latest video has only added fuel to the fire, with social media flooded with comments such as "This is better than any K-Drama!" and "If this isn't love, what is?" As speculation continues to grow, fans await any official word from the pair. For now, their on-stage moment has captured the public's imagination and may be the clearest sign yet that romance is in the air. K-pop star G-Dragon has officially denied persistent dating rumors linking him to actress and former After School member Lee Jooyeon, marking the latest chapter in a years-long swirl of speculation. On Thursday, Galaxy Corporation, the rapper's agency, issued a statement firmly refuting claims that the two celebrities are in a romantic relationship. "We would like to clarify that the recent dating rumors involving G-Dragon and Lee Jooyeon, which continue to circulate, are not true," the agency said in its official statement. The renewed rumors stem from online speculation earlier this year when fans noticed similarities between the interior of a house in one of Lee's selfies and G-Dragon's known residence. Some netizens also claimed that a cat seen in Lee's photo appeared to be wearing a necklace previously spotted on G-Dragon's pet. Despite the social media sleuthing, Galaxy Corporation emphasized that there was no factual basis for the allegations. This is not the first time the pair has faced dating rumors. Since 2017, G-Dragon and Lee have been entangled in speculation multiple times, often triggered by sightings, social media posts, or anonymous tips. Neither party has ever confirmed a relationship. Meanwhile, G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, has also recently been linked to TWICE member Sana. That rumor, too, drew intense public attention, especially following G-Dragon's appearance on Sana's YouTube program, where he discussed relationships and marriage. The 36-year-old BIGBANG leader has kept his personal life largely private throughout his career, despite regular scrutiny from fans and media. With this latest denial, his agency appears intent on quelling any ongoing chatter. As of press time, Lee Jooyeon has not issued a separate comment. Friday, June 6, 2025 - Once high-flying Kenyan socialite, Vera Sidika, has accused Kenyan men of being jealous of successful women and doing everything to pull them down. The voluptuous socialite, known for never mincing her words, took to Instagram Stories with a statement that has set tongues wagging across the country. Noticed something? Some Kenyan men are jealous of women. Especially successful women. Some men are even jealous of their girlfriends and wives. Yes, it happens. Theres jealousy in relationships by the way, she wrote. Veras comments came in the wake of online chatter following her recent club-hosting appearance in Busia. Critics, especially on X (formerly Twitter), mockingly labeled her gig a recession indicator, suggesting a fall from grace. But Vera was quick to clap back, calling out the hate and setting the record straight. Seems like Kenyans have just discovered a new vocabulary, 'Recession indicator', she fired back. Kwani whats wrong with me making a club appearance in Busia? I love connecting with my fans in all parts of the country. Not stopping there, the mother of two doubled down on the narrative that some people are simply rooting for her downfall. People wish to see me broke so bad, but God keeps disappointing them. But hey, it's not a crime to be broke. So if me being broke tickles your nuts, good then, I am. The Kenyan DAILY POST BRUSSELS - Japan and the European Union are preparing to launch an "alliance" framework to beef up their companies' competitiveness by promoting trade and economic security cooperation, diplomatic sources said Saturday, facing concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and Chinese trade practices. The creation of the "Japan-EU Competitiveness Alliance" is expected to be announced at a regular summit meeting being arranged for July, when Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is likely to host European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, they said. The move will further align both sides' efforts to uphold a rules-based economic order, building on cooperation through a free trade agreement that removes tariffs and other trade barriers between the two economies, which account for 20 percent of the world's gross domestic product. Under the framework, Japan and the EU will work together to diversify supply chains for rare earth minerals in the face of China's export restrictions on the elements crucial for the production of smartphones and other high-tech products, according to the sources. They will also align subsidy conditions for environmental technology such as electric vehicle and hydrogen production to promote fair competition for manufacturers and reduce development costs. On the trade front, the two sides will seek to promote reform of the World Trade Organization that is deemed dysfunctional, with the United States dissatisfied with the global body's response to addressing Chinese trade practices and other issues. They will also seek to collaborate with the "Global South" emerging and developing economies as partners sharing values of free and fair trade as well as the rule of law, the sources said. The EU is also eager to cooperate with a vast trans-Pacific free trade agreement involving Japan and 10 other nations, plus Britain that joined the accord in 2023. Some inside the bloc have called for joining efforts in rulemaking, as members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership weigh better business environment for digital trade and climate change countermeasures. David Raleigh A serving Garda was found not guilty by a jury of charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice after allegations he sorted out motoring offences for drivers. Garda Tom Flavin was acquitted of a total of 22 counts of allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice by a jury at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court following an eight-day trial. On Friday, the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on 17 of the charges. Earlier the jury was directed by the trial judge, Colin Daly, to return not guilty verdicts in respect of five counts against Garda Flavin. The long serving and respected Co Limerick Garda, who had consistently denied all of the charges, was supported in court throughout the trial by a large gathering of family friends and colleagues. On Thursday, Garda Flavins barrister, senior counsel Mark Nicholas, instructed by solicitor Dan OGorman, urged the jury to acquit the garda of all of the charges, and said there was no evidence of wrongdoing by the accused. Garda Flavin was arrested and charged following an investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and ultimately accused of knowingly entering false motor insurance details on the Garda Pulse computer records system, in an attempt to frustrate potential prosecutions against persons for driving without insurance. His trial heard that 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 ten days of the traffic stop. All of the drivers involved nominated Rathkeale garda station, and, later, when the investigating garda in each of the traffic stops carried out follow up checks of Pulse they were satisfied the details entered indicated that the driver in each case was insured. However, the court heard some of the drivers were actually not insured and had actually been prosecuted in court after pleading guilty to driving without insurance. Mr Nicholas told the jury Mr Flavin was an exemplary garda who had served with dedication in Croom and Rathkeale, Co Limerick, for many years. The defence barrister had urged the jury to acquit and not fall into the trap of speculation, remarking to the jury that there was radically insufficient evidence to support a conviction against Garda Flavin. He (Mr Flavin) 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 in his closing speech, Thursday. Mr Nicholas 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. Mr Nicholas said the charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice, is an extraordinarily, serious allegation to make against a serving garda and that the State had nothing close to proving its case. The court heard evidence that persons had provided certain documents at Rathkeale garda station, where Garda Flavin was based at the time, however it was unclear who produced the documents nor was it clear what documents they produced. Fiona Murphy SC, prosecuting, had alleged that the evidence would show that Gda Flavin had sorted out the uninsured drivers by inputting data into Pulse to try to frustrate prosecutions against them. However, Ms Murphy had told the jury that the prosecution case was a circumstantial case with no direct evidence. Instead, the prosecution relies on indirect evidence, Ms Murphy said. Ms Murphy had explained to the jury that a statute of limitation of six months generally applied in respect of prosecuting offences of driving without insurance. She had argued that all of the relevant data entries into Pulse were entered under the ID of Thomas Flavin and she had alleged that Tom Flavin knew they (the drivers) were not covered (by insurance) and that he entered the details onto PULSE to ensure they (appeared) covered. 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 had alleged in court. However, after deliberating for three hours and 21 minutes, the jury disagreed and unanimously dismissed all of the allegations that had been made against Gda Flavin, following an expensive and top-level GNBCI (Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation) probe. A large car park and shuttle bus service to Kildare Village has been approved by local planners. Value Retail Dublin Ltd were given the green light for a managed car park and shuttle bus service for 345 spaces. The car park would be located approximately 500m from Kildare Village, on the Nurney Road (R415) in Greyabbey townland, Kildare town. The site is bordered by Grey Abbey View estate and the M7 junction 13. The operators of Kildare Town Outlet Village say it would be a temporary proposal for five years, while they source a long-term site. It would operate during busy peak periods and they say would address congestion that arises from the motorway. The outlet village say that the proposal is a like-for-like replacement as it will lose current overflow parking due to the proposed development of three motor showrooms, a project which is currently under appeal with an Bord Pleanala. There would no be no increase in parking space, said the company. Although TII had concerns that the development would only further promote the use of private cars, the council gave the proposal the green light for a five year period. A family fun day with a flavour of sustainability will take place in North Kildare next week. Kildare County Councils climate action office, in collaboration with Maynooth Community Council are to co-host the return of Picnic in the Park in the Harbour Field, Maynooth on Sunday, 15 June from 2pm to 5pm for a free, unforgettable family-friendly event, centered around the theme of climate change and sustainability. This years event promises to be bigger and better, featuring a variety of performers, workshops and information stalls, along with delicious food vendors. Younger attendees will enjoy activities such as seed planting, eco-printing, face painting, and can build their own insect hotel, while adults can enjoy comedy, poetry, song, and even get a caricature drawn if they are feeling brave! Explore our information stalls, offering advice on energy usage, composting, active travel, biodiversity and new projects/initiatives in the area. The Circus of Climate Horrors returns, an interactive experience built and run by researchers at the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units (ICARUS) Institute at Maynooth University. The highlight of the event will be Kildare County Councils inaugural DZ Climate Champion Awards, celebrating the climate and biodiversity actions achieved by local communities, businesses, farmers, and schools in Maynooth. In line with sustainable festivals guidelines, there will be a water refill station on site, and also be an AccessoLoo on site for those with access needs, and a dog spending area for guide and assistance dogs. Kilkenny man Conall Bolger has been appointed as the CEO of the newly-established energy think tank Trifecta Ireland. Mr Bolger is originally from The Rower, Kilkenny and attended Good Counsel College in New Ross. Trifecta aims to develop a credible vision and roadmap for transforming how we produce, use and manage energy. The plan will lay out clear, practical steps to reach a zero-carbon energy system by 2050. Trifecta will deliver projects focused on shorter term decarbonisation wins, developing energy that is clean, secure, and affordable. READ NEXT: Kilkenny Gift Card now on sale on the High Street! Mr Bolger has worked in renewable energy for almost two decades including roles with Airtricity, Mainstream Renewable Power, Cornwall Insight and the Crown Estate. He was most recently the CEO of Solar Ireland (recently rebranded from the Irish Solar Energy Association) since 2021. During his time as CEO of Solar Ireland, he successfully advocated for numerous changes in national policy to support solar power and renewables more broadly. Results related to this advocacy included: solar dominating Irelands Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions account for 73% of RESS capacity; the removal of planning restrictions for rooftop solar panels; and the introduction of a 0% VAT rate for solar panels. Over that time Irelands solar capacity grew from 3MW to nearly 1,700MW. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS Ireland has an abundance of natural resources and human capability to power our future through wind and solar energy," said Mr Bolger. "This energy transformation offers a profound opportunity for everyone in our society to benefit. What needs further development is a unified vision and defined masterplan. Trifecta Ireland will work with government and industry stakeholders to build out that plan and aims to be a constructive positive voice in Irish energy policy. I look forward to leading these efforts. 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 The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Japan, U.S. yet to find common ground on tariffs but want quick deal WASHINGTON - Japan and the United States have "yet to find common ground" on tariff issues, Tokyo's top negotiator said Friday, indicating that there remain many differences between the sides, but they still aim to clinch a win-win deal in mid-June. After holding talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, Ryosei Akazawa told reporters that he believes "further progress" was made. ---------- Over half of rice producing firms feel store rice prices "too high" TOKYO - Over half of large-scale rice producers feel that store prices for rice are "too high," a recent survey conducted by an association of agricultural corporations showed, indicating that many of them share concerns with consumers about the elevated cost of the staple food in Japan. As households increasingly complain about rice prices that have doubled over the past year, more than 40 percent of respondents worried that consumers may start shunning the product. ---------- New South Korea President Lee to make diplomatic debut at G7 summit SEOUL - Newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has accepted an invitation to the upcoming Group of Seven summit taking place in Canada later this month, the presidential office said Saturday. Lee's attendance at the G7 meeting, to be held over three days from June 15 in Alberta, Canada, will mark his debut on the diplomatic stage. He took office on Wednesday following his victory in the country's 21st presidential election. ---------- Chinese tourist slashed with knife on Kyoto street after argument KYOTO - A Chinese tourist was slashed by a knife-wielding person on a street in Kyoto on Friday evening after the two men had an argument, local police said. The assailant, who was previously unknown to the 37-year-old tourist, remains at large after the attack, which occurred in the city's Shimogyo Ward at around 8:25 p.m. ---------- Japan's shogi board game ass'n has 1st female chief TOKYO - Japan's leading shogi organization on Friday picked the first female chief in its 101-year history as part of efforts to encourage more young people, including women, to participate in the traditional Japanese board game. Ichiyo Shimizu, a pro shogi player herself, succeeded Yoshiharu Habu, a 54-year-old master, as president of the Japan Shogi Association for a two-year term. ---------- Japan brokerages donating shareholder perks to help kids in poverty TOKYO - Japanese securities firms are donating the food and beverage gifts they receive as shareholder perks through their trading activities to nonprofit organizations to support children living in poverty amid inflation. The Japan Securities Dealers Association started the program in 2020, and around 2,300 donations had been made by March this year. ---------- China-born monster character "Labubu" proves global hit BEIJING - A unique monster character "Labubu," a rabbit-like plush toy of Chinese maker Pop Mart, has proved to be a global hit, with fans forming long lines every time new products are launched and some even fighting to obtain the merchandise. Labubu, the brainchild of Hong Kong-born, Europe-based artist Kasing Lung, is a mischievous character inspired by a Nordic elf, featuring pointed ears and serrated teeth. Much of its popularity stems from celebrity endorsements and savvy marketing strategy. ---------- Basketball: Japan women beat Taiwan in Gaines' 1st game in charge INAZAWA, Japan - Japan brushed aside Taiwan 95-42 in a women's basketball exhibition game on Saturday, the team's first outing under new head coach Corey Gaines. Sarah Nakamura Miller led Japan with 12 points, going 4-from-7 from three-point range, at Toyoda Gosei Memorial Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture. Anri Hoshi scored 11 points and Kokoro Tanaka 10. Video: Plum pickling ceremony at World Exposition in Osaka Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. WASHINGTON - Japan and the United States have "yet to find common ground" on tariff issues, Tokyo's top negotiator said Friday, indicating that there remain many differences between the sides, but they still aim to clinch a win-win deal in mid-June. After holding talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, Ryosei Akazawa told reporters that he believes "further progress" was made. They will also "continue coordinating energetically to achieve an agreement that benefits both Japan and the United States," Akazawa said. Akazawa, however, noted that no decision has been made on whether there will be another round of negotiations next week or beyond. He suggested it depends on the schedule of the U.S. Cabinet members who are due to hold high-level trade talks with China in London on Monday. Akazawa, Japan's minister for economic revitalization, and Bessent sat down for about 45 minutes to explore whether it may be feasible for the countries' leaders to reach a trade agreement when they are expected to meet in person in about 10 days. With Lutnick, whom Akazawa also met a day earlier for about two hours, the Japanese minister said he held separate talks of approximately similar length addressing three major areas -- trade, nontariff barriers and economic security. Akazawa declined to reveal details of the negotiations, including which issues had seen progress, except to say he had reiterated Tokyo's position. It has demanded that the Trump administration's additional tariffs must be removed as quickly as possible, as the measures are having a serious impact on the Japanese economy. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump plan to hold a meeting around the time of the three-day Group of Seven summit in Canada, which starts on June 15. Speaking to reporters in Japan, Ishiba said "intensive" talks are being held, which are "putting national interest at stake." Noting that it would be "good" if a certain progress is seen in the negotiations before his meeting with Trump, Ishiba also told reporters in Maebashi, northwest of Tokyo, "I have no intention to rush (for a deal) at the expense of national interest." Akazawa, who arrived in the U.S. capital on Thursday for the third straight week and a fifth round of ministerial tariff talks, said the leaders will meet after hearing how far discussions have progressed. Under Trump's so-called reciprocal tariff regime, announced April 2, almost all countries in the world have been hit by a baseline duty of 10 percent, with Japan facing an additional country-specific tariff of 14 percent for a total rate of 24 percent. Along with other countries, Japan has also been affected by the Trump administration's extra 25 percent tariff on automobiles and other sector-based levies implemented on national security grounds. Japan has presented a package of proposals to the United States since the first round of their ministerial talks in mid-April. The package includes joint efforts to strengthen supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals, cooperation in shipbuilding, expanding imports of U.S. farm products to Japan, and simplification of its safety and environmental requirements for foreign-made cars. Japan does not impose tariffs on imported cars, trucks or buses. The Trump administration has claimed, however, that American automakers' limited penetration into Japan's market is due to nontariff barriers, such as nonacceptance of certain U.S. standards. Related coverage: Japan calls for tariff rethink in talks with U.S. commerce chief Trump's steel tariff hike not raised in Japan-U.S. talks: negotiator Japan, U.S. agree tariff talks making progress toward deal 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. *Over the past decades, air pollution has persisted as a major environmental challenge for China amid its rapid urbanization and economic development. In a landmark response, the Chinese government declared war against air pollution in 2013, launching its Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) -- a comprehensive national policy framework targeting air quality improvement -- and sought to find a better balance between economic growth and environment protection. *Following the introduction of the APPCAP, China became the first developing country in the world to impose large-scale efforts to reduce PM2.5 density, with Beijing taking the lead across Chinese cities by adopting scientific governance, institutional innovation and regional collaboration, contributing a new approach to global air pollution control. The United Nations Environment Programme has hailed the megacity's achievements in improving air quality as the "Beijing Miracle." *The capital reported steady progress in air quality in 2024. The number of days with good air quality reached 290, an increase of 114 days compared with 2013 and the highest number on record. Notably, the number of heavily polluted days dropped from 58 in 2013 to just two in 2024, which was a reduction of 96.6 percent. BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- These days, Beijing resident Xie Xiaoyang frequently shares photo collages of the city's blue skies on his WeChat Moments -- a stark contrast to the smoggy environment he remembers from his student days in the Chinese capital over 10 years ago. "Social media was still in its infancy in China back then, with everyone eagerly sharing glimpses of their everyday routines," Xie recalled. "Yet as autumn leaves fell and winter set in, the world outside dissolved into a murky haze. Posting enthusiasm waned, giving way to a citywide yearning for crisp blue skies." Beihai Park is decorated with lanterns in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Li Menglan/Xinhua) Over the past decades, air pollution has persisted as a major environmental challenge for China amid its rapid urbanization and economic development. In a landmark response, the Chinese government declared war against air pollution in 2013, launching its Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) -- a comprehensive national policy framework targeting air quality improvement -- and sought to find a better balance between economic growth and environment protection. Following the introduction of the APPCAP, China became the first developing country in the world to impose large-scale efforts to reduce PM2.5 density, with Beijing taking the lead across Chinese cities by adopting scientific governance, institutional innovation and regional collaboration, contributing a new approach to global air pollution control. The United Nations Environment Programme has hailed the megacity's achievements in improving air quality as the "Beijing Miracle." According to the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, the capital reported steady progress in air quality in 2024. The average density of PM2.5, a key indicator of air pollution, during the year was 30.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air, down 6.2 percent year on year. The number of days with good air quality reached 290, an increase of 114 days compared with 2013 and the highest number on record. Notably, the number of heavily polluted days dropped from 58 in 2013 to just two in 2024, which was a reduction of 96.6 percent. ARDUOUS CAMPAIGN At this year's "two sessions," Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu presented two filter membranes collected from Beijing's atmospheric environment monitors. The sample from 2015 exhibited a grayish-black hue, while last year's counterpart showed a grayish-white coloration. "That grayish-black sample brings back memories of the days when my air purifier was working overtime," Xie said, voicing a collective memory shared by Beijing residents who lived through the city's smog-choked years. "Beijing was then facing an acute air pollution crisis, making rigorous anti-smog measures an urgent imperative," said Li Xiang, an official of the local ecological environment protection's law enforcement authorities. Building on the APPCAP, Beijing rolled out its clean air action plan from 2013 to 2017, launching a targeted campaign across four key battlefronts, including coal combustion control, vehicle emissions management, industrial pollution abatement and dust suppression. "All relevant municipal authorities solemnly signed responsibility pledges, vowing to secure victory in this crucial pollution control campaign," said Xie Jinkai, director of the atmospheric environment department of the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau. This photo taken on Aug. 12, 2024 shows a view of the Shougang Park, a 3-square-kilometer industrial heritage site and a previous venue of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) Beijing used to rely primarily on coal for winter heating. The first PM2.5 source analysis conducted in the capital -- spanning 2012 to 2013 -- identified coal combustion as one of the dominant contributors to local air pollution, said Wang Zifa, a researcher at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The megacity therefore made a resolute decision to launch a wide-ranging initiative to switch from coal to electricity for winter heating. Wang Yu, a senior engineer at the ecological environment bureau of Beijing's Xicheng District who participated in the conversion project, recalled that the task was both complicated and arduous. Environmental protection authorities and power supply companies conducted door-to-door surveys in target neighborhoods, addressing key challenges based on residents' actual conditions while carrying out various tasks, including upgrading external power supply facilities. By the end of 2015, the downtown Xicheng District became Beijing's pioneer in achieving complete coal-free heating, a landmark transition that liberated residents from smoke-filled winters fueled by honeycomb briquettes. "Now our homes are warm and clean throughout winter. What a remarkable change," said a longtime resident surnamed Bai who lives in the Niujie neighborhood of Xicheng District. Beijing also established a rigorous regulatory framework to accelerate coal reduction. The municipal government has successively implemented emissions standards for various facilities, including stationary gas turbines and boilers, setting stringent new limits on pollutants. Meanwhile, authorities have intensified their work against violations such as excessive emissions and abnormal operations of facilities. Key coal-consuming enterprises now face enhanced supervision to ensure compliance, with mandatory requirements for continuous green upgrades. Through coordinated actions from authorities, industries and communities, the capital's plains achieved the fundamental status of being coal-free by the end of 2018, with coal-fired boilers virtually eliminated citywide. According to Wang, Beijing's follow-up PM2.5 source studies revealed that coal combustion's contribution to PM2.5 dropped from 22.4 percent in 2013 to just 3 percent in 2017, eliminating its status as a major pollution source. And after five years of sustained efforts, Beijing saw its average annual density of PM2.5 decrease from nearly 90 micrograms per cubic meter to 58 micrograms per cubic meter, achieving its phased goal in curbing pollution. PRECISION GOVERNANCE In 2018, Beijing launched a "1 microgram initiative" to continuously improve air quality, shifting greater focus to sectors like vehicle emissions and fugitive dust, which demand refined control measures, and striving for even single microgram-per-cubic-meter improvements. The year of 2021 marked a milestone in Beijing's decade-long "blue skies" campaign, with its annual average PM2.5 concentration dropping to 33 micrograms per cubic meter -- the lowest level since records began in 2013. The capital has since maintained compliant air quality standards for three consecutive years. "'Beijing blue' has gradually become our new normal," Huang Runqiu said at a press conference. Thanks to aggressive renewable energy adoption and coal-replacement policies, Beijing's energy mix has undergone a historic transformation. Its coal consumption plummeted from 21.8 million tonnes in 2012 to under 600,000 tonnes in 2024, now accounting for less than 1 percent of its total energy consumption, Yang Xiuling, director of the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, said recently. Furthermore, Beijing has implemented structural optimization processes in its industrial and transport sectors. The city has closed over 3,000 manufacturing or polluting enterprises and rectified more than 12,000 scattered, disorganized or polluting businesses through categorized remediation. A total of over 3 million high-pollution vehicles have been phased out. With its air quality having improved significantly, Beijing now faces more challenging pollution control targets that require increasingly scientific and refined measures. In 2025, the city elevated its air pollution governance to a new level of precision: its "0.1 microgram initiative." This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows new energy vehicle model SU7 produced by Chinese tech firm Xiaomi displayed during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) "For instance, we will vigorously expand the adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs), aiming for NEVs to comprise half of all registered vehicles by 2025," Xie Jinkai said. "Through meticulous governance, we aim to consolidate and sustain emissions reduction achievements." According to the municipal government work report this year, the number of NEVs in the city has exceeded 1 million, and the proportion of green electricity in the city's energy mix has reached 26 percent. MULTI-LEVEL COOPERATION According to Li Xiang, an illegal sand and gravel plant in Dashiwo Town of Beijing's Fangshan District, which borders Zhuozhou City in Hebei Province, had once caused severe fugitive dust pollution in the local area. "At that time, with Beijing and Hebei conducting separate law enforcement operations, the plant utilized vehicle-mounted mobile production equipment to shuttle across the provincial boundary, allowing the illegal operations to persist unchecked for an extended period," Li said. Since 2015, the ecological and environmental law enforcement agencies of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei have formally established and continuously improved a joint environmental enforcement mechanism, creating coordinated systems that involve regular consultations, joint operations and collaborative inspections to collectively combat cross-regional environmental violations. After three years, the plant was officially shut down through a joint enforcement operation conducted by Beijing and Hebei authorities. In 2019, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region expanded its joint law enforcement mechanism to cover district and county levels. Tourists visit the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, June 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Beijing has broadened its air quality governance collaboration from a domestic level to an international level in recent years. Beyond hosting an annual international forum on clean air and climate to facilitate exchanges among environmental experts, policymakers and businesses globally, the city also took a significant step earlier this year, when the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding with the Environment Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to boost air quality monitoring and management cooperation. Over the next three years, Beijing will share its proven expertise in air pollution control -- particularly its PM2.5 monitoring and mitigation strategies -- with Bangkok to support the Thai capital's air quality improvement efforts. However, Xie Jinkai noted that Beijing's current air quality improvements remain fragile, with regional pollution spikes likely to recur during unfavorable meteorological conditions. "Air quality improvement remains a long-term, complex and challenging mission. Beijing's pollution control efforts will continue advancing to deeper, more precise stages," Xie said. "Our shared goal is to maintain lasting blue skies and fresh air, continuously meeting the people's growing expectations for a beautiful environment," she added. (Reporting by Cui Enhui, Li Dexin, Tian Chenxu and Yu Peixuan; Video reporters: Li Dexin, Yu Peixuan and Tian Chenxu; Video editors: Hong Ling, Roger Lott, Liu Xiaorui and Wang Han.) BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong on Friday emphasized the need to make the fight against organized crime a regular and ongoing effort, with improved mechanisms and more effective methods. At a meeting on the sustained campaign against organized crime, Wang, who is also a member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that it is necessary to "crack down on all crime, eliminate all evildoers, target all protective umbrella organizations, fight all forms of corruption, and restore order wherever there is chaos." Wang called for more precise and forceful strikes against crime, for a "zero tolerance" stance, and for speed, accuracy and intensity to be prioritized to ensure there is no room for criminal elements. He also urged the formation of a sound, sustainable mechanism to prevent and control organized crime, with the aim of eliminating breeding grounds for such forces. This summer, 51 creameries are participating in "Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail" in Pennsylvania. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com No summer is complete without ice cream. This summer, Pennsylvania is giving residents the opportunity to visit 51 creameries across the state and win prizes as part of Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail. Started in 2018, the ice cream trail is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and its PA Preferred program, The Department of Community and Economic Developments Tourism Office, and the Center for Dairy Excellence. Pennsylvania ice cream is the sweetest youll find anywhere, said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. Meeting a farm family, seeing where they work their magic, and trying fresh-made local ice cream makes summer even sweeter when you know your purchases help support Pennsylvania farms and keep our economy thriving. Visitors are encouraged to visit multiple creameries along the trail. Beyond ice cream, the initiative offers an opportunity to connect with the local dairy producers. The trail runs through Sept. 7. Those who sign up on the ice cream trail website will receive a digital passport and accrue points every time they visit a participating creamery. This year, those who visit six stops and earn 600 points will receive a commemorative metal tumbler. Those who make 10 stops will earn 1,000 points and be entered into a contest to win an overnight stay at Rocky Acre Farm Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster County where they will experience life on the farm. More information about the program and digital passports can be found on the Scooped website. For those interested in hitting the ice cream trail, here are the participating creameries and ice cream stops: Bailys Dairy of Pocopson Meadow Farm 1821 Lenape-Unionville Road, West Chester Batch Microcreamery 2845 Center Valley Parkway, Suite 604 Center Valley Brandy Camp Creamery 45 Erie Ave., Saint Marys Chester Springs at Milky Way Farm 521 E Uwchlan Ave., Chester Springs Colebrook Crossing 1550 Mt. Wilson Road, Lebanon Crystal Spring Farm 3550 Bellview Road, Schnecksville Destiny Dairy Bar at Stover Farms 60 Horners Road, Carlisle Emingees Ice Cream 5395 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford Flint Hill Farm Educational Center 1922 Flint Hill Road, Coopersburg Fox Meadows Creamery 2475 W. Main St., Ephrata and 193 E. Main St., Leola Gods Country Creamery 439 Pushersiding Road, Ulysses Grecos Italian Ices and Homemade Ice Cream 9 E. Kleine Lane, Lititz, and 329 Main St., Unit C Landisville Hangry Bear Creamery 660 E. Cypress St. ,Suite 101, Kennett Square Jerrys Custard 2705 7th Street Road, Lower Burrell, and 725 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh Kerbers Dairy 1856 Guffey Road, North Huntingdon Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery 410 Klein Road, Easton Lapp Valley Farms 244 Mentzer Road, New Holland and 4040 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville Lone Oak Farm 1606 Georgeville Road, Marion Center Manning Farm Dairy 131 Manning Road, Dalton (North Abingdon Township); 500 S. State St., Clarks Summit; 700 N. Blakely St., Dunmore; 300 Meadow Ave., Scranton; and 416 N. Main Ave., Scranton Maple Bottom Farm 1119 Cunningham Bridge Road, Dawson Merrymead Farm 2222 S Valley Forge Road, Lansdale Mitch-Hill Dairy Farm and Creamery 702 Keister Road, Venus Nittany Valley Creamery 5561 Jacksonville Road, Howard Old Mill Creamery 6542 Buffalo Road, Mifflinburg The Milkhouse at Oregon Dairy 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz Patches Family Creamery 201 Fonderwhite Road, Lebanon Penn State Berkey Creamery Food Science Building at Penn State University, 119 Rodney A. Erickson Perrydell Farm and Dairy 90 Indian Rock Dam Road, York Ritcheys Dairy 2130 Cross Cove Road, Martinsburg Sprinkled Sweet Bakery & Artisan Creamery 349 Pine St., Suite 4, Williamsport Stocks Dairy Delight 2491 Cove Mountain Road, Martinsburg The Sugar Shack 675 Williams Grove Road, Upper Allen Township The Lands at Hillside Farms 65 Hillside Road, Shavertown The Main Street Creamery 17 Main St., Wellsboro The Sweet Anchor 720 Venango Ave., Cambridge Springs Urban Churn 6391 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg; 258 Westminister Drive, Carlisle; and 1004 North 3rd St., Harrisburg Vale Wood Farms 517 Vale Wood Road, Loretto Way-Har Farms 7701 Bernville Road, Bernville Widnoon Soft Serve 911 Mahoning Road, Templeton Windy Knoll Farm Market & Creamery 2685 Spring Road, Chambersburg Windy Ridge Dairy 457 North Tower Road, Fombell CARACAS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A flight carrying 192 Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States arrived Friday at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, which serves the capital Caracas area, the Ministry of Interior, Justice and Peace reported. According to a press release, the flight, operated by a U.S.-registered aircraft, carried 156 men, 26 women, and 10 minors. The returned migrants were attended to under established medical, legal, and social protocols. Since February, Venezuela has been receiving two to three flights per week of individuals deported by U.S. authorities, including those relocated from Mexico and Honduras. So far in 2025, a total of 5,475 deported migrants have been processed under the government's Plan Vuelta a la Patria, designed to facilitate their return, official figures indicate. Robert and Gretchen Ackerman were shot and killed in their home on Glasgow Way in Palmer Township on June 3, 2025. Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com An online campaign has been started to help the daughter and grandchildren of a Palmer Township couple allegedly gunned down by their son-in-law. The Bushkill Township man, Xiaomin Fei, 34, has been charged with murdering his elderly in-laws. The fundraiser is being organized on GoFundMe and has a goal of $30,000 for funeral costs and living expenses for the family. Gretchen Ackerman, 75, and Robert Ackerman, 74, were shot in the head at their home in the Highlands at Glenmoor Tuesday, police said. The Ackermans were married for 51 years, according to their obituary. Robert Ackerman was a professor at East Stroudsburg University from 1986 to 2017. Gretchen Ackerman served as a special education teacher for multiple schools. Fei is being charged with two counts of felony homicide, one count of felony burglary, two counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment and two counts of misdemeanor weapons possession, according to Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta. The alleged shooting took place before 7 p.m. Tuesday, police said. Fei, in an interview with investigators, said he received divorce papers the same day as he allegedly killed the Ackermans. He purchased the gun and went to the home, where he shot the Ackermans, authorities said. His two elementary-aged children and his wife, the Ackermans daughter, were also present but were not hurt, authorities said. She is also pregnant with a third child, according to a statement on the GoFundMe page. Fei was arraigned Wednesday and denied bail, where he was then taken to Northampton County Prison. Fei is slated for a hearing June 18. They were murdered in their own home by their son-in-law a man they trusted and welcomed into their family while protecting their daughter and grandchildren from him," a statement from the GoFundMe page read. The grief and shock we are feeling right now are beyond words. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Jelani Gibson may be reached at jgibson@njadvancemedia.com. Music Generation Laois and Laois School of Music's upcoming annual open evening at the Laois Music Centre, Portlaoise promises to be a great way to meet the team of music tutors, and try out lots of different musical instruments, according to the organisers. Tutors from both Music Generation Laois and Laois School of Music will be on hand to guide families on the huge variety of music lessons on offer, with lots of musical instruments on-site for everyone to try out. The organisers say Laois Music Centre is a unique facility for music education in the Midlands, located on Church Avenue in Portlaoise with access to top-of-the-range facilities for music students. Laois Music Centre houses both Music Generation Laois and Laois School of Music. Laois School of Music provides lessons in voice/singing, piano, violin, cello, flute, recorder, guitar, drums, kindermusic (an introduction to music for younger children ages 4-6) and pre-instrumental music for children age 7-8. There is also a range of ensembles for young musicians to participate in, including the Laois School of Music Junior and Senior Orchestra, and an adult string ensemble, Dunamaise Strings. Laois School of Music provides Leaving Cert Music classes for students who wish to take Leaving Cert music outside of school. Adult students are very welcome, Laois School of Music currently has many adult students attending classes. Music Generation Laois provide group lessons in brass, bodhran, harp, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, concertina, traditional flute, keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, singing, ukulele, drum kit, double bass and The Music Box - a performance music education programme for children and young people with special needs. Performance opportunities are available by joining Music Generation Laois Harp Ensembles, Trad Orchestra, Junior and Intermediate Trad Groups, Community Choir, BOP Orchestra and rock and pop bands. MORE BELOW PHOTO. Music Generation Laois have a large instrument bank, and instruments are available for hire, to both Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois students. Music Generation Laois, in partnership with LOETB Portlaoise Further Education and Training Centre, offer full-time and part-time study options in Music Studies with Popular Music, Traditional Music & Sound Production, QQI Levels 5 and 6. Rosa Flannery, Music Development Officer with Laois Music Centre, spoke ahead of the event. Our annual Open Evening is always a huge hit with families and the wider community, it's a great chance for people to find out what's available in our centre, and to meet our team and try out a wide range of instruments, from ukulele to piano to concertina there is a huge range of options available. For those who already play music, then our bands or ensembles might be of interest, or our accredited Further Ed Music programmes, she said. READ ALSO: Laois school children star in 'Fiddle Fiesta' To find out more about prices and age requirements for instruments for Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois, click on the Sign Up Now button on www.musicgenerationlaois.ie Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland's national music education programme, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and The Department of Education. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and is supported by Laois County Council. Laois School of Music is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council's Arts Office The event takes place on Tuesday, June 17 from 6-8pm at the Laois Music Centre eircode R32 Y074. A woman with an inability to mind her own business confronted a neighbour because their tax was out of date. Geraldine Doheny (50) of 15 Old Forge Crescent, Mountrath had been convicted of criminal damage and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Old Forge Crescent, Mountrath on August 9, 2024 at a previous court sitting. Garda Finn Hogan said the defendant had two previous convictions. One for affray and one for criminal damage. He said the previous convictions related to incidents where the woman had stood in front of a car as it drove into an estate. He said a man had been headbutted. Later a hurl was produced not for the manner it was intended, said Garda Hogan. He said the latest incident occurred in the same estate where the defendant had committed criminal damage and was aggressive with neighbours. Donal Callaghan BL said the woman had a very turbulent relationship with her neighbour. He said the woman is housed by the council and has sought a transfer but hasnt been moved. He explained that the criminal damage related to a necklace which is believed to have been lost down a drain and which was never recovered. She is not a career criminal, Mr Callaghan said, insisting she was not someone who goes about town committing crimes. He said there was a verbal disagreement over the neighbour not having tax. He said his client accepted the courts verdict. Mr Callagan said his client was living next door to the injured party and jailing her was not going to reduce the risk in the future. He said his client was on disability and was waiting for operations on both ankles. What I would suggest is restorative justice, he said. He suggested his client could also benefit from engagement with the probation services and possibly anger management. Judge Cody said it was the third time the woman had been back here fighting with neighbours. He said she seems to have a complete inability to mind her own business. He said in the latest incident she had approached a neighbour ostensibly because her tax was out one month and she clearly invaded her personal space and attacked her on the side of the road. Judge Cody said the woman had been twice before the court previously over offending involving headbutting and producing a hurl. She hasnt learned her lesson, he said. He imposed a six month sentence for criminal damage but suspended the final three months. He imposed a two month concurrent prison sentence for engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and fixed recognisance in case of appeal. The woman appealed the prison sentence before the sitting of Portlaoise District Court had concluded. This June marks the bicentenary of a Laois church. The Church of Saint Kieran, Knockaroo has a long and rich history dating back to the 1760s, when it formed part of the parish of nearby Aghaboe. To mark the occasion, Ailis de Burca wrote a history of the Knockaroo church, that was compiled by Geraldine & Rachel Campion. The church was established during the Penal Law era, when restrictions on the practice of Catholic worship placed most of the population outside the protection of the law. Pictured: The Church of Saint Kieran, Knockaroo By 1796, a chapel was provided at Knockaroo, built by the Rev Partick Delaney, P.P, on a site granted for the purpose by the Rev. Richard Carden of Lismore, the Protestant Curate of Skirk. Up until the second millennium, most of Irelands churches were simple wooden, thatched structures- the old Irish word for a church is dairteach or dairtheach - house of oak. An inscription marking the centenary of the church reads: "This Church was built by the Rev John Kavanagh P.P 1825 A.D. To commemorate its centenary 1925 A.D. this tablet has been erected by the Rev. James Dillon P.P.". Pictured: The plaque marking the church's first centenary in 1925 The name comes from Saint Kieran, first Bishop of Ossory and patron of the Diocese founded a great monastery at Saighir Kieran and established his Episcopal See there. By 1118, The See of Ossory was changed to Aghaboe, Achadh Bho: Oxs Field. In 1855, twenty-four townlands were taken from the western section of Aghaboe parish and added to the newly formed parish of Borris-in-Ossory with the Rev. John Birch appointed as the first Parish Priest. He was succeeded by the Rev. Michael Drea P.P. in May 1875, and in 1881 by the Rev. Martin Howley. P.P. This year also saw the establishment of a new school on a plot of ground adjacent to the Knockaroo Church. In 1887, the Rev. John Lynagh was appointed Parish Priest and was succeeded by the Rev. Martin Meaney. P.P. From 1898 to 1937, the parish was under the pastoral care of the Rev. James Dillon P.P. who, during his thirty-nine years is credited with many improvements in Knockaroo Church. Pictured: Beautiful stained glass windows in the church, set in 1982 In 1925, the Church was re-roofed, new wooden flooring was laid and new pews installed. He consecrated a new altar to become the centre of all solemn parochial functions. He also installed the Via Crucis - the Way of the Cross a meditation on the Passion of Christ in the fourteen devotional Stations. He was responsible for the erection of the commemorative stone over the entrance door. Father Dillon was greatly assisted by the generous sum of money bequeathed by Beverly Smyth, the son of a firm of haulage contractors whose ancestors resided in Borris-in-Ossory about 1800. Two members of the family rest in Knockaroo Cemetery marked by a monument bearing the following inscription: Erected by Beverly Smyth in memory of his father Beverly Smyth who departed this life in March 1827, aged 60 years: also, his sister Margaret Smyth who died 19 th October 1839, aged 28 years. Pictured: the memorial to the Smyth family in Knockaroo cemetery. The Rev. Canon Collier was appointed Parish Priest in 1982, and he organised the setting of stained-glass windows in the Church. He upgraded the heating system and invested in maintenance equipment for the upkeep of the cemetery and laid tarmac on the entrance. He erected the Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, used in the movie 'All things Bright and Beautiful. The Grotto Plaque reads: Shrine to Our Lady, blessed by Sean Canon Collier P.P. 1 st . July, Jubilee Year 2000. Pictured:The shrine to Our Lady in Knockaroo In early 1990 he received the Chapel Altar from the Convent of Mercy, Borris-in-Ossory and placed it in the Church of Saint Kieran. Two wall plaques erected during the Jubilee Year 2000 are further reminders of the continuing commitment of the community of Knockaroo. The first plaque reads: In memory of all deceased members of the Kilcotton GAA Club 1884 1984. This was erected by members of the Kilcotton GAA Club, by way of tribute to their deceased members. The Club is one of the oldest in Laois, and was the only organisation of its time which provided a recreational outlet for the young men of the parish. The second plaque acknowledges the car parking facility gifted by Jimmy and Mary Campion, Knockaroo, in memory of their parents: Laurence and Mary Campion, now deceased members of the Parish community. Pictured: a plaque erected in 2000 in memory of Laurence and Mary Campion, RIP The nearby Knockaroo Community Centre has had refurbishments over the years and plays an important role in local life and provides a venue for various gatherings, charity activities and meetings and was a hub for liturgical services during the Churchs refurbishment. Today, the Church of Saint Kieran, Knockaroo, Borris-in-Ossory Parish, is under the leadership of the Rev. Father Jackie Robinson, who was appointed Parish Priest twenty-five years ago. In 2010, he undertook a major renovation of the Church of Saint Kieran costing in excess of 340,000. The building was re-roofed, and a new heating system installed with full interior refurbishment. Again, the works were fully funded by the local community. Pictured: Inside The Church of Saint Kieran, Knockaroo Day-to-day liturgical operations in Saint Kierans, Knockaroo have been managed by a devoted line of dedicated Sacristans who have served Saint Kierans over the decades. In the past, Brigid (Brigie) Nolan and Mary (Molly) Campion have given unwavering service. For close to the last half century, Josie Dunphy, with the assistance of her family, is continuing the tradition of protecting the sanctity and security of the Church. The funeral of slain Kerry farmer Michael Gaine has taken place in Kenmare, Co Kerry. Michael Gaine was reported missing on March 20 with his remains found on his land and in a slurry tank on his farm almost two months later on May 16. Gardai continue to probe the death of Michael Gaine and are treating the case as a homicide. On Saturday, June 7, family and friends, including his wife Janice, attended his funeral mass at Holy Cross Church, Kenmare. The celebrant for this Mass was Father George Hayes, Parish Priest of Kenmare, who was joined by Father Sean Murphy, Assistant Priest, Kenmare. READ NEXT: 'Didn't deserve to die'- Tributes to farmer Michael Gaine as funeral details emerge Prior to the funeral mass, Michael's cousin Eoghan Clarke delivered his eulogy. Symbols of Michael's life were presented at the altar where his coffin was adorned with a portrait photograph of the popular farmer who was also a rallying enthusiast. The mementos presented included a photograph of Michael on his quad with his beloved dog Ted, a photograph of his parents, a photo of Michael and Janice at a wedding, a CD representing his love of music, Speaking in his eulogy, Michael's cousin described him as "proud man" known for his work, "ethic, personality, humour and kindness." He said he was "brave, fearless and strong" but had a softer affectionate side and "saw the good in everyone." Mr Clarke said he had "time for everyone" and would always help those who needed it. He quoted one of Michael's friends who said, "I will always remember the way you offered help before I ever even needed it." Eoghan said: "By virtue of his incredible character, he attracted a lot of good people in his life. My own friends describe Mike has someone who instantly gelled with them. He made them feel at ease immediately and he showed a genuine interest in them." ABOVE: Michael Gaine's wife Janice arrives at his funeral mass in Kenmae PIC: Niall Carson/PA Wire The eulogy continued: "He had a photographic memory for faces, for places, for facts and for words. Personally, this was always one of the most fascinating things to me about Michael. It was his ability to put in a full day's shift on the farm and then chat about politics, world events or economic developments while being fully up to speed on all of them." Eoghan revealed how Michael met his wife Janice in the Riversdale one fateful New Year's Eve. She had come from Jakarta to visit her parents in Kerry for Christmas. The pair kept in touch as Janice went on her travels again. "For the next few years, Michael kept Telecom Eireann in business feeding coins into one of the payphones in Kenmare just to speak to Janice in Indonesia, and then in Taiwan where he went to visit her. And the rest is history and from the outside looking in, Michael and Janice had a truly beautiful relationship. It always struck me how loving Michael was with Janice and how they both spent not just time, but quality time, together," Eoghan said. He added: "Janice and Michaels sisters will know better than anyone that Michael had a soft, caring side. In Janices own words, Michael was a true man. He was soft and loving. Caring and affectionate. Kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong. He was strong mentally and, as anyone who ever tried to follow him up the mountain in wellies will know, he was strong physically too!" READ NEXT: Gardai confirm human remains as Michael Gaine amid major investigation update The mass was told Michael loved all animals, particularly sheep dogs, sheep and lambs. Eoghan said: "And of course, I have to mention Teddy (or Ted - Michael and Janices Cavalier dog. Michael and Janice loved Ted dearly. Ted would come to Dublin with Michael as he dropped Janice to the airport. Ted would sit in the front seat of the Rav while you were in the back, and you wouldnt dare to suggest to swap places with Ted! "Michael would proudly introduce Ted to anyone new and tell them about his likes and dislikes! Ted liked a biscuit, some Tayto and on the very rare occasion, a drop of Carlsberg. Mike would proudly tell you that Ted knew the colour of the green beer can and that no other beer would scratch Teds itch. While Ted has sadly passed away after a long life with Michael and Janice, there is comfort in knowing that Alfie (also a Cavalier) and Michael had bonded too in the shorter time that they were acquainted although Alfie hasnt reached the legal drinking age in dog years just yet!" He concluded by saying: "We will all miss Michael terribly. I know Ill miss our phone calls the most, as well as that happy feeling that Michael gave you when you were with him. He was always the glue that held the Rally of the Lakes weekend together and I will always look back very fondly on our adventures to the best spectating spots in Kerry." A man who is accused of issuing threats on TikTok has decided to represent himself in court, a Laois judge has been told. Petre Beniamin (50) of No Fixed Abode, is accused of publishing a grossly offensive communication on TikTok. Its alleged he published a communication about slicing up Irish babies, kids and you with intent to cause harm contrary to Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. He was further charged with engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and demonstrating at the time of the offence, hatred towards the Irish people contrary to the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024. Both offences were alleged to have been committed at an unknown location in Dublin on May 24 last. The defendant was arrested in Abbeyleix on May 28 and remanded in custody at a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court a day later. He appeared in court again via video link where his solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick told Judge Andrew Cody that she had an application to come off record as the defendant "doesn't want to retain my services. READ NEXT: 'Her mouth was full of maggots': A further glimpse into life at some of Ireland's nursing homes Judge Cody told the man that he may be entitled to free legal representation. I said she is no good to me, the defendant told Judge Cody. I can represent myself if you wish, the man said. Judge Cody said I am allowing Josephine Fitzpatrick to come off record. He then again asked the defendant if he would like a solicitor to be appointed. I dont mind representing myself, the man responded. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he was seeking to remand the man in custody for another two weeks as he said it would be at least a month before we have directions. The defendant said he would not object to a four week remand in custody. However, Judge Cody said, for the moment we will just do two weeks, as he remanded the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 19 by video link. Thank you. Have a nice day, the defendant said after he was remanded in custody. A seven-year-old boy has died after taking ill while playing on a bouncy castle last weekend. Young Antony Perissato de Aguiar, who was living in Laois with his family and attending school locally, took ill while playing on a bouncy castle. His family have confirmed he was "healthy and full of joy playing in a bouncy castle on a beautiful day when he suffered from a sudden heart condition." They said: "We are devastated to announce that our little man Antony Perissato de Aguiar, 7, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at the Crumlin Hospital on June 4 with his loving parents." An RIP.ie notice for the youngster, whose parents are Brazilian, said: "Dad, Raphael, and Mom, Karla, are very blessed to have Antony as their child and he will be forever missed by his little brother, Gianlucca, his cousin, Isaac, his beloved grandparents, Sandra, Rogerio, Maeli, Carlos and Solange, and his many friends from our Brazilian community, his school, Scoil Bhride and his after-school, After the Bell. The community in Portlaoise and beyond has been left reeling from the young boy's death with tributes and condolences being shared with his family from far and wide. READ NEXT: 'She is no good to me' - Man accused of 'slicing babies' threat makes drastic comment in court Antony's teacher from Scoil Bhride, wrote: "Sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beautiful boy Antony. Antony was such a kind, gentle and happy boy whose smile lit up the classroom each day. Although our class will never be the same without Antony, we will always remember him, his beautiful smile and the amazing memories that we made as a class in Senior Infants. Antony was a friend to everybody and showed great kindness and care to all. A special angel who will never be forgotten." A second person wrote: "I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm sure Antony is dancing with the angels in heaven today and will watch over you from there. May God give strength to the whole family." Another message of condolence read: "There are no words to express how heartbroken I am for you all. May all the wonderful memories you all have of Antony be of comfort to you at this very sad time. Rest in Peace little angel." A local Laois woman wrote: "May God give you all strength to cope with this devastating loss and may Antony look after his mammy, daddy and family. The brightest star in the sky." Funeral Arrangements Reposing at Keegan's Funeral Home, Portlaoise on Sunday, June 8 from 2pm to 4pm with prayers at 3pm. A private cremation will take place on Monday. The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Leitrim on Thursday, May 29, to promote positive gum litter disposal. As part of its Summer Roadshow campaign, the GLT collaborated with Leitrim County Council to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the 150 gum litter fine. A collaboration between industry, government and local authorities, and funded by Mars Wrigley, this year marks the launch of the campaigns sixth cycle. Welcoming the campaign back to Leitrim, Cllr Paddy ORourke, Cathaoirleach Leitrim County Council said, Leitrim County Council are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Carrick-on-Shannon. Its a great initiative that generates awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter in a fun and engaging way. As a Local Authority, we are committed to working with campaigns such as GLT, that promote responsible litter disposal behaviours, and result in cleaner communities, he added. GLT have reported that 92 percent of people now report properly disposing of their chewing gum, which is a record high. 85 percent of 16 to 34 year olds now view littering as socially unacceptable, however, men remain more likely than women to improperly dispose of chewed gum. READ NEXT: Gardai urge Leitrim landowners to search remote buildings for man missing almost three weeks GLT has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70 percent since 2007, via a sustained public engagement and education campaign. According to the latest National Litter Pollution Monitoring System data, gum now accounts for just 8.6 percent of all litter, continuing a downward trend in gum as a component of litter from 26.4 percent in 2006, and 9.1 percent in 2021, the end of the previous three-year cycle. However, according to the latest research one in 12 admit that they still drop their gum on the ground this highlights the continued importance of the campaign. Launching the campaign last month, Minister of State with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon praised the continued success of the initiative. Im delighted to kick off another year of the Gum Litter Taskforces Summer Roadshow. Since 2007, we have seen clear, measurable change on our streets thanks to the work of the Gum Litter Taskforce, Minister Dillon said. The consistent fall in gum litter shows that education and collaboration are driving real results. This is exactly the kind of behavioural change we need to build a cleaner, greener Ireland. READ NEXT: RIP: 'Such a beautiful young lady gone too soon' - tributes paid to young Leitrim mother We are delighted to be kicking off another summer of interactive roadshows. Each year, we continue to see the positive impact this campaign is having on communities across the country, added Avril Donlon, Gum Litter Campaign Manager at Food Drink Ireland. Its encouraging to know that our efforts are helping more people make the right choice when it comes to gum disposal. This years Summer Roadshow will make 20 stops across 17 counties. The GLT campaign also includes a school roadshow, Bin It!, which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October, and run an advertising campaign and website, with educational material available at www.gumlittertaskforce.ie. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close ULAN BATOR, June 7 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,500 international motorcyclists participated in a motorsports festival entitled "Steppe Wind" here on Saturday. The 10th edition of an international motorsports festival, which kicked off from the Central Square and continued along the streets of the Mongolian capital, is co-organized by the tourism department of Ulan Bator, and "Mongolian choppers brotherhood" and "Red Falcons" non-governmental organizations. After the parade of motorcycles, the participants headed towards Khui Doloon Khudag valley, which is situated 30 kilometers from the capital city to the West. During the festival, a concert, a laser show, a belly dance show, a custom motorcycle show and a rare and antique motorcycle exhibition are scheduled to be held. The festival will continue until June 8. LIMERICK Chamber has called for more visible policing and outlined their hopes for the future of the city when meeting Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan. Meeting Minister OCallaghan at Chamber offices on OConnell Street on Monday, May 26, was Chamber president, Mairead Connolly, vice president, Maria Gleeson, CEO, Michelle Gallagher and chief economist and director of policy, Sean Golden. Also in attendance were representatives from the local retail and hospitality sectors, as well as councillors and TDs. Central to the discussion was a call for redeploying a number of gardai currently stationed at Limerick Courthouse on Mulgrave St. Limerick Chamber proposed adopting a private security model, which has proven effective at Dublins Criminal Courts of Justice. This measure would free up gardai for on-street patrols, boosting visibility and reassurance for businesses and residents alike in the city centre. READ ALSO: Shannon Airport welcomes Ryanairs addition of fourth based aircraft amid US $400m investment Mairead Connolly said: The evolving landscape of urban challenges, particularly those arising from concentrations of social service provision and the prevalence of organised crime-related concerns, requires a collaborative, multi-departmental response to deliver safer outcomes for the entire community. We also want to acknowledge the dedication of the local gardai, who continue to serve our community with professionalism and resolve. Their presence and unwavering commitment are essential as we strive to build a safer, more vibrant Limerick. While acknowledging the success of certain targeted initiatives such as CAST (Community Access Support Team) for those experiencing a mental health crisis or situational trauma, Limerick Chamber also pressed for a better balance of resources, ensuring that street-level visibility keeps pace with community needs, especially in urban areas facing challenges related to organised crime. Minister O'Callaghan said about CAST: I got an excellent presentation from An Garda Siochana for the CAST project in Limerick, at Henry St garda station. The need for a dedicated city-specific community engagement van for Limerick also featured. Limerick Chamber highlighted the vans positive impact and stressed that, even with a small team, having one assigned solely to Limerick would significantly strengthen community policing efforts. Looking ahead to Budget 2026, Limerick Chamber advocated for stronger investment in garda resources, with an emphasis on sustained city-centre presence and flexible policing measures that reflect the realities of a growing urban hub. Throughout the meeting, Limerick Chamber underscored its commitment to driving both local economic growth and positive social impact by securing a robust and responsive safety framework. Commenting after the meeting, Mairead Connolly added: Safety is the foundation of a thriving city. Were proud to lead on this issue and engage constructively with Minister OCallaghan and government to secure practical, immediate improvements for Limerick. Limerick Chamber is committed to championing both economic growth and social wellbeing for our city. BILLY the Butcher, one of Limericks most recognisable local figures, has made a triumphant return to his familiar post outside OConnell's Butchers in the city centre following an impressive artistic makeover. Revitalised by the talented team at Lumen Street Theatre, the beloved figure now stands proudly restored showcasing a new, modern look. Billy the Butcher's makeover was unveiled on May 24. It is understood Billy was vandalised earlier in May and had a large gash to his torso area that needed to be repaired. Martin Shannon, the artistic director of Lumen Street Theatre said they were approached by O'Connell's Butchers to repair Billy. As the butchers has changed its uniform in recent years, Mr Shannon and his team had to change the colour scheme of Billy's apron and shirt. They also had to open up Billy's torso and fill it with flexible plywood and then repair it with fiberglass. Instead of going with the white shirt, we went with a light blue shirt this time, and then he's got a blue and white apron, explained Mr Shannon. He gave Billy a tattoo of a pig on his arm showing the different cuts on the animal to acknowledge Limerick's history with the bacon industry. Billy's other arm was decorated with a tattoo of a carving knife. READ MORE: Shannon Airport welcomes Ryanairs addition of fourth based aircraft amid US $400m investment We changed the colour of his shoes and made them brogues... We also gave him a little gold tooth and put a twinkle in his eye. A video of Billy's new look has been viewed on social media over 6,000 times. ONE LIMERICK school has further cemented its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity with the planting of over 2,000 native Irish trees. Colaiste Chiarain, Croom, planted the trees in April, setting the foundation for what is thought to become a magnificent tree-lined avenue leading into the school. This latest initiative builds on the schools ongoing environmental stewardship following the establishment of a mixed fruit orchard in November 2021 and the planting of over 3,500 native Irish trees in 2022 to create a school biodiversity area and walkway. This ambitious new project was undertaken in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, the Tree Council of Ireland and Limerick Central Rotary Club, with special thanks to Carmel Lynch and the executive team at Limerick Council for their ongoing support. READ ALSO: Home and business owners in Limerick asked to be 'wise' with food waste Principal Gerard OSullivan said: This tree-lined avenue will be a proud and lasting welcome to all who enter our school for generations to come. It is a visible symbol of our commitment to sustainability, environmental action and a fitting continuation of the rich biodiversity work already undertaken on our campus. Colaiste Chiarain acknowledges the valuable contributions and unwavering backing of Limerick Central Rotary Club, particularly club president Ger Lynch, Tony Brasil, Brendan Fitzsimons, CEO of the Tree Council of Ireland, Cllr John ODonoghue and Richard ODonoghue TD, all of whose presence, advocacy and collaborative support led to the successful completion of this project. In 2022, Colaiste Chiarain set aside a dedicated area of its 22-acre campus for the development of a biodiversity park and walkway, supported by Coillte, Crann, Easytreesie, the Tree Council of Ireland, Limerick Central Rotary Club and Richard ODonoghue TD. The project included the planting of thousands of native Irish trees such as beech, oak, Scots pine, silver birch and more, along with the construction of a biodiversity walkway. READ ALSO: Limerick family-run business win a 'money cant buy' prize from Google Ireland Priomh Comhairleoir of Limerick, Cllr. Dan McSweeney added: Colaiste Chiarains dedication to sustainability is truly commendable. By planting over 2,000 native Irish trees, the school is shaping a greener, more biodiverse future for Limerick. This project, made possible through collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, the Tree Council of Ireland, and Limerick Central Rotary Club, highlights the power of community in protecting our environment. Earlier, in November 2021, the school joined the DCs for Bees Orchards in the Community initiative through a partnership with Kirby Group Engineering, planting a mixed fruit orchard. These initiatives serve as learning resources and a vital early food source for Irelands native bee population. Commenting on this latest initiative and partnership, Carmel Lynch of Council said: This fantastic initiative by Colaiste Chiarain is more important than ever as we face the challenges of the climate crisis. This project demonstrates how local action can contribute to a healthier planet. A ground-breaking large-scale research study from the University of Limerick marks a major milestone in the battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global public health threat that could add a trillion US dollars to worldwide healthcare costs over the next 25 years. Led by Professor Colum Dunne, Head of the School of Medicine, University of Limerick, the research is a collaborative One Health initiative involving UL, HSE Mid-West, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, as well as veterinary professionals. The analysis of data on Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates, from human and bovine populations in the region from 2012 to 2023, tracks a significant decline in AMR in that timeframe. E. coli is a bacterial species and is one of the most common pathogens in both humans and bovines. It is also a critical indicator of AMR. Researchers analysed the data from more than 125,000 E. coli isolates from human urine, blood, and bovine samples. AMR is a global public health threat that compromises the effectiveness of treatment and increases risks for surgeries and cancer treatments, among other medical procedures. The World Bank projects that AMR could result in additional healthcare costs of a trillion US dollars by 2050. READ NEXT: New course from Limerick university will shape the next generation of the biopharma sector Professor Dunne highlighted the importance of the findings, which underline the success of Irelands National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance that emphasises the One Health collaborative approach across human, animal, and environmental health sectors, saying; Most studies on antimicrobial resistance emphasise the threat to our future health. This is a rare study that describes how some of our efforts in prescribing and use of antimicrobials, especially antibiotics, are already making a difference and improving levels of potentially problematic resistance. It is encouraging. Professor Nuala OConnell, Consultant Microbiologist, University Hospital Limerick, and Adjunct Clinical Professor at ULs School of Medicine, said: Antimicrobial resistance remains a global health threat, and this Irish study shows the importance of having a One Health Approach to stewardship in tackling this problem given the spread of resistant organisms between healthcare facilities, animals as well as food and the environment. The data suggest that increased use of "preferred" antimicrobials in humans, along with reduced usage of those "to be avoided," has contributed to the downward trend in resistance. The studys results underscore the importance of continued surveillance and a One Health approach to monitor and combat AMR across human, animal, and environmental sectors. This study highlights the positive impact that responsible antimicrobial use and stewardship programs have on combating AMR, said Professor Dunne. Its clear that a One Health approach, where we integrate human, animal, and environmental health, is essential for addressing this critical global health challenge. The studys findings provide crucial evidence for public health policy and offer valuable insights for continued action against AMR. As antimicrobial resistance continues to threaten the effectiveness of treatments, this research offers hope that ongoing efforts to curb AMR may safeguard future healthcare outcomes. Dr James Powell, Surveillance Scientist in UL Hospitals and a Principal Investigator for the study said: It gives me great pride to see this study reaching completion and publication. It was a big undertaking for us to examine this very large dataset, but the findings are hugely significant with global implications for the very worrying threat of antimicrobial resistance. Published in the highly respected Eurosurveillance journal, the research highlights the effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship and reduced antimicrobial usage practices in the Mid-West that have led to a significant decline in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in community and hospital settings. In the early hours of Wednesday, Donald Trump declared that Xi Jinping was VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!! Some 36 hours later, the US leader said he got what he wanted: A commitment to restore the flow of rare earth magnets. Its less clear what Xi got in return, apart from putting a lid on further punitive US measures. One of the few clear takeaways appeared to be an assurance for the US to welcome Chinese students, a major issue in China but also not one that would explain why Xi got on the phone after making Trump wait for months. By taking the call now, Xi appears to be betting that a reset in ties will lead to tangible wins in the weeks and months ahead, including tariff reductions, an easing of export controls and a generally more civil tone. The biggest sign of that was another round of talks planned for Monday in London that will now include US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, whos in charge of curbs on the sale of advanced technology to China. Whether Xi will get any of that, however, now hinges on a famously erratic Trump administration in which views toward China differ drastically. This call provides tactical de-escalation for US-China relations, said Sun Chenghao, a fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University in Beijing. However, Chinas core demands equal sanction relief, reciprocal enforcement mechanisms, and an end to tech containment remain critical for sustainable agreements, he added. Without substantive US adjustments in follow-up talks and policies, the consensus may not translate into long-term stability. Investors were skeptical that relations between the worlds biggest economies were finally on track, with Chinas CSI 300 Index little changed on Friday. While the two leaders spoke just days before Trumps inauguration, Xi had kept his US counterpart waiting for a phone call ever since as tensions rapidly escalated, with tariffs climbing well beyond 100% before the two sides agreed to lower them in Geneva last month. In recent days, Trump had looked like the more desperate of the two, seen by his repeated requests for a call capped off by his social media post at 2:17 a.m. on Wednesday. The call next day finally ended the longest post-inauguration silence between American and Chinese leaders in more than 20 years. Were in very good shape with China and the trade deal, Trump told reporters on Thursday after the 90-minute conversation. I would say we have a deal, and were going to just make sure that everybody understands what the deal is, he added. The big immediate problem for the US was a lack of rare earth magnets essential for American electric vehicles and defense systems. After the Geneva meeting, the US side believed it had secured the flow of these materials, only to be disappointed when China kept its export licensing system in place, saying that exporters to the US still needed to apply just like everyone else. China, in turn, felt betrayed by a fresh wave of US restrictions on AI chips from Huawei Technologies Co., software for designing chips, plane engines and visas for upwards of 280,000 Chinese students. Both sides felt that the agreement in Geneva was being violated, said Gerard DiPippo, associate director at the RAND China Research Center. From the White Houses perspective, he said, China committed to send the magnets. Although Xi flexed his muscles with the rare earths restrictions, he also has reasons to come to the table. Chinas economy is expected to slow sharply in the second quarter and come under pressure into the second half of the year, according to Morgan Stanley economists led by Robin Xing. Now the China pendulum is swinging back from political principle of standing firm against the US to pragmatism in support of a still fragile economy, said Han Lin, China country director at The Asia Group. In other words, Beijing wants to de-escalate, and as long as there is a face-saving path for Xi to do so, now is better than never. Xi can point to several things that indicate more is coming. The addition of Lutnick in upcoming trade talks, led in Geneva by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, signals Trump may be willing to consider reversing some of the technology curbs that threaten to hobble Chinas long-term growth ambitions. Xis statement after the call also made clear he expects the US to remove the negative measures taken against China, which could include warnings against the use of Huaweis Ascend chips and restriction on the sale of chip design software to China. The two leaders also exchanged invitations to visit each others country, events that will build momentum toward stabilizing the relationship with agreements on thorny issues spanning trade, export controls and people-to-people exchanges. Trump said their wives would also come along, adding to the positive optics. Its significant that Trump agreed to visit China first, according to Bert Hofman, professor at the East Asian Institute at the National University Singapore and former World Bank country director for China. Xi probably realized that a call would be in the Chinese interest given the eagerness of Mr. Trump to have one, he said. This will accelerate talks and hopefully extend the truce beyond August, he added, as the tariff reductions agreed in Geneva will expire in early September. But some analysts advised against being overly optimistic, pointing out the lack of details on key trade matters. There doesnt seem to be a deeper agreement that would prevent either side from taking additional negative actions, even as talks proceed, said Kurt Tong, a former US consul general in Hong Kong and a partner at The Asia Group. That fragility is compounded by Trumps transactional approach to foreign policy and ties with China in particular. In January 2020, when Trump signed a Phase-One trade deal with Beijing, he said the relationship between the countries was the best its ever been before it quickly unraveled following the spread of Covid-19 around the globe. It would be unwise to bet that Trump has a vision for further negotiations that he wont abandon suddenly later on, said Graham Webster, who leads the DigiChina project at Stanford University. Another area where Xi could see an early win is on the issue of fentanyl. Any deal to cooperate in blocking the flow of the drug to the US could immediately bring down American tariffs on Chinese imports by 20 percentage points. While the call helped to stem the negative trajectory of the relationship, the next two weeks will be crucial to confirm whether the truce will last, according to Wu Xinbo, a professor at Fudan University in Shanghai. He said China expects to see more progress on tariffs and US tech curbs. The call in itself is not a reward, Wu said. Whats important is what will come out of the call. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The US imposed sanctions on a network of individuals and companies it accuses of laundering billions of dollars from illegal activities for the Iranian government, as the Trump administration continues its maximum pressure campaign against Tehran. The Treasury Department said the penalties target more than 30 individuals, as well as 16 companies based in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. Irans shadow banking system is a critical lifeline for the regime through which it accesses the proceeds from its oil sales, moves money, and funds its destabilizing activities, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. The Treasury announcement names Irans Zarringhalam brothers Mansour, Nasser, and Fazlolah as facilitators behind the network that gives sanctioned Iranian individuals and organizations access to the international financial system. It allegedly operates as a parallel banking system, where Iran-based exchange houses broker settlements through front companies in Hong Kong and the UAE. The United States will continue to deny Iran access to financial networks and the global banking system as long as Iran continues its destabilizing activities, the State Department said in a separate statement on the sanctions. The Trump administration has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Iran even as negotiations for a nuclear deal continue. Tensions are mounting ahead of a still-unscheduled next round of talks, with President Donald Trump declaring the US wont allow Iran to pursue uranium enrichment, and Tehran slamming a US nuclear deal proposal for being ambiguous. At a briefing on Thursday, a State Department spokesperson encouraged Iran to agree with the proposal. It is in their best interest to accept it, said principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott. Weve also been clear, again and again and again, that the Iranian regime can never have a nuclear weapon. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Before the lawsuits started piling up in courtrooms across Connecticut, before his employer accused him of running a massive Ponzi-like fraud, and before the FBI showed up, Robert Cappelletti looked well on his way to pulling off one of the greatest muni-bond coups of all time. The plan Cappelletti had put together was so audacious it bordered on the fantastical. The housing agency he ran in Groton, a sleepy town of some 40,000 people along Connecticuts Thames River, would sell $750 million of bonds to jumpstart a $4 billion project to transform a bunch of run-down shopping plazas into a sprawling, up-scale development. Thered be a new train station, a hospital, almost 2,000 apartments and dozens of shops and restaurants. It would have been the biggest local bond issue in the states history and expanded the tiny Groton agency far beyond its role managing two apartment complexes. And yet Cappelletti a part-time employee with a mixed record running other housing agencies in the state breezed through a series of crucial steps needed to complete the sale. He got approval from the five-person board that runs the agency; crafted a brief financial projections statement; scored an investment-grade bond rating; and started the process of lining up buyers for the debt. It was only when the bond sale collapsed this winter and Cappelletti was removed from office that the complex financial web that he had spun across Connecticut for years came to light. Cappelletti engaged in double-dealing, created shell companies and failed to disclose loans he took out, leaving, in the process, a trail of financial wreckage across the state, lawyers for the Groton agency alleged in the most high-profile case against him. In February, they sued Cappelletti for fraud, claiming he borrowed at least $3 million without the commissions knowledge through subsidiaries he controlled. In subsequent court documents, the authority alleged Cappelletti also took millions of dollars from non-commercial lenders and other questionable entities that were then transferred to others, including businesses owned by his brother, David, that received about $1 million. The housing authoritys attorneys are working with the FBI, which is investigating, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. Everybody is disgusted, said Ric Silver, who lives in an apartment in Pequot Village, a 104-unit complex managed by the authority. Cappelletti declined to comment through his attorney, Joseph Martini, who also declined to comment. Cappelletti's brother, David, who was named as a co-defendant in the suit last month, also declined to comment. On June 2, in court papers filed in connection with the Groton case, Ivan Ladd-Smith, another lawyer for Cappelletti, said he intends to deny the allegations. A press official for the FBI declined to comment. Robert Frink, the chair of the Groton Housing Authority, said the board has opened an investigation but is unable to go into greater detail at this time. That Cappelletti drew so little scrutiny as he pushed ahead with the deal is a testament to the vulnerabilities in the vast network of government agencies struggling to provide affordable housing to low-income families across America. To finance new projects and try to address the housing crisis, the local agencies routinely sell municipal bonds, a loosely regulated corner of the securities market where deals are often just rubber-stamped. Many of the agencies have been plagued by mismanagement, poor oversight and corruption. Since 2023, prosecutors have brought bribery and fraud charges against housing authority officials in Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Montana and New York, where 70 former and current New York City Housing Authority officials were ensnared in a historic case. In Connecticut, the events in Groton are drawing fresh scrutiny to the more than 100 independent housing agencies across the state, which only has enough affordable rental homes to meet the needs of about one-third of the lowest-income households. Until we fix the regulatory disconnect, said Robert Boris, chair of Grotons economic development commission, bad actors will continue to exploit it and working families will continue to the pay the price. Cappelletti, 58, has worked in public housing for two decades. A graduate of Assumption University, a Catholic school in Worcester, Massachusetts, he joined the housing authority in Stamford, Connecticut, in 2002 to run the citys Section 8 voucher program, according to his LinkedIn profile. In 2009, he became the executive director for the Meriden Housing Authority and five years later tacked on a similar part-time job for the Waterbury Housing Authority. Just before starting at Groton in 2016, he left the post in Waterbury. There, an investigation found he had used $56,653 of public funds to buy a Chevrolet Silverado for business and personal use even though he wasnt entitled to a vehicle, had slid someone onto the payroll without the agencys approval and allowed a contractor to live rent-free in an apartment managed by the agency in exchange for painting work. Cappelletti and Waterbury reached a separation agreement that included no admission of wrongdoing. The Groton job was a relatively modest one mostly the oversight of 174 rental units that Cappelletti could do while still running the agency in Meriden some 50 miles away. Cappelletti, though, envisioned much bigger things for Groton. A manufacturing hub just off the Long Island Sound, best known for its naval base, General Dynamics Corp.s submarine factory and the sprawling research facility for the drugmaker Pfizer Inc., the town had a relatively strong economy. But that had left it with a shortage of affordable housing, and its main commercial corridor was lined with aging, strip-style retail. Cappelletti called his development project Groton 2030. Itd reserve 20% of the 1,925 apartments for lower-income residents, a key selling point to the authoritys board, which approved the project in June 2023. Per the plan, Cappelletti would oversee the project himself through a development arm of the housing authority instead of hiring an experienced developer or soliciting bids. One of the housing agency commissioners who signed off on the plan, Joe Greene, soon had regrets. In an interview, Greene said he had reluctantly approved the bond during a last-minute video call but had doubts after asking for details. Cappelletti never presented a real business plan, Greene said, and the town had not received formal notice that one of its agencies was planning a massive bond sale. At odds with the rest of the board, Greene resigned that September. Two years later, he remains mystified by it all. I still dont know how youre going to pay off a $750 million bond in a five-year timespan when you dont own the property and when there was no business plan, he said. People were amazed at the amount of money. With the approval in hand, Cappelletti put the deal in motion. He had the Groton authority pay $25,000 to a New Jersey-based investment banker, according to a check register obtained under a freedom of information request. The authority also hired Connecticut law firm Pullman & Comley as bond counsel and obtained an A rating from Egan-Jones based on a few financial projections it turned over.Pullman & Comley declined to comment. Eric Mandelbaum, general counsel for Egan-Jones, said the firm can't comment on particular transactions but stands behind its work and record, which are based on methodologies that are publicly available. Related Story: A New Ratings Game: 3,000 Deals, 20 Analysts, Lots of Questions The sale bogged down after that. Month after month, its completion kept getting delayed. Then, in May 2024, it all started to unravel on Cappelletti when the Groton commissioners received subpoenas ordering them to travel across the state to provide sworn testimony. Months earlier, a lawsuit had been filed against Cappellettis Meriden Housing Authority and a subsidiary, Maynard Road Corp., that had defaulted on a $16 million loan. The lender, Titan Capital, subpoenaed the Groton commissioners because Cappelletti had made $629,000 of loan repayments with funds pulled from their agency, not Meridens. The Meriden agency is now on the hook for about $30 million to repay the Titan loan with interest as well as $12.5 million owed to Citizens Bank for a project in Bristol, Connecticut. Back in a September 2023 board meeting, the Groton commissioners had asked Capelletti about the cash used to pay off Titan, which was recorded as an expense for the Groton 2030 project. They were assured theyd be reimbursed when the bond deal closed, minutes of the meeting show. But the Meriden lawsuit raised new questions, and when Groton commissioners started digging, they found that companies controlled by Cappelletti had bought properties in Winchester, Connecticut, and Fitchburg, Massachusetts to redevelop. Cappelletti also allegedly forged a resolution to approve $2.7 million of lease agreements for the authority, according to the February lawsuit filed by the Groton agency. This case involves the discovery of a massive Ponzi-like fraud, lawyers for the agency said in a court filing. Over the course of at least seven years, Cappelletti accepted millions of dollars in funds from non-commercial lenders or other questionable entities. In January, the agency suspended Cappelletti and canceled his contract. The FBI probe continues and the lawsuits are wending their way through Connecticut courts. Our focus now, said Frink, the chair of the Groton Housing Authority, is to ensure a complete and fulsome investigation. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The bromance between Elon Musk and President Trump is ending at a difficult time for Tesla. The electric-vehicle maker lost roughly $150 billion of market value Thursdayits biggest ever dropafter the Tesla CEO and Trump traded insults. Sales of Teslas have slumped this year. Tariffs could disrupt the supply of key components. The sprawling Republican tax-and-spending bill would end tax credits for EV buyers. And Teslas Cybertruck has been a disappointment. Musk set high expectations for the Cybertruck, telling investors it would be Teslas best product ever." The angular, stainless steel pickup was supposed to generate buzz for Tesla by showcasing new technology and unlocking the lucrative truck market. Instead, it has become synonymous with Musks polarizing stint in politics, exposing some owners to graffiti or middle fingers from other drivers. And its reputation has been tarnished among Tesla fans because of a spate of recalls and manufacturing issues that have resulted in cycles of repairs. In the U.S., the company sold fewer than 40,000 Cybertrucks in 2024well below Musks ultimate goal of 250,000 a year. In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla sold around 7,100 Cybertrucks in the U.S., according to registration data from S&P Global Mobility. Fords F-150 Lightning pickup outsold it. In an effort to boost sales, Tesla has rolled out lower-price versions of the truck and started offering buyers incentives such as 0% financing and free upgrades. Almost as soon as the $100,000 Cybertruck hit the road, quality problems began to multiply. Reports on social media cited cracked windshields and spotting from so-called rail dust, orange discoloration similar to rust. In its first year, Tesla recalled the truck seven times to fix dangerous defects. In March, with large metal panels falling off the trucks, the tally rose to eight. Some of the quality problems were known and documented internally before the truck went on sale, including issues with the accelerator pad and windshield wiper that later triggered recalls, said former employees who worked on the Cybertruck. But there was pressure inside Tesla to get the truck to market quickly, according to these employees. Tesla didnt respond to requests for comment. Elon Musk will tell you the biggest professional mistake was the falcon doors on the Model X," said David Fick, a longtime Tesla owner who got his Cybertruck in March. He referred to the complex door design that opens upward and hinges at the roof. I believe that the Cybertruck is going to go down as an even bigger corporate stumble." The retired banker in Boynton Beach, Fla., chose to wait more than a year to buy his Cybertruck, hopeful that many of the biggest issues would be identified before he drove his off the lot. They do a lot of bleeding-edge stuff where they rush to the market and then youre a beta tester as an owner," Fick said. He paid about $72,000 for the car, plus $7,300 for window tinting and a custom wrap for exterior trim panels known as cant rails, covering his new car in a metallic maroon color. Soon after, Tesla recalled cant rails because they could become unglued. Ive had tons of recalls on my Teslas over the years," said Fick, who added that the cars are worth the hassle. Eighty percent were fixed by [software] updates, but these are physical things we are dealing with now." Musk unveiled the prototype for the Cybertruck in 2019. At the time, he said it would cost $39,900, with a battery range of up to 500 milesan ambitious combination that would be a stretch for any EV maker. Work on the vehicle was delayed a couple of years, leaving engineering and manufacturing teams with only a few months to do final testing before the trucks went to customers, former employees said. Musk tried to temper expectations around how quickly Tesla could increase production, given its unique design. There is always some chance that Cybertruck will flop, because it is so unlike anything else," he wrote on social media in July 2021. Still, he promoted some of its most unusual features, including his dream of making the car amphibious. Former employees said they took Musks social posts as orders, but the engineering proved difficult. By 2022, it was clear internally that Cybertruck wouldnt be able to meet all Musks criteria, so engineers scrapped an early design and started overdeveloping a smaller, landlocked version of the truck, the people said. After about a year and a half of testing, Tesla delivered the first Cybertrucks to a dozen or so customers in late November 2023. An early version of the truck started at $100,000 and had an estimated range of 318 miles. Two months later, Tesla issued its first recall on the vehicle: a software update that required the company to increase the size of the font on a warning system used across its fleet. It was the first of three recalls that Tesla addressed on the Cybertruck through over-the-air updates to its software. Cybertrucks problems couldnt be fixed by software updates alone. In April 2024, Tesla issued a recall for the accelerator pedal. The company had received a notice from a customer complaining that the accelerator had gotten stuck. Tesla found that the pad attached to the long pedal could dislodge and get stuck in the trim above the pedal, causing the car to accelerate. An internal investigation found the issue was the result of an unapproved change," in which Tesla employees used soap as a lubricant to attach the pad, according to the recall notice. Inside Tesla, the accelerator pad had been a known issue starting with the prototype, according to an employee who worked on the part. The manufacturing team also identified the part as problematic, this person said. Tesla also had problems with the Cybertrucks expansive windshield, which measured nearly 6 square feet. Sometimes the heavy glass would break, two employees said. The glass either arrived cracked from the supplier in Mexico or from handling at the Austin, Texas, facility, they said. Some owners took to social media to describe the glass cracking as soon as they drove off the lot, or while they wiped the inside of their windshield. The windshield required a large windshield wiper measuring 50 inches long. In June 2024, Tesla issued a recall on the wipers, whose motors Tesla found had been overstressed by testing. The wiper had been flagged nearly a year before, two people who worked on the Cybertruck said. It was one of the first issues identified on the vehicles, at which point it was classified as a gating issue," which meant that it needed to be resolved before production could move forward. Reid Tomasko, a 25-year-old YouTube creator, took his Cybertruck on a cross-country trip, during which it performed perfectly, he said. Then came winter in New Hampshire. He was driving near his home in Lebanon, N.H., in February when a metal panel flew off the side of his truck. In March, Tesla issued a recall affecting most of the Cybertrucks it had producedmore than 46,000. The problem involved adhesive that could become brittle in extreme weather, causing exterior trim panels called cant rails to dislodge. Inspecting his truck, Tomasko said he found loose connections on almost every panel that used the adhesive, including the large pieces of stainless steel over the rear wheels, the front fender and the front doors. I was wondering, why are they not recalling the other panels?" Tomasko said. After replacing several panels, Tesla offered to buy back Tomaskos truck for nearly all of the $102,000 that he paid, he said. He accepted. I am planning on getting a newer one for cheaper soon," he said. Write to Becky Peterson at becky.peterson@wsj.com Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said the state is taking bold initiatives to lead India's Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, referring to the state government's pact with tech giant Nvidia. On Friday, the southern state and Nvidia inked an agreement to jointly advance the establishment of a proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) university in the state and foster a robust ecosystem through skilling, research, infrastructure development, and startup acceleration. "Under the leadership of IT Minister Nara Lokesh, we have entered into an MoU with Nvidia to build a strong and inclusive AI ecosystem in the state," said Naidu in a post on 'X'. With support from Nvidia for curriculum and training, 10,000 engineering students will receive skill training over the next two years, he said, adding that 500 AI startups from the southern state will gain access to Nvidia's 'Inception Program' for global exposure and key resources. Further, plans are underway to establish India's first AI University in collaboration with Nvidia for shaping the infrastructure and research capabilities, said the CM. NANJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has called for efforts to intensify the cultivation of skilled talent, ensure employment and entrepreneurship among college graduates and other young people, and promote high-quality and full employment. Shen made the remarks during a research trip on employment and vocational skills training from Wednesday to Friday in the cities of Suzhou, Wuxi and Nanjing in east China's Jiangsu Province. During her trip, Shen learned about the current state of employment through visits to various locations, urging an enhancement of the quality and focus of large-scale vocational training programs, as well as the cultivation of high-quality skilled talent. It is vital to coordinate and leverage the roles of public service and market institutions, provide more precise and efficient employment services, and strengthen employment assistance for vulnerable groups, she said. She also called for making full use of existing support policies, and for optimizing employment and entrepreneurship services for young groups such as college graduates during the graduation season. (Bloomberg) -- Rio Tinto Group is seeking a multibillion-dollar government bailout for its Tomago aluminum smelter Australias largest electricity user due to spiraling energy costs, the Australian Financial Review reported. The talks center on the smelters electricity contract for 2026 to 2029 and the federal governments production tax credits, the newspaper reported Saturday, citing unidentified sources familiar with the discussions. One person interviewed by the AFR said any bailout package will likely be more sophisticated than a direct subsidy and that talks are mainly being conducted with the New South Wales state government. Tomago, majority-owned by Rio, uses about 12% of New South Wales power supply, according to the worlds second-biggest mining company. Its aiming for renewables to contribute to more than 50% of the smelters electricity needs by 2030, and aspires to eradicate fossil fuels from the plant by 2035. The smelter is Australias biggest aluminum producer, generating up to 590,000 tons a year. A request for comment sent to Rio out of working hours wasnt immediately answered. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in January announced A$2 billion ($1.3 billion) in funding to create Green Aluminum Production Credits to help the nations smelters switch to renewable energy before 2036. Prices of the verstaile, lightweight metal have been volatile amid President Donald Trumps tariff agenda, and are down 4% since the start of the year. This week, the US leader doubled levies on aluminum imports to 50%. Albanese, whose center-left Labor government was reelected last month, has described Trumps move as an act of economic self harm by the United States that will increase the cost for consumers in the US. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Taiwans Yageo Corp. said it would keep Shibaura Electronics Co.s most advanced technology in Japan if it successfully acquires the artificial intelligence sensor maker. The comments from Yageo founder and Chairman Pierre Chen come as Tokyo seeks to strike a balance between shareholder returns while ensuring cutting-edge AI technology stays at home. Shibauras high-precision thermistors are key for monitoring the internal temperature of electronic devices to prevent overheating. Thats especially important in AI, where data centers with large clusters of high-performance servers churn through troves of data. It is not in Yageos interest to see Shibauras technology transfer to countries that Japan considers to be unfriendly, Chen told reporters in Taipei on Saturday. We will impose even stricter controls on the technology to make sure it doesnt get leaked. Yageo is facing off against Nintendo Co. supplier Minebea Mitsumi Inc. in its bid for Shibaura and is offering 6,200 for each Shibaura share. Minebea last offered 5,500 a share. Yageos tender offer period ends June 19, though Chen wouldnt say if the company would consider an extension. Chen said Yageo officials will meet Shibaura management in Tokyo during the week of June 16 to discuss the offer. The Taiwanese company has had good communications with Japans powerful Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, according to Chen. A Shibaura official declined to comment. Calls to METI outside business hours went unanswered. Yageos bid for Shibaura has triggered a backlash in some Japanese business circles resistant to takeover bids from foreign companies. Tokyo officials are also split on such overtures. Regulators are trying to bolster corporate transparency and shareholder returns by encouraging companies to unwind cross shareholdings. But that and a cheap yen is also making it easier to initiate takeovers of Japanese companies. With assistance from Mayumi Negishi. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Funds including Silver Point Capital and Elliott Management are working on a rescue plan for British utility Thames Water that would total more than 10 billion ($13.5 billion), according to people familiar with the matter. The proposal, the main terms of which are similar to the one presented by US alternative investor KKR & Co. before it walked away from its planned investment this week, would involve a sweeping debt restructuring. There would be a multibillion pound haircut for senior creditors, the people said. That would be on top of cuts for the utilitys more junior Class B bonds and loans, as well as for debt at the holding level, amounting to approximately 3 billion. The package would also include an equity injection of between 3 billion and 4 billion to stabilize the companys finances. The specific terms of the plan are still being finalized. A spokesperson for the senior creditor group, which includes Silver Point and Elliott, confirmed that it has submitted a detailed long-term turnaround proposal for the company to restore its balance sheet, rebuild customer trust and fix the fundamentals of the business. A spokesperson for Thames Water declined to comment. Thames Water is in a race against time to fix its finances. Britains largest water and sewage utility is already eating into an emergency loan that it was granted by senior creditors to prevent its cash from drying up, and is scrambling to find fresh equity. The company needs to find a turnaround plan that will reduce its debt pile of nearly 20 billion. Previous shareholders called the company uninvestible, writing off their stakes and leaving it to the creditors. The utility, which supplies about a quarter of the UKs population, came close to running out of money several times before obtaining the emergency loan. The details of the latest proposal, which aims to return the company to investment-grade status, are emerging after Thames Water confirmed its working with its senior creditors to recapitalize and restore its finances. Regulator Ofwat will need to discuss the details with the creditor group in the coming weeks. The creditors said in a statement this week that the plan is fully-funded. Should the process of raising equity fail, Thames could fall into a special administration regime, or SAR, a temporary state-supervised process akin to insolvency designed for bankrupt businesses that provide critical services. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com President Donald Trump said he had no plans to speak to onetime ally Elon Musk and added that he was still looking at canceling the billionaires government contracts an indication that their public feud is far from over. Well take a look at everything, Trump told reporters on Friday. Its a lot of subsidy. But Trump added, only if its to be fair for him and for the country. Trumps comments came one day after a volatile public spat that saw the president and the worlds richest man resort to personal attacks in a feud spurred by disagreement over a massive tax package that Musk opposes. Musk late Thursday showed a willingness to deescalate the fight, but Trump said he had no intention of reaching out. I dont have any plans, Trump said, when asked if he was going to speak to Musk. On Thursday, the break-up tanked the share price of Tesla Inc., the company Musk leads, but the stock pared some losses on Friday. Other equities and digital assets with ties to Trump or Musk also fell in the wake of their clash. Musks companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, benefit from billions in federal contracts or subsidies. SpaceX, one of the worlds most valuable startups with a market value of $350 billion, has received more than $22 billion in unclassified contracts from the Defense Department and NASA since 2000, according to data from Bloomberg Government. A White House official earlier Friday said Trump had not taken any action to cut off ties between the government and Musks companies beyond a social media post on Thursday raising that threat. The official also said that Trump was moving ahead and focusing on his economic agenda instead of the fight with Musk. The president offered praise for Musks role heading the Department of Government Efficiency, a federal cost-cutting effort and wished him luck. Trump said Musk helped us a lot and that he hopes he does well with Tesla. Trump on Friday told reporters that he had not thought about whether he will keep Tesla vehicle he got earlier this year during a White House event. That event offered a public boost for Musk during a time when his company was facing protests and vandalism over his work with the Trump administration. With assistance from Akayla Gardner and Mathieu Benhamou. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. As the edtech sector grapples with waning interest in its core, consumer-focused online learning courses post-pandemic, major edtech and upskilling companies like Simplilearn, upGrad, and Emeritus are strategically shifting gears towards enabling enterprise learning. Even as companies say that the conventional consumer model is still very much in vogue, they are working towards building their B2B (business to business) businesses, backed by corporations racing to upskill employees for the artificial intelligence (AI) age, and by the expansion of global capacity centres (GCCs) in India. The goals are lofty. Mumbai-based upGrad, a traditionally consumer-facing business, expects 30-35% of its business coming from B2B in the next few years, from 20% currently. Simplilearn, which has offices in the US, Singapore and Bengaluru, and offers courses ranging from AI to digital marketing, gets 30% of its revenue from its enterprise segment, and expects a 50:50 split in two to three years. And Bengaluru-based Scaler, which focuses on software development and data science courses and introduced a B2B vertical this year, expects it to contribute 10-20% of revenues in the first fiscal year (FY26). The details Lets start with Scaler. The startup, traditionally a direct-to-consumer player, is focusing its B2B business towards companies with a headcount of 2,000-20,000 employees and those that have set up a GCC in India. Most large enterprises outsource their software needs, and it lands in an Indian GCC," said Abhimanyu Saxena, co-founder of Scaler, identifying the training of GCC staff as a key revenue stream. In the first year, revenue from enterprise will be sizeable," Saxena said, adding that the company has already signed deals with a few Fortune 500 companies, but declined to share the names. Scaler closed FY24 with 384.5 crore in operating revenue, up from 316.6 crore in FY23, according to documents sourced from business insights provider Tofler. Scaler also slashed its losses in FY24 to 138.8 crore, down from 330.2 crore in FY23. Also Read | Staffing firms find it more profitable putting employees in GCCs than IT firms If edtechs are able to win contracts from GCCs, which have the potential to give big-ticket deals, they can end up becoming really profitable for companies," said Amit Nawka, technology deals partner at PwC India. Meanwhile, upGrad has been slowly building its muscle for enterprise-facing solutions through mergers and acquisitions over the past three years. While the edtech acquired Work Better and Centum Learning in 2022 to build its B2B segment, it was only in April 2024 that the company brought its B2B offerings under one banner, upGrad Enterprise, the company said. Srikanth Iyengar, chief executive officer of upGrad Enterprise, said B2B will help the company accelerate its growth in international markets through partnerships with global organisations. While consumer programmes typically allow individuals to learn at their own pace, enterprise learning is built on speed and precisionwhere organizations need their talent to acquire and apply skills to drive performance." upGrad clocked 1,875 crore in non-Indian Accounting Standards gross revenue in FY24, up 1,530 crore in the previous financial year, according to data shared by the company with Mint. It trimmed Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) losses to 79 crore,down from 500 crore in the previous fiscal. Some of upGrad's B2B vertical clients are Reliance Retail, Hexaware Technologies, HCL Technologies and Walmart Global Tech India, according to the company. Pivotal role As for Simplilearn, company founder Krishna Kumar told Mint In an interview last year that the company would focus on reskilling for professionals and its B2B segment. We should reach a 50-50 split between our consumer and enterprise business in the next two to three years," Kumar said. According to data from the companys FY24 revenue announcement release, Simplilearn clocked 773 crore in revenue and trimmed Ebitda losses by 75% to 51 crore. Most of Simplilearns enterprise business comes from four segments: IT and ITES, GCCs, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government institutions, and manufacturing and BFSI (banking, financial services, insurance). The startup's B2B clients include Indian IT firm Mphasis and Swiss technology company Temenos. At IT and ITES companies, they hire fresh graduates who cant be put on projects from day one," Kumar said. They need extensive training that is part of their onboarding programme and we work with them to make sure they can be deployed on projects." On the other hand, at GCCs, the focus shifts to upskilling and reskilling the workforce, Kumar added. Post-pandemic shifts To be sure, edtechs troubles started to grow in 2022 as the pandemic waned and students began to return to their classrooms. Startups in the sector faced slower growth and looked to pivot to more viable options. Additionally, Byjus collapse hurt the ecosystem, in terms of both valuations and investor faith in the space. While several edtech companies switched to an offline model, others have turned to B2B for consistent revenue. Yet, companies told Mint their D2C business is still alive and kicking. If you look at the higher education segment, I dont see any downturn. Even if you look at the players in the upskilling and reskilling segment, I dont see any of the players struggling," said Simplilearns Kumar. In fact, PhysicsWallah is among the few profitable edtechs that has stuck by its D2C business. Increasing AI demand The change in the edtech revenue mix comes as AI increasingly takes centre stage and enterprises look to plug holes in this space, from both an adoption and staffing perspective. AI can be adopted well into GCCs because theyre highly process-driven organisations with specific turnaround times as well as predictability of work. In that regard, GCCs will be the torchbearers of AI adoption," said Nawka of PwC. upGrad Enterprises Iyengar said that the division has seen 100% jump in enterprise sign-ups for AI-focused training in the past six months, across India, North America, Europe and the Middle East. Whats encouraging is that this isnt just a top-down pushwere seeing equal enthusiasm from employees," he added. Also Read | GenAI may pile pricing pressure on customer support and maintenance work of IT services companies Popular courses upGrad Enterprises most popular courses include generative AI for quality assurance/quality engineering teams and coding agents, and advanced GenAI courses for professionals working with large language models. At Simplilearn, AI and GenAI have become big themes across the four verticals that use its services. Its the same at Emeritus. Additionally, topics such as executive presence, communication, and negotiation & influence are in high demand across leadership levels," said Morarji. The increased focus on AI comes as organisations look to automate tasks, putting entry-level jobs at risk. The Future of Jobs report 2025 by the World Economic Forum points out that 85% of the employers surveyed plan to upskill their workforce, while 70% expect to hire staff with new skills. At the same time, 40% of employers are reducing staff as their skills become less relevant and 50% are planning to transition staff to growing roles. I cant see a better time for edtechs to target B2B as a segment because AI is disrupting everything and everyone wants to be on top of their game," PwC Indias Nawka said. New Delhi: Tata Motors Ltd and Jaguar Land Rover have separately highlighted risks to their electric vehicle business for the first time ever, including potential production delays and shortages, likely as a result of Chinas stranglehold over the EV supply chain. Introducing a new element in their annual reports principle risks segment, titled electrification transition, Mumbai-based Tata Motors and its UK-based subsidiary JLR have both underscored the threat of financial losses if the transition to clean technology is not carefully managed. Unmanaged supply chain issues can lead to production delays and shortages," the companies said in their annual reports for 2024-25 without mentioning any specific potential trigger. No other homegrown automaker has mentioned electric transition as a separate business risk in their annual report. The disclosures in Tata Motorss and JLRs annual reports come as automakers globally are grappling with Chinas export restrictions on rare earth magnets. Washington DC [US], June 7 (ANI): Actress Sasheer Zamata said goodbye to her popular 'Agatha All Along' character, Jennifer Kale, by flying off into the sunset in the mini series. The actress recalled her last day of working in the series, reported variety. While talking about her final moments of the show, the actress said, "That was the last thing I shot for the show, and, I mean, just so many emotions, so many tears. It was so beautiful. The actual sky was beautiful, and being able to do a stunt like that was really cool. But it was also such a representation of the actual end of this journey. Like, there she goes," as quoted by Variety. The final moments in the series were quite emotional for the viewers. Over the course of the series, Jen evolves from a powerless witch hocking legally dubious candles, to a sorceress liberated from the binds that kept her grounded, as per the outlet. All because she reluctantly joins the conniving Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) for a stroll down the subterranean Witches' Road, a mystical endurance challenge that is said to reward those who make it to the end with their greatest desire. As per the outlet, the road is eventually exposed as a magical fiction spun by Billy Maximoff (Joe Locke), and Jen is its sole survivor who still gets what she wanted: the powers that were stolen from her a century ago, by Agatha no less, in the series. Her emotional journey isn't one without humor. In fact, the century of powerless isolation, cast out by her coven, left Jen with a sharp-tongued mistrust of others and a side-eye that could bring you to your knees. But ultimately, she emerges as a compassionate, driven leader of this chosen coven she comes to love, as shown in the "Agatha All Along" mini series, as reported by Variety. Zamata's career has largely been defined by comedic roles, first with stand-up, then a three-season stint on "Saturday Night Live," followed by key roles in "Home Economics" and "Woke." Veteran actor Choi Min-sik, best known for his unforgettable roles in Oldboy, I Saw The Devil, Lucy, and more recently Exhuma, is set to return to the small screen in Netflixs upcoming Korean drama Noted from the Last Row. The series will mark another major project for the acclaimed actor, bringing his talents back to television after a focus on film in recent years. In this new series, Choi will play Heo Moon-oh, a once-promising writer who failed to live up to expectations and now teaches literature. His life takes a strange turn when he becomes deeply fascinated by the writing of a quiet student, Lee Kang, who always sits in the last row of his classroom. Choi Hyun-wook (best known from DP, Twinkling Watermelon) will play Lee Kang, while Huh Joon-ho ('Bloodhounds', Mercy For None) takes on the role of Moon-ohs friend, Kim Su-hun a successful writer. Kim Yun-jin, well known to global audiences from the American series Lost, will portray Ahn Eun-joo, Su-huns wife. Jin Kyung ('Dr Romantic') joins the cast as Jo Hyeon-suk, Moon-ohs wife and psychologist. About the Netflix show Noted from the Last Row is based on the Spanish play by Juan Mayorga, which was previously adapted into the French film In the House by Francois Ozon. The Korean adaptation is being helmed by director Kim Gyu-tae ('Our Blues', The Trunk) and written by Jang Myung-woo ('My Mother, the Mermaid'). New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Sonali Bendre is the only Bollywood actress to have had the opportunity to welcome the late pop sensation Michael Jackson when he visited India for his 'HIStory World Tour' in 1996. Actress Sonali Bendre, along with politician Raj Thackeray, played a key role in the grand welcome of Michael Jackson to India in 1996. Bendre was dressed in a traditional nine-yard saree and greeted Jackson at the Mumbai airport with an Indian ritual by applying tilak (a sacred mark on the forehead) and performing aarti. Now, nearly 29 years later, Sonali Bendre has opened up about the behind-the-scenes events that led her to be a part of that iconic moment. In an interview with ANI, the 'Sarfarosh' actress said that she was approached by Raj Thackeray's wife, Sharmila Thackeray, for the welcoming ceremony of Michael Jackson at the Mumbai Airport (Bombay Airport at that time). "They told me that you need to come and do that and be somebody who got in touch with me. I think it was Sharmila, Raj's wife. Sharmila's mother and my masi (aunt) have been friends for a long time, and she said, 'why don't you do it' (welcoming Michael Jackson)," said Sonali Bendre. However, it was not so easy to convince the actress who was at the peak of her career at that time. She agreed to welcome Jackson at the airport, but only on one condition. "I was like, okay, but then I want great tickets for the show and all of that with my friends. So I did it because I was getting these tickets to enter where I could take my friends and go to the show. My sister, sister's friends and all of that. We had this great seating. That's what I was so excited about when I did it," added Sonali Bendre. The 'HIStory World Tour' included Jackson visiting numerous countries and performing for millions of fans. Jackson's concert in Mumbai was a highlight of the tour, as it is fondly remembered for his cultural moment in India. At the time, Sonali Bendre was enjoying a successful run in Bollywood. After a series of early struggles, 1996 proved to be a breakthrough year for the actress as she starred in hits like 'Diljale', 'Sapoot' and 'Rakshak'. New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to identify and eliminate "dark patterns", deceptive design practices that mislead consumers into unintended actions. The Consumer Affairs Ministry on Saturday said all e-commerce platforms must examine their interfaces for practices that undermine consumer choice or constitute unfair trade practices. "All e-commerce platforms have been advised to conduct self-audits to identify dark patterns, within 3 months of the issue of the advisory, and take necessary steps to ensure that their platforms are free from such dark patterns," the ministry said in a statement. Based on their audit findings, platforms are encouraged to provide self-declarations confirming their sites are free from deceptive practices. The CCPA said these declarations would help build consumer trust and create a fairer digital marketplace. The authority has already issued notices to some e-commerce platforms found violating guidelines for preventing dark patterns, though, it did not name specific companies. Dark patterns include practices like false urgency alerts, hidden costs added at checkout, subscription traps, and disguised advertisements that manipulate consumer decision-making. The government established a Joint Working Group, comprising representatives from ministries, regulators, consumer organisations and national law universities, to monitor violations and suggest awareness programmes. The government notified guidelines for preventing dark patterns in 2023, identifying 13 specific practices, including basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced actions, interface interference, bait and switch tactics, drip pricing, and subscription billing traps. Prasanna Gunasena (2nd L), deputy minister of transport and highways, inspects the Port Access Elevated Highway project in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on June 6, 2025. (China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation/Handout via Xinhua) COLOMBO, June 7 (Xinhua) -- "China is one of the friendliest countries to Sri Lanka, and we hope that this friendship will last a long time," Prasanna Gunasena, deputy minister of transport and highways, told Xinhua on Friday during an inspection of the Port Access Elevated Highway project in Colombo. Gunasena, accompanied by Director General of the Road Development Authority K.W. Kandambi, representatives of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), and senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and Highways, visited the site to review progress on what is set to become the longest bridge in Sri Lanka. The 5.27-km Port Access Elevated Highway, featuring a two-way, four-lane design and built using advanced segmental box girder prefabrication, has reached its final phase of construction. "This is a very good project for Sri Lanka," said Gunasena, emphasizing that the project, built by CCECC, contributes a lot to the locals. "When it is completed, we expect an economic boost. That is the main objective of this project." Speaking about Sri Lanka-China cooperation, Gunasena said he values the longstanding partnership between the two countries. "China will continue to be our friend and help us develop our economy," he said, referencing China's history of supporting major infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. The Port Access Elevated Highway project is pictured in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Dongshu) DAMASCUSThe resemblance was striking. The boy in the photograph had the familys same thick eyebrows and looked about 17, the same age Ahmed Yaseen would now beif he was still alive. Could it be him, his aunt Naila al-Abbasi wondered? More than 12 years had passed since the boy and his five sisters had disappeared, after Syrian military intelligence detained them and their parents in the early years of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. Six months after rebels toppled the Assad regime in a seismic moment for the Middle East, many Syrians are still searching for missing relatives, including an estimated 3,700 children. An investigation by The Wall Street Journal, based on secret documents from the Assad regime and conversations with former detainees and corroborated by Syrias current government, found that at least 300 children like Ahmed were forcibly separated from their families and placed in orphanages after being detained during the countrys civil war. He looks very similar," said al-Abbasi, who had scrolled through hundreds of photographs on Syrian orphanages websites before finding this one. The nose, even the mouth." More than 112,000 Syrians arrested since the start of an uprising against Assad in 2011 remain unaccounted for, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. That figure is comparable to the number of people who have disappeared in Mexicos drug wars, though Syrias population is only a fifth the size. Children are often used to punish or pressure opponents in war. Russia has taken thousands of children from Ukraine. Decades after Argentinas military dictatorship ended, families are still finding missing relatives seized as newborns and adopted by military couples. Dealing with this brutal legacy is a crucial challenge for the new Syria, whose government, led by an Islamist group that cut its past ties with al Qaeda, is trying to assert its control over a country riven by sectarian tensions. Syrias presidency said in May that it will set up commissions to probe crimes committed under Assad, compensate victims and trace the missing. But it is a huge and complex task for a government beset with other pressing issues, including a battered economy. Failure to address the issue of missing people could contribute to cycles of violence," said Kathryne Bomberger, director general of the International Commission on Missing Persons. One familys story At the time of their abduction, the Yaseen children were living in the relatively affluent Dumar neighborhood of Damascus. Their mother, Rania al-Abbasi, was a national chess champion who ran a successful dental clinic. In photographs Rania posted on social media, the children are pictured smiling alongside SpongeBob and Spider-Man performers during a trip to Syrias coast. Other pictures show Ahmed on a playground swing; wearing a cardboard crown; and with his hair gelled neatly into a crest. When the uprising against Assad began, relatives urged them to leave Syria. The family had a history with the regime: Ranias fathera prominent religious scholarhad spent 13 years in prison under Assads father, President Hafez al-Assad, because of his oppositional views. Islamists were often considered a threat by the secular Assad regime. After Ranias father was released, the family went into exile in Saudi Arabia, where Ahmed was born. But his parents wanted to raise him and his sisters where they had roots and returned to Damascus in 2009. She thought she was safe," said Ranias younger sister, Naila, a doctor who remained in Saudi Arabia with much of the family. Between six children and work, Rania had no time to get involved in political activity or protests, even if she supported their demands. But she did give generously to Syrians displaced by the governments crackdown. And her father, from abroad, had voiced support for the uprising. It was enough to bring the regimes fist down on the family. On March 9, 2013, Syrian intelligence agents came for Ranias husband, Abdurrahman Yaseen. Two days later, they returned and took Ahmed and the other children, between 1 and 14 years old, along with their mother. The fathers fate eventually came to light in a cache of 50,000 images smuggled out of Syria by a forensic photographer who defected in 2013. The grim catalog contained photographs of some 6,786 Syrians who had died in custody, some with their eyes gouged out. Among the images was one of Abdurrahman. Still, there was no sign of Ahmed, his siblings or Rania. The strongest lead came from another mother who had been detained with her children the year after al-Abbasi and her family. Freed in a prisoner exchange in 2017, Rasha al-Sharbaji revealed that security services had seized her five children and placed them in an orphanage run by SOS Childrens Villages, an international charity with several locations in Syria. She said she recovered her children from the charity after being released. Asking around, relatives learned that four sisters with age gaps similar to four of the Yaseen girls were living in one of the centers of SOS Childrens Villages. But orphanage staff were too afraid to speak, according to family members, and a lawyer appointed to ask the authorities received no answers. Moment of truth After the regime crumbled in December, thousands of prisoners stumbled out of fetid prison cells as Syrians celebrated in the streets. Scattered abroad, members of the extended family mobilized a fresh search, including approaching SOS Childrens Villages again. In a statement, its Syria operation acknowledged it had received 139 children without proper documentation" between 2014 and 2018, when it demanded the authorities stop placing such cases in its care. Most of those children were returned to authorities under the former regime, SOS Childrens Villages said, citing an audit into past records. The Journal couldnt determine what happened to them later. We regret the untenable situation we found ourselves in when receiving the children and unequivocally disapprove of such practices," it said. The group said it had taken steps to ensure it didnt happen again. The organization has since filed a claim with Damascuss public prosecutor to open an official investigation into the Yaseen childrens disappearance. It said there was no record they had ever been placed in SOS Childrens Villages care. Many mass graves" The family expanded their search to other orphanages. Baraa al-Ayoubi, director of the al-Rahma orphanage in Damascus, said Syrian security agents had placed 100 children of detainees in her care over the course of the war, but none of them belonged to Rania. The orphanage was forbidden to disclose details about the children, even to their relatives, when Assad was in power, she said. Eventually, all the children were handed back to their parents, she said. Records in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, which has authority over orphanages, confirmed the practice was official. Tucked away in bulging files were secret communiques from Syrias intelligence services, seen by a Journal reporter, instructing the ministry to transfer detainees children to orphanages. An investigation launched by the ministry found a document indicating that SOS Childrens Villages had returned the Yaseen children to the former regime. But the family wasnt convinced the document, which wasnt on official letterhead, was real. SOS Childrens Villages declined to confirm whether it was authentic. A search of the ministrys archives identified about 300 children who were transferred to four orphanages in Damascus, said spokesman Saad al-Jaberi. But many documents have likely been lost, Jaberi said, and the answers that relatives of the 3,700 missing children are seeking may lie elsewhere. There are many mass graves," he said. Chasing leads As the search foundered, the childrens aunt, Naila, traveled to Damascus from Saudi Arabia, returning to her home country for the first time since before the uprising. Opening the door to her sisters apartment, it was as though time had stopped on the day the family was taken 12 years earlier. Dust-covered school books were stacked neatly on the dining-room table. The refrigerators contents had rotted beyond recognition. In a notebook belonging to the second-eldest child, there were declarations of love for Syria. Well stay in Syria until you leave, Bashar," wrote Najah Yaseen, who was 11 at the time the family was detained. A cigarette butt on a tray was the only apparent trace left by the security men. Another document, collected by civil-society groups from Syrias air force intelligence, indicated that Rania had been transferred to another branch of the security apparatus in 2014. There was no reference to the children, suggesting they might have been separated by then. The family could only assume she had been killed, but they wouldnt give up on the children. Family members studied photographs on orphanage websites and official channels of the former Syrian government. A girl in a promotional video for SOS Childrens Villages strongly resembled one of the Yaseen girls, Dima, who would now be 25. SOS Childrens Villages insisted she was someone else. Family members werent sure they would recognize the children today, so a family friend used artificial intelligence to visualize what they might look like now. After seeing the boy who resembled Ahmed on the website of Lahn al-Hayat, another orphanage, the family tracked him down. His name was Omar Abdurrahmannot Ahmed Yaseenbut other children who grew up in the orphanage said their identities had been changed. Orphanage administrators declined to comment. He couldnt remember anything about his life before the orphanage. But maybe the trauma of being detained at the age of 5 had erased his memoriesand the likeness was undeniable. While family members waited for a DNA test to settle any doubt, Omar began referring to the missing boys aunts as his own. When he saw a photograph of Ahmed, he recognized himself. Thats me when I was young," he said. Weeks went by before a laboratory finally processed the test. The result came back negative. The boy remained at the orphanage. For the Abbasi family, the search continues. Write to Isabel Coles at isabel.coles@wsj.com It had once been a relationship so strong that even a lawsuit couldnt drive a wedge through it. When President Trump and Elon Musk did a joint interview with Sean Hannity soon after the inauguration, sitting so close their knees nearly touched and vigorously nodding at each others responses, the Fox News host appeared baffled by the recent settlement of a suit Trump had brought against X, Musks social-media platform. Hes become one of your best friends. Hes working for free for you," Hannity pointed out to Trump. You just made him pay you $10 million?" Then he turned to Musk. You dont care about that?" No, I love the president," Musk replied. Trump said his buddy had gotten a discount. For months after Trump won re-election, he and the worlds richest man seemed infatuated with one another. Musk rarely left his side, moving into Mar-a-Lago, flying on Air Force One and trotting his young son into the Oval Office. On New Years Eve, the two men danced together, in tuxedos, to YMCA." A star is born," Trump, 78, said of Musk, 53, the night he won the election, with the help of the billionaires millions. Musk, just weeks into his job as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, professed he loved Trump as much as a straight man can love another man." The country was enthralled withor at least unable to escapeTrump-Musk fever, an improbable union that generated as much attention as any of the dozens of executive orders the new president was firing off. Seven months after the election, their bromance detonated in spectacular fashion. It was the breakup everyone saw comingyet the speed and viciousness with which it escalated still stunned White House aides, lawmakers and even Kanye West. Broooos please noooooo," the controversial rapper who now goes by Ye tweeted Thursday as the quarrel boomed. We love you both so much." They went there anyway, like a couple firing off texts with things that felt good to say in the moment but that they knew they would later regret. Except that both men own social-media platforms and have digital armies that total more than 300 million followers. Musk suggested Trump should be impeached, alleged he was named in a federal investigation into convicted sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and took credit for Trumps election win. Trump threatened to revoke Musks government contracts, said he had asked Musk to leave the administration because he was wearing thin" and claimed he had gone CRAZY!" One congressional aide said his phone hadnt blown up this much since the Jan. 6, 2021, invasion of the U.S. Capitol. A White House staffer said it was like watching parents fight. Private message threads lighted up with urgent news flashes: the latest White House official Musk had unfollowed on X. He started it," a White House staffer said of Musk, referring to criticism of Trumps signature tax-and-spending bill. Seeking to refocus, the administration said it was putting energy into shoring up support for the legislation. Thursday night brought some signs of a cool-off, including Musk pulling back a threat to decommission a spacecraft crucial to the International Space Station. Politico promoted news of a possible call. But Trump was having none of that Fridayat least not yet. He told ABC News that Musk wanted to talk, but he was not particularly" interested. To CNN, he said, Im not even thinking about Elon." Some Trump alliesand Musk detractorsrushed to make sure the breakup would stick. Steve Bannon, no stranger to Trumps turbulent relationships, in an interview called for Trump to investigate Musks companies, his drug use and his relationship with China. Bannon said Trumps turn on Musk, which he has spent months calling for, had been a long time coming. Trump is not that into you," he said, and Musk just cant read the room." He added: If were going to deport 13 million illegal aliens, weve got to deport 13 million and one." Even some foreign leaders reveled in the twist of fortune. Replying to a March post on X in which Musk had told him to be quiet, small man," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski wrote, See, big man, politics is harder than you thought." For a period, it had been a mutually beneficial relationship, in addition to the genuine affection the men appeared to have for each other. Musk had spent more than $300 million on the 2024 election, much of it to elect Trump. His penchant for attracting controversy often rivaled even Trumps, taking some heat off the president. Musks proximity to the president allowed him to install allies across the government and play a key role influencing policies, including many that would affect his own companies. But advisers who know both men believed it was doomed from the startor at least, from the moment Time magazine put Musk behind the Oval Offices Resolute Desk on its cover. Trump, aides know, doesnt like to share the spotlight. And Musk, the CEO of a half-dozen companies, is accustomed to running the show, often in highly eccentric ways. I lost a lot of bets this week," said longtime Republican consultant Scott Reed. I thought Elon would at least make it until August." A whirlwind affair The saga unfolds against the political transformation of Musk and the resurgence of Trump, who left office in disgrace following the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 Capitol attack by his supporters. Musk, once a supporter of Democrats, felt jilted by Biden, whose White House didnt invite him to an electric-vehicle event in 2021. His views were aligning more with conservatives, and his style, too, was growing more like Trumps, especially after Musk bought Twitter, renaming it X. Then in July 2024, a man tried to assassinate Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa. Musk issued an endorsement that day on X, and the two quickly became inseparable. Trump was attracted to the status and intelligence of his rocket-building friend, while Musk was charmed by the spotlight and love from the MAGA flock. When Trump returned to Butler in October that year, Musk was called up on stage, memorably jumping in midair, his arms flailing. The true test of someones character is how they behave under fire," Musk said. He wore black jeans, a black blazer and black Make America Great Again" hat. As you can see," he said, Im not just MAGA Im dark MAGA." At Mar-a-Lago with Trump after the election, Musks influence defied expectations. He sat in on cabinet interviews, weighed in on personnel decisions and met with foreign leaders alongside Trump. Musk had his own office, a closed room that was typically used as a bar. Trump advisers waited expectantly for him to chafe at the constant churn of news stories referring to Musk as co-president" and highlighting his influence. For months, Trump was uncharacteristically nonchalantthough there were glimmers that he was taking note. Speaking to supporters in December about the notion that Musk would take over as president, Trump said, Im safe, you know why? He cant be. He wasnt born in this country." No, hes a great guy," he added. As the Trump show relocated to Washington, Musks displays of powerand of adulation to Trumpgrew even more frequent. February was especially lively. Musk showed up in the Oval Office wearing a cartoonishly large MAGA hat and the next day declared his love for Trump. A couple of weeks later he was greeted with rapturous applause at the Conservative Political Action Conference and strode on stage wearing a gold necklace, sunglasses and the black MAGA cap. Argentine President Javier Milei came out and handed Musk a chain saw. This is the chain saw for bureaucracy," Musk said. Youre losing me It didnt take long for Musks seemingly unfettered influence to rankle White House officials and cabinet members, who saw him as treading on their territory. At a March meeting, several cabinet secretaries aired grievances about the billionaires slashing of personnel and programs at their agencies. Trump backed Musks goals, but told chief of staff Susie Wiles he sympathized with their complaints. In another cabinet meeting later that month, Musk donned a hat that read, Trump was right about everything." During an April cabinet meeting, Trump and Musks banter was on full display. Elon, I love your double hat, by the way," Trump told the billionaire, who was wearing a Gulf of America" cap on top of his usual MAGA hat. Hes the only one who can get away with that." Trump, focused always on appearances, also overlooked Musks refusal to wear a suit. In recent weeks, Trump had begun to privately express frustration with Musk, in particular his lofty promise to slash $1 trillion in government spending. He told aides he wasnt happy that Musk had missed the mark by so much. (DOGE says it has saved $175 billion so far.) Was it all bullshit?" he wondered aloud. Still, in a farewell ceremony at the White House just last week, Trump lavished praise on Musk and his work cutting costs, presenting him with a golden key to the building. There is nobody like him," he said. Musk, sporting a shirt that read The Dogefather" and a black eye he said his son had given him, insisted DOGE would only grow stronger. I liken it to a sort of Buddhismits like a way of life," he said. Some Trump allies thought the mood was off even then. Trump, Bannon commented late Thursday, never stood up from his desk and gave Musk the side eye" as he handed him the key. Days later, the rift burst into public view, as Musk took to X to attack the tax-and-spending bill Trump had endorsed. Trump held off responding at first. But in an Oval Office meeting Thursday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump aired his doubts about their future. Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore," he said, as Merz looked on. 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." As of Friday morning, Trump had pivoted to attacking the Federal Reserve and recent polling, telling reporters he wasnt even thinking about Musk. Trump doesnt want reminders of him around, either. The president, a senior White House official said, is considering selling or giving away the red Tesla he bought from Musk earlier this year. Write to Rebecca Ballhaus at rebecca.ballhaus@wsj.com and Alex Leary at alex.leary@wsj.com Critical minerals will likely remain a source of leverage for Beijing in trade talks with the U.S., even if President Donald Trumps Thursday call with Xi Jinping speeds up the flow of rare earths to feed auto, industrial and other supply chains. The issue dates back to early April, when China imposed restrictions on exports of the metals as part of its retaliation against Trumps imposition of tariffs of up to 145% on its exports to the U.S. In mid May, after negotiators met in Geneva, the U.S. said China had agreed to lift the restrictions as the countries agreed to a 90-day pause on levies that were choking off trade between them. The problem is that while China is allowing exports of rare earths, used in magnets that go into automobiles, for example, companies that want to export them need licenses. Companies say they arent easy to get, though Reuters reported on Friday that Beijing had granted temporary licenses to suppliers of the big three U.S. auto makers. Its report cited people familiar with the matter. A spokesperson from the Chinese embassy said he wasnt aware of the situation specifically related to the licensing, reiterating that the export control measures are in line with international common practices, nondiscriminatory, and not targeted at specific countries. While only a fraction of the members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Chinamostly technology and industrial companieswere affected by rare-earth export restrictions, three-quarters of those said their supplies would run out within three months, according to a survey from the trade group. While the survey found that Chinese suppliers to U.S. companies had recently been granted six-month export licenses, they noted continued uncertainty because there is a large backlog of license applications. Gracelin Baskaran, a mining economist and director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said about 25% of licenses applied for have been given out, but that they arent being processed fast enough. Part of that is due to the administrative task. China is the source of 100% of the rare-earth processing capability in the world, so it is issuing licenses for exports not just to the U.S., but for many other countries. But it could also be part of the negotiations. China has made it very clear its not satisfied with the 90-day tariff pause and looking for a more durable solution to the tariff conundrum," said Baskaran, noting the deflationary impact of the tariffs on Chinas economy. Its not in their incentive to give out licenses quickly as their economy is in a downward spiral. These licenses are their leverage." The U.S. had been the dominant rare-earth producer until the 1990s, but China steadily took market share, ramping up production to levels that made it unprofitable for others, forcing them out, Baskaran said. A similar phenomenon is currently under way in nickel, she added.The U.S. has been producing rare earths in California and is building out separation and processing capabilities, with companies like MP Materials boosting their refining abilities. Its a perfectly solvable problem and one the U.S. is working at warp speed to address," Baskaran said. Its not a forever problem." That said, it could continue be a source of pain, leaving the U.S. vulnerable in talks with China. An array of industries reliant on these critical minerals, from autos to electronics, semiconductors, and defense, are likely to suffer. Write to Reshma Kapadia at reshma.kapadia@barrons.com T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as a part-time Member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission on Saturday. The appointment of Sankar is consequent to the resignation of one of the full-time Members of the XVIFC, Ajay Narayan Jha, on personal grounds. The Department of Economic Affairs of the Finance Ministry in a notification said, "In pursuance of clause (1) of article 280 of the Constitution read with the provisions of the Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951 (33 of 1951), the President is pleased to appoint T Rabi Sankar as a part-time Member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission." He will be a part-time Member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission from the date of appointment to the date the Commission submits its report or 31 October 2025, whichever is earlier. Sankar is currently overseeing the key portfolios of the FinTech Department, the Financial Markets Operations Department, and the Financial Markets Regulation Department at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Sankar has played a pivotal role in the launch of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). In April, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved T. Rabi Sankar's reappointment as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for one year. Sankar was Executive Director of the Reserve Bank before being elevated to the post of Deputy Governor in 2021. T. Rabi Sankar, a seasoned central banker, joined the Bank in 1990 and has held various positions at the Reserve Bank of India. As Executive Director, he oversaw the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems, the Department of Information Technology, Fintech, and the Risk Monitoring Department at the RBI. The government appointed Arvind Panagariya as the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission in 2023. The commission makes recommendations about the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States. The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves. The government is conducting talks with companies to build long-term stockpiles of rare earth magnets by providing fiscal incentives for domestic production, according to a report by Reuters citing people aware of the development. This stockpile will help to reduce dependence of India on supplies from China, which curbed exports of rare earth minerals from April 4 onwards, raising concerns among major industries across the globe, particularly the auto industry. Currently, China processes 90% of these magnets, which are also utilised in industries like clean energy and defence. The current NDA government, led by PM Modi, aims to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and is exploring the possibility of providing production-based fiscal incentives to companies, the report said. Also Read | Indian auto stuck in queue as China clears rare earth magnets for others Incentive to match import cost A scheme drafted by the Ministry of Heavy Industries plans to partly fund the difference between the final cost of domestically produced magnets and the price of the Chinese imports, it added, citing a person aware of the development. This scheme aims to attain cost parity and enhance local demand. However, the funding for this scheme remains undecided as the government may meet industry officials next week, the report said. The Ministry of Heavy Industries did not officially confirm the development. Livemint could not independently verify the report. Also Read | Automakers race to find workaround to Chinas stranglehold on rare earth magnets Concerns over supply from China The government's move to ramp up domestic production amid concerns across the globe over supply disruption due to Chinese export curbs. Suzuki Motors has halted production of its Swift car in Japan due to restrictions imposed by China. Meanwhile, SIAM, India's auto industry body, has privately informed the government that it anticipates production "to come to a grinding halt" from late May or early June onwards. The Heavy Industries Ministry may also send a delegation of auto industry executives to meet officials in Beijing for quicker approvals over supply concerns, the report said. However, the industry officials cautioned that it was the only near-term solution. "The short-term solution has to be to get Chinese authorities to clear things," an executive told Reuters. A radical shift in supply chain is not possible in the short term, it added. Certain auto manufacturers and their suppliers could potentially remain operational until the end of June. However, beyond that point, the situation may become "really scary," another executive said, who warned that this will impact not only electric vehicles but all types of cars. As India enters a new era of advanced production, precision engineering is gaining importance. From defence and aerospace to railways, this high-tech approach is helping the country move beyond basic production and into the future with smarter, more advanced manufacturing. With investors now hunting for companies riding this wave, here are fiveprecision engineering stocks worth tracking. These stocks are filtered using Equitymaster's stock screener -Best Precision Engineering Stocks in India. #1 KPIT Technologies The company provides embedded software and product engineering services to automotive companies. It provides solutions for autonomous driving, connected vehicles, vehicle engineering and design, electric and conventional powertrains, and integrated diagnostics. The company has development centres in Europe, the US, Japan, and China. Its approach involves using algorithms and semantic annotation to build perception systems that accurately capture and interpret the road, especially in complex urban environments. KPIT also offers various solutions in integrated electrification, new-generation vehicle platforms, and digital twin technologies, further emphasizing the precision required for these advanced systems. The company, in May 2025, approved the 100% acquisition of four Caresoft entities. The transaction will be completed over a period of three years. Caresoft Global will restructure its business into two segments, benchmarking and engineering solutions. KPIT will acquire the carved-out engineering solutions business globally, which is primarily focused on the off-highway, truck and bus segments, as well as manufacturing solutions. Apart from this, it has established a new technology centre in Gothenburg, Sweden. Going forward, the company is working on three key fronts to meet BS VI norms, making internal combustion engines cleaner and more efficient, developing battery-powered electric vehicles, and advancing fuel cell technology. View Full Image Data source: BSE #2 Unimech Aerospace The high-precision engineering solutions company handles some of the most complex manufacturing needs across industries like aerospace, defence, energy, and semiconductors. Unimech Aerospace takes care of everything from machining and fabrication to assembly and testing. Whether youre building exactly according to a blueprint (build to print) or creating parts to specific requirements (build to specification), they have you covered. Its known for making tools and components such as mechanical assemblies, electro-mechanical systems, and key parts for aero engines and airframes. The product range includes aero-engine tooling, airframe tooling, precision missile components, and advanced subsystems like the Rocker Arm for HMC CDA. In FY25, the company made significant strides by focusing on important sectors like nuclear, defence, and semiconductors, boosting its capacity by an impressive 240% and adding seven new customers. Unimech is also evolving beyond its traditional role as a vendor, positioning itself as a critical manufacturing partner across several strategic industries. Also read: United Spirits is on a high after RCB's IPL win, JP Morgan upgrade and UK FTA. Can it keep buzzing? Unimech Aerospace Share Price Since Listing View Full Image Data Source: BSE #3 MTAR Technologies MTAR Technologies is a key name in Indias precision engineering space. It is known for manufacturing mission-critical components and assemblies with extremely tight tolerances, as precise as 5-10 microns. These high-precision parts are used in projects of national importance across nuclear, space, defence, and clean energy sectors. Founded in 1970, MTAR has steadily evolved into a technology-driven company with advanced manufacturing facilities and a strong track record of supporting Indias most strategic programs. The company plays a vital role in the Indian civil nuclear power program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while also serving global players like Bloom Energy, Rafael, and Elbit. MTARs product portfolio includes liquid propulsion engines for the GSLV Mark III, base shroud assemblies and airframes for the Agni missile series, actuators for the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), fuel cell power units, and critical reactor components, etc. The company has also developed import-substitute products like high-precision ball screws and water-lubricated bearings, which are crucial for nuclear and defence applications. With this wide variety of complex product portfolios, MTAR has created a niche for itself in the Indian precision engineering industry. Its one of the top three suppliers that caters to precision engineering requirements of Indian nuclear, defence, and space sectors. View Full Image BSE #4 Harsha Engineers The company is the largest manufacturer of precision bearing cages in the organised sector in India in terms of capacity and operations. Its also among the leading manufacturers of precision bearing cages in the world with a market share of approximately 5-6% in the organized segment of the global brass, steel, and polyamide bearing cages in terms of revenue. The company offers a range of bearing cages made from brass, steel, and polyamide, as well as precision components, complex stamped components, brass castings, and bronze bushings. Further, the company has the expertise to design and develop advanced tooling in-house which enables us to manufacture complex products. In April 2025, it signed a letter of intent with a leading multinational engaged in manufacturing AC compressors. Under this agreement, it will supply stamping products for a period of five years. The estimated contract size is 180 million (m) per annum. #5 Gala Precision Engineering Last on the list is Gala Precision Engineering. Gala Precision Engineering Limited is a leading precision component manufacturer specialising in technical springs and fastening solutions. Their product offerings include disc and strip springs (DSS), such as wedge lock washers, coil and spiral springs (CSS), and special fastening solutions (SFS). These components are essential for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), tier 1 suppliers, and channel partners across various industries. These include renewable energy (wind turbines and hydropower plants), industrial sectors (electrical, off-highway equipment, infrastructure, general engineering), and mobility (automotive and railways). The company operates through two main business divisions: the springs technology division, which produces disc spring systems (DSS) such as wedge lock washers (WLW) and circlip safety systems (CSS), and the special fasteners segment (SFS), which manufactures anchor bolts, studs, and nuts. It has established a strong global presence, supplying technical springs and high-tensile fasteners to customers in Germany, Denmark, China, Italy, Brazil, the US, Sweden, and Switzerland. Going forward, the company plans to expand its existing facility in Wada and establish a new plant in Chennai. Conclusion With the global precision engineering machines market projected to reach US$ 23.24 billion (bn) by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%, the momentum in this sector is undeniable. India is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend thanks to a combination of key advantages: a large pool of skilled engineers, cost-effective manufacturing, supportive government policies, and a strong push for self-reliance under theAatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Global companies are increasingly looking to India for high-quality, reliable manufacturing, and homegrown firms are rising to the challengeespecially in sectors like defence, aerospace, semiconductors, and clean energy. For investors, this isnt just a short-term play. Its a long-term opportunity backed by real demand, government support, and growing global interest. If you're looking to tap into Indias industrial growth story,precision engineering stocks are definitely worth a closer look. However, it's important to conduct thorough research on financials and corporate governance before making investment decisions, ensuring they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Happy Investing. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated fromEquitymaster.com On Tuesday afternoon, I found myself in a packed theatre at the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) in Mumbai for a screening of Thithi, Raam Reddys award-winning 2015 Kannada feature. Two hours later, as the credits rolled, Reddy launched into a workshop about his journey as a filmmaker and the making of Thithi, warning the audience that it would last at least an hour and a half. Very few people left their seats. Towards the end, he screened an unreleased trailer for The Fable, saying his upcoming film is in the magic realism genre". During the Q&A, an audience member asked what that meant. Reddy explained: magic realism treats the magical not as spectacle but as fact, woven into the everyday setting of the plot. It struck me that the person asking the question likely wasnt from the scene". This was a free, public screening. Anyone who saw the announcement on the Instagram feeds of the organisersNMIC, NFDC (National Film Development Corporation) or the VHS (Versova Homage Screening) collectivecould attend. In that room, newcomers and cinephiles, students and artists sat side by side, drawn not by exclusivity or ticket prices but by a shared love for cinema. Over the past year, Ive seen more such scenes emerge in Mumbai: film screenings that are free and accessible, and spaces where community grows alongside cinema. View Full Image Director Raam Reddy addresses the audience. (Courtesy NMIC) VHS has been hosting such screenings for over a year, followed by informal Q&As with directors. When we started, we invited friends, collaborators, fellow filmmakers," says Rohan K. Mehta, writer/director and co-founder of VHS. But word spread quickly. Demand far outgrew venue size, so we moved to a form-based RSVP system." The audience today is a mix of regulars and curious newcomers. Most of their screenings happen in and around Andheri, the heart of the film industry in Mumbai. Down south, places like G5A and the Film Heritage Foundation also screen rare and exceptional films," Mehta adds. These screenings are either free or priced between 100-250. Then theres Fillum.in, started by Apan Singhal, a Delhi-based product designer and software developer. It curates film screenings across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, sharing updates via city-specific WhatsApp groups. The idea came two years ago when I realised film viewing had become a solitary activity in the post-OTT world," says Singhal. Fillum tries to bring back the community aspect." The Mumbai group now has over 200 members. Around 50% of all film events in Mumbai are free, and most of the rest are under 250," he says. More recently, theres Secret Cinema, a club that began just two months ago. Each session hosts about 20-25 people who debate between two classic films, vote, and watch the winner together. Everyone introduces themselves before the screening, with one fun fact and one life tip. People need third spaces," says the clubs co-founder, who prefers to stay anonymous. Places where you show up as you are, do something together, maybe meet someone new. Free screenings matter not just for the films, but for the feeling of belonging. Thats the whole point." These spaces are becoming less gate-kept. Ive lived in Mumbai long enough to feel like a local, but not long enough to take these pockets for granted. Its heartening that anyone can walk into a room full of strangers, find a seat, and be part of something cinematic. All it takes is following the right Instagram handle. The biographer is a bit like the cat burglar, stealthily climbing up the scaffolding of a persons life, breaking in, surveying the assortment of riches and then leaving with only a few select, precious elements. This sounds easier on paper than in practice. The biographer starts his or her undertaking with an inherent handicap, given the limited access to a subjects life (especially if the subject is long deceased), and is forced to temper vaulting ambition with discretion. It is in the choice of things the author focuses onthe life lived and the circumstances surrounding that lifethat determines what makes for a good biography. What finally makes a biography truly stand out is the craft of storytelling, transforming the tedium of chronology into a compelling narrative. Bakhtiar K. Dadabhoys biography of John Matthai, Honest John, is an object study of how an author has to perform an intricate balancing act between the different elements of a subjects life: unspooling the various milestones, his professional progression, the contexts (economic, social and political) defining his professional choices and, finally, how the interplay between the subjects personal events, or emotional growth, determine some life choices or professional achievements. John Matthai is, admittedly, an interesting choiceindependent Indias first railways minister and its second finance ministerthough charting his life holds myriad challenges and Dadabhoys courageous enterprise manages to score on some counts but comes up empty on many others. Matthais life became manifestly fascinating by first moving from the private sector to the government, and then becoming a core member of the policy circle that watched over the transition of India from a colony to an independent republic. Matthai had till then shifted from academia to policymaking before settling down at the Tata Group. As a professor of economics at Madras Presidency College, he was nominated to the Madras legislative council in November 1922, affording him first-hand experience in bridging the distance between theory and practice. This brought him to the notice of the Tata Group which pursued him and convinced him to join. Matthais work on the Bombay Plandrafted under the imprimatur of J.R.D. Tata and G.D. Birla, among othershad caught the attention of both Congress party leaders as well as the colonial administration. Matthais graduation into national-level policymaking happened when he was invited to join the interim government in August 1946. It is here that Matthai bumped up against national politics, preparing him for long debates, contentious arguments and partisan broadsides against his policy choices. Initially approached for the finance portfolio, the political exigency of having to accommodate Muslim Leagues Liaquat Ali Khan forced Matthai to console himself with the industries and supply portfolio. From here to railway minister during independence, which literally had to transport the horrors of Partition across borders, and finance minister thereafter, Dadabhoys biography is like a luxury train, affording readers a fleeting view of modern Indias economic history as it passes by. Dadabhoy diligently excavates official memoranda, policy briefs, letters, Parliament records and debates to provide a glimpse of how a newly-formed republic, recovering from decades of surplus extraction while grappling with widespread poverty and the after-effects of a devastating communal carnage, was trying to craft a sustainable and equitable policy architecture. Statements from leaders with contesting views provide an interesting dynamic, showcasing some of the moral and ethical dilemmas in constructing a democratic, empathetic and secular republic from scratch. Matthais biography as a vehicle provides an excellent vantage view. But herein lies the nub. There is a lot going on outside that is covered meticulously and, yet, the tumult and turmoil occurring inside the vehicle goes completely undocumented. This is a large, noticeable gap; Dadabhoy has fastidiously mounted flesh and bones to a skeletal framework but forgotten to add a soul to the end-product. It is this conspicuous omission that robs the biography of meaning. Writing about the art of writing biographies, specifically Lytton Stracheys biography of Queen Victoria, author Virginia Woolf had commented: Could not biography produce something of the intensity of poetry, something of the excitement of drama, and yet keep the peculiar virtue that belongs to factits suggestive reality, its own proper creativeness?" This suggestive reality" is perhaps the secret sauce that could have helped Honest John become a compelling narrative, instead of just an interesting read. For example, close to 100 pages are dedicated to tracing the debates, question-and-answers, budgetary allocations after Matthai joins the interim government and later assumes office as railways minister. It is an informative interlude, providing readers a view of Indias modern economic history in the making. But, then, readers come away not any wiser about the dramatis personae, specifically John Matthai, scripting this important chapter in Indias history. In the preface to American Prometheus, a biography of scientist Robert Oppenheimer, authors Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin confess that, It is a deeply personal biography researched and written in the belief that a persons public behaviour and his policy decisions (and in Oppenheimers case perhaps even his science) are guided by the private experiences of a lifetime." There are multiple instances in Honest John which cry out for some understanding of Matthais private experiences". The first, and most obvious, missing link in the book is the influence of Achamma Matthai. Apart from a perfunctory mention in the book as John Matthais wife, Achamma deserved some more exposure. She was one of the early female graduates in India, having graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from St Johns Diocesan College, Kolkata, in 1920. The relationship between Achamma and John needed to be explored in more granular detail and not the boilerplate statement, It proved to be a happy marriage". Achammas influence on John Matthais career trajectory, his professional choices and his moral journey looms over the book like some nebulous spirit, palpable yet undefined. This becomes evident in March 1944, when both John and Achamma are distraught after their daughter Valsa dies under mysterious circumstances in the US. This is soon after the Bombay Plan is announced and two years before Matthai resigns from the Tatas to join the interim government. The interim period is intensely important but Dadabhoy provides little for us to understand Matthais state of mind, how he manages to tackle the demons or how the tragedy shaped his personality thereafter. In the foreword to the book, Matthais daughter-in-law Syloo (married to Ravi Matthai) describes the man: Daddy was seen as being a formidable person, a man with a serious demeanour and an eminence which many thought precluded intimacy or even small liberties. But, at home, he was an entirely different person." In other words, Matthai, like everybody else, was human with the usual flaws and frailties. Dadabhoy provides a brief glimpse of the mans faultlines by recounting the episode where Matthai seeks Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus intervention after Matthais son reportedly runs over and kills a pedestrian in Allahabad. This is the only instance when readers catch sight of the great mans feet of clay; Dadabhoys hands may have been forced here by an earlier book which first recounted the incident. But barring this single incident, there is scarce little to sketch out the mans personality. This shortcoming is perhaps born out of necessity. While Parliamentary records and inter-ministerial archives have become much more accessible, we do not know if Dadabhoy had similar luck with John Matthais personal documents and letters. Also, to be fair to Dadabhoy, many of the people who knew Matthai personally have all passed on, adding another layer of insurmountable constraints. This biography, therefore, apart from being a valuable document for understanding how some of Indias policy contours unfolded in the first decade after independence, adds little to the mystique of John Matthai as one of Indias leading post-independent policy architects. The author is a senior journalist and author of Slip, Stitch and Stumble: The Untold Story of Indias Financial Sector Reforms. He posts @rajrishisinghal Honest John: A Life of John Matthai: By Bakhtiar K. Dadabhoy, Penguin Random House India, 396 pages, 999 We had been walking for over an hourdown a steep, moss-slicked staircase cut into the hillside of Rangthylliang, a remote village in Meghalayas East Khasi Hills. The forest thickened with each stepbamboo groves pressed in close, their trunks darkened by rain, the sound of a stream somewhere below. And then, around a bend, it appeared. A bridge. Not builtgrown. Braided rootssome as thick as a thigh, others slender and palestretched 53 metres across a river gorge, from one bank to another. They coiled and twisted through the air like something alive. This was no ordinary structure. It was a living root bridgea marvel of bioengineering shaped by hand over decades, even centuries, using the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree. What began as a sapling on either side of the stream had been trained, over generations, into this bridge. No nails. No cement. Just bamboo scaffolds, time, and quiet resolve. Together, they formed a span that felt like the forest folding in on itself to offer passage. This one," says a voice ahead of me, is still learning to walk." Morningstar Khongthaw, 29, is crouched near the bridges edge, touching a pale, new root lashed to the bamboo guide. The founder of the Living Bridge Foundation, a community-driven initiative focused on preserving Meghalayas living root bridges, points a few steps further to an older, hardened line of root now fused deep into the body of the bridge. That one, maybe 300 years. We dont build them. We raise them." Barefoot and slight in frame, Khongthaw moves with the precision of someone who knows every knot and creak. He explains how roots are selected, how theyre fed with compost from the forest floor, how each one is trained over monsoons and winters, checked, re-checked, then left to grow in its own time. He isnt a scientist or a civil engineer. He is a Khasi conservationist. A guardian of knowledge that lives in the hands and memory of a fading generation. I was six when I crossed this bridge for the first time," he says. Back then, it was just one root and two bamboo poles. My father carried me on his back." That same bridge still stretches across the gorgebut its no longer a single line. It has thickened with Khongthaw adding three or four new roots every year, each cared for until they fused into the structure. Now others cross it without hesitation. Tourists pose for photos. Its on the tentative Unesco world heritage site list. But he still remembers that first crawl: the way the root trembled, the rivers sound below, and the quiet strength of his ancestors, and its what drives him to save these living bridges. QUIET INHERITANCE As India nears its 100th year of independence, plans for highways, smart cities and bullet trains dominate the future narrative. But in the hills of Meghalaya, another blueprint persists; one dependent on strong roots. For generations, the Khasi and Jaintia tribes have grown bridges, living structures coaxed from rubber fig trees and passed down like heirlooms. But that quiet inheritance is at risk. Tourism moves faster than the roots. Policy arrives from the top down. And the knowledge passed from uncle to nephewis fading. Khongthaw is trying to hold the line. He set up the foundation in 2018 to care for the root bridges, preserve knowledge of living root bridge construction, which he calls living architecture", and help young Khasis appreciate their heritage of interconnectedness with nature. The foundation has around 10 core members, mostly volunteers from local Khasi villages. They fund their work through small grants, community contributions, and occasionally, support from organisations like UNDP India. Root bridges are perhaps one of the most elegant examples of ecological intelligence and cultural heritage intertwined," says Sameer Shisodia, CEO of Rainmatter Foundation, which supports community-led conservation projects across India, but does not fund Living Bridges work. Morningstars approach shows us that meaningful innovation often lies in quietly enhancing traditions rather than forcing external solutions." Also read: Social reform amidst a sea of poppies Root bridges are just one expression of a wider tradition. Depending on the terrain, Khongthaw and his community shape living ladders up cliffs, tunnels through the forest, and swings woven into the canopy. If its a rock face," he says, we dont need a bridge. We build something to climb." In some places, the aerial roots become scaffolds for playsuspended like vines from a Tarzan story. Its not just engineering," he says. Its adaptation." A single bridge can take 25 years to mature, and once formed, it grows stronger, some lasting centuries. Today, more than 100 of them exist across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. It begins with a Ficus elastica saplingan Indian rubber figchosen for its aerial roots that descend from branches and seek the ground. If the terrain allows, trees are planted on either side of the stream or gorge. First, you look at the stream," Khongthaw says. If there are no trees on either side, you plant." In the rainy season, when the roots are soft, they are gently bent and guided across the span using bamboo scaffolds, hollowed areca palm trunks or ropes. The bamboo structures are replaced annually as they decay. The roots are lashed in place with whatever is available: natural fibres, plastic cords, even aluminium wire. You dont touch the roots too early," he says. Theyll snap. Three or four months old, theyre too fragile. One or two years thats when they become candidates." Guiding the root is not a one-time action but a sustained relationship. The team returns each monsoon to weave, check growth, and layer compost. Rotten leaves, branches, old wood we place it under the roots like something precious. Thats how we feed it." There are no blueprints. No manuals. One uncle to another," he says. You grow up near a bridge, you start helping and grow more of them." A bridge is never finished. It may take 10 years before it holds weight. Twenty-five to be strong. Fifty to endure. We dont stop weaving," Khongthaw says. Even after you walk on it. Even after it holds." Every bridge is a collaborationnot just between roots, but between people. One person starts. Another finishes. Its inheritance." In Khasi myth, theres a golden bridge of roots, jingkieng ksiar, which once linked earth to heaven. Khongthaw gestures toward the trees. Its in the stories," he says. When a bridge grows weak, we plant a young ficus on top of the mother tree. When she dies, the child is already growing." Even endings, here, are designed to carry on. TURNING POINT In 2013, when he was still a school student, a Doordarshan crew arrived in Rangthylliang to film the elders and their stories. Khongthaw was asked to help. For the first time, he saw the bridges through a different lens. They werent just crossings. They could be destinations. Other places were already being promotedthe double-decker in Nongriat, the one in Mawlynnong. I thought we could do the same here," he says. But the more he explored those tourist sites, the more unsettled he became. The noise. The footfall. The bridges roped off and rotting under crowds. The visitors who came for photos, not stories. It became a turning point," he says. Before we promote, we need to learn how to protect." He started visiting elders againfor instruction. How did they guide the roots? How did they feed them? I learned the ficus is a keystone tree," he says. They help the water table, prevent landslides, and act as both anchor and climate shield. Even a lone ficus supports lifebirds, squirrels, insects, people." From a boy chasing a tourism dream he became a quiet conservationist. I wanted to protect what we had," he says. But it all came together sometime in August or September 2018 when he heard about a bridge that had fallen. The tree in Pynursla, a neighbouring village, belonged to Ba-Bli Khongthani, nearly 90 and bedridden. Since the bridge had fallen, they were considering cutting the tree. Khongthaw knew what he had to do. He drafted an agreement to formally transfer ownership of the tree and had it typed up. That evening, Khongthaw, a village elder, and Willem Betts, a Canadian friend, walked to Ba-Blis home. Khongthaw described his visionto nurture the tree as a symbol for future generations. If you really want to take care of the tree, then its yours," Ba-Bli said with a smile. Without ceremony, Khongthaw presented the agreement. Years later, he would laminate this document and preserve it like an heirloom. That day Khongthaw felt a profound sense of relief. Yes, a bridge had fallen but something deeper had been strengthened. Ownership had passed from one generation to another, with a promise and trust. Another giant ficus has changed his life. It was going to be cut for charcoal," he says. The tree was over 400 years old. Its aerial roots had been guided into two bridges. But the family that owned it needed money. I couldnt let it go." He borrowed 5,000. Thats all it cost. A sacred tree. A living bridge." The canopy now hosts a bamboo ladder that rises into the branchesa vertical scaffold, temporary, handmade. This time, the roots wont be guided down into a bridge. Theyll be shaped inward, into a circle. Not for people to look at," he says. For us to stay. Sleep. Live in." He calls it his Avatar Tree", in reference to the Hometree in James Camerons Avatar. THE CHALLENGES Despite the communitys involvement and understanding of their unique heritage, there are challenges. He recalls one bridge being cut down because a man didnt want it near his farmland. In another clearing, a half-grown bridge was slashed after a feud between neighbours. Khongthaw doesnt argue. He returns with stories. He sits with the elders and asks, What did the bridge do wrong?" He reminds them to watch the forest more closely. How roots seek each other, how they grow stronger by holding. The bridge never divides. It connects." The loss of his mentor was another hit. Jalong Khomola dedicated his whole life to root bridges," Khongthaw recalls. Their relationship began in 2015 at village meetings near Khomolas orange orchard. Khomola moved barefoot through the forests, scaling ficus trees to gather saplings, each destined to become a bridge. He also married tradition with innovation, using plastic irrigation pipes instead of open bamboo scaffolds to water the roots and help them grow faster, and patiently taught Khongthaw all these techniques. In October 2022, Khomola, nearly 80, fell from a tree. He died shortly afterwards, but Khongthaw is carrying on his legacy. Khongthaws original team of 30 has thinned to five. Some needed jobs. Others wanted faster change. This work doesnt offer either." In 2022, the monsoon came early. Rivers swelled. Five bridges were washed away. Khongthaw didnt mourn. When a bridge falls," he says, you dont ask why. You start weaving again." So far, Khongthaw and his team have mapped 133 bridges across Meghalaya. Still more to discover," he says. Many remain unnamed, tucked inside forests. THIS IS MEMORY In 2019, the state government came with a proposal to put Meghalayas living root bridges on Unescos World Heritage list. On the surface, it looked like recognition. To Khongthaw, it sounded like a warning. The plan barely involved the people who raised the bridges. No elders were consulted. No weavers invited. How can you write policy," he asks, if you dont even know what inosculation is?" he says, referring to the natural process of two trees fusing and growing into one. What troubled him wasnt heritage recognition, but how it was imposed. A template from elsewhere, dropped on to a landscape with its own rhythm, its own sacred groves. We already had rules," he says. Our clans made them in 1939. You cut a tree, you paid a fine. We didnt wait for Unesco to tell us what was sacred." He refused to endorse the plan. Instead he gathered elders, youth and landowners from eight clans. He asked them to look at the bridges and the way they grow. No root dominates. No hand forces. We all weave." To make his point, he referenced the jingkieng ksiar story every Khasi child knows. This isnt tourism," he says. Its memory. Its instruction. Its ours." Officials called him difficult. Some said he was politicising trees. But Khongthaw wasnt against recognition; he was against erasure. We dont want fences," he says. We want responsibility. Thats what makes a bridge last." COMMUNITY EFFORT Khongthaw bends over a sapling barely a foot tall. Around it, bamboo scaffolds rise like skeletal bridges-in-waiting. This is where his Project 2047 begins. Project 2047 is Khongthaws vision to plant and nurture 30 new root bridges across Meghalaya by 2047, when India will mark 100 years of independence. He involves the larger communityvillage elders, students and volunteersin planting, maintaining and documenting these bridges, aiming to pass traditional knowledge to younger generations and revive Law Kyntang, the sacred groves protected by community law and oral memory. It takes 25, maybe 30 years (for a root bridge to mature)," Khongthaw says. So we start now. When India turns 100, these bridges will be strong." Since 2022, 30 bridges have been planted and raised with the help of village elders, students and barefoot engineers. Khongthaw calls it design, build, grow". A phrase he repeats often, sometimes to schoolchildren, sometimes to funders sceptical of a project whose return lies decades ahead. The bridge doesnt belong to me," he says. It belongs to the child who will cross it when Im gone." Hes working with local schools, encouraging students to adopt nearby bridges, guiding them through root weaving, asking them to track growth and sketch what they see. Not everyone will stay," he says, referring to migration from the region for work and studies. But some will. And thats enough." Traditionally, only old, unmarried men were allowed to plant ficus trees. You had to be over 50," he says. Khongthaw ignored it and planted 25 saplings. Belief is important," he says. But belief in yourself is more important. My legacy is the belief that young people can shape tradition. That we dont have to wait until were 50 and alone to start planting trees. We can begin nowand someone else will finish." He walks the hills almost dailysometimes alone, sometimes with visitors, often with a bundle of bamboo tied over his shoulder. He greets elders. He checks saplings. Project 2047 is a slow, quiet defiance in a world too quick to build and too reluctant to tend. When they ask what development looks like," Khongthaw says, we can point to this. A root in the ground. A bridge above a river. Still growing." Pankaj Mishra is a journalist and co-founder of FactorDaily, reporting on the intersections of technology, environment, and culture. Also read: A new exhibition spotlights the impact of heat stress on informal workers The TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has resolved to increase the maximum working hours from nine to ten per day, aiming to enhance ease of doing business and attract greater investment to the state. Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister K Parthasarathy announced that labour laws will be amended to make them more 'favourable' to both workers and investors. CPI State Secretary K Ramakrishna criticised the decision, accusing the NDA governments at both the Centre and state levels of pursuing 'anti-worker' policies. "Section 54 which allows maximum nine hours of work a day has now been raised to 10 hours per day. Under Section 55 there used to be one hour rest for five hours (work) now that has been changed to six hours," Parthasarathy explained recently, detailing the cabinet's decisions on labour law reforms. Previously, overtime was capped at 75 hours per quarter; this limit has now been extended to 144 hours. "Because of this (amendments to labour laws), investors in factories will (come to our state). These labour rules will be favourable for labourers and they will come to invest more. Globalisation is happening in every state. These amendments were brought to implement global rules," Parthasarathy added. The minister also highlighted that the cabinet has relaxed regulations regarding night shifts to enable more women to work during these hours. According to Parthasarathy, women were previously prohibited from night shifts but can now work with safeguards such as consent, transport facilities, security, and surveillance in place. He emphasised that workplaces for women during night shifts must be fully illuminated. "When you work extra, income will increase. By these rules women can work in the formal sector. They empower women economically and promote gender inclusion and industrial growth. Also contribute to women's empowerment," he stated. Meanwhile, CPI State Secretary K Ramakrishna vehemently opposed the amendments, alleging that the Central and state governments are undermining workers' rights. "For the past 11 years, the Modi government has repeatedly taken measures that infringe upon workers' rights in India," Ramakrishna told PTI on Saturday. To contest the new rules, trade unions have planned protests across India on 9 July, with active participation expected from all sectors. BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- On her first trip to China, 22-year-old Isabel from Switzerland planned a packed three-week journey to immerse herself in the country's stunning scenery and dynamic culture. "I am trying to do a lot," said Isabel. Her itinerary includes the national capital Beijing in the north, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in central China, and south China's Yangshuo County, a place known for its river landscapes and folk songs. Together with friends, Isabel is exploring local lifestyle options by trying out shared bikes, using mobile apps to pay for everything from meals to transportation, and hopping on high-speed trains to travel across provinces. "Everything is very nice and organized," she said. "China's 30-day visa-free policy was part of my decision to come here," Isabel revealed. "It is very convenient." She added that the arrival process in China was smooth and easy. "At the airport, we just filled out one form, and that's all." Isabel is among a growing number of international visitors drawn to China this summer by its ease of travel, picturesque landscapes, vibrant urban life and wide range of shopping alternatives. China's inbound tourism market continues to gain momentum. In the first quarter of 2025, the country recorded about 7.37 million inbound trips by foreign visitors -- up 39.2 percent year on year. During the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday, a total of 231,000 foreign nationals entered China via the country's visa-free policies, marking a 59.4-percent increase from a year earlier, according to data from the National Immigration Administration. China has rolled out a range of measures to facilitate visas, payment options and accommodation for overseas tourists. Most recently, the country streamlined departure tax refund procedures to enhance shopping experiences for inbound travelers. At WF Central, a luxury mall in Beijing's popular Wangfujing shopping street, a large banner promoting the "refund-upon-purchase" tax service hangs prominently in the central atrium. This service is now available at nearly 40 international brands in the mall. Alice, a tourist from the United States visiting her family in China, applied for a tax refund immediately after purchasing a watch. She went to the service counter on the third floor, presented her passport along with shopping and departure details, and received her refund within minutes. "This is my first time buying luxury goods in China," said Alice, currently on her fourth visit to the country. "The service is convenient and helpful." "I really enjoy shopping in China," she added. "Clothing is my favorite. Some designs are very trendy, while others have a distinctly Chinese style." Amid the growing popularity of travel to China, the phrase "bring an empty suitcase to China" has been trending widely on international social media. Millions of posts now share shopping tips and highlight popular buys among foreign visitors. Experts said the rising appeal of "shopping in China" underscores the country's shift from a manufacturing base to a center of innovation and original design. Notably, in Huaqiangbei in south China's Shenzhen, drones and other digital gadgets have become must-buy items for foreign visitors, and are seen as local specialties of this Guangdong Province city. In Guanqian Street of Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, silk and ceramics infused with modern aesthetics are driving a renewed wave of interest in Chinese-style fashion, while the Yiwu International Trade Market, also located in east China, is often referred to as the "world's supermarket," thanks to its wide variety of affordable goods. At the recent ITB China, a trade fair focused on the Chinese travel market, many foreign participants could be seen eagerly networking and exploring business opportunities. The expo drew more than 700 exhibitors and over 1,400 invited buyers from 85 countries and regions. Antonella Rodogno, a participant from Spain, said she expected to build partnerships with more Chinese industry peers. "In the past, Spanish tourists mostly traveled within Europe or to Latin America, but interest in China has been growing," she noted. "The visa-free policy makes it easy for us to pack up and go." As of early June 2025, China had unilaterally granted visa-free entry to 43 countries, signed mutual visa exemption agreements with 29 countries, and offered 240-hour visa-free transit to travelers from 54 countries. Chen Nanjiang, a tourism expert at the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences, said travel in China is evolving with several emerging trends, including more diverse travel routes, flexible itineraries, deeper cultural engagement, tech-driven experiences and closer integration with related industries. In response to shifting inbound tourism demand, cities across China are expanding their offerings, rolling out new ways for visitors to explore the country. Beijing recently launched "New Discoveries in Beijing," a set of ten themed travel routes for international tourists -- featuring options such as local food tours and stargazing hikes. In Jingdezhen in east China's Jiangxi Province, learning to craft traditional porcelain has become a popular experience, while Harbin in northeast China is drawing foreign tourists via its industrial heritage. A private helicopter had to make an emergency landing in Guptkashi of Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district due to a technical fault, police said on Saturday. All the passengers on board the helicopter, en route to Kedarnath Dham, are safe, Uttarakhand ADG Law and Order Dr V Murugeshan said. Watch the video of the helicopter here: The CEO of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority has revealed that the helicopter in question belongs to Crestel Aviation Private Limited. The helicopter, which was flying from Sirsi with passengers, made a precautionary landing on the road instead of the helipad. No casualty has been reported so far and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed, the CEO said. The rest of the shuttle operations are going on normally as per schedule. Meanwhile, the road which was blocked near Barasu has been made operational for traffic, Rudraprayag police said in a post on X. DGCA issues statement The DGCA has issued a statement regarding the details of the incident, saying that Captain RPS Sodhi had made a hard landing on the road adjacent to the Bharasu helipad. Kestrel Aviations AW119 helicopter, piloted by Captain RPS Sodhi, experienced a hard landing on the road adjacent to the Bharasu helipad earlier today. As per initial inputs, shortly after takeoff from the helipad, the pilot reported a suspected issue with the collective control getting stuck, he said. The pilot has been taken to the hospital for evaluation due to complaints of back pain. In response, he executed a controlled force landing on the road near the helipad. All passengers are safe and unharmed. The pilot has been taken to the hospital for evaluation due to complaints of back pain, the DGCA said. For the year 2025, the doors of Baba Kedarnath Dham were opened for the devotees on May 2. One month has passed since the doors of Baba were opened. On Sunday, June 1, the number of devotees visiting Baba Kedarnath Dham has crossed 7 lakh. IAF Apache helicopter makes emergency landing In a separate incident on June 6, Apache helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) made a "precautionary landing" in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, officials said. The emergency landing needed to be made due to a technical issue while on a routine sortie, they said. Both the pilot and the co-pilot are safe, they said. Also Read | Varanasi-bound IndiGo flight diverted to Sambhajinagar after elderly woman dies An IAF Apache helicopter made a "precautionary landing" in Saharanpur around 11 am due to a technical issue, a senior IAF official said. All necessary checks were conducted after the landing and the helicopter was made serviceable. Both the pilot and the co-pilot then flew it to the Sarsawa airbase in Uttar Pradesh, the official said. A chartered flight pilot's initial refusal to fly with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from Jalgaon to Mumbai on Friday night helped save a kidney patient's timely airlift to Mumbai, reported Hindustan Times. According to the report, due to the pilot's initial refusal to fly owing to the breach of scheduled flying hours, authorities were able to airlift a kidney failure patient from Jalgaon who reached Mumbai in time for her transplant. The HT reported that the flight eventually took off after fresh permission was taken, as the pilot pointed out the delay in scheduled flying and the rules of the duty hours for the pilots. The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister was in Jalgaon to attend the Palkhi Yatra of Sant Muktai in Muktainagar on Friday evening. Due to his delayed schedule, he was late in arriving at the Jalgaon airport. Later Gulabrao Patil, water supply and sanitation minister, and Shiv Sena leader said, as HT quoted, that the pilot did not refuse to fly. He added that there was some technical problem related to his duty hours delaying the flying. He had completed eight hours and 45 minutes of nine hours of his duty hours, and said he could not fly without the permission from the authorities. He then spoke to his company, which sought the permissions from the authorities. After the permission, Shinde saheb flew by 9.45pm from Jalgaon airport, HT quoted Patil as saying. Patient airlifted: Gulabrao Patil even stated that the delay in take off of Shinde's flight helped the administration airlift a kidney patient from Jalgaon. The patient had to be admitted to a Mumbai hospital by midnight for a kidney transplant. The patient had missed her flight and would have missed her claim over kidney in case of delay in hospital admission. The delay to Shinde proved a 'blessing in disguise', he said. Citing the reason for Shinde's delay in reaching airport, Patil said that Shinde arrived late in Jalgaon in the afternoon because of delay to take off from Pune owing to bad weather. The statement issued by Shinde's office, has stated that the delay helped a kidney patient in getting her admitted to the Mumbai office. The relatives of the patients contacted Shinde through water resources minister Girish Mahajan for the airlifting of the patient Sheetal Borade." Also Read | Now, all files will vetted by Dy CM Shinde before being sent to CM Fadnavis Shinde asked two of his party workers to stayback to accommodate Borade and her husband on the flight. Shinde not only took them on the board, but also asked to arrange a special ambulance at the Mumbai airport, it reads. Girish Mahajan said that the pilot had a health related issue and was convinced after they spoke to the company that owned the aircraft. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI probe into the disappearance of an Indore woman in Meghalaya, reported PTI. According to the details, the Indore newly married coupleRaja Raghuvanshi and Sonamtravelled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon on 20 May and went missing on 23 May. Though Raja's body was found with wounds inflicted by a machete, the whereabouts of Soman is still uncertain. Despite a Special Investigation Team being formed to look into the incident, no arrests have been made so far. Taking to X, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav wrote, In this hour of crisis, Madhya Pradesh stands with Mrs. Sonam Raghuvanshi and her family. I have discussed this matter with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Senior police officers from Madhya Pradesh are in constant contact with Meghalaya officials. I have requested the Honorable Union Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah ji, to order a CBI investigation in this case. Every possible effort is being made for the safe return of Mrs. Sonam Raghuvanshi. Also Read | Indore couple on honeymoon goes missing in Cherrapunji. What we know so far Expressing his thankfulness to CM Mohan Yadav, Sonam Raghuvanshi's brother Vipin said, as PTI quoted, "I would like to thank the Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, for supporting us. The Madhya Pradesh government is providing us all the assistance. Only the activa owner, who is a resident of Odisha, is being questioned. Nobody else is being questioned. The locals haven't been questioned yet. Do the police there only work for money? The Meghalaya government is providing the assistance, though." CCTV footage: Amid the search for Sonam underway, a new CCTV footage emerged, which reportedly shows the tourists from Indore Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam arriving at a Shillong homestay on a scooter on 22 May. Mint could not verify the authenticity of the video. The Indore couple arrived at Mawlakhiat village in Meghalaya on 22 May on a rented scooter and after that they went missing on 23 May. The report further stated that the couple parked their scooter and trekked 3,000 steps down the gorge to visit the famous living rootbridges at Nongriat village. The couple stayed there that night and left the homestay the following morning. Also Read | Grainy CCTV footage deepens mystery of Indore couple Raja, Sonam Raghuvanshi But the Indore couple went missing just hours after they checked out of the homestay at Nongriat village in Sohra area in Shillong. Later this Monday. Raghuvanshi's body was found in a gorge 20 km from the village, while a search is underway for his wife. On May 24, their scooter was found abandoned at a cafe along the road from Shillong to Sohra. Meanwhile, on 5 June, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that 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. Meghalaya murder mystery: A new CCTV footage emerged this week, reportedly showing the tourists from Indore Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam arriving at a Shillong homestay on a scooter on May 22, a day before they went missing during their honeymoon trip to Meghalaya. Mint could not verify the authenticity of the video. Raghuvanshi (29) and his wife Sonam had gone missing on May 23. The couple, hailing from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, had arrived at Mawlakhiat village in Meghalaya on May 22 on a rented scooter, news agency PTI reported. 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. They left the homestay the following morning. They went missing just hours after they checked out of the homestay at Nongriat village in Sohra area in Shillong, reports claimed. Raghuvanshi's body was found on Monday in a gorge 20 km from the village, while a search is underway for his wife. On May 24, their scooter was found abandoned at a cafe along the road from Shillong to Sohra. Also Read | Meet the folks packaging Meghalaya's indigenous rice beer New CCTV footage shows... In the CCTV footage accessed by T7 News Channel, the two were seen dropping off their luggage after they reportedly arrived at the Shillong homestay on a scooter before riding away again. The footage, recorded by a CCTV camera at the homestay, showed Raja and Sonam wearing black jackets and carrying a white suitcase. Raja is then seen entering the premises and speaking to hotel staff, while Sonam waited outside. She could be seen removing her jacket and fixing her hair. Raja later returns, takes out some belongings from the suitcase, and hands them over to Sonam. A monkey snatched a devotee's purse containing jewellery worth over 20 lakh in the Vrindavan area of Mathura. The incident reportedly took place near the famous Thakur Banke Bihari Temple. According to India Today, Abhishek Agarwal, a resident of Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, had visited Vrindavan with his family. He was on his way back from the temple when a monkey snatched the purse from his wife. Police were informed after the locals failed to rescue the purse from the monkey. Police personnel reached the spot. After several hours, the purse was recovered from a bush and handed over to the family, the report added. Sandeep Kumar, Circle Officer, Sadar, said that swift action by police led to the recovery of the snatched purse and the valuables were recovered. "A devotee named Abhisheak Agarwal came to Vrindavan with his family from Aligarh. His wife's purse contained jewellery amounting to nearly 20 lakh. While returning from the Thakur Banke Bihari Temple, a monkey snatched away the bag from him," he was quoted by India Today as saying. Also Read | Tirupati laddu row: 43 food items samples collected from shops in Mathura "A police team recovered the purse from a bush and it was returned to the family," he said. The jewellery inside the purse was found to be intact, and it was returned to the family. There have been several stories of mischievous monkeys in Vrindavan. In March this year, a report emerged claiming that a monkey there swapped a Samsung S25 Ultra for a mango drink. The cheeky barter trade had left the internet in splits. As per the report, the mischievous monkey had swapped an expensive Samsung S25 Ultra for a small pack of a mango drink, creating a hilarious scene that went gone viral on social media. A video of the incident showed how the monkey perched on a balcony, firmly gripped the pricey smartphone while three men standing below desperately tried to negotiate its return. The men try to entice the monkey with multiple Frooti packs, tossing them upwards in hopes of retrieving the phone. However, the monkey seems unimpressed, refusing to give in too easily. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav had a narrow escape as a truck crashed into his convoy while returning from Madhepura to Patna. Three members of his security team sustained injuries in the accident. According to an Aaj Tak report, Yadav had stopped for a tea break at the national highway late on Friday night, at 1.30 am. The speeding truck rammed into one of the escort vehicles while Yadav and other leaders were disembarking from his car, the report said. We had stopped to drink tea when the truck, which was speeding an out of control, rammed into 2-3 vehicles in front of me. I was standing just five feet away from the accident site. The truck was stopped at the toll and appropriate action should be taken against those responsible, the report quoted Tejashwi Yadav as saying. Yadav slams Nitish Kumar govt in Bihar The RJD leader on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, accusing it of failing on law and order and allowing the health system to collapse. Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, Criminals are on the loose in Bihar. Many incidents are constantly coming to light and the police seem helpless. The government is also sleeping, and it seems as if they have nothing to do with anything.., rape happens and the Deputy CM makes promises, this is the situation. This is maha-jungle raj. The Leader of Opposition in the state assembly also criticised the state's health infrastructure, particularly the conditions at AIIMS Patna and PMCH, news agency ANI reported. Yadav expressed concern over what he described as a worsening situation at AIIMS Patna. "No one gets bed. Yesterday I went to AIIMS, and the state of the healthcare is deteriorating. There is so much disorganisation in AIIMS. Kin of patients were resting on the roads. Patients are not getting beds. People were requesting me to help them get a bed. This is the situation, these mafias in the Bihar government and the central government, those who should cater to the pain of common people, are busy inflicting more pain," he said. He also questioned CM Nitish Kumar's ability to govern. "The CM is in an unconscious state of mind and is now incapable of staying on his post. He has become forgetful, unable to recognise MLAs, MPs, or even Cabinet members by face or name," Yadav alleged. Pakistani authorities reportedly wrote letters to their Indian counterparts several times since April to reconsider the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, sources said on Friday. India had announced its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 with Pakistan on April 23 a day after at least 26 people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Also Read | India slams Pak at UN meet, cites terrorism as violation of Indus Waters Treaty The Ministry of External Affairs had then said that the Indus Waters Treaty will be held in "abeyance" until Pakistan irreversibly ends its support for cross-border terrorism. Over a month later, the Hindustan Times reported that Pakistans water resources secretary Syed Ali Murtaza sent four letters to Indias Jal Shakti ministry since then, urging a review of the decision to suspend the treaty. It wasnt immediately clear when the letters were sent, but a person aware of the matter said that three of the letters were written after Operation Sindoor, the report added. Sources told the Hindustan Times that the Pakistani side continued to claim that the treaty cannot be unilaterally suspended by India and that the suspension violates the pacts provisions. The letters were said to be a response to a formal notification on April 24 from Indias water resources secretary Debashree Mukherjee to her Pakistani counterpart about the decision to keep the treaty in abeyance. Also Read | India has held off the Indus Waters Treaty with due legitimacy Mukherjee had reportedly written: The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. There has been no response by India to Pakistans letters so far. Sources, however, claimed that India remains firm on its decision. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated on April 29 that the country would not engage in talks with Pakistan until the neighbour credibly and irrevocably abjures cross-border terrorism. Also Read | What is Simla Agreement that may be suspended after India's water treaty move According to the report, the Indian side has stopped sharing all data related to the flows of the western rivers Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab that were allocated to Pakistan under the 1960 treaty. Pakistani leaders said earlier any reduction of water flows allowed under the Indus Waters Treaty will be seen as an act of war. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairpers Sonia Gandhi was rushed to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla after her health deteriorated in hill station on Saturday. The veteran Congress leader, who turned 78 in December 2024, was taken to the hospital for tests and checkup. She was discharged after the tests were conducted. Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the development to media, saying that she was brought to the hospital for routine health checkup due to minor issues. Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has been brought to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla for routine health check-up due to some minor health issues, he said. Doctors are examining her. She is stable. Details are awaited, Chauhan added. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is expected to reach the hospital soon, as per a report by News18. The report further mentioned that a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is being conducted on her. Sonia Gandhi made her last public appearance on May 27, when she paid floral tribute to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 61st death anniversary, at his memorial Shanti Van in Delhi. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate Sonia Gandhi as accused no. 1 and her son Rahul Gandhi (54) as accused no. 2 in the National Herald case. Along with them, five others were also named by the ED in the prosecution complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The National Herald-AJL-YI case pertains to an alleged conspiracy orchestrated to illegally obtain assets worth 2,000 crore of the Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by the "beneficial owners" and majority shareholders of YI (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi). The Congress has described the ED's chargesheet against the Gandhis as "vendetta politics". It said in April that the ED chargesheet was an attempt to divert attention from the economic crisis the country was facing. Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised in February too Earlier in February this year, the Rajya Sabha MP had to be admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi this morning at 8:30 am due to stomach related issues, the hospital had said at the time. She was admitted today for some abdomen-related issue. However, there is no major concern and in all likelihood she will be discharged by tomorrow morning, Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman- Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, had said. The veteran Congress leader was under the care of Dr Samiran Nundy, gastroenterology specialist. Eid Mubarak! Muslims around the world is celebrating Eid al-Adha, Islams second most significant festival, also known as Eid al-Zuha or Bakrid. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year in Saudi Arabia, Arafat Dayconsidered the holiest day in Islamwas observed on Thursday, June 5. Arafat Day, also known as Yaum al-Arafah, is observed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah and precedes Eid celebrations. Eid ul-Adha ki Niyat Eid ul-Adha ki Niyat: In Islam, "Niyat" means intention the purpose in your heart for performing any act of worship. For Eid ul-Adha, the niyat refers to the heartfelt intention behind performing the Qurbani (sacrifice). When offering a sacrifice, the niyat is to sincerely dedicate the act to Allah, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to Gods command. Watch the Eid al-Adha celebrations today: The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice for God and involves the heartfelt intention of Qurbani. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice for God and involves the heartfelt intention of Qurbani. Eid al-Adha 2025: Images Eid al-Adha, a key Islamic festival celebrated as Bakrid, is approaching. Muslims worldwide prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice. (Photo: Pixabay) Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha on Saturday. Eid al-Adha, a key Islamic festival celebrated as Bakrid, (Photo: Pinterest) Eid al-Adha, a key Islamic festival celebrated as Bakrid, (Photo: Pinterest) Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha, the second significant Islamic festival, on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. Eid Mubarak GIFs The holy festival of Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'festival of sacrifice' or Greater Eid, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. Eid al-Adha is being celebrated today Eid Mubarak Eid Mubarak to you and your family Eid al-Adha is the second Islamic festival of the year The niyat refers to the heartfelt intention behind performing the Qurbani (sacrifice). Eid al-Adha is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for God. Elon Musk and Donald Trump, once seen as political allies, are now fighting openly. Musk earlier posted a strong message on his platform X (formerly Twitter). He claimed the US president is linked to the secret Epstein files. Thats the reason why the files havent been made public, he alleged. Musk gave no proof but said the truth would come out in time. 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! Must wrote in his now-deleted tweet. Elon Musk's now-deleted tweet on Donald Trump This shocking post is believed to have ended their friendship. Experts in Washington and Silicon Valley feel that any chance of peace between the two is now gone. Musks message hinted that the government was hiding Trumps possible connection to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile. Who is Jeffrey Epstein? Jeffrey Epstein was a rich American businessman who had close ties with powerful people. He was first jailed in 2008 for using a minor for sex. However, he got a very light punishment, which caused public anger. In 2019, he was arrested again for running a sex trafficking network of underage girls. The wealthy business tycoon died in jail before the trial. His death was ruled a suicide, but many think he was murdered to hide secrets Claims and allegations According to Daily Mails US correspondent Tom Leonard, Donald Trump knew Jeffrey Epstein even though he once claimed otherwise. They were part of the same wealthy social group in Florida from the late 1980s until 2004 when they had a major fight over property. Trump, like Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton, has been named in legal documents linked to Epsteins long history of sexual abuse. Before his re-election in 2024, Trump said he had no issue releasing the remaining Epstein Files from the FBIs investigation. Although theres no proof Trump was involved in Epsteins crimes, his name still appears in many ongoing conspiracy theories, Leonard added. After Elon Musk posted about Donald Trump being linked to Epstein, many of his followers on X began sharing old clips and reports of the two together. Musk even retweeted a few. One of them shows a 1992 video showing Trump and Epstein at Mar-a-Lago, laughing and pointing at cheerleaders. In another clip from 2002, Trump praises Epstein as terrific and said he liked young women. Michael Wolff drops explosive allegations US journalist Michael Wolff added fuel to the ongoing allegations, claiming he had seen photos of Trump and Epstein with topless girls of an uncertain age sitting on Trumps lap. One image reportedly shows Trump with a stain on his trousers while the women laugh and point. Wolff believes these pictures were in Epsteins safe, which the FBI seized in 2019. DAMASCUS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Syria's information affairs chief Hamza al-Mustafa announced on Saturday the closure of the al-Rukban camp, a remote desert settlement near the Syrian-Jordanian border that once housed nearly 10,000 displaced persons. "With the dismantling of al-Rukban and the return of the displaced, a tragic and painful chapter of Syria's displacement story comes to an end," al-Mustafa said in a statement posted on social media platform X. The minister added that the closure of al-Rukban marks the beginning of a broader initiative to dismantle other displacement camps, stressing that the state remains committed to supporting the return of all internally displaced Syrians to their homes. Al-Rukban, established in 2014 near a U.S.-controlled zone along the Jordanian border, became emblematic of Syria's humanitarian crisis. Cut off from regular humanitarian aid and surrounded by conflict zones, residents at the camp endured years of hardship, with aid groups frequently raising alarm over its deteriorating conditions. Donald Trump vs Elon Musk: As the big ugly breakup of bromance between Donald Trump and his 'first buddy' Elon Musk continues to brew further, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has now said that the Trump administration should investigate the Tesla illegal alien's immigration status and deport the billionaire. Question is, can Elon Musk be actually deported by the Trump administration? Elon Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, became a US citizen in 2002 after completing the naturalization process, through the naturalisation process after several years of living and working in the country. As per the Immigration and Nationality Act under US law, citizenship gained through naturalisation can be revoked if it was "procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation." Also Read | Elon Musk deletes post alleging Trumps name appears in Epstein files Before settling in the United States, Musk moved to Canada in 1989 and later arrived in the US in 1992 to study at the University of Pennsylvania. What led to the deportation demands'? What once started as a big, beautiful bromance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk ended in a public feud that escalated to a point of no possible return after the Tesla CEO called for Trump to be impeached, and described what the president called his "Big Beautiful [spending] Bill" as The Big Ugly Bill. With the ongoing tussle, Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, told The New York Times: 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." Steve Bannon's demands for deporting Elon Musk also comes amid the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigrants in the US. Is Elon Musk an illegal citizen? Last year, October, The Washington Post published a report alleging that Elon Musk "worked illegally in the United States" by founding a company in 1995 while on a student visadespite never enrolling at Stanford University, as he had claimed. The article cited a 2005 email, disclosed during a defamation lawsuit, in which Musk reportedly admitted he applied to Stanford solely because he had no legal right to stay in the country. What legal experts say In an interview with Wired, Cornell Law School immigration expert Professor Stephen Yale-Loehr explained that if the allegations of Musk working illegally while on a student visa are accurate, there could be strong legal grounds to revoke his citizenship. He noted that had Musk disclosed the truth, he likely wouldnt have qualified for an H-1B visa, permanent residency, or eventual naturalisation. Activity in Los Angeles by federal agents has increased on Saturday following the protests that shook the city on Friday, which included a police response, that involved the use of tear gas and flashbangs. At least 44 were arrested in the recent crackdown in Los Angeles by authorities regarding illegal immigration, which triggered a wave of protests in the city. Federal agents armed with 'rifles', tactical gear, and green camouflage were seen standing before the anti-ICE protestors, followed by a response in a 'military-style' tactic. This is the second day of heightened tensions in the city after Friday saw an eventful day on the streets, with protesters and police authorities clashing against each other. New activity observed in Los Angeles amid ongoing protests After Friday, Saturday sees increased activity on LA streets, with Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks standing guard outside an industrial park in the city of Paramount, according to an AP report. "They were seen deploying tear gas as bystanders and protesters gathered on medians and across the street, some jeering at authorities while recording the events on smartphones. The boulevard was closed to traffic as U.S. Border Patrol circulated through the area. ICE representatives did not respond immediately to email inquiries about weekend enforcement activities," reads the AP report. ICE out of Paramount. We see you for what you are. You are not welcome here," a woman was quoted as announcing through a megaphone during the protests. The security agents on Saturday engaged in a tense confrontation with protesters in the Paramount area in southeast Los Angeles, where one demonstrator was seen waving a Mexican flag and some covered their mouths with respiratory masks, A Reuters report read. Also Read | Was Khaby Lame really arrested by ICE for living illegally in the US? The National Chocolate Ice Cream Day 2025 will be celebrated this year on June 7, which means dessert lovers are going to have a field day this time around. Moreover, there are some lip-smacking deals available for ice cream lovers in the United States to celebrate this popular occasion. When and why is National Ice Cream Day celebrated in the US? National Ice Cream Day is celebrated every year on June 7. This time it falls on a weekend, which gives you all the more reason to go out and give yourself an ice cream treat, courtesy of all the amazing offers and deals out there. Chocolate ice cream deserves to have its own day, as it has been serving the dessert platters for years. Way back in 1692, an Italian cookbook featured an early recipe, and by the 1800s, it was a hit at fancy parties in Europe and America. It wasn't just for the elite forever, though. Factories like Jacob Fussell's in Baltimore, opened in 1851, made it accessible to everyone. And that iconic cone? Thank the 1904 World's Fair for popularizing it! The specific holiday started more recently. Ice cream lovers, bloggers, and maybe some clever marketers wanted to honor this iconic flavor. It wasn't just about eating (though that's fun!). It was about joy, nostalgia, and togetherness. The significance of National Ice Cream Day 2025 is more about: Celebrating the decades-long finery in culinary arts, especially in the segment of frozen desserts. Supporting local ice cream parlors and dairy businesses in the United States. Encouraging people to savor lifes sweet moments, forgetting all the hassles of everyday life. Promoting togetherness and harmony over a cone, cup, or even a chocolate ice cream cake. National Ice Cream Day 2025 deals and offers Some National Ice Cream Day 2025 offers could lie in store for you at your favorite local ice cream parlors, which you need to contact and get to know about. Meanwhile, there are some likely offers from popular outlets like Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Cold Stone Creamery, and more. To know the deals available to you in your respective US city by Baskin-Robbins, simply check their site, app, or their nearby outlets. Only last year, they were offering a $5 off $20+ orders via DoorDash/UberEats, or in-store app discounts. In a similar fashion, Dairy Queen offered free Dilly Bar or discounted Blizzard Treats for app users in 2024. Similar offers could be available this year, which need to be used or checked from the DQ Application. Meanwhile, Fowling Warehouse in Plano, Texas, is offering $5 chocolate ice cream sundaes with toppings (Oreos, M&Ms, whipped cream) until supplies run out. The offer on their site reads, "Stop in to cool off with a scoop of chocolate ice cream with your choice of toppings for $5! This offer is good until we run out of ice cream!" Los Angeles turned into a complete tension zone after protestors and police clashed against each other on the streets on Friday. According to an NY Times report, armed police agents in tactical gear threw flashbang grenades at the protesting crowd. These agents were also armed with military-style rifles and were combing the area after protests broke out following the arrest of nearly 44 people in the city in raids conducted by ICE. Federal agents conduct sweeps, face protests In another show of force related to immigration sweeps, federal agents landed at a Home Depot where day laborers regularly gather in search of work. The raid at the clothing wholesaler began at approximately 9:15 am in the Fashion District. The location is less than two miles from the LA City Hall, says a NY Times report. During the protests, dozens of federal agents were seen arriving in armored trucks and unmarked vehicles, wearing tactical gear and green camouflage. They were met by an angry and protesting anti-ICE crowd, and the show of force by the federal forces almost immediately began. Moreover, a Live Reuters video showed Los Angeles Police Department officers lined up on a downtown street wielding batons and what appeared to be less-than-lethal tear gas rifles that looked like shotguns. They were seen facing off with demonstrators after authorities had ordered crowds of protesters to disperse. A Reuters report on the incident reads, "Early in the standoff, some protesters hurled chunks of broken concrete toward officers, and police responded by firing volleys of tear gas and pepper spray. Police also fired flash-bang concussion rounds. It was not clear whether there were any immediate arrests." Impromptu demonstrations had also erupted at some of the raid locations earlier in the day. One organized labor executive, David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union of California, was injured and detained by ICE at one site, according to an SEIU statement, the Reuters report continued. (Bloomberg) -- The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to round up migrants and its using increasingly aggressive tactics. In scenes from Los Angeles to Massachusetts, agents outfitted with bullet-resistant vests and often displaying military-style rifles are shown in social media videos and photos being escorted along city streets by armored vehicles. A clip from Rhode Island shows an agent standing in a trucks open hatch, manning a rifle. Teams of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed heavily armed and helmeted officers to make arrests Friday around LA. In the downtown Fashion District, according to video posted to X, agents holding riot shields moved through the area on an armored vehicle, while others fired multiple flash-bang grenades as protesters gathered along their path. Its at least the second time in the last week that such tools were deployed to disperse protesters. LA Mayor Karen Bass and other elected officials denounced the raids and the use of force. These tactics sow terror in our communities disrupt basic principals of safety in our city, Bass, a Democrat, said in a statement. The Service Employees International Union said its California president, David Huerta, was injured and arrested during one of the operations. The union said Huerta is a US citizen. ICE didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Nationwide the ICE-led operations, often joined by other federal agents and local law enforcement, have coincided with an increase in arrests of people for running afoul of immigration laws. ICE reported more than 1,600 daily apprehensions, eclipsing 2,200 a day over two days earlier this week. Thats more than double the 630 average of recent weeks and a roughly 450% increase over typical numbers during former President Joe Bidens last year in office. Not Normal The latest figures are still short of the administrations goal, but the White House is moving forward with efforts to remove legal obstacles to deportations while ramping up prison capacity and enforcement capability. In the meantime, its deploying social-media videos with quick edits and throbbing techno beats, made-for-TV moments to get attention. This is not normal, said David Shirk, a political science professor and expert on US-Mexico border issues at the University of San Diego. It is a response to what has been a long-standing problem that is greatly exaggerated and intended to convey a sense of shock and awe. Critics have long decried the increasing militarization of US police forces, which took off after equipment used in the Iraq war was handed over to state and local forces. In the case of ICEs immigration raids, Shirk and others say the tactics arent only over the top, they risk further inflaming already tense situations, making it more dangerous for the targets, bystanders and the agents themselves. They say the raids are disproportionate to the threat and seem designed to maximize optics for US President Donald Trump and his supporters, while demonizing migrants who lack legal status but are otherwise law abiding. ICE officials are unapologetic about the shows of force, saying agents must take maximum precautions to protect themselves from dangerous gang members and other criminals. And if the high-profile raids encourage other migrants without documentation to leave, all the better. In social media posts, ICE routinely urges people to avoid arrest by self-deporting. In San Diego last week, an operation targeting workers at the popular Italian restaurant Buona Forchetta included agents dressed in camouflage, helmeted and masked, and some carrying rifles. It drew as many as 250 spontaneous protesters who shouted abuse at the agents. Eventually officials deployed stun grenades to disperse the crowd. The agency declined to specify the exact number of arrests or detail any criminal records of those taken into custody. The officers took appropriate action and followed their training to use the minimum amount of force necessary, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Homeland Security department, said in a statement. In large part due to protests like this, our ICE officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults while carrying out arrests. Operations across Massachusetts over the past month resulted in the arrests of nearly 1,500 people for immigration violations, more than half of whom the government said had criminal records in the US or abroad. Heavily armed and masked officers were involved in many of the apprehensions. In raids in Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard last month, about 40 people were arrested and moved out of the area on a Coast Guard patrol boat. In February, agents in Phoenix used an armored vehicle equipped with a battering ram when they arrested a 61-year-old man. At the time, the agency described the arrest as part of a routine operation and said the man had been deported several times and had multiple criminal convictions. The more police dress up in military gear and arm themselves with military equipment, the more likely they are to see themselves as at war with people, and that is not what we want, said Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, deputy project manager for policing at the American Civil Liberties Union. An expanded show of force by policing agencies can lead to unnecessary violence that leads to unnecessary harm, she added. Todd Lyons, the acting head of ICE, this week defended agents actions, including wearing masks, saying it was for their protection as the public grows increasingly hostile toward their work. I am 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 familys lives on the line, because people dont like what immigration enforcement is, Lyons said during a press conference. He cited incidents of people identifying agents and then harassing them and their family members online, sometimes posting childrens photos and other private information. The agency has made tens of thousands of arrests and deported tens of thousands of foreigners since Trump took office. But top administration arent happy with the pace. In a tense meeting last month with dozens of top ICE officials Stephen Miller, a top aide to Trump and an architect of the the administrations hardline policies, said arrests should average a minimum of 3,000 a day. Many of those senior agents and officers left the meeting worried they would lose their jobs if the quota isnt met, according to a person familiar with the private discussion. The growing frequency of operations and the gear agents are toting can be unsettling to community members who arent accustomed to such broad enforcement operations, according to Jerry Robinette, a former ICE agent who led the agencys Homeland Security Investigations office in San Antonio until he retired in 2012. They are in areas where people arent used to seeing them and some folks are taken aback by what they are seeing, taken aback by the show of force, said Robinette, adding that its hard to second guess the show of force in San Diego without more details. Without knowing what the underlying crime that they were concerned about, its really hard to say this was an overkill. Robinette and others said raids involving heavily armed and helmeted agents arent unheard of in HSI operations. He said a more robust presence is often used in cases involving serious criminal organizations, including drug trafficking networks. In Warwick, Rhode Island, last month, a heavily armed contingent of officers was deployed to arrest a Guatemalan man who had evaded arrest during an April traffic stop. In that incident, according to federal court records, the suspect flailed about and wiggled away from arresting officers, leading one to twist her ankle and ultimately fracture her leg. The suspect was charged with assault, resisting and impeding a law enforcement officer after his May arrest. He is being held in federal custody, court records show. In San Diego, theres been no clarity on who was targeted by the ICE raid at the Italian restaurant. The tactics raised alarms from local officials. Militarized immigration raids in our neighborhoods erode trust, destabilize families and undermine the constitutional right to due process, County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer said in a statement posted to X. City Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera posted a photo of the restaurant raid to Instagram and wrote the word terrorists over the image. Others have described ICE agents as a gestapo. Lyons, in an interview with Fox News, said such descriptions of his officers were just plain disgusting. Elo-Rivera said he stands by his comments, and described the show of force as unnecessary and intended to instill fear. It would scare anyone who saw them, Elo-Rivera said. Nobody is safer as a result of the Trump administration attempting to enforce immigration laws. (Adds details of Los Angeles raids from third paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- The US Supreme Court turned away a fresh gun-rights appeal, refusing to question the District of Columbias ban on large-capacity ammunition-feeding devices. The justices on Friday rejected arguments from four firearms owners who said the ban violates the gun-rights protections in the Constitutions Second Amendment. On June 2, the high court rejected a similar appeal in a Rhode Island case along with a challenge to a Maryland ban on so-called assault weapons. In each case, the court fell one vote short of the four required to take up a new case. In addition to DC, 14 states outlaw high-capacity ammunition-feeding devices, according to Giffords Law Center, an interest group that supports gun restrictions. The DC law makes it a felony to possess gun magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds. It was enacted in the aftermath of the Supreme Courts landmark 2008 decision striking down the districts handgun ban and for the first time saying the Constitution protects individual gun rights. A federal trial judge and then an appeals court upheld the DC restrictions. Gun-rights advocates who sued to block the DC measure sought to extend the 2022 Supreme Court decision that declared a constitutional right to carry a firearm and established a tough new test for assessing restrictions. The challengers said Americans possess hundreds of millions of large-capacity magazines, many of them for self-defense purposes. Supporters of the bans say the devices have been repeatedly used in mass shootings. The law was backed at the lower court level by Everytown for Gun Safety, an advocacy group founded and backed by Michael Bloomberg, founder and majority owner of Bloomberg News parent company Bloomberg LP. The case is Hanson v. District of Columbia, 24-936. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com As the public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk took over headlines, late-night talk show hosts wasted no time tearing into the drama. With sharp wit and signature sarcasm, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, and Michael Kosta each offered their take on the bizarre fallout between the U.S. President and the billionaire tech mogul. Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert's take of Trump-Musk breakup Jimmy Fallon, on The Tonight Show, compared the once-friendly duo to a crumbling reality show couple. Things have taken a shocking turn with one of the hottest couples on 'Love Island'. Of course, I am talking about Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Trump and Elon has been brutally attacking each other all day. Seriously their relationship went off a cliff faster than a self-driving Tesla. I'm not saying its bad but right now Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are like, "Guys, take it easy. This is getting out of hand." He added, Today, Trump posted on social media that he asked Elon to leave and Elon went crazy. Just so we're clear, Trump thinks everything Elon did before this was not crazy? I can't believe their relationship fell apart this fast. A week ago they were all over each other, like Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at a Knicks Game. Stephen Colbert, on The Late Show, described the feud as a "full-scale flame war" between the world's most famous besties. Colbert quipped, A full scale flame war has broken out between the world's most famous besties - Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Here is where we stand. Musk spent all day yesterday slamming Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' to his 200 million followers on X. What's most impressive is that only half of those are his kids. Trump held his return fire until today in a press conference with German Chancellor. Trump's crack about the electric vehicle stung Elon so much that he wrote, Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and Republic would be 51-49 in the Senate. He added, "As soon as Trump was done meeting with the German Chancellor, he clapped back - "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!" "I'm sorry? Went crazy? Elon has always lived at the geographic centre of insanitude. He is not the Mayor of Crazytown, he is the Governor of 'Off-his-Medsylvania'," Colbert quipped. Michael Kosta of The Daily Show, was just as savage. Theres been simmering tension between Trump and Musk the leader of the free world and the breeder of the free world. He dubbed the fallout World War Douche, adding, I thought these two billionaires with the worlds biggest egos would work it out amicably. Viral social media claims that TikTok star Khaby Lame was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised eyebrowsbut there is no official confirmation to support the allegation. The rumour began when social media user Bo Loudon claimed on X that Lame had been arrested in Las Vegas and was in ICE custody. He labelled the Italian-Senegalese creator an illegal alien and stated he was working with the patriots at President Trumps DHS to make this happen. Bo Loudon wrote in another post, "BREAKING: ICE just CONFIRMED my report the biggest TikTok star, far-left Khaby Lame, was "DETAINED" in Las Vegas yesterday for "overstaying the terms of his VISA," per an email to Men's Journal. I've been working with President Trump's DHS to make this happen. NO EXCEPTIONS!" However, there is no evidence to back the claim. ICE has not confirmed any such arrest, and Lames management has made no comment. In fact, another social media user shared screenshots showing that Khaby Lames name does not appear on ICEs online detainee database. Anyone seeing this you can check for yourself, they wrote, including the locator URL. About Khaby Lame Khaby Lame, who moved to Italy at the age of one, has long been recognised as an Italian citizen. He gained international fame during the pandemic with his silent comedic videos and now holds the title of the most-followed TikTok creator with over 162 million followers. He has worked with major global brands and frequently represents Italy at public events. He also recently made his red carpet debut at the Met Gala 2025, where he walked for the brand, Hugo Boss. Elon Musk and Donald Trump have been caught in a whirlwind, with both powerful individuals going after each other in public, as well as on social media. Now, a new report has emerged, which suggests that a physical altercation between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, that happened steps from the Oval Office, was one of the biggest contributors to the ongoing Musk-Trump feud. Musk vs Bessent: What went on? According to The Washington Post's report, Elon Musk thrust his shoulder into Bessents rib cage like a rugby player, and when the fight ensued, it had to be broken up by bystanders. The incident happened after an Oval Office meeting, which was attended by both Musk and Bessent. In this meeting, they reportedly made competing pitches to the President about who should lead the IRS. Trump had then opted for Bessents choice, which was one of the initiating points of the brawl. The report emerged on the basis of an interview with Trump ally Steve Bannon, and it claimed that during the altercation that Musk initiated, Bessent also hit back. It was ultimately left to those in the vicinity to handle the situation and break them apart. According to the Post, Musk had to be shuffled out of the West Wing. The incident began taking shape after Bessent and Musk were departing from the Oval Office, and they had a sharp verbal exchange. Bannon claimed that the Treasury Secretary had accused Musk of being a "total fraud" for not meeting the promised targets of cutting $1 trillion in federal spending, and things escalated pretty fast, turning into a physical fight. Mumbai/Bengaluru/New Delhi: After nearly a decade of silence, Vijay Mallya, the flashy business tycoon who founded one of Indias fanciest airlines that eventually went kaput and resulted in him being declared a fugitive economic offender, has re-emerged to tell his side of the story. The King of Good Times wants to return to India and clear his name if promised a fair trial and a dignified existence", he said in a podcast recorded in London, where he has resided since leaving India in 2016. We all know how long detentions and trials can last in India," he said. Thats not justice." But while the former liquor baron has legal remedies available to him to return to India and settle the outstanding cases against him, it wont be a smooth landing, say legal experts. If Vijay Mallya steps off a plane in India, the legal chessboard lights up instantly," said Ketan Mukhija, a senior partner at law firm Burgeon Law. Mallya could voluntarily appear before the court and surrender, thereby invoking his right to apply for bail, including anticipatory bail, Mukhija said. Mallyas legal team, however, would have to contest every existing arrest warrant, lookout circular, and non-bailable order, arguing on grounds of procedural irregularities or the absence of fresh incriminating evidence, Mukhija added. Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, including the right to a fair trial, would govern Mallyas request for a fair trial, according to Ajay Khatalawala, managing partner at law firm Little & Co. Mallya can also contest the tag of fugitive economic offender. The tag is proclaimed by a court when an individual accused of a serious financial crime, usually involving large sums, either flees the country or refuses to return to face trial. If Mallya decides to return to India and surrender, he can file a petition seeking to have the declaration of fugitive economic offender rescinded. However, the court will only consider such relief if it is satisfied that the return is genuine and made without mala fide intent, Khatalawala said. View Full Image Vijay Mallya was also the former chair of the United Breweries Group. (Bloomberg) What Mallya said The podcast called Figuring Out, hosted by Raj Samani, featured Mallyas first public conversation in nine years, during which he claims to have not been given a chance of fair trial by the media. He claimed to be a victim of media sensationalism and political scapegoating. I regret one thing, which is that after all my hard work, all the value that I created in so many multiple ways, that effectively, the government of India and, of course, the media made me a zero from a hero. And thats a fact of life that I have had to stomach and live with," he said. At a very young age, Mallya was installed in the hot seat" as he became the chairman of the Bengaluru-based United Breweries Group after his father Vittal Mallyas demise in 1983. Helming UB Group, Mallya built Kingfisher beer into a dominant brand with over 50% market share. The eponymous airline that followed in 2005 was his vision to produce the best flying experience that India had ever seen". The acquisition of low-cost carrier Air Deccan in 2007 was widely blamed for Kingfisher Airlines downfall. Mallya said the acquisition was a calculated consolidation and not a means to by-pass a rule that required an airline to be operational for five years before it could fly internationally. The media made me a zero from a hero. The downward spiral came after the 2008 global financial crisis. Mallya said he approached the then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee with his plan to downsize his airline. Mukherjee asked him not to downsize and promised the airline would be supported by banks, Mallya claimed. Mukherjee passed away in 2020. With fuel cost rising and the government not allowing foreign investment in the aviation sector further complicated matters for Kingfisher Airlines, Mallya said. It was the economy, the circumstances, the government policy then existing all conspired to create a perfect storm through which King Fisher could not survive". Paid more than what was due Mallya claimed in the podcast that while he owed only 6,203 crore to various banks, Indias ministry of finance has reported a recovery of 14,131.6 crore, which is multiple times over." I am not a chor (thief)," Mallya said, refuting allegations that he fled India in March 2016 to evade authorities following the bankruptcy of Kingfisher Airlines, insisting he had planned a visit to Geneva to attend an international conference. Kingfisher Airlines, which was grounded in October 2012, owed more than 7,500 crore to lenders led by State Bank of India. The airline had accumulated losses of 16,023.46 crore as of 31 March 2013. He was being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) for various economic offences. But on 15 April that year, the ministry of external affairs suspended his passport. On the podcast, Mallya said he responded to a summons by the ED requesting more time to negotiate with his foreign collaborators to sell shares and settle the dues. Asked why he didnt fight harder to get his passport restored and return to India, Mallya said he was overwhelmed by the number of legal battles. How many fronts should I open at once? These are expensive and time-consuming battles." View Full Image Vijay Mallya launched Kingfisher Airlines in 2005 with a vision to produce the best flying experience that India had ever seen. (PTI) Fugitive or fall guy? Refuting allegations that he siphoned off funds from Kingfisher Airlines, Mallya said he infused 3,000 crore of United Breweries funds into the airline to keep it afloat. Nobody talks about that. If I intended to steal, would I have pledged my own shares and given personal guarantees?" he said. Mallya claimed that banks recovered double the amount he owed them by selling his assets. Yet despite 15 formal requests, they havent given me a statement of account," he said. On the podcast, Mallya apologized for the non-payment of salaries to Kingfisher Airliness employees. He claimed he made repeated attempts to get the Karnataka High Court to release 260 crore that it had frozen so he could pay employee wages. I offered settlements multiple times between 2012 and 2015 but they were all rejected," Mallya said. I am deeply sorry and I take full responsibility for it." Industrialist Harsh Goenka spoke out in Mallyas defence. While Mallya lived a high life" and had defaulted on loans, his dues have reportedly been settled, he said. Meanwhile, bigger defaulters walk free with much fatter haircuts from banks," Goenka said on social media platform X. If dues remain, the banks should clearly say so. If not, why is he still a political punching bag?" Mallya replied to Goenka on X that the finance ministry had confirmed in writing that Banks have recovered 14,100 crores from me against a DRT (debt recovery tribunal) judgement debt of 6,203 crores". Shriram Subramanian, the managing director of proxy advisory firm Ingovern doubts Mallya will return to India as there is no guarantee on what will happen to him. He has been the punching bag for all the large loan defaults by businessmen," said Subramanian. The cultivated political connections, lavish parties, and hi-profile public image makes him the ultimate fall guy." ROME, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Milei on Friday jointly adopted the Italy-Argentina Action Plan 2025-2030 aimed at dramatically strengthening bilateral ties. The move was made during Milei's visit to Rome, his first stop on a ten-day swing through Europe and Israel. The plan, announced in broad terms during Meloni's visit to Argentina last November, facilitates cooperation between Rome and Buenos Aires in an array of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, critical raw materials, aviation, space and tourism. It also strengthens security and judicial cooperation, including the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking. Following the adoption of the plan, implementation will be carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of both countries. Meloni and Milei met for around two hours late on Friday. According to a statement from Meloni's office, the leaders discussed "strengthening the already strong bilateral partnership between Italy and Argentina, based on shared values and on deep cultural links between the two nations." Both leaders, according to the statement, expressed their support for greater cooperation between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur. The Government of India, in its social media fact-checking handle on platform X, clarified that the claims about an upcoming alleged demonetisation in March 2026 were false and that they were an attempt to spread misinformation among the masses through social media platforms. What were the claims? According to the official PIBFactCheck post released on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, a video went viral on social media in which a news anchor from the YouTube channel Capital TV claimed that India is set to discontinue the circulation of 500 banknotes effective March 2026. A #YouTube video on the YT Channel CAPITAL TV (capitaltvind) falsely claims that the RBI will discontinue the circulation of 500 notes by March 2026, according to the PIBFactCheck announcement post on platform X. Also Read | Sanjay Malhotra reveals why RBI is concerned about cryptocurrencies What does the Indian Government say? Calling out this social media claim, the Indian government issued an official Fact Check in which they said that the nation's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has made no such announcements about any potential or upcoming demonetisation move. The government also assured the people of the nation that the 500 banknotes have not been discontinued and continue to serve as a legal tender form of the official Indian currency. The government also warned people to stay alert to fake news and videos circulated on social media platforms and not to believe anything unless it comes from official sources like the RBI. Dont fall for such misinformation. Always verify news from official sources before believing or sharing it! said the Indian government, warning people against similar misinformation circulating on social media platforms. New 20 Banknotes In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it would soon release new 20 banknotes with Governor Sanjay Malhotra's signature on them. The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue 20 denomination Banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Governor. The design of these notes is similar in all respects to 20 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, said the RBI. RBI also disclosed that the 20 notes will be similar in all other aspects, including design, to the new series of notes circulating in the nation, except for the new governor's signature. Amid rising temperatures in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, at least 13 Iranian nationals died during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, the Iranian state media reported Saturday. "As of Friday, June 6, the total number of Iranian pilgrims who have passed away during Hajj 2025 has reached 13," the Iranian Red Crescent Society was quoted as stating, as reported by the official IRNA news agency. What could be the reasons for these deaths? The reason for these deaths was not specified, but rising temperatures in the region could be one of them, as the statement cautioned the pilgrims to avoid any kind of direct exposure to the sun and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It also advised other crucial activities to reduce the risk of heatstroke in the current weather conditions during the holy pilgrimage. "In recent days, temperatures in the holy cities of Saudi Arabia have risen to 47C, which can lead to severe heatstroke among pilgrims," the IRNA report said. This year, 86,700 Iranians went to Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage. According to AFP, more than 1,300 people, including 22 Iranians, passed away at the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia when temperatures hit an excruciating 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stress is one of the major reasons why many succumb to heat strokes due to rising temperatures. This is a typical condition occurring in regions like the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. The best way to combat this is by staying hydrated through proper fluids and avoiding direct exposure to the sun. If any blackout occurs, immediate hospitalization or critical care is necessary for proper recovery in such circumstances. Also Read | What you spot first in this optical illusion reveals how you cope under pressure An Iranian official denounced the "racist mentality" of US policymakers as US President Donald Trump reinstated the travel ban on 12 countries. Director General for the affairs of Iranians broad, Alireza Hashemi-Raja, said on Saturday the move was a clear sign of the dominance of a supremacist and racist mentality among American policymakers. Also Read | New US travel ban expected to better withstand legal challenges He lambasted Trump's travel ban, saying that it "indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian and Muslim people". Meanwhile, Reuters quoted Iran's foreign ministry as saying in a post on X, The decision to ban the entry of Iranian nationals merely due to their religion and nationality not only indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian people and Muslims but also violates... international law. US President Donald Trump signed a new order on Wednesday banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. As per the order, the entry of people from seven other countries will be partially restricted. These include Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. The ban takes effect on June 9, 2025 (Monday) at 12:01 am EDT (0401 GMT). Also Read | How culinary experiences are redefining travel The order stated that visas issued before June 9 will not be revoked. No immigrant or non-immigrant visa issued before June 9 "shall be revoked pursuant to this proclamation," the proclamation stated. The ban, which Trump said was necessary to protect against "foreign terrorists", was reminiscent of a similar move he implemented during his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, when he barred travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations. North Korea's internet is experiencing a major outage on Saturday, a UK-based researcher said, adding that the cause may be internal rather than a cyberattack. A Reuters report said that North Korea's main news web sites and its Foreign Ministry internet site were inaccessible on Saturday morning. "A major outage is currently occurring on North Korea's internet - affecting all routes whether they come in via China or Russia," said Junade Ali, a UK-based researcher who monitors the North Korean internet. North Korea's entire internet infrastructure is not showing up on systems that can monitor internet activities, he said. "Hard to say if this is intentional or accidental - but seems like this is internal rather than an attack," the Reuters report quoted Ali as saying. Officials at South Korea's Police cyber terror response centre which monitors North Korea's cyber activities could not be reached for comment, the report added. Warship launched again after botched first attempt A Reuters report said that North Korea launched a warship that was damaged in May upon its attempted first launch, quoting state media KCNA 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, the report added. According to KCNA, experts will examine the hull for the next stage of restorations, to be carried out at Rajin Dockyard for 7-10 days. The ship's full restoration is expected to be completed before a ruling party meeting this month. Also Read | North Korea infiltrates US remote jobswith the help of everyday Americans 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, the Reuters report added. Four North Koreans crossed border with South Seoul's military on Thursday said that a wooden boat carrying four North Koreans drifted into waters south of the de facto maritime border with the South last month. They were discovered in the East Sea known internationally as the Sea of Japan in waters around 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of South Korea's Gangwon province, it said. According to a Reuters report, the South Korean military detected a small North Korean wooden boat in waters east of Goseong in Gangwon province, an official said. The four North Koreans have been sent to a relevant institution after being identified by the military and the coast guard, it said. North Koreans are typically handed over to Seoul's intelligence agency for screening when they arrive in the South. Days after Ukraine hit more than a third of multiple nuclear-capable bombers in Russia, Moscow launched a scathing attack on almost all of Ukraine, firing over 400 drones and 40 missiles. At least nine regions were affected with the missiles and drone attacks. They include Kyiv, Lviv, and Sumy. Russia's Ministry of Defence said its strikes were in response to what it called Kyiv's terrorist acts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the largest attacks since the war began. Three firefighters were killed in Kyiv, two civilians were killed in Lutsk, and another person was killed in Chernihiv, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service. Also Read | Russia rebuffs Donald Trump's 'fighting children' comment, says Ukraine war an 'existential issue' After the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had used more than 400 drones and 40 missiles in the overnight attack, making it among the war's largest. He said Moscow's attack injured 80 and targeted "almost all" of Ukraine, listing nine regions, from Lviv in the west to Sumy in the northeast. During a phone call with his US counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow would be forced to respond to Kyivs attack. It remained unclear whether the attack marked the full extent of Russias promised retaliation or if President Putin plans to escalate further. Although Ukrainians had been buoyed last weekend by the news of Kyiv's successful operation, many were wary of how Russia might strike back. But after Friday's strikes, Kyiv residents told CNN they supported Ukraine's strikes against the aircraft Moscow has used to bomb Ukraine for more than three years. It didn't break us at all. The morale is as high as it was. We strongly believe in our armed forces, said Olha, a 39-year-old from the capital who did not wish to give her last name. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday said that it made sense to have India, the fifth largest largest economy, at the G7 Summit. Carney was responding to a question on extending an invitation for the Summit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that G7 countries will hold discussions on important issues, including security and energy, in their upcoming summit, adding that India's presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions in my capacity as G7 chair consultation, he said. India is the fifth largest economy in the world, effectively the most populous in the world central to a number of supply chains, so it makes sense. And in addition, bilaterally, we have now agreed importantly to continued law enforcement dialogue so there's been some progress I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi in that context and he has accepted, Carney added. PM Modi confirms attendance at G7 Summit PM Modi on Friday confirmed he would attend the G7 Summit in Canada after an invitation from newly elected Carney. "Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J Carney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," PM Modi said in a post on X. India-Canada strained relations The announcement comes after a period of severely strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar a Canadian citizen and prominent pro-Khalistan activist outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver. India strongly denied the claims, and both nations expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation. G7 Leaders' Summit 2025: Which other countries have already been invited by Canada? 1. The South African high commission told The Canadian Press that Canada invited President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the summit. 2. According to CBC news, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on May 4 that Canada invited him to the summit and he will attend. 3. Canada also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend and he confirmed again this week he will be there. 4. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that Canada had invited her nearly two weeks prior but she had not yet decided whether she'll attend. Rahul Gandhi vs ECI: Following Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's tweet that the Maharashtra elections in November 2024 were rigged, the Election Commission of India hit back with a point wise rebuttal, stating that facts are completely being ignored. The ECI stated: "...unsubstantiated allegations raised against the Electoral Rolls of Maharashtra are affront to the rule of law. The Election Commission had brought out all these facts in its reply to INC on 24th December 2024 itself which is available on ECIs website. It appears that all these facts are completely being ignored while raising such issues again and again..." What did Rahul Gandhi claim Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi had accused the BJP of rigging the Maharashtra assembly elections through a five-step process, including tampering with the Election Commission and inflating voter turnout. He warned that a similar pattern could repeat in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections later this year. Sharing his concerns on X, Rahul Gandhi posted a link to a newspaper article he authored, outlining what he described as systematic electoral manipulation in Maharashtra. The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections delivered a sweeping triumph for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which secured a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. ECI says LoP's claims absurd Adding to its rebuttal against Rahul Gandhi, about how facts were being completely ignored" repeatedly, the ECI added that such actions not only show a complete disregard for the law, but also undermine the integrity of thousands of party-appointed representatives and demoralize the lakhs of election officials who, it said, work untiringly and transparently during elections. Maharashtra civic polls: The political pot in Maharashtra is simmering with speculation over the possibility of an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray who leads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, as the civic polls near. "Whatever people of Maharashtra wish will happen," Uddhav Thackeray asserted, while responding to reporters' questions about the possibility of an alliance between the two regional parties. Phone calls between estranged Thackeray cousins The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), formed by Raj Thackeray after breaking away from the unified Shiv Sena in 2006, and Uddhav's Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) have both faced electoral turbulence. Now, whispers of reconciliation are growing louder, with insiders suggesting that the once-warring cousins may be inching toward a political handshake. Also Read | The Thackeray divide: Unpacking the 2005 split between Uddhav and Raj Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, a close aide of the former CM, suggested there may have been phone calls between the two cousins who share a cold relationship. Raut, however, did not elaborate further. What fueled the speculations of the alliance The speculations of an alliance between the estranged Thackeray fueled after their recent statements indicating they could ignore "trivial issues" and join hands nearly two decades after a bitter parting of ways. While Raj Thackeray has said uniting in the interest of Marathi manoos (Marathi-speaking people) was not difficult, Uddhav Thackeray has insisted he was ready to put aside trivial fights, provided those working against Maharashtra's interests were not entertained. Maharashtra civic polls While there has been no official announcement yet, the Maharashtra civic polls are expected to be held around October-November this year. It says something about Apples current status that its trailing position in artificial intelligence isnt the companys biggest problem. It might seem to be next week, though. Investors are glum ahead of Apples Worldwide Developers Conference that kicks off Monday. The stock has slid 20% since the first of the year, which is the worst run the shares have experienced ahead of the companys WWDC event since at least 2010. Apples big tech peers now use their own annual developer events almost exclusively to tout their progress in AI. But Apples conference this year is expected to mainly demonstrate how far behind the company is in what is considered a once-in-a-generation technological shift. The Apple Intelligence service introduced at last years conference is still a work in progress, and the Siri digital assistant is still awaiting a promised AI makeover. That wont be coming next week, at least based on a rare admission Apple made three months ago that its planned Siri upgrade was taking longer than expected. Apple will be much more cautious about overpromising and will refrain from showing features that arent yet ready for prime time," Craig Moffett of MoffettNathanson predicted in a report Thursday. But AI is only one of the significant problems Apple is facing now. Tariffs threaten the profit margins of the companys hardware business. And the president of the U.S. is openly pressuring Apple to effectively undo its two-decade-old business model of exclusively producing its devices overseas. Then there is services, which drive an outsize portion of Apples bottom line. Legal challenges hang over the fees the company earns from app developers, as well as the payments it receives from Google to make the search engine the default option on Apples devices. Those fees and payments together comprise a substantial part of Apples services arm that generates annual gross profit margins of 74%twice the margins the companys device business commands. We caution that Apple has material risks to its revenue growth, margins, and valuation multiple," Needham analyst Laura Martin wrote in a report on Wednesday, where she downgraded the stock to a hold" rating. Against the risk of tariffs, App Store fee reductions and the loss of Google payments, Apples slow start in AI seems almost a minor worry. The company hasnt been marketing Apple Intelligence as a premium service that would cost users extraa notable contrast to the approach of Amazon.com, Microsoft and Alphabets Google, which are charging money for most of the generative AI tools sold to their customers. But Apple needs to give customers more reasons to buy its devices, and upgrade them more frequently. Its flagship iPhone business has been in a rut, with revenue growth relatively flat over the past two years and expected to be flat again for the current fiscal year ending in September. The lack of new AI offerings is expected to weigh on the next cycle as well, with Wall Street expecting iPhone revenue growth of only 3% in fiscal 2026, according to FactSet estimates. We believe that, for this stock to work, it must have the catalyst of an iPhone replacement cycle, which we do not foresee in the next 12 months," Needhams Martin wrote in her report. Apple has a lot of very loyal customersmore than 2.35 billion active devices make up its installed basewho wont necessarily bail over a single piece of missing software. But the company that disrupted the smartphone market could be disrupted itself if generative AI creates a new class of devices that obviate the need for a touch screen slab in everyones pocket. OpenAI just nabbed Jony Ive, the famed Apple designer who crafted the original versions of most of Apples current product line, as part of an ambition to eventually ship 100 million AI companions." The first devices are expected to come out next year. The famously secretive Apple could very well spring some of its own surprises by then. But it will have to do so while juggling its global supply chain and deftly navigating the legal challenges to its App Store fees and Google payments. Apple isnt even officially a party to the Google case, which might limit its options to shape the outcome. Apples slow start in AI is a problem, but compared to its other challenges, at least it is more under its control. LONDON (AP) Lawyers have cited fake cases generated by artificial intelligence in court proceedings in England, a judge has said warning that attorneys could be prosecuted if they dont check the accuracy of their research. High Court justice Victoria Sharp said the misuse of AI has serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system. In the latest example of how judicial systems around the world are grappling with how to handle the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in court, Sharp and fellow judge Jeremy Johnson chastised lawyers in two recent cases in a ruling on Friday. They were asked to rule after lower court judges raised concerns about suspected use by lawyers of generative artificial intelligence tools to produce written legal arguments or witness statements which are not then checked, leading to false information being put before the court. In a ruling written by Sharp, the judges said that in a 90 million pound ($120 million) lawsuit over an alleged breach of a financing agreement involving the Qatar National Bank, a lawyer cited 18 cases that did not exist. The client in the case, Hamad Al-Haroun, apologized for unintentionally misleading the court with false information produced by publicly available AI tools, and said he was responsible, rather than his solicitor Abid Hussain. But Sharp said it was extraordinary that the lawyer was relying on the client for the accuracy of their legal research, rather than the other way around. In the other incident, a lawyer cited five fake cases in a tenants housing claim against the London Borough of Haringey. Barrister Sarah Forey denied using AI, but Sharp said she had not provided to the court a coherent explanation for what happened. The judges referred the lawyers in both cases to their professional regulators, but did not take more serious action. Sharp said providing false material as if it were genuine could be considered contempt of court or, in the most egregious cases, perverting the course of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. She said in the judgment that AI is a powerful technology and a useful tool for the law. BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call on Friday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, held a phone call recently, reaching important consensus on strengthening strategic coordination between the two countries. Both sides should make preparations for the exchanges at all levels in the next stage, and China welcomes senior French representatives to the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai in 2025. Noting that the two sides have reached consensus on resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation, Wang stressed the need to enhance people-to-people, cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, so as to promote the sound development of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and China-EU relations. Wang said that China and France, both upholding a tradition of independence and autonomy, should enhance strategic mutual trust and respect each other's core interests. He stressed the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China concerning the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is fundamentally different from the Ukraine issue. China attaches great importance to France's commitment to the one-China policy, he said, adding that China believes France will turn this commitment into practice. Wang expressed China's hope that France will uphold the right position and oppose NATO's interference in Asia-Pacific affairs, emphasizing that the two countries should jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard free trade, while opposing unilateral bullying practices. For his part, Barrot said Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is welcome to attend the UN Ocean Conference in France, noting that France-China relations are growing more important for today's world in increasing uncertainty. France always regards China as a friend and partner, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges and close strategic communication with China, he said. Strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two sides will send a strong signal of opening up, which is of great significance at present, Barrot said, adding that France opposes trade wars and tariff wars, and is willing to continue to properly resolve economic and trade frictions through consultation. The two sides also exchanged views on issues concerning Ukraine, Palestine and Israel, as well as Iran's nuclear program. Half of all people on earth experience severe water scarcity at least one month out of the year, according to the UN. A radical new kind of desalination technology is finally on the cusp of helping to slake the worlds thirst. The pitch: Put desalination plants on the ocean floor. First proposed in the early 1960s, this deep-sea process would benefit from both the crushing water pressure and relatively pure seawater more than 1,000 feet down. It has been unworkable until now. Only the recent commercialization of enabling innovationsincluding deep-sea robots from the oil-and-gas industry, and advanced reverse-osmosis filters now standard in terrestrial desalinationmake it viable. Water scarcity is projected to become much more acute in the coming decades, owing to more extreme weather patterns, the decimation of the worlds aquifers, saltwater incursion, and growing urban populations. This threatens humanity at a fundamental levelnot just because we need water to drink, but because without it theres no food or manufacturing, and precious little electricity. From unworkable to sustainable For decades, desalination has been the only reason that many places, from the Caribbean to the Emirates, have been habitable. But its always been a solution of last resort, for one big reason. Desalination is the most expensive way to make water, and theres no getting around it," says Tom Pankratz, who has been in the industry for 45 years, and has consulted on many of the worlds biggest desalination projects. Up on land, engineers would literally boil the ocean, creating steam that would become drinking water and, on its way, drive some power-generating turbines to pay back a bit of its cost. It was so energy intensive that in the 1960s, some proposed using nuclear power to do it. The worlds largest desalination plant, in Ras al-Khair, Saudi Arabia, produces much of its water through evaporation. Around the year 2000, reverse-osmosis changed everything, says Pankratz. In this process, water is forced across a plastic membrane with holes so tiny only water molecules fit through, leaving behind salt and other impurities. This process requires about half the energy, making it a credible option for Trinidad, which in 2002 got a plant that now produces 40 million gallons of water a day, and Israel, which got one in 2005 that now produces 85 million gallons of water daily. Many more plants followed, and this is now the standard way to desalinate water. That said, it is still expensive compared with traditional water sources like reservoirs and aquifersbetween about $2 and $6 per 1,000 gallons, says Pankratz. A lot of that cost depends on the price of electricity, says Eric Hoek, a professor of engineering at University of California, Los Angeles, who advises OceanWell, a desalination tech company. There are other costs to keeping desalination plants at the oceans edge. Intakes can suck up marine life; outflow pipes can dump a concentrated brine hazardous to that same marine life back into the sea. These issues led California to reject in 2022 a decades-in-the-works desalination plant for water-starved Huntington Beach. Better down where its wetter Oslo-based Flocean, Netherlands-based Waterise and Bay Area-based OceanWell are among the companies that seized on this idea of desalinationthen submerged it to a depth of at least 400 meters. The principle is easy to grasp: Instead of expending huge amounts of energy to pump seawater onto land, and then pressurize it inside a plant, why not take advantage of the oceans extreme natural pressure? At depth, seawater naturally wants to cross a desalination membrane, so long as the fresh water on the other side of it is being pumped to the surface. The result is a net energy savings of up to 40%. An OceanWell pod without its shell is submerged in the Las Virgenes Reservoir as part of a pilot with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. There are other big advantages: These facilities can be far from shore and out of sight, so theres no competition for beachfront property. Once in place, the systems can be scaled up without having to negotiate over real estate. Because the process happens down so deep, the saltier brine byproduct is quickly dispersed by the ocean without harming aquatic plants or animals. And at that depth, the ocean is cleanerfree of the microorganisms, fish poop and other debris that can quickly foul a reverse-osmosis membrane. Theres no fundamental scientific breakthrough enabling these systems, say the CEOs of all three companies, just the wider availability, lower prices and increasing functionality of deep-sea robots, undersea power cables and other technologies. From pilot plants to actual customers Despite the technologys promise, these three companies have so far only built modest facilities to prove their value to potential customers. The deals theyre all seeking are multidecade contracts with governments. While they dont come easily, they are the kind of customers that are necessary to turn these tech demos into actual businesses. Both Flocean and Waterise put their pilot plants on the seabed just offshore of Norway, not far from all the North Sea drilling that produces energy for the region. Flocean is already producing ultrapure water for a local company that makes high-end cocktail ice. OceanWell has its demo facility at a reservoir in Californias Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, not far inland from Malibu. Floceans first customer will be a large offshore industrial facility in Norway called Mongstad, which is expected to initially produce about 264,000 gallons of water a day from a single, 40-ton unit. Expected to come online in the second half of 2026, it will be the worlds first large-scale deep-sea desalination plant, says Alex Fuglesang, chief executive of the company. Waterise has announced a deal with an industrial customer, Jordan Phosphates Mines, to provide 6.6 million gallons of water a day desalinated deep in the Gulf of Aqaba. The company plans to begin construction later this year on its first plant capable of producing between 7.9 million and 13 million gallons a day. Thats the goal, at least. Until some of these are actually operating at the bottom of the ocean, for years if not decades, it will be hard to know if they can make good on their promises, says UCLAs Hoek. Its unclear how much maintenance theyll require, and how fluctuations in salinity and temperature might affect their performance. History is full of ideas that worked in principle, from nuclear-powered cargo ships to solar-thermal power generators in the deep desert. Pankratz, the saltiest of industry veterans, thinks at least one of these companies will be able to set up shop in the down deep. How close that is, and how many of these things there eventually are, is another question," he says. Write to Christopher Mims at christopher.mims@wsj.com An image of an airstrike on Beirut shared on social media. (@SaifKa58470280 on X) On Thursday night, the Israeli military launched its most intensive airstrikes on Hezbollahs stronghold in the southern Dahiyeh suburbs of Beirut. Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes in Ain Qana in the Nabatieh Governorates Nabatieh District. In both cases, the IDF claims it was targeting drone production and storage facilities belonging to Hezbollah. At 8:36 pm, IDF Arabic Language Spokesman Avichay Adraee began issuing a series of warnings to residents of Dahiyeh of impending Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollahs assets in the area. Adraee warned residents to clear at least 300 meters from several buildings located in Dahiyehs Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj Al Barajneh neighborhoods. IDF announcements of buildings to be targeted (clockwise) in Hadath, Haret Hreik, Hadath-2, and Burj Al Barajneh. (Avichay Adraee Telegram) A subsequent IDF statement claimed the buildings contained underground installations belonging to Hezbollahs Unit 127 aerial unit that were used to manufacture and store many thousands of drones at the direction, and with the funding, of Iranian terrorist elements. An IDF infographic suggested Hezbollah was producing rail-launched Sayyad-107 loitering munitions in these facilities. These munitions, which have a range of approximately 100 kilometers and a 5-kilogram warhead, were widely used to attack Israel during the recent war with Hezbollah. IDF infographic suggesting Hezbollah was producing Sayyad-107 loitering munitions at the threatened sites. (Avichay Adraee Telegram) Adraee later noted that despite the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, Hezbollahs aerial unit has continued its terrorist activities and the development of its capabilities, producing many thousands of drones after the November 27, 2024 ceasefire. Israels airstrikes on the area soon began. The chronology is as follows: At 9:23 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that the IDF launched a wave of warning airstrikes with a low payload explosiveknown as a knock on the roof. At 9:49 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that the IDF had, by then, launched over seven warning airstrikeswhile Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) put the number at 10 warning strikes. At 10:15 pm, both Adraee and NNA Lebanon announced the onset of Israeli airstrikes on the highlighted buildings, which targeted the installation in Haret Hreik first. At 10:22 pm, NNA Lebanon reported a second Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh. At 10:32 pm, NNA Lebanon reported a third Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh. At 10:49 pm, NNA Lebanon reported a fourth and very destructive Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, which kicked up massive plumes of smoke and flames. At 10:58 pm, NNA Lebanon reported a sixth Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh. At 11:14 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli jets conducted a seventh airstrike in Dahiyeh. At 11:34 pm, NNA Lebanon reported an eighth Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh. Sky News Arabia reported that by 11:39 pm, Dahiyeh had been hit by almost 20 Israeli airstrikes. Other sources alleged a total of 21 airstrikes on the area15 with drones and six with fighter jets. Hezbollah installations located in Hadath (335028N 353116E), Haret Hreik (335054N 353109E), Hadath-2 (335100N 353127E), and Burj Al Barajneh (335049N 353056E). (Google Earth annotated by LWJ) Unnamed Lebanese security sources told LBCI and Sky News Arabia that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) sought to deter the Israeli army from carrying out its threats by contacting the ceasefire oversight committee to uncover the threatened locations. The LAF claimed that it received instructions from the oversight committee to inspect a building in Mrayjeh prior to Adraees warnings, inspected and documented the absence of any military hardware, and sent its evidence to the ceasefire oversight committee. In separate comments to AFP, an unnamed Lebanese military official claimed the suspected site in Mrayjeh consisted of a destroyed building project. The LAF claims it was then blindsided by Adraees warning at 8:36 pm of impending strikes on other areas of Dahiyeh: Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj Al Barajneh. Israeli Channel 12 news, however, quoted an unnamed Israeli diplomatic source who claimed Israel notified the United States from the outset regarding the strike on Dahiyeh. A US official confirmed the Israeli notification to The Wall Street Journal, which reported, Washington has no objections to the strike. The official said the United States held Lebanese President Joseph Aoun responsible for ensuring Hezbollah does not rebuild. The LAF, however, alleges to have notified the committee that it would send a unit to Dahiyeh to inspect the newly threatened areas to prevent the Israeli strikes. Per the LAFs claims, Washington conveyed this message to Israel, upon which, the unnamed Lebanese security sources told LBCI and Sky News Arabia, the Israeli army refused, rebuffing Lebanons entreaties to deal with the situation itself. The LAF has provided somewhat contradictory versions of what occurred next. LAF sources told LBCI that the Lebanese Army kept its distance from the areas to be struck upon the IDFs refusal. However, a separate LBCI report claimed that an LAF patrol reached one of the sites, inspected it, and found it was empty of any military equipment or weapons while the IDF was conducting its warning strikes. In a third version of events, an unnamed Lebanese military official told AFP that the [Lebanese] army attempted to head to the first position highlighted [by Adraee] but the Israeli warning strikes prevented the Lebanese Army from completing its mission. Finally, the LAFs subsequent official statement claimed, LAF patrols headed to several of the sites to inspect them despite the [Israeli] enemys refusal of [LAFs] overtures. At 10:32 pm, amidst the ongoing strikes in Dahiyeh, IDF Arabic Language Spokesman Adraee issued another warning to the residents of Ain Qana in the Nabatieh Governorates Nabatieh District to clear 500 meters from two specified buildings. Adraee later claimed that Hezbollah installations housed in the highlighted buildings were used to produce attack and intelligence gathering drones and to improve Hezbollahs reconnaissance capabilities. The IDFs warning in Ain Qana. (Avichay Adraee Telegram) At 10:29 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that residents of Debbine and Blatt in the Nabatieh Governorates Marjayoun District, alongside other southern Lebanese villages, received phone calls warning them to leave their homes. At 11:44 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli drone targeted the highlighted buildings in Ain Qana, and Israel conducted a follow-up airstrike at 11:57 pm. The Israeli strikes reportedly wounded three unidentified people. Hezbollahs installations reportedly targeted by the IDF in Ain Qana: Installation 1 is located at 332817N 353008E, and Installation 2 is located at 332728N 352955E. (Google Earth annotated by LWJ) David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs. A banner announcing Taliban Emir Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzadas 2025 Eid al Adha message that was posted on the groups El Emerah website. The emir of the Taliban denounced Israels military operations against Hamas and other terror groups as Zionist assaults and acts of oppression and said that his Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan continues to provide unwavering support for the oppressed people of Palestine. While Taliban Emir Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada didnt explicitly name Hamas, the Taliban has openly supported that terror groups October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, praised Hamass leadership and its ability to withstand Israeli military operations, and used the terms people of Palestine and Hamas interchangeably. Akhundzadas declaration of support for Palestinians came at the end of his lengthy Eid al Adha Congratulatory Message to Muslims worldwide that was released by Al Emerah, the Talibans official website, on June 4, 2025. His message primarily focused on the need for Muslims and their leaders to advance and ensure the success of the Shariah system, or Islamic law. Akhundzadas titles are emir al muminin and sheikh al Quran wal hadith, which translate to commander of the faithful and scholar of the Quran and hadith, respectively. These titles and Akhundzadas roles as the leader of the group that ousted the US from Afghanistan and the head of the Afghan government position him as an authoritative voice amongst some segments of the Muslim community. The Zionist assaults and acts of oppression against women, children, and oppressed Muslims in Gaza and other regions of Palestine continue unabated, Akhundzada said. These actions constitute grave crimes against humanity and severe injustice. The Islamic Emirate once again declares its unwavering support for the oppressed people of Palestine, strongly condemns all forms of aggression and tyranny committed against them, and calls for their immediate cessation. The Taliban has been steadfast in its support for Hamas and the people of Palestine since Hamas and its allies attacked southern Israel as part of Operation Al Aqsa Flood, the name Hamas gave its October 7, 2023 operation. The terrorist group killed over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals and took more than 250 people hostage in the attack. For instance, in a Weekly Comment that was published on Al Emerah on January 15, the Taliban praised the blessed Operation Storm of Al-Aqsa and the courageous fighters of Hamas. The group also claimed that Israel has effectively demonstrated a historic defeat by conceding to Hamass terms in negotiations. The Afghan nation rejoices in the defeat of the occupiers and the triumph of the people and fighters of Gaza, regarding Gaza as an integral part of its identity, sharing in the joys and sorrows of its oppressed brothers, the Taliban stated. The occupiers, having faced humiliation for 15 months, will soon encounter the reality of total defeat, as the dreams of martyrs and leaders like Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar come to fruition, God willing. While the Taliban hasnt attached a name to its January 15 weekly comment, Al Emerah is run by the groups Information and Culture Ministry, which is led by Taliban stalwarts Khairullah Khairkhwa and Zabihullah Mujahid, the minister and deputy minister, respectively. Al Emerah reflects the official view of the Talibans top leaders, including its emir. In addition to providing moral support to Hamas, the Taliban has explored ways to provide material support to Hamas. However, this effort has proven difficult due to Israels isolation of the Gaza Strip during military operations. In June 2024, the foreign ministers of the Taliban and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan discussed taking joint action against Israel in support of Hamas. The Taliban reportedly offered to send thousands of fighters to aid in Hamass fight. Presumably, they would have been deployed to Lebanon or Syria, but the support never materialized. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Seven EU countries, including Luxembourg, have launched the Finance Europe savings label, an initiative aimed at encouraging more retail investors to put their savings into longer-term investment vehicles. In addition to the Grand Duchy, the founding members are Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. The label was formally presented in Paris on Thursday. The founders hope that the scheme will help jumpstart the European economy, boost competitiveness in the current cloudy geopolitical environment and strengthen the pan-EU financial sector. To be eligible for the label, investment products must have at least 70% of assets in the European Economic Area, primarily in equities, Bloomberg reported, and must offer an incentive for a long-term holding, such as a lock-up period. It will be up to each EU country to decide whether they wish to offer tax incentives to investors who qualify, with the new label to be granted by banks, insurance companies and asset managers. It is an important building block to our collective ambition to mobilise savings in Europe and increase the participation of retail investors in financing the European economy, Tom Theobald, CEO of the financial sector lobby group Luxembourg for Finance, said in a social media post on Thursday, adding that it would also provide investment opportunities and return for retail investors. 1 / 3 From left: Geraldine Amiel, a communications advisor and panel moderator, Thomas Buberl, CEO of Axa Group, Carlos Cuerpo Caballero, the Spanish economy minister, Gilles Roth, Luxembourgs finance minister, Hector Grisi Checa, CEO of Banco Santander, and Andreas Wimmer, member of the management board at Allianz are seen at the Finance Europe conference, where the Finance Europe investment label was launched, in Paris on 5 June 2025. Photo credit: Luxembourg for Finance 2 / 3 Gilles Roth, Luxembourgs finance minister (CSV), is seen signing the accord creating the Finance Europe label -- as Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, French Finance Minister Eric Lombard and Jeanette Schwamberger, a state secretary in Germanys finance ministry, look on -- during a ceremony in Paris on 5 June 2025. Photo credit: Insurance Companies Association (ACA) 3 / 3 From left: Tom Theobald, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, Valerie Tollet, deputy CEO of Luxembourgs Insurance Companies Association (ACA), Jerry Grbic, CEO of the Luxembourg Bankers Association (ABBL), Nicolas Limbourg, chair of ACA, Corinne Lamesch, deputy CEO of the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (Alfi), Camille Seilles, secretary general of the ABBL, and Serge Weyland, CEO of Alfi. Photo credit: Luxembourg for Finance Importantly, this label does not create new products or new layers of regulation but applies to existing investments and savings products, wrote Theobald, who attended the signing ceremony along with other representatives of the Grand Duchys financial sector. Indeed, the EU does not need to reinvent the wheel to achieve the ambitions of the Savings and Investment Union (SIU), Theobald added. The European Commissions SIU, which was previously called the Capital Markets Union, is the blocs scheme to deepen the single European financial market and funnel more capital into what Brussels calls productive investment projects. However, progress has been stalled for more than a decade as member states squabble over how to implement a single regulatory rulebook. The Finance Europe label is an attempt to bypass the blockage. Theobald pointed to the EUs Ucits retail investment fund class, which has grown to 15 trillion in assets under management in the four decades since its launch, including 4.7 trillion in Luxembourg-domiciled funds, as an example of how the European single market can work well. Ucits had helped turn the Grand Duchy into an international cross-border financial centre, Theobald noted. We need to leverage the collective strengths we have and todays launch is a concrete example. This initiative is hopefully just the beginning of tangible actions to mobilise European savings for long term investments, Serge Weyland, CEO of the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI), said in a post on social media. It may be a small step, but todays launch sets an important signal for Europe, Luxembourgs finance minister, Gilles Roth (CSV), stated in a press release. We should capitalise on the positive dynamic and renewed interest in investing in European assets to lay the foundation for a more competitive Europe. The Ministry of Finance said the projects next meeting would take place in autumn 2025 in Luxembourg. JERUSALEM, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday issued an evacuation warning for residents in two areas of the northern Gaza Strip ahead of strikes. The warning applies to the Abd al-Rahman neighborhood in the northwest of Gaza City and the Nahda neighborhood in the Jabalia refugee camp, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced on social media platform X. "This is an advance warning before the attack. The IDF will strike every area that is used to launch rockets," the warning read, urging residents "evacuate immediately to the south." Israel continues to strike the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian enclave grapples with worsening humanitarian conditions, marked by large-scale destruction, limited access to aid, as well as severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Ally, a kitten rescued from a Charlestown construction site the week of June 4, 2025, was one of an estimated 70,000 community (feral, stray or abandoned) felines in Boston, according to the Animal Rescue League of Boston. She will be ready for adoption soon. (Michael DeFina/Aminal Rescue League of Boston) An 8-week-old kitten living under a shipping container at a Charlestown construction site was rescued earlier this week by the Animal Rescue League of Boston. She is one of thousands of community cats feral, stray or abandoned in Boston. The rescue league announced a donation challenge to raise funds for its Community Cat Program to help felines like the kitten. It was spotted by a resident in an apartment overlooking the site at 75 Alford Avenue (Ryan Playground) who contacted the rescue leagues Field Services Department. Officials from Bostons Park and Recreation Department helped the leagues rescue crew gain access to the site and set up traps. It took two days, and in the end, the kitten overcame her fear and gave in to her hunger, the rescue league said in a statement. She emerged from underneath the shipping container and into an awaiting humane cat trap. The kitten, now named Ally, was brought to the leagues Animal Care & Adoption Center to receive veterinary care. She is in good health and is friendly but undersocialized, the statement said. She will likely be available for adoption soon. Donation match challenge The Animal Rescue League of Boston is offering a $20,000 donation match challenge to raise funds for the Community Cat Program. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of community cats who need help, according to the league. There are an estimated 70,000 community cats in Boston and 700,000 in Massachusetts living in harsh conditions and without proper care; they are at risk for injury and illness, the statement said. The Community Cat Program started in 2017 and is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with an agent who works exclusively with community cats and kittens, according to the league. In 2024, the program saw a record number of community cats, nearly 2,000, and the organization has found loving homes for more than 2,700 community cats and kittens over the past five years, the statement reads. Once a community cat colony is discovered, the rescue league creates a plan to trap the cats, evaluate, vaccinate and spay or neuter them. The league works to find homes for the rescued cats; however, truly feral felines are returned to the colony, according to the statement. Donations to the Community Cat Program will be matched dollar-for-dollar through June 30. For more information, visit https://www.arlboston.org/services/community-cat-services/. One of the largest rooftop bars in Boston just opened in time for the summer. Essex Rooftop, located atop Cambria Downtown Boston Hotel in Southie, officially opened on May 22 joining its downstairs restaurant The Essex, which opened in March. Essex Rooftop is the latest venture from Kristin Jenkins, the celebrated restaurateur behind Bostons acclaimed restaurant 1928 Beacon Hill. Opening The Essex and Essex Rooftop represents an exciting evolution in my culinary journey, Jenkins said in a press release. Weve created two distinct experiences that honor Bostons dining culture while bringing fresh, West Coast-inspired flavors to the heart of the city, she continued. Whether guests choose the intimate elegance of The Essex or the dynamic energy of our rooftop, theyll discover exceptional cuisine and hospitality that reflects our commitment to memorable dining experiences. Essex Rooftops menu comprises more than a dozen small plates ranging from beef carpaccio to the mezze board that comes with crudite, pita and three dips (hummus, labneh and avocado dip). Other standout options include the salmon crudo, burrata and lobster roll with a side of chips. Meanwhile, diners can sip on one (or many) of a dozen cocktails. Options include The Side Door (Hennessy, passionfruit and lemon), White Sand Beaches (Ghost tequila, prickly pair and lime) or The Essex Rooftop Martini (a dark espresso martini). Wine, beer and other beverages are also available. Those looking for a more hearty meal can head down to The Essex for large plates and more cocktails. The restaurants entree options include Cavatelli pasta with spicy sausage and kale, Jidori chicken with crispy quinoa or the Essex burger. The Essex is open seven days a week for breakfast Monday through Friday from 6:30-10:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7-11 a.m. Dinner is also available daily from 4 p.m. to midnight. Essex Rooftop is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and weekends from noon to midnight. TAIPEI, June 7 (Xinhua) -- A symposium commemorating the 80th anniversary of both victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan's recovery was held in Taipei on Saturday, calling for historical truth to be restored as the narrative of "Taiwan independence" is being pushed by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities. Chi Chia-lin, president of Homeland Publishing and chief of a Taiwan history research association, emphasized that the war of 1895 against Japanese occupation and the subsequent waves of armed resistance were patriotic struggles launched by the people of Taiwan as part of the Chinese nation. He criticized the DPP authorities for deliberately distorting history over recent years, not only by glorifying Japan's colonial rule but also by attempting to misrepresent the battle of 1895 as a movement for "Taiwan independence." The 1895 battle was a six-month resistance struggle that broke out on the island after the Qing government ceded Taiwan to Japan under the unequal Treaty of Shimonoseki in April 1895, following its defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War. Chi explained that at that time, locals and soldiers from the Hunan, Anhui and Guangdong provinces who remained in Taiwan fought side by side to resist the Japanese. Due to overwhelming disparities in weaponry and equipment, more than 14,000 people were killed over the course of four-and-a-half months. Pien Feng-kwei, a professor with the Taiwan Ocean University, said that during the 50 years of Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan, the island's people continued their resistance unbroken and in various forms. However, he noted, "Taiwan independence" forces have deliberately ignored or even distorted Taiwan's history of anti-Japanese resistance and anti-colonial struggle. "Remembering history is meant to help us cherish peace. I hope the Taiwan authorities will face history squarely and draw lessons from it," he said. The strong national consciousness became the foundation of Taiwan's anti-Japanese resistance, and the sacrifices of heroes during the struggle are a lasting testament to the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation, said professor Sun Juo-yi of Taiwan's Chung Hsing University. Chi also called for the development of an accurate historical narrative of Taiwan to awaken the society's true memory. Massachusetts health officials are investigating four recent cases of suspected botulism connected to cosmetic injections of Botox. The outbreak on the South Shore prompted the Department of Public Health to warn health care providers to be alert about symptoms. consistent with botulism occurring after botulinum toxin injections. Botox is widely used for cosmetic purposes to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. While generally safe when administered by trained professionals, improper dosing, administration technique, or use of non-FDA-approved products may increase the risk of systemic botulism symptoms, the DPH advisory said. Botulism, though rare, can be fatal. It occurs when botulinum toxin enters the bloodstream and can produce effects far from the injection site, according to the advisory. Initial botulism symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and breathing problems, according to state health officials. These symptoms may progress to muscle weakness that worsens over hours to days. Anybody who is experiencing any symptoms should go to an emergency room. This is very rare, South Shore Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr. Todd Ellerin told WCVB. We call it iatrogenic botulism, which means you get it as a complication of an injection. It is very rare. The DPH has not released details about the condition of the four individuals involved in the South Shore cases or information about the provider or facility where they received their injections. ``` Karen Read attends her murder retrial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Libby O'Neill/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP Week seven of the Karen Read retrial saw the defense team continue to develop its theories of the case and give jurors reasons to question the prosecution. The week opened with some of the most damaging text messages from the now-fired lead investigator, Michael Proctor, who prosecutors did not call during their case-in-chief. Shes a whack job c-word, read Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan in court, quoting Proctors texts to old friends from Canton High School. Witnesses included a former Canton police officer who clashed with defense attorney Alan Jackson and a doctor with more than 35 years of experience in emergency medicine and forensic pathology, who said John OKeefes arm injuries were consistent with dog bites. A Dighton police officer also testified, directly contradicting the claims by investigators about Reads taillight being smashed on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022 the morning OKeefe was found unresponsive and died. Read told reporters on Wednesday that she anticipates the defense to call its final witnesses next Tuesday. With the trial nearing the final stretch, here are the key takeaways from week seven. Prosecutor reads Proctors texts: Homeowner is a Boston cop too. Jonathan Diamandis, a longtime friend of Michael Proctor, testifies for the defense during the murder retrial of Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham, Mass., Monday June 2, 2025. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) AP Jonathan Diamandis, a friend of Proctor, testified about the text messages Proctor sent in a group chat that spanned several years and contained more than 38,000 texts. Proctor sent some of the texts the day he began investigating OKeefes death. Brennan attempted to prevent the text messages from being read in court, arguing the defense should call Proctor himself, but ultimately, Judge Beverly Cannone allowed the text messages into evidence Monday morning. Reading from a printout, Diamandis said Proctor told his high school buddies that the powers that be want answers ASAP about what happened to OKeefe. When a friend asked Proctor if the homeowner where OKeefe was found would face scrutiny, Proctor replied, Nope. Homeowner is a Boston cop too. Reads lawyers have argued that the Massachusetts State Police investigation focused on her from the start and never considered other possibilities. She waffled him, Proctor wrote, meaning he believed Read struck OKeefe. She hit him with her car, he wrote. A friend asked if OKeefe was beaten up, but Proctor said, Nope. One friend wrote back that something stinks, but Proctor said, There will be some serious charges brought on the girl. Other texts included: Shes a whack job [expletive] A babe with a weird Fall River accent Shes [expletive] Nutbag with a leaky balloon knot, a reference to medical conditions At one point, Proctor told his friends he was writing a warrant. Former Canton police officer claims false memory Boston Police officer Kelly Dever, formerly with Canton Police, testifies during the murder retrial of Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham, Mass., Monday, June 2, 2025. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Kelly Dever, a former Canton police officer, took the stand on Monday and delivered tense and, at times, combative testimony. She currently works for the Boston Police Department, but she worked an overnight patrol shift in Canton the night into Jan. 29, 2022. Dever went to the station that night to work as a dispatcher. She spoke with federal agents in August 2023 the only investigators who questioned her as part of an investigation into OKeefes death. Neither the state police nor Canton police interviewed her. She told the agents she saw then-Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz and federal agent Brian Higgins inside the stations sally port, where police brought Reads SUV. Higgins had been at the bar with Read and OKeefe and later went to 34 Fairview Road, where OKeefes body was found. However, under questioning by the prosecutor, Dever called the statement a false memory that she provided in good faith. She said it wouldnt have been possible because she left her shift before the SUV arrived. At some point before her testimony, Dever told the prosecutor, a defense attorney threatened to charge her with perjury if she didnt repeat the statement about Berkowitz and Higgins. It was very clear, given the timeline, it could not be correct, Dever said about why she refused to repeat what she told federal investigators. Jackson said that she told federal investigators the two men were in the garage for a wildly long time. Doctor says OKeefes injuries consistent with dog attack Forensic pathologist Dr. Marie Russell testifies about the type of injuries to the back of someone's arm during the murder retrial of Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court, Monday June 2, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) AP Dr. Marie Russell was the third witness to take the stand on Monday. She currently works for the Medical Board of California. She described OKeefes arm injuries as scratches on the surface of the skin and that she believes the bites are incomplete. They dont penetrate the full thickness of the skin, she said. She described seeing evidence that the bites occurred while he was still alive and at about the same time, but admitted she didnt physically view OKeefes body, only looked at photographs. She defended the practice as accepted in the medical field. A dramatic moment occurred during Russells testimony after Brennan asked her about swabs taken from OKeefes sweatshirt for dog DNA. Jurors were asked to leave the courtroom and defense attorney Robert Alessi argued passionately for a mistrial due to Brennans questions. Prosecutors did not call any witnesses to testify about the dog DNA swabs that came up negative, even though they did the first trial. The judge denied the request for a mistrial and Brennan was allowed to question the doctor about the negative DNA swabs. Brennan spent a long time questioning Russell about her opinions of various pieces of evidence, and often made statements that damaged the prosecutions theory of the case. The prosecutor asked Russell whether OKeefes injuries couldve been from a side swipe. Russell said, They could be. I didnt see any medical evidence that there was an impact. There were no significant injuries from the neck down. No fractures, no bruise, no internal injuries, no, you know, lacerated organs. There is no collection of fluid in the lung cavities, the abdominal cavities, she said. Dighton police officer on Reads taillight Dighton Police Sgt. Nicholas Barros is questioned during the Karen Read murder retrial at Norfolk Superior Court Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Libby O'Neill/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP Dighton Police Sgt. Nicholas Barros gave testimony that could be a game-changer for the trial. Barros responded to Reads parents house on Jan. 29, 2022, at about 3:27 p.m., to help retrieve her SUV parked there. Barros said he observed the rear of Reads SUV for a good amount of time and noted that the rear right taillight was damaged. There was a crack missing, but it was not completely damaged, Barros testified. A piece was missing, about 3 by 6 inches. When Jackson showed him a photograph of the taillight taken while parked in the Canton police garage, Barros said it didnt match how it looked in Dighton. That taillight is completely smashed out, he said. That middle section was intact when I was there. Defense crash experts rebut collision Accident reconstruction specialist Daniel Wolfe explains the construction of a taillight assembly from a 2021 Lexus SUV during Karen Read's murder retrial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Friday, June 6, 2025.(Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle via AP, Pool) AP The defense called arguably its most important witness yet on Friday when Daniel Wolfe, the director of accident reconstruction at ARCCA, took the stand. Wolfe and another expert testified at Reads first trial about testing they undertook for the U.S. Attorneys Office for Massachusetts. While jurors in either trial wont hear anyone say ARCCA was hired by the FBI, Reads defense lawyers made sure to stress ARCCA was not initially hired by them. For this second trial, ARCCA was formally retained by the defense and undertook a series of tests responding to work performed by the prosecutions accident reconstruction expert, Judson Welcher. Wolfe said his specific focus was the damage to Reads taillight. Wolfe testified about six tests he and his team conducted for the case. The tests involved various crash dummies or crash dummy arms, suspended a distance away from a car that was the same make, model and year as Reads SUV. ARCCA reversed the car at speeds ranging from 10 to 29 mph, and cameras captured the impact of the dummy into the SUVs taillight. Multiple videos of the tests were played for the jury. Photos showing damage to the test cars taillights were also displayed in court alongside an image of Reads taillight. Wolfe testified that none of the tests he and ARCCA conducted resulted in damage as severe as what was seen on Reads light. All the testing involving the dummies was new for the retrial. Prosecutors have claimed data from Reads SUV showed she was traveling at 24 mph when she hit OKeefe. In Wolfe and ARCCAs fifth test, they reversed the test SUV at that speed into a suspended crash dummy. The crash dummys impact caused some splintered glass, but Wolfe said many of the internal components of the light were not damaged unlike Reads. In his cross-examination, Brennan attacked Wolfe over communications with the defense team, which Wolfe brushed off as usual conversations focused on logistics. Brennan also pointed out potential miscalculations in the testing due to discrepancies in the weight of the dummys arm. OKeefes arm weighed 11.86 pounds, while the dummy arm was just 9.38 pounds. But Wolfe said the difference of about a pound wouldnt make a major impact when considering the force of a 6,000-pound SUV. In Jacksons redirect, he clarified further, When that vehicle is coming in at 24 mph, 29 mph, at those speeds, that arm is going to get accelerated up to that velocity. Youre not going to somehow affect the vehicle speed. Jackson also brought up Brennans claims that holes caused by road rash in the sweatshirt the scientists put on the dummy during testing an exact material replica to OKeefes the night he died could have been like ones caused by frozen ground. But Wolfe said the damage to OKeefes sweatshirt was clearly inconsistent with that of the sweatshirt on the dummy. The hoodie was mangled in the 24 mph test, he said, with the front and both arms covered in holes and significant road rash. OKeefes had just one area with holes different than the distinct road rash seen in testing. Wolfes testimony will resume when the trial picks up at 9 a.m. Monday. Irene Rotondo and Charlie McKenna of the MassLive staff contributed to this report. SPRINGFIELD Feathers, glitter, pride flags and festive looks filled the Springfield Technical Community College parking lot Saturday as the rain trickled down, accompanied by the thump of drums playing in the distance. The fourth annual Springfield Pride Parade was led by the families the parade organization serves through its Safe Space Program. Show up as who you are and not who youre not, said a Springfield Public fifth-grade student, Darya Kahab, who has supported the parade for all four years. With a rainbow flag painted on her cheek, she smiled, thinking about how many people would come out to support this years parade. Despite the rain and cloudy sky, supporters still gathered around festively, ready to begin their mile walk from STCC down to Springfield City Hall. MGM Springfield had a float designed with metallic fringe garlands, rainbow magnets, flags and handwritten hearts with notes that read, Love Wins! Julianne Surrette, one of the supporters in the truck, shared that their theme for the truck this year was sparkle and shimmer. Our message behind it is to be yourself and to love yourself 100% all the time. Director of philanthropy and community engagement at MGM Springfield, Jennifer McGrath, said, Its an absolute honor to walk side by side with people who celebrate the beauty of this world that makes us different. Weve participated every year since its infancy and will continue going strong. Taurean Bethea, founder of the Springfield Pride Parade Committee, said that the You Ball Gala and Pride Parade are held to support the Safe Space Program, which is currently in place in six Springfield Public Schools. 143 1 / 143 Springfield celebrates 4th Annual Pride Parade The program offers year-round support for LGBTQIA+ youth in Springfield, combining the opportunities of summer and after-school programming with ongoing support. Designed for students in grades 6-12, the program aims to build community, fosterg leadership and nurture resilience, creating a safe and supportive environment to support every student to thrive emotionally, socially and academically. We need to be a lot louder and reach more of the youth and LGBTQIA community. Our goal this year is to be loud and proud and bring back the essence of what pride is, said Bethea. Caicy Welz, a Springfield educator and member of the Springfield Education Association, marched with the Massachusetts Teachers Association. She shared that she felt a sense of contagious happiness from the crowd while waiting to begin. As a lifelong Springfield resident and teacher in the city, it feels great to come out and support the LGBTQIA+ community. My goal has always been inclusivity in my classes, school and district as a whole. Having students be able to see themselves reflected and see that their teachers support and validate them, Welz said. Anyone looking to support the Safe Space Programs can do so by visiting their website at https://springfieldprideparade.org/safe-spaces-for-education/. Much of Massachusetts was under a severe weather advisory as of 5 p.m. Friday. Green shows areas with a flood watch, while red shows a flash flood warning and orange shows a severe thunderstorm warning. National Weather Service As Massachusetts heads into its 12th rainy weekend in a row, thunderstorms and flash flooding are possible Friday night. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for northwestern Worcester County, northeastern Franklin County and east central Hampshire County until 8:15 p.m. Friday. Towns including Amherst, Greenfield, Orange, Deerfield, Belchertown, Athol, Winchendon, Montague, Templeton, Hadley, Sunderland, Hatfield, Northfield, Bernardston, Conway, Leverett, Erving, Shutesbury, Phillipston and Gill are expected to experience flooding due to thunderstorms in the area. A majority of the state all of Franklin, Worcester, Hampshire and Hampden Counties, central and northern Middlesex County and western Essex County are under a flood watch until midnight Friday. [Severe Weather/Localized Flash Flood Threat Today] Scattered severe t-storms with damaging wind gusts along with a... Posted by US National Weather Service Boston MA on Friday, June 6, 2025 Rain and thunderstorms are also likely during the day on Saturday, with rain moving east across the state before stopping Saturday night. Temperatures on Saturday are expected to be in the 70s at their highest across Massachusetts. Temperatures are expected to be similar on Sunday, but partly sunny during the day. Rain may return Sunday afternoon and evening before the start of the week. Danielle Winters and Richard Johnson, artists who worked on the Malcolm X mural in Springfield. (Staasi Heropoulos / Special to The Republican) Staasi Heropoulos / Special to The Republican SPRINGFIELD On the outside wall of an old mosque on Oak Street in Springfield, the image of Malcolm X gazes down the road as people pass by. Malcolm X was one of Americas most prominent civil rights leaders and an iconic figure in the Black community. He was seen as second in command of the Nation of Islam. You know the frustration of a grumbling belly leading you hungry into the pantry for a snack - only to find the shelves bare. Its frustrating in the sense that on one hand better personal planning could have avoided this. But on the other hand-if you live with teenagers - no amount of preparation can ready you for the havoc they wreak on your grocery bill. Although were fortunately not experiencing food shortages at the moment, Im feeling the teenager in the pantry this week when it comes to public health data and information. Specifically, I was looking for updated information about COVID vaccines and the new variant. I took for granted the regularly received emails from the CDC, Harvard and other sources with the latest information available. They have stopped. In the past, when I did a Google search, the foremost information was direct from health agencies and researchers. Now Time, CBS, NBC and British sources pop up first. Directly going to the websites is another pointless effort to find recent data. The World Health Organization continues to provide global data. I overheard a group of elderly women, who I happen to know all have underlying health issues, saying that the CDC said they dont need COVID vaccines anymore. This misinformation they are basing their health decisions on could be the difference between life and death for this at-risk age group. Not only is data and research less available, decisions are being made by the federal government independent of the guidance of experts. And many cant discern what is best for their health. Video News: [Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 6 juin 2025[Video news] Pravind Rughoo: fair attention lor la rout Bai du cap, Riviere des galets, maconde. 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It displays a plaque, saying: In memory of the heroic St Patricks Battalion that fought for Mexico in the war 1846-48. The contribution of the fifty Irishmen in that unit isnt forgotten to this day. Every year, their sacrifice for Mexico, and the names of the 50 men who were hanged for their activities, is commemorated. Among them was a certain Patrick Dalton. A Ballina man, who had to leave Mayo and his home country at the start of the Great Famine, Dalton ended up fighting for three different armies, before he was executed by US Army forces. READ: Mayos Michael Davitt: From eviction trauma to champion of the oppressed An extraordinary story of exceptional times. The St Patricks Battalion, or Los San Patricios, is one of the most fascinating - and controversial - units of the Mexican-American War (1846-48), says Peter Stevens, author of The Rogues March: John Riley and the St Patricks Battalion, a book that explores the journey of the Irishmen behind the legendary infantry unit. DISCRIMINATION THIS unit was composed largely of Irish immigrants who deserted the US Army to fight for Mexico, their story is one of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for justice in a time of prejudice. We learn, that Patrick Dalton left Mayo after the Great Famine had started. He enlisted with the British Army in Canada. Disillusioned, he deserted his unit in Quebec and slipped into the US, where he joined the American Army in 1845, lying about his background to avoid detection as a deserter. Stevens explains: Daltons military experience and leadership skills soon set him apart. When the Mexican-American War broke out, he, like many Irish Catholics facing discrimination in the U.S. Army, deserted to join the Mexican side. Dalton became a key officer in the St. Patricks Battalion, serving under the famous John Riley from Clifden. Dalton and other Irish soldiers were discriminated against while serving in the US Army. Being Catholic, they faced prejudices from their Protestant officers. At the time, double standards were widespread in the US Forces, known as the 'Know Nothing movement. Punishments for minor infractions were harsher for Catholics, and many felt alienated and mistreated. The Irish soldiers where also denied the rights to to practice their religious beliefs and where routinely flogged. For Dalton, religious solidarity was important; he was a practicing Catholic, and Mexico was a Catholic nation. The promise of better treatment, adventure, and perhaps a chance to reclaim lost military rank also played a part. But above all, many, like Dalton, were driven by a sense of injustice and a search for belonging, explains Stevens. LOYALTY DALTONS leadership was quickly recognised by the commander John Riley, a Galway man from Clifden. Dalton was quickly promoted to captain in the Mexican Army. He fought bravely in several battles. Dalton was known for his steadiness under fire and received several medals from the Mexican government for courage and leadership. Eyewitnesses noted his determination. The whole St Patricks Battalion made a name for itself. An official battle report lauded them as worthy of the most consummate praise because the men fought with daring bravery. Its important to note that the unit consisted not only of Irish soldiers, there were a good few German Catholics as well. The common cause of a fight against discrimination united Irish and Germans. The Mexican Army was retreating from the US Troops and in the famous Battle of Churubusco, Patrick Dalton and the St Patricks Battalion made their final stand. Dalton himself is said to have taken down the flag of surrender to keep on fighting. The battle was a disaster for the San Patricios, as about 60 percent of the unit was lost, and Dalton, along with Riley and others, was captured. The American Army considered them traitors, and Dalton faced a court-martial. During his trial, Dalton fiercely objected to the presence of a biased former captain on the tribunal, and his objection was upheld. He pleaded not guilty, instead, he offered a creative defense: He claimed he had been kidnapped by bandits and forced to join the Mexican Army, though he admitted wearing the Mexican uniform when captured. Witnesses, including former comrades who turned states evidence, identified him as a leader in the Mexican service. A certain Thomas OConnor, who had been in the unit, turned proverbially states evidence against all the rest to save his neck. He was ratting them out. OConnor pointed at him and accused, identified him as Patrick Dalton, a lieutenant and a captain of the Mexican Army. LEGACY DALTON was sentenced to a hanging, along with dozens of his comrades, in a mass execution designed to send a message. He requested and was granted the last rites from a Mexican priest and to be buried in consecrated ground - an unusual concession that speaks to the importance of his faith. The executions were staged with grim theatricality: the condemned were forced to stand on the scaffold for hours, waiting for the American flag to be raised over the captured Mexican fort. When it finally happened, the men let out a cheer - whether in defiance, irony, or acceptance, no one knows. Patrick Daltons story is emblematic of the San Patricios: men caught between worlds, driven by faith, loyalty, and the search for dignity in a hostile land. His courage in battle, leadership, and defiant end have made him a symbol of Irish resilience and the complexities of immigrant life in 19th-century America. Their story is well remembered in Mexico to this day. MORE Read The Rogues March: John Riley and the St Patricks Battalion, written by Peter Stevens, published at Potomac Books. PICTURES: Historic Mayo school with spectacular views and renovation potential for 120k 120 emails and another sixty phone calls came into estate agent Teresa Walsh when her most recent advertisement for a property in Westport went online. 180 attempts by people to rent one single property. Teresa is at the coalface of the desperate reality of the rental market in the Westport area, with rentals making up 50 percent of her business. READ MORE: Mayo councillor pleads with housing minister to declare housing emergency She tells The Mayo News that she regularly has people crying down the phone and says, The amount of desperate cases that are out there looking for houses - people that will be homeless. Id nearly take them into my house if I had space for them. In business for over twenty years, recessions have come and gone, but the current rental market now is definitely the worst. Why is it so impossible to find somewhere to rent? There is no one single answer as to why it is now all but impossible to find a place to rent in Mayo towns like Westport. However, Teresa identifies the pressure that came on the system at the start of Covid-19 when people could work from home as one factor. A lot of people came from the city to country areas and rented where they were from. Working from home changed the whole mindset of their futures. The government decision to pay 800 tax free to house Ukrainian refugees also put pressure on the system. Landlords leaving the market Another factor is landlords leaving the rental sector. There's nothing easy about being a landlord. Everybody thinks that anyone who is a landlord is rich. The majority of landlords are anything but, they pay high taxes. Rental income being treated as income has the effect that most landlords pay over fifty percent tax on it. The buoyant property market is also a cause for the exodus, especially for landlords who bought during the boom and were caught in negative equity. They are choosing to sell now and leave the rental market. READ MORE: One-in-three rental properties in Westport listed on Airbnb Airbnbs may not be 'the solution' For those hoping new rules around Airbnbs may lead to more properties coming onto the rental market, Teresa proffers a note of caution. "On a practical level, a lot of Airbnb properties would not be suitable for rentals. They would not meet the rental guidelines to have a freezer, a washing machine and proper cooking facilities. The other side of it is that some people work away for a number of months, so it doesn't necessarily mean that the property is available 24/7 365 days a year all the time. BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic held talks in Paris on June 3 on the EU's anti-subsidy case involving Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), China's anti-dumping investigation into brandy originating from the EU, and export control policies, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Saturday. The two sides conducted focused, candid and in-depth discussions on urgent and important issues including the above during their talks, and instructed their work teams to step up efforts to make economic and trade preparations for the important agenda between China and the EU this year, the spokesperson said. They conducted a professional, in-depth discussion on the EV case, making a significant step in the right direction toward proper resolution of the case, the ministry said. Price commitment negotiations on the EV case between China and the EU have entered their final stage, but further efforts from both sides are still needed. The EU also proposed the exploration of new technical paths, which China will assess for feasibility from both legal and technical perspectives, according to the ministry. Both sides instructed their work teams to redouble efforts to find mutually acceptable solutions in a manner that complies with their respective legal provisions and WTO rules, and to resolve trade differences in the proper manner, the ministry said. On the brandy case, it noted that both sides had a "friendly and candid" discussion. French enterprises and relevant associations have submitted price commitment applications to the Chinese side, and they have reached an agreement with China's investigatory authorities on the core terms of those price commitments. China is reviewing the complete text of the price commitments, and should they pass this review process, the final ruling announcement should be issued before July 5, according to the ministry. China has fully demonstrated its sincerity in resolving its trade differences with the EU through dialogue and consultation. It also hopes that the EU will work with China in the same direction, address China's concerns properly, and create conditions for the further expansion of cooperation, the spokesperson said. Wang clarified China's export control policies for the EU side, emphasizing that implementing export controls on rare earths and other items is a common international practice, according to the spokesperson. China attaches great importance to the concerns of the EU side, and is willing to establish a green channel for eligible applications and expedite the approval process, the ministry said. China has also instructed relevant work teams to maintain timely communication on this matter. Wang expressed hope that the EU side will work in the same direction with China and take effective measures to facilitate, guarantee and promote the compliant trade of high-tech products with China, according to the spokesperson. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 6, 2025 In a mixed decision, a federal judge threw out some claims against Google by textbook publishers who sued over online ads for pirated books, but said the tech company must face a claim that those ads infringed the publishers' trademarks. The ruling, issued Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Rochon in the Southern District of New York, came in a lawsuit brought last year by McGraw Hill, Macmillan, Elsevier and other publishers. They alleged that Google knowingly facilitated and reaped profits from the sale of infringing works through pirate websites that Google promotes. The publishers specifically sued over ads appearing on Google Shopping, alleging that those ads directed students to sites that sold pirated versions of textbooks. Without Google, the pirate websites it promotes would not be known to consumers (mainly students) looking to purchase the publishers works, the publishers alleged. With one click, Google brings consumers directly to pirate websites where they download and purchase infringing copies of the publishers works, instead of purchasing the authentic works, they added. advertisement advertisement The publishers claimed that the ads infringed trademark because they incorporated images of textbook covers that included the publishers' names, such as McGraw Hill and Elsevier. Google misleads consumers into believing they are getting a legitimate product at a bargain price, when they are in fact buying an illicit product, the publishers contended. Their complaint also included a claim that Google violated a New York consumer protection law, and two claims relating to copyright. One copyright claim was based on the theory that Google contributed to infringement by operators of the pirate sites -- meaning broadly that Google allegedly knew of the infringement and either induced or caused it. The other copyright claim accused Google of engaging in vicarious infringement -- meaning that it allegedly profited from the pirate sites' infringement, and had the ability to control such infringement. Google sought a fast dismissal of the claims regarding trademark infringement, vicarious copyright liability and New York's consumer protection law. (The company hasn't yet asked Rochon to dismiss the claim that it contributed to infringement, but made clear in a written motion that it will fight that claim at a later date.) Google had argued to Rochon that the trademark allegations in the complaint could only establish that the sellers provided images that were used in Shopping ads, and that the ads were generated automatically. Those allegations, according to Google, wouldn't warrant a finding of trademark infringement. Rochon rejected that argument for now. She essentially said in her ruling that even if the ads were automatically generated, Google could potentially be liable for the same reason that phone book publishers faced possible liability for ads that infringed trademark. Googles publication of Shopping Ads that contain infringing material is akin to a yellow book directory publishing an infringing ad designed by a business, she wrote. That ruling is only preliminary, and Rochon said in the decision that the extent to which Shopping ads are automated may be a factor in a more final decision regarding Google's legal responsibility for the alleged trademark infringement. Google was more successful with its other arguments. The company contended that the claim regarding vicarious liability should be thrown out on the theory that the allegations, even if proven true, wouldn't show either that Google could control infringement by third parties, or that the company directly profited from it. Rochon sided with Google on that claim, ruling that the allegations would not establish that Google either supervised or controlled the sellers of pirated books. The judge also threw out the accusation that Google violated a New York state consumer protection law, ruling that the claim was overriden by federal copyright law. The portions of the ruling in Google's favor narrowed the suit, but aren't necessarily a huge win for the company, according to internet law expert Eric Goldman, a professor at Santa Clara University. Those ruling just means Google has to invest its energy in the remaining counts, he says. He adds that Google could be subject to the same amount of copyright damages if found liable for contributory infringement as it would have faced for the claim that was dismissed. by Danielle Oster , June 6, 2025 Iconic instrument brand Gibson has launched "Lost to the Future," an effort to find one of the more recognizable guitars in film history. Gibson teamed up with actor Michael J. Fox to find the lost cherry red Gibson ES-345 guitar instrumental to the 1985 Hollywood classic Back to the Future. Fox dons the guitar in the climactic school dance scene while back in the year 1955 (despite the guitar not actually being released until 1959), playing Chuck Berrys 1958 hit Johnny B. Goode to a befuddled audience. According to a release about the news from Gibson, when filmmakers were working on the 1989 sequel to Back to the Future, they searched for the guitar, but it was nowhere to be found. Ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Robert Zemeckis-directed blockbuster, Gibson and Fox are calling on audiences to help find the missing guitar, which Gibson characterizes as the most important guitar in cinema history. advertisement advertisement The scene did seem to have quite an impact on some budding guitarists. Im really happy with the scene because it was an expression of my love for guitar and all the great players, Fox said in a statement. I didnt realize the influence the scene had on people, John Mayer said, I play guitar because of you, and Chris Martin said the same thing, and I am glad they took it further than I did, they went to the trouble of being really good players. The campaign centers around a call-to-action video in which Gibson tells audiences We need your help in the search for the missing musical piece of cinematic history. It includes an 800 number that viewers can call with any tips about the possible whereabouts of the Gibson ES-345 guitar used in the film. If that seems like an approach out of the 1980s, theres also a Lost To The Future website for submitting information. It includes a timer ticking down to an unspecified date (currently sitting at a little over four months, 15 days). That video is just the start of the Lost To The Future journey, however. Gibson is producing an upcoming Lost To The Future documentary, directed by Doc Crotzer, who previously worked on bonus making of features included in Back to the Future DVD releases. The feature will include interviews with Back to the Future cast members including Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, and Harry Waters Jr., as well as musician Huey Lewis and co-creator/screenwriter/producer Bob Gale, and musicians that have been inspired by the film. The hunt for the guitar has been active for quite some time already. I started searching for this guitar back in 2009 on my first day on the job at Normans Rare Guitars, Gibson Director of Brand Experience Mark Agnesi sad in a statement.After 16 years of searching, Im so excited to get the entire guitar community together to help find the guitar that made me, and so many other guitarists of my generation, want to learn to play. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, June 6, 2025 Lululemon, long viewed as one of retails most consistent performers, is stumbling. Shares of the Vancouver-based company fell as much as 23% after it reported weaker-than-expected guidance, margin pressure, andmost concerning to observersa 2% comparable sales decline in the Americas. That rare downturn, despite the launch of buzzworthy product lines like Align No Line, Daydrift trousers, Glow Up, and Be Calm, raised fresh doubts about whether the brands grip on premium athleisure lovers is starting to slip. In a report titled Theres less juice left to squeeze out of this lemon? Deutsche Bank analyst Krisztina Katai is maintaining a hold rating. She wrote that the sales slowdown was troubling given relatively easy comparisons to the prior year and a heavy slate of newness. It is unclear to us if Lululemon will be able to drive a material uptick in traffic and conversion through more innovation in the second half, she added, noting that the U.S. may remain a source of downside risk. advertisement advertisement UBS analyst Jay Sole voiced concern in a note cited by MarketWatch. A pivotal question is if the slowdown in its U.S. business over the last 12-plus months has been temporary, driven by one-off factors, or a sign of something more fundamental, he wrote. Our main takeaway from first-quarter report is the likelihood that something more fundamental at play has increased. He added that he sees little potential for meaningful U.S. growth. Jefferies analyst Randal Konik was even more blunt, also in a note cited by MarketWatch: Sell shares now. For the quarter, Lululemons revenue rose 7% to $2.4 billion. Comparable sales eked out a 1% gain globally. Income from operations increased 1% to $438.6 million, while profit margins narrowed. Its 2025 revenue forecastbetween $11.15 billion and $11.3 billiontranslates to 5% to 7% growth, below Wall Streets expectations. International sales are also slowing. Comparable sales in China rose 8%, down sharply from the 27% gain reported a year ago. Lululemon pointed to plenty of positives, including rising U.S. brand awareness, now at 40%, up from the mid-30% range last quarter. It also said some new products sold out quickly. Brian Nagel, an analyst who covers the company for Oppenheimer, takes a more optimistic view and continues to recommend the stock as likely to outperform competitors. Management is prudently assuming a cautious stance toward nearer-term financial prospects as tariffs start to take hold, he wrote. While Lululemon does plan moderate price increases, he believes its scale and balance sheet strength will allow it to position better against brands with fewer strategic options and forced to take prices higher. But those brandsincluding Alo, Athleta, and Beyond Yogaare gaining ground. Beyond Yoga, now owned by Levi Strauss, recently opened its first brick-and-mortar location on the East Coast and its largest store to date. But marketers are starting to wonder: Is Lululemon still a category of one? AI and human scientists together identify affordable, approved drugs as potential cancer treatments. Trusted Source Scientific hypothesis generation by large language models: laboratory validation in breast cancer treatment Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? AI found that everyday drugs for cholesterol and alcohol addiction could fight cancer-some worked better than current treatments in lab tests. #medindia #cancer #aidrugdiscovery AI found that everyday drugs for cholesterol and alcohol addiction could fight cancer-some worked better than current treatments in lab tests. #medindia #cancer #aidrugdiscovery Advertisement AI Model Trained on Scientific Literature Patterns Advertisement Human Testing of AI-Generated Drug Suggestions First Use of AI-Guided Experimental Feedback Loop Generating Hypotheses Through Iterative Collaboration Drug Repurposing Highlighted by Simvastatin and Disulfiram Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Discovery Loop Scientific hypothesis generation by large language models: laboratory validation in breast cancer treatment - (https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0674) An artificial intelligence model working alongside human experts has identified potential cancer treatments usingoriginally meant for conditions like high cholesterol and alcohol dependencemarking a new and promising direction in how drugs can be discovered ().The research team, led by the University of Cambridge, used the(LLM) to identify hidden patterns buried in the mountains of scientific literature to identify potential new cancer drugs.To test their approach, the researchers prompted GPT-4 to identify potentialthat could have a significant impact on a breast cancer cell line commonly used in medical research. They instructed it to avoid standard cancer drugs, identify drugs that would attack cancer cells while not harming healthy cells, and prioritise drugs that were affordable and approved by regulators.The drug combinations suggested by GPT-4 were then tested by human scientists, both in combination and individually, to measure their effectiveness against breast cancer cells.In the first lab-based test,. The LLM then learned from these tests and suggested a further four combinations, three of which also showed promising results.The results, reported in the, represent the first instance of a closed-loop system where experimental results guided an LLM, and LLM outputs interpreted by human scientists guided further experiments. The researchers say that tools such as LLMs are not replacement for scientists, but could instead be supervised AI researchers, with the ability to originate, adapt and accelerate discovery in areas like cancer research.Often, LLMs such as GPT-4 return results that arent true, known as hallucinations. But in scientific research, hallucinations can sometimes be a benefit, if they lead to new ideas that are worth testing.Supervised LLMs offer a scalable, imaginative layer of scientific exploration, and can help us as human scientists explore new paths that we hadnt thought of before, said Professor Ross King from Cambridges Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, who led the research. This can be useful in areas such as drug discovery, where there are many thousands of compounds to search through.Based on the prompts provided by the human scientists, GPT-4 selected drugs based on the interplay between biological reasoning and hidden patterns in the scientific literature.This is not automation replacing scientists, but a new kind of collaboration, said co-author Dr Hector Zenil from Kings College London. Guided by expert prompts and experimental feedback, the AI functioned like a tireless research partnerrapidly navigating an immense hypothesis space and proposing ideas that would take humans alone far longer to reach.The hallucinations normally viewed as flaws became a feature, generating unconventional combinations worth testing and validating in the lab. The human scientists inspected the mechanistic reasons the LLM found to suggest these combinations in the first place, feeding the system back and forth in multiple iterations.By exploring subtle synergies and overlooked pathways, GPT-4 helped identify six promising drug pairs, all tested through lab experiments. Among the combinations,stood out against breast cancer cells. Some of these combinations show potential for further research in therapeutic repurposing.These drugs, while not traditionally associated with cancer care, could be potential cancer treatments, although they would first have to go through extensive clinical trials This study demonstrates how AI can be woven directly into the iterative loop of scientific discovery, enabling adaptive, data-informed hypothesis generation and validation in real time, said Zenil.The capacity of supervised LLMs to propose hypotheses across disciplines, incorporate prior results, and collaborate across iterations marks a new frontier in scientific research, said King. An AI scientist is no longer a metaphor without experimental validation: it can now be a collaborator in the scientific process.The research was supported in part by the Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).Source-Eurekalert A noninvasive blood test detects over 87% of cancers and accurately predicts their origin, offering new hope for early diagnosis. Trusted Source Early detection of multiple cancer types using multidimensional cell-free DNA fragmentomics Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? A single blood test can now detect over 87% of cancers and correctly predict where they started in the body 83% of the timesometimes even before symptoms appear. #medindia #cancer #bloodtest A single blood test can now detect over 87% of cancers and correctly predict where they started in the body 83% of the timesometimes even before symptoms appear. #medindia #cancer #bloodtest Advertisement Fragmentation Pattern Analysis in Cell-Free DNA Advertisement Rigorous Protocol and Machine Learning Classification High Sensitivity Across Cancer Types Including Early Stages Real-World Screening in Asymptomatic Individuals Early detection of multiple cancer types using multidimensional cell-free DNA fragmentomics - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03735-2) A novel blood-based test has demonstrated high accuracy in identifying a wide range of cancers , achievingin an independent validation cohort. Additionally, the test correctly predicted the tissue of origin in approximately 83% of cases, highlighting its potential to revolutionize early cancer detection ().Early detection remains one of the most pressing challenges in cancer care, especially for malignancies that currently lack routine screening methods. Existing tools often lead to delayed diagnoses and poor clinical outcomes.circulating in the bloodstream has become a promising target for noninvasive cancer detection. Although such tests have shown limitations in identifying early-stage or rare cancers, their noninvasive nature continues to drive research efforts toward enhancing performance.In a paper published intitled "Early Detection of Multiple Cancer Types Using Multidimensional Cell-Free DNA Fragmentomics," researchers presented athat identifies cancer-related signals and determines their tissue of origin. This method relies on machine learning models trained to detect unique fragmentation patterns in cell-free DNA.The studys training phase utilized retrospective data from 3,076 individuals with cancer and 3,477 individuals without cancer. Validation was conducted using an internal dataset of 1,746 participants and an independent external cohort of 1,465 participants. A prospective cohort of 3,724 asymptomatic individuals was also enrolled across two Chinese medical centers to assess real-world performance.The blood samples underwent plasma-derived cell-free DNA extraction, which was then subjected to low-coverage whole-genome sequencing. A double-blind protocol ensured that both clinical teams and data analysts were unaware of the clinical or molecular data outcomes during analysis.Two distinct supervised machine learning classifiers were developed: one for detecting the presence of cancer and the other for determining the cancers tissue of origin. These models analyzed a variety of features from the cell-free DNA, such as fragment size distributions, copy number variations, nucleosome positioning, and inferred methylation patterns. The entire process followed standardized laboratory and bioinformatic protocols, with a fixed algorithm in place before validation to prevent performance variation.In the independent validation cohort, the test achieved 87.4% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity. For early-stage cancers, sensitivity was 79.3% for stage I and 86.9% for stage II. Sensitivity was highest for liver and bile duct cancers at 100%, followed by lung (94.5%), ovarian (90.5%), and colorectal cancers (82.3%). Pancreatic cancer detection reached 76.9%, including 58.3% for stage I cases.The tissue-of-origin prediction proved accurate in 83.5% of cases when only the top prediction was considered. When the two most likely predictions were included, accuracy rose to 91.7%, providing strong support for the test's clinical relevance.In the prospective Jinling cohort of 3,724 asymptomatic individuals, 43 cancer cases were confirmed within one year of testing. The blood test detected 53.5% of these cases, with a specificity of 98.1%. For the 13 cancer types specifically targeted by the test, sensitivity was 62.1%. The test had a positive predictive value of 25% and a negative predictive value of 99.4%. Tissue-of-origin prediction in this group was accurate 63.2% of the time based on the top prediction and 89.5% when the top two predictions were considered.Nearly half of the cancers detected by the testor physical examination. Particularly noteworthy were its strong performance in identifying liver , ovarian, and pancreatic cancerstypes that often remain undetected until advanced stages. The ability to pinpoint the tissue of origin enhances the tests clinical utility, potentially supporting earlier and more targeted treatment strategies.The research team concluded that the test has significant potential to improve early detection of multiple cancer types and aid in clinical decision-making. The combination of high sensitivity, specificity, and tissue-of-origin prediction marks a substantial advancement in noninvasive cancer diagnostics.Source-Eurekalert NEW YORK, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Elon Musk's threat, which he later retracted, to cut off NASA's use of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft would be a huge blow to NASA, depriving the space agency of the only American vehicle capable of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station and dramatically changing how NASA would access the 100 billion U.S. dollars orbiting laboratory, The Washington Post has reported. The threat, posted on X, came during an escalating fight between the wealthiest man in the world and President Donald Trump, after Trump had threatened to cancel all of Musk's company's federal contracts. "Given SpaceX's importance to multiple federal programs, severing those relationships could leave NASA as well as the Pentagon and intelligence agencies in a lurch," noted the report. Several hours after making the threat, Musk relented, saying in response to a post on X that he should cool off and reconsider: "Ok, we won't decommission Dragon." Over the years, SpaceX has become a vital contractor, launching sensitive national security payloads such as satellites that provide missile warning, battlefield communication and guide munitions to precise targets. In a statement, Bethany Stevens, NASA's press secretary, did not address how NASA would continue to fly its astronauts to the ISS without SpaceX, writing only that "NASA will continue to execute upon the President's vision for the fulfillment of space. We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the President's objectives in space are met." **ChatGPT Unmasked: Your Digital Brain Buddy Explained** (What Is Chat Gpt?) You know that friend who always has an answer, even if theyre making it up? Meet ChatGPT, the AI tool thats like having a chat with a super-smart (but sometimes cheeky) robot. Lets break down what this thing really isand why everyones talking about it. ChatGPT is a computer program designed to mimic human conversation. Think of it as a chatbot with a PhD in pretending to be human. Its built using something called machine learning, which means it studied millions of books, articles, and websites to learn how words work. The result? A tool that can write emails, crack jokes, or even help you brainstorm ideas for your next pizza topping. How does it pull this off? Imagine teaching a kid to read by giving them every book in the library. ChatGPT did something similar. It analyzed tons of text to learn patterns, like how sentences flow or what words usually go together. When you ask it a question, it doesnt think like a person. Instead, it predicts what words should come next, like autocomplete on steroids. People use ChatGPT for all sorts of stuff. Students ask it to explain tricky math problems. Writers use it to kickstart a stubborn paragraph. Busy folks get it to draft polite replies to annoying emails. Its like a Swiss Army knife for wordshandy, versatile, but not perfect. Sometimes it messes up facts. Other times, its as clueless as a toddler explaining tax laws. Why the hype? For starters, its free (for the basic version) and easy to use. You type, it answers. No waiting, no ads. Its also surprisingly fun. Ask it to write a Shakespeare-style poem about your cat, and boomyouve got a sonnet starring Mr. Whiskers. But heres the catch: it doesnt know anything after 2023. Current events? Forget it. Its like a time traveler stuck in the past. Some folks worry about AI taking over jobs or spreading fake info. Thats valid. ChatGPT isnt perfect, and it cant tell right from wrong on its own. Its a mirror reflecting what it learned from the internetthe good, the bad, and the weird. Thats why humans still need to double-check its work. Treat it like a helpful intern, not a boss. Teachers have mixed feelings. Sure, it can explain algebra in simple terms. But it can also write essays, which makes cheating easier. Companies love it for drafting reports or answering customer questions. Coders use it to debug tricky software glitches. Even artists get inspired by asking it for creative ideas. Its not a replacement for peoplejust a tool thats really good at faking it. Want to try it? Go to the website, type a question, and see what happens. Ask for a recipe, a workout plan, or a bedtime story about aliens. The weirder the request, the more entertaining the results. Just remember: its a machine, not a mind reader. The better your questions, the better its answers. (What Is Chat Gpt?) So is ChatGPT magic? Nope. Its mathclever, complicated math. But when it works, it feels like chatting with a know-it-all friend who never gets tired. Will it change the world? Maybe. For now, its a fascinating glimpse into how machines are learning to speak our language. Whether thats exciting or terrifying? Well, thats up to you. Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Photo by Tamas Szigeti/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, June 6 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. Dubbed the "Tiangong Classroom," the event was co-hosted by the China Manned Space Agency, the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. It aimed to deepen growing cooperation between China and Hungary in the fields of aerospace, education, and innovation. During the session, Shenzhou-20 crew members Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie responded to questions submitted in advance by Hungarian students. In a pre-recorded video, the astronauts also demonstrated zero-gravity science experiments, captivating the audience with examples from space. The event attracted questions from students representing over 100 Hungarian schools, touching on a wide range of space science topics. Many Hungarian students were thrilled to see their questions answered directly by astronauts in space. Tamas Pinter Keresztes, a 16-year-old from Zrinyi Ilona High School in Nyiregyhaza, is the founder and team leader of Hungary's first high school rocket development group, Pannon Space Technologies. He shared his excitement with Xinhua: "I asked what strength-training equipment astronauts use aboard the station, and I also submitted an experiment idea, which got selected. This kind of cooperation between Hungary and China for promoting science makes me really happy." Sara Lovati, 15, from ELTE Trefort Agoston High School in Budapest, asked about how microgravity affects the spinal column. She was curious about the astronauts' real feelings after reading an article about how astronauts grow taller in space. "I love astronomy," she said, adding that she hopes to study astrophysics in the future. From Szekesfehervar, 15-year-old Bence Kovacs of Szechenyi Istvan Technical School focused on the circadian cycle in space. His question is how the absence of a natural day-night rhythm affects the human body. "I've been following China's space program online," he said. "I wish them to have success in their scientific experiments, and of course, a safe return." The student submissions were reviewed anonymously by a panel of scientists, including Adam Boldog, a researcher at the Svabhegy Observatory and one of the event's scientific coordinators. "We evaluated how relevant the questions were to microgravity, how original they were, and whether they reflected a clear scientific mindset," he explained, adding that it was hard to select dozens from hundreds of high-quality questions. Ferenc Hudecz, vice president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the significance of the event. "It highlights China's emergence as a global leader in space research, and its serious commitment to inspiring younger generations and encouraging their curiosity and openness toward the world," he said. Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao hailed the event as a new chapter in China-Hungary aerospace cooperation. "Only through open cooperation can we climb higher and more dangerous peaks of science and technology," he said. The three-member crew aboard the Tiangong space station was launched into orbit on April 24 for a six-month mission. People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Photo by Tamas Szigeti/Xinhua) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Photo by Tamas Szigeti/Xinhua) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Xinhua/Chen Hao) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Xinhua/Chen Hao) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Xinhua/Chen Hao) BOYNE FALLS, MI Republican U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman is pushing the Trump administration to approve a long-term hydroelectric dam license for Boyne Mountain without allowances for public access to a Boyne River impoundment the resort hopes to build new accommodations around. In a May 22 letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Bergman asked for a status update on the dams re-licensing and expressed concern about any conditions that would mandate expanded public access to private land. Boyne applied for a 30-to 50-year license renewal on its 250-kilowatt dam in 2020. The company has fought demands by the state and conservation groups for public access to the impoundment, a common feature that FERC typically requires as a recreational benefit at hydro dams on public waterways. Boyne owns 833-acres around the 68-acre impoundment and said it plans to build small cabins there that would be run by Auberge Resorts as a spin-off project branded as the Kircher Collection, named for the resort companys family owners. The dam has been operating under annual license extensions since Boynes original 1982 license expired in 2022. More: Hydro dam license sparks clash with anglers Bergman, who represents northern Michigan in Congress, wrote that the dam is situated entirely on private property and Boyne has already made significant investments in maintaining trails and providing public access downstream for recreational fishing along the dams tailwater. As such, any additional public access conditions proposed by FERC particularly those that would require access to the dam structure, impoundment, or upstream private land could introduce serious safety and liability concerns, as well as potential environmental disturbances, Bergman wrote. I would respectfully request that full and fair consideration be given to the unique private land context of this project, as well as the proactive steps already taken by Boyne USA, Inc. to provide reasonable public access while respecting private property rights and ensuring environmental integrity. Bob Stuber, president of the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition (MHRC), an intervening party in the relicensing application, said Boyne is pulling out all the stops. I feel like somebody from Boyne USA wrote that letter for him, said Stuber, who called it unusual for a Congress member to step into a hydropower case. Its generally not done, Stuber said. They leave it up to FERC to make the decision. Boyne denied that the company or any of its proxies wrote the letter for Bergman. The MHRC, a coalition of statewide conservation groups that advocates for public access at hydro dams, claims that Boyne is privatizing recreational opportunity on a public waterway. The group has asked FERC to require that Boyne build a small parking lot, install a porta-john, fishing area and build a small carry-down launch for small craft and kayaks. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, U.S. Dept. of Interior and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have also recommend public access to the impoundment, which does not currently have a portage. On May 5, the Little Traverse Band told FERC that Boynes refusal to provide access to the pond prevents tribal citizens from exercising treaty rights to access and fish the impoundment and upstream waters. The tribe said the Boyne River meets the legal criteria of a navigable river because it was historically used to float logs to lumber mills. Beyond access concerns, local angler groups say the dam is also causing ecological harm to the river by raising turbidity and temperature levels. The state stocks steelhead and brown trout in the river downstream to compensate for the dams warming impact on what would otherwise be a cold-water fishery, but the DNR did not stock fish in the river last spring out of concern over unpredictable spikes in sedimentation. Boyne has pushed back on allegations that the dam is harmful to river health and demands for public access to the reservoir, saying it complies with FERC policy by allowing access to the dams tailwater area. The company told FERC theres little actual public interest in fishing a shallow impoundment, but it has also marketed the Kircher Pond as some of the best private water in the Midwest for guided fishing. In a 2022 environmental analysis, FERC noted a clear public interest in accessing the impoundment to fish based on Boynes own private guided trips and said the resort company has not justified why public access to the reservoir is restricted. Providing access would be consistent with policy, FERC said. The federal commission met with the tribe on Thursday, June 5 and, in a June 3 reply to Bergman, external affairs director Benjamin Williams said the relicense application will be ready for a decision after that meeting. Public access concerns will be considered as part of the relicensing decision for the project, Williams wrote. In a January interview with MLive, Boyne Resorts chief operating officer Brad Keen denied that Boyne is opposed to allowing public access to the impoundment. Were not opposed to that, Keen said. We realize that when the FERC license comes theres going to be new stipulations. We will work with the DNR to be able to come to an agreement, Keen said. However, filings on the FERC docket this year show that Boyne is continuing to push back against a public access requirement. In October, the DNR and MHRC both withdrew allegations that Boyne was violating its existing license for years by not allowing public access to the pond. In a March 19 filing, Boyne characterized that as an overall withdraw of demand for public access. Stuber wrote FERC several days later to clarify that MHRC stands by its public access recommendation. In response to an MLive question about whether Boyne changed its position following an interview, Keen said he should have emphasized that the company is in a wait-and-see position to understand what the FERC licensing specifically requires. Stuber said Boyne just doesnt want to do it. They want to have that impoundment for their privatized recreation use, Stuber said. Thats okay. They can have recreation use. If they want to run clients down there through their outfitters, no problem. But let the public have the same privilege. Sign up to receive Lake Effect, MLives weekly climate, energy and environment newsletter. SAGINAW, MI - With fresh food, a Gatsbys theme, upscale chefs coats and newsboy hats, a new deli is making its mark in Saginaw. The homemade soups, salads, sauces and sandwiches pack a punch of flavor with a chefs twist. Derfs Deli & Catering is located inside the SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave., and opened on April 2. CEO and co-founder Randy Wiley and CFO and co-founder Jessica Garner landed in Saginaw excited to serve their delicious menu, represent the military since they are both veterans, and to invest in the community. We want to enhance and grow and do good, Garner said. We want to eventually expand and make Derfs a household name. To pour back into the community, Derfs Deli has a Hang a Meal program where meals are delivered to the East Side Soup Kitchen. The meals cost $15 each and are funded by customers who choose to round up their bill and donate in increments of $5. The deli matches each meal donated. The menu is stacked with sandwich and soup staples such as Reubens and chicken soup, served with or without egg noodles. Theres even a take on the classic chili where they use ground turkey, sweet corn and cranberries. Its kind of like a Thanksgiving dinner in chili form, Wiley said. Also, Derfs Deli serves its sandwiches on Saginaws Napolitano Bakery bread, makes all its sauces in house and slices the meats fresh when orders are placed. Wiley said the Reubens and the Fifth Ave. Turkey sandwich have been the most popular so far. Recently, Wiley landed a position with SpotOn, a customer-focused restaurant technology company, and said he was able to move back home to Michigan with this new opportunity. Everything here has a purpose. From the logo and the color to the hats that they wear, Wiley said. Even the spelling of different things, Garner added. That includes the story behind the delis name. Garner said Derf is her childhood nickname that stemmed from her having a dog named Fred. For some reason, my parents decided to call me Fred, Garner said. Then after Garners parents saw a movie called Short Circuit in which a robot with a friend named Fred gets its wires crossed and calls the friend Derf, her nickname evolved. Near the deli, there are two small tables so customers can eat there or take their food to go. Wiley and Garner designate one of the tables as a missing man table on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, 9/11 and Military Appreciation Day. Wiley said on those holidays, all veterans eat for free. First responders in uniform eat for free any day. Derfs Deli is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Customers can order meals for delivery by clicking here. Derfs also offers catering. For more information, check out the website here and the Facebook page here. Would you like MLive to feature your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Kaytie Boomer at kboomer@mlive.com. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, MI In the heart of Grand Rapids Eastmont neighborhood, Noco Provisions has evolved into what general manager Ryan Sichta describes as the local spot. The modern gastropub, 4609 Cascade Rd SE, offers elevated comfort food for everyone whether its a family dinner, first date or business lunch. The restaurant is in its tenth year of operation. Sichta said it took time to find a sweet spot between formal sit-down and casual family-friendly. Sichta and staff found a niche as something for everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic by staying available to the community when there were few other options. The provision store back in the day was where people went to get their eats. Sometimes it was flour and meat, but we have the same concept, Sichta said. We want to be the local spot. The Chicken Sandwich for $18 at Noco Provisions, at 4609 Cascade Rd. SE in Forest Hills, on Monday, June 2, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com Nocos menu is divided into distinct categories, including Provisions and Northern Comfort. The Provisions portion of the menu includes handhelds like cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps and tacos. The Chicken Sandwich for $18 is a crispy chicken breast topped with white cheddar, kale slaw and green chili aioli on a sesame seed bun. The Northern Comfort portion of the menu includes dishes like pasta, parmesan chicken, flank steak and seafood. The Hoppin Jane is a vegetarian option for $28. It is a medley of black-eyed peas, Minnesota wild rice, smoked tomato sauce, butternut squash, cauliflower, spinach, roasted red peppers and green goddess dressing. A popular appetizer or happy hour snack is the Noco Nachos for $16.50. Its a bed of tortilla chips topped with roasted green chili queso, charred sweet corn, pickled red onions, cotija cheese, black beans, ranchero cream and cilantro. The menu also includes a wide selection of salads, pizzas and desserts. A full-service bar serves cocktails, cold brews or a glass of wine. Inside Noco Provisions, at 4609 Cascade Rd. SE in Forest Hills, on Monday, June 2, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.c The restaurants interior is elevated to meet the standard set by the food with luxury fixtures, tufted booths and checkered flooring around the bar. Sichta described the dining space as sexy and having good ambiance. Behind the hostess stand, there is a wall of lighted compartments for wine club members. The lockers have engraved nameplates. Member benefits also include private wine tastings, quarterly dinners, wholesale wine prices and preferential reservations. The exclusive club is currently at capacity, but the restaurant is looking into the possibility of expanding the service. The wine locker at Noco Provisions, at 4609 Cascade Rd. SE in Forest Hills, on Monday, June 2, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com 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. A 31-year-old man was shot by a Livonia police officer on Friday, June 6, after a report alleged he was behaving erratically while brandishing a gun. Police say he did nto cooperator with orders on arrival. (File photo) File | MLive LIVONIA, MI A 31-year-old man was shot by a Metro Detroit police officer on Friday after a confrontation at a local business and taken to a nearby hospital. The Livonia Police Department responded to the report of a man with a gun near Middlebelt and Five Mile roads at around 2:10 p.m. Friday, June 6. According to a news release, the report indicated the man was behaving erratically while brandishing a gun. ANN ARBOR, MI In Greece, when day turns to night, the town square comes alive. People eat and drink, musicians and dancers perform and kids run freely. Konstantin Prokos said thats the scene he wants to partly recreate in Ann Arbor with the Yassoo Greek Festival. Were offering our version of a Greek summer night, said Prokos, director of the festival. In the plaza, in the town square. Thats what the festival does: It turns the parking lot of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3109 Scio Church Road, into a festive Greek plaza where people can spend their weekend. Vendors run by church members and volunteers sell Greek food and drinks. Theres live music and traditional Greek dancing performed by young parishioners. Kids run around. Friends gather. Strangers share tables. The annual festival began Friday, June 6, and continues through the weekend, running 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, June 7, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Entry costs $5. More information on events and offerings can be found on the festival website. While the Greek Festival serves as a fundraiser for St. Nicholas Church, its just as much about celebrating and sharing Greek culture and faith with the broader Ann Arbor community. Prokos said 20% of proceeds will go to Fisher House Ann Arbor, which builds homes for military and veteran families. This is about preserving our cultural traditions that we are getting further and further away from, Prokos said. We put an emphasis on these things as something beautiful and worthwhile. And the only way you can kind of grasp that is just to see (the dancers). The dancers from young children to teens are a favorite part of the festival for many. As the jaunty music played, they kicked their feet, frolicked in circles while holding hands and formed tunnels for other dancers to walk through. Prokos noted the Greek Orthodox Church doesnt attempt to grow its followers by knocking on doors or handing out tracts. Thats not a very effective way to evangelize, he said. Instead, the church throws a party. If you let people in, smile at them, give them good food for a good price, put on a party, you see where Im going, Prokos said. The festival traces its roots back to 1973, when it was at the former Greek Orthodox church at 414 N. Main St. It moved to its current home in 2004. Like many events, it paused for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic. When it returned in 2023, Prokos said people described it as feeling like a family reunion. For Konstantine Ghirthis, who lives in Athens but lived in Ann Arbor from 1998 to 2009 while pursuing his doctorate and masters degrees, the festival is a homecoming. He was a member of the Ann Arbor Greek Orthodox Church while living in town and now returns each summer. Its unbelievable, Ghirthis said. The spontaneity of the people and the true joy when you encounter them sharing their religion. Lucas Tsetskhladze, 19, volunteered at the festival for the first time this year. He joined the church just five months ago and was eager to get involved. He was assigned to the loukoumades station preparing fried dough puffs covered in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. At his booth, Tsetskhladze and his team stirred dough in a large bin, fried it, then drenched it in honey and dusted it with cinnamon. He said he was most excited to see smiles on everyones faces. Ted Yachimiak isnt Greek Orthodox but is an Orthodox Christian and spoke about how welcomed he felt by the church. They see some of the young people who are enthusiastic about helping out with the church, raising money for their ministries, and they say, Hey, you want to help out? Were like, Absolutely, he said. In addition to the parishioners running the food and beverage booths, organizing the event and leading church tours, there were outside vendors selling jewelry and other handmade goods. Christo Kanlideres ran one of those stands, offering bracelets, bags crosses and more. He travels the country working Greek festivals each weekend. The Miami native said his next stops include Baltimore, Texas and Nashville. No matter where people come from, Prokos hopes they leave the festival with one thing. Open up to joy, Prokos said. Not so much create joy, but let joy loose. And get back to the basics in life eating and drinking with joy. Enjoy simple friends, enjoy each others company. Its a party around here. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. YPSILANTI TWP., MI Mohammad Mohammads restaurant Casablanca is one of only a few Moroccan restaurant in Michigan. Mohammad takes pride in that. There is Tunisian (cuisine), there is Algerian (cuisine), there is other North African (cuisine), but not Moroccan-style (cuisine), Mohammad said. The restaurant located at 2333 Washtenaw Avenue in Ypsilanti Township aims to showcase the distinct Moroccan flavor. The cuisine is teeming with spices due to Moroccos location at the crossroads of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Casablancas dishes have notes of European origin, hints of African and Middle Eastern cuisine and even South American flavors. It all creates a distinct Moroccan taste. But Mohammad isnt even Moroccan. Abdul Mani, a Moroccan, founded the restaurant in 2015, while Mohammads son, Hamza, worked as a waiter. When Mani wanted to sell the restaurant in 2017, Hamza told his dad it was an opportunity to take over Casablanca. Mohammad agreed, and now his family runs the restaurant. His wife, Sana, cooks the food, while his other son, Omar, works as a waiter. Weve been here for eight years, and this is a house, Mohammad said. I havent gone to culinary school. I havent done anything. Its a hobby I like doing. I like doing this. Casablanca caters to the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College, Mohammad said. He also caters weddings and other events and offers delivery and carryout. It has drawn regular, returning customers Mohammad prefers to call friends. Many share high praise for what Casablanca has to offer. I have regulars that went to Morocco, and they say my food is compatible with Moroccan food in Morocco, if not quite there, Mohammad said. The offerings that have won approval include bistilla, an appetizer featuring baked phyllo dough with a layer of savory chicken, a layer of orange-blossom-flavored almond and one layer of eggs. The dish is garnished with powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a distinct savory-sweet bite. Casablanca also showcases Moroccan staples, like couscous and a rich slow-cooked lamb tagine on top of seasonal vegetables with a hearty helping over spices. Traditional Moroccan bread serves as a tool to dip and absorb the sauces that come with each dish. One of the major spices found in Moroccan cooking is chermoula, a blend of tomato paste, vegetable paste, garlic, cumin and coriander, Mohammad said. But Moroccans also frequently use cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and many more, Mohammad said. The spices populate the plates because many dishes are traditionally cooked in tagines, a ceramic pot. Meats, fish and vegetables are slow-cooked in the pot to create a rich flavor. Casablanca does not cook food in tagines because health regulations advise against it, but the restaurant still offers rich dishes bearing the name, with fish, vegetable, chicken and lamb tagine. The restaurant is also leaning into a familiar Middle Eastern dish by adding chicken shawarma to the menu. Further, it prepares falafel, lentil soup and shish tawook, a grilled chicken kabob. But Casablanca doesnt want to move too far away from Moroccan cuisine. After all, its offerings are hard to come by. It is a Moroccan restaurant and it will stay a Moroccan restaurant, Mohammad said. The only downside, Mohammad said, is the look of the building. The restaurant is housed in what was a Taco Bell 35 years ago, Mohammad said. Before Casablanca opened, two other Mediterranean restaurants operated there but only lasted a year, Mohammad said. The secret to Casablanca sustaining is the quality food it serves, Mohammad said. Casablanca is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Customers can call the restaurant at 734-961-7828 to request catering and carryout. Customers can also visit the website to view the menu and order carryout. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. FLINT, MI After the COVID-19 pandemic, most high schoolers would have elected to leave their virtual classrooms in hopes of returning to their regularly scheduled in-person classes. NaZiya Lewis, 17, of Flint along with support from her mother, elected to stay online. Its a decision that didnt come lightly having to miss out on the communal offerings of rallies and the competitive spirit of sports. Following conversations with her mom Roshawnda Collins, the pair realized itd help Lewis pursue her entrepreneurial interests. Lewiss interests include but are not limited to rapping, dancing, modeling, and fashion designing. Online classes allowed Lewis the opportunity to pursue those passions with greater time and commitment. While at home either in her bedroom or living room, Lewis finds herself sitting with earbuds in listening to a class while simultaneously composing a song or designing an outfit. She has gaps in her daily schedule to walk into the living room, move the coffee table out of the center replacing it with a mannequin that she meticulously threads a needle through fabric like a surgeon through skin. Lewis takes pieces of what appears to be a large human-sized puzzle and slowly, over time, assembles it by hand with the assistance of her great-grandmothers sewing machine, who once made African clothing, to make the concept become a reality. It is when the typical work day ends and class is finalized that Lewis could find herself finishing more orders for her fashion brand, participating in and exhibiting her work in a fashion show, mentoring younger peers, dancing or recording music in a studio. Its through what most people would see her work as controlled chaos that Lewis finds happiness. Honestly, when I was younger, I decided that if I wanted to go into any field of work, then I wanted to do something that I would enjoy because I feel like a lot of people work around the clock, Lewis said. They go to work, come home, go to sleep, repeat and then its not really a life to enjoy. I wanted it to be something that would be meaningful to me, and then something that I could use to make a change in other peoples lives as well. Lewiss fashion design is where change in her own life as well as others has seen a big jump. She started her own company, Nailuxe, in March 2024, and has already garnered national attention, being featured in 17 different magazines, including Kids Fashion Magazine and Vogue. Lewis has also traveled across Michigan and the United States to over 20 fashion shows and counting each exhibiting new work including the Detroit Choice Awards and New York Fashion Week. Throughout this period Lewis has also received help from manager and Flint local Adriana Lanice, CEO of 810 Fashions. Lanice chose to work with Lewis free of charge because she remembers being in a similar spot herself at the age of 15. She likens the relationship more to being a big sister who helps provide advice, organize travel and hotels and line up fashion shows and design spaces. Because of Lanices experience, she knows the advantage that can be provided to Lewis by starting at a young age and knows combining that with Lewiss work filled with heart, drive and determination will take her far. I think with the business that shes running and everything else that shes doing, I feel like shes living the life of a 25-year-old, Lanice said. The experience Lewis has gained through networking has allowed her to help and uplift local talent as well throughout the process. Through mentoring Lewis also found a way to uplift those the same age or younger at Mott College with opportunities she didnt have earlier in her career. Growing up thats something that I kind of wish I had more of and I feel like thats something that a lot of kids could use, Lewis said. Its through humble beginnings that brought Lewis to where she is today. As early as the age of six Lewis remembers dressing herself and would go out of her way to hide outfits that werent to her liking in the back of her closet. Her mother remembers Lewis stealing and cutting up family members socks, not for menacing intentions, but rather to design custom outfits for her Barbie dolls. Collins added the caveat Lewis rarely, if ever, would cut up her socks. Things started to become more serious as Lewis got older and like most teenagers, prom was something she anticipated as high school slowly approached, but for different reasons. When I was younger, prom was one of the main things that I would look forward to in school and I always said that I wanted to design my own dress, so being able to design my own dress is a dream come true honestly, Lewis said. Before she was old enough to go to prom, Lewis made her first prom dress at 15. Through social media and as she was just starting her career on the runway, Lewis received her first order from a mom in Tennessee who wanted Lewis to design an outfit for her daughters birthday. More orders came in and Nailuxe became an official fashion business where Lewis would take orders for handmade dresses and handbags while customizing accessories and shoes. As orders grew, so did Lewiss knowledge. Going from notes to sketches to notes and eventually the sewing machine, Lewis learned how to develop her craft. Sometimes that means learning as she goes and teaching herself through failures which helps her down the road when something new arises. That includes when customers ask for something that isnt typically in her wheelhouse of what Nailuxe is known for: streetwear, urban wear, formal wear and casual. For Lewis, these challenges are accepted with open arms as an opportunity to learn something new. Typically its always a yes because honestly, I dont think theres anything that I wouldnt be able to do, she said. Her mom is familiar with her confidence and resilience, describing it as the Im it mentality. She will never tell you no. Even if she did not know how to do it, she would try to do it, Collins said. To this day that mentality remains true, as Lewis designs her third prom dress as a graduating senior and further establishes her brand. A handmade brand that stands for goals of inclusivity, confidence and creativity found readily available in the name Nailuxe, which combines part of her middle name Nai with luxe as she believes everyone should treat themselves as a luxury. Soon she will be featuring her work alongside some of the most luxurious brands in the world. Nailuxe will debut internationally in October at Paris Fashion Week. Lewis, Collins, and Lanice see this as just the start of a bright future for the teen. Lewis hopes to continue to grow her band, with a goal of owning her own store one day while continuing to mentor and be a role model for others. For now, shell join 810 Fashions as their 2025 senior intern. It just shows that anything is possible. Its only been a year and I feel like Ive done so much and been able to accomplish so much, Lewis said. Read more on MLive.com: 810 Fashions continues success with spring show at Flint Farmers Market Flint graduates encouraged to dream big, cherish your village How a small Michigan towns nearly century-old graduation tradition creates an unforgettable final memory Michigan dance group brings Mexican culture to life through vibrant performances BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- China is stepping up efforts to expand access to labor pain relief as part of a broader push to upgrade maternal healthcare and promote a birth-friendly society. According to a circular issued Thursday by Chinese authorities, all third-grade medical institutions that offer obstetric services are expected to provide painless childbirth options by the end of 2025. These institutions represent the highest level in China's three-tier hospital classification system. By 2027, coverage will be extended to include all second-grade and higher medical institutions with obstetric departments nationwide, according to a document jointly issued by the National Health Commission and other government agencies. Painless childbirth, technically known as labor analgesia, involves administering medication into the mother's spinal canal to reduce pain during delivery significantly. The technique is widely regarded as safe, effective and well-established by medical professionals, yet its use in China remained limited to a narrow group of mothers until recent years. Xu Qian, a veteran obstetrician at Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital with over 30 years of experience, recalled that labor analgesia technology was available in China in the 1980s and 90s but attracted little attention at the time. "Even many doctors believed that pain was an inevitable part of childbirth," she said. Meanwhile, multiple studies have suggested that the rate of cesarean sections in China was more than 40 percent around the 2010s, with figures even higher in more developed regions -- significantly above the rates observed in many other countries. In 2018, China launched a national pilot program to promote labor pain relief, participated in by more than 900 hospitals. As a result, the average rate of pain relief use in these pilot facilities increased from 27.5 percent in 2015 to 60.2 percent by 2022. Acceptance of labor analgesia has been growing significantly following strong awareness campaigns and improved support systems, according to Xia Wei, an obstetrician at the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, one of the pilot hospitals in southwest China's metropolis of Chengdu. "Now our hospital handles around 10,000 natural deliveries each year, and more than 8,000 of those mothers opt for labor analgesia," Xia said. As one of the beneficiaries, a female surnamed Qin living in Chengdu gave birth to her second child with pain relief by epidural anesthesia, experiencing a "much smoother" delivery compared with her first one eight years ago. "Without pain relief methods, the pain lasted for a day and a night during my first delivery," she said. "But this time, the pain was much more manageable." However, access remains uneven. While some hospitals report usage rates above 80 percent, facilities in central and western regions, particularly at the county level, still lag behind. Experts believe that public misconceptions, a shortage of anesthesiologists, and the rather high labor pain relief costs for many remain major challenges. "Some young mothers want labor analgesia, but their elders object," said Xu from Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital. She noted that the grandparents worried that the anesthesia might harm the babies' brains, prolong labor, or affect breastfeeding. Expectant mothers, especially those who lack knowledge about epidural anesthesia, need a detailed introduction and explanation from the authorities and doctors to make informed choices. "Besides official education channels, we should also use social media and prenatal checkups to share accurate information about pain relief options," said Chen Li, an anesthesiologist at Jilin Women and Children's Hospital. According to Gao Yu, an obstetrician at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in southern China's Guangdong Province, a majority of expectant mothers are interested in labor pain relief and willing to undergo an epidural after being informed of its safety and advantages. Experts say the procedure is especially beneficial for expectant mothers with conditions such as high blood pressure or mild heart disease, as unmanaged labor pain can cause spikes in blood pressure and increase delivery risks. "Among the pregnant women we see, 80 to 90 percent ask about painless childbirth in advance," Gao said. "After evaluation, most choose this method. Only about 10 percent have concerns." To ensure service quality and safety, Thursday's circular calls for enhanced monitoring and management of labor analgesia practices. Medical institutions are required to follow strict protocols for intraspinal analgesia, including preoperative preparation, puncture techniques, and proper anesthetic dosing. They are also asked to conduct joint emergency drills between obstetrics and anesthesiology departments and enhance their ability to handle emergencies. Beyond safety concerns, some expectant mothers who want pain relief face logistical hurdles. Labor analgesia requires an anesthesiologist to be present throughout the procedure, but China faces a national shortage of such professionals. In large hospitals with heavy surgical workloads, anesthesiologists are often stretched thin. In smaller, county-level hospitals, the option is rarely promoted due to limited staffing. "Labor often starts unpredictably, sometimes in the middle of the night," said Chen Yan, an obstetrician at Chengdu First People's Hospital. "It's hard for smaller hospitals to keep anesthesiologists on standby." To address this, the circular urges medical institutions to strengthen the training of professionals in labor analgesia by incorporating standardized pain relief techniques into residency programs for obstetrics and anesthesiology. Additionally, the document calls for the formation of labor analgesia teams comprising staff from obstetrics, anesthesiology and hospital management. It also urges public hospitals to adjust compensation systems to better reflect the expertise and workload involved. In China, the costs of an epidural during labor usually ranges from 1,000 yuan (140 U. S. dollars) to 3,000 yuan in public hospitals, which could be regarded as a high price by some families. Since 2022, several national policy documents aimed at boosting birth rates and building a birth-friendly society have encouraged local governments to include labor pain relief in basic health insurance schemes. Some provinces have already introduced reimbursement policies to ease the financial burden on families. In east China's Jiangsu Province, as of March, 79,000 women had received epidural labor analgesia since it was included in the medical insurance coverage in July 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 70 percent. Chen Li believes that the inclusion of labor pain relief in basic health insurance is another major boost for promoting labor analgesia. "We hope to see faster implementation of the measure and stronger public awareness campaigns across the country," she said. A photo of a the historic grain mill in Argentine Township on Wednesday, June 4. The 5,300-square-foot building sits on Ore Creek, and it is now for sale. Nick Taylor | Ntaylor@Mlive.com GENESEE COUNTY, MI An iconic three-story grain mill is now on sale, providing prospective buyers with a chance to own a piece of local history. The building has long been a staple of the Argentine community, and it is listed on Michigans State Register of Historic Sites. The property has been on the market since January and is currently listed on Century 21s website for $899,900. The mill is currently owned by Tony Lividotti, 61, and Tim Murphy, 67, but it has seen 12 different owners since it was built around 190 years ago. The building was built 1835 and its been a grain mill since the 1840, Lividotti said. I think it was the first one in the Genesee County area, and it was one of the longest running mills in the state of Michigan. The approximately 5,300-square-foot building sits on a 3.3-acre property on Ore Lake, located at 8572 Silver Lake Road in Argentine Township. The water-powered grist mill sits next to a dam. The mill was first owned by James Murray, and prior to being sold to Lividotti and Murphy, Lee and Linda Purdy had purchased it from the Westwind Milling Company. It still does have a hint of the flour smell, and the flour does fall down from this ceiling, Lividotti said. The ceilings in the building were raised by the Wolcott family, which purchased the mill in 1937. A sign bearing the Wolcott name currently hangs inside the mill. The Wolcotts were tall people, so they raised it up about a foot or something, Lividotti said. And then they put it all back together just how it was. The mill used to be the primary source of power for the local community as evidenced by the massive electrical box in its basement. A photo of the historic grain mill in Argentine Township on Wednesday, June 4. The 5,300-square-foot building sits on Ore Creek, and it is now for sale. Nick Taylor They were the first township to be lighted, I think, Lividotti said. It was a turbine mill originally. Murphy has a personal connection to the mill beyond being one of its owners as his grandmother, Kathleen, worked there for five years as a bookkeeper. Additionally, Murphy has lived in the area for 58 years, which has given him the opportunity to see the mill and its occupants change over time. I can still see where she rolled her chair on the floor and made a divot upstairs, Murphy said. Lividotti, who has lived in Argentine Township since moving there from Linden in 2000, said he remembers coming to the mill when he was in school. All the grade schoolers came here for, like, tours, you know, seeing how a mill runs, he said. Murphy and Lividotti purchased the property a decade ago for approximately $160,000 with plans to transform the mill into a restaurant. Lividotti works as a jeweler, and he used to own the Linden Coney Cafe. Murphy owned a used computer shop in Linden, Computer Sales Service Solutions. Previously, he worked as a computer programmer for Citizens Bank and Michigan National Bank. Lividotti said he wanted to open a tavern-style restaurant at the mill that would have served farm-to-table food, including steaks and burgers. That was always my intention, Lividotti said. It was always to be real food, nothing out of the can. Unfortunately, those plans never came to fruition as Murphy and Lividotti didnt have the funds needed to construct a parking lot large enough to accommodate the restaurant. Tim Murphy, left, and Tony Lividotti stand in front of the historic grain mill in Argentine Township on Wednesday, June 4. Murphy and Lividotti own the property and are currently attempting to sell it. Nick Taylor | Ntaylor@Mlive.com Well, its not that we wanted to sell it, Lividotti said. The dead horse has turned into a skeleton. The bones are rattling. We tried to do things over here. Although the mill is nearly 200 years old, some of its equipment still functions after all this time, which Lividotti found out when he pulled a large wooden lever that turned on the machines. It originally opened as a sawmill until they built the building and then converted it into a grist mill with intentions of selling the grains from out of here that the farmers were starting to grow to Detroit, Lividotti said. The railroad was supposed to come through here, through Argentine Township, and for some reason somebody had more money or something and it turned to Durand. Lividotti and Murphy have been spending thousands of dollars on renovations to the building, including improvements to its floor, walls, and roof as well as the installation of Italian tile and a new commercial furnace. I put my entire retirement in it, Lividotti said. I probably got about $300,000 in personally. Plus, theres a million things that got bought for thousands. Additionally, Lividotti said there are areas on the property where a deck or wooden walkway bridge could be built. The building was also designed to accommodate an elevator. They dont have restrictions on the exterior of the building, so you could walk outdoors here with a deck out here, which is really cool, he said. The building is equipped with a commercial kitchen, several large spaces suitable for a variety of potential uses, bathrooms, and plenty of windows with scenic views of Ore Creek. One room in the mill overlooking the creek used to function as the dam operators quarters. I wanted to put a park out there just so that the public could come out, Lividotti said. Sue Rotay, the realtor for the property, said some businesses have expressed interest in purchasing it, including a wedding venue and a brewery. She and Lividotti also said the building would be suitable for a variety of uses, including as a restaurant or space for private events like wine tastings or weddings. They noted the building could be leased out to multiple businesses. The mill also has a basement, which Lividotti and Rotay said would be an ideal location for a wine cellar or speakeasy. It stays cool, 65 degrees, year-round, Lividotti said. An open house will be held at the mill from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, and Rotay can be contacted by calling 810-240-2128. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. The Menominee North Pier Lighthouse at the mouth of the Menominee River which separates Menominee in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Marinette, Wisc., on Saturday, May 21, 2022. File photo. Cory Morse | MLive.com MENOMINEE, MI The body of the 42-year-old woman whose disappearance prompted a days-long search by an Upper Peninsula lighthouse last winter has been found. Lisa Janine Pipp, of Greendale, Wisconsin, was reported missing Jan. 13 after an incident on the ice of Green Bay when police said she walked away from an argument with her boyfriend and toward open water. PlazaCorp presented plans for three buildings across downtown Kalamazoo on Monday, June 2. City of Kalamazoo KALAMAZOO, MI Kalamazoos historic Michigan Avenue Courthouse has sat empty since the end of 2023. Now, local real estate developer PlazaCorp is pitching a project that would turn the 88-year-old building into a hotel. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Pride returned to Arcadia Creek Festival Place on Friday, June 6. The park filled with thousands of attendees celebrating and seeing one another for who they are. I didnt grow up here but every time I come here I feel loved, I feel accepted and I feel celebrated, Benjamin Violet said. Violet won last years All-Star drag pageant and performed again this year. Scenes from the Kalamazoo Pride Festival at Arcadia Creek Festival Place on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Along with the pageant, which capped off the night, there were performances from Queer Theater Kalamazoo, Queer Chorus Kalamazoo, Face Off Theater and more. Pride is hosted by OutFront Kalamazoo and it is the nonprofits largest fundraiser each year. Scenes from the Kalamazoo Pride Festival at Arcadia Creek Festival Place on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) We are here, we are Queer and we are not going anywhere, drag queen and Kalamazoo native Monique Madison said to the crowd. MLive photojournalist Devin Anderson-Torrez was there to document the evening. To see all the photos from the event, scroll through the gallery at the top of the page or click this link. Pride continues at Arcadia Creek on Saturday at 2 p.m. Musical performances will happen throughout the day including Throb Zombie, Laura Rain & the Caesars, The Cosmoknights and more. Scenes from the Kalamazoo Pride Festival at Arcadia Creek Festival Place on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark thelocal Kalamazoo news pageor sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Pictured is the Krusty Cod. It's a fresh cod filet feature sandwich with housemade honey ginger slaw, sesame seeds and spicy mayo on a toasted brioche bun. (Photo/The Lucky Bucket) The Lucky Bucket GRAND HAVEN, MI - Jim Avery and his wife Karen have always wanted to open a space offering fresh, wild-caught fish. The couple opened The Lucky Bucket at 38 Washington Ave. in downtown Grand Haven in May. They own two other local spots: The Pump House, a yogurt bar, and The Toasted Pickle, a sandwich joint. Related: We just want to entertain more people: Popular Grand Haven restaurant coming to Rockford After successfully expanding their two shops to the Grand Rapids area, they sought a new venture. We lived in Louisiana for a while and picked up a taste for catfish and shrimp and all kinds of seafood, and lived in Seattle near the famous fish market, so we really got an appreciation for fresh fish, Avery said. He told MLive that once he and his wife moved back to West Michigan, they could never understand why Grand Haven didnt have a go-to fish spot. When his favorite childhood spot, Mr. Kozaks Gyro, went up for sale in 2021, he had an idea. Pictured is The Lucky Bucket at 38 Washington Ave. in downtown Grand Haven. (Photo/Jim Avery) Jim Avery My parents would bring me and my sisters to Kozaks, which was there 25 years ago, so when we saw the building go up for sale, we knew it was the perfect spot to open a seafood restaurant, Avery said. It was kind of a dream come true for me because Im very attached to the place. Since opening last month, the place has sold out a few times due to unexpected demand from many locals and visitors loving the new concept. Although The Lucky Bucket rotates its features regularly, like serrano cheddar hushpuppies with remoulade sauce, what keeps people returning is the fresh beer-battered fish and chips and chowder of the day. A top order right now is the eaterys take on McDonalds Filet-O-Fish. For $12.95, the sandwich comes with a handmade patty consisting of shrimp, whitefish and lobster, topped with shredded lettuce, cheddar, sweet hot pickles and house tartar sauce on a brioche bun. Pictured are fresh fish-n-chips from The Lucky Bucket. It comes with homemade coleslaw and tartar sauce. (Photo/Jim Avery) Jim Avery Yes, the fish really is fresh, never frozen, Avery said. The cod is typically from the North Atlantic, but we get the walleye either from Canada or the Great Lakes. The Lucky Bucket typically receives the fish on ice from Superior Seafood and Motor City Company daily. The companies catch the fish, have it flown in, pack it on ice, and deliver it. Customers have been raving about a recent feature at the downtown fish shack, the Krusty Cod sandwich. It comes with potato chip-crusted and flash-fried cod topped with housemade honey ginger slaw, sesame seeds and spicy mayo on a toasted brioche bun. We got a little bit of SpongeBob influence in there, which is fun, Avery said. Its a super unique sandwich because although fish is often breaded, this has no breading in it. Its just potato chips and a couple of other secret things. Avery said he wants The Lucky Bucket to feel like customers are right on the beach, only waiting up to 5 minutes for their order to be ready. He told MLive that every single thing about the restaurant is designed to get food out fast. Part of the idea is that even though its quick, its still real food and its fresh, he said. People in Grand Haven want to get back to their fun, but they still want good food without putting a name on a waitlist. The hours of operation for The Lucky Bucket are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. To place an order, customers have to be in person at the shack. Check the restaurants Facebook page for menu updates. Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series makes its long-awaited return to the Irish Hills on Saturday afternoon, as current and future stars compete in the DQS Solutions & Staffing 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Some of the top series in stock car racing as been coming to the Irish Hills since the track opened in 1969. It might only be one weekend out of the year when NASCAR races at MIS, but compared to the decades of having two events, fans still get treated to some exciting action. NASCAR STREAMING OPTIONS Streaming Options Price/month Free Trial? Length Deal FuboTV $84.99 Yes 7 days $20 off first month DirecTV Stream $69.99 Yes 5 days No Sling $35.00 No N/A $20 off first month This years NASCAR weekend has moved to June after the last few years where the series ran in August, some speculating that it is an attempt to combat the rain, which has forced the last two Cup Series races to be completed on a Monday. This is the first time the NCTS has ran in Brooklyn since 2020, when NASCAR used to have two weekends of action. Current Cup Series drivers Bubba Wallace and Kyle Busch have won truck events at MIS in the past. Fans will get the chance to see movie star Frankie Muniz race at Michigan on Saturday. After racing at MIS in the ARCA Menards Series for the last couple of years, hes running the Truck Series full time this season. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES DQS Solutions & Staffing 200 When: Saturday, June 7 Time: 12 p.m. ET Where: Michigan International Speedway (Brooklyn, Mich.) Channel: FOX The Indiana Fever will travel for a matchup with the Chicago Sky tonight at 8 p.m. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) AP The Indiana Fever will travel to the Windy City for a rivalry matchup with the Chicago Sky. Fans can catch the action on CBS or stream it on FuboTV, DirecTV or Paramount+. Streaming Options Streaming Options Price/Month Free Trial? Deal FuboTV $84.99 Yes $20 off the first month DirecTV $89.99 Yes $30 off the first month Paramount+ with SHOWTIME $12.99 Yes N/A The Fever will be without star guard Caitlin Clark, who is still recovering from a quad strain that has sidelined her for two weeks. The two teams previously met this season during WNBA opening weekend. Indiana won the matchup, 93-58 at home and Clark recorded a triple double. She also got into a dustup with Sky star Angel Reese, which earned her a flagrant foul. The Sky are currently 2-4, while the Fever are 3-4. Ariel Atkins leads Chicago with 15.3 points per game and Kelsey Mitchell leads Indiana with 17.4. Aliyah Boston isnt far behind, averaging 15.9 points per game for the Fever. Following tonights matchup, these two teams will meet next on July 27. INDIANA FEVER VS. CHICAGO SKY When: Saturday, June 7 Time: 8 p.m. ET Where: Chicago Channel: CBS BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced here on Saturday that at the invitation of the U.K. government, He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, will visit the U.K. from June 8 to 13. While in the U.K., He will hold the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism with the U.S. side, said the spokesperson. MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Ravi Prasad 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 Sharvari celebrates one year of her blockbuster film Munjya, writes "Who knew this scary little creature Munjya would bring so much love" Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Mukesh Ambani shares four ideas on how to pay befitting 'Guru Dakshina' to our professors Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept SAN FRANCISCO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday authorized officials from the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access Social Security Administration data. The Supreme Court granted an emergency petition filed by the administration of President Donald Trump to ask for a lifting of an injunction issued by a district judge in Maryland. The court order states that members of the DOGE team assigned to the Social Security Administration should have "access to the agency records in question in order for those members to do their work." The lawsuit challenging DOGE's actions alleged that allowing broader access to personal information would violate a federal law called the Privacy Act, as well as the Administrative Procedure Act. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander had ruled that DOGE had no legitimate need to access the specific data in question. The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Richmond, Virginia, declined to block Judge Hollander's decision, prompting the Trump administration to file an emergency request with the Supreme Court. In a separate order issued Friday in another case involving DOGE, the Supreme Court granted an additional request filed by the Trump administration, allowing it to shield DOGE from Freedom of Information Act requests for the time being. Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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 From 150 Pakistani contacts to spy recruitment: What did police find while probing YouTuber Jasbir Singh? Ria Kapoor 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 From chief minister of a state to UT: Omar Abdullah seeks statehood as PM Modi flags off first train to Kashmir Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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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 India following 'zero-tolerance' policy on terror; expects partners to understand it: EAM Jaishankar 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept India News Live Updates: Man held for assaulting woman sub-inspector over parotta dispute in Telangana A man was taken into custody in Khammam district after he allegedly used vulgar language and physically assaulted a woman sub-inspector who had responded to a fight over parotta at a restaurant, Telangana police officials said. "The lady sub-inspector slapped a man after he used vulgar language when she inquired about a dispute over parotta at a hotel in the Kalluru police station limits in Khammam district. The situation escalated, and the man pushed the lady sub-inspector by holding her neck. The entire incident was recorded on video. The police registered a case and took the man into custody," the police statement said. Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept NEW YORK, June 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump planned to sell the red Tesla car he said he bought in March, reported The New York Times on Friday, noting that Trump originally purchased the car to demonstrate his support for Elon Musk amid a backlash over his role in the administration. "Administration officials said Mr. Trump showed little interest in engaging with Mr. Musk, even after the billionaire signaled he would be open to de-escalating the fight" they currently have, added the report. Late Thursday, Musk backed off a threat to "immediately" decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which transports NASA astronauts and supplies to and from the International Space Station. A short time later, when Bill Ackman, the hedge-fund billionaire, posted on social media that the two men "should make peace for the benefit of our great country," Musk responded, "You're not wrong." "For Musk, a prolonged feud with Trump could be hugely expensive," noted the report. His companies, including SpaceX, have benefited from billions of dollars in government contracts and were positioned to receive billions more. Trump threatened on Thursday to end those contracts. The feud is risky for Trump as well, it added. Musk, the world's richest person, who spent about 275 million U.S. dollars to help elect Trump in 2024, had promised to give 100 million dollars to groups controlled by the president's team before the 2026 midterms. Those funds have yet to be delivered and are now very much in doubt. Ria Kapoor 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 MP CM Mohan Yadav requests Home Minister Amit Shah for CBI probe into disappearance of Indore woman in Meghalaya Ria Kapoor 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 Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Rahul must wake up, understand ground-level facts: Fadnavis says Congress leaders poll rigging claim an insult of voters Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept by Xinhua writer Wang Xinyi HONG KONG, June 7 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong has just concluded a four-day tour of Chinese mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), describing the trip as a "compulsory course" for everyone based in Hong Kong. "The GBA, as an emerging economic brand, has been underreported in terms of its potential and opportunities," multiple consuls general, chamber of commerce leaders, and executives of multinational firms told Xinhua, underscoring the region's untapped potential as a "blue ocean" for innovation and the need for enhanced global promotion to unlock its full economic and strategic potential. "These cities blend 'sci-fi glamour' with everyday vibrancy -- stunning and unforgettable," members of the delegation echoed this remark when commenting on their visits to Chinese mainland cities of Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai in the GBA. The GBA's technological landscape is nothing short of revolutionary. Tencent's "Digital Library Cave" in Shenzhen's Nanshan Science Park is a prime example. By harnessing high-definition scanning, gaming-engine rendering, and dynamic lighting, Tencent has recreated an immersive and interactive experience to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of the Mogao Grottoes. This not only breathes new life into cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for using technology in education and tourism. As Nasar S A SH Alghanim, consul general of the State of Kuwait in Hong Kong, remarked, such innovations are "transforming how we engage with history and our daily life," highlighting the far-reaching implications for various sectors. George Leung, CEO of SCOR Reinsurance Company (Asia) Limited., called the tour "beyond expectation," admitting his prior focus on GBA infrastructure projects had overshadowed its cutting-edge sectors like agricultural drones and biopharmaceuticals. "This trip reshaped my understanding. We are now considering recalibrating our business strategies to align with these emerging trends," he said. Discussing XPeng AeroHT's futuristic flying cars, Johannes Hack, vice chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, praised the GBA's "determination and execution in advancing low-altitude economy," calling its "trial-and-error, rapid-iteration model" a template for innovation. "Flying cars turn childhood dreams into reality," he told Xinhua. The GBA's mainland cities exceed expectations -- rich cultural heritage, vibrant talent, scenic beauty, and policy-supported industries, complemented by Hong Kong's role as an international financial and professional services hub, said Maurits ter Kuile, consul general of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, after testing a game at a studio in Zhuhai's Kingsoft Software Park. Over four days, the delegation visited cooperation zones in Hengqin, Qianhai, Nansha, and Hetao, focusing on such frontier areas as artificial intelligence (AI), smart driving, robotics, and biopharmaceuticals. Many delegates exchanged contacts, expressed investment interest, or planned follow-up visits, highlighting Hong Kong's role as a gateway for global deals with the GBA and broader collaboration in technologies. Brian Davidson, British consul general to Hong Kong and Macao, described the tour as an "eyeopener," noting the region's "boundary-breaking" drive. "Innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity here support staggering growth -- they solve current challenges while anticipating future ones," he said. Philippine Consul General in Hong Kong Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. emphasized the GBA's ability to translate trends into impactful solutions, citing achievements in information and communications technology, biopharmaceuticals, and AI. "As a 'future economic blue ocean,' the GBA offers endless opportunities. I stand ready to facilitate two-way investment between the GBA and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)," he said. The GBA balances visionary planning with practical implementation, said Alfred Cheng Man On, head of corporate banking at Bank Negara Indonesia's Hong Kong branch, adding, "On-the-ground visits clarify how the GBA and Hong Kong reinforce each other, with positive ripple effects across broader regions." Meanwhile, delegates agreed that the journey to the GBA mainland cities revealed a region that is not only at the forefront of technological innovation but also a paragon of livability, presenting a compelling case for global investment and collaboration. In Zhuhai, delegates admired coastal landscapes and eco-parks, with Inaki Amate, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, comparing the city to Danang in Vietnam and Malaga in Spain. "Similarly, GBA mainland cities offer a work-life balance that drives innovation and attracts talent," Amate told Xinhua, noting "the GBA together as a global brand must be elevated collaboratively." He encouraged the Hong Kong business community to leverage its financial and legal expertise to help mainland's GBA firms "go global," while encouraging European investors to tap into GBA innovation sectors and support reciprocal ventures like GBA factories in Europe to boost employment and brand presence. 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. 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Here's what we know 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 Trump repeats claim he 'stopped war between India-Pakistan,' says 'it could've gone nuclear' 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. 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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 FBI working with India to disrupt Chinas fentanyl supply chain, says Kash Patel on Joe Rogan podcast Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 UAE cities host widespread Eid Al-Adha celebrations with festive activities Widespread Eid Al-Adha celebrations took place across the United Arab Emirates, with families and visitors participating in various holiday programmes and entertainment activities in cities including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al-Quwain, and Ajman, Gulf Today said in a report. Authorities organized events with comprehensive safety measures, adorning streets and public squares with festive decorations. In Sharjah, Al Majaz Waterfront was a key attraction with children's play areas and acrobatic performances, while Sharjah Police managed traffic. Abu Dhabi saw significant turnout at parks, beaches, and malls, with Qasr Al Watan hosting an equestrian show and a sound and light show, complemented by fireworks. Dubais parks like Zabeel and Al Safa, and beaches such as Jumeirah and Kite Beach, were popular, hosting musical performances and culminating in fireworks; authorities there also increased security and cleaning operations. Umm Al-Quwain and Ajman beaches were crowded, with municipalities preparing cornishes and beaches, and organizing events at malls; Ajman also saw activity at its Marina and Heritage Area, with shopping centres reporting brisk commercial activity due to special promotions. Nur Khan airbase under US control, even army officers kept out, claims Pakistani security expert 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. 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I Accept Pakistan leverages soft power and misinformation to shape US perception, says prominent scholar Christine Fair Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pakistan reacts to PM Modi's 'insaniyat, Kashmiriyat' attack. Here's what it said 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 Over a hundred diplomats, representatives from international organizations, and foreign students from more than 40 countries gathered at historic Junwang Mansion in Beijing's Chaoyang Park on Friday, enjoying a Taijiquan Salon for diplomats in China. Russia hits 'almost all' of Ukraine in one of the largest attacks since war began, launching 400 drones and 40 missiles 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 promised to welcome more foreign students, now, they feel targeted on all fronts 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Tallinn, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal met with his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh, in Tallinn on Friday to discuss bilateral cooperation and global security issues, according to an official government press release. The two leaders talked about opportunities for collaboration in the digital and economic sectors, with a particular emphasis on e-government and cybersecurity development. As part of the visit, the foreign ministers of both countries signed two memoranda of understanding focused on digital cooperation. Under the agreements, Estonia will support Vietnam in advancing its e-government and cybersecurity projects. The Vietnamese leader arrived in Estonia on Wednesday. His visit marks the first official trip to Estonia by a Vietnamese head of government. Attendees pose for a group photo during the NATO defense ministers meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 5, 2025. NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday "broadly" agreed to pursue a significant increase in member states' military spending to 5 percent of GDP. However, sharp disagreements over the timeline and spending categories revealed deep divisions ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25. (NATO/Handout via Xinhua) BRUSSELS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday "broadly" agreed to pursue a significant increase in member states' military spending to 5 percent of GDP. However, sharp disagreements over the timeline and spending categories revealed deep divisions ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25. "There's broad support. We are really close," Mark Rutte, NATO's secretary general, told reporters after the meeting. He stressed that he has "total confidence that we will get there" by the next NATO summit in three weeks. Rutte proposed a compromise plan: setting a target of 3.5 percent of GDP for core military spending, and an additional 1.5 percent for broader security-related areas such as infrastructure, by 2032. Mounting U.S. Pressure Member states are facing increasing pressure from the United States, which first floated the 5 percent target late last year. Washington has repeatedly urged its allies to raise defense budgets under the threat of reducing its security commitments in Europe. "To be an alliance, you got to be more than flags. You got to be formations. You got to be more than conferences. You need to be, keep combat-ready capabilities," U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said as he arrived for the meeting of defense ministers on Thursday. He acknowledged ongoing disagreements, saying, "There are a few countries that are not quite there yet... We will get them there." DIVISIONS ON TIMELINE, SPENDING CATEGORIES The sharpest differences emerged over the 2032 deadline and which expenditures count toward the two categories. While some countries criticized the timeline as too slow, others argued that the target is unattainable given current budgetary and industrial limitations. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene pushed for an earlier deadline, insisting that 2032 is "definitely too late" and advocating for a 2030 target. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur noted Estonia would reach 5 percent by next year and urged other nations to follow suit within five years. In contrast, countries such as Spain, Germany, and Belgium expressed concerns about feasibility. For them, meeting the 5 percent goal would be "extremely difficult." The United Kingdom and Italy, meanwhile, are aiming for a more moderate goal of raising core defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035. According to NATO data, 23 of its 32 members are expected to meet the 2-percent-of-GDP defense spending threshold by the end of this summer. Spain and Italy have pledged to reach that level by year-end, while Canada projects compliance by 2027. New Capability Targets Amid Financial Constraints Defense ministers also approved updated NATO capability targets, which outline the military capacities needed to support operational plans and ensure collective defense. Priorities include air and missile defense, long-range strike capabilities, logistics, and large-scale land maneuver forces. Germany pledged a strong contribution to NATO's military expansion, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announcing plans to add 60,000 active-duty troops. "Given Germany's size and economic strength, we will shoulder a significant part of NATO's military build-up," Pistorius said. However, Germany continues to grapple with personnel shortages. Despite ramped-up recruitment, troop numbers fell further last year, while the average age of soldiers continued to rise. Across the alliance, economic headwinds and tight national budgets pose further obstacles. The Netherlands estimates it will need to spend an additional 16 to 19 billion euros (18.24 to 21.66 billion U.S. dollars) annually to meet its obligations, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans told parliament. Belgium's Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem cautioned in April that increased defense expenditures could come at the cost of welfare programs. "Every euro that's a deficit today ... is a euro that will be debt, and that debt will be one day a tax or a cut and in the social welfare state," he told the Financial Times. "Defense definitely requires our full attention, but so does also the sustainability of our welfare state." U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (L) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte meet the press during the NATO defense ministers meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 5, 2025. NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday "broadly" agreed to pursue a significant increase in member states' military spending to 5 percent of GDP. However, sharp disagreements over the timeline and spending categories revealed deep divisions ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25. (NATO/Handout via Xinhua) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks at a press conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 5, 2025. NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday "broadly" agreed to pursue a significant increase in member states' military spending to 5 percent of GDP. However, sharp disagreements over the timeline and spending categories revealed deep divisions ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25. (NATO/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows a view of the NATO defense ministers meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday "broadly" agreed to pursue a significant increase in member states' military spending to 5 percent of GDP. However, sharp disagreements over the timeline and spending categories revealed deep divisions ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25. (NATO/Handout via Xinhua) Two adorable dogs up for adoption with fees waived -- CCAS photo View Photo San Andreas, CA This weekend, several animals are hoping to find a forever home while owners can protect their pets for less. Saturday, June 7th, is the California Adopt-a-Pet Day, with fees waived. The goal is to find loving homes for 5,000 pets across the state. More than 150 animal shelters are participating in this years event, including Calaveras County Animal Services (CCAS). The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with adoption fees covered. However, all the dogs will be out of their kennels between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with volunteers helping to introduce potential adoptees to the pooches. We hope you will take this opportunity to not only meet the dogs but also ask questions and find out if they are a good fit for your family, relayed shelter officials, adding, We dont believe in pressuring anyone into adopting, so dont worry about that. We welcome you to enjoy meeting the dogs. You might also be interested in seeing the shelter property if youve never been there. To see photos of available dogs and to find out more about them, click here. On Sunday, June 8th, Tuolumne County Animal Control will hold its final vaccine clinic at its office at 10040 Victoria Way in Jamestown from noon to 2 p.m. Rabies shots and microchips are $10 each and provided by Second Chance Cocker Rescue and the Humane Society of Tuolumne County. Additionally, the clinic will provide free cat and dog vaccines as noted on this event flyer. For more information or questions, call TCAC at 209-694-2730. Yves here. Most consider tourism to be an economic boon, even if they are sometimes inconvenient and even a bit rowdy. Barcelona shows that excessive levels can become socially destabilizing. The more mundane version of tourism pushback is situations like the Taj Mahal, where the level of visits is damaging an irreplaceable attraction. By Claudio Milano Researcher, Lecturer and Consultant, Universitat de Barcelona; Antonio Paolo Russo, Professor, Universitat Rovira i Virgili; and Marina Novelli. Professor of Marketing and Tourism & Director of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre, University of Nottingham. Originally published at The Conversation On April 27 2024, near the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, a touring bus was blocked, sprayed with water pistols, and a banner bearing the slogan lets put out the tourism fire was stuck to its front. It was a headline-grabbing protest against the stranglehold tourism holds over the city, and underscored growing tensions between touristification processes and an increasingly vocal local backlash. Large-scale protests have made Barcelona synonymous with social resistance to the negative impacts of predatory and extractive tourism, but it is far from alone: popular destinations such the Canary Islands, Malaga, and the Balearic Islands have all seen massive protests against the excesses of tourism over the last year. People are fed up, and the writing is quite literally on the wall tourist apartments graffitied with the slogan tourists go home have now become an almost ubiquitous sight in many Spanish cities. However, it is not individual tourists that are to blame, but rather the excessive reliance on tourism which has, over several decades, gradually pushed countless residents out of their homes and neighbourhoods. But how did we get here? As international travel rebounded in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns, Barcelona and other Mediterranean cities saw tourists return in remarkable numbers. This led to mounting social unrest, as local communities became increasingly frustrated with how tourism has reshaped urban spaces at their expense. Residents concerns range from housing shortages and job insecurity to environmental damage. The privatisation of public spaces is also high on the agenda in Barcelona, exacerbated by high-profile events, such as the 2024 Americas Cup and Formula One Grand Prix, which brought little benefit to local residents. The ongoing backlash signals a weve had enough moment that can no longer be dismissed as mere inconvenience or NIMBYism. Instead, it reflects structural inequalities and deeper conflicts over urban space, social justice, and the power dynamics that underpin the tourism sectors unchecked growth. Evolving Activism Anti-tourism activism in Barcelona traces back to the mid-2010s, when neighbourhoods like Barceloneta first challenged tourisms role in displacing residents. Since then, groups such as the Neighbourhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth (ABDT) have pushed back against policies fostering excessive reliance on the tourism economy. The ABDT notably prefers the term touristification to overtourism. According to them, the concept of overtourism risks depoliticising the issue, framing it as a simple problem of too many visitors. Instead, they say, the problems are a result of the structural inequalities tied to capitalist accumulation, tourisms extractive nature, and a sector that funnels community wealth into private hands. What distinguishes this current wave of activism from its predecessors is a shift from blunt opposition to providing organised, constructive proposals. At one major demonstration in Barcelona in July 2024, activists presented a manifesto calling for clear measures to reduce economic dependence on tourism, and for a transition towards an eco-social economy. Key demands included ending public subsidies for tourism promotion, regulating short-term rentals to prevent housing loss, cutting cruise ship traffic, and improving labour conditions with fair wages and stable work schedules. The manifesto also urged leaders to diversify the economy away from tourism, repurpose tourist facilities for social use, and develop programs to support precarious workers. Milano et al. 2024 The movement shows no signs of slowing down. Over the weekend of April 27 2025, exactly one year after the water pistol episode, the Southern Europe against Touristification Network gathered in Barcelona to agree on a shared political agenda. They also convened a coordinated demonstration across multiple cities in Southern Europe for June 15 2025. Marginalised Groups Hit Hardest Anti-tourist activism is often dismissed by those with a vested interest in tourism, labelled as either tourismphobia or NIMBYism a desire to protect ones own local area from unwanted development (derived from the acronym of not in my back yard). These labels ignore the fact that tourism-driven economies most strongly impact marginalised groups with little political power, such as tenants, migrants and precarious seasonal workers, and disenfranchised young people. Social movements in Mediterranean cities have taken this to heart, broadening anti-tourism activism to address more general government inaction on housing, labour rights, climate action, and the defence of public space. These movements confront the complex, interconnected challenges of touristification, including social division of labour, gender inequalities, and capital concentration. They also, importantly, are living proof that many residents want to prioritise community wellbeing over economic growth. Academics and Politicians Are Failing Both policy makers and academics are falling short in addressing protesters concerns. Countless studies focus on topics like space management, green tourism, or tourism as a tool of empowerment. Few, however, explore the experiences of people living in tourism hotspots, or how the sector produces precarious labour conditions, social exclusion and environmental injustice. As a result, current policies mostly aim at managing visitors or transport, not at curbing tourisms growth or addressing power imbalances. This limited approach fails to solve the root causes of the problem, and will only perpetuate inequalities. Beyond urban transformations, tourisms reliance on precarious labour is a pressing issue. Many jobs in the sector are low-paid, unstable and highly seasonal. While international organisations and cities authorities promote tourism as a driver of economic prosperity and job creation, the question of what kind of jobs? is too often overlooked. Going forward, more grounded, intersectional research is needed, especially longitudinal and ethnographic studies that examine the class, gender, and environmental impacts of tourism. This will, in turn, inform policy-making at all levels, and guide it away from the current predatory, growth-first mindset that is fuelling social conflict and inequalities. Rather than viewing protests as isolated single-issue nuisances, they should be understood as part of broader struggles for social justice. This movement shows that co-constructed alternatives and proposals need to prioritise community wellbeing over economic growth. Rethinking urban tourism means reimagining cities as places where residents can thrive, not just survive. To achieve this, we must address the deeper inequalities at the heart of touristification processes. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man who made national headlines after being wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March, has been returned to the U.S. and indicted on federal charges in Nashville. The 29-year-old Abrego Garcia has been charged with "conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain" and "unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain." The first charge carries a potential sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, while the second carries a potential sentence of 10 years in prison per alien transported and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case was unsealed Friday the same day a motion for detention was submitted by acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. In the motion, the government argues that Abrego Garcia poses a significant danger to the community, as well as a risk of flight, adding that Abrego Garcia's only ties to the Middle District of Tennessee are directly related to his criminal activity. In November 2022, Abrego Garcia was pulled over by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in Cookeville, Tenn. The defendant chose to smuggle undocumented aliens through Tennessee nearly every week during the course of the conspiracy, reads the indictment, which can be read in full at the bottom of this post. The defendant and his co-conspirators chose to travel through Tennessee for multiple reasons, including the route being the most direct course between Houston, Texas and Maryland. The defendant and his co-conspirators also felt that traveling through Tennessee provided less chance of scrutiny from law enforcement. The indictment alleges that Abrego Garcia conspired to bring undocumented aliens to the United States from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, and elsewhere, ultimately passing through Mexico before crossing into Texas between 2016 and 2025 for profit and private financial gain. It also states that Abrego Garcia and five unnamed co-conspirators, all of whom are allegedly in the U.S. illegally, worked together in the scheme, adding that two co-conspirators referred to as CC-1 and CC-2 occasionally and simultaneously transported firearms illegally purchased in Texas for distribution and resale in Maryland. Prosecutors allege that CC-1 was at one point incarcerated for alien smuggling and was deported from the United States but later reentered the U.S. The indictment also states, without providing evidence, that in 2021, CC-6 was involved in the transportation of more than 150 migrants that ended when the tractor trailer carrying them overturned in Mexico, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 migrants and injuring many others. It also alleges that Abrego Garcia was a member and associate of the gang La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13. In a news conference Friday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele for agreeing to return Garcia to the United States. This is what American justice looks like, said Bondi. Last month, a federal grand jury in Tennessee charged Kilmar Abrego Garcia with smuggling illegal aliens, including MS-13 gang members, from the border into our country, Tennessees senior U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn posted Friday on X (formerly Twitter). This scheme allegedly took place for nearly a decade. It's finally time for Abrego Garcia to face justice. In recent months, GOP officials have made great political hay out of the Abrego Garcia case. Tennessee Republicans including U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles have derided Democrats' attempts to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. Ogles also recently launched a congressional probe of Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell following Metro's response to extensive Nashville arrests in early May by federal immigration officials and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. "After weeks of the Trump administration saying they either couldn't or wouldn't return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S., the timing of these charges are clearly designed to cover up their negligence and the fact that the Supreme Court unanimously called them out on the egregious ways they are ignoring due process," reads a statement posted Friday by the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. "Still, Mr. Abrego Garcia will now be able to have his day in court, which the Constitution guarantees for everyone in our country regardless of citizenship." Several vehicles left the courthouse following the motions hearing on Friday, which began around 4:30 p.m. and continued past the courthouse's normal closing time of 5 p.m. Abrego Garcia could not be seen in any of the vehicles that left the building's secured lot and sally port, as most had tinted windows. One vehicle, a silver Chevrolet Silverado, appeared to be the same truck that was seen transporting Abrego Garcia to the courthouse earlier Friday afternoon. ABC News has reported that the new charges against Abrego Garcia led to the "abrupt departure" of chief Criminal Division prosecutor Ben Schrader, who the outlet reports resigned due to "concerns that the case was being pursued for political reasons." Abrego Garcia is set to return to court on Friday, June 13. 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 KUNMING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese legislator Li Hongzhong has called for forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and promoting high-quality economic and social development in the country's border areas with large ethnic minority populations. Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, made the remarks during an inspection tour in southwest China's Yunnan Province from Thursday to Saturday. During the trip, Li visited communities and villages to learn about local efforts to promote ethnic unity and progress and to improve rural governance. He also learned about progress on the ecological conservation of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, the provincial capital. He emphasized the importance of promoting further ethnic unity and progress, of facilitating extensive exchange and interactions among different ethnic groups, of handling ethnic affairs in accordance with the law, and of improving the governance capacity for ethnic affairs. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man who made national headlines after being wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March, has been returned to the U.S. and indicted on federal charges in Nashville. The 29-year-old Abrego Garcia has been charged with "conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain" and "unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain." The first charge carries a potential sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, while the second carries a potential sentence of 10 years in prison per alien transported and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case was unsealed Friday the same day a motion for detention was submitted by acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. In the motion, the government argues that Abrego Garcia poses a significant danger to the community, as well as a risk of flight, adding that Abrego Garcia's only ties to the Middle District of Tennessee are directly related to his criminal activity. In November 2022, Abrego Garcia was pulled over by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in Cookeville, Tenn. The defendant chose to smuggle undocumented aliens through Tennessee nearly every week during the course of the conspiracy, reads the indictment, which can be read in full at the bottom of this post. The defendant and his co-conspirators chose to travel through Tennessee for multiple reasons, including the route being the most direct course between Houston, Texas and Maryland. The defendant and his co-conspirators also felt that traveling through Tennessee provided less chance of scrutiny from law enforcement. The indictment alleges that Abrego Garcia conspired to bring undocumented aliens to the United States from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, and elsewhere, ultimately passing through Mexico before crossing into Texas between 2016 and 2025 for profit and private financial gain. It also states that Abrego Garcia and five unnamed co-conspirators, all of whom are allegedly in the U.S. illegally, worked together in the scheme, adding that two co-conspirators referred to as CC-1 and CC-2 occasionally and simultaneously transported firearms illegally purchased in Texas for distribution and resale in Maryland. Prosecutors allege that CC-1 was at one point incarcerated for alien smuggling and was deported from the United States but later reentered the U.S. The indictment also states, without providing evidence, that in 2021, CC-6 was involved in the transportation of more than 150 migrants that ended when the tractor trailer carrying them overturned in Mexico, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 migrants and injuring many others. It also alleges that Abrego Garcia was a member and associate of the gang La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13. In a news conference Friday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele for agreeing to return Garcia to the United States. This is what American justice looks like, said Bondi. Last month, a federal grand jury in Tennessee charged Kilmar Abrego Garcia with smuggling illegal aliens, including MS-13 gang members, from the border into our country, Tennessees senior U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn posted Friday on X (formerly Twitter). This scheme allegedly took place for nearly a decade. It's finally time for Abrego Garcia to face justice. In recent months, GOP officials have made great political hay out of the Abrego Garcia case. Tennessee Republicans including U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles have derided Democrats' attempts to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. Ogles also recently launched a congressional probe of Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell following Metro's response to extensive Nashville arrests in early May by federal immigration officials and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. "After weeks of the Trump administration saying they either couldn't or wouldn't return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S., the timing of these charges are clearly designed to cover up their negligence and the fact that the Supreme Court unanimously called them out on the egregious ways they are ignoring due process," reads a statement posted Friday by the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. "Still, Mr. Abrego Garcia will now be able to have his day in court, which the Constitution guarantees for everyone in our country regardless of citizenship." Several vehicles left the courthouse following the motions hearing on Friday, which began around 4:30 p.m. and continued past the courthouse's normal closing time of 5 p.m. Abrego Garcia could not be seen in any of the vehicles that left the building's secured lot and sally port, as most had tinted windows. One vehicle, a silver Chevrolet Silverado, appeared to be the same truck that was seen transporting Abrego Garcia to the courthouse earlier Friday afternoon. ABC News has reported that the new charges against Abrego Garcia led to the "abrupt departure" of chief Criminal Division prosecutor Ben Schrader, who the outlet reports resigned due to "concerns that the case was being pursued for political reasons." Abrego Garcia's arraignment is set for Friday, June 13. Daylight supercharges immunity: Scientists uncover how the bodys circadian clock helps fight infections Research reveals that the immune system follows a circadian rhythm, with daylight enhancing the bodys ability to fight infections particularly through neutrophil activity. Neutrophils, the bodys rapid-response immune cells, are most aggressive during daylight hours an evolutionary adaptation to daytime pathogen exposure. The gene Per2 acts as a molecular clock in neutrophils, activating antibacterial defenses in daylight, while Cry1a suppresses immune activity at night to maintain balance. The same genetic pathways (Per2, Cry1a, hmgb1a) exist in humans, suggesting sunlight-linked immunity is an ancient, cross-species survival strategy. Shift workers and those with disrupted circadian rhythms may have weakened immunity, but light therapy or timed medications could help realign immune function. For centuries, humans have lived by the rhythm of the sun rising with daylight and resting in darkness. Now, groundbreaking research from the University of Auckland (UoA) in New Zealand reveals that the human immune system is also hardwired to follow this ancient cycle. Scientists have discovered that daylight directly boosts the body's ability to fight infections, thanks to an internal clock inside the most abundant immune cells. The findings, published May 23 in Science Immunology, could revolutionize how humans treat diseases, optimize medical treatments and structure their daily routines. The study led by UoA Associate Professor Christopher Hall focused on neutrophils, the body' rapid-response white blood cells that swarm infections and destroy bacteria. These cells, it turns out, dont just react to threats they anticipate them. Hall and his colleagues studied zebrafish, whose transparent bodies allow real-time observation of immune activity. By studying these fishes, researchers found that neutrophils are most aggressive during daylight hours. (Related: A look at the various and surprising ways your body clock controls your health.) This isn't random: Evolution has programmed these cells to ramp up defenses when humans are most active, and most likely to encounter pathogens. "We think this represents an evolutionary response," Hall explained, noting that daytime activity increases exposure to bacteria. The molecular "alarm clock" inside immune cells But how does the immune system know it's daytime? The answer lies in a gene called Per2, which acts as a molecular alarm clock inside neutrophils. When daylight hits, Per2 activates, triggering a cascade of antibacterial defenses. In experiments where Per2 was disabled, zebrafish struggled to fight infections even in daylight proving this gene is critical for immune timing. But Per2 doesn't work alone. It partners with another gene, hmgb1a, which produces toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) to obliterate bacteria. Light activates Per2, which then boosts hmgb1a, supercharging the immune response. When researchers artificially increased Per2 or hmgb1a, even fish in darkness fought infections better suggesting future medications could be made to mimic this effect. Every system needs balance, and immunity is no exception. While Per2 accelerates neutrophil activity, a protein called Cry1a acts as a brake, suppressing immune function when it's time to rest. In mutants lacking Cry1a, neutrophils remained hyperactive, confirming its role as a circadian regulator. The interplay between these genes ensures immunity is strong when needed at daytime and restrained at night, preventing excessive inflammation. Disrupting this rhythm, as seen in shift workers or frequent flyers, could leave the body vulnerable. These mechanisms aren't unique to zebrafish. The same genetic pathways Per2, Cry1a and hmgb1a exist in humans. A DNA region called CNS4, which controls hmgb1a, is nearly identical across vertebrates. This suggests that for millions of years, nature has tied immunity to sunlight a strategy so effective it persists across species. For modern humans, this has profound implications. Night-shift workers, who face higher rates of infections and chronic diseases, may suffer partly because their immune clocks are misaligned. Light therapy or timed drug doses could help reset their defenses. Hall's team believes this discovery could lead to drugs that manipulate neutrophil clocks, enhancing immunity in vulnerable patients. Imagine antibiotics dosed at optimal times, or therapies that "turn on" immune cells before surgery. Even simple adjustments like maximizing daylight exposure could strengthen defenses naturally. As researchers unravel more about how light governs immunity, one thing is clear. The sun doesn't just sustain life; it defends it. In an era where artificial light and erratic schedules dominate, this study is a reminder that biology still answers to nature's oldest rhythm. Daylight doesn't just wake people up, it arms the immune system. Sometimes, the best medicine is already shining through the window. Watch this video about fixing one's circadian rhythm. This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Don't get injured at night Researchers discover cell repair driven by circadian rhythm; wounds heal 60% faster during the day. Could chronic jet lag increase your risk of cancer? Study on circadian rhythm finds a link between body clock disruption and how tumors form. Researchers explain how the circadian clocks of specific body parts operate independently from the brains "central clock." Sources include: ScienceDaily.com Science.org Earth.com Sci.news Brighteon.com Hidden swarm of city killer asteroids near Venus could pose future threat to Earth, scientists warn A hidden swarm of large asteroids near Venus could pose a future threat to Earth, but none are an immediate danger. Venus hosts at least 20 known "city-killer" asteroids, with many more likely undetected due to the suns glare. Simulations suggest gravitational shifts over thousands of years could redirect these asteroids toward Earth. New telescopes like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and NASAs NEO Surveyor aim to improve detection of hidden asteroids. Scientists stress the need for better tracking but clarify the risk is long-term, not imminent. A hidden swarm of massive asteroids orbiting near Venus some large enough to wipe out entire cities could pose a future threat to Earth, according to new simulations by astronomers. While there is no immediate danger, researchers warn that gravitational disturbances over thousands of years could redirect these space rocks toward our planet, underscoring the unpredictable nature of cosmic hazards. The findings, detailed in a preprint study uploaded to arXiv in May, reveal that Venus hosts at least 20 known co-orbital asteroids, each exceeding 460 feet (140 meters) in diameter. These "city killers" currently follow stable paths alongside Venus but could be flung toward Earth during close encounters or orbital shifts. Scientists suspect many more remain undetected, obscured by the suns glare. The invisible threat Co-orbital asteroids are space rocks that share a planets orbit around the sun without directly orbiting the planet itself. Venuss co-orbitals likely originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and their elongated trajectories make them difficult to track. The studys lead author, Valerio Carruba of Sao Paulo State University, emphasized that none of the known asteroids pose an imminent risk. "None of the current co-orbital objects will impact Earth soon," he told Live Science. However, simulations spanning 36,000 yearsthree co-orbital cyclessuggest some could eventually veer into Earths path. Why Venuss asteroids matter Venus is Earths closest planetary neighbor, approaching within 25 million miles at its nearest point. This proximity means its co-orbitals are more likely to be perturbed by Earths gravity than asteroids farther out. Previous research indicates that Venuss asteroids undergo orbital shifts roughly every 12,000 years, potentially placing them on collision courses with Earth over millennia. The real concern, scientists say, is the unknown. "How many [co-orbitals] exactly is an open question," Carruba admitted. Current telescopes struggle to spot asteroids near Venus because they are often lost in the suns glare. Ground-based observations are limited to brief windows at dawn or dusk, and even then, atmospheric interference distorts the view. The study has been misrepresented by some outlets claiming Earth faces an imminent asteroid strike. Carruba expressed frustration with the sensationalism but acknowledged the value of raising awareness. The team pointed to the recent case of asteroid 2024 YR4, initially flagged with a 2.3% chance of hitting Earth in 2032 before being ruled harmless. Such false alarms highlight the need for better detection systems. The hunt for hidden asteroids Help is on the way. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, set to begin operations this year, will scan the skies with unprecedented precision, potentially doubling the number of known asteroids. Its wide-field camera and twilight surveys could uncover dozens of Venuss hidden co-orbitals. Meanwhile, NASAs Near-Earth Object Surveyor (NEO Surveyor), launching in 2026, will orbit between the sun and Earth, using infrared technology to spot asteroids currently invisible to optical telescopes. While the study underscores the need for improved asteroid tracking, it does not predict doom. The potential threat lies thousands of years in the future a reminder that cosmic hazards evolve on timescales far beyond human lifespans. As Carruba put it: "I believe that we should not underestimate their potential danger, but I would not lose sleep over this issue." For now, the focus remains on advancing detection technology and dispelling misinformation, ensuring humanity is prepared for whatever the cosmos may bring. Sources for this article include: LiveScience.com Independent.co.uk NationalGeographic.com Musk threatens to decommission SpaceX Dragon after Trump contract dispute Elon Musk threatened to decommission SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft after Trump vowed to cancel federal contracts with his companies. The threat jeopardized U.S. access to the ISS, forcing reliance on Russian Soyuz capsules or alternatives. Musk reversed his stance hours later following a public plea to "cool off," but the incident raised concerns about politicizing critical infrastructure. The clash exposed risks in public-private space partnerships, with Dragon being irreplaceable amid Boeings Starliner delays. Experts warn such public feuds threaten national security and U.S. competitiveness in the global space race. In a dramatic escalation of tensions between tech billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, Musk threatened to immediately decommission SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft, the only U.S. vehicle currently capable of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), after Trump vowed to terminate government contracts with Musks companies. The abrupt threat, made in response to Trumps criticism of federal spending legislation, sent shockwaves through the aerospace industry before Musk reversed course hours later following a public plea to cool off. The incident raises urgent questions about the stability of Americas space program and the risks of politicizing critical infrastructure. The clash began when Trump declared his intention to cancel federal contracts with SpaceX and other Musk-led ventures, citing disagreements over government spending priorities. Musk, never one to shy away from a public feud, fired back on social media, writing, Fine, then well decommission Dragon spacecraft immediately. The statement stunned observers, given Dragons pivotal role in maintaining U.S. access to the ISS since NASA retired the Space Shuttle in 2011. Without Dragon, America would be forced to rely on Russian Soyuz capsules or scramble for alternatives in a scenario that would cede strategic ground to geopolitical rivals. A high-stakes standoff The Dragon spacecraft, developed under NASAs Commercial Crew Program, represents a cornerstone of U.S. space independence. Its potential decommissioning would not only disrupt ISS operations but also undermine years of taxpayer-funded investment in private spaceflight. Musks threat appeared to leverage this dependency, signaling a willingness to weaponize national space capabilities in a corporate-political showdown. Critics argue such a move would prioritize personal grievances over national security, while supporters frame it as a justified response to government overreach. Hours after Musks initial post, a social media user intervened, urging both men to cool off. Musk swiftly walked back his statement, acknowledging the importance of Dragons mission. Yet the episode leaves lingering doubts: Was this a genuine warning, or merely a negotiating tactic? Either way, the incident exposes the fragility of public-private partnerships in an era of heightened political polarization. The fallout for space policy The U.S. space program has long relied on collaboration between NASA and private contractors, a model championed by both Republican and Democratic administrations. Musks companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, have benefited enormously from government subsidies, contracts, and tax incentives. Trumps threat to sever those ties and Musks retaliatory brinkmanship highlights the precarious balance between corporate innovation and public accountability. Some analysts suggest Musks reversal reflects a calculated retreat, recognizing the reputational and financial damage of following through on his threat. Others speculate the exchange was performative. Regardless, the confrontation underscores a broader trend: the erosion of institutional guardrails as powerful figures increasingly bypass traditional channels to settle disputes in the court of public opinion. What remains clear is that Dragons role is irreplaceable for now. Boeings Starliner, the other spacecraft funded by NASAs Commercial Crew Program, has been plagued by delays and technical failures. Meanwhile, China and Russia are aggressively advancing their own space ambitions. Any disruption to U.S. access to the ISS could hand adversaries a strategic advantage in the new space race. Cooler heads must prevail The public nature of the dispute played out on social media with minimal deliberation has drawn criticism from space policy experts who stress the need for stability in critical infrastructure. Musks rapid backpedaling suggests he may have recognized this imperative. Yet the episode serves as a cautionary tale: When corporate titans and political leaders engage in public feuds, the collateral damage can extend far beyond their personal rivalries. For the sake of Americas space future, both sides would be wise to heed the advice to cool off. Sources for this article include: RT.com APNews.com Reuters.com Former Congressman-turned Palantir executive brands pro-Palestine protesters as domestic terrorists The line between national security and corporate-driven authoritarianism is blurring rapidly, and Palantir Technologiesonce a shadowy CIA-backed data-mining firm is now openly advocating for the suppression of dissent. In a chilling interview with Fox Business , Palantir executive and former GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher labeled pro-Palestine protesters as a "domestic terrorist movement," urging the state to deploy "all legal mechanisms" to silence them. His remarks, dripping with contempt for free speech, expose the dangerous trajectory of a company deeply embedded in mass surveillance, pharmaceutical data harvesting, and geopolitical manipulation. If there was ever any doubt about Palantirs ambitions, Gallaghers rhetoric confirms its role in constructing a 21st-century Stasi one that weaponizes data to crush opposition under the guise of "security." Key points: Palantir executive Mike Gallagher, a former congressman, called pro-Palestine protesters a "domestic terrorist movement" and advocated for state crackdowns. Gallagher previously pushed for a TikTok ban to suppress criticism of Israel, revealing a pattern of silencing dissent. Palantirs origins trace back to CIA funding through In-Q-Tel, with its Gotham and Tiberius software used in COVID-19 vaccine distribution and health surveillance. The companys ties to intelligence agencies and its role in Operation Warp Speed raise concerns about mass data exploitation. Gallaghers rapid transition from Congress to Palantir highlights the revolving door between government and surveillance tech giants. The rise of Palantir: From CIA pet project to public surveillance giant Founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel and Alex Karp, Palantir Technologies was birthed in the shadows of post-9/11 militarization, with its earliest funding coming from In-Q-Telthe CIAs venture capital arm. For years, its sole client was the U.S. intelligence community, where its software allegedly played a role in tracking down Osama bin Laden. But Palantirs expansion into civilian life has been anything but benign. By 2020, when the company went public, it had already entrenched itself in public health surveillance through Operation Warp Speed, using its Tiberius platform to manage vaccine distribution and clinical trials. The CDC also relied on Palantirs systems to monitor COVID-19 spread, effectively turning public health into a data-harvesting operation. "This isnt about safety its about control," said one privacy advocate who spoke on condition of anonymity. "When a company with ties to the CIA starts dictating who is a 'terrorist' for protesting, weve crossed into dystopia." Gallaghers crusade: Silencing dissent, from TikTok to Palestine Gallaghers hostility toward free speech isnt new. As a congressman, he spearheaded efforts to ban TikTok, framing the platform as a hotbed of "pro-Hamas propaganda" rather than acknowledging it as a space for organic dissent. His sudden resignation from Congress followed by an immediate jump to Palantir raises ethical red flags, particularly given his pivotal vote approving military aid to Israel just days before joining the company. Now, as a Palantir executive, Gallagher is escalating his rhetoric, branding protesters as "brainwashed" and "dangerous." His call to mobilize "all legal mechanisms" against them echoes the post-9/11 playbook, where dissent was conflated with terrorism to justify mass surveillance. "This is the same logic used to justify the Patriot Act," said constitutional lawyer John Whitehead. "Only now, its being outsourced to corporate enforcers like Palantir." The endgame: A corporate Stasi in the making Palantirs ambitions extend far beyond Gallaghers inflammatory soundbites. Its software has been deployed everywhere from war zones to hospital systems, creating an omnipresent architecture of surveillance. With advisors like former CIA director George Tenet and Condoleezza Rice, the company operates as an unaccountable extension of the security state one that profits from perpetual crisis. The implications are dire. If protesting injustice is redefined as "domestic terrorism," then Palantirs algorithmstrained on biased datacould be weaponized to target activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. "Theyre not just watching us," warned journalist Whitney Webb. "Theyre building the system that will decide who gets to speak at all." As Gallagher and Palantir push for a new era of suppression, the question isnt whether theyll succeedbut whether the public will wake up before its too late. Sources include: InformationLiberation.com NYPost.com PBSTwimg.com PBSTwimg.com VACCINE SKEPTICISM at an ALL-TIME-HIGH in Canada and USA after the CLOT SHOT CARNAGE from deadly mRNA Covid jabs More than half of all Canadian parents are now completely freaked out over the health carnage thats occurred post-vaccination from the hellish Covid jabs. The word about the deadly effects has gone viral and the world is finally waking up to the FACT that vaccines are a bioweapon for depopulation and chronic sick care profits. Rising Vaccine Hesitancy in Canada: Nearly 50% of Canadian parents now express concerns about vaccine safety for children post-COVID, marking a dramatic shift from pre-pandemic skepticism levels (estimated at ~10%). Safety & Efficacy Doubts Fuel Hesitancy: Among hesitant individuals, 66% cite fear of adverse reactions, while 33% question effectiveness. Reports of severe side effects and breakthrough COVID cases post-vaccination have amplified distrust. Declining Childhood Vaccination Rates: Since COVID-19, infant immunization rates have dropped significantly, with only 55% of parents opting for flu shots and 24% skipping vaccines due to safety concernsa trend linked to broader skepticism about public health narratives. Calls for Transparency & Trust-Building: Experts emphasize the need for clearer communication from health authorities, as vaccine injury claims rise and debates intensify over mandates for low-risk groups (e.g., children). Rebuilding public trust remains a critical challenge. Half of Canadian Parents Express Vaccine Safety Concerns Post-COVID, Survey Finds A recent government-commissioned survey reveals that nearly 50% of Canadian parents are now concerned about potential vaccine side effects for children, marking a significant shift in public attitudes following the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings, published in the Childhood Immunization Coverage Survey Among Key Populations, highlight growing hesitancy even as health officials push for routine immunizations. Conducted by Advanis, Inc. for the Public Health Agency of Canada, the poll surveyed 5,113 parents nationwide, uncovering deep-rooted skepticism despite broad support for traditional childhood vaccines. The report noted a "large shift in Canadians knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards vaccinations" since COVID-19, with 19% of parents strongly agreeing that they worry about vaccine side effects. While 88% still viewed routine immunizations such as measles and mumps vaccines favorably, only 55% opted for flu shots for their children. When asked why they skipped certain vaccines, 24% cited safety concerns, 22% deemed them unnecessary, and 14% doubted their effectiveness. Despite these concerns, federal and provincial governments continued promoting COVID-19 vaccines for children, though the Public Health Agency itself did not formally endorse them. Meanwhile, Canadas Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP) has seen increased funding amid rising claims a trend reported by LifeSiteNews. Federal data also shows dwindling uptake of COVID boosters, with most Canadians declining additional doses. Vaccine hesitancy is not new, but the pandemic amplified debates over risk-benefit ratios, particularly for low-risk groups like children. Experts have long questioned whether mandates for young populations align with their minimal likelihood of severe COVID outcomes. Advocacy groups, such as Childrens Health Defense, urge reporting adverse reactions, emphasizing transparency. The survey underscores a pivotal challenge for public health: rebuilding trust after a polarizing pandemic. As one researcher noted, understanding how to communicate rather than why skepticism exists remains the focus. With vaccine programs under scrutiny, Canadian officials face a delicate balancing act between addressing concerns and maintaining immunization rates. For now, the data suggests a cautious public, wary of both novel and long-established vaccines. Its time for every human on planet earth to become an extreme skeptic of all vaccines. They are not what they used to be. Its not some simple injection of a miniscule amount of the infectious disease one needs to build immunity against. Now vaccines are vectors and vehicles for changing the genes and cells of humans to make them zombies that are dying of vascular clots, turbo cancer, heart attacks and strokes. Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on experimental gene therapy injections that lead to turbo cancer and Long-Vax-Syndrome. Sources for this article include: Pandemic.news NaturalNews.com Lifesitenews.com Genocidal siege: Gazas collapsing health care amid deadly aid violence elicits global outcry Gaza physicians donate their own blood to patients as vital medical supplies and civilian support crumble under systemic neglect. Over 100 Palestinians killed and hundreds injured seeking aid at U.S.-backed Israeli distribution sites, sparking international condemnation. U.S.-funded aid model criticized as kill zones after Israeli forces fire on crowds, exceeding acceptable filicide thresholds. Only 19 of Gazas 36 hospitals remain operational, with 94% damaged in years of continuous military and blockade escalation. Global community demands criminal accountability amid U.N. resolution veto by U.S., which continues to shield Israel from legal action. As Gazas health system disintegrates under a 19-month Israeli blockade deemed genocidal by rights groups, doctors are now donating their own blood to save patients lives after consecutive Israeli military operations targeted crowds of Palestinians desperately seeking food aid. Over 100 civilians have been killed and nearly 500 wounded at humanitarian distribution sites since early June, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundations (GHF) militarized food-delivery system has instead become a death lottery, igniting global demands for accountability as the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms 654 attacks on Gazas healthcare facilities since 2023. Deadly fire on aid seekers sparks international outcry On June 3, Israeli forces killed at least 27 Palestinians at a MHF aid hub in Rafah, Gazas southern enclave, as crowds rushed to receive scarce food supplies. Earlier, on May 31, 31 were killed and 170 injured near another aid site in the Khan Younis district. Eye witnesses, including survivor Mohammad Daghmeh, described being mowed down in mass shootings. They fired upon innocent people waiting for food the carnage was unchanged from 2023 airstrikes, Daghmeh stated, recalling scenes of his fellow survivor collapsing in his arms. Despite Israeli military claims of targeting Hamas operatives a narrative debunked by independent investigations the attacks underscore systemic patterns of violence against aid efforts. The WHO warns the GHFs military-covert logistics schema has become an instrument of collective punishment, with U.S. aid vehicles now often relayed under armed escort. Healthcare infrastructure collapses under siege calculus With only 12 of Gazas remaining 19 functional hospitals able to perform emergency care, medical staff are unpaid and medical supplies exhausted. Most Palestinians are malnourished to the point of being ineligible to donate blood, said MSFs Stephen Cornish, director general, citing data showing nearly 2 million Gazans surviving on 67% of necessary calories. The U.S.-Israeli blockade has rendered even minor injuries life-threatening. Patients bleed out in hallways amid worsening violence, confirmed Dr. Nour Alsaqqa, an MSF field officer. Gazas Health Ministry estimates 654 healthcare facilities have been struck since 2023, including the Al-Shifa General Hospital bombing of 2023, which killed 40 and displaced thousands. Global repudiation and unhinged diplomacy Amid the chaos, 100 MSF staff formed a red line protest in Geneva, decrying the entanglement of humanitarian aid with warfare. The militarization of U.S.-Israeli aid must be investigated as a crime against humanity, Cornish affirmed. The demands mirror a vetoed UN resolution calling for an unconditional Gaza ceasefire, opposed solely by the U.S. Human rights groups argue the GHFs mandate to deliver food while minimizing humanitarian access facilitates starve-to-surrender policies condemned by grassroots and U.N. evaluators. Analysts warn the killings at aid sites signal a calculated escalation of tactics first deployed in 2023 a pattern meeting legal criteria for genocide under Article II of the Genocide Convention. Genocide as continuous counterinsurgency The current collapse arises from years of unchallenged policies. Since 2007, Israels blockade has restricted imports to Gaza to life essentials alone, per a World Bank review. December 2022s Operation JUDGMENT solely razed over 300 healthcare sites, complying with WHO convention q427 standards. Experts trace Israels response to U.N. criticism back to its 1950s-laws logic: preserve regional supremacy through preventive attrition. The GHFs introduction in 2025 represents an updated iterationleveraging U.S. partners to dilute accountability for a system where Palestinians face choose between starvation or Execution. Bleak prospects demand immediate intervention As Gazas patients and personnel face both military violence and autoimmune collapseironically contracting diseases treatable by collapsing facilities the world faces a moral reckoning. This isnt a crisis this is colonialism perfected, stated MedGlobals Ana Moran. The question hangs: Can systematized genocidal policies be rolled back through magnitudes of external pressure before irreversible humanitarian rupture? For Gazas doctors, the answer cannot come soon enough. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co GMAnetwork.com DayNews.tv Texas leaps ahead with landmark food labeling bill: A battle for health or industry overreach? Texass Senate Bill 25 would mandate not recommended for human consumption labels on foods containing 44 ingredients banned in the EU, Canada, Australia or the United Kingdom. If signed by Governor Greg Abbott by June 22, the law would take effect in 2027 and empower the Texas Attorney General to impose fines of $50,000/day per product. Supported by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and bipartisan lawmakers, the bill aims to curb chronic diseases linked to additives like synthetic dyes, hydrogenated oils and bleached flour. Major food corporations (Kellogg, PepsiCo, Walmart) lobbied aggressively against the bill, arguing labels would create consumer confusion and harm businesses. Health advocates call it a critical step, but critics warn it lacks global oversight and may prompt nationwide industry changes. With chronic diseases soaring cardiac disease, diabetes, cancer the U.S. faces a public health crisis linked to ultra-processed foods. Texas lawmakers, backed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are spearheading a bold response. Governor Greg Abbott must decide by June 22, 2025, whether to sign Senate Bill 25 (SB25), a measure with sweeping implications for food regulation. Texas, the nations second-largest state, has emerged as a battleground for food policy. SB25 would require warning labels on products containing ingredients banned or restricted in other Western nations, targeting 44 substances like artificial dyes, bleached flour and seed oils. The bills passage could ripple across America, reshaping whats considered safe to eat. A bipartisan push for transparency and health SB25, dubbed the Make Texas Healthy Again bill, marks the most significant federal-state food labeling reform in decades. Introduced by State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R), it aligns with Secretary Kennedys Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which argues U.S. food regulations lag behind global standards. The bills provisions: Warning labels: Mandate a not recommended for human consumption disclaimer for foods with banned or restricted ingredients like artificial dyes (e.g., Red 40), partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and bleached flour. Mandate a not recommended for human consumption disclaimer for foods with banned or restricted ingredients like artificial dyes (e.g., Red 40), partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and bleached flour. Education over banning: Instead of outright prohibitions, the law prioritizes transparency. Texans deserve to know whats in their food, Kolkhorst stated, emphasizing consumer choice. Instead of outright prohibitions, the law prioritizes transparency. Texans deserve to know whats in their food, Kolkhorst stated, emphasizing consumer choice. Nutrition reform: Creates a Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee, increases school PE requirements and mandates nutrition education in universities. Supporters frame this as a common-sense measure. These additives have been linked to chronic diseases, said Kendall Mackintosh of the MAHA Moms movement, noting bipartisan support (unanimous Senate approval, passage in the House). Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy praised the bills focus on prevention, calling it a blueprint for national reform. Industry backlash: Banning terms vs. consumer confusion Big Food and retailers lobbied aggressively against SB25, warning of financial disaster. In a May 19 letter, 60 companiesincluding General Mills, PepsiCo and Walmartaccused the bill of overreach, claiming the labels wording (not recommended for human consumption) would terrify shoppers. John Hewitt of the Consumer Brands Association argued, U.S. ingredients are vetted via rigorous science, dismissively calling the law a public health play that confuses consumers. Companies also sought exemptions, successfully removing artificial sweeteners like aspartame from the banned list. Yet consumer advocates see corporate resistance as self-serving. These companies profit from additives proven harmful in other countries, said Mackintosh. The bills loopholes add tension: labels wont apply to existing packaging until 2027, and enforcement hinges on lawsuits, not proactive compliance. From GMOs to dyes, a decades-long battle Texas isnt the first state to challenge corporate interests. In 2014, Vermonts GMO-labeling law inspired a national backlash, only to be neutered in 2016 by a federal law favoring vague QR codes over plain labels. Critics warn SB25 could suffer the same fate if courts side with corporate interests. Notably, the FDAs recent moves banning petroleum-based dyes in 2024 and phasing out artificial additives clearly influence SB25. Still, gaps remain: the FDA has only named eight allergens for mandatory disclosure, leaving hundreds of additives unregulated under its loose GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) process. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons April 2025 probe into Kelloggs claims that cereals like Froot Loops are healthy underscores urgent concerns. Such scrutiny may pressure the FDA to tighten its standards or face state-level preemption battles, where federal laws override stricter state rules. Health advocates dilemmas: A victory, but is it enough? While hailed as a breakthrough, SB25 faces criticism. Nutritionist Gary Null noted it lacks action against sugar, salt, or saturated fats major contributors to obesity. Historically, labels alone have mixed results: tobacco warnings reduced smoking but boosted vaping, Null said. Others praise the bills innovations. Its a warning shot to Big Food, said Cornell Universitys Jura Liaukonyte, noting companies may preemptively adopt stricter labeling nationwide to avoid Texas-only compliance costs. A new frontier in food policy Texass decision could redefine public health advocacy. With Abbotts pending verdict, the nation watches whether a red state will lead on issues typically framed as partisan. If enacted, SB25 could force the federal government to act or push the MAHA movement to expand its wartime footing against ultra-processed foods. As Sen. Kolkhorst stated, This isnt politics its about saving lives. Whether voters agree may hinge on whether transparency outpaces profit. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org KOAA.com Fortune.com JERUSALEM, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Four Israeli soldiers were killed on Friday in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The fallen soldiers include Sergeant Major Chen Gross, 33, a reserve soldier in the Maglan Unit of the Commando Brigade, and Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver, 19, a soldier in the Yahalom Unit of the Combat Engineering Corps, according to the statement. Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that the soldiers were killed after an explosive device was detonated in a Hamas-linked building in Khan Younis, causing the structure to collapse. Rescue teams worked for many hours to recover the bodies from the rubble, the channel said, noting the IDF had reportedly entered the building based on intelligence indicating the presence of a Hamas tunnel beneath it. Five other soldiers were also injured in the incident, according to Kan and the IDF. The company is more than halfway through the renewals, Tan said, adding, we probably have at least another year plus, maybe a year and a half to go in transitioning major accounts to VCF. Most of Broadcoms VMware contracts are for about three years, which is very traditional, he said. The move to the VCF subscription model was intended to simplify the number of VMware products and options, but it also means that customers may have to pay for items they dont otherwise want, need, or use, and they cant access products that were once a la carte, such as NSX Networking or vSAN, unless they purchase a bundle. This has come at significant cost. According to some claims, pricing has increased anywhere from 150% to 500%, leading some customers to look elsewhere. Considerations moving forward Kimball said he didnt expect a massive exodus when the VMware acquisition closed and the market hysteria began. Moving away from a platform so deeply entrenched in IT operations is not for the faint of heart, nor is it a quick exercise, he said. Do I think VMware will keep all of its customers? Certainly not, Kimball said. While the company says it has not increased pricing, the licensing changes implemented numerous times have effectively done just that: Increase prices. However, Tan did present a compelling vision of the private cloud with VCF 9.0, announced at VMware Explore in 2024, and made the smart move to present Broadcom as customer 0, he said. It showed the real value of private cloud across a large enterprise with many business lines. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Morning clouds will give way to afternoon sunshine. High near 85F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 63F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) have been touted as a potential treatment for a variety of conditions, from inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, and type 2 diabetes to autism. New research from the University of Chicago, however, cautions against widespread use of FMT because of the potential for long-lasting, unintended health consequences for recipients. FMT involves transferring microbes in the stool from a healthy person to a sick one, in hopes of restoring a healthy equilibrium in the gut microbiome. Since stools contain primarily anaerobic microbes from the colon (i.e. they can't tolerate oxygen), FMT can cause mismatches in the gut ecosystem when those bacteria colonize the small intestine and other parts of the digestive system. In experiments with mice and studies with human tissue samples, the researchers conducting the new study saw that anaerobic microbes from the colon not only colonized the small bowel after a single transplant but also persisted there for months. These microbes also changed their new intestinal environments to their advantage, "terraforming" them in ways that caused changes in the recipient's metabolism, behavior, and energy balance. "I think it's a bit of a wakeup call to the field that maybe we shouldn't willy-nilly put large bowel microbes into different parts of the intestine that shouldn't be there," said Orlando (Landon) DeLeon, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at UChicago and lead author of the new study, which was published in Cell. "If we're designing good therapeutics, we should be aware of the importance of matching the regional microbiota to their proper environments, so that we provide better overall health benefits." A vast and varied ecosystem FMT is approved by the Food and Drug Administration only for treating repeated infections with Clostridium difficile (C. diff), an opportunistic bacterium that often causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation in hospital patients who have been on antibiotics. Seeing the success in treating C. diff patients, many physicians have been eager to use FMT to treat other digestive conditions. Researchers understand that gut microbiome health can impact all vital organs and systems of the body, so the idea is that replacing a "sick" gut microbiome with a "healthy" one could fix the problem in one fell swoop. The gut isn't simply one consistent environment with the same microbiota throughout, however; instead, it has several distinct regions that are vastly different microbial ecosystems, each tailored for specific microbes that can provide functions vital to the health of their host. There are microbes along the entire intestinal tract, and we just study predominately the last third of it (the colon). So, how can you expect an FMT, with microbes from a third of the intestinal tract at the end of it, to fix the rest of the intestine?" Orlando (Landon) DeLeon, PhD, postdoctoral researcher at UChicago and lead author of the new study To test the effects of FMT on different parts of the intestine, DeLeon, Eugene B. Chang, MD, the Martin Boyer Professor of Medicine at UChicago and senior author of the study, and their team carried out a series of experiments with mice. One group of mice was given a transplant of microbes taken from the jejunum, the first portion of the small intestine. A second group was given a standard FMT, and a third group was given a transplant from the cecum, a section connecting the small and large intestine, which has a mixture of microbes from both. Recipients of FMT are usually treated with antibiotics first to clear out the microbes living in the gut, leaving a clean slate for newly transplanted microbes to take up residence sometimes, however, in the wrong places. Testing showed that microbes from each of these transplants successfully colonized the entirety of the intestinal tract in the mice, not just their native niches. This created regional gut mismatches persisting up to three months after just one transplant. The altered microbiomes also changed the production of metabolites in each intestinal region, which can have health effects on the host. The researchers saw changes in liver metabolism, including activity in genes associated with immune function. They also observed differences in eating behaviors, activity, and energy expenditure in the mice after transplants. The most striking finding was that having the wrong microbes in the wrong place reshaped the tissue identity to make it more suitable for them. DeLeon saw that mismatches changed gene and protein expression in the intestinal lining in ways that more closely resembled expression levels from the microbes' original or native intestinal regions. "It's like they're engineering or terraforming their environments to help them fit in," DeLeon said. An 'omni-microbial' approach Chang said that this research highlights the need for more caution with FMT before we fully understand the long-term effects of introducing one set of microbes into a new environment. "We have absolutely no idea what's in FMT, except that it's a combination of microbes," Chang said. "But even a single FMT will cause a change in the host-microbe relationships in these very different regions of the bowel that may be very difficult to reverse." Both DeLeon and Chang advocate for "omni-microbial transplants," or OMT, instead. This approach would transfer microbes taken from all the different regions of the intestine, not just those largely from the colon. Whether given via an endoscopy or in pill form, microbes naturally settle in the right places, especially when they are competing side by side with others that normally inhabit a certain region. "If there's an open space, something's going to fill it," DeLeon said. "But the microbes that were supposed to be there are better suited for it, so they're more naturally going to fill it even in the presence of other microbes." DeLeon plans to keep studying how different microbes exert their influence in different parts of the intestine, using different approaches like single cell sequencing and metabolomics to track their activity. He is also exploring how the gut regions terraformed by microbiota mismatches can be restored to their original state, which could help restore normal gut function. Such deeper understanding could lead to improvements in the application of microbial transplants, ultimately helping them live up to their significant promise. The study, "Regional microbiota mismatches from fecal microbiota transplants promote persistent, off-target consequences to the host," was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the UChicago GI Research Foundation. Additional authors include Mora Mocanu, Candace M. Cham, Alan Tan, Ashley M. Sidebottom, Jason Koval, Hugo D. Ceccato, John J. Colgan, Marissa M. St. George, Joash M. Lake, Michael Cooper, Jingwen Xu, and David T. Rubin from UChicago; Julia Moore and Kristina Martinez-Guryn from Midwestern University; and Zhilu Xu, Siew C. Ng, Francis K.L. Chan, Hein M. Tun, and Qi Su from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. SANAA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group announced on Friday its readiness to exchange all prisoners with the Yemeni government, a significant proposal put forward by the group since the outbreak of the civil war in late 2014. The Houthi-run Saba news agency cited a statement by Abdul Qader al-Murtada, head of the Houthis' committee for prisoners' affairs, as saying that the group is prepared to carry out "a full exchange process that includes all prisoners from all parties without exception." Al-Murtada called on the Saudi government to pressure the Yemeni government "to respond to the initiative without preconditions." The internationally recognized Yemeni government is yet to comment. The Yemeni government and the Houthi group implemented a UN-mediated major prisoner swap in 2023, exchanging around 900 prisoners. Another major exchange took place in 2020, with approximately 1,000 prisoners and detainees released from both sides. Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Houthi group seized control of much of northern Yemen, forcing the Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. Clashes between the Houthis and the Yemeni government have diminished since April 2022, following a UN-mediated truce. American pizza brand Little Caesars to enter India Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 18:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) Little Caesars, a Detroit, Michigan-based worlds third largest pizza chain, is entering the Indian market. India one of the fastest growing quick service restaurant markets will be the 30th market for Little Caesars, which is also the worlds largest family-owned pizza chain, for which it has roped in Harnessing Harvest as its franchise partner. Recommended Stories It has planned to open its first outlet in Delhi-NCR this month, with plans for additional locations to follow, according to a statement from the company. Launching in India marks an exciting milestone for Little Caesars as we expand into our 30th country. With our delicious pizzas and unbeatable value, were eagerly anticipating introducing a unique menu that we believe will captivate India," said Paula Vissing, President, Global Retail, Little Caesars Pizza. Its entry into India market reflects the brands commitment to global growth, bringing its signature menu and exceptional value to a new market, it said. Recently, Little Caesars has launched in markets such as Cambodia and Kuwait as part of its global expansion. Little Caesars, was founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch as a single, family-owned restaurant in 1959 and is headquartered in downtown Detroit, Michigan. The brand is known for its hot-n-ready pizza, crazy puffs, and famed crazy bread in the US market. Its franchise partner, Harnessing Harvest, has nearly nine decades of operations in the Indian food and hospitality industry. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to a report from IMARC Group, the Indian pizza market size reached USD 5.3 billion in 2024. Looking forward, it expects the market to reach USD 11.8 billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.24 per cent during 2025-2033. The Indian pizza market is led by global QSR brands as Dominos, Pizza Hut operated by their local franchise partners. Besides, several home-grown brands such as La Pinoz, Brik Oven, BOCS Pizza, etc, are also key players in the market. PTI KRH TRB TRB First Published: June 07, 2025, 18:00 IST IAF airlifts kidney, cornea as multi-organ donation saves lives of 5 persons Last Updated: June 08, 2025, 01:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) Five persons received new lease of life through a multi-organ donation after a brain-dead patients organs were transplanted across different parts of the country, with one kidney and a cornea being airlifted by an Indian Air Force aircraft from Bengaluru to Delhi. The Indian Air Force (IAF), in a post on X, shared details of the coordinated operation and photographs of the airlift on Saturday. Recommended Stories The IAF enabled life-saving multi-organ retrieval and critical transplants at different locations, undertaken through Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) today," the post said. The donor, declared brain dead on Friday, became the source of new life for five individuals", it added. According to the IAF, one kidney and a cornea were flown to the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi. The other kidney and cornea, as well as the first skin harvest, were transplanted at CHAFB in collaboration with a medical team from Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The liver was successfully transplanted at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, it said. This seamless operation was executed with Jeevansarthakathe Karnataka, reflecting the exceptional commitment and medical expertise of the Armed Forces medical community," the IAF said in the post. PTI KND OZ OZ First Published: June 08, 2025, 01:00 IST Minor girl found dead in northeast Delhi; sexual assault suspected Last Updated: June 08, 2025, 00:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) A minor girl died under suspicious circumstances in northeast Delhis Nehru Vihar on Saturday, with police suspecting sexual assault based on initial medical observations, officials said. On receiving a PCR call at the Dayalpur police station at 8:41 pm, a team was dispatched to Gali No. 2 in Nehru Vihar, which found that the girls father had already shifted her to the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital. She was declared dead at the hospital," a senior police officer said. Recommended Stories The doctors found injury marks on her face and hinted at possible sexual assault," the officer said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police have registered a case under the relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, he said. Multiple teams have been deployed to collect evidence and trace the accused," he added. PTI SSJ ARI First Published: June 08, 2025, 00:45 IST Car Insurance May Get Costlier, Here's How Much You'll Need To Pay Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: June 06, 2025, 19:23 IST The Road Transport Ministry is likely to decide on the proposal in 23 weeks. A draft notification will be issued for public feedback once it gets approval Experts believe that a 20 percent premium increase could enhance the performance of insurance companies and provide relief to the sector. (Representative/Shutterstock) The government is considering an imminent increase in the motor third-party insurance premium, based on recommendations from the insurance sector regulator, IRDAI. According to a CNBC-TV18 report, this proposal has led to a significant rise in the shares of companies such as ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Go Digit General Insurance, and New India Assurance Company. IRDAI has suggested an average premium increase of 18 percent, with some vehicle categories seeing hikes of up to 20 to 25 percent. Recommended Stories The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will make the final decision on this proposal, expected within the next 2 to 3 weeks. Once approved, a draft notification will be issued for public consultation, followed by a review process before implementation. Moneycontrol published this report, and due to its impact, the shares of insurance companies saw a rise. Shares of ICICI Lombard rose by 7 percent, reaching the highest level in the last three months. Shares of Go Digit Insurance rose by about 5 percent, marking the highest level in the last six months. At the same time, shares of New India Assurance Company rose by about 2 percent. What Is Third Party Insurance? Motor third-party insurance compensates for damages to a third party in a road accident, covering expenses if a person is injured or their property damaged by your vehicle. This insurance is mandatory under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, ensuring that the insurance company covers the costs if someone else is harmed by your vehicle. There has been no change in the premium for the last three to four years, despite various uncertainties in the sector. Experts believe that a 20 percent premium increase could enhance the performance of insurance companies and provide relief to the sector. For the financial year 2024-25, IRDAI has outlined the proposed increases based on engine capacity (cc) for private vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers. Private vehicles mainly include private cars and two-wheelers. IRDAI determines the premium based on engine capacity (cc). The following is the estimated hike based on current rates and the proposed 1825 percent increase for the financial year 202425. Category Current Premium (2024-25) Estimated growth (18%) Estimated increase (25%) New Premium (18%) New Premium (25%) Private Cars (upto 1000 cc) 2094 377 524 2471 2618 Private cars (10001500 cc) 3416 615 854 4031 4270 Private Cars (above 1500 cc) 7897 1421 1974 9318 9871 Two wheelers (upto 75 cc) 538 97 135 635 673 Two-wheelers (75150 cc) 720 130 180 850 900 Two-wheelers (150350 cc) 1366 246 342 1612 1708 Two wheelers (above 350 cc) 2804 505 701 3309 3505 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The current premium for private cars up to 1000 cc is Rs 2,094. With an 18% increase, it will rise to Rs 2,471, and a 25% hike will raise it to Rs 2,618. For cars with engine capacity between 1000 cc and 1500 cc, the current premium is Rs 3,416. An 18% increase will take it to Rs 4,031, while a 25% hike will raise it to Rs 4,270. For cars above 1500 cc, the current premium is Rs 7,897. With an 18% hike, it will become Rs 9,318, and with a 25% increase, it will reach Rs 9,871. In the case of two-wheelers, the premium for bikes up to 75 cc is currently Rs 538. An 18% increase will make it Rs 635, while a 25% hike will raise it to Rs 673. For bikes between 75 cc and 150 cc, the current premium stands at Rs 720. An 18% rise will increase it to Rs 850, and a 25% hike will bring it to Rs 900. For bikes between 150 cc and 350 cc, the premium is Rs 1,366. An 18% hike will take it to Rs 1,612, while a 25% increase will raise it to Rs 1,708. For bikes above 350 cc, the premium is currently Rs 2,804. With an 18% hike, it will go up to Rs 3,309, and a 25% increase will raise it to Rs 3,505. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 06, 2025, 19:23 IST Bank Holiday Today: Are Banks Open Or Closed For Bakra Eid On June 07? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 08:24 IST Bank Holidays In June 2025: The festival of Bakra Eid is being celebrated across India on June 07. Are banks open or closed today? Bank holiday June 7: Are banks open or closed today? Bank Holidays In June 2025: Theres a question echoing in the minds of many today will banks be closed on Friday, June 07, on account of Bakra Eid (Eid al-Adha)? With the festival being widely celebrated across India, many are curious to know whether banking services will be available or if a holiday has been declared in their state. Recommended Stories Are Banks Open Today On Bakra Eid? The simple answer is no. The Bakrid holiday will be observed across the rest of the country on Saturday, June 7, followed by the regular weekly holiday on Sunday, June 8. Banks will be closed across the country on account of the Bakra Eid. As per the RBIs holiday list, banks will be open only in three cities: Ahmedabad, Gangtok, and Itanagar. Bank Holidays June 2025 List June 1 (Sunday) Weekly Holiday Banks closed in all states June 6 (Friday) Eid-ul-Azha Banks closed in Kerala June 7 (Saturday) Bakrid (Eid-uz-Zuha) Banks closed across the country June 8 (Sunday) Weekly Holiday June 11 (Wednesday) Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti / Saga Dawa Banks closed in Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim June 14 (Saturday) Second Saturday Banks closed across the country June 15 (Sunday) Weekly Holiday June 22 (Sunday) Weekly Holiday June 27 (Friday) Rath Yatra / Kang Banks closed in Odisha and Manipur June 28 (Saturday) Fourth Saturday Banks closed in all states June 29 (Sunday) Weekly Holiday June 30 (Monday) Remna Ni Banks closed in Mizoram top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During bank holidays, customers can continue to access services through net banking, mobile banking, UPI, and ATMs. While these digital platforms remain operational for transactions, cheque clearing and other physical banking activities governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act will not be processed on these days. 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 07, 2025, 08:24 IST Heavy Rainfall, Thunderstorm In Mumbai After Alert Issued: What IMD Said? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 16:45 IST The weather agency predicted intense weather conditions for the metropolitan in the coming days, as oligo cyclonic conditions and weak southwest monsoon winds affect the region. Vehicles move on a flooded road after heavy monsoon rainfall, in Mumbai. (IMAGE: PTI) Mumbai Rains: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a nowcast red alert for Mumbai due to expected intense spell of showers and thunderstorms. The alert was later downgraded after showers. The weather agency predicted intense weather conditions for the metropolitan in the coming days, as oligo cyclonic conditions and weak southwest monsoon winds affect the region. Recommended Stories It is important to understand that the warning issued for the next 24 hours is a Yellow Alert. Meanwhile, a Red Alert was issued for an intense spell of rainfall expected to last 23 hours. That particular spell is now subsiding, which is why it was categorised as a nowcast warning," IMD scientist Sushma Nair said as quoted by news agency ANI. Pune and Mumbai Weather Update: 7-10 June The IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies with a chance of moderate rain or thunderstorms from 7 to 10 June. For Mumbai-Santacruz, the forecast anticipates light rain until 10 June. The minimum temperature is expected to settle between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is predicted to be between 32 and 33 degrees Celsius. Monsoon Arrived Early In Mumbai The monsoon arrived early in Mumbai this year, commencing on 26 May and offering respite from the citys scorching heat. Earlier this week, Mumbai witnessed significant rainfall, with parts of the city receiving heavy downpours. Friday saw isolated showers across the metropolitan region, including 14 mm of rain in Santacruz. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ongoing monsoon has brought moderate rainfall to Mumbai, with Colaba recording 30 mm and Santacruz registering 47.1 mm over the last six days. Temperatures have remained slightly below average, however, high humidity levels have made it feel much warmer than usual. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 16:21 IST Pilot Refuses To Fly, Leaves Eknath Shinde Stuck At Jalgaon Airport For 45 Minutes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 12:43 IST The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers departure from Jalgaon was delayed after the pilot cited exhaustion and duty hour restrictions Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. (PTI file photo) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shindes return to Mumbai from Jalgaon was delayed twice on Friday first, due to technical issues before arrival, and later after the pilot of his aircraft refused to take off, citing duty hour limitations and ill health. According to NDTV, Shinde was scheduled to arrive at Jalgaon at 3.45 pm but reached nearly two-and-a-half hours late due to technical reasons. After landing, he travelled to Muktainagar by road, where he participated in the Palkhi Yatra (religious procession) of Sant Muktai, accompanied by ministers Girish Mahajan, Gulabrao Patil, and several administration officials. Recommended Stories After completing the visit and returning to Jalgaon airport at around 9.15 pm, a second delay occurred. The pilot of Shindes personal aircraft refused to fly, stating that his duty hours had ended and that fresh clearance would be needed to operate the flight. The pilot also cited ill health as an additional reason for refusing to take off, according to NDTV. As per News18 Marathi, the pilot had already been flying for 12 consecutive hours and was not in a position to continue, both due to his condition and technical regulations. In an attempt to resolve the situation, Mahajan, Patil, and other officials held discussions with the pilot for about 45 minutes. Mahajan also contacted airline officials for the required permissions. According to Lokmat Times, a doctor was also called to examine the pilots condition. After the medical assessment and necessary approvals, the pilot eventually agreed to operate the flight and the aircraft departed for Mumbai. Speaking to reporters, Girish Mahajan said, The pilot had a health-related concern and an issue with the timing. There were some technical difficulties too. We spoke to the airline company, and they explained the situation to the pilot in their own way. It was a minor issue." Kidney Patient Airlifted To Mumbai During the return flight, the Deputy Chief Ministers team assisted a woman who urgently needed to travel to Mumbai for a kidney surgery. According to NDTV, the woman, Sheetal Patil, and her husband had missed their scheduled flight. Upon learning about their situation, Mahajan arranged for the couple to board Shindes aircraft. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ambulance services were kept ready at Mumbai airport to immediately transfer the woman for surgery. Gulabrao Patil said, Eknath Shinde has not forgotten his days of struggle even today. He has shown sensitivity towards the common man." 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 07, 2025, 12:33 IST Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway Now Fully Open, Cuts Travel Time To 7 Hours With Smart Tunnel Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: June 06, 2025, 10:10 IST Samruddhi Mahamarg: The final leg of the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway opens, featuring Indias first smart tunnel with advanced fire safety and full mobile connectivity The distance from Nagpur to Mumbai can now be covered in just seven hours via the Samruddhi Expressway. (News18) Samruddhi Mahamarg Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway: Maharashtra marked a key infrastructure milestone with the full public opening of the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Expressway), which now seamlessly connects Nagpur to Mumbai. The final 76-kilometre stretchfrom Igatpuri in Nashik to Amane in Thaneis now operational, completing the 701-kilometre corridor. A major highlight of this newly opened segment is the states first smart tunnel, constructed through the challenging terrain of Kasara Ghat. Innovative Tunnel Technology Recommended Stories The Kasara Ghat Tunnel is Maharashtras longest road tunnel and Indias fourth-longest, spanning 7.8 kilometres. It features cutting-edge safety and connectivity measures: continuous mobile network coverage via a leaky cable, emergency phones every 150 metres, public address speakers every 30 metres, and a full oxygen supply system. The tunnel is monitored by 26 fire alarm systems and an integrated access control setup with radio communication and CCTV surveillance. A first in India, the tunnel also features an automatic high-pressure water mist fire suppression system, which activates when the temperature crosses 60Cspraying water to quickly extinguish fires. Construction Journey and Scale Construction of the Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as the NagpurMumbai Super Communication Expressway, began in 2016. The now-complete expressway features six tunnels, 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, and 65 flyovers. The newly opened tunnel section includes twin tubes with viaducts as high as 12.95 metres. Its construction required around 23,000 tonnes of cement and 400 tonnes of steel. Vehicles can pass through the tunnel in just seven minutesoffering substantial time savings for travellers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Faster, Safer, Smarter Travel With the expressway fully operational, travel time between Nagpur and Mumbai has been cut from over sixteen hours to just seven. Built to accommodate speeds of up to 150 km/h, the Samruddhi Mahamarg is the first expressway in India designed for such velocity. It spans 390 villages across 10 districts, with an estimated total project cost of Rs 55,000 crore. Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: June 06, 2025, 10:10 IST Class 10 Topper In Himachal's Mandi Becomes Deputy Commissioner For A Day Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 10:40 IST Anvi Singh, a Class 10 student from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, served as Deputy Commissioner for a day, overseeing an earthquake drill and public grievance sessions. Class 10th Mandi Topper, Anvi Singh (Image/ X@dcmandi) It was a proud and unforgettable day in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, as Anvi Singh, a bright Class 10 student, took charge as the Deputy Commissioner for a day a part of a unique initiative launched by the district administration to encourage and inspire young achievers. Anvi, a student of Alok Bharti School in Kotli and a resident of Doon village in Sarkaghat, secured the fourth position in the Class 10 Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) exams and emerged as the district topper. Recognising her academic excellence, she was selected to serve as the Deputy Commissioner under the newly introduced DC for a Day campaign. Recommended Stories DC for a day HPBoSE 10 DC pic.twitter.com/ujIYqPABsg DC Mandi (@dcmandi) June 6, 2025 On Friday morning, Anvi was warmly received at the DC office by Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan and the staff, as reported by PTI. She was given a tour of various administrative sections and briefed on the responsibilities involved in district-level governance. Her father, Vikram Singh Thakur, and grandfather accompanied her during this special experience. Her day as the DC began with overseeing an earthquake mock drill. She interacted with officials, assessed the drill, and reviewed the districts disaster preparedness. She later visited multiple departments within the DC office to understand their functions and participated in a public grievance redressal session, where she heard complaints and issued directions for resolution. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Describing the experience as the most unforgettable day of her life, Anvi thanked the district administration for the opportunity. Today I got to know closely the work of a Deputy Commissioner, his responsibilities and the administrative process," she told PTI, reflecting on her hands-on exposure to governance and leadership. Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan shared that the DC for a Day initiative aims to foster leadership qualities, confidence, and a sense of social responsibility among students. The campaign builds on past efforts like Apna Vidyalaya and Apna Pustakalaya to support student development and community engagement. 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 07, 2025, 10:40 IST HSSC Fake Website Racket Busted, Mastermind Nabbed In Gorakhpur Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 16:00 IST The fraudulent site mimicked the HSSC portal for CET 2025 registration, collecting fees through QR codes. Fake HSSC Website: Six people have been detained in the scam. (Representative Image/File) The Haryana Police arrested the key accused behind a cyber fraud that targeted job seekers through a fake Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) website on Friday, as reported by PTI. According to Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Haryana, Sumita Misra, the main accusedwhose name has not yet been disclosedwas operating a counterfeit portal created to resemble the official HSSC site. He was arrested from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. A total of six people have been taken into custody in connection with the scamfour from Gorakhpur, one from Kurukshetra, and one from Fatehabad, PTI reported. Recommended Stories Misra explained that the gang designed a fake website that closely imitated the HSSC portal for CET 2025 registration. Hosted on a third-party domain, the site collected registration fees through QR codes, deceiving unsuspecting candidates into making payments. Once the scam came to light, the HSSC complained to the Sector-5 Police Station in Panchkula. The fraudulent website was promptly removed from Google, and the QR code used for payments was deactivated. As per an official statement, at least 77 candidates were duped, with a total fraud amounting to approximately Rs 22,530. Panchkula DCP Srishti Gupta, who is leading the investigation, urged candidates to use only official government websites ending in .gov.in and to avoid transactions through QR codes or UPI IDs. Anyone found exploiting the dreams of young aspirants will face strict legal action," she said, adding that suspicious links or payment requests should be immediately reported to the nearest police station or the cybercrime helpline. The investigation is being carried out under the supervision of Haryana Police Commissioner Sibash Kabiraj. HPSC Assistant Professor Hindi Exam Cancelled top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the written examination for Assistant Professor (Hindi) posts, conducted on June 1, 2025. The move comes in response to serious allegations of a paper leak, technical disruptions, and security lapses at several exam centres in Panchkula. According to the Commission, the exam faced significant technical problems, particularly related to the printing and sealing of question papers. However, HPSC clarified that there was no evidence of intentional tampering or an organised paper leak. First Published: June 07, 2025, 16:00 IST TRIPOLI, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Saturday welcomed the decision of the Libyan Presidency Council to form two committees to address security and human rights concerns following recent armed clashes in the capital Tripoli. "These efforts are aimed at strengthening security arrangements to prevent the outbreak of fighting and ensure the protection of civilians, as well as addressing human rights concerns in detention facilities, including widespread arbitrary detention," the UNSMIL said in a statement. The Libyan Presidency Council on Thursday issued a decision to form a committee to make security and military arrangements in Tripoli and to "evacuate the city from all armed manifestations and allow regular military and police forces to perform their duties in a disciplined and organized manner." The council also issued a decision to form another committee responsible for monitoring human rights conditions inside detention centers and prisons, as well as to list and review cases of arrests carried out without judicial oversight or referral to the public prosecution. Tensions surged in Tripoli in mid-May after heavy fighting erupted between the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) and the 444 Brigade, a militia loyal to Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah. The violence broke out following the reported killing of an SSA commander inside a facility controlled by the 444 Brigade. Libya has been suffering political division and insecurity since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. Authorities struggle to impose their control in the country, as many armed groups operate independently. NEET 2020 Fraud: AIIMS Student Nabbed In Dummy Candidates Scam Just Before Graduation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 13:32 IST AIIMS Jodhpur student Sachin Gora was arrested for using a dummy candidate in the NEET-UG 2020 exam. NEET UG Scam: A deal of Rs 60 lakh was reportedly fixed to clear the entrance exam using the dummy candidate. Just months before completing his MBBS from AIIMS Jodhpur, a student was arrested on Friday for allegedly using a dummy candidate to appear in the NEET-UG 2020 examination, as reported by PTI. According to Rajasthan Police, the student, Sachin Gora, and another doctor have been arrested in the case, while a third doctor, currently serving as a health officer in Ghatwa, Nagaur, has been detained. Recommended Stories Jaipur Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Amit Kumar stated that a complaint from the National Testing Agency (NTA), New Delhi, revealed that Sachin, who scored 667 marks, never appeared for the exam himself. Instead, a dummy candidate wrote the test on his behalf, reported PTI. The investigation found that Dr Ajit Goras photo was used on Sachins admit card. Ajit, who completed his MBBS from Bharatpur Medical College, is currently undergoing a one-year internship. Sachin is now in the final year of his MBBS course at AIIMS Jodhpur. Officials say the fraud was facilitated by Dr Subhash Saini, the health officer in Ghatwa, who allegedly took a payment to arrange the impersonation. A deal of Rs 60 lakh was reportedly fixed to clear the entrance exam using the dummy candidate. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both Sachin and Ajit have been arrested, while Saini has been detained for questioning. During interrogation, police also discovered that in 2013, Saini had accepted Rs 65 lakh to help another individual pass the NEET-PG exam. At the time, six people were arrested in connection with that case. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Thursday granted permission to the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to conduct the NEET-PG 2025 exam on August 3, stating it was convinced that the reasons provided by the board for selecting the date were genuine. This decision follows the courts earlier order on May 30, which barred the exam from being held in two shifts and directed that it be conducted in a single shift only. 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 07, 2025, 13:32 IST What's The Mood Of Mumbai Ahead Of BMC Polls? Survey Finds Out Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 08, 2025, 10:42 IST A survey reveals a growing sense of dissatisfaction among Mumbaikars, not just with the prolonged absence of elected corporators, but also the way administrators have run the show Mumbai readies itself for the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. (PTI) As Mumbai readies itself for the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the citys political pulse is getting harder to ignore. According to a private surveyVote Vibethe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to lead the race, but the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction is far from out, riding on a wave of emotional connect, legacy politics, and discontent against the current civic setup. Recommended Stories The survey findings reveal a growing sense of dissatisfaction among Mumbaikarsnot just with the prolonged absence of elected corporators, but also with the way administrators have run the show for over two years. Many citizens feel ignored, voiceless, and stuck with an inefficient civic structure. Theres no one to hold accountable. The roads are broken, the drains are clogged, and nobody is answerable," said Rukmini Sharma, a schoolteacher from Kurla. We miss the days when we could approach our corporators directly." While BJP is banking on its strong organisational setup and state-central government coordination to push its development-first" narrative, the survey indicates that its not a one-sided battle. SHS-UBT, though weakened structurally after the split, continues to draw supportespecially in Marathi heartland pockets where Balasaheb Thackerays image still looms large. A striking trend observed in the survey is the emotional weight carried by the Thackeray surname. Aaditya Thackerays outreach and Uddhav Thackerays consistent connect with the grassroots have kept their faction politically relevant. Mumbai belongs to Balasaheb. His family still speaks our language," said Vinay Pawar, a 38-year-old resident of Dadar. Interestingly, the idea of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray joining handsthough both party leaders are just making statements and no official talks have begun as of nowshows surprising support among voters. Many believe a united Thackeray front could re-energise the Shiv Sena brand and reclaim its central space in Mumbai politics. At many places in Mumbai, like Goregaon in western suburbs and Girgaon in South Mumbai, supporters of both Thackeray brothers have put a banner urging them to reunite for betterment of Marathi Manoos. Even Shiv Sena UBT mouthpiece Saamana, while quoting Uddhav Thackeray, said: What is there is in the heart of Marathi Manoos, it will happen." Saamana also used an old picture of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray sitting together, when the latter was part of undivided Shiv Sena. At the same time, BJPs calculated partnership with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction may face turbulence due to this growing emotional narrative. While Shindes team has official backing, the survey shows that legitimacy in the eyes of voters is still up for debate. This dissatisfaction is not just party-specificits systemic. The lack of elected representation, unfulfilled civic promises, and visible decay in public infrastructure have created a strong undercurrent of demand for change. And in this climate, the party that can convincingly claim both performance and emotional authenticity is likely to emerge stronger. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For the Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar), the challenge lies in staying relevant. Though their roles appear limited in the current electoral narrative, their decisions on alliances and targeted campaigning could tip the scales in tightly contested wards. As campaigning gains momentum, whats clear from the survey is that Mumbai is not just voting for development this timeit is voting for dignity, accountability, and identity. Whether the BJP manages to translate its lead into votes or the Thackerays turn nostalgia into numbers remains the big question. But one thing is certain: the BMC polls in 2025 will be a defining moment in Mumbais political story. 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 07, 2025, 16:21 IST 150 Pakistani Contacts, Links To ISI: Details From 'Spy' Jasbir Singh's Probe Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 20:33 IST Jasbir Singh is the second content creator held in recent weeks in the investigation in which Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested earlier. Punjab Police has unearthed a critical espionage network linked to Jasbir Singh. (Image: X/@Theunk13) Punjab Youtuber Jasbir Singh, who was arrested by the Punjab Polices State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, for his alleged involvement in a Pakistan-backed espionage network, has been remanded to two more days of police custody by Mohali court. Singh was produced before the local court in Mohali on Saturday after his three-day police remand ended. The state police sought a seven-day remand but the court granted them two more days of custody, Singhs counsel said. Recommended Stories He is the second content creator held in recent weeks in the investigation in which Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested earlier. Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (41), a resident of Village Mahlan in Rupnagar, has been operating a YouTube channel "JaanMahal Video" with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs. Police Found 150 Pak Contacts From His Phone According to the police, the YouTuber had visited Pakistan six times and had around 150 contact numbers from the neighbouring country in his phone. After his arrest, Singh told the police during remand that he had given his laptop to a Pakistan intelligence officer for around an hour. Singh was in touch with Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) operative Danish alias Ehsan-ur-Rehman, who worked as a visa officer in the Pakistani embassy in Delhi. Singh also told the police that Danish had ordered some SIM cards from him. Investigations have revealed that Singh had attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danishs invitation, where he met Pakistani Army officials and vloggers. The accused has also travelled to Pakistan on three occasions, including in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and came into direct contact with ISI officers, who subsequently cultivated and recruited him to carry out espionage activities within India. Earlier, Singh was found to be associated with Pakistan Intelligence Officer Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa. He also disclosed during police interrogation that former Pakistan cop Nasir Dhillon had introduced him to ISI officials in Lahore. Attempted Cover-Up By Jasbir Singh Following the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, Jasbir Singh is believed to have attempted to erase traces of his links with ISI handlers. However, forensic examination of his digital devices uncovered communication with several Pakistani phone numbers. Punjab Police have arrested at least seven individuals in the case so far, including Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih from Amritsar, Guzala and Yameen Mohamad from Malerkotla, and Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh from Gurdaspur. Espionage Network Busted In India The development comes as a series of revelations regarding Pakistani spy networks in India. Several Indians were arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan including a CRPF personnel Moti Ram Jat from Rajasthan, a contractual health worker Sahdevsinh Gohil posted in the border district of Kutch, a YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra from Haryana who has several lakhs of subscribers. She was arrested in Haryana this month. She had travelled to Pakistan a number of times. Additionally, a Rajasthan government employee was detained in Jaisalmer on suspicion of espionage for Pakistan with sources saying he worked as an assistant to former Congress minister Shale Mohammad. Prior to this months conflict, Pakistanis and Indians were able to travel to each others countries, but it has long been very difficult to obtain visas due to government bureaucracy and historical mistrust. The relations between India and Pakistan hit rock bottom after the neighbouring country resorted to a terror attack in Kashmirs iconic Pahalgam, killing 26 innocent tourists on April 22. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response, India, on the intervening night of May 7 and 8, launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and destroyed multiple terror targets there. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Location : Chandigarh, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 20:33 IST 81,000 Vials, Rs 24 Crore In 3 Months: Weight Loss Drug Mounjaro Sales Triple As Patients Shift To Higher Dose Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 15:53 IST With three months since its launch in India, according to latest Pharmatrac data, Mounjaro clocked Rs 12.6 crore in sales in May 2025a threefold increase from March Data shows that the 2.5mg dose of Mounjaro---generally prescribed as the starting regimen for type 2 diabetes patients or those looking to shed weight---has shown signs of plateauing growth. In a sign of rising adoption, sales of Mounjarothe breakthrough weight loss and type 2 diabetes drughave nearly tripled in the last two months, data shows. American drugmaker Eli Lilly launched Mounjaro in India on March 20, triggering immediate frenzy, especially among those looking to achieve weight loss and glucose control. Recommended Stories Doctors told News18 they were flooded with requests from patients eager to start Mounjaro or learn more about its benefits. With three months since its launch in India, according to latest Pharmatrac data, Mounjaro clocked Rs 12.6 crore in sales in May 2025a threefold increase from March. The higher dosage form of five milligram, in particular, more than doubled in value and quantity sales between April and May, indicating a strong trend of patient progression to the next stage of treatment. As per the medical protocol, patients start with lower dosage of 2.5 milligram weekly dose and upgrade to 5 milligram after four weeks. This clinical shift is clearly reflected in market numbers. Five mg pack sales jumped from Rs 3.08 crore in April to Rs 7.53 crore in May, while unit sales rose from over 9,300 to over 22,900," Sheetal Sapale, vice-president (commercial), Pharmatrac, told News18. Looking at these trends and the acceptance of this therapyby physicians as well as patientsalong with the affordable pricing of Rs 18,000 to Rs 22,000 per month dosage indicates a definite pick up in consumption." The total market for Mounjaro has reached Rs 23.94 crore over the past three months, selling more than 81,000 vials of the drugsignalling growing adoption in diabetes care protocols. According to Dr Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, clinical use of Mounjaro in India closely reflects the trends observed in the data. A substantial number of patients are being initiated at 2.5 mg, with a timely escalation to 5 mg in line with recommended protocols. This pattern suggests good tolerability and early clinical efficacy in glycemic control and weight reduction." Misra told News18: With growing familiarity and broader access, increased use of higher doses (7.5 mg and above) is likely, especially in patients requiring enhanced metabolic outcomes." The injectable drug is approved by Indias apex drug regulatory body, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection priced at Rs 4,375 for a 5 mg vial and Rs 3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial, making the monthly expenditure around Rs 14,000-Rs 17,500. The drug is claimed to be 80 per cent cheaper than in the United States. Entry-Level Dosage Sales Plateau Mounjaro, the brand name for Tirzepatide, a once-weekly injectable, is a first-in-class medication that combines the effects of two naturally occurring hormones: GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide) and GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). Data shows that the 2.5mg dose of Mounjarogenerally prescribed as the starting regimen for type 2 diabetes patients or those looking to shed weighthas shown signs of plateauing growth". This trend confirms a gradual shift to higher doses. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The sales value for the 2.5 mg injection rose marginally from Rs 4.80 crore in April to Rs 5.08 crore in May, after a steeper increase from Rs 1.42 crore in March. The data shows that the unit sales also reflect this trend, increasing from 5,400 in March to 18,270 in April, but only marginally to 19,350 in May. While the 2.5 mg variant remains essential for entry-level patient initiation, its month-on-month growth may continue to taper off as the patient base matures and advances to the next phase of dosing. About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 15:53 IST Bengaluru Man Beheads Wife Over Suspected Affair, Surrenders With Head To Police Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 17:29 IST The man suspected that his wife was having an affair. He beheaded her after an argument broke out between them. The accused has been identified as 26-year-old Shankar (Representative image) Less than a week after a man was arrested for beheading his sister-in-law in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district, a similar incident has been reported in Bengaluru, where a man killed his wife, suspecting her of infidelity. The 26-year-old accused, identified as Shankar, severed his wife Manasas head, carried it on a scooter to the nearest police station, and confessed to the crime, PTI reported, citing officials. He was subsequently arrested. Recommended Stories According to the police, the couple were married for five years and have a four-year-old daughter. During interrogation, Shankar revealed he had recently discovered his wifes alleged affair. This led to frequent arguments, after which she moved to her mothers house. The couple worked in private firms; the man in Koramangala and the woman in Bommasandra. On Friday, Manasa returned to her husbands home to attempt a reconciliation, citing their daughter. She also denied the affair. However, a heated argument ensued, culminating in Shankar beheading his wife with a sickle. Leaving her body at home, he carried her head on his scooter to the police station. According to the police, initial investigations indicate Shankar planned the murder, evidenced by his purchase of a sickle from a shop near his home. We have registered a case of murder and arrested the accused. Further investigation is underway," the officer said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a separate incident earlier this week in West Bengal, a man beheaded his sister-in-law, then paraded through the streets carrying the severed head and the weapon before surrendering at Basanti Police Station. The police took the accused, identified as Bimal Mondal, into custody. First Published: June 07, 2025, 17:29 IST 'Came For Vacation, Left With A Body': Delhi Man Dies In Mussoorie Traffic Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 19:11 IST Blaming the administration for the demise of one Kamal Kishore, his nephew said that the tourism department must learn from this incident to ensure no other family has to suffer. The 62-year-old man was a local from Delhi (Representative image) A 62-year-old Delhi man died after becoming trapped in a massive traffic jam in Mussoorie. Identified as Kamal Kishore, the tourist had arrived in Mussoorie on 5 June for a vacation. Kishore, staying in an apartment on Motilal Nehru Road, suddenly fell ill. His family decided to take him to the nearby Landour Community Hospital. They initially dialled the 108 emergency service for an ambulance but were told it would take at least half an hour to arrive from Dehradun, India Today reported. Recommended Stories The family then opted to transport Kishore themselves. However, Mussoories narrow roads were severely congested with traffic, including numerous tempo travellers and tourist vehicles, causing a substantial jam. Despite efforts by local residents and police to alleviate the gridlock, it took almost 45 minutes to clear a path. Tragically, Kamal Kishore had died en route by the time they reached the hospital. The family blamed the administration for the inadequate management and Kishores tragic death. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We came here for a vacation, but were now returning with a body. The administration and tourism department must learn from this incident to ensure no other family has to suffer the way we did," Arjun Kapoor, the deceaseds nephew, told India Today. Confirming the incident, Mussoorie Circle Officer Manoj Aswal stated that police officers had rushed to the scene and attempted CPR. He also advised the public to call 112 in any emergency, assuring them that the police would provide all possible assistance. Location : Mussoorie, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 19:11 IST 'Everything Went Dark': Helmetless Rider Survives 33 Glass Shards In Throat After Pune Accident Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 21:28 IST The incident occurred on April 21 when the youth, riding without a helmet, collided head-on with a pickup truck in Pune The biker was without a helmet when he collided head-on with the four-wheeler (Representative image) A 20-year-old college student almost lost his voice after a road accident left him with 33 glass pieces embedded in his throat in Chakan, Pune. The incident occurred on April 21 when the youth, riding without a helmet, collided head-on with a pickup truck. Recommended Stories The impact flung him onto the windshield of the truck, shattering it and forcing shards of glass deep into his neck. He was rushed to Medicover Hospital in Chinchwad in a semi-conscious state, bleeding heavily from his throat. The accident and the surgery took place on April 21. The larynx was swollen. We had to remove 33 glass pieces from the patients throat; some were so tiny and deeply embedded that it took immense precision and patience to remove them," Dr Manohar Suryawanshi, ENT and head & neck surgeon at Medicover Hospital was quoted as saying by TOI. The medical team also had to delicately repair blood vessels and nerves surrounding the larynx. The proximity of the glass to vital structures in the throat raised concerns about long-term voice impairment. However, the patient made a steady recovery. He was discharged in stable condition on April 29 and, in a follow-up visit on May 29, had regained his natural voice. The patient recovered, and when he came to us for a follow-up, he had regained his original voice," Dr Suryawanshi added. According to neurosurgeon Dr Ninad Patil, who also treated the patient, Though the patient may have suffered some head trauma, the injuries to the throat were more serious. The glass had pierced deeply, and it was a rare and risky surgery to perform." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The young man reportedly does not remember the accident. Everything went dark after the crash," he is said to have told doctors during his recovery. The incident has renewed focus on road safety and the life-saving importance of wearing helmets. Doctors noted that the outcome could have been far worse had the shards pierced deeper into the vocal cords or major blood vessels. First Published: June 07, 2025, 21:27 IST In Debt, Tamil Nadu Doctor Dies By Suicide After Self-Administering IV Fluids Inside Car Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 30, 2025, 21:44 IST Police confirmed that the 29-year-old had taken IV fluids himself inside the vehicle, suggesting possible suicide. The body of the doctor was found from inside a parked car | Image: X A young doctor was found dead inside a parked car near Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, after allegedly administering intravenous (IV) fluids to himself. The deceased, identified as Dr Joshua Samraj, a postgraduate medical student from Salem working in Madurai, was reportedly under financial strain, police said. Recommended Stories The body was discovered in a forested area near Poomparai after locals noticed the car had been parked in the same spot for three days and alerted authorities. Police confirmed that the 29-year-old had taken IV fluids himself inside the vehicle, suggesting possible suicide. A suicide note was recovered from the car in which Dr Samraj apologised to his family but did not blame anyone or mention a specific reason for taking the step. His parents later told police that he had been suffering from depression due to personal relationship issues. There were reports that he took the extreme step due to losses in online gaming. We have not found any such detail in his suicide note, nor do his parents say so. We are investigating," a police official told NDTV. Authorities have registered a case and sent the body for post-mortem examination. The final cause of death will be determined following the autopsy report, they said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The incident has once again raised concerns over mental health challenges among young professionals, particularly in the medical field. Suicide Prevention: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 23:19 IST 'Perpetrators Of Evil Cant Be Put On A Par With Victims: Jaishankar To UK Foreign Minister Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 15:21 IST Jaishankar thanked the British government for its strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and supporting India's anti-terror stance. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (Reuters Image) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked the British government for its strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and for expressing solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism. He said India never wanted perpetrators of terrorism to be put on par with its victims. Speaking at delegation-level talks with his British counterpart, David Lammy, in Delhi, Jaishankar said India practised a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expected partners to understand it. We will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with their victims," he said. Recommended Stories This came after Indias all-party delegation in London received support from the British government for Operation Sindoor, which was launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The delegation, led by BJPs Ravi Shankar Prasad, reaffirmed Indias united stance and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. The delegation interacted with UK-based think tanks, UK government ministers and India friendship groups during its visit from May 31 to June 3. During Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces struck terrorist camps in Pakistans Punjab and PoK. Four targets were hit in Punjab, where the headquarters of Jaish and Lashkar are located, while five targets were destroyed in PoK, officials said. As many as 21 terror strikes across nine targets were carried out within 25 minutes late Tuesday night, around 1 am to 1.30 am. India and Pakistan exchanged four days of cross-border hostilities before agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10. Seven all-party delegations had travelled to various countries, briefing key interlocutors about Operation Sindoor in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Indias strong resolve to fight terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Jaishankar on India-UK FTA Jaishankar also addressed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a milestone", which will propel two-way trade between the countries and have a positive effect on other strategic aspects of bilateral ties. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It will also contribute to the strengthening of supply and value chains," he said, while also highlighting other avenues of India-UK cooperation. The historic announcement regarding the conclusion of talks on the free trade agreement (FTA) was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer in May. India and the UK sealed the deal along with a double contribution convention. Modi said the historic milestone" will catalyse trade, investment, growth and job creation in both economies. About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 13:07 IST Marriage, Disappearance, Murder: Inside Indore Couples Chilling Meghalaya Trip Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 09, 2025, 08:53 IST Upon thorough search, Raja's body was found in a gorge on June 2, while Sonam surrendered to police on June 9. The couple, who were on their honeymoon, went missing on 23 May shortly after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. An Indore-based newlywed couple Raja Raghuvanshi (30) and Sonam Raghuwanshi (27) who came to rain-soaked hills of Meghalaya for their honeymoon, shockingly disappeared on May 23. Upon thorough search, Rajas body was found in a gorge on June 2, while in a major breakthrough, the missing wife was traced and arrested in Uttar Pradeshs Ghazipur on charges of allegedly murdering her husband. Recommended Stories Heres the timeline of the incidents: May 20, Guwahati: The duo embarked on their honeymoon on May 20, where Guwahati was their first stop. May 21, Shillong: The couple reached Balaji Guest House in Meghalayas Shillong and checked in. May 22 morning, Shillong: They rented a two-wheeler on Keating Road in the morning and returned to Balaji Guest House. They checked out, skipping breakfast, and informed the manager theyd be back by May 25, or would call if they needed a room. May 22 evening, Mawlakhiat, East Khasi Hills: The couple arrived in Mawlakhiat village 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. May 23, morning: Mawlakhiat, East Khasi Hills: The couple checked out of Shipara Homestay and returned to Mawlakhiat village unaccompanied by their guide. They departed from Mawlakhiat and later they vanished from the Sohra (Cherrapunji) area. A search began in the surrounding areas with assistance from local villagers. Albert Pde, a local guide at Mawlakhiat, told news agency PTI that he saw the couple with three male tourists while they were climbing from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat around 10 am on May 23. The guide told the police the couple informed him they would manage by themselves and did not use his service for the return trek. May 24, Sohrarim: The headman of Sohrarim village in East Khasi Hills has reported to the police the discovery of an abandoned scooty within their village. May 25, Sohrarim: The police traced the scooty owner, who came to Sohra police station and confirmed that the Raghuvanshi couple had rented the two-wheeler. June 2, Wei Sawdong Falls: 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. June 4, Sohra: A raincoat with blood stains suspected to possibly belong to the missing tourist was recovered near Mawkma Road, Sohra, and was 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 had said. June 9, Ghazipur, UP: Sonam was traced and arrested. According to DGP I Nongrang, Raja was allegedly killed by men hired by his wife during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Sonam surrendered before the police in Ghazipur, while three other assailants were arrested in overnight raids, the DGP said. One person was picked up from UP, and another two accused were apprehended from Indore by the SIT," news agency PTI quoted her as saying. Sonam surrendered at the Nandganj police station in UP, and was subsequently arrested," she added. Nongrang said the arrested men have revealed that the wife had hired them to kill Raghuvanshi. It was also learnt that Sonam Raghuvanshi, late last night, called up her brother, Govind, and informed him that she was in UP. Murder Case Filed top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : Meghalaya, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 23:53 IST GABORONE, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The final of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for primary school students in Botswana was held Friday in the capital, Gaborone. Organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana (CIUB) and hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, the event showcased local people's growing interest in learning the Chinese language and culture and highlighted the deepening cultural and educational ties between the two countries. The competition featured three segments, namely a written test, a speech, and a talent show. Ten students from five local primary schools demonstrated their skills in poetry, singing, dancing, martial arts, and traditional Chinese paper-cutting. Eleven-year-old Nomsa Kelepile, who began learning Chinese at the CIUB in March this year, emerged as this year's champion. Delighted by her achievement, she said she looks forward to representing Botswana in the global finals to be held in China. "Children are the future, and language is the bridge (that) connects people," said Cui Yin, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Botswana. "Botswana's bright young minds will brighten the future of Botswana and bridge our two countries and peoples." As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and Botswana, Cui said that such educational exchanges will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation. Pansy Mphinyane, a representative from the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, emphasized the broader impact of cultural exchange, noting that learning Chinese at a young age lays a foundation for lasting friendship and mutual understanding among children from both countries. 'Masood Azhar For Peace': Priyanka Chaturvedi Rips Into UN Over Pakistan's Anti-Terror Role Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 22:26 IST Slamming the UNSC for appointing Pakistan as the vice-chair of the anti-terror panel, Chaturvedi said the decision is like saying Masood Azhar to be the professor of global peace. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi. (File) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday called out Pakistans role and the irony of its position on the United Nations Security Councils Counter-Terrorism Committee, saying that 52 designated terrorists reside in Pakistan. Slamming the UNSC for appointing Pakistan as the vice-chair of the anti-terror panel, Chaturvedi said the decision is like saying Masood Azhar to be the professor of global peace. Recommended Stories Pakistan has become a part of the UN Security Council. You all are aware that 52 terrorists reside in Pakistan. But they have been given the vice chairmanship of counter-terrorism," the Rajya Sabha MP, who is currently in Germanys Berlin as part of all-party delegation, said. #WATCH | Berlin, Germany | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, We are often told that India is a tolerant nation, yes India is a tolerant nation. We are a land of Mahatma and Buddha, but we are also the land of Krishna. Whenever there is injustice and we have to fight pic.twitter.com/8Jhq6UtQoA ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2025 It is just like saying Masood Azhar to be the professor of global peaceIt needs to be called out. The whole world is suffering due to this" she added. Highlighting Indias dual legacy of peace from Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha, and of righteous resistance from Lord Krishna, Chaturvedi declared that India will not hesitate to fight terror in pursuit of justice. We are often told that India is a tolerant nation, yes, India is a tolerant nation. We are a land of Mahatma and Buddha, but we are also the land of Krishna. Whenever there is injustice and we have to fight with the terrorists to serve justice, we will do that without any hesitation" she added. Chaturvedi is a member of the delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, which includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-26 term, Pakistan will chair the Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UNSC. Apart from chairing the UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee, Pakistan will also be the vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the 15-nation UN body. According to a list of chairs of the subsidiary bodies of the UN Security Council, Denmark will chair the 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, while Russia and Sierra Leone will be vice-chairs for 2025. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, India, which co-chaired the Counter Terrorism Committee in 2022, has consistently reminded the international community that Pakistan is host to the worlds largest number of UN-proscribed terrorists and entities, including notorious terrorist Osama bin Laden, who was found and eliminated by American forces in Pakistan in 2011. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Location : Berlin, Germany First Published: June 07, 2025, 22:26 IST Meghalaya Tourist Guide Claims Indore Couple Was With 3 Men On Day They Went Missing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 23:00 IST Albert Pde, a local guide at Mawlakhiat village, said that he saw the couple with three male tourists on the day of their disappearance. Raja and Sonam had originally planned to visit Sri Lanka but were persuaded to go to Shillong after visiting Kamakhya Devi. A tourist guide in Meghalaya told police that the honeymooning couple from Indore who went missing on May 23 were last seen accompanied by three unidentified men, according to a PTI report. The couple- Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam- had been vacationing in the East Khasi Hills district when they vanished from the Sohra (Cherrapunji) area. Raja Raghuvanshi s body was recovered earlier this week, but Sonam remains missing. A multi-agency search operation is underway to trace her. Recommended Stories What Tourist Guide Said On Indore Couple Albert Pde, a local guide at Mawlakhiat village, told PTI that he saw the couple with three male tourists while they were climbing the 3,000 steps from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat around 10 am on May 23. Albert Pde recalled offering to guide the couple a day earlier, but they had declined and hired someone else. I recognised them when I saw them again. The four men were ahead, and the woman was walking behind. They were speaking in Hindi, which I couldnt fully follow," Albert Pde said. He added that when he reached Mawlakhiat, the couples scooter was no longer there. An official confirmed to PTI that this information had been shared with local police. What Sonams Family Has Said Sonams brother, Govind, criticised the pace and direction of the investigation, accusing the Meghalaya government of treating the case as if she were already dead. We believe Sonam is alive. The government needs to search for her like shes alive. Bring in the CBI or any other agency," he told PTI. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Responding to the criticism, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the government was making every effort to locate the missing woman. The ongoing operation, however, has been hampered by challenging terrain, incessant rain and poor visibility. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said, We are doing everything we can. Our teams are working tirelessly with trained dogs and special equipment. The search will continue." 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 : Meghalaya, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 23:00 IST Mumbai-Pune E-way To Turn Into 10-Lane 'Superhighway'? What It Means For 1L+ Weekend Commuters Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 14:42 IST The total estimated cost for the entire widening project is Rs 14,260 crore, with construction costs alone around Rs 8,440 crore The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Indias first and oldest access-controlled expressway, was inaugurated in 2002. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced a major upgrade to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, proposing to expand it into a 10-lane superhighway. The move comes as a long-term solution to tackle increasing congestion on one of Indias busiest and most expensive expressways. This is an upgrade from our earlier proposal to make it an eight-lane facility. The latest plan will cost around Rs 1,420 crore," said Anilkumar Gaikwad, MSRDC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, on Friday. Recommended Stories Gaikwad told The Times of India that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being finalised and will be submitted to the state government for approval. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Indias first and oldest access-controlled expressway, was inaugurated in 2002 and stretches 94.6 km. Built by the MSRDC at an initial cost of about Rs 1.63 lakh crore, the expressway connects Mumbai with Pune a key educational and industrial hub in Maharashtra. Currently, the expressway sees around 65,000 vehicles on weekdays and over 1 lakh on weekends. With traffic volume growing by nearly 56% each year, MSRDC believes that expanding the corridor is essential to keep pace with demand. Presently, a trip between the two cities takes about two hours under normal conditions, but weekend congestion often extends travel time by an hour. The proposed expansion is expected to reduce this delay significantly, offering smoother travel even during peak periods. The total estimated cost for the entire widening project is Rs 14,260 crore, with construction costs alone around Rs 8,440 crore. Interestingly, MSRDC plans to fund the project through toll collections instead of relying on government funds. We will bank on toll collection," Gaikwad said, adding that the financing model either Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) or annuity will be decided later. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The current toll agreement is valid until 2045, and MSRDC may seek an extension if the expansion is approved. If implemented, the 10-lane upgrade could transform the expressway into a faster and more efficient route, easing pressure on one of Indias most vital road links. ALSO READ: Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Heres What You Need To Know About Indias Most Expensive Highway 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 07, 2025, 13:39 IST New CCTV Clip Shows Indore Couple Outside Hotel Before Going Missing In Meghalaya Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 18:29 IST The newly emerged footage, nearly five minutes long showed the couple, Raja Raghuvanshi (30) and Sonam Raghuvanshi (27) arriving at a Shillong homestay on a scooter on May 22. On June 2, Raja's body was found, with the help of a drone, inside a deep gorge. (X) Indore Missing Couple Case: A new CCTV footage of the Indore couple who went missing in Meghalaya on their honeymoon on May 23 and where one of them was later found dead has surfaced amid an intensified probe to trace the woman. The newly emerged footage, nearly five minutes long, accessed by T7 News Channel, showed the couple, Raja Raghuvanshi (30) and Sonam Raghuvanshi (27) arriving at a Shillong homestay on a scooter on May 22, a day before they went missing. Recommended Stories Later, the couple, both in black jackets, was seen arriving at the homestay with a white suitcase. The couple was seen normally interacting with each other before Raja went inside to talk to the staff at the registration desk. Sonam was seen taking off her jacket and fixing her hair. New CCTV footage accessed by T7 has revealed that Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi, the missing couple from Indore, arrived at a guesthouse in Sohra on May 22, 2025, at around 12:42 PM on a rented scooty.According to sources, due to unavailability of rooms, the couple requested the pic.twitter.com/Nm19ZfNIAX T7NEWS (@T7NEWS1) June 7, 2025 Moments later, Raja came out, took a few things out of the suitcase, and handed them over to Sonam. The white shirt Sonam was seen wearing in the CCTV footage was later found near Rajas body. The same scooter also seen in the footage was later found abandoned near the spot where Rajas body was discovered, police officials said. MP CM Mohan Yadav Urges CBI Probe Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI inquiry into the disappearance of the couple in Meghalaya. Madhya Pradesh stands with the family of Sonam Raghuvanshi in this hour of crisis. I have discussed this matter with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Senior police officers of Madhya Pradesh are in constant touch with the officials of Meghalaya. I have requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI inquiry in this case. Every possible effort is being made for the safe return of Sonam Raghuvanshi," he said in a post on X. 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. 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 : Meghalaya, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 18:25 IST News18 Operation Sindoor Poll: Rahul Gandhis Narender Surrender Barb Boomerangs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 17:40 IST When asked, Is the remark Narender Surrender in good taste?, a massive 87.55% of the respondents have answered No, with only 12.45% picking Yes Rahul Gandhi has used the slogan 'Narender Surrender" to allege that PM Modi 'surrendered' and stopped the attacks into Pakistan after a call from US President Donald Trump. Image/X The Congress and its MP Rahul Gandhi have been trying to corner Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan following Indias anti-terror Operation Sindoor. The results of a News18 public poll, however, indicate overwhelming support for PM Modi and aversion for the Congresss tactics. Rahul Gandhi has used the slogan Narender Surrender" to allege that PM Modi surrendered" and stopped the attacks after a call from US President Donald Trump. The Congress also shared a two-panel cartoon on social media site X: the first showed Trump yelling Narender, surrender" into the phone, and the second showed Modi saying yes, sir". Recommended Stories Even as Trump has claimed on multiple occasions that he had a role in the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the Indian government has maintained that the operation was paused at the request of Pakistan and no third party was involved in the process. India launched precision strikes aimed at terror establishments in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under the codename Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people. When asked, Is the remark Narender Surrender in good taste?", a massive 87.55% of the respondents answered No", with only 12.45% picking Yes". The poll by News18 was conducted over two days, May 6 and May 7, 2025, using state-of-the-art software. It was held on News18s websites and social media platforms, and also via television channels using QR codes. A total of 14,671 responses were collected. To the question, Do you believe that PM Modi has consistently taken a strong stand when it comes to national security?", a whopping 88.06% of the respondents replied Yes", while just 11.94% picked No". Another key question was, The BJP says that the Indus Water Treaty signed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Ayub Khan is a surrender of national interest. Do you agree?" To this, 83.38% of the respondents said Yes" and only 16.62% chose No". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all BJP leaders have hit out at Rahul Gandhi over his tactics, with party national president JP Nadda accusing the Wayanad MP of treason" as well as insulting the valour and courage of the armed forces. Rahul Gandhi calling the unmatched valour and courage of the Indian Army a surrender is not only unfortunate but also a grave insult to the Indian Army, the nation and 140 crore Indians. If any Pakistani had said this, we would have laughed at him, but after the way Operation Sindoor wreaked havoc in Pakistan, no one from the people of Pakistan to its army and even its Prime Minister dared to say this, but Rahul Gandhi is saying this! This is nothing less than treason," Nadda said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 17:38 IST News18 Poll: Indus Waters Treaty Signed By Nehru Surrender Of National Interest, Say 83% People Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 18:14 IST News18 conducted a public poll to gauge the mood of the nation on Indias Operation Sindoor and associated responses to Pakistans terror tactics Jawaharlal Nehru and Ayub Khan signed the Indus Waters Treaty. File image Pakistan has written four letters requesting India to reconsider its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in suspension after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 tourists. But India has clearly said that, like terror and trade cannot go together, blood and water also cant flow together. The Narendra Modi government has underscored that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Islamabad credibly and irrevocably" ends its support for cross-border terrorism. News18 has conducted a public poll to gauge the mood of the nation on Indias Operation Sindoor and associated responses to Pakistans terror tactics. A key question was, The BJP says that the Indus Water Treaty signed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Ayub Khan is a surrender of national interest. Do you agree?" To this, 83.38% of the respondents said Yes" and only 16.62% chose No". Recommended Stories The poll was conducted over two days, May 6 and May 7, 2025, using state-of-the-art software. It was held on News18s websites and social media platforms, and also via television channels using QR codes. A total of 14,671 responses were collected. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently reignited the debate over the Indus Waters Treaty, criticising Jawaharlal Nehru for allocating 80% of the Indus basin water flow to Pakistan under the 1960 agreement. This is a historic decision; the Indus Waters Treaty has been cancelled. This is not an ordinary incident. When the Indus Waters Treaty was signed, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister; he gave 80% of the water to Pakistan. Not only was water given, along with water, 83 crore rupees were also given, which is currently worth 5 thousand 500 crore rupees. By depriving our own farmers, we are giving water to those who are responsible for breeding terrorists," he added. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also criticised Nehru for signing the treaty and referred to it as the greatest strategic blunder in Indias history". Taking to X, he wrote, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehrus signing of the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960 stands as one of the greatest strategic blunders in Indias history. Despite Indias natural upper riparian advantage, Nehru, under immense pressure from the then-American administration and the World Bank, handed away over 80% of the Indus basin waters to Pakistangifting full control over the mighty Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while restricting India to the smaller eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej)." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, with the World Bank as an additional signatory. The pact sought to divide the water of the Indus river and its tributaries equitably between the two countries. Under the treaty, water from three eastern riversBeas, Ravi, and Sutlejwas allocated to India, and that from the three western riversChenab, Indus, and Jhelumto Pakistan. The treaty also permitted both nations to use the others rivers for certain purposes, such as small hydroelectric projects that require little or no water storage. 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 07, 2025, 18:14 IST 'Not Just An Indian Problem': Rajnath Singhs Five-Point Plan For The World To Fight Terrorism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 08:25 IST In an article, the defence minister called for Pakistans greylisting at the FATF and placing its nuclear weapons under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (Image Credit: PTI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday outlined the Narendra Modi governments new position of zero tolerance against terrorism, calling out Pakistan for targeting India and suggesting five ways the global community can fight against terror. In an article in Times of India, Singh, while calling terrorism a scourge on humanity" said it thrives on misguided notions of revolution, martyrdom, and a romanticised view of violence". Recommended Stories The assertion that one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter is a dangerous misnomertrue freedom can never be built on fear and bloodshed. The currency of terrorism is fear. Yet, even in spreading fear, they have failed to instil any sense of pessimism." Lauding Indias resolute will to stand up against repeated terrorist attacks, Singh said: India is testimony to this fact. Whether its 26/11 or the 2001 Parliament attack or the recent Pahalgam attack, India stands taller, stronger, and more resolute than ever. All peace- loving nations need to come together to eradicate this menace once and for all." The minister, while training guns on Pakistan, said for decades, India has been a victim of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism originating from the neighbours soil. The recent Pahalgam attack was a brutal and failed attempt to fracture Indian unity. This was evident in the manner in which terrorists inquired about the religion of tourists before killing them. A similar attempt to threaten Indian unity emerged when Pakistan utilised drones and artillery to attack various religious sites belonging to different faiths." Singh added that India has made it clear that we have a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism". Talks and terrorism cannot go hand-in-hand. Any future dialogue with Pakistan will focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Also, if Pakistan is serious, it must hand over UN-designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar." The minister also made a mention of Operation Sindoorwherein Indian forces pounded terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmirsaying: For a long time, we have reacted to terrorist acts while searching for a long-term vision and strategy. Our armed forces were earlier only allowed to engage in defensive action. With surgical strikes (2016), Balakot strikes (2019), and now Operation Sindoor, India has made a fundamental reappraisal of its policy towards Pakistan-sponsored terrorists." He added: Its now our policy that we will proactively eradicate terrorists wherever they are. Any act of terror is now considered an act of war. If theres a terrorist attack on India, a befitting reply will be given without differentiating between the government sponsoring terrorism and terrorists themselves. If Pakistan is unable to rein in terrorists operating from its soil, it will have to pay the price." Singh said given that military action against terrorists is necessary, but not sufficient", India struck at the foundation of terrorist infra, successfully isolating Pakistan diplomatically and economically. We have kept the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly renounces its support for cross-border terrorism. This decision carries significant implications for Pakistan, which relies on the Indus river system for 80 per cent of its 16mn hectare of agricultural land and 93 per cent of its overall water usage, supporting 237mn people and contributing one-fourth of Pakistans GDP." The minister also called out to the global community to join the war against terror, saying terrorism is not just an Indian problem" and listed five key measures to effectively dismantle terrorist networks". He said: First, define the term terrorism. Theres no consensus yet on what constitutes terrorism. The closest we have come to defining terrorism is in the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism in UN, based on an Indian proposal." The minister added that semantic issues must not limit the battle against terrorism". In a reference to Pakistan, Singh said: Second, we need to freeze finances of not only terrorist organisations but also states sponsoring terrorism. Multilateral agencies and donor countries must recognise that Pakistan has a history of misusing bailout packages and uses debt financing for sponsoring cross-border terrorism. Hence, Pakistan needs to be again greylisted by FATF, and all funding needs to be cut off till the time Islamabad credibly and irrevocably renounces its terror operations." He also drew attention towards the complicity of state and non-state actors in the neighbouring country, giving the instance of designated terrorists being accorded funerals with state honours in the presence of military officials in uniform, saying: In Pakistan, theres a persistent threat that atomic weapons may end up with non-state actors. The international community must acknowledge this serious risk, and Pakistans nuclear weapons should be placed under the supervision of International Atomic Energy Agency." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Fourth, theres a need to call out countries that use surrogates to destabilise their neighbourhood. The scope and severity of reactions to terrorist acts cannot depend on where they occur or the nationality of the victims. When countries pick and choose which acts of terrorism to condemn based on convenience or interests, it weakens the collective response and emboldens perpetrators." The last measure, according to Singh, is to foster global cooperation, given that terrorist safe havens in Pakistan have worldwide implications due to both their international reach and their adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, autonomous systems, augmented reality, biotechnology, and nanotechnology". This is why global cooperation is essential to address the threat. Its time for all countries to come together and sign the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism". About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M... Read More Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 08:09 IST Op Sindoor: Over 6 Pakistani Jets Downed; Bahawalpur, Muridke Marked A Day After Pahalgam Attack Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 09:40 IST Top defence sources also said it was false that India came under pressure from the US or Donald Trump to enter a ceasefire with Pakistan on May 10 PM Narendra Modi holds meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, in New Delhi. (File image: PMO/PTI) India downed at least six Pakistani jets as well as a military transport aircraft during Operation Sindoor, top defence sources have told CNN-News18. The terrorist headquarters of Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan were chosen as the prime targets by the Narendra Modi government on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam terrorist strike, a source added. Top defence sources also said it was false that India came under pressure from the US or Donald Trump to enter a ceasefire with Pakistan on May 10. The fact is that Trump and PM Modi never spoke. Even when JD Vance called, the PM was very firm and did not yield," one of these sources said. Recommended Stories The Congress and Rahul Gandhi have been targeting the Prime Minister, asking why he had allegedly surrendered to US pressure". One source said, Rahul Gandhi is being immature in targeting PM Modi on this count, and it will backfire on the Congress when Parliament begins." The Planning The sources said Muridke and Bahawalpur were proposed as the prime targets for Indias strike at the long meeting that defence minister Rajnath Singh chaired with the three service chiefs, the chief of defence staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and national security adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on the morning of April 23, a day after the Pahalgam strike. The service chiefs had said at this meeting that they were fully prepared for the counterstrike. These options were laid out at the cabinet committee of security (CCS) meeting chaired by PM Modi on the evening of April 23. The PM had cut short his Saudi Arabia trip to return to India that day. Multiple dates were considered for the strike, and the time was decided to be between 12.30 am and 2 am. It was ensured that cameras must be able to capture the destruction caused at the targets even at night in the dark, another top defence source said. It was a conscious decision not to cross the international border or the Line of Control (LoC) for the strike, as India now had the capability to hit anywhere in Pakistan without crossing the border, the sources said. This ensured the safety of Indian pilots, learning from the Abhinandan Varthaman case during the Balakot strike in 2019. The Losses India ultimately struck multiple terrorist headquarters in Pakistan and PoK on the morning of May 7 between 1.05 and 1.30 am within 22 minutes. The CDS has recently admitted that India did suffer some combat losses in terms of jets in the initial stage of this operation due to tactical mistakes" but rubbished Pakistans count of six Indian jets downed. One top defence source said the government is inquiring into the reasons for these tactical mistakes" that led to a few Indian planes being downed. But all Indian pilots returned safe," the source said. India, however, has confirmed inputs that over six Pakistani jets were downed in Indian strikes in the early hours of May 7 and May 10, alongside a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Pakistani army. Top defence sources said these include F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets of the Pakistani air force and a Pakistani SAAB-2000 AWACS. The Indian Navy did not enter the actual combat but was ready to go, a second source added, saying Pakistan feared that the Indian Navy could attack the Karachi Port, and this may have led it to wave the white flag. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The emergency powers for procurement granted to the three service chiefs by the defence minister after the Galwan clash on the LAC in 2020 had played a significant role in the strong preparation of the forces for a war-like situation during Operation Sindoor, a top source said. Sources also pointed out that the multi-party delegations had been a good success, and opposition members included in the teams were decided by top ministers who spoke to their party heads. Salman Khurshid, Shashi Tharoor, Asaduddin Owaisi, and Kanimozhi were deliberate choices that sent a strong message abroad as well as domestically, a source said. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 07:00 IST Over 88% Trust PM Modi On National Security Matters After Op Sindoor: News18 Survey Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 17:43 IST The survey was carried out in the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor a retaliatory strike launched in response to the Pahalgam attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI Image) Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, a News18 survey revealed that over 88 per cent of respondents across the country trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi on issues related to national interest. The survey was carried out in the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor a retaliatory strike launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Recommended Stories According to the News18 survey, 88.06 per cent of a total of 14,671 respondents have faith in PM Modi when it comes to issues pertaining to national interest. Further, 11.94 per cent of respondents have no trust at all, the survey revealed. In the survey, a question Do you believe that PM Modi has consistently taken a strong stand when it comes to national security?" was asked to the respondents. The poll was conducted over two days, on May 6 and 7, 2025, using advanced polling software and was made accessible through News18s websites, social media platforms, and television channels via QR codes. PM Modi On Op Sindoor Last week, PM Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan, asserting that India will respond decisively to any act of terrorism on its soil. Addressing the public gathering in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister reiterated that Operation Sindoor, under which India struck terror dens deep inside Pakistan, is not over yet. We entered terrorist camps and destroyed them in Pakistan. Our Armed Forces showed such courage that the Pakistan Army ended up begging to stop the war," said PM Modi. I want to tell enemies who begged us to stop during Operation Sindoor. Dont be fooled, Operation Sindoor is not over yet," he added. PM Modi said that India will give a befitting reply to every terrorist attack, with the timing, method, and terms of the response to be decided by the Armed Forces. On April 22, terrorists opened fire on civilians in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, killing 26 people in one of the deadliest attacks since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Indias Tough Stance Against Terror On September 18, 2016, four heavily armed terrorists attacked an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 soldiers. In response, India launched a surgical strike on September 28-29, targeting multiple terror launches across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Armys elite para commandos executed the operation with precision, inflicting significant casualties on the terrorists and destroying their infrastructure. The surgical strikes marked a shift in Indias counter-terrorism policy, signalling a more assertive stance. The Indian government emphasized that the operation was a pre-emptive move to prevent further infiltration. After three years, on February 14, 2019, a suicide bombing orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, triggering nationwide outrage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out an airstrike on February 26, targeting a major Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Balakot airstrike was the first time since the 1971 war that Indian fighter jets crossed the LoC to hit targets inside Pakistan. India termed the operation a non-military pre-emptive strike, claiming it eliminated a large number of terrorists. First Published: June 07, 2025, 17:43 IST Planning A Summer Getaway? Now Indians Can Travel To Philippines Visa-Free: Know How To Avail It Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 16:44 IST The visa-free stay can also be extended for an additional seven days, allowing tourists a total of 21 days to explore the archipelagos beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks Philippines announced visa-free entry for Indian nationals | Representative Image Starting June 8, Indian nationals can travel to the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes, according to a statement by the Philippine government. Aimed at boosting tourism from Indiawhich recorded a 12 per cent rise in arrivals in 2024, reaching nearly 80,000 visitorsthis new initiative makes the island nation an even more appealing destination for Indians planning a summer getaway. Recommended Stories According to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Indian passport holders can now enter the country without a visa for up to 14 days, provided certain conditions are met. The visa-free stay can also be extended for an additional seven days, allowing tourists a total of 21 days to explore the archipelagos beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks. How To Avail Visa-Free Entry: To qualify for visa-free entry, Indian travellers must: Hold a valid visa or permanent residency for the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area, Singapore, or the UK. Have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Present return or onward flight tickets upon arrival. The new policy is aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening regional ties, offering Indian travellers a hassle-free escape to one of Southeast Asias most scenic destinations. Adding to the joy, Air India announced the launch of direct, non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, set to begin on October 1, 2025. The airline will operate five flights a week using Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With this new route, Air India becomes the sole carrier offering direct connectivity between India and the Philippines, enhancing travel convenience and reinforcing bilateral relations. As summer travel kicks off, these developments open the door for spontaneous holidays to destinations like Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay now without the paperwork. First Published: June 07, 2025, 16:44 IST TRIPOLI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah on Friday ordered an investigation into clashes that broke out Thursday in the northwestern coastal city of Sabratha. The Information Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement that Dbeibah had instructed the commander of the Western Military Zone "to start an immediate and thorough investigation" into the clashes. "The instructions are part of orders made yesterday to assign the Western Military Zone commander to urgently interfere on ground and stop the fighting," the statement added. According to local media, clashes broke out on Thursday between rival armed groups in Sabratha, some 70 km west of the capital Tripoli, and lasted until Friday morning. No casualties have been reported so far. Since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, Libya has struggled with insecurity and political instability. Planning Kashmir Vande Bharat Trip? You'll Have To Wait A Few Days As All Seats Are Booked Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 22:28 IST The consistently full bookings indicate strong demand and public confidence in the new route, say officials Until Saturday, Srinagar lacked rail connectivity, with air and road travel being the only options. This has now changed with the completion of the missing rail link and the introduction of these trains. (Representational pic/PTI) The first two commercial Vande Bharat trains recorded 100% occupancy as services commenced on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated them. A railways ministry official told News18 that both trains one departing at 8.10 am and the other at 2.55 pm from Katra were fully booked. Recommended Stories Another IRCTC official informed News18 that occupancy for the next three trips on these trains was also at 100% as of Saturday afternoon. No vacancy Train 20401 departs from Katra at 8 am. Occupancy for the next three trips on this train is 100%, with the waiting list reaching 60. Train 20403 currently has a waiting list of over 50 passengers. The trains will traverse scenic landscapes from deep valleys to majestic mountain ranges and are expected to boost tourism in the region. Until Saturday, Srinagar lacked rail connectivity, with air and road travel being the only options. This has now changed with the completion of the missing rail link and the introduction of these trains. The ministry official added that the overwhelming response reflects growing interest in improved connectivity and the potential of the trains to support regional tourism. With modern features and faster travel times, the Vande Bharat trains are expected to significantly improve passenger convenience and boost tourism in the valley," the official said. Vande Bharat for Kashmir On Friday, PM Modi inaugurated two Vande Bharat trains operating between Katra and Srinagar. These trains are specially designed to withstand the challenging weather conditions in the region. Train 26401 will complete the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes, with chair car fares at Rs 715 and executive class at Rs 1,320. This train will depart from Katra at 8.10 am and arrive in Srinagar at 11.08 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9.56 am. On its return journey, the train will be numbered 26402. Chair car fares will be Rs 880 and executive class Rs 1,515. The train will depart from Srinagar at 2 pm and arrive in Katra at 4.58 pm, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 3.08 pm. Trains 26401/26402 will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Train 26403 will depart from Katra at 2.55 pm and arrive in Srinagar at 5.53 pm, completing the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes. The fare on this train will be Rs 660 for a chair car seat and Rs 1,270 for executive class. The price difference compared to the first Vande Bharat train is due to a difference in catering charges. From Srinagar, train 26404 will depart at 8 am and arrive in Katra at 10.58 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9 am. Fares will be Rs 715 for chair car and Rs 1,320 for executive class. Trains 26403/04 will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The consistently full bookings indicate strong demand and public confidence in the new route, say officials. Offering scenic views and shorter travel times, the Vande Bharat trains are poised to become a vital link for both daily commuters and tourists in the region. 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 07, 2025, 22:28 IST RCB Marketing Head Nikhil Sosale Calls Arrest 'Illegal', Says Held On 'Siddaramaiah's Oral-Order' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 11:16 IST The incident claimed 11 lives and left over 50 people injured during RCBs IPL victory celebrations. A stampede typically involves people pushing, shoving, and even climbing over one another. (Representative Image/PTI) Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of Royal Challengers, has moved the Karnataka High Court challenging his arrest in connection with the stampede outside Bengalurus Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident claimed 11 lives and left over 50 people injured during RCBs IPL victory celebrations. Nikhil Sosale approached the high court stating that his arrest in the wee hours of Friday was based on Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs oral instructions and was arbitrary and illegal. Recommended Stories Sosale has petitioned the Karnataka High Court to contest his arrest, alleging that an FIR was filed against him following a late-night" cabinet meeting and after the court initiated suo-motu proceedings. His counsel submitted that police inspector AK Girisha (investigating officer), who filed the FIR, was himself suspended. Arrest is the domain of the IO, and it cannot be done on instructions from a superior," counsel said. In his petition, Sosale alleged that his arrest was an attempt to shift blame for the incident onto RCB and its staff. He pointed out that senior police officers were suspended for dereliction of duty, while he, a private citizen, was hastily arrested without a thorough investigation to determine individual responsibilities. He claimed his arrest violated his constitutional rights, specifically Article 19, as it occurred at night. He also argued that the hasty action reflected a predetermined agenda based on the chief ministers directive, without a proper investigation of his specific involvement, disregarding natural justice principles". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Justice SR Krishna Kumar adjourned the hearing to June 9 after a brief session, stating that interim relief will be considered once the state government/police files a statement of objections. Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 11:16 IST 'Speaks Like Pak Leader': BJP Slams TMC Minister For 'Vile' Remarks On PM Modi Over Op Sindoor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 22:46 IST The BJP on Saturday hit out at Kolkata Mayor TMC leader Firhad Hakim for what it called a "vile and disgraceful attack" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Operation Sindoor. TMC leader Firhad Hakim and BJP's Amit Malviya | File Image/ANI The BJP on Saturday hit out at Kolkata Mayor and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Firhad Hakim for what it called a vile and disgraceful attack" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Operation Sindoor. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said that Hakim spoke like a Pakistani leader" when he commented that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stopped the armed forces during Operation Sindoor out of fear of a big country". Recommended Stories Attaching a video of Hakims purported remarks, Malviya slammed the senior TMC functionary, accusing him of making a disgraceful attack" on the PM on the instruction of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In the video, Hakim was heard telling reporters, The PM had halted the Indian Armys barrage of attacks against Pakistan out of fear of a big nation, like a kapurush (coward). How can the PM claim he has done anything big? How can he take credit for Operation Sindoor?" Listen carefully to what Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim is saying the same man who once infamously called parts of Kolkata Mini Pakistan" and openly harbours dreams of turning India into an Islamic state.Now, under clear instructions from his leader Mamata Banerjee, he has pic.twitter.com/uyeFpGSG6U Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 7, 2025 Responding to the video, Malviya posted on X handle, Listen carefully to what Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim is saying the same man who once infamously called parts of Kolkata Mini Pakistan and openly harbours dreams of turning India into an Islamic state." Now, under clear instructions from his leader Mamata Banerjee, he has launched a vile and disgraceful attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He shamelessly claimed that PM Modi had no role in giving Pakistan a befitting reply through Operation Sindoor. He went a step further and labelled the Prime Minister a coward for observing a ceasefire and not extending Operation Sindoor further," Malviya remarked. Frankly, this rhetoric sounds less like an Indian leader and more like a Pakistani politician trying to belittle the Indian government and its leadership. Such statements expose the mindset of those who put partisan hate above national interest. The people of India will see through this," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 when India targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir. Both Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have repeatedly rejected US President Donald Trumps claims that the United States mediated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, noting that the truce resulted from a direct bilateral agreement between the two nations without any third-party involvement. First Published: June 07, 2025, 22:46 IST 'Stopped For Tea Break': Tejashwi Yadav Escapes Unhurt As His Convoy Hit By Truck Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 13:50 IST RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav escaped unhurt as a speeding truck hit two vehicles of his convoy, injuring three security personnel. Tejashwi Yadav In Hospital visiting injured security personnel. RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav escaped unhurt on Saturday after a speeding truck hit two vehicles of his convoy. Three of his security personnel have been injured during the accident that took place in Bihars Vaishali district. The accident took place around 12.30 am when Yadavs convoy stopped for a tea break on the Patna-Muzaffarpur national highway near Goraul. The RJD leaders convoy was returning to Patna from Madhepura when the accident took place. Recommended Stories Yadav escaped unhurt in the accident. Three security personnel sustained injuries and were taken to the nearest government hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable. Yadav had also visited the health facility and enquired about the condition of the injured personnel," a police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Yadav while talking to the reporters informed about the accident and said that a speeding truck rammed into two vehicles of my convoy, injuring three security personnel. I immediately alerted the district police and the administration. The accident took place just five feet away from my vehicle," he added. The police arrested the truck driver and his helper and seized the vehicle. Action should be taken against those who violated traffic rules," Yadav said. Vaishali SP Lalit Mohan Sharma told PTI, Three policemen two security personnel of the convoy and one from the district police sustained injuries in the accident. Two of the three injured policemen have been referred to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and other is undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Hajipur." According to doctors, all the injured security personnel are now out of danger", the SP said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The investigation into the accident is underway. (With agency inputs) About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 13:47 IST Uttar Pradesh To Give 20% Reservation To Ex-Agniveers In Police, PAC, Fire Services Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 23:22 IST The reservation will be horizontal, applying across all existing categories General, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) This initiative is particularly timely, as the first batch of Agniveers, recruited under the 2022 Agnipath scheme, will complete their service and seek civilian employment starting in 2026. (Representational image/ PTI) In a significant initiative to provide meaningful post-service opportunities for Agniveers completing their four-year tenure, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a 20 per cent reservation for them in direct recruitment to the state police and fire services. An official statement confirmed that the government issued this order on June 6, 2025. Approved by the UP cabinet, chaired by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, this decision ensures that the skills, discipline, and training gained during military service are effectively utilised in civilian roles within the states security apparatus. Recommended Stories The reservation will be horizontal, applying across all existing categoriesGeneral, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). For example, if an ex-Agniveer belongs to the SC category, the reservation will apply within the SC quota. This reservation will apply to direct recruitment for positions such as police constable, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) constable, mounted police, and fireman. Furthermore, ex-Agniveers will receive a special age relaxation of up to three years in the upper age limit for these posts, facilitating their transition into civilian employment. This initiative is particularly timely, as the first batch of Agniveers, recruited under the 2022 Agnipath scheme, will complete their service and seek civilian employment starting in 2026. The UP governments proactive step aligns with the national objective of ensuring a smooth transition for Agniveers, 75 per cent of whom will be released after their service with a Seva Nidhi package but without pension benefits. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Uttar Pradeshs 20 per cent reservation also sets a high benchmark, exceeding the 10 per cent reservation offered by states like Haryana and Odisha. (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 07, 2025, 23:22 IST You Did Well, Jaishankar Tells Multi-Party Teams On Return To India As Leaders Share Feedback Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 14:30 IST Sources said the delegations told Jaishankar that they were received well and the countries were willing to listen to India's side of the story External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets the delegation back home. (News18) On Friday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met two delegations that have returned from the multi-country visitsone led by NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and the other by NDA alliance partner Shiv Senas parliamentary party leader Shrikant Shindethe youngest amongst all the delegate leaders. The Sule-led delegation visited countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt, while those on Shindes list were UAE, followed by countries like Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Recommended Stories Sources said Jaishankar was told that many countries that they went to want India to sit across the table and have a dialogue with Pakistan. Some countries have even asked why India did not take a stand on the escalation between several other countries. It is learnt that the members explained to these countries that it was not possible to speak to Pakistan because it cannot be trusted due to its policy to support terror. The delegations expressed how they were made to feel welcome, and people in these countries were willing to listen to Indias side of the story. It is also learnt that the delegation told the minister that there is more need for better communication with these countries so that India can present its view. It would not be fair to judge them assuming that they would be supporting Pakistan by virtue of being a Muslim nation. Through these visits, the countries also said India should seek deeper engagement with them, not just in trade and commerce, but on other softer issues like culture, tourism etc. The delegation also gave feedback to the government that it was important to have better dialogue and engage with Western media to be able to explain Indias narrative better. The Shinde team, on the other hand, had a much better engagement. A moment of silence in the memory of those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack was observed in Sierra Leone and Liberia. In fact, in Liberia, it was done in Parliament and Shinde was asked to speak at the podium. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the interaction of the teams to these countries, which have often been dismissed as insignificant, but will have a role to play in the future. These countries are not very prominent for many looking at it from a world view, but the kind of narrative that you have been able to bring back home. It is a great service to the country," the minister is said to have told the delegation. The delegation led by Shinde also expressed sentiments of the people of these countries who wanted better trade relations with India. The potential for investment and better trade could certainly be explored with deeper engagement, they said. Jaishankar was also told that Liberia, for example, has been looking out for a space to have its consulate in India. India is a great importer of rubber and rubber-related goods for which markets in these African countries can also be explored. These African countries can also be a great investment sector for mining, the delegation expressed. The delegation also added that there was a huge appreciation for Indias role in UN peacekeeping and the kind of support India gave to these countries during Covid-19 by providing vaccines and other essential medicines, which is deeply appreciated. So far, five delegation members out of seven have met Jaishankar and shared the detailed feedback that they have been able to gather in their multi-party visits across many countries. The remaining two delegations from Ravi Shankar Prasads team and Shashi Tharoors team are likely to meet the minister some time next week. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Some members have also submitted a detailed written report and note for the government of India to consider. A total of seven delegations, comprising 55 membersincluding MPs, former diplomats, and former Union ministerswere dispatched to 38 countries to explain Indias stand on terrorism. These delegations were led by prominent leaders such as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, NCP(SP)s Supriya Sule, BJPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, Shiv Senas Srikant Shinde, DMKs Kanimozhi, and JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha. First Published: June 07, 2025, 14:30 IST Akhil Akkineni And Zainab Ravdjee Stun In Ivory And Diamonds For Their Wedding Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 10:33 IST Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjee tied the knot in a traditional Telugu wedding at the legendary Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad on June 6. Akhil wore a white shirt and pancha, while Zainab stunned in an ivory silk saree. Actor Nagarjunas younger son Akhil Akkineni tied the knot with entrepreneur and artist Zainab Ravdjee on June 6. The couple got married in a lavish ceremony that was held at the legendary Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. The venue paid homage to Akhils roots as the studio was built by his grandfather, Akkineni Nageswara Rao. This was also the venue where his stepbrother Naga Chaitanya tied the knot with Sobhita Dhulipala last year. For their traditional Telugu wedding, the couple ditched the extravagant outfits and paid a tribute to their roots. Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjee opted for traditional South Indian ensembles for their special day. Avoiding flamboyance for timeless grace, Akhil opted for a crisp white shirt and traditional pancha, exuding the effortless poise of a man deeply connected to his roots. Zainab, in contrast yet complementary, was ethereal in an ivory silk saree, adorned with diamond jewellery that caught the light like poetry in motion. Recommended Stories Take a look at the pictures from Akhil and Zainabs wedding here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akkineni Nagarjuna (@thekingnagarjuna) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akkineni Nagarjuna (@thekingnagarjuna) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akkineni Nagarjuna (@thekingnagarjuna) While Zainab paired her ivory silk saree with diamond jewels, she also added gold in between for a striking look. She redefined contemporary bridal elegance, proving that true luxury often lies in simplicity. Their traditional Telugu ceremony was a masterclass in understated opulence no flashy couture, just fluid drapes, ancestral jewels, and a whole lot of love. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chay Akkineni (@chayakkineni) Akhil and Zainabs wedding in Hyderabad was a star-studded affair. Celebrities like Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan, Upasana, Sobhita Dhulipala, Daggubati Venkatesh, and director Prashant Neel blessed the couple on their special day. The event also brought political leaders like Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu under one roof. Who Is Zainab Ravdjee? While Akhil is a popular name in the Telugu film industry, not many people know about Zainab. Back in November last year, Akhil announced that he was engaged to Zainab. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Daughter of noted industrialist Zulfi Ravdjee, a well-known figure in the construction sector with deep ties to both the film industry and political circles, Zainab comes from a family of influence. Her brother, Zain Ravdjee, serves as the chairman and managing director of ZR Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd, a company committed to sustainable energy solutions. Born and raised in Hyderabad, Zainab now resides in Mumbai, where she has carved a niche for herself in the art world. Known for her evocative abstract and impressionist pieces, she made her artistic debut with a major exhibition titled Reflections in her hometown. Despite her relationship with Akhil, she has consistently chosen to stay out of the public eye. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 10:33 IST Avneet Kaur Turns Up The Heat In A Plunging Neckline Vibrant Orange Dress Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 14:14 IST Avneet Kaur took to her social media to share pictures of her latest look. The actor stunned in a body-hugging orange dress that came with a plunging neckline. Avneet Kaur was styled by Kunal Mundhe. Avneet Kaur is one of the most stylish actors in the industry. A quick perusal of her social media proves that the actor does not shy away from serving looks after looks. Known for carrying bold and risque looks with confidence, her latest look is yet another proof of her impeccable sartorial sense. For her latest look, the actor set the internet on fire in a body-hugging orange dress. For her latest look, Avneet Kaur opted for an orange body-hugging dress. The dress brought out her enviable silhouette, and it was the perfect mix of sultry and glam. She paired the dress with minimal accessories and glam, and let the outfit do all the talking. She shared the pictures on her Instagram. The pictures showed the actor striking some glamorous poses in the studio. Sharing the pictures, she wrote, Take me out my mind." Recommended Stories Take a closer look at Avneets latest look here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Avneet Kaur (@avneetkaur_13) For her latest look, she opted for a dress from Hua Le Duc Anh Atelier. The vibrant orange-hued dress came with a stylish halter neckline that graduated into a backless design at the back and a deep plunging neckline on the chest. The dress came with a fitted corset-style bodice that brought out her curves. From the bodice onwards, the dress graduated into a fitted skirt with a daring slit thigh high slit. At the waist, the skirt came with a pleated and ruched detail to add some structure to the overall silhouette. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Avneet paired the dress with a striking diamond ear cuff, a set of diamond cocktail rings, and a chic diamond bracelet. She slipped into a pair of silver glittery heels. For the glam, she went with a flawlessly radiant base. She defined her eyes with a soft, smokey shade on her eyelids. She softly contoured her face and added a hint of bronzer for that warm glow from within. She added a red shade to her lips and finished her look by tying her hair in a centre-parted bun. Avneet wore this outfit for a glitzy event in Mumbai on Thursday. Pictures from her appearance on the red carpet went viral on social media. Amidst the viral pictures, one clip showed the cameras deliberately zooming in on the actors chest. Suyyash Rai took to the comments and called it out. He wrote, Why zoomed? Khud ghus jaao andar? Yes, shes looking pretty, but what are you guys doing as media? Manners? Ethics? Basics of life?? Aisa toh ho hee nai sakta that women of your home are okay with this! Its sad!" The video backlash from fans and celebrities alike. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 14:14 IST Opinion | Indias Skilled Workforce Can Power The Ageing World Written By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 16:32 IST With a cohesive strategy, legal and ethical frameworks, and a visionary approach, India can become the worlds hub for skilled individuals exports The next wave of growth will not be driven by capital or commodities, but by a capable workforce. (Getty) By 2030, the world will face an unprecedented workforce shortage of nearly 50 million in developed economies such as the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. A recent Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) foundation report indicates that this deficit could soar to 250 million by 2050 due to an ageing population, declining birth rates, and shrinking domestic talent pools. While automation and artificial intelligence (AI) may offer some solutions, the pace of technological substitution will not keep up with the demand for human capital from ageing industrial economies. In this context, India has a significant advantage with its demographic dividend of over 900 million working-age individuals, which is often seen as our greatest asset but could also become a demographic burden. To address this challenge, developing the largest pool of skilled and semi-skilled youth and Indias established reputation for adaptability and competence could serve as a vital solution. Recommended Stories India exports around 7,00,000 of its workforce overseas each year, primarily to sectors such as healthcare, transportation, technology, and hospitality. However, this number could increase to 2.5 million annually with an integrated national plan. Such growth in Indias workforce exports would not only help meet global demand but also generate up to $300 billion in annual remittancesmore than double the current $129 billion, which ranks India at the top globally. This makes foreign employment a key pillar of Indias global economic outreach. Global Demand Hotspots The GATI report indicates that 20 nations will account for nearly 90 per cent of the projected global workforce shortage. The United States will require 11 to 12 million additional workers, followed by the United Kingdom (5 to 6 million), South Korea, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic (4 to 5 million each), Germany and Russia (3 to 4 million each), and Japan (2 to 3 million). Other countries, including Canada, Australia, the Gulf states, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy, will each need an additional 1 to 2 million workers. Additionally, smaller but high-income nations such as Singapore, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hong Kong will experience shortages ranging from 0.5 to 1 million. The demand is apparent, and India is poised to meet it head-on. Low to High Skills, All in Demand Of the estimated global demand, 70 per cent will be for medium- and low-skilled jobs: approximately 18 to 20 million for low-skilled positions, 6 to 8 million for medium-skilled roles, and 10 to 12 million for high-skilled jobs. Therefore, Indias policy must align workforce training with this demand matrix. The challenge is not just to send more workers abroad but to align the right skills with the right locations and industries. A new approach to migration should focus on three key strategies: unleashing global demand, enhancing domestic supply, and building a resilient long-term migration ecosystem. Scaling Up Skills Regarding demand, India must actively engage with destination countries to harmonise skill certifications and expedite mutual recognition agreements. To scale up skills on the supply side, India needs to invest significantly in enhancing technical education, soft skills, and foreign language training, particularly for countries like Japan and Germany, where language proficiency is crucial. Key strategies to overcome these barriers include school-level language exposure, industry-centric training, and efficient grievance redressal systems. Some forward-thinking state governments are already making progress; for instance, certain Delhi government schools have started offering Japanese as a language option, and states like Telangana are pioneering returnee integration programmes. However, these efforts require a nationwide approach and coordination. It is time for India to establish a centralised agency for global workforce mobility, similar to the Department of Migrant Workers in the Philippines or the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training in Bangladesh. Such an organisation could unite all stakeholdersministries, state governments, skill councils, recruitment agencies, and industry bodiesto coordinate recruitment, ensure ethical migration practices, and monitor global demand in real time. Equally important is developing financial support options for migration to help cover travel, training, and placement expenses, particularly for low- and middle-income workers. The country also needs robust welfare systems to protect Indian workers abroad and facilitate grievance redressal and reintegration support for returnees. Additionally, it is essential to continuously map and focus on high-demand sectors for Indian talent. Beyond the traditionally prominent fields of healthcare, hospitality, domestic work, and logistics, India should also concentrate on emerging sectors such as green jobs in renewable energy, infrastructure development, digital public goods, and sustainability-linked startups, where skill gaps rapidly widen worldwide. Addressing Migration Barriers Despite progress, several challenges remain: Indian qualifications are often not globally recognised, and workers face high migration costs along with risks of exploitation by unscrupulous agents. The political discourse surrounding immigration remains contentious in countries such as the US, Canada, and Australia, with much of the opposition focusing on illegal migration. However, skilled, structured, and lawful migration is a top priority for most developed economies, not out of goodwill, but due to economic necessity. These countries require sufficiently skilled staff to sustain growth, support ageing populations, and maintain critical public services. This is where India, with its youthful population and expanding training infrastructure, can position itself as a credible global partner. Diplomatic Push Several initiatives have already been launched. For instance, Germany is expanding its Skilled Worker Visa program, while Japan has increased the categories of apprenticeship visas available for Indians. There are ongoing discussions with Eastern European countries regarding recognising Indian driving licenses. Meanwhile, India is signing government-to-government migration agreements with countries such as Australia, Austria, Denmark, Italy, and the UK. Through the Young Professionals Scheme, up to 3,000 Indians each year can reside and work in the UK for two years. Eight-Point Strategy India must implement an eight-point agenda to address these challenges effectively. First, it is essential to strengthen institutional coordination between central and state governments. Second, a national migration agency should be established, incorporating international best practices. Third, skill certification requirements need to align with global standards. Fourth, a national industry association should be created to oversee and facilitate international mobility. Fifth, frameworks for migrant financing and insurance should be developed. Sixth, a new regulatory system must be implemented to monitor recruitment agencies and prevent exploitation. Seventh, support for the reintegration of returnees should be enhanced. Finally, bilateral and multilateral agreements must safeguard labour rights and welfare. The Way Forward top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The developed world does not require capital; it requires skilled, mobile, and motivated individuals. As ageing economies seek workforce support, India is uniquely positioned to provide this talent. With a cohesive strategy, legal and ethical frameworks, and a visionary approach, India can become the worlds hub for credible, trained, and empowered individuals. The next wave of growth will not be driven by capital or commodities, but by a capable workforce. The writer is a Co-Founder and MD of Orane International, a Training Partner with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and a Network Member, of India International Skill Centres, an initiative of GoI. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: June 07, 2025, 16:32 IST Opinion | Narendra Modi Strives To Realise Deendayal Upadhyayas Vision Written By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 11:38 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modis fundamental governance philosophy reflects Deendayal Upadhyayas thought and vision PM Narendra Modi (PTI) The 60th year of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyayas historic lectures that shaped the philosophy of Integral Humanism is being commemorated at a time when a BJPs Prime Minister completes 11 years in office. Narendra Modi may not have met or heard Deendayal Upadhyaya, but he has certainly emerged as one of Upadhyayas finest exponents, manifesting the latters aspirations and hopes through his governance vision and action. In the course of a public life that spans more than four decades, Modi must have had the opportunity to mingle with many stalwarts of the movement who were moulded and shaped by Upadhyaya. Upadhyaya, the RSS pracharak, was deputed to the newly formed Jana Sangh, as Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjees understudy in 1951. He went on to shoulder the burden of laying the foundation of the new political party for the next 15 years, emerging as one of the tallest leaders of the Nehruvian and the immediate post-Nehruvian era. Recommended Stories Modi, an RSS pracharak, was deputed to the newly formed BJP and for the next three odd decades, toiled for the new party, at various levels, till he scripted and charted out for it a historical course that is altering Indias trajectory. Deendayal Upadhyaya established the Jana Sangh as an alternate pole in Indian politics, while Modi has been successful in positioning the BJP as the pre-eminent political party in India in three decades. These three decades were characterised and dominated by coalition politics and unstable governments which were pulled in various directions under the exigencies of political demands and short-term calculations. Absent, during these three decades, was a grand narrative of where India ought to be and of how to reach that position. Narendra Modi has comprehensively altered that. He has drawn a grand narrative sculpted and chiselled by the goal of Viksit Bharat" and of Amrit Kaal." Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a direct political disciple and colleague of Deendayal Upadhyaya, was the first ever non-Congress Prime Minister to complete a full tenure. Vajpayees six years at the helm saw flagship initiatives being launched which reflected many aspects of governance and policies that Upadhyaya had advocated in his writings, public addresses and talks. Throughout Upadhyayas tenure as general secretary, the Jana Sangh had advocated the necessity of India going nuclear. One of the first major decisions that propelled India to the status of a major nuclear power was Vajpayees decision to go in for the nuclear tests in May 1998. The flagship Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, launched by Vajpayee which saw a massive grassroots focus on education especially among the most marginalised, was another governance milestone that manifested Upadhyayas philosophy and his hopes of empowering and equipping those left out and left behind. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya delivered his four lectures at Mumbais Ramnarain Ruia College grounds on the philosophy of Ektaama Manava Darsana on April 22-25, 1965. These lectures eventually formed the bed-rock of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later the BJPs political philosophy and action. It was for the first time that a political party, formed after Independence, discussed, debated and articulated a political philosophy which it sought to embody and express through a political programme. The philosophy spoke of unleashing Indias civilisational powers, of making her self-reliant through her own strengths, of seeing her regain her rightful place as Viswamitra" (a friend of the world). A power that is benign but not powerless. Upadhyaya spoke of India seeking out her own all-around progress, based on her innate strengths and experiences. This national march towards prosperity, Upadhyayas philosophical postulates insisted, had to be equitable, no one could be left behind. In Upadhyayas lectures one discerns the hope of ushering in a Viksit Bharat and a Samriddha Bharat. In his concluding lecture, Deendayal Upadhyaya defined the goal when he said: Our goal is not merely to protect the culture but to revitalise it so as to make it dynamic and in tune with times. We must ensure that our nation stands firm on this foundation and our society is enabled to live a healthy, progressive and purposeful life" Upadhyaya spoke of creating a Bharat, which will enable every citizen in its fold to develop his manifold latent potentialities" Narendra Modi, as Prime Minister, in the last eleven years has been driven by these fundamental governance parameters. PM Modi has harped on collective national prosperity and strength. To realise a healthy and purposeful living has been the key-goals of his governance action. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Narendra Modis vision of Garib Kalyan", his governance philosophy of reaching out to the most marginalised, his unceasing emphasis on aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), his uncompromising championing of Indias national interest and of her national security, his Panchamrit" foreign policy, which is a shift from a powerless and defensive Panchsheel"-driven foreign policy, his focus on securing and developing Indias borders, his concept of Jan Bhagidari", his fulfilling the promise of One Nation, One Constitution", his vision of Ek Bharat, Sresht Bharat", his emphasis on Vikaas aur Viraasat", which means development along with the preservation and dissemination of the fundamentals of our national heritage and inheritance, fundamentally and intrinsically reflect Deendayal Upadhyayas thought and vision. The author is Chairman, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, and a member of the National Executive Committee, BJP. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: June 07, 2025, 11:38 IST NEW DELHI, June 7 (Xinhua) -- At least five Naxals were killed in two separate gunfights with government forces in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, the police said Saturday. The gunfight broke out in the Indravati National Park area of Bijapur district, about 390 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. With this, seven Naxals, including commanders, were killed in the three-day operation in the state. A large cache of arms and ammunition, including two assault rifles, has been seized from the sites. The police told the media that the operation was launched on specific intelligence information suggesting the presence of Naxals in the area. Opinion | Operation Sindoor And The Collapse Of Pakistani Air Power Written By : News18.com Last Updated: June 14, 2025, 07:21 IST The destruction of Pakistans AEW&C fleet, frontline jets, and ISR drones within 88 hours, without IAF losses, marked a new benchmark for regional power assertion Jacobabad Airbase in Pakistan is a second-tier base that evolved into a critical UCAV hub. | Image/X In the wake of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 Indians dead, India responded with a calculated and overwhelming military retaliation: Operation Sindoor. Launched on May 7, this four-day campaign crippled Pakistans aerial capabilities, decimated key command centres, and sent a clear signal to both adversaries and observersthe Indian Air Force is no longer reactive; it is doctrinally offensive and technologically precise. Prelude to the Storm Recommended Stories The Pahalgam attack was not just another act of cross-border terrorism; it was a blatant provocation aimed at destabilising the region. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Indian defence establishment, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, initiated Operation Sindoor. The objective was clear: dismantle the terror infrastructure and deliver a crippling blow to Pakistans military capabilities. Day One: Tactical Reassessment and Strategic Strikes The initial phase of the operation witnessed a tactical recalibration. Facing unexpected resistance, the IAF swiftly adapted its strategy, emphasising electronic warfare and precision targeting. This adaptability was evident as the IAF jammed Pakistans Chinese-supplied air defense systems within 23 minutes, paving the way for unhindered aerial assaults. Decimation of Pakistani Air Assets 1. Fighter Jets Shot Down Six Pakistani fighter jets were destroyed: three JF-17 Thunders, two Mirage III/V variants, and one F-16 Block 52. These were eliminated via BVR missile engagements and stand-off munitions strikes near Jacobabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sargodha. This loss devastated Pakistans QRA network. 2. AEW&C Platforms Eliminated Two airborne surveillance aircraftSaab 2000 Erieye and ZDK-03 Karakoram Eaglewere destroyed. The former was downed from 314 km using Indias S-400 system, while the latter was destroyed in a strike on Bholari Airbase. These kills blinded the PAF during the operations peak. 3. C-130 Hercules and Special Forces Hit A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, with elite personnel on board, was destroyed at Nur Khan Airbase via a BrahMos NG missile strike. The kill disrupted logistics and morale. 4. Drones and UCAVs Neutralized Over 15 Pakistani UCAVs, including Chinese Wing Loong drones, were destroyed in airspace interceptions and base attacks. Indias Akashteer and SAMAR systems achieved 100 per cent success rate during the campaign. Precision Strikes on Pakistans Strategic Airbases 1. Nur Khan Airbase (Chaklala) This airbase, located near Rawalpindi and used frequently for both strategic airlift and VIP movement, is one of Pakistans most high-profile installations. It houses C-130 Hercules aircraft, the PAFs Special Services Wing (SSW), and at times, acts as a backup command center for Air Headquarters. The IAF targeted Nur Khan with a mix of loitering munitions and BrahMos NG missiles. One C-130 Hercules was destroyed during active loading operations. The aircraft was reportedly preparing for a special forces deployment. The strike also resulted in the death of 12 personnel, including elite aircrew and logistics officers. Adjacent hangars were engulfed in flames, with satellite images revealing significant structural damage and debris fields. Strategic Impact: Loss of a heavy-lift transport aircraft during operational tempo drastically reduced Pakistans ability to reposition personnel and emergency supplies. The symbolic value of striking Nur Khanso close to Islamabadwas immense. 2. Bholari Airbase Located in Sindh, Bholari is relatively new but highly strategic. It houses AEW&C aircraft, such as the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle, and supports eastern sector radar coverage. Indias strikes on Bholari were surgical. A ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft was destroyed in its hardened shelter. Loitering drones confirmed the aircrafts static status before destruction. A secondary blast caused the loss of a control container, believed to be the mobile command module for air surveillance. Strategic Impact: The destruction of an AWACS platform here meant Pakistan was flying blind in its southern and eastern air sectors for at least 72 hours. The psychological impact on sortie planning and interdiction response was severe. 3. Sargodha Airbase This base is the headquarters of PAFs Central Air Command and houses one of its primary F-16 squadrons. Indian missileslikely Sudarshan-armed BrahMos variantsstruck multiple hardened aircraft shelters. One F-16 was destroyed, and several others were damaged as hangars collapsed. The bases main runway was cratered, grounding air operations for nearly 48 hours. Communications from the base went offline temporarily, suggesting damage to underground fiberoptic nodes or satellite uplinks. Strategic Impact: Disabling the hub of PAFs air superiority capability mid-conflict represented a tactical masterstroke. It delayed all command-level decisions and turned the Sargodha-led air defence network into an observer, not a responder. 4. Jacobabad Airbase Used primarily for drone operations and hosting ground-attack aircraft, Jacobabad is a second-tier base that evolved into a critical UCAV hub. India employed swarm drones with AI-assisted target recognition. Destruction of at least 4 Shahpar-II drones and 2 ground control stations was confirmed. A mobile jamming vehicle was destroyed, which had been employed to counter Indian ISR drones. Strategic Impact: The loss of ground control and tactical ISR support disrupted Pakistans ability to surveil Indian strike formations. It also nullified any plan for drone counterattacks or offensive launches from this region. 5. Sukkur Airbase Sukkur is not a front-line airbase but plays a pivotal logistical role, particularly in aircraft refueling, repair, and emergency landings. Indias guided bomb attacks focused on aviation fuel farms and mechanical support infrastructure. Runways were not crateredsuggesting India wanted to retain it as a post-conflict emergency stripbut repair sheds and fuel trucks were wiped out. Strategic Impact: The intent was cleardeny Pakistan long-range operational sustainability by cutting off supply and recovery chains. Sukkurs loss pushed refueling cycles to Multan and Rahim Yar Khan, increasing turnaround times. 6. Rahim Yar Khan Airbase An older but still functional base, Rahim Yar Khan stored Mirage III/V aircraft and was suspected to be housing precision munitions. SPICE 2000 bombs were used to destroy two Mirage aircraft in shelters. An ammunition truck nearby exploded, creating a domino effect that damaged additional support infrastructure. The base was rendered non-functional for 4860 hours due to runway damage and fires. Strategic Impact: This strike served dual purposes: eliminating a legacy strike asset (the Mirages) and targeting stored high-value munitions to prevent reprisal attacks. 7. Shahbaz Airbase Although not a major strategic target, Shahbaz was hit in a diversionary attack. Decoy drones and long-range artillery pinned down local SAM systems and distracted early warning systems from the real action happening across the other bases. Radar exposure patterns revealed Pakistani AD radars went into full-track mode here for almost 14 minutes. This diversion allowed the IAF to conduct cleaner, unchallenged strikes on Bholari and Sargodha. Strategic Impact: This was a classical suppression tacticconfuse, decoy, and overwhelm. Shahbazs use as a bait zone amplified the success rates of other concurrent missions. A Doctrinal Shift Indias airbase-focused strikes during Operation Sindoor werent random retaliatory actionsthey were high-order military planning in motion. Each base was selected based on: Operational role in Pakistans air defense structure Proximity to command centers Potential to host high-value assets The timing of the strikesacross 10 bases in just over 22 minuteswas designed to paralyse PAFs capacity to assess, react, and recover. Three of these airbasesNur Khan, Bholari, and Sargodhaheld disproportionate value to Pakistans combat air doctrine. Their temporary neutralisation essentially collapsed centralised coordination. What Operation Sindoor achieved in four days is what conventional airpower theory dreams of but rarely executes: pre-emptive degradation, strategic disorientation, and surgical decapitationwithout crossing international lines of escalation. Neutralising Command and Control Centers Beyond the physical destruction of aircraft and airbases, Operation Sindoor strategically targeted Pakistans command and control infrastructure. Precision strikes were carried out on key communication nodes and radar installations, effectively blinding the PAF and disrupting their operational coordination. This systematic dismantling of command structures ensured that Pakistani forces were unable to mount an effective response, further amplifying the impact of the operation. Indias Ballistic Missile Defence: A Shield Against Retaliation Anticipating potential retaliatory strikes, India activated its multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system to safeguard its territory. The S-400 Triumf, known in India as the Sudarshan Chakra, played a pivotal role in this defense strategy. This advanced system, capable of detecting targets up to 600 km away and engaging them at ranges up to 400 km, successfully intercepted several incoming threats, including drones and missiles launched by Pakistan. Complementing the S-400, Indias indigenous Akashteer system, an automated air defense control and reporting system, effectively neutralized low-altitude threats. During Operation Sindoor, the Akashteer system demonstrated a 100% kill rate against Pakistani drones, showcasing its efficacy in modern warfare scenarios. Additionally, the SAMAR air defence system was instrumental in intercepting low-altitude threats, preventing damage to military and civilian infrastructure. International Reactions and Trumps Comments In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, international reactions were swift. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, stating, Its a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the Oval. Just heard about it. Its a shame. Hope it ends very quickly." Trump further offered to mediate between the two nations, saying, Good relationships with both and I want to see it stop. And if I can do anything to help, I will be there." However, India firmly rejected any third-party mediation, emphasising that the ceasefire was a result of Pakistans DGMO appeal on his knees and not due to international pressure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that any future provocations from Pakistan would be met with powerful retaliation, underscoring Indias commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. Psychological and Operational Impact The rapid and decisive nature of Operation Sindoor had a demoralising effect on the Pakistani military establishment. Within 88 hours, the scale of destruction compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, highlighting the operations efficacy in achieving its strategic objectives. International Air Doctrine Comparison Operation Sindoor represents a shift in Indias strategic posturetoward preemptive deterrence and precision warfare. In contrast, NATO doctrines emphasise layered suppression and network-centric warfare. Israels doctrine of preemption (e.g., Operation Outside the Box) mirrors Sindoors surprise precision strikes. China follows a doctrine of strategic depth and airspace denial, while the U.S. focuses on full-spectrum dominance leveraging stealth, satellite ISR, and multi-domain fusion. Indias Sudarshan-led approach (S-400, Akashteer, and indigenous UAVs) now places it closer to the most sophisticated doctrines globally. Conclusion top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The aerial attrition inflicted during Operation Sindoor wasnt merely a tactical victoryit was a doctrinal pivot. The destruction of Pakistans AEW&C fleet, frontline jets, and ISR drones within 88 hours, without IAF losses, marked a new benchmark for regional power assertion. For Pakistan, the damage was deep; for India, the message was clear: preparedness has evolved into preeminence. Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (retd) tweets at @mjavinod. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. About the Author Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (Retd) Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (retd) tweets at @mjavinod Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (retd) tweets at @mjavinod First Published: June 07, 2025, 13:23 IST Write Mind | Rahul Gandhi, The Self-Anointed Leader Of Pakistan Written By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 16:16 IST Gandhis 2025 outbursts, particularly around Operation SindoorIndias surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoKreveal a man hell-bent on tarnishing his own nation Rahul Gandhis 2025 antics are just the latest stains on his sordid record of trashing India overseas. (PTI) In the murky swamp of Indian politics, few have perfected the art of national betrayal quite like Rahul Gandhi. The Congress dynastys eternal heir-apparent, with his sanctimonious smirk and rehearsed outrage, has turned slandering India into a grotesque performance piece. His latest misadventureimplicitly styling himself as the Leader of Pakistan" (LoP) rather than the Leader of Oppositionhas sparked a firestorm, and rightly so. This isnt just a clever jab from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); its a damning verdict backed by Gandhis own venomous words, spewed both at home and abroad, that consistently undermine Indias sovereignty, morale, and global stature. From Washington to London, Singapore to Bahrain, his rhetoric reads like a love letter to Pakistans propaganda machine. Lets rip apart the tapestry of his anti-India tirades, exposing the rot beneath his self-righteous veneer, and demand: whose side is this man really on? Recommended Stories The 2025 Betrayals: Operation Sindoor & Beyond Gandhis 2025 outbursts, particularly around Operation SindoorIndias surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoKreveal a man hell-bent on tarnishing his own nation. On May 17, 2025, he took to X, accusing the government of a crime" by allegedly tipping off Pakistan before the strikes: Jaishankars silence screams guilt. How many Indian jets were lost because Pakistan was pre-warned? This wasnt a mistakeit was treason." The External Affairs Ministry shredded this lie, clarifying Pakistan was informed post-strike, as per diplomatic norms. Yet Gandhi, undeterred, clung to his narrative, parroting Pakistans claims and casting doubt on Indias military prowess. On May 22, he sneered that PM Modi had surrendered Indias honour" by pausing military action, questioning why Modi trusted Pakistans anti-terror assurances. This wasnt opposition; it was a gut-punch to the jawans who neutralised over 100 terrorists. BJPs Amit Malviya nailed it, pointing out Gandhis deafening silence on Pakistans losses, as if he were cheering from Rawalpindis sidelines. On May 23, Gandhi escalated his assault, declaring Indias foreign policy a wreck" and whining, Why didnt a single country back India against Pakistan after Pahalgam? Why are we hyphenated with Pakistan? Who invited Trump to mediate?" This wasnt just a dig at Jaishankar; it was a deliberate attempt to equate India with a failing state, a narrative India has fought tooth and nail to reject. His Trump jab handed Pakistans DG ISPR a golden opportunity to mock Indias global clout. BJPs Gaurav Bhatia called it sinister," accusing Gandhi of sapping the morale of Indias forces. And hes not wrongGandhis words dont just sting; they embolden enemies. In April 2025, while pandering to the Indian diaspora in Boston, Gandhi smeared the Election Commission, claiming it was bought and sold" and alleging 65 lakh voters were added to Maharashtras rolls in two hoursa logistical absurdity. More adults voted in Maharashtra than exist there," he scoffed, offering zero proof. The EC is a puppet now." BJPs Sambit Patra branded this an old trick" of defaming India abroad, while the EC itself debunked his claims as baseless. Union minister Ramdas Athawale roared that Gandhi was spitting on Indias democratic soul, and he wasnt exaggerating. A Trail of Treachery Abroad Gandhis 2025 antics are just the latest stains on his sordid record of trashing India overseas. In September 2024, in Herndon, Virginia, he claimed Indias elections were rigged to the core", alleging a caste divide and questioning whether Sikhs could wear turbans or visit gurdwaras. The fight is about whether a Sikh can wear his turban or kada in India," he pontificated, triggering FIRs in Chhattisgarh for stoking religious discord. BJPs Hardeep Singh Puri slammed him for misleading Sikhs abroad, while Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused him of tarnishing Indias image. Even Congresss Pawan Khera, scrambling to defend him, could only muster that criticising the BJP isnt criticising Indiaa weak dodge for a damning act. At Georgetown University in 2024, Gandhi pushed for a caste census, saying, Reservations will go when India is fair, and India is nowhere near fair." This painted India as a cesspool of discrimination, conveniently ignoring similar divides in the US. His meeting with Ilhan Omar, a US lawmaker notorious for anti-India resolutions, drew fire from BJPs Sudhanshu Trivedi, who called it a dangerous liaison" with Indias foes. In 2023, at Cambridge University, Gandhi wailed that Indian democracy was under siege," claiming the judiciary, press, and Parliament were gagged. The framework of democracyParliament, free press, judiciaryis being choked," he said, practically begging for Western intervention by calling Indias democracy a global public good". BJPs JP Nadda branded this treasonous", accusing Gandhi of inviting foreign meddling. In 2022, at Londons Ideas for India conference, he likened India to Pakistan, moaning: The deep stateCBI, EDis devouring India, just like Pakistan." BJPs Gaurav Bhatia called it betrayal for equating India with a junta-run state. In 2018, in Hamburg, Germany, Gandhi sneered at Indias gender equality, implying women were universally oppressed. In Singapore, he claimed an atmosphere of fear" gripped India, accusing the BJP of divisive politics. In 2017, at UC Berkeley, he alleged hatred and violence" were engulfing India, blaming the BJP for communal strife. That same year in Bahrain, he decried joblessness, saying, Anger is spilling onto the streets." Each time, he painted India as a dystopian failure, ignoring Congresss own checkered past. The Damning Pattern Gandhis apologists, like Sam Pitroda, insist hes merely critiquing the government. But when Pakistani media celebrates his rants, and when Congress stalwarts like Tharoor and Khera tiptoe away from his recklessness, the truth is undeniable: Gandhis words arm Indias enemies. His 2010 remark to a US ambassador, per WikiLeaks, calling Hindutva" a bigger threat than terrorism, set the stage for his anti-India crusade. His 2023 claim that Modi dismissed 70 years of progress was a lie he himself contradicted in London, claiming he never defames Indiayet his actions scream otherwise. His 2025 X post alleging Modi brokered a China-Pakistan alliance ignores Indias strategic calculus, fuelling anti-India narratives. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The nation demands Rahul Gandhis open letter addressing his compulsions and reasons for not going opting, in fact, evading a delegation addressing and exposing Pakistans terror factory. Was it the 2008 China MoU that crippled him? Yuvraj Pokharna is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets with @iyuvrajpokharna. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. About the Author Yuvraj Pokharna Yuvraj Pokharna is a Surat-based author and media panelist who vociferously voices his opinions on issues of Hindutva, Islamist Jihad, politics, policies, and sometimes mules over books. He can be followed on I... Read More Yuvraj Pokharna is a Surat-based author and media panelist who vociferously voices his opinions on issues of Hindutva, Islamist Jihad, politics, policies, and sometimes mules over books. He can be followed on I... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 16:16 IST Amit Shah To Visit Madurai On June 8, Chair Major BJP Tamil Nadu Meeting Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 20:50 IST Amit Shah will also offer prayers at the renowned Meenakshi Temple in Madurai before commencing his political engagements. Union Home Minister Amit Shah (PTI file) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on June 8. During his visit, he will chair a meeting of the Tamil Nadu BJPs state core committee. He is also scheduled to interact with the partys state, district, and mandal-level office bearers in Madurai later that day. The Home Minister announced his visit on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, stating, Leaving for Tamil Nadu. Tomorrow, will chair a meeting of the state core committee of the Tamil Nadu BJP, in Madurai. In the evening, will interact with state, district, and mandal-level office bearers of the BJP in Madurai. Looking forward to attending the programmes." Recommended Stories Shahs visit underscores the partys ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational structure in Tamil Nadu. The meetings are expected to focus on evaluating the partys performance and developing strategies for upcoming electoral challenges in the state. According to party sources cited by PTI, Shah will also offer prayers at the renowned Meenakshi Temple in Madurai before commencing his political engagements. Leaving for Tamil Nadu. Tomorrow, will chair a meeting of the state core committee of the Tamil Nadu BJP, in Madurai. In the evening, will interact with state, district, and mandal-level office bearers of the BJP in Madurai.Looking forward to attending the programs. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 7, 2025 The BJP has allied with the principal opposition party, AIADMK, to challenge the ruling DMK-led alliance in the upcoming state elections, which are less than a year away. The AIADMK is poised to lead the alliance, which is expected to include several smaller parties. This comes as the DMK intensifies its campaign, portraying the BJP as a party acting against the states interests, particularly accusing it of attempting to impose Hindi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The DMK has voiced concerns about the potential for southern states like Tamil Nadu to lose political influence due to a possible delimitation exercise. This exercise could adjust the number of parliamentary seats based on population. With southern states having successfully controlled population growth, there are fears this could result in fewer seats compared to northern states, where population growth has been more substantial. Meanwhile, the BJP has accused the DMK of raising these issues to deflect attention from what it alleges is widespread corruption and ineffective governance under Chief Minister MK Stalin. Shah has previously assured that the interests of southern states will be protected. Location : Madurai, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 20:50 IST 'Indira Gandhi Fixed Elections': BJP's Nishikant Dubey Cites 1975 Verdict To Hit Back At Rahul Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 19:43 IST The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election resulted in a sweeping victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which clinched 235 seats in a commanding performance. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey (PTI Image) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to revisit the 1975 Allahabad High Court judgment that found then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices. Dubeys remarks followed Rahul Gandhis recent statement alleging that the BJP had undermined democratic processes by rigging" the 2024 Maharashtra election in its favour. Recommended Stories Rahul Baba, how is the election fixed or stolen? Read the exploits of your grandmother, Indira Gandhi, which is the judgment of the Allahabad High Court," Dubey said in a post on X. The Allahabad High Court, in its June 12, 1975 ruling, had found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral misconduct and invalidated her election to the Lok Sabha from Rae Bareli. The verdict led to her disqualification and became a key trigger for the imposition of Emergency later that month. Dubey also criticised the Congress partys track record on democracy, adding, The army and its helicopters were used in the 1971 elections. Liquor and clothes were openly distributed during the election of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Ask for votes in the name of Hinduism. Voters were brought in vehicles. Money is distributed indiscriminately. Government employees engaged in an election campaign. You create the election drama, your family ruins the country, and you will not get the liberty to loot the elections anymore." On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Maharashtra assembly election held in November 2024 was rigged", and claimed that the same will be repeated in Bihar assembly polls due later this year. In a post on X, Gandhi shared his article published in a newspaper, explaining the rigging" in the Maharashtra assembly polls. Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. My article shows how this happened, step by step," Gandhi said on X. How to steal an election?Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. My article shows how this happened, step by step: Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election CommissionStep 2: Add fake voters to the rollStep 3: Inflate voter pic.twitter.com/ntCwtPVXTu Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 7, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election resulted in a sweeping victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which clinched 235 seats in a commanding performance. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) solidified its dominance by emerging as the single-largest party, securing 132 seats. First Published: June 07, 2025, 19:43 IST Major Political Shift In Maharashtra Soon? Posters Urging Uddhav, Raj Thackeray To Unite Come Up Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 16:08 IST Amid buzz of a possible reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, posters have come up in Mumbai urging both the leaders to join hands Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray; MNS leader Raj Thackeray (R) Posters demanding Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackerey join hands, erected in Girgaon area of Mumbai. If this demand is met, it could lead to a significant shift in the political landscape of Maharashtra. This comes ahead of municipal elections in the state. Recommended Stories Through this poster, people have demanded both the brothers to come together who reportedly grew apart due to political and personal reasons. The text written on the poster read," The 8 crore Marathi population of Maharashtra wants both the brothers together again." Dropping hints of a possible merger, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav said on Friday that whatever people of Maharashtra wish will happen." For the past days, speculations are rife about a possible alliance between his party and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by his estranged cousin, Raj Thackeray. Addressing reporters, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said there was no confusion among the workers of either party. There is no confusion in our and our Shiv Sainiks hearts. There is no confusion in his (MNS) mind either. We will not give any message, we will give the news directly," Uddhav said. The comes as both Thackeray cousins have recently hinted at the possibility of setting aside past differences and working together, nearly two decades after parting ways. Uddhavs latest remarks have further fuelled speculation of a political rapprochement. While Raj Thackeray has previously said that coming together in the interest of the Marathi manoos (Marathi-speaking people) wouldnt be difficult, Uddhav has stated he is willing to overlook trivial fights," provided those working against Maharashtras interests are not entertained. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reacting to the development, Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said it was up to both the cousins to decide their next political move and that he personally had got nothing to do with that. Raj Thackeray heads the MNS and Uddhav Thackeray is the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT). They will decide if the railway engine (MNS symbol) and the flaming torch (Sena UBT symbol) will have an alliance. It is up to the leaders of the two parties to take a call. What is the point in you and me discussing the issue," news agency PTI quoted Fadnavis as saying. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 15:23 IST Nadda In Delhi, BJP CMs In States & Focus On Wins: BJPs 11-Year Celebration Blitzkrieg Revealed Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 15:48 IST The nationwide campaign, set to begin on June 9, will highlight the achievements of the Modi administration and outline its vision for the future The initiative will see top BJP leaders, including central ministers, chief ministers, and senior party functionaries, addressing the media. (PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned a series of high-profile press conferences across India to commemorate 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led government, details of which have been exclusively accessed by News18. The nationwide campaign, set to begin on June 9, will highlight the achievements of the Modi administration and outline its vision for the future. The initiative will see top BJP leaders, including central ministers, chief ministers, and senior party functionaries, addressing the media in state capitals, Union Territories, and district headquarters. Recommended Stories Kick-Off By Nadda The campaign will commence on June 9 with a press conference led by BJP national president JP Nadda in New Delhi. Naddas address is expected to set the tone for the nationwide initiative, focusing on the Modi governments transformative policies, economic reforms, and contributions to Indias global stature over the past 11 years. The event will underscore the partys narrative of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and its roadmap for the coming years. State-Level Press Conferences On June 10, prominent BJP leaders, including chief ministers and central ministers, will hold press conferences in state capitals and Union Territories to highlight region-specific achievements under the Modi government. The schedule is meticulously planned to cover every corner of the country. According to sources in BJP, the deployment on June 10 will be as follows: Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada): Union minister G Kishan Reddy Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar): Union minister Kiren Rijiju Assam (Guwahati): Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Chhattisgarh (Raipur): Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Goa (Panaji): Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Gujarat (Gandhinagar): Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Haryana (Panchkula): Chief Minister Nayab Saini Himachal Pradesh (Shimla): Union minister Sanjay Seth Jharkhand (Ranchi): Former Union minister Smriti Irani Karnataka (Bengaluru): Union minister Pralhad Joshi Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram): Union minister Suresh Gopi Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal): Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav Maharashtra (Mumbai): Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Manipur (Imphal): MP Sambit Patra Meghalaya (Shillong): Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal Mizoram (Aizawl): National secretary Anil Antony Odisha (Bhubaneswar): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Rajasthan (Jaipur): Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Sikkim (Gangtok): Union minister Pabitra Margherita Tamil Nadu (Chennai): Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Telangana (Hyderabad): Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan Tripura (Agartala): Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha Uttarakhand (Dehradun): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath West Bengal (Kolkata): Union minister Bhupendra Yadav Jammu & Kashmir (Srinagar): Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar (on June 12) Ladakh (Leh): National spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari Lakshadweep (Kavaratti): National vice-president Abdulla Kutty Andaman & Nicobar (Port Blair): Union minister Shantanu Thakur Chandigarh: Former Union minister Anurag Singh Thakur Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (Silvassa): Union minister Nimuben Bambhaniya Puducherry: Union minister L Murugan District-Level Outreach on June 11 Following the state-level events, the BJP has planned an extensive outreach at the district level on June 11. According to sources, party leaders will address press conferences in district headquarters across the country, ensuring that the Modi governments achievements reach grassroots audiences. This multi-tiered campaign reflects the BJPs strategy to engage with citizens at all levels, from metropolitan cities to rural districts. Focus on Modi Governments Achievements The press conferences are expected to spotlight key accomplishments of the Modi government, including economic growth, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and social welfare schemes. Leaders will likely highlight flagship programmes such as Make in India, Digital India, Ayushman Bharat, and PM Awas Yojana, alongside reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the abrogation of Article 370. The campaign will also emphasise Indias rising global influence, including its leadership in forums like the G20 and its advancements in space exploration and renewable energy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Political Context and Strategy The nationwide campaign comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been riding high on the success of Operation Sindoor. It is expected that Pakistan and the recent conflict are bound to figure in the political discourse during the blitzkrieg. About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 15:41 IST 'Will Have To Wake Up, Understand Reality': Fadnavis On Rahul's 'Poll-Fixing' Claim Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 18:15 IST Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi, Maharashtra Chief Minister said that the Congress has already accepted his defeat in upcoming Bihar polls. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hit back at Rahul Gandhi Hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted on Saturday that the Maharashtra Assembly elections were a blueprint for rigging democracy", Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis retorted that the former continues to delude himself. In an article published in the Indian Express, Rahul Gandhi, also the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections were not conducted fairly. He further claimed that this pattern of electoral match-fixing" would be replicated in upcoming elections, including those in Bihar and anywhere the BJP is losing". Recommended Stories In a post on X, Gandhi outlined what he described as systematic manipulation of the electoral process: My article shows how this happened, step by step: Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission. Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll. Step 3: Inflate voter turnout. Step 4: Target the bogus voting exactly where the BJP needs to win. Step 5: Hide the evidence." Responding sharply, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, Rahul Gandhi accepted his defeat in Bihar! As long as Rahul Gandhi gives himself false assurances, his party can never win. By saying such baseless things, Rahul Gandhi has insulted the voters of Maharashtra, for this I condemn him." He will have to wake up and understand the reality. Otherwise, he will keep speaking nonsense, keep lying, and insulting voters Neither does Rahul Gandhi understand what hes saying, nor do people understand what hes saying," he added. BJP president JP Nadda also launched a scathing attack on Gandhi, stating that the Congress leaders article is a blueprint for manufacturing fake narratives, owing to his sadness and desperation from losing election after election." He further presented a step-by-step process of Gandhis alleged bizarre conspiracy": top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Read how Rahul Gandhi lied about Maharashtra: Heres how he does it, step by step: Step 1: Congress Party gets defeated election after election due to his antics. Step 2: Instead of introspecting, he cooks up bizarre conspiracies and cries rigging. Step 3: Ignores all facts and data. Step 4: Defames institutions with zero proof. Step 5: Hopes for headlines over facts." Despite being exposed time and again, he shamelessly keeps peddling lies. And, he is doing this because a defeat in Bihar is certain. Democracy doesnt need drama. It needs truth," added Nadda. First Published: June 07, 2025, 18:15 IST 'Buzdil Woh Hote Hain...': Shiv Sena MP Mimics Bilawal Bhutto's 'Rosesh Sarabhai-Style' Speech Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Sumedha Kirti Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 13:56 IST Priyanka Chaturvedi said 'buzdil' means those who stage coups against elected governments, jail political leaders, and murder an elected PM to install an army general in power Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's (L) tone and exaggerated delivery style reminded Indian sitcom fans of 'Rosesh Sarabhai', played by Rajesh Kumar. The internet wasnt done with memes linking Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to Rosesh Sarabhai when politician Priyanka Chaturvedi mimicked Pakistans former foreign minister in Belgium, unleashing another round of laughter. Mimicking Zardaris tone, the Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP repeated, Koun raat ke andhere mein hamle karte hai? Buzdil raat ke andhere mein hamla karte hai" (Who attacks in the dark? Cowards do). Recommended Stories Chaturvedi added that in context to Zardaris speech after Indias Operation Sindoor, shed like to explain what buzdil" means. buzdil (coward) means those who stage coups against elected governments, jail political leaders, and murder an elected prime minister to install an army general in power," she said. The parliamentarian further stated that the same army general who assumed power initiated radicalization in Pakistan, undermining the constitution and destroying Jinnahs vision. She also ridiculed the Pakistani delegation, noting that Pakistan has been trailing India even after more than 70 years since their separation. A delegation is coming after us, and you all know which one that is. They have been chasing us and refuse to let go. We left them in 1947, but they havent stopped following us," she said. Theyll be arriving in a few days. The person leading this delegation I say all this only to put in context what India stands for, what we need to expose, and why we are here," Chaturvedi added. #WATCH | Brussels, Belgium | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "After us, another delegation will comeThe person who is leading the delegation, in his parliamentary speech, said "Kon raat ke andhere mein hamle karte hain, Buzdil raat ke waqt hamle karte pic.twitter.com/ANe87UWjb9 ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025 Interestingly, Pakistan delegations arrival in the United States did not go down well with some of the politicians. Pakistan Delegation Gets Earful In US US Congressman Brad Sherman advised a Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday to make every effort to eliminate the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad from the region and protect religious minorities in their country. In a social media post on X, Sherman highlighted the importance of combating terrorism, specifically mentioning Jaish-e-Mohammad, responsible for the 2002 murder of Daniel Pearl. Sherman emphasized to the delegation the critical need to address terrorism, pointing out that Pearls family still resides in his district. He urged Pakistan to do everything possible to eliminate this dangerous group and fight terrorism in the area. In January 2002, Daniel was abducted by jihadi terrorists while on his way to meet Pakistani religious cleric Mubarak Ali Gilani in Karachi for what he believed would be an interview. Why Is Bilawal Bhutto Being Trolled In India & The Sarabhai Connection Last month, Zardari addressed the Pakistani Assembly regarding Indias Operation Sindoor, which involved a targeted overnight military strike on terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes were a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 people, primarily tourists. Zardari intended to question India over Operation Sindoor with his Kon raat ke andhere me hamle karte hai" speech. The address may have found resonance in Pakistan considering the tension with India, but for fans of Indian sitcoms of early 2000s, the speech was a fodder for memes. The speech itself may not be considered a powerful one. It was Zardaris tone, voice modulation, and exaggerated delivery style that fans thought was similar to Rosesh Sarabhai from the popular show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. This then ignited a trail of memes, videos and ROFL comments. READ: Why Pakistans Bilawal Bhutto Is Reminding Internet Of Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai Actor Rajesh Kumar, known for his iconic role as Rosesh Sarabhai, too jumped into the trend on public demand". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Roshesh Sarabhai urf Rajesh Kumar actually did the Bilawal Bhutto bit! pic.twitter.com/o2SgG4Igrf Vedvrat Shikarpur (@I_am_Vedvrat) May 25, 2025 Famous for his nasal voice, quirky poetry, and as the doted-upon son of Maya Sarabhai, Roshesh Sarabhai played by Rajesh Kumar added distinctive charm to the iconic show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. Created by Aatish Kapadia and JD Majethia, the series quickly became popular due to its clever writing, memorable characters, and sharp satire on Indian upper-middle-class families. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 07, 2025, 11:58 IST Google DeepMind CEO Predicts AI Will Help Humans Colonise The Galaxy Starting 2030 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 18:06 IST Google DeepMind CEO and Nobel laureate Demis Hassabis said that starting 2030 humans will be able to colonise the galaxy and artificial intelligence will power this revolution. Demis Hassabis attends the TIME100 gala, celebrating the magazines annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, in New York City, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS) 2024 Nobel Prize winner and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis told a news outlet recently that humans will be able to colonise the galaxy" starting 2030 and the revolution will be powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The Nobel chemistry laureate told WIRED that AI will lead humanity to far into the universe while turbocharging human productivity. Hassabis, who was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize with David Baker for computational protein design", said the golden era was only five years away and that AI models set to bring about a renaissance in human existence. Recommended Stories If everything goes well, then we should be in an era of radical abundance, a kind of golden era. AGI can solve what I call root-node problems in the world, curing terrible diseases, much healthier and longer lifespans, finding new energy sources," Hassabis was quoted as saying in an interview with WIRED. AGI, or Artificial General Intelligence, refers to an AI system with human-like cognitive abilities, capable of understanding, learning, and applying knowledge across a wide range of tasks. If that all happens, then it should be an era of maximum human flourishing, where we travel to the stars and colonise the galaxy. I think that will begin to happen in 2030," he said. When asked whether abundance through AI would still result in unequal distribution, Demis Hassabis said the technology could make the world feel like a non-zero-sum game." Although AGI has the potential to open vast new frontiers for humanity, Hassabis has previously expressed concern that society may not be prepared for its impact and admitted that the risks and consequences of such powerful technology often keep him up at night. Its a sort of like probability distribution. But its coming, either way its coming very soon and Im not sure societys quite ready for that yet. And we need to think that through and also think about these issues that I talked about earlier, to do with the controllability of these systems and also the access to these systems and ensuring that all goes well," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He has also advocated for creating a UN-style global body to oversee the development and governance of AGI. I would advocate for a kind of CERN for AGI, and by that, I mean a kind of international research-focused high-end collaboration on the frontiers of AGI development to try and make that as safe as possible," he further added. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 07, 2025, 18:06 IST Nice Try, But No: You Cant Name Your Baby King Or Hitler In These US States Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 21:58 IST Names implying royal titles, such as King, Queen, Majesty, and Prince, are often prohibited to prevent misleading implications. Representative image Did you know that some US states prohibit parents from giving their children certain names, including Jesus Christ, Queen, or King? Lets examine some examples of these banned names: 1. Adolf Hitler: This name is prohibited due to its association with the Nazi leader responsible for the Holocaust, preventing the glorification of hate and atrocities. Recommended Stories 2. Messiah: This name has faced legal challenges on religious grounds. In 2013, a Tennessee judge ordered a babys name changed from Messiah" to Martin", citing religious reasons. This decision was later overturned, and the judge was removed for imposing personal beliefs over the law. 3. Lucifer: Although permitted in some states, the name Lucifer is banned in others due to its association with the devil in Christian theology. 4. Jesus Christ: This name is restricted in certain jurisdictions to avoid causing religious offence and confusion. 5. King, Queen, Majesty, Prince: Names implying royal titles, such as King, Queen, Majesty, and Prince, are often prohibited to prevent misleading implications. 6. Santa Claus: This name is disallowed in some areas to avoid confusion and maintain cultural appropriateness. 7. III (Roman Numeral): In California, a man was denied the right to change his name to III" because symbols or numbers alone do not constitute a legal name. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 8. @, 1069, Mon1ka: Names containing symbols, numbers, or unconventional spellings like these are generally prohibited due to administrative difficulties and potential confusion. These naming prohibitions vary from state to state. For instance, California and New Jersey restrict obscene or offensive names, while states like Illinois and South Carolina ban names containing numbers or symbols. 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 07, 2025, 21:58 IST KABUL, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan interim government's Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund on Saturday called on the opposition to return to their homeland Afghanistan and resume normal life with dignity. "No matter whether the opposition is women or men, inside or abroad, return to your country and live with dignity. No one would harass you. This is our promise," Akhund said in his speech after offering Eid al-Adha prayers. The supreme leader of the Afghan interim government Hibatullah Akhundzada announced general amnesty to all the opposition and those who served the U.S.-backed Afghan administration, which collapsed with the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces from Afghanistan in August 2021. Hinting at the travel ban on Afghan nationals entering the U.S., Hassan Akhund also urged former U.S. allies and all those Afghans who served Washington's interests to return to Afghanistan. "Some are concerned over the travel ban for entry to America; I am calling on these people to return home, although they had served American interests for 20 years to destroy the Islamic system. You are under general amnesty and your security is ensured," the state-run Radio and Television of Afghanistan quoted Hassan Akhund as saying. Afghanistan celebrated Eid al-Adha, the largest annual religious festival, on Saturday in a peaceful environment amid tight security where the prayer leaders prayed for lasting peace and prosperity in the post-war country. As Bangladesh Army Chief, BNP Resist 'Rohingya Corridor', Yunus Silent But Flags Fund Cuts Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 07:30 IST Sources in Bangladesh suggest the Rakhine Corridor idea has not been completely abandoned, and discussions concerning the Rohingya crisis continue The proposed passage, intended to facilitate aid delivery between Rohingya settlements and camps in Cox's Bazar and designated zones along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, has faced sharp domestic criticism. Representational image: PTI Amid strong opposition from political parties, including the BNP, and the military top brass, Bangladeshs interim government, led by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, has fallen silent on the proposed Rakhine Corridor talks. However, sources in Bangladesh suggest the idea has not been completely abandoned, and discussions concerning the Rohingya crisis continue. The army chief, during a private meeting with senior commanders, reportedly expressed serious reservations about the projects strategic and security implications. Political parties, including senior figures of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, also rejected the idea, citing national security concerns. Recommended Stories Silent treatment? However, the Yunus administration appears to be quietly pursuing the plan, seeking international support through global platforms, emphasising humanitarian grounds. A source familiar with the developments stated that a humanitarian passage, not a corridor, is now the subject of consensus among multiple stakeholders, including Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other involved parties. The proposed passage, intended to facilitate aid delivery between Rohingya settlements and camps in Coxs Bazar and designated zones along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, has faced sharp domestic criticism. Security analysts and several political parties, including senior BNP leaders, have warned that such a passage could create a semi-autonomous zone and further destabilise the region. A senior BNP leader, speaking to News18 from Dhaka, said, We cannot allow the Rakhine Corridor cutting across Bangladesh. We want a stable and peaceful country. We have presented our views to the interim government in this regard, and we will oppose any such decision that may put Bangladeshs security and stability at stake." Yunus-UN representative meeting fuels speculation Addressing the media in Dhaka last week, national security adviser Khalilur Rahman said, The UN only asked if Bangladesh could assist in sending humanitarian aid near the border, to be delivered to the Rakhine state by UN partners. We said we can consider," as reported by The Daily Star, a widely circulated Bangladeshi newspaper. A meeting between chief adviser Yunus and UN resident coordinator Gwyn Lewis this week has fuelled further speculation. According to an official statement from the Bangladesh government, the discussion focused significantly on the Rohingya crisis and future cooperation frameworks, with Yunus appealing for international cooperation and funds. In their meeting, the resident coordinator and the chief adviser addressed the pressing issues surrounding the Rohingya crisis and the ongoing financing challenges," the statement said. They expressed serious concern about significant funding reductions, which are severely impacting essential programmes within the camps. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Yunus stated the urgent need for sustained solidarity and increased support from the international community to mitigate the funding cuts and reinforce Bangladeshs efforts to aid the vulnerable Rohingya population". While the Yunus administration has avoided public discussion of the proposed corridor following strong opposition, diplomatic sources suggest the concept of a passage has not been dismissed. For now, the Rakhine corridor remains an undeclared and inactive element of Bangladeshs evolving foreign and domestic policy. About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 07:30 IST Canada PM Mark Carney Reveals Why He Invited PM Modi To G7 Summit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 19:52 IST Hours after extending the invitation, Mark Carney cited Indias status as the fifth-largest economy as a reason for the invite. Mark Carney's victory signals a shift in India-Canada ties. (Reuters) Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday (local time) spilled the beans on inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to this months G7 summit in Kananaskis. Hours after extending the invitation, Carney cited Indias status as the fifth-largest economy as a reason for the invite. Carney said that the most populous country in the world, with the fifth largest economy, should be present at this years G7 summit. Recommended Stories Carney further emphasised that Indias presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential where discussions on important issues, including security and energy would be held. As chair of the G7, it is important to invite the most important countries to attend to talk about important issues such as energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and India is really at the very centre of global supply chains," Carney said during a news conference on Parliament Hill, as reported by The Globe and Mail. Carney said that India and Canada are acting on law enforcement, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted his invitation. In addition, bilaterally we have now agreed importantly to continued law enforcement to law enforcement dialogue so theres been some progress on that recognizes issues of accountability I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi for in in that context and he has accepted it," he said. The Canadian PM further declined to say whether he believed India had any involvement in pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjars killing. There is a legal process that is literally under way and quite advanced in Canada, and its never appropriate to make comments with respect to those legal processes," Carney said. He further asserted that Canada follows rule of law and no one would interfere in the ongoing investigations. Carney predecessor Justin Trudeau had openly accused New Delhi of plotting the murder of Nijjar. PM Modi Confirms His Participation PM Modi on Friday confirmed he would attend the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit in Canada after an invitation from newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J Carney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," he said in a post on X. Indo-Canadian Souring Ties Indo-Canadian ties have nosedived in the aftermath of Nijjars killing as well as Trudeaus allegations. In September 2023, Trudeau had accused New Delhi of having a potential" involvement of Indian agents in Hardeep Singh Nijjars killing. India has repeatedly denied these allegations, and has taken a decisive stand against what it perceives as Canadas non-seriousness in dealing with the Khalistan issue. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ties further strained when Trudeau named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a person of interest in an investigation, without naming the case. A person of interest means a suspect who is not arrested. Earlier this year, a public inquiry on foreign interference in Canada has found no definitive link to a foreign state" in the killing of Nijjar. 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 : Ottawa, Canada First Published: June 07, 2025, 19:52 IST Can Donald Trump Ban Elon Musk's X In US Amid Escalating Feud? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 23:20 IST Donald Trump could potentially designate X a national security risk and ban it through executive authority, an expert said. Elon Musk and Donald Trump As the fallout between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk deepens, a tech expert suggested that the White House could consider invoking national security powers to act against Elon Musks social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Devan Leos, a tech entrepreneur and AI expert, told the New York Post that if tensions continue to rise, Donald Trump could potentially designate X a national security risk and ban it through executive authority. Recommended Stories Can Donald Trump Ban X In US? The President possesses executive authority to declare X a national security risk, which would permit him to ban the platform outright," Devan Leos said. Devan Leos also warned that any retaliatory move by Elon Musk could invite further escalation. That would almost certainly trigger an executive response from the White House," he said. He added that past remarks by Elon Musk, particularly any reference to classified or sensitive information, could be used as legal grounds for action under national security provisions. Read more: Donald Trump Says Relationship With Elon Musk Over: Hell Pay The Consequences If Donald Trump has historically leaned on executive powers, including those derived from emergency statutes. An Associated Press analysis found that 30 of his 150 executive orders during his first term invoked some form of emergency authority- much more than recent presidents. What Donald Trump Said On Elon Musk top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Donald Trump warned of serious consequences" if Elon Musk follows through on threats to fund Democratic challengers as he made it clear that his relationship with Elon Musk is effectively over, following a series of public exchanges between the two. In an interview with NBC News, Donald Trump said he has no interest in reconciling with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, accusing Elon Musk of being disrespectful to the office of the President." Donald Trump also dismissed Elon Musks recent online criticism, including now-deleted posts linking the US President to Jeffrey Epstein, calling it old news." 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 07, 2025, 23:19 IST 'Eliminate This Vile Group': US Congressman To Pakistani Delegation On Jaish-e-Mohammed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 07:54 IST US Congressman Brad Sherman told the Pakistani delegation to ensure the elimination of the "vile" Jaish-e-Mohammed, while stressing the protection of religious minorities. US Congressman Brad Sherman urged Pakistan to act against Jaish-e-Mohammad. (Photo: Congressman Brad Sherman/X) In a strong rebuke, senior US lawmaker Brad Sherman told the visiting Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari that the country should do all it can" to eliminate the vile" terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), as well as ensure the protection of religious minorities. The JeM has been responsible for several terrorist attacks against India and was also behind the abduction and execution of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002. Recommended Stories I emphasised to the Pakistani delegation the importance of combating terrorism, and in particular, the group Jaish-e-Mohammed, who murdered my constituent Daniel Pearl in 2002," said Sherman on X. Pearls family continues to live in my district, and Pakistan should do all it can to eliminate this vile group and combat terrorism in the region. The protection of religious minorities in Pakistan remains an important issue," he added. The protection of religious minorities in Pakistan remains an important issue.Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims living in Pakistan must be allowed to practice their faith and participate in the democratic system without fear of violence, persecution, discrimination, or Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) June 5, 2025 Sherman said Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims living in Pakistan must be allowed to practice their faith and participate in a democratic system without the fear of violence, persecution and discrimination. The Pakistani delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto, met Sherman in Washington on Thursday, around the same time as a multi-party delegation of Indian parliamentarians led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was in the US capital. Seven all-party delegations had travelled to various countries, briefing key interlocutors about Operation Sindoor in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Indias strong resolve to fight terrorism emanating from Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sherman also urged the Pakistani delegation to relay to their government the need to free Dr Shakil Afridi, who continues to languish in prison for helping the United States kill Osama bin Laden. Freeing Dr Afridi represents an important step in bringing closure for victims of 9/11," he said. Afridi is a Pakistani physician who helped the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) run a polio vaccination programme in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to collect DNA samples of bin Ladens family. He was arrested shortly after bin Ladens death in Abbottabad in May 2011 and sentenced to 33 years in prison. 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 07, 2025, 07:48 IST Big Bomb Defused? Elon Musk Deletes Explosive Claim Linking Donald Trump To Epstein Files Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 16:18 IST In a dramatic public feud, Elon Musk claimed US President Donald Trump was mentioned in the files related to sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein, which is why they were not released. Donald Trump and Elon Musk Tech billionaire Elon Musk has deleted his X post, claiming that US President Donald Trumps name was mentioned in the files related to sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein, which is why his administration has yet to release them. The bombshell allegation came after Musk and Trump engaged in a shocking public feud following the Tesla boss criticism of the White Houses $4 trillion tax and spending bill. 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 said on Thursday. Recommended Stories In another post on X, Musk stated, Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out." In response to Elon Musks post, the Democrats, too, demanded that the list be released. House Democrats have asked the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate Elon Musks claim that President Trump is named in the Jeffrey Epstein files, Axios has learned. However, FBI chief Kash Patel has so far refused to comment on the feud as well as Trumps connection with Epstein. Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier with deep connections to global elites, including politicians, royalty, academics, and business tycoons. He was first investigated in 2005 in Florida for allegedly sexually abusing underage girls. He was arrested on sex trafficking charges in 2019. Epstein died in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though many continue to suspect foul play given the powerful individuals potentially implicated. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump and Musk engaged in a heated spat on Thursday after Musk publicly condemned Trumps $4 trillion big, beautiful bill" as a disgusting abomination". Musk accused Trump of ingratitude", while the president threatened to cut Musks government contracts. Trump said Musk had been wearing thin," that he had asked him to leave" his administration, that the tech titan had gone CRAZY." Maybe, Trump threatened, he should save taxpayer money by cancelling government contracts and subsidies for Musks companies. 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 07, 2025, 15:07 IST From Sydney To Panama And Canada: The Indian-Origin Man Behind A Global Smuggling Ring Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 20:23 IST Gurvindar Singh is at the centre of a massive two-year investigation by Australias Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST) Gurvindar Singh orchestrated the import of 50 kilograms of cocaine concealed in cement bags from Panama. (X) A 42-year-old Sydney-based man of Indian origin, Gurvindar Singh, has been accused of heading an international drug and tobacco trafficking syndicate that spanned multiple continents and used legitimate freight channels to smuggle illicit goods into Australia. Massive Two-Year Probe By Australias Elite Strike Team Recommended Stories Gurvindar Singh is at the centre of a massive two-year investigation by Australias Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST), a coalition involving the NSW Police, Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force, NSW Crime Commission, AUSTRAC, the ATO, and other enforcement bodies. He faces multiple serious charges, including five counts of importing commercial quantities of controlled drugs and illegal tobacco, as well as directing a criminal group and dealing with the proceeds of crime. Multi-Continent Trafficking: Cocaine From Panama, Meth From Canada, Cigarettes From UAE According to authorities, Gurvindar Singh orchestrated the import of 50 kilograms of cocaine concealed in cement bags from Panama, 280 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine shipped from Canada and over 20 million illicit cigarettes smuggled from the United Arab Emirates, allegedly using a freight company operating out of Punchbowl in southwestern Sydney. Early Morning Raids Lead To Arrest of Mastermind and Associates top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last month, the strike team conducted coordinated early-morning raids involving more than 150 officers across properties in Punchbowl, Wetherill Park and surrounding suburbs. Gurvindar Singh was arrested outside a private residence just after exiting a vehicle near a waiting police van. Two Canadian nationals of Indian origin, Aman Kang (24) and Mani Singh Dhaliwal (31), were also apprehended. Authorities allege they were recruited by Gurvindar Singh to retrieve and distribute the cocaine shipment. 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 : Sydney, Australia First Published: June 07, 2025, 20:23 IST How This White House Official Triggered A Fallout Between Donald Trump, Elon Musk Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 12:02 IST Various reports have surfaced claiming that a White House official was behind the latest tiff between Donald Trump and Elon Musk over a mega tax and spending bill. White House director of the Office of Presidential Personnel Sergio Gor and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. (Reuters/File) The recent feud between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk may be one of the ugliest public spats witnessed this year. The once-close allies had a bitter falling out over the White Houses $4 trillion tax and spending bill. Their public disagreement began when Musk called the bill a disgusting abomination". Subsequently, on Thursday, Trump stated he was very disappointed" by Musks criticism and that the future of their relationship was uncertain. Recommended Stories The row quickly escalated as Musk claimed Trumps name was mentioned in the files related to sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein, while sharing a post on social media calling for Trumps impeachment. Meanwhile, Trump said Musk had lost his mind" and threatened to cut his government contracts. However, various reports have surfaced claiming that a White House official was behind the latest tiff between Trump and Musk, engineering a public fallout between the worlds most powerful man and the worlds richest man. Who Was Behind Trump-Musk Feud? According to a report by Axios, the final straw behind Musks relationship with Trump came when the US president abruptly announced he was withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to be NASA administrator. Isaacman is a close friend of Musks and was backed by the Tesla boss. 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. Five sources told the New York Post that Gor was instrumental in the withdrawal of Isaacmans nomination, turning a contained disagreement on legislation into a firestorm of insults. Gor had pulled up Isaacmans donations to Democrats, including $100,000 in 2021 to a PAC linked to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Gors Humiliation By Musk Musk and Gor had disliked each other since before Trump took office on January 20, with the former describing Gor as sleazy" during the transition and questioning his staffing picks. Furthermore, Gor was reportedly humiliated" by Musk during a Cabinet meeting on March 6, when the Tesla CEO criticised the pace of staffing the administration. Following Thursdays feud, Gor had reportedly bragged to his colleagues about giving the billionaire payback" for making him look bad. Elon was always telling the president Sergios not moving fast enough to hire people. Hes not the right guy for the job. In front of the entire Cabinet, he said that. Its not just humiliating, but the president starts looking at him like, Why arent you doing your fing job?'" a source said. Some sources said Gors intensely personal dislike of Musk was illustrated by his periodic celebrations when Teslas stock cratered. Hed go around showing Tesla stock prices going down and laugh about it, like he was responsible for taking the Tesla stock down," one source revealed. Gor Denies Vendetta Rumours As per the report, Gor had an obsession with Musk for making him look bad and spared little opportunities to gloat when Teslas stock price declined. He also forwarded an article to his colleagues that expressed concerns about Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, Gor has denied harbouring a personal vendetta against Musk and insisted that reports of him celebrating Teslas stock decline were false. I fully support President Donald Trumps decision to remove this nominee. Those who actively supported Democrats in the last cycle have no place in this administration. This was never about Elon," he said in a statement on Trump withdrawing Isaacmans nomination for NASA administrator. Former White House staffer Steve Bannon defended Gor and claimed Trumps cancellation of a planned Pentagon briefing for Musk about China, and the president not acting to extend Musks 130-day tenure as a special government employee fuelled the dispute. 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 07, 2025, 12:02 IST 'I Am Not Participating...': FBI Chief Kash Patel Responds To Trump-Musk Public Feud Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 09:30 IST Kash Patel reacted to the public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, after the latter claimed the US president's name was in the Jeffrey Epstein files. FBI Director Kash Patel (IMAGE: REUTERS/FILE) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has refused to participate in the public feud between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, after the latter said Trump was in the Jeffrey Epstein files, which is why they have not been released so far. Im not participating in any of that conversation between Elon and Trump," said Patel on the Joe Rogan Experience" podcast on Thursday after learning of Musks statement regarding Trumps involvement in the Epstein files. Recommended Stories Musks Big Bomb The two high-profile leaders engaged in a heated spat on Thursday after Musk publicly condemned Trumps $4 trillion big, beautiful bill". Musk accused Trump of ingratitude" and dropped a big bomb" by claiming that Trumps administration hasnt released all the records related to sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein because Trump is mentioned in them. 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." In another post on X, Musk stated, 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 In response to Elon Musks post on X, the Democrats, too, demanded that the list be released. House Democrats have asked the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate Elon Musks claim that President Trump is named in the Jeffrey Epstein files, as per reports. Staying Out of Trump-Elon Thing Reading out Musks message, podcaster Joe Rogan said, Thats a crazy thing to say. How does he know? Does he know that Donald Trump is in the Epstein files? Or does he have access to the Epstein files?" Patel said he did not know how he (Musk) would" know anything about the contents of the Epstein files, but declined to comment further on the feud, the New York Post reported. Im just staying out of the Trump-Elon thing; thats way outside my lane. I know my lane, and that aint it," he said. Earlier in the interview, Patel had discussed the pending release of surveillance video taken of Epsteins Manhattan jail cell that proves the convicted child sex trafficker killed himself in August 2019. Before his 2024 re-election campaign, Trump had stated he would have no problem" releasing files linked to Epstein. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, conspiracy theories have surrounded Epsteins death, with some claiming that he was killed by someone afraid he would expose sex crimes of prominent figures in politics and finance whose friendship he had cultivated over several decades. In February, the Justice Department released roughly 200 pages of documents related to Epstein, including his contact list, flight logs and a list of evidence the government amassed against him. Attorney General Pam Bondi has since claimed that the FBI Field Office in New York has thousands of pages worth of outstanding documents. 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 07, 2025, 09:30 IST Iran Claims It Accessed Top-Secret Israeli Nuclear Files In Shadowy Covert Op: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 21:36 IST Iran claims to have secured a large cache of sensitive Israeli intelligence, including files on nuclear facilities and defence plans. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian (C) watches a military parade during a ceremony marking the country's annual Army Day in Tehran. (IMAGE: AFP) Iran on Saturday claimed that it has secured a large cache of strategic and sensitive" Israeli intelligence, including files on Israels nuclear facilities and defence plans, news agency AFP said, citing state-controlled news television. The state-run broadcaster said: Irans intelligence apparatus has obtained a vast quantity of strategic and sensitive information and documents belonging to the Zionist regime." Recommended Stories The AFP report pointed out that the broadcaster did not disclose how the material was obtained or further details about the documents. The haul reportedly includes thousands of documents related to that regimes nuclear plans and facilities". Tehran claims the data was collected during a covert operation and consisted of a large volume of documents, images and videos. After secure transfer to Iran, the materials were thoroughly examined by authorities. Iran and Israel have long been engaged in a shadow war marked by covert operations and open conflict, including cyberattacks, targeted killings, drone strikes and sabotage efforts. Tehran accuses Israel of assassinating several of its nuclear scientists. Israel blames Iran for backing militant groups and attacking Israeli interests abroad. Western powers, led by the United States and Israel, which is widely regarded as the Middle Easts only nuclear-armed state, accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran denies this but insists on its right to civilian nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, of which it is a signatory. The report comes amid rising tensions over Irans nuclear programme, which Israeli leaders consider an existential threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently backed military strikes against Irans nuclear infrastructure. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last year saw unprecedented tension between the two countries as they exchanged fire during Israels ongoing war in Gaza. Since Irans 1979 revolution, it has made support for the Palestinian cause central to its foreign policy and does not recognise Israels legitimacy. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: June 07, 2025, 21:36 IST JD Vance Defends Donald Trump On Musk's Epstein Files Claim: 'Hope Elon Comes Back' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 18:11 IST JD Vance expressed hope for reconciliation, saying, I hope eventually Elon comes back into the fold. US Vice President JD Vance | File Image/AP US Vice President JD Vance come to the defense of Donald Trump following a controversial and now-deleted tweet by billionaire Elon Musk. Elon Musk had claimed that Donald Trumps name appears in the sealed Jeffrey Epstein files, suggesting this was why the documents had not been made public. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk wrote, Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!" The post quickly went viral but was later removed by Musk without explanation. Recommended Stories Responding to Elon Musks allegation, JD Vance firmly rejected the claim, stating, Absolutely not, Donald Trump didnt do anything with Epstein." He also expressed hope for reconciliation, saying, I hope eventually Elon comes back into the fold." Elon Musk-Donald Trump Spat The exchange between Elon Musk and Donald Trump unfolded amid ongoing tensions between the billionaire CEO and the President. Elon Musk, who recently stepped down from his government advisory role to focus on his businesses, has increasingly criticized Donald Trump, including over the US presidents proposed Big Beautiful Bill". Elon Musk also claimed, Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." In reply to Elon Musks criticism, Donald Trump took to Truth Social, writing, I dont mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago." No Truce Between Elon Musk And Donald Trump? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to a POLITICO report, White House aides are working to moderate the presidents public criticism of Elon Musk. When asked about the ongoing spat with Musk during a phone call with POLITICO, Trump responded confidently, Oh, its okay. Its going very well, never done better." 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 07, 2025, 18:11 IST VIENTIANE, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, linking Bolikhamxay province in Laos to Thailand's northeastern province of Bueng Kan, is set to open in December 2025, enhancing regional and international connectivity while fostering trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. A concrete-pouring ceremony of the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge was held on Friday in Bolikhamxay province, attended by Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit, and officials from both countries. The project is an important part of Lao's sustainable growth plan and will help the country improve infrastructure and become better connected regionally and internationally, according to a Lao Economic Daily report on Saturday. The 1,350-meter bridge marks a major step in bilateral cooperation, with 98.4 percent of construction completed on the Lao side and all approach roads and immigration facilities finished. The bridge is expected to cut travel time between the two provinces by up to three hours, boosting trade and tourism. Following earlier crossings that handle over 5 million vehicles annually, the new bridge is projected to start with 1,200 vehicles per day, increasing to 3,000 within five years. 'Operation Spider's Web' Spooks China As It Fears Taiwan Could Copy Ukraines Drone Tactics Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 21:59 IST Chinese analysts warn of infiltration threats after Ukraines covert drone strikes deep inside Russia. A Taiwanese army CH-47 Chinook (top R) and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters fly in formation with the Taiwanese flag during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei. (IMAGE: AFP) Ukrainian forces drone strikes on airbases deep within Russian territory, despite lacking long-range missiles or strategic bombers, are now a source of concern for China as it contemplates reunification" with Taiwan, according to a report by the South China Morning Post. The operation, dubbed Spiders Web, involved smuggling drones into Russia undetected, utilising unsuspecting drivers to transport them in modified containers close to key airbases. From these locations, drones were launched remotely to destroy high-value targets like surveillance aircraft and long-range bombers parked on the tarmac. Recommended Stories The Russian bases targeted in the operation included Belaya airbase in Irkutsk, situated approximately 4,000 km from Ukraines border, where strategic nuclear-capable bombers such as the Tu-95, Tu-160, and Tu-22 were targeted. Another base in Amur, near the Chinese border and roughly 8,000 km from Ukraine, was also attacked. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the operations success has alarmed Chinese military experts, particularly regarding a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese military aviation analyst and former air force member Fu Qianshao noted the implications extend beyond Russia. Such attacks could easily be carried out by secret services or in special military operations," Fu told the South China Morning Post. He cautioned that China must guard against enemy forces infiltrating military bases in such a way", highlighting vulnerabilities deep within its expansive territory. Like Russia, China possesses numerous military bases scattered thousands of kilometres inland, within what it considers its strategic rear area". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all These locations encompass remote north-western deserts and mountainous regions in the south-west, far from the sensitive east coast and Taiwan Strait. Supporting this perspective, Timothy Heath, senior international defence researcher at the US-based Rand Corporation, stated that Operation Spiders Web demonstrated how drones can threaten even the most distant and well-protected military sites. Drones can be deployed close to a target and are difficult to defend against," Heath explained. It also showed that there are few truly safe spaces in war zones anymore". About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Beijing, China First Published: June 07, 2025, 21:58 IST Why Pakistans Taliban Sanctions Panel Role At UNSC Is No Victory, Here's The Fine Print Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 15:33 IST While Pakistan will chair the UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee, it is no victory for Islamabad - due to its poor record on terrorism - as it received far less than what it wanted. Pakistan wanted to chair key UN Sanctions Committees, but was given only one. (Reuters/File Image) While Pakistan is set to chair the Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council in 2025, it failed to get what it wanted to secure chairmanship of other UN Sanctions Committees possibly due to its dismal record of keeping cross-border terrorism emanating from the country in check. Apart from chairing the UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee, Pakistan will also be the vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the 15-nation UN body. According to a list of chairs of the subsidiary bodies of the UN Security Council, Denmark will chair the 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, while Russia and Sierra Leone will be vice-chairs for 2025. Recommended Stories However, Pakistan has actually received far less than what it wanted, given the worlds doubts on Islamabads credibility. For the first time in the history of the UN Security Council, the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Sanctions will have two co-chairs. Pakistan will co-chair the documentation IWG with Denmark and the Sanctions IWG with Greece. What Did Pakistan Want? Pakistan had demanded the 1267 Sanctions Committee; 1540 (Non-Proliferation) Sanctions Committee; 1988 (Taliban) Committee and Chair of the 1373 Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC), but only got the Taliban Sanctions Committee, much less than what it had wanted. Pakistan is also co-chairing the 1373 CTC, which is not very substantial and is merely ceremonial in nature. India had chaired the 1373 CTC in 2011 and 2022.Decisions in the committees require consensus of members, so the current allocation is far below the expectations of Pakistani leadership. Records show a glaring instance of state-sponsored duplicity, as out of 254 individuals and 89 entities, Pakistan alone has more than 50 terrorist individuals or entities linked to Pakistan that are currently designated in the 1267 UNSC Sanctions Committee. These individuals include UN-proscribed terrorists like Masood Azhar and Saad Hussain Rizvi. Hence, Pakistan has not been allocated this committee to ensure it does not get a free hand and misuse the position. In reality, the allocation has dealt a heavy blow to Pakistan, as its allocation remains far below its expectations despite sending a delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto to the UN, possibly due to its poor track record on cross-border terrorism. Despite failing to curb terrorism on its soil, Pakistan showed an uncompromising and undeserving attitude that delayed a consensus from being formed by six months, which greatly annoyed other UNSC members. Indias Diplomatic Outreach India, which co-chaired the Counter Terrorism Committee in 2022, has consistently reminded the international community that Pakistan is host to the worlds largest number of UN-proscribed terrorists and entities, including notorious terrorist Osama bin Laden, who was found and eliminated by American forces in Pakistan in 2011. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a big blow to Pakistan, Russia and Guyana both sharing cordial ties with India are vice-chairs in the Taliban Sanctions Committee, which will prevent Pakistan from gaining a free hand. Pakistan is also co-chairing two IWGs with Denmark and Greece, who are also friends with India. This means that India can use its diplomatic might and close partnership with friends in the Council to prevent Pakistan from making any adverse steps. Notably, India had also chaired the same 1988 (Taliban) Sanctions Committee during its UNSC 2021-22 term along with the Chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee. About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More First Published: June 07, 2025, 15:20 IST Pressure Mounts On Yunus As BNP Rejects April Election Timeline, Eyes December Polls Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 11:07 IST The Bangladesh Nationalist Party cited concerns over the timing, particularly the overlap with the holy month of Ramadan, school examinations, and adverse summer weather conditions Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus (Credits: AFP) Bangladeshs chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, who faces mounting pressure to announce the national election schedule, used his Eid-ul-Azha address on Friday to declare that the polls would be held on any one day during the first half of April 2026"marking a shift from his earlier statement that elections would be held by June 2026. However, Yunus announcement was strongly rejected by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which alleged that the April timeline is part of a calculated move to delay the election process further. Recommended Stories On Friday night, the BNP convened a special meeting of its national standing committee, chaired by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, to respond to the development. In a statement following the meeting, BNP said: The chief advisers Eid address went beyond the traditional festive message and ventured into political issues unrelated to the Interim Governments stated three-point mandate." The party criticised his discussion of topics like ports and economic corridors, calling it inappropriate and politically biased. The tone and language of Yunuss speech were also described as crossing the boundaries of political decorum. BNP rejected the April election proposal outright, citing concerns over the timing particularly the overlap with the holy month of Ramadan, school examinations, and adverse summer weather conditions. The party questioned why elections could not be held by December 2025, pointing out that Yunus provided no specific justification for the delay. It reiterated that the people of Bangladesh, who have been deprived of voting rights for nearly 15 years, deserve a timely election. BNP also referenced the sacrifices of citizens during the JulyAugust 2024 uprising, warning that any further delay would deepen public frustration and anger. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sources in Dhaka indicate that BNP is now planning to launch a nationwide campaign to mobilise public support against the April election timeline. The party believes that holding elections during Ramadan is impractical and could ultimately be used as an excuse to postpone elections altogether. Furthermore, BNP is expected to reach out to other opposition parties to build a united front. Nearly 20 political parties are reportedly in favour of holding elections in December, and BNP aims to coordinate efforts with them to mount further pressure on the interim government. About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: June 07, 2025, 11:07 IST Putins 'Secret' Daughter Working At Anti-War Art Gallery In Paris, Claims Russian Artist Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 16:11 IST Elizaveta Krivonogikh appeared in an interview with GQ Russia where she dodged questions about her resemblance to Putin. Elizaveta Krivonogikh is believed to be the 'secret' daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Elizaveta Krivonogikh, believed to be the secret daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is reportedly working under a new identity at two Parisian art galleries known for showcasing anti-war Russian and Ukrainian art, as per Russian artist and writer Nastya Rodionova. Nastya Rodionova, who fled Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was granted asylum in France in 2022, made the claims in a Facebook post in which she wrote that she had heard rumors that Elizaveta Krivonogikh, now going by the name Elizaveta Rudnova," was working as a gallery manager at Studio Albatros and L Galerie, both operated by the Paris-based L Association. These galleries are known for hosting exhibitions critical of Russias war in Ukraine. Recommended Stories The artist said the rumor was confirmed by a fellow artist who recognized the gallery manager and matched her description to Elizaveta Krivonogikh. Nastya Rodionova later confronted L Association president Dmitri Dolinski about the womans identity. Dmitri Dolinski reportedly told her he does not inquire about his staffs family backgrounds and emphasized that children are not responsible for their parents," but confirmed the managers last name was Rudnova." Investigative outlet Agentstvo reported last year that Elizaveta Olegovna Rudnova" was enrolled in a cultural management program at Pariss ICART university. Travel records obtained by Agentstvo show Nastya Rudnova shares the same birthdate as Elizaveta Krivonogikh. The outlet also noted that the name Rudnova" may be a reference to Oleg Rudnov, a late Putin associate whose name has appeared in real estate transactions linked to Krivonogikhs mother, Svetlana Krivonogikh. Proekt, the Russian investigative media outlet banned by the Kremlin, first identified Elizaveta Krivonogikh in 2020, describing her as the daughter of Svetlana Krivonogikh- a millionaire allegedly linked romantically to Vladimir Putin. The outlet cited physical resemblance and circumstantial evidence to claim that Elizaveta Krivonogikh is Vladimir Putins biological daughter, a claim the Kremlin dismissed as unfounded." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Elizaveta Krivonogikh later appeared in a veiled interview with GQ Russia under the pseudonym Luiza Rozova," where she dodged questions about her resemblance to Putin, saying many people look like Mr. Putin." Dolinski later confirmed to independent outlet Meduza that the woman working at the galleries is indeed Svetlana Krivonogikhs daughter. He acknowledged her physical resemblance to past images of Putins alleged child and said she is completing an internship as part of her studies. 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 07, 2025, 16:11 IST Republican Congresswoman Miller Criticizes Sikh Prayer, Mistakenly Identifies Cleric As Muslim Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 19:34 IST Giani Singh, a Sikh religious leader from New Jersey, was misidentified by GOPs Mary Miller in a now-deleted social media post. Republican lawmaker Mary Miller drew backlash after wrongly calling Sikh granthi Giani Singh Muslim and questioning his presence in the House prayer. (IMAGE: X/REUTERS) US Republican lawmaker Mary Miller has drawn sharp criticism from both Democrats and members of her own party after she wrongly identified a Sikh religious leader as Muslim and said he should not have been allowed to lead the daily prayer in the US House of Representatives. Giani Singh, a Sikh granthi from southern New Jersey, delivered the Houses morning prayer on Thursday after being invited by Congressman Jeff Van Drew. Recommended Stories Following this, Miller posted on X (formerly Twitter) saying it was deeply troubling a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House." She added, This should have never been allowed to happen," and claimed that the United States was founded as a Christian nation" and that its government should reflect that. Miller later edited the post to refer to Singh as Sikh and then deleted it altogether. Her comments triggered widespread bipartisan outrage despite the deletion of the tweet. Rep. Mary Miller says in a since-edited post it was "deeply disturbing" that a "Muslim" led morning prayer in the House (it was actually a Sikh man, Giani Singh, who'd been welcomed by Rep. Jeff Van Drew) pic.twitter.com/PvoPhImA4h Nicholas Wu (@nicholaswu12) June 6, 2025 She looks darn ignorant," one Republican House member told Axios, the US news agency that first reported the development. Another Republican, Nick LaLota, said, A Sikh prayer on the House floor doesnt violate the Constitution, offend my Catholic faith, or throttle my support for Israel. Live and let live". Democrat Congressman Donald Norcross, who had earlier hosted Singh as a guest chaplain, said he was deeply disappointed" by Millers remarks. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus said her post was disgraceful" and accused her of anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim bigotry". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Congressman Van Drew, who invited Singh, said in a statement that respecting all faiths is central to American values. As a Catholic, I take my faith seriously and I also believe part of being American is respecting other peoples faiths too," he said. The Sikh community is peaceful, generous, and deeply rooted in family and service, values we should all appreciate". Miller, a right-wing conservative with a record of controversial remarks, has faced backlash before. In 2021, she said Hitler was right on one thing" while speaking about youth, a statement she later apologised for. In 2022, she referred to the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a victory for white life," which her office later claimed was a misreading of prepared remarks. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 07, 2025, 19:34 IST Sheikh Hasina's Party Slams 'Fascist' Yunus After Poll Announcement: 'Serves Foreign Interests' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 07:35 IST Sheikh Hasina's banned Awami League accused Muhammad Yunus of spreading lies to cover up his failures and accused his government of serving foreign interests. Bangladesh Former PM Sheikh Hasina (L) and interim leader Muhammad Yunus (R). (Image: AFP) Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League criticised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of spreading lies and misinformation during his address to the nation, where he announced that Bangladeshs general elections will be held in April 2026. After immense pressure from the Army and political parties, Yunus said the next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026. He assured that his government is taking necessary steps to ensure a proper election environment, emphasising that flawed elections have been the main cause of major national crises in Bangladesh. Recommended Stories We want an election that honours the sacrifices of the martyrs. One with the highest number of voters, candidates, and parties participating. Let this be remembered as the freest and fairest election the nation has seen," he said. The Awami League strongly condemned his address, saying Yunus was trying to cover up his failures by blaming the previous Awami League government and creating a false narrative of crisis. No Public Mandate, Economy In Ruins Hasinas party, which was banned from contesting the elections after the former PM was ousted in student-led protests last year, said Bangladeshs economy has deteriorated under Yunuss interim regime, with industries being shut down, investment stalled and unemployment rising. It accused the interim government of rampant corruption and tax favouritism, including a tax waiver of Tk 666 crore for Yunus himself and tax exemption for Grameen Bank. In the name of development, they will hand over important national assets and infrastructure to serve foreign interests," it said. Furthermore, the Awami League claimed Yunus government lacked democratic legitimacy and served foreign interests rather than those of the people of Bangladesh. It warned that several interim government members had foreign passports and would leave the country after causing irreversible damage. To protect our future, we must act now. There is no alternative to a united struggle by all patriots to save our country from the clutches of these vultures. If we can all stay united and continue this fight, we will, Inshallah, be able to defeat this evil, anti-national force," it said. What Did Yunus Say In His Speech? Yunus highlighted the immense public and political interest in Bangladeshs next national election, emphasising the governments role in institutional reform to prevent future crises. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hold your candidates and political parties accountable, demand firm pledges that the agreed-upon reforms will be passed in the very first session of the new parliament, without compromise. Demand that they never bargain away the countrys independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national dignity to any foreign power," he was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune. Ask them to lead with honesty and transparency, and to reject all forms of corruption, favoritism, extortion, syndicates, and violence," he added, promising to build a New Bangladesh. 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 : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: June 07, 2025, 07:07 IST 'The America Party': Will Elon Musk Start A New Political Party In US Amid Tiff With Trump? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 08:32 IST Musk created a new poll on his X platform after his feud with Trump, asking whether it was time to create a new political party in America. The poll received 80% support. Elon Musk has floated a new party after his public feud with Donald Trump. (Reuters Image) Tech billionaire Elon Musk has floated a new party The America Party following his public feud with US President Donald Trump, after his poll on X received support from at least 80% of respondents. After Musk and Trump engaged in a heated spat on Thursday, the Tesla CEO created a new poll on his X platform, asking whether it was time to create a new political party in America. He revealed the results on Sunday, showing 80% support from respondents. Recommended Stories The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle! And exactly 80% of people agree. This is fate," he said on X. He later christened it as The America Party". The America Party https://t.co/hO5S8Kjb5O Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 6, 2025 It is, however, unclear how Musk would start a new political party in the United States that could challenge the two-party system in the country. The two high-profile leaders engaged in a public spat on Thursday after Musk publicly condemned Trumps $4 trillion big, beautiful bill", denouncing it as a disgusting abomination". Trump said he was very disappointed" with Musk and did not know if his friendship with the billionaire former advisor would survive. The shocking exchange between the two most powerful men intensified, as Musk said, Without me, Trump would have lost the election." Trump accused Musk of betrayal and threatened to cut Musks government contracts. Musk even shared a post on social media calling for Trumps impeachment and skewered the presidents signature tariffs, predicting a recession this year. ALSO READ: Busy Working On China, Russia: Trump Dismisses Elon Musk After Public Feud On Sunday, Trump dismissed tech mogul Elon Musk, saying he is not thinking about his once-close advisor after the public fallout and wished him well. Ive been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran, working on so many things. Im not thinking about Elon. I just wish him well," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a series of media appearances, the US president made it clear that he had no intention of speaking to Elon Musk anytime soon. In a separate interview with ABC News, the US President bluntly called Elon Musk a man who has lost his mind," signalling no thaw in the escalating clash between the two. Republican lawmakers and lawmakers and conservative figures are urging both powerful men to end their feud, while former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon urged Trump to start a federal investigation into Musks companies and deport him. 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 07, 2025, 08:30 IST This City Faces Catastrophic Water Crisis, Could Run Completely Dry By 2030 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 20:41 IST If current trends continue, Kabuls aquifers could be completely depleted by 2030, threatening the lives of its seven million residents. Kabul Faces Catastrophic Water Crisis, Could Run Completely Dry By 2030. (File) Water levels in Kabuls underground aquifers have dropped by up to 30 meters in the last decade owing to which nearly half of the citys boreholes- its main source of drinking water- have already dried up, experts warned. As extraction far exceeds natural recharge by 44 million cubic meters annually, millions in Kabul are at the risk of running out of water. If current trends continue, Kabuls aquifers could be completely depleted by 2030, threatening the lives of its seven million residents. Recommended Stories No water means people leave their communities," Dayne Curry, Mercy Corps Afghanistan country director, said. Groundwater Contamination Worsens Kabuls Crisis Adding to the challenge, up to 80% of Kabuls groundwater is contaminated with sewage, salinity, and arsenic, making it unsafe for consumption. Many households spend up to 30% of their income on water, and most have fallen into debt to afford it. Population Boom And Poor Governance Kabuls population has skyrocketed from under 1 million to 7 million since 2001, drastically increasing water demand. Weak regulation and governance have allowed private companies to dig wells and sell water at inflated prices, deepening the crisis. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Humanitarian efforts are severely underfunded, with major international donors freezing billions in aid since 2021. Short-term fixes arent enough," Dayne Curry warned, adding, Long-term investment and political will are essential to avoid disaster." 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 : Kabul, Afghanistan First Published: June 07, 2025, 20:41 IST Trump Announces Fresh US-China Trade Talks In London Next Week: 'Should Go Very Well' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 10:43 IST Trump's remarks came after he had a "very good" conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on Thursday. The two countries were locked in an escalating tariff battle. US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping (Image Credit: Reuters) US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a new round of trade talks with China in London on June 9, one day after he held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to end a bitter battle over the White Houses so-called Liberation Day" tariffs. I am pleased to announce that Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, will be meeting in London on Monday, June 9, 2025, with Representatives of China, with reference to the Trade Deal," he said on his Truth Social platform. Recommended Stories The meeting should go very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added. The trade talks in the British capital on Monday will mark the second round of such negotiations between the worlds two biggest economies since Trump launched his trade war this year, as both countries engaged in an escalating tariffs battle. US-China Trade Negotiations The first talks between Washington and Beijing since Trump unveiled his Liberation Day" tariffs on allies and adversaries alike took place in Geneva last month, where both sides agreed to lower tit-for-tat tariffs. Trump had earlier said that trade talks would resume after he spoke with Xi Jinping on Thursday. 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. 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%. However, Trump accused China of failing to uphold its commitments to reduce trade barriers, sparking fears of another round of economic retaliation. In response, China accused the US of seriously violating their recent Geneva trade truce by introducing multiple restrictive measures like AI chip export control guidelines and revocation of visas for Chinese nationals. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all US officials have also accused China of slow-walking export approvals of critical minerals and rare earth magnets. However, investors are hopeful that the London talks could cool down tensions between the two countries. (with inputs from agencies) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 07, 2025, 10:42 IST 'Busy Working On China, Russia...': Trump Dismisses Elon Musk After Public Feud Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 07:33 IST Trump and Musk had a bitter feud over the White House's tax bill, where Trump threatened to cut Musks government contracts and Musk slammed the president for "ingratitude". Donald Trump and Elon Musk US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) dismissed tech mogul Elon Musk, saying he is not thinking about his once-close advisor after a public fallout over the White Houses $4 trillion tax and spending bill, and said he wished him well. Ive been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran, working on so many things. Im not thinking about Elon. I just wish him well," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Recommended Stories The two high-profile leaders engaged in a public spat on Thursday after Musk publicly condemned Trumps big, beautiful bill", denouncing it as a disgusting abomination". Trump said he was very disappointed" with Musk and did not know if his friendship with the billionaire former advisor would survive. However, the feud escalated when Trump threatened to cut Musks government contracts and Musk claimed that Trumps administration hasnt released all the records related to sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein because Trump is mentioned in them. The tech entrepreneur even shared a post on social media calling for Trumps impeachment and skewered the presidents signature tariffs, predicting a recession this year. ALSO READ: Donald Trump Feud Wipes $34 Billion From Elon Musks Net Worth Can Survive Without Elon Musk Meanwhile, Trump said he would look at everything when he was asked about cutting government contracts held by Musk. Well, well take a look at everything. I look at everything. Hes got a lot of money. He gets a lot of subsidies. So well take a look at that. Only if its fair. Only if its fair for him and the country," he said. Trump had suggested he would terminate government contracts with Musks businesses, which include rocket company SpaceX and its satellite unit Starlink. However, the US president said he did not have any idea about investigations into Musks companies. When asked if the US could survive without Musks federal contracts, he said, Yeah they can, sure. The US can survive without almost anybody. Except me." Trump Dismisses Reports Of Speaking With Musk Trump also dismissed reports claiming that he planned to speak with Musk privately. No, I dont have any plans. Somebody made a mistake. A lot of reporters are calling me. I didnt call any reporter. A lot of reporters have asked me the same question. No, Im not even thinking about that," he said. In a series of media appearances, the US president made it clear that he had no intention of speaking to Elon Musk anytime soon. In a separate interview with ABC News, the US President bluntly called Elon Musk a man who has lost his mind," signalling no thaw in the escalating clash between the two. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Republican lawmakers and lawmakers and conservative figures are urging both powerful men to end their feud, while former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon urged Trump to start a federal investigation into Musks companies and deport him. (with agency inputs) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 07, 2025, 07:20 IST ISLAMABAD, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Six family members were killed and two others seriously injured after a gas cylinder explosion in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Saturday, according to a rescue official. Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 KP, told Xinhua that the incident occurred late on Friday in Irum Colony, a residential area in Mardan district. "The explosion resulted in the collapse of a two-story house, killing six people and seriously injuring two girls," said Faizi. He said rescue teams responded swiftly to the emergency and launched a rescue operation. "Eight people, including six deceased and two injured, were pulled out from under the rubble," he added. According to Faizi, over 100 personnel participated in the operation, which continued for seven hours. The deceased and injured were transported to the Mardan Medical Complex. He added that the cause of the cylinder explosion has yet to be determined, but the blast may have occurred due to gas leakage. Ukraine Reels From Russias Unprecedented Drone Blitz: 5 Dead, Cities Crippled Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 15:52 IST The overnight barrage, described as unprecedented by local officials, targeted residential areas, infrastructure, and key urban centers, including Kharkiv Ukraine Reels Under Russias Unprecedented Drone Blitz (X) Russia unleashed one of its most intense assaults on Ukraine since the war began, killing at least five people and injuring dozens in a wave of drone and missile strikes that hammered cities across the country. The overnight barrage, described as unprecedented" by local officials, targeted residential areas, infrastructure, and key urban centers, including Kharkiv, Kherson and Lutsk. Ukraines air force reported that Moscow launched 206 drones and nine missiles in a single night. Recommended Stories Ukrainian Cities Targeted By Russia In Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the attack was the most powerful since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. Explosions ripped through apartment buildings, killing three people and injuring 17, including two children. Further south, Russian shelling in Kherson killed a couple and damaged multiple high-rise buildings, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. A second fatality was confirmed in Lutsk, near Ukraines western border with Poland, where rescuers recovered the body of a woman in her 20s from the rubble. Peace Talks Stalled top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The escalation comes amid stalled peace talks and ahead of a planned prisoner exchange- the only concrete outcome of negotiations held in Istanbul this week. Ukraine has proposed a 30-day truce, but Moscow has refused, reiterating its hardline demands, including Ukrainian troop withdrawals and a ban on NATO membership. Russian officials described the war as existential," and President Vladimir Putin has vowed retaliation for recent Ukrainian drone strikes that hit military airbases deep inside Russia. 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 : Kyiv, Ukraine First Published: June 07, 2025, 15:41 IST Why PM Modi's Canada Visit For G7 Is Significant? Four Key Firsts During His Trip Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 14:29 IST This will be PM Modis first meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Carney since the latter took office Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (AFP file photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Alberta, Canada later this month to attend the G7 Summit from June 15 to 17. The visit, confirmed after a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, is seen as highly significant, both diplomatically and strategically, as it comes despite ongoing tensions between the two nations. Canada currently holds the G7 presidency, and Carney extended the invitation, saying India, as the worlds most populous country and fifth largest economy, must be part of important global discussions. Recommended Stories India is the fifth largest economy in the world, the most populous country in the world and central to supply chains," Carney said. Why PM Modis Canada Visit Matters? First Modi-Carney Meeting This will be PM Modis first meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Carney since the latter took office. Carney, during his campaign, underlined that India is an incredibly important" partner for Canada. He acknowledged the strain in relations but expressed hope for a forward-looking dialogue based on mutual respect. The invitation was not without controversy pro-Khalistani groups, including the World Sikh Organization of Canada, criticised the move, citing unresolved concerns over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. Despite the pressure, Carney defended the decision, stating that Indias role in global affairs made its presence at the G7 essential. First Visit Since India-Canada Diplomatic Fallout This will also be PM Modis first visit to Canada since relations soured under former PM Justin Trudeau. Last year, Trudeau publicly accused India of being linked to the killing of Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, in British Columbia. The fallout saw tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and the lowest point in India-Canada relations in recent history. PM Modis First Foreign Visit Since Operation Sindoor This trip also marks PM Modis first foreign engagement since Indias military operation, Operation Sindoor, launched last month in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The operation led to a brief military standoff with Pakistan. The visit will be closely watched as it comes on the heels of these developments, showing Indias intent to remain engaged on global platforms even amid regional tensions. Modi-Trump First Encounter Since Tariff Row, India-Pak Truce Claim top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another closely watched moment at the G7 could be PM Modis interaction with US President Donald Trump. This would be their first meeting since Trump imposed a 26% tariff on Indian goods earlier this year a decision later paused. Trump has also claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a claim India has firmly rejected. New has always maintained that the decision to pause military actions was coordinated between the two nations military leaderships, not mediated by any third party. 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 07, 2025, 14:27 IST Why Ukraines Daring Drone Strike In Russia Has Set Off Alarm Bells In US: We Are Vulnerable Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 21:46 IST Among the most glaring examples is Andersen Air Force Base on Guam which, despite hosting some of the worlds most expensive aircraft, lacks hardened shelters. Dozens of drones targeting Moscow have been shot down over the past week.(AFP file) A Ukrainian drone attack that damaged or destroyed over a dozen Russian warplanes jolted the United States as it exposed deep vulnerabilities at home and abroad. Top US defense officials are now warning that American air bases, including those on US soil, are largely unhardened" owing to which high-value aircraft are dangerously exposed to similar drone or missile strikes, as per a CNN report. Recommended Stories This is an eyebrow-raising moment," said Gen. David Allvin, the US Air Force chief of staff, speaking at a defense forum in Washington this week, adding, There is no sanctuary, even in the US homeland." We Are Vulnerable, Say US Generals Retired US Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal told CNN, We are pretty vulnerable. Weve got a lot of high-value assets that are extraordinarily expensive." A 2024 report by the Hudson Institute co-authored by defense expert Thomas Shugart laid out the scale of the threat. In a conflict scenario with China, for instance, the Peoples Liberation Army could target US aircraft at airfields globally, including in the continental United States," using missiles, aircraft, subs, and even special forces. The overwhelming majority of US aircraft losses would likely occur on the ground," the report stated, warning the outcome could be ruinous." Major Bases Still Lack Protection Among the most glaring examples is Andersen Air Force Base on Guam which, despite hosting some of the worlds most expensive aircraft, lacks hardened shelters. General Allvin acknowledged the deficiency, saying, Right now, I dont think its where we need to be." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A New Era of Threats The drone strike on Russia has shown that even technologically modest adversaries can now launch highly effective precision strikes using cheap, portable systems. For the US, thats a wake-up call, McChrystal said, adding, It widens the spectrum of the threats youve got to deal with." 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 07, 2025, 21:46 IST Yunus's April 2026 Bangladesh Election Call Signals High-Stakes Balancing Act: Sources | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 06:00 IST Top intelligence sources indicated that Muhammad Yunus's declaration of dates shows he is under intense internal pressure Yunus is facing election demands from powerful sections such as the BNP and other opposition parties. File pic/PTI Muhammad Yunuss announcement of Bangladesh elections for April 2026 represents a high-stakes balancing act amid intense political, military, and social pressures, top intelligence sources told CNN-News18. Yunus framed this as fulfilling the interim governments three mandates: reform, justicewhich involves trials for crimes against Sheikh Hasinaand elections. Recommended Stories Yunus is facing election demands from powerful sections such as the BNP and other opposition parties. April 2026 allows visible progress in trying Hasina and Awami League leaders for crimes against humanity" during a 2024 crackdown, legitimising the interim governments justice mandate. December is preferred for elections, as April clashes with exams and complicates logistics, with Awami League sources suggesting this timing is a deliberate tactic to suppress turnout. Awami League sources also claimed that this delay is intended to consolidate the influence of the National Citizen Party and Jamaat-e-Islami and avoid a Bangladesh Nationalist Party-dominated poll. The lack of a detailed roadmap, said sources, indicates doubts about his control, suggesting Bangladeshs crisis of legitimacy will persist. Top intelligence sources indicated that Yunuss declaration of dates shows he is under intense internal pressure. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), backed by 50 smaller parties, demands elections by December 2025, arguing that Yunuss unelected government lacks legitimacy. Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman publicly insists on December 2025 polls, warning that prolonged army deployment for civil duties since the 2024 protests risks national security. He also opposes major policy decisions like the Rohingya corridor by Yunuss unelected government. Rival protests between the BNP and student groups, along with mob justice, have escalated. Yunus aims to reduce Awami League influence, reform electoral laws, and reconstitute the Election Commissiontasks he deems impossible before 2026. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), his key ally, supports this delay. Yunus has not laid down a detailed roadmap, potentially as a superficial measure to appease those demanding daily elections, said sources. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: June 07, 2025, 06:00 IST Rep. Mary Miller's objection to a Sikh man delivering the morning prayer in the House on Friday, which she called "deeply troubling" and something "that should have never been allowed to happen," has united Republicans and Democrats in outrage. Among the facts the Illinois Republican got wrong in her post Friday was describing Giani Singh as a Muslim; those are different religions entirely. "People should think before they talk or type," another House Republican told Axios. Other reaction, per USA Today, the Guardian, and Axios, came from: GOP Rep. Jeff Van Drew : "I was proud to invite a Sikh chaplain to open the House with prayer this morning. The Sikh community is peaceful, generous, and deeply rooted in family and service, values we should all appreciate, no matter our religion." : "I was proud to invite a Sikh chaplain to open the House with prayer this morning. The Sikh community is peaceful, generous, and deeply rooted in family and service, values we should all appreciate, no matter our religion." GOP Rep. Nick LaLota : "A Sikh prayer on the House floorfollowed by a Christian prayer one week and a Jewish prayer the nextdoesn't violate the Constitution, offend my Catholic faith, or throttle my support for Israel." : "A Sikh prayer on the House floorfollowed by a Christian prayer one week and a Jewish prayer the nextdoesn't violate the Constitution, offend my Catholic faith, or throttle my support for Israel." House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries: "It's deeply troubling that such an ignorant and hateful extremist is serving in the United States Congress. That would be you, Mary." A top Taliban official said Saturday that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they will not be harmed if they come back. Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund made the amnesty offer in his message for the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, the AP reports. "Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace," he posted on X, along with instructions to officials to ensure returning refugees receive shelter and support. The offer follows President Trump's announcement of sweeping travel bans on people from 12 countries, including Afghanistan. The measure largely bars Afghans hoping to resettle in the US permanently as well as those hoping to go temporarily, such as for university study. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the US and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion. The holiday message also criticized the media for making what he said were false judgments about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. "We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished," Akhund said, adding that the media should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. "While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant." The Taliban swept into the capital Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as US and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. Chinese, French FMs hold phone talks on bilateral, int'l affairs Xinhua) 09:54, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call on Friday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, held a phone call recently, reaching important consensus on strengthening strategic coordination between the two countries. Both sides should make preparations for the exchanges at all levels in the next stage, and China welcomes senior French representatives to the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai in 2025. Noting that the two sides have reached consensus on resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation, Wang stressed the need to enhance people-to-people, cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, so as to promote the sound development of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and China-EU relations. Wang said that China and France, both upholding a tradition of independence and autonomy, should enhance strategic mutual trust and respect each other's core interests. He stressed the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China concerning the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is fundamentally different from the Ukraine issue. China attaches great importance to France's commitment to the one-China policy, he said, adding that China believes France will turn this commitment into practice. Wang expressed China's hope that France will uphold the right position and oppose NATO's interference in Asia-Pacific affairs, emphasizing that the two countries should jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard free trade, while opposing unilateral bullying practices. For his part, Barrot said Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is welcome to attend the UN Ocean Conference in France, noting that France-China relations are growing more important for today's world in increasing uncertainty. France always regards China as a friend and partner, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges and close strategic communication with China, he said. Strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two sides will send a strong signal of opening up, which is of great significance at present, Barrot said, adding that France opposes trade wars and tariff wars, and is willing to continue to properly resolve economic and trade frictions through consultation. The two sides also exchanged views on issues concerning Ukraine, Palestine and Israel, as well as Iran's nuclear program. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) MOSCOW, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A recent survey conducted by the Russian government-owned research center VCIOM found that 77 percent of active internet users in Russia have played video games, reflecting a more widespread global trend. As of 2025, the global gaming community has expanded to around 3.32 billion players, showing a significant rise from previous years. In fact, video gaming has become an increasingly popular hobby for both the younger and older generations. Of the 77 percent of Russians who have played video games, 44 percent consider themselves active players, while 33 percent say they used to play but no longer do. This shows that while gaming is widespread, almost half of the respondents continue to play on a daily basis. In Russia, gaming is predominantly favored by men and younger adults, especially those that are financially stable. In contrast, women, older adults and those with lower incomes tend to have less gaming experience. A distinctive feature of the Russian gaming landscape is the fact that personal computers remain the most popular gaming platform. The findings of the poll show that 82 percent of gamers use a computer or laptop to play games. A total of 63 percent of the respondents use mobile phones, while 27 percent use tablets, and 27 percent consoles. Russian mobile games are also becoming more popular among the population. The number of transactions on RuStore, Russia's official application store, has nearly doubled over the past year, with 60 percent of payments linked to domestic games, Ilya Ulyanov, the director of business development at RuStore, told Russian media Izvestia. The improvement of the quality of games, the growth of the diversity of in-game content and the development of convenient payment methods are causing the growth of its domestic games, said Ulyanov, the income of Russian indie developers in RuStore increased four times in the first quarter of 2025 from the same period last year. Although fewer people use consoles than mobile phones, console gaming remains a promising sector. For those Russians that do use consoles, they note that they offer a way to unwind and spend time with family and friends. PlayStation remains the most popular console, according to the report. Federal agents conducted high-profile immigration raids on Friday in Los Angeles, including in the city's Fashion District, where they used flash-bang grenades and what appeared to be less-than-lethal rounds to disperse protesters after targeting a clothing wholesaler called Ambiance Apparel. The action was part of at least three enforcement sweeps in the city that day, with agents in military-style gear arriving in armored trucks in an "extraordinary show of force," per the New York Times . Tensions escalated as immigrant activists confronted the agents, leading to thrown objects and the use of force by officers. Though officials reported no serious injuries, one man who said he wasn't part of the protest and was just walking by said he suffered injuries from a flash-bang device and was aided by bystanders. Inside the business itself, workers were lined up and questioned about their birthplaces and identification. Some, including US citizens, were released after about an hour, but others remained detained. Observers said the majority of employees were immigrants from Mexico and South Korea. Federal officials said a total of 45 people were arrested citywide as part of four federal search warrants. The operation drew immediate criticism from local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who condemned the arrest of labor leader David Huerta for impeding agents during the raid. According to LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Huerta was injured by federal agents during the commotion, per the Los Angeles Times. Bass added that the raids were meant to "sow terror," reports the AP. story continues below Further protests broke out outside a federal detention center in downtown LA later in the day, resulting in additional confrontations between demonstrators and authorities. Local police stated they didn't participate in the enforcement efforts, citing city and state policy against cooperation with federal immigration actions. The raids follow a recent uptick in ICE activity nationwide and mirror similar events in San Diego that also sparked controversy over law enforcement tactics. Martin Scorsese says he's had enough of watching movies in theaters, blaming bad audience behavior for ruining the experience. In an interview with film critic Peter Travers for "The Travers Take" blog cited by the Guardian, the 82-year-old Goodfellas and Irishman director said he's too distracted by fellow moviegoers' chatter, phones, and snack runs to concentrate on the film, complaining of enough noise to drown out any dialogue. When Travers pointed out that they, too, talked as kids at the movies, Scorsese insisted it was different back then. "When we talked, it was always about the movie and the fun we had chewing over the details," he said. The director's comments come as many feel that cinema etiquette has declined. The shift to streaming and lasting effects of the pandemic have left audiences less engaged, and behavior like fights, shouting, food-throwing, and constant conversation is now commonplace. Some films have even leaned into the chaos, including this year's A Minecraft Movie, where kids reportedly have been running wild during screenings. BuzzFeed, for what it's worth, notes that Scorsese "10,000% has a point," and others joined in to support him, some with suggestions for more-severe punishment for the rude. "A jailable offense," one commenter noted online. Another wrote: "Shushing people isn't enough for me ... I need a button that ejects repeat offenders from their seats." 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 7, 2025 /CNW/ - Air Canada's newest international flight from Toronto took off yesterday evening and has arrived in Prague, Czech Republic. Air Canadas newest international flight from Toronto took off yesterday evening and has arrived in Prague, Czech Republic. (CNW Group/Air Canada) "We are excited to return to Prague, our newest Europe destination now added to our global network," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo. "Our flights connect two countries, facilitating travel, tourism and trade. We design routes like this one to appeal to our customers throughout our North American network, with convenient travel options at our Toronto hub. Whether people are visiting family and friends in Prague, exploring its celebrated architecture, bohemian history and rich culture, or customers from Central Europe visiting and exploring Canada from coast to coast, our flights make discovering all that our two countries offer easier than ever." Prague is the latest new Europe route Air Canada has launched this summer. The airline inaugurated its Montreal to Porto route earlier this week, celebrated the launch of its Naples route in May, and marked the return of the Ottawa to London LHR route in April. At the end of June, Air Canada will be inaugurating its Montreal to Edinburgh route. Schedule Flight Departs Arrives Days of Week 2025 Operating dates AC934 Toronto 21:40 Prague 12:10 +1 day Tues, Fri, Sun June 6 to Sep. 28 AC935 Prague 13:40 Toronto 16:50 Mon, Wed, Sat June 7 to Sep. 29 The Prague flights will be operated on Air Canada's Airbus 330-300. Customers can choose from three classes of service: Economy, Premium Economy, and Air Canada Signature Class, offering customers superior comfort and convenience in an exclusive cabin, with spacious lie-flat seating, personalized service, fine cuisine, extra baggage allowance and access to priority airport services. Visit aircanada.com to book flights to Prague! 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] MOSCOW, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Russian military conducted group strikes using long-range precision weapons and drones against targets in Ukraine, the Russian defense ministry said Saturday. According to the ministry, the strikes targeted enterprises of Ukraine's military-industrial complex, including workshops assembling attack drones, facilities for the maintenance and repair of weapons and military equipment, and ammunition depots. "The objective of the strike has been achieved. All designated targets were hit," the ministry said in a statement. Ukraine's Air Force said Saturday that Russia raided 10 Ukrainian locations in an overnight attack while wreckage from downed aerial targets fell in seven others. Galina Kulikova, first deputy chairperson of the Russia-China Friendship Association, speaks during the inaugural ceremony of a photo exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the China Cultural Center in Moscow, Russia, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) MOSCOW, June 7 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held at the China Cultural Center in Moscow on Thursday. The exhibition, titled "Shoulder to Shoulder for Shared Victory," featured dozens of old photos from the archives of Xinhua News Agency, which captured key wartime events, the heroic struggles of the Chinese people, and the joint contribution of China and Russia to defeating fascism and militarism, as well as contemporary photos illustrating recent China-Russia military and cultural cooperation. Galina Kulikova, first deputy chairperson of the Russia-China Friendship Association, noted in her opening remarks that Russia solemnly celebrated the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War on May 9. "These events pay tribute to the Great Victory of our nations. We, on the Western Front, and China, on the Eastern Front, won a decisive victory. This victory was achieved by our countries at the cost of more than 64 million lives. In memory of those who sacrificed so that we can gather today, celebrate these dates, and solve the problems that the heads of our states set for us, we are obliged to and will always remember them," Kulikova said. Zhang Wei, minister counselor of the Chinese embassy in Russia, said China and Russia made tremendous national sacrifices and significant historic contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and forged a deep combat friendship. This photo exhibition is another thematic event to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, Zhang said. Under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the two countries will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder and closely collaborate back to back, and join hands to promote a community with a shared future for mankind, he added. The event, supported by the Chinese embassy in Russia, is organized by the Eurasia Regional Bureau of Xinhua, the China Image Group, the China Cultural Center in Moscow and the Russia-China Friendship Society. A woman visits a photo exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the China Cultural Center in Moscow, Russia, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) People visit a photo exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the China Cultural Center in Moscow, Russia, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) People visit a photo exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the China Cultural Center in Moscow, Russia, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) People take photos while visiting a photo exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the China Cultural Center in Moscow, Russia, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) A man visits a photo exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the China Cultural Center in Moscow, Russia, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) PARIS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to pay an official visit to Greenland on June 15, the French daily Le Monde reported on Saturday, citing a French presidential office source. At the invitation of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, prime minister of Greenland's self-government, French President Macron will be the first foreign head of state to visit Greenland since U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of annexation, Le Monde reported. According to the French presidential office, the Elysee, the three leaders will hold talks over security in the North Atlantic and the Arctic, as well as issues related to climate change, energy transition, and supply of critical minerals. This visit aims to "strengthen cooperation with Greenland in these areas and contribute to strengthening European sovereignty," Le Monde noted, citing the Elysee source. Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, a strategically located and resource-rich autonomous territory of Denmark. Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, although Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense. Derek Ochoa-Vargas, 17, hasn't been seen since leaving school Friday, June 6, 2025. Provided by Burlington Twp. Police UPDATE: Missing N.J. teen found safe, police confirm A worried mother and local police are asking the public for help finding a 17-year-old Burlington Township boy who hasnt been seen since midday Friday. Derek Ochoa-Vargas went to school on Friday morning. But he hasnt been seen or heard from since 11:30 a.m., when classes were dismissed at Burlington Township High School, the boys mother, Neni Vargas, told NJ Advance Media. I got an email from a teacher that he was in class, she said. Since then, shes called his phone numerous times, but the phone is off. Ochoa-Vargas, who is described as 55" tall and 180 pounds, went to school wearing a black Puma sweatshirt with gold lettering, khaki pants and black sneakers. In his book bag he also had a green shirt and green shorts, his mother said. Burlington Township police posted a NIXLE alert on its Facebook page Saturday. The post states the boy was last seen around 8:20 a.m, Friday, but his mother said she has confirmed he was at school till late morning. Neni Vargas said her son has had a hard time with their move from Elizabeth to Burlington Township. Two weeks ago, Ochoa-Vargas was missing for nine hours when he walked to Wrightstown, she said. Police spotted him and brought him home. She estimated her son has less than $30 in his pocket. His father remains in Elizabeth, although she doesnt believe hes gone to see him. Right now, he has his phone with him, but the phone is turned off, she said. I called the phone company, but they cant do anything until the phone is on. Anyone with information is asked to call the Burlington Township Police Department at 609-386-2019. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. A New Jersey court has dismissed a clergy abuse lawsuit, ruling the Archdiocese of Philadelphia cant be sued in the state over alleged abuse at the Jersey Shore in the 1960s. canva stock image A New Jersey court has dismissed a clergy abuse lawsuit, ruling the Archdiocese of Philadelphia cant be sued in the state over alleged abuse at the Jersey Shore in the 1960s. The man filed the lawsuit under New Jerseys Child Victims Acta law that temporarily allowed survivors of childhood sexual abuse to sue, even if the legal deadline had already passed. That two-year window, which ran from December 2019 to November 2021, led many survivors to file claims in New Jersey, especially since neighboring Pennsylvania has not yet passed a similar law. The man claimed Father Francis P. Rogers abused him about ten times in New Jersey. The abuse allegedly took place at Rogers private home in Sea Isle, with additional abuse occurring in Pennsylvania. But the Appellate Division ruled that New Jersey courts lacked the authority to hear the case because the Archdiocese of Philadelphia did not establish sufficient connection to the state to warrant jurisdiction. The court found that the Archdiocese was neither involved in the trips to New Jersey nor had any role in Rogers alleged actions there. The decision follows a similar ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court in a case known as D.T. v. Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In that case, the court said that the Archdiocese could only be held liable in New Jersey if it had deliberately done business or activities in the stateand if the abuse claims were directly tied to those actions. The appeals court also emphasized that while the Child Victims Act gave survivors a chance to file lawsuits in New Jersey, it did not override constitutional limits on when New Jersey courts can hear cases involving out-of-state organizations. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering new legislation that would give survivors of childhood sexual abuse a fresh opportunity to file civil lawsuits. The proposed measures would open a two-year window for survivors to bring forward claims that were previously blocked by time limits. They would also allow lawsuits against government agencies by waiving sovereign immunity in certain cases. One proposal would achieve this through a change in state law, while the other would amend the state constitution. Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com. "Ghost Adventures" star Aaron Goodwin's (second from right) wife has been sentenced to prison time after orchestrating a plot to have him murdered. Discovery Channel Ghost Adventures star Aaron Goodwins wife, Victoria Goodwin, will serve prison time for planning to have him murdered. Victoria, who married Aaron in 2022, was sentenced to 36-90 months in prison on Thursday, June 5. Aaron read a statement at the sentencing hearing, speaking through tears. For seven years, I thought I was in the most loving relationship a marriage with my best friend. Someone who I trusted with my whole heart and laughed with every day, he began in footage shared by Court TV. This has led me to fear [for] my life. I cant trust anything anymore. I cry every day, I feel so alone. Aaron added that he gave [Victoria] the option of divorce when he learned in 2024 that shed been unfaithful to him. He claimed that she seemed sincerely apologetic for her actions and interested in repairing their marriage. Victoria also read a statement at the hearing. Firstly and most importantly, I would like to apologize to Aaron, she said while getting choked up. Im so immensely sorry for the pain and anxiety I have caused you and the betrayal you undoubtedly and rightfully feel by my actions. I need you to know that I will always hold love for you. I genuinely pray you find your joy and peace again, and I will bow out of your life forever to hopefully ease that process. Im sorry I broke us, and I am consumed with regret every day. My absolute promise to you is that you will never see or hear from me [again]. Victoria Goodwin and Aaron Goodwin in 2022. Getty Images Victoria was arrested in March and charged with conspiring to commit murder and soliciting to commit murder. Law enforcement discovered the murder-for-hire plot after seizing a contraband phone from Grant Amato, an inmate at a Florida prison. READ MORE: Police chief regrets saying actors death wasnt a hate crime: Way too soon Victoria became aware of Amato after watching a true crime documentary and developed a relationship with him via letters and text messages. Police discovered a text message from Victoria on Amatos phone that read, Am I a bad person? ... Because I chose to end his existence. Not divorce. The plot involved murdering Aaron in October 2024 while he was on location filming the Discovery Channel paranormal reality series Ghost Adventures. According to the criminal complaint, Victoria sent funds to pay for Aarons murder and provided his location to Amato. Reach the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat with their advocates here or text LOVEIS to 22522. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Ketamine is increasingly being used as an alternative treatment for psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Medical experts say it creates new pathways in the brain, and in doing so people are able to reframe their thinking. Keta Medical Center When Bridgette Mitchell is struggling with her depression and needs a little boost, she knows what to do. She drives 20 minutes from her home in Tenafly to the Keta Medical Center in Oradell, sits in a reclining chair, slides on an eye mask, puts on some headphones, and waits for the dissociative effects of ketamine to kick in. The treatments, which are covered by her insurance and are FDA-approved, are the only thing that really helps, Mitchell said. It just really changed my life, said Mitchell, 54. I honestly dont know where I would be right now if I hadnt had this available. Ketamine is more associated with sedating horses and party drug culture than mental health care. But in recent years its become increasingly popular for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, promoted by everyone from Elon Musk to the moms on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Patients and providers say it can be life-changing, especially for those with treatment-resistant depression. More than 500 ketamine clinics operate in the United States, with the market anticipated to value $6.9 billion by 2030, according to market analysis firm Grand View Research. Over a dozen of them are right here in New Jersey. However, a rise in overdose deaths involving the drug nationwide has raised concerns about its safety. What is ketamine? Ketamine was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1970 as a general anesthetic for humans and animals. It makes the user feel disconnected and detached from their pain and environment. It can also induce auditory and visual hallucinations. These effects make ketamine a popular club drug, where its known as Special K or Vitamin K. But in those settings, ketamine is more likely to have been obtained illegally, diverted or stolen from legitimate sources, particularly veterinary clinics, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Its classified by the federal agency as a schedule III controlled substance meaning its illegal to possess without a prescription because it can be abused or cause addiction. But ketamine can still legally be prescribed by healthcare providers for unapproved uses if they determine its medically appropriate for their patient, according to the FDA. Its similar to how the GLP-1 drug Ozempic is only FDA-approved to treat type two diabetes, but many people use it for weight loss. Providers may suggest an off-label drug when theres not an approved drug to treat the patients disease yet or when the patient has tried all approved treatments without seeing any benefit. Mitchell was in the latter category she tried it all. She had been on a gamut of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications since her early 20s. They all made her feel like a zombie. She bounced from therapist to therapist seeking treatment. She tried alternatives to traditional therapies, too. But even three rounds of transcranial magnetic stimulation, a noninvasive procedure which uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells to improve symptoms of depression, failed to help. Ive tried pretty much everything to get some relief from my symptoms. But if I got any relief, it was minimal and it didnt last, said Mitchell. In October 2024, she was in the throes of another deep depression when her mental health practitioner suggested ketamine treatment. Although Mitchell had previously administered ketamine to patients in her job as a nurse practitioner, she was initially hesitant to seek the treatment for herself. I was afraid that if anyone knew, it wouldnt look good for me, she said, referring ketamines reputation as a recreational party drug. After an initial consultation, Mitchell walked into Keta Medical Center for her first treatment. She underwent a physical exam, medical history review, and mental health assessment. She was at one of the lowest points of her life, riddled with anxiety and horrible depression. When I started my first treatment, I just couldnt even believe the symptom relief that I had because I was in a really horrible place, said Mitchell. But the following day, I thought I was on another planet or something, because I had been feeling so awful for so long that I couldnt believe I was actually out of such mental and emotional discomfort, said Mitchell. She completed an initial course of two Spravato nasal spray sessions a week for four weeks before switching to a maintenance regimen of treatments every few weeks. There are two main forms of ketamine treatment administered by clinics: IV ketamine infusion and Spravato, a ketamine-derived nasal spray used to treat depression. Keta Medical Center How does it work? Ketamine is very effective because of the unique way in which it works on the brain, where it creates new pathways in the brain, and in doing so people are able to reframe their thinking, their behavior, and their emotional responses, said Dr. Haviva Malina, Keta Medical Centers co-founder and a board-certified emergency medicine physician. Anyone can seek out ketamine treatment. You dont need a referral from a mental health professional to do so. Most ketamine centers in New Jersey have in-house licensed mental health providers who can provide consultations. As a schedule III drug, ketamine must be administered directly by a licensed medical practitioner or a nurse or intern directly under their supervision, according to the New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. And theyre allowed to administer it without a prescription. Still, ketamine clinics dont necessarily look like your average medical offices. Decorated with plants, paintings, and modern furniture, the Keta Medical Center in Oradell, for example, looks more like a therapists office. Everyone has their own private room. They have a reclining chair, an eye mask, and a comfortable blanket. We also offer a curated ketamine playlist and meditative options. We really focus on the individual experience, said Malina. There are two main types of ketamine treatment: intravenous ketamine and Spravato, a ketamine-derived nasal spray thats FDA-approved to treat depression. Keta Medical Center aims to look more like a medical spa than a medical office, with amenities like noise-cancellation headphones, reclining chairs, and greenery. Keta Medical Center A Spravato treatment session lasts two hours and an IV ketamine session lasts about an hour and a half, including recovery time, said Malina. During treatment, people often feel a dream-like restful state. Most people find it to be very relaxing and soothing, said Malina. The immediate effect is short-lived, Malina said. While people cant drive or operate heavy machinery until the next morning, they are generally back to normal by the end of treatment. But, that doesnt mean the treatment didnt work. Ive had patients say, This is totally transformative for me. I can finally get out of bed in the morning, said Malina. Is it safe? Friends actor Matthew Perry described ketamine as a giant exhale in his 2022 memoir, published just a year before he would fatally overdose on ketamine. His death put ketamine treatment under a microscope. Like other drugs, ketamine is not without risk and can be addictive. Although still rare, overdose deaths involving ketamine and poisonings involving ketamine have increased in recent years. Almost all overdose deaths with ketamine detected involved other substances, however, the source of ketamine is unknown. Some studies also have shown that long term recreational use of ketamine may result in brain damage. Additionally, because IV ketamine is not FDA-approved for psychiatric conditions, its left up to providers to determine the frequency and dosage of treatment. But providers say that ketamine treatment is safe and effective when delivered under medical supervision by qualified healthcare professionals. We have strict guidelines in terms of regimens and protocols that we follow, said T.J. Shah, co-owner of Vital IV Infusions, which offers both ketamine treatment in Chatham, Montclair, and Hoboken. We give a low dose compared to what one would normally give for anesthesia, so its a very low chance of addiction when its used properly and by licensed professionals, said Shah, an advanced nurse practitioner. The center screens all patients for a predisposition to addiction. It also coordinates care with patients primary and mental health care providers, if applicable. Given the safeguards in place, Shah and his co-owner Mamie Bayoh said theyd like to see ketamine FDA-approved for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, so more patients can afford it. Since Spravato is FDA-approved, its covered by most insurance companies. IV ketamine, on the other hand, is generally not covered. However, Shah and Bayoh said that some of their patients have reported partial reimbursement for IV ketamine infusions, which cost $425 per session at Vital IV Infusions. Sometimes people dont feel like themselves on oral medications, but on the IV ketamine theyve done way better. Others have tried everything and felt hopeless, then tried ketamine therapy and its a complete 180, said Bayoh, whos also an advanced nurse practitioner. Of the 8.9 million people in the United States with depression, its estimated that 30% have treatment resistant depression, according to a 2021 study in the National Institutes of Health. The way depression or anxiety is, some people just need 10 minutes of mediation, some need oral pills, and for some its a more daunting situation. So for those feeling at their wits end, thats where ketamine can come in, Bayoh said. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. An Asbury Park man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a bank robbery in a neighboring town, authorities said Saturday. Michael Miranda, 48, was taken into custody without incident and charged with one count of second-degree robbery, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. The alleged robbery took place at a TD Bank in West Log Branch shortly before 8:45 a.m. Monday. A man walked into the bank and handed a note to a teller demanding money, the prosecutors office said. It was unclear if he was armed, but no weapon was shown. The man took the note back from the teller and was given $825 in cash, according to the prosecutors office. He then fled the scene. The release said investigators with the FBI, prosecutors office and West Long Branch Police Department identified Miranda as the suspect, but did not provide details about how they connected him to the crime. Miranda was being held in the Monmouth County Correction Institution pending a first court appearance as of Saturday. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney representing him. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. AJ McDougall may be reached at amcdougall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on X at @oldmcdougall. A Toms River resident faces an additional charge of attempted murder after he stabbed a man multiple times during a confrontation Thursday night at a home in town, authorities said. In addition to the previous charges of aggravated assault, stalking, harassment and weapons offenses, Patrick Robertelli, 57, was additionally charged with attempted murder, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office announced Friday evening. Officers from the Toms River Police Department were called to the Harding Avenue home in the Ortley Beach section of town at 10:45 p.m. on Thursday for a report of a disturbance and found Robertelli and another man fighting outside the house, the office said. A man found dead in a residential neighborhood in Howell had been shot and was found inside a car, authorities said Friday. The man, identified Friday as Rolando Acte Mejia, 36, of Howell, shot inside a car on White Street shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. The office did not release any other details about the incident or the investigation. Authorities said Thursday they were investigating two incidents: one on Southport Drive near Chestnut Hill Road in the Candlewood section of town, and the other on White Street where Mejias body was found. While no updates have been provided about the investigation in the area of Southport Drive, investigators said Thursday that these two incidents do appear to be related. The two neighborhoods are about 2.5 miles apart. Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Howell Police Department Detective Vincent Bonner at 732-938-4111. xxx A Connecticut resident is facing several charges after authorities said he unlawfully confined an Uber driver while trying to evade police. Drew A. Earlington, 27, of Manchester, Connecticut, has been charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and third-degree criminal restraint, the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Friday. Earlington was driving in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, on Thursday when he eluded police and later requested an Uber to New Jersey, authorities said. During the ride, he unlawfully confined the female driver for a long period of time, prosecutors alleged. The woman was eventually able to contact police. New Jersey State Troopers then conducted a stop on the Uber vehicle and arrested Earlington. During the stop, the driver told police that Earlington had placed duffel bags in the back seat when she picked him up. Upon searching the bags, troopers found 130 pounds of marijuana, authorities said. Earlington is in custody at Warren County Correctional Center. His detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. A Bergen County man was arrested Thursday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a minor in Palisades Park, authorities said. The Palisades Park Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutors Office about the alleged assault on Monday and an investigation was launched, the office said. Detectives discovered that 23-year-old Palisades Park resident Emerson D. Perez Garcia had sexually assaulted the minor in the borough in May, investigators said. Perez Garcia was charged Wednesday with second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, the office said. The following day, he surrendered at the Palisades Park Police Department and was taken into custody, officials said. He was being held in the Bergen County Jail until his first court appearance, authorities said. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, Cyprus, June 6, 2025. A delegation of the CPC led by Liu Jianchao concluded a three-day visit to Cyprus Saturday. During the visit, Liu met and held discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides; Annita Demetriou, president of the House of Representatives and president of the Democratic Rally Party, Democratic Party leader Nikolas Papadopoulos, General Secretary of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL)Stefanos Stefanou, and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Theodora Constantinidou. The CPC delegation also visited a grassroots organization of AKEL in the Paphos District and Liu delivered a keynote speech to representatives from various sectors of Cypriot society, in which he expounded on China's policy toward Europe. (Xinhua/He Canling) NICOSIA, June 7 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, concluded a three-day visit to Cyprus Saturday. During the visit, Liu met and held discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides; Annita Demetriou, president of the House of Representatives and president of the Democratic Rally Party, Democratic Party leader Nikolas Papadopoulos, General Secretary of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL)Stefanos Stefanou, and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Theodora Constantinidou. The CPC delegation also visited a grassroots organization of AKEL in the Paphos District and Liu delivered a keynote speech to representatives from various sectors of Cypriot society, in which he expounded on China's policy toward Europe. Meanwhile, both sides expressed their commitment to jointly implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continuing to firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, strengthening inter-party exchanges, promoting cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and further advancing China-Cyprus and China-Europe relations. Caught violating an immigrants civil rights by the courts, did President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Justice officials reverse engineer charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia? Former Republican advisor Matthew Dowd believes so. In an appearance on MSNBCs Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace, Dowd said the Trump administration was losing the public relations war over Abrego Garcia, but instead of admitting a mistake, officials hunted for evidence and likely trumped up charges. Abrego Garcia, returned from a foreign prison after months of legal wrangling, has been charged in the U.S. with trafficking immigrants into the country, nearly three months after the Trump administration mistakenly deported him to his native El Salvador. In her press conference, Bondi also tossed in allegations of child-grooming, human trafficking and being gang member, but provided no evidence. All of this doesnt pass the smell test, said Dowd, a former GOP strategist. Im not a lawyer on this, and I defer to legal issues in all this, but the whole thing smells, he said. I mean, completely smells. Because even watching [Attorney General] Pam Bondis press conference, my takeaway from that is its deplorable, because she basically is making an argument [that] she doesnt even presume this person is innocent, and she just makes these outlandish claims and then says, Oh, but were only filing charges for these couple, but were going to make these outlandish claims because its going to serve the public relations standpoint in this. They violated this mans civil rights in violation of not one, but multiple court orders. And well get a better sense of the timing of this, but what it looks like happened is they were caught and then in order to save the PR war, they dont sort of apologize and say, We messed up on due process and its unfortunate. They dont do that. What it sounds to me and looks to me like is, they say, Lets sic our attack dogs on this. Find something. Because if all of this was known when he got deported, and I would have argued with anybody that it wasnt true, they would have presented this evidence months ago. And so it all looks like they screwed up. They violated his civil rights, they violated court orders, and then when they were caught, they were busted. They still didnt follow a Supreme Court order, Dowd added. Vague charges dont erase that the administration violated Abrego Garcias civil rights and the Constitution while denying him due process. And that their rationale now is, Oh, by the way, we did all this wrong, but hes a bad guy because weve decided hes a bad guy and we found a bunch of evidence, Dowd said. What I think theyre trying to argue is trust us on all future endeavors because we found a bad guy, even though we did it wrongly. And thats what stinks about this: Its a complete ends justify the means. And even her press conference today wasnt seeking justice and its not what American justice is supposed to be. It is basically, Were going to engineer this in such a way against somebody we dont like, and were going to do with them what we want. An when were caught, were going to bring the full force of the American government to try to find anything we possibly can to rationalize the mistakes we made to begin with. The grand jury found that Abrego Garcia made the trips as part of a ring that trafficked guns, drugs, children and women, Bondi said. She said co-conspirators alleged that he abused women he was transporting and played a role in the killing of a rival gang members mother. Will a deeper investigation discover that the alleged co-conspirators were threatened with prison and/or deportation if they didnt cooperate? [The grand jury] found this was his full-time job, not a contractor, Bondi said. He was a smuggler of humans and children and women. The AP contributed to this report. Lori Chavez-DeRemer attends a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on her nomination for Secretary of Labor, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer dodged questions on Friday about the loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs last month. A new jobs report from the Department of Labor found that employers slowed hiring last month, adding 139,000 jobs to the economy. Fox Business host Stuart Varney noted on Friday that the economy also lost 8,000 manufacturing jobs in May after President Donald Trumps announcement on tariffs. 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. The Interstate 10 High-rise Bridge allows commuters living in New Orleans East to pass over the industrial canal on their way to downtown New Orleans. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate) A sheriffs deputy was attacked last week by inmates inside the Orleans Parish jail while trying to intercede in a fight. Sheriff Susan Hutson said incidents inside the city lockup are down this year but remain high as the jail population continues to rise. LOS ANGELES, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided several locations in Los Angeles on Friday, sparking mass protests downtown. As immigration crackdowns continue across Southern California and the nation, the raids have resulted in at least 44 individuals being detained, igniting widespread protests, confrontations and chaos in the second-largest U.S. city. As videos posted online showed, about a hundred protesters were in a standoff with immigration agents on Friday noon, when several workers were taken into custody in handcuffs at a clothing store in the Fashion District. The Service Employees International Union California issued a statement saying the union's president, David Huerta, was "injured and detained" during the raid. Huerta was arrested for "interfering with federal officers" as he "deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle," said United States Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli in an X post. Essayli also said federal agents were serving a search warrant in the Fashion District for alleged fictitious employee documents. He said there's reason to believe an employer was using fictitious documents for some of its workers. In the evening, about 500 people gathered in downtown Los Angeles to protest the raids. Large crowds walked through the area holding signs and chanting "ICE out of LA". Videos from the scene showed protesters clashing with policemen as tear gas and pepper spray were used. Some protesters used hammers to break concrete columns and throw large broken concrete at the officers. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell issued a statement Friday, saying LAPD was not involved in civil immigration enforcement during the daytime. However, the LAPD declared the protest in the evening as an unlawful assembly and later issued a City Wide Tactical Alert, requesting all officers to remain on duty. "I'm aware that these actions cause anxiety for many Angelenos," McDonnell said in the statement, "I want everyone, including our immigrant community, to feel safe calling the police in their time of need and know that the LAPD will be there for you without regard to one's immigration status." Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement Friday night, saying that she was "deeply angered" by the federal immigration enforcement actions in the city. "These tactics sow terror in our communities and distrust basic principles of safety in our city. My office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this," said the statement. Local community organizations held a press conference in the evening denouncing the raids. "They were random sweeps, and they were picking up our community in random sweeps. They were racially profiling our community," said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights, at the conference. Ron Faucheux: Can an independent get elected governor? Detroit's mayor is aiming to find out Description A vital cultural institution in Queens, Flushing Town Hall is a Smithsonian Affiliate that celebrates the global communities of Queens and New York City through arts and education programs that reflect the boroughs rich diversity. Queens World is delighted to be part of this exciting initiative and thrilled to be returning to the historic and beautiful theatre at Flushing Town. Hosted by Katha Cato, Executive Director of Queens World; Donald Preston Cato, Artistic Director; and Gonzalo Casals, Co-Founder of the Culture & Arts Policy Institute, the evening promises engaging conversation, delectable bites, and a heartfelt celebration of LGBTQ+ voices. A Dyer-based artist, muralist and long-time arts educator who has mentored many Region artists landed a "miracle show" in one of the most prominent exhibition spaces in the Midwest. Tom Torluemke is exhibiting in the prominent 4th floor Exhibit Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. in the Loop. Hundreds of thousands of visitors go to the former library across from Millennium Park along one of the most heavily trafficked stretches of Michigan Avenue. "It's a miracle show," Torluemke said. He has previously exhibited on a lower floor in the Chicago Cultural Center but has been trying to get into one of the more prominent exhibition spaces on the fourth floor for years. The curator there reached out to him but never came for a studio visit. "The fourth floor carries all the prestige," Torluemke said. "Many artists who exhibit on the fourth floor go on to do big things. They get discovered up there. It's the premiere space to have a show. All the floors are nice, but the ground floor is mainly smaller galleries." Enter the internationally renowned curator Dan Cameron, who curated "Tom Torluemke: Live! On Paper, 1987-2024" which is on display through July 27. The Manhattan-based Cameron was the first American curator to organize a museum exhibit focused on LGBTQ art and has curated international biennials in Istanbul, Ecuador, Tapai and suburban Los Angeles, as well as the Prospect New Orleans triennial after Hurricane Katrina and one of the Getty Foundations Pacific Standard Time exhibits. He's staged retrospectives of many prominent artists like Carolee Schneemann, Faith Ringgold, Paul McCarthy, Peter Saul, William Kentridge, David Wojnarowicz and Martin Wong. "Tom Torluemkes name is familiar to art lovers in Chicagoland thanks mainly to his detailed acrylic paintings, in which he observes and memorializes societys ills with the doting attention of a diehard humanist," Cameron said. "Torluemke has been considerably more prolific in painting works on paper, a primarily unexplored part of his oeuvre: 'Tom Torluemke: Live! On Paper, 1987-2024,' aspires to reframe the conversation around his art, representing almost 40 years of studio activity that includes works about nature, fantasy, autobiography, abstraction, social strife, identity and a full spectrum of emotion from shame to ecstasy, showcasing Torluemkes unique artistry through his freewheeling imagination and boundless technical chops in capturing our broad collective experience of being fully aware, conscious citizens living in the USA at this peculiar moment in history." After artists reached out to him about one of Torluemkes Chicago exhibits, Cameron called Torluemke out of the blue asking to set up a studio visit in the basement of his Dyer home. Most curator visits last about an hour and a half at most, but Cameron stayed for four hours sorting through piles of watercolors. "He's known for discovering unrepresented or unknown artists," Torluemke said. "He's made some of them super famous." Cameron asked why few people knew about Torluemke when he makes a lot of art and does a lot of shows. He asked what he had going on, and Torluemke mentioned the Chicago Cultural Center show he had been trying to land for 10 years. "The curator kept promising it but was busy running a big, giant cultural center, which I understand," he said, "Cameron asked if I minded if he got behind my show. I said, 'Let's do it.' We closed the deal and put together a proposal. There was a new curator there at the cultural center and we brought in the big guns. Normally it takes a long time to arrange a show like that. This time, I heard back in five days." Torluemke works in many different mediums, including painting, drawing and sculpture. He has done more than 150 solo and group exhibitions across the Midwest. Torluemke has also done more than 30 public art commissions, including in Chicago and downtown LaPorte. "I want to be free," he said. "I work in a medium for a few weeks but don't want to repeat myself over and over. The more you do one thing, the more you get used to it and do it over and over again. I'm fearful of that. I want to be free." This exhibit focuses on Torluemke's works on paper dating back to 1987. "It was originally going to focus on my large socioeconomic paintings," he said. "Cameron said nobody has seen any of your paper work and there's a lot of variety. He said, 'First, let's do this show and then we'll do the other show.'" Torluemke was roasted in a comedy roast by fellow artists when the exhibit opened in downtown Chicago. "I'm not going to talk about all the things I do for Tom because clearly we don't have enough time for that," joked his wife Linda Dorman, who serves as his muse, a frequent model for his paintings and his studio manager, handling many of his business affairs. Ish Muhammad jokingly referred to Torluemke as "Chicago's Bob Ross." "You hang out with so many struggling artists that even this roast needs a commission," he joked. "It's not networking. You're running an emotional support group for sketchpads." Many of the paintings are watercolors, including some that have never been seen by the public before. There are paper collages and life-sized paper-cutouts of people he plastered to the floor. He originally displayed the realistic-looking people from all walks of life as part of a satirical exhibit at the Firecat Projects gallery in Chicago with a sign that says, 'Feel free to walk over these people.' Many people do or lie down next to them to pose for photos. "It's about how people are mistreated and struggling and how big giant corporations don't care about people," Torluemke said. "The content of the exhibit ranges from autobiographical to subject matter about the world going up in flames. There's a whole bunch of autobiography, paintings of my wife and landscapes, but there's also social issues and sociopolitical issues." He's hoping critics will review the exhibit and has often been spending time at the gallery with his wife, interacting with the public and discussing the work with them. The exhibit is accompanied with a book. The Milan-based publisher Skira put out a monograph and exhibition catalog for the "Tom Torluemke: Live! On Paper, 1987-2024" exhibit, which is available at the Chicago Cultural Center and the Schererville Barnes & Noble. "The book is a major deal. The art publisher is one of the best in the world. It's good not only for the exhibition but also for Northwest Indiana," Torluemke said. "I hope this work has an afterlife. A piece of art hung on the wall in a museum could be in a museum for the duration of its life. I really want this work to have an afterlife." He will give artist talks at the Chicago Cultural Center noon on June 11 and 2 p.m. on June 29. American entrepreneur Ms. Dickerson Chinese entrepreneur Mr. Hu American entrepreneur Mr. Soong Chinese entrepreneur Mr. Wong When Elyse Dickerson needed to build out her U.S. ear care business quickly, she turned to Gorton Hu in China to make essential parts. When Elyse Dickerson needed to build out her U.S. ear care business quickly, she turned to Gorton Hu in China to make essential parts. When Patrick Soong needed to get a camera accessory made for an American firm, he also turned to China, reaching out to Martin Wong and his makeshift factory. When Patrick Soong needed to get a camera accessory made for an American firm, he also turned to China, reaching out to Martin Wong and his makeshift factory. China-U.S. trade is not just shipping containers and customs forms. It is underpinned by relationships between entrepreneurs like these. China-U.S. trade is not just shipping containers and customs forms. It is underpinned by relationships between entrepreneurs like these. But now, the turmoil over the Trump administrations tariffs is threatening to fray, or even sever, longstanding personal ties. But now, the turmoil over the Trump administrations tariffs is threatening to fray, or even sever, longstanding personal ties. Trade Brought Them Together. What Happens Now? Trade has transformed both China and the United States. Over the decades, access to the vast American market turbocharged Chinas manufacturing-led economy, while entrepreneurs in the United States used Chinese supply chains to turn their ideas into reality. Out of that grew close relationships that benefited businesses on both sides of the Pacific. Now trade has brought the two superpowers into conflict, with each imposing heavy tariffs on the others exports. As officials in Washington and Beijing tried to settle their differences, The New York Times spoke with three worried American business owners and their Chinese partners, visiting their factories and workshops. We asked them to tell us about how they built the lasting ties that helped one another succeed and whether they thought those ties could last. American entrepreneur Ms. Dickerson Fort Worth Chinese entrepreneur Mr. Hu Ningbo, China After being fired from a Big Pharma job, Ms. Dickerson started her own ear care company from a cafe in Texas. After being fired from a Big Pharma job, Ms. Dickerson started her own ear care company from a cafe in Texas. She wanted custom bottles to help her products stand out, but struggled to find a suitable U.S. manufacturer. She wanted custom bottles to help her products stand out, but struggled to find a suitable U.S. manufacturer. Ms. Dickerson found a partner in Mr. Hu, who ran a small factory in Southeast China and assured her he could do the job. Ms. Dickerson found a partner in Mr. Hu, who ran a small factory in Southeast China and assured her he could do the job. Their companies grew in tandem, and the trade war has brought them closer at least for now not torn them apart. Their companies grew in tandem, and the trade war has brought them closer at least for now not torn them apart. In 2016, Ms. Dickerson, 50, had 15 minutes to persuade CVS to stock a liquid that dissolved ear wax. She walked out with a deal that would land her product in more than 8,000 stores nationwide. Her company, Eosera, was only a year old, but Ms. Dickerson decided she needed to design custom bottles and caps. That meant finding a supplier and fast. In Ningbo, China, Mr. Hu, 45, ran a company that specialized in making small medical supplies for ear care and was trying to capture a larger share of the American market. This was how the two first connected. Play 0:0 Building Trust Earbuds were the best thing that ever happened to Ms. Dickersons product. She had thought that her solution would target people who use hearing aids. But as more Americans jammed headphones into their ears, Eosera discovered a bigger pool of customers experiencing ear wax buildup and itchiness. Large pharmacies, grocery chains and major retailers took notice. Today, Ms. Dickersons 40-employee company in Fort Worth makes more than 20 different products sold online and in roughly 28,000 stores nationwide. As Eosera expanded, it helped lift the fortunes of Mr. Hus company, too. And as his company grew it now employs 400 people it learned how to anticipate the demands of American customers. It learned to move fast and adapt. Most of all, it learned how to improve its manufacturing processes, opening the door to producing more complex medical supplies. Ningbo, China Fort Worth When President Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods and called for manufacturing to return home, Ms. Dickerson took a hard look at whether her relationship with Mr. Hu still made sense. But Eosera, like many American businesses, was deeply intertwined with its Chinese partner. Mr. Hus company designed all of the molds for Eoseras products, including one of its signature items. Switching entirely to U.S. suppliers, Ms. Dickerson said, would cost too much and take months, if not years, to do. Play 0:0 The Price of America Not wanting to pay the heavy tariff, Ms. Dickerson paused her shipments for a month. Several of Mr. Hus other American clients decided to do the same. With the new tariffs temporarily reduced, the company is now pressing to get the orders onto container ships, competing with others who have the same idea and paying higher shipping costs. Despite all the uncertainty, they want to keep working together. Play 0:0 Committed Despite the Chaos For now, Ms. Dickerson and Mr. Hu have renegotiated their contracts to share the additional costs. They are both hoping for much lower tariffs soon. American entrepreneur Mr. Soong Mr. Soong and father Chinese entrepreneur Mr. Wong Dongguan, China Mr. Soong has had only one job since college: working in the family business helping American entrepreneurs find manufacturers in Asia. Mr. Soong has had only one job since college: working in the family business helping American entrepreneurs find manufacturers in Asia. He learned everything from his father, who built the business from the ground up in the 1980s. He learned everything from his father, who built the business from the ground up in the 1980s. Mr. Wong was a longtime contact of Mr. Soongs father and a key partner in China's manufacturing heartland. Mr. Wong was a longtime contact of Mr. Soongs father and a key partner in China's manufacturing heartland. But the tariffs are now forcing Mr. Soong to seek allies outside China, testing the relationship between the men. But the tariffs are now forcing Mr. Soong to seek allies outside China, testing the relationship between the men. The partnership that catapulted the careers of Mr. Soong, 42, and Mr. Wong, 54, got off to an awkward start. Mr. Soongs firm, Allitra, helps companies find suppliers in China, and one day in 2013, he brought a group of entrepreneurs from San Francisco to Mr. Wongs makeshift workspace in Dongguan, in southeastern China. One thing about that day still stands out for both of them: They remember noticing their cultural differences. Play 0:0 Breaking the ice Mr. Soongs clients were from a start-up called Peak Design that had generated buzz on Kickstarter for a new product: a metal clip that would securely fasten cameras to bag straps or belts, for easy access. Like many American companies with a promising idea, Peak Design did not have the capability to make the clip itself. Mr. Soong pitched himself as the person who could find them the perfect manufacturer. He had learned to hustle like this from his father, who started the business as a young immigrant from Taiwan. But to win over Peak Design, Mr. Soong knew he needed his fathers old contact Mr. Wong. The stakes were high for Mr. Soong. Allitra was reeling from the 2008 financial crisis, and orders from clients he took over from his father were drying up. Landing a company on the rise offered the promise of a more stable future. At the time, Mr. Wong was a consultant with deep connections in Dongguan helping companies build products and manage supply chains. Like much of China, the once rural village had fast become an indispensable link in global manufacturing and had a rich ecosystem of specialized factories and cheap skilled labor. Mr. Wong recalled the moment he picked up a call from Mr. Soong. Play 0:0 Working in the Garage Mr. Soong and Mr. Wong were critical to the early success of Peak Design, which today generates about $100 million in revenue with dozens of products ranging from suitcases to camera straps. For Mr. Wong, working with Peak Design was transformative. He is no longer a hired gun, hopping from one project to another. He has built a 300-employee manufacturing enterprise, called E-Power, that is Peak Designs largest Chinese supplier. It has more than $15 million a year in orders. Dongguan, China New York City The Peak Design account also extended a lifeline to Mr. Soong. His company has landed deals with more than 100 American companies, growing into a 24-person operation with staff in the United States, China, Taiwan and Vietnam. During this expansion, Mr. Wong has grown closer to Mr. Soongs family. Play 0:0 Intergenerational Work But the tariffs even at the lowered rates are starting to test the partnership. Mr. Soongs phone rings constantly from concerned American clients that make products in China. He has made trips to the Philippines and Thailand to check out factories and chat up potential factory partners. Play 0:0 Intergenerational Work Mr. Soong is looking for factories outside China only out of necessity. He still believes that China is unparalleled as a manufacturing hub, and he knows that the kind of trust he has with Mr. Wong is rare and takes years to build. American entrepreneur Mr. Ripp Bayfield, Colo. Last year, Taylor Ripp designed his dream camper. Today, hes building them for other outdoor enthusiasts. Last year, Taylor Ripp designed his dream camper. Today, hes building them for other outdoor enthusiasts. Campers require a lot of components. Many come from China. Campers require a lot of components. Many come from China. Mr. Ripp doesnt work with only one supplier. He manages a web of relationships to source a curated list of parts. Mr. Ripp doesnt work with only one supplier. He manages a web of relationships to source a curated list of parts. Tariffs are now disrupting his supply chain, leaving his start-up scrambling to keep production going. Tariffs are now disrupting his supply chain, leaving his start-up scrambling to keep production going. Mr. Ripp, 37, is an outdoorsman turned entrepreneur with a product that allows him to spend more time in nature. Last year, Mr. Ripp and his business partner started producing a camper that could fit in the bed of a standard American pick-up truck. Less expensive than a full-size recreational vehicle, it would still offer amenities like a refrigerator and air-conditioning and the ability to stay off-grid in nature for days. Designing an R.V. is one thing. Building it is another. To optimize the campers limited space, each piece fits together like a puzzle and requires securing dozens of components. Mr. Ripp and his team at Outpost Campers knew they would need China. Play 0:0 Sourced in China, Built in America Dependence on Chinese components is a fact of life in making campers. For some components, there are no alternatives. The campers battery system, for example, is made only in China. Tapping the Chinese supply chain allowed Mr. Ripp to get production up and running quickly. Since last summer, his team of 13 employees has maintained a tight production schedule to meet their goal of churning out two campers per week. Play 0:0 Increased Demand But as the co-owner of a small business strapped for cash and operating from a modest workshop in Bayfield, Colo., Mr. Ripp had to scramble when the punishing tariffs on Chinese goods were announced. He was inundated with calls and emails from his suppliers. One of them, a power supply company, suggested he stock up before prices rose. Many others emailed to tell him what his new, higher prices would be. After weeks of frantically looking for options, he shelled out over $400,000 to stockpile six months worth of supplies. He was able to find many key parts that had already been shipped to the United States at pre-tariff levels, including the critical Chinese battery system. However, hes still concerned about the challenges ahead. Play 0:0 Increased Demand For now, Mr. Ripp thinks he is set through the fall. But if the sky-high tariffs on China return, he doesnt know exactly what he will do. 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 Description Come down to the Rescuing Families Charity Gift Shoppe this Saturday and Sunday for our 30% OFF SALE! EVERYTHING in the shoppe will be 30% OFF *NO EXCLUSIONS! This is a great opportunity to get some really unique vintage items at a great price! The sale will be 11am-4pm RFI Charity Gift Shoppe 983 Lewiston Street Franklin Square, NY (off of New Hyde Park Rd - next to Croxley Ales) We are close to all major roads & highways, located in Western Nassau County, Long Island! Only minutes away from the Queens border and a short drive from CT, NJ and Westchester County! Come and discover Western Nassau County's Newest Vintage Thrift Boutique at Rescuing Families Charity Gift Shoppe! 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.) On the last day of the recent NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton, delegates unanimously adopted Resolution 497, which, among other belligerent assertions, emphasized "that only peace through strength can lead to lasting peace". That is a fatally flawed and dangerous delusion. Peace through strength translates into the fallacy that "if you want peace, then prepare for war". Preparation for war, which succinctly summarizes the overarching theme of the entire five-day Assembly, leads to war, not peace. NATO is not alone in that operational mobilization and development of war resources. Plans are well underway to create a military-industrial-nuclear nexus in Ohio. With a massive AI weapons manufacturing plant (Anduril's Arsenal One) south of Columbus, a modernized nuclear fuel facility (Centrus Energy's low-enriched uranium plant) on the heavily contaminated grounds of the former Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, and use of Wright-Patterson airbase in Dayton as a distribution center for the newly developed weapons, this trinity of military sites is designed to convert Ohio into the heart of new nuclear military industrial complex. Centrus' Piketon plant delivered its first supply of enriched uranium (20 kilograms) to the Department of Energy in late 2023; by 2028, this private corporation largely funded by federal dollars plans to vastly expand operations to house hundreds of centrifuges capable of producing 6,000 kilograms of enriched uranium 235 annually for the US military. Such nuclear production comes with a human cost. Extensive radioactive pollution near the Piketon facility caused a local school to close, and the cancer rates in Pike County are the highest in Ohio. In a deeply disturbing report filed in April 2025 under the heading of "Land of Leukemia and Lymphoma", local residents filling the auditorium of Piketon High School were asked if they had a family member contract cancer, die of cancer, or if they knew someone in the area who did. Nearly all stood up. The fallout is destined to continue if uranium enrichment expansion in Piketon proceeds as planned. Anduril, founded in 2017, has the stated mission of "transforming defense capabilities with advanced technology". Its Project Thor, when and if fully operational, intends to put a whole new generation of sophisticated lethal drones, cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles into mass production at Arsenal One, to be built in Pickaway County. Its founder, billionaire Palmer Luckey, who seems hell-bent on war with China, claims to have chosen Ohio, instead of his native California, as the ideal production site due to its cooperative and compliant politicians. Though richly funded by right-wing billionaire and Trump disciple Peter Thiel, as well as obscenely subsidized with $500 million from the State of Ohio, this ambitious warmongering project by these merchants of death is slated to begin in mid-2026, but has yet to break ground. The same cannot be said of another dramatic Peace Through Strength display of militarism. On June 14, the 79th birthday anniversary of Donald Trump. an unprecedented massive military parade over four miles long will take place in Washington, D.C. involving some 7000 troops; hundreds of military vehicles including 28 M1 tanks; and scores of military helicopters/aircraft. The militaristic spectacle is estimated to cost taxpayers at least $40 million and perhaps as much as $100 million. For his 50th birthday celebration, Adolf Hitler held a massive military parade in Berlin lasting four hours that involved thousands of troops and hundreds of war planes on April 20, 1939. Four weeks later Nazi Germany invaded Poland and launched WWII. Given the warmongering overtones voiced explicitly against Russia, China, Iran and North Korea at the Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton, it will not come as a great surprise if a NATO/US attack on one or more of these designated "Axis" powers comes next. Yet the power of the people is greater than the people in power. And if there was ever a time to prove it, that time is now. (Article changed on Jun 07, 2025 at 8:29 PM EDT) Morten Harket, lead singer of Norwegian rock group "A-ha," best known for its 1985 hit single Take on Me, made news last week when he announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. (AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz) Questions are answered by experts at the Oregon Health Authority, other state agencies or community partners. Questions and answers are republished by permission. Q: Are there support groups for people diagnosed with Parkinsons in the Portland area? Patty, Portland A: Patty, Parkinsons Resources of Oregon (PRO) offers virtual and in-person support groups in locations around Oregon. Looking at their June calendar of support groups, I see in-person groups in the Portland area in Beaverton, Milwaukie, Clackamas, Hillsboro and Vancouver, and I see several virtual Zoom options as well. You can call their main office in Beaverton at 503-594-0901 for more information. From the PRO website: Reaching out to PRO is a first step to taking on Parkinsons disease on your own terms. Join a group or learn from home. Our programs are designed to support you and your family every step of the way with the resources, encouragement and education necessary. Also, the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Parkinsons Foundation has this event page, which includes many free options. You might first call their toll-free helpline at 800-473-4636, or the PNW chapter directly at 206-558-2597 for more information. To cover your bases, you could also call Oregons Aging and Disability Resource Connection and ask about Parkinsons-related resources, including support groups. ADRC serves the entire state and does have local offices (on this map), but we suggest calling the main toll-free number -- 855-673-2372. Theres a good chance they will tell you about some of the same support groups offered by PRO, but they may have other suggestions as well. If you have questions about health topics for the Oregon Health Authority, submit your question here. Although the agency is unable to answer every question, it will try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that OHA is unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions. Portland police said the wounded man was taken to the hospital, and no officers or deputies were injured. File photo UPDATE: Man shot by sheriffs deputy pointed gun at officers, fired shots, police say A Multnomah County sheriffs deputy shot and wounded a man in Northeast Portland Friday evening, police said. Portland police said the wounded man was taken to the hospital, and no officers or deputies were injured. The shooting took place in the 4600 block of Northeast 116th Avenue, near Prescott Street and close to Parkrose High School. Authorities are at the scene investigating the incident. Police said Northeast Sandy Boulevard is closed between Northeast 112th and 118th avenues. Northeast 116th Avenue is also closed between Sandy and Prescott Street. Portland police spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Allen said Portland officers were responding to a report of suspicious circumstances involving a weapon. The deputy, Allen said, happened to be in the area and stopped to help. Allen said the shooting happened in the street. The East County Major Crimes Team is assisting Portland detectives in the investigation. Police did not share the condition of the injured man, and its not clear how many times the deputy fired shots. No additional information was immediately available. Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221-4323,zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X@zaeemshake. The FBI searched the boy's Clatskanie home on May 22, 2025, the day he was arrested. (File photo) A Columbia County judge on Friday ordered a 14-year-old Oregon boy to remain in custody as a safety threat to himself and others as he faces attempted murder accusations in an alleged mass shooting plot. Beau Carr appeared by video from a juvenile detention center, biting his nails multiple times during the half-hour hearing while his parents watched from the courtroom in St. Helens. The Oregon State Hospital's crisis is largely the result of its lack of foresight," the judge found. Beth Nakamura A federal judge on Friday found the Oregon State Hospital in contempt of a court order governing the timely admissions of criminal defendants and will issue hefty daily fines starting Saturday to force the hospital to comply. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson said the state has not taken all reasonable steps to admit jailed criminal defendants to the psychiatric hospital within seven days for treatment when they are found unable to assist in their defense. Nelson said the states crisis is largely the result of its lack of foresight. Its failure to correct the situation warrants the contempt finding and financial sanctions, she wrote in a 21-page opinion. She set fines of $500 a day per class member of the lawsuit against the state -- a class member is each criminal defendant found unable to assist in their defense who is waiting for admission to the hospital. They face the potential for harm if not actual, harm each day they remain in jail despite their known lack of competency to face charges and need for treatment, Nelson wrote. The judge also said the neutral expert appointed in the case, Debra Pinals, will now serve as a court monitor as the case proceeds and that the state will be responsible for the costs of making the change. The state needs the experts further guidance to adhere to the court order, Nelson wrote. She further directed the Oregon Health Authority to quicken the discharge of patients who no longer need a hospital level of care and said it must work to eliminate the backlog of forensic evaluators to provide assessments of defendants. Disability Rights Oregon, which sought the contempt finding, hailed the ruling as a landmark decision. Todays ruling is a major win for our clients whose constitutional rights have been violated while they suffer in jail instead of receiving the court-ordered mental health restoration services they need, said Jake Cornett, executive director and chief executive officer of the agency. He said he hopes the sanctions will kickstart real solutions to fix the states broken mental health system. Disability Rights Oregon first sued the state in 2002, alleging that the state hospitals failure to quickly admit defendants who need treatment violated their rights to a speedy trial and due process. U.S. District Judge Owen M. Panner ruled then that the hospital must admit defendants within seven days of a court finding that mental illness prevents them from participating in their defense. Many of them had been waiting in jail without treatment. In hearings before Nelson earlier this year, Thomas Stenson, an attorney for Disability Rights Oregon, argued that the Oregon Health Authority had no coherent plan on how or when it would meet the seven-day admissions order. Wait-and-see is no longer an answer, he told Nelson. The advocacy group also had asked Nelson to limit who can be admitted to the state hospital, which the judge did not do. Stenson argued that only defendants facing felonies who need mental health treatment -- but not those facing misdemeanors or lower-level violations should be admitted. Oregon Department of Justice lawyer Jill Conbere, representing the state, had urged the judge to allow the legislative and budgeting process to play out before issuing a contempt finding or sanctions. Gov. Tina Kotek has proposed spending at least $220 million to improve mental health care in Oregon, including $90 million for adding secure residential treatment facilities, $50 million for hiring more staff and another $80 million for permanent supportive housing. But Nelson said the states actions were too little too late. In sum, defendants have not persuasively explained why adding more staff, funding and capacity in anticipation of this increased need was impossible, she wrote. In April, the state hospital admitted 128 defendants found unable to assist in their defense -- tying for the largest number of aid-and-assist admissions in one month, Nelson noted in her ruling. That month, the average wait time for their transfer to the hospital was 20.7 days, down from Marchs average wait of 25.4 days. Either way, its far beyond the court-ordered seven days allowed, Nelson said. If Nelsons ruling had been in place as of June 1, 2024, the state would have owed about $9.4 million in fines through the end of last month, according to advocates for the defendants waiting for entry to the hospital. Jason Renaud of the Mental Health Association of Portland estimated the state could face up to $1.5 million a month in fines going forward. -- 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.socialor on LinkedIn. Warren Buffett isnt called the Oracle of Omaha for nothing. With a net worth of around $158 billion, hes the worlds most prominent and lucrative investor, thanks to his expert timing and knack for predicting the best buys. Though Buffett has announced his plans to retire at the end of 2025 (at age 95!), his impact on investment strategy is simply unmatched. Read Next: Warren Buffetts Top 4 Tips for Getting Richer For You: 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement With that in mind, is there anything he wont invest in? Actually, yes. Buffett instinctively knows when to hedge his bets, and if you like to follow his financial advice with your own investments, take a look below at the following industries that he doesnt tend to give his money. New Technology Buffett is well known for avoiding investing in emerging technologies. For example, he called Bitcoin a mirage and warned investors to stay away. However, though he has expressed skepticism about cryptocurrencies, Berkshire Hathaway has invested in the Brazilian digital banking company Nu Holdings, which offers a cryptocurrency platform including Bitcoin, so technically the company does benefit indirectly from the cryptocurrency market. Buffett not understanding tech has served him well in the long run, as he seeks to invest in companies that have a significant amount of certainty. This often reduces his risk because he doesnt rely on other peoples opinions. He simply trusts his gut when predicting future earnings and the value of each business he puts his money into. Good To Know: Warren Buffett Offers One Piece of Estate Planning Advice to the Middle Class Gold Buffett isnt impressed when it comes to putting money into precious metals. As with his views on tech, it seems that he doesnt see enough certain value in gold to risk investing in it and has remained one of its biggest skeptics. Despite the fact that Berkshire Hathaway did make a surprising foray into gold mining in 2020, it was short-lived and has since gone its separate ways, no doubt due to Buffetts opinion on the matter. Buffett wrote, No one is an investor in gold: there are only speculators in the metal. According to him, theres essentially too much guesswork in predicting golds future value when compared to other commodities that can earn an investor immediate income. Simply put, he believes that investors in gold might get a store of value, however, investors in productive assets are gaining more in dividends over the years. Airlines Berkshire Hathaway has invested in airlines in the past. For example, it purchased $10 billion worth of stock in big names like Delta, American, United and Southwest Airlines, but sold these stakes just four years later in 2020. This was largely due to the impact of the pandemic and was likely completely supported by Buffett, as that sector has been one of his biggest criticisms, and he currently has no shares in airlines in 2025. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon attend a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Event in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin Want a COVID-19 vaccination this fall? For many Americans, its not clear how easy it will be to get one and some doctors already see signs of trouble. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was a longtime anti-vaccine activist, said last month that the shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, usurping a decision normally made by scientific experts, not political appointees. Days later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said healthy children and pregnant women may get COVID-19 vaccinations, removing stronger language that those groups should get the shots. Its website currently lists no advice for pregnant women graying out that section of the vaccine guidance chart. The change follows an earlier Trump administration step to limit COVID-19 vaccinations among healthy people under age 65. Until now, the U.S. following guidance from independent experts who advise the CDC has recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older. Together, the moves have left health experts, vaccine makers and insurers uncertain about what to advise and what comes next. In Seattle, University of Washington infectious disease expert Dr. John B. Lynch said he recently advised a fellow health care worker whos pregnant to get vaccinated. She agreed, only to be turned away by two pharmacies. Thats the practical implication, Lynch told reporters in an Infectious Diseases Society of America briefing. We see confusion play out. We see chaos play out. And we see barriers to access. The conflicting statements are also leaving primary care doctors uncertain of how to advise patients, Lynch added. Im not sure when that confusion is going to be abated, he said. How can I get a COVID-19 shot for myself or my healthy child? Some of this seasons vaccine is still available. Insurance industry experts say if people had coverage before Kennedys announcement, insurance likely would still pay for the shots. In a move that could help access, Wisconsins health department announced that state continues to recommend the current COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy and for every person 6 months and older, and reiterating the its state Medicaid program will continue to cover it. Will I still be able to choose a shot in the fall for myself or my child? Who will be able to get what vaccines this fall is still unclear. Vaccine manufacturers plan to issue updated COVID-19 shots in the late summer or fall. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it plans to limit approval of seasonal shots to seniors and others at high risk, pending more studies of everyone else. Even if the U.S. approves vaccines only for certain groups, it still may be possible for others to get the shot depending on the outcome of upcoming advisory meetings, regulatory moves and decisions from insurers and employers. Will my insurance still pay? Insurers base coverage decisions on the recommendations of that CDC panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Its not clear what role that panel now will play. Paying out of pocket could cost about $200. The CDC says its new language for healthy kids known as shared decision-making means health insurers must pay for the vaccinations. Some insurers and employers may decide to still cover the shots no matter what, said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at the non-profit KFF, which studies health care issues. She noted that they may view the expense as worthwhile if it avoids a higher bill from someone hospitalized by the coronavirus. Whats considered increased risk? The FDA published a list of health conditions it said would qualify, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. The CDC has a more extensive list. But, again, it isnt yet known how this will play out. For example, it could be hard for people to prove theyre qualified. If theyre vaccinated at a drugstore, for instance, the pharmacist wouldnt normally know about underlying health problems or even ask. And Ajay Sethi, an epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said this elephant in the room is that blocking vaccination to the healthy may mean people who have a risk factor and simply dont know it will miss out. Adding to the confusion was Kennedys implication that the coronavirus isnt dangerous to pregnant women. COVID-19 complications during pregnancy can include preterm birth as well as serious illness in the mother, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said it strongly reaffirms its recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy. Moreover, vaccinating mom can provide spillover protection for the newborn for a few months, until he or she is old enough for their own vaccination, Lynch stressed. -- Lauran Neergaard and Tom Murphy, The Associated Press Yurok Tribe members Tiana Williams-Claussen, left, and Morgan Clayburn make their way to Blue Creek while traveling on the Klamath River, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP ON THE KLAMATH RIVER, Calif. 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 tribes access to its homelands. When McCovey started working as a fisheries technician, the company would let him go there to do his job. 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 of homelands have been returned to the Yurok, more than doubling the tribes 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. 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. 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. Theres 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 tribes 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 tribes more than 5,000 members and helping restore salmon and wildlife. The bottom of Blue Creek is visible on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP 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 Coasts 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. 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. Thats 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. Blue Creek, center, flows into the Klamath River, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP Altered lands, waterways For more than 100 years, these lands were owned and managed for industrial timber. Patchworks of 15 to 20 acres 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 Co., 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. 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. 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. A black bear walks along a rocky bank of the Klamath River, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP 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. 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. --By DORANY PINEDA, TERRY CHEA and GODOFREDO VASQUEZ, Associated Press 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. The Rose Festivals Grand Floral Parade may be more than a century old, but its still embracing change. Saturday morning, it wound through downtown Portland, returning to the citys core after a three-year, post-pandemic hiatus that kept the annual parade east of the Willamette River. The new route wove past landmarks such as Pioneer Courthouse Square, beginning at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and ending at Providence Park. 24 1 / 24 Grand Floral Parade float making Celebrating under the theme of All Together Now!, the parade featured floats big and small, marching bands, horses, drill teams, vintage vehicles, dancers, llamas and Queen of Rosaria Ava Rathi, a 2025 graduate of Lincoln High School. Also during the parade, one couple got married. The ceremony took place near Salmon Street Springs and was broadcast live by Portlands Fox 12 along with the rest of the parade. And, of course, this years grand marshal is Tula-Tu, the baby elephant born at the Oregon Zoo in February. (Spoiler alert: Tula-Tu didnt actually march in the parade; instead sponsor Alaska Airlines honored the precious pachyderm on its float.) Tula-Tu may be small now, Oregon Zoo Director Heidi Rahn told reporters last month, but she represents something incredibly big: Hope, connection, and the future of wildlife conservation. 37 1 / 37 Lincoln High School senior Ava Rathi crowned 2025 Rose Festival Queen of Rosaria Streets through the downtown core, and west toward Goose Hollow, closed as early as 7 a.m. Saturday to accommodate parade spectators. Anyone who missed the parade has a second chance to see the floats up close. Theyll be lined up along Southwest Naito Parkway on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, adjacent to the Rose Festival CityFair. And theres no cost to see them. For more information, visit https://www.rosefestival.org. Kimberly Cortez covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at kcortez@oregonian.com. Tucked away in the quieter neighborhood streets on the south side of Cannon Beach, just one block from the ocean, Sea Level Bakery + Coffee makes a strong case for the title of best bakery on the Oregon coast. Opened in 2014 by couple Jason and Liz Menke, the cozy, modern cafe (which was remodeled in 2023) offers fresh-baked bread, sandwiches and bowls in addition to its well-stocked pastry case where there are no bad choices. On a recent visit, the case was stocked with sticky buns, biscuits, scones, banana bread, kouign amann, Danish, pound cake, muffins and five kinds of cookies. There was also something called tide truffles, a vegan and gluten free treat that sells in packs of three. In a neighboring case were loaves of fresh-baked bread, as well as baguettes, ciabatta and slices of focaccia. Offerings rotate seasonally, sometimes even weekly, based on available ingredients and the whims and experimentations of the staff bakers. On a recent visit, we ate a raspberry pistachio scone with lemon glaze that was sweet and delicious. A soft biscuit, dusted with cinnamon sugar and loaded with marionberry jam, was a great accompaniment. I made a mental note to pick up a baguette on our next beach day. Sea Level Bakery + Coffee is tucked away in the Tolovana Park neighborhood of Cannon Beach, about a mile from the main drag. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian People walk the sand on the south end of Cannon beach, near Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site on the north Oregon coast. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian A biscuit with marionberry jam at Sea Level Bakery + Coffee in Cannon Beach. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Jason Menke said he grew up going to French boulangeries with his grandmother, where he fell in love with the idea of serving a community through food. When the couple opened Sea Level, in the old Waves of Grain bakery space, they wanted to bring that boulangerie culture to the Oregon coast. We felt like it needed to be both a cafe, coffee ship and a bakery, Menke said of the business. We just know that people need better food options, particularly at the beach. Grab a table on the covered patio outside and you might feel like youre joining the Cannon Beach community. On our visit, a local woman introduced us to her dog, who stared hungrily at our pastries. We eavesdropped on a group of surfers nearby. A family of sleepy tourists shuffled in and plopped down around a table with cups of coffee. The indoor seating, which consists of a few smaller tables, is crucial for the rainy season, but when the weather is nice the patio is idyllic. Sea Level, which is nestled into the Tolovana Park neighborhood, is a surprisingly peaceful place given the commotion all around it. The main drag of Cannon Beach, which is choked with tourists in the summer, is only a mile to the north. And only two blocks south is the busy Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site, which attracts upwards of 1.2 million visitors each year. When we first started it seemed like a curse to be in that part of town, because it was quiet down there, Menke said. But after a couple of years, once business caught on, the couple grew to appreciate their place in Cannon Beach. We like to say that were Tolovana proud, he said. With their major remodel still fresh in the rearview mirror, the couple finds it hard to think too much about the future. But when pressed, Jason Menke said theyve been dreaming about adding yet another offering to their cafe: pizza. After a successful one-time pizza night last year, the couple has been toying with the idea of making it happen monthly or even weekly. That would only be another extension of their mission to provide good food to the community on the north Oregon coast. Theres definitely not enough good food at the beach, Menke said. The takeaway: Sea Level offers everything you could want from an Oregon coast bakery: great pastries, good coffee, ample seating and a quick walk to the beach. Sample menu: A biscuit and jam ($4.25), a seasonal scone ($4.25) and espresso ($4). Drinks: Coffee and espresso from Portlands Heart Coffee Roasters, with tea and a rotating menu of seasonal drinks. Details: Counter service with indoor and outdoor seating. ADA accessible with parking spot, ramp and restroom. Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday-Monday; 3116 S. Hemlock St., Cannon Beach; 503-436-4254; sealevelbakery.com. Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story, the true-crime Lifetime story about a kidnapped girl, premieres tonight, Saturday, June 7 at 8/7c on Lifetime. You can watch for free or on demand with a trial of Philo. Dont have cable? You can watch Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story for free with Philo (free trial) or with Fubo (free trial). What is Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story about? Based on a true story, the new Lifetime movie tells the story of adopted daughter Heather Robinson, who grew up in a loving family in Illinois. In 2000, she learned that the man she thought was her uncle, John Robinson was actually a serial killer who killed her biological mother. Are the allegations true? Will she be able to forgive him? Tune in to find out. How can I watch Lifetime for free online? What: Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story When: Saturday, June 7 at 8/7c TV Channel: Lifetime Watch the show live streaming online: You can watch Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story for free with Philo (free trial) or with Fubo (free trial). If you already have cable, you can stream this movie live on Lifetime Live with your cable or satellite provider login information. Last year's Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade traveled through the Lloyd District of Northeast Portland on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian If youre heading out to the Grand Floral Parade Saturday morning, bring the sunscreen and be prepared for some heat. Sunday will bring even hotter temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Portland-Vancouver area all the way to Hood River for 10 a.m. Sunday until 10 p.m. Monday. Daytime temperatures are expected to be between 92 and 96 degrees. Saturday will be sunny with a high around 87 degrees in Portland, according to the weather service. The overnight low will be about 61 before things really heat up Sunday. Sunday and Monday are forecast to be the hottest days of the year so far with highs of about 95 degrees. Multnomah County health officials urge people to have a plan for staying cool. They also encourage people to check out the countys cooling map to find safe spaces to escape the heat. In 2024, 170 people visited a hospital or urgent-care center due to heat-related illnesses, up from 141 in 2023, according to county officials. Anyone looking to cool off in a river or lake should use extra care. Cold water shock happens when a person enters water that is drastically colder than their body temperature. This can cause issues with breathing, heart rate and blood pressure and lead to drowning. Snow run-off still flows through the Willamette and Columbia rivers, and water temperatures have hovered around 65 to 66 degrees over the past few days, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Officials urge everyone to wear life jackets and avoid or limit alcohol consumption while on the water. The Oregonian/OregonLive Eighty-one years ago today, Allied troops came ashore on the beaches of Normandy during Operation Overlord, more widely known as the D-Day invasion. Although much fighting, suffering, destruction, and death remained to be endured, it was the beginning of the end of the Third Reich. The debt that we owe to those who fought on the coast of France, and especially to those who gave their lives on that horrible day, can never be repaid. And it should never be forgotten. Back in 2017, during my long overdue but, so far, only pilgrimage to Normandy, I had an entirely unexpected but wonderful experience with a group of aging veterans of the D-Day landings. Im still moved, just thinking about it. I would be surprised if any of them are still alive today, and I hope for the Lords blessings upon all of them. I posted about that memorable encounter here. See At Pegasus Bridge. Please, on this day, take at least few minutes to read the prayer that was given eighty-one years ago on national radio by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. (Listen to it here.) Sadly, I cant imagine a like prayer being given by any president in recent years. We have lost something important. My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer: Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Mens souls will be shaken with the violences of war. For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice. Many people have urged that I call the Nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts. Give us strength, too strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces. And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be. And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment, let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose. With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace, a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen. A sign with the company's logo stands outside a Rite Aid store in Salem, N.H., on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) AP A Rite Aid store in Dauphin County that was open around the clock for many years is on the companys latest list of closings. The store at 4299 Union Deposit Road in Lower Paxton Township is closing, the chain said in a bankruptcy filing on Friday. The store is located near The Point shopping center. The store was believed to be the last 24-hour Rite Aid store in the Harrisburg area until it decreased its hours earlier this year. The latest round of store closures for Rite Aid adds to the hundreds of locations previously announced as the pharmacy chain navigates its second bankruptcy filing. The 207 store closures on Rite Aids most recent list are in addition to the 497 stores that the company previously announced it would close. Last month, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy for a second time to pursue a strategic and value-maximizing sale process for substantially all of its assets. Most of Rite Aids more than 1,200 stores are expected to close. Rite Aid announced that it had entered into agreements for its pharmacy assets of more than 1,000 stores across the country with CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, and Giant Eagle. CVS Pharmacy said that it has agreed to acquire the prescription files of 625 Rite Aid pharmacies across 15 states in areas that CVS serves, as well as acquire and operate 64 Rite Aid stores in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Those agreements were approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, according to Reuters. Other Rite Aid stores in Dauphin County that have closed in recent years or are closing include locations in Halifax Township, Paxtang, Middletown and Steelton, as well as two facilities in Harrisburg on Market Street and Derry Street. A New Jersey court has dismissed a clergy abuse lawsuit, ruling the Archdiocese of Philadelphia cant be sued in the state over allegations of abuse at the Jersey Shore in the 1960s. The man who said he was abused filed the lawsuit under New Jerseys Child Victims Acta law that temporarily allowed survivors of childhood sexual abuse to sue, even if the legal deadline had already passed. That two-year window, which ran from December 2019 to November 2021, led many survivors to file claims in New Jersey, especially since neighboring Pennsylvania has not passed a similar law. The man claimed Father Francis P. Rogers abused him about 10 times in New Jersey. The man says the abuse took place at Rogers home in Townsends Inlet, N.J., and in Pennsylvania. But the appellate division ruled that New Jersey courts lacked the authority to hear the case because the Archdiocese of Philadelphia did not establish a sufficient connection to the state to warrant jurisdiction. The court found that the archdiocese was neither involved in the trips to New Jersey nor had any role in Rogers actions. The decision follows a similar ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court in a case known as D.T. v. Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In that case, the court said that the archdiocese could only be held liable in New Jersey if it had deliberately done business or activities in the state and if the abuse claims were directly tied to those actions. The appeals court also emphasized that while the Child Victims Act gave survivors a chance to file lawsuits in New Jersey, it did not override constitutional limits on when New Jersey courts can hear cases involving out-of-state organizations. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering new legislation that would give survivors of childhood sexual abuse a fresh opportunity to file civil lawsuits. The proposed measures would open a two-year window for survivors to bring forward claims that were previously blocked by time limits. They would also allow lawsuits against government agencies by waiving sovereign immunity in certain cases. One proposal would achieve this through a change in state law, while the other would amend the state constitution. Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com. Say Rachel Lipman, winemaker and vineyard manager at Loew Vineyards in Maryland: 'This is going to be a big year of changes for the winery. Growth, new projects, and a whole new way of showcasing our products.' Loew Vineyards Rachel Lipman has been running what she calls wine camp at Loew Vineyards in Mt. Airy, Maryland, since 2021, coinciding with a role that was only beginning to expand at a business that her grandparents opened nearly two decades earlier. The fifth installment of wine camp is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, at the winery, 14001 Liberty Road, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Its one of our most comprehensive and fun events of the year because we have the opportunity to showcase the wines produced from the most recent vintage and compare them in vertical tastings, she told PennLive in an email. We started it because we wanted to share with customers the new wines in a way that they could learn and get excited for our upcoming releases. Limited seating is available for the sneak peek that Lipman offers. The cost is $135/person. It includes: Wine sensory analysis/Understanding your palate A sneak peek into the 2024 vintage + Barrel tastings Vertical tasting of wines and meads from the past 30+ years Wine notebooks and glassware Wine Pairings Lunch is included (charcuterie boxes) Lipman said this year they are including Syrah as a preview into the most recent vintage. Plus a Malbec vertical, which will be interesting! 2020 all the way to 2024. Loew Vineyards was founded in 1982 by William and Lois Loew, in an area thats now dotted with wineries (Black Ankle and Elk Run are within a couple of miles, and Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars, Serpent Ridge and Old Westminster are all within a short drive). When her grandfather died in April of 2022, it set in motion her elevation into a role as general manager in addition to the work she was already doing in the vineyard and cellar. Loew Vineyards is open Fridays through Sundays and other weekdays by appointment/reservation. Its as known for its meads as its wines, with the family having started making the honey wine as far back as 1870 in Europe. Among the many things that Lipman has enhanced already is the presence of the family history in winemaking on the website, with plans to do the same in the tasting room. A photo of the still-thriving Chancellor vines at Loew Vineyards, 43 years young. Loew Vineyards Asked what plans she has this year at the winery, she said the new projects and a whole new way of showcasing our products should begin to give the Loew wines a much broader reach, starting this November. Loew Vineyards has received several awards for its Tribute Series of meads, including twice best of show at the TEXSOM International competition. Its wines also were lauded in that Texas contest, including a platinum for its 2023 Cabernet Franc and a silver for its 2023 Malbec. In addition, it won golds in the 2024 Maryland Governors Cup contest for its 2021 Posterity (a red blend) and 2023 Mazal (a Barbera nouveau). So what award-winner is on the horizon? Lipman says one wine shes thrilled with is the Chenin Blanc. This wine is stunning," she said. Weve had fantastic feedback from wine writers, winemakers, and customers regarding this wine so far. Its reminiscent of Loire. My Syrah is still a standout, but in barrel. Im going to be starting my red blend trials next week, so stay tuned. By Erin McCarthy, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA Angela Gardin looked at the colorful handwritten thank-you notes, taped to a front window of the Queen Village Rite Aid, and began to cry. Gardin has been assistant manager there for the past two years. One note scrawled in pink, read: Everyone who works here is so kind. I have always been greeted with a smile and warmth. Thank you for all the treats, read another, signed with a paw print (from a neighborhood dog named Grandpa, Gardin explained). A child wrote with clumsy handwriting: Im really going to miss this Rite Aid because I used to get snacks here before school. This place has been a staple in the community, added another customer, because of the amazing people who have worked here. Assistant manager Angela Gardin stands outside the Queen Village, Pa., Rite Aid. She was moved to tears to see how many customers wrote her and her staff thank-you notes. (Jessica Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS On a recent weekday, as Gardin unloaded boxes of hair dye in a half-empty aisle at the soon-to-close store, she tried to describe what the thank-yous meant to her and struggled to find the words. She had placed empty thank you cards at the front of the store weeks ago but wasnt sure how many customers would take the time to fill them out. They are so nice, she said, wiping away tears, and its so nice to have nice people, especially ones who show their appreciation. Rite Aid customers and employees are starting to say similar goodbyes. After filing for bankruptcy for the second time in less than two years, the Philadelphia-based pharmacy chain is starting to close stores nationwide. The closures will make it more difficult for some people to access pharmacy services. For example, the 46,000 residents of Perry County are losing half their pharmacies with the closures of three Rite Aids. The company has already auctioned off its prescription files, the bulk of which were bought by CVS, with its non-pharmacy assets to be sold at the end of June, according to court documents. Rite Aid spokespeople did not return a request for comment, which included questions about when exactly local stores are expected to close. I always went to Rite Aid Several customers said they werent surprised to hear the news of Rite Aids second bankruptcy given the earlier bankruptcy, years of store closings, and persistent inventory issues. But some felt sadness and nostalgia. Outside the Queen Village store, Robert Campbell, 31, said his life wouldnt change that much when his neighborhood Rite Aid closes. After all, he said, theres a CVS down the street. But Ill miss it, he said, noting hes been a Rite Aid customer since he went with his mother as a child growing up in New York. It makes it more inconvenient, said Jennifer Johnson, 60, who can walk to her nearest Rite Aid but may soon have to drive to the closest CVS. And the prescription transfer process has been a hassle, with her scripts not being moved automatically, she said. (Rob Frankil, executive director of the Philadelphia Association of Retail Druggists, said in an interview last month that a prescription transfer in the midst of a chain pharmacys closure often is not an easy process.) Other Rite Aid customers had more existential gripes. Upon learning Rite Aid was going out of business, I was pissed off, actually, said Constance Conni Bille, 78, of Germantown. Consolidation of the healthcare industry really sucks. It is really bad for consumers. The Rite Aid on Main Street in Middletown, Dauphin County, Pa., is among the stores the bankrupt chain is closing. May 31, 2025. (Janet Pickel, PennLive.com) Janet Pickel, PennLive.com Rite Aid pharmacists remembered fondly Several customers said they wont necessarily miss the Rite Aid corporation. But they will miss the people who work at their local stores the pharmacists who gave them their first COVID-19 vaccine or the cashiers who offered a smile when they were buying medicines for sick children. In Levittown, Pennsylvania, Phil Michalski said, the staff at his Rite Aid has gone above and beyond. When his son went into anaphylactic shock due to a new ingredient in an ADHD medication, the pharmacists there jumped into action. They spent hours on the phone with six stores to cobble together enough of a different version of the medication to last through the end of his sons prescription, Michalski said. He will miss the comfort of knowing his pharmacists, he said, and wonders how much longer his store will stay open. He asks the pharmacists every time he goes in, he said, and they swear its going to be months. But Michalski, 44, said hes skeptical: It looks like a ghost town inside the store. Mara Saltzman, 61, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, goes to Rite Aid for vaccinations. She was saddened to hear of the closures, immediately thinking of all the Rite Aid pharmacists and other employees who are being left behind. They are frontline workers, she said, who have risked their own health and safety to help others. During the pandemic, Saltzman said, I was just so impressed by the pharmacists, with their patience and their kindness as we were going through what was an incredibly stressful time. At the Wynnewood Rite Aid, the pharmacy staff put Saltzmans daughter at ease, despite her fear of needles. Its very personal when you have somebody doing that, Saltzman said. She worries she wont find that level of compassion at a new pharmacy, especially if its overwhelmed with customers. She is concerned, too, that getting vaccine appointments will be harder with fewer pharmacy choices. In Queen Village, where the sign outside reminds passersby to stay up to date on vaccines, assistant manager Angela Gardin and her team are unsure what comes next. On a paper taped to the front door, customers are reminded that the store wont accept gift cards, returns, or exchanges starting June 5. Customers ask when the store is closing 100 times a day, Gardin said, but employees dont know the answer. Gardin said she doesnt have another job lined up but hopes to get a managerial position with another company. Thousands of Rite Aid employees across Pennsylvania and New Jersey stand to lose their jobs. On the front counter, between the cash register and the blank thank-you cards, employees put out a box that resembles a tip jar. A Post-it note on the front of it reads: Any job suggestions or business cards are greatly appreciated. A federal judge ordered President Donald Trumps administration to pause across-the-board cuts to AmeriCorps in response to a lawsuit filed by 24 states, including Pennsylvnaia. FILE/PHOTO MLive.com A federal judge ordered President Donald Trumps administration to pause across-the-board cuts to AmeriCorps in response to a lawsuit filed by 24 states. The federal community service program that oversees thousands of volunteers was targeted in mid-April by the Department of Government Efficiency, which terminated grants and placed 85% of the agencys employees on administrative leave, with layoffs set to take effect later this month. Judge Deborah L. Boardman, who was nominated to the Maryland district bench in 2021 by then-President Joe Biden, issued an order Thursday preventing the Trump administration from effectuating and enforcing the cuts in the states represented by the lawsuit. Boardman also ordered that programs already impacted should be restored, grants reinstated, and AmeriCorps members returned to service, if they are willing and able to return. The judge denied the Democratic-led states request to reverse the placement of AmeriCorps employees on administrative leave, or prevent the reduction in force for the agencys staff. We just won in court again against the Trump Administration this time to stop their unlawful decision to cut AmeriCorps programs that help communities respond to natural disasters, support seniors and veterans, and keep our trails clean across Pennsylvania," Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose state was among the 24 that sued, said in a post on X Thursday. Boardman explained her ruling in an 86-page opinion, stating that the cuts were not done properly. Before AmeriCorps could make any significant changes to service delivery, it first had to engage in notice-and-comment rulemaking, Boardman wrote. It did not. The opinion cites a few Pennsylvania programs, including one that supports veterans in Butler County, as examples of the impact AmeriCorps cuts could have on communities. The complaint argued that AmeriCorps members and volunteers have built trust that cannot be easily replaced. The abrupt exiting of members and erosion of trust built between service programs and the community will have a detrimental impact on these programs absent immediate injunctive relief, Boardman said. AmeriCorps did not respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit, filed against AmeriCorps in late April, accused the Trump administration of efforts to dismantle the agency, and contended that the president does not have the constitutional authority to do so because AmeriCorps was established by an act of Congress. Shapiro, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings are listed as plaintiffs, along with officials from 21 other states. The Trump administration argued in court filings that its actions did not trigger the requirements for a comment period according to the law and that the cuts wouldnt cause irreparable harm, the legal bar required for an injunction before a case is fully litigated. Plaintiffs offer no concrete basis upon which to conclude that such dire consequences would obtain during the next couple of weeks, the government said. AmeriCorps was created in 1993 during President Bill Clintons administration as a domestic version of the Peace Corps. It has since supported projects throughout the nation. Penn Serve, for instance, Pennsylvanias designated state service commission for AmeriCorps received nearly $18 million in federal grants for the year starting July 2024 to administer 28 programs, the lawsuit said. Delaware received nearly $1.5 million in federal grants to support 1,322 AmeriCorps volunteers for the 2024 fiscal year, according to the complaint. It has since lost more than $1 million of that funding. Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:BW) has reached an agreement to divest its Diamond Power International business to the Austrian firm ANDRITZ for a total consideration of $177 million, pending customary adjustments. The deal is expected to close within 30 days and includes the transfer of around 400 employees. Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (BW) Finalizes Deal to Sell Diamond Power Division An industrial engineer standing in front of a factory installation of solar energy panels. The sale substantiates Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:BW)s renewed focus on its core thermal and environmental segments. The company is streamlining its operations to capitalize on the energy demand emerging from data centers and utility infrastructure. Earlier, it disclosed the strongest backlog in decades for its services, upgrades, and construction projects across North America. Kenneth Young, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, made the following statement: 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. The proceeds from the divestiture are reserved to support Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:BW)s tender offers of up to $70 million for its 8.125% and 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026. The tender is set to expire on July 11 and reflects the companys intention to reduce debt obligations in addition to enhancing the balance sheet ahead of a forecasted growth phase. Investor sentiment appears cautiously optimistic, with an 82.10% uptick in stock performance over the past month, despite a prevailing Hold rating from analysts. Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:BW) is an Ohio-based company incorporated in the energy technology and service sector. Best known for steam boilers, the company remains active in the global market and offers both conventional and renewable energy solutions. While we acknowledge the potential of BW as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Unstoppable Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Oversold Global Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds Disclosure: None. This combo of images released by the Arkansas Department of Corrections shows the recapture of escaped inmate Grant Hardin, an ex-police chief and convicted killer, by Arkansas law enforcement officers and the U.S. Border Patrol , Friday, June 6, 2025, near Moccasin Creek in Izard County, about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) northwest of Calico Rock prison. in Calico Rock, Ark. (Arkansas Department of Corrections via AP) AP A former police chief and convicted killer known as the Devil in the Ozarks was captured by law enforcement 1.5 miles northwest of the prison he escaped from following a massive, nearly two-week-long manhunt in the rugged mountains of northern Arkansas, authorities announced Friday. Grant Hardin, a former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape. Eventually, his notoriety led to a TV documentary, Devil in the Ozarks. Hardin briefly attempted to run from officers when he saw them approach Friday afternoon, but he was quickly tackled to the ground, said Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas prison system. Hed been on the run for a week and a half and probably didnt have any energy left in him, he added. Hardins identity was confirmed through fingerprinting, the Izard County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. Theres no indication that Hardin was injured, though he will be checked for dehydration and other medical problems. Now, investigators are chomping at the bit and really ready to talk to him, said Champion, who used his cellphone to capture an image of Hardin being led away by officers. Hardin said nothing during those moments. The escape, search and eventual capture Hardin had been held at the Calico Rock prison since 2017 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in a fatal shooting. In order to escape, he impersonated a corrections officer in dress and manner, according to a court document. A prison officer in one of the guard towers opened a secure gate, allowing him to walk out of the facility. Champion said that someone should have checked Hardins identity before he was allowed to leave, describing the lack of verification as a lapse thats being investigated. Searchers had been using bloodhounds, officers on horseback, drones and helicopters in their hunt for Hardin since he escaped on May 25. Shortly after the escape, a bloodhound found then quickly lost Hardins scent when heavy rains blew through the area, Champion said. The bloodhound tracked Hardins path for less than a quarter of a mile, after which could have gone in any direction. That was one of the most frustrating things, that they were able to track him but then they lost him because of the rain, Champion said. An elite and highly trained U.S. Border Patrol team had recently joined the search, federal authorities announced this week. The Border Patrol Tactical Team provided advanced search capabilities and operational support, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. Its members are experienced in navigating complex terrain, the agency said earlier this week. The team tracked Hardin through the region known for its rocky and rugged landscape, thick forests and an extensive cave network. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol shared photos on Facebook of Hardin shirtless and covered in mud, laying face down with his hands tied behind his back on Friday. The post said that Hardin was turned over to Arkansas State Police unharmed by the federal agency. A spokesperson for the agency didnt respond to a phone call and emailed request for comment regarding the post on Friday night. Hardins criminal convictions Hardin pleaded guilty in 2017 to first-degree murder for the killing of James Appleton, 59. Appleton worked for the Gateway water department when he was shot in the head Feb. 23, 2017, near Garfield. Police found Appletons body inside a car. Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Hardins DNA was also matched to the 1997 rape of a teacher at an elementary school in Rogers, north of Fayetteville. He was sentenced to 50 years for that crime. Cheryl Tillman, Appletons sister, was with her mother and sister at a flea market in Ozark, Missouri, when law enforcement called to tell her Hardin had been captured. Tillman is also the mayor of Gateway, the 450-person town where Hardin was briefly police chief. Tillman told The Associated Press that Hardins capture was a big sigh of relief for her whole family. We dont have to walk around, turning around all the time, thinking somebodys on our back, Tillman said, emphasizing her appreciation for the officers who helped capture Hardin. A problematic past in law enforcement Though Hardin was police chief in Gateway for just four months, he had served as an officer in multiple communities around northwest Arkansas, his police records show. In his first job as a police officer 35 years ago in Fayetteville, Hardin struggled almost immediately, his supervisors said. He was dismissed by Fayetteville police, but kept getting hired for other law enforcement jobs in northwest Arkansas over the years. Hardin worked about six months at the Huntsville Police Department before resigning, but records do not give a reason for his resignation. He later worked at the Eureka Springs Police Department from 1993 to 1996. Former Chief Earl Hyatt said Hardin resigned because Hyatt was going to fire him over incidents that included the use of excessive force. By the time he was the police chief in Gateway in 2016, he was out chasing cars for no reason, Tillman recalled in the documentary Devil in the Ozarks. By Dan Belson, The Baltimore Sun (TNS) Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in the U.S. to face a federal indictment in Tennessee accusing him of helping to transport across the country hundreds of people who had entered the U.S. illegally. Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. marks a surprising turnaround in the mistakenly deported Maryland mans legal saga after months of litigation seeking to bring him back. Since sending Abrego Garcia to a Salvadoran mega-prison in March, the Trump administration has defied a judges orders to return him to the U.S. or communicate their efforts to do so. The two-count indictment alleges the Beltsville resident conspired with others for nearly a decade to transport people, as well as narcotics and firearms on occasions, in more than 100 trips from Texas to Maryland and other states. Experts have warned of a ongoing constitutional crisis due to the Trump administrations failure to grant Abrego Garcia a hearing or abide by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis rulings. However, his long-awaited return could mitigate any showdown between the executive and judicial branches. Justice Department officials said at a Friday afternoon news conference that they believed Abrego Garcias indictment and return made the matter moot. Abrego Garcia has landed in the U.S. to face justice, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday. She said that El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who has previously refused to release Abrego Garcia, had agreed to return the 29-year-old after being presented with an arrest warrant. He is charged in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee with conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain. In a filing to keep him detained in the U.S., the Justice Department said that Abrego Garcias potential sentence, if he is convicted, goes well beyond the remainder of [his] life. Abrego Garcia was stopped by Tennessees highway patrol in 2022 while transporting eight people. Officers suspected that the matter was a human trafficking incident, according to a Department of Homeland Security document, though Abrego Garcia was not initially detained or charged. That traffic stop appears to be at least part of the basis for the indictment, which was filed under seal in late May and cites the encounter. The indictment also accuses Abrego Garcia of being a member of MS-13. A vehicle leaves the Santa Ana Penitentiary Agricultural Industrial Complex in Santa Ana, El Salvador, on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Marvin Recinos/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) TNS Since his deportation in March, which Xinis ruled was illegal, Abrego Garcia has been held in El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center as well as in a smaller prison in Santa Ana. Trump administration officials had said that he was never coming back to the U.S., despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming Xinis order to facilitate his return. For months, the Trump administration has tried to publicly justify Abrego Garcias removal, repeatedly accusing him of presenting a public danger. In April, Bondi posted a series of documents on X, including a 2019 gang field interview sheet from Prince Georges County Police that cited a Chicago Bulls hat and a shirt as being indicative of the Hispanic gang culture. The only other piece of corroborating evidence was a confidential source, according to the document, and members of the public have called the integrity of the police officer who authored the report into question. The 2019 investigation led to an immigration hearing, in which a judge decided Abrego Garcia could remain in the U.S. because it was more likely than not he would be subjected to gang violence if deported back to his native El Salvador, which he left as teenager. The former Maryland residents return may avoid the ugliest possible outcomes in his civil case, where the government has flouted Xinis repeated orders for his return. Its at least a distraction, and possibly a chance for the government to vindicate itself, said Carl Tobias, a constitutional law professor at the University of Richmond. But were a long way from there, and its difficult to know what will happen in either courthouse, he noted. A Taliban fighter stands guard near the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque as people attend the Eid al-Adha prayer in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) AP A top Taliban official said on Saturday that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would not be harmed if they come back. Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund made the amnesty offer in his message for the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. The offer comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping travel ban on 12 countries, including Afghanistan. The measure largely bars Afghans hoping to resettle in the United States permanently as well as those hoping to go to the U.S. temporarily, such as for university study. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the U.S. and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion. Akhunds holiday message was posted on the social platform X. Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland, he said. Nobody will harm them. Taliban fighters speak with a boy during the Eid al-Adha prayers the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) AP Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace, he added, and instructed officials to properly manage services for returning refugees and to ensure they were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were false judgments about Afghanistans Taliban rulers and their policies. We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished, he said. The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant. The Taliban swept into the capital Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the U.S. military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the U.S. during its campaign against the Taliban. FILE - A Boeing 747 with the color scheme of planes used by the Qatari royal family is seen Friday, May 2, 2025, at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. (Brandon Lingle/The San Antonio Express-News via AP, File) (Brandon Lingle/The San Antonio Express-News via AP, File) By TARA COPP and CHRIS MEGERIAN, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump really wants to fly on an upgraded Air Force One but making that happen could depend on whether hes willing to cut corners with security. As government lawyers sort out the legal arrangement for accepting a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family, another crucial conversation is unfolding about modifying the plane so its safe for the American president. Installing capabilities equivalent to the decades-old 747s now used as Air Force One would almost certainly consign the project to a similar fate as Boeings replacement initiative, which has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers Thursday that those security modifications would cost less than $400 million but provided no details. Satisfying Trumps desire to use the new plane before the end of his term could require leaving out some of those precautions, however. A White House official said Trump wants the Qatari jet ready as soon as possible while adhering to security standards. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details on equipment issues or the timeline. US President Donald Trump waves as he steps off of Air Force One upon arrival at Tuscaloosa National Airport in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images, file) AFP via Getty Images Trump has survived two assassination attempts, and Iran allegedly also plotted to kill him, so hes well aware of the danger he faces. However, he seems willing to take some chances with security, particularly when it comes to communications. For example, he likes to keep his personal phone handy despite the threat of hacks. He boasted this week that the government got the jet for free, saying, We need it as Air Force One until the other ones are done. Heres a look at what it would take to make the Qatari plane into a presidential transport: What makes a plane worthy of being Air Force One? Air Force One is the call sign for any plane thats carrying the president. The first aircraft to get the designation was a propeller-powered C-54 Skymaster, which ferried Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference in 1945. It featured a conference room with a bulletproof window. Things are a lot more complicated these days. Boeing has spent years stripping down and rebuilding two 747s to replace the versions that have carried presidents for more than three decades. The project is slated to cost more than $5.3 billion and may not be finished before Trump leaves office. A 2021 report made public through the Freedom of Information Act outlines the unclassified requirements for the replacement 747s under construction. At the top of the list survivability and communications. The government decided more than a decade ago that the new planes had to have four engines so they could remain airborne if one or two fail, said Deborah Lee James, who was Air Force secretary at the time. That creates a challenge because 747s are no longer manufactured, which could make spare parts harder to come by. Air Force One also has to have the highest level of classified communications, anti-jamming capabilities and external protections against foreign surveillance, so the president can securely command military forces and nuclear weapons during a national emergency. Its an extremely sensitive and complex system, including video, voice and data transmissions. James said there are anti-missile measures and shielding against radiation or an electromagnetic pulse that could be caused by a nuclear blast. The point is, it remains in flight no matter what, she said. Will Trump want all the security bells and whistles? If the Qatari plane is retrofitted to presidential standards, it could cost $1.5 billion and take years, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that arent publicly available. Testifying before Congress this week, Meink discounted such estimates, arguing that some of the costs associated with retrofitting the Qatari plane would have been spent anyway as the Air Force moves to build the long-delayed new presidential planes, including buying aircraft for training and to have spares available if needed. In response, Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., said that based on the contract costs for the planes that the Air Force is building, it would cost about $1 billion to strip down the Qatar plane, install encrypted communications, harden its defenses and make other required upgrades. James said simply redoing the wiring means youd have to break that whole thing wide open and almost start from scratch. Trump, as commander in chief, could waive some of these requirements. He could decide to skip shielding systems from an electromagnetic pulse, leaving his communications more vulnerable in case of a disaster but shaving time off the project. After all, Boeing has already scaled back its original plans for the new 747s. Their range was trimmed by 1,200 nautical miles, and the ability to refuel while airborne was scrapped. Paul Eckloff, a former leader of protection details at the Secret Service, expects the president would get the final say. The Secret Services job is to plan for and mitigate risk, he said. It can never eliminate it. If Trump does waive some requirements, James said, that should be kept under wraps because you dont want to advertise to your potential adversaries what the vulnerabilities of this new aircraft might be. Its unlikely that Trump will want to skimp on the planes appearance. He keeps a model of a new Air Force One in the Oval Office, complete with a darker color scheme that echoes his personal jet instead of the light blue design thats been used for decades. What happens next? Trump toured the Qatari plane in February when it was parked at an airport near Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort. Air Force chief of staff Gen. David Allvin was there, too. The U.S. official said the jet needs maintenance but not more than what would be expected of a four-engine plane of its complexity. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it would be irresponsible to put the president and national security equipment aboard the Qatari plane without knowing that the aircraft is fully capable of withstanding a nuclear attack. Its a waste of taxpayer dollars, she said. Meanwhile, Boeings project has been hampered by stress corrosion cracks on the planes and excessive noise in the cabins from the decompression system, among other issues that have delayed delivery, according to a Government Accountability Office report released last year. Boeing referred questions to the Air Force, which said in a statement that its working with the aircraft manufacturer to find ways to accelerate the delivery of at least one of the 747s. Even so, the aircraft will have to be tested and flown in real-world conditions to ensure no other issues. James said it remains to be seen how Trump would handle any of those challenges. The normal course of business would say there could be delays in certifications, she said. But things seem to get waived these days when the president wants it. "Kidnapped By a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story" is based on the true story of Robinson who was "abducted as a baby and raised by the family of a serial killer who was convicted of murdering her mother ..." The movie premieres at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7, on Lifetime. Courtesy of Philo Lifetime will debut a new Ripped From the Headlines movie tonight. Kidnapped By a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story premieres at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7. LIVE STREAM: Fans can watch Lifetime without cable on seven-day free trial, and Fans can watch Lifetime without cable on Philo , which has aand SlingTV. The movie is based on the true story of Heather Robinson who was abducted as a baby and raised by the family of a serial killer who was convicted of murdering her mother ... Heather Robinson grew up in a loving family in Illinois and, by the time she was a teen, had long known that she had been adopted as an infant by her parents. But in 2000, the then-15-year-olds world was shattered when she learned that the man she knew as her uncle, John Robinson, was actually a serial killer accused of murdering multiple women in the Kansas City area, including her biological mother. After her uncles arrest, Heather learns the shocking truth about her birth mothers disappearance, Lifetime said. Rachel Stubington portrays Heather Robinson. Steve Guttenberg plays John Robinson and Jana Kramer is an investigator. What is Philo? Philo is a streaming service that offers more than 70 live channels and more than 70,000 titles on demand for $28 a month. Philo has a SEVEN-DAY FREE TRIAL. Channels include AMC, AMC+, A&E, MTV, BET, Discovery, VH1, Food Network, History, Nickelodeon, OWN, TLC, Lifetime, Hallmark, Paramount and TV One. Add-on packages include EPIX, STARZ and Movies and More. Philo offers an unlimited 1-year DRV. What is Sling TV? Sling streaming service is $45.99 a month for the Orange (35 channels) or Blue (43 channels) Levels. Orange plus Blue is $60.99 a month. Premium subscribers also can get a month of Showtime, STARZ and EPIX for free. Channels include CMT, Bravo, BET, Comedy Central, A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, Discovery+, Hallmark, History, National Geographic, Lifetime, TLC and USA. On June 4, Bank of America Securities analyst Michael Funk reiterated a Buy rating for Asana, Inc. (NYSE:ASAN), reducing the price target to $21 from $23. The analyst based the rating on the companys future prospects and financial performance, as reported in the fiscal Q1 2026 earnings released on June 3. The analyst reasoned that despite a minute drop in revenue guidance led by macroeconomic challenges, the companys financial results exceeded expectations in terms of operating margin and revenue. A financial professional at his desk, working intently on his wealth management software. Revenue for the quarter underwent a 9% year-over-year growth to $187.3 million, while Q1 GAAP operating margin improved 15 percentage points year-over-year. Asana, Inc. (NYSE:ASAN) also reported its first positive non-GAAP operating margin in company history, expanding non-GAAP operating margin by 1,300 basis points year over year. According to the analyst, these trends indicate the companys potential to effectively manage profitability, which is a positive sign for investors. The Asana AI Studio is also showing promising potential, as it exceeded the $1 million ARR threshold. The analyst expects it to be a prominent growth driver in the fiscal years latter half, further supporting the Buy rating. While we acknowledge the potential of ASAN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Debt Free IT Penny Stocks To Buy and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Bohlman's Breakthrough: Mixed Game Vet Wins 2nd Bracelet in $2,000 NLH ($436,044) Sava Krink Global Live Event Executive Copy link In Event #17: $2,000 No-Limit Holdem at the 2025 World Series of Poker, Scott Bohlman emerged as the latest bracelet winner after four intense days of battle. Bohlman reigned over Dusti Smith in heads-up play, claiming $436,044 and his second bracelet, while Smith settled for $290,588 as the runner-up. The event drew 1,692 players, building a prize pool of $3,011,760, and marked Bohlman's breakthrough after coming close on pokers grandest stage many times before. 2025 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2025 WSOP is here. Click here Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Scott Bohlman United States $436,044 2 Dusti Smith United States $290,588 3 Umesh Babusukumar United States $210,033 4 Quan Zhou China $153,576 5 Benjamin Williams United States $113,617 6 Xiaohu Liu China $85,056 7 Rafael Mota Brazil $64,443 8 Henrik Juncker Denmark $49,421 9 Samy Boujmala France $38,369 10 Allen Shen Canada $30,161 It had been a long wait, seven years and countless final table appearances, since Bohlman claimed his first bracelet in the $2,500 Mixed Big Bet event back in 2018. He came close earlier this summer as well, finishing fourth in Event #8: $1,500 Mixed Games: Dealers Choice 6-Handed. This victory was also special for another reason: its Bohlmans first bracelet in No-Limit Holdem, as hes usually more active in mixed games. It feels good, I have never won a big field no-limit hold em in 25 years. When asked if he has any plans for the rest of the summer, Bohlman smiled and kept it simple: Whatever comes next. So dont be surprised if we see him at another final table before the series is over. The fire is clearly still there. Dusti Smith Final Table Action Originally, the plan was to finish things yesterday. Smith came into the day as chip leader with 19 players remaining, closely followed by Quan Zhou and Bohlman. Fittingly, those three would end up in the top four finishers at the final table as well. Once the final table was set, Smith found herself in trouble during a three-way all-in, dropping to the bottom of the counts. But she stayed composed and steadily rebuilt her stack by picking up a series of small pots. Her comeback culminated in eliminating Zhou in fourth place. Bohlman, meanwhile, kept climbing. His biggest leap came when he picked up aces against kings to knock out Benjamin Williams, a hand that vaulted him into a commanding chip lead, one he never gave up. When play was down to three, Smith and Bohlman went toe-to-toe in a series of aggressive preflop battles, with many pots decided by three- or four-bets. Smith pulled ahead of Umesh Babusukumar to reclaim second place in chips, and then finished the job with pocket tens to send him out. By the time heads-up was reached, the clock had already ticked past 2 a.m., and the players were given the option to continue or return the next day. Smith opted for a break, and the final showdown was postponed to an extra day. Scott Bohlman Final Day Action The action picked up right where it left off. Smith greeted her rail with a loud Lets go! and a round of high-fives. Her supporters had already made themselves known the night before, cheering loudly for every pot, no matter how small. From the start, it was clear that neither Bohlman nor Smith had any plans to fold their way to victory. Many pots went to the turn or river, and several were decided at showdown. Just like the night before, they traded pots back and forth, often through relentless three- and four-betting. The turning point came when Bohlman took down a massive pot with trip jacks, shifting the momentum squarely in his favor. Not long after, Smith found herself all in, and Bohlman sealed the win. Scott Bohlman Thats it for the coverage here on Event #17 at the 2025 WSOP, but keep a tab open on PokerNews as you have all of the summers tournament info at your fingertips! Benny Glaser Goes Back-to-Back (Again) for 7th Bracelet in $1,500 Mixed Share this article Zachary Zaret Overcomes Stacked Final Table to Win First Bracelet Ryan Lashmar Live Reporter Copy link The final hand for Event #21: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better has been dealt here at the 2025 World Series of Poker hosted at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. Zachary Zaret came into the final table with the chip lead, but his path to get there was far from easy. At the start of Day 2, just after the money bubble had burst, Zaret was one of the shortest stacks in the room with just 29,000, worth five big blinds at the time. A lucky triple-up in the first hand of that day gave Zaret some much-needed life and he made the most of the opportunity. Zaret came into the final table with the chip lead and overcame a final table full of multi-time bracelet winners and mixed game specialists, defeating Calvin Anderson heads-up to take home his first WSOP gold bracelet and the top prize of $248,245. 2025 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2025 WSOP is here. Click here Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Zachary Zaret Canada $248,245 2 Calvin Anderson United States $165,447 3 Christopher Vitch United States $116,672 4 Darryll Fish United States $83,465 5 Ronnie Tate United States $60,584 6 Bryce Yockey United States $44,630 7 Marco Johnson United States $33,374 8 Andres Korn Argentina $25,339 9 Donny Rubinstein United States $19,538 Winner's Reaction "Feels amazing," Zaret commented following his victory. "It's something I've always dreamed of. Hard to believe it's real life." Zaret, who mentioned that he played recreationally online before giving live poker a shot five years ago, talked about his trajectory from short stack at the start of Day 2 to chip leading going into Day 3 before going on to win. "I had 29,000 chips, the big blind was 6,000. I came in first hand on the big blind. I had pocket kings and tripled up to about 90,000. A few more triple-ups after that I had something to work with, and the rest was history. Despite going into the final table with the lead, Zaret still had a difficult task ahead of him with multi-time bracelet winners Christopher Vitch, Bryce Yockey, Andres Korn and Marco Johnson still in contention. Despite the difficult task in front of him, Zaret remained confident in his abilities. "I came into the final table as the chip leader, and I feel like I played well yesterday. A lot of these guys are pros, and rightfully so, but I felt like I had a good chance." Final Day Action The final day began with 11 hopefuls returning from a field of 1,176. Yockey took the lead from Zaret early on after getting max value with the second-nut flush, while Yehuda Buchalter and Amnon Filippi were the first casualties of the day, making way for the nine-handed final table. Zaret had managed to win enough chips back to ensure he went into the final table with the lead, but Vitch and Yockey were right behind him with big stacks of their own. Christopher Vitch Following Donny Rubinstein's elimination in ninth place, Vitch took a massive lead over the rest of the field after eliminating Korn with top set versus middle set. Zaret started closing the gap after winning two big hands off Yockey to leave the latter player short, and shortly after Johnson's elimination in 7th place Yockey was next to fall after Anderson left him drawing dead on the turn with a straight and the nut-low. The pace of play slowed considerably with five players remaining. Darryll Fish and Ronnie Tate were extreme short stacks while the other three players were all close for the chip lead. Both Tate and Fish enjoyed double ups during this period but it wasn't enough and they were the next two players to fall, setting up a three-handed battle between Zaret, Vitch, and Anderson. Vitch had over half the chips in play when three-handed play begun, but Zaret quickly took back the lead in dramatic fashion. Both players had flopped the nut-low draw Zaret had two pair while Vitch just had an overpair for the high. Zaret ended up taking three quarters, effectively swapping stacks with Vitch to take a dramatic lead. Vitch never recovered, doubling up Anderson soon after to be left short-stacked before Zaret finished him off. Calvin Anderson Zaret came into the heads-up duel with a slight lead over five-time bracelet winner Calvin Anderson. Despite both players starting very deep-stacked, the heads-up battle was over in just two hands. A series of raises saw Anderson get his chips in with a flopped two pair and low draw, while Zaret had a superior low draw and flush draw. The flush came in on the turn and held on the river, forcing Anderson to settle for a runner-up finish while Zaret took down the final pot of the night. That's a wrap for PokerNews coverage of Event #21: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better. Be sure to check out our live-reporting hub for continuing coverage of the 2025 World Series of Poker. Share this article Bloomberg / Getty Images Broadcom (AVGO) on Thursday posted record quarterly revenue, thanks in part to growth in AI semiconductor revenue. The chipmaker reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $15 billion, up 20% year-over-year and roughly in line with the analyst consensus from Visible Alpha. Its adjusted net income of $7.79 billion, or $1.58 per share, rose from $5.39 billion, or $1.10 per share, in the year-ago quarter, also meeting expectations. The gains came as Broadcom's AI revenue jumped 46% to $4.4 billion, "driven by robust demand for AI networking," CEO Hock Tan said. Looking ahead, Tan said the company anticipates AI revenue could climb to $5.1 billion in Broadcom's fiscal third quarter. The company forecast total revenue of $15.8 billion, matching the Wall Street consensus. Broadcom shares declined about 2% in after-hours trading after nearing a record high during Thursday's regular session. The stock has added about 12% for 2025 through Thursday's closing bell. Read the original article on Investopedia PokerStars Summer Stacks Headlined By Women-Only Event PokerNews Staff Copy link The PokerStars Summer Stacks series is now underway, and there's an exciting Women's Event on the schedule. From June 623, the Summer Stacks series returns to regulated PokerStars markets in Ontario, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, offering 100 events with buy-ins of $100 or less. The schedule includes Summer Stacks 17: $30 NLHE Women's Sunday, an event that has added prize money and will award tickets to the Women's Event at this year's North American Poker Tour (NAPT) in Las Vegas, which will take place at Resorts World Las Vegas from Nov. 3-12. "This weekend is our first ever online Womens Only event and your opening chance to secure your seat at the NAPT Womens event in Vegas," PokerStars US wrote on X. Specifically, the $30 buy-in tournament on Sunday, June 8, will award $600 NAPT packages to the top two finishers, who will have a chance to win a Spade in Las Vegas. There are plenty of other highlights to the Summer Stacks series, including a $100 NLHE Red Spade Sunday event and a $100 NLHE Closer event that will wrap up the series on June 23. Summer Stacks is our answer to the high-stakes, live event boom of the summer, said Steve Preiss, Director at TSG Interactive. Its designed for players who love the grind but dont want to travel or stretch their bankrolls. With 100 events, and a path to NAPT Las Vegas, its a series that proves you dont have to leave home to chase big dreams. Read More About the Summer Stacks Series! *Photo courtesy PokerStars *This is an advertisement Share this article A shortened Day 3 of six 75-minute levels didn't prevent over two thirds of the field falling by the wayside in the PokerStars Open Main Event Namur at Circus Casino Resort, with only 29 players progressing to Day 4 from 91 hopefuls, all of whom will have their sights firmly set on the 238,000 first-place prize. Ramdhane Ben Maamar of France soared to the top of the standings, bagging up a 5,460,000 stack via a mixture of luck, fearless pressuring of opponents and some premium hands - a dangerous combination in any poker player. He has a 45 big blind advantage over his nearest challenger, Jason Barton of the United Kingdom (4,095,000), who in turn holds a reasonable lead over Jozef Cibicek of Slovakia (3,270,000) in third. Jason Barton Ben Maamar has recorded cashes of under $10,000 so this is certainly the biggest spot of his tournament career. Barton holds recorded cashes of over $115,000, while Cibicek is a rising star on the European scene, having racked up over $425,000 in tournament scores. End of Day 3 Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Ramdhane Ben Maamar France 5,460,000 182 2 Jason Barton United Kingdom 4,095,000 137 3 Jozef Cibicek Slovakia 3,270,000 109 4 Hassan Sey Finland 3,245,000 108 5 Luke Nieuwenhuis Netherlands 2,460,000 82 6 Hakan Orduzu Turkey 2,305,000 77 7 Alexandru Danes France 2,050,000 68 8 Erwin Vu Duc Belgium 2,000,000 67 9 Mathieu Gallois France 1,960,000 65 10 Tobias Peters Netherlands 1,745,000 58 Day 3 Action The action started at a frantic pace, and Yves Senterre was among the first players to head for the payout desk, while Grzegorz Kozieja was on the wrong end of a brutal cooler to also hit the showers early. Ben Maamar started to catch heat when his light button three-bet worked out a treat versus a cold four-bet jam behind. From there he showed a bluff against Tobias Peters and knocked out Noortje Verstegen with a flopped set. Barton spent all day battling against Alexandru Danes (2,050,000), who also bagged a top ten stack. Matters started to move in the right direction for Cibicek after he rivered a set to hold against Samuel Bovy and then had set over set against start of day chip leader Hassan Sey. Sey had another solid day and stayed among the top of the standings for the entire session, finishing in fourth on 3,245,000, while WSOP bracelet winner Peters (1,745,000) is also well placed to make a run at the title. Dean Clay was the unfortunate player to bust last in the session. Tobias Peters Remaining Payouts Place Prize Place Prize 1 238,000 1011 17,500 2 153,500 1213 14,560 3 109,620 1415 12,130 4 84,320 1617 10,110 5 64,830 1820 8,430 6 49,950 2123 7,020 7 38,410 2427 6,050 8 29,580 2829 5,250 9 22,800 The players will return to Circus Casino Resort at noon on 7 june to 90-minute levels at Level 26, with blinds of 20,000/40,000, with a 40,000 big blind ante. The plan for the day will be confirmed tomorrow. Stay tuned to PokerNews as we see who can navigate to the final table of the PokerStars Open Namur. Only 29 players returned today to Circus Casino Resort for Day 4 of the PokerStars Open Main Event Namur with dreams of victory, and after just under seven hours of play, only nine players still maintain hopes of a 238,000 payday. Slovakian Jozef Cibicek terrorized his opponents all day on the way to taking the lead with a 12,350,000 stack, applying relentless pressure and seemingly being involved in almost every significant pot at his table. Cibicek is a man in form, having achieved six final tables in 2025 alone, and a victory here would take him above the $500,000 career earnings mark and cement his status among Europe's best up and coming players. In an interesting chip distribution scenario for the final table, two other players have also amassed eight-figure stacks, Jason Barton of the United Kingdom (11,300,000) and start of Day 3 chip leader, Ramdhane Ben Maamar (10,430,000). Those players leave the rest of the pack trailing in their wake, with Evert Rosseel of Belgium (3,710,000) next in line. It will be interesting to see how the three big stacks adapt to that dynamic tomorrow. Jort Hagedoorn and Alexandru Danes bring up the rear but are not yet in the danger zone, while Jean-Vincent Lehut, Ferdinando D'Alessio and Julien Breuil are in the middle of the field. Jason Barton Barton and Maamar have both already secured the biggest individual scores of their respective tournament careers, and will be gunning for a first six-figure score. All players have locked up 22,800, and will be hoping to stay the course as the money jumps get larger. End of Day 4 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Jozef Cibicek Slovakia 12,350,000 154 2 Jason Barton United Kingdom 11,330,000 142 3 Ramdhane Ben Maamar France 10,430,000 130 4 Evert Rosseel Belgium 3,710,000 46 5 Jean-Vincent Lehut France 3,050,000 38 6 Ferdinando D'Alessio Belgium 2,780,000 35 7 Julien Breuil France 1,735,000 22 8 Alexandru Danes France 1,325,000 17 9 Jort Hagedoorn Netherlands 1,160,000 15 Day 3 Action In an action-packed start to the day, short-stacks Philippe Ktorza, Rudolf Van Mol and Marco Walgreen were all disposed of in short order. Cibicek started to get moving when he busted Saman Ziarati and Djamal Boutaleb in quick succession. He only went from strength to strength thereafer, showing a bluff against Rosseel at the end of the night and spiking a set against Mathieu Gallois. Cibicek battled continuously with Rosseel in particular, and that could prove to be a significant factor during the final day. Evert Rosseel Maamar was also aggressive throughout the day, and he got his reward as he claimed the scalps of Erwin Vu Duc and Giovanni Ventura. Barton steadily accumulated chips in his session, and he too gathered some late momentum when he hit a flush to bust Tim Hanssen to set the final table and took a big pot off Maamar in the classic race. Below are the payouts that remain from the record-breaking 1,490,256 prize pool:- Remaining Payouts Place Prize 1 238,000 2 153,500 3 109,620 4 84,320 5 64,830 6 49,950 7 38,410 8 29,580 9 22,800 The players will return to Circus Casino Resort at noon June 8 to 90-minute levels, and will play to a winner, with 60-minutes left at Level 29, 50,000/100,000, with a 100,000 big blind ante. PokerStars France will be streaming all the action on their social media channels on a 25-minute delay, so our coverage will start tomorrow at 12.25 p.m. in order to match the stream. Stay tuned to PokerNews as we see who can walk away with the spade trophy and a huge 238,000 payday. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Summerville, SC (29483) Today Sunshine this morning followed by increasing clouds and a few showers this afternoon. Hot. High 94F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Hot. High near 90F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 77F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Quick Response Reporter Komlavi Adissem is a breaking news and public safety reporter based in Charleston, S.C. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered local, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem! Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) announced plans to invest around C$80 million in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as part of its 2025 capital investment program. The funds will go toward track maintenance and key infrastructure upgrades to enhance rail operations in the region. Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) to Spend $80 Million in Atlantic Canada to Boost Capacity and Support Sustainable Growth This includes improvements to Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI)'s railyards and the CN Autoport facility in Eastern Passage, N.S., aiming to ensure the safe transport of goods and support long-term sustainable growth in Atlantic Canada. Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of CN, made the following statement: "We believe that investing in our network is about building for the future. Our continued infrastructure investment in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia will help strengthen the resiliency, and efficiency of our network across Atlantic Canada. Our focus remains on providing exceptional service to our customers and supply chain partners, supporting strong economic growth for North America and across the communities where we operate." Last year, Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) invested about $84 million in the same provinces, mainly for infrastructure upkeep such as rail and tie replacements, grade crossing upgrades, and structural maintenance. Each year, the company helps drive the North American economy by safely moving over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured goods, and consumer products for its customers. While we acknowledge the potential of CNI as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Why These Energy Stocks Are Losing This Week and 20 Best Dividend Growth Stocks with High Yields Disclosure. None. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-07 03:30:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1004 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 6, 2025 / Empress Royalty Corp. (TSXV:EMPR)(OTCQX:EMPYF) ("Empress Royalty" or the "Company") announces that the Board of Directors has approved the granting of 1,400,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to purchase an aggregate of 1,400,000 common shares (the "CommonShares") of the Company to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company. Each Option is exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.68, being the closing market price of Empress' common shares on June 6, 2025. The Options will vest as to one-third on the date of grant, one-third one year from the date of grant, and one-third two years from the date of grant and will expire on June 6, 2030. All stock option grants will be governed by the Company's Stock Option Plan which was approved by the shareholders of the Company at its last annual meeting of shareholders held on June 26, 2024.In addition, the Board of Directors has also approved the granting of 1,750,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") and 650,000 deferred share units ("DSUs") to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company. Each of the RSUs and DSUs will vest equally over two years, with the first vesting date occurring June 6, 2026. Upon vesting, each RSU and DSU represents the right to receive one common share in the capital of the Company in accordance with the Company's Equity Incentive Plan, which was last approved by the shareholders of the Company at its annual meeting of shareholders held on September 28, 2022.ABOUT EMPRESS ROYALTY CORP.Empress is a global royalty and streaming creation company providing investors with a diversified portfolio of gold and silver investments. Empress has built a portfolio of precious metal investments and is actively investing in mining companies with development and production stage projects who require additional non-dilutive capital. The Company has strategic partnerships with Endeavour Financial and Terra Capital which allow Empress to not only access global investment opportunities but also bring unique mining finance expertise, deal structuring and access to capital markets. Empress is looking forward to continuously creating value for its shareholders through the proven royalty and streaming models.ON BEHALF OF EMPRESS ROYALTY CORP.Per: Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, CEO and PresidentFor further information, please visit our website atwww.empressroyalty.comor contact us by email atinfo@ empressroyalty.comor by phone at +1.604.331.2080.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.The information contained herein includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate" ,"continue", "believe", "plans", "anticipate" or similar terms.Forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that Empress Royalty Corp. ("Empress" or the "Company") expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including those regarding future growth and ability to create new streams or royalties, the development and focus of the Company , its acquisition strategy, the plans and expectations of the operators of the projects underlying its interests, including the proposed advancement and expansion of such projects; the results of exploration, development and production activities of the operators of such projects; and the Company's expectations regarding future revenues.Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about Empress's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions and although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information and 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 results, performances and achievements of Empress to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of Empress including, without limitation, any inability of the operators of the properties underlying the Company's royalty and stream interests to execute proposed plans for such properties or to achieve planned development and production estimates and goals, risks related to the operators of the projects in which the Company holds interests, including the successful continuation of operations at such projects by those operators, risks related to exploration, development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any such projects, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, uncertainty relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future and the Company's ability to carry out its growth plans as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of Empress for the year ended December 31, 2024 and its other publicly filed documents under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca . 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 and statements, 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 information and statements. 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. Disclosure relating to properties in which Empress holds royalty or stream interes PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-07 18:30:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 628 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Ahead of Next Week's HIMSS 25 Europe in Paris, Attendees Look to Top Interoperability Vendors for SolutionsPARIS, FRANCE / ACCESS Newswire / June 7, 2025 / Black Book Market Research today released findings from its latest survey highlighting the influence of Denmark and Finland on Electronic Health Record (EHR) interoperability and patient access initiatives across Europe. Conducted among 312 healthcare IT leaders from 8 higher tech-adoption European nations, the study underscores the strategic shift among healthcare organizations to emulate the advanced digital health ecosystems of these two Nordic frontrunners.According to the survey, 94% of respondents identified Denmark's comprehensive national health portal, Sundhed.dk , as a model for delivering centralized patient records and seamless data exchange. Finland's Kanta platform similarly emerged as a key inspiration, cited by 90% of healthcare executives for its robust nationwide interoperability and extensive patient record accessibility.The survey also recognized standout EHR technology vendors contributing significantly to these Nordic success stories. Epic Systems, utilized by major hospitals and health regions in Denmark, was ranked highly for its interoperability performance and scalability across diverse clinical environments. TietoEVRY and CGI, prominent in the Finnish healthcare market, received notable recognition for their roles in facilitating robust connectivity and patient-centric record management through Finland's Kanta service.The report also highlighted Germany and Italy as the European nations with high EHR adoption rates yet struggling most significantly with interoperability and patient record access. Survey respondents identified primary reasons for these challenges as fragmented regional systems, lack of centralized governance, varying data standards, and insufficient investment in integrated digital health infrastructure. Providers in these countries reported an average interoperability satisfaction score of just 18%, significantly lower than Nordic benchmarks. According to respondents, responsibility for these challenges is shared: 86% cited government policy and funding issues, 21% pointed to vendor limitations in offering interoperable solutions, and 80% attributed the problems to provider reluctance or inability to implement cohesive digital strategies."European IT leaders are closely analyzing the strategic frameworks, governance structures, and advanced technology models pioneered by Denmark and Finland," said Douglas Brown, founder of Black Book Market Research. "Their proven success with interoperability standards, comprehensive EHR adoption, and seamless data integration is inspiring other European health systems to accelerate their digital transformations with secure data exchange and patient-centric solutions." Further survey insights highlighted specific adoption trends:91% of surveyed executives emphasized the importance of centralized national infrastructures to enable seamless EHR integration.84% noted the critical role of stringent data standardization, including widespread adoption of HL7 FHIR standards.60% of respondents are now accelerating plans for patient-access portals inspired by the Danish and Finnish approaches."Denmark and Finland offer powerful examples of how cohesive digital health strategies improve patient care and operational efficiency," added Brown. "Vendors succeeding in these markets are proving vital to replicating these results throughout Europe." Top Client-Rated Interoperability Solutions Vendors at HIMSS 25 EUAttendees of HIMSS25 Europe in Paris are encouraged to visit four leading interoperability vendors highly rated in recent Black Book IT user surveys across Europe. These vendors are recognized for their advanced solutions driving seamless connectivity, comprehensive data integration, and patient-centric interoperability. Each demonstrates notable success in enabling secure data exchange, facilitating real-time patient information access, and empowering healthcare organizations to optimize patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Visitors can expect compelling demonstrations highlighting the robust capabilities and proven successes these vendors have achieved within Europe's most digitally advanced healthcare environments:InterSystemsHylandDedalusEpic SystemsAbout Black Book Market Research Black Book Market Research is a leading global independent research firm providing unbiased, client-driven evaluations of healthcare technology and services. Black Book rankings are based entirely on user feedback and customer satisfaction data, offering strategic insights to healthcare providers, payers, vendors, and investors.For more information, visit www.blackbookmarketresearch.com Contact InformationPress Officeresearch@ blackbookmarketresearch.com 8008637590SOURCE: Black Book Research By Brenda Goh SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China is willing to accelerate the examination and approval of rare earth exports to European Union firms and will also deliver a verdict on its trade investigation of EU brandy imports by July 5, its commerce ministry said on Saturday. Price commitment consultations between China and the EU on Chinese-made electric vehicles exported to the EU have also entered a final stage but efforts from both sides are still needed, according to a statement on the Chinese Commerce Ministry's website. The issues were discussed between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Paris on Tuesday, according to the statement. The comments mark progress on matters that have vexed China's relationship with the EU over the past year. Most recently, 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 around the world. The ministry said China attached great importance to the EU's concerns and "was willing to establish a green channel for qualified applications to speed up the approval process." In a separate statement the commerce ministry issued later on Saturday, it said China was willing to further strengthen communication and dialogue with relevant countries on rare earth export controls as it recognised that demand from sectors such as robotics and electric vehicles had risen. BRANDY, EVS The ministry earlier said that Commerce Minister Wang during the meeting "expressed the hope that the EU will meet us halfway and take effective measures to facilitate, safeguard and promote compliant trade in high-tech products to China." Chinese anti-dumping measures that applied duties of up to 39% on imports of European brandy - with French cognac bearing the brunt - have also strained relations between Paris and Beijing. The brandy duties were enforced days after the EU took action against Chinese-made electric vehicle imports to shield its local industry, prompting France's President Emmanuel Macron to accuse Beijing of "pure retaliation". The Chinese duties have dented sales of brands including LVMH's Hennessy, Pernod Ricard's Martell and Remy Cointreau. Beijing was initially meant to make a final decision on the brandy duties by January, but extended the deadline to April and then again to July 5. China's Commerce Ministry said on Saturday that French companies and relevant associations had proactively submitted applications on price commitments for brandy to China and that Chinese investigators had reached an agreement with them on the core terms. PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-07 18:00:49 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 657 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 7, 2025 /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=39367or 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 firm's 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) West's SmartDose device, which was purportedly positioned as a high-margin growth product, was highly dilutive to West's profit margins due to operational inefficiencies; (3) these margin pressures created the risk of costly restructuring activities, including West's exit from continuous glucose monitoring ("CGM") contracts with long-standing customers; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about West's 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 investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has apologised to the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, over corruption allegations it levelled against him. NANS had in a letter dated 2 May 2025, alleged mismanagement of public funds, job and contract racketeering, and abuse of office. In the letter, NANS claimed some civil society organisations submitted a protest letter to it, requesting their assistance in mobilising Nigerian students to participate in a national mass action demanding Mr Ahmeds resignation and that of his management team. But in a statement dated 2 June and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, NANS made a U-turn, saying it had since realised that the allegations of mismanagement of public funds, job and contract racketeering, and abuse of office were based on unverified information. The student body said its investigations and engagements with stakeholders revealed that the allegations did not accurately reflect the true state of affairs within the agency. It described Mr Ahmeds efforts to reform and modernise the midstream and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry as aligning with NANS vision for a more transparent and prosperous society. 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 light of recent developments, I wish to provide an update and clarification regarding the allegations made in a letter issued by my office, as the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),the statement said. The letter highlighted concerns regarding alleged mismanagement of public funds, job and contract racketeering, abuse of office and the infractions within the agency. Following further investigations and engagements with relevant stakeholders, I have discovered that the issues raised in my earlier correspondence are unfounded and misleading and do not accurately reflect the true state of affairs within the agency. The allegations were based on unverified information. As the mouthpiece of over 40.2 million Nigerian students, both at home and in the diaspora, NANS is committed to upholding the values of truth, fairness, and constructive engagement. It has become clear that Engr Farouk Ahmed, the CEO of NMDPRA, is leading efforts to reform and modernize the midstream and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry, a vision that aligns with the aspirations of Nigerian students for a more transparent and prosperous society. NANS expressed its readiness to collaborate with Mr Ahmed and NMDPRA to bridge the communication gap between the youth and student constituency and the agency to foster better orientation and understanding of its policies and operations. I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or harm caused by the earlier statement and urge all stakeholders to remain focused on constructive dialogue and the shared goal of building a better Nigeria. Together, we can work towards a future that prioritises integrity, accountability, and progress, the statement said. The NMDPRA is a regulatory agency established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. Its primary function is to oversee and regulate Nigerias midstream and downstream petroleum sectors, ensuring the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry while maintaining strict adherence to safety, environmental, and operational standards. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print It is not the end. Not yet. But it was the beginning of the end. President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Nigerias Dr Akinwumi Adesina, was hosting the last Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, as his 10 years at the helm of affairs of the Bank lapses on August 31. A new President resumes September 1. Two weeks ago, I had received a phone call from Ms Lola Visser-Mabogunje, Special Adviser on Stakeholder Engagement to the AfDB boss, that Dr Adesina would like to invite me as Special Guest at the Annual Meetings. I scanned my schedule for May 26-30, and saw that I could make it. She said I should expect a formal invitation. Within minutes, I received the invitation by email from a certain Liliane Kouawo, who serves in the Cabinet Office of President Adesina. Efficiency in action. First indication of an institution that is systematic and structured. So I set forth at dawn on Monday, May 26. Abidjan was to be my abode for the next five days. Participants were in thousands, as they came from the 81 countries that constitute the AfDB (54 from Africa, and 27 from other regions of the world). Seeing the turnout, and the involvement of Dr Adesina in the daily proceedings, I didnt expect that I would have a private meeting with him. But I was wrong. On Thursday, May 29, he asked Ms Lola Visser-Mabogunje if I was around, and that he would love to see me at a certain time in his office at Sofitel Hotel, where the events were taking place. I was pleasantly surprised. 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 At the dot of the appointed time, I was ushered into the office. While in the waiting room, I had picked from the aides that Dr Adesina was almost in a faint before he closed the previous day. Completely knackered, exhausted from too many events and meetings. But the man received me warmly, not looking the worse for wear. Spick and span. Well groomed as usual. Pleasantries over, he began on a note of appreciation for our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, for the robust support he enjoyed from him. And to me, gratitude for all the press releases I did on their various meetings, and the subsequent articles I wrote, when some elements didnt want him to have a second term as Governor in 2020. President Buhari asked me; did you steal money? Did you misappropriate funds? I said no. And he said: I will not only be behind you, I will also be beside you. President Buhari lived up to his word, writing personal letters and making phone calls to presidents of AfDB member countries, asking them to support Adesina. The rest is history. Never forget a good turn. It is a hallmark of decency. And of leadership. Many times, Dr Adesina has expressed appreciation to President Buhari, and this evening, he couldnt say the last of it. For me, another lesson in leadership. We didnt rise from the meeting till he had invited me to a private dinner in his home. The election to pick a successor held on May 29. Though there were whispers, nobody could say definitively that this was Adesinas favorite. Contestants came from Senegal, Chad, Zambia, Mauritania, and South Africa. But like a good leader, there was no anointed person. At the end, Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania won. Free and fair process, from a fair minded leader, who didnt say the election would be do or die in favor of his candidate. As busy as he was, (no, not busy, swamped is the word), Dr Adesina is still on top of events at the Bank. This was evident when he gave the welcome speech on Tuesday, May 27, at the opening ceremony. Though it was no valedictory yet, it was like a report card. How he raised the Banks capital from 93 billion dollars in 2015, to 325 billion as of today. How his High 5s programs have impacted not less than 565 million lives across the continent in the areas of healthcare, food security, transport, electricity, and water access. And there was almost no I but we in the speech. It was himself and his battery of dedicated workers. Another lesson in leadership. Success is team work. When he began to thank African leaders, and particularly Alasanne Quattara of Cote dIvoire, his voice broke, and he was almost overcome by emotion. He reached for his handkerchief, and dabbed at his eyes. Yes, leaders are no superhuman. They itch like ordinary people, and scratch as hard. Sentiment and emotions are part of life, and by no means antithetical to leadership. He appealed to whoever would be his successor (this was before the election) to please continue with the strides they had attained. Yes, a good leader must be conscious of the sustenance of legacy. On my way out of Abidjan, at different desks in the airport; immigration, customs, security, whenever they checked my passport, and saw that I was Adesina, they asked if I was blood brother to the AfDB boss. One said, He speaks fluent French. I just love him. Another said: He has done well for Africa. I felt very proud. Abidjan was some sort of farewell for Adesina, though a formal one may still come in August. Shakespeare said in Act 5, Scene1 of Julius Caesar: If we do meet again, why we shall smile. If not, why then this parting was well made. Adesina was Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Buhari, 2015-2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has finally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Nigerias ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Eno announced this on Friday at an event in Government House, Uyo, attended by governors of Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Ebonyi, Imo, Ondo, and Cross River states. Earlier this morning, I submitted my letter of resignation from the PDP to the ward chairperson. The same copy has been sent to the state and national chairpersons of the party. Having completed the rounds of my consultations as your servant that you elected to serve you, I have, therefore, decided to progressively move to the APC, he said amidst applause. Mr Eno had weeks before confirmed he was leaving the PDP for the APC, warning cabinet members unwilling to join him in the APC to prepare their resignation letter. He reechoed the warning today at Government House. 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 With his defection, the PDP has for the first time in 26 years become an opposition party in the oil-rich state. Mr Eno has become the second PDP governor in South-south region, after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to join the APC in less than two months. Contradictory pronouncements Mr Eno had long prepared the peoples minds for todays defection by endorsing the APCs duo of President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for reelection in 2027, despite being a PDP member then. Mr Akpabio had also reciprocated the gesture by endorsing the governor for a second term. At several fora, Governor Eno repeatedly told the people he was not doing party politics in Akwa Ibom and that political parties are vehicles for achieving political ambition, after which governance begins. However, he repeatedly contradicted himself regarding working with everybody across party lines. Two weeks ago, when he confirmed he would be leaving the PDP, he warned cabinet members unwilling to join him in the APC to prepare their resignation letter. We want our commissioners and members of Exco, appointees, and those of you who are saying that you would not come, you are free absolutely not to join me, but you wont be in my State Executive Council. Prepare to resign the day I announced that I am moving because you cannot; you are an appointee, and your loyalty is fully to me. You cant be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It is what it is. I am even begging you to come, you normally dont expect it. You have the right not to support me again, but the right you dont have is to remain in my cabinet after I leave. I am making it clear, Mr Eno had said and promised to retain control of the structure of the PDP in the state after his defection. At todays defection speech, Mr Eno said, despite joining the APC he would continue to govern the state through a bipartisanship. Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that I have, by todays event, changed my political affiliations, but I would continue to uphold my values, moral fibre, foundational principles that I have nourished and cherished all through my life. Those values would remain unchanged, and I would always work with you regardless of party affiliations. Political parties remain vehicles for election. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship, he said. In the same speech, he contradicted himself, telling his cabinet member, whom he referred to as his first eleven, that joining him in the APC was non-negotiable. For our team members, I have said it before, particularly for my first eleven (Exco members), I am not hiding it. While we talk and persuade the politicians and those who contested election to see the need to join this movement, I demand from my first eleven complete loyalty. I will not negotiate that. You are an appointee at the pleasure of the governor, and I will not permit that you serve without joining my party. Let me make it clear so that you can hear it, he threatened. The oil-rich Akwa Ibom has been governed by the PDP for 26 years, since the return of democratic rule in 1999. In the state, winning the PDP nomination is likened to winning a generalelection, prompting its members to describe the party as a religion in the state. This newspaper gathered that convincing some politicians, including serving cabinet members, to join him in the APC has been a herculean task, forcing Mr Eno to resort to threatening commissioners with resignation. Citing this directive, the commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, resigned his appointment about an hour after the governor officially announced his defection to the APC. Sheathe your swords Eno told APC members Unlike the PDP in the state, which is considered one big and united family with political structures spread across the state, Mr Enos new party, the APC, particularly in the state, is considered to be riddled with mistrust and internal bickering among its leaders. Acknowledging the uncharted political waters he has just entered, Mr Eno, in his speech, urged the APC members to sheathe their swords, warning that he was not joining them from a position of weakness. I want to make it emphatically clear that we are not joining the APC from a position of weakness but from a position of strength. We are bringing values to the APC in Akwa Ibom state, he stated. We want to build back a party that has once been torn apart, where people go their different directions. Therefore, I call on all of us, people of goodwill, political parties across Akwa Ibom State, particularly the APC family, to return from wherever you have been, whatever the issues have been. Let us sheath our swords as we begin to work together, build, and renew together. Let us put the past bitterness behind us. For if we all live in a country or a state of an eye for an eye, we would all become blind very soon. So, for the sake of President Bola Tinubu, let us extend the hands of brotherhood to ensure we return the president in 2027, Mr Eno said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said that no lives were lost in the fire incident razing an hotel accommodating 484 Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah on Saturday. NAHCON said this in a statement by its Assistant Director, Information and Publications Division, Fatima Usara. Mrs Usara said the fire incident occurred at Imaratus Sanan Hotel at noon on Saturday, while Nigerian pilgrims were fulfilling obligations in Mina. NAHCON regrets to inform the public of a fire incident that occurred earlier Saturday around 12:00 noon (KSA time), at one of the hotels accommodating Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah. The affected hotel, Imaratus Sanan, was hosting about 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and all pilgrims are safely in Mina. Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly and prevent it from spreading all over the building, Mrs Usara 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 According to her, following the incident, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Abdullahi Saleh, visited the location promptly to assess the situation and ensure that the welfare of the affected pilgrims is prioritised She said that Mr Saleh, a professor, was accompanied by NAHCONs Commissioner for Policy Personnel Management and Finance, Aliu Abdulrazak and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Alidu Shutti. Meanwhile, Mr Saleh ordered immediate relocation of the affected Nigerian pilgrims to a new accommodation. The NAHCON chairman commiserated with the affected pilgrims, while assuring that the commission would provide every possible support within its capacity to cushion the impact of the incident. He expressed thanks to Allah that no life was lost in the unfortunate incident. He promised that NAHCON would work with the affected tour operators to ensure that affected pilgrims were relocated and provided with necessary assistance. The chairman and his team appreciated the prompt response of the Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the situation. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return journey of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will commence on 13 June. Chairman of the commission, Abdullahi Usman, a professor, said this in Mina on Friday, as Muslims around the world marked Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice. In a Sallah message , Mr Usman also extended greetings to Muslims particularly pilgrims who participated in the Day of Arafat, a key rite of the Hajj. As we mark Eid, we bring good news, the return journey for Nigerian pilgrims will begin on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. The first flights will include pilgrims from Imo State with Air Peace, Bauchi State with Max Air, and Kebbi and Sokoto states with Flynas. We urge the first batch of pilgrims to be ready for their return trip and pray for a smooth return leg operation for all our pilgrims. He also reminded Muslim faithful of the spiritual significance of Hajj, invoking stories of Prophet Ibrahim and Sayyidatuna Hajara as examples of trust, obedience, and sacrifice. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Read full message Eid Al-Adha Message from NAHCON chairman By Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman All praise belongs to Allah, for the privilege of witnessing another eid-al-adha; the celebration of sacrifice. On behalf of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), I heartily congratulate all Muslims on the occasion. We especially congratulate the fortunate pilgrims who witnessed the Day of Arafat. May Allah accept your prayers and sacrifices and those of other Muslims too. As we celebrate this day, I enjoin our Muslim faithfuls to remember the essence of the Hajj period and to imbibe the lessons contained in the exercise. Remember the trust in Allah that Sayyidatuna Hajara had that brought the existence of Zamzam. Remember the Sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim made in abandoning his family in the desert alone in the care of Allah and how Allah rewarded that obedience with the boisterous town of Makkah. See how the reward of trust in Allah led to surplus blessings in foods and security in a desert land as a rewarding response to Prophet Ibrahims supplication. Trust in Allah, obedience to leadership and discipline will make communities and nations prosper. In celebrating the success of Hajj so far, let me start by appreciating the cooperation and orderly conduct of Nigerian pilgrims throughout this Hajj exercise. Their patience and discipline have been remarkable. This made NAHCONs job easier. We in NAHCON also extend our appreciation to the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. Their support and excellent organization of pilgrims have contributed greatly to the success of the operations. To our dedicated NAHCON staff, many of whom were serving pilgrims even while in the state of ihram, your sacrifice is noted, and your reward is with Allah. To our Board Members and all our Ad-hoc staff, we are grateful for your tireless commitment and patience in serving the guests of Allah. We cannot fail to acknowledge the strong support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. Their backing has been instrumental in the smooth running of this years Hajj operations. We also commend the excellent services witnessed in the Mashair: Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. We assure the public that NAHCON is committed to doing even better, with the right cooperation and continued support from all stakeholders. As we mark Eid, we bring good news: the return journey for Nigerian pilgrims will begin on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. The first flights will include pilgrims from Imo State with Air Peace, Bauchi State with Max Air, and Kebbi and Sokoto States with Flynas. We urge the first batch of pilgrims to be ready for their return trip and pray for a smooth return leg operation for all our pilgrims. Eid Mubarak once again. May Allah accept our Hajj, our sacrifices, and our prayers. Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman Chairman/CEO NAHCON Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Godwin Robinson, the Bishop of Lafia (Anglican Communion) has urged president Bola Tinubu to get to the root causes of insecurity, economic and other challenges facing the country. Mr Robinson said this on Saturday in Lafia while delivering the Bishops Charge at 2nd session of the 9th Synod of the Diocese. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the synod is Keep the Flame Alive on the Altar. He said it was only by doing so that there would be lasting solutions for them. Structural reforms must address the root causes of injustice, insecurity and underdevelopment, he said. Mr Robinson commended Mr Tinubu for coming up with the Renewed Hope Agenda as the main thrust of his administration, adding that deliberate efforts should made to ensure that the citizenry felt its impact. 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 We call on the government to ensure that renewed hope becomes on real hope for the poor, the displaced, the jobless and the marginalised. At this critical hour, we must rise with courage, act with vision and commit ourselves afresh to justice, equity and righteousness, the cleric said. While citing the Biblical book of Leviticus chapter six verse 13, he charged Nigerians to always have the desire to serve God, humanity and pass such to the next generation by keeping the fire burning in His alter. The scripture emphasises purity, consecration and spiritual responsibility. The fire on the altar was God-initiated and had to be preserved by the priests, making it a divine-human partnership in sustaining worship, he said. He urged clerics and other Synod delegates to emulate the Levites who kept their responsibility of keeping the fire burning at all times. According to the Levitical ordinance, the priest was to clear out the ashes, provide fresh wood and offer the daily sacrifices. These duties had to be carried out faithfully and consistently to keep the fire burning, he said. Mr Robinson said the responsibility was both spiritual and symbolic in the household of faith. One of the greatest failures in ministry and life is neglecting this sacred duty of trans-generational faithfulness. It is often said that success without a successor is failure. This is profoundly true in the context of priesthood. A priest who does not raise and prepare the next generation, handing them a burning altar, has ultimately failed in his calling, he said. He said an altar was the point of contact with the Devine that forms the basis for mans spiritual relationship with God. According to him, it creates a platform for interaction where God reveals himself to his servants, encounters them and begins to train, trim and equip them for service. He also enjoined Christian faithful to always have a personal altar where God finds them quiet, attentive and ready to receive what He intends for them. You will not have a personal altar unless you build it. So determine today to build a new altar or to recover an old broken altar that has scattered. The fire of Gods Altar must not be allowed to die, not in our churches, not in our homes, not in our hearts and not in our land. Each of us has a sacred duty to tend this flame, he added. NAN reports that the synod had in attendance clerics and delegates from all churches in the Diocese (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has stirred fresh debate over his international future after posting and quickly deleting a cryptic message on Instagram that hinted he might be considering a possible retirement from the national team. Following yet another frustrating outing with the Super Eagles against Russia, Boniface shared an emotional post on Friday expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country. The message read: Proud to play for my country and a dream for me also. Really enjoyed every moment the good and the bad. Thanks a lot. Thank you all. I don hang boot. The phrase I don hang boot Nigerian Pidgin for I have retired instantly caught the attention of fans and media alike, fuelling speculation about the 24-year-olds future with the Super Eagles. However, in typical fashion, the Bayer Leverkusen striker known for his playful presence on social media deleted the post after it garnered over 20,000 reactions, leaving many wondering if it was a serious announcement or simply a light-hearted comment. The ambiguity of the post has sparked heated discussions online, with some suggesting it was an emotional reaction to recent disappointments with the national team, while others suspect it may have been another one of Bonifaces trademark jokes. 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 Boniface is yet to score any goal for the Super Eagles after more than 10 appearances for the national team. Possible club exit on the horizon While his international future remains uncertain, Bonifaces club situation is also in the spotlight. Reports indicate that Bayer Leverkusen are open to selling the Nigerian forward this summer. According to respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga champions are prepared to entertain offers if the right proposal comes along. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Romano stated: Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen could part ways this summer with a good proposal for both sides. After his move to Saudi Arabia collapsed in January, new options are now available on the market. Boniface had been close to joining Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr earlier this year, but the deal ultimately fell through. Since then, several Premier League and Turkish clubs have reportedly expressed interest in securing his services. Season in review Boniface joined Die Werkself in 2023 from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. In the 2024/25 season, Boniface struggled with injuries, a development that limited him to just 19 league appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. As both his international and club futures hang in the balance, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for the talented Nigerian striker. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A dispute over port concession contracts between one of Nigerias largest business concerns, BUA Group, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reverberated seven years after former President Muhammadu Buhari resolved it. An article published by Abdul Samad Rabiu, the chairman of the BUA Group, to commemorate the second anniversary in office of Mr Buharis successor, President Bola Tinubu, refreshed the dispute. In the article published on 29 May, Mr Rabiu recalled how the NPA terminated the contracts with the BUA Group in 2019, jeopardising the companys $500 million investment in Terminal B of the Port Harcourt Port and putting over 4,000 jobs at risk. He said the notice to revoke the concession, terminate the lease agreement, and shut down the terminal came without prior warning. However, Mr Samads recollection of the issues drew the ire of Hadiza Usman, the Managing Director of the NPA at the time of the dispute. Ironically, Ms Usman now serves as Special Adviser on Policy Coordination to President Tinubu. Ms Usman, who led the NPA from 2016 to 2021, dismissed Mr Rabius claims as blatant falsehoods. She said BUA Group received multiple notifications and warnings for failing to meet contractual obligations, adding that the issues predated her appointment as the NPA Managing Director. 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 Bua Article Mr Rabius article did not focus on the NPA or indeed the controversy over the Port Harcourt port. In fact, only two paragraphs of the 23-paragraph article were related to the matter. However, the two paragraphs questioned the actions of the NPA under Ms Usman and particularly the motive for the action as it relates to BUAs operation. Writing about what he described as fairness under the Tinubu administration, Mr Rabiu said, Under this administration, we have seen a return to fairness and stability in business. We no longer worry about arbitrary shutdowns or politically motivated disruptions. The billionaire, as an example of what he said was unfair practices under the former president, then made reference to the NPA port saga. Let me give a real example, he wrote. We started a new business in Port Harcourt four or five years ago under BUA Foods, operating at the Rivers Ports under a concession with the Nigerian Ports Authority. It was going very well. One day, we woke up to a letter stating that the concession had been revoked, the terminal shut down, and the lease agreement terminated. There was no prior warning, no issue, no conflict. In the subsequent paragraph, Mr Rabiu then questioned the motive of the NPA chief for taking such action. Although he did not mention Ms Usman by name, the actions took place under her leadership and it was clear who he was referring to. Later, we discovered that the Managing Director of NPA at the time decided to close the business simply because our operations were competing with those of her friend. She wanted to impress her friend. That was the only reason. Today, that kind of thing cannot happen. Nobody would dare take such an action under President Tinubu. You can wake up now without fear that your business has been shut down by an agency or politician, he wrote. Ms Usmans Response In her rebuttal, Ms Usman explained that BUA entered into a 20-year concession agreement for Rivers Port Terminal B on 11 May 2006. The contract required BUA to begin full reconstruction of Berths 5 to 8 within 90 days of the handover. However, she said the company failed to rehabilitate the berths for 10 years after signing the concession agreement. According to Ms Usman, the failure forced the NPA to issue BUA a notice of default through a letter dated 11 February 2016. She noted that the notice was issued before she was appointed the MD of the NPA. Ms Usman was appointed by Mr Buhari in July 2016. According to her, a second default notice was issued on 17 August 2016. Following the notices, a three-month termination notice was issued on 11 November 2016. BUA secured a restraining order from the Federal High Court on 18 January 2018. NPA complied and allowed BUA to continue operation without interference. The record clearly shows that due process was followed. Contrary to Mr Rabius claims, the decision to issue a termination notice was not arbitrary, but the culmination of years of documented default, she said. PREMIUM TIMES asked Ms Usman to provide documents of the prior notices sent to BUA before the concession agreement was terminated. However, she did not respond to our calls and messages to her phone number. Ms Usman also accused the BUA chairman, Mr Rabiu, of abuse of presidential access. Ms Usman derided Mr Rabius assertion that his connections with the political authorities helped him to seek redress. While boasting about his access to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Rabiu fails to mention that he used this access to misinform the former President, seeking political intervention to override contractual accountability and institutional due process. This action not only undermined the rule of law but also violated the spirit of transparency and fairness that must govern public-private partnerships, she said. BUAs allegations In a statement responding to Ms Usmans allegation of contractual breach, BUA said it had begun formal engagement with the NPA to address outstanding remedial works and infrastructural deficiencies. According to the company, these discussions were near conclusion when Ms Usman assumed office. BUA accused Ms Usman of ignoring requests and obligations under the lease agreement, including a letter in 2016, written under Article 8.4 of the lease agreement, highlighting environmental and safety concerns and seeking approval for remedial works. However, Ms Usman allegedly used the letter as a basis to issue a termination notice and shut down the terminal. It said the former NPA MD failed to invoke the dispute resolution clause. She forgot or failed to disclose in her response that the NPA, under her leadership, was itself in material breach of core obligations including failing to hand over critical portions of the port, leaving derelict iron ore on the berths, failing to dredge or repair quay walls, and neglecting to provide mandatory security. These lapses were significant impediments to BUAs operations and, as a result, led to disputes between the parties, the statement read. BUA said it approached the Federal High Court and obtained an injunction restraining the NPA from proceeding with termination. After that, the NPA referred the dispute to arbitration, as stipulated in Section 17.3 of the agreement. Despite this, Ms Usman, against the advice of her agency, unilaterally decommissioned the berths, thereby violating both the agreement and a court injunction. To be clear, the concession agreement granted her no such power to decommission. If she believes otherwise, we invite her to publicly cite the specific clause that authorises this action, the statement read. BUA said that the terminal was shut down despite providing the guarantees and indemnities requested by the NPA and getting permission to resume operations. This left no doubt that her actions were motivated not by due process, but by personal animosity and abuse of office, the statement read. BUA said it filed a $10 million contempt proceeding, which was later withdrawn. Former President Buharis intervention While Ms Usman claims that former President Buhari was misinformed, BUA insists that he acted on the facts of the matter. According to BUA, Mr Buharis intervention followed a meeting with the Chairman of BUA Group in 2018. Mr Buhari directed the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to conduct a thorough review, which found the termination of the concession agreement unlawful. BUA said Ms Usman failed to attend meetings during the review despite being invited. The AGFs legal advice recommended reinstatement of BUAs rights, prompting former President Buhari to order the reversal of the termination. Ms Usmans travails at the NPA Ms Usmans spat with Mr Rabiu brings back memories of her contentious stint as NPA MD. She was suspended in 2021 and later replaced by Mohammed Bello-Koko, following allegations by then-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi that the NPA failed to remit N165 billion operating surplus. However, an administrative panel of inquiry found no evidence of mismanagement. Niran Adedokun, the media and communications adviser to Ms Usman, denied BUAs latest claims. He said the concessionaires were responsible for reconstructing the berths and that the decision to decommission the berths was undertaken with the advice of relevant departments. He also denied the claim that the NPA did not attend the mediation meetings the Office of the Attorney-General called. Mr Adedokun said, BUAs access to former President Muhammadu Buhari and his subsequent intervention was based on the manipulation of facts and misinformation. It is interesting to note that BUA states with pride that it commenced a contractual obligation it was required to fulfil in 2006, in 2022, which is 16 years after the obligation was due! The NPA obeyed the court order and allowed BUA access and continued use of the facility from January 2018, when BUA secured the injunction, until June 2019, when it was decommissioned due to safety concerns raised by the company itself. In the 18 months between January 2018, when the company secured the court injunction and June 2019, BUA berthed 117 vessels comprising liquid and dry bulk cargos. This data refutes the claim that the NPA flouted court orders, Mr Adedokun told PREMIUM TIMES. However, BUA said NPAs actions regarding the matter could have discouraged investments in Nigeria. We must state clearly that this matter goes beyond BUA, the company said in its response to the former NPA MD. Had Ms. Usmans actions been allowed to stand, it would have sent a disastrous signal that contracts in Nigeria are worthless, court orders are optional, and public institutions or individuals can act unilaterally without consequence. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governors from the South-east Nigeria have vowed to introduce policies that will foster inclusiveness and religious harmony in the country. The governors, in their separate goodwill messages on Friday at the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice. Muslims across Nigeria marked this years Eid-el-Kabir celebration on Friday across the country, including the South-east, a region with a high population of Christians. Pursue peace, other noble virtues Governor Alex Otti of Abia State described Eid el Kabir festival as an important Islamic celebration that draws Muslims everywhere closer to Allah. In a statement by his media aide Ferdinand Ekeoma, Mr Otti enjoined Muslims to see this years celebration as an opportunity to embrace noble virtues that can impact humanity positively. We must tenaciously uphold and continually pursue those causes that would at all times engender peace, unity and security, while ensuring that justice is done to all men, irrespective of their religion and ethnicity, as that is the foundation of Allahs exemplary lifestyle on earth, the governor 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 Show sacrifice beyond religious boundaries On his part, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State urged Muslims to use the occasion of Sallah celebration to imbibe virtues of sacrifice and devotion that transcend religious boundaries. The celebration reminds us of the virtues of sacrifice, devotion, and submission to divine will that transcend religious boundaries and speak to our common humanity, Mr Soludo said in a statement by his spokesperson, Christian Aburime. The governor said Muslims in Anambra State have been making valuable contributions to the socio-economic development of the state. The peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths in our state remains a source of pride and a tribute to our shared values of tolerance, respect, and unity, he stated. Extend love, support, and compassion to less privileged Similarly, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, in a Facebook post on Friday, stressed that the celebration commemorates the values of faith in God, selflessness, empathy, and a deep sense of shared responsibility towards one another. Therefore, as we mark this solemn celebration, I urge us to reflect on its core lessons and extend love, support, and compassion to those around us, especially the less privileged, Mr Mbah said. The governor said Muslims were making contributions to the economic progress of the state. As a government, we will continue to promote and invest in policies and initiatives that foster inclusiveness, religious harmony, and equal opportunity for all, he said. Continue spreading values of Islam Also in a Facebook post on Friday, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State said the Sallah celebration emphasises the virtues of sacrifice, faith, compassion, and obedience to the will of Allah. Mr Uzodinma urged Nigerian Muslims to use the occasion to unite in purpose and prayers for a more prosperous and harmonious nation. Your steadfast devotion and commitment to the values of Islam have contributed immensely to the moral and spiritual fabric of our society, the governor said. I urge you to continue spreading the essence of Eid, particularly to the less privileged. Remain solitarily confined to Allahs dictates Like others, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State stressed that Sallah celebration is a season characterised by deep reflection, sacrifice, gratitude, and renewed devotion to the values of peace, compassion, and unity. In a statement by his spokesperson Monday Uzor, Mr Nwifuru called on Muslims to remain solitarily confined to Allahs dictates during this celebration. Our administration remains committed to building a united, secure, and prosperous Ebonyi State, where people of all faiths can live in harmony and pursue their aspirations without fear or discrimination, the governor said. He urged all Muslims in Nigeria to continue to uphold the virtues of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence that are essential for the unity and progress of the country. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Combined security operatives have killed an armed hoodlum in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the hoodlum was killed on Thursday morning when the combined security operatives raided a camp belonging to a gang of criminals in the state. The spokesperson said the camp, located in Agulu-ezechukwu Community in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, was razed by the operatives during the operation. He said the police conducted the operation in collaboration with the personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the State Security Service, the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps and vigilante members. The joint security force in the well-coordinated operation overran the criminal camp after a seven-hour gun duel with the armed hoodlums. 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 Meanwhile, the operatives are still combing the area for possible arrest of other fleeing suspects because of a lot of fresh blood stains in the area, he said. A Toyota Sienna vehicle, an unregistered Mazda Hilux and a motorcycle were among the items recovered from the hoodlums, according to the police. Others were household items, including pots, gallons, groceries, sleeping mattresses, mechanical tools, and clothes. 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 persons have been killed or abducted and several others injured in some of such attacks in the region. The latest incident occurred about the same day when gunmen invaded a vigilante facility and killed one operative in Anambra State. 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 Olawale Rasheed, the special adviser on media to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, seeking his neutrality in the 2026 off-cycle governorship election in the state. In the letter, titled Osun 2026: Open Letter to President Tinubu, Mr Rasheed also told the president that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its array of aspirants were unelectable as the Osun indigenes were satisfied with Mr Adelekes performance. Mr Adeleke is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has lost some of its governors, lawmakers and chieftains to the presidents party, APC, in the recent past. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State dumped the PDP for the ruling party. Gov Adelekes visit to Tinubu Mr Rasheeds letter comes days after Mr Adelekes visit to the President, Tinubu, in Lagos. The governor was accompanied by his elder brother, Deji Adeleke and nephew, David Adeleke (Davido). This evening, alongside the scion of the Adeleke dynasty, my big brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke and my nephew, whom we are immensely proud of, David Adeleke, popularly known as @davido we paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence ahead of the Sallah pic.twitter.com/tNMamL5ATj Gov Ademola Adeleke (@AAdeleke_01) June 3, 2025 The visit sparked speculations of Governor Adelekes possible defection from the PDP to the APC ahead of the election. 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 Some APC members had described the visit as a show of desperation by the governor seeking to curry the presidents favour in view of the coming polls. A former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, declared that there was no space for the governor in the party. Also, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Olabisi, in a statement, said the visit of Davido, his father, and uncle to President Tinubu had significant political implications for the partys governorship aspirants.. Our party is intact in our state and I am eminently qualified to state that we have an array of capable and qualified governorship aspirants who have been consulting with interest groups about their 2026 gubernatorial aspirations, to take over from the current bumbling and fumbling governor and give quality leadership to the people of Osun State. The troubled looks on the faces of the three visitors to the President indicated a pointer to the fact that if something was not chasing them, they were definitely chasing something. It was only Governor Ademola, his brother, Deji and nephew, Davido who could feel where their shoes were pinching them but definitely, there is fire on the mountain for the trio and the Osun State chapter of the PDP, he said. Mr Olabisi alleged that Governor Adeleke had used various media outlets to antagonise the president and his economic policies, adding that, despite that, it was within his rights to visit him. However, the governor and his aides have denied the report on the purpose of the visit, explaining that it was borne out of courtesy in view of the Sallah festivities. APCs defeat in Osun Mr Adeleke defeated the then-incumbent governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, of the APC, in the 2022 governorship election in the state. Mr Oyetola, the minister of marine and blue economy, had beaten Mr Adeleke in controversial circumstances in the 2018 poll. The minister is believed to be interested in returning to office in the 2026 election. Adeleke is favourably disposed to Tinubu In his letter, Mr Rasheed attempted to draw President Tinubus attention to the fact that the governor was more favourably disposed to his leadership than some of the APC members in Osun State. He said Governor Adeleke is a man who from 2022 has never directly or indirectly attacked your person, unlike some of your party members who have disrespected your esteemed office and person by series of irresponsible outbursts over a very harmless courtesy visit on you, the President of all Nigerians, by the Osun state governor. He added, Sir, permit me to make reference to the issue of a second term for both the governor and you, the leader of the nation. You are a battle tested democrat. Your love for a free and fair contest is known to all. Nobody will request you to impose him on the people. The clarion call on you is to be the father of all by allowing free contests among your sons. Osun people will then judge using their ballot papers. Mr Rasheed also insinuated that the visit underscores the political strategies of Mr President for his future electoral ambitions. When you granted audience to the Osun State Governor, it was in fulfillment of your position as the father of the nation, a bridge builder and a leader always a step ahead of future battle, he said. But sir, some of your party members in Osun state are permuting at lower frequency. Their worldview appears so hollow that they cannot see what you see, they cannot comprehend the strategic moves you are making to rebuild Nigeria and soften ground for future wins. The governors spokesperson also said that today, Osun APC and its aspirants are unelectable, because they are far removed from the citizens and have also failed to see the achievements of the current administration. Governors achievements Highlighting the achievements of his principal, Mr Rasheed noted that the governor has, within less than three years, responsibly and productively governed the state with deliveries and dividends that surpass the combined output of 12 years of the previous APC rule. Mr Rasheed also acquainted the President Tinubu achievements with some of the projects and achievements of the governor. Mr President, the outcome is that the Adeleke administration under two and half years in office constructed over 250 kilometers of roads, paid over 60 billions in pension and salary debt, rehabilitated over 200 health centres, upgraded over 100 schools, placed more than 3000 pensioners on free health insurance, purchased 31 tractors for mechanisation, launched Osun digital economy, upgraded sport sector with state sport commission among others. The administration is almost completing three flyover bridges alongside the completion of several abandoned projects. University of Ilesa is now a reality while Osun State University had five separate projects completed. The Governor harmonised the tax system, provided a 45 day window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy and implemented mining sector reform to increase revenue inflow and revived the states free trade zones. Several federal agencies have issued favorable reports on Osun governance. Hence, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, leaders of thought and Osun residents are proud of Governor Adeleke and his performing team, he said. Read Mr Rasheeds letter Osun 2026: Open Letter to President Tinubu By Mallam Olawale Rasheed Dear President Bola Tinubu, I start by congratulating Mr President on your two year anniversary. As much as I am a Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, this letter is outside my official capacity as I am writing as a Nigerian citizen, a journalist and an indigene of Osun state. I write as one among millions of Osun indigenes who is pleased and impressed by the stewardship and deliveries of Governor Ademola Adeleke, a man who from 2022 has never directly or indirectly attack your person, unlike some of your party members who have disrespected your esteemed office and person by series of irresponsible outbursts over a very harmless courtesy visit on you, the President of all Nigerians, by the Osun state governor. Sir, I declare that by all accounts, your brother, Ademola Adeleke has within less than three years, responsibly and productively governed the state with deliveries and dividends that surpass the combined output of 12 years of the previous APC rule. Mr President must have taken a judicious note of insults and reprehensible letters and briefings against the person of Mr President by some APC operatives. I am particularly shocked at the degeneration of thinking and the elevation of insults by some of your party members in Osun state who failed to see or ignore the larger picture of your politicking within the bigger context of upcoming political warfare. One would have expected your partymen to trust your tested experience which is a product of a fireproof, painful duel that secured the presidency under the most difficult model of electoral contest. Mr President, I apologize for their immature temperament, their illegitimate assumption of high ideals and their shallow grasp of political dynamics. Mr President may want to note that governance in Osun has produced so many results for several reasons. Governor Adeleke leads a government of like minds with direct and insistent determination to uplift the state within personal self-deprivation and sacrifice. From the Governor to every member of the team, delivery of good governance is the number one mantra. Mr President, the outcome is that the Adeleke administration under two and half years in office constructed over 250 kilometers of roads, paid over 60 billions in pension and salary debt, rehabilitated over 200 health centres, upgraded over 100 schools, placed more than 3000 pensioners on free health insurance, purchased 31 tractors for mechanisation, launched Osun digital economy, upgraded sport sector with state sport commission among others. The administration is almost completing three flyover bridges alongside completion of several abandoned projects. University of Ilesa is now a reality while Osun State University had five separate projects completed. The Governor harmonized the tax system, provided a 45 day window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy and implemented mining sector reform to increase revenue inflow and revived the states free trade zones. Several federal agencies have issued favorable reports on Osun governance. Hence, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, leaders of thought and Osun residents are proud of Governor Adeleke and his performing team. But sir, politics being what it is, some members of your party in Osun State opted to embrace fake news of non-performance in their assessment of the governor. As they persist in peddling such lies, the party got alienated from the citizens who are enjoying the various dividends of democracy. Hence, today, Osun APC and its aspirants are unelectable. I am very sorry to note that those who misled and mismanaged your cousin and his political project are still the same set pushing the same failed strategy which led to the APC defeat in 2022. Your Excellency, it is a matter of courtesy that a state governor should relate with the President of the republic. Nigerias intergovernmental politics demands such interaction. When you granted audience to the Osun State Governor, it was in fulfillment of your position as the father of the nation, a bridge builder and a leader always a step ahead of future battle. But sir, some of your party members in Osun state are permuting at lower frequency. Their worldview appears so hollow that they cannot see what you see, they cannot comprehend the strategic moves you are making to rebuild Nigeria and soften ground for future wins. To unstrategic minds, everything starts and ends with Osun governorship. Sir, we all know a Soludo brings a lot to the table as much as the Adelekes than defeated politicians who lost their wards even while occupying state offices. Mr. President, the attacks on Governor Adeleke are borne out of refusal to accept super performance that has been validated by local and international agencies. The opposition pushes pictures of rural access roads to claim substandard work but dogged the superbly constructed grade A roads the administration constructed totalling about 250 kilometers. The Akoda Ede road they cited is adjudged by even many APC members as one of the best. Sir, the penchant to lie is one of the reasons why the Osun APC rating is so low and the party unelectable. Sir, permit me to make reference to the issue of a second term for both the Governor and you, the leader of the nation. You are a battle tested democrat. Your love for a free and fair contest is known to all. Nobody will request you to impose him on the people. The clarion call on you is to be the father of all by allowing free contests among your sons. Osun people will then judge using their ballot papers. But sir, some Osun APC members are wailing because for the past one year, they have been boasting that the President will rig Osun state elections for them in 2026. They often admitted that the APC is deeply unpopular in Osun but that the President will rig for them. That shameless boast evaporated because you have accepted all Osun contenders as your sons irrespective of political affiliations. You have disowned fascists who though hated, by the people, eye power through the backdoor. Sir, every political party has stories of pains and victimhood from past political contests. Osun PDP lost 45 members during the 2022 state elections. In the last local government crisis, Osun PDP lost seven members. Up till now, no justice was delivered and families of victims lived in pain and agony. The state leadership of PDP embraced the difficult injunction that God gives and takes. No party should therefore blackmail another with loss of lives in previous electoral battles.. Mr President may want to be notified that any report of imminent defeat of Governor Adeleke is a baseless concoction. In 2024 alone, APC lost over 40 percent of its members to the PDP. Shortly after, former Governor Aregbesola also pulled out of the party. Sir, a recent survey results from Geopolitical Survey International (GSI) polled all political tendencies in Osun state and placed Governor Adeleke at 66 percent if elections were to be held today. This survey was conducted between April and May, 2025. The only strategy of the state APC is rigging which they openly claimed you, Mr President will activate for them. Now the veil is removed. Mr President is a leader of all and the Osun election is to be conducted under a strictly free and fair context. I want to express my personal appreciation to you, Mr President, the capo of all Osun politicians, for displaying the highest model of character as a national leader. Your hosting the Adelekes is without doubt, a demonstration of statesmanship, a manifestation of deep understanding of current reality of Osun politics and an assurance of expanded support base for future electoral contest. Sir, Accept the assurances of my highest regards. Olawale Rasheed is a publisher, an entrepreneur, a politician and special adviser to the Osun state governor. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A fire incident has occurred at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel, accommodating over 480 Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators. Imararus Sanan Hotel is located in the Sharamansur area of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The inferno, which tore through parts of the building on Saturday, caused significant damage, but no life was lost. The pilgrims were not present at the hotel at the time of the incident, having departed earlier for Mina to partake in the symbolic stoning ritual, a central rite of the Hajj pilgrimage. In a statement released by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the swift response of Saudi fire services and hotel staff, whose efforts helped contain the blaze and prevent any casualties. NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman promptly visited the site to assess the extent of the damage. 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 Visibly shaken by the destruction, Mr Usman offered comfort to the affected pilgrims and praised the prompt intervention of local authorities. Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims, he said. We have arranged immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide every support within our capacity to minimise their distress. Mr Usman also commended the Saudi fire service and the hotel management for their quick response to the incident. Read the full statement below. Fire Incident at Pilgrims Hotel on Shari Mansur Street No Casualties Reported The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) regrets to inform the public of a fire incident that occurred earlier today, Saturday, 7th June 2025, around 12:00 noon (KSA time), at one of the hotels accommodating Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah. The affected hotel, Imaratus Sanan, was hosting about 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and all pilgrims are safely in Mina. Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly and prevent it from spreading all over the building. Following the incident, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside Commissioner Policy Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti promptly visited the location to assess the situation and ensure that the welfare of the affected pilgrims is prioritized. Expressing concern during the visit, Professor Abdullahi ordered for immediate relocation of the affected pilgrims to a new accommodation. He commiserated with the affected pilgrims, assuring that the Commission will provide every possible support within its capacity to cushion the impact of the incident. The Chairman thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident, promising that NAHCON will work with the affected Tour Operators to ensure that pilgrims are relocated and provided with the necessary assistance. The Chairman and his team have already inspected the new building and concluded arrangement for the pilgrims resettlement. The Chairman and Commissioner PPMF appreciated the prompt response of the Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the situation. Further updates will be communicated as necessary. Fatima Sanda Usara Assistant Director, Information and Publications Division Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Benue Chapter, has rejected calls by some of their colleagues for the declaration of a state of emergency rule in the state. State Overseer of the conference, Alexander Nyoonkyegh, said on Saturday in Makurdi that Governor Hyacinth Alia was their brother in the vineyard and must be protected by true men of God. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some bishops had earlier called for an emergency rule in Benue over growing insecurity. But Mr Nyoonkyegh said that Benue does not need emergency rule but a united front to confront the common enemy. The archbishop said what the state needed at this crucial moment was unity and support for the governor to succeed. What we need now in Benue is unity and support for the governor to succeed. Let us help him to succeed because he is heading in the right direction. 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 We cannot continue to talk about military takeover or emergency rule in Benue. We are not even sure that a Benue son will be appointed as the sole administrator. Look at what happened in Rivers. A sole administrator was appointed for Rivers who is from another state, he said. He also stated that even the Bible has admonished them to be submissive to authorities, adding that only God gives authority to people. As fathers of faith, when you have a son and brother in the vineyard and they are doing well, you say, brother, keep it up. Recently we were here crying on the issue of insecurity, and there were reasons to support our cries. Fr Alia is our brother in the vineyard, and we will continue to pray for him to succeed. What we know is that there is no authority that is not given from God. And the Bible says we must be submissive to the authorities. Yes, we are prophets, but we are submissive to the authorities here on earth too. What we need here is development, and the governor is developing the state, so what else can we ask for? Apart from issues of insecurity, which he is trying, and we are seeing some of his efforts, what fundamental offence has he committed? he asked. Mr Nyoonkyegh further commended President Bola Tinubu for continually standing with Benue people and currently directing the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, to relocate to the state and address the growing insecurity. We cried with faith in God, and he is hearing our prayers, and we believe that this mystery that we have witnessed in the last few days since the arrival of the Chief of Army should continue. Since his arrival, we have not heard of any further attack on our people. Let the peace be maintained, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Last year, a friend asked me a question that lingered long after our conversation ended. He had never attended the University of Maiduguri, nor had any personal affiliation with it. He was struck by a recurring pattern he noticed. A surprising number of accomplished Nigerians (intellectuals, civil servants, technocrats, academics, even political leaders) seemed to have passed through that university tucked away in the far northeastern corner of Nigeria. He asked with genuine curiosity why so many remarkable people came from that place. It is a question I have thought about often, and one that deserves a serious answer. I believe the story of the University of Maiduguri is not only about a place of learning. It is also about the architecture of greatness and the slow and deliberate cultivation of excellence in an unlikely setting. In my view, two major factors help explain this legacy. First, the university inherited greatness. Before the University of Maiduguri existed, there was NECAS, the North East College of Arts and Science. Established as a pre-university institution, NECAS was a beacon of academic seriousness in northern Nigeria. It brought together a constellation of outstanding minds from across Nigeria and beyond. It served as a rigorous preparatory ground for students aspiring to attend the countrys leading universities. NECAS was more than just a school. It was a crucible. It took young men and women and shaped them with discipline, ambition and intellectual clarity. Many of its alumni went on to thrive in first-generation universities. My own father, who studied at NECAS before attending Ahmadu Bello University, often told me that his years in Zaria were made much easier by the solid academic foundation laid at NECAS. He spoke of NECAS with deep admiration and often recalled the extraordinary caliber of teachers he encountered there. Many of them had international training and taught with passion and excellence. When the University of Maiduguri was created, it absorbed the infrastructure and much of the faculty of NECAS. This was no ordinary beginning. Many universities start from scratch and build from the ground up, but the University of Maiduguri began with a legacy as it inherited not just buildings but also a philosophy of serious learning and a community of dedicated scholars. This foundational advantage gave it intellectual momentum from the outset. It was not a fledgling institution fumbling in the dark. It was a continuation of something already excellent. Second, the university was deliberately built to be great, thanks in large part to Professor Jibril Aminu. It is impossible to speak about the golden years of the University of Maiduguri without invoking the name of Professor Jibril Aminu. During his tenure as Vice Chancellor, he transformed the university into a national and even international academic destination. His leadership was not about prestige or titles but about substance. He had a vision that a university in the Northeast could rival the very best in the country and attract global talent. And he worked to make it so. Professor Aminu actively sought out top scholars from around the world and invited them to Maiduguri to teach and conduct research. He brought intellectual energy and cosmopolitanism into the heart of Borno State. One of those scholars was the late Professor M.R. Islam, a Bangladeshi geologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester who came to Maiduguri and stayed until his death in 2007. I remember being taught by him. His lectures were inspiring and his admiration for Professor Aminu was unmistakable. He often spoke of how he had been recruited by Professor Aminus outreach and how proud he felt to have contributed to the universitys mission. But Professor Aminu did not just change the faculty list. He changed how Nigerians saw the university. He gave it credibility. He gave it allure. One of my mentors, a senior figure who served in top government positions, once told me something that suggests just how powerful Professor Aminus impact was. He said there was a time in Nigeria when the elite made a point of sending their children to the University of Maiduguri. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to. The university had become a symbol of quality, integrity and excellence because it bore the mark of Professor Aminu. To them, his involvement was enough. If Professor Aminu was there, they believed, the institution had to be excellent. What is most striking is that despite all his later accomplishments, he became Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum Resources and served as a senator, Professor Aminu always regarded his time as Vice Chancellor as the most fulfilling. In one interview, he said it was the happiest role of his life. Even after he left to serve the nation in other capacities, his name remained on the universitys academic register with a telling note: Professor on Leave of Absence. It was a symbolic gesture and a profound one too. He never really left. His spirit, vision and legacy stayed behind at the University of Maiduguri. 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 As someone who studied at the University of Maiduguri years after Professor Aminus tenure, I can attest to the enduring effects of his leadership. Many of the lecturers he brought in were still there, still teaching with passion and excellence. The culture of the university was one that respected knowledge, rewarded hard work and demanded intellectual seriousness. We felt it even if we did not fully understand its origins at the time. As we mourn the passing of Professor Jibril Aminu, we must also reflect on the broader meaning of his life. He was an excellent scholar and bureaucrat. He was a builder of institutions. He was a man who understood that the true power of education lies in the people it produces and the lives it shapes. The University of Maiduguri, as it stands today, remains a testament to his vision. It is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living monument to the idea that greatness can be nurtured anywhere if the leadership is right and the foundation is sound. May Professor Jibril Aminus soul rest in perfect peace. And may the University of Maiduguri live forever. Join the Premium Times WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Open in WhatsApp Mohammed Dahiru Aminu ([email protected]) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Members of the Jigawa State House of Assemblys Committee on Religious Affairs and Pilgrims Matters, visited the states pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and commended the leadership of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board for the successful ongoing 2025 Hajj exercise. The Committee Chairman, Abdu Ilu Maku, said the committee supervised the pilgrims accommodations in Madinah, Makkah and in Mina and commended the board under the leadership of Ahmed Umar Labbo, for prioritising the pilgrims wellbeing in the Holy land. Mr Maku said the committee was happy to see that the board, had, without resorting to third party agents, secured a strategic hotel accommodations close to the Haramains in both Madinah and Makkah, which eased the suffering of the pilgrims during supplications. The lawmakers also commended the Board leadership for providing adequate accommodation, and meals as well as transportation arrangements for the pilgrims to Hajj rituals locations in Makkah and Madinah. Mr Maku earlier told journalists in Makkah that the committees mission in Saudi Arabia was to ensure the State Pilgrims Welfare Board is delivering on its promise to prioritise pilgrims welfare during their sacred journey. He said the committee closely monitored the well-being of Jigawa pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and in Mina and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing arrangements on feeding, transportation and healthcare services delivery. 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 lawmakers delegation also commended the Director General of the board. Umar Labbo, for openness in the discharge of his responsibility in both Saudi Arabia and in Nigeria. Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the state Executive Council, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Babangida Umar, passed a votes of confidence on the leadership of the Director General of the states pilgrims welfare board, Umar Labbo. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Thursday in Yenagoa got the thumbs-up from the Senate Committee on Local Content and an assurance that the Senate would provide legislative support to drive the local content development initiatives of the Board. The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, who spoke after an oversight visit on the Board facilities and projects sities within Bayelsa State, commended the Board for how it has implemented its enabling statute, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010. He said NCDMB has demonstrated the requisite capacity for actualisation of the objectives of the Act, and that the enabling environment for oil and gas industry operations, growth of indigenous businesses, job creation and development of industry-related skills, would be vigorously pursued by the Committee at the National Assembly. The Chairman reafirmmed President Bola Tinubus commitment to growing local capacity in the oil and gas and other sectors as a sure way of creating employment. In his word, let me say that the benefits of local content cannot be over-emphasised. It will lead to the creation of jobs for our people, development of critical assets and skills, growth of local businesses, improve balance of payments and reduction of dependence on foreign goods services. To achieve these benefits, collaborations between the Senate committee and board of the NCDMB is essential as we would work closely with the NCDMB to ensure that the provisions of the Act are implemented effectively. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The committee will not only ensure oversight but will also support the board in efforts to develop and implement policies that promote local content development. In addition to our collaboration with the board, we will engaged with other stakeholders and create the enabling environment that foster growth for local businesses and promote job creation, Onowakpo concldued. Earlier in his presentation on NCDMB Activities, the Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe provided critically important facts on the NOGICD Act, Nigerian Content Implementation Framework, NCDMB Organisation Structure, NCDMB Office locations, expenditures and revenue analyses, business enabler footprints, summary of investments, success stories, look ahead retooling for stability and growth, and support required. Speaking on the Nigerian Content Implementation Framework, he highlighted Guidelines and Regulations, drawing attention to policies and tools, which included Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualifications System (NOGIC JQS), Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF), industry collaboration, as well as gap analysis, among other things. The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Abdulmalik Halilu disclosed that the Board has recorded success in the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI) with over ninety percent repayment. Mr Halilu highlighted some recent striking accomplishments of the Board as facilitating of 10,000 metric tonnes (MT) capacity galvanising plant, commissioned at Daewoo Yard, Port Harcourt, which has ramped up local galvanizing capacity to over 180,000MT; NEDO 300MMscfd Kwale Gas Gathering Plant, Delta State; NCDMB Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) at Emeyal 1, Bayelsa State, and Odukpani, Cross River State, which are at 90 per cent completion level;10 mega watt Power Plant, and EGINA floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) integration facility, the first and largest in Africa. Speaking on the next phase, Mr Halilu highlighted the Boards ongoing construction of the NCDMB Gas Hub for gas-based industries and the work on its eight industrial parks across the country as well as the human capacity development programme christened Back-to-the-Creeks Initiative. He requested the legislators to support the Board by excluding of the Nigerian Content Development Fund from revenue deductions in line with Section 104 of the NOGICD Act. The Board would also want the challenge of infrastructure to be addressed as well as a strengthening of local content laws by ensuring that legislations for the growth of other sectors are properly aligned with local content philosophy. In his remarks, the Committee Vice Chairman, Senator Ede Dafinone, assured that the National Assembly would collaborate with the NCDMB to enthrone a resilient and Nigerian-driven oil and gas industry. According to him, They have shared with us areas where the Senate can help expand and strengthen their programmes. We are ready to engage further and support the Board in building a more robust and Nigerianised oil and gas industry. Other members of the Senate Committee on the oversight visit were Senators Osita Izunaso, Ipalibo Gogo Banigo, Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Aniekan Bassey, Eze Kenneth Emeka, Ezra Okechukwu, Isa Shuaibu Lau, Tony Nwoye, John Williams Eno, Amos Yohana, and Ezra Okechukwu. The engagements ended on Thursday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print After performing the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina, three northern governors Dikko Umaru Umaru Radda of Katsina, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe were quietly seen walking back through the holy city of Makkah, pausing along the way for prayer and quiet reflection. What caught the attention of many was the humble, grounded manner in which they moved no ADCs, no security details. Just simple white ihram garments, dusty feet, and hearts focused solely on their Hajj obligations. The governors walked like every other pilgrim side by side with the people, not above them. Governor Radda, in particular, was observed offering heartfelt prayers asking Allah for peace, security, and healing in Katsina State. It was a powerful image: a leader not behind podiums or in bulletproof convoys, but in the midst of the faithful, turning to his Creator in hope and sincerity. A quiet gesture, yet it spoke louder than words. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has described the Nigerian Civil War period (from 6 July 1967 15 January 1970) as the most difficult period of his life. Mr Gowon, a retired general, made this known on Saturday in Abuja after being honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Mens Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event has as its theme: Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit. Mr Gowon explained that his decisions during the civil war were never driven by hatred, but by a difficult necessity to preserve national unity. He urged people to always stand for the truth, and stressed the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities. I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together. It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you, he stated. Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion. As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers. I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people. That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished, he added. Mr Gowon also lauded the progress Nigeria has made since the civil war. He called on all citizens to support governments efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect. The Chairman of the occasion, former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, former executive secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, congratulated the honourees for their consistency in living with integrity. He said, These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. Quoting Psalm 25:14, he called on men to live right and stand for integrity, regardless of the situation. The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, commended the honourees and urged Christians to uphold truth, integrity, and courage. According to him, the theme for the programme is apt because there is need to encourage Christians to stand for the Lord right from their homes. He also encouraged Christians to stand strong in the society, in their workplaces and in their businesses. The Anglican Primate said Nigeria was in need of men and women of honour and integrity, leaders willing to serve the people and not corruptly pile up wealth. This is because when the home is strong, the church will be, and the society also. So we want to encourage people to be unashamedly Christians. They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing; many good people are not taking their stand, and that is why evil men thrive. They should stand unashamedly for the right, for the truth and also fight for that which is good and I believe that with time, the light will shine brighter and brighter,he said. Quoting Psalm 15: 1-5, he said God was still in search of men and women of honour and integrity, who are defined by what he described as the four Hs. He listed the four attributes to include the Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility. Isaac Chukwudi, President, Christian Mens Fellowship, Abuja Diocese, said the choice of the events theme was informed by the prevalence of bankruptcy of integrity in the country. Integrity is so scarce, both at home and in government, and that was why we chose the theme to instill in men the spirit of the living well. We need to build integrity from the home, and these are the men to speak to where the leaders will emerge from to better the situation in Nigeria, he said. NAN reports that two other nonagenarians were also honoured in recognition of their exemplary service to the church, the nation, and humanity. They are Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Gilbert Chikelu, a former Minister of Establishment and Chairman, Guaranty Trust Bank. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Chris Feuell has heard speculation about the future of Chrysler before. The CEO of the brand that is on the edge of its 100th anniversary has been asked about this periodically since she took the helm in 2021. Chrysler, which once stood on its own as a member of the Detroit Three, is one of numerous brands within Stellantis. Feuells response to that speculation is forward-looking even as it acknowledges a reality. The question about Chryslers future and viability is one that seems to come up in various news articles on a weekly basis, she said. That has not come up once in my conversations with Antonio or others in the leadership team. I understand the curiosity regarding: Can a company really sustain 14 brands? Its a lot of mouths to feed, and that is true, but for Chrysler there is a belief in our positioning strategy. Antonio is Antonio Filosa, the newly named Stellantis CEO, who was still chief operating officer for the Americas and chief quality officer at the company when Feuell spoke May 23 to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY network. Will the Chrysler 300 inspire a new vehicle? Chryslers legacy is real, but the brand name today is limited to minivans, a segment that the company started with the 1984 model year. Feuell, who noted a lack of investment in the brand for two decades, reiterated that Chrysler will launch a crossover vehicle, but thats now set for 2027 (its expected to be shown in 2026) rather than this year. The Pacifica minivan is also due for a refresh early next year. A vehicle inspired by the futuristic-looking Halcyon concept car, unveiled early last year, is planned, although Feuell didnt offer a date. The vehicle would be an answer to the customers and dealers who want to see a return of the discontinued 300 sedan, but its not clear thats what the vehicle would be called. I believe the car segment is ripe for growth and resurgence, Feuell said. She described a high level of confidence in our road map and ability to launch these products. Plans for the entire portfolio to go all electric have been scrapped in favor of multienergy options. The crossover will launch as a hybrid with the capability to go electric, she said. But Chryslers automotive heritage also warrants attention, according to Feuell. In case you missed it: Ford has some pretty famous cars stored in a new fleet. Here's a peek at some There are very few brands or companies that have had the strength or horsepower to last 100 years, she said. In the months ahead, a number of celebrations are planned for the Chrysler 100th, including an event with journalists at Detroit's Belle Isle that promises to highlight more than 20 historic Chrysler concept and production vehicles. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday received Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, hours after the governor defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At Government House today, Mr Eno formally dumped the PDP for the APC in an event attended by several APC governors, including Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Francis Nwifiru of Ebonyi, Monday Okpehbolo of Edo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Bassey Otu of Cross River. Mr Akpabio was represented at the event by his wife, Unoma, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Senate president. You shall fear no one. Because you have a lion in the person of President Bola Tinubu and you have a lion in the person of the Senate President, who do you fear? Nobody. Fear nobody. God will protect you and your family. Dont bother about what they would write. If its about what they would write, our own has filled the Geepee tanks up to 20, but we are not deterred, Mrs Akpabio said. Hours after the event, Mr Eno and other APC governors could be seen in a video clip circulating on Facebook disembarking from a White coaster bus into Mr Akpabios embrace at the Senate presidents private residence at Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo. 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 Akpabios former aide, Ata Ikiddeh, posted the video on Facebook. The Senate president welcoming the newest member of the APC and his brother governors, Mr Ikiddeh wrote on Facebook. APC, Messrs Akpabio and Eno chanted the APC slogan in the video before embracing themselves. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the APC is planning a reception later in the month for Mr Eno. Akpabio, Enos relationship Mr Akpabio is the second democratically elected governor of the oil-rich Akwa Ibom since the return of democracy in 1999, serving for two terms, from 2007 to 2015. He succeeded former Governor Victor Attah, after serving as commissioner. Like Akpabio, Mr Eno served as commissioner in former Governor Udom Emmanuels cabinet before succeeding Mr Eno as governor in 2023. Both Messrs Akpabio and Eno were elected governors under the PDP platform. While Mr Akpabio defected to the APC when serving in the Senate, Mr Eno became the first serving PDP governor in Akwa Ibom to defect to the APC, turning the PDP into an opposition party in the state for the first time in 26 years. Mr Akpabio, an APC member, did not support Mr Enos governorship ambition in 2023, but Mr Eno was on hand in Abuja to congratulate Mr Akpabio hours after he emerged as the Senate president. Since then, they have remained political allies, prompting Mr Eno to endorse Mr Akpabio and President Tinubu for reelection in 2027 and his subsequent defection to the APC today. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has pleaded with Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, to return to the party. Mr Obi defected to LP when he felt he could not achieve his presidential ambition within the PDP fold. The PDP made the call for the return of Mr Obi and others after the enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) to review the state of the party and chart a way forward in Awka on Thursday. The communique, signed by Chidi Chidebe, the chairperson of the PDP in Anambra, said alliances with ideologically incompatible political formations, in the guise of coalitions, would likely not yield the desired success. The committee extends an open invitation to all aggrieved and former members of the PDP in Anambra, particularly our revered former governor, Mr Peter Obi, to return home and reunite with the now rejuvenated and restructured PDP. We will gladly welcome our brothers and sisters back to join us in the collective quest for a better Nigeria, 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 Mr Chidebe told the Anambra electorate to support Jude Ezenwafor and his running mate, Francis Okeke, in the coming election while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair, transparent, and impartial electoral process. We call on the good people of Anambra to remain steadfast in their historic support for the PDP and to come out en masse to vote for our candidates, he said. He announced the unanimous nomination of Clems Ezike to fill the vacant position of national ex-officio from Anambra. He urged the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee under Ali Odefa to recognise Mr Ezike and transmit his name to the national secretariat. He commended the party leadership for a successful National Executive Committee meeting on 27 May and expressed satisfaction with the template for resolution of its internal crisis. The LP has been plagued with a prolonged leadership crisis, which has forced many of its chieftains to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress and fuelled speculations that Mr Obi may abandon the party for another political platformpossibly a coalition being planned by Atiku Abubakar, Nigerias former vice president, and others. In April, the LP Deputy National Chairperson, Ayo Olorunfemi, appealed to Mr Obi to stay on and rebuild the party instead of returning to the PDP. Now that he has contested and seen the LP force, if he decides to go to another political party, it will speak volumes about his intention. It will tell whether he truly believed in the ideology of the Labour Party before coming to run, or if he just wanted to use the opportunity of the platform. So, it will now be left for Nigerians to decide whether Obi, who got millions of votes under the Labour Party, can still be voted for under PDP or another party, Mr Olorunfemi said. He (Obi) must use his tongue to count his teeth. If I were him, what I would be doing now is working to restore peace in the Labour Party and rebuild it. He should find a way to resolve the issues in the party and remain on the platform. He should remain in the party and restore peace. He should stay and resolve the crises he and others created in LP. Moving around will portray him as an opportunistic politician, not different from these politicians jumping here and there, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Celebrating these achievements highlights our creativity and the impact of effective advertising on clients' success Post this The American Advertising Awards are widely acknowledged as the largest and most representative competition of its kind. Campaigns need to advance through both local and regional levels of the three-tier competition before they can become eligible for the national prize. In all, just 51 Gold ADDYs were awarded among Professionals. "Competition in the ADDYs gives us a chance to see how we stack up against the best in the business," said Chris Beresford-Hill, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer at BBDO who served as the first-ever Competition Chair for this Year's American Advertising Awards. "It's exciting to measure our work against the industry's top talents and learn from what others are doing. It pushes us all to elevate our game." He added, "I'm thrilled to see so much exceptional work being recognized through the ADDYs. Celebrating these achievements not only highlights our creativity but also reinforces the impact of effective advertising on our clients' success." "The Other Hand" campaign notes how "99% of people eat Cheetos with their dominant hand. Using your other hand? It's a Cheetos thing." It's the second time in the past three years that work for Cheetos from Goodby Silverstein & Partners has taken home "Best of Show." In addition to the overall "Bests of Show," other notable campaigns recognized at this year's American Advertising Awards included: Special Judges Awards were presented to Rise and Shine & Partners for "Supercuts Real Dumb Coupon" for Regis Corporation; Goodby Silverstein & Partners for "Ask Dali" for the Dali Museum; and BBDO Worldwide for "Tail Orchestra" for Pedigree Three Mosaic ADDYs for work that exemplifies a spirit of diversity and inclusion were presented to Whiskey Design for its "Artisan Remix Can Series" for Vine Street Brewing; Cannonball, for the "Superhero Project" for Superhero Project; and Harris Media Company for "When We Got the Call" for the LifeCenter Organ Donor Network You can view these Special Awards, along with all of the winning work, at americanadvertisingawards.com/winners . Summing up, Beresford-Hill said, "Congratulations to all the winners of this year's ADDY Awards! Your creativity and hard work exemplify the best of our industry. You've set the bar high for all of us!" ABOUT AAF The AAF's Board of Directors guides and oversees the Federation's signature events and initiatives, including the Advertising Hall of Fame, Advertising Hall of Achievement, American Advertising Awards, Advertising Day on the Hill, Most Promising Multicultural Students Program, and HBCUs for Advertising all serving the Federation's 35,000+ professional members nationwide, 4,000+ students and educators, and more than 60+ corporate members spanning media and tech companies, advertisers and agencies. Established in 1905, the American Advertising Federation (AAF), acts as "The Unifying Voice for Advertising." Visit https://aaf.org/. SOURCE American Advertising Federation Nextgeneration instagram growth platform. PRAGUE, June 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexrate is a nextgeneration social media growth platform that empowers digital brands, influencers, and small businesses to expand their Instagram presence ethically, authentically, and effectively. Founded by a team of Instagram growth experts, Hexrate com combines advanced AIdriven targeting with humanpowered strategies to deliver real engagement and longterm results. Our Mission To revolutionize Instagram growth by providing ethical, sustainable, and transparent solutions that align with Instagram's terms of service no bots, no shortcuts, no gimmicks. What Makes Us Unique Ethical AI-Powered Targeting We use smart algorithms to analyze interests, hashtags, location, and behaviors targeting real users most likely to follow and engage. Human-Driven Engagement Our socialmedia specialists oversee personalized interactions (follows, likes, DMs) to foster meaningful connections and nurture relationships. Full-Spectrum Growth Suite Hexrate.com offers followers, likes, comments, and views tailored to your niche, supported by a real-time dashboard and analytics for monitoring reach, impressions, and growth. Transparency & Control Clear pricing plans and a user-friendly dashboard give you full control to adjust growth strategies as needed. How We Work AIPowered Audience Analysis We identify your ideal audience based on niche, hashtags, demographics, and behavior. HumanCentric Outreach Our team engages manually to build trust and spark genuine interest. Custom Campaigns We tailor engagement efforts to your brand goals (followers, engagement, conversions). Full Transparency You track every action via a live dashboard and analytics. Ethical Compliance We strictly adhere to Instagram's rules ensuring safe, sustainable growth. Why Ethical Growth Matters Many services claim to boost Instagram metrics through bots or fake accounts but these can lead to low engagement, shadow-bans, or even account suspensions. Hexrate's ethical, AIpowered strategy focuses on real followers, building real reach, and creating real impact all while safeguarding your reputation. Success Stories Influencers report significant boosts in follower count, reach, and brand partnerships. Small businesses see measurable increases in engagement, credibility, and conversions. Marketing teams appreciate seamless performance tracking and ROI-driven campaigns. Let's Grow Responsibly Whether you're launching a startup, building a personal brand, or scaling a global business, Hex rate delivers ethical Instagram growth that lasts. Get started on your path to real influence today. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Hexrate Notta Bets Big on AI Agent-Powered Voice Recorder as Hardware-SaaS Convergence Accelerates TOKYO, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As OpenAI's ChatGPT dominates enterprise AI adoption and Google Gemini reshapes how businesses think about AI assistants, Japanese unicorn Notta announced its ambitious push into the U.S. hardware market with the Notta Memo AI Voice Recorder. From Tokyo to Silicon Valley: The Underdog Story Notta's journey reads like a classic tech disruption playbook, albeit with a Japanese twist. Since launching in 2020, the company has quietly built a formidable AI transcription empire, amassing over 10 million users globally and signing up 4,000 enterprise customers. The real validation? A staggering 68% of Japan's Nikkei 225 companiesthe country's most elite corporationshave integrated Notta's AI solutions into their workflows. "Most observers underestimate just how competitive the Japanese enterprise market is," explains industry analyst Sarah from TechInsight Research. "If you can win over two-thirds of the Nikkei 225, you've proven enterprise-grade reliability at scale." Notta's 2022 Airgram acquisition was just the opening movethe company believes the real opportunity lies in completely reimagining how voice technology integrates into daily workflows. Security-First Approach Gives Notta Enterprise Edge Unlike many AI startups that retrofit compliance as an afterthought, Notta built enterprise security into its foundation from day one. The company holds ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC 2 Type II certificationscredentials that remain elusive for many competitors still scrambling to meet Fortune 500 requirements. More critically, Notta has secured the regulatory trifecta that unlocks major markets: GDPR compliance for European expansion, HIPAA certification for healthcare disruption, and CCPA adherence for California's privacy-conscious landscape. This compliance-first strategy positions Notta to compete for high-value enterprise contracts that security-conscious organizations won't trust to less mature platforms. Hardware Meets AI: The Five-Platform Ecosystem Play The Notta Memo distinguishes itself in the crowded voice recording market through its unique five-platform ecosystem integrationseamlessly connecting web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, and the Memo device itself. This comprehensive approach addresses the fragmented user experience that has long plagued the industry. Unlike traditional voice recording solutions that force users to choose between SaaS flexibility and hardware reliability, Notta Memo delivers both. The device features advanced bone-conduction technology for complete phone call recording, intelligent noise reduction for crystal-clear audio capture, and one-tap synchronization with Notta. "We're not just launching another recording device," said Ryan, CEO of Notta. "We're introducing a complete AI-powered voice ecosystem that adapts to how people work and communicate in today's hybrid world. Our hardware becomes an extension of our proven AI platform that has already transformed millions of meetings worldwide." Beyond recording, Notta Memo is your AI-powered agent and centralized knowledge hubseamlessly integrated across all your workflows. Competitive Positioning in a Dynamic Market Notta enters the US AI transcription market with an integrated approach that combines software and hardware innovation. While the market includes established players like Otter AI in the SaaS space and Plaud AI in hardware solutions, Notta differentiates itself through its comprehensive platform that leverages AI capabilities refined through years of serving millions of global users. The company acknowledges the challenges in competing against established players with loyal American user bases. However, Notta's proven track record of rapid user acquisition and revenue growth in Japan, combined with its technological differentiation, positions it as a formidable new entrant. Market Timing and Strategic Vision Notta's American expansion comes at a pivotal moment in the AI industry. As enterprises increasingly adopt AI agents for productivity enhancement and consumers demand more intelligent, seamless technology experiences, the convergence of AI SaaS and purpose-built hardware represents a natural evolution. The Notta Memo's launch signals more than just product diversification it represents Notta's vision of AI-native hardware that thinks, learns, and adapts to user needs. This positions the company at the forefront of the next wave of AI innovation, where the distinction between SaaS and hardware dissolves into unified, intelligent experiences. About Notta Notta is the AI unicorn that's redefining how the world captures and understands conversations. Seamlessly integrating advanced SaaS with intelligent hardware, Notta turns conversations from any meeting, call, or discussion into actionable insights. This AI-powered, end-to-end solution captures and structures spoken interactions, creating a centralized knowledge hub. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Notta WASHINGTON, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Below is a statement from Mike Balsamo, president of the National Press Club, on efforts to cancel funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund NPR and PBS. "Public media is not a partisan issue. It is a public service. For decades, public media has delivered trusted journalism and essential community information to millions of Americans especially in regions where no other independent news source exists. As local newsrooms close across the country, news deserts are expanding. In many rural areas and underserved communities, public media remains the only free, reliable source of local news. It connects citizens with essential information, whether during a hurricane evacuation, a public health emergency, or local civic coverage that holds government accountable. Democracy depends on an informed public. Public media plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring that Americans have access to the journalism they need to fully participate in civic life. Defunding public media would harm the very communities that rely on it most and weaken our collective ability to stay informed. The National Press Club urges Congress to reject this shortsighted proposal and to protect public media as a vital pillar of American democracy and an essential service for all citizens." Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With more than 2,500 members, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or [email protected] SOURCE National Press Club NEW YORK, June 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. ("BigBear" or the "Company") (NYSE: BBAI) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia , and docketed under 25-cv-00623, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired BigBear securities between March 31, 2022 and March 25, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are an investor who purchased or otherwise acquired BigBear securities during the Class Period, you have until June 10, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] BigBear is an artificial intelligence - driven technology solutions company. The Company purportedly offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. In June 2021, BigBear.ai Holdings entered into a merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with GigCapital4, Inc. ("GigCapital4"), a special purpose acquisition company, GigCapital4 Merger Sub Corporation ("Merger Sub"), and BBAI Ultimate Holdings. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub first merged with and into BigBear.ai Holdings, with BigBear.ai Holdings being the surviving entity in the merger (the "First Merger"). Then, immediately following the First Merger, BigBear.ai Holdings merged with and into GigCapital4, with GigCapital4 being the surviving entity in the merger (the "Second Merger," and together with the First Merger, the "Mergers," and together with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the "Business Combination"). On December 7, 2021, the Mergers were consummated and GigCapital4, Inc. was renamed as BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. Upon completion of the Business Combination, BigBear issued $200 million of unsecured convertible notesdebt instruments that can be converted into equity at a future datedue to mature on December 15, 2026 (the "2026 Convertible Notes" or "2026 Notes"). The 2026 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.0% per annum, payable semi-annually, and not including any interest payments that are settled with the issuance of shares, and were convertible into 17,391,304 shares of the Company's common stock at an initial Conversion Price of $11.50. Convertible notes are often classified as long-term debt and as such, consistent with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), they must be accounted for in a company's quarterly and annual reports as liabilities until they reach maturity, at which point they either convert to equity or are repaid as principal and interest. BigBear uses the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")the single source of United States ("U.S") GAAPto account "for all transactions and events in which it obtains control over one or more other businesses (even if less than 100% ownership is acquired), to recognize the fair value of all assets and liabilities assumed and to establish the acquisition date fair value as of the measurement date." Accordingly, because the Business Combination qualified as such a transaction, BigBear was required to account for it, and its issuance of the 2026 Convertible Notes therewith, in accordance with the ASC. Under ASC 815-15, an entity is required to bifurcate and separately account for a feature or derivative embedded within a host contract (such as the conversion option within the 2026 Convertible Notes) if: (1) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; (2) the hybrid instrument is not remeasured at fair value under otherwise applicable GAAP with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur; and (3) a separate freestanding instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative and would not qualify for a "derivative scope exception." An embedded derivative may qualify for a scope exception if, for example, it meets the requirements of ASC 815-40, which covers contracts issued or held by an entity that are both indexed to its own stock and classified in stockholders' equity in its statement of financial position. If an embedded feature qualifies for a derivative scope exception, the entity does not separate it from the host contract and the entity accounts for the entire instrument (assuming no other embedded features require bifurcation) in accordance with other U.S. GAAP. Therefore, whether BigBear was required to bifurcate the conversion option within the 2026 Convertible Notes as a derivative was dependent, in part, upon the conversion option's qualification for a derivative scope exception. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) BigBear maintained deficient accounting review policies related to the reporting and disclosure of certain non-routine, unusual, or complex transactions; (ii) as a result, the Company incorrectly determined that the conversion option within the 2026 Convertible Notes qualified for the derivative scope exception under ASC 815-40 and failed to bifurcate the conversion option as required by ASC 815-15; (iii) accordingly, BigBear had improperly accounted for the 2026 Convertible Notes; (iv) the foregoing error caused BigBear to misstate various items in several of the Company's previously issued financial statements; (v) as a result, these financial statements were inaccurate and would likely need to be restated; (vi) BigBear would require extra time and expense to correct the inaccurate financial statements, thereby increasing the risk that the Company would be unable to timely file certain financial reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); and (vii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On March 18, 2025, BigBear disclosed in a filing with the SEC that certain of the Company's financial statements since fiscal year 2021 should no longer be relied upon and would be restated. Specifically, management identified a material error in the previously reported financial statements related to the accounting treatment of the Company's 2026 Convertible Notes. In addition, BigBear revealed that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company would be unable to timely file its Annual Report for 2024 (the "2024 10-K") "without unreasonable effort or expense." On this news, BigBear's stock price fell $0.52 per share, or 14.9%, to close at $2.97 per share on March 18, 2025. Then, post-market on March 25, 2025, BigBear filed its 2024 10-K. In discussing the error in the previously reported financial statements, the 2024 10-K stated, in relevant part, that a "conversion option embedded within the 2026 Notes was incorrectly deemed to be eligible for a scope exception from the bifurcation requirements of ASC 815-15 and therefore requires bifurcation as a derivative ('2026 Notes Conversion Option')" and that "[t]he 2026 Notes include certain adjustments to the conversion rate that violate the 'fixed-for-fixed' criteria described in [ASC] 815-40." As a result, the consolidated financial statements were restated "to reflect the issuance of the 2026 Notes Conversion Option at fair value as of December 7, 2021 and the subsequent remeasurement to fair value at each reporting date." The 2024 10-K further revealed that the adjustments reflected in the restatements related to, among other items, accumulated deficit, derivative liabilities, deferred tax liabilities, net loss, interest expense, and amortization of debt issuance discount. Finally, the 2024 10-K disclosed that the Company had identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reportingspecifically, that BigBear had not "consistently executed [its] technical accounting review policies, inclusive of the application of certain interpretations subject to significant judgement or differences in interpretation, at a precision level sufficient to achieve complete, accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting and disclosures of certain non-routine, unusual, or complex transactions." On this news, BigBear's stock price fell $0.32 per share, or 9.11%, to close at $3.19 per share on March 26, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980sec SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Cohere, a Canadian artificial intelligence start-up, is reportedly seeking to raise more than $500m (C$685m) in a new funding round. This move aims to strengthen its position in the competitive AI landscape, alongside industry leaders such as OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. Cohere is targeting a valuation of more than $5.5bn, reported Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the discussions. According to the media report, the valuation could potentially reach between $6bn and $6.5bn, although discussions remain in the early stages. This anticipated funding would position Cohere among the most valuable start-ups in the AI sector, despite trailing behind US competitors that have seen significant valuation increases. In April 2025, OpenAI achieved a $300bn valuation, up from $157bn in 2024, while Anthropic's funding round in March increased its valuation to $61.5bn. Cohere was founded by former Google researchers, including CEO Aidan Gomez, a co-author of the influential "Attention Is All You Need" paper, which introduced the transformer AI architecture. Unlike its competitors, Cohere has not launched a consumer-facing app, instead it is focusing on enterprise and privacy-centric solutions. The company has developed "open" models like the Aya multilingual models, accessible for developers to build upon, entering a market with competitors such as Meta and start-ups Mistral and DeepSeek. Cohere's founders, including Gomez, Nick Frosst, and Ivan Zhang, are also pursuing contracts with tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, which offer their own AI models to enterprises. Cohere has doubled its annual recurring revenue in the past four months, surpassing $100m last month. "A lot of the consumer adoption happened right away," said a source close to Cohere. "Enterprise tends to be slower in adoption but stickier in terms of users. Companies arent known to adopt tech early." The development of advanced AI models demands significant financial investment for training and computing power. Nearly three years after OpenAI's ChatGPT sparked the AI boom, investors are eager to see returns on their investments in AI model creators. Cohere has also launched North, a platform enabling businesses to build AI agents for office tasks, although it is currently available to a limited number of customers. In December 2024, it was reported that Cohere plans to build an multibillion-dollar AI data centre in Canada with financial support from the Canadian government. "Cohere seeks $500m funding to advance AI development" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. BEIJING, June 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from CRI Online: From June 5 to June 12, 2025, the "Study in Beijing" Thematic Education Exhibition was held in Mexico and Brazil. Through one - on - one consultation and Q&A sessions, thematic presentations, and sharing of study - abroad policies, it helped the education sectors and parents of students in the two countries understand high - quality educational resources in Beijing, expand study - abroad options, and bridge the information gap for studying in Beijing. A total of 19 people from 2 ministries - affiliated universities, 5 municipal - affiliated universities, and 7 middle schools in Beijing, which have the qualifications to enroll international students, participated in the exhibition. It is reported that the "Study in Beijing" Thematic Education Exhibition in Mexico was held on June 7 at the Engineering Building of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The "Study in Beijing" Thematic Education Exhibition in Brazil will be held on June 10 at the School of Higher Advertising and Marketing of the State University of Sao Paulo. During the exhibitions, the achievements of Beijing's education construction and the international talent cultivation system will be introduced. Diversified inter - school cooperation models such as promoting cooperation between sister schools and establishing student - source bases in Beijing will be advanced. It is hoped that through targeted promotion by universities and inter - high - school exchanges and cooperation, the pool of undergraduate students can be cultivated. Through deepening exchanges and cooperation among universities, master's and doctoral student enrollment as well as student exchanges can be expanded. Thus, the connotation of educational cooperation can be deepened, and people - to - people exchanges with the two countries can be promoted to a new level. Exhibiting Institutions: Peking University Beijing Institute of Technology Capital Medical University Capital Normal University Beijing Youth Politics College North China University of Technology Beijing Polytechnic University The Second High School Attached to Capital Normal University Beijing Zhongguancun Middle School The Experimental School Affiliated to Beijing Haidian Teachers Training College Xueyuan Road School Affiliated to Tsinghua High School Beijing Yuying School Zhixin School Affiliated to Tsinghua High School Beijing No. 39 Middle School SOURCE CRIOnline The published results are based on OptiTROP-Lung03, an open-label, randomized, multicenter registrational study evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of sac-TMT monotherapy versus docetaxel for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC who have failed after treatment with an EGFR-TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy. A total of 137 patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC who had progressed after EGFR-TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy were randomized (2:1) to receive sac-TMT (5 mg/kg once every 2 weeks) or docetaxel (75 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks) until disease progression, intolerable toxicity or other reason for discontinuation, with a median follow-up time of 12.2 months (Data cutoff date: December 31, 2024). Sac-TMT achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful outcomes compared to docetaxel: Confirmed objective response rate (ORR) (As assessed by blinded independent review committee (BIRC): 45% (95% CI, 35-56) vs 16% (95% CI, 7-30). Median progression-free survival (PFS) (As assessed by BIRC: 6.9 months [sac-TMT; 95% CI, 5.4-8.2] vs 2.8 months [docetaxel; 95% CI, 1.6-4.1], hazard ratio (HR)= 0.30 [range, 0.20 -0.46], one-sided p<0.0001; as assessed by investigator (INV): 7.9 months [sac-TMT; 95% CI, 6.2-9.5] vs 2.8 months [docetaxel; 95% CI, 1.5-3.8], HR=0.23 [95% CI, 0.15-0.36], one-sided p<0.0001). With 36.4% of patients in docetaxel group crossing over to receive sac-TMT, median overall survival (OS) was not reached (NR) for both groups (HR =0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.88; one-sided p=0.007). The median OS analysed by pre-specified rank-preserving structural failure time (RPSFT) model adjusted for crossover was 9.3 months for docetaxel and NR for sac-TMT (HR=0.36; 95% CI, 0.20-0.66). Efficacy benefit favored patients with sac-TMT over docetaxel across all pre-specified subgroups, including prior EGFR-TKI therapy, brain metastases, EGFR mutation type, etc. Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 56.0% of patients in sac-TMT group vs 71.7% in docetaxel group. The results demonstrated that sac-TMT monotherapy achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) compared to docetaxel, with a manageable safety profile. Sac-TMT is being extensively studied in the NSCLC field. Covering treatment settings from later-line therapy to early-stage postoperative adjuvant therapy, including both monotherapy and combination regimens. Currently, five company-led registrational clinical studies for sac-TMT in NSCLC are underway in China. Meanwhile, Merck Sharp & Dohmethe tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USAis also conducting five global Phase III clinical trials of sac-TMT for NSCLC in regions where it has exclusive rights. Professor Li Zhang, National Lead Principal Investigator, Medical Oncologist and Deputy Director of the Lung Cancer Research Centre at Sun Yat-Sen University, stated: "EGFR mutation is the most common driver alteration in NSCLC. The prevalence of EGFR mutations reaches 28.2% among NSCLC patients in China. Although third-generation EGFR-TKIs have become the standard of care for advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC and may significantly improve PFS, acquired resistance remains inevitable. Combining EGFR-TKIs with chemotherapy can offer additional survival benefits to some patients, but this approach is limited by safety concerns and may compromise future treatment options, posing significant clinical challenges. The publication of the OptiTROP-Lung03 study in the British Medical Journal marks a major milestonenot only highlighting international recognition of this study outcomes in lung cancer, but also demonstrating the global competitiveness of sac-TMT as a novel TROP2 ADC." Dr. Michael Ge, CEO of Kelun-Biotech, commented: "We are thrilled to see the OptiTROP-Lung03 study published in a top-tier journal. Currently, EGFR-TKIs and chemotherapy remain the standard of care for patients with EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC, but the challenge of increasing efficacy with manageable tolerability. The results from OptiTROP-Lung03 highlight significant survival benefits with manageable safety profile and suggest that sac-TMT could emerge as a new standard of care for this population. We remain committed to working with our partners to establish sac-TMT as a new standard of care for this patient population and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide." Registrational Study Led by Kelun-Biotech OptiTROP-Lung03: Sac-TMT monotherapy versus docetaxel for locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC after treatment failure with EGFR-TKI and platinum-containing chemotherapy OptiTROP-Lung04: Sac-TMT monotherapy versus pemetrexed in combination with platinum for locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with EGFR mutations that have failed EGFR-TKI therapy OptiTROP-Lung05: Sac-TMT combined with pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy combined with pembrolizumab for first-line treatment of PD-L1-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC; OptiTROP-Lung06: Sac-TMT combined with pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy combined with pembrolizumab for the first-line treatment of PD-L1-negative locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC; OptiTROP-Lung07: First-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR mutations by sac-TMT in combination with ositinib. Registrational Study Led by MSD NSCLC not achieving a pCR after neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery. NSCLC expressing PD-L1 >50% pre-treated NSCLC with EGFR mutations or other genomic alterations EGFR-mutated, advanced non-squ NSCLC progressed on prior EGFR-TK metastatic sg NSCLC About sac-TMT Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as NSCLC, BC, gastric cancer (GC), gynecological tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a novel linker to conjugate the payload, a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells. In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). To date, two indications for sac-TMT have been approved and marketed in China for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received at least two prior systemic therapies (at least one of them for advanced or metastatic setting) based on the OptiTROP-Breast01 study and EGFR mutation-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKI therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy based on the OptiTROP-Lung03 study. Sac-TMT became the first domestic ADC with global intellectual property rights to be fully approved for marketing. It is also the world's first TROP2 ADC to be approved for marketing in a lung cancer indication. In addition, two new indication applications for sac-TMT for the treatment of adult patients with EGFR-mutant locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who progressed after treatment with EGFR-TKI therapy and with unresectable locally advanced, metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) BC who have received prior endocrine therapy and other systemic treatments in the advanced or metastatic setting were accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and were reviewed via the priority review and approval process. As of today, the Company has initiated 8 registrational clinical studies in China. MSD has initiated 14 ongoing Phase 3 global clinical studies of sac-TMT as a monotherapy or with pembrolizumab or other agents for several types of cancer. These studies are sponsored and led by MSD. About Kelun-Biotech Kelun-Biotech6990.HKis a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. The company focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. The Company is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, the Company has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 3 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage, and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. The company has established one of the world's leading proprietary ADC platforms, OptiDC, and has 1 ADC project approved for marketing, 1 ADC project in NDA stage, and multiple ADC and novel coupled drug products in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://kelun-biotech.com/. Media: [email protected] SOURCE Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED 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 7 : An All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India, led by senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, met with key American lawmakers and officials to brief them on the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India's response through Operation Sindoor. During the visit, the delegation held a significant meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The Indian Embassy in Washington shared the update on social media platform X, stating: "The All Party Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor had a warm and candid conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State @DeputySecState today. The Indian Delegation briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor," the embassy posted. The delegation also met Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the influential US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In that meeting, the Indian lawmakers discussed the cross-border nature of the Pahalgam attack and reiterated India's firm stance against terrorism. "The Indian parliamentary delegation led by Dr @ShashiTharoor had a productive meeting with Senator @ChrisVanHollen, member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. The Senator sympathized with the victims of repeated terror attacks in India, said that [the US] stands with [India] in the fight against terrorism, and expressed support for India's right to defend itself," the embassy posted on X. Earlier, the Indian delegation engaged in candid conversations with members of the US Congress, senior officials from the US government, and representatives of American think tanks and media at a reception hosted by India's Ambassador to the United States. The visit is part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to build bipartisan support in Washington for stronger counter-terrorism cooperation and to deepen strategic ties between India and the US in the face of regional security threats. Earlier on Thursday, the Delegation had an "excellent meeting" with 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. Sanaa, June 7 : Yemen's Houthi group announced its readiness to exchange all prisoners with the Yemeni government, a significant proposal put forward by the group since the outbreak of the civil war in late 2014. The Houthi-run Saba news agency cited a statement by Abdul Qader al-Murtada, head of the Houthis' committee for prisoners' affairs, as saying that the group is prepared to carry out "a full exchange process that includes all prisoners from all parties without exception." Al-Murtada called on the Saudi government to pressure the Yemeni government "to respond to the initiative without preconditions." The internationally recognised Yemeni government is yet to comment, Xinhua news agency reported. The Yemeni government and the Houthi group implemented a UN-mediated major prisoner swap in 2023, exchanging around 900 prisoners. Another major exchange took place in 2020, with approximately 1,000 prisoners and detainees released from both sides. Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Houthi group seized control of much of northern Yemen, forcing the Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. Clashes between the Houthis and the Yemeni government have diminished since April 2022, following a UN-mediated truce. Earlier the Security Council 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 on Thursday, 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. By Stephanie Kelly and Robert Harvey NEW YORK (Reuters) -Rising OPEC+ supplies and new streams of oil coming online globally are increasing options for European and Asian refiners and weighing on export demand for light sweet U.S. crude, contributing to lower prices in the country's main oil-producing regions. The U.S., the world's largest crude producer, is facing increasing competition as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies pump more oil in a bid to regain market share and punish members that over-produce. Since April, OPEC+ countries including Saudi Arabia and Russia have made or announced increases totaling 1.37 million barrels per day, or 62% of the 2.2 million bpd they aim to add back to the market. The additional supplies come at a time of broad uncertainty for global oil producers as they assess how volatile trade policies are impacting the world's economic outlook and prepare for a longer-term future in which greener fuels could displace their barrels. For the U.S., lower demand for a significant portion of its crude will likely add to a complicated outlook for producers already digesting on-again, off-again tariffs from President Donald Trump's administration. Companies are considering cutting output and jobs even as Trump urges higher domestic production. U.S. exports fell to an average of 3.8 million bpd in May from an average of 4 million bpd in April, according to an analysis of weekly Energy Information Administration data. Prices have declined for crudes such as WTI-Midland, a key sweet grade from the U.S. shale region. Since early March, its price is off by 45% to a 60-cent premium to U.S. crude futures. Light Louisiana Sweet from the U.S. Gulf Coast has fallen by about 30% to a $2.70 per barrel premium over the same period. "That's a part of OPEC accelerating. Light sweets are weak, broadly speaking," said Jeremy Irwin, global crude lead at Energy Aspects, adding that demand is expected to fall further as European refiners favor medium crudes in the summer months. The U.S. sent 1.4 million bpd of light, sweet crude to Europe in May, versus 1.6 million bpd in April, data from Kpler showed. In May 2024, the U.S. exported 1.7 million bpd of light, sweet crude, which is lighter in density and lower in sulfur content, to Europe. While light crudes are typically easier for refineries to process, many global refineries have invested in upgrading capacity to run heavy-sour grades, which are usually cheaper and still yield sufficient quantities of higher-value fuels. Brussels, June 7 : NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels, "broadly" agreed to pursue a significant increase in member states' military spending to 5 per cent of GDP. However, sharp disagreements over the timeline and spending categories revealed deep divisions ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25. "There's broad support. We are really close," Mark Rutte, NATO's secretary general, told reporters after the meeting. He stressed that he has "total confidence that we will get there" by the next NATO summit in three weeks. Rutte proposed a compromise plan: setting a target of 3.5 per cent of GDP for core military spending, and an additional 1.5 per cent for broader security-related areas such as infrastructure, by 2032, Xinhua news agency reported. Member states are facing increasing pressure from the US, which first floated the 5 per cent target late last year. Washington has repeatedly urged its allies to raise defence budgets under the threat of reducing its security commitments in Europe. "To be an alliance, you got to be more than flags. You got to be formations. You got to be more than conferences. You need to be, keep combat-ready capabilities," US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said as he arrived for the meeting of defense ministers on Thursday. He acknowledged ongoing disagreements, saying, "There are a few countries that are not quite there yet... We will get them there." The sharpest differences emerged over the 2032 deadline and which expenditures count toward the two categories. While some countries criticised the timeline as too slow, others argued that the target is unattainable given current budgetary and industrial limitations. Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene pushed for an earlier deadline, insisting that 2032 is "definitely too late" and advocating for a 2030 target. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur noted Estonia would reach 5 per cent by next year and urged other nations to follow suit within five years. In contrast, countries such as Spain, Germany, and Belgium expressed concerns about feasibility. For them, meeting the 5 per cent goal would be "extremely difficult." The United Kingdom and Italy, meanwhile, are aiming for a more moderate goal of raising core defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035. According to NATO data, 23 of its 32 members are expected to meet the 2-per cent-of-GDP defence spending threshold by the end of this summer. Spain and Italy have pledged to reach that level by year-end, while Canada projects compliance by 2027. Defence ministers also approved updated NATO capability targets, which outline the military capacities needed to support operational plans and ensure collective defence. Priorities include air and missile defense, long-range strike capabilities, logistics, and large-scale land maneuver forces. Germany pledged a strong contribution to NATO's military expansion, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announcing plans to add 60,000 active-duty troops. "Given Germany's size and economic strength, we will shoulder a significant part of NATO's military build-up," Pistorius said. However, Germany continues to grapple with personnel shortages. Despite ramped-up recruitment, troop numbers fell further last year, while the average age of soldiers continued to rise. Across the alliance, economic headwinds and tight national budgets pose further obstacles. The Netherlands estimates it will need to spend an additional 16 to 19 billion euros ($18.24 to 21.66 billion) annually to meet its obligations, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans told parliament. Belgium's Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem cautioned in April that increased defence expenditures could come at the cost of welfare programs. "Every euro that's a deficit today ... is a euro that will be debt, and that debt will be one day a tax or a cut and in the social welfare state," he told the Financial Times. "Defence definitely requires our full attention, but so does also the sustainability of our welfare state." New York, June 7 : Elon Musk's threat, which he later retracted, to cut off NASA's use of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft would be a huge blow to NASA, depriving the space agency of the only American vehicle capable of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station and dramatically changing how NASA would access the $100 billion orbiting laboratory, The Washington Post has reported. The threat, posted on X, came during an escalating fight between the wealthiest man in the world and President Donald Trump, after Trump had threatened to cancel all of Musk's company's federal contracts. "Given SpaceX's importance to multiple federal programs, severing those relationships could leave NASA as well as the Pentagon and intelligence agencies in a lurch," noted the report. Several hours after making the threat, Musk relented, saying in response to a post on X that he should cool off and reconsider: "Ok, we won't decommission Dragon." Over the years, SpaceX has become a vital contractor, launching sensitive national security payloads such as satellites that provide missile warning, battlefield communication and guide munitions to precise targets, Xinhua news agency reported. In a statement, Bethany Stevens, NASA's press secretary, did not address how NASA would continue to fly its astronauts to the ISS without SpaceX, writing only that "NASA will continue to execute upon the President's vision for the fulfillment of space. We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the President's objectives in space are met." Earlier Elon Musk called for the impeachment of US President Donald Trump and announced the decommissioning of the vital SpaceX programme after accusing that Trump's name is in the Epstein files, according to media reports. "In light of the President's statement about cancellation of my government contracts, SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately," Musk said in a post on X. New York, June 7 : The Trump administration has closed a controversial program that used undercover US air marshals on flights to surveil passengers, and removed a government official who took responsibility for putting Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in it. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem called for an investigation into the program as she announced its closure on Thursday. DHS said the program cost taxpayers $200 million a year and "failed to stop a single terrorist attack." In a recent meeting, administration officials confronted leadership at the Transportation Security Administration over what they said was politically motivated use of the Quiet Skies program under the Biden administration, Xinhua news agency reported quoting The Wall Street Journal. "The clash over Quiet Skies, a program that has long been a cause for concern for civil liberties advocates, is the latest example of the Trump administration accusing career officials of political weaponization," it noted. The program was launched in 2010, and its existence was first uncovered by the Boston Globe in 2018. Undercover US air marshals travel on flights with individuals included in the program. Quiet Skies works to identify travelers who could present an elevated risk to aviation security. The program employs analysts and undercover air marshals to monitor people in airports and during flights, using outstanding warrants, facial recognition software, identification of suspicious travel patterns and behaviors and other data to try to prevent terrorist attacks. Quetta, June 7 : A Baloch human rights body has raised strong objections against the recent Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed by the Balochistan Assembly in Pakistan, terming it a threat to human rights and the rule of law. In a statement on Friday, the Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) condemned the passage of the Bill as a "deeply troubling development" that undermines constitutional protections and international human rights standards. "The legislation grants sweeping powers to state agencies, enabling the detention of individuals for up to three months without judicial oversight, thereby institutionalising the risk of arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances," read the statement issued by the BVJ. "The use of the Balochistan Assembly to legitimise such repressive measures marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing human rights crisis in the region. This amendment effectively provides legal cover for security forces to operate with impunity, bypass due process, and silence political dissent, human rights defenders, and peaceful activists," it further added. The BVJ emphasised that the Bill stands in clear violation of Pakistan's obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture (CAT). Highlighting that rather than addressing the underlying grievances and political demands of the Baloch people, the BVJ stated that the Pakistani government intends to deepen repression and fear through coercive legislation. "We therefore call upon the United Nations, international human rights bodies, and democratic governments to intervene and hold Pakistan accountable to its international commitments. Silencing people will not bring peace. Only justice and accountability can," the human rights body stated. Additionally, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, Paank, also unequivocally condemned the Bill, asserting that it aggravates the human rights crisis in Balochistan. The rights body highlighted that the legislation risks legitimising state-sponsored abuses and further entrenches a climate of fear, where political dissent and civilian expression are systematically suppressed under the pretext of counter-terrorism. "Balochistan has long endured severe human rights violations, exemplified by enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. For instance, families have reported loved ones, including activists and students, being abducted by security forces without legal recourse, often leaving them in anguish for years," Paank stated "In 2025 alone, the Paank documented over sixty-six cases of extrajudicial killings of individuals previously in state custody. Peaceful protests, such as those led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), have faced violent crackdowns, with security forces firing on demonstrators, as seen in the July 2024 Gwadar gathering where 14 were injured," it added. The human rights body revealed that Pakistan uses the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) Ordinance as a key tool in silencing dissent, notably used against BYC leadership Mahrang Baloch, along with activists Bebarg Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Beebow Baloch, and Shahji Sibghatullah, who were detained under the draconian law during a non-violent protest in Quetta. The rights body urged the international community, human rights defenders, and civil society to demand the immediate repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Bill 2025, the release of detained activists, and an independent investigation into human rights violations in Balochistan, adding that the systematic targeting of civilians and activists must end to restore justice and dignity. New Delhi, June 7 : Muslims across India are celebrating Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, on Saturday with religious fervour and devotion. The day began with special congregational prayers held at mosques and Eidgahs in cities and towns nationwide, as people gathered in large numbers to mark the sacred festival. Eid al-Adha, or the "Festival of Sacrifice," honours the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God. In commemoration of this act of devotion, Muslims around the world perform 'qurbani', the ritual sacrifice of animals such as goats, sheep, or buffalo, and distribute the meat among family, friends, and those in need. In India, the festival is being observed with great enthusiasm. In Delhi and Noida, large numbers of devotees offered Bakrid prayers early in the morning at major mosques. According to announcements from local mosque committees, Namaz timings varied slightly, in Noida, prayers were held around 7:00 a.m., while in Greater Noida, the timings ranged from 6:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. depending on the mosque. In Kalyan, Thane district of Maharashtra, police presence was heightened near the historic Durgadi Fort due to parallel events planned by the Thackeray and Shinde factions, both claiming to continue the legacy of Dharmaveer Anand Dighe's "Ghantanaad" movement, a 39-year-old tradition. In other parts of India, the celebrations continued peacefully. In Khurja, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, large crowds assembled at the Eidgah for morning prayers. In Bhagalpur (Bihar), thousands gathered at Tatarpur Masjid, CTS Ground, and Shahjangi Maidan to offer prayers. Similarly, in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Eidgah Mosque saw significant attendance during the morning Eid al-Adha Namaz. Bakrid celebrations are expected to continue throughout the day, with families coming together for festive meals, acts of charity, and community bonding. Authorities across major cities have deployed additional security to ensure peaceful observances. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, June 7 : US President Donald Trump planned to sell the red Tesla car he said he bought in March, according to local media reports. Trump originally purchased the car to demonstrate his support for Elon Musk amid a backlash over his role in the administration, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting The New York Times. "Administration officials said Mr Trump showed little interest in engaging with Mr Musk, even after the billionaire signalled he would be open to de-escalating the fight" they currently have, the report added. Late Thursday, Musk backed off a threat to "immediately" decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which transports NASA astronauts and supplies to and from the International Space Station. A short time later, when Bill Ackman, the hedge-fund billionaire, posted on social media that the two men "should make peace for the benefit of our great country," Musk responded, "You're not wrong." "For Musk, a prolonged feud with Trump could be hugely expensive," noted the report. His companies, including SpaceX, have benefited from billions of dollars in government contracts and were positioned to receive billions more. On Thursday, Trump threatened to end those contracts. The feud is risky for Trump as well, it added. Musk, the world's richest person, who spent about 275 million US dollars to help elect Trump in 2024, had promised to give 100 million dollars to groups controlled by the president's team before the 2026 midterms. Those funds have yet to be delivered and are now very much in doubt. This also comes against the backdrop of Elon Musk's threat, which he later retracted, to cut off NASA's use of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft would be a huge blow to NASA, depriving the space agency of the only American vehicle capable of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station and dramatically changing how NASA would access the $100 billion orbiting laboratory, The Washington Post has reported. The threat, posted on X, came during an escalating fight between the wealthiest man in the world and President Donald Trump, after Trump had threatened to cancel all of Musk's company's federal contracts. "Given SpaceX's importance to multiple federal programs, severing those relationships could leave NASA as well as the Pentagon and intelligence agencies in a lurch," noted the report. Several hours after making the threat, Musk relented, saying in response to a post on X that he should cool off and reconsider: "Ok, we won't decommission Dragon." New Delhi, June 7 : A man who issued a death threat to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has been arrested by a team from the North-West District Special Staff of the Delhi Police. The accused was apprehended from Ghaziabad following swift investigative efforts after the threatening call was made late on Thursday night. According to police officials, the threat call was made to the Ghaziabad Police Control Room (PCR) while the accused was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Shortly after the threat was received, the Delhi Police Control Room was alerted, and the matter was escalated due to the high-profile nature of the target. Investigators identified the caller and tracked his location, but by the time authorities reached the source, the suspect had switched off his mobile phone. After intensive tracing efforts, the Special Staff managed to arrest him from a hideout in Ghaziabad. Preliminary interrogation has revealed that the accused is a law graduate (LLB), who had been facing personal turmoil due to a troubled marriage. His wife had recently left him, which reportedly pushed him into emotional distress. Before making the death threat, he had placed another call in which he demanded to speak to his wife, police said. Interestingly, the accused was found in possession of fake identification cards that appeared to be police credentials, raising suspicions that he may have attempted to impersonate law enforcement personnel. Officers stated that he repeatedly tried to mislead the police during questioning. "Assessment of the threat perception of VIPs or VVIPs is conducted by security agencies on the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)," a senior Delhi Police officer said. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is entitled to Z-category security under the standard protocol. Security agencies are expected to reassess her security cover following this incident, officials confirmed. Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the accused has any prior criminal history or links to other disruptive activities. Authorities have also launched a separate enquiry into the use of forged police IDs found in his possession. Mumbai, June 7 : Bollywood heartthrob Vicky Kaushal turned cheerleader for his brother Sunny, who dropped a Punjabi rap song 'Mid Air Freeverse', and said that he is "very proud." Mumbai, June 7 (IANS) Bollywood heartthrob Vicky Kaushal turned cheerleader for his brother Sunny, who dropped a Punjabi rap song 'Mid Air Freeverse', and said that he is "very proud." Vicky took to Instagram, where he shared the music video featuring Sunny and wrote: "There's so much of you the world is yet to see so proud mere bhai! @sunsunnykhez This is pure FIREEEE!!! The words. The beats." "The flow honest and raw as how you truly are! Ladies and gents go check out #MidAirFreeVerse Great stuff @djupsidedown @iconyk_ @massappealindia & well shot @shabadsarin," Vicky added. Sunny stepped into the spotlight not just as a performer but also as a lyricist and vocalist on this high-energy number. Produced by UpsideDown and ICONYK, the track stands out for highlighting Sunny's Punjabi roots, which shine through in both its style and spirit. The visuals of the track present Sunny in a striking look, sporting a sleek black suit, a well-groomed beard, and timeless sunglasses that perfectly match the song's edgy vibe. The track showcases a surprising, carefree side of Sunny. Sunny started his journey in the film industry behind the camera, working as an assistant director on films like "My Friend Pinto" and "Gunday." He stepped into the spotlight with his acting debut in the 2016 comedy-drama "Sunshine Music Tours and Travels. Since then, Sunny worked on projects such as "The Forgotten Army Azaadi Ke Liye" and films including "Shiddat," "Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga," and "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba." Talking about Vicky, his latest release is "Chhaava", which is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj. It is by filmmaker Laxman Utekar. He will next be seen in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Love and War" alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. The film was officially announced in January 2024, with the announcement on Instagram reading, "We bring you Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic saga Love & War. See you at the movies." "Love and War" also marks Alia's second onscreen collaboration with Vicky after their 2018 spy thriller "Raazi." Washington, June 7 : Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has ignited fresh speculation in the American political landscape by hinting at the formation of a new political party, possibly named 'The America Party.' Though Musk has not made a direct announcement, a series of posts on his social media platform X have fuelled widespread discussions. In one of his posts, Musk floated a poll asking whether a new political party was needed in the United States. He claimed that 80 per cent of respondents supported the idea. "The public has spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80 per cent in the middle! And exactly 80 per cent of people agree. This is fate," he wrote. Following this, a user posted an image suggesting the name "America Party". Musk responded, "The name America Party sounds great. The party that really represents America!" He then made another post that simply read: "The America Party." The timing of Musk's posts is seen as significant, coming amid growing public tension between him and former ally US President Donald Trump. Once close political partners, their relationship has recently taken a dramatic turn. Musk had previously attended President Trump's Cabinet meetings and was present during the President's inauguration. He was also appointed head of the DOGE department and campaigned actively for Trump. However, that alliance appears to have fractured. Musk resigned from the DOGE department and has since been openly critical of Trump. In one striking post, he asserted, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senatea Such ingratitude." President Trump, on his part, has responded sharply, threatening to revoke subsidies and government contracts awarded to Musk's companies. Acknowledging their rift publicly for the first time, President Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, "Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore. I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot." New Delhi, June 7 : Celebrating the 11 years of transformative governance, citizen engagement platform MyGov has launched a series of exciting contests and activities for citizens, with cash prices up to Rs 1 lakh. MyGov has invited citizens to take part in "Viksit Bharat 2025 Quiz" and test their knowledge of India's development journey. This initiative aims to foster greater public awareness, celebrate collective achievements, and encourage active citizen participation in the nation's progress. "Participants can vie for attractive cash prizes: Rs 1,00,000 for the top performer, Rs 75,000 for the second and Rs 50,000 for the third. Additionally, 100 consolation prizes of Rs 2,000 each and 200 consolation prizes of Rs 1,000 each will be awarded, along with a digital certificate of participation for all," said the Ministry of Electronics and IT in a statement. MyGov has launched the "Har Ghar Swadeshi -- 1 Nation 1 Spirit Photo Story Contest". Citizens are encouraged to share a photo and a 150200-word inspiring story of a 'Made in India' product they use daily, highlighting its uniqueness and their motivation to choose Swadeshi. Eleven top winners will each receive a cash reward of Rs 11,000. Another exciting contest is the "Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav - Mini Vlog Contest" wherein the citizens are invited to submit a 2-minute vlog narrating and visually depicting a significant, impactful change in their locality since 2014. These vlogs, accompanied by a 100150-word description, will highlight improvements in infrastructure, public facilities, or digital advancements. The top 11 winners will be awarded Rs 11,000 each. The "Bharat ke Badhte Kadam - A Janbhagidari Photo Contest" seeks to capture the essence of people's participation in national initiatives. The participants are required to submit a photograph showcasing their involvement in any 'Janbhagidari' initiative (Swachh Bharat, Mission LiFE) along with a 50100-word description of their experience. Eleven top winners will receive Rs 11,000 each. Another exciting activity in the series is the "Ek Bharat, Pragatisheel Bharat Video Storytelling Contest" where citizens are invited to make a 1-minute video featuring a beneficiary explaining how a specific government scheme has positively impacted their life, bringing ease of living, dignity, or empowerment. This contest aims to spotlight the human stories behind policy transformations, informed the ministry. IANS na/ On June 5, TD Cowen analysts trimmed the price target for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) from $1,050 to $960, while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. This target price adjustment aligns with investors shifting their focus towards the third quarter results of the SURPASS-CVOT trial. TD Cowen's analysis demonstrates that LLY's tirzepatide needs to match a MACE hazard ratio of 0.9 or better to statistically outperform dulaglutide. Eli Lilly (LLY)'s Target Price Slashed to $960 by TD Cowen, Reiterates Buy Rating A scientist in a lab running tests on a variety of biopharmaceuticals. The investment firm hosted a survey of key opinion leaders, where 92% of the participants said they estimate a hazard ratio of 0.85 or better. Despite the positive outlook among survey respondents, investors remain wary about the possibility of attaining superiority over dulaglutide. Analysts also reworked their financial model for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) after the latest company updates and the Q1 2025 results. The 2026 EPS figures have been trimmed to $29.15, down by $0.25. The stock is now trading at a P/E ratio of 62.07, implying strong growth estimates. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a major global pharma giant based in Indianapolis that develops and commercializes medicines for diabetes, cancer, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. While we acknowledge the potential of LLY as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 : Muslims across Kerala were seen rushing to mosques and specially erected Eidgahs at various places in the state early on Saturday morning. In Kerala, Muslims account for around 23 to 25 per cent of the 3.30 crore population, behind the Hindus and followed by Christians, which account for 17 to 18 per cent. Eid al-Adha, or the 'Festival of Sacrifice', honours the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God. In commemoration of this act of devotion, Muslims around the world perform 'qurbani', the ritual sacrifice of animals such as goats, sheep, or buffalo, and distribute the meat among family, friends, and those in need. At Nilambur, where bypoll will be held on June 19, it was a busy early morning with the main candidates- Aryadan Shoukath of the Congress, M.Swaraj of the CPI(M), sitting independent Left legislator, who quit after difference of opinion with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, P. V. Anvar and Mohan George of the BJP are all engaged in their campaign, but on a low key. Shoukath and Anvar joined for the morning prayers at their preferred mosques, while Swaraj went around a few mosques near his home. Shoukath, however, after the prayers, has decided to take the day off, but George will be campaigning in and around the Pothukallu local body. In the state capital city and other district headquarters, specially erected Eidgahs were crowded as the South West Monsoon appears to have taken a break in the past two days, facilitating people to reach in large numbers. At Mundakayil village in Wayanad, the people were in a sombre mood as the local mosque was washed away in last year's landslide. "Many who were with us at the last Eid are not with us now. We remember how we celebrated last year's Eid, and that pains us deeply," said a few who had come to take part in the morning prayers. Patna, June 7 : Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, had a narrow escape as his convoy met with a major accident while returning from Madhepura to Patna. Three members of his security team sustained injuries in the mishap. The incident took place around 1:30 AM in the wee hours of Saturday near Goraul toll plaza on National Highway-22 in Vaishali district when a truck that had gone out of control rammed into a vehicle in the RJD leader's convoy at high-speed from behind. While explaining the accident, Tejashwi Yadav said that his convoy had taken a halt at a roadside eatery to have tea when a speeding truck suddenly hit one of the vehicles from the rear, causing chaos at the scene. Fortunately, Tejashwi Yadav was 5 feet away from the vehicle and he remained unharmed. "Had the vehicle moved just a little further, a big accident could have happened," Tejashwi Yadav told reporters, describing the incident as "very serious and worrying." He stressed the need for an immediate review of the security system for public representatives. Three members of his security team sustained injuries and were promptly admitted to Sadar Hospital. One of the injured personnel suffered a head injury and is under medical observation, though all are said to be in a stable condition. Upon receiving information, local police from Sarai Police Station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The truck involved was intercepted at the Goraul toll plaza, and the driver was taken into custody for questioning. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the accident. The incident has triggered sharp reactions in political circles. Several RJD leaders and workers expressed concern over Tejashwi Yadav's safety and questioned the adequacy of his security cover. They demanded a thorough probe and strict action against those responsible. Opposition leaders termed the incident as shocking and a failure of the state's security apparatus while extending solidarity with Tejashwi Yadav and the injured personnel. New Delhi, June 7 : Australian researchers have pioneered a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tool to assess the risk of developing type 1 diabetes (T1D). The tool, developed by researchers at Western Sydney University, predicts treatment responses, potentially changing how the disease is diagnosed and managed. The tool utilises an innovative risk score -- Dynamic Risk Score (DRS4C) which can classify individuals as having or not having T1D. It is based on microRNAs -- small RNA molecules measured from blood -- to help accurately capture the changing risk of T1D. "T1D risk prediction is timely, with therapies that can delay T1D progression becoming recognised and available. Since early-onset T1D before the age of 10 years is particularly aggressive and linked to up to 16 years of reduced life expectancy, accurately predicting progression gives doctors a powerful tool to intervene sooner," said Professor Anand Hardikar, lead investigator from the University's School of Medicine and Translational Health Research Institute. In their article published in the journal Nature Medicine, the research analysed molecular data in 5,983 study samples from participants across India, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the US, to develop DRS4C. By leveraging AI, the researchers enhanced the risk score, which was validated in 662 other participants. Just an hour after therapy, the risk score predicted which individuals with T1D would remain insulin-free. In addition to T1D risk and drug efficacy prediction, the risk score could potentially discriminate T1D from Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Mugdha Joglekar, lead researcher, from the School of Medicine and Translational Health Research Institute at the University, explained the difference between genetic and dynamic risk markers, adding that genetic testing offered a static view of risk. "Genetic markers identify lifelong risk, it's like knowing you live in a flood zone, but dynamic risk scores offer a real-time check on the rising water levels; it reflects current risk rather than a lifelong sentence, allowing for timely and adaptive monitoring without stigma," said Joglekar. New Delhi, June 7 : Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme a lifeline for millions of Indian farmers, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday. KCC is a banking product that provides farmers with timely and affordable credit for purchasing agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, as well as for meeting cash requirements related to crop production and allied activities. In a post on social media platform X, along with an infographic, Sitharaman said "Over 465 lakh applications have been sanctioned with Rs 5.7 lakh crore credit limit". "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) has become a lifeline for millions of farmers," Nirmala Sitharaman's Office stated on X. The scheme has led to "easy access to short-term crop loans". About Rs 5.7 lakh crore have also been sanctioned in credit, with "interest as low as 4 per cent with timely repayment" the post added. With the KCC scheme, farmers can get up to Rs 3 lakh loan at just 4 per cent interest, if repaid on time. An additional Prompt Repayment Incentive of 3 per cent is also being provided to farmers on timely repayment of loans, which effectively reduces the rate of interest to 4 per cent for farmers. Thus, for every one lakh KCC loan, farmers can save up to Rs 9,000 in interest per year. The government has also increased the subsidised KCC loan limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting approximately 7.7 crore farmers, including fishermen and dairy farmers. Further, the Financial Minister also lauded the government under PM Modi for increasing the Agriculture Budget and launching various schemes that cater to the welfare of farmers in the country. "From just Rs 21,500 crore in 2013 to Rs 1.22 lakh crore in 2024, the Agriculture Budget has seen a more than 5X rise, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's commitment to its farmers and their welfare," said Sitharaman's Office on X. Raipur, June 7 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against a Maoist operative in connection with the targeted killing of Indian Army personnel Motiram Achala in Chhattisgarh, the agency said in a statement on Saturday. The accused, Ashu Korsa, a resident of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh, has been chargesheeted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 302 (murder) read with 120B (criminal conspiracy), and various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act -- Sections 16 (terrorist act), 18 (conspiracy), 20 (membership of terrorist gang or organisation), 38 and 39 (supporting a terrorist organisation). The chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur. According to the NIA, investigations revealed that Korsa was part of a larger conspiracy hatched by the proscribed terrorist outfit, the CPI (Maoist), to eliminate Achala, who was visiting his native village at the time of the attack. On February 25, 2024, Achala was shot dead in full public view by armed Maoist cadres while he was attending a local fair in Useli village, located in the Amabeda area of Kanker district, along with his family. The brutal killing sent shockwaves through the region. The case was initially registered by local police but was handed over to the NIA on February 29, 2024, due to its national security implications. During its probe, the agency found that Ashu Korsa was an active armed cadre of the Kuyemari Area Committee under the North Bastar Division of the CPI (Maoist). The investigation further established that Korsa, along with another senior Maoist leader, had identified Achala and planned his assassination as part of a calculated move to terrorise the local population and deter individuals with any association with security forces. The NIA arrested Korsa in December last year in connection with the conspiracy, and stated that further investigations are underway to identify other conspirators and build a complete picture of the Maoist network involved in the operation. New Delhi, June 7 : After the Congress party accused the Modi government of "buckling under US pressure" during the IMF Executive Board meeting that approved a loan for Pakistan, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey issued a sharp rebuttal, invoking historical precedents. New Delhi, June 7 (IANS) After the Congress party accused the Modi government of "buckling under US pressure" during the IMF Executive Board meeting that approved a loan for Pakistan, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey issued a sharp rebuttal, invoking historical precedents. Dubey, citing declassified documents, said that following the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, international financial institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had poured massive funds into Pakistan -- "to support the infrastructure of terrorism". "Another gimmick of the Congress party, fully exposed," Dubey wrote in a post on X on Saturday, adding, "After the wars of 1965 and 1971, the Indian government had no choice but to walk out of IMF, World Bank, and ADB deliberations on Pakistan's loans, since the voting system gave India no effective say." He claimed that in the aftermath of those wars, billions of dollars in aid flowed into Pakistan. "From 1965 onwards, the USA, China, and Saudi Arabia have extended approximately 100 billion dollars in economic and military aid to Pakistan. International financial institutions have provided another 150 billion dollars in support," Dubey alleged. He accused the Congress of weaponising foreign policy for domestic politics. "If only the Congress didn't turn its hatred for Modi into hatred for India. This is the time to stand united with Prime Minister Modi to strengthen our armed forces and reclaim parts of Kashmir under Pakistani occupation. But Congress continues with its pro-Pakistan rhetoric," Dubey charged. On May 10, the IMF approved a one billion dollar loan to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility, following the successful completion of the programme's first review. The Congress has since questioned India's stance at the IMF Executive Board meeting, implying that the government did not do enough to oppose the move. Doubling down on his criticism, Dubey also revisited the Indus Water Treaty, calling it a historic blunder by the Congress. "The Gandhi family has fed Pakistan with both water and blood for the last 77 years," he wrote. "Prime Minister Nehru not only signed away 80 per cent of India's water to Pakistan through the Indus Water Treaty, but also gave them the equivalent of Rs 14,000 crore (at today's value) to build dams and canals. This is the India that the Gandhi family created -- an India that bled while Pakistan prospered," he said. Srinagar, June 7 : Thousands of devout Muslims gathered across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday to offer Eid al-Adha prayers. Peaceful congregations were also held in various cities and towns throughout the Union Territory. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah joined the devotees in offering Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine on the outskirts of Srinagar city. Hundreds of Muslims gathered at the shrine's lawns to offer prayers. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also offered Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine. This is the holiest Muslim shrine in J&K as it houses the Holy Relic of the Prophet. Authorities had made adequate arrangements for security, sanitation, and healthcare at different places for the devotees in Srinagar city and all other cities and towns across J&K. In Jammu city, the main Eid congregation was held at the Eidgah grounds in the Residency Road area of the city. Hindu and Sikh friends of Muslims were the first to greet them at the end of the Eid prayers in Jammu, Poonch & Rajouri districts. Large Eid congregations were also held in Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian districts. Children wearing new clothes accompanied their fathers to various Eidgahs, and after the prayers, Muslims embraced each other to carry forward the universal message of inclusive brotherhood of Islam. After the Eid prayers, the ritual of offering animal sacrifices will begin across J&K. Animal sacrifices are part of Eid al-Adha as these commemorate the greatest sacrifice offered by Prophet Abraham, who, under orders of Allah, decided to sacrifice his son, Ismail. As the blindfolded father tried to move the blade on the sonas throat, a lamb from heaven replaced Ismail under the knife. When Prophet Abraham unfolded himself, he saw Ismail smiling at a distance when a lamb had substituted him for the sacrifice. Muslims believe that when Prophet Abraham returned home handholding his son, there was a joyous celebration in the family -- Allah had accepted Abrahamas sacrifice and also saved Ismailas life. Eid al-Adha is the commemoration of that great event in Islamic history, and each year, the Hajj pilgrimage comes to an end with the pilgrims offering animal sacrifices in Mecca. The basic spirit behind Eid al-Adha is that the outcome of every event and the destiny of every human being are in the hands of God, with whatever name the faithful choose to remember Him. It is customary for Muslims to send mutton to their relatives, neighbours, and the poor on this auspicious day so that nobody is left out of the festivities of Eid. New Delhi, June 7 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted India's zero tolerance stance against terrorism and called upon the global community to uproot the menace. In a post on social media platform X, Union Minister Singh said that fighting against terrorism is not optional but a collective duty. The leader also shared his article in an English daily in which he suggested ways to stem the scourge of terrorism. The Defence Minister shared that for decades, India has been a victim of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan, whether it's 26/11 or the 2001 Parliament attack or the recent Pahalgam attack, but it stands taller, stronger, and more resolute than ever. "We have shown how to stem terrorism," Rajnath Singh said and suggested ways to the world to fight it. Stating that the currency of terrorism is fear, the Defence Minister highlighted how the terrorists failed to fracture Indian unity. The Pahalgam attack, in which the terrorists killed after identifying the people's religion and Pakistan's strikes on various religious sites belonging to different faiths were aimed at dividing the country, but they failed. He reiterated the NDA government's stance that any further dialogue with Pakistan will be only on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Asserting that talks and terrorism cannot go hand-in-hand, Rajnath Singh said if the neighbouring country was serious, it must hand over UN-designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. The leader also highlighted India's fundamental reappraisal of its policy towards Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, saying "earlier our armed forces were only allowed to engage in defensive action, but now the country conducts surgical strikes, Balakot strikes, and Operation Sindoor." He said that any act of terror is now considered an act of war, and "we will kill terrorists where they are". The leader also warned that Pakistan will have to pay the price if it is unable to rein in terrorists operating from its soil. The Defence Minister shared PM Modi's assertion that India will not rest till terrorism is uprooted. He shared that India has successfully isolated Pakistan diplomatically and economically and kept the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly renounces its support for cross-border terrorism. To effectively dismantle terrorist networks, he called for a widely accepted definition of terrorism for the investigation and prosecution of terrorist acts, and ensuring terrorists' extradition from abroad. He said that the donor countries and multilateral agencies must stop financing states sponsoring terrorism. Rajnath Singh said Pakistan has a history of misusing bailout packages for cross-border terrorism and should be again put on the grey list by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The state and non-state actors are two sides of the same coin in Pakistan, which became evident when designated terrorists were accorded funerals with state honours. He also warned that there is a threat that atomic weapons may end up with non-state actors in the neighbouring country. Rajnath Singh called for placing Pakistan's nuclear weapons under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. He also stressed the fact that the severity of reactions to terrorist acts cannot depend on where they occur or the nationality of the victims, as it emboldens perpetrators. The Defence Minister said, "It's time for all countries to come together and sign the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism." Mumbai, June 7 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Bollywood actor Dino Morea and his brother Santino Morea for questioning in connection with an alleged multi-crore scam involving the desilting and cleaning of Mumbai's Mithi River. His name had reportedly surfaced in the call records of Ketan Kadam, one of the 13 accused in the scam. The model-turned-actor has been directed to appear before the ED officials next week to record his statement. The summons come a day after the agency conducted a nearly 14-hour-long search at Morea's Bandra residence on Friday, as part of a broader probe into the Rs 65 crore desilting case. In addition to Morea's home, ED officials carried out simultaneous search operations at 14 other locations across Mumbai and Kochi. The probe involves several senior officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), private contractors, and intermediaries allegedly involved in the scam. On June 6, ED officers searched Morea's villa in Bandra West, Mumbai, and questioned him extensively. Officials said the operation was linked to an alleged money laundering case tied to fake bills and fraudulent contracts for desilting operations. According to sources, ED teams arrived early in the morning on Friday and secured the premises, restricting movement and seizing mobile devices. The searches were part of a larger investigation that included raids at 15 locations in Mumbai and Kerala. Earlier, on May 26, Dino Morea had been questioned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police at the police headquarters. His name had reportedly surfaced in the call records of Ketan Kadam, one of the 13 accused in the scam. The EOW had summoned Morea to clarify his alleged connections with Kadam, a contractor under scrutiny. Investigators believe that Dino Morea's phone number appearing in call data records of a key accused prompted deeper scrutiny into his possible role or knowledge of the irregularities. The scam allegedly revolves around fake billing and fraudulent Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) submitted to the BMC to falsely claim completion of desilting work. Police say no physical desilting was conducted in several cases, leading to urban flooding during monsoons in areas near the river. According to DCP (EOW) Sangramsingh Nishandar, the FIR in the case was initially registered at the Azad Maidan Police Station. It followed preliminary findings suggesting the use of forged bills and documents to siphon off public funds allocated for river cleaning. "The FIR covers multiple aspects of the scam, including the creation of fake contracts, fraudulent dumping of silt at non-existent locations, and manipulation of official records," Nishandar said. Police investigations revealed that contractors submitted fake bills for transporting and dumping desilted material at nine locations. However, in several instances, landowners claimed they had never signed any agreements with the contractors. In fact, some landowners listed in the documents reportedly do not exist. "There are major discrepancies in the MoUs submitted. Some documents mentioned landowners and dumping sites that were entirely fictitious," Nishandar added. The accused have been booked under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison. Some of the companies currently under investigation include Acute Design, Kailash Construction, N.A. Construction, Nikhil Construction, and J.R.S Infrastructure. These firms are accused of submitting fake MoUs and falsely claiming completion of desilting operations. Another significant revelation involves a company called Matprop, which conducted a field visit to the Mithi River in February 2020. Officials allege that, in collusion with BMC engineers, the company manipulated terms of the contract for personal and financial gain. Key BMC officials named in the FIR include Prashant Ramugade, Assistant Engineer and Designated Officer in the Rainwater Drainage Department; and Ganesh Bendre, Deputy Chief Engineer (East Suburbs), along with others. Private individuals and contractors named in the FIR include Jay Joshi of Virgo Specialities Pvt Ltd, Ketan Kadam of Vodar India LLP, Bhupendra Purohit, Deepak Mohan, and Kishore Menon. In total, five contractors, three middlemen, two company officials, and three BMC officials have been booked in connection with the case. Police say the scam caused significant financial loss to the BMC. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case was formed after BJP leaders and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), Pravin Darekar and Prasad Lad, raised concerns about the desilting project during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly. The desilting initiative was part of a larger Rs 1,100 crore Mithi River beautification and flood mitigation project undertaken to improve the city's drainage infrastructure. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Key Points Energy Transfer has a high-yielding distribution. The company has several expansion projects in its backlog that should fuel accelerating earnings growth in 2026 and 2027. It has many more projects under development to fuel future distribution growth. 10 stocks we like better than Energy Transfer Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) is known more for its lucrative cash distributions. The master limited partnership (MLP) currently yields around 7.5%. That's several times higher than the S&P 500, which has a dividend yield of less than 1.5%. While income is a key draw of this MLP, it also has a compelling growth profile. It's currently working on several organic expansion projects that will drive accelerated earnings growth in 2026 and 2027. Meanwhile, it has a robust pipeline of future growth opportunities. Because of that, Energy Transfer should have plenty of fuel to continue growing its high-yielding distribution in the coming years. Image source: Getty Images. About to stomp on the gas again Energy Transfer is on track to produce between $16.1 billion and $16.5 billion of adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) this year. That's about 5% higher than last year's total at the midpoint, a solid growth rate for a company offering such a high-yielding payout. However, it's down from the 13% growth rate it delivered last year, fueled mainly by acquisitions. The energy midstream giant expects its growth rate to reaccelerate starting next year. Supporting that view is a large wave of organic expansion projects currently under construction. Energy Transfer is investing $5 billion into organic capital projects this year (up from $3 billion last year). These projects include several more natural gas processing plants, its Nederland Flexport NGL Expansion, and the Hugh Brinson Pipeline. Many of the company's projects have in-service dates in the second half of this year and throughout the end of 2026. "As such, we continue to expect the majority of the earnings growth from these projects to significantly ramp up in 2026 and 2027," stated Co-CEO Tom Long on the company's first-quarter earnings conference call. As a result, its earnings growth rate could reaccelerate, especially once the first phase of its large-scale Hugh Brinson Pipeline comes online at the end of next year. More growth ahead Energy Transfer has many more potential expansion projects under development. It has already sold out capacity for phase one of the Hugh Brinson Pipeline. It's currently negotiating with potential customers for well in excess of the capacity for phase two. Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 : The standoff between Kerala's ruling Left parties and Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar intensified on Saturday, as both the CPI and CPI(M) continued to criticise his insistence on displaying an image of Bharat Mata at official events. The controversy erupted earlier this week when State Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotted the state-level Environment Day celebrations at the Raj Bhavan, objecting to the Governor's insistence on placing the Bharat Mata image on the dais. The boycott sparked a sharp political reaction, with both Communist parties denouncing the move as an attempt to politicise a constitutional post. The Communist Party of India (CPI) escalated its protest by writing to the President of India on Thursday, demanding the immediate recall of Governor Arlekar for allegedly violating constitutional norms and undermining federal values. The CPI also organised statewide sapling-planting drives on Saturday as a symbolic protest against what it called "saffronisation" of Raj Bhavan. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) reiterated its long-standing demand for the abolition of the Governor's post altogether. CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan said, "The Communist movement in India -- both in its undivided form and as CPI and CPI(M) -- has consistently demanded that the post of Governor be abolished. A constitutional amendment is needed, and we will continue to press for it." Tensions flared in Minister P. Prasad's hometown of Alappuzha on Saturday when BJP and RSS workers attempted to stage a procession carrying the Bharat Mata image and conduct prayers outside his residence. However, the situation was brought under control by a heavy police presence, preventing any major disruption. CPI Rajya Sabha MP P. Santhosh Kumar, who was among the first to raise objections after the Raj Bhavan incident, had earlier written to the President demanding Governor Arlekar's removal. This is not the first time the office of the Governor has come under fire from Kerala's Left government. Arlekar's predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan, was also frequently at odds with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, especially over university appointments and delays in granting assent to legislative bills. The friction peaked when the state cabinet refused to attend Khan's farewell function -- a customary gesture when a governor demits office. In contrast, Vijayan was seen personally receiving Arlekar at the airport upon his arrival in the state, suggesting hopes of a fresh start. That optimism, however, was short-lived. Last month, Governor Arlekar invited RSS ideologue S. Gurumurthy to deliver a lecture at Raj Bhavan following the completion of Operation Sindhoor -- a move that was sharply criticised by both CPI and CPI(M) leaders. Chief Minister Vijayan himself remarked that it was inappropriate to convert the Governor's official residence into a platform for the RSS. Now, with Arlekar standing firm on retaining the Bharat Mata image at public functions, the confrontation shows no sign of easing. New Delhi, June 7 : Focus on food safety essential to protect health and well-being, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Food Safety Day on Saturday. World Food Safety Day is observed annually on June 7 to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats associated with unsafe food. This year's theme, 'Food safety: science in action,' draws attention to using scientific knowledge as the key to reducing illness, cutting costs, and saving lives. "This World Food Safety Day, we come together to raise awareness about the essential role of safe and hygienic food in safeguarding health and reducing foodborne diseases. Food is the fuel that keeps us going every day. When we focus on food safety, we're protecting our health and the well-being of families everywhere," Nadda said, in a post on social media platform X. "This year's theme celebrates how science and technology is protecting our food quality and safety at every stage," he added. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in a post on X, noted that "science plays a monumental role in ensuring the food on your plate is safe" "From laboratories that test for quality to research that informs food standards, the power of science helps us make informed choices. Choose wisely, eat safely!" it added. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances such as heavy metals can lead to over 200 diseases. For safer food, the global health body urges individuals to keep food clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, keep them at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials during the preparation. "On World Food Safety Day, let us commit to safe food practices that protect health and prevent foodborne diseases. Safe food is everyone's responsibility and the foundation of a healthier, stronger, and safer tomorrow," said Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Food and Public Distribution, on X. New Delhi, June 7 : UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in New Delhi on Saturday morning for a crucial two-day official visit aimed at reviewing and advancing the UK-India economic and migration partnership. He held bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to further strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries. According to an official statement issued by the UK government, "The visit follows the historic Free Trade Agreement signed between the two countries and will deliver on this government's commitment to boost jobs and prosperity back in the UK, as part of the government's Plan for Change." During the two-day visit, Lammy is also expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition to meetings with top Indian officials, Lammy will also meet Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. The two leaders will explore further opportunities to generate economic growth and expand market access for British businesses operating in India. The visit comes on the heels of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed on May 6, a landmark accord expected to transform bilateral commerce. As per UK government projections, the new trade deal will increase bilateral trade by over A25 billion annually, raise UK's GDP by A4.8 billion, and enhance wages by A2.2 billion each year, resulting in tangible economic benefits for working-class citizens. The Foreign Secretary will engage with key figures in the Indian industry to explore ways to increase Indian investment in the UK and unlock new opportunities in both markets. His visit is seen as an important step in preparing the ground for a potential visit to India by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the near future. The FTA, finalised on May 6, is set to exempt 99 per cent of Indian exports from tariffs and simplify procedures for British firms exporting products such as whisky, cars, and machinery to India. This agreement, the largest trade deal signed by the UK since Brexit, also includes a double contribution convention to ease tax compliance and promote cross-border investments. Alongside economic discussions, the Indian side is expected to raise the pressing issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. This follows the UK's role in maintaining communication with both India and Pakistan during heightened military tensions between the two nations last month. The UK government said, "The Foreign Secretary is also expected to address the recent escalation in tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and how the welcomed sustained period of peace can be best supported in the interests of stability in the region." Notably, Lammy had earlier undertaken a two-day visit to Islamabad on May 16, during which he welcomed the understanding reached on May 10 between India and Pakistan to cease military actions, highlighting the UK's interest in regional stability. The visit will also take stock of progress made under the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as committed by the Prime Ministers of both countries. This includes reviewing developments under the UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in May and assessing the A400 million in trade and investment deals announced during the Economic and Financial Dialogue in April, aimed at bolstering the economies of both nations. Caracas, June 7 : A flight carrying 192 Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States arrived at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, which serves the capital Caracas area, the Ministry of Interior, Justice and Peace of Venezuela reported. According to a press release on Friday, the flight, operated by a US-registered aircraft, carried 156 men, 26 women, and 10 minors. The returned migrants were attended to under established medical, legal, and social protocols. Since February, Venezuela has been receiving two to three flights per week of individuals deported by US authorities, including those relocated from Mexico and Honduras, reports Xinhua news agency. So far in 2025, a total of 5,475 deported migrants have been processed under the government's Plan Vuelta a la Patria, designed to facilitate their return, official figures indicate. Earlier on Thursday, the South American country said that the United States government is carrying out a new campaign of "stigmatisation and criminalisation" against Venezuelans. The "stigmatisation" 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 US government announced it was restricting visas to nationals from several countries, including Venezuela. Bengaluru, June 6 : Karnataka Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna on Saturday termed the Chinnaswamy stampede which claimed 11 lives, an accident and further urged Opposition parties not to politicise the tragedy, even as Minister for Education Madhu Bangarappa rejected the demand for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation stating, "Who will ask for resignations regarding the Pahalgam attack?" Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Saturday, MLA Belur stated, "The BJP is politicising the stampede incident by pretending to stand with the families of the victims. How many were killed in the Prayagraj tragedy in Uttar Pradesh? If Prime Minister Narendra Modi resigns, our party will also call for a resignation here. No one should indulge in stirring up emotions." "This incident should not have happened, yet it occurred. Police officers have been suspended, and the Political Secretary of the Chief Minister has been relieved of his position. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are handling the issue well. All these incidents are accidental. We are also in pain, and confusion should not be created," MLA Belur asserted. "The compensation of Rs 10 lakh is not sufficient. It should be raised to at least Rs 50 lakh. I will appeal to the government in this regard. The BJP is engaging in politics. How many died during the Maha Kumbh Mela crush?" he questioned. MLA Belur also attacked Union Minister for Large and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy for demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. "You (Kumaraswamy) say anything. You should be ashamed. During the violence following the death of Kannada cinema legend Dr. Rajkumar, I witnessed how police shot down four persons. You were the CM then; did you resign?" he asked. He added that such a large turnout of the crowd was unexpected on June 4 during victory celebrations. Meanwhile, Minister for Education Madhu Bangarappa, commenting on the demand for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation, asked, "Who will ask for resignations regarding the Pahalgam attack?" "Suitable action has been initiated for the stampede tragedy, and no one who is guilty will be spared," he added. He further reiterated, "Who tendered resignation after Operation Sindoor? What action was taken for lapses? US President Donald Trump has stated that India and Pakistan are common friends. Now, are you happy? But, we stand with our Prime Minister. The Chief Minister here is doing everything possible." Minister Madhu concluded by stating, "The BJP is indulged in criticism and attacks CM Siddaramaiah, Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The BJP objects to Rahul Gandhi holding a copy of the Constitution; is it fair?" Chennai, June 7 : The makers of director Sekhar Kammula's highly anticipated pan-Indian movie, 'Kuberaa', featuring actors Dhanush and Nagarjuna in the lead, have disclosed that actor Nagarjuna has now completed dubbing for his portions in the film. The makers of the film, through the official handle of the film on X, said, "King @iamnagarjuna garu wraps his dubbing for #Kuberaa. Get ready to witness his power-packed presence from June 20th. In cinemas June 20, 2025." The film has triggered huge expectations amongst fans and film buffs. It may be recalled that the makers of the film have already disclosed that actor Dhanush plays a character called Deva in the film. It may be recalled that Dhanush, at the audio launch of 'Kuberaa', had praised the film's director Sekhar Kammula, calling him "a pure soul, like a divine angel." Dhanush also recalled his first scene for the film which he said he shot barefoot and under the scorching Tirupati sun. The actor shot the scene, dressed in rags. The experience, he said, had reminded him of life's essential truths, much like his time filming 'Raanjhaana' in Banaras, amidst funeral pyres. "Greed, money, worldly pleasuresthey're nothing," the actor had said. "What matters is a pure soul. 'Kuberaa' will make you realize that. I am 2000% confident about the impact this film will have." Apart from Nagarjuna and Dhanush, the film will also feature actors Jim Sarbh and Rashmika Mandanna in pivotal roles. The film, which is to hit screens on June 20 this year, is keenly awaited as this is the first time that National-award winning actor Dhanush has joined hands with ace filmmaker Sekhar Kammula. On the technical front, 'Kuberaa' has cinematography by Niketh Bommi. Ramakrishna Sabbani and Monika Nigotre are the production designers of the film. The film has been co-written by Chaithanya Pingali. Costumes for the film have been designed by Kavya Sriram and Poorvaa Jain. Kubera is being bankrolled by Suniel Naran and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao under the banner of Sree Venkateswara Cinemas. New Delhi, June 7 : The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Saturday issued an advisory to all e-commerce platforms to undertake a self-audit within three months to detect deceptive and unfair trade practices that are in the nature of dark patterns. Dark patterns are design elements used on websites and apps to mislead or coerce users into making unintended choices. These practices erode consumer trust, distort fair market dynamics, and pose a serious threat to the integrity of digital commerce. "All e-commerce platforms have been advised to conduct self-audits to identify dark patterns, within three months of the issue of the advisory, and take necessary steps to ensure that their platforms are free from such dark patterns," the CCPA said. Based on the self-audit reports, the e-commerce firms can "give self-declarations that their platform is not indulging in any dark patterns". The self-declarations will enable a fair digital ecosystem along with building trust between consumers and e-commerce platforms, the regulatory body said. The CCPA noted that it has also sent notices to e-commerce platforms, with instances of dark patterns that violate the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns. Further, the Department of Consumers Affairs constituted a Joint Working Group (JWG) to "examine and undertake measures to identify violations of dark patterns on e-commerce platforms". The JWG comprises representatives from concerned ministries, regulators, voluntary consumer organisations, and NLUs who will then share the information with the Department of Consumer Affairs at regular intervals. The group will also work to create awareness amongst consumers to refrain from dark patterns. The move is part of the government's broader strategy and ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the digital era and curb unfair practices in e-commerce and online services. The Department of Consumer Affairs had notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023 and specified 13 dark patterns, namely: false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription trap, interface interference, bait and switch, drip pricing, disguised advertisements and nagging, trick wording, saas billing, and rogue malware. New Delhi, June 7 : Alternate data sources and frontier technologies are increasingly becoming critical for policy making, according to Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the government, who emphasised the need for best policy which blends both traditional and alternative data sources. These high frequency indicators are more dynamic and offer timely insights, enabling policies to be more agile and responsive, he said during an event here, organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with NITI Aayog and the World Bank. "While traditional data sources reflect where we have been, the alternate data sources indicate where we are heading. He added that though alternate data sources provide real time information at a much granular level, they cannot replace tradition data sources," said Professor Sood. The event was attended by over 450 participants from central ministries, state governments, international organisations including the World Bank, academic and research institutions, and private sector entities. Professor Sood further highlighted various use cases where alternate data sources have been effectively used. He stressed on the need for collaboration between government, academia, researchers, industry and international organizations for effective use of new technologies. Professor Sood also called for ethical deployment of AI and said that data security and privacy concerns cannot be compromised. Further, he asserted that the development of techno-legal framework for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a gift of India to the world. Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said the policy-making process is a complex exercise which involve gathering of data, consultation with stakeholders and drawing insights. "AI/ML has facilitated timely processing of data for designing actionable policies. In this age and time, challenge is not to collect data but how to make sense of the data. The real challenge lies in addressing issues relating to data privacy, data security, regulatory framework, and institutional readiness," he noted. Dr Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, emphasised on the need of fostering collaboration with various stakeholders for developing a robust statistical system to address the data needs for policy making. He expected that in next 3-6 months, MoSPI will be able to implement some of the use cases that have been identified to harness alternate data sources and the application of frontier technologies. New Delhi, June 7 : New details have emerged in the espionage case against Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, with investigative agencies uncovering her direct link to retired Pakistani police Sub-Inspector Nasir Dhillon, who is now under the scanner for alleged Intelligence operations against India. According to Intelligence sources, Malhotra was in personal contact with Dhillon and had even appeared alongside him in a podcast episode. Their meeting reportedly took place during one of Malhotraas earlier visits to Pakistan. Dhillon, who launched his own YouTube channel after retiring from the Pakistani police, initially projected himself as a promoter of peace and cultural dialogue between India and Pakistan. However, investigators now believe that behind the public persona lay a covert mission orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and military. Officials allege that Dhillon operated as a conduit for Pakistani Intelligence, using his channel to reach out to Indian YouTubers. After establishing friendly ties with them, he would allegedly introduce them to ISI operatives and gradually assign them tasks aimed at gathering sensitive information about the Indian Army and security establishments. Malhotra, 36, is believed to be one such individual who was manipulated through this network. Sources further confirm that Dhillonas connections extended to Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani High Commission staffer in New Delhi who was expelled by Indian authorities on May 13 for suspected espionage. Investigators have found credible evidence linking Dhillon and Danish, indicating a broader and more organised spy ring operating under diplomatic cover. Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on May 16 under the Official Secrets Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She has since undergone multiple rounds of interrogation by both local police and central Intelligence agencies. She is among 12 individuals detained so far in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh as part of a wider crackdown on an alleged spy network attempting to exploit Indian digital influencers for Intelligence-gathering. As the probe deepens, security agencies are now expanding their focus to identify more potential infiltrators connected to this network, raising serious concerns over the use of social media as a new front for espionage. Kolkata, June 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Bengal this month for twin programmes, one administrative and the other political. A BJP state committee member said, "On May 29, the Prime Minister addressed a political rally at Alipurduar in North Bengal, but this time, he might address a similar rally in South Bengal." The state BJP leadership, he added, is keen that this time the political rally that the Prime Minister might address would be at Nandigram in East Midnapore district, where the elected legislator is the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari. "The political rally can coincide with an official programme of the Kolkata Metro Green Line. The state unit had sent a proposal to the Prime Minister's Office proposing a possible schedule for the Prime Minister in the state on this matter. On receiving confirmation from the Prime Minister's office, updated information will be provided," the state committee member said. He added that the state unit of the BJP is also keen that the twin programmes this month happen on June 20, considering the significance of the day for West Bengal. June 20 is historically considered Bangla Day (Foundation Day of West Bengal) since on that day in 1947, the decision to establish the state of West Bengal was sealed by a vote in the Bengal Provincial Legislative Assembly. However, there are controversies on the issue since the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government had already declared 'Poila Baishakh', the first day of the Bengali calendar, as the 'Bangla Day' or the 'Foundation Day' of West Bengal. CM Banerjee contended that June 20 was not acceptable as the 'Foundation Day of West Bengal', considering the day's associations with the partition of India and undivided Bengal and the pain associated with that history. On May 29, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the rally at Alipurduar, highlighted five crisis points that West Bengal was reportedly saddled with under the current Trinamool Congress government. Just three days after that, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a political gathering at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, claimed that Mamata Banerjee was "pained" by the success of Operation Sindoor, the strike, through which the Indian Armed Forces destroyed several terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. According to Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce has sent out a notice of intent to refuse export licenses for three 2.2 million barrel ethane shipments to China. Enterprise Products announces that it plans to deny EARs for three shipments to China. Aerial view of a refinery tower surrounded by the sprawling landscape of pipelines in an oil & gas midstream facility. The business has twenty days to reply. The denials will be formalized if no updates are received by the forty-fifth day. This comes after the BIS directive from May 23 that new licenses be obtained for the shipping of ethane to China. The average amount of ethane produced in the United States in 2024 was 2.8 million barrels per day (BPD), of which 492,000 were exported, with 227,000 (46%) going to China. Of the 213,000 BPD loaded at Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD)s Houston Ship Channel port, 85,000 BPD were shipped to China. In 2024, 37% of the United States' total ethane exports to China came from its Morgan's Point facility. U.S. ethane exports to China reached 290,000 BPD in 2025. Throughout its midstream energy network, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) manages more than 50,000 miles of pipelines and 300 million barrels of storage. While we acknowledge the potential of EPD as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 High-Growth EV Stocks to Invest In and 13 Best Car Stocks to Buy in 2025. Disclosure. None. Katra, June 7 : Domestic and international tourists travelling aboard the newly-inaugurated Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar on Saturday expressed joy and gratitude, praising the landmark rail service for revolutionising travel to the Kashmir Valley. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the high-speed train, marking the completion of the ambitious 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). The train gracefully runs through narrow gorges, deep valleys crowned with lush green forests and towering Himalayan peaks, amid serpentine tunnels carved deep into the heart of the Shivaliks, with River Chenab running parallel to it. The sleek, modern train which runs six days a week reduces the travel time between Katra and Srinagar to under three hours. Passengers onboard hailed the journey as both efficient and secure. Nestled in the northernmost part of India, Jammu and Kashmir stands as a timeless symbol of natural splendour and serene beauty. Among the many ways to experience this enchanting region, a train ride from Katra to Kashmir offers a breathtaking journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. PM Modi also inaugurated the Chenab railway bridge, the world's highest rail bridge, marking a historic milestone in India's infrastructure journey. IANS spoke to few tourists who were travelling in the train. "We never imagined we could reach Kashmir by train. It's like a dream come true," said one tourist from Delhi. "This unforgettable experience has been made possible by Prime Minister Modi. We feel safe, and the security arrangements are excellent." Radhika, another tourist , echoed the sentiment. "Earlier, there was always fear due to the region's history with terrorism. But today, travelling in Vande Bharat, I feel secure. This initiative will certainly uplift tourism and boost local businesses." Bhakti, a traveller from Kanpur, added, "It saves a lot of time compared to road travel. Despite past terror attacks, PM Modi has kept working for the betterment of this region. We're proud of his efforts. The launch coincided with the completion of the USBRL project, a marvel of engineering that includes tunnels, bridges, and winter-proof systems designed to operate in Kashmir's challenging climate. The train's advanced features ensure year-round operation, even in snowfall. According to railway officials, Vande Bharat trains numbered 26401/02 and 26403/04 will serve this route with cutting-edge technology and superior passenger comfort. Mumbai, June 7 : Exactly one year ago today, Sharvari graced our screen as Bela in Aditya Sarpotdar's 2024 horror comedy, "Munjya". Marking the 1-year milestone, Sharvani shared that before the release of the movie, she was both nervous and excited. Posting some behind-the-screen glimpses from the drama on social media, Sharvani penned an elongated note on her official Instagram handle that read, "1 year ago, on this day our film #Munjya released With hope, courage & love we introduced our bundle of happiness & hardwork to the world.. I remember leading upto the release my conversations with Dinoo sir, Aditya sir & Abhay were filled with nervousness and excitement but who knew 1 year later we would be here celebrating our superhit film .. aaaah!" Aside from receiving praise for her performance in the movie, the diva also garnered a lot of eyeballs for her song "Taras" from the drama. "#Taras will always be extremely special because it was my first solo song & to experience the love that I receive for it even today is unreal. Thank you to you all - the audiences who championed our film & gave us so much to look forward to in our careers ahead! This journey would be incomplete without yaall," Sharvari wrote. Showing her gratitude to the entire 'Munjya' team, she shared, "Thankyou to each & every one of you who made this possible #DineshVijan @aditya_a_sarpotdar @verma.abhay_ @amarkaushik @pvijan @sharadakarki @shraddha_thorat_ @monajsingh @ayootaran @bhagyashreelimaye - @maddockfilms family & the whole cast & crew." Sharvari concluded the post on a sweet note saying, "Ps. Who knew this scary little creature #Munjya would bring so much love & happiness to my life!" Backed by Amar Kaushik and Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films, the drama talks about the legend of Munjya from Indian folklore. Along with Sharvari, "Munjya" also stars Abhay Verma, Sathyaraj and Mona Singh in crucial roles. Patna, June 7 : BJP Bihar President Dilip Jaiswal launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that wherever Gandhi campaigns, the Congress party loses elections. His remarks came a day after Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's high-profile visit to Gaya and Nalanda districts in Bihar, where the Congress leader criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "Rahul Gandhi went to Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Congress lost the elections there. Now he has come to Bihar, and Congress will lose again," said Jaiswal while speaking to the mediapersons in Patna. He further said, "Rahul Gandhi will drown the Congress party's ship in Bihar as well." LoP Gandhi, during his visit, had accused PM Modi of surrendering under pressure from US President Donald Trump during last month's Indo-Pakistan military standoff, referring to the events surrounding 'Operation Sindoor' and the subsequent ceasefire. LoP Gandhi also labelled Bihar as the "crime capital of India", blaming both PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. In response, Dilip Jaiswal strongly defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stating that Bihar has made rapid strides in development under his leadership since 2005. "Nitish Kumar always thinks about Bihar's development. He takes our class for one-and-a-half to two hours regularly, teaching us how to work better for Bihar," Jaiswal said. "He is like a teacher who constantly pushes us to do more for the progress of the state," Jaiswal said. Dilip Jaiswal also criticised Rahul Gandhi for his stand on caste-based census and reservation for backward caste people of the country. "Rahul Gandhi should first answer why the Congress government suppressed the Kaka Kalelkar report for 30 years. Why was the Backward Classes Commission not given constitutional status? This shows their double-faced nature. "I stated that the Congress is the master, meaning the owner and its master have deceived people repeatedly. History and records clearly show that Congress has consistently opposed the rights of the backward and extremely backward classes," Jaiswal said. The BJP leader's comments reflect the growing political heat in Bihar as the state braces for the next electoral battles expected to take place in October and November. Rahul Gandhi's visit and his criticism of the state and central governments have triggered strong reactions from BJP leaders, who are aiming to consolidate their support base ahead of the upcoming Bihar elections. Chennai, June 7 : Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah is set to visit Madurai on Saturday, sparking renewed political interest in Tamil Nadu over the party's southern strategy and the potential expansion of the NDA in the state. According to party sources, HM Shah will arrive in Madurai late on Saturday and is scheduled to participate in the BJP's Tamil Nadu core committee meeting the following day. He will also address office-bearers from the state, district, and mandal levels in what is being viewed as a strategic push to strengthen the BJP's base in the southern districts. BJP national co-in-charge for Tamil Nadu, P. Sudhakar Reddy, said the visit would primarily focus on strengthening the party's organisational structure and preparing for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. "He will speak on various matters, including the achievements of the Modi government over the past 11 years. Amit Shah will also outline a road map for the BJP's strategy in the state," Reddy said. HM Shah's visit comes at a time when discussions over the NDA's expansion in Tamil Nadu are gaining traction. His previous visit to the state on April 11 marked a significant political moment, as it was during that trip to Chennai that he formally announced the revival of the BJP-AIADMK alliance. That announcement sent ripples across the state's political landscape. Commenting on the choice of Madurai as the venue, BJP state vice-president Narayanan Thirupathy dismissed any special political significance. "The Union Home Minister has previously chaired meetings in Chennai and Coimbatore. This time it's Madurai," he said. However, BJP insiders suggest that Madurai, often referred to as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, holds symbolic value. The city has long been a stronghold of spiritual and cultural traditions aligned with the Sangh Parivar, and the party is keen to consolidate its base in the southern belt. In line with this, the BJP and its affiliate Hindu Munnani are organising a 'Lord Muruga Devotees Conference' in Madurai later this month. Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson and senior leader ANS Prasad highlighted the impact of HM Shah's earlier visit. "His April 11 trip to Tamil Nadu changed the political narrative in the state. The announcement of the AIADMK-BJP alliance shook the DMK and its allies. Since then, leaders including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin have consistently addressed the implications of that alliance. Tamil Nadu politics can now be seen in two phases before and after Amit Shah's April visit." Prasad added that HM Shah's upcoming speech in Madurai is expected to offer clear direction for the 2026 elections. IANS aal/rad Berlin, June 7 : A high-level All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India, led by senior BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, concluded its engagements in Germany, receiving strong support for India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. The delegation was on an official visit to Germany from June 5 to June 7 to strengthen bilateral ties and convey India's firm stance on terrorism, especially in the aftermath of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir. In its meetings with senior representatives of the German government, Bundestag (Parliament), and leading think-tanks, the delegation conveyed India's principled position of "Zero Tolerance against Terrorism" and detailed India's measured and targeted response through 'Operation Sindoor'. The delegation emphasised that the Indian response was precise, responsible, and non-escalatory, aimed at defending national interests without provocation. During their visit, the delegation called on Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of Germany, who reiterated Germany's strong support for India's right to self-defence and condemned the Pahalgam attack in the strongest terms. He also recalled his recent interaction with India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. The Indian MPs also met Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the Bundestag, and highlighted three key aspects of India's counter-terror strategy, zero tolerance, resistance to nuclear blackmail, and commitment to bilateral resolution with Pakistan. The delegation's discussions extended to senior Bundestag members including Armin Laschet, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ralph Brinkhaus, and Hubertus Heil, who conveyed condolences for the Pahalgam victims and acknowledged the strategic implications of terrorism on regional stability and tourism in Kashmir. In interactions with German foreign policy specialists and representatives of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) think tank, the Indian side stressed that terrorism is a global threat requiring unified international action. At a reception hosted by Indian Ambassador, Ajit Gupte, the delegation outlined India's long-standing and consistent fight against terrorism, the bipartisan support for 'Operation Sindoor' within India, and the need to hold perpetrators accountable. The delegation concluded engagements by reinforcing the importance of India-Germany collaboration in areas of Defence, security, and counter-terrorism, as both nations seek to deepen their strategic partnership. Mumbai, June 7 : As "Munjya" completed a year since its release in Hindi cinema, actress Sharvari celebrated the moment and said that being a Maharashtrian, she has always been fascinated by mythology and folklore. Mumbai, June 7 (IANS) As "Munjya" completed a year since its release in Hindi cinema, actress Sharvari celebrated the moment and said that being a Maharashtrian, she has always been fascinated by mythology and folklore. She said: "Being a Maharashtrian, I've always been fascinated by mythology and folklore. I had heard of Munjya growing up, but when this script came to me, the level of detail and imagination just blew my mind." The actress said that she thoroughly enjoyed shooting for the film. Sharvari added: "We all had a great rapport on set which made things easy. Munjya was India's first CGI actor... There was no character reference that we could see so we all had an imagination and we were acting/reacting on our own." The idea of Marathi folklore becoming a big-scale Hindi film excited Sharvari instantly. She said: "And with Aditya Sarpotdar sir directing it, I was thrilled. I've seen most of his films and they have been mind-blowing. We also shot in the Konkan belt, and he was so well-versed with everyone therethe language, the terrain, the food, the delicacies. We learnt a great deal from him." Talking about the film, Sharvari said, "I still can't believe it's already been a year since Munjya released. Playing Bela was such a creatively fulfilling experience, but what truly took me by surprise was the overwhelming love audiences showed for our dance track 'Taras.'" "For someone just starting out, having a producer like Dinesh Vijan sir back me with such a big, high-energy number was surreal." The actress said that she has only seen "established actors or dancing idols getting big dance numbers because they have the pull and the popularity to hook people's interest." "It is a great pat on my shoulders that I can do it too and try to have a hit dance anthem to my credit!" Sharvari further shared, "To see Munjya cross the 100-crore mark and still be so loved a year later feels surreal. And the fan celebration today made it all even more special. Walking into the dance workshop and seeing their faces light up genuinely moved me." "I got to thank them in person for carrying Bela and 'Taras' with them over the past year. One of them even asked me to do the hookstepand of course, I had to join in! We danced together, shared laughs, and they even surprised me with a sweet birthday gift for the film's anniversary." She said that it was one of those full-heart moments that reminded her exactly why she loves "being part of cinema." Munjya, a horror comedy also stars Abhay Verma, Sathyaraj and Mona Singh. The titular character was entirely created using CGI. It is the third installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and focuses on the legend of Munjya, inspired by Indian folklore and mythology. Katra, June 7 : In a heartwarming and symbolic moment, a family from Varanasi celebrated their son's sixth birthday on the world's highest railway bridge - the Chenab Railway Bridge while travelling by the Vande Bharat Express train - on Saturday, turning the engineering marvel into a stage for cherished memories. Katra, June 7 (IANS) In a heartwarming and symbolic moment, a family from Varanasi celebrated their son's sixth birthday on the world's highest railway bridge the Chenab Railway Bridge while travelling by the Vande Bharat Express train on Saturday, turning the engineering marvel into a stage for cherished memories. The family marked the occasion with joy and pride, expressing deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making such a moment possible. "We never imagined we would one day celebrate our child's birthday on a bridge taller than the Eiffel Tower," the father told IANS. "This moment is truly special. Celebrating on this historic structure fills us with pride. We're grateful to the Prime Minister for this gift to the nation," he added. The mother echoed the sentiments, saying, "We could never have dreamed of something like this. This bridge isn't just infrastructure, it's now a part of our children's most precious memories. Thank you, PM Modi." Even the young birthday boy chimed in with joy, saying, "I'm feeling very happy! Thank you, Modi Uncle, for this amazing birthday on such a high bridge!" The Chenab Railway Bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on Friday, stands as the tallest railway bridge in the world, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower. Spanning the Chenab River, this architectural feat is part of the monumental Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), now fully operational and linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail for the first time. The inauguration coincided with PM Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir following 'Operation Sindoor', launched after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The launch of infrastructure projects, including the Chenab Bridge and two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, sent a powerful message of resilience and development. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 43,780 crore, the USBRL project features 36 tunnels covering 119 km and 943 bridges. It offers year-round, all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, revolutionising transport and trade in the region. In Katra, the Prime Minister also inaugurated projects worth Rs 46,000 crore, underscoring his government's commitment to regional development. Just weeks after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the inauguration of multiple all-weather infrastructure projects in Kashmir served as a strong message from PM Modi that his government remains committed to the development of the region and India remains strong in the face of adversity. Seoul, June 7 : South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will attend the summit of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced countries in Canada later this month as he has received an invitation to the event, his office said on Saturday. Lee will take part in the G7 summit in Alberta from June 15-17, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. It will mark Lee's debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage after he took office on Wednesday following his victory in the June 3 presidential election. South Korea is not a G7 member state but was invited to the expanded G7 sessions in 2021 and 2023, when Britain and Japan were the host countries, respectively. On the sidelines of the G7 summit, there is a possibility that Lee could hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. A trilateral summit among the three leaders could also be held. Amid renewed US-China tensions, Lee vowed to pursue "pragmatic" diplomacy centred on national interests. He said the South Korea-US alliance remains the foundation of Seoul's foreign policy, also vowing to strengthen the trilateral partnership with the US and Japan, which was bolstered under the previous administration, based on a solid Seoul-Washington alliance. Lee held his first phone talks with Trump on Friday night, and they agreed to swiftly reach a mutually satisfactory agreement on US tariffs on South Korean exports. During the talks, Trump extended an invitation for Lee to visit the US. Speaking about the 20-minute phone conversation, a Seoul presidential official told reporters the two leaders have "successfully" affirmed their sense of closeness while building an amicable atmosphere, Yonhap news agency reported. The phone talks marked the resumption of top-level diplomacy with the US following six months of a leadership vacuum in South Korea, triggered by former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid in December. When asked about the possibility of Seoul sending a delegation led by a special envoy to coordinate a potential Lee-Trump summit, the Seoul official said, "Currently, we are more thoroughly preparing for the participation in the G7 summit." The official said the government is also in consultations with China and Japan to arrange phone talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ishiba of Japan. It has not been decided whether Lee will attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders' gathering in the Netherlands on June 24-25, according to the presidential office. New Delhi, June 7 : Lending rates are expected to drop by about 30 basis points (bps) after the recent cut in policy rates, according to a new SBI report. This change will be felt most immediately in loans linked to the External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR), which account for around 60 per cent of all loans given by Scheduled Commercial Banks (ASCBs), as per the data compiled by State Bank of India (SBI) Research said. The report said that because of this high share of EBLR-linked loans, the impact of the policy rate cut will be passed on quickly, making loans cheaper for many borrowers. "This move is aimed at reducing borrowing costs and boosting demand in the economy," the report added. However, the fall in lending rates could hurt banks' profit margins. To help ease this pressure, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also lowered the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), which will reduce the cost of funds for banks. While the CRR cut may not directly change deposit or lending rates, SBI said it could help banks slightly improve their Net Interest Margins (NIM) by 3 to 5 bps. Additionally, the report noted that the CRR cut could improve liquidity in the banking system. It is expected to reduce the amount of base money (M0) and raise the money multiplier by 20 to 30 bps, which may support better credit flow in the economy. Meanwhile, banks have already begun cutting fixed deposit (FD) rates. Since February 2025, FD rates have come down by 30 to 70 bps, and SBI expects more reductions in the coming months as the trend continues. Looking ahead, SBI warned that although lower rates benefit borrowers, banks might continue to face pressure on their profit margins. "The exact impact will vary from bank to bank, but overall margins are likely to shrink," as per the report. Finally, the report said that any future change in monetary policy will depend on how the economy performs. While there is limited room for more rate cuts, a large profit transfer from the RBI to the government has improved the government's financial position. For now, SBI expects no further policy rate changes in the next quarter. New Delhi, June 7 : Union Minister of Earth Sciences (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh on Saturday left for France to lead a high-level Indian delegation at the International Meet on Oceans. The event will be held at the French city of Nice, as part of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) from June 8 to 13. "Looking forward to representing India at the French picturesque coastal city of Nice, in the United Nations Ocean Conference," Singh shared in a post on X. At the general debate at UNOC3, Singh will articulate India's stance on ocean policy, highlighting the country's initiatives in marine research, coastal resilience, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. His visit to France marks a significant step and reiterates Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to India's global engagement in ocean sustainability and marine cooperation. The high-level international gathering will bring together leaders, scientists, policymakers, and civil society actors from across the globe to discuss sustainable ocean governance and concrete actions for the health of the world's oceans. In addition to the formal sessions of the Conference, Singh is slated to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from France, Germany, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Chile, among others. These meetings are expected to strengthen India's cooperation with key global players on issues ranging from marine pollution to ocean science and financing for blue economy initiatives. The third edition of the UN Ocean Conference -- co-hosted by France and Costa Rica -- will focus on key themes such as restoring marine ecosystems, reducing marine pollution, promoting ocean-based scientific cooperation, and mobilising resources for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14. The conference will feature "Ocean Action Panels" involving governments, UN bodies, researchers, industry leaders, and NGOs to forge partnerships and propose practical, scalable solutions. Ahead of the conference, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organised two Blue Talks in collaboration with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica in the national capital. These sessions brought together scientists, officials, and stakeholders from multiple sectors to share best practices and develop concrete recommendations on marine governance and conservation. Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) has signed a new long-term deal with U.K. energy company Centrica, worth roughly 20 billion ($27.1 billion), to supply natural gas to the U.K. over the next decade. Starting October 1, the agreement is based on current market prices and will provide about 10% of the countrys annual gas needs. Equinor and Centrica Ink $27 Billion Natural Gas Supply Deal for U.K. Despite efforts to cut back on fossil fuels, around 70% of U.K. homes still rely on gas for heating, and gas power plants contribute roughly 25% of the nations electricity. Under the agreement, Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) will deliver about 5 billion cubic meters of gas per year, compared to the U.K.'s 2024 total demand of 55.8 billion cubic meters. Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) Chief Executive Anders Opedal made the following statement: This agreement will continue to support the U.K.s energy security with reliable gas supplies from the Norwegian continental shelf. This deal replaces an earlier 10-year contract between the two companies that began in 2015 and ends in 2025. Last year, the U.K. imported nearly two-thirds of its gas supply, with Norway accounting for half of those imports, especially after Russian gas exports to Europe dropped following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. EQNR has surged by over 4% in the past month. While we acknowledge the potential of EQNR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Why These Energy Stocks Are Losing This Week and 20 Best Dividend Growth Stocks with High Yields Disclosure. None. Mumbai, June 7 : Actress Shriya Pilgaonkar has taken on the role of a police officer for the drama "Chhal Kapat The Deception". In order to enhance her performance, Shriya interacted with the female police officers of Uttar Pradesh, including ADG Padmaja Chauhan. She was further introduced to 1090, a cutting-edge women's redressal helpline in the state. Calling her time in Lucknow an eye-opener, Shriya said, "Lucknow has such a timeless charm. I have visited the city many times including for shoots and I've always admired the city for its rich culture, warm people, and lip-smacking food." Shedding light on her conversation with the lady officers, she added, "But what truly moved me was meeting the incredible women police officers and learning about the 1090 helpline. It's not just a call centreit's a lifeline for women across Uttar Pradesh. I was amazed by the scale of operations and the commitment with which these officers handle distress calls, often from women in deeply vulnerable situations. The way they respondwith empathy, urgency, and resolveleft a lasting impact on me." Revealing how her experience enriched her character Devika for "Chhal Kapat The Deception", the diva went on to say, "It also gave me newfound love for my character in 'Chhal Kapat The Deception'. Devika, the character I play, isn't just a copshe's a woman balancing her own pain and past while standing tall in the face of injustice. I hope audiences connect with that emotional truth when they watch the series". Set in a village near Burhanpur, "Chhal Kapat The Deception" talks about a rising social media influencer, who is found dead at her friend's wedding. Made under the direction of Ajay Bhuyan, the project boasts a stellar cast including Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi, Tuhina Das, Yahhve Sharma, Pranay Pachauri, Smaran Sahu, and Anuj Sachdeva, among others. Produced by Juggernaut Production, "Chhal Kapat The Deception" premiered on ZEE5 on June 6. Raipur, June 7 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against Maoist cadre Ashu Korsa in connection with the targeted killing of an Indian Army jawan, Motiram Achala, in Chhattisgarh. The chargesheet, filed in the NIA special court in Jagdalpur, outlines Korsa's involvement in a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the banned CPI (Maoist) to eliminate Achala. Achala, a soldier visiting his native village, was brutally shot dead on February 25, 2024, while attending a local fair in Useli village in the Amabeda area of Kanker district. The attack, carried out in full public view, was intended to instil fear among locals and deter individuals associated with security forces. The case was initially registered by local police but was transferred to the NIA on February 29, 2024, due to its national security implications. Investigations revealed that Korsa was an active armed cadre of the Kuyemari Area Committee under the North Bastar Division of the CPI (Maoist). Alongside another senior Maoist leader, he played a key role in identifying Achala and executing the attack. The operation was part of a broader strategy by the insurgent group to assert dominance in the region and intimidate civilians. Korsa was arrested by the NIA in December last year, marking a significant breakthrough in the case. His involvement underscores the deep-rooted network of Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh, where armed cadres continue to challenge state authority through violent means. The agency has invoked multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and criminal conspiracy, along with provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover additional conspirators and map the full extent of the Maoist network behind the attack. The NIA's efforts reflect a broader push to dismantle insurgent operations and restore stability in the affected regions. Security forces continue to monitor developments closely, ensuring that those responsible for such acts of violence are brought to justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist elements operating in Indiaas conflict-ridden areas. Chennai, June 7 : Well known actress Meera Jasmine, whose outstanding performances have helped her make a name for herself in both the Tamil and Malayalam industries,on Saturday offered prayers for the family of actor Shine Tom Chacko, whose father Sibi Chacko died in a tragic car accident in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu on Friday. Taking to her Instagram stories section, the actress, who posted a family picture of actor Shine Tom Chacko, wrote, "Prayers for the grieving family. Times like these constantly remind us about how important kindness is... Grief is a very real thing. Let's be kind..." On Friday, the news of the demise of Shine Tom Chacko's dad Sibi Chacko sent shock waves across the Malayalam and Tamil film industries. The accident took place at Paraiyur near Palacode in Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu on Friday. Reports from the region claimed that actor Shine Tom Chacko was travelling along with his mother Maria Carmel, father Sibi Chacko, brother Joe John Chacko and his manager Anis when the accident occurred. Shine Tom Chacko's hand was fractured in the accident and his mother sustained injuries in her spinal cord. His brother and manager also sustained injuries. The actor and his family members were on their way to Bangalore for his medical treatment when the mishap occurred. News reports emerging from the area claimed that the accident occurred as a result of the car ramming a lorry that switched lanes suddenly. All those injured were taken for initial treatment to the Dharmapuri Government hospital after which they returned to Thrissur in Kerala. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of the actor's father Sibi Chacko have been taken to a mortuary in Thrissur. The family is waiting for the arrival of actor Shine Tom Chacko's sisters from New Zealand, after which the funeral is expected to take place. Seoul, June 7 : South Korean appeals court has ruled in favour of a 107-year-old South Korean victim of Japan's wartime forced labour in a damages suit filed against Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., sources said on Saturday. The civil appeals division of the Seoul Central District Court overturned a lower court's ruling handed down in 2022 that rejected Kim Han-soo's suit seeking compensation from the Japanese company on the grounds that the case's statute of limitations had expired. In May, the appeals court ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to pay 100 million won ($73,400) in compensation to Kim in a ruling that came about 80 years after he was conscripted into Japan's wartime forced labour. Despite the court's ruling, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is not likely to pay the compensation. Kim said he was forced to work in a shipyard run by the Japanese firm in 1944 during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. In previous damages suits related to forced labor, courts largely ruled that the statute of limitations expired in May 2015, three years after the Supreme Court acknowledged the legal right to claim damages by Korean victims of Japan's forced labour for the first time, Yonhap news agency reported. South Korean civil law stipulates that the legal right to claim damages expires three years after the victim discovers the harm and identifies the offender. But the appeals court ruled in favour of Kim, judging that the statute of limitations related to forced labour-related damages suits should be calculated based on a separate 2018 ruling by the Supreme Court, effectively pushing back the expiration of the statute of limitation. Kim's damages suit against Mitsubishi was filed in 2019. In 2018, the Supreme Court ordered Japanese firms to compensate Korean victims of Tokyo's forced labour in a landmark ruling. But Japan has claimed all such reparation issues were settled under a 1965 treaty to normalise bilateral relations. Patna, June 7 : After the Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, escaped a major accident, his sister Rohini Acharya demanded a thorough investigation and asked whether it was just "negligence or a deliberate attempt to harm him". The incident occurred around 1.30 a.m. on NH-22 near Goraul toll plaza in Vaishali district, as Tejashwi was returning to Patna from a public programme in Madhepura. A speeding truck rammed into Tejashwi's convoy, injuring three security personnel. Tejashwi had a close shave as he was just five feet away from the collision point. Acharya, in a post on social media platform X, expressed grave concern over what she termed as a "serious security lapse." "The negligence shown by the local administration in Tejashwi's security is a matter of serious concern. It should be investigated immediately," Acharya wrote. "How did a truck reach in the middle of Tejashwi's convoy? Was it just negligence, or a deliberate intent to harm him?" Rohini said. She further noted that this was not the first incident involving a security breach in Tejashwi's convoy and demanded accountability from the administration. Political reactions have begun to pour in, with several RJD leaders echoing Acharya's sentiments and demanding a high-level investigation into the matter. Some leaders have alleged that the security setup for opposition leaders is being compromised deliberately, while others criticised the state's law and order situation. Local police responded quickly, stopping the truck at the Goraul toll plaza and detaining the driver for questioning. Initial reports suggest that the driver lost control, but an official investigation is underway to ascertain whether it was an accident or something else. Meanwhile, the injured security personnel have been admitted to the Sadar Hospital in Goraul, and one remains under observation due to a head injury. Mumbai, June 7 : The BJP has launched a strong counterattack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi after his explosive "match-fixing" allegations regarding the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Party leaders dismissed the claims as "baseless," and a pre-emptive excuse for the Congress party's anticipated defeats in the upcoming polls, especially in Bihar. In his opinion piece and social media posts, LoP Gandhi had accused the BJP-led Mahayuti of industrial-scale rigging in Maharashtra, outlining what he called a step-by-step subversion of the democratic process. The Congress leader reiterated his earlier concerns from his February 3 Parliament speech, citing inflated voter rolls, suspiciously high post-deadline turnout, and lack of Election Commission transparency as indicators of a rigged election. However, BJP leaders across states and at the Centre have pushed back sharply. Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Ramdas Kadam brushed off the allegations, saying, "No one is taking him seriously. With civic polls around the corner, Rahul Gandhi is simply preparing excuses in advance." Echoing the sentiment, BJP MLA Ram Kadam compared Gandhi's remarks to a student making excuses after failing an exam. "When they win, EVMs are fine; when they lose, it's rigging. If he has proof, why not go to court? These are childish statements that disrespect the Constitution," he said, noting the Congress' declining electoral record under Gandhi's leadership. "If he genuinely has evidence, what is preventing him from going to court? Misleading the public and making such comments is, in a way, disrespecting the Constitution. Under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, Congress has lost in 99 per cent of the elections that have taken place," he added. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi told reporters that Gandhi's remarks show he has already "accepted defeat" in Bihar. "Those who fear losing often make such claims," he said. Speaking to IANS, Karnataka BJP MLA Arvind Bellad offered a scathing rebuke: "It's time for him to grow up and speak responsibly. He lacks credibility -- not just with the media but with the common man. He should know how to talk. It is time for him to start giving responsible statements." BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat told IANS, "Rahul Gandhi never takes responsibility. Congress was once the largest party in the country and is now struggling to stay relevant. The problem lies with their ideology, not the EVMs." She also criticised LoP Gandhi for allegedly leaving the country during critical election periods and said, "When there's an election, he's abroad, making statements against the nation, a thing which troubles the countrymen. If the party is losing, it's due to its own failures." BJP National Spokesperson R.P. Singh said LoP Gandhi's comments reflect panic after witnessing the ground reality during his Bihar visit. "Why doesn't he make such allegations when Congress or its allies win in Telangana, Karnataka, or Bengal?" he asked. Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari said, "The people of Bihar have clearly rejected the Congress. Rahul Gandhi's tone reflects fear of another defeat. The public has turned away from the Congress across India." LoP Gandhi's article, which he shared on social media, outlines what he described as a step-by-step method used by the BJP to fix the outcome -- from manipulating the panel appointing the Election Commission to inflating voter rolls and silencing scrutiny of irregularities. Calling the rise in voter turnout after polling hours "unprecedented," he claimed that over 76 lakh extra votes were inexplicably added, helping the BJP dominate in 85 critical constituencies. New Delhi, June 7 : Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has received robust support from INDIA bloc allies following his explosive allegations of "match-fixing" in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. His opinion piece, published in a national daily, has stirred a political storm, with Opposition leaders asserting that the article lays bare the scale of electoral manipulation and the Election Commission's failure to respond to legitimate concerns. In his op-ed, Gandhi accused the BJP-led Mahayuti of engineering a large-scale rigging operation to win the elections, calling it a systematic subversion of democracy. He reiterated the issues he had flagged earlier during his February 3 speech in Parliament and a press conference, stating that the 2024 Maharashtra polls reflected an unprecedented level of electoral malpractice. Reacting to LoP Gandhi's claims, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari told IANS, "He has not written anything new. Under his and Mallikarjun Kharge's leadership, a delegation was sent earlier. Step-by-step, we observed that the difference in votes between Parliament and Assembly elections widened drastically, with nearly all of those votes going to the BJP." "When voting was nearing its end in the evening, the turnout was low. But by the next morning, it had suddenly spiked. Rahul Gandhi has rightly said that this is nothing short of the murder of democracy. The Election Commission has not provided proper answers, but the public will respond to this betrayal," he added. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule also voiced her support, stating, "This morning, I discussed the article with Sharad Pawar. The Congress has already taken the issue to the Election Commission, and we, too, are watching closely to see what decision it takes." Congress leader Udit Raj stated that LoP Gandhi's article was factual and added that it is unlikely voters could increase in such large numbers in just a few months. "It is based on facts. The way the Election Commission made compromises and fake 36 to 37 lakh votes were added to the electoral roll within just five months. Such a high number hadn't been added in even five years, let alone four. The Election Commission has not been able to give any explanation for this. So, it is clearly a dishonest government," he told IANS. "And when mock polling started, the local administration didn't allow it to continue. If they have the courage, let them conduct mock polling across the entire country, then the truth will come out. They (BJP) will see that they have lost Haryana and Maharashtra," he added. Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar said Gandhi's claims were based on facts. "He has written the truth. The Maharashtra elections were manipulated through match-fixing, and he has backed his assertions with evidence. He has tracked the pattern since 2009. In this election, voter numbers rose by 9 per cent, which is implausible. He cited Kamathi Assembly as an example, where votes grew by 17 to 18 thousand over five years -- but surged by 35,000 in just five months," he said. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari added, "What Rahul Gandhi is saying is absolutely right. The public is also discussing this -- people believe the BJP rigs elections, whether it was in Maharashtra or in Bihar in 2020. Everyone saw how the mandate was going to Tejashwi Yadav and the Mahagathbandhan, but things were overturned." "There are many such examples that cast doubt on the credibility of the process. The Election Commission must respond clearly and transparently to the questions raised by the Opposition," Tiwari told IANS. Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani also backed the LoP, stating, "Many voter names were deleted, and suddenly lakhs of new voters appeared. We also suspect EVM tampering. Even Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed this concern. These elections saw the misuse of money, police, administration, and agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax department. The RSS and BJP governments are distorting the entire election process in every possible way." Gandhi's article, which he shared on social media, outlines what he described as a step-by-step method used by the BJP to fix the outcome -- from manipulating the panel appointing the Election Commission to inflating voter rolls and silencing scrutiny of irregularities. Calling the rise in voter turnout after polling hours "unprecedented," he claimed that over 76 lakh extra votes were inexplicably added, helping the BJP dominate in 85 critical constituencies. Mumbai, June 7 : Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not just put the country on the path of development but is also bringing a change in the thought-process of the people of this country for the nation's holistic development. Ahead of the 11 years of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the filmmaker also walked down the memory lane and shared how he made a film 'Kanchi' 11 years ago and envisioned a better India. He said, "11 years ago I made a film called 'Kanchi'. We wrote a song for the climax of that film, 'Saare jahan se accha, wo Hindustan kahan hai?'. The question that arose was, 'Is this a country which is better than the whole world?'. Back then, there was an atmosphere of disappointment. That is why we had to write the song". He then shared how the Modi government promised a change in 2014, as he said, "After that a new government came, people opposed that government saying, 'Why do you want so much change?' When our Prime Minister Modi came, I understood one thing from what he said. He does not just want the development of the country. Along with the development of the country, he also wants to change people's thinking. He wants to transform the national character of this country. I liked this very much. Then I thought let's wait" He continued, "We have got a Prime Minister who is also thinking the same. I would say that whatever I have seen in these 11 years and you have also seen, whether it is at the infrastructure level, technology level, defense level, or any other level, after every 3-4 years, you see a growth. You see a powerful government. You see a government whose vision is not of 5 years but of 2047. A government which has a long vision can work in the same way. I am very happy that today our national character has become like a patriot". He further mentioned that the countrymen today have become strongly patriotic, and the nation is ready to fight any enemy. He shared, "No enemy can challenge us. Today we are safe. Today there has been a change in our education system. There has been a change in children's thinking. Today's government wants to bring this country to the international level, to the top level. When I was a child, we were free in 1947. At that time, I used to think that we are a country of cyclists. It was a poor country. There was a question that India is a poor country, inhabited by rich resources". He called the progress of the government under the leadership of PM Modi, very "commendable". He also spoke about the difference in people's thinking abroad whenever he travels outside of the country, as he said, "I can say this because whenever I go abroad, the respect that we Indians get today, whether it is America, Europe or any other country, we did not get it earlier. Earlier they used to look at us as if we are from a poor country. Poor people are educated. Let them stand in queues". "Today, they look at us with respect. They look at us not only as a consumer but also as a producer. And that is why the progress that has taken place in every field today, many congratulations to our Prime Minister Modi and his government", he added. Kyiv, June 7 : Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv came under the "most intense" Russian attack early Saturday since the start of the two countries' conflict, said Mayor Ihor Terekhov. According to preliminary data, Russia launched 48 Shahed combat drones, two missiles and four guided bombs at the city, resulting in more than 40 explosions, Terekhov said in a post on Telegram. At least three people were killed, with 21 others, including two children, injured, and 18 apartment buildings, 13 private houses, a civilian enterprise and an educational institution were destroyed, he said. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia fired a total of 215 projectiles at Ukraine overnight, including 206 combat drones, a cruise missile Iskander-K and two ballistic missiles Iskander-M/KN-23, 174 of which were intercepted, Xinhua news agency reported. On Friday, the Ukrainian authorities said that Russian forces launched a barrage of drones and missiles on Ukraine overnight Friday, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, All four fatalities occurred in Kyiv, where 20 other people were injured, said Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The State Service for Emergencies confirmed that three of the victims were emergency service workers. Separately, the National Police reported that about 40 people were injured nationwide, with most of them in Kyiv, the northwestern city of Lutsk and the western city of Ternopil. According to the police, 38 facilities were damaged in the attacks, including five apartment buildings and five private houses. Ukraine's Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said that Russia launched 407 drones, along with 38 cruise and six ballistic missiles on Ukraine overnight. About 200 drones and some 30 missiles were shot down. Equinor has signed a significant contract with Centrica to supply the UK with natural gas over the next decade, valued at approximately 20bn ($27.11bn). The deal secures the supply of 55 terawatt-hours (TWh) of natural gas per year, equivalent to around five billion cubic metres (bcm), for a ten-year period, beginning on 1 October 2025. The contract terms are based on prevailing market prices. This agreement builds on a long-standing supply relationship between Equinor and the UK, which began in 2005. Equinor president and CEO Anders Opedal said: I am very pleased to strengthen the energy partnership with the UK and our long-standing partner and customer Centrica. This agreement will continue to support the UKs energy security with reliable gas supplies from the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The flexibility that natural gas offers will play a key role in enabling further development of renewable power and decarbonisation in the UK. Under the new contract, the annual gas volumes will account for nearly 10% of the UK's total gas demand. As of 2024, the UK imported 66.2% of its gas requirements, with 50.2% of those imports sourced from Norway. This represents an increase from 2022, when around one-third of UK gas imports came from Norway. The contract includes provisions that allow for a potential shift from natural gas to hydrogen in the future, aligning with efforts to develop the UKs hydrogen sector. Equinors UK country manager, Alex Grant, added: The UK and the North Sea is a core area in our long-term ambitions to remain a supplier of reliable energy and to help decarbonise societies and industries. The new gas sales agreement with Centrica will be a key element in this. Energy security and decarbonisation must go hand in hand, and I am proud that Equinor is actively delivering both. In March, Equinor began production at the Halten East field in the Norwegian Sea. The project is operated by Equinor Energy (69.5%) alongside partners Var Energi (24.6%) and Petoro (5.9%). "Equinor signs $27bn natural gas supply deal with Centrica" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Bhopal, June 7 : Galvanised by the resounding success of anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed his wish to personally meet the soldiers whose valour, determination and commitment have been instrumental in making these triumphs possible. In a statement shared on his official X handle, HM Shah conveyed his admiration for the officers who played a pivotal role in the counter-insurgency efforts, commending them for their historic achievements. He further articulated his eagerness to meet the frontline soldiers whose courage has been the cornerstone of these operations, affirming his intention to visit Chhattisgarh in the near future. The Centre's campaign against the Naxalite insurgency, a movement long regarded as one of the most formidable internal threats to the Indian state, extends beyond mere tactical victories. It signifies a broader consolidation of central authority, reinforcing the governmentas resolve to eradicate extremism and restore stability to affected regions. During his address on April 5 in Bastar when HM Shah participated in the aBastar Pandum' festival, he reiterated that Naxals would not be allowed to obstruct the development of tribal communities in Chhattisgarhas Bastar region. He urged insurgents to lay down arms, emphasising that their continued resistance serves no purpose, and underscoring that no one rejoices in their demise. He had expressed this at the 'Bastar Pandum festival' in April, where he reaffirmed the governmentas commitment to eliminating the Naxal menace by March 2026. He assured that those who choose to surrender will be reintegrated into society, while those who persist in armed rebellion will face decisive action from security forces. Extending an olive branch to the outlawed movement, HM Shah implored militants to relinquish their weapons and embrace the mainstream, asserting that armed resistance cannot impede the progress of their tribal brethren. He assured that surrendered insurgents who contribute to the regionas development will receive full protection from both the Union and State governments. Highlighting the urgent need for infrastructural advancement, HM Shah emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modias vision for Bastar, pledging comprehensive development within five years. He had lamented the stagnation that has plagued the region for half a century, stressing that true progress can only be realised when children receive education, healthcare facilities are accessible, and every citizen possesses essential identification and welfare provisions. The minister had also provided a statistical overview of the ongoing surrender initiative, revealing that 521 Naxals have laid down arms in 2025, following 881 surrenders in the preceding year. He noted that those who have renounced violence have recognised that genuine development is driven not by weapons and explosives, but by knowledge and innovation. Bhubaneswar, June 7 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi, received a rousing welcome on her return to the city after completing a five-nation tour as part of an Indian Parliamentary delegation. The tour was aimed at presenting India's position on terrorism and the recent Operation Sindoor carried out by the Armed Forces. A grand rally, organised by her supporters, accompanied Sarangi from the Biju Patnaik International Airport to her office, with party workers and locals lining the route to celebrate her return. Speaking to the media afterwards, Sarangi reflected on the objectives and outcomes of the international visit and responded to the Opposition's call for a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor. "It was a privilege to engage with a wide spectrum of stakeholders -- from political leaders and women's groups to youth forums, think tanks, and community associations," she said. "Wherever we went, the Indian diaspora came out in strength, and the conversations were meaningful and inspiring," she added. Sarangi said the delegation had a clear mandate from Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- to assert India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and explain the strategic shift in India's security doctrine. "India now operates under a 'New Normal' -- zero tolerance and immediate response," she emphasised. Referring to Operation Sindoor, Sarangi said: "In just four days, we neutralised over 100 terrorists, dismantled major terror infrastructure, and eliminated around 11 top operatives. However, we also suffered deeply -- 26 lives were lost, including innocent tourists. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, nor forgiven." She described the global response to the delegation's visit as "overwhelmingly supportive". "It was deeply encouraging to see members of five different Indian political parties speak in one voice. There was unity, clarity, and shared conviction in every meeting." Addressing the Opposition's demands for a special session of Parliament, Sarangi pushed back. "I don't see the necessity for it. This delegation included 59 MPs from 35 countries -- only 20 of them from the BJP. Others were from Congress, TMC, JD(U), CPI(M), and more. If we could present a united voice on foreign soil, why create divisions at home? Even senior leaders in Delhi appreciated the coordination and purpose we demonstrated." Aparajita Sarangi was part of the delegation led by senior MP Sanjay Jha. Mumbai, June 7 : Filmmaker Manish Gupta was booked on the charges of stabbing and assaulting his former driver over a salary dispute in Mumbai, an official said on Saturday. Gupta, known for directing films like '420 IPC', was questioned soon after a complaint was filed by driver Rajibul Islam Lashkar, 32, at Versova Police Station. According to the complaint, the stabbing incident took place at Gupta's office in Sagar Sanjog building on Thursday night around 8.30 p.m. The filmmaker's advocate Dinesh Tiwari told IANS, "Based on the material collected by my client, we will prove to the police that the entire case has been fabricated. According to us, no stabbing took place at the time..." Tiwari claimed that the false complaint had been filed against Gupta with the intention of extortion. "The story about stabbing has been cooked up as an afterthought," he said. "We will use physical and circumstantial evidence in the matter to prove that Gupta was not present at the spot where the alleged incident took place," he said. The police said Lashkar had been working with Gupta for the past three years on a monthly salary of Rs 23,000. Lashkar, in his complaint, alleged that the filmmaker attacked him with a kitchen knife during an argument over his salary dues, as Gupta had not paid his salary for May while sacking him on May 30. The driver alleged that he received an injury on the right side of his abdomen in the incident. The FIR registered against the filmmaker includes penal offences under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The sections deal with offences like voluntarily causing grievous hurt and intentionally insulting to provoke a breach of peace. The driver said in his complaint that he returned to work on June 4 and demanded his dues on June 5, but Gupta used abusive language against him and attacked him with a knife. Lashkar claimed that after escaping from Gutpa's office, he took an autorickshaw to a hospital in Vile Parle. The police have started scanning the video footage of areas close to Sagar Sanjog Building and other areas as part of the investigation into the complaint. Nice : , June 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave an alarming call by saying coastal regions and islands are at great risk due to disasters and climate change, and it's high time to build infrastructure that stands firm against the tide. Speaking virtually at the seventh International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) in the run-up to the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in the southern French city of Nice, PM Modi said: "Coastal regions and islands are at great risk due to disasters and climate change. Let us build infrastructure that stands firm against time and tide, creating a stronger, more resilient future for all." The ICDRI conference is focusing on strengthening disaster-resilient infrastructure in coastal regions and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With approximately 37 per cent of the global population residing within 100 km of the coast, contributing around $1.5 trillion to the annual global GDP, and 90 per cent of global goods transported by sea, strengthening coastal resilience is now a global priority. Bringing together over 350 delegates, ICDRI is addressing three key pillars to drive resilience efforts: access to finance, data, technology and early warning systems, and codes and standards. Speaking on the occasion virtually, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, said, "We need a global push to unlock the resources required to bolster climate adaptation for the vulnerable regions, especially for small islands and low-lying coastal areas. For us, climate-resilient infrastructure is a question of survival." David WR, Adeang MP, President of the Republic of Nauru, said, "This conference is an opportunity to move from dialogue to delivery. Let us work together to ensure no nation and no community is left behind in building a future that is not only resilient but fair, inclusive, and sustainable." Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, shared, "Resilient infrastructure is not just a policy option - it is a necessity for survival. We believe that resilience begins not at the shoreline but in the minds and systems we build." Alix Didier Fils-Aime, Prime Minister of Haiti, stated, "We believe resilience is not a luxury but a moral and political imperative. Together, through solidarity and shared commitment, we can lay the foundation for a more secure, more resilient, and just future for all." Welcoming the audience, New Delhi-headquartered Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Director General Amit Prothi said, "Coastal resilience is vital for protecting lives and economies. ICDRI 2025 unites global voices to inform action for vulnerable coastal communities and SIDS. Through our IRIS programme, we are supporting 24 projects across 25 SIDS, driving sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development." At ICDRI, the 54-member global coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate and disaster-resilient infrastructure across Africa. Other announcements include the awarding of research grants for 53 projects spanning 21 countries, as well as a call to action for accelerating infrastructure resilience in small island nations, emphasising the urgent need for global collaboration and investment. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Prothi said that in coastal regions, rising temperatures have increased the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation events, such as hurricanes, cyclones, and flooding; and extreme storms and sea-level rise are resulting in greater coastal flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion. He believes there is an increasing emphasis on mobilising private finance for disaster risk reduction and enhancing infrastructure resilience, especially in developing countries and SIDS. "CDRI's Global Infrastructure Resilience report highlights that most new infrastructure investments over the next 30 years will occur in low- and middle-income countries, necessitating resilient assets to protect communities and promote growth," he said. The CDRI, launched in 2019 by PM Modi at the UN Climate Action Summit, is an international organisation set up by the government of India to provide leadership on the topic of disaster resilience. India serves as the Permanent Co-Chair, while France holds the Rotational Co-Chair position from April 2024 to March 2026, following previous co-chairs, Britain and the US. CDRI's initiatives prioritise resilient infrastructure and services that are vital for socio-economic growth, including health, transport, power, and telecommunications. Of particular focus are high-risk geographies, including coastal, mountainous, urban, and SIDS. Prothi says infrastructure in SIDS is at much greater risk compared to other countries. When asked how far CDRI can support them, he told IANS, "SIDS are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events that can overwhelm infrastructure and disrupt essential services like transport, electricity, and water. These disruptions, in turn, impact livelihoods, public health, and economic stability. To address these risks, the coalitionas IRIS initiative, funded by India, Australia, the UK, and the EU, supports SIDS with technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge resources." (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) Chennai, June 7 : Tamil Nadu Health and Public Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian on Saturday urged the people not to panic over the recent uptick in Covid-19 cases across the country, stating that the current strain of the virus is mild and does not pose a serious health risk. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported a total of 5,364 active Covid-19 cases across the country, with four deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. While the virus appears to be slowly spreading in several parts of the country, health authorities maintain that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Speaking at a public event in Erode, Minister Subramanian reassured the people of Tamil Nadu that the situation is under control and that the government is fully prepared to manage any potential surge in cases. "There is no need to panic. The strain of the coronavirus currently in circulation is not a severe variant. It is a weak type and does not cause long-term complications," the minister said. He emphasised that wearing masks in Tamil Nadu is not mandatory at present but advised the public to exercise caution. "People are not required to wear masks by law, but it is recommended that they wear them in crowded public spaces as a precautionary measure," he noted. Highlighting the state's preparedness, Subramanian said that Tamil Nadu has sufficient infrastructure and medical resources in place. "We have an adequate supply of oxygen... and 9,400 beds have been made ready across hospitals to handle any increase in Covid-related admissions," he stated. Laboratory analysis, he added, has confirmed that the current strain is a mild one and not associated with serious complications. "The virus variant being reported now does not have the kind of impact we saw in previous waves. The symptoms are mild, and recovery is quick in most cases," he said. The minister also reiterated the state government's commitment to safeguarding public health and urged people to remain vigilant while continuing their daily routines without fear. "Our medical teams are monitoring the situation closely, and all necessary measures are in place," he assured. Chandigarh, June 7 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, on Saturday appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to initiate a dialogue with the UAE government to sensitise it about the religious significance of the five 'kakkars', especially the kirpan and kataar, and the importance of allowing Sikhs to observe their faith without fear or restriction. In a letter to the External Affairs Minister, the Bathinda MP said she was making this appeal in the wake of a recent advisory by the Indian Embassy in the UAE directing Indians not to carry sharp objects while visiting the country in view of Article 405 of the UAE penal law, which prohibits such objects. Asserting that this move had caused deep distress and mental agony to Sikh travellers and residents alike, Badal said there have been instances of Sikhs being detained and compelled to remove their 'kirpan' and 'kataar'. She also cited a recent case of an elderly man being detained in Abu Dhabi for wearing the 'kirpan' and turban. Badal asserted in her letter that such incidents had caused distress within the Sikh community as they contravened the rights of Sikhs to practice their faith, besides raising serious concerns about the protection of religious freedom for minorities in the UAE. "The Sikh community has always contributed positively to societies worldwide, including in the UAE, and demands the freedom to practice its faith in accordance with its tenets. Denying Sikhs the right to wear their five 'kakkars', particularly the 'kirpan', is a curtailment of religious freedom and contrary to the principles of mutual respect and pluralism that India stands for," she said. She also requested EAM Jaishankar to consider sending a high-level delegation, including representatives from the National Commission for Minorities and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), to engage with UAE authorities and relevant international agencies and sensitise them about Sikh articles of faith. Badal asserted that the 'kirpan' was a sacred symbol and an inseparable part of Sikh identity, mandated by Sikh tenets since the time of Guru Gobind Singh. "Its significance is spiritual and symbolic, representing the duty to uphold justice and protect the oppressed, and not as a weapon for aggression or harm. The kirpan is worn at all times by Amritdhari Sikhs as a matter of religious obligation and conscience," she added. Mumbai, June 7 : One of the most bankable actresses from the South, Samantha Ruth Prabhu has taken off to the desert for some alone time, breaking away from her hectic work schedule. The diva is presently enjoying her getaway at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, placed in the Liwa Desert in UAE. If the photos shared by her on her Instagram account are any hint, Samantha is making the most of her time in the desert. In the first pic, the 'Majili' actress posed in the pool, looking ravishing in a black two-piece and a matching pair of sunglasses. This was followed by a picture of the beautiful desert and the book Samantha enjoyed during her trip - "The Good Girl Double Bind" by Chris Bohjalian. Samantha's recent post further included a close-up of her in stylish shades and hoop earrings. We could also see Sam polishing her shooting skills, and enjoying the night sky by gazing at the stars through a telescope. "Reaching for the stars", Samantha captioned the post. Prior to this, Samantha talked about all the lessons life has taught her during the years. According to her, discomfort has a way of showing how much one is capable of. The 'Khushi' actress penned on social media, "Everytime, I've moved beyond what felt safe or familiar, I've discovered something new about myself." Samantha added, "It's not easy, but discomfort has a way of showing you just how much you're capable of. Today, it looked like lifting 90 kgs-- something I never thought I could do, until I did." For the unversed, Samantha recently donned the producer's cap for the first time for the film "Subham". She backed the family entertainer under her home banner Tralala Moving Pictures. Made under the direction of Praveen Kandregula, "Subham" stars Shriya Kontham, and Charan Peri in pivotal roles, along with others. New Delhi, June 7 : The Union government has imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of Vitamin-A Palmitate and insoluble sulphur -- a crucial rubber additive -- on China, Japan, Switzerland, and the European Union (EU). The Ministry of Finance, in a notification on June 6, issued the anti-dumping duties for a period of five years unless it is cancelled or revised. It aims to protect domestic manufacturers from low-priced imports that affect the local industry. The move follows an investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) which revealed that the price of Vitamin-A Palmitate imported by these countries was lower than the normal value. The DGTR also noted "material injury" to domestic producers of Vitamin-A Palmitate due to large-scale dumping from China, the EU, and Switzerland. The compound, commonly used in small quantities, remains heavily import-dependent in India. While Vitamin-A Palmitate is used in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, insoluble sulphur plays a key role in the rubber industry, majorly in tyre manufacturing. The anti-dumping duties, effective immediately must be paid in Indian rupees based on the exchange rate. It is expected to prevent unfair trade practices and protect local industries. According to the notification, the duties for Vitamin-A Palmitate, range from $0.87 to $20.87 per kg; The highest duty has been imposed on Chinese exporters other than Shangyu NHU BioChem, which will face a lower rate of $14.95/kg. Swiss producer DSM Nutritional Products will attract a duty of $0.87/kg, while other Swiss exporters will face $8.2/kg. A flat rate of $11.09/kg will apply to imports from the EU, the notification stated. Further, depending on the exporter, the duties on insoluble sulphur will range from $259 to $358 per metric tonne. Chinese imports will face a flat duty of $307/MT. Among Japanese companies, Shikoku Chemicals will be charged $259/MT, while all other Japanese exporters will face the maximum rate of $358/MT, the notification said. Haveri, June 7 : Karnataka Police have arrested a man who allegedly raped a minor, and three others for attempting to "settle" the matter near Shiggaon town in Karnataka's Haveri district. According to the police, the victim had informed her family about the assault. After the parents questioned her, three individuals known to the accused attempted to broker a "compromise" and tried to settle the issue by a meeting. However, the parents lodged a complaint, leading to the arrest of the accused and the three others. The police have invoked the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against all the accused persons. The police produced the accused before the court, and they have been remanded to judicial custody. More details regarding the incident are yet to emerge. On June 3, the Karnataka Police arrested the father of a Maulvi on charges of raping a six-year-old girl within the premises of a mosque in Chikkaballapura city, located close to Bengaluru. The Chikkaballapura Women's police filed an FIR against the accused following a complaint by the victim's mother and subsequently arrested him. The accused has since been remanded to judicial custody. Locals had expressed outrage after the incident came to light and criticised the local jamat for providing shelter to the accused in the mosque. The victim's mother, along with locals, thrashed the accused before handing him over to the police. Earlier, in a concerning development in Yadgir district, a minor girl filed a case under the POCSO Act on April 9 against a constable, alleging two years of sexual exploitation by him. The incident was reported from the vicinity of the Sydapura police station near Gurumathkal taluk. The victim lodged her complaint against the constable at the Yadgir Womenas Police Station. Earlier, in 2021, Karnataka Police arrested a constable who allegedly raped a minor rape victim on the promise of marriage in Mangaluru district of the state. The accused cop was arrested and terminated from service. The Kadaba Police had slapped cases against him under the POCSO Act, 2012 for taking advantage of his official position, raping a minor and for criminal intimidation. Jaipur, June 7 : A significant political development unfolded in Rajasthan on Saturday as Congress leader and AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot visited the Civil Lines residence of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The two leaders, who have long been seen as 'rivals' within the state Congress, held a private meeting that lasted nearly two hours, sparking fresh speculation in political circles. The meeting was held in connection with the 25th death anniversary of late Rajesh Pilot, Sachin Pilot's father and former Union Minister. Sachin Pilot personally extended an invitation to Gehlot to attend the tribute event, scheduled to be held on June 11 at Bhandaana-Jirota near Dausa, the political stronghold of the Pilot family. The commemoration will take place at the Rajesh Pilot Memorial, where a large gathering of supporters and senior Congress leaders, including Rama Pilot and other family members, is expected. This year's event holds special significance, marking a quarter-century since Rajesh Pilot's demise in 2000. Rajesh Pilot, a popular leader and former Minister of State for Home Affairs, served as an MP from Dausa for many years and was known for his grassroots connection. Following the meeting, Ashok Gehlot shared a statement on social media, saying: "AICC General Secretary Shri @SachinPilot invited me to the programme to be organised on the 25th death anniversary of former Union Minister Late Shri Rajesh Pilot at his residence. Rajesh ji and I entered the Lok Sabha together in 1980 and served as MPs for nearly 18 years. His sudden demise was a personal loss and a great blow to the Congress party." The meeting between Gehlot and Pilot is being viewed as politically significant, especially given the strained relationship between the two leaders over the past few years. In the run-up to the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly elections, Sachin Pilot was seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post. However, the Congress high command appointed Ashok Gehlot as CM and Pilot as Deputy CM, leading to deepening tensions that later erupted into a full-blown intra-party crisis. Traditionally, Gehlot and his faction have avoided attending the annual memorial events for Rajesh Pilot. This time, however, the direct invitation from Sachin Pilot -- and the fact that he personally visited Gehlot's home -- has drawn attention and is being seen as a potential gesture of unity within the Rajasthan Congress. As preparations for the June 11 event gather pace, all eyes are now on whether Ashok Gehlot will attend, and more broadly, whether this meeting could mark a thaw in their political rivalry and signal a united front ahead of upcoming electoral challenges. By Rodrigo Viga Gaier, Marta Nogueira and Fabio Teixeira RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -Petrobras aims to make Africa its main region of development outside Brazil, the state-run oil giant's CEO told Reuters on Thursday during a wide-ranging interview about the company's strategy. Ivory Coast has extended the "red carpet" for Petrobras to explore deep and ultra-deep waters off its coast, when it gave the company preference in buying nine offshore exploratory blocks on Wednesday, said Petrobras CEO Magda Chambriard. She added that Nigeria, Angola, and Namibia have also expressed interest in working with the Brazilian giant. "We are experts in the eastern margin of Brazil," said Chambriard, citing geological similarities between the region and Africa. "The correlation between Brazil and Africa is unequivocal, so we need to go to Africa." In recent years, Petrobras has shown an interest in buying stakes in oil assets abroad, especially in Africa, as it looks to boost reserves while it faces delays in obtaining environmental permits to drill for new oil off the coast of the Amazon rainforest. Petrobras is also seeking to explore India's coast, taking part in an upcoming oil block auction scheduled for July, Chambriard said. Petrobras' plans mark a return to the African continent after the company divested assets in the region under previous governments, as part of a broad plan that made the company focus on high-productivity areas in Brazil's pre-salt fields. The plans to explore new oil fields are part of Chambriard's strategy to handle the critical task of balancing President Luiz Inacio Lula's ambitions to use Petrobras to boost the economy with delivering profits to its investors, all while contending with the global challenge of lower oil prices. Petrobras, a cornerstone of Brazil's economy, is also at the center of high-stakes tension within Lula's administration, which aims to leverage oil revenues for economic growth while showcasing Brazil, the host of the upcoming COP30 climate summit, as a champion in the global fight against climate change. The company's plans to drill for oil off the coast of the Amazon rainforest, in the Foz do Amazonas region, have faced delays in obtaining environmental permits. But Chambriard told Reuters she believes the company will clear the last step to getting a permit to drill in the region in the second half of July. Meanwhile, the company's plans in Africa have already started being implemented. In 2023, it bought a stake in an offshore oil field in South Africa and in early 2024 it purchased an interest in fields in the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe, where it hopes to drill a well this year, Chambriard said. Patna, June 7 : In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-LWE operations, the Jamui Police in Bihar on Saturday arrested Sarita Soren a.k.a. Sita Soren, a female Maoist operative who had been absconding for the last 15 years. The arrest took place near Karma village, an official said. The development marks the second major success within three days for the district police as the force on Thursday nabbed another long-absconding Maoist operative involved in serious cases from as far back as 2005. Jamui Superintendent of Police Madan Kumar Anand confirmed the arrest and said that Sarita Soren had been on the police radar for years but consistently evaded capture. Acting on an Intelligence input, a joint team comprising Jamui Police, STF personnel, and officers from the technical cell launched a swift operation and surrounded her maternal home in Karma, successfully apprehending her. "Sarita Soren was involved in the 2010 Maoist attack in Chakai which claimed two lives. She also served as a key member of the female Maoist squad," SP Anand stated. Several cases, including charges under the Arms Act and murder, are registered against her. Her prolonged evasion and strategic role within the Maoist ranks made her one of the most wanted operatives in the region. The police consider her arrest a major blow to Maoist activities in the Jhajha-Chakai belt. Earlier on Thursday, Jamui Police arrested Naresh Ravidas a.k.a. Patal Ravidas, a notorious Maoist operative and former area commander, from Teliyadih village under the Jhajha police station area. On January 5, 2005, he was allegedly involved in the ambush and killed then Munger SP K.C. Surendra Babu and five other police personnel in the Bhimbandh forest area. The deadly attack near Peshra village sent shockwaves across Bihar and exposed critical gaps in the state's security preparedness at that time. In 2008, he was also accused of being involved in a Maoist attack at Belhar village that claimed five lives of innocent civilians in Banka district. The back-to-back arrests reflect increased pressure on Naxalite groups in Bihar and reinforce the state police's commitment to dismantling remaining insurgent networks. Seoul, June 7 : The South Korean Democratic Party (DP) on Saturday called for a thorough investigation into a conservative education organisation's alleged online opinion manipulation in the final days of the June 3 presidential election campaign. In a written briefing, DP floor spokesperson Noh Jong-myeon said a "fair and urgent investigation is urgently needed" into the far-right group "Rhee Park School" to determine whether they were involved in manipulation of online comments and "far-right propaganda to indoctrinate children." "We will hold accountable any attempt to disturb our society by manipulating public opinion and contaminate the educational field with far-right indoctrination," he said. Last week, the online news outlet Newstapa reported that the education group, named after former conservative Presidents Rhee Syng-man and Park Chung-hee, has been operating a team of online commenters to sway public opinion in favour of then conservative People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo and against Lee Jae-myung, the then liberal DP candidate who won this week's presidential election, Yonhap news agency reported. The team allegedly instructed its members to write online comments praising Kim as well as ones critical of Lee in a coordinated manner, according to Newstapa. In response, the DP filed a complaint against the group, accusing it of election law violations and obstruction of business. Earlier, the DP also launched a special committee to investigate the allegations. Earlier on June 4, South Korean Police launched an investigation into a conservative education organisation accused of online opinion manipulation in the final days of the June 3 presidential election campaign. Police had said it banned Son Hyo-sook, head of the far-right group "Rhee Park School," from leaving the country, and raided the group's office in Seoul to secure evidence earlier in the day. Thrissur, June 7 : Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, who was injured when his car crashed with a lorry at Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, will need to undergo surgery on his left hand, according to doctors attending on him. Speaking to the media here on Saturday, doctors attached to a private hospital in Thrissur said the surgery will take place anytime after the funeral of Chacko's father on Monday. "The actor and his mother were brought from Dharmapuri late on Friday night. Chacko has left humerus multiple fractures, an issue in the backbone's vertebrae, besides having multiple concussions on his body," said Sujoy, the treating orthopaedic surgeon. "All his vitals are stable, and when we informed him about the need for surgery, he said that since his father also passed away in the car crash, the funeral is fixed for Monday," added Sujoy. "His mother also has injuries. She is also stable. She has suffered hip injuries and a minor head injury. She will need rest," added the surgeon. "Chacko asked us when he can resume shooting, and we told him that he needs rest and rehabilitation for six weeks after surgery. He can resume light shooting activities after six weeks, but for doing fight scenes, he will have to wait for three months," said Sujoy. The accident took place on Friday at 6 a.m., and Chacko's father passed away while he was being taken to the hospital. The car occupants included the actor, his father, mother, brother and driver. The family which left from here in the wee hours on Friday was on its way to Bengaluru for the treatment of the actor, who is presently undergoing de-addiction rehabilitation. The actor was in the news since April after he was arrested after nearly three hours of questioning under Sections 27 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. New Delhi, June 7 : An exporter was arrested for cheating and forgery related to a foreign trade benefit scam, causing a loss of Rs 30.47 crore to the exchequer, a Delhi Police official said on Saturday. "Angad Pal Singh was arrested soon after his deportation from the US and arrest by CBI in another case," said Vikram K. Porwal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Economic Offence Wing). He said the accused was arrested on the complaint of the Naraina branch of ICICI Bank, which detected 467 fake Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates (FIRCs) submitted by its 18 account holders (17 firms). The scam is linked to FIRCs for the period from September 26, 2013, to October 21, 2015, the police said. DCP Porwal said that Angad Pal Singh and his family members created forged FIRC and obtained benefits of Duty Credit Scrips worth Rs 30.47 crore and sold them in the open market. All these FIRCs, which ran into crores of rupees, were purportedly issued from Corporation Bank, Bhikaji Cama Place, Delhi, he said. DCP Porwal said that soon after a complaint was filed against the exporter and his family, they fled to the US. "The accused was later deported from the US and arrested by the CBI in another case of fraud. He has been arrested by EOW on June 2, and his police custody was obtained from a court," he said, adding that the accused is presently in judicial custody. The DCP said that three other accused were arrested in this case earlier. They have already been charge-sheeted. Angad Singh, along with his father Surinder Singh and brother Harsahib Singh, was holding ownership of five firms, namely Kumar Trading Company, National Trader, Trident Overseas India, HSC Exim India and AHC Auto Spares, the police said. Angad Singh, who studied till Class 12 in Delhi, learnt the tricks of export business from his father, who exported auto spare parts through his firm, National Trader. He also engaged some other firms belonging to his family/friends on the pretext of providing high returns, the police said. Bhopal, June 7 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday reiterated complete support and cooperation to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, saying he believes that his successor would do a better job than him for the growth of the state. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, made this statement while addressing a programme in his home district Sehore. CM Mohan Yadav was the chief guest in the programme. "I am not the one who would say I have done this and that. I will be happier if Mohan Yadav do better than me for the people of Madhya Pradesh," Shivraj Singh Chouhan said while addressing a public rally in Sehore. Meanwhile, he also mentioned that his padyatra carried out in his hometown Budhni was presented in a 'wrong way'. He said that some mediapersons had made assessments on their own. "But, let me make it clear that the party's instructions are important. Mohan Yadav is Chief Minister, and I am Union Agriculture Minister," he said. Speaking further, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that being a public representative, he must come to visit the people of his constituency, and it should not be interpreted otherwise. "But some mediapersons tried to speculate that in another way which was totally wrong," the Union Minister said. During his speech, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, Shivraj Singh Chouhan sounded critical of the media a few times, asserting that his Budhni Padyatra was presented in a wrong way, whereas he was committed to follow the party's instructions. He was referring to a two-day 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Padyatra' in the Vidisha constituency which was organised in May to highlight the welfare schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Along with many of his supporters, his family members including son and daughter-in-law had also participated on the second day of padyatra. However, according to sources, within the party, Shivraj Singh Chouhan's march was perceived as his personal endeavour to stay connected with his Lok Sabha constituency and the state where he was Chief Minister for more than 16 years. Mumbai, June 7 : Riddhima Kapoor is gearing up to make her Bollywood debut alongside mother Neetu Kapoor with Ashish R Mohan's next, titled, "DKS" for now. As the shooting of the drama has been concluded, the filmmaker penned a heartfelt note, thanking his entire team for an incredible creative journey. Pouring his heart out, Ashish wrote, "As we call "wrap" on our film, it feels like watching the last light of a powerful sunset - beautiful, a little bittersweet, and filled with memories of everything we've been through together." Speaking of the shooting experience, the director added, "Over the past 52 days, we faced it all - storms, hails, freezing colds, and even the looming fear of war. But like sunlight breaking through grey clouds, your spirit, courage, and dedication never waved." Showing his gratitude towards the cast, Ashish said, "To our incredible actors...thank you for showing up every day with honesty, focus, and heart. You brought life to every frame in a way that moved me more than I can say." "As the day ends and the last rays of sunlight fall, this wrap feels like a quiet moment of gratitude for the film we've created and the family we've become. I'll carry this one with me always," the note concluded. On May 30, Riddhima announced the shoot wrap for "DKS" with a heartfelt social media post. Calling her first project as an actor 'special', she went on to write, "Firsts are always special, Because it's those very 'firsts' that form the blueprint of learnings we will carry for the rest of our lives." Sharing her experience, the diva added, "For 52 days, over 200 people came together to tell this heartwarming, funny, and beautiful film. We plotted, we danced, we laugh-cried and cried-laughed, and I cannot wait for you to join in the celebrations when this film hits your screens. #DKS." It is believed that comedian Kapil Sharma will also be a part of the film's primary cast. Agartala, June 7 : Around 60 per cent electricity consumers in Tripura do not pay energy bills, forcing the authorities to take drastic steps including disconnection of power lines and imposition of hefty fines against the defaulters, an official said on Saturday. A senior official of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) said that out of 9.87 lakh electricity consumers in the state, only 4.32 lakh customers are paying their bills on time. "Lakhs of electricity consumers, mostly in rural and interior areas, do not pay their electricity bills. We have imposed a hefty fine and disconnected electric lines of the defaulters," the official said. He said that during the past two years, the electricity lines of thousands of default consumers were disconnected. "In many occasions, the TSECL engineers and workers were attacked or prevented when they went to disconnect the power lines of default consumers," the official said. Tripura Power and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath earlier said that the TSECL has undertaken a massive effort across the state to install rooftop solar power plants in thousands of homes under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a central scheme encouraging rooftop solar power adoption through generous subsidies. Under the scheme, residents can install rooftop solar panels and not only reduce their electricity expenses to zero but also earn refunds for surplus energy supplied back to the grid, the Minister had said. "My last power bill before installing the solar plant was Rs 8,726. Now, after switching to solar, I received a refund of Rs 763 from TSECL," Nath said. The TSECL purchasing power from the solar power suppliers at Rs 2.65 per unit the Minister had said adding that over 300 households have installed rooftop solar plants so far in Tripura and thousands of families registered their names seeking to install such solar plants under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Nath on Friday said that the TSECL is contemplating to use drones and other technologies to detect power theft, power loss and illegal hook line usage in the state. The Minister urged the people to pay electricity bills on time and help the corporation to ensure steady power supply by discouraging theft and wastage. Tripura has been a power surplus state since 2011 and supplies electricity to other northeastern states and neighbouring Bangladesh from its several gas-based power plants. Chennai, June 7 : The makers of director Phanindra Narsetti's romantic entertainer, '8 Vasantalu', featuring Ananthika Sanilkumar in the lead, on Saturday unveiled a second teaser of the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs. Backed by leading production house Mythri Movie Makers, the film is being produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar. The teaser opens with a visually poetic scene. Ananthika drenched in rain, quietly observes Sanjay, a new Telugu writer who has arrived in Ooty. A voiceover beautifully captures his duality: "When he writes with love, his words bloom like roses kissed by rain. But when he writes with rage, they strike like grenades with pins unchained." As the teaser unfolds, the bond between the two characters deepens. A standout dialogue follows. "Girls prefer someone who gently wipes their tears and shows kindness, rather than someone who holds a sword and shows only anger," says a woman's voice. The teaser concludes with a poignant line by the male lead, "Love is not a destination to reach, but a journey we are meant to take." The line seems to perfectly encapsulate the film's emotional core. Apart from Ananthika Sanilkumar, the film will also feature Hanu Reddy, Ravitheja Duggirala, Sanjana, Kanna, Swaraj Rebbapragada and Sameera Kishore among others. Visually, every frame of the teaser is like a painting, imbued with subtle emotion, striking compositions, and heartfelt storytelling. Phanindra Narsetti's hard-hitting dialogues are brought to life with captivating cinematography by Vishwanath Reddy and a soul-stirring score by Hesham Abdul Wahab. The production values of Mythri Movie Makers are first class. Production design for the film is by Aravind Mule and editing is by Shashank Mali. Babasai Kumar Mamidipalli is the executive producer of the film, which is all set to release in theatres on June 20. Dhaka, June 7 : In yet another major embarrassment for Bangladesh's interim government, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday rejected Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus' call for holding national elections in April 2026. Yunus on Friday said that the country's next national elections will be held "on a day in April", next year. In a televised speech to the nation on the eve of the festival of Eid al-Adha, Yunus also said that the country's Election Commission will present a detailed roadmap of the election at an "appropriate time". However, various political parties in the country slammed the move within a few hours of Yunus making the announcement. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told local media in Dhaka on Saturday that April is "not suitable in any way" for holding national elections. "April is not the right time for holding polls in Bangladesh. There will be the possibility of extreme heat, storms and rains during the period. And, the time is right after Ramadan... There are public examinations as well," said Alamgir. He mentioned that holding elections in April would mean conducting polling campaigns during the month of Ramadan, which would not be suitable at all. "We think December will be most suitable for polls... We gave our reaction yesterday. We have always demanded that we wanted the election by December, and so was the expectation of the people," he said. During his address on Friday, Yunus also outlined the "achievements" of the Interim Government over the past 10 months and stressed that it has been working on the three-point agenda of justice, reforms, and elections. Earlier, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed had said that holding national elections in the country before December is "very much possible" as completing necessary reforms based on a consensus could take less than a month. "December is far too late. It is possible to hold the election before then. If the reform proposals, excluding those related to constitutional amendments, are accepted through national consensus, they can be implemented in less than a month," Salahuddin was quoted as saying by the local media. Reiterating that the BNP is yet to find any valid argument to justify delaying elections beyond December, Salahuddin further observed: "We are all in favour of democracy and a prompt election to establish the people's right to vote. There is not a single reason that justifies holding the election after December". The interim government led by Yunus has been facing increasing pressure from various political parties to hold elections by the end of this year. Last month, while addressing a rally virtually from London, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman noted that alongside the reforms issue, the interim government must show "visible preparations" for holding the national elections. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), which will be able to take part in the elections after a recent Supreme Court order, is not explicitly backing a December election date. JeI Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday that the nation does not want another "questionable election" and stressed that a credible national election would only be possible if justice, reforms, the July Charter and July Declaration are ensured, along with a level-playing field. "We will cooperate with the Chief Advisor if he seeks our assistance. However, resolving the national crisis is crucial to holding free and fair elections," Rahman noted. Chennai, June 7 : Union Minister of State L. Murugan on Saturday accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of raising the issue of delimitation only to divert public attention from the state government's failures. Addressing reporters in Coimbatore, Murugan said the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister have already assured that the delimitation exercise, when undertaken, would not harm any state or its population balance. "No one from the Centre has brought up the issue recently, yet Stalin continues to speak about it repeatedly. It is nothing more than a political distraction," Murugan alleged. He criticised the DMK government's performance over the past four years, claiming that the common people of Tamil Nadu are suffering due to rising property taxes, increased electricity tariffs, and corruption within the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). "The DMK government has failed to address core issues affecting the people. Instead of focusing on governance, Stalin tries to pin the blame on the central government for everything," the Union Minister added. Murugan also questioned the state government's stance on conducting a caste census. Citing the examples of Bihar and Telangana, where caste-based surveys have already been completed, he alleged that Stalin lacks the political will to carry out such an exercise in Tamil Nadu. "If the governments in Bihar and Telangana can successfully conduct caste surveys, what is stopping the DMK? It's clear that they are only interested in rhetoric, not action," he said. Murugan's remarks come at a time when the BJP is making renewed efforts to expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The Centre's position on sensitive issues like delimitation and caste census has gained prominence in recent debates, with opposition leaders voicing apprehensions about potential impacts on southern states. However, the Union government has maintained that any future delimitation exercise will be handled with due consideration and consensus, without adversely affecting any state. Moscow, June 7 : Russia on Saturday accused Ukraine of indefinitely delaying a planned exchange of prisoners and the handover of fallen soldiers' bodies. Russia has handed over the first list of 640 prisoners to Ukraine and begun transferring bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers, but Ukrainian negotiators did not arrive at the exchange site, Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky said in a telegram post. He called on Ukraine to "strictly adhere to the schedule and all agreements reached, and to immediately begin the exchange." Kiev did not immediately respond to the accusation, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on June 2, Russia and Ukraine had agreed to another major prisoner exchange in their latest round of direct talks in Istanbul, head of the Russian Delegation Vladimir Medinsky said. Medinsky said that the deal will include an "all-for-all" exchange of seriously ill and wounded prisoners, as well as soldiers under the age of 25. He noted that no fewer than 1,000 prisoners are expected to participate in the exchange from each side, calling the agreement a "humanitarian gesture." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said that a prisoner exchange under a "500-for-500" formula would take place this weekend. The official also said Moscow would return Ukraine 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers next week. "We specifically proposed a ceasefire for 2 to 3 days along certain sections of the front line," he told at a briefing following the talks, adding that Russian military specialists would work with those from Ukraine, so commanders can retrieve the bodies of fallen soldiers. During the talks, which lasted over an hour, the two sides solved several "practical problems," according to Medinsky. He said that Moscow and Kiev agreed to set up permanent medical commissions that would regularly compile lists of seriously wounded soldiers and facilitate their exchange. He confirmed that Russia passed its two-part memorandum to the Ukrainian side, which outlines the steps towards lasting peace and a ceasefire. Medinsky said Ukraine handed Moscow a list of 339 children, who have been separated from their parents due to the ongoing conflict, noting that Moscow would carefully look into each one of these cases. He said that Russia had recently returned 101 children and 22 children have returned from the Ukrainian side. Russian and Ukrainian delegations held their second round of direct talks in Istanbul on Monday, following their initial meeting earlier in May. The sides agreed on a major prisoner swap, and to exchange draft memorandums outlining potential terms for a future peace treaty during talks. Patna, June 7 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has once again accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of electoral malpractice, claiming that the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections "could be fixed, just like the Maharashtra polls last year". The Congress MP's statement has triggered a flurry of sharp reactions from leaders across the NDA, including the BJP and JD-U in Bihar. Reacting strongly to the allegation, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said that Rahul Gandhi's comments reflect his pre-emptive acceptance of defeat. "It is natural for a person who has consistently lost to make such statements. If someone does not trust the democratic system, he should resign and leave it," Choudhary said, underscoring that elections in India are conducted under a robust and impartial framework. "He holds a good record of continuous defeat. His statement reflects deep frustration at not being able to digest the country's progress," Choudhary said. Adding to the criticism, Union Minister Lalan Singh (JD-U) questioned Rahul Gandhi's 'political consistency', stating: "When his party wins in Telangana or Karnataka, then the election is fair. But when Congress loses, it becomes match-fixing. This clearly shows his double standards." Earlier, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also expressed a similar view and said Rahul Gandhi has accepted defeat. Notably, Rahul Gandhi's latest allegations came just months ahead of the high-stakes Bihar Assembly elections. His reference to the post-poll developments in Maharashtra -- where the government formation process faced accusations of manipulation and political engineering -- has reignited the debate over electoral fairness. However, NDA leaders argue that such statements are part of a narrative built to delegitimise institutions and distract from the Congress party's repeated electoral setbacks. Political analysts believe that with campaigning intensifying, these war of words between the Opposition and ruling alliance signals a fiercely contested election season in Bihar. New Delhi, June 7 : Sustainability is at the heart of our maritime policy, and we are committed to achieving net zero emissions at major ports by 2047, said Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday. During an interaction with students of the Blue MBA Executive Programme at Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Sonowal outlined India's strategy to transform its maritime infrastructure through flagship initiatives like the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. "These efforts aim to build modern, multimodal logistics systems while prioritising clean energy, digital shipping and green port development," the Minister added. He described India as a 'compelling story of inclusive, innovative, and sustainable growth,' and said that the country's vision is to become the global epicentre for green shipping and clean trade corridors. "The discussion also covered India's ambitious goals for maritime decarbonisation, including the use of green hydrogen and cutting-edge digital solutions," the Union Minister stated. Highlighting the growing cooperation between India and Denmark in green maritime technologies, Sonowal praised Denmark for its global leadership in energy efficiency and digital shipping. He said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is modernising its maritime sector through policy reform, infrastructure investment, and international collaboration. "India's vast coastline and heavy reliance on sea trade -- over 90 per cent of its volume -- make the maritime sector a central pillar of its economic strategy," the minister noted. He also shared the government's plans to scale up maritime education and workforce, aiming to increase India's maritime professionals from 7.86 million to nearly 40 million by 2047. He highlighted a sharp rise in women seafarers, from just 1,699 in 2014 to over 7,000 in 2024, as a sign of the country's focus on diversity and inclusion. His visit was marked by a detailed conversation with maritime professionals and faculty members, focusing on India's commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. The event underlined India's deepening ties with Denmark and its increasing engagement with global academic and professional institutions in the maritime field. Nice : , June 7 (IANS) Welcoming African Union as a new member of the New Delhi-headquartered Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday said that resilience must be anchored in the very foundations of development. As the Co-Chair of the CDRI, Mishra, in his address to member countries and organisations at the Seventh International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) on the sidelines of the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice announced the African Union Commission is the newest member of the coalition. He appreciated how 54 members have so far joined the CDRI and are bound by a common belief that resilience must be "embedded in the very foundations of development". Earlier this week, the African Union Commission hosted the regional consultation on the Africa common position for disaster risk reduction in Geneva in Switzerland. Organised on the sidelines of the Global Platform 2025 for disaster risk reduction, the event brought together high-level delegations from African Union member states, regional economic communities and key development partners in a collaborative effort to refine and strengthen Africa's stance ahead of the Global Platform for disaster risk reduction high-level segment. The CDRI is a global coalition dedicated to enhancing the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks. With 46 member countries and eight partner organisations, it includes national governments, international organisations, and businesses collaborating to share knowledge, conduct research, and invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure. Members benefit from access to global expertise, funding, technical support, research opportunities, innovative solutions, and international best practices. Speaking on the occasion, CDRI Director General Amit Prothi said: "Coastal resilience is vital for protecting lives and economies. ICDRI 2025 unites global voices to inform action for vulnerable coastal communities and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Through our IRIS programme, we are supporting 24 projects across 25 SIDS, driving sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development." He said at the ICDRI, the 54-member global coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate and disaster resilient infrastructure across Africa. Other announcements include the awarding of research grants for 53 projects spanning 21 countries, as well as a call to action for accelerating infrastructure resilience in small island nations, emphasising the urgent need for global collaboration and investment. With approximately 37 per cent of the global population residing within 100 km of the coast, contributing around $1.5 trillion to the annual global GDP, and 90 per cent of global goods transported by sea, strengthening coastal resilience is now a global priority. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) New Delhi, June 7 : The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) achieved a breakthrough of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at the Tughlakabad Railway Colony Underground Metro Station site, an official said on Saturday. This milestone was achieved as part of work on the Golden Line (TughlakabadAerocity corridor) under Phase-IV of the Delhi Metro network. The breakthrough was achieved in the presence of Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh who lauded the engineering precision. He said that such breakthroughs reaffirm the Central government's commitment to modern, sustainable urban infrastructure that enhances ease of living, reduces road congestion, and contributes to environmental sustainability. "Ever since our government came to power in Delhi, we have worked to restore the public's trust and this is now clearly visible in the progress of long-delayed metro phases," he said. "What was once stalled is now moving at full speed. Today's breakthrough is not just a technical achievement, but a symbol of renewed momentum. In many ways, this event serves both as an inspection and a celebration," said Singh. "Going forward, we will further accelerate metro expansion and ensure that Delhi's citizens receive the quality infrastructure and services they truly deserve," said the Minister. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC, along with other senior officials and engineers were also present on the occasion. The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) completed the excavation of a 0.792-kilometre-long tunnel, breaking through at the Tughlakabad Railway Colony station using a 96-metre-long tunnel boring machine. This is one of the two parallel circular tunnels being constructed for the up and down movement of metro trains. The second parallel tunnel is expected to see a breakthrough by July 2025. The tunnel has been built at an average depth of 18 metres, with an inner diameter of 5.8 metres, and comprises approximately 566 precast concrete rings produced at a fully mechanised casting yard in Mundka. As of now, under Phase-IV, about 40.109 kilometres of underground lines are being constructed, with the AerocityTughlakabad corridor alone contributing 19.343 km of underground sections, said a statement. Patna, June 7 : Amid growing speculation about his return to Bihar politics, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan on Saturday dropped hints of contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, saying the final decision rests with the party's Parliamentary Board. Chirag Paswan, who arrived in Patna to a warm reception by party workers, stated that contesting Bihar Assembly elections would be a strategic move aimed at strengthening his party's position and boosting the strike rate of the NDA. "Discussions are ongoing about whether or not I will contest the Assembly elections. The final decision will be taken by the Parliamentary Board," Chirag Paswan said without providing a direct answer but clearly signalling openness to the idea. Chirag Paswan had previously expressed his desire to return to active Bihar politics, and senior party leaders including Jamui MP and his brother-in-law Arun Bharti have endorsed him as the "hope of Bihar's people" and the potential CM face of the party. However, Chirag Paswan has firmly denied any ambition to replace Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen the NDA. "Some people within the alliance are trying to spread confusion by suggesting I have my eyes on the CM's chair. I want to clarify -- if I contest, it will be to energise the party workers and increase our alliance's strike rate, not for personal ambition," he said. Paswan also drew parallels with the BJP, pointing out that senior leaders and even Union Ministers often contest state elections to rally support on the ground. Speaking on the rising crime in Bihar, the Union Minister acknowledged the public concern and assured that he has conveyed his apprehensions to the state administration. "Yes, there have been worrying incidents in Bihar. I am not in the state government and don't have MLAs, but I'm part of the broader policy-making ecosystem. I've shared my concerns with the government. I would be visiting Muzaffarpur to meet the family affected by the recent gruesome incident of rape." Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan also lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been vocal against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He dismissed Gandhi's repeated allegations of EVM tampering and match-fixing in elections. "When the Congress loses, they blame EVMs. Rahul Gandhi should introspect why, despite ruling for nearly 55 years, the public continues to reject the Congress," Paswan said. He also criticised the Opposition's attacks on Prime Minister Modi, saying: "The opposition has no concrete issues to raise. Simply speaking against the Prime Minister without substance does no good." Chirag Paswan reiterated his unwavering support for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, saying the goal is to form a stronger government than before under his leadership. "This is not about individuals; it's about the alliance. I fully support CM Nitish Kumar. The NDA will return to power with a stronger mandate," he said. Islamabad, June 7 : Six family members were killed and two others seriously injured after a gas cylinder explosion in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Saturday, according to a rescue official. According to Pakistan's ARY News, among the deceased were a husband, wife, and four other family members. Local police said that the roof of a dilapidated house collapsed due to the blast, leaving several people buried under the debris. Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 KP, told Xinhua news agency that the incident occurred late on Friday in Irum Colony, a residential area in Mardan district. "The explosion resulted in the collapse of a two-story house, killing six people and seriously injuring two girls," said Faizi. He said rescue teams responded swiftly to the emergency and launched a rescue operation. "Eight people, including six deceased and two injured, were pulled out from under the rubble," he added. According to Faizi, over 100 personnel participated in the operation, which continued for seven hours. The deceased and injured were transported to the Mardan Medical Complex. He added that the cause of the cylinder explosion has yet to be determined, but the blast may have occurred due to gas leakage. According to the local media reports, in a separate incident, eight children were injured when the plaster on the roof of a government primary school in Muhammad Rahim Malokhani village collapsed in Tando Adam. The teachers and local residents took the injured to various private hospitals for treatment on their own. The incident occurred due to the dilapidated state of the school. According to ARY, the injured children included Bano, Saira, Shoaib, Bhambho, Saiyan, Balm, and Kausar. Ludhiana, June 7 : BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Saturday demanded that the Election Commission of India immediately ban election campaigning by AAP leaders who are facing criminal charges in Punjab's bypoll. Taking strong exception to the campaigning being conducted by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, the BJP demanded that they be prohibited from entering the Ludhiana (East) Assembly constituency. Chugh said Kejriwal has been plotting a backdoor entry into the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, and his "dubious political games are a grave insult to the people of Punjab". Demanding intervention by the ECI, Chugh reiterated that AAP leaders facing serious criminal allegations should be barred from campaigning in the constituency. Chugh also campaigned across various wards of the constituency, appealing to voters to strengthen Prime Minister Modi's vision for Punjab, particularly for the welfare of farmers. He further urged the Ludhiana administration not to succumb to the pressure exerted by individuals like Kejriwal, who are under trial for corruption-related charges in Delhi. The BJP has fielded Jiwan Gupta for the four-cornered by-election on June 19. The state's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in February announced Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate for the seat that fell vacant following the demise of sitting party MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. The 58-year-old legislator died after sustaining a gunshot wound to his head at his house in January. For the by-election, the main Opposition Congress has fielded former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who is being accused in a multi-crore foodgrain transportation and labour cartage tender scam. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has nominated Parupkar Singh Ghuman for the bypoll. In the 2022 Assembly election, the AAP won the Ludhiana West seat with 34.36 per cent vote share. Gogi had secured 40,443 votes as compared to his nearest rival from the Congress, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who got 32,931 votes with 28.06 per cent vote share. Bhopal, June 7 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday said that all public beneficiary schemes introduced by his predecessor and former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan will continue. Chief Minister Yadav reiterated this while addressing a programme organised by the state government in Sehore district, in the presence of Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. "The opposition (Congress) always questions our intention. In the presence of ex-CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, let me make it clear that no scheme introduced during his tenure will be stopped. We together will make efforts to arrange adequate funds for all the schemes," CM Yadav said. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also indicated that his government is considering for increasing monthly installment of 'Ladli Behna Yojana', the much-talked about women-centric scheme which was introduced by Shivraj Chouhan ahead of the state Assembly elections in 2023. "Rakshabandhan festival is coming and let me take this opportunity to announce that Madhya Pradesh government is going to increase cash benefit to women under Ladli Behna Yojana up to Rs 3,000 against Rs 1,250 at present," Yadav said. Sehore district, which is located near the state capital Bhopal, is home district of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and it falls under Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency being represented by him. During the programme, Mohan Yadav and Shivraj Chouhan jointly laid the foundation of several projects worth more than Rs 130 crore. While addressing the programme, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated complete support and cooperation to CM Yadav, saying he believes that his successor would do a better job than him for the growth of the state. "I am not the one who would say I have done this and that. I will be happier if Mohan Yadav do better than me for the people of Madhya Pradesh," Shivraj Singh Chouhan said while addressing a public rally in Sehore. Meanwhile, he also mentioned that his padyatra carried out in his hometown Budhni was presented in a 'wrong way'. He said that some mediapersons had made assessments on their own. "But, let me make it clear that the party's instructions are important. Mohan Yadav is Chief Minister, and I am Union Agriculture Minister," he said. Speaking further, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that being a public representative, he must come to visit the people of his constituency, and it should not be interpreted otherwise. "But some mediapersons tried to speculate that in another way which was totally wrong," the Union Minister said. He was referring to a two-day 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Padyatra' in the Vidisha constituency which was organised in May to highlight the welfare schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Along with many of his supporters, his family members including son and daughter-in-law had also participated on the second day of padyatra. Mumbai, June 7 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday criticised Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his write-up in a daily in which he alleged that Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. CM Fadnavis in his reaction said: "Rahul Gandhi has accepted his defeat in Bihar! As long as Rahul Gandhi keeps giving himself false assurances, his party can never win. By making such baseless remarks, Rahul Gandhi has insulted the voters of Maharashtra, and for this, I strongly condemn him." On the other hand, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora also targeted Rahul Gandhi. He said: "Blaming the Election Commission or EVMs months after losing reeks of sour grapes. Instead of peddling conspiracy theories, the Opposition should take a long, hard look in the mirror. After all, a bad carpenter always blames his tools." Earlier, Congress in-charge (Maharashtra) Ramesh Chennithala claimed that the state's democracy was not defeated but it was butchered. Strongly defending Rahul Gandhi's observations in his write-up, he said that with irrefutable facts and unflinching clarity the leader of opposition has exposed a chilling truth. "The mandate of the people in Maharashtra was hijacked not by the will of the voters, but through manipulation, deceit, and a systematic assault on democratic institutions," he alleged. "Rahul Gandhi's powerful expose is not merely an article it is a wake-up call. It exposes how Maharashtra, once a proud torchbearer of democratic values, has become a cautionary tale of how institutions can be compromised, how power can be snatched instead of earned, and how silence can become complicity. This is no longer about one state or one election. It is about the soul of our democracy," said Chennithala. "We urge the Election Commission to break its silence. The people of Maharashtra and of India deserve answers.We call upon every citizen to stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay united. For if we allow such subversion to go unchecked, we may soon lose not just elections but the very freedoms that define us," he added. Further, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that Rahul Gandhi's article sparked a political earthquake and asked why there is no probe into Maharashtra Assembly election fixing. "Why are BJP leaders Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis answering questions meant for the Election Commission? Why is the Commission silent? The 'Maharashtra Pattern' of vote tampering is a conspiracy to be used in Bihar, Mumbai civic polls, and upcoming local body elections," he alleged. He announced that the Congress would hold torchlight protests across Maharashtra on June 12. This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Ben Hoffman has no doubt Fifth Third Banks peers and competitors are mulling some of the same mobile app features and enhancements as the Cincinnati-based lender. There is more convergence in bank strategy than there is in bank execution, said Hoffman, Fifth Thirds chief strategy officer and head of consumer products. Its really about your ability to execute at a sustained pace, he said. For Fifth Third, that means leaning on dedicated staff, operating rhythms and experience, and systems set up to support success, he said. Last week, Fifth Third was named best mobile banking app experience among regional banks in a J.D. Power survey. The banks app offers services like direct deposit switching and card controls, and features tools like SmartShield, its in-app security tool that gamifies digital safety. The lender continues to work on enhancements to the app, which about 2.4 million bank customers use to handle everyday banking tasks. In Hoffmans eyes, the $212 billion-asset banks approach stands out in part because of its focus on quality over quantity. We focus on quality where it matters, with the core theory being that, for the most part, our customers want banking to fade into the background, he said. Rather than stuffing apps with features or equipping chatbots with an ever-growing roster of skills, it needs to just work to support real lives. When Fifth Third releases a new feature in the mobile app, automated monitoring is set up to ensure the process works well; if there are defects, point people are contacted and troubleshooting begins. Product managers join release calls, no matter the hour, he noted. Its an intentionally unsexy approach, he said. Its really about focusing on the things that matter to our customers and not falling in love with the thing that feels exciting and feels different, Hoffman said. It is more important to customers that banking works, than that banking is delightful. The banks technology and communications spending has ticked up in recent years, from $416 million in 2022, to $474 million in 2024, with increased investments in technology modernization being one of the drivers, according to Fifth Thirds annual filing. Bank executives, when reporting Q1 earnings in April, said technology investments would continue in the second quarter. The bank declined to comment on its expectation for technology spending this year, or what its invested in the mobile app specifically. A spokesperson said Fifth Third has 735 technology employees in Cincinnati, and about 300 team members across technology, product, design and other areas of the company worked on development of the mobile app. Bengaluru, June 7 : As the Supreme Court cancelled his bail in connection with 2016 murder case of BJP leader Yogesh Gowda, Karnataka Congress MLA and Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSB), Vinay Kulkarni on Saturday said that he will abide by the apex court's order to surrender. The top court cancelled MLA Kulkarni's bail on Friday citing witness tampering. Interacting with the media on the matter, Kulkarni stated: "I have met Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and conveyed information about yesterday's development. We can't speak about the court's order. We have to bow down our heads, and I will abide by the order." When asked if this means more trouble for him, he said: "There is a role of many people... I can't say that is the problem. The court will proceed with evidence, and it will give its verdict as per the evidence." Answering a question about his future legal action, he stated: "Let me see, there is a time of 10 to 15 days. There is God. Everyone knows... people want me to make me sit in the prison." When asked about the role of prominent personalities in the northern Karnataka region, he stated: "There are many of them." The Supreme Court had cancelled MLA Kulkarni's bail following a petition by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which alleged that he was trying to influence witnesses and luring them with money. The court has asked him to surrender within a week. Sources submitted that the state unit of Congress party is concerned about the development. In this context, MLA Kulkarni was called by Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President Shivakumar to his residence, and both leaders discussed the matter. They have also provided information in this regard to a prominent Supreme Court advocate and senior Congress leader. Zilla Panchayat Member Yogesh Gowda was killed at his gym on June 15, 2016. Vinay Kulkarni was a cabinet minister in the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in the state at the time. It was alleged that Yogesh Gowda was hacked to death to curb his political rise and the BJP's influence in the region. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa announced during his election campaign that he would send Vinay Kulkarni to jail in the case. After assuming power, he handed over the case to the CBI. Kulkarni was arrested by CBI sleuths on November 5, 2020. After being in prison for nine months, Kulkarni was released on August 13, 2021. The Supreme Court had imposed a condition that he should not enter Dharwad district. However, without entering his constituency, Kulkarni won from the Dharwad seat in the 2023 assembly elections by a good margin. His wife and daughter had campaigned for him. The Supreme Court had ordered the expedition of the investigation in the case and also the completion of witness examination. The CBI, closely monitoring the witnesses, allegedly found that they were being lured with money and approached the court with evidence in this regard. Mumbai, June 7 : The Mumbai Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive search operations at 18 locations across Mumbai, Kochi and Thrissur in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The case pertains to the alleged Rs 65 crore 'Mithi River desilting scam'. Mumbai, June 7 (IANS) The Mumbai Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive search operations at 18 locations across Mumbai, Kochi and Thrissur in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The case pertains to the alleged Rs 65 crore aMithi River desilting scama. According to ED statement issued on Saturday, the searches targeted the office and residential premises linked to key individuals including BMC Engineer Prashant Ramgude, BMC contractor Bhupendra Purohit, M/s Matprop Technical Service Pvt Ltd, Jay Joshi (Director, M/s Virgo Specialties Pvt Ltd), Ketan Kadam (Controller, M/s Woder India LLP), and close associates Santino Rocco Morea and actor Dino Morea. The ED initiated its probe based on an FIR registered by Azad Maidan Police Station, Mumbai, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. The FIR was filed against 13 individuals and entities accused of causing a wrongful loss of over Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), said the statement. According to preliminary findings, the accused colluded to form a cartel with the intent to manipulate BMC tenders related to desilting work on the Mithi River. This cartel allegedly monopolised contract awards and inflated rates, resulting in undue financial gains to contractors and a significant loss to the public exchequer. These illegal proceeds were then laundered through shell companies created by key individuals, including Kadam, Purohit and Ramgude. During the search operations, the ED seized Rs 7 lakh in cash, froze 22 bank accounts and fixed deposits, and one demat account. The total value of assets seized and frozen so far stands at over Rs 1.25 crore. In addition, several digital devices and incriminating documents were recovered, which are believed to be critical for further investigation under PMLA. The investigation continues to be underway, with the ED further examining the financial trail and a possible broader network involved in the scam. Guwahati, June 7 : The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has taken a final attempt to link Mizoram's capital Aizawl, which would soon be the fourth capital city in the northeast region to be connected by a railway network. NFRas Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma on Saturday said that a major milestone in northeast Indiaas railway connectivity mission has been reached with the commencement of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection of the Hortokia"Sairang section of the Bairabia"Sairang new line railway project. He said that Sumeet Singhal, CRS of the Northeast Frontier Circle, is conducting the inspection from June 6 to 10, starting from Sairang station, near Aizawl. The formal inauguration of the new line is likely to take place after June 17, following the successful completion of the CRS inspection and requisite safety clearances, the CPRO said. This 33.864 km Hortokia"Sairang section forms part of the 51.38 km Bairabi (near Assamas Hailakandi district)a"Sairang new line, being executed by the NFR as a strategic state capital connectivity project. With the successful completion of the inspection of this section, Mizoram would soon become the fourth NE state, after Assam, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh, whose capital city would be linked to the countryas railway network, the CPRO said. The Bairabia"Sairang project has been divided into four sections -- Bairabia"Hortoki (16.72 km, commissioned in July 2024), Hortokia"Kawnpui (9.71 km), Kawnpuia"Mualkhang (12.11 km) and Mualkhanga"Sairang (12.84 km). Sharma said that the engineering scale of the project is significant. The project includes 48 tunnels with a total length of 12,853 metres, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five Road Over Bridges (ROBs), and six Road Under Bridges (RUBs). Among the standout structures is bridge number 196 (a rail pier bridge), which stands at a height of 104 metres, 42 metres taller than Delhias Qutub Minar, showcasing the engineering excellence applied to conquer Mizoramas challenging mountainous terrain. A successful trial run on this route was already conducted on May 1 this year in the presence of the General Manager (Construction) of NFR, marking a historic moment for Aizawlas rail connectivity journey. The project has achieved 94.52 per cent physical progress as of June 2025, reflecting the steady advancement toward operational readiness. The official said that once operational, the Bairabi-Sairang railway line is expected to be a game-changer for Mizoram. The improved connectivity would enhance access to essential supplies, promote long-distance travel (both passenger and freight) and significantly reduce transportation costs. The CPRO said that the line is also projected to boost local tourism, stimulate small-scale industries and drive socio-economic development across the region. NFR remains dedicated to the early commissioning of this transformative project for the people of Mizoram and the broader northeast region, Sharma said. Nagpur, June 7 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that to resolve Maharashtra's water crisis, it is essential to complement large dam projects with river-linking initiatives, water conservation, groundwater recharge, water reuse, and other small and medium-scale schemes. "In this direction, we are determined to divert 54 TMC of water, which would otherwise flow into the sea through westward rivers, to the Godavari basin. Similarly, through the Nalganga-Wainganga river-linking project, we are bringing water to drought-affected regions of Vidarbha. In the Tapi basin, 35 TMC of watercurrently flowing into the sea via Gujaratwill be retained in the region. These initiatives will help future Maharashtra successfully tackle drought and be known as a state that conquered water scarcity," he added. He was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Vidarbha Water Conference. "Vidarbha and Marathwada have long suffered from irrigation deficits. The lack of water meant no irrigation projects, and without these projects, farmers were left without water for cultivation. This vicious cycle contributed to the rise in farmer suicides, particularly in Vidarbha. To break this cycle, we focused on water planning. After taking office in 2014, we introduced the Baliraja Scheme, under which 90 projects were implemented. "We also emphasised water conservation through the Jalyukt Shivar scheme. By integrating various government initiatives and appointing district collectors as the heads of these schemes, a widespread people's movement was launched. Through this movement, citizens collectively raised around Rs 700 crore for water conservation. This revolutionary step transformed the water situation in about 20,000 villages," said the Chief Minister. CM Fadnavis further stated that regions with insufficient water face unique challenges. On the other hand, areas with abundant water face different issues. "In places where water is used indiscriminately, fertile lands are turning saline and becoming permanently unsuitable for agriculture. Particularly in the Tapi basin, salinization is a serious concern. To address this, we must shift from open canal systems to piped water delivery and adopt high-tech methods like drip irrigation. These are the only sustainable options," he added. "We recently signed an agreement with Madhya Pradesh for the Tapi Recharge project. This will help combat soil salinization in regions like Buldhana, Akola, and Washim. The project will significantly increase water availability for agriculture. The Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Project will create a 500 km river network across Vidarbha. We've also completed 90 per cent of the long-pending Gosikhurd Project, significantly improving water availability," said Fadnavis. Since water is precious, he urged judicious use, adding that industrial pollution in rivers is less severe compared to pollution caused by urbanisation. To reduce river pollution, water from all cities must be treated before being released into rivers, he emphasised. CM Fadnavis said that the three-day conference will deliberate on various issues and include presentations by experts. Alongside identifying problems, the conference is expected to produce actionable policy recommendations. Public-participation-based solutions will be more sustainable in addressing water issues, he added. Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 : Congress' Maharashtra in-charge -- veteran party leader Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday said that there is no more ruthless way to assassinate democracy than what happened there during the 2024 Assembly polls, and asked people to be cautious. "When I assumed charge of Maharashtra in early 2024, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi defied the Modi wave in the Lok Sabha elections. The people of Maharashtra stood tall against propaganda and pressure, delivering a decisive verdict that sent the BJP alliance reeling. The BJP's loss in Maharashtra, along with its poor performance in Uttar Pradesh, was pivotal in preventing it from securing an absolute majority at the national level," said Chennithala, a former Kerala Home Minister. He went on to point out that and merely six months later, in the Assembly elections, that same Maha Vikas Aghadi which was poised to win over 170 seats was reduced to just 50. "Is it believable that this staggering turnaround was due to governance or public sentiment? Even the most loyal BJP supporter would hesitate to make such a claim. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself could not sway Maharashtra, are we to believe that Eknath Shinde whose politics is marred by betrayal and unprincipled opportunism could command such a wave?" wondered Chennithala. "This was not a coincidence. It was a calculated and premeditated operation to distort the electoral mandate. Democracy in Maharashtra was not defeated it was subverted," he said. He further pointed out that in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Maharashtra had 89.8 million registered voters. By the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this number rose naturally to 92.9 million, a five-year increase of 3.1 million. However, within just five months, during the 2024 Assembly elections, the voter count inexplicably jumped to 97 million, a sudden spike of 4.1 million in less than half a year. "This figure defies logic. Even the official estimate of adult population in Maharashtra stands at 95.4 million. On polling day, the initial turnout reported was 58.22 per cent. With no reports of long queues or late-night voting, it should have remained roughly constant. Instead, by the next morning, the turnout had miraculously jumped to 66.05 per cent , an overnight addition of over 7.6 million votes, predominantly favouring BJP candidates," alleged Chennithala. We urge the Election Commission to break its silence. The people of Maharashtra and of India deserve answers. "We call upon every citizen to stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay united. For if we allow such subversion to go unchecked, we may soon loose not just elections but the very freedom that define us," said Chennithala. Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 : Congress' Maharashtra in-charge -- veteran party leader Ramesh Chennithala, on Saturday said that there is no more ruthless way to assassinate democracy than what happened there during the 2024 Assembly polls, and asked people to be cautious. "When I assumed charge of Maharashtra in early 2024, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi defied the Modi wave in the Lok Sabha elections. The people of Maharashtra stood tall against propaganda and pressure, delivering a decisive verdict that sent the BJP alliance reeling. The BJP's loss in Maharashtra, along with its poor performance in Uttar Pradesh, was pivotal in preventing it from securing an absolute majority at the national level," said Chennithala, a former Kerala Home Minister. He went on to point out that and merely six months later, in the Assembly elections, that same Maha Vikas Aghadi which was poised to win over 170 seats was reduced to just 50. "Is it believable that this staggering turnaround was due to governance or public sentiment? Even the most loyal BJP supporter would hesitate to make such a claim. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself could not sway Maharashtra, are we to believe that Eknath Shinde whose politics is marred by betrayal and unprincipled opportunism could command such a wave?" wondered Chennithala. "This was not a coincidence. It was a calculated and premeditated operation to distort the electoral mandate. Democracy in Maharashtra was not defeated it was subverted," he said. He further pointed out that in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Maharashtra had 89.8 million registered voters. By the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this number rose naturally to 92.9 million, a five-year increase of 3.1 million. However, within just five months, during the 2024 Assembly elections, the voter count inexplicably jumped to 97 million, a sudden spike of 4.1 million in less than half a year. "This figure defies logic. Even the official estimate of adult population in Maharashtra stands at 95.4 million. On polling day, the initial turnout reported was 58.22 per cent. With no reports of long queues or late-night voting, it should have remained roughly constant. Instead, by the next morning, the turnout had miraculously jumped to 66.05 per cent , an overnight addition of over 7.6 million votes, predominantly favouring BJP candidates," alleged Chennithala. We urge the Election Commission to break its silence. The people of Maharashtra and of India deserve answers. "We call upon every citizen to stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay united. For if we allow such subversion to go unchecked, we may soon loose not just elections but the very freedom that define us," said Chennithala. Guwahati, June 7 : In a move likely to spark a political uproar, the Assam government has decided to invoke a little-known law from 1950 -- the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Order -- to fast-track the deportation of undocumented immigrants, bypassing the usual judicial process. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the shift on Saturday, stating that the identification and removal of "foreigners" would now proceed at a faster pace after slowing down due to complications surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC). "This time, if someone is identified as a foreigner, we will not have to approach the foreigners' tribunal to initiate a pushback," Sarma said. Referring to a previous Supreme Court hearing on Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, he added that the court had clarified the Assam government is not obligated to seek judicial approval for every deportation. He pointed to the Immigrants Expulsion Order, enacted in 1950, which he claimed grants district commissioners (DCs) the authority to issue deportation orders without judicial intervention. "Our lawyers had not informed us about this provision earlier. We recently became aware of it, and we are now taking it seriously," he said. The Chief Minister confirmed that deportations have already begun under the renewed approach, though individuals with pending cases in court have not yet been affected. The move marks a departure from the long-standing process involving foreigners' tribunals -- quasi-judicial bodies responsible for determining the status of suspected undocumented immigrants. Until now, individuals declared as "foreigners" by the tribunals had the right to challenge the verdict in the High Court and the Supreme Court. However, the policy shift has triggered concern among minority communities and political groups. The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), a minority-based opposition party, recently petitioned Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, alleging widespread harassment of Indian Muslims under the guise of targeting illegal immigrants. In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, the party claimed individuals, particularly from the Muslim community, were being detained, interrogated, and even arrested based on mere suspicion, often without credible evidence or due legal process. In several instances, detainees were later released after being confirmed as Indian citizens, the AIUDF noted. As Assam moves forward with implementing the 1950 law, legal experts and human rights advocates are expected to scrutinise the constitutionality of bypassing tribunals -- a move that could open up a fresh round of litigation and public debate. --IANS tdr/pgh Nalanda : , June 7 (IANS) Beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, are getting free treatment in 'Netra Jyoti Seva Mandiram', a hospital built by a social organisation in Nalanda district of Bihar. Nalanda (Bihar), June 7 (IANS) Beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the worldas largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, are getting free treatment in 'Netra Jyoti Seva Mandiram', a hospital built by a social organisation in Nalanda district of Bihar. Patients who got their eyes operated on for free praised the scheme of the central government. Many public welfare schemes are being run by the central government, keeping the poor class in mind. Ayushman Bharat is one of them, through which the poor are getting financial help. Shail Kumari, a woman from Gandhi Tola, Rajgir, told IANS, "Earlier, I could not see with my eyes, I had low vision. The doctor talked about an eye operation. Due to having an Ayushman card, we have received free treatment in the hospital. We got the card made from Anganwadi. Cards for all the members of the family have been made. We have got a lot of benefit from this." Praising the government, he said, "The poor families who do not have money for expensive treatment can get free treatment through this. PM Modi's scheme is very beneficial. It has been appreciated a lot by poor families. If I did not have this card today, I would not have been able to get my eyes treated." Rajendra Singh of Lakhisarai district said, "I got my eye operation done through the Ayushman card. I have got a lot of facilities in the hospital. The poor are getting a lot of benefits from the Ayushman card. If we did not have the Ayushman card, we would have to take money from somewhere and get our operation done, but due to having the card, we got free treatment." He said, "We thank the Prime Minister that he launched this scheme for the poor. I wish him a long life. I could not see with my eyes, but now this problem is gone. I feel that my life has increased, childhood has come, a big change has come." Bhopal, June 7 : Police have registered 21 cases against 22 fraudsters in Madhya Pradesh police constable recruitment drive. The police have uncovered a major irregularity in the recruitment process, leading to the legal action. All the 22 candidates have allegedly submitted fraudulent certificates. Inspector General of Police, Law and Order, Anshuman Singh told a press conference held at the Police Headquarters in Bhopal explained the extent of the deception. "The action has been taken following instructions issued by the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav," the police officer said. The recruitment drive, conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Staff Selection Commission in 2023, aimed to fill vacancies in the Police Reserve GD and Radio divisions. A staggering 6,52,057 candidates participated in the written examination, with 55,220 advancing to the physical fitness test held between October 16 and November 20. Ultimately, 6,423 candidates were selected, comprising 5,090 men and 1,333 women, the senior police officer informed. Concerns arose during the second phase of the selection process in November 2024 when five candidates attempted to substitute others in their place at the Morena examination centre, he said. Their suspicious behaviour led to immediate action, preventing them from appearing for the test and resulting in legal proceedings. Following this incident, the Police Headquarters in Bhopal issued directives on April 21, 2025, mandating a thorough re-verification of all successful candidates. This included biometric and Aadhaar history checks from their designated units before final appointments were made. Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern in several districts, where candidates had altered their Aadhaar biometric data both before and after the written examination. Forensic analysis of signatures, handwriting, and fingerprints confirmed discrepancies, prompting authorities to register cases across multiple locations. So far, seven cases have been filed in Morena, six in Shivpuri, two in Sheopur, and one each in Indore, Datia, Gwalior, Alirajpur, Rajgarh, and Shahdol, the officer said. Further scrutiny exposed the involvement of Aadhaar card vendors who manipulated records for financial gain, facilitating fraudulent modifications without proper verification. This exploitation of the system enabled candidates to bypass security measures and attempt to secure positions unlawfully. Under the directive of the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, the Selection Branch and other investigative units continue to monitor developments closely, the officer said, adding, efforts are underway to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of the recruitment process, reinforcing the state's commitment to transparency and fairness in law enforcement appointments. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered an inquiry into the Madhya Pradesh Police constable recruitment exam. "On receiving information about fraud and irregularities in process of Police Constable Recruitment exam -2023, I have directed for strict action against into the matter. Such criminal acts, in which injustice is done to eligible candidates, will not be tolerated in Madhya Pradesh," Chief Minister said in statement issued to the press on Saturday evening. CM Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh Police have already started investigation into the matter, including biometric data and Aadhar history of all the candidates. "If prima-facie impersonation is found strict action would be taken against those involved into this scam," Yadav added. The Chief Minister's statement came a day after Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari raised question on transparency on recruitment process in the Madhya Pradesh government services and has demanded an independent inquiry into the matter on Friday. Multiple FIRs have been registered after the alleged scam came into the fore, wherein, the candidates allegedly tinkered with Aadhaar-based biometrics to cheat by getting proxy candidates to take the exam on their behalf. Ahead of the written exam, several candidates had changed their Aadhaar photographs and fingerprints, police have found during the initial investigation. The exam was conducted by Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC). A total of 9,67,118 applications were submitted for 7,411 posts in the recruitment exam. Of these, 6,52,057 candidates appeared for the written exam, which was held between August 12 and September 12 in 2023. The results were declared on March 7, 2024, with around 58,000 candidates qualifying for the next stage. The physical tests were conducted between November 18 and November 20, and 7,411 candidates were selected. According to police, irregularities were initially noticed in October last year during the physical test round held in Morena district, when a police officer noticed that biometric data and photographs of a few candidates had been updated multiple times. After the scam came to light recently, the opposition Congress came down heavily on the BJP government, accusing it of failing to secure future of youths in the state. "Fake candidates were made to sit in the constable recruitment exam through solver gangs. So far, 16 FIRs have been registered, but no concrete action seems to have been taken. Earlier, the same pattern has been seen in the Patwari recruitment, primary teacher recruitment, and many other recruitment examinations," MP Congress chief Jitu Patwari had said on Friday. Imphal, June 7 : Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday assessed the progress of the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), a flagship initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, officials said. A Raj Bhavan official said that the ITEP is a four-year dual-major, holistic under-graduate program designed to prepare highly qualified teachers for all four stages of the new school structure. Commissioner of Education (School) H. Gyan Prakash in the meeting provided an update on the ongoing implementation and key milestones of the programme in Manipur. In a separate meeting, the Governor also reviewed the stateas progress under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), with a special focus on the TB Elimination Campaign. The campaign is a key part of Indiaas mission to become a TB-free nation by 2025, a vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The review included a detailed discussion of the programmeas achievements to date, current challenges, and strategic actions required to accelerate progress. Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), Sumant Singh, along with officials from the Health Department, made detailed presentations. The official said that the family members of martyr Deepak Singh (BSF Jawan) called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan and shared their concerns and discussed various matters related to welfare and support. Bhalla patiently heard them, acknowledged their concerns, and assured that necessary assistance would be extended from Raj Bhavan. The Governor on Saturday released the first High-Yielding Variety (HYV) of Black Rice (Chakhao) a" RC Manichakhao-1 a" developed by the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region Region, Manipur Centre. This marks a milestone in agricultural innovation for the state. During the brief launch event, Dr. Konsam Sarika, Scientist at ICAR Manipur Centre, along with other officials, briefed the Governor on the science behind this new variety of Chakhao. They explained that RC Manichakhao-1 effectively doubles the yield of traditional landraces, while also offering improved cooking quality and higher anthocyanin content. This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Payments processing giant Fiserv has agreed to buy out the half of Dublin, Ireland-based AIB Merchant Services that it doesnt already own, a Fiserv news release said Friday. The move to purchase that 49.9% ownership stake is intended in part to increase the foothold for Fiservs small business focused point-of-sale service Clover, in Europe, the release said. The transaction is "focused on driving continued growth in Ireland and the broader European market," the release said. Dive Insight: AIB Merchant Services (AIBMS) was created in 2007 as part of a joint venture with the Irish financial services company AIB Group. Milwaukee-based Fiserv will now take full ownership of the unit. Analysts at the financial firm Robert W. Baird estimated the AIB joint venture's annual revenue at between $250 to $280 million, with profit of nearly $80 million, according to a Friday note to clients. AIB Merchant Services provides payment solutions and merchant acquiring services, the release said. The business has become one of the largest payments software providers in Ireland and one of the biggest e-commerce acquirers in Europe, the release asserted. AIB Group will continue to refer customers who require merchant acquiring services to Fiserv and AIBMS, according to the news release. "We are particularly excited for the opportunity to accelerate the local penetration and growth of Clover," Katia Karpova, head of the European region for Fiserv, said in the news release. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the third quarter of this year, according to the release. Recommended Reading Srinagar, June 7 : Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 49th Board meeting of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) which was attended by Members of the Shrine Board - Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Kailash Mehra Sadhu, K.K. Sharma, K.N. Rai, Mukesh Garg, Shailesh Raina, Simridhi Bindroo, Suresh Haware and Vishwamurti Shastri, an official said on Saturday. The Board, which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor held a comprehensive review of the preparedness of all the line departments and proposed various measures and interventions to further improve the facilities for the devotees. "The meeting discussed the arrangements and requisite amenities at base camps and various locations en-route Yatra including disaster preparedness and mitigation measures, dissemination of Yatra-related information, insurance cover to yatris and service providers, upgradation of Yatra Tracks, provision for sanitation water, power, transportation, and medical & health care facilities, telecom connectivity, Weather Forecasting, Digital Pre-paid system for hiring services, fire & emergency services, and civil supplies," the statement said. The Lieutenant Governor took appraisal of the progress on various ongoing projects and directed for ensuring completion of the identified works well in time for the convenience of the pilgrims. "Safety and well-being of the Pilgrims is our top-most priority. We are committed to provide better facilities and amenities to ensure a hassle-free and spiritually enriching experience for all the pilgrims," the Lieutenant Governor said. The meeting also discussed important matters pertaining to establishment of Yatri Niwas and Transit camps at various locations enroute, enhancement of lodgement capacity, expansion of Prasad Sale counters, operationalisation of Yatri facilitation centres, online services by the Board, issuance of RFID cards, registration and verification of pilgrims and service providers, Langar and NGO Services. Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, gave a detailed presentation regarding the arrangements for the Yatra. It was informed that around 3,31,000 devotees have registered for the holy yatra for this year, till date. This year, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence on 3rd July, simultaneously from both the routes the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district and it will culminate on 9th August, 2025 on Raksha Bandhan. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home; IGPs; Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners (Ganderbal and Anantnag); Additional CEO SASB and senior officers of the UT Administration, Police, Shrine Board and BRO also attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode. Chennai, June 7 : Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Madurai on Sunday for a series of political engagements, underscoring the party's renewed push to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Chennai, June 7 (IANS) Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Madurai on Sunday for a series of political engagements, underscoring the partyas renewed push to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. According to party sources, HM Shah will begin his day with a visit to the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple, where he will have darshan at around 11 a.m. The visit to the iconic temple is seen as both a spiritual gesture and a symbolic outreach to Tamil cultural sentiments. Post-lunch, HM Shah will hold closed-door consultations with local party leaders, strategists, and regional influencers at his hotel in Madurai. These meetings are expected to focus on strengthening the BJPas grassroots network, refining booth-level mobilisation strategies, and identifying potential allies to enhance the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu. It may be recalled that on April 11, 2025, HM Amit Shah had reached Chennai and announced the expansion of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by roping in the AIADMK. At around 4 p.m., HM Amit Shah will proceed to the Velammal Global Hospital Ground in Othakadai to address a major party meeting. The gathering will include state, district, and mandal-level BJP functionaries from across Tamil Nadu. The event is expected to witness the participation of hundreds of cadre members and senior state leadership. In his address, HM Shah is likely to emphasise cadre mobilisation, organisational discipline, and voter outreach strategies. The meeting is also expected to outline BJPas roadmap for the upcoming Assembly elections, focusing on converting recent electoral gains in the Lok Sabha polls into a robust state-level presence. The event is scheduled to conclude by around 5.30 p.m., following which the Home Minister will depart for Madurai Airport. His return flight is expected to take off at around 5.50 p.m. Party insiders describe HM Shahas visit as a strategic signal of the BJPas sustained interest in expanding its footprint in Tamil Nadu. --IANS aal/pgh Shillong, June 7 : Even as the hectic search for the missing Madhya Pradesh woman continued for over two weeks on Saturday, Meghalaya's lone BJP Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek has supported the families' demand for a CBI probe into the death of Raja Raghuvanshi, whose wife Sonam is still missing. The decomposed body of Sonam's husband Raja Raghuvanshi was recovered on June 2. The couple from Indoor in Madhya Pradesh went missing on May 23 while visiting Meghalaya's Sohra-Cherrapunji areas, a tourism hotspot in the northeastern region. On Saturday, the Minister said that the CBI can inquire into the incident since the family members have been demanding for such a probe to ensure justice for Raja and help in tracing Sonam. Hek, who holds the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary and Fisheries portfolios, told the media that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has not yet opposed the CBI inquiry into the matter. Meghalaya Police, National Disaster Response Force, local volunteers and villagers and other agencies are continuing their search operation to locate the missing woman. The search teams are using drones, sniffer dogs, mountaineers and local people in the search operation. A Meghalaya police official said that since the couple -- Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi (27) from Indore went missing on May 23, the search team recovered the body of Raja on May 2, after a police drone spotted the dead body in the deep gorge below the Weisawdong Parking Lot at Riat Arliang in the Sohra-Cherrapunji areas under East Khasi Hills district. The search team had recovered a raincoat, bloodstained machete, which was suspected to have been used in the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi. Demanding a CBI inquiry into the incident, Raja's brother, Govind Raguvanshi, had told the media that since his slain brother's gold rings, a gold chain, and a wallet are missing, they suspect it is a clear case of murder. "We urge the authorities to hand over the case to the CBI to conduct an inquiry into this case," he said. The Meghalaya Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a Superintendent of Police-level officer and assisted by four Deputy Superintendent of Police rank officers. According to the police official, the newlywed couple reportedly arrived from Indore in the mountainous state on May 20 for their honeymoon and visited some areas before going to Sohra-Cherrapunji. The couple hired a two-wheeler and visited the picturesque area before their disappearance, the official said. The couple's mobile phones have been switched off since May 24 night. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) earlier spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and inquired about the progress of the search operation. Sangma had said that he personally monitored the search and rescue efforts constantly. Madhya Pradesh MPs Shankar Lalwani and Sumer Singh Solanki also came to Meghalaya and held meetings with the Director General of Police, Nongrang, and Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang to discuss the search operations. Kolkata, June 7 : Kolkata Police have started an investigation into ransom threats made to a city-based businessman reportedly by a left-wing extremist leader. In a letter sent to the owner of a popular jewellery showroom in Kolkata, one individual claiming to be Samir Mondal, a Maoist leader, has asked the businessman to pay a ransom amount of Rs 50 lakh. "We need a huge amount of money to extend the Maoist organisational base in the state. So you are required to pay Rs 50 lakh for that purpose. Otherwise, necessary actions will be taken against you. You will not be able to escape by approaching the police. The police forces in West Bengal will not dare to act against us," the letter read. In the letter, the person claiming to be Samir Mondal has also provided an address at Deganga in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. On receiving the letter, the businessman immediately contacted the local Burrabazar Police Station. He has claimed to the police that he is especially worried since he also has a shop in the same area in the North 24 Parganas district, where he had been asked to send the ransom amount. "I am feeling scared. However, the police assured me of necessary steps on their part for my safety," the businessman said. The police are currently investigating whether the letter was sent from any Maoist leader or by any anti-social or prankster claiming to be a leader of the left-wing extremist force. The investigating officials are not ruling out the second possibility since the letter contains the specific name and address at Deganga, to whom and where the businessman had been asked to pay the money. "Generally, the left-wing extremist leaders operate in a highly secretive manner to prevent the possibility of getting arrested. So, mentioning the specific address and name of a specific receiver for payment of money sounds inconceivable," a city police official said. However, he admitted that a businessman staying and operating in Kolkata, receiving a Maoist ransom threat, is something unique. Kolkata, June 7 : Amid the continuing border crisis with Bangladesh, the West Bengal government has started the process of handover 356 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) at the earliest so that the border guarding force can immediately start the process of completing the process of installing barbed fencing in those areas where fences have not been yet put up. Instructions have already been sent from the state secretary of Nabanna to the district magistrates of the districts concerned which have international borders with Bangladesh, a senior official of the state government said. The districts where the administrative heads have been sent the instruction include Cooch Behar and Malda in North Bengal and Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Nadia in South Bengal. "Last week, there was a meeting between the top officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and their counterparts from the state government. Following that meeting, the state government geared up for starting the process of land handover on a war-footing," the state government official said. It has been learned that the Union government had already paid money for acquiring a total of 680 acres in the border areas in several districts of West Bengal for BSF to raise barbed fencing and set up posts at the unfenced border points. Out of that, 324 acres have already been handed over by the state government to BSF and the process has started for the handover of the remaining 356 acres at the earliest. The unfenced border points have already been a major headache for the BSF, especially during the last couple of years, considering that illegal infiltration through these unfenced borders has increased manifold during that period. The headache has aggravated further following inputs from intelligence agencies, both central and state, of attempts by Bangladesh-based fundamentalist groups like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), trying to infiltrate their activists in West Bengal through these unfenced borders for setting up sleeper cells in the different bordering districts of the state. Guwahati, June 8 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reaffirmed his government's commitment to tackling the widespread issue of land encroachment, calling the ongoing effort "monumental in scope." Guwahati, June 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reaffirmed his government's commitment to tackling the widespread issue of land encroachment, calling the ongoing effort "monumental in scope." Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Sarma also raised concerns about a "politically motivated demographic transformation" he believes threatens the state's social equilibrium. The Chief Minister provided an update on the substantial actions taken in the last four years to reclaim government land, stating that a large-scale campaign against encroachment has been underway, with considerable success. "In the past four years, we have conducted a comprehensive campaign to reclaim government land, and this effort will continue," he said. According to the Chief Minister, eviction operations have been carried out across all districts, with most reclaimed areas remaining free of new settlements. However, Sarma emphasised that achieving lasting results could take a decade or more. "Issuing a notice alone is not enough," he remarked, pointing to the complexity of the task. During a visit to East Goalpara, Sarma highlighted the evolving demographic trends in the region, noting the shift in the population dynamics of several areas. "At one time, Hindus were the majority in Goalpara. But now, from Baghbar to Nadibhanga, around 20,000 to 25,000 people have migrated, and Hindus are now in the minority in the constituency," he observed. The Chief Minister also referenced the manipulation of voter registrations, which he argued exacerbates the region's political volatility. "People even change their voter registrations. Had they kept them in Baghbar, the situation would have been different," Sarma said. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of communal respect, warning that unchecked land occupation could lead to instability. "If we don't show mutual respect, and if people believe they can just seize land, the social fabric of Assam will weaken," Sarma cautioned. He also advocated for regional stability, suggesting that individuals should remain in their native areas to reduce tensions. "If people from Baghbar stay in Baghbar, Jania in Jania, and Nalbari in Nalbari, many issues would be resolved," he added. Sarma revealed that he has been in regular discussions with minority leaders to foster understanding and maintain peace. "I'm always working to communicate these concerns to minority leaders. We must understand each other's issues to avoid chaos and preserve peace," he said. This initiative underscores the administration's broader effort to address the impacts of demographic shifts on governance and social cohesion. Sarma described land encroachment as a "troublesome and detrimental process," warning of a dangerous cycle where land is first seized, followed by the renting of homes and, eventually, changes to voter identities. "This cycle is dangerous. It's a perilous path that threatens our social and political stability," he said. The Chief Minister's remarks come at a time when issues surrounding land rights, voter integrity, and communal harmony remain politically sensitive and contentious in Assam. Two for Flinching Stephen King has the #1 book on our hardcover fiction list, and #1 book in the country, with Never Flinch, which our starred review called the thrilling sequel to 2023s Holly. PI Holly Gibney shines as a quirky but lovable beacon of hope amid the plots grisly violence, and King never lets his Rube Goldbergesque plot overshadow his characters humanity. Elegantly structured and sharply written, this moody mystery from the master of horror is a must-read. Ali Up Debuting at the top of our trade paperback list, Ali Hazelwoods Problematic Summer Romance centers on Maya, a 23-year-old grad student, and Conor, the 38-year-old business partner of Mayas older brother, Eli. They convene in Sicily at the wedding of Eli and Rue, the central couple in 2024s Not in Love. Maya and Conor were secondary characters in the earlier book, whose print unit sales are up 57% compared with the previous week. Staying on Script Annabel Monaghans adult fiction debut, 2022s Nora Goes Off Script, was the first of her four summer romances to date, each of which received a starred PW review. Her latest, Its a Love Story, debuts at #9 on our trade paperback list. Faithful Companions In an uncertain world, its nice to have things to count on: the sun will rise, the sun will set, and every few months, Nora Roberts or her alter ego, J.D. Robb, will release a bestseller. This week its Robertss turn, with Hidden Nature debuting at #2 on our hardcover fiction list. Its a solid standalone about a wounded cop tracking a series of mysterious disappearances, according to our review. When said cop, Sloan Cooper, retreats to her hometown to recuperate, she meets Nash Littlefield, a former New York City lawyer turned contractor. Our review notes, Roberts devotes more time to Nashs renovation projectsand his budding romance with Sloanthan the core mystery, but provides plenty of lovable side characters and cozy escapism. Business is booming at Bloomsbury Publishing, the largest independent trade house in the U.K. For several years running, the London-based publisher had notched double-digit revenue gains, hitting nearly half a billion dollars for the most recent fiscal year. The primary engine behind this precipitous rise? Bloomsburys once-modest U.S. division, now a powerhouse all its own. Its been a small offshoot of the U.K. for a long time, and that has really shifted in the last handful of years, Bloomsbury USA president Sabrina McCarthy said of the division, which launched in 1998. According to McCarthy, it now employees more than 300 people in the U.S.nearly a third of Bloomsbury staff globallyand publishes roughly 60 adult titles per year. The U.S. has become Bloomsburys largest market, accounting for more than half of the publishers revenue. In fiscal 2024, the American arm saw an astonishing 80% growth in revenue to 177.3 million ($240.9 million), which helped Bloomsbury notch a 30% gain in revenue overall. Fiscal 2025 was more modest, with the company recording an overall revenue increase of 5%, to 361 million. The U.S. division generated 194.7 million of that, representing nearly all the growth for the company last year. Romantasy Soars The success of Bloomsbury USA is the result of a confluence of forces, but one in particular looms large: Sarah J. Maas. The romantasy novelist was the bestselling author of 2024, according to Circana BookScan, selling nearly nine million books in the year. Erica Barmash, VP of marketing and publicity and marketing lead for Maas, said that the author has become a juggernaut beyond anyones wildest dreams. Barmash has watched Maass upward trajectory from the start, having joined Bloomsbury in 2012, the same year Maass first novel, Throne of Glass, was published. Bloomsbury has since published 16 of Maass books across three series, and has signed her for a number of new titles. During the pandemic, Barmash said, Bloomsbury saw Sarahs sales absolutely explode, thanks in large part to enthusiasm on TikTok and the romantasy boom. The explosion in romantasy has helped Sarah, even though she sort of was at the forefront of it. You cant talk about romantasy unless you talk about her. Barmash added, Its been amazing to see Sarahs sales grow and grow and grow across all series, not just A Court of Thorns and Roses. This year, Maass blockbuster ACOTAR series turns 10, and Bloomsbury USA has spared no expense in promoting the anniversary, with digital billboards, ads in airports and in more than 200 New York City subway stations, and 62 cutouts of the ACOTAR books in Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indigo, and various indiesan elaborate campaign that underscores both the books cultural ubiquity and their publishers marketing prowess. Publishing and marketing fantasy books has long been a strength for Bloomsbury USA. After Maas, its second-bestselling author is Samantha Shannon, known for her dystopian Bone Season series. Also on its robust fantasy list are Piranesi author Susanna Clarke and Alan Moore, whose novel The Great When, the first in a planned five-book series, was released last fall. Valentina Rice, VP of sales and marketing, called readers of fantasy and romantasy especially voracious. Theyre not like the kind of readers who read one two books a year, Rice said. They really read and buy. A New Imprint Seizing on its proven aptitude for fantasyand the appetites of fantasy readersBloomsbury USA is doubling down on the genre with a new speculative fiction imprint, Archer, launched earlier this year and headed up by Barmash and Noa Wheeler, who also serves alongside Barmash as editorial lead for Maas. Archers inaugural U.S. list is slated for 2026, with plans to publish roughly 12 books per year and move Shannon and Moore over to the imprint. Beyond Maas, its been an eventful year for Bloomsbury USA on a number of other fronts. In October, the success of the divisions consumer titles prompted the company to form an in-house sales force for national accounts in North America, including Amazon, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram. The team is headed by Sarah Rucker, former sales director for Usborne Books. McCarthy predicted that the new in-house approach will have a very positive impact on our business and enable a more direct understanding of the market when it comes to the acquisitions. Bloomsbury USA has lately been working to develop a more targeted approach to acquisitions. Rice said that in the past three years, Bloomsbury USA undertook a pretty big editorial shift, becoming more selective about which U.K. titles to bring stateside. We used to bring in everything that the U.K. published, which we dont anymore, Rice noted. We bring in the books that work for our market and they sell the rights to other publishers for those that dont, and vice versa. Last spring Bloomsbury made its largest business acquisition to date, buying the Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Groups academic publishing division, bolstering Bloomsburys own academic publishing in North America (which is, McCarthy noted, pretty separate from its trade business). The acquisition added more than 40,000 academic titles to Bloomsburys catalog, nearly doubling it, and the publisher is looking to build out its academic list in the areas of business and psychology, among others, moving forward. On the Horizon So whats next for Bloomsbury USA? McCarthy said one of the companys priorities going forward is doubling down on nonfiction after several banner years bolstered by its fiction offerings. Over the past three or four years, weve really pushed into the fiction side on the adult list, she explained, so in February the publisher recalibrated a little bit by hiring Colleen Lawrie as editorial director for nonfiction, allowing Callie Garnett, who had been serving as editorial director for the entire list, to narrow her focus to memoir and fiction. The publisher is particularly excited about A Truce That Is Not Peace, a memoir by Women Talking author Miriam Toews, out in August, and is looking to invest in the coming years in publishing more social commentary that can help illuminate whats happening in the U.S., McCarthy added. Indeed, the American publisher finds itself in a different political climate than it did a year earlier. Its a very scary time, McCarthy said, referring to book-banning efforts and recent attacks on libraries by the federal government. Libraries are very important to us across the board, between the academic side of the business and our childrens side of the business. Rice noted that Julianne Moores picture book Freckleface Strawberry, published by Bloomsburys childrens division in 2007, was recently banned in schools run by the Department of Defenseand saw a sales bump as a result. Six books by Maas were also banned in Utah schools. The best thing the publisher can do for librarians, Barmash said, is to continue investing in and promoting books it believes in, and to not allow political pressures to shape its list. Which is to say, to stay the coursea course that has, incidentally, also proven incredibly lucrative for Bloomsburys stateside arm. As shifting political and technological winds continue to reshape the publishing landscape, its difficult to predict any one publishers future. But after several years of exponential growth, all eyes on both sides of the Atlantic should be on Bloomsbury USA. Dont judge a book by its cover, the old cliche goes. Its usually good advice, but not in the case of the stunning special editions published by Londons Folio Society. For decades, the company has produced a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction works as deluxe, slip-cased objets dart, often with new introductions and artwork, offered exclusively through direct-to-consumer channels. Since its inception in 1947, Folio had operated on a membership-based book-club model, which was successful for a time but eventually ran its course. When CEO Joanna Reynolds took the reins in 2016, she recognized it was time to reinvent the companys business model for a new generation of bibliophiles. Those efforts include everything from finding a fresher approach to its catalog to changing the very structure of the business. Now those moves appear to have paid off. When I first came on board 10 years ago as a consultant, I didnt think we could save it, Reynolds admits. The companys traditional book club model was faltering, losses had piled up over a decade, and, as she recalls, every business metric was in freefall. But during a train ride to Glasgow, she spotted a statistic that changed her perspective: a 20% response rate to the holiday catalog, an unheard-of figure in direct-to-consumer marketing. That flash of insight became the basis of a turnaround. With a background in media and direct marketing from stints at Procter & Gamble, Readers Digest, and Time Warner, Reynolds set about overhauling every aspect of the business, from its publishing program and marketing strategy to its IT systems and payment infrastructure. We didnt even have a digital team when I arrived, she says. We stopped taking paper checks. Everything changed. By 2020, Folio was profitable again. In 2021, the company transitioned to an employee ownership trust, meaning the company is now in the process of becoming fully owned by its staff. Once the outgoing shareholders are paid offwhich is expected to happen in early 2026everyone will have an equal share, Reynolds says, whether youre the CEO or anyone else in the company. The modernization inside the company is reflected externally by an evolution in its consumer base. Once dominated by older, predominantly male bibliophiles, Folios audience now skews younger and more diverse. Today, Reynolds says, the publishers largest demographic is readers ages 2434, and it counts as many customers under the age of 25 as it does those over 60. Folios catalog, comprising 5060 titles per year, reflects that demographic shift. While still anchored in literary classics, the company has embraced genre fiction, comics, and contemporary authors. Recent releases include illustrated editions of William Gibsons Neuromancer, Madeline Millers The Song of Achilles, and Malorie Blackmans Noughts and Crosses. Reynolds noted that, when she first joined the company, 95% of what Folio published was in the public domain; now, she says, around 95% of its list is under copyright. The publisher recently inaugurated a line of reprints of classic American comics, which began with Marvel and expanded to DC. That helped attract new audiences, even leading the literary publisher to stake out a presence at San Diego Comic-Con to announce its new partnerships. In the past, wed never have considered comics, Reynolds says. Now its a whole new areaand its changed how people think about Folio. Most Folio Editions go through multiple printings in the 4,0005,000-copy range, but a select few are limited editions, typically produced in small batches with artisanal materials and often priced north of $500. Some titles, like collectors editions of Susanna Clarkes Piranesi or George R.R. Martins A Game of Thrones, have required immediate reprints due to high demand. A forthcoming deluxe edition of Moby-Dick, based on a reader survey naming it the greatest American novel, is planned for 2026. Reynolds notes that Folio works closely with its audience through surveys and in-person focus groups in London, New York City, and other major markets: We know our customers. We know what they loveand we ask them. As the company continues to evolve, its production standards remain constant. Each book is planned from scratch, Reynolds says. The paper, the slipcase, the illustrationsits all bespoke. This emphasis on craftsmanship doesnt come cheap. Theyre expensive because theyre expensive to make, she adds, citing hand-bound details and high-end materials. Another one of Folios distinctive features is its sales channel. The company sells exclusively through its own website and catalog, enabling it to maintain premium pricing and a direct relationship with its customer base. Retailers can order shelf copies, but only through the same portal and pricing used by consumers. For a publisher so thoroughly British in its heritage and operations, the United States plays an outsize role. Reynolds says that the U.S. is the Folios biggest market in both revenue and number of customers. California alone ranks as its fifth-largest regional market, prompting the publisher to consider bringing its recent exhibition at the Society of Illustrators in New York to the West Coast. But expanding across borders comes with challenges. Post-Brexit shipping complications and rising tariffs are a concern. Most of our core books are printed in the E.U., while limited editions are done in the U.K., Reynolds says. Everything is distributed from Britain, and geopoliticsfrom trade to climate disruptioncan impact that. Looking ahead, Folio plans to maintain its current publishing pace while refining its editorial vision. A new limited edition collection of Jane Austens complete novels is slated for September to mark the 250th anniversary of the authors birth,, and holiday and spring catalogs are already in development. For Reynolds, the goal is clear: Keep our customers happy, stay in business, and keep doing what we love. In an era when physical books often fight for attention in a digital-first world, Folio has found success by doubling down on the tangible. If someone finds a book they love, they want the best possible edition of it, Reynolds says. Thats what we do. Return to the main feature. The U.K. and U.S. book markets are symbiotic, with many authors, industry professionals, and publishers active on both sides of the Atlantic. This interconnection is evident at the highest levels of the book business: James Daunt is CEO of both Waterstones, the U.K.s largest bookstore chain, and Barnes & Noble, Americas largest; David Shelley is CEO of Hachette U.K. in London and Hachette Book Group in New York City; J.K. Rowling and now American author Sarah J. Maas have made U.K. publisher Bloomsbury into a bicontinental powerhouse. The bestselling book of the year so far in both countries is American author Suzanne Collinss Sunrise on the Reaping, which is just ahead of Rebecca Yarross Onyx Storm in the U.K., and U.S. streamers have propelled U.K. manosphere podcaster Steven Bartlett, the bestselling author of Diary of a CEO, into stardom alongside Joe Rogan and company. This relationship translates into significant economic activity. The appetite for U.K.-published content by U.S. readers will always be strong, and vice versa, says Dan Conway, CEO of the U.K. Publishers Association. Our latest figures actually show that the U.S. export market for U.K. publishers is growing faster than that of any other country. The U.S. represents the U.K.s largest export market for book publishing, and publishing exports to the U.S. grew 41% from 2019 to 2023, according to the PA. In 2022, 27% of U.K. publishing exports went to the U.S., representing a total value of 423 million ($573 million), according to the World Trade Atlas and United Nations Comtrade data The U.K. publishing industry depends heavily on exports. In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, the industry produced 7.1 billion in revenue, a 3% increase over 2022. While the domestic market remained flat at 2.6 billion, total exports climbed 4%, hitting 4.4 billionrepresenting 62% of the U.K.s overall book sales. The PA expects demand for exports to grow an additional 20% by 2033. That prediction has prompted the association to lobby the U.K. government to establish a publishing export accelerator to unlock greater export growth, as outlined in the PAs 2024 Vision for Publishing report. Given this export dependency, the relationship with the U.S. market is critically important. The U.S. export market for U.K. publishers is growing faster than that of any other country. Dan Conway, Publishers Association Yet the transatlantic partnership faces new challenges. U.K. publishings dependency on the U.S. market is one of the reasons that the Trump administrations persistent threats of tariffs are so unsettling to many in the industry. While books and printed materials are currently excluded from the threats, President Donald Trumps trade policy has proved unpredictable. By all accounts, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has handled Americas mercurial leader as well as anyone, going so far as to announce a big, beautiful trade deal in May, which both leaders described as historic and major. Industry observers, however, view it as largely symbolic. For now, books continue to be tariff free and the free flow of cultural, educational, and scientific materials remains entirely intact, Conway says. We are lucky to have strong relationships with international bodies, including with the Association of American Publishers, which is more important than ever in the changing policy landscape, particularly on issues such as copyright and AI. Opting Out of Opt Out Conways reference to AI is not incidental. The PA and the wider U.K. publishing industry are mounting a full-scale protest against the U.K. governments plans to liberalize the laws that regulate AI companies use of copyrighted material. The dominant AI companies are, of course, nearly all American, and they have thus far freely used copyrighted material from both sides of the Atlantic to train their systems. In the U.S., the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, and others in the industry have filed dozens of lawsuits seeking transparency and remedies for what they see as copyright violations. In the U.K., where fears that the country may fall behind in the AI arms race are growing, the government is considering allowing AI developers to freely use copyrighted material except when creators expressly forbid it, a model known as opt out, as opposed to requiring explicit permission from copyright holders to use their data. The issue was a major talking point at this years London Book Fair, where Maria Pallante, CEO of the AAP, and Conway warned of the dangers of the U.K. government pursuing such a model and stressed that growth opportunities must be balanced with ethical and legal safeguards. The PA has joined forces with the U.K.s Society of Authors in fighting back against AI copyright infringement. In April, members of the SoA staged a protest outside Metas Kings Cross headquarters in London, accusing the California company of stealing their work without permission or compensation. Despite the absence of homegrown large language models (the type of AI used in ChatGPT and similar tools), the U.K. book business is actively developing industry-leading AI-driven services. These include Shimmr, which automates social media advertising; Clio, a platform for writing books based on spoken replies to AI prompts; and new tools for navigating and searching vast catalogs of data at such companies as Oxford University Press and Perlego. (For more about new AI publishing tools from the U.K., see The AI Edge, p. 38.) Distribution challenges Another major challenge facing U.K. publishers is distribution. Last year, United Independent Distributorscomprising Eurospan, Marston Book Services, and Orca Book Servicesfiled for bankruptcy following persistent restructuring attempts and financial difficulties. UIDs failure, coming just three years after its acquisition by the Independent Publishers Group, left numerous smaller publishers with cash flow problems and inventory disruptions. Meanwhile, Penguin Random Houses 2023 decision to shutter Grantham Book Services by the end of 2025 has also intensified distribution challenges. PRH US later recognized the strategic value of the GBS facility, opting to continue using it as a U.K. and European distribution hub for PRH US titles. But the move forced approximately 40 third-party publishers to seek new homes for their titles. These twin disruptions created a scramble among publishers to secure partnerships with the remaining major distribution players, including Macmillans MDL, Hachettes operations (supported by the Pinnacle rep group with back-end fulfillment through HUKD), and HarperCollins U.K.s forthcoming distribution facility. While such established distributors as Turnaround and newer entrants like Ingram Publisher Services U.K. have absorbed some displaced publishers, capacity constraints remain. Specialized distributors have emerged to serve niche marketsWiley UK for academic presses, Kingsway for Christian publisherswhile Gardners offers a more passive solution for U.S. houses seeking access to the U.K. market without active sales representation. The ongoing capacity crunch suggests that the U.K. distribution scene will continue to evolve as publishers balance service quality, geographic reach, and availability in an increasingly constrained marketplace. Looking ahead As the U.K. publishing industry navigates an increasingly complex landscape, its deep integration with the U.S. market remains both one of its greatest strengths and a notable vulnerability. For U.S. publishing, understanding these dynamics isnt just about recognizing a key export partner; its about grasping how the future of English-language publishing will be shaped by decisions made on both sides of the Atlantic. The question isnt whether U.S. and U.K. publishing will remain intertwined, but how successfully both industries can adapt their partnership to meet 21st-century challenges while preserving the cultural exchange that has enriched readers worldwide. More from our U.K. Publishing in 2025 Feature World of Books Crosses the Pond The U.K.s largest online retailer of used books is moving in new directions stateside, opening a distribution center in a Chicago suburb and working with Ingram to source the new books for the U.S. market. Three Indie Presses Find Success in Translation Publishing houses And Other Stories, Pushkin, and Charco have leveraged trends and attention from book awards to attract readers in the U.S. Selling Stateside: PW Talks with Meredith Greenhouse The VP and general manager of Ingram Publisher Services explains how U.K. publishers are penetrating the U.S. DK Flips the Script: PW Talks with Paul Kelly The publisher discusses the companys first fiction imprint, DK Flip, which has launched in the U.S. How Folio Editions Expanded Its Audience The direct-to-consumer publisher has refashioned itself as hip by focusing on contemporary, popular titles, in addition to august editions of classics. The U.K.s Graphic Novel Boom Comes Stateside British graphic novel publishers are making their presence felt in the U.S., racking up critical acclaim and commercial success with titles for all ages. Harnessing the Power of AI Perlego, and Oxford University Press are among the companies that are betting new technologies will streamline book search and publishing for consumers. Book Candy: PW Talks with Andrew Rhomberg The founder of the London-based platform Jellybooks unpacks the company's post-pandemic evolution from a book discovery and analytics platform to a more sales-focused service targeting readers directly through extensive partnerships. Ross Moloney: I live in Nottinghamshire in England, so I am surrounded by the heritage and the history of what the mining industry used to look like. Lifting has always been part of the mining community, but mining itself is an ever - changing, ever - growing and ever more technically reliant industry. We are not just talking about getting fossil fuels out of the earth anymore, we are talking about rare minerals and rare metals . So, the mining industry is fundamentally changing from what it was 50 years ago where I live. We make the argument that when you are buying [lifting equipment], make sure you are buying from a trusted partner and make sure that you are getting your equipment checked by somebody who is trained and competent. So, two messages will underpin GLAD. It is Global Lifting Awareness Day, so we are looking to make people aware of the wonderful [employment] opportunities within the industry but, we are also looking to remind customers that it matters how you manage risk when it comes to lifting. I think that also speaks to the mining industry. These industries are powerhouses of the western economy but are often looked at as for other people's children. Traditionally and for as long as I have been involved in skills and development the whole engineering sector has been concerned around where we are going to get tomorrow's engineers from. Ross Moloney: The lifting industry is not unique in that one of the main challenges that our members face now is a concern around recruitment for the future workforce. Ahead of GLAD, Mining Technology spoke to Ross Moloney, CEO of the LEEA, about current industry trends, the skills shortage facing the lifting sector and how mining companies can ensure they are meeting the latest industry standards. The body also produces around 20 guidance documents a year, including those that cover the equipment used in the mining community. GLAD, now in its fifth year, is led by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), a trade association for the lifting industry. With around 1,200 members, the LEEA offers a quality assurance mark for its member companies as well as ongoing compliance support. Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD), which takes place on 12 June, is an opportunity for manufacturers, suppliers and end users of lifting equipment (including miners) to recognise the sector and share material that supports safe and high-quality load lifting. The mining and lifting industries have much in common. Both sectors operate heavy-duty machinery, have a high focus on safety and face challenges when it comes to attracting, recruiting and training their workforces. Story Continues This speaks to the partnership between the mining industry and the lifting industry, too. From an outsider's perspective, you can look at both industries and think that they are old fashioned, and that lifting is about grease and heft. However, both industries are on a parallel journey of technological innovation. There are more and more inclement territories places where it might not be possible to bring in and leave heavy equipment and we know that there are geopolitical issues that both of our industries work in. When we think of the core places that mining happens, there is a huge mining effort and lifting equipment in Western Australia (WA). The LEEA has members in Perth and the wider WA region that service the mining community out there, but LEEA members are also serving [oil and gas] exploration in the Middle East and in South East Asia; I have a membership hotspot in Aberdeen, so the North Sea is a really important place. Caroline Peachey: What are the main challenges facing the industry and how are they being addressed? Ross Moloney: I think the number one challenge that we all face in any engineering industry is the concern about a race to the bottom. We are in such tight financial times; it is understandable that all businesses are looking at ways by which they can cut costs and increase profit margin. We are effectively a safety industry. So, there is always a concern that best practice and safe practice can come under pressure. That is a concern shared when I speak to other chief executive officers and trade associations. That is not just a lifting or a mining issue it is an engineering issue. Engineering is under pressure not just because of the rising cost of living, but [due to] the increasing price of raw materials, tariffs and growing logistics costs. We in the engineering world are really feeling the pressures of price increases. So, the number one challenge that we are facing is how do LEEA members maintain this position of market superiority in terms of quality but continue to make this argument when there is definitely a race to the bottom? We are an association that believes it is our job to make the argument that while you might be looking at cutting [costs], please don't cut your attitude towards safety. Ross Moloney is CEO of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association. Credit: LEEA. Caroline Peachey: What trends are we seeing in the lifting sector in terms of improving safety and technological innovation. What benefits can these bring to operators? Ross Moloney: The LEEAs vision is to eliminate accident, injury and fatality. We know that we work in risky industries; but risky doesn't mean it has to be dangerous. Again, in common with the mining industry, we have seen significant trends in awareness of and engagement with risk. One trend that we have noticed is that product/machinery is failing less because of standardisation and the over-engineering of solutions. There are multiple factors being built into products now, so that if one little bit failed there would be other catches that would make sure that the product is safe. Another trend that we are noticing globally and is particularly of relevance to the mining community in Australia is that we must be careful that we do not move away from expecting truly competent people to be in their roles. To be a truly competent professional working in a high-risk and therefore dangerous environment, the trend that we are fighting against is the idea [of what] is enough training. We believe in ongoing life-long training as the way by which you can stay competent, but there is a base level that you must get to before you should be trusted anywhere near lifting equipment. Caroline Peachey: Skills is the focus of GLAD this year. Would you say the lifting industry has a skills shortage or a recruitment challenge? Ross Moloney: The LEEA has recently conducted what we believe to have been the biggest-ever study of skills recruitment issues in our industry, with nearly 400 respondents globally. On GLAD, my colleague and I are going to be launching a report into the state of the lifting industry. We will highlight the issues, the challenges and some of the solutions that we believe will take our industry forward. Just to give you a teaser, in the report we are highlighting the average age of the workforce, the challenges and the skills gaps but also the skills shortages. How hard is the training, so that a person in a role is fully qualified? We are also talking about where our workforce comes from, and where else we might look at attracting them from. The LEEA and myself believe that the engineering industries really must do better at creating career pathways, otherwise we are forever just going to be catching one or two people. What we really want is cohorts of 1020 coming from colleges or local environments. We must win hearts, but we must also build the road so that people can come into the industry and stay in the industry. Caroline Peachey: How does the LEEA support efforts to raise awareness or to improve the safety of the lifting sector? Ross Moloney: If you are a member, we communicate with you at least monthly and we have a very open-door policy where we take questions, comments, phone calls, etc. We really believe that we are a knowledge management association. We also believe that we have a duty of care for non-members. On LinkedIn we share links to documents and we post news that is happening in the industry. If you go onto the LEEA website, you will also find that whilst some documents are member only, many of our documents are available for the industry. We see ourselves as a support service to the mining community. Traditionally we have concentrated on supporting the manufacturers, the distributors or the examiners of lifting equipment. In September this year, we are going to be launching a new grade of membership aimed specifically at users of lifting equipment and we are calling it our safe user grade. We are promising that we will be a partner that will vastly reduce the risk of and the reality of equipment failing and accidents, because we are going to help people understand the things that they must be doing when it comes to buying, caring for and using lifting equipment. Register today for a webinar to mark GLAD... To mark Global Lifting Awareness Day on 12 June, Ross Moloney and Matt Barber, LEEA director of membership, will host a webinar launching a report that highlights the most pressing issues related to skills shortages, skills gaps and recruitment across the lifting sector. Register here. "GLAD 2025: improving lifting awareness in the mining sector " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The recent Senate elections in the Philippines delivered an unexpected result, sparking concerns among those closely following the countrys political landscape. Several allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration leaned toward China to strengthen ties, secured key seats in the upper chamber of Congress. While President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. has steered the Philippines back toward a stronger security partnership with the United States since 2022, the resurgence of Dutertes political bloc signals potential turbulence ahead. The Philippines has emerged as a cornerstone for the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. Increasing defense cooperation, expanded access for U.S. forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and joint military exercises have solidified Manila as a crucial ally in countering Chinas aggression in the South China Sea. The U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines, established in May 2023, reaffirm that an armed attack on either countrys forces in the Pacific, including over disputed territory in the South China Sea, would trigger mutual defense commitments under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. The Guidelines also emphasize cooperation between various military groups, modernization of defense capabilities, and joint maritime patrols to counter threats in the region. With nine Philippine military bases now accessible to U.S. forces, including four additional bases identified in 2023, the agreement enhances deterrence against Chinese aggression and provides strategic positioning near Taiwan. But this newfound alignment could be undercut from within due to the Senate election results. Vice President Sara Duterte, the former presidents daughter, is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate set for July. If convicted, she would be removed from office and permanently barred from running for any future political position, including the 2028 presidential election. The Senate election results have given Duterte a boost, however, with five of the 12 newly elected senators being her allies. That includes Imee Marcos, the sister of President Marcos Jr. The Vice President needs at least nine senators to vote for her acquittal to remain in office. If Dutertes allies gain more influence and she survives the impeachment trials, the Philippines could once again start to shift its foreign policy back towards China, reducing U.S. leverage in the region and complicating Indo-Pacific security efforts. Beijing has historically capitalized on political division to expand its influence, particularly through economic investments and infrastructure projects. If Dutertes faction regains power, China will look to strengthen its foothold in the Philippines, potentially undermining U.S. efforts to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. During former President Dutertes term in office, territorial disputes in the South China Sea were downplayed, as Duterte opted for economic cooperation with Beijing rather than enforcing the 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated Chinas expansive maritime claims. Economic dependence on China also deepened as Duterte secured billions in investment pledges, including infrastructure projects under Beijings Belt and Road Initiative. However, many of these projects failed to materialize, leaving the Philippines economically vulnerable while China continued its military expansion in contested waters. President Dutertes approach weakened Manilas alignment with the U.S., creating uncertainty about the Mutual Defense Treaty and joint military operations. If Sara Duterte survives the Senate proceedings and consolidates power, the Duterte dynasty could stage a comeback, setting the stage for a 2028 presidential bid that might shift Manilas foreign policy back toward Beijing. For Washington, the stakes couldnt be higher. The Philippines is a critical ally in the Indo-Pacific strategy, and another Duterte family presidency could jeopardize military agreements, reduce U.S. access to key bases, and complicate efforts to counter Chinese aggression. As the 2028 election approaches, policymakers in Washington must closely monitor the shifting political tides in Manila because if the Dutertes return to power, the balance of power in the South China Sea could tilt in Beijings favor. Daniel R. Green, Ph.D., a Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development from 2019-2021. Parker Goodrich, a member of Heritages Young Leadership Program, works in Heritages Allison Center for National Security. This past weekend, hate came to Boulder, Colorado in the form of firebombs. As peaceful demonstrators gathered at the Pearl Street Mall to call for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza for more than 600 days, a man attacked the crowd with a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. Several people were injured, including a Holocaust survivor. The attacker shouted, End Zionists! and Palestine is free!, and later told police that he had planned the attack for a year, targeting what he called a Zionist group. Sadly, this was not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, a gunman opened fire at a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., killing a young couple, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. In handcuffs, he shouted, Free, free Palestine! These were premeditated, ideologically motivated attacks. And theyre part of a deeply disturbing pattern: a nationwide surge in antisemitism, now turning murderous. These attacks didnt happen in a vacuum. The slogans of the anti-Israel movement Free Palestine, From the river to the sea, By any means necessary, Globalize the intifada arent abstract calls. They are rallying cries for violence. They have been chanted in a relentless drumbeat on college campuses, at public protests, and even in city halls. Words matter. And in todays hyper-charged environment, slogans that dehumanize Jews and demonize Zionism are not just dangerous, they are deadly. The victims in Boulder and Washington, D.C. were targeted because they were Jewish. Their assailants were radicalized by ideologies that celebrate October 7th as "resistance" and justify violence against Jews under the guise of political liberation. Adherents to these ideologies reveled in the slaughter and rape committed by their precious resistance group, Hamas, on that day, vicariously taking part in the pogrom. By demonizing Zionists with zero knowledge of what Zionism actually is they have declared entire communities to be legitimate targets. And now we are left with the horror of elderly Jews being firebombed at a peaceful event. Understandably, American Jews are left feeling shaken and vulnerable. It is this climate of hate and moral confusion that we must confront. That urgency is precisely why this Monday, June 9, in partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett is convening an emergency regional summit of mayors and other elected officials in his city, which is now marked by tragedy but also poised for leadership. Local and state officials from across the region will come together to confront antisemitism with seriousness, strategy, and resolve. Why mayors? Because mayors are on the front lines in the fight against Jew-hatred, which is being waged in our neighborhoods, our schools, our parks, and our city centers. Mayors set the tone for civil discourse. They direct law enforcement responses. They shape community engagement. They stand with their communities in the face of hate. Their leadership is immediate, visible, and vital. At the summit, these leaders will build practical tools: how to train police departments to recognize hate, how to respond swiftly to bias incidents, how to educate communities, and how to push back against rhetoric that radicalizes. This is not just a Jewish issue; its a societal one, and the battle against it cannot be waged by Jews alone. Its a metastatic societal problem, and as such it requires a response from all levels of society. And our response must be one of moral clarity, not ambiguity. It must be one of action, not thoughts and prayers. It must be one of leadership, not appeasement. We must recognize that antisemitism today wears many faces: far-right conspiracy theories, far-left denial of Jewish identity and peoplehood, Islamist supremacism, and radicalized ideologies that romanticize violence as resistance. And we must reject them all with equal force. The stakes could not be higher. In Boulder, Washington, D.C., and across the country, Jewish Americans are asking a simple question: Will our leaders stand up? The officials gathering in Boulder are answering with a resounding yes. Now, its time for the rest of us to follow their lead. Lisa Katz is the Chief Government Affairs Officer at the Combat Antisemitism Movement. Authorities on Saturday barred Eid prayers from taking place at the Eidgah ground and the Jama Masjid in the old city in Srinagar, while Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claimed that he was put under house arrest. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff IMAGE: People offer Eid prayers at the historic Aali Masjid in Srinagar, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. 'Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar deeply regrets to inform that the authorities have once again disallowed Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Eidgah as well as at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar by closing the gates of the mosque and deploying police personnel outside,' the management of the historic mosque said in a statement. It said the authorities did not even permit the pre-dawn (Fajr) prayers. In a post on X, Miwaiz strongly condemned the move. 'Eid Mubarak! Yet again, Kashmir wakes up to the sad reality: no Eid prayers at Eidgah, and Jama Masjid locked down for the 7th straight year. I, too, have been detained at my home. 'In a Muslim-majority region, Muslims are deprived of their fundamental right to pray -- even on their most important religious occasion celebrated across the world!' he said. 'What a shame on those who rule over us, and on those elected by the people who choose to remain silent as our rights are trampled over, again and again,' Mirwaiz said on X. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others are set to embark on the Axiom Space's fourth human spaceflight from National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 10 and are likely to dock at the International Space Station on June 11 at about 10 pm IST, after a nearly 28-hour journey. IMAGE: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Photograph: ANI Photo Shukla, the mission pilot of the Axiom-4 (Ax4) commercial mission to the ISS, will be accompanied by mission commander Peggy Whitson and specialists Tibor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland. The Axiom-4 mission will mark India's return to space 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's historic spaceflight onboard Russia's Soyuz mission in 1984. 'The crew will travel to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after launching on the company's Falcon 9 rocket. The targeted docking time is approximately 12.30 pm EDT (10.00 pm IST), Wednesday, June 11,' NASA said in a statement. Indian Space Research Organisation chairman V Narayanan visited Axiom Space last week to review the preparations for the spaceflight. The astronauts have been in quarantine since May 25 to prepare for the trip and have been training ahead of the launch on June 10. 'The #Ax4 crew undergoes extensive emergency training, featuring a range of scenarios such as underwater escape drills,' Axiom Space said in a post on X, and shared a video of the training programme. During the 14-day stay at the ISS, the Ax-4 crew is expected to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, school students, and space industry leaders among others. Earlier this week, the crew addressed a press conference to give an update on the training ahead of the launch. "We are good for the launch, we have completed all the training and the team has bonded well," Whitson said on Tuesday. Shukla described the year-long training for the spaceflight as 'nothing short of transformative'. "It has been an amazing journey so far, but the best is yet to come. As I go into space, I carry not just instruments and equipment, I carry hopes and dreams of a billion hearts," Shukla said. Shukla is set to conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments developed under a collaboration between the ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA. The experiments aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel. ISRO has lined up a set of seven experiments for Shukla, who will also participate in five joint studies planned by NASA for its human research program. It has drawn up plans to focus on India-centric food for carrying out experiments on the ISS, including sprouting methi (Fenugreek) and moong (green gram) in microgravity conditions. Shukla will also expose the seeds to the macrobiotic conditions and bring them back to earth where they will be cultivated into plants not just once but over generations. Shukla's experience on the Axiom Mission 4 would be very well utilised on the Gaganyaan mission which is planned for 2027. ISRO is spending Rs 550 crore on the Axiom-4 mission. Breaking his silence after nine years, Vijay Mallya said he may return to India if assured a fair trial. IMAGE: Vijay Mallya outside the Westminster Magistrates Court in London. Photograph: Simon Dawson/Reuters Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, facing fraud and money laundering charges worth 9,000 crore, has opened up for the first time in nine years about the fall of Kingfisher Airlines, the allegations against him, and his life in exile. Speaking on a podcast hosted by YouTuber Raj Shamani, Mallya issued a rare public apology to his former employees, while firmly denying any wrongdoing. Global financial crisis led to Kingfisher's downfall, says Mallya Mallya began by revisiting the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines, blaming the 2008 global financial crisis for triggering a chain of events that led to the airline's downfall. 'So agreed then it worked in your favour till 2008. What happened then? Simple. You ever heard of Lehman Brothers? You ever heard of the global financial crisis, right? Did it not impact India? Of course, it did,' he said. 'Every sector was hit. The money stopped. It got dry. The value of the Indian rupee also took a hit,' he added, pointing to broader economic distress that severely impacted aviation and other capital-heavy industries. 'Was told not to downsize': Mallya blames government for loan spiral Launched in 2005, Kingfisher Airlines quickly became known for its premium service and lavish branding. However, as economic conditions deteriorated, Mallya claimed he approached then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee with a downsizing plan to save the company. 'I went to Shri Pranab Mukherjee... and said I have a problem. Kingfisher Airlines needs to downsize, cut the number of aircraft, and lay off employees, as I can't afford to operate under these depressed economic circumstances,' he recalled. Mallya claimed his proposal was turned down. 'I was told not to downsize. You continue, banks will support you. That is how it all started,' he said. 'Kingfisher Airlines has been forced to suspend all of its flights. Kingfisher Airlines has been struggling. At the time when you asked for a loan, the company was not doing that great,' he added. 'I take full responsibility': Mallya issues rare apology to staff In a widely circulated clip from the podcast, Shamani asked Mallya what he would say to the former Kingfisher employees who lost their jobs and still hold resentment. Mallya responded with an apology. 'I would say I am deeply sorry for what happened to them. I would say that I am deeply sorry that some of them didn't get paid their salaries. I have no excuses to offer. I take full responsibility,' he said. He further claimed that funds meant for employees were blocked. 'The court had the money. I filed a petition to pay employees' dues. The banks and court rejected it,' Mallya alleged. 'Call me a fugitive, not a thief': Mallya rejects 'chor' label Mallya also pushed back strongly against the public perception of him as a criminal. 'Call me a fugitive for not going to India post-March 2016. I didn't run away, I flew out of India on a pre-scheduled visit. Fair enough, I did not return for reasons that I consider are valid,' he said. 'So if you want to call me a fugitive, go ahead. But where is the 'chor' thief coming from? Where is the 'chori' theft?' he asked. Mallya claims banks recovered more than what he owed Now residing in the UK since 2016, Mallya is fighting extradition to India. He has repeatedly maintained that Indian banks have already recovered more than what he allegedly owed. Earlier this year, in a submission to the Karnataka high court, Mallya claimed that the 6,200 crore owed to Indian banks has been 'recovered multiple times over'. He also demanded a comprehensive accounting of all recoveries from himself, United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL), and related entities, which are now under liquidation. May return if assured a fair trial, says Mallya Asked whether he would consider returning to India, Mallya stated, 'If I have a fair assurance of a fair trial and dignified existence in India, I will think about it seriously.' You can watch the full podcast here. (external link) Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025 inaugurated the first Vande Bharat Express train in Jammu and Kashmir, flagging it off from Katra in Jammu to Srinagar after the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This marks the first time the Kashmir Valley is connected year-round by rail to the rest of India. Previously, trains only operated within the Valley (Banihal to Baramulla) and in the Jammu region (Jammu-Udhampur-Katra), but no direct rail link existed between the two. The new Vande Bharat train is custom-built for Himalayan winter conditions, includes heated windscreens, thermally insulated lavatories, and advanced sub-zero heating systems. The train can operate in temperatures as low as -20C. Travel time between Katra and Srinagar has been reduced to just 3 hours, cutting the journey by 2 to 3 hours. Modi also flagged off a return train from Srinagar to Katra, and regular operations begin today, June 7. Once the redevelopment of Jammu Tawi station is complete, the route will extend further south. This was Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since Operation Sindoor, highlighting the project's political and strategic importance. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express to inaugurate the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat service at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi station in Katra. All photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff IMAGE: Security personnel keep a vigil at the railway station. IMAGE: Security has been significantly stepped up in the area. IMAGE: Passengers wait to get into the Vande Bharat train. IMAGE: Vande Bharat trains will begin regular service on June 7, operating six days a week with stops at Banihal. IMAGE: The Vande Bharat train is equipped with heated windscreens so it automatically removes frost, improving the driver visibility in extreme cold conditions. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The United States stands strong with India in the fight against terrorism, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau told Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led all-party delegation in Washington, DC to convey India's stance on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. IMAGE: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau meets Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led all-party delegation in Washington, DC. Photograph: @DeputySecState/X The Indian delegation met Landau on Friday as it wrapped up the crucial US leg of its multi-nation tour, briefing key interlocutors about Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. "The all-party parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor had a warm and candid conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State Landau. The Indian delegation briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor," the Indian embassy said on X. Landau, in a post on X, said it was a "GREAT" meeting with the Indian parliamentary representatives. "I reaffirmed that the US stands strong with India in the fight against terrorism. We discussed the US-India strategic relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster growth and prosperity for both countries," he said. A statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Landau reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries". The delegation discussed with Landau the importance of advancing key areas of the bilateral relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster economic growth and prosperity in both countries, according to the statement. The embassy in a statement said that during the meeting with Landau, the delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. "The deputy secretary reaffirmed the United States' strong support for India in the fight against terrorism. The two sides also had a wide-ranging conversation on the importance of strengthening bilateral relationships through advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest," it said. The delegation also had a "productive meeting" with Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms, the embassy said on X. The senator sympathised with the victims of repeated terror attacks in India, saying the US stood with India in the fight against terrorism, and expressed support for New Delhi's right to defend itself. Tharoor also spoke over the phone with Senator Cory Booker, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and described the conversation as warm and productive. He briefed Booker on the monstrous terror attack in Pahalgam and outlined the repeated provocations of terrorism emanating from across the border, laid out the details of Operation Sindoor, and emphasised India's firm resolve in countering any future acts of terrorism. Senator Booker unequivocally condemned terrorism and expressed sympathies with the victims. The conversation also touched upon broader themes in the India-US strategic partnership, which enjoys robust support, Tharoor said, adding that he hopes to meet Booker Next time in person. Apart from Tharoor, the delegation comprises MPs Sarfaraz Ahmad, Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, and India's former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu. Several prominent American lawmakers and congressmen, as well as policy experts, attended a special reception hosted by the Indian Embassy on Thursday night and interacted with the delegation. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. A homebuyer in California thought they were on their way to closing on a $720,000 property in a semi-rural area. But after entering escrow, they were hit with a surprise: the insurance quote was between $14,000 and $17,000 per year. Realtor Said It Wasn't A Problem The buyer, who shared their story on Reddit, said they had asked about insurance earlier in the process but were told not to worry. "My realtor claimed it wouldnt be an issue," the person wrote. "Lesson learned, it takes 10 minutes to run a few quotes on a house before putting an offer." Don't Miss: The two quotes they received were astronomical, $14,000 annually with a $20,000 deductible, or $17,000 annually for a $2,500 deductible. The only option available was California's Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan, which many homeowners in high-risk zones are forced to rely on due to the lack of private carriers. Why Its So Expensive California homeowners and industry pros in the thread pointed to the growing wildfire risk, regulatory delays, and insurance companies pulling out of the state as major reasons for rising premiums. Semi-rural California = fire country, one person wrote. Another said, Farmers [Insurance] here for 32 years without a single claim. Cancelled. An insurance adjuster chimed in: This is the exact problem. Florida has the same problem in reverse where everyone accounts for the risk of storms. But because everyone just litigates and sues for any and everything it's not worth the risk. Others criticized California regulators for blocking or delaying the use of catastrophe models that would allow insurers to price risks more accurately. "The risk is now too great to insure," one commenter wrote. Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100. Realtors Under Fire Commenters were also critical of the role of real estate agents. "Stop trusting your realtor," one person said. "Their ultimate goal is to get paid fast and move on." Another warned, "Don't use your realtor's broker. The last two houses I bought, different realtors convinced me to call their engineer, their inspector, their engineer... all those people gave the realtor kickbacks and none had my interest in mind." Her husband Raja's body has been discovered, but there is no trace of Sonam Raghuvanshi. IMAGE: The couple at their wedding. Photographs: Nabamita Mitra When Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, a newly-wed couple from Indore, changed their plan and decided to visit Shillong, little did they know that their honeymoon would end in tragedy. 'Their initial plan was to visit Guwahati. We are not sure why they changed their plan,' Govind Raghuvanshi, Sonam's brother, told media-persons at Wei Sawdong in Sohra, Meghalaya, on June 5. Raja's body was found in a gorge at Wei Sawdong on June 2. The couple went missing in Sohra on May 23. There is no trace of Sonam so far. The search and rescue team, which includes members of the national and state disaster response force and villagers, is on the task. Mystery continues Wei Sawdong -- about 25 km from Sohrarim where the couple's rented two-wheeler was found abandoned -- is a serene place. It was a foggy day when this correspondent visited the site where the search operation was underway. Cloaked in mist, the picturesque place seemed to hide some secret from the world outside. Symbolic it was, but the truth is that the case is shrouded in mystery, even after the husband's body was recovered. IMAGE: The search underway in the hills of Meghalaya. The Meghalaya police have lodged a murder case. The murder weapon, a machete (local dao) has also been found. And yet, several questions remain unanswered: Why was the two-wheeler's key left behind? Who took the two-wheeler to Sohrarim? Did the couple visit Wei Sawdong themselves, or were they forcefully brought there? If they were forcefully brought to the place, then why was Raja's last Instagram post traced to this place? And, finally, where is Sonam? Sonam's brother Govind and cousin Kiran Mule, both of whom are in Meghalaya, believe that their sister was kidnapped (external link). 'Sonam spoke to her mother-in-law around 1.30 pm on May 23. Raja's last post was from Wei Sawdong. It's been so many days, and the rescuers have not found any of Sonam's possessions. So, we strongly believe she is alive and has been kidnapped,' said Govind. That Sonam is still missing adds another layer of mystery. Rescue team's challenges The rescue team has been carrying out an extensive search operation since June 2. This is despite the challenges they are facing amid incessant rain. IMAGE: The dense foliage in the hills of Meghalaya. An NDRF member said the visibility was low (external link) owing to fog and dense vegetation along the slopes. The ground is wet and the stones are slippery after heavy rain, and this is hindering rappelling. The search operation is being carried out in Wei Sawdong and the surrounding areas, including Mawkma village, where a red jacket was found. "We will continue as long as the police want our assistance," said the NDRF member before resuming the search on Saturday morning. Tourism at stake? While the rescuers struggle in the difficult terrain, many view this incident as a blight on Sohra's image as a popular tourist destination. Alan West Kharkongor, director, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation, was concerned about the crime, "which was unfortunate in a peaceful place like Sohra". "So far, tourism has not been affected, but if incidents such as this are repeated, then tourism will suffer," Kharkongor said. The couple parked the rented two-wheeler in Mawlakhiat village and went to Nongriat, the double-decker root bridge village, on May 22. It is assumed that they came back to Mawlakhiat on May 23 and must have gone to Wei Sawdong from there. Wei Sawdong is isolated from the rest of the viewpoints along the way. IMAGE: A road sign showing the way to the Wei Sawdong waterfall, a popular tourist attraction where Raja's body was found. "Whoever has committed this crime must have come from down there (from Mawlakhiat) and chose this place because it is isolated," Kharkongor said, while explaining the geography of the place. It becomes imperative that the case be solved as early as possible, as the livelihood of the locals in Sohra solely depends on tourism. National outrage The damage, of course, has been done to some extent with the national media tagging the place as 'crime-prone hills'. This has hurt sentiments, and people in Meghalaya are outraged at the impertinence of "those who have little idea about the place and its people". "The local villagers would not commit such a heinous act because tourism is their livelihood,' pointed out Kharkongor. Nonetheless, the crime has been committed in the state. While one must eschew a media trial, there is also a need for expediting the case. The families of the victims have demanded a CBI inquiry. It would be a wise move to seek expertise from the central agency to solve the case. 'This is the first time that Meghalaya has witnessed such an incident. The state is known for its hospitality. I want to assure the family that justice will be delivered,' Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma recently said. However, it must be a timely justice for which all stakeholders need to show alacrity. Nabamita Mitra is the co-founder of Meghalaya Monitor, a news Web site, and an independent writer. Jayant Narlikar wrote alternative what-if histories, explained difficult scientific theories with funny analogies, and leavened his lectures with jokes and humorous asides. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, who passed away at his residence in Pune last month, is revered by India's scientific community as a founding father of the related disciplines of astrophysics and cosmology. He was the founding director of India's foremost astrophysics institute, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), and indeed, it was his brainchild. Dozens -- if not hundreds -- of India's scientists were mentored by him during his long career, and he also pursued his own research interests until the end of his days. As with many scientists (think of Schrodinger's Cat and Feynman's safe-breaking exploits), there was a playful aspect to his intellect. He looked at things from unusual perspectives. He wrote alternative what-if histories, explained difficult scientific theories with funny analogies, and leavened his lectures with jokes and humorous asides. That playfulness was combined with a certain intellectual stubbornness. Narlikar never accepted the 'Big Bang' theory, which is the most commonly accepted explanation for the origin of the universe. His scepticism may have resulted from the fact that his PhD adviser at Cambridge was the legendary Fred Hoyle. Hoyle actually coined the term 'Big Bang', but he did so ironically because he never believed in it, putting together an alternative explanation in the Steady State hypothesis, which Narlikar also espoused. While the Big Bang postulates the universe began in one catastrophic explosion, the Steady State model suggests there was no such explosive start to creation. Most scientists are on the Big Bang side of the fence, but Narlikar continued to look for ways to tweak the Steady State hypothesis to fit with known data all his life. The Hoyle-Narlikar Hypothesis attempted to synthesise Einstein's Theory of General Relativity with Mach's Principle, bringing in gravity to suggest that the inertia of any object is influenced by all the other mass in the universe. His other research interests included: Quantum cosmology, which assumes the universe is a wave and asks questions such as whether there is a particle that imparts gravity, just as the Higgs Boson imparts mass; and action-at-a-distance physics, which looks at the way in which quantum entanglement works. By the mid-1960s, Narlikar was well-known in Cambridge's physics community, where he had attained the distinction of becoming Senior Wrangler (the undergraduate topper in the mathematics tripos). But in 1972, he decided to return to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, where he led the theoretical astrophysics group. This marked the beginning of India's domestic research into astrophysics. In 1988, he became the founding director of IUCAA, which tried a new approach. It aimed to promote research through collaboration, bringing together fellows drawn from different institutions. Under his leadership, IUCAA became a global centre for theoretical and observational astronomy. Narlikar was also a great science communicator, and that filtered through into the IUCAA ethos. On open days, IUCAA invites school children to wander around the wonderful campus, and it holds many open lectures aimed at general audiences. There are uncounted numbers of young scientists whose first encounter with science came at an IUCAA open day. Narlikar also headed a committee set up by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to redesign school textbooks in science and mathematics. Decades later, those textbooks are still lauded on social media as masterworks, which introduced maths, physics and chemistry to generations of young Indians. Narlikar also tirelessly promoted the scientific temper referred to in the Constitution by writing innumerable popular science books and articles, in English and Marathi. In tandem with his friend, the late rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, he set up public experiments that hilariously debunked astrology. He also appeared on radio and television programmes, explaining science in a simple manner with funny analogies. When the LIGO experiment first detected gravitational waves in 2016, he used an unforgettable analogy to explain the sensitivity of the LIGO apparatus: "Imagine a fly sitting on an elephant. The weight of the fly is added to his body but the elephant will not feel it. What LIGO detected was much smaller than the impact of the fly sitting on the elephant." In his spare time, he wrote intriguing science fiction stories and alternative histories. Some readers may recall his famous story where the Marathas win the Third Battle of Panipat in 1769, and the map of India is thus altered. He was a good enough writer to have won a Sahitya Akademi prize for his Marathi autobiography, and he was awarded the Unesco Kalinga Prize in 1996 for his untiring efforts to popularise science. Narlikar received many other awards and honours in his career, including the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan. He served as president of the International Astronomical Union's commission on cosmology from 1994 to 1997, a testament to his global standing. And of course, he served on multiple Indian committees. Apart from his accomplishments as a researcher, he leaves a great legacy as a mentor, a builder of institutions, and a communicator. The institutions he helped to build, the textbooks he helped compose, and the ideas he proposed continue to influence the way science is practiced and taught. Timeline of Life & Contributions 1938 Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra 1940s50s Early education at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father was professor of mathematics. Mother was a Sanskrit scholar 1957 Graduated with BSc from BHU Went to Cambridge for studies; became a Wrangler and Tyson medallist in the mathematical tripos 1960 Earned BA in mathematics from Cambridge University 1962 Awarded the Smith's Prize at Cambridge 1963 Completed PhD at Cambridge under astronomer Fred Hoyle 1963-1972 Fellow of King's College, Cambridge 1964 MA from Cambridge 1965 Conferred Padma Bhushan at age 26 1966-72 Founder staff member, Institute of Theoretical Astronomy; developed alternative cosmological models with Hoyle 1967 Awarded the Adams Prize at Cambridge 1972-1989 Joined Tata Institute of Fundamental Research; led Theoretical Astrophysics Group to international recognition 1976 Awarded ScD (Doctor of Science), the highest degree awarded by Cambridge for distinguished research in Science 1988 Sets up Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). As its director until his retirement in 2003, took the institute to global recognition in astronomy and astrophysics 1994-1997 President, Cosmology Commission, International Astronomical Union 1996 Received Unesco Kalinga Award for popular science writing 1999 Began leading pioneering high-altitude biological experiments, which detected live cells and bacteria at 41 km altitude, pointing to the possibility of microorganisms bombarding Earth 2004 Conferred Padma Vibhushan 2011 Received Maharashtra Bhushan, the state's highest civilian honour 2012 Honoured by Third World Academy of Sciences for institution building in science 2014 Won Sahitya Akademi Award for autobiography in Marathi Known for championing alternatives to the Big Bang model Worked on the frontiers of gravity and Mach's Principle, as well as on problems related to quasars, black holes, among others Also received the Bhatnagar award, the MP Birla award, the Prix Janssen of the French Astronomical Society. Was an associate of the Royal Astronomical Society of London, fellow of three national science academies, and of the Third World Academy of Sciences Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Brattleboro, VT (05301) 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 86F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Living next to the Chinese-owned Zijin mines, villagers near Bor in eastern Serbia and Panjakent in western Tajikistan face the same threat: poisoned air, degraded farmland, and no recourse. At the same time their governments deepen ties with Beijing. As both countries embrace Chinese investment under Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, villagers say they're paying the environmental price, allegations Zijin denies. "That smell hits your nose, makes you dizzy. It's poison," says Asadulo Rahmonov of Khumgaron, Tajikistan. "With this dust, it's impossible to grow anything healthy," adds Milos Bozic from Krivelj, Serbia. Zijin operates a copper mine in Serbia and a gold mine in Tajikistan. Both sites have drawn repeated complaints from nearby residents, who say promised relocations and cleanups never materialized. "Sell my property? What am I supposed to do -- sell my dignity?" asks Dragoslav Stanculovic, head of the local council in Ostrelj, Serbia, where most households have already left. Zijin acquired Serbia's former state-run mining basin in 2018 and launched operations at the new and fully Chinese Cukaru Peki mine in 2021. Since then, residents and experts have warned of worsening pollution. The company says it has spent $259 million on environmental improvements, including reducing sulfur dioxide. But toxic particles remain. "PM particles and arsenic are still present," says Snezana Serbula, a professor at Bor's Technical Faculty. "People in Bor breathe them daily." Air-quality monitors show continued problems. "Before, you saw the smoke," says Violeta, a Bor resident. "Now it's invisible, but it smells awful." Despite public outcry, the Serbian government has defended Zijin. By 2024, Chinese firms became Serbia's top exporters, earning over $1 billion. "What good is money if you're losing your health?" asks Bor resident Vlada. Activist Dejan Lazar calls it "aggressive mining," with locals left behind. "The city was built around the mine. No one's against mining. But this is irrational," he says. Others, like Miodrag Zivkovic, say they were pushed off their land with little recourse. "That farmland was my livelihood," he says. "Now I live on a 200-euro pension. You tell me how." Zijin says 98 percent of land in the area was acquired voluntarily, and remaining expropriations followed legal procedures. It insists it is developing Serbia's first "green mine" in compliance with environmental laws. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Villages near Bor in Serbia and Panjakent in Tajikistan share a growing concern: pollution from Chinese-owned mines. While Belgrade and Dushanbe welcome Beijings investment, locals fear for their land and air -- while the mines' owner, Zijin, denies harming the environment. Irans state broadcaster, IRIB, has reported what it describes as one of the "largest intelligence operations" in history against Israel, claiming Iranian intelligence obtained a vast cache of "sensitive documents" -- including thousands allegedly related to Israeli nuclear projects and facilities -- from inside Israeli territory. IRIBs rolling news channel, IRINN, interrupted regular programming on June 7 to announce the story. It said the operation involved extracting an abundance of strategic and sensitive information and documents from within Israel, citing unnamed regional sources. According to the report, the documents were transferred to Iran after a period of secrecy intended to ensure their safe arrival. IRIB said the volume of material is so great that merely reviewing it will take considerable time. The broadcaster also linked the recent arrests of two Israeli citizens -- Roy Mizrahi and Almog Atias -- to the alleged intelligence breach. Israeli authorities announced their arrests last month, accusing them of collaborating with Iran. The Iranian report suggests the arrests may have come after the documents had already been smuggled out. While the arrests of Mizrahi and Atias are confirmed and appear consistent with a broader pattern of Iranian intelligence recruitment inside Israel, there is no independent evidence to support IRIBs claim of a massive exfiltration of nuclear-related documents. Israeli authorities have not acknowledged any such breach, and international media or independent analysts have released no corroborating details. The claim comes six years after a high-profile Israeli intelligence operation inside Iran. In 2018, Mossad agents stole roughly 100,000 documents from a secret warehouse in Tehran, detailing Irans covert nuclear weapons program. The trove was later verified by international experts and publicly revealed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, likely contributing to the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal during President Donald Trump's first term in office. This latest Iranian claim -- whether credible or exaggerated -- fits into an intensifying pattern of espionage activity inside Israel over the past year. Israels Shin Bet security agency has reported a significant uptick in Iranian-directed spy plots, with more than 30 Israelis arrested for allegedly working on Irans behalf. These cases have included photographing military sites and plotting assassinations, involving both Jewish and Arab citizens. Photo Gallery: The Black List: Assassinated Iranian Scientists The November 27 killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh is the latest in a string of killings of men allegedly linked to Irans nuclear program. Fakhrizadeh is at least the fifth Iranian scientist to have been assassinated or die in mysterious circumstances since 2007. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email to a Friend Share on LinkedIn Iran and Israel have engaged in a prolonged shadow conflict involving cyberattacks, targeted killings, drone operations, and acts of sabotage. Tehran alleges that Israel is behind the assassinations of several Iranian nuclear scientists, while Israel accuses Iran of backing regional militant groups and orchestrating attacks on Israeli interests abroad. The United States and Israel, widely regarded as the Middle Easts only nuclear-armed state, lead Western accusations that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. Iran denies this, maintaining its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes. This latest report surfaces amid persistent tensions over Irans nuclear activities, which Israeli officials continue to describe as a fundamental threat to their countrys security. Ukrainian officials have rejected Russian accusations that Kyiv is stalling the exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of fallen soldiers bodies, calling on Moscow to stop playing dirty games. The denial came after Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky on June 7 alleged that Ukraine had unexpectedly postponed both the exchange of prisoners and the acceptance of soldiers bodies for an indefinite period. Medinsky said Russia had already provided Ukraine with a list of 640 prisoners -- prioritizing the wounded, seriously ill, and young people -- to initiate the exchange process. Responding to Medinsky on Telegram, Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War asserted that Russias claims do not align with reality or previously established agreements. According to Ukrainian officials, while both sides had agreed in principle to repatriate the bodies of approximately 12,000 dead soldiers following peace talks in Istanbul, no specific date had been set for the exchange. The Russian side has resorted to unilateral actions that were not agreed upon within the framework of the process, the Ukrainian statement said, emphasizing that Moscows recent moves and public statements were outside the mutually established procedures. Separately, Ukraine's Defense Ministry accused Moscow of attempting to rewrite the agreements reached in Istanbul and of creating artificial obstacles and false statements to delay the process. The ministry warned that if Russia reneges on its promises, it raises questions about the credibility of the Russian negotiating team Ukrainian officials called on Russia to return to constructive work and abide by the agreements reached at the negotiating table, rather than engaging in what they described as political maneuvering. Ukraine also noted that it had submitted its own list of names for prisoner exchange, but criticized Russias list for not adhering to the agreed prioritization of prisoners, which was to focus on the youngest and most severely wounded. With reporting by Reuters Russia unleashed a massive overnight assault on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, in what has been described as the most powerful attack there since the start of the war in 2022. Barrages across Ukraine killed at least seven people and injured dozens more, according to authorities. Hooters of America (HOA) has begun the unexpected closure of more than 30 company-owned restaurants across a dozen states, despite earlier assurances that it would not close locations during its bankruptcy proceedings. The company described the closures as a "difficult decision" on 4 June 2025. In April, HOA filed for bankruptcy in the state of Texas, intending to address its $376m debt by selling all its corporate-owned restaurants to a buyer group. The buyer group, which includes Hooters Inc and Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC, has confirmed that the restructuring transactions intended to transfer ownership of more than 100 HOA-owned restaurants are still on track. The closures were anticipated by both HOA and the buyer group as a necessary step before finalising the transaction. They expect around 200 domestic and 60 international Hooters restaurants to remain operational, contributing to an estimated $700m in systemwide sales by the time the deal closes in August 2025. Upon completion, the buyer group plans to operate approximately 130 Hooters restaurants - around 65% of the domestic locations. The group consists of existing Hooters franchisees, including the original founders, who currently own and manage more than 30% of the domestic franchised locations. These operators also run 14 of the 30 highest-grossing Hooters restaurants, with average revenues in 2024 more than double those of the HOA-owned restaurants. The transfer of more than 100 company-owned restaurants to this experienced group is expected to simplify HOA's business and enhance the future success of these locations. All existing Hooters franchises, including international outlets, will continue to be run by the company's franchise and license partners. Negotiations in April set the terms for acquiring the HOA-owned restaurants and a management agreement where Hooters Brand Management (HBM), owned by the Buyer Group and others familiar with the brand, will oversee most of the franchise support functions for HOA. The definitive documentation for this agreement is being finalised for presentation to the bankruptcy court shortly. HBM has also negotiated to take over most of HOA's franchise support obligations, including management of the national ad fund, the central purchasing organisation, franchise development and support, and other key functions. The buyer group aims to reinstate the original principles that propelled Hooters' initial success, including some classic recipes and the original Hooters Girls uniforms, and to invest significantly in the restaurants to meet the high standards of its current Hooters' locations. Russia continued to blast Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, following up on one of the most powerful attacks since the start of its 2022 full-scale invasion with a new round of air strikes late on June 7. After early morning strikes killed at least three people in Kharkiv on June 7, a new assault later killed at least one more person and injured dozens as midnight approached, Ukrainian officials said. As of now, more than 40 wounded and one person have been killed in Kharkiv due to the strike of Russian glide bombs, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following the latest assault on the city with a prewar population of 1.1 million. Air-dropped glide bombs are equipped with glide kits and precision-guidance systems that can travel for up to 60 kilometers before striking with devastating force. Another brutal murder, Zelenskyy said of the evening attack that reportedly killed a 30-year-old woman. Later reports said more than 50 people had been wounded in the Kharkiv attacks. It does not make any military sense. Purely terrorism. And this has been going on for more than three years of a full-scale war. This cannot be ignored, the Ukrainian leader said as he urged the countrys Western allies to intensify pressure on the Kremlin to end the war. The Defense Ministry in Moscow claimed it had launched strikes against "military-industrial" facilities in Ukraine. The Kremlin denies that it targets civilian sites despite widespread evidence of such attacks. Details of attacks cannot immediately be verified. Hours earlier, barrages killed at least three people in Kharkiv and four others in Kherson and Lutsk in western Ukraine, and wounded dozens of others, according to authorities. The Kharkiv attack began in the early hours of June 7, with residents reporting waves of explosions as Russian forces struck simultaneously with missiles, drones, and guided bombs. Kharkivs mayor described the assault as the most powerful offensive since the onset of the full war, with both high-rise and private residences, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure targeted. Ukraines Air Force reported that Russia launched 215 drones and missiles, with 174 either shot down or neutralized by electronic warfare measures. Images from the aftermath show charred, partially destroyed buildings and vehicles, as emergency responders worked to rescue the injured and clear debris. One of the citys civilian industrial sites was hit by 40 drones, a missile, and four bombs, sparking large fires and raising fears that more victims could be trapped beneath the rubble. Kharkiv, located just a few dozen kilometers from the Russian border, has endured relentless bombardment throughout the three-year conflict. Separately, a couple was killed as a result of Russian strikes in Kherson. The escalation comes amid faltering cease-fire negotiations and follows a recent Ukrainian drone operation that damaged Russian military assets, including warplanes, deep inside Russian territory, which embarrassed the Kremlin. "No matter what anyone says, these [latest] Russian strikes are not 'retaliation' but acts of destruction," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. "The complete destruction of life -- that is what they want. And in absolutely every city and village on the occupied territory, it is clearly seen what the arrival of Russia means." During a June 5 press conference at the White House with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, US President Donald Trump compared the war in Ukraine to a fight between children. "Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy, they hate each other, and they're fighting in a park," Trump told reporters. "Sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly rejected Trumps analogy when asked during an ABC interview whether he believed Trump understood the suffering in Ukraine. "We are not kids with Putin at the playground in the park. He is a murderer who came to this park to kill the kids," he said. A County Roscommon native has been named as the next chief executive of the global Canadian international financial services company, Great-West Lifeco, the Canadian parent of Irish Life. David Harney, son of Tom and Rena Harney, Barrymore, Kiltoom, will take up the appointment in July. The Roscommon native joined Irish Life straight from school almost four decades ago and ultimately served as its head for four years, before becoming president and chief operating officer for Europe for Great-West Lifeco in 2020. Mr Harney will succeed Paul Mahon, who has been with Great-West Lifeco for 39 years, including 12 years as chief executive. A past pupil of Ballybay National School, Kiltoom, and the Marist College, Athlone, he will take up the post on July 1st. David brings a depth of experience, and a proven ability to execute to his new role. He has consistently built strong teams that drive performance, said Jeffrey Orr, chairman of the Canadian group. Our board looks forward to working closely with David in his new role as we pursue Lifecos growth strategy, with a clear focus on creating value, and delivering long-term impact. David is a strong and natural choice to build on our momentum. Ive worked closely with him for over 12 years and seen his ability to drive positive results, time and again, said Mr Mahon. His leadership is shaped by his curiosity, focus on deeply understanding the changing needs of customers, and staying ahead of market dynamics to shape strategy. I look forward to supporting him through the transition. The Irish government bought Irish Life in 2011 from PTSB, then known as Irish Life & Permanent, for 1.3 billion in order to limit the taxpayer bailout bill for the mortgage-focused lender. It subsequently sold the business in 2013 for the same price to Great-West Lifeco. Schools in County Roscommon are set to receive a total of 600,000 in funding for minor building works and 558,000 towards ICT and digital equipment and infrastructure. Schools are at the heart of our communities right across Roscommon and this investment of 600,000 for primary and special education schools for minor works, and 558,000 for ICT equipment will ensure that Roscommon schools, and their students, continue to be supported, Senator Gareth Scahill said this week. I have had the opportunity to visit a number of schools across Roscommon in recent months and have seen firsthand the individual needs of schools, be it maintaining school buildings, promoting health and safety but also providing a welcoming learning environment for all. Every school in County Roscommon is different, with different needs, which is why its important that schools can decide how to best use their minor works funding to address their own needs on the ground. ICT funding of 558,000 will ensure that special, primary and post-primary schools can instil their students with the skills they need to reach their full potential in our rapidly changing society. Technology presents a real opportunity in our schools, and this funding will ensure that schools can embed ICT into their teaching, learning and assessments. Through my position on both the Education and Youth Committee and the Artificial Intelligence Committee I will continue to advocate for additional IT funding for our schools, said Senator Scahill. Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, said the funding for Roscommon was part of an overall investment of 65m in schools right across the country. This funding will help schools with maintenance and improvements to keep their buildings safe and welcoming places for students, but will also help to ensure that students are learning the digital skills they need to thrive in todays world. Second COVID-19 Death in Punjab Raises Alarm, State Tally Reaches 21 Cases The total number of confirmed cases in Punjab has now reached 21 Coronavirus Punjab Death, Covid-19 Latest News Update Today: Punjab has reported its second death due to COVID-19 in the ongoing wave, as a 69-year-old woman from Ludhiana passed away after being infected by the virus. The incident has raised concerns among state health officials as the number of cases climbs steadily. The deceased, who had pre-existing health issues, reportedly developed severe respiratory symptoms and was admitted to a local hospital earlier this week. Despite efforts, she could not be saved, making her the second COVID fatality in the state since the recent re-emergence of the virus. Advertisement The total number of confirmed cases in Punjab has now reached 21, with health authorities closely monitoring the situation. Experts have warned that while the numbers remain manageable, complacency could prove dangerous. Officials are emphasizing mask usage in public places, particularly in hospitals and senior citizen facilities, along with urging citizens to get booster vaccine doses if eligible. The state government is reportedly considering the reactivation of COVID monitoring cells at the district level to prevent any large-scale outbreak. Meanwhile, Ludhianas local administration has begun contact tracing and sanitization drives in high-risk zones. Advertisement (For more news apart from Coronavirus Punjab Death, Covid-19 Latest News Update Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Ferozepur Tattoo Shop Shootout: Joint Forces Nab Key Accused After Late-Night Encounter Police officials have stated that operations will continue until all remaining accused are apprehended. Ferozepur Tattoo Shop Shootout Case Latest News Today: In a swift follow-up to the daylight shootout at a tattoo shop that shook Ferozepur on Thursday, the district police and counter-intelligence teams have arrested three more suspects during a dramatic encounter late Friday night near Ratta Khera village. The latest accused Gurjinder alias Ghoda, Amarjit Singh, and Sonu were tracked down by security forces and reportedly engaged in a brief exchange of gunfire before being captured. The trio was injured in the retaliatory firing and is now under police custody. Advertisement DIG Harmanbir Gill confirmed the recovery of four firearms, along with a scooter and motorcycle believed to have been used in the crime. The crackdown is part of an ongoing investigation into the gang-related violence that erupted between two rival groups, leading to the death of Ashu Monga. Earlier on Friday, two other individuals had already been arrested, following the lodging of two separate FIRs. Initial findings suggest Monga himself had come with the intention to target three rivalsYuvraj, Amrik Singh, and Shivam Sehgalbut was fatally shot amid the chaos. Police officials have stated that operations will continue until all remaining accused are apprehended. The motive behind the clash is still under scrutiny, though authorities are treating it as a case of personal enmity escalating into violence. Advertisement The shootout has triggered concern among local residents, with calls for stricter policing and monitoring of gang activities in the city. (For more news apart from Ferozepur Tattoo Shop Shootout Case Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Restaurant chain Hooters began abruptly closing locations this month, despite previously saying it would not shutter restaurants during its bankruptcy proceedings. Over 30 company-owned locations spanning more than a dozen states were shuttered, with the company on Wednesday, June 4 calling it a "difficult decision." The closures come after the chain agreed to sell all of its 151 company-owned restaurants to a franchise group that already owns locations across the U.S. The deal, backed by the companys founders, was an attempt to address its $376 million in debt. "Hooters is here to stay, and with a stronger financial foundation and streamlined operations on the other side of this process, we will be well-positioned to continue delivering the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food our valued customers and communities have come to expect well into the future," the company wrote on its website after filing for bankruptcy in March. Despite reassurances that Hooters would not be shut down, the company has been closing locations since at least 2024. Hooters did not respond to follow-up inquiries about a full list of locations that closed or when employees were notified of the closures. On June 4, it unceremoniously shuttered at least 30 locations. Here's what we know so far. Map of closed Hooters locations See full list of Hooters locations closed The following locations have been confirmed by USA TODAY to be closed, as a prerecorded message announcing the closure was played when the listed phone number was called: Alabama Florida Sanford Orlando Kissimmee Osceola Parkway Melbourne Jacksonville - Southside Boulevard Tallahassee - Monroe Street Georgia Atlanta Downtown Douglasville Gwinnett Valdosta Indiana Greenwood Lafayette Indianapolis Evansville Illinois Rockford Kentucky Newport Michigan Flint Detroit Taylor Missouri St. Louis Downtown North Carolina Charlotte South Boulevard South Carolina Columbia Rock Hill Tennessee Murfreesboro Memphis Downtown Nashville Harding Place, Largo Drive Texas Grapevine Houston 120 FM 1960 W San Marcos The location page for the Fort Smith, Arkansas restaurant has been scrubbed from the website, though its phone line plays a welcome message. An attempt to order or transfer to the restaurant results in a "call cannot be transferred" message. The location page for the Madison, Wisconsin restaurant is no longer available on the Hooters website and the listed phone number rings without answer. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hooters closing restaurants: See map, list of shuttering locations Punjab Police Secures 2-Day Remand for YouTuber Jasbir Singh in Espionage Case As Singh was escorted to court under tight security, he told reporters, Truth will prevail, before being led inside. YouTuber Jasbir Singh Remand in Pakistan Espionage Case Latest News Today: The Punjab Police on Saturday secured a two-day police remand for YouTuber Jasbir Singh, arrested earlier this week in connection with a Pakistani espionage network allegedly operating in India. The accused, who runs the YouTube channel Jaan Mahal, was taken into custody by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, and produced before a local court. Singh, a resident of Mahlan village in Rupnagar district, is believed to have deep links with Pakistani intelligence operative Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, as well as Jyoti Malhotra, another YouTuber from Haryana who was recently arrested on charges of spying. Singh was earlier remanded to three-day custody and has now been given to the police for two more days. Advertisement As Singh was escorted to court under tight security, he told reporters, Truth will prevail, before being led inside. Links to Pakistani Officials and Multiple Visits Abroad Investigating officials have alleged that Jasbir Singh maintained contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, an expelled official from the Pakistani High Commission. Police sources revealed that Singh had attended the Pakistan National Day celebrations in Delhi on Danishs invitation, where he met with Pakistani Army officers and vloggers. Advertisement Further raising eyebrows, Singh reportedly visited Pakistan thrice in 2020, 2021, and 2024. Forensic experts are now analysing his electronic devices, which allegedly contain numerous Pakistan-based contacts. Following the arrest of Malhotra, Singh is believed to have deliberately erased communications and digital evidence linking him to PIOs in an attempt to cover his tracks, said a senior officer. Charges and Legal Proceedings Advertisement An FIR has been registered against Singh at SSOC, Mohali, under The Official Secrets Act and Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The arrest is a major step in unravelling a terror-backed espionage ring with cross-border links. We are investigating to identify all domestic collaborators and dismantle the network completely, a police spokesperson stated. Further developments in the case are expected as the remand period continues and authorities expand the scope of the investigation. Advertisement (For more news apart from YouTuber Jasbir Singh Remand in Pakistan Espionage Case Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Rep. Mary Miller Faces Backlash for Remarks on Sikh Man Leading House Prayer Giani Surinder Singh, a Sikh religious leader from New Jersey, was invited to deliver the prayer by Rep. Jeff Van Drew U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) is facing intense criticism after a now-deleted social media post in which she expressed disapproval of a Sikh religious leader, Giani Surinder Singh, leading the opening prayer on the House floor. In her original post on X (formerly Twitter), Miller misidentified Singh as Muslim and claimed it was deeply troubling that he was invited to offer the invocation. Miller wrote that Singh should never have been allowed to lead the prayer and called on Congress to uphold the notion that America was founded as a Christian nation. After facing immediate backlash and correcting the misidentification, she deleted the post entirely. Millers office has not issued a public comment on the matter. Advertisement Giani Surinder Singhs Invitation and Role Giani Surinder Singh, a Sikh religious leader from New Jersey, was invited to deliver the prayer by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) as part of a long-standing tradition of allowing religious leaders from various faiths to open House sessions with prayer. Following the prayer, Van Drew lauded Singhs contributions: Day after day, year after year, he leads not just with words, but with example, with peace, with humility, with service towards all. These are not just Sikh values. They are American values. Community Response and Demands for Apology Millers remarks drew sharp condemnation from civil rights groups and lawmakers across party lines. Harman Singh, executive director of the Sikh Coalition, demanded an apology and urged Miller to engage with members of the Sikh community in her district. Advertisement Congresswoman Miller should apologize for her remarks to both the Sikh and Muslim communities, Singh said. No one should be targeted based on their identity. Haris Tarin, Vice President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, also denounced Millers rhetoric as Islamophobic and rejected her assertion that the U.S. is a Christian-only nation. We were intentionally founded as a nation of all faiths, Tarin said. Apparently she must have forgotten about the First Amendment. Advertisement Lawmakers Speak Out Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle condemned Millers statements: Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.): Its deeply troubling that someone with such contempt for religious freedom is allowed to serve in this body. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.): Its deeply troubling that such an ignorant and hateful extremist is serving in the United States Congress. That would be you, Mary. Advertisement Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.): Sikh-Americans are valued and respected members of our communities, yet they continue to face harassment and discrimination. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus also weighed in, accusing Miller of displaying anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim bigotry. Sikhs and Muslims practice two separate and distinct religions, the caucus stated. Conflating the two based on appearance is not only ignorant but also racist. Broader Concerns Over Religious Freedom The controversy has reignited conversations about religious tolerance and the importance of diversity in public institutions. Faith leaders and civil rights advocates have emphasized the need for elected officials to respect the pluralistic foundations of the United States. As of now, Rep. Mary Miller has not issued an apology or responded to calls for dialogue with the communities her comments offended. Punjabi Taxi Driver Shot Dead in Edmonton, Canada; Police Launch Investigation Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Inderpal was declared dead on the spot, as confirmed by the medical examiner's report. Punjabi Taxi Driver Shot Dead in Canada's Edmonton Latest News Today: A tragic incident has shaken the Punjabi community in Canada, as a young man from Ludhiana, Punjab, was shot dead in Edmonton. The deceased has been identified as Inderpal Singh, a taxi driver who had migrated to Canada just over a year and a half ago in search of a better future. According to local authorities, the fatal shooting occurred last night in the southwest area of Edmonton. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Inderpal was declared dead on the spot, as confirmed by the medical examiner's report. Advertisement Inderpal Singh had initially moved to Canada from Hong Kong and had been working diligently as a taxi driver to support his family. Heartbreakingly, it has been revealed that his wife is currently pregnant, adding another layer of sorrow to the already devastating situation. While the exact motive behind the murder remains unknown, Edmonton Police have not ruled out the possibility of personal enmity or links to gang violence. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage, speaking to witnesses, and analyzing evidence from the crime scene to determine what led to the shooting. "This is a deeply unfortunate and disturbing case. We are committed to finding those responsible," said a police spokesperson, appealing to the public for any leads that could assist the investigation. Advertisement The Indian and Punjabi diaspora in Canada has expressed shock and grief over the killing. Many community members have also raised concerns about increasing violence faced by immigrants, particularly those involved in high-risk professions like taxi driving. Funeral arrangements are being discussed, and efforts are being made to provide support to the grieving family. Authorities have assured that justice will be pursued with urgency and diligence. This incident is a grim reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants, even in developed countries, and the urgent need for stronger protections for frontline workers. Advertisement (For more news apart from Punjabi Taxi Driver Shot Dead in Canada's Edmonton Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Hillel Manoach (1797-1864) The Sephardic community in multicultural Bucharest produced Hillel Manoach, an influential businessman in the first half of the 19th century Hillel Manoach (1797-1864) Steliu Lambru, 07.06.2025, 13:00 The Sephardic community in multicultural Bucharest produced Hillel Manoach, an influential businessman in the first half of the 19th century. Manoach was deeply involved in everything that meant the relationship between finances and political projects of the time, the most important being that of building modern Romania. At that time, the Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia were faced with vital decisions for the continuation of their state existence. And unification was the keystone without which the entire national edifice would collapse, as the historian and politician Mihai Kogalniceanu wrote. Hillel Manoach was born at the end of the 18th century in Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, the year being uncertain, 1795 or 1797, into the family of a businessman. He and his brother Israel followed their fathers career. They are mentioned both in documents among the creditors of the Wallachian prince Grigorie IV Ghica between 1827-1832, being exempt from taxes for services rendered to the state. In the following years, until the revolution of 1848, Hillel is mentioned as the main creditor of the national guard, the one on the basis of which the modern Romanian army would be established. It should be noted that without his financing, the Wallachian 1848 revolution had little chance of manifesting itself. Later, in the 1850s, he is among those who participate in the development of the banking system, the ancestor of the future financial-banking architecture of Romania. Little known to posterity, the memory of Hillel Manoach is entitled to a restitution. A proverb says better late than never, and Felicia Waldman, professor at the University of Bucharest, gives back to the history of Romania the biography of Manoach. We know about Hillel Manoach that he was a banker, merchant, philanthropist, financier of the Romanian rulers, but also of the treasuries of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia and, after 1859, of the Romanian state. He was one of the first major Ottoman Sephardic creditors settled in Bucharest; until then, the major moneylenders were from Constantinople. He came from a family of merchants and bankers with financial connections in major European capitals. He was the leader of the Sephardic community in Bucharest, he maintained good relations with the authorities, which allowed him to defend the Ashkenazim as well. He was the personal representative of the sultan in the Romanian Lands. He financed the Revolution of 1848. He was decorated by three emperors, he is the only one in Romanian history to receive decorations from the Tsar of Russia, the Emperor of Austria, and the Ottoman Sultan. Like any wealthy and influential man who embraced the ideas of the Enlightenment, Hillel Manoach was a lover of education as a solution to the emancipation of modern man. He passed on these values to his descendants. But noble intentions are not always appreciated by everyone, as was the case with Manoach. Here is Felicia Waldman. He was a cultural patron, and his sons, Isac and Emanuel, five years after his death in 1864, when the University of Bucharest was founded, in 1869 donated 100,000 gold lei to it for prizes and scholarships. For 70 years, prizes and scholarships were given from this fund, until 1939, until World War II. On the 70-year list of scholarship holders and awardees, we unfortunately find only 10 Jews, because, for the vast majority of the time, Jews were not allowed access to prizes and scholarships. And some of those who benefited from these scholarships and prizes in the period before and immediately after World War I later became among the biggest anti-Semites in Romania. They lived on Jewish money for a long time in their youth, but then they became anti-Semites. Thats history. Like any member of the elite of a country in full modernizing expansion, Manoach had a home in the current center of Bucharest, then the commercial center of the capital. But it disappeared due to subsequent transformations, as Felicia Waldman said. The Hillel House no longer exists. Instead, there is Jacques Elias Street. This is a small street that starts right next to the Sfantul Gheorghe-Nou church and continues parallel to the boulevard. Down below, when the passerby walks along Bratianu Boulevard towards Piata Unirii, Elias Street appears, which is not for cars, it is pedestrian. It is a small street, there are two buildings, these are all that there is on it. On the other side of the street there used to be the Hillel Manoach House, which no longer exists today, it is a vacant lot. It is interesting that the street is named after Jacques Elias, who was Hillel Manoachs grandson. Is it somehow an irony of fate that that building was on the street that bears the grandsons name or vice versa, the street was named after the person who owned the house. I am convinced that those who gave the name did not know this detail, I am convinced that there is no connection, but it is beautiful as an irony of fate. Hillel Manoach found in Romania the homeland in which to place his aspirations, wealth, and efforts for his beliefs in the first half of the 19th century. And even though he faced personal and community unfulfillment, he supported the Romanian project in becoming a viable one. June 7, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of domestic and international news June 7, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 07.06.2025, 19:30 Negotiations. The fiscal package discussed in recent days in Bucharest within the technical working group is to be negotiated by President Nicusor Dan and representatives of the pro-European parties. All possible scenarios have been analysed. One option that has been discussed is to increase the VAT from 9% to 19% for certain products, including services in the hospitality industry. According to political sources, other proposals included increasing the tax on dividends from 10% to 16%, a solidarity tax on incomes above 10,000 lei (approx. 2,000 euros), a tax on income outsourcing, additional taxation on gambling, and higher excise duties on tobacco and alcohol. At the same time, the reorganisation of state institutions and companies through bonus cuts and mergers, as well as effective measures to combat tax evasion, have been the focus of representatives of the PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR. However, no final decision has been made on the fiscal package to reduce the budget deficit. The draft is to be negotiated politically at the beginning of next week by President Nicusor Dan and the leaders of the four parties. Once the economic and financial measures have been agreed, negotiations for the future government formula will begin. IMF. A team of experts from the International Monetary Fund is recommending a set of measures to reform Romanias tax system and shift the tax burden from labor to consumption and, to a lesser extent, capital taxation. The institution estimates that, if fully implemented, these proposals could generate additional revenues of at least 1.2% of the GDP in 2025. On labor taxation, the IMFs main recommendation is to move from the single 10% tax rate on labor income to a two-rate system of 15% and 25%, with the latter applying to the highest earners. On the taxation of capital and property income, the IMF believes that the tax on dividends distributed to individuals should be increased. When it comes to consumption taxes, IMF experts are of the opinion that reduced VAT rates should be increased to the standard rate, with the exception of basic foodstuffs. Pilgrimage. More than 300 thousand pilgrims from home and abroad participated on Saturday in the Catholic Pentecost procession in Sumuleu Ciuc, Harghita County (center), under the motto Pilgrims of Hope, similar to that of the Jubilee Year 2025 declared by Pope Francis. The Catholic pilgrimage in Sumuleu Ciuc has a history of over 450 years and is considered the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. The pilgrimage is centered around the miracle-working statue of the Virgin Mary in the Franciscan church. Legend has it that in 1567 the Prince of Transylvania, John Sigismund, tried to impose Unitarianism on the Roman Catholics in the Saxon seats of Ciuc, Gheorgheni and Cashin, and people say it was only with the help of the miracle-working statue that they managed to resist and preserve their ancestral faith. Hundreds of interior ministry employees gendarmes, policemen and firefighters were mobilized for the smooth running of the event, as well as dozens of medical teams, rescue workers and Red Cross volunteers. In another move, over 22,000 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including police officers, firefighters and gendarmes, are mobilised during this long weekend celebrating Pentecost. There are over 1,800 traffic police officers on public roads, operating 400 speed cameras. Firefighters and SMURD crews are responding to emergencies and medical cases anywhere in the country and have temporary work stations. They are equipped with fire engines, extrication equipment and first aid supplies. Moldova. Romania will continue to support education and research projects and programmes implemented in the Republic of Moldova, Romanian Minister of Education and Research Daniel David said on Saturday during a visit to Chisinau. He stressed that representatives of the ministries of the two countries will discuss initiatives to be implemented after 2026. These initiatives concern important projects and opportunities in the field of education and research. The Romanian official also announced that, starting with the new school year, the Romanian digital library EduLib will be accessible to teachers and children in the Republic of Moldova. In turn, the Minister of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, Dan Perciun, thanked Romania for its support over the years in implementing multiple important projects in the field of education, science and research. He also referred to projects aimed at researchers in the Republic of Moldova, which bring them closer to the European scientific community. Daniel David made his first official visit since taking office to the Republic of Moldova, where he participated in an event dedicated to researchers on both sides of the Prut River. Sentence. Former Romanian Health Minister Sorina Pintea has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after the Cluj Court of Appeal rejected as unfounded her appeal against the sentence initially handed down by the Bucharest Tribunal. She was indicted by anti-corruption prosecutors in 2020 in a case in which she is accused of receiving bribes of 10,000 and 120,000 lei (24,000) during her time as manager of the Baia Mare Emergency Hospital. The money amounted to 7% of the value of a public procurement contract concluded by the hospital. THE WEEK IN REVIEW June 2-6, 2025 The week in review Leyla Cheamil, 07.06.2025, 13:00 Consultations between political decision-makers in Bucharest for the formation of the new government and the economic program The pro-European parties in Romania PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR held negotiations this week on the formation of the new government and the program with economic measures to reduce the budget deficit. President Nicusor Dan declared on Thursday that all these parties want to enter the government. The head of state stressed that the document drawn up by the party representatives regarding the deficit does not represent the final version, and that it will be politically negotiated by the leaders of the political parties together with him. The main option examined for reducing the budget deficit is to reduce state spending and increase the level of collection, before taking into account increases in taxes and fees. The measures will form the basis of the government program that would be implemented by the future government. In turn, the interim prime minister, the liberal Catalin Predoiu, stated that there is an urgent need for a government full of the necessary legitimacy, with ministers in office with a mandate given by Parliament, with a clear government program and listed measures. The interim leader of the PSD, Sorin Grindeanu, reaffirmed that the party will make a decision after the completion of the current negotiations on the content of the package of measures. Also later, the holders of positions and portfolios will be discussed, Sorin Grindeanu also specified. On Wednesday, the interim president of the USR, Dominic Fritz, stated that it is obvious that the future government will come out with a package of measures that none of the parties that will form the governing coalition will be satisfied with. Romania has the largest deficit in the EU The European Commission published, on Wednesday, recommendations regarding the budgets of the member states. The semi-annual analysis shows that Romania is the only country in the Union 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 has assumed in this regard. The Commission says that this deterioration in Romania was caused, among other things, by the increase in current spending, the increase in wages and pensions. The Commission is asking Romania to present rapid and effective measures, thus risking not meeting the deficit correction objectives by 2030, and may enter into procedures that will lead to the loss of some European funds starting next year. Sources within the Commission say that Romanias intention not to increase VAT is not viable, but the European executive is open to discussing any solutions coming from the new Romanian government. The same sources say that the large deficit rather requires tough measures, but with a quick effect. Romanian President Nicusor Dan attends B9 summit Nordic countries Gathered on Monday in Vilnius, Lithuania, the leaders of the states on the eastern flank of NATO and the Nordic countries reaffirmed their political, military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine in the war with Russia. They announced that they aim to reach at least 5% of GDP for defense and investment in the field, in order to rise to the level of current challenges. These are representatives of the countries of the Bucharest 9 Group Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia as well as all the Nordic states Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. Present in Vilnius, President Nicusor Dan, on his first foreign trip since taking office, declared that Romania is concerned about the security of the Black Sea and the neighboring Republic of Moldova, which is why he welcomed the agreement of the participants to continue supporting Ukraine. Romania will continue to support Ukraine, because it is about our own security, the Romanian head of state also declared. On the sidelines of the summit, he had bilateral meetings with several officials, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also present at the meeting, who thanked him for the assurance that Ukraine can count on Romanias continued support. Emergency work at Praid In Praid, in central Romania, where rainfall led to flooding of the salt mine, emergency work has begun to save the salt mine, support businesses that depended on its operation, and resolve the situation of localities left without drinking water. Eight international experts are working alongside Romanians to find solutions to make the area affected by the floods safe. Authorities say that the expansion of the craters formed does not endanger the activities carried out and that no new craters have appeared. Regarding the diversion of the Corund stream, whose bed collapsed and led to water infiltration into the salt mines gallery system, the builder assured that the work will be ready at the beginning of next month. A state of emergency has been declared in several localities in the region for a period of 30 days, and the population has been advised not to consume water from the public supply network. Measures to combat violence The Chamber of Deputies in Bucharest adopted, on Wednesday, the draft amending and supplementing certain normative acts in order to combat violence Romania without violence, providing for tougher penalties in the case of hitting or other acts of violence. The normative act amends the Criminal Code and Law no. 26/2024 on the protection order, in order to provide the competent authorities with the necessary tools to combat violence in all its forms. Also, a new draft law in support of victims of domestic violence, the vast majority of whom are women, was submitted by the National Liberal Party to the Senate, as the first party notified. The document provides for harsh sanctions for repeat aggressors. According to the initiators, in the first four months of this year, police officers intervened in over 40,000 cases of domestic violence, with approximately 8,000 restraining orders and provisional restraining orders being issued. Google has begun rolling out "AI Mode," a transformative new feature that reimagines its iconic search engine as an intelligent, conversational assistant. Instead of presenting a list of web links, AI Mode delivers direct, tailored answers to user queries, enabling fluid follow-up questions in a ChatGPT-style interface. The feature represents the most significant revamp in Google Search's history and signals the company's ambition to evolve beyond traditional search. Among its most notable capabilities is a powerful new tool for visualizing financial data. In Labs, users can now request interactive charts and comparative stock analyses, with AI Mode generating dynamic graphs alongside comprehensive explanations. Underpinning AI Mode is Google's Gemini model, which uses advanced reasoning and multimodal inputs to understand intent, access live and historical data, and deliver insights in real time. While still experimental, future updates promise even greater functionality from drafting reports in seconds and guiding physical tasks via your phone's camera to booking reservations and processing payments. Google's vision mirrors a broader industry shift. OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a multi-use assistant; Elon Musk is developing X into a full-fledged everything app; Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple all aspire to create all-in-one digital platforms. Even Airbnb is transforming its platform to support a wide range of services beyond travel. With AI Mode, Google is not just enhancing search it's redefining how users interact with the internet, aiming to become the central hub for everything people do online. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News On June 5, HSBC upgraded Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited (NYSE:RDY) from Buy to Hold, raising the price target to INR1,445 from INR1,235, citing an optimistic outlook for the company in terms of earnings potential and solid market standing. HSBC Upgrades Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited (RDY) to Buy from Hold A worker at a biopharmaceutical facility packaging an active pharmaceutical ingredient. HSBC's updated estimates for FY2026 to FY2028 take into account the shifting market tide for semaglutide and gRevlimid. The analysts are waiting for semaglutide to be introduced in Canada, Brazil, and India at the beginning of FY2027, which is a greater leap from their prior hypothesis of a launch only in Canada by Q4 of FY2026. The analysts revised their FY2026 sales figures for Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited (NYSE:RDY)'s gRevlimid, noting the growing competition. The adjustment includes a 5.1% decrease in the EPS estimate for FY2026, while the EPS forecast for FY2027 and FY2028 grew by 12% to 13%. According to HSBC analysts, the expected surge in semaglutide sales will strengthen Dr. Reddys earnings. HSBC assigned a new price target for RDY's American Depositary Receipts (ADR) as well, raising it from $14.44 to $16.90. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited (NYSE:RDY) is a global pharma company based in Hyderabad, India, that makes both branded and generic medicines for a wide range of health conditions. The company operates through Global Generics, Pharmaceutical Services and Active Ingredients (PSAI), and Others segments. While we acknowledge the potential of RDY as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Debt Free IT Penny Stocks To Buy and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Hondas answer to Royal Enfield Classic 350 was the CB350 (also sold as GB350 C in Japan). This motorcycle captivated the retro classic essence that RE Classic 350 pioneered. Just like Classic 350, Honda CB350 has excellent potential to be modified into different genres to yield different appearances. Thats exactly what the Japanese motorcycle aftermarket parts provider, Kijima, has done. Taking a standard Honda GB350 C (CB350 in India) and modified it extensively into a tourer bike, without messing up the original design and silhouette. Lets take a closer look. Honda CB350 Modified Into A Tourer At the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2025, Kijima exhibited a custom motorcycle built on Hondas CB350 (sold as GB350 C in Japan). While a few modifications alter the very design that the company had envisioned, Kijimas latest build on CB350 includes functional add-ons that will aid in long distance touring. Kijima has carved out a touring kit for CB350 which establishes a unique appearance that accentuates Hondas original design rather than changing it entirely. Also, this touring kit looks like it is of bolt-on type that will not need too many modifications on the stock bike to install this touring friendly kit. The main highlight that stands out on this modified Honda CB350 are its custom leg shields that are colour matched. We can see a tall windscreen above headlight unit. Theres a wind-cut plate on front fender. All these elements aim at reducing wind blasts to riders. Surprisingly, there are no knuckle guards on this build to offer holistic wind protection. Functional and aesthetic upgrades Being a touring-oriented build, we can see a couple of leather cases attached on the body for various items. To support larger saddle bags, Kijima is offering sturdy bag supports on both sides. There are also a few elements to increase aesthetic appeal including custom Tech12 ORVMs with carbon fibre finish, a custom engine plate with fins and custom fender flap. Powering the Honda CB350 is the same 348cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC 2V/cyl engine that is capable of generating 20,7 bhp of peak power and 29.4 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Features include LED lighting all around, a semi-digital instrument cluster and a slipper clutch. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a great opportunity for long-term investors. Amid the chaos and confusion, some people zigged when everyone else zagged and bought incredible companies at cheap prices. Some tech stocks have produced generational returns for people who bought shares during the pandemic. March 16, 2020, was a historically bad day for investors that has been nicknamed Black Monday II. Read Next: Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Bought Over $73 Million in Shares of This Tech Company Heres Why Learn More: 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying The stock market offers many lessons on patience and resilience. If you bought shares of your favorite tech companies at that time, heres how much you would have earned. Nvidia (NVDA) Fear about the pandemic and less artificial intelligence (AI) buzz made Nvidia stock vulnerable during the pandemic. Per The Motley Fool, shares dropped 38% between February and March 2020. Shares closed at a split-adjusted $4.91 on March 16, 2020. Investing $10,000 into Nvidia back then would have given you about 2,036 in present shares. With Nvidia stock trading at $139.99 per share as of the close on June 5, 2025, a $10,000 investment would have turned into $285,020. Nvidia is the biggest winner on this list due to the rise of AI, but investors who bought other Magnificent 7 stocks on March 16, 2020, would have performed well too. Check Out: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Stocks You Shouldnt Sell Tesla (TSLA) Teslas stock value was sliced by more than half in just a few weeks, with March 16, 2020, delivering a big blow to investors. The stock closed at a split-adjusted $29.67 per share on March 16, 2020. On June 5, 2025, the stock closed at $284.70. If you put $10,000 into Tesla when the market closed on March 16, 2020, you would have 337 in present shares. Those shares are now worth approximately $95,944. Although the gain isnt as ginormous as Nvidias returns, any investor would have been happy to claim it for themselves. Most of Teslas recovery came in 2021 when electric vehicle (EV) stocks became the craze. Tesla itself also took a beating in 2022, and it took more than three years for the stock to reclaim its 2021 high. Tesla is gaining momentum and can set a new high in 2025, but its not just about EVs. The new catalysts for Tesla include humanoid robots and its cybercabs that aim to give ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft a run for their money. Apple (AAPL) Apple has one of the best historical records among the stocks listed. Its been a top holding in most funds for many years and didnt disappoint for investors who bought on March 16 at the close. Paleontologists have recovered the dinosaur skull material from beds of the Upper Jurassic Villar del Arzobispo Formation in Teruel, Spain, and confidently assigned it to a stegosaurian species called Dacentrurus armatus. The name Stegosauria was first proposed in 1877 and the first stegosaur, Dacentrurus armatus, was described two years earlier. Stegosauria is a small clade of thyreophoran dinosaurs that includes some iconic and recognizable members, such as the genus Stegosaurus. They were quadrupedal herbivores mainly characterized by two rows of osteoderms (plates and spines) that extend from the neck to the tail end. The stegosaurs are known from, at least, the Middle Jurassic to possibly the Late Cretaceous in sediments from almost worldwide, but mostly represented by single partial skeletons. The stegosaurian skull material is remarkably fragmentary and scarce in the fossil record. Nearly half of the current scientifically recognized species of stegosaurs do not preserve skull material. In a new study, Fundacion Dinopolis paleontologists Sergio Sanchez Fenollosa and Alberto Cobos examined the skull of Dacentrurus armatus, a species of stegosaurian dinosaur that lived around 150 million years ago in Europe. The detailed study of this exceptional fossil allowed us to reveal previously unknown aspects of the anatomy of Dacentrurus armatus, the quintessential European stegosaur, Dr. Sanchez Fenollosa said. Dinosaurian skulls are rarely preserved due to the extreme fragility of their bones. This discovery is key to understanding how stegosaurian skulls evolved. Furthermore, alongside the anatomical study, we also proposed a new hypothesis that redefines the evolutionary relationships of stegosaurs worldwide. As a result of this work, we have formalized the definition of a new group called Neostegosauria. According to the researchers, Neostegosauria includes medium to large-sized stegosaurian species that lived in what is now Africa and Europe during the Middle and Late Jurassic, in North America during the Late Jurassic, and in Asia during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. This dual achievement both the study of an exceptional fossil and the proposal of a new evolutionary hypothesis positions this research as a global reference in stegosaurian studies, Dr. Cobos said. This fossil site from Riodeva continues to be a subject of research and still holds numerous relevant fossils, including more postcranial elements from the same adult specimen and, notably, juvenile individuals, a particularly rare combination in this type of dinosaurs. These discoveries continue to exponentially increase the palaeontological heritage of the province of Teruel, making it one of the iconic regions for understanding the evolution of life on Earth. The teams paper was published on May 26, 2025 in the journal Vertebrate Zoology. _____ S. Sanchez-Fenollosa & A. Cobos. 2025. New insights into the phylogeny and skull evolution of stegosaurian dinosaurs: An extraordinary cranium from the European Late Jurassic (Dinosauria: Stegosauria). Vertebrate Zoology 75: 165-189; doi: 10.3897/vz.75.e146618 We recently published a list of Was Jim Cramer Right About These 9 Stocks? In this article, we are going to take a look at where Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) stands against other stocks that Jim Cramer discusses. In a prior call, a viewer asked about Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) as a long-term growth stock. Cramer gave it credit but made it clear he preferred Eli Lilly due to a promising Alzheimers-related drug in its pipeline. He said: NVO is a good growth stock but I like Lilly better because Lilly may have, and it hasnt happened yet, a little bit of a kick from another drug that its working on involving dementia and I sure hope they solve it, but weve not seen anything about it yet. The pharma stock did not prove to be a growth stock at all, as it has declined by -49.32% since. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) is a Denmark-based pharmaceutical company that specializes in diabetes care, obesity treatments, and hormone replacement therapies. Cramer continues to like Eli Lilly better. Heres what he said about Novo on May 2: Next, did Novo Nordisk deliver a knockout punch to Eli Lilly when it signed a deal to be the preferred GLP-1 supplier to CVS on Lillys earnings day, no less? What a comeuppance. I think theres plenty of gas in the Lily tank, especially once it tells its, you know, once its got this pill formulation thats going to be available next year. I think its going to matter tremendously. Was Jim Cramer Right About Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO)? An elderly couple receiving insulin from a pharmacist, representing healthcare company's successful pharmaceutical products. Overall, NVO ranks 9th on our list of stocks that Jim Cramer discusses. While we acknowledge the potential of NVO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. On Wednesday, June 4, Loop Capital analysts raised the price target for Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) from $230 to $245 and kept a Buy rating. This change came after insights from Snowflake Inc.s (NYSE:SNOW) well-attended customer conference and investor session. Loop Capital Raises Snowflake (SNOW) Price Target, Maintains Buy Rating A software engineer at work, surrounded by a wall of computer monitors connected to a 'Data Cloud' platform. At the event, analysts noted that the sentiment was noticeably more upbeat among attendees compared to the previous year. They also found no signs that customers or partners were slowing down their spending. Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) is focused on innovation and this was evident in the introduction of new features and improvements. These are mainly related to performance, data governance, and interoperability. The companys new go-to-market strategy and compensation model are leading to an increase in consumption and new customer growth. Loop Capital analysts noted that customers are increasingly seeing Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) as a reliable Enterprise AI data platform, not merely a cloud data warehouse. Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) is an American cloud-based data storage company that is best known for its AI Data Cloud platform, which allows thousands of organizations to build, use, and share data, applications, and AI. While we acknowledge the potential of SNOW as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 11 Stocks That Will Bounce Back According To Analysts and 11 Best Stocks Under $15 to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. India and Central Asian nations condemned cross-border terrorism and terror proxies. Urged justice for sponsors and perpetrators of terror. Pushed for enhanced regional and global anti-terror cooperation. In a joint effort against terror, India and five Central Asian nations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan firmly condemned cross-border terror as well as the deployment of terror surrogates at the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi. The Foreign Ministers of the six countries made a common statement condemning the latest act of terrorism at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The ministers reasserted their resolve to fight terrorism in all its manifestations and called for justice against those responsible for planning, financing, or sponsoring acts of terrorism. The joint statement called for the urgent adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and the complete implementation of applicable UN Security Council resolutions. The statement also highlighted the necessity of compliance with the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. Emphasizing the need for concerted worldwide action, the ministers pressed for greater cooperation within UN-sponsored counter-terrorism efforts. The joint statement represents a major milestone towards increasing security and anti-terror cooperation between Central Asia and India. The exchange reflected increasing strategic convergence in the region with a common emphasis on promoting peace, stability, and mutual prosperity through firm action against terrorism. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 31-year-old Staten Island man was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl in Vermont while on supervised release, federal prosecutors announced. Xavier Parker previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and admitted that in February and March 2024 he distributed the dangerous narcotic in St. Johnsbury alongside a co-conspirator, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Vermont. Public records show addresses in Clifton and Stapleton for the defendant. The defendant was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three-years post-release supervision on the drug charge, then an additional 24 months incarceration, to run consecutively to the 18-month sentence, for violating the terms of a prior supervised release. According to prosecutors, the most recent offense involved multiple controlled purchases. At the time of his arrest, Parker allegedly had drug quantities on his person, including approximately 12.1 grams of cocaine base, 2.2 grams of fentanyl, 0.67 grams of heroin and 5.6 grams of cocaine. Parker committed this offense while on federal supervised release after a 2020 conviction in U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base, according to the U.S. attorneys office. The supervised release officially began in August of 2022. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont State Police in this case. At the street co-naming for Freddie Castellano, are from the left, Billy Matarazzo from the office of Senator Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, Councilman Frank Morano, Christine, Felicina , Maria, Carmine, Gayle and Rocco Castellano, Anthony and Robert Rago, and Lisa Thompson from the office of Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. (Courtesy/Frank Rapacciuolo) Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. He was known for his kindness, generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to family, friends and the community. For four decades, Freddie Castellano was the very soul of his community. Freddie passed away at Manhattans Weill-Cornell Medical Center after a five-and-a-half-year battle with colon cancer in August. He was 60. To keep Freddie Castellanos memory alive, a street co-naming of the intersection of Sylvia Street and Richmond Avenue was conducted in Freddies name. At the street c-naming for Freddie Castellano, are from the left, Freddie's wife, Christine Castellano, and in-laws, Delilah, Nick and Vincent Palmieri. (Courtesy/Frank Rapaccioulo) Staten Island Advance Freddies dedication to his community was featured in an Advance story in 2013, titled Staten Island Bocce Buddies Forced to Roll with the Punches, that highlighted The Desperado Bocce Boys at Bloomingdale Park, where Freddie was at the core of the group. As the commissioner and self-proclaimed spark plug, he energized the members many of them seniors to maintain the bocce court themselves. Freddie led the group and kept the court in top shape, funding repairs out of his own pocket. His leadership and dedication would leave an indelible mark on both the group and the broader community. However, Freddies influence extended far beyond the bocce court and into the very heart of the community. A STEADFAST COMMUNITY LEADER He not only initiated an annual Christmas gathering at Bloomingdale Park, but also celebrated every holiday at Freddies Gourmet in Eltingville. Freddie dressed as the Easter Bunny and distributed candy and eggs to children, played Santa/Grinch and gave gifts to children, and on the 4th of July, served hot dogs all while playing music that was coordinated with the holiday at hand. The events, filled with fun, food and treats, became beloved traditions, reflecting Freddies deep commitment to joining people together and spreading joy throughout the year. Generosity was an integral part of Freddies life. A crowd gathers at the corner of Sylvia Street and Richmond Avenue for the street co-naming for Freddie Castellano. (Courtesy/Frank Rapaccioulo) Staten Island Advance For 20 years he helped those in need, offering free or reduced-rate food to the community and supplied groceries for the sisters and priests at St. Clare R.C. Church He also sponsored local events like St. Clares Fall Festival, where he provided Italian ices and hamburgers at no cost. Freddie was a champion in his support for Staten Island educators. When the United Federation of Teachers conducted meetings, he provided discounted food to show his appreciation for the hard work of local teachers in shaping the minds of future generations. A mural was painted on the side of Freddie's Gourmet in Eltingville. (Courtesy/Frank Rapaccioulo) Staten Island Advance His involvement in the community was also prominent at fundraising events at the St. George Theatre. Freddie was always thrilled to contribute, and after a benefit show, he could be found in the lobby, serving food to patrons who supported the theatre. Freddies generosity was extended to other organizations like On Your Mark, where he sponsored their Christmas party each year, and provided an array of food. Throughout the year, his support also extended to Local 3 IBEW, NYPD, FDNY, local churches, Jewish Community Center, Richmond University Medical Center, and Staten Island University Hospital. He also supported Con Edison by volunteering to be on-call during severe weather events. He ensured that workers were well-fed, providing them with the strength needed to restore and maintain power during challenging conditions. COMMENTS OFFERED BY FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS Christine Castellano, Freddies wife: Co-naming Sylvia street after Freddie is a wonderful tribute to keep his spirit alive and inspire all who pass by to remember the difference one person can make. It will be truly humbling to see Freddies name honored this way. Freddie was one of a kind. He believed in the power of bringing people together and making sure everyone felt welcomed. He was a true leader who enjoyed the many opportunities to support his community through donations, sponsorships and fundraising events. He cared deeply about his family, his friends and the neighborhood where he worked. I would like to thank everyone who supported this effort and made this possible especially Ronnie Scimone for initiating the proposal, former Councilman Joe Borelli for getting the proposal passed, Councilman Frank Morano for seeing it through and Frank Rapacciuolo for helping organize todays event. Councilman Frank Morano: One of the main reasons I decided to run for office is because I want Staten Island to be a place my son and all of us for that matter are proud to call home. Freddie was not just a local business owner, he was always happy to step out from behind the counter and help his community when it needed him. From providing food and donations to many of our local non-profits, to just dancing outside of the store with the music playing for customers to enjoy while they shopped, Freddie was a great example what makes Staten Island such a great place to live. I thank former Councilman Joe Borelli for passing this bill and for having this be my first official co-naming after being sworn in to office. I hope Freddies legacy and store lasts for many years to come. Assemblyman Mike Reilly: Great people are the cornerstone of a great community, and with Freddie Castellano, his legacy is certainly no exception. I am honored to join Councilman Frank Morano, Freddies family and the community to recognize a true cornerstone of Staten Island. Just in time to help contestants and viewers fix their spelling mistakes before the National Spelling Bee began at the end of May, WorldUnscrumbler.pro released what words are most commonly misspelt by Americans. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Just in time to help contestants and viewers fix their spelling mistakes before the National Spelling Bee began at the end of May, wordunscrambler.pro released the words most commonly misspelled by Americans. In a study conducted by wordunscrambler.pro, it was found that most New Yorkers fail to spell the word different correctly. With only three syllables, nine letters, three vowels and six consonants, different is the word that Big Apple residents have the toughest time spelling. New Yorkers are not alone: other Americans are stumped by words that start with D. According to the study, definitely is Americas most misspelled word. Misspellings might be on the rise not because we know less, but because we need to know less, said a spokesperson for WorldUnscrumbler.pro. This years most misspelled words violate many phonics rules, contain silent letters, contain double letters, originate from other languages and use tricky suffixes. Here are the top 10 most misspelled words in America (starting with the most searches): Definitely Separate Necessary Believe Through Gorgeous Neighbor Business Favorite Restaurant National Spelling Bee Since 1925, the National Spelling Bee has created a competitive environment of avid spellers. The event was launched by the Louisville Courier-Journal as a way for them to encourage other newspapers to gather their winners in a national competition. Now, the event includes 243 spellers that representat least onefrom each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the U.S. territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana. Spellers also come from Canada, the Bahamas, Germany, Ghana, Kuwait and Nigeria. The most misspelled word The study revealed that 33,500 Google searches were behind the most misspelled words in America. As a runner up for the most misspelled word of the United States, separate received 30,000 searches, according to wordunscrambler.pro. Using search data from Google Trends, in the time range between Jan 1, 2025 to May 19, 2025, the study looked at searches like How do you spell ______ and How to spell ______. Other search variations were included in the study, including up to 120 different search variationsaccounting for misspelling on the Google search bar. More state data Other states also misspell common words. New Jersey and Illinois both commonly misspell congratulations, according to study. Seven states: Delaware, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming all misspell beautiful more than any other word. The misspelling of common words like beautiful and necessary could be credited to a heavy reliance on autocorrect that many devices offer, the study said. Researchers define this as digital amnesia; the forgetting of taskslike how to spellbecause technology does it for us instead. Editors note: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. ** STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The bodies of two men in their 30s were pulled from New York City waters on Friday, according to the NYPD. These recoveries come amid a desperate search for Brandon Pino, 17, a resident of Port Richmond. Pinos family says he jumped off the Staten Island Ferry last Saturday morning. The first of the recovered bodies was found by the NYPDs Harbor Unit around 6 a.m. in the vicinity of South Street and Fulton Street in Manhattan, a spokesperson for the NYPD said. The Harbor Unit removed the adult man from the water and EMS pronounced him dead on scene. The other body was found just before 7 p.m. in the East River following a 911 call for a water rescue in the vicinity of E 34th Street and FDR Drive. The NYPDs Harbor Unit, ESU and the FDNY responded to the scene and recovered the second deceased man. Pinos older sister, Cathleen Pino, 27, is asking for anyone near or around the harbor to keep an eye out for her younger brother, who reportedly made a distressing social media post before taking the ferry on Saturday morning. It was during the vessels trip between the St. George Ferry Terminal and Whitehall Station that Brandon jumped over the boats railings around 9:45 a.m., his sister said. The family of 17-year-old Brandon Pino has been searching near the harbor after they say the boy jumped from the Staten Island Ferry. Cathleen Pino According to the elder Pino, afterward Brandon was seen treading the water. Brandon was last seen wearing a tan hoodie, black sweatpants and white shoes, his family told the Advance/SILive.com. The Pino family established a fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/bring-brandon-home-a-mothers-plea to help finance the search. We are searching nonstop day and night, every day until we find him, Pino vowed. According to a report by The Daily News, police are also searching for a 15-year-old girl who disappeared on May 30. She is thought to have drowned after falling into the waters under the Roosevelt Island Bridge, the report said. ** Editors note: The Advance/SILive.com typically limits reporting on suicides to those that occur in crowded public places, involve public figures or, in special circumstances, where there is a larger public impact. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Lucid Group has signed a second agreement with Graphite One for U.S.-sourced materials needed for lithium-ion batteries as the electric car maker seeks to strengthen its domestic supply chain, according to a June 4 press release. The latest agreement will provide Lucid and its battery cell suppliers with natural graphite from the Graphite Creek deposit north of Nome, Alaska, where Graphite One expects to begin production in 2028, per the release. The deal complements a 2024 pact in which Graphite One agreed to provide Lucid and its battery cell suppliers with graphite processed for use in battery anodes, starting in 2028, the release said. The active anode material (AAM) would come from Graphite One's planned plant in Warren, Ohio. Dive Insight: Lucid has increased U.S.-based battery-electric-vehicle production as part of its strategy for weathering tariff uncertainty. Executives have highlighted the company's efforts to localize critical supplies, including the transition to Panasonic's Kansas battery facility and the sourcing of domestic graphite through partnerships with Graphite One and Syrah Resources. Beginning next year, Syrah will supply AAM from its production facility in Vidalia, Louisiana, under a three-year deal with Lucid, per the release. "A supply chain of critical materials within the United States drives our nation's economy, increases our independence against outside factors or market dynamics, and supports our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our vehicles," Lucid interim CEO Marc Winterhoff said in the release. Establishing supplier networks to build EV batteries has been a trend encompassing both traditional automakers and EV-only makers, such as Lucid. For example, Nissan Motor Corp and SK On signed a battery deal in March. The previous deal between Lucid and Graphite One is a non-binding supply agreement, pending Graphite One's commencement of AAM graphite production at the Ohio facility, according to the Canadian company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis document, filed in April. The plant is Graphite Ones first AAM factory, CEO Anthony Huston told Supply Chain Dive. If successful, the Lucid and Graphite One partnership would establish a U.S. source of graphite materials for EV batteries for the carmaker. However, Hunan Chenyu Fuji New Energy Technology, an AAM manufacturer based in Changsha, China, would play a critical role in supporting the partnership. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New Brighton resident Alhaji Nyallay immigrated to the U.S. alone from Sierra Leone more than 12 years ago, arriving with no money, job or higher education. Today he is a successful business owner. But he still vividly remembers his struggle growing up in the African country plagued with poverty, high crime rates, and political instability. When Nyallay was 2 years old, his father died. And for much of his formative years he was juggled around among family members because his mother needed to work extensive hours just to put food on the table. But everything changed when he was 24 years old. Nyallay said he hit the jackpot with an opportunity to immigrate to America. And he didnt let that go to waste. Nyallay, right, with his son in Sierra Leone. Nyallay was 24 years old when he immigrated to America. Now, he's working to bring his son to Staten Island. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay He put himself through college, obtaining a masters degree in digital forensics and cybersecurity from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, and launched his own IT business, IT @ Work Support LLC in New Brighton in January 2020. Once he made a life for himself here, Nyallay sought to help others living in impoverished conditions in his home country. I see America like a big brother helping other nations not only the countries themselves, but also individually. America helps people stand on their own two feet, and gives people the kind of opportunity that is probably lacking in their own country, said Nyallay. To help those still in Sierra Leone, Nyallay founded a charity school together with his brother, called the Nightingale College of Health and Social Science that now boasts a student population of more than 1,000. He even went so far as to adopt a son, who also lost his biological father at the age of 2. To help those still in Sierra Leone, together with his brother, Alhaji Nyallay founded a charity school called the Nightingale College of Health and Social Science. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay For the past three years, Nyallay has been desperately trying to bring his adopted son, now 16 years old, to the country that has given him so much opportunity. But with President Donald Trumps ban that will halt travel to 12 countries and imposes restrictions on seven others, including Sierra Leone, Nyallay fears his son wont be able to get to the U.S. to join the rest of his family, which includes Nyallays wife and two biological children. Pictured are New Brighton resident Alhaji Nyallay and members of his family. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay Ive submitted all the documentation here in the U.S., but they have not approved him yet, said Nyallay. The paperwork to get my son in Sierra Leone has been taking forever. He has a similar story to mine. I have visited Africa to see him many times ... I adopted him because his mother had no way to take care of him. The travel ban, which takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., also includes those from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In addition, heightened restrictions will be placed on travelers from Sierra Leone, along with Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, reported the Associated Press. Pictured are Alhaji Nyallay's three children, including his son (center) who is still in Sierra Leone. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay More desperate than ever Nyallay said his older brother has acted as caretaker to his son in Sierra Leone, but he is moving to Liberia for business reasons. Now Nyallay is more desperate than ever to bring his child to the home waiting for him on Staten Island. With my brother moving, Im worried that my child doesnt have a safe environment where hes going to stay. I dont have somebody who can actually take care of my son there now, he said. Pictured are, from left: Alhaji Nyallay, Nyallay's son, and Nyallay's brother in Sierra Leone. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay And to make matters worse, the teenager was recently brutally beaten. They (peers in Sierra Leone) wanted to initiate him into traditional society the kind we have in Sierra Leone, a very brutal one. They force kids at a certain age to be initiated. Its inhuman; its not good, he said. (The perpetrators) followed him and beat him up. I have all pictures of those things. I reported it to the police. I have a police report. But the police are also part of the society, and theyre not going to take any action, added Nyallay. New Brighton resident Alhaji Nyallay has taught at a school of higher education he founded in Sierra Leone. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay He said he also submitted photos of his injured son, hospital records and police reports to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, to no avail. However, one Staten Island official is trying to help, he said. Nyallay has asked for the assistance of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, to help bring his son to the U.S. My office is proud to have assisted over 1,800 law abiding individuals obtain green cards, visas and citizenships, including some from Sierra Leone, she said. We are currently working with the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS on behalf of Alhaji Nyallays son and remain hopeful that because of our efforts, the father and son will soon be reunited. But, again, with the recent travel restrictions, Nyallay feels hes running out of time. Alhaji Nyallay runs a successful IT company in New Brighton. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay Realizing a dream Nyallay was able to come to the U.S through the Immigration Act of 1990, which established the Diversity Visa program, allowing residents of other countries to apply via a lottery system for a path to U.S. citizenship. He won the lottery. However, prior to this opportunity, life was far from lucky for Nyallay. I was born to a low-income family, said Nyallay of his upbringing. Life became very tough for my mom to raise my siblings and me. I did not grow up with a secure sense of home. ... It was sometimes very difficult to go to school. Sometimes, it was difficult to even get something to eat. Alhaji Nyallay grew up in poverty in his home country of Sierra Leone. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay So when he met the criteria for the program, he was determined to make it in the U.S. And with no family in America, he made it on his own. Nyallay said he worked hard to make his American dream come to fruition. His new dream: to bring his son home to Staten Island. The names of Nyallays family members have not been included in the story because of the sensitivity of the situation. To help those still in Sierra Leone, together with his brother, Alhaji Nyallay founded a charity school called the Nightingale College of Health and Social Science. Courtesy of Alhaji Nyallay Follow Tracey Porpora on Facebook and Bluesky Ive been thinking about Occupy Wall Street lately. For those who dont remember, or dont want to, a brief history: The Occupy Wall Street Movement began in 2011, after the crash in 2008, when businesses were bailed out, but people were not. It lasted 59 days and was ended by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who claimed Zuccotti Park, where the protestors were based, had become a health hazard and everybody had to evacuate at once. The movement gave rise to the slogan We are the 99%, a reference to the fact that the other 1% of people in the United States were wildly rich and controlled a huge piece of the countrys total wealth. Well, nothings changed about that, has it? In fact, it may have gotten worse. The encampment at Zuccotti reminded me a bit of the shantytowns of homeless people in Washington named Hooverville, which were built in response to the Great Depression, which was blamed on President Herbert Hoover. My take on it: its never a particular president who is responsible for a depression or recession but our countrys overwhelming greed for more that certain presidents trade on that causes an economic downturn. Folks may have different memories of Occupy Wall Street, but mine involve a lovely video from our friends Jim and Jeannie Clark, a visit with the Wahoo Skiffle Crazies, a hug and a talk with a fellow teacher, hearing my friend Rickie Lee jam out with the other musicians at the encampment and the use of the peoples mic to get your point across. Again, for those who forgot, heres a really emotive piece by Levi Asher (aka Marc Elliot Stein): itkicks.com/peoplesmic/ This technique began because you actually need a permit to use amplification in a public place, which I had learned while doing the Acoustic Stomps at Tappen for nine years. It was another way for the city to monitor events and grab a little change from your pocket while they were at it. Im wondering now how much those protests in 2011 influenced the nationwide protests were seeing now. The year 2011 was part of the nascent era of social media ascendency. I noticed participants using their social media to connect with others, discover what other sources were writing about the protests and just stay on top of things in general. In the wake of that event, I have seen organizers rally people on an hour notice to appear at a certain place and time and seen the effectiveness of this tool in getting like-minded people together. I dont believe that politicians use social media as effectively as us regular folks. We can say and do much more than they are allowed to. Although, every time I see that video that Kristi Noem released of her standing in front of a cage at an El Salvadorian prison that contained hundreds of men, supposedly all violent gang members (although evidence was not given of their crimes, according to CNN reporting), I either want to vomit or throw something at the screen, or both. Her disgusting display of antipathy towards human suffering is, unfortunately, typical of this administrations disregard for human life. And for those that think Well, those guys deserve it! really? Even if these men were violent criminals, and if they are now imprisoned for life, is the goal of that imprisonment continued torture? Shouldnt the goal be rehabilitation, both for their good and ours? Shouldnt their living conditions at least be humane? Because, if the conditions are not, if were just stockpiling them like so much trashwhat does that say about our countrys so called pro-life stance? And doesnt that remind you of the way another country kept their prisoners? Is that us? Is that who we are? A good friend reminded me recently that we should all practice forgiveness. While it is the Christian thing to do, I dont see a lot of it being practiced by people who identify as Christians. I see vengeful attitudes, glee at other peoples misfortunes, a senator stating shes glad the Pope is dead and our very own president masquerading as a Pope online. If one wants to be forgiven, one must show some remorse. I dont see that here. I see smug attitudes and demeaning behavior. I see people who should know better ignoring orders to stop harassing innocent people. What will it take? On Aug. 8, 1974, Richard Nixon resigned from office, following the news that he had participated in a break-in at the Watergate Hotel in order to stop the Democrats from winning the next election, which they won anyway. Harry Truman called Nixon a son of a [expletive] and Nixon was known to be vengeful and have a mean temper. He even had an enemies list that included, among others, John Lennon, Paul Newman and the union president of the United Auto Workers. But, when the time came, he had the good grace and political savvy to step aside. It doesnt appear to me that this administration does. The president recently changed his mind about a third term. Did one of his advisors finally have the courage to tell him it was forbidden by the Constitution? Protest is vital to Americas health and growth. Violent protest of any kind only sets the clock back a few decades. And anybody who cannot or will not endure protest is a seriously thin-skinned person. You might even call him snowflake. Hold those magnificent grey heads high. Carry on! Comments maybe submitted to Talk To The Old Guy on Facebook. Ousted presidential adviser Steve Bannon is jumping into the Donald Trump/Elon Musk fray, publicly stating on Politicos Playbook podcast that he will rip Musks f-----g face off. AP Ousted presidential adviser Steve Bannon is jumping into the Donald Trump/Elon Musk fray, defending the president and publicly stating on Politicos Playbook podcast that he will rip Musks f-----g face off. Youre going to tell me we should allow some f-----g punk to sit there and say he should be impeached and J.D. [Vance] should step in? F--- you, dude. Were going to go to f-----g war, and Im going to rip your f-----g face off, Bannon said during a broadcast on June 5. Bannon, who was the chief executive officer for Trumps 2016 presidential campaign and chief strategist and senior counselor to the president once Trump took office in his first term, was fired in August 2017 after months of clashes with others in the White House. After a messy blow-up between Trump and Musk played out on their respective social media platforms with Trump threatening to cut Musks government contracts and Musk posting claims that Trump is tied to sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein Bannon chimed in. The president treated him almost like a son, Bannon told Playbook. He invited his family to Christmas dinner. He let him sleep over. He let him walk in and out of meetings. The president went to the max informality to welcome this guy. Bannons comments seemed to intensify the messy, week-long feud, which began when the tech billionaire slammed Trumps big, beautiful bill as a disgusting abomination. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore, Musk wrote in his original post on X on June 3, calling it a massive, outrageous, pork-filled bill. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. The comment came less than a week after the duo appeared together at the White House for a subdued goodbye, with Trump thanking Musk for his brief time in the U.S. government by handing him a symbolic golden key. Trump clapped back on his own social media network: The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. This just gets better and better, Musk replied on X. Go ahead, make my day. Musk then said, without offering evidence of how he might know the information, that Trump was in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! The feud ended a nearly year-long partnership between the two: Musk announced his stringent support for Trump shortly after the then-candidate was nearly assassinated on stage at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally last July. Musk soon became a close adviser and frequent companion, and when Trump was elected, the SpaceX, Tesla and X owner stood behind him as he took the oath of office. And now, Bannon, who went to prison last year for refusing to testify in a congressional investigation of Trump, seems to be capitalizing on Musks downfall, speaking to multiple news agencies about the fallout. he crossed the Rubicon by this outrageous comparison to the Epstein files about saying President Trump should be impeached, replaced by JD Vance, Bannon told NPR. This is so outrageous. It has crossed the line. Hes crossed the Rubicon and theres no going back. Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a Democrat who represents the North Shore, has received an endorsement from the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, the union representing various Staten Island Ferry workers. (Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence) Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- One Staten Island elected official has earned a new union endorsement for her work advocating for safer working conditions for its members. The Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, the union that represents the captains, assistant captains, mates, engineers and chief engineers on the Staten Island Ferry, recently announced its endorsement of Councilmember Kamillah Hanks in her re-election campaign. 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! LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) has announced it has reached an agreement and entered exclusive negotiations with AEQUITA to sell select olefins and polyolefins assets and operations in Europe. These assets, previously identified as part of LYBs strategic review, are located in Berre (France), Munchsmunster (Germany), Carrington (UK), and Tarragona (Spain). LyondellBasell in Exclusive Talks to Sell Four European Assets to AEQUITA A factory worker monitoring a conveyor belt of specialty chemicals being produced. The deal includes both integrated and standalone facilities, along with central support functions based in Rotterdam and other locations. These sites form a sizable olefins and polyolefins platform well-positioned near key customers and connected to essential infrastructure. Peter Vanacker, LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB)'s chief executive officer, made the following comment: 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. 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 transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending consultation with employee representatives and regulatory approvals. Citi and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are serving as financial advisors, with Linklaters LLP acting as legal counsel for LyondellBasell. LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) is a global leader in the chemical industry, focused on advancing sustainable solutions and supporting a circular, low-carbon economy through innovation and investment. While we acknowledge the potential of LYB as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Why These Energy Stocks Are Losing This Week and 20 Best Dividend Growth Stocks with High Yields Disclosure. None. This story is part of the June 8 edition of Sunday Life. Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, artist Otis Hope Carey. Artist Otis Hope Careys biggest fashion moment was collaborating with Christian Louboutin. How would you describe your style? Its somewhere between indie surf and arty. My personal style is influenced by my easy-going attitude towards life. Some days Ill dress up, and others Im barefoot in board shorts. Whats the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of black Prada dress shoes that are probably nine years old. I still wear them. And the most recent addition? A black cashmere jacket from Acne. Australian historian Manning Clark described the Australian attitude to spirituality as a shy hope in the heart. We are uncomfortable with overt displays of religiosity or, indeed, strident atheism. For most Australians, to be asked by a stranger (as happens in the US) if they know Jesus as saviour would be cringe-making. This is the cultural context in which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who visited the newly installed Pope Leo XIV last month, claimed a strong Catholic heritage, then almost immediately repudiated that by telling journalists his faith played no role in his politics. It seems that Albos faith is not so much shy as painfully introverted. It scarcely figures in his discourse compared with, say, his struggles growing up with a single mother in a council house. This is not to doubt his personal faith, but to suggest that he is constrained in the public arena. Anthony Albanese and Pope Leo XIV met for about 45 minutes. Credit: Vatican Media His papal visit and later counter-balancing remarks were carefully calibrated to please or, at least, appease both sides of the divide. Catholics are a quarter of the population, and agnostics probably more than half. One senior specialist not authorised to speak publicly said RPAs administration was obsessed with its surgery KPIs. Hospitals are not allowed to refuse a recommendation for admission [also known as an RFA, the form specialists complete to admit a patient for surgery], but they do it all the time, they said. NSW Healths surgery policy states urgency categories must be based on the patients clinical need and not influenced by the availability of hospital or surgeon resources. Another senior clinician not authorised to speak said: I always thought that the focus of an individual hospitals executive would be, Okay, weve got patients breaching. That means we should tell the ministry weve got patients breaching, so we need more resources, and the ministry would go, Okay, theres your resources because your KPIs show that youre breaching, but they dont. They get told to make the problem go away. The burden of disease is still there. The people [who need care] are still out there. The problem wont go away with jiggery pokery. NSW Healths surgery access policy If a patient is likely to breach the recommended wait time, the clinical director of surgery must consider, in conjunction with the surgeon, patient and senior management: - Additional theatre time at the same or another facility - Pooled surgery lists, where patients may be treated by any doctor of the same specialty - Transfer patients to another doctor with a shorter surgery list (if available) - Paying for the patient to be transferred to a private hospital Dr Jenny King, chair of Westmead Hospitals Medical Staff Executive Council, described scheduling patients for urgent surgery within a couple of weeks due to the severity of their condition only to have booking staff push the date closer to the 30-day cut-off to bring forward a less urgent patient about to become overdue. King said one seriously unethical strategy involved cancelling overdue paediatric dental surgery lists to prioritise patients breaching wait times that are KPIs, for instance, head and neck cases. These paediatric dental patients often have special needs or serious medical issues, but it doesnt matter if they breach because their wait times are not a KPI, so no one looks at them, King said. Their parents are at their wits end, and they have no option but to pay a fortune in the private sector. Often, the private hospitals wont take difficult kids with behavioural issues. Loading A spokesperson for Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) which oversees Westmead said a small number of paediatric dental procedures were rescheduled to alternative theatre lists to prioritise more clinically urgent cases. King said Westmead surgeons had not been pressured to change urgency categories since the appointment of a new associate director of operations for surgery two months ago to oversee efforts to get the hospital to the magic triple zero (zero patients overdue in categories one, two and three). Our response has always been that if you cant fit patients on lists in the appropriate time for the condition, then there simply arent enough lists, King said. In 2022, WSLHD unsuccessfully attempted to contractually bar doctors from adding patients to surgery wait lists unless they could guarantee they had time to perform the procedure within the recommended timeframe. Health Minister Ryan Park said he expected surgery management to be consistent with health policies, and if theres any evidence to suggest otherwise, Id seek a please explain. Park ordered an independent review of recategorisation of surgery at Orange Hospital after the ABC reported on similar issues. The WSLHD spokesperson rejected that surgeons had been asked to prioritise waiting list targets over patient care, saying all RFAs were accepted and waitlisted in line with NSW Health policy. WSLHD maintains its commitment to ensuring the efficient and safe management of surgery to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients, they said. Risky delays for colonoscopies Meanwhile, patients with suspected bowel cancer are waiting for months for colonoscopies, which should be performed within 30 days of a positive screening result. Loading There are gastroenterologists whose patients have gone well beyond that timeframe because colonoscopy wait times arent measured as a KPI reported to the ministry or published publicly, Betros said. Professor Nick Talley, gastroenterologist and chair of the luminal faculty at the Gastroenterology Society of Australia, said category 1 patients could wait two or three times longer than they should for a colonoscopy in the public system. Thats just not good enough, Talley said. Colon cancer will progress from a curable stage to an incurable stage within several months, and that is the kind of time period some people are waiting. The WSLHD spokesperson said there are some delays accessing gastroenterology procedures as demand is increasing, and work was underway to address this by implementing a networked approach across the LHD. The tip of a very big iceberg Surgeons also reported being asked to re-categorise urgent patients to category 2 semi-urgent (recommended within 90 days) if about to breach the 30-day timeframe. Betros said the tactic was not endemic, but tended to arise at times of overwhelming demand for individual hospitals. [Hospital clerical staff] will say: We cant do it within 30 days, but if we can guarantee they will get their surgery five days late, can we change them to category 2? he said. Betros said a five-day delay was highly unlikely to affect a patients clinical outcome, but the approach obscured the lack of appropriate funding to keep up with demand for surgical services. This is the tip of a very large iceberg, he said. Our patients are more overweight, theyre more cirrhotic [liver damage] because theyve got more emphysema [a type of lung disease] than theyve ever had, and its because our public health measures arent pushing the tidal wave back. The final report from the Special Commission of Inquiry into NSWs health funding warned the system risked being overwhelmed by ageing and chronically ill patients, characterising the failure to embed prevention into the system as beyond comprehension. It all gets kicked down the road to become an even bigger problem, and it just compounds with every year, Betros said. A NSW Health spokesperson said all LHDs were expected to adhere to the elective surgery access policy. The three urns in Carmen Terceiros Beecroft home tell a story of love and loss. Around each is a tag with a name: Rex, Annie and Oscar. The retired lawyer said she had been unsure what to do with her treasured rescue dogs ashes until recently. Carmen Terceiro visiting her fathers grave with her eight-year-old Jack Russell, Milo. Credit: Louise Kennerley NSW has now passed changes to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act to clarify that the remains of deceased companion animals often much-loved family members may be buried or placed with their late humans remains. When I saw it announced, I was quite delighted, said Terceiro, a former Animal Justice Party candidate for the NSW seat of Epping. Senior police are warning of simmering anger within their ranks over calls to enlist them in the states crackdown on the tobacco black market, saying it would divert at least 500 officers from tracking organised criminals and high-risk domestic violence offenders. Premier Chris Minns this week warned police could be forced to step up tobacco enforcement unless the Commonwealth government scaled back the tax on legal products that has seen the black market explode in NSW. The idea was met with shock at all levels of the force, which is short-staffed by about 4000 officers. Authorities are grappling with the enforcement of tobacco regulations for an estimated 20,000 retailers in NSW. Credit: Sam Mooy Senior police told the Herald it would take 500 officers, full-time, to inspect, search and enforce the laws on an estimated 8000 retailers. The true number of retailers could be much higher. Those officers would likely be sourced from the proactive squads or general duties, they warned. Like melanoma, CSCC is a cancer of the skin (thats what cutaneous means). It affects keratinocytes, the cell that makes up 80 per cent of our skin; the keratin they produce gives our hair, nails and skin their strength. Keratinocytes, like all healthy cells, carefully follow the instructions coded into your DNA. But when DNA is damaged most often through the photons in sunlight smashing into it the instructions can be garbled. These new instructions can cause the cell to start dividing uncontrollably, eventually forming a cancerous tumour. CSCCs typically appear on the most sun-exposed parts of our skin the hands, the neck, the scalp or ears as a firm bump or scaly sore. Bailey recalls a scabby sort of thing on my head. As soon as his doctor saw it, he cut it out. Surgical excision, and sometimes additional radiation therapy, is the typical treatment for CSCC. In more than 90 per cent of cases, simple treatment is entirely curative. You cut them out, you send it off, you stitch it up, and they are cured, says McCormack. But occasionally, the cancer has spread before it is spotted. Of every 100 cases, one to three people will die, as the cancer grows back in their lungs or livers or bones. Loading Deaths from non-melanoma skin cancers have almost doubled in Australia in the past 20 years; globally, CSCC causes more deaths than melanoma does, despite its lack of name recognition. About 70 per cent of us will get a non-melanoma skin cancer in our lives hence the high number of deaths, even though the disease itself has a relatively low mortality rate. Its so common, people tend to trivialise it a bit, says the University of the Sunshine Coasts Associate Professor Andrew Dettrick, who has published papers on CSCC. Five per cent does not sound like a lot, but it is when you times it by 200,000 people. A new standard of treatment for an invisible disease If a doctor cuts out the tumour, and then uses beams of radiation to kill any cells they cannot reach, why does cancer sometimes come back? Loading They have got microscopic disease left, either in the area thats been treated, or it has already spread. And we dont have any way of knowing that, says Professor Danny Rischin, head of research for head and neck cancer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The focus of Rischins career has been on stopping that cancer from coming back. In 2018, he co-authored a study testing whether Carboplatin, a chemotherapy drug, could prevent relapse. Like many experiments, it did not work. The drug did not improve survival. But scientists often learn more from failure than success. Rischins team was able to isolate a subgroup of CSCC patients within the trial who had certain features that put them at a dramatically higher rate of cancer recurrence. They were in need of better treatment, he says. For this group, Rischins team turned to one of the medicines that has revolutionised cancer treatment in the past decade: checkpoint inhibitors. Stephen Bailey is a cancer patient participating in an immunotherapy trial. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Our immune system needs to run certain checks to ensure it is attacking an enemy, not one of our own cells. Cancer often takes advantage of this, generating its own codes to pass the checks. Using genetically modified antibodies, scientists in the past two decades have learned to block our own immune systems checkpoints. It unmasks the cancer cell, so your immune system can see it again, says Dettrick. Perhaps a souped-up immune system could ferret out the microscopic cancers the surgeons could not? Loading In a study sponsored by the therapys manufacturer, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Rischins team randomised 415 patients, who had been treated for CSCC but had a risk of recurrence, between immunotherapy and a placebo: 87 per cent of patients on the therapy were still disease-free after 24 months, compared to 64 per cent on the placebo. About 10 per cent of patients getting the therapy had severe side effects, and one died consistent with the normal side effects from immunotherapy. Rischin expects the trial will lead to a change in practice. A request for approval for the new therapy is before drug regulators in Europe and 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 When police searched the computer of 29-year-old IT worker Aaron Pennesi in March, they were looking for the malware he used to steal personal information from his colleagues at The Forest High School on Sydneys northern beaches. That wasnt all they found. In an all-too-common turn of events, police stumbled upon child sexual abuse material on a laptop seized for another reason. But something was different about this content. The scenes depicted werent real. Instead, Pennesi had used a popular AI-generation website to create the child abuse material using search prompts that are too grotesque to publish. In an even more severe case, a Melbourne man was sentenced to 13 months in prison in July last year for offences including using an artificial-intelligence program to produce child abuse images. Police found the man had used an AI image-generation program and inputted text and images to create 793 realistic images. As cases involving the commercial generation of AI child abuse material that is completely original and sometimes indistinguishable from the real thing become increasingly common, one expert says the phenomenon has opened a vortex of doom in law enforcements efforts to stamp out the content online. Advertisement Naive misconceptions As the tug of war over the future of AI oscillates in the court of public opinion, one of the more terrifying realities that suggests it could do more harm than good is the ease with which it enables offenders to produce and possess child sexual abuse material. The widespread adoption of image-generation models has been a boon for paedophiles seeking to access or profit from the content online. Interpols immediate past director of cybercrime, Craig Jones, says the use of AI in child sexual abuse material online has skyrocketed in the past 12 to 18 months. Anybody is able to use an online tool [to access child sexual abuse content], and with the advent of AI, those tools are a lot stronger. It allows offenders to do more, Jones said. Craig Jones, the immediate past director of cybercrime at Interpol, is now an independent strategic advisor to cybersecurity firm Group-IB. The AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, or ACCCE, received 63,547 reports of online child exploitation from July 2024 to April 2025. Thats a 30 per cent increase on the previous financial year, with two months remaining. Advertisement Were seeing quite a significant increase in whats occurring online, AFP Acting Commander Ben Moses says, noting that those statistics dont differentiate between synthetic and real child abuse content. Loading Thats in line with the legal treatment of the issue; possessing or creating the content in either form is punishable under the same offences. But a common misconception is that AI-generated material shouldnt be taken as seriously or is not as harmful as the traditional type because no child is abused in the creation of the material. Moses says that while identifying real victims will always be the ACCCEs priority, AI-generated content is being weaponised against real children. It can still be very harmful and horrific. [It] can include the ability to generate abuse in relation to people they know. For those victims, it has significant consequences. In 2024, a British man was jailed for 18 years for turning photographs of real children, some younger than 13, into images to sell to other paedophiles online. The sentencing judge called the images chilling. Advertisement In another British example, a BBC report in 2024 found evidence that an adults-only VR sex simulator game was being used to create child models for use in explicit sex scenes, and that models had been based on photos taken of real girls in public places. The other aspect of it, and what may not be well known, is cases where innocent images of children have been edited to appear sexually explicit, and those photos are then used to blackmail children into providing other intimate content, Moses says. Moses says this new abhorrent form of sextortion, and how it opens up new ways for offenders to victimise minors, is of great concern to the ACCCE. Professor Michael Salter, the director of Childlight UNSW, the Australasian branch of the Global Child Safety Institute, calls the misconception that AI-generated abuse material is less harmful really naive. The forensic evidence says that it is a serious risk to children. The emergence of AI has been something of a vortex of doom in the online Child Protection space. Professor Michael Salter Salter says the demand for synthetic material primarily comes from serious offenders and that, generally, they also possess actual child sexual abuse content. Advertisement Its also important to understand that a lot of the material that theyre creating is extremely egregious because they can create whatever they want, he said. The sort of material theyre creating is extremely violent, its extremely sadistic, and it can include imagery of actual children they want to abuse. Tech-savvy paedophiles AI child sexual abuse material first crossed Michael Salters desk around five years ago. In that time, hes witnessed how offenders adapt to new technologies. As AI advanced, so did the opportunities for paedophiles. He explains that AI was first used to sharpen older material and later to create new images of existing victims. It has now proliferated into offenders training their own engines or using commercially available image-generation sites to create brand-new material. This can include deepfake videos featuring real people. But Salter says what is more common is still-image generation that is frighteningly readily available. Advertisement A Melbourne shopping centre was sent into lockdown on Friday night amid reports of a confrontation between teenage males brandishing machetes. Police said witnesses described seeing five or six boys arguing inside Caroline Springs Square Shopping Centre in the western suburbs about 6.40pm. A still from CCTV footage of a youth carrying a machete at Caroline Springs Square shopping centre on Friday night. Credit: Nine News Melbourne Some people who work at the complex reported that some of the teens were armed with machetes. Bhanush Sharma, who works at the Mister Minit watch and shoe repair kiosk within the centre, was there during the lockdown. Property investor Jason Camuglia has sold his rare double land holding in Watsons Bay moments from the water to the tune of at least $22.7 million. The two adjacent properties totalled more than 1300 square metres, which he bought over three years for $18.78 million. One of the two houses on the double land holding in Watsons Bay. Credit: Fast-forward to 2025, and Camuglia has made at least a 21 per cent increase on the price of his two properties. He sold the second half of his dual offering earlier this week for its last price guide of $7 million to $7.5 million. Analysis of 319 auctions attended or contacted by this masthead in a year-long auction tracking project in 2024, chosen because they were likely interesting and competitive, found 211 sellers set reserves that were at or higher than the highest guide price on their properties. Of these, 172 were above the price guide, 15 reserves were set at the top of a price range and 24 were in line with a single price advertised. Home sellers may only be willing to sell their home for the top of their price range or more, new analysis shows. Credit: Paul Jeffers Among the homes where sellers wanted more than advertised, it was common for vendor expectations to be 5 per cent to 10 per cent higher than the top of the guide, although some were less and some were more than 20 per cent above. A Leichhardt fixer-upper had a guide of $1.8 million and a reserve of $2.2 million, and sold for $2.28 million. The reserve was 22.2 per cent above the guide. A Strathfield block of land had a price guide of $2 million and a reserve of $2.5 million, 25 per cent higher. It sold for $2,875,000. A modest Ultimo student housing unit had a price guide of just $120,000 to $130,000, but its reserve was $160,000, 23.1 per cent above the guide. Vendors were more likely to expect large premiums to their guide price at the upper end of the market. For homes guided at less than $1 million and with a higher reserve than the guide, 10 out of the 20 had vendor expectations at least 5 per cent but less than 10 per cent above the guide. But for homes guided at $4 million-plus and with a higher reserve than the guide, 17 out of the 35 had vendor expectations 10 per cent-plus above the guide. Michelle May of the eponymous buyers agency advises clients not to look at price guides, but to look at sold results for the suburb instead. Do not look at price guides, she said. Price guides are a way to entice you to come through the property. May has heard of buyers adding a percentage to price guides to work out a property value, but she warns this is dangerous because they risk missing out on properties quoted correctly. Look at the sold section, she said, referring to sold results on listing websites. If a three-bed, one-bath house with car spot has a guide of $1.4 million but in the last three to six months no homes of that description in the suburb have sold under $1.7 million and your budget is $1.5 million, then forget it. May said it affected buyers when they did not realise they could not afford a home because the seller wanted more. PRPTY360 director Julian Fadini. Its torture. Its mentally exhausting, its financially crippling because people have invested in contract reviews, building and pest, strata reports, time out of the market, she said. May would like to see sellers held accountable for underquoting, as sometimes they blindside a selling agent by buying somewhere else, needing to make a certain price and setting a high reserve a couple of days before auction. PRPTY360 director Julian Fadini said almost all agents taking properties to auction are providing unrealistic guides. This is so easy to see by checking the median price for the area and the comparable sales of the property going to auction, he said. Some sellers found another method. Jason Hemmy sold his childhood home in Smithfield last year through LJ Hooker Edensor Park and Green Valleys Graham Ball. The reserve was set at $750,000 and the property sold for $1,015,000. Jason Hemmy (centre) sold his childhood home in Smithfield last year and published the reserve on the listing before auction. Ball publishes the reserve price on listings before auction, which he says is in the vendors best interest and attracts more buyers on the day. Hemmy said he wasnt hesitant to publish the reserve on the listing as Ball explained his strategy. By Patricia Vilas Boas SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Latin American e-commerce giant MercadoLibre is expanding free shipping in its main market Brazil, it said on Friday, a move expected to be costly but which the company hopes will drive sales higher amid fierce competition. MercadoLibre, Latin's America most valuable company by market cap, earns more than 50% of its e-commerce revenues in Brazil, where it competes with Amazon and Sea's Shopee, and more recently with players like Temu. MercadoLibre said sales of 19 reais ($3.40) or more are now exempt from shipping fees in Brazil, from a minimum of 79 reais ($14.15) previously. "Practically the entire site will have free shipping from now on," the head of MercadoLibre's e-commerce operations in Brazil, Fernando Yunes, told journalists. He said the financial impact will be absorbed by the company, although he did not give an estimate on the scale of the costs of the expanded free shipping. MercadoLibre confirmed it has been cutting shipping costs for the companies and people selling on its platform in Brazil by up to 40% since late May, a move that had been noted by analysts. "The increased shipping discount targets a price range of products close to where Shopee seems to be gaining traction," analysts at Itau BBA said in a May 22 report to clients. ($1 = 5.5845 reais) (Reporting by Patricia Vilas Boas; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by Leslie Adler) Jannik, its amazing the level you reach, he told Sinner at the presentation. I am sure you will be champion many, many times and it is a privilege to share the court with you and making history with you. Im just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments. You are a huge inspiration for everyone and myself. Carlos Alcaraz plays a backhand at the net against Jannik Sinner during an epic contest in Paris. Credit: Getty Images This felt like indisputable evidence that the future of mens tennis belongs to the pair of them, as the two shooting stars have now won the last six grand slams between them. It used to be the big four; now it looks for all the world like a big two. Their incredible joust in a final had only ever been beaten in length by the 5 hour 53 minute epic between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open. In terms of quality, though, perhaps only the Roger Federer-Rafa Nadal five-set classic at Wimbledon in 2008 could top this, even though these two youngsters were taking the power and speed levels to freakish new peaks. Carlos Alcaraz with the French Open trophy. Credit: AP It is easier to play than to talk right now, said a crestfallen Sinner. We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would have loved to be here so its still been an amazing tournament. Even though it is very difficult right now, it is okay. AAP Coco Gauff beats Sabalenka to win womens title Coco Gauff lifted her maiden French Open title on Saturday afternoon and then told reporters that she hoped to be a reflection of hope and light for people that look like me in America. Gauff, who also won the US Open in 2023, is the seventh woman of colour to become a major tennis champion. One of the most politically engaged players on the modern tour, she feels a deep responsibility to the African-American community. Obviously theres a lot going on in our country right now, Gauff said. I remember after the election, it kind of felt [like a] down period. My mum told me during [Novembers WTA Finals in] Riyadh, Just try to win the tournament just to give something for people to smile for. So thats what I was thinking about today when holding that [trophy]. And then seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. Im definitely patriotic and proud to be American, and Im proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who support the things that I support. Now 21, Gauff displayed her commitment to the Black Lives Matter cause five years ago. During a speech at a protest rally, she told her audience that If you are choosing silence, you are choosing the side of the oppressor. Since then, Gauff has become arguably the most articulate and interesting interviewee on the tennis tour and yet her press conference on Saturday evening may not have been the most interesting of the night. An hour or so earlier, Gauffs defeated opponent Aryna Sabalenka had told reporters that Gauffs 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 victory which delivered her second major trophy was some sort of flukey act of God. Coco Gauff of the US plays a shot against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. Credit: AP Asked why she had struggled so much in a gusting wind on Court Philippe Chatrier, Sabalenka replied: Honestly sometimes it felt like she [Gauff] was hitting the ball from the frame like somebody from above was just staying there laughing, like, Lets see if you can handle this. It was a joke, for real, Sabalenka added. When she would hit the ball, at some point the wind would just, like, let the ball fly like crazy, and you know, I was late every time. Warming to her theme, Sabalenka even suggested that she had done Gauff a favour by removing defending champion Iga Swiatek from her path at the semi-final stage. If Iga would win [against] me another day, I think she would go out today and she would get the win. Asked about this last comment, Gauff replied I dont agree with that. Im sitting here [with the trophy]. No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her, I won in straight sets. Yeah, I dont think thats a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen. To give Sabalenka some credit, her comments were at least honest and authentic and much less boring than the usual platitudes. Yet they do run the risk of riling Gauff, who is the world No.2 and thus a likely opponent in many upcoming events. Sabalenka was clearly still steaming when she came into the interview room, only half-an-hour or so after the presentation ceremony. She bemoaned the worst tennis Ive played in the last I dont know how many months, adding I think I was overemotionalI think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes fromeasy balls. The statistics bear her out, in that they credited or rather debited Sabalenka with a grisly 70 unforced errors. Yet this was still a fun watch, because of the shifting momentum and the contrasting patterns of play. In between the howlers, there were some stylish all-court rallies. Aryna Sabalenka cries after losing the final. Credit: AP Sabalenka had started brilliantly, as she took a 4-1 lead that showed off all the extra dimensions she has added to her game. Many opponents would have been intimidated by such a commanding display, but Gauff is renowned for being the most implacable competitor on the tour. She worked her way into the contest, using her heavy topspin to loop balls towards Sabalenkas baseline. It posed an awkward question: should Sabalenka retreat? Or should she gamble by swinging hard at what became deep half-volleys? Loading There was only ever likely to be one answer, because Sabalenka the woman who wears the tiger tattoo on her forearm prides herself on being the queen of the jungle. She went all-or-nothing, and coughed up all those unforced errors. Gauffs two major trophies have both been sealed in finals against Sabalenka. Just like at the 2023 US Open, Gauff drove her more powerful opponent to distraction with her court coverage and mental resilience. There is a counterfactual fantasy, not much indulged but not dismissed entirely, in which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese went to his second election in the brief vibe shift between Donald Trumps triumphant return to the US presidency in 2024 and his clumsy tariff whammy in 2025. Perhaps, if the Australian election had taken place before Liberation Day the outcome would have been different for Peter Dutton. More likely, it would not. Germans rally in Berlin calling for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to be banned. Credit: Getty Images In any case, such imaginings are of no use to the Coalition. Its as helpful to them as the reverse counterfactual is to the Social Democrats I spoke to in Germany this week. Germany held its election in February. The incumbent government was led by a chancellor from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the German analogue of the Labor Party. Perhaps if the election had come after Trumps global tariff day, the SPD might also have retained power. But as the German election was set for February, only 20 per cent of German voters chose the SPD. The Social Democrats now have a lower primary vote than the Alternative for Germany (AfD), an economically conservative-turned-far-right party that has made immigration control its primary platform. If the Albanese government cared to take the German experience as a cautionary tale a possible but avoidable future it could reflect that what occurred there is just part of a pattern rolling through the Western world. These trends come to Australia late and slowly. But they do seem to come eventually. WILLEMSTAD/ PHILIPSBURG:--- The College financieel toezicht (Cft) has published its response to the fourth implementation report (UR) of 2024 from Sint Maarten. This report, delayed by over three months beyond the statutory deadline, details the country's financial performance, ongoing challenges, and specific recommendations from the Cft. The document sheds light on the successes and areas needing urgent attention in Sint Maarten's fiscal management. Financial Performance in 2024 The report reveals that Sint Maarten ended 2024 with a preliminary surplus of XCG 0.7 million on its ordinary service account. This positive outcome ensures compliance with the central budgetary norms established by the Kingdom Financial Supervision Act (Rijkswet financieel toezicht, or Rft). The Cft highlighted the constructive steps taken to avoid a deficit, stating, "Sint Maarten has followed the Cfts recommendation to prevent a deficit in the fourth UR, which is positive." However, the realization of income and expenditures remains uneven. Revenue Performance Sint Maarten recorded XCG 522 million in total revenues as of Q4 2024, falling short of the budgeted XCG 550 million. This gap was attributed to lower-than-expected tax revenues, licenses, and subsidies. A portion of revenues remains unclassified due to ongoing issues with bank descriptions, hampering accurate categorization. The Cft reiterated the importance of resolving this issue promptly, remarking, "It is essential that this process is expedited so that revenues can be appropriately allocated, improving transparency in public finances." While some tax categories exceeded expectations, including wage tax (XCG 15 million above budget) and turnover tax (XCG 3 million above projections), others faltered. The report outlines significant shortfalls in profit tax (-XCG 14 million), transfer tax (-XCG 4 million), and excise duties (-XCG 6 million). Expenditure Overview On the expenditure side, Sint Maarten managed to lower its costs, with total spending reaching XCG 521 million, substantially below the budget of XCG 547 million. Reduced spending on personnel costs (XCG 15 million below budget) and goods/services (XCG 12 million below budget) were key contributors to this variance. The Cft linked these reductions to unfilled government vacancies and constrained liquidity, which limited the execution of planned projects. Investment Challenges Despite allocating XCG 280 million for investments in 2024, which included XCG 90 million for delayed projects from 2023, only XCG 41 million was executed by year-end. The Cft expressed its concerns over this stagnation, particularly in critical projects financed by a December 2024 Dutch loan of XCG 132 million. These included constructing a new prison and procuring generators for GEBE. The Cft urged Sint Maarten to "prioritize the actual implementation of investment projects to stimulate development." Challenges in Investments and Recommendations by CFT The College financieel toezicht (Cft) highlighted significant delays in investment projects in its response to the fourth implementation report (UR) of 2024 for Sint Maarten. The report reveals a stark contrast between the planned investment budget and the actual execution. While Sint Maarten allocated XCG 280 million for investments in 2024, only XCG 41 million was utilized by the end of the year. This includes XCG 90 million earmarked for projects delayed from 2023. Such underperformance in investment execution has been a recurring point of concern for the Cft. Specific projects, such as the construction of a new prison and the procurement of generator equipment for GEBE, were partially funded by a substantial loan from the Netherlands amounting to XCG 132 million. However, the execution of these projects remains pending and is expected to progress in the upcoming years. The Cft noted, "Sint Maarten gives priority to project execution but has yet to utilize budgeted funds effectively." The limited execution capacity and persistent liquidity constraints are key reasons for the delays. Without adequate resources and organization to facilitate project delivery, investments have failed to reach their expected outcomes. This is particularly troubling as the timely implementation of such projects is essential to addressing critical infrastructural needs across the territory. The Cft stated that "serious concerns remain about the pace and efficacy of investment progress." To combat this, they urged Sint Maarten to assign greater priority to executing planned investments, stressing that delayed projects lead to compounded setbacks in economic and social development. Looking ahead, the Cft recommended better financial planning and coordination to enhance execution rates. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in reporting investment progress to ensure stakeholders can monitor how resources are utilized. The challenges in project implementation continue to reflect broader issues in financial and administrative management within Sint Maarten. Overcoming these hurdles will require systematic reforms and a sustained commitment from relevant authorities. Only then can investments transform from budget lines into real-world progress, providing benefits for the people of Sint Maarten. Ongoing Challenges The Cft identified multiple structural and operational challenges affecting Sint Maarten's financial management and performance. Liquidity Position The report highlights that Sint Maarten's liquidity position remains opaque due to the absence of a multi-year liquidity forecast and an overview of free liquidity. While end-of-year liquid funds stood at XCG 151 million, much of this was earmarked for investments. The Cft voiced concerns, noting, "Without a clear projection of free cash flow, it is impossible to accurately assess Sint Maarten's financial standing in the medium term." Financial Management The quality of financial management saw limited improvement in Q4 2024. The Cft emphasized that "the explanatory value of the quarterly reports requires enhancement," including clear distinctions between incidental and structural financial variations. This would help in better understanding budget execution. Collective Sector and Debt Sint Maarten's reporting on the collective sector remains incomplete, with figures for 2021 and 2022 still pending, despite repeated requests. Furthermore, year-end government debt totaled XCG 1.427 billion, representing 48% of the country's GDP. The Cft pointed out that the continued lack of documentation hinders assessment of compliance with debt norms. Payment Arrears At the close of 2024, overdue payments to public entities totaled XCG 144 million. The bulk of this debt relates to the Social and Health Insurance Executive Agency (SZV). Despite discussions, no payment arrangement was finalized. Resolving this arrears issue remains a critical priority for the Cft. Recommendations from the CFT The Cft provided clear directives to improve Sint Maartens fiscal sustainability and compliance: Enhance Revenue Generation: Implement new taxes, such as a tourism levy and general health insurance, and focus on improving tax collections. Prioritize Investments: Expedite the execution of key investment projects, especially those funded by external loans. Improve Financial Reporting: Include multi-year liquidity projections and detailed explanations of financial discrepancies in future URs. Address Payment Arrears: Finalize and implement payment arrangements with entities like SZV. Resolve Classification Issues: Accelerate the resolution of bank description problems to ensure accurate revenue categorization. Conclusion While Sint Maarten has demonstrated progress in adhering to essential budget norms, significant challenges persist. The Cft's report underscores the urgency of enhancing financial management practices, resolving liquidity concerns, and pushing forward with vital investments. These steps are critical for Sint Maarten to build a stable fiscal future and effectively manage its financial resources in the years to come. Click here for the CFT Report. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on June 9, 2025. The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Council of Ministers will be in attendance. The agenda points are: Approval composition delegation and provisions to attend celebration Curacao flag day on July 2, 2025 (IS/1107/2024- 2025 dated June 2, 2025) Ontwerplandsverordening tot vaststelling van de begroting van het Land Sint Maarten voor het dienstjaar 2025 (Landsverordening begroting 2025) (Zittingsjaar 2024-2025-185) (IS/1093/2024-2025 d.d. 23 mei 2025) Draft National Ordinance establishing the budget of the Country of Sint Maarten for the service year 2025 (National Ordinance Budget 2025) (Parliamentary Year 2024-2025-185) (IS/1093/2024-2025 dated May 23, 2025) Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament Germany has three years to overhaul military: official Berlin, June 7 (AFP) Jun 07, 2025 Germany's armed forces have three years to acquire the equipment to tackle a possible Russian attack on NATO territory, the head of military procurement said Saturday. Defence spending has risen up the political agenda since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and more recently with the United States pushing NATO members to increase their commitments. "Everything necessary to be fully prepared to defend the country must be acquired by 2028," Annette Lehnigk-Emden, head of the Federal Office for Military Procurement, told Tagesspiegel newspaper. Chief of defence General Carsten Breuer recently warned that Russia could be in a position to "launch a large-scale attack against NATO territory" as early as 2029. He said there was a Russian build-up of ammunition and tanks for a possible attack on NATO's Baltic members. Lehnigk-Emden stressed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz's new government was enabling the upgrade by allocating hundreds of billions of euros for defence. She said the priority would be for heavy equipment such as Skyranger anti-aircraft tanks. Merz has made rearmament a priority of his coalition government to make it "the most powerful conventional army in Europe". Rearmament had already begun under the previous government of Olaf Scholz after Russia launched its war in Ukraine. And US President Donald Trump has raised the temperature further this year by pushing NATO members to increase their defence spending to five percent of GDP from the current level of two percent. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday that 50,000 to 60,000 new soldiers would be needed in the coming years to meet the increased defence needs of NATO. Last year, the army had more than 180,000 soldiers and set a goal of exceeding 203,000 by 2031. Germany has three years to overhaul military: official Berlin, June 7 (AFP) Jun 07, 2025 Germany's armed forces have three years to acquire the equipment to tackle a possible Russian attack on NATO territory, the head of military procurement said Saturday. Defence spending has risen up the political agenda since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and more recently with the United States pushing NATO members to increase their commitments. "Everything necessary to be fully prepared to defend the country must be acquired by 2028," Annette Lehnigk-Emden, head of the Federal Office for Military Procurement, told the Tagesspiegel newspaper. Germany's chief of defence, General Carsten Breuer, recently warned that Russia could be in a position to "launch a large-scale attack against NATO territory" as early as 2029. He said there was a Russian build-up of ammunition and tanks for a possible attack on NATO's Baltic members. Lehnigk-Emden said that Chancellor Friedrich Merz's new government was enabling the upgrade by allocating hundreds of billions of euros for defence. She said the priority would be for heavy equipment such as Skyranger anti-aircraft tanks. Merz has made rearmament a priority of his coalition government to make German forces "the most powerful conventional army in Europe". Rearmament had already begun under the previous government of Olaf Scholz after Russia launched its war in Ukraine. And US President Donald Trump has raised the stakes further this year by pushing NATO members to increase their defence spending to five percent of GDP from the current level of two percent. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Thursday that 50,000 to 60,000 new soldiers would be needed in the coming years to meet the increased NATO defence needs. Last year, the army had more than 180,000 soldiers and set a goal of exceeding 203,000 by 2031. Germany is meanwhile looking to speed up the establishment of shelters where the population could find refuge in the event of conflict, according to the president of the German Federal Office for Civil Protection, Ralph Tiesler. At the end of last year, the authorities began to catalogue tunnels, subway stations, underground carparks and cellars of public buildings that could be converted into bunkers. "We are going to create one million shelter places as quickly as possible," Tiesler told the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, indicating that a plan to this effect would be presented this summer. We thank the community for their patience while we carry out our inquiries and ask that any one with information please comes forward. He talked about closing the book on a squalid chapter for our politics immigrants represent a squalid chapter. He talked about how he thought immigration has done incalculable damage to this green and pleasant land, which, of course, is nonsense immigrants built this land. And, finally, he said we risk becoming an island of strangers. Christian Brueckner, who is in prison for raping a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005, reportedly sent a letter to officers saying questions which would implicate him in the case of the three-year-old British girl, who vanished from the same resort 18 years ago, cannot be answered. On Thursday, Morgan Stanley analyst Elizabeth Porter raised the price target on Sprinklr Inc. (NYSE:CXM) to $10 from $8, while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the shares. Porter noted that Sprinklrs Q1 2025 report showed progress in the companys transformation, with operational improvements and a stable near-term outlook. Morgan Stanley Raises Sprinklr (CXM) PT to $10, Maintains Equal Weight Rating A software engineer working on a monitor in a modern office. Morgan Stanley is encouraged by the early stages of what is expected to be an approximately 18-month transformation and believes the shares appropriately reflect a turnaround story. The company's total revenue reached $205.5 million in Q1, which was up 5% year-over-year, and subscription revenue at $184.1 million, which was up 4%. Professional services revenue in particular was $21.4 million. The subscription and revenue-based net dollar expansion rate was 102%, and the company had 146 customers with $1 million or more in subscription revenue, which is up 6%. However, Sprinklr is facing longer sales cycles and increased scrutiny of enterprise spending due to macroeconomic uncertainty. The company is also contending with customer churn and downsell activity, which are impacting its net dollar expansion rate. The company anticipates a negative impact of $10 million on non-GAAP operating expenses due to foreign exchange rate volatility. Sprinklr Inc. (NYSE:CXM) provides global enterprise cloud software products. While we acknowledge the potential of CXM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. The cost-cutting plans, which have been rolled out in Kent County Council where Reform won control in May, are based on the Department of Government Efficiency in the US, which was led by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Saving for retirement looks different for everyone, even those with similar incomes and net worths. Be Aware: Suze Ormans Top 5 Tips That Will Save Retirees From Financial Disaster Try This: Clever Ways To Save Money That Actually Work in 2025 To give you a better idea of how much to save and how fellow Americans are positioned for retirement, GOBankingRates surveyed 1,000 working Americans aged 21 and older. Conducted at the end of 2024, the survey covered various topics, including current 401(k) balances and beliefs about what middle-class Americans need to retire comfortably. American Beliefs About Middle-Class Retirement To understand public beliefs about retirement savings, we asked how much the typical middle-class American has saved by age 65. The responses revealed a wide range of views shaped by age and financial perspectives. Our survey found that younger respondents (ages 21-34) were more likely to believe retirees have less than $50,000 saved, with 25.95% holding this view. This perception remained consistent across other age groups, with 29.47% of those aged 35-44 and 25% of those aged 55-64 also selecting this range. In contrast, fewer respondents expected higher savings: only 13.92% of younger respondents believed retirees had saved between $300,00 and $500,000, and just 3.16% thought retirees surpassed $1 million. These findings express significant uncertainty about retirement readiness. While some respondents may base their views on personal experience, others might lack awareness of expert recommendations, which often suggest saving 10-12 times ones annual income, a benchmark far beyond what most perceive as typical. This disparity reveals to us the need for clearer guidance on whats truly necessary for a financially secure retirement. See More: 7 Things Youll Be Happy You Downgraded in Retirement Actual 401(k) Balances The current state of Americans 401(k) balances highlights significant disparities across age groups: Deputy Iulian Bulai declared, on Saturday, for AGERPRES, that he supports Dominic Fritz "with all his strength" for the position of chairman of USR. "He is a determined person, he was confirmed as mayor of Timisoara, a municipality with great challenges for which he has solutions. (...) He had a vision for the interim period in which he was and made good decisions for the USR and for the country, which make it so that today we have an absolutely extraordinary president - Nicusor Dan. He demonstrated loyalty for Romania and for the USR, vision and clear solutions for the governing program, before we discuss individuals. These are extraordinary qualities," Iulian Bulai specified for AGERPRES.Nine candidacies were validated for the position of USR president, with the first round of voting scheduled online between June 11 and 13. Italy and Romania have an excellent bilateral partnership, which can develop within the European Union, declared on Saturday, in Oradea, the ambassador of the Italian Republic, Alfredo Durante Mangoni. "We have an excellent strategic partnership and we cannot talk about problems, but rather about opportunities, to strengthen this bilateral collaboration. Especially under the umbrella of the European Union, we can do more together to develop our collaboration," the Italian diplomat stated for AGERPRES. "I would like to emphasize once again the importance of the Italian Holiday in Oradea. The community of the Association of Italians in Bihor demonstrates a model of action in the community and in civil society in general. We want to collaborate, to continue working with local authorities and civil society, beyond political or religious affiliations. We want to strengthen our historical friendship and our alliance", Alfredo Durante Mangoni stated for AGERPRES.The first-ever Festa Italiana takes place from June 6 to 8 in the Oradea Citadel. The celebration brings the authentic charm of Italy to the heart of the city, with visitors invited to discover the flavor of Italian cuisine, participate in activities for children, and enjoy shows with special guests from Italy.The event dedicated to Italian culture, music and gastronomy is organized by the "Italiani in Bihor" Association with the support of the Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Oradea and the Region (Visit Oradea), the Oradea City Hall and the Italian Embassy in Bucharest. The number of companies that suspended their activity in the first four months of 2025 was 6,584, down 13.3% compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by the National Trade Register Office (ONRC). The most companies that suspended their activity were from Bucharest, respectively 759 (a number down by 18.12% compared to the first four months of 2024), the Capital being followed by the counties of Cluj, with 411 suspended companies (minus 3.95%), Bihor - 301 (plus 3.83%), Iasi - 301 (minus 9.34%), Neamt - 277 (plus 13.99%), Sibiu - 265 (minus 3.28%), Brasov - 265 (minus 24.07%) and Timis - 251 (minus 21.56%). The largest increases in the number of suspensions of activity were recorded in the counties of Gorj (38.46%), Calarasi (19.72%), Neamt (plus 13.99%) and Bacau (plus 12.1%), while the most significant decreases were recorded in the counties of Dambovita (minus 56.68%), Caras-Severin (minus 42.42%), Bistrita-Nasaud (minus 35.43%) and Braila (minus 32.91%). ST. LOUIS COUNTY A judge has allowed a Chesterfield contractor to continue filing liens against the customers of McBride Homes in order to recoup money the contractor alleges the homebuilder never paid. McBride had asked the court to stop the Builders Bloc construction company from filing the liens against McBride homeowners while the two companies continue to fight in court. But Judge Richard Stewart declined on Thursday to issue a temporary restraining order, saying the homebuilders argument didnt meet the merits of such an action. Builders Bloc has already filed dozens of liens against homeowners and properties still owned by McBride, court records show. Sign up for the Brick City newsletter Steph Kukuljan and other business reporters bring you insights into St. Louis-area real estate and development. The ruling in St. Louis County Circuit Court foreshadows a potentially protracted legal fight between McBride and Builders Bloc over allegations of retaliation, fraud and unpaid debt that ultimately could leave hundreds of customers on the hook for thousands of dollars each. McBride acknowledged the setback Friday, but said the company is still optimistic it will win the case. This ruling is just one aspect of the much larger claims that McBride has against Builders Bloc, the homebuilder said in a statement. We are very confident the facts and truth will prevail in this case. Builders Blocs tactics show the true nature of their leadership and decisionmakers. An attorney for Builders Bloc praised the decision, calling McBrides attempt to block the liens a violation of the contractors rights. Judge Stewart got it exactly right. He recognized that the people who work hard every day in the heat of summer and the depths of winter to build homes and make life better for people in the St. Louis community have a right to be paid for their work and to the full protection of the law, Stephen Miller, an attorney for Builders Bloc, said in a statement. Builders Bloc and McBride, one of the largest homebuilders in the region, built subdivisions across the region together for years. But the relationship soured and McBride fired Builders Bloc earlier this year. The homebuilder sued Builders Bloc first, alleging the contractor cost it $13 million due to years of delays and prioritizing other work. The companies were slated to handle their dispute in arbitration before McBride in April sued in circuit court. Last month, an arbitrator ruled that the first case, filed by McBride, has to proceed in arbitration instead of the courts. Meanwhile, Builders Bloc filed lawsuits alleging McBride fraudulently filed dozens of false real estate sale notices over the past year in St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin counties. Builders Bloc claims the filings were part of an effort by McBride to stiff the contractor of over $10 million for unpaid work. Builders Bloc alleges McBride filed the sale notices with closing sale dates that the builder either didnt share with the contractor or were different than the dates McBride provided to Builders Bloc. Notices of sale impact the amount of time Builders Bloc would legally have to file liens to seek payment. If a judge rules in the contractors favor regarding those records, it could stick hundreds of homeowners with the debts. McBride has said it will take all necessary steps to protect homeowners. Company attorneys also noted that title insurance should protect homeowners from such liens. In the decision made Thursday, Judge Stewart ruled that McBride didnt prove a temporary restraining order would be in the publics interest or that the company would be harmed without one. It also would deprive the contractor of its rights to file liens. He further ruled that it couldnt yet be determined whether McBride would succeed, another key determinant for such an order, in showing it filed valid notices of sale. Editor's note: This story clarifies that, by not issuing the restraining order, the judge allowed Builder's Bloc to continue filing liens. It also adds that McBride attorneys believe homeowners will be protected by title insurance. I was at Woofies Hot Dogs in Overland recently. A group in front of me studied the menu, trying to decide what to get. After they placed their orders, I placed mine. A young man from the group approached me. Are you from Chicago? he asked. I am, I said. I knew it, he said with a grin. I could tell from the way you ordered. I smiled. Its nice to be recognized as a sophisticate. For the record, my order was, Two Woofies everything but hot peppers. That might not look impressive on a page, but it was said with a certain elan. I am on solid footing at a hot dog stand. The young man said he was from Chicago, too. He said he had met his wife in college and she was from St. Louis and thats what brought him here. He asked how I got here. My wife, I said. I should have guessed, he said. Its how they keep the population stable. They send the women off to recruit men. What an interesting theory. I liked it. It puts the blame where it belongs. Our women served us well until about 1950. Since then, theyve let us down. We used to blame men who left. What if Sam Altman had stayed? Wed be the center of the artificial intelligence industry. What if Jack Dorsey had stayed? Wed be the headquarters of Twitter, and it would still be called Twitter. Looking at it from the other side, what if Kate Capshaw had convinced her husband, Steven Spielberg, to move to St. Louis? Dreamworks would be a big tourist attraction. Wed see movie stars at restaurants. Wed have some glamour. What if Rosemary Woodruff had insisted her husband move here? Rosemary was born in 1935. She grew up on the south side near Carondelet Park. Her dad worked on the river and had a side gig working at neighborhood bars as a magicians assistant. Rosemary was his assistant. She reminded people of Shirley Temple. She was lovely and smart and too cool for school. She dropped out at 16 and married an Air Force pilot 10 years her senior. The marriage fell apart quickly, and Rosemary took a train to New York City. She was soon in with the in-crowd. After several romantic misadventures, mostly with musicians, she met her soulmate, Timothy Leary, the lapsed Harvard professor whose mission in life was to popularize LSD. They married. They lived in upstate New York. Their acid-drenched commune was busted by a zealous local prosecutor, G. Gordon Liddy, who was later busted himself at Watergate. That is the thing about the Learys. They knew everybody. They did a bed-in with John and Yoko. They were pals with Ken Kesey. They dropped acid with Cary Grant. Of course, they had enemies respectable people. Tim was put in prison. Rosemary helped him break out. She had the assistance of the Weather Underground. The acidheads and the revolutionaries were very different, but they shared the same lawyers and the same enemies. After the daring prison escape, the Learys fled to Algiers, where they stayed with the Black Panthers, who were also on the lam. The Panthers were led by Eldridge Cleaver and Huey Newton. Newton was later assassinated, and Cleaver became a Republican. We could have been in the middle of the psychedelic circus had the Learys called St. Louis home. Maybe Euclid and Lindell would have been Haight-Ashbury. Many years after Rosemary left, Susannah Cahalan came here from New Jersey to attend Washington University. She fancied herself a writer, and in 2007, as she was getting ready to graduate, she signed on as a freelancer with the New York Post to cover the Michael Devlin arrest, a case better known as the Missouri Miracle. Devlin had kidnapped a young boy in rural Missouri. When police arrested him at his apartment in Kirkwood, they found that child along with anther boy who had been kidnapped several years earlier. The national press descended upon our town. The biggest of the big names were here. The local press accepted the challenge. Everybody was hustling to find something new to report. And who came up with the big scoop? Cahalan did. She interviewed Devlin in the county jail in Union. So then Cahalan became the story. She had identified herself on the jail registry as a friend of Devlins. She had been deceitful! She had misrepresented herself. Why hadnt I thought of that? Her industriousness earned her a job at the New York Post. Her journalism career was interrupted when she started hearing voices. She had a rare type of encephalitis. She wrote a book about her experience. Brain on Fire became a No. 1 bestseller and sold over 1 million copies. She followed that up with The Great Pretender, another nonfiction work about a Stanford psychologist whose groundbreaking studies on mental illness werent exactly what they seemed to be. Her newest book is The Acid Queen, the story of our own Rosemary Woodruff. If youre interested in what it was like to be in the middle of the craziness we call The Sixties, this is a book for you. By the way, Rosemary never came home. She let us down. While the nature of NextEra Energy's business model should light up the eyes of investors who are seeking reliable companies, management's adept ability to generate profits will make them downright sparkle. Averaging an annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margin of 51.8% from 2020 through 2024, NextEra Energy has consistently demonstrated superior profitability on an EBITDA margin basis over the past 10 years compared to its closest peers based on market capitalization: Southern Company and Duke Energy . Similarly, NextEra Energy Resources also represents a low-risk business. From solar power to battery storage to wind power to nuclear power, NextEra Energy Resources has a diversified portfolio of clean energy assets totaling about 38 gigawatts (GW). The company inks long-term power-purchase agreements (PPAs) with customers in wholesale electricity markets to which it sells the energy, capacity, credits, and other products. The conservative nature of the company's business is demonstrated in two distinct ways. Because FPL is a regulated utility, NextEra Energy is guaranteed certain rates of return on its Sunshine State operations by the Florida Public Service Commission. One of the largest regulated electric utilities in North America, NextEra Energy primarily generates revenue from its two businesses: Florida Power and Light (FPL) and NextEra Energy Resources. With over six million customers, FPL mostly serves retail customers, while NextEra Energy Resources operates renewable energy assets throughout the United States. But it's not only the fact that NextEra Energy stock has outperformed the market for the past two decades that makes it an alluring attraction. Between management's steadfast commitment to rewarding shareholders -- its dividend currently offers a forward yield over 3% -- and the company's conservative business model, NextEra Energy will appeal to those looking to fortify their portfolios. Since there are so many things to like about the stock, it's worth asking if the company has the power to prosper over the long term. Forget the allure of companies promising groundbreaking innovations. While some of these may, in fact, provide handsome returns, the savviest investors know that the road to greater personal wealth is largely paved with tried-and-true stocks that can provide a firm foundation for one's portfolio -- stocks like utility powerhouse NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE). There are ample opportunities available for the company to pursue continued growth. The nature of its operations will appeal to conservative investors looking for resilient businesses. Story Continues Besides its strong EBITDA margin, NextEra Energy's proficiency in growing operating cash flow further differentiates it from its peers. Of course, it bears remembering that simply because the company has succeeded in these regards over the past decade doesn't guarantee similar growth over the next decade; however, it's certainly an auspicious sign that's worthy of recognition. Moreover, NextEra Energy has averaged a payout ratio of 81% over the past five years, and the company has hiked the dividend higher for more than 30 consecutive years -- all of which should help assuage the concerns. What's powering future growth? To ensure that NextEra Energy achieves growth in the coming year, investors can expect management to pull several levers. For one, the company will certainly petition the Florida Public Service Commission to raise rates on its regulated electric utility customers. Already, the company has proposed raising base rates by about $1.6 billion and $0.9 billion for 2026 and 2027, respectively. Another growth option for the company is the advancement of projects that currently are in the backlog of NextEra Energy Resources. In 2024, NextEra Energy Resources added about 1.4 GW of wind-generating capacity, 2.5 GW of solar-generating capacity, and 0.8 GW of battery-storage capacity. As of late April 2025, NextEra Energy had a backlog of renewable energy projects that totaled 28 GW and 300 GW in the pipeline. Lastly, the company can grow through acquisitions as it has repeatedly done in the past. In 2019, for example, NextEra Energy added about 470,000 customers when it acquired Southern Company's regulated electricity business Gulf Power, which operates in northwestern Florida, for about $4.4 billion. Growing its electricity transmission business, NextEra Energy completed a $502 million acquisition of GridLiance in 2021. Is now the time to power your portfolio with NextEra Energy stock? From the opportunities to expand its renewable energy portfolio to its ability to grow its regulated electricity business through rate increases and acquisitions, it's clear that NextEra Energy has the capacity to continue growing in the coming years. And with the stock trading in early June at 11.4 times operating cash flow, a discount to its five-year average cash-flow multiple of 14.9, now seems like a great time to click the buy button. 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 $669,517!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $868,615!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 792% 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 Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool recommends Duke Energy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. NextEra Energy: Built for Long-Term Growth? was originally published by The Motley Fool FERGUSON The St. Louis County NAACP does not think the time is right for Ferguson to limit and then stop the federal consent decree it agreed to in 2016. Transparency is key for effective policies and community trust, and we dont fully have either right now, John Bowman, president of NAACP St. Louis County, said in a statement. While we can acknowledge the efforts made over the last nine years by all parties, particularly the community in learning to trust Fergusons law enforcement officers, elected officials, and community leaders, there is still a long way to go. On Tuesday, Ferguson City Council voted 4-3 to slash its spending on the decree in half, from $412,700 to $206,350. The motions sponsor, Nick Kasoff, said that move would fund the decree for the first half of the fiscal year, beginning July 1, and would phase it out entirely by the second half. The councils cut would not reduce city spending on related police training, but focus on costs like the federal monitoring teams expenses. The city signed the decree in 2016 after the city was rocked by an uprising following the killing of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer two years before. The Department of Justice issued a report criticizing the citys police and its treatment of Blacks. Ferguson has spent $6 million trying to complete reforms in 19 areas specified by the decree, including hiring, training and equipping dozens more police officers, increasing community engagement and practicing bias-free police work. Last month, a Ferguson spokeswoman said the city hoped to finish the work in three to five more years. The NAACP statement said that while it appreciated the work done over the last nine years, additional time was necessary. We cant forget the DOJ findings. The Ferguson Police Department engaged in a pattern of conduct that violated the Constitutions First, Fourth, and 14th Amendments, Bowman said. You cant just reallocate funds and prioritize road repair over righting violations of constitutional rights without us raising an eyebrow and speaking out. ST. LOUIS Three people who were shot in the Columbus Square neighborhood Saturday morning went to a hospital in separate cars. All three are listed in critical but stable condition. St. Louis police said a 23-year-old woman, a 22-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man were all shot in the area of North 8th and O'Fallon streets around 3 a.m. Police are still investigating what happened. Anyone with information about the incident are asked to call detectives at 314-444-2500 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477. GRANITE CITY A motorcyclist fleeing a police traffic stop was killed when he struck a car Thursday afternoon at Maryville and Pontoon roads, authorities said. The Madison County coroner's office identified the motorcyclist as Montie Eugene Ritchie, 34, of Granite City. Granite City police tried to stop the motorcyclist about 3:45 p.m. at Maryville and Parkview Drive on an arrest warrant for a parole violation but the man fled north on Maryville at a high rate of speed, a police news release said. Ritchie was pronounced dead at the scene. Granite City police have asked the Illinois State Police to take over the investigation. WASHINGTON Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador became a political flashpoint in the Trump administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement, was returned to the United States on Friday to face criminal charges related to what the Trump administration claims was a large human smuggling operation that brought immigrants into the country illegally. His abrupt release from El Salvador closes one chapter and opens another in a saga that yielded a remarkable, monthslong standoff between Trump officials and the courts over a deportation that officials initially acknowledged was done in error but then continued to stand behind in apparent defiance of orders by judges to facilitate his return to the U.S. The development occurred after U.S. officials presented El Salvador President Nayib Bukele with an arrest warrant for federal charges in Tennessee accusing Abrego Garcia of playing a key role in smuggling immigrants into the country for money. He is expected to be prosecuted in the U.S. and, if convicted, will be returned to his home country of El Salvador at the conclusion of the case, officials said Friday. This is what American justice looks like, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in announcing Abrego Garcia's return and the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. Abrego Garcia's attorneys called the case baseless." Theres no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy, attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Federal Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville, Tennessee, determined that Abrego Garcia will be held in custody until at least next Friday, when there will be an arraignment and detention hearing. Abrego Garcia appeared in court wearing a short-sleeved, white, button-down shirt. When asked if he understood the charges, he told the judge: Si. Lo entiendo. An interpreter then said: Yes. I understand. Democrats and immigrant rights group had pressed for Abrego Garcias release, with several lawmakers including Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, where Abrego Garcia had lived for years even traveling to El Salvador to visit him. A federal judge ordered him to be returned in April and the Supreme Court rejected an emergency appeal by directing the government to work to bring him back. The news that Abrego Garcia, who had an immigration court order preventing his deportation to his native country over fears he would face persecution from gangs there, was being brought back for the purpose of prosecution was greeted with dismay by his lawyers. The case also prompted the resignation of a top supervisor in the U.S. attorneys office in Nashville, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel matter. Ben Schrader, who was chief of the offices criminal division, did not explain the reason for his resignation but posted to social media around the time the indictment was being handed down, saying: It has been an incredible privilege to serve as a prosecutor with the Department of Justice, where the only job description Ive ever known is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons. He declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press on Friday. Abrego Garcia's lawyer calls charges preposterous This administration instead of simply admitting their mistake, theyll stop at nothing at all, including some of the most preposterous charges imageable," Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Ama Frimpong, legal director with the group CASA, said Abrego Garcia's family has mixed emotions about his return to the U.S. Let him talk to his wife. Let him talk to his children," she said. "This family has suffered enough." Sandoval-Moshenberg said Abrego Garcia is one of the first, if not the first, person released from a notorious prison in El Salvador, though he later was imprisoned at another facility. So its going to be very interesting to hear what he has to say about the way in which he was treated, the attorney said. The indictment, filed last month and unsealed Friday, lays out a string of allegations that date back to 2016 but were only disclosed now, nearly three months after Abrego Garcia was wrongly deported and following the Trump administrations repeated claims that he is a criminal. It accuses him of smuggling throughout the U.S. thousands of people living in the country illegally, including members of the violent MS-13 gang, from Central America and abusing women he was transporting. A co-conspirator also alleged that he participated in the killing of a gang members mother in El Salvador, prosecutors wrote in papers urging the judge to keep him behind bars while he awaits trial. The indictment does not charge him in connection with that allegation. Later, as part of his immigration proceedings in the United States, the defendant claimed he could not return to El Salvador because he was in fear of retribution from the 18th Street gang, the detention memo states. While partially true the defendant, according to the information received by the Government, was in fear of retaliation by the 18th Street gang the underlying reason for the retaliation was the defendants own actions in participating in the murder of a rival 18th Street gang members mother," prosecutors wrote. The charges stem from a 2022 vehicle stop in which the Tennessee Highway Patrol suspected him of human trafficking. A report released by the Department of Homeland Security in April states that none of the people in the vehicle had luggage, while they listed the same address as Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime, while the officers allowed him to drive on with only a warning about an expired drivers license, according to the DHS report. The report said he was traveling from Texas to Maryland, via Missouri, to bring in people to perform construction work. In response to the reports release in April, Abrego Garcias wife said in a statement that he sometimes transported groups of workers between job sites, so its entirely plausible he would have been pulled over while driving with others in the vehicle. He was not charged with any crime or cited for any wrongdoing. Immigrant rights advocates vs. the Trump administration Abrego Garcia's background and personal life have been a source of dispute and contested facts. Immigrant rights advocates cast his arrest as emblematic of an administration whose deportation policy is haphazard and error-prone, while Trump officials have pointed to prior interactions with police and described him as a gang member who fits the mold they are determined to expel from the country. Abrego Garcia lived in the U.S. for about 14 years, during which he worked construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records. Trump administration officials said he was deported based on a 2019 accusation from Maryland police that he was an MS-13 gang member. Abrego Garcia denied the allegation and was never charged with a crime, his attorneys said. A U.S. immigration judge subsequently shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by gangs. Still, the Trump administration deported him there in March, later describing the mistake as an administrative error but insisting he was in MS-13. Even if Abrego Garcia is convicted of the charges announced Friday, the Trump administration would still have to return to a U.S. immigration court if it wants to deport him to El Salvador, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. He also expects the case in Maryland to continue as the federal judge there considers whether the administration obeyed her orders to return him. Abrego Garcia's return came days after the Trump administration complied with a court order to return a Guatemalan man deported to Mexico despite his fears of being harmed there. The man, identified in court papers as O.C.G, was the first person known to have been returned to U.S. custody after deportation since the start of President Donald Trumps second term. ___ Associated Press reporter Travis Loller in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report. 12 political cartoons debate Trump's deportations BOSTON Democratic state attorneys general and government lawyers argued Friday over the implications of President Donald Trump's proposed overhaul of U.S. elections and whether the changes could be made in time for next year's midterm elections, how much it would cost the states and, more broadly, whether the president has a right to do any of it in the first place. The top law enforcement officials from 19 states filed a federal lawsuit after the Republican president signed the executive order in March, saying its provisions would step on states' power to set their own election rules. During a hearing in U.S. District Court in Boston, lawyers for the states told Judge Denise J. Casper the changes outlined in the order would be costly and could not be implemented quickly. Updating the voter registration database just in California would cost the state more than $1 million and take up to a year, said the states' lead attorney, Kevin Quade, a deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice. The lawyers said making the changes would take time away from preparing for the next round of elections, potentially undermining public confidence in the voting process. "The provisions of the executive order cast doubt and shadow on the ability of states to fairly implement federal elections at the local level, and those types of goodwill and reputational harm are not the type that can be easily repaired," Quade said. Trump's election directive was part of a flurry of executive orders he issued in the opening months of his second term, many of which drew swift legal challenges. It follows years of him falsely claiming that his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election was due to widespread fraud and an election year in which he and other Republicans promoted the notion that large numbers of noncitizens threatened the integrity of U.S. elections. In fact, voting by noncitizens is rare and, when caught, can lead to felony charges and deportation. The executive order would require voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, prohibit mail or absentee ballots from being counted if they are received after Election Day, set new rules for voting equipment and prohibit non-U.S. citizens from being able to donate in certain elections. It also would condition federal election grant funding on states adhering to the strict ballot deadline. Justice Department lawyer Bridget O'Hickey said the order seeks to provide a single set of rules for certain aspects of election operations rather than having a patchwork of state laws. "Public confidence in elections is paramount to the success of the republic, and the government thinks the best way to do that is to have uniform procedures," she said. The lawsuit is one of three against the executive order. One filed by Oregon and Washington, where elections are conducted almost entirely by mail and ballots received after Election Day are counted as long as they are postmarked by then. The provision that would create a proof-of-citizenship requirement for federal elections already was halted in a lawsuit filed by voting and civil rights groups and national Democratic organizations. The judge said the president's attempt to use a federal agency to enact a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voting usurped the power of states and Congress. During Friday's hearing, where the states argued for a preliminary injunction, the executive order's demand that only ballots received by Election Day should be counted drew considerable attention from both sides. In defending the provision, O'Hickey said mailed ballots received after Election Day might somehow be manipulated. She suggested people could retrieve their ballots and alter their votes based on what they see in early results. Uniform deadlines for receiving ballots are needed, she said, "to prevent recasting of ballots." It was not clear how such a thing could happen. States have security measures in place to ensure that eligible voters cast only one ballot that gets counted. Responding for the states, California Deputy Attorney General Anne Bellows said all ballots received after Election Day require a postmark showing they were sent on or before that date, and that any ballot sent afterward would not count. "There's simply no world in which there is a meaningful difference afforded to absentee voters that's not given to voters who vote in person," she said. The government's argument for a national ballot deadline runs contrary to the approach of Republicans nationally, who in recent years criticized Democrats for "federal overreach" when they offer proposals seeking certain uniform voting standards. The executive order also tasks the U.S. Election Assistance Commission with updating the federal voter registration form to require people to submit documentation proving they are U.S. citizens. Similar provisions enacted previously in a handful of states raised concerns about disenfranchising otherwise eligible voters who can't readily access those documents. That includes married women, who would need both a birth certificate and a marriage license if they changed their last name. Job satisfaction among election administrators continues to sink, survey shows Job satisfaction among election administrators continues to sink, survey shows Survey Finds a Mix of Pride and Frustration Finding the Right People for Election Work Is Difficult Why Medium-Size Jurisdictions Struggle May 20, 2025: The northern city of Mosul has largely eliminated its Islamic terrorist problem. Only a few percent of the population have any sympathy for the terrorists and few if any Islamic terrorists are still operating in or near Mosul. Iranian officials have told Iraq that they will share their nuclear power plant technology with Iraq and help Iraq build its first nuclear power producing operation. Despite Irans continued aggressive attitude towards Israel and the west, they try to maintain good relations with their immediate neighbors. Iran still depends on these countries for trade. This is essential because without that trade the Iranian economy would collapse and the population would go hungry. Iraq is currently disarming the PKK or Kurdish Workers Party. The leftist rebel group has agreed to disarm and disband. The main complications is Turkey, where the PKK movement began in 1984 as local Kurds sought to establish a Kurdish state out of territory in eastern Turkey, northern Iraq and northwestern Iran. These three nations objected and have been fighting PKK rebels ever since. This new PKK proposal wont work if Turkey, Iraq and Iran will not go along with it. For the last twelve years the PKK has based itself in the Qandil Mountains of northeastern Iraq. The PKK has been around for nearly half a century. Starting out as a communist group, PKK mellowed and became more pragmatic over the years. They are still a far-left organization, but willing to make deals to survive. For example, in 2013 PKK declared a ceasefire in its war with Turkey and moved its remaining forces to northeastern Iraq. The ceasefire collapsed in mid-2015 and the Turks have been bombing PKK bases in Iraq ever since. Occasionally Turkish special operations troops would enter Iraq to observe PKK activities and call in airstrikes on PKK bases. Iraq continues to complain to Turkey about the bombings and troop incursions. The Turks ignore it, because the Iraqis will not or cannot control the PKK. Currently Turkey and Iraq are seeking to carry out joint operations against the PKK and Islamic terrorist groups. Iraq is more interested in being at the center of the revival of Arab unity in the region. Iraq has oil income and common cause with the other Persian Gulf Arab oil states. Historically, Iraq was the center of Arab culture and military power in the region. Since World War II that has been overshadowed by Iran, which was a monarchy until the 1980s when an Iran-Iraq war turned Iran into a religious dictatorship. You cant negotiate with a religious dictatorship, so Iraq accepted help from anyone who would get involved. That included Israel, which recently carried out punishing airstrikes against Iran. Iraq did not interfere as the Israeli jets flew over Iraq. The enemy of my enemy is my temporary friend. Last year American and Iraqi forces continued to find and capture or kill groups of Islamic terrorists. In the north Turkey continued bombing bases of Kurdish rebel groups established in remote areas of northern Iraq. Despite the late 2017 declaration that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL was defeated, the Islamic terror group remains active in northern and Western Iraq. ISIL no longer controls large areas of Iraq but is a problem because of its violence, extortion, and causing disorder in several provinces north of Baghdad. It took four years of effort, several hundred billion dollars to pay for an expanded military, battle damage and economic losses plus over 100,000 Iraqi lives, to kill at least 20,000 Islamic terrorists and eliminate ISIL control of Iraqi territory. That effort created other problems, and opportunities. Iran offered help and was allowed to organize, train, and often lead in combat over 100,000 Iraqi, largely pro-Iran Shia militiamen in what was and still is the PMF/Popular Mobilization Forces. Most Iraqis, including most Iraqi Shia, who are about 60 percent of the population, feared an Iran inspired coup by early 2018. That never happened. Senior Shia clerics in Iraq and Iran agreed that the militias should stay out of politics. Irans government was not consulted on this decision and a minority of pro-Iran Iraqis still want an Iran style religious dictatorship. National elections in 2021 revealed much less support for Iran, despite increased threats and financial promises Iran could not keep. The 2021 elections were mainly about doing something about widespread corruption and mismanagement of the economy. The other Arab oil states in the region, all run by Sunnis, offered peace and investment and the new Iraqi government accepted the offer, even if those Arabs were establishing diplomatic, economic, and military relations with Israel. Iran responded with a failed assassination attack on the Iraqi prime minister plus rocket and mortar attacks on the American embassy and the remaining U.S. troops. Most Iraqis want some Americans to stay, more economic activity with Arab neighbors and an end to Iranian meddling in Iraq. A model of the YFQ42-A collaborative combat aircraft built by defense company General Atomics sits on the apron at Beale Air Force Base on Friday in preparation for the bases airshow. (Daniel Heuer/The Sacramento Bee via TNS) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Tribune News Service) With a new generation of aircraft comes a shifting focus for Beale Air Force Base, away from its long-held surveillance and intelligence-gathering mission and toward an autonomous combat fleet designed to deploy throughout the world. The Air Force recently chose the Yuba County, Calif., base to house its collaborative combat aircraft program, a newly-developed fleet of mostly autonomous planes meant to accompany fighter jets in the sky. Meanwhile, the U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane is slated to retire from Beale in the coming years, although when the high-altitude fleet will officially end its run is unclear. Air Force pilots have flown U-2 spy planes from Beale for decades, with the aircrafts phase-out marking a significant change for the reconnaissance base. I know theres a certain sense of sadness as that platform would leave Beale, but I want the community to know that Beale is still incredibly combat relevant and we will be well into the future, said Col. Keagan Waldo McLeese, commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base. Our mission set will slowly be changing from more of a reconnaissance-only mindset to more of a power-projection mindset, to where were able to create combat effects and deterrence well into the future on our nations behalf. Models of the YFQ42-A built by General Atomics and YFQ-44A built by Anduril are on display this Saturday and Sunday at the 2025 Air & Space Expo, the first hosted by Beale in seven years. Air Force officials said this weekends event is the first time the futuristic models will appear at an air show for public display. Its really exciting for us to show off what were going to be housing and flying around here in the future, McLeese said. What are CCA? The Air Force selected Beale to host its first aircraft readiness unit, which would consist of the new artificial intelligence-driven planes, which differ from other military drones and bring certain advantages of their own. The planes are designed to flank a fighter jet in the sky, taking commands from the fighter pilot while executing them autonomously. They will fly without a pilot or crew, but will take real-time orders from pilots and Air Force members. A YFQ-44A collaborative combat aircraft built by defense company Anduril sits on the apron at Beale Air Force Base on Friday in preparation for the bases airshow. (Daniel Heuer/The Sacramento Bee via TNS) That way they dont go rogue on us, McLeese said. Were able to be very precise about what the mission set is that theyre going to target. Each unit is expected to cost $25 million to $30 million, according to past estimates, which is about a third the cost of an F-35 fighter jet. Being more affordable and without a human in the cockpit makes each unit relatively more expendable, adding versatility to how they are deployed in combat situations. The collaborative combat aircraft program is not expected to last as long as the U-2 spy plane, McLeese said, with the idea being that the Air Force would order a smaller quantity and move on from it more quickly, relative to past fleets, in favor of improved technology in the future. The Air Force has a model right now in terms of acquisitions, McLeese said. We dont want to get tied up with these big, massive projects. We want to keep them smaller and that way we can be more dynamic and more agile in the aircraft and platforms we produce so we can create the effects that we desire. Although the Air Force chose Beale to host the new program, the aircraft would not likely arrive at Beale before 2027, McLeese said, and its plans may change over time. Each of the aircraft had been slated for ground testing when Beale was announced as their future home last month, with flight testing expected later this year. Once on base, Beale would effectively function as a warehouse for the autonomous planes. What we do is we serve to keep them in a warm status so theyre ready whenever we need them for combat operations or for deterrence operations, McLeese said. We can launch them from here and send them where they need to go, whether that be the Indo-Pacific, or whether that be on the other side of the globe. 2025 The Sacramento Bee. Visit sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Key Points This one-time weight-loss drug leader has suffered several setbacks lately. It isn't wise to count out this veteran pharmaceutical company, however. 10 stocks we like better than Novo Nordisk Much like the long-term users of its most popular product, Novo Nordisk's (NYSE: NVO) stock has slimmed down considerably of late. Share prices of the company, which developed and sells weight loss drug Wegovy, have fallen nearly 18% in price since the start of this year. Popularity attracts competition, and investors are growing concerned that the Danish pharmaceutical giant won't be able to compete. I've been a Novo Nordisk bull for quite some time now, and I wouldn't be as spooked by the situation. Here's why. An increasingly crowded field Novo Nordisk got a two-year-plus head start in the white-hot obesity drugs market, when Wegovy became the first GLP-1 drug specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that indication in mid-2021. Novo Nordisk's Ozempic was first, but it was used off-label as a weight-loss drug, and had only initially been approved as a diabetes treatment and kidney disease treatment. Image source: Getty Images. It's easy to believe in a company when it's riding high and unopposed. But late in 2023, a new entrant was approved -- mighty American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) with its own GLP-1 treatment, Zepbound -- giving Novo Nordisk one of the strongest competitors imaginable. Almost certainly, this won't continue to be a two-car race for long. Other companies, both large and small, in the healthcare field are pushing hard to develop their own obesity drugs, with varying degrees of success. Eli Lilly alone is an intimidating presence. A mainstay on the American pharmaceutical scene, it's grown to a massive size, to the point where it's the most valuable pharmaceutical company in the world by market cap. It can leverage its vast resources to develop and market any kind of medicine it wants, and in the obesity segment, it was already nearly there with Zepbound's FDA-approved-for-diabetes sibling drug, Mounjaro. Since then, it seems Zepbound has carved out a significant market share from Wegovy. Precise figures are hard to come by, but according to a Goldman Sachs analysis recently reported by Barron's, Novo Nordisk is clinging to a 51% share of the roughly $28 billion market. Eli Lilly holds the rest. Fragmentation and setbacks Like other pharmaceutical industry pundits, Goldman Sachs is predicting that once other obesity drugs are developed successfully and approved, the market will fragment. That's a wholly believable prediction given the zeal and urgency behind many of those efforts. Capt. Dan Patrick, left, and Ed Baine, president of Utility Operations and Dominion Energy Virginia, sign an agreement to explore the option of a carbon neutral energy source at the Navys Yorktown weapons station Friday, June 6, 2025. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot via TNS) YORKTOWN, Va. (Tribune News Service) Leadership of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Dominion Energy have signed an agreement to work together to build energy resiliency at the station. Potential projects at the weapons station could include solar farms, turbine energy or a small modular nuclear reactor. Cpt. Dan Patrick said it has been a goal of his to have more sustainable power sources for the station. Over the next decade, power demand in Virginia is going to increase, so having a diverse source of power is necessary for the station to continue providing weapons support to other military installations across the East Coast, he said. Dominion has forecasted a 5.5% annual demand increase over the next decade and double by 2039. Dominion Energy and the installation have worked for about 18 months ahead of Fridays agreement signing to see how a project at NWS Yorktown could fit into long-term energy plans. The first step is a site characterization study, which will determine where and what kind of project would work best in the area. Those typically take six to 12 months, according to Dominion officials. Patrick pointed to a historic long-term power outage in Tacoma, Washington as evidence of his concerns. In 1929, the city of Tacoma generated much of its electricity by hydroelectric dams on nearby rivers, but after a drought, the city struggled to provide enough power to keep citizens warm that winter. Fort Lewis, an Army base located located 9.1 miles south-southwest of Tacoma, had its barracks go lights out at 4 p.m. to help conserve power. Then-President Herbert Hoover sent the Navys USS Lexington to power the city for about a month. If we dont take the necessary steps to build reliant and resilient energy sources for the installation community, we clearly become very vulnerable, he said. As our country reaffirmed its commitment to energy dominance, it becomes ever clear that what we do with electricity and energy over the next five years will determine our installations readiness for the next 50. Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia, said whichever method is selected would be owned and operated by Dominion. If a nuclear reactor is chosen, he is confident in the companys ability to handle nuclear facilities safely. Baine said short-term energy sources for the company to meet growing demand will be gas and renewable energy, but long-term plans for the company will have to include small reactors. In October, the power provider announced a partnership with Amazon to develop a small modular reactor as the utility explores building one at its North Anna Power Station, an existing traditional nuclear power plant in Louisa County. A small reactor is about a third of the size of the Surry Nuclear Power Plant, which is located just across the James River from the weapons station. On June 3, the York County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to sponsor a study that would look at potential zoning ordinances regarding small nuclear reactors. Currently, the countys code does not address reactors at all. Baine and Patrick said whatever power source is chosen, it will bring benefits on a regional scale. Our overall goal and intent is that if something were to happen elsewhere, the base and the community our major workforce would have the lights and power on so we can continue without having to worry about the families at home or the local community not being able to work with us, Patrick said. 2025 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Kendra Helmer/Stars and Stripes) Aboard USS Kitty Hawk, Mar. 20, 2003: Aviation ordnancemen load a precision-guided bomb on an F/A-18 Hornet on the USS Kitty Hawk. Carrier Air Wing 5 flew 35 daytime sorties and 56 nighttime sorties, 42 of which were strike sorties on Iraq. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, left, and National Electoral Council President Elvis Amoroso offer a news conference a day after the consultative referendum on Venezuelan sovereignty over the Essequibo region, controlled by neighboring Guyana, at the CNE headquarters in Caracas on Dec. 4, 2023. (Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) A burst of gunfire shattered the stillness along the Cuyuni River when soldiers from the Guyana Defense Force came under attack while navigating a remote jungle waterway near the settlement of Eteringbang deep within the mineral-rich Essequibo region, a territory claimed by Guyana and Venezuela. The ambush, launched on May 13 from the Venezuelan side of the border, was the first of three coordinated attacks over a 24-hour period. Guyanese troops returned fire and withdrew without casualties. But the rapid succession of assaults has fueled mounting fears that the regime of Nicolas Maduro is using criminal proxies to destabilize the long-disputed region. Analysts and Guyanese officials increasingly see the attacks not as isolated gang violence, but as part of a broader, state-sanctioned campaign. A newly released report by InSight Crime argues that Venezuela is forging a dangerous alliance between organized crime and political ambition to assert control over the Essequibo. Maduro has long used allied criminal groups, with whom he operates symbiotically under his hybrid state, to achieve his goals, the report states. These groups, it adds, with strong connections to Venezuelas government and a shared interest in profitable gold mining, could have significant incentives to back Maduros claim to Essequibo. As the international community monitors the escalating tensions, the Essequibo conflict is fast emerging as South Americas next major flashpoint. The volatile mix of gold, guns, and geopolitics presents not only a test of Guyanas resilience but a challenge to regional stability. The stakes are high. The Florida-sized Essequibo region covers nearly two-thirds of Guyanas territory and holds vast reserves of oil, gold and other minerals. Venezuela has long claimed the land as its own, despite a 1899 international arbitration award that recognized it as part of Guyana. While Venezuelas long-standing claim to the mineral-rich Essequibo dates back more than 180 years, the dispute has intensified in light of rising gold prices and Maduros use of nationalist rhetoric to bolster support amid domestic issues and international sanctions. In December 2023, Maduro held a national referendum seeking public approval to use military force to seize the region. His government claimed 98% support, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud. Also stoking tensions is ExxonMobils offshore drilling in waters claimed by both nations. In February, a Venezuelan warship entered the disputed maritime zone, threatening the oil giants operations. The U.S. responded swiftly, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio issuing a stark warning. It would be a very bad day for the Venezuelan regime if they attacked Guyana or ExxonMobil, Rubio said. We have a large navy, and it can reach almost anywhere in the world. And we have ongoing commitments to Guyana. Reacting to U.S. commitments to side with Guyana in the event of an armed conflict, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has accused the Trump administration of plotting to overthrow Maduro to seize the Essequibo. During a recent televised speech, Padrino called the territory a spoil of war for American interests. In a symbolic but provocative move, Venezuela held regional elections on May 25 to name a governor for Guayana Esequiba, Caracas term for the disputed territory. Although voting occurred solely within Venezuelan borders, the act was a clear assertion of sovereignty. The elected governor, Admiral Neil Villamizar, vowed to extend administrative oversight to the disputed region and quickly received Maduros endorsement. Beneath the political theatrics lies a more troubling trend: the quiet incursion of Venezuelan criminal organizations known locally as sindicatos into Guyanese territory. These groups, which have long operated with impunity in Venezuelas Bolivar state on the Guyanese border, are now establishing illegal checkpoints along the Cuyuni River, extorting money from miners and traders and asserting control in areas with minimal government presence. Among the most prominent groups are Organizacion R a mining syndicate with diminishing political clout in Caracas and the Claritas Sindicato, reportedly linked to the powerful Tren de Aragua gang. Authorities have also reported sightings of ELN guerrillas, a Colombian-Venezuelan insurgent faction, operating near key Guyanese border towns. The criminal infiltration is not new. Since the creation in 2016 of the Orinoco Mining Arc a huge area in Venezuela set apart by the regime for mining operations illegal mining and organized crime have flourished in the southern part of the country, often with military protection. These groups control mining, smuggling routes, taxation systems, and even forced labor in Bolivar state. Now, their model appears to be expanding across the border into Essequibo. Guyanese officials say cross-border incursions have surged since 2022, with some frontier zones effectively under the control of foreign criminal networks. The consequences stretch beyond security. Gold smuggling is on the rise, fueling concerns over laundering and evasion of international sanctions. Although Guyana is a legal gold exporter, official production has declined even as suspicions of illicit shipments grow. In 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Mohameds Enterprise one of Guyanas largest gold companies for allegedly bribing customs officials and failing to report exports. While Venezuelan gold wasnt explicitly cited, reporting by Reuters and InfoAmazonia suggests the company may have laundered smuggled Venezuelan gold through Guyana and into international markets, including Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Theres no way to distinguish gold from Guyana and Venezuela once its refined, said Guyana Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat. Thats the real challenge. As Venezuelas economy withers and Maduros legitimacy erodes after contested 2024 elections, the Essequibo dispute has become a political pressure valve. By stirring nationalist fervor and outsourcing conflict to criminal networks, Maduro avoids direct military confrontation while escalating pressure on Guyana. Guyanas military, with just more than 4,000 troops, is stretched thin across a dense jungle frontier spanning more than 160,000 square kilometers. Once a natural boundary, the Cuyuni River has become a contested corridor patrolled by syndicates armed with assault rifles. With a ruling on the border dispute from the International Court of Justice is expected later this year, the situation is reaching a critical juncture. What began as a legal dispute over colonial maps is now unfolding in riverside ambushes, illicit checkpoints and territorial extortion. 2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) A Defense Department agency has identified the remains of a World War II airman from Charlotte 81 years after he went missing in action. The announcement was made on Friday, which happened to coincide with the anniversary of D-Day. U.S. Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs was accounted for in March, and his family was recently briefed on his identification, according to the agency. In late 1944, Gibbs was assigned to the 368th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group, 1st Bombardment Division, 8th Air Force. While serving, Gibbs received the Air Medal for exceptionally meritorious achievement, according to a newspaper report provided by the Defense Department. That report described him as the top turret gunner and flight engineer. His duties were to protect his aircraft from enemy fighter attack to maintain the mechanical efficiency of the giant bomber in flight, the report said. Gibbs went missing in action in December 1944 aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress bomber on a mission in Bingen, Germany, according to the Defense Department. His plane got hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire, the release said. All nine crew members were able to bail out of the aircraft, and only one airman was found dead by German forces near the crash site, it said. Five men were captured and processed into the German prisoner of war camp system, ultimately surviving the war. Gibbs and two other crew members were unaccounted for, and there was no record of them being held as POWs. An investigation by the organization American Graves Registration Command into what happened to Gibbs began in 1946, the release said. Investigators could not find any information. In 1950, they recommended he be declared non-recoverable. A breakthrough in the identification case Greater technology and new information helped researchers to identify Gibbs in the next century. In 2013, Defense Department researchers learned of documents in a German state archive that detailed three airmen who had bailed out from their aircraft and been killed by SS troops near Kamp-Bornhofen in western Germany, according to the release. The Defense Department agency began an excavation of what officials believed was a burial site in May 2021, where they found remains. Dental analysis, DNA analysis, anthropological analysis and circumstantial evidence tied some of the remains to Gibbs, according to the release. Now, a rosette will be placed next to his name at the Walls of the Missing at Lorraine American Cemetery in France. Gibbs will be buried in Clinton, South Carolina. A date has not been set yet for the service. 2025 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Rally participants hold a sign during the Unite for Veterans rally on the National Mall in Washington on June 6, 2025. Thousands of people attended the event to defend the benefits, jobs and dignity that veterans earned through sacrifice through service in the armed forces. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Lela Bell, a 43-year-old disabled Army veteran, drove from her Pennsylvania home Thursday night to a commercial parking garage in downtown Washington where she and a friend forked over $20, pulled into an empty space and tried to get some sleep in her Subaru sedan. Bell, a former sergeant who served in Iraq, said she was short on cash but determined to be among the first veterans at the National Mall on Friday for a veteran-led rally protesting President Donald Trumps layoffs of federal workers and cuts to veterans services. Army veteran Lela Bell, 43, attends the Unite for Veterans rally on the National Mall on June 6, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Bell and her friend, Ed Wetzell, who also served in the Army, did not have trouble finding a prime viewing spot for the rally and a free rock show that followed. Though organizers had predicted a turnout of 20,000, less than 5,000 people had gathered at the National Mall by midday. Called the Unite for Veterans rally, the daylong event was billed as a grassroots movement to activate veterans across the country to come together and oppose Trumps initiatives that include plans to lay off thousands of workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs in the summer. Thousands attend the Unite for Veterans rally on June 6, 2025, in Washington. Thousands of people attended the event to defend the benefits, jobs and dignity that every generation of veterans has earned through sacrifice through service in the armed forces. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) People waved signs, wore T-shirts with political messages and held umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as temperatures neared 90 degrees. I am under the belief that theres an authoritarian takeover attempt underway of our federal government by wealthy oligarchs, said Bell, who was medically retired from military service in 2017 following a back injury. Bell and Wetzell carried custom-made signs that she had ordered online for the event. Due process for everyone or everyone revolts was one of the messages in block letters on a metal placard. The rally included speeches by veterans and labor leaders, followed by a concert by the Dropkick Murphys, a Boston-based band whose music has political themes. The Dropkick Murphys perform during the Unite for Veterans rally on June 6, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Paul Nance, a retired Army sergeant and 15-year VA employee, paused under the shade of a tree as the rally started. He said he traveled to the nations capital from Washington state, where he works in infection control at the VA hospital in Spokane. He said he attended the rally to protest policies of the Trump administration to cut the federal workforce. Im convinced the Trump administration wants to privatize the VA, and I am here to support our veterans and the care and services the VA delivers, said Nance, a former sergeant who left the Army in 2006. He described himself as an active member of the American Federation of Government Employees, and he wore a bright red T-shirt showing his membership. Dozens of other AFGE members wearing red T-shirts with the union logo also participated at the rally, and the AFGE hosted a crowded visitors tent to share resources and information. Wearing a blue bandana on his head, Navy veteran Patrick McLaughlin, 67, sat on a bench not far from the main stage where veteran organizations and union leaders gave speeches warning about threats to the federal workforce from government downsizing. Navy veteran Patrick McLaughlin from Ohio attends the Unite for Veterans rally in Washington on June 6, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) McLaughlin, a retired carpenter from Ohio, said he was looking forward most to listening to the protest songs of the Dropkick Murphys, including an ode to veterans called Wholl Stand with Us. He said he missed a previous veterans rally on the National Mall that also was a protest of cuts to the federal workforce. Im worried the VA is being dismantled, said McLaughlin, a former petty officer second class who served from 1977 to 1981. The VA is where I get my care. He said he felt it was his duty to attend the rally. We need more people involved in politics because politics are involved in our lives, McLaughlin said. There is a shift toward authoritarianism by this administration. As service members we took an oath to protect the Constitution, and Im worried the Constitution is now under threat. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2025) - Nuclear Vision Limited (CSE: NUKV) (the "Company" or "NUKV") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 7,142,858 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.28 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Share at a price of $0.50 for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. The proceeds of the Offering will be used to advance the Company's assets in the Republic of Botswana, including but not limited to geophysical surveys, geological mapping, and permeability testing of the sandstone horizon at depth and its susceptibility to advanced Electric Pulse technologies to increase permeability and yield on roll front geological formations in a sandstone environment, and for general working capital purposes. All securities to be issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory four-month and one day hold period. Finder's fees may be payable in connection with the Offering, all in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). None of the securities sold under the Offering have been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Company has elected not to proceed with the non-brokered private placement announced on January 23, 2025. About Nuclear Vision Limited Nuclear Vision Limited is an early-stage mineral resource exploration company. The Company's material property is the Regnault Project, consisting of 71 contiguous mineral claims covering an area of approximately 3,678 Ha located north-northeast of Chibougamau in the Province of Quebec. The Company also holds the UA92 uranium project, consisting of 7 prospecting licenses totaling approximately 4,828 km2 located in central Botswana. Jordan Duffy, 28, is accused of three counts of dangerous driving and one for endangerment of a Garda's life in connection with the incident. An apprentice electrician showed no remorse after speeding through a checkpoint, endangering a Garda and driving along busy Luas tracks in Dublin on Wednesday night, a court heard. Jordan Duffy, 28, of Marigold Crescent, Darndale, allegedly crashed and fled to a hiding place but was located by gardai using heat-seeking technology. He faced a bail hearing before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court yesterday. He is accused of three counts of dangerous driving and one for endangerment of a Garda's life in connection with the incident, which commenced at around 11 pm on Wednesday. The Luas Green Line News in 90 Seconds - 7th June Garda Fionnbar Thompson said the accused was later arrested on Drogheda and made no reply when charged. Objecting to bail, he cited the seriousness of the charges and alleged that Mr Duffy initially stopped at a Garda checkpoint at Ormond Quay. An officer at the scene formed the opinion Mr Duffy was under the influence of an intoxicant and asked him to turn the engine off, but "at this point, the accused took off at speed causing tyres to audibly screech". The court heard this caused a garda to fall back onto a footpath. It was claimed Mr Duffy drove the 2015-reg case along the north quays in Dublin 1, swerving and undertaking. The contested bail hearing was told he turned and drove onto the Luas lines, and "this manner of driving caused members of the public and traffic to take evasive action along the route". The garda maintained that the evidence was strong, and the accused was identified as the driver by high-quality body-worn cameras and CCTV throughout the city. The court heard the car crashed and was written off an hour from the scene after colliding with a roundabout in Drogheda. An ambulance crew assisted him, but he allegedly absconded when gardai arrived. However, the bail hearing was told that Mr Duffy was located by gardai using heat-seeking technology and found him in a hiding place nearby. He has yet to indicate a plea. Garda Thompson said he interviewed the man twice at Drogheda Garda station and made no admissions to the allegations. He added that there was a possibility of witness interference because he knew the names of Garda's witnesses. Garda Thompson said that during his interview, the accused outlined that he had an indifference to gardai and ill feelings toward recent tragedies in the organisation, including the death of a road policing member. He added that the man showed no remorse. Defence solicitor Michael French took exception to some of the grounds to oppose his client's bail and stressed that Mr Duffy had made no admissions and was entitled to exercise his right to silence, his constitutional right. Questioned by Mr French, the garda conceded that no threats were made. The solicitor contended the officer was "padding out" his bail objection by suggesting Mr Duffy would intimidate members of An Garda Siochana. Mr French said that his client would abide by conditions. Judge Finan noted that no one suffered injuries requiring medical attention. She set his bail at 200 and required a 15,000 independent surety to be approved before he could be released with several conditions. He will appear again next week, and once bail has been taken up, he must obey a curfew, not drive any motor vehicle, sign on daily at a garda station, and have no contact with witnesses. Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions have to be sought on whether the case would stay in the District Court or go to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. Legal aid was granted. The money was declared the proceeds of crime 11 years ago in case which McInerney had contested. A notorious criminal who once escaped from prison during a hospital visit said that he cant find a solicitor to fight his case against the Criminal Assets Bureau. Charles Darren McInerney from Portlaoise appeared at the High Court where Cab have applied to have 139,156 in a frozen bank account transferred to the State. It was previously heard he had asked to brought to court from the Midlands Prison to contest the move by CAB. Arriving in court with a prison escort he told the sitting judge that his own solicitor doesnt do these cases. The money, which was originally in three separate accounts, was declared the proceeds of crime 11 years ago in case which McInerney had contested. The judge at that time dismissed McInerneys claims as to how the cash was generated as being quite unconvincing indeed. He had denied being involved in crime and initially insisted his only income was from social welfare during the six years CAB found 519,702 had been lodged to his and his wife Margarets bank account. Another 15,000 in a credit union account he said had come from the sale of a car although no vehicle had been registered to his name. In second affidavit, he said money came from horse breeding and dealing in cars, but these were ruled inadmissible when he failed to appear in court. McInerney said he had been left six horses by his late grandfather when he was 15 years of age. He claimed that from his inheritance he successfully bred horses which he sold at various fairs around the country. Charles Darren McInerney News in 90 Seconds - 7th June Following on from that trade he said he moved into the car trade business and the money in the accounts was income from those businesses, he claimed. The judge said evidence was given by both CAB and senior gardai that McInerney was involved in the illegal drugs trade. He had 27 previous convictions including ones for the possession of illegal drugs as well as assault and animal cruelty. Evidence was given that gardai had found cannabis, a weighing scales and a knife in McInerneys house. He was involved in the sale and supply of controlled substances and the enforcement of debts, according to CAB. There was no evidence of income from any legitimate sources and neither he nor his wife had ever been employed, it was stated. An appeal was lodged with the Supreme Court over the receivership order, but is was withdrawn in 2015 and no appeal made against the order declaring the cash to be the proceeds of crime. Darren McInerney did a runner from custody in 2018 after being brought from the high-security Portlaoise Prison to the nearby regional hospital. The Sunday World previously reported that he had been transferred to the jail from the Midlands prison after an alleged assault on a prison officer. He remained unlawfully at large for a period of time sparking a garda appeal for information. The career criminal once got a five-month suspended sentence in October, 2010, for the ill treatment of animals. He was also ordered not to have ownership of animals at that time, yet despite the order he was later spotted by gardai on a sulky on at least five occasions including racing while he had a child sitting on his lap. The Cab case has been adjourned until later this month. I put my hand on his genitals...I thought he was interested in me too, that we were flirting THE married Irishwoman arrested for sexually assaulting a 20-year-old man at a Magaluf hotel told a judge she got horny and groped his genitals because she thought he was interested in her. The 37-year-old was arrested at the hotel on the Spanish island of Mallorca where she was understood to be staying with her husband after she allegedly sexually assaulted the young Swedish tourist in a sauna on Tuesday. She appeared before a judge this week and said she was flirting with the other tourist. "I got horny. I thought he was interested in me too, that we were flirting, she told the court. The Irishwoman being brought to court News in 90 Seconds - 7th June Local newspaper Diario de Mallorca reported that the Irish woman admitted she put her hands on the mans genitals and he rejected her advances. I apologised right away. I was very embarrassed, I'm sorry," she said before being released on bail by an investigating judge still probing the alleged crime. The woman explained that last Tuesday she went to the sauna of the hotel where she was staying and encountered the Swedish tourist. We started talking about personal matters. I told him I was going to the Turkish bath, and two minutes later the guy came too," She said they carried on talking and he asked her who she was and if she had a partner. I sat next to him, we talked a little more, and I got horny. I put my hand on his genitals. I thought he was interested in me too, that we were flirting. She said the young tourist immediately told her: No, no, no. She said she then removed her hands from his genitals and apologised. I was very embarrassed. She told the court she wanted to apologise. "I regret it, and I apologise to the guy," she said. It is understood the victim has expressed intentions to continue with legal proceedings against the Irish woman. After the incident he alerted hotel staff who contacted local police and the Guardia Civil who arrived at the hotel to arrest the Irish woman. Reports say the woman initially denied doing anything when police arrived but later admitted her actions when she appeared in court. Nicola Dolan (37) admitted possession of the drug, which was found along with weighing scales in her house during a garda raid. A mother of three caught with 800 of cannabis in her Dublin home said it was not hers, but she knew it was there and accepted responsibility. Nicola Dolan (37) admitted possession of the drug, which was found along with weighing scales in her house during a garda raid. Judge Aine Clancy adjourned the case at Blanchardstown District Court for a probation report. Dolan, of Monastery Gate Avenue, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply. Nicola Dolan pleaded guilty to cannabis possession. Photo: Paddy Cummins News in 90 Seconds - 7th June The court heard gardai executed a search warrant at the accuseds home and found 800 worth of cannabis and scales. Dolan was co-operative and her only previous convictions were for motoring offences. The DPP consented to the case being dealt with in the district court, and Judge Clancy accepted jurisdiction. The accused did not own the drugs but was aware they were in her home and made the admissions on that basis, her solicitor Aoife McNicholl said. Dolan, who had trained as a hairdresser and worked in a deli, had never been arrested or detained before and was extremely distressed by the situation. The accused had been adamant that she wanted to take responsibility and deal with the matter as soon as possible, so pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and apologised. Ms McNicholl asked the judge to consider leaving Dolan without a conviction. Judge Clancy said this was a very big ask as the charge was quite serious. The accused would be aware of the issues around drug misuse and having cannabis at her home was not a good example for her children, the judge said. Nancy McDonagh (25) was verbally abusing staff and was throwing cans of beer in their direction. A shoplifter who stole a tip jar from a pub and threw cans of beer at staff in a convenience store in Dublin city centre has been jailed for three months. Nancy McDonagh (25) had been introduced to crime by someone she had been in a completely toxic relationship with, her defence said. Judge Aine Clancy sentenced her at Dublin District Court. McDonagh, with an address at Heatherwood, Bray, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to public order and theft charges. OConnell Street. Photo: Aitor Munoz Munoz News in 90 Seconds - 7th June The court heard gardai responded to a panic alarm at Spar on OConnell Street on June 18, 2021. McDonagh was verbally abusing staff and was throwing cans of beer in their direction. She was arrested and taken to Store Street garda station, where she refused to give her name and address. McDonagh stole 150 worth of goods from Weavers of Ireland on Westmoreland Street on January 20, 2022, and a tip jar containing 20 from a pub on Wexford Street on July 28, 2020. McDonagh, who is originally from Carlow, had got into a completely toxic relationship with an unsavoury person who introduced her to a lifestyle of criminality, her solicitor Matthew de Courcy said. She was already serving another sentence when she appeared in court. The judge gave her a concurrent jail term. 'La Gorda' is facing a raft of serious charges including drug possession, trafficking, carrying firearms, and extortion The Fat Lady is led away by cops The drug cartel boss known as 'La Gorda' or The Fat Lady' has been arrested in Mexico A drug cartel boss known as 'La Gorda' or The Fat Lady' has been arrested in Mexico by cops investigating the brutal murder of a rival gang leader. Beatriz Sanchez Martinez was discovered hiding out in her home in Mexico City where cops also seized drugs, a gun, and phones. A leading figure within the Tlahuac Cartel, the 51-year-old was taken down by police three months after a rival gang leader, known as La Tia Fany or 'Aunt Fany' was shot to death in her vehicle. She was found riddled with bullet wounds after both gangs clashed over drug sales points in each of their controlled territories. Martinez was caught by police along with accomplice Carlos Chavez Vargas in the house awash with drugs including 263 doses of cocaine, 200 doses of methamphetamine, 50 grams of probable methamphetamine, a short firearm, three cartridges and a mobile phone. The drug cartel boss known as 'La Gorda' or The Fat Lady' has been arrested in Mexico News in 90 Seconds - 7th June Three other properties believed to be safe houses and drug distribution sites linked to The Fat Lady have been raided in a huge operation prompted by the death of Aunt Fany on February 25 Vargas has been accused by Mexican police of murdering Aunt Fany on Martinez's orders to take out the competition. Those involved were handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office, while their homes were sealed and placed under police guard. It has been reported that in the wake of Aunt Fanys death, her gang split into factions where they are violently operating in several neighbourhoods. The Fat Lady and Vargas are now facing a raft of serious charges including drug possession, trafficking, carrying firearms, and extortion while Vargas is also being investigated for possible aggravated homicide. The Fat Lady is led away by cops These arrests come after reports emerged that some Mexican drug cartels are running training camps where hitmen are forced to eat their victims' hearts. These camps reportedly lie in hidden mountainous areas while criminals recruit young men into trafficking schools, it has been claimed. A young man who was recruited into one of these camps said he was given a rifle and told to kill his brother at one point. He explained that the lure of massive cash rewards convinces many young people to join the training camps. He added that he was recruited at just 13-years-of-age. Months of infighting between two factions of the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico City has led to the deaths of dozens of minors, it has been reported According to local media, nearly 100 young people have gone missing in violence that followed the capture last July of one of the cartels co-founder Thirty nine minors have lost their lives in this armed conflict," the president of the Sinaloa State Human Rights Commission, Oscar Loza told AFP, citing data from the public prosecutor's office. The victims include two girls, aged seven and 12, who died on Monday after being caught in the crossfire between gunmen and security forces. A 12-year-old boy was also wounded along with his parents and two other relatives, authorities said. "When will the people recover from such a deep and painful wound? Never. It will always be there, not because of numbers but the smiles that were extinguished," Loza said. One recent shooting occurred in the municipality of Badiraguato, the birthplace of imprisoned drug trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and other senior cartel figures, authorities said. This week, Michael Kelley (56) made an official complaint to Fiosru about his treatment by officers in the investigation, led by Killarney gardai. Michael Kelley (right) is a suspect in the murder of Mike Gaine (left), but he has complained to Fiosru about garda treatment Two probes have been launched into the garda investigation of the murder of Kerry farmer Mike Gaine. The Sunday World can reveal that last night the chief suspect for Mr Gaines murder has made a formal complaint about his treatment by gardai. American national Michael Kelley has lodged a complaint with Fiosru, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, formerly known as the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc). This is the agency that deals with complaints about the conduct of gardai from members of the public. Mr Kelley, a Tralee-based former soldier, has been arrested as a murder suspect, but denies any involvement. He was released without charge. This week, Mr Kelley (56) made an official complaint to Fiosru about his treatment by officers in the investigation, led by Killarney gardai. When contacted by the Sunday World, a spokeswoman for the ombudsman said she could not comment on the matter. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. This revelation came just hours after Garda Commissioner Drew Harris confirmed the investigation into the murder of Mr Gaine is under peer review. He said: Were subjecting that to a peer review because I do think there is learning for us around those who would commit crime and then attempt to dispose of the body, and often are successful in disposing of the body. It is not known what exactly forms the basis for the complaint made to the watchdog by Mr Kelley. However, in previous media interviews, Mr Kelley has been critical of the investigation that led to his arrest. The only person who can make a legitimate complaint to Fiosru in matters such as these is the subject of the garda investigation or a witness to what happened, a source said. As we all know, there were no witnesses to the murder of Michael Gaine, they added. Mr Kelley, who has denied any involvement in Mr Gaines murder, was arrested on May 18. That was just over 36 hours after Mr Gaines body parts were discovered in slurry that was being spread on farmland. He was later released without charge. Gardai believe Mr Gaine was dismembered after he was killed, and that the body parts were dumped in a 50,000-gallon slurry tank on the property. Mike Gaine (left) and Michael Kelley (right) News in 90 Seconds - 7th June As part of the investigation, a full background check is being carried out on Mr Kelley, who had been living on Mr Gaines farm and working as a farmhand for a number of years. Speaking yesterday in Templemore, Co Tipperary, the Garda Commissioner said there were lessons to be learnt from homicides that begin as a missing person case. He said gardai have seen a real pattern around this in recent years, and they want to be sure that they have an investigative mindset in relation to a crime having been committed around a missing person report. Mr Harris said gardai have reviewed all missing persons reports and found no other homicide cases. He also revealed that the investigation into the murder of Tina Satchwell will also be reviewed. Ms Satchwells husband Richard was sentenced to life in prison earlier this week for her murder, after he buried her body under the stairs of their home in Youghal, Co Cork. It is understood the review of the Satchwell case will take the form of a thematic review. As part of the review, specific aspects of the original investigation will be examined to identify any problems or areas of the inquiry where lessons can be learnt, and improvements made to similar investigations in the future. Mr Harris said that in hindsight, it may have been very obvious where Ms Satchwells remains were. He said the 2017 search for Ms Satchwell did harvest a huge amount of information, which was useful in the re-examination of the case. Mr Harris said: All of those were crucial. So I would say the initial investigation was hamstrung because of the lack of information in comparison to the later re-examination of this matter. Theres far more information to hand which gave us real grounds then for actual suspicion and then inquiries that we could lead. When you look at hindsight, some of these things can seem very obvious, but in the moment, what was known, what was being said in terms of sighting, what was being said in terms of the victim by her husband one has to recognise the victimology that was being applied here. His suppression of her, the coercive control that obviously she was subject to for many years, her isolation in that particular community, that meant there was very few other people we could speak to [about] what Tina Satchwells life was like. It was a complex investigation. Yes, the house was searched in 2017, forensic scientists also accompanied that search, it was subject to thorough examination and looked for blood splatter, none was found. Mr Harris said a report would be compiled and given to Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan on the investigation into Ms Satchwells disappearance. Arlene Connolly-O'Neill died at the hands of her husband Sean ONeill on the morning of Wednesday, October 16. The Irish American mother of three who was killed by her husband in a murder-suicide has been remembered in a living tribute" at the school where she taught. Arlene Connolly-O'Neill died at the hands of her husband Sean ONeill on the morning of Wednesday, October 16. There has been an outpouring of grief among the devastated Irish American community in Yonkers, New York, in the aftermath. Now, a tree has planted in her memory as "a beautiful nod to her strong Irish heritage at the Yonkers elementary school where she had taught for more than two decades. Irish Central is reporting that the Eastchester Police Department shared photos from the unveiling of the tribute at Anne Hutchinson Elementary School on June 3. Arlene Connolly-O'Neill News in 90 Seconds - 7th June According to the police departments social media, teachers and students from the school, as well as two officers, came together to honor Connolly-O'Neill's memory by planting a tree in front of the school as a lasting symbol of her spirit and the many lives she touched. "Students lovingly decorated rocks with green hearts, a beautiful nod to her strong Irish heritage and the warmth she shared with our school community, the post reads. "May this tree grow strong and proud as Arlene continues to do in our hearts." Arlene, whose parents were from Co Monaghan and Co Galway, was a popular figure throughout the tight-knit Irish American community in Yonkers, where she lived her entire life. On October 16, police said that 47-year-old Arlene was shot multiple times by her 54-year-old husband Sean O'Neill, a retired NYPD Police Officer, before he turned the weapon on himself in their home in Yonkers. On October 23, a joint funeral was held for Arlene and Sean in Yonkers. In a heart wrenching speech at the end of the Mass, Arlene's brother Mark Connolly told the congregation that "no one's really sure why things turned out the way they did." He said: "We want everyone here to know that our family will not be defined by the events of that day but by the love we continue to have for one another." The couple is survived by their three sons, aged 15, 13, and 11 who are now in the care of their extended family. Following the tragedy a 'Go Green for Arlene' campaign launched by the Ladies Guild at the Annunciation Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Yonkers saw homes and businesses throughout the neighbourhood hang green bows and ribbons in her memory. The initiative was backed by the City of Yonkers, as well as numerous local businesses and community groups. In a further show of support, people on social media also changed their profile pictures to an image of a green heart with 'Arlene' written under it, Irish Central reports. An obituary shared by Flynn Memorial Home in Yonkers, described Arlene as "a proud Irish-American" who "cherished her friends and family." While she loved music and New York sports, "above all, her most-adored past time was going on nonstop adventures with her three boys, who were the loves of her life. The boys were her entire universe and she would have moved mountains for them." The obituary reads: "Arlene was a larger than life human being whose beautiful eyes and bright smile could light up a room. Her energy was infectious. She is gone too soon and will be dearly missed by so many. The world now has a void that can never be filled. Our hearts are heavy with her loss." According to the local Daily Voice publication, "In the months since her passing, ONeills family, friends, and the Eastchester school community have gathered repeatedly to grieve, honor, and celebrate her life." It added: "The tree planting is the latest in a series of tributes that reflect how deeply she was loved." Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning. The funeral service of Kevin Kelly (31), who died in a house fire alongside death row survivor Sunny Jacobs this week, has heard how he would go above and beyond to help others as he was remembered as someone who loved to laugh and have fun. Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was a free spirit who loved life and would do anything he could for anybody. Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning. He cared for Ms Jacobs in a home-help capacity. She had been living in Ireland since the late 1990s, having spent 17 years in a Florida prison, including five on death row, for the murder of two police officers. She was released from custody in 1992 after her convictions on two counts of murder and one of kidnapping were overturned after procedural errors were identified. All those attending Mr Kellys funeral mass at Discovery Church in Galway this afternoon were asked to wear bright colours to represent the fun, laughter and personality of the Connemara native. The large numbers gathered were described as a testament to Mr Kellys character and friendship. A poem dedicated to Mr Kelly, written by family friend Sam Nolan, paid tribute to his cheeky smile and positive attitude. "Kevin met every day. No matter what was on his mind, he was always the same way. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who loved life, what more can we say. His younger sister Jill told those gathered how Mr Kelly "loved to laugh and loved fun throughout his life, describing his love for Connemara, for dogs and the lengths he would go to help others. Kevin Kelly News in 90 Seconds - 7th June Kev was born 31 years ago on December 28 14 days after he was due and hes been doing things his own way ever since. He was a free spirit and wasnt one bit shy about standing up for what he believed and not doing things just to follow the crowd, she said. Mr Kelly was born in Dublin but moved to Inishmore at the age of four, a move which started his love for the tranquil life, surrounded by the beauty of Connemara. He would often disappear on a mountain walk with his dog Mollie and whichever other dogs he had taken under his wing. When we lived on Inishmore, Kev had a bad encounter with a dog and was bitten in the face but he loved dogs, she said. "Thats one thing we can all learn from Kevin, the ability to let go and move on. Kev never took life too seriously and was quick to forgive and, for the most part, forget but you wouldn't fool him twice, he was much too smart for that. He had a protective streak for his sisters as he had such a big heart for all those he loved. Mr Kelly left school before completing his Leaving Cert and after a little big of wandering found the Galway-based dog rescue and adoption charity Madra. It was love at first sight in more ways than one. Kevins time at Madra completely changed his life. It was where his love of dogs was truly discovered, she said. It was also where he met his partner Sheree, with his sister describing the couple as "made for each other. "We've all lost someone today, a son, a brother, a partner, a friend, a rock. He was so many things to so many people and we always will share that grief, she added. "If you find yourself missing Kev as Im sure you will in the coming days, weeks, months and years. Here are some things you can do to feel close to him: Take a trip to Connemara, find a hill and climb it. "While youre there, go on over to Madra and volunteer to walk some dogs and walk the same route that Kev walked day in, day out, for years. Mourners were also told to take pictures and capture your moments with your loved ones as Mr Kelly was described as someone who would go above and beyond for those in his life and would do anything he could for anybody. Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was a joy and a gift to our lives, with a collection of photographs of Mr Kelly and his friends, family and dogs shared during the service. Mr Kelly was a dedicated volunteer with Madra from the age of nineteen, with the charity this week describing his love of dogs and his beloved pitbull Mollie as a huge driving force for him. He has been remembered for his big smile and kindness and as someone who was absolutely magical with dogs. He will be lovingly missed and always remembered by his mother Fiona, his father Ken, Ken's partner Maureen and her son Jonathan, Kevins partner Sheree, his siblings Jill and Cuan, brothers-in-law Conor and Kal, beloved nieces Hailee-May and Aila- Rose, nephew Ezra, all extended family, friends and neighbours, his death notice read. He always made the most of it and he truly lived every single moment The community in Kenmare have been asked to honour Mike Gaines memory by doing as he did, living life to the full, spending quality time with loved ones and always helping others. In a moving eulogy by his cousin, Eoghan Clarke, at his Funeral Mass today, Mr Gaine was remembered as man who had varied interests with a wide-circle of friends and who always was on hand to help others. "Mike meant so much to so many people. Mr Clarke recalled Mike's passion for rallying, farming, current affairs, holidays, Done Deal and all music, even Opera. As we all know, Michael was generous. He was incredibly generous. He had time for everyone and would chip in to help any time, any place to help anyone, he said. Images of Michael Gaine displayed at his funeral mass. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. Michael seemed to find the time to do the work of three men on his own farm, help out friends, family and neighbours, keep up to speed on current affairs and enjoy himself. He always made the most of it and he truly lived every single moment. Whether you met him during lambing or while on a trip away to a car show or rally event, he always had that iconic twinkle in his eye the Im delighted to see you, Im in great form, lets go and enjoy ourselves twinkle in his eye that he was well-known for The congregation was told how Mike always had an interest in people and made people feel at ease. News in 90 Seconds - 7th June "Janice [his wife] described Michael as someone that zoned on someones personality when he spoke to them and that he would zone in on their own interests. That genuine interest that he had in others allowed him to have friends of all ages and backgrounds. Mr Clarke said what always amazed him about Mike was his ability to put in a full days shift on the farm and then to chat about politics and world events or economic developments while being fully up to speed on all of them. The congregation was told that he would be up at 4am to hoover up news from various sources. Michael Gaine's rally car receives a guard of honour at his funeral in Kenmare. Photo: Mark Condren. The love story of Janice and Mike was also shared at his Funeral Mass and the wonderful relationship the pair had. They met in Riversdale one New Years Eve. Janice had come from Jakarta to visit her parents in Kerry and Mr Gaine looking dapper plucked up the courage to speak to her. He told her he was heading to Australia soon and invited her for dinner. In the intervening years Michael kept telecom Eireann in business feeding coins into a phone box in Kenmare just to speak to Janice in Indonesia and Taiwan. "Michael and Janice truly had a beautiful relationship. It struck me how loving Michael was with Janice and they spent quality time together. They enjoyed one another's company from simple trips to cinema, trying new restaurants, walks in the national park and holidays abroad, he said Soft and loving, Caring and affectionate. Kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong, he said summing up the kind of man Mike was to his wife Janice and sister Catherine and Noreen and to all those in his life. His cousin asked to live life as Mike would have by enjoying life with fun-loving glint, spending time with loved ones and helping others. Fr George Hayes in his homily to the packed church said that Kenmare was a place of enchanting beauty where the community live a peaceful and idyllic existence but into this something terrible has come to the area. "We are discommoded and feel at loss. Over these weeks since Mike went missing we have asked to many questions and in life sometimes there are no answers, he said. He said Mike funeral was about recovering Mike's dignity and not the manner of his death. "Here in this place today, we recover Mikes dignity. We will speak Mikes name with love. Michael Gaine's remains lie in the church in Kenmare during his funeral. Photo: PA/Niall Carson. Fr Hayes urged the congregation not to give into hatred. "Today our challenge as believers of Jesus Christ is not to give into the toxic. Lets not give into to hatred and bitterness...lets go from here today and in Michaels name let's resolve to do good. Let's strive for justice and fairness. Several poignant mementos of Mikes life were brought to the alter including several photos including one of Mike on his quad with his faithful cavalier dog Teddy. This was presented by friend DJ ONeil. Teddy was a huge part of Janice and Mikes life. Mike loved all animals but his pet dog was a central part of his life. Michael Gaine's remains at his funeral in Kenmare. Photo: PA/Niall Carson. Vince OShea brought up a photo of Mike and Janice on holidays They travelled the world together visiting places like Fiji and Cook islands and New Zealand and Australia. John Clarke brought a photo of the globe marking Mike's love of current affairs and other cultures. Edwards Gibbons brought up of Mike and Janices wedding photo and nephew Jamie ORegan presented a photo of Mikes family including parents Jimmy and Sheila and his sisters Noreen and Catherine. Donie McCarthy presented a CD Mike's love of music his varied tastes included American Folk Group Mamas and Papas and Fleetwood Mac and what he loved most was the Aida Opera by Verdi. David Doran brought up an image of St Michael the Archangel who is said to be a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil and there wasn't an evil bone in his body His brother-in-law Sean ORegan brought a photo of Mike and his rally car and Shane McCarthy brought Mikes rally helmet to the alter. And after the poignant Funeral Mass Mikes ashes were placed in that very car for a final lap around his home town. The modfather was pictured with two of the three band members at Phibsboroughs Bang Bang Cafe on Thursday night Kneecap took time out to enjoy a cup of tea with 80s legend Paul Weller in Dublin this week. The modfather was pictured with two of the three band members at Phibsboroughs Bang Bang Cafe on Thursday night. Moglai Bap, DJ Provai and the bands manager Daniel Lambert were reportedly celebrating with Paul after their Irish language film nabbed the top prize at the Celtic Media Awards. Set in west Belfast, the film tells the story of how Mo Chara, DJ Provai and Moglai Bap came together to change the sound of Irish music forever". The self-titled movie was awarded the Spirit of the Festival at the celebration of media throughout the Celtic nations and regions. Weller was one of 40 acts who signed an open letter opposing what they claim were efforts to censor the trio due to their political statements during performances. Kneecap and Paul Weller in Dublin News in 90 Seconds - 7th June Sharing the snap to Instagram, Bang Bang cafe received numerous messages of support for the musicians, with one writing: As if we dont already love Weller enough. Not one bit jealous! Paul Weller is just the greatest!, added another. Rapper Mo Chara whose real name is Liam Og OhAnnaidh, was handed a terrorism charge late last month. It follows allegations that a Hezbollah flag was displayed at one of the bands concerts at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, last November. The 27-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on June 18. In a statement posted on social media, Kneecap said: We deny this offence and will vehemently defend ourselves. Counter-terrorism police previously also investigated Kneecap after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting up Hamas, up Hezbollah. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been exploited and weaponised, and also said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. In response to the charge, the group said in a social media statement: 14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us. We deny this offence and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story, genocide is, as they profit from genocide, they use an anti-terror law against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesnt have a jury. Whats the objective? To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out. Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification. The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it. The controversy has not stopped their rising popularity and they are set to play one of the biggest dates in their career to 12,500 fans at Londons Wembley Arena next September 18. Kneecap were cancelled from the TRNSMT concert line-up in Glasgow, which they were due to play in July, due to safety concerns from UK police according to the festival. However, Glastonbury has confirmed band will not be cancelled from the festival and have put the group on a larger slot on the Saturday afternoon at West Holts Stage. Jolene Allison Burns wrote songs for new documentary The Flats about a community impacted by the Troubles Jolene, who got to sing in the documentary, is now releasing her own album A young Belfast woman who wrote songs for a powerful new documentary is now pursuing her dream of becoming a singer-songwriter. Jolene Allison Burns penned songs for a new documentary about a tower block community that was heavily impacted by The Troubles. The Flats recalls the memories of some of the largely Catholic residents of the citys New Lodge flats and how those events shaped their lives. Encouraged by the huge response to the film here and internationally, Jolene is following a long-held dream to record her own album and her songs have become a viral sensation on TikTok. I got to write the music for the whole show. I got to sing in it, says the thrilled young mum. From then, its given me opportunities to write a lot of my own songs. I have songs on Spotify and iTunes, 25 different platforms. Im dropping an album. Im releasing an album very soon. And I started TikTok, she says, adding that she was delighted at how her songs have drawn huge interest on the platform. The Flats, from Italian filmmaker Alessandra Celesia who lives in Belfast and France focuses on a few residents of the New Lodge apartments in North Belfast, as they process their memories of The Troubles and beyond and how those memories shape their lives and communities. The Flats features chats with residents of the New Lodge . . Jolene speaks movingly about her beloved sister Coleen, left in need of full-time care after damage caused by an incident of drugs use. Coleen, out of the whole family, she was the girl that I grew up with. We shared a room together. She was my rock. And she cant walk, she cant talk, she cant eat. Shes in a hospital bed. Its horrible. Jolene remains concerned about drugs in her native city, but she loves Belfast and its people and wants the best life for her daughter, Holly. Northern Irelands turbulent history, she feels, has made life more difficult, even in the years after the peace agreement. I think that a lot of people just have to carry on with things. A lot of people turn to just being able to cope with things. I have seen a lot of people struggle. But as time has gone on and things have happened over the years, I feel that I do love this place. I will always call this place home, but I still feel that I need to get out, and I feel like a lot of trauma has been left, in families, generations through. Jolene, who got to sing in the documentary, is now releasing her own album News in 90 Seconds - 7th June Among the songs by Jolene that feature in The Flats is a song she wrote called Just the Way We Are. Its basically about living in Belfast, and how everyone has traumas and struggles. Every person goes through pain and suffers in their own way. Some people look at people and think life can be perfect, and influencers and all this can make things look like lifes perfect, but everyone has struggles. Its just the way we are. You cant change who you are as a person. You just have to be who you are and try to move on. I hope that I can inspire people that theres always light at the end of the tunnel, even when you cant feel it. The Flats features chats with residents of the New Lodge . . Encouraged by the reaction to the film and her songs, Jolene recorded more songs on social and online media and her talent has generated interest from TV executives. "I always wrote my own songs. I started going into recording studios and started just recording them all, put all the music together myself. I was like: This is what I want. And I came up with some really cool songs. Im excited to drop my album. She has travelled to film festivals abroad including Switzerland and Copenhagen to talk about the film, which has been widely well received. It also won the George Morrison award for best documentary feature at this years IFTAs. It was made by Italian filmmaker Alessandra Celesia, who married a Belfast man and moved to the city in 1997. I arrived in the North for the first time just before the Good Friday Agreement and I said I would never make a film about the Troubles, Alessandra has said. Its the past, its finished, and now were looking for something else. And I kept my promise until I found New Lodge, where its just so clear there is this whole generation traumatised by this thing that they never got over. For any war, this is exactly what happens. Jolenes great hope is that The Flats will help drive awareness of and support for upcoming generations in Northern Ireland. We would love a lot more help for our generation, and for them to be notified and aware of what went on in the past, which is why I think this film is a great thing for people to watch, to be able to know what went on in the past. Shes also glad that through the seriousness of the subject matter in the film, the warmth, sense of humour and resilience of the people of Belfast frequently shines through. I think there is a lot of laughter, she says of her home city. I think were very kind people in Ireland, theres a lot of kind people. People are very helpful, and they would stop and talk to you. They would give you a helping hand. If you were to ask someone from the New Lodge: Oh I have no milk, they would give you their milk. They would give you their last penny, even if they havent got much themselves. Its just born in our nature to be kind and funny and theres a lot of humour and a lot of funniness in Northern Ireland. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of the American music icons hits. TINA the musical, , Directed by Phyllida Lloyd with a book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins, CHOREOGRAPHER -ANTHONY VAN LAAST, SET & COSTUME DESIGNER - MARK THOMPSON, LIGHTING DESIGNER - BRUNO POET, PROJECTION DESIGNER - JEFF SUGG, HAIR, WIGS & MAKE UP DESIGNER - CAMPBELL YOUNG, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - KATHERINE HARE, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER - SIMONE MISTRY-PALMER, Curve theatre, UK, Credit: Johan Persson/ TINA the musical, , Directed by Phyllida Lloyd with a book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins, CHOREOGRAPHER -ANTHONY VAN LAAST, SET & COSTUME DESIGNER - MARK THOMPSON, LIGHTING DESIGNER - BRUNO POET, PROJECTION DESIGNER - JEFF SUGG, HAIR, WIGS & MAKE UP DESIGNER - CAMPBELL YOUNG, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - KATHERINE HARE, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER - SIMONE MISTRY-PALMER, Curve theatre, UK, Credit: Johan Persson/ From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation into a multi-award-winning global superstar, Tina Turner didnt just break the rules, she rewrote them. Born Anna Mae Bullock, Tina, who died in May 2023 at the age of 83, left behind an incredible legacy and a treasure trove of hits that will see her name live on for generations to come. Not surprisingly theres Tina, The Tina Turner Musical, which opens at Dublins Bord Gais Energy Theatre this coming week. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, Whats Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, its a real treat. Elle Ma-Kinga NZuzi and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy will share the iconic role of Tina Turner, alongside David King-Yombo as Ike Turner. MacCarthy says she will never forget the morning she heard about Tinas death as she had starred as the pop legend in the Australian production of the Tina musical the previous night. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Photo: Johan Persson She says: When I first performed this show, Tina was still alivea week after we opened, she passed. I didn't know until I started receiving messages from people the next day telling me how sorry they were to hear the sad news. I was like, Whoa, whoa, whoa... That night, the house was packedpeople wanted to be there to pay their respects and show their gratitude. Having experienced doing the show with the potential for Tina to walk in the door at any moment, that night I experienced it with the potential of her presence being there the emotion was phenomenal, a different level of performance, like an out of body experience. NZuzi says: My foster dad was a huge fan of Tina Turner, consequently, she was the first black artist I was introduced to as he had all her cassettes and CDs. Id dance in front of the TV whenever she was on. As a child, NZuzis party-piece was Proud Mary and by a strange twist it was the song that got her an initial role playing Tina. She explains, I was in rock bands at the time and at several concerts I'd been asked to sing the likes of Proud Mary. I was working in Germany when the producers needed an alternate Tina and they emailed me. I thought, Why not? So I went along and I got the job. It just happened by chance really. It was at the age of seven that MacCarthy first came across the name Tina Turner thanks to a singing birthday card shed bought for her mum. She laughs: That was the first time I ever came across her name it was back in the day when you got these cards that, when opened, would sing this one song, Simply The Best, over and over again." To their regret, neither NZuzi nor MacCarthy met the rock legend whose story they tell, the former missing the opportunity to do so by just a few months. Tina had visited the show a few months before I joined during a cast change, she says. So half of the cast had met her, the other half, like me, had not. But I discovered that Tina loved Germany and that when she ran away from Ike, she hid in Stuttgart, just around the corner from our theatre there. Not many people are aware of that. In fact, while I was there, I went to a local recording studio to record some stuff and there, on the walls, were all these amazing photos of Tina that Id never seen before. After Tina died MacCarthy set off on a pilgrimage to Switzerland to visit the stars home. She adds: I went to her house and laid some flowers by her door. Unlike many huge stars who live in secluded communities, her house was by the road. Tina always wanted to be accessible. The Irish Business Network has launched a branch in the Bay of Plenty to create a sense of community for the Irish businesses around the region. The Irish Business Network of New Zealand [IBNNZ] is a voluntary membership organisation that aims to help connect Irish businesspeople, or people with an affiliation or interest in Ireland, to network, collaborate and potentially create new commercial opportunities. The first branch of IBNNZ started in Auckland in 2015. Today there are six branches around New Zealand in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Taranaki, Waikato and now Bay of Plenty. Tauranga businesswoman and committee member Laura McCabe saw an opportunity to set up a Bay of Plenty branch of IBNNZ earlier this year. The Bay of Plenty has a growing population and thriving economy, and I had come across quite a few Irish through my own work and community. McCabe said there are a number of cultural, business, sport and family ties that connect Irish nationals or second/third generation Irish together. Fellow committee members Brian Staunton, Paul Manning and Charlotte Byrne also attended the launch event on April 4. Between the four of us, we represent a range of sectors including international commerce, finance and physiotherapy and human resources. At our launch event, we were delighted to meet others who work across construction, communications, law and technology. The networks priority is creating a welcoming professional networking experience through events and face-to-face opportunities. Good business is about knowing people, having relationships with relevant contacts and helping to open doors in a supportive way, said the committee We look to collaborate and share information to help upskill our members wherever possible. Its about creating a sense of community for Irish in business in New Zealand and collaborating with the likes of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, et cetera. McCabe said the branch is looking to hold four events a year to provide an opportunity for those who are interested to catch-up and hear from engaging speakers. The upcoming national Fieldays in Waikato is an opportunity to showcase Irish innovation in agritech and there are strong links between New Zealand and Ireland in the agriculture sector. McCabe said the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has a strategic focus on diaspora, as it fosters goodwill and generates economic development. The Irish diaspora cherishes and showcases the countrys diverse and dynamic culture and its people, spread across the globe, bring pride to Ireland. For more information about The Irish Business Network of New Zealand, visit: www.ibnnz.com or email: info@ibnnz.com. Comvita has been an ever-present in Paengaroa for five decades. The company recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open day at its headquarters, bringing together a wide range of guests, including Comvita alumni, long-standing partners, shareholders, local community, iwi representatives and key stakeholders from the business, science, and apiculture sectors. It was both a celebration of Comvitas rich history and a forward-looking showcase of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation and the community. The event honoured Comvitas pioneering work in natural health and wellness, and guests enjoyed an engaging and inspiring reflection from Alan Bougen, who co-founded Comvita with the late Claude Stratford. When they first met it was an unlikely pairing Bougen was 25, Stratford 65 but they were kindred spirits, sharing a deep interest in health, nutrition and bees. Bougen had discovered clean living, sustainable lifestyles, transcendental meditation and the growing natural food movement while travelling in the 1970s. He walked into his first health food store in the US in 1971 and saw a jar of raw honey. It was real honey. Untouched. That raw, golden goodness completely unprocessed. I thought, This is the perfect food. Moving to Great Barrier Island, Bougen sought help from Les Blackwell, the islands go-to, multi-generation beekeeper, who taught him how to re-queen the hives, introduced him to manuka honey harvesting and taught him to use a kauri press to work the dense honey out of the comb. Over the next few years, I learned the rhythms of the hive. Eventually, we got a smoker and veils ordered by phone, delivered by barge. Thats how remote we were. During those three years on the island, bees became not just a food source, but a philosophy. But it was the use of honey-based product to heal an infected wound on a horse that was to shape his destiny. That blew my mind. It opened up a whole new world, using honey not just for nutrition, but for healing. Writing to the PO Box on the packaging, he quickly got a reply from Stratford Dear Alan, you could be an answer to prayer. Come quickly. Alan Bougen speaks at the 50th anniversary celebration. Photo / Isabella Cheadle Stratford was a herbalist and lifelong beekeeper. He had moved to Paengaroa to retire and live on a one-acre (0.4ha) property. Stratford and his partner Lynda hitchhiked to Paengaroa. He had a small, yet growing following and decades of experience he had been keeping bees and selling honey since he was 11, had been one of the first beekeepers to pollinate kiwifruit, had once grown comfrey at scale to make creams for Hiroshima survivors in Japan, and had recovered from a serious personal health crisis through nutrition and apitherapy. Bougen had youthful energy, eager curiosity, and a growing knowledge of bees and together, they dreamed up a vision a company rooted in nature, healing and purpose. Bougen borrowed a small amount of money from his parents and together with Stratford, founded Comvita. At the 50th anniversary celebrations, Bougen said it had been an incredible journey so far rich, exciting, challenging, fun, risky, satisfying and certainly long. From such small, humble beginnings, weve built a strong, beautiful New Zealand brand on full display these days in some of the finest retail sites around the world. Of his business partner, he said: Despite lifes many trials, Claude never lost his generosity, his optimism, his unwavering belief in the healing power of nature and his faith in God. Purpose kept him moving, even when the path ahead was tough. Stratford was just shy of his 103rd birthday when he died in 2013. His influence runs through every chapter of Comvitas story and continues to inspire us today. Bougen recalled that life at Comvita in the late 1970s and early 1980s was colourful, exciting and sometimes just plain crazy. People had begun to join our cause. Other hippy types, a couple of locals and a few graduates from the newly formed South Pacific College of Naturopathy who were keen for opportunities to put their training into action. New products and new ideas were flowing. As for the future, Bougen said he envisaged his great-grandchildren hiking through vast native forests Comvita has played a part in establishing. I see a continuation of the steadily growing demand for high-quality natural products with proven health benefits. Each generation will become more passionate about the importance of nature and her healing powers. I see a future where honeybees are cherished right across the world because of their incredible role in our human food chain, and I hope for a future where companies are judged not just by profits, but by the contribution they make to people and planet Earth. He said he is quietly confident that Comvitas story will continue with the same values courage, curiosity and care. The name Comvita comes from a translation from Latin, with life and vitality. Waihi Beach Library and Service Centre is preparing to turn the page on an exciting new chapter, as the team gets ready to move into a much larger, modern, purpose-built space. In preparation for the move, the current library will close temporarily from 2pm on Wednesday, June 18, until the opening of the new library Te Ara Matauranga on Tuesday, July 1. The closure will allow time to move everything across to the new building, which is on the same site as the existing library. During this time, the loan system has been configured so that no books or other items will be due back until the new library opens in the meantime, people are encouraged to hold on to them. Were incredibly excited to be moving into a space that will better serve the growing needs of our community, says Rachael Davie, Western Bay of Plenty District Councils general manager strategy and community. This new facility gives us so much more room and flexibility to offer a wider range of programmes, events, and services for all ages a future-proofed space that puts function and community needs first, without unnecessary bells and whistles. The new 400sq m library and service centre will be four times bigger than the current library, and will be open 43 hours a week, compared to the current 23 hours. This brings it in line with the councils three other library and service centres, in Te Puke, Omokoroa and Katikati. It will be staffed by a customer services supervisor, two customer services representatives and a community engagement librarian, who will be working across all age groups. The space will include two large meeting rooms with a moveable wall, one smaller meeting room, public computers and free wi-Fi, dedicated reading spaces, bring your own device work spaces, and a table for activities such as crafts and puzzles. It will also feature artworks both inside and outside that are interwoven with storytelling elements gifted by Te Whanau a Tauwhao, connecting the building to Otawhiwhi Marae and the coastal nature of Waihi Beach. A blessing will be held on July 1 at 10am to mark the opening, and people will be able to step inside the new space from 2pm. Its going to very special day for the community and we look forward to welcoming everyone into this new space to enjoy and make their own, says Rachael. We know how much the library means to so many locals its a place for connection, learning, creativity and wellbeing. We cant wait to open the doors and start this exciting new chapter together. For more information visit: Te Ara Matauranga - Waihi Beach Library and Community Hub | Your Place Western Bay of Plenty Firefighters were called to 118 W. Ellis St. on June 6, 2025, for a house fire in a back apartment of a house coming from the kitchen. Greta Stuckey East Syracuse, N.Y. A dog was treated for smoke exposure after a bad kitchen fire broke out in an East Syracuse home Friday. Around 5:01 p.m., firefighters were called to 118 W. Ellis St. for a house fire in a kitchen in a back apartment, said Robert Russell, East Syracuse assistant fire chief. There were four fire trucks and three ambulances on the street. Police had Ellis Street closed from Silver Street to North Center Street. The house is around the corner from the Silver Street Event Center. The fire was mostly contained to the back apartment, but smoke spread throughout the house, Russell said. One person was in the house when the fire started but was out before firefighters arrived. Firefighters rescued a cat and a dog from the house, he said. The cat was fine, and the dog was being treated by the EAVES Ambulance staff for smoke exposure. The emergency workers said the dog, which took in a lot of smoke, was breathing better and they were monitoring him in the ambulance. The fire was put out in about 10 minutes, and no firefighters or residents were injured, Russell said. The cause of the fire is not known at this time, he said. Three American Red Cross volunteers arrived at the house around 6:07 p.m. to help residents. The property is a two-story, three-family home, according to county records. Staff writer Greta Stuckey covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at gstuckey@syracuse.com. Sarah Beesley, fisheries biologist for the Yurok Tribe, walks up a fallen tree in land that will be returned to the Yurok Tribe, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP 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 tribes access to its homelands. When McCovey started working as a fisheries technician, the company would let him go there to do his job. 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 tribes 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. Highway 101 is seen in the distance while traveling on the Klamath River, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Klamath, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP The Yurok Tribe had 90% of its territory taken during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, suffering massacres and disease from settlers. 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. Theres 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. Tiana Williams-Claussen, director of the Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department, looks at footprints she believed to be of a black bear while walking on land that will be returned to the tribe Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP The Yurok people will now manage these lands and waterways. The tribes 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 tribes more than 5,000 members and helping restore salmon and wildlife. 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. A black bear walks along a rocky bank of the Klamath River, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP 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 Coasts 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. 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. Thats key amid climate-infused droughts and warming waters. The bottom of Blue Creek is visible on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP 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. 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. 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. Sarah Beesley, fisheries biologist for the Yurok Tribe, hugs a tree located in land that will be returned to the Yurok Tribe, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP 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. 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. A western toad sits on the sand along the Klamath River, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Humboldt County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP 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. The Chahta Immi Cultural Center displays artifacts characters wore in the movie "Sinners" on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Choctaw, Miss. (Jay Wesley via AP) AP CHOCTAW, Miss. (AP) Its a small part in a big movie, but for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, their scene in Sinners is a huge deal. The horror movie blockbuster, starring Michael B. Jordan as a gangster turned vampire slayer, paints a brief but impactful portrait of the tribe using Choctaw actors and cultural experts. For some, its the first time theyve seen the Choctaw way of life accurately portrayed on the big screen. In the scene, a posse of Choctaw, riding on horseback and in an old truck, arrives at a small farmhouse to warn the couple that lives there of coming danger. When the couple refuses their help, a Choctaw man wishes them luck in his native language before riding off. Ive not seen another movie that has our language, like, spoken correctly, said Cynthia Massey, a cultural consultant for Sinners. Massey runs the tribes Chahta Immi Cultural Center alongside Sherrill Nickey and department director Jay Wesley. All three were hired as cultural consultants to ensure a genuine depiction of the tribe in the film. Together, they sifted through archives, researching how their ancestors would have dressed, spoken and acted in the 1930s, when Sinners takes place. I was honored and humbled by the fact that they wanted a true representation, said Wesley, who also acted in the movie. Wesley connected the filmmakers to Choctaw actors and artifacts like the beaded sashes the Choctaw characters wear in the movie. Those sashes are now part of a Sinners display at the cultural center. The movies introduction also features a short snippet of a Choctaw war chant, performed by Wesleys daughter, Jaeden Wesley, who is a student at the University of California, Los Angeles. While recording, Jaeden Wesley said the filmmakers told her they wanted the Choctaw people to hear their music in the movie. We were catering to our own people, even in that short little second, Jaeden Wesley said. Shining a spotlight on often overlooked cultures and topics, like the Choctaw people, is part of the mission at Proximity Media, which produced Sinners. The company was founded by Sinners director Ryan Coogler, his wife and film producer, Zinzi Coogler, and producer Sev Ohanian. It was never a question for us that if we were going to portray the Mississippi Choctaw, we got to have the right people who can tell us, who can tell Ryan, what were not knowing, what were not thinking, Ohanian said. It was all because were trying to serve Ryans story of like putting truth on screen. Ohanian and his co-founders didnt stop with Choctaw consultants; they enlisted a small army of experts who advised on the confluence of cultures mingling in the Mississippi Delta, where the film is set. The resulting cinematic world was so well received, community organizers penned an open letter, inviting Coogler and his fellow filmmakers to visit the Delta. Last week, the Cooglers, Ohanian and others took up the offer, attending a Sinners screening in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Clarksdale is where the films events unfold. I hope this encourages other filmmakers to find opportunities to be authentic in their storytelling and to look at this rich tapestry of culture thats right here in America, Ohanian said, noting the film industry has historically misrepresented nonwhite groups. For Wesley and his fellow consultants, the hope is the film will cultivate curiosity in audiences, encourage them to learn more about Choctaw culture and visit the Chahta Immi Cultural Center. Its important to be connected to this culture because this was here before the public was here, Massey said. Probably three-quarters of Mississippi was Choctaw land, and now we only have 350,000 acres. They say Choctaw participation in the film has cultivated a sense of pride among tribe members. Nickey hopes it will encourage a sort of cultural renaissance at a time when she says fewer and fewer Choctaw speak their native language. I know for a fact that there are a lot of kids out there that dont even know how to speak our language. They only speak English, Nickey said. I hope they know its okay to speak our language. On paper, drawing down your 401(k) to delay Social Security benefits seems like a clever maneuver. After all, the monthly benefit check grows larger every year that you manage to delay retirement. However, theres more to consider than just the size of the monthly payout. Heres why you, and perhaps your financial advisor, should take a closer look at all the other variables that can impact your retirement income. Don't miss A surprising impact A simple calculation would have you believe that its best to delay collecting Social Security as long as possible. After all, your monthly benefit checks can be roughly 30% higher if you wait until retirement instead of collecting at the earliest possible age of 62, according to the Social Security Administration. However, this theoretical calculation is done in a vacuum and doesnt consider any other factors. Surprisingly, for some people taking Social Security early might actually be the better option when they consider all the other factors. Your total payout from the day you retire until the end of life could be higher. Heres a better approach to make this decision. Consider all the factors An often-overlooked complicating (and key) factor in the simple calculation above is the opportunity cost of your 401(k) investments. Every dollar you withdraw from this account is one less dollar that could be compounding with interest payments or the stock market. Over the past five years, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has delivered a compounded annual growth rate of 15.85%. In other words, you would boost your nest egg by roughly 30% in just under two years, outperforming the Social Security boost, which is capped. Even if the stock market returns are significantly lower say 5% compounded annually your nest egg would be 30% larger within five and a half years. Besides, if stocks are in a deep bear market when you turn 62, it might not be the best time to sell your assets at distressed valuations. Drawing down your 401(k) for monthly income might also be easier if you have a sizable nest egg to rely on. However, if your assets are limited, drawing down on it for several years could leave you feeling squeezed before you ultimately decide to take benefits. 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. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. MrsCarEnthusiast Newbie Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Trissur distric Posts: 5 Thanked: 877 Times Re: The nagging rattle : A Honda City owner's call for help An unexpected twist in the story of the mysterious rattle Four days back, during one of our car outings, we were discussing about the nature (ie quality) of the rattling noise. Mr Car enthusiast felt as though it sounded like something was scraping against glass. But to me, it sounded like some radio frequency interference( for instance, the kind of sound one hears from the TV when there is a blank channel with white grains). When I was at work that day, the thought again popped up in my head. If it was a radiofrequency interference kind of sound, then it had two likely sources: one the Dashcam and the other the stereo. I immediately phoned Mr Car enthusiast, and asked him to check the Dashcam. (He had checked it a few days before; and at that time it had appeared to be firmly fixed; yet, I asked him to just check again to be sure). So on my insistence, he switched off the infotainment and then removed the dash cam. And bingo! The sound had vanished! There weren't any radio interferences, but the dash cam had a minor movement while connecting to the GPS module. And that made the noise. That night he removed the old insulation tape; and again delicately fixed it using new insulation tape. He says that when he had fixed the dashcam three years back; at that time too the cam was not touching the connectors in the GPS module, and he had used a few strips of insulation tape to make the connection firm. Apparently, this is a known issue in the older models of 70mai cams in which the GPS modules are sold separate and not inbuilt. So, his latest theory is that a few weeks back, when he switched on the heater for an extended time, the insulation tapes most likely, lost their adhesiveness, and the dashcam became loose again; thus scraping against the windshield and producing the grating noise. This theory is not that unbelievable; it is known to occur. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/modif...ml#post5077302 (Which adhesive tape to use to fit a dashcam to the windshield?) I was the one who had suggested that he should look at the Dashcam again. For this, he says he shall be eternally grateful to me. In fact, he says that he has fallen in love with me all over again. And not just me; his undying love for his Honda City too has been revived. He feels guilty for cursing the Baby Honda for no fault of its; and regrets hitting it at numerous spots last week trying to figure out where the rattle is emanating from. (I'm just glad that the issue got resolved before his surgical experiments resulted in new rattles) Imagine the horror he would have had to face; had he sold this car; removed the dash cam and fixed it to the new car; only to end up with the same baffling haunting noise a few years later. I know it is a little too premature to celebrate; but three days have passed, and the noise hasn't recurred so far. Meanwhile, Mr Car enthusiast is enjoying the calmness and the beauty of silence. I thank everyone for their suggestions and inputs. Now, we have a readymade thread in case any new rattle arises in the Baby Honda City. So, for now, I take your leave, that is, until the dreaded sound comes back.... Four days back, during one of our car outings, we were discussing about the nature (ie quality) of the rattling noise. Mr Car enthusiast felt as though it sounded like something was scraping against glass. But to me, it sounded like some radio frequency interference( for instance, the kind of sound one hears from the TV when there is a blank channel with white grains).When I was at work that day, the thought again popped up in my head. If it was a radiofrequency interference kind of sound, then it had two likely sources: one the Dashcam and the other the stereo. I immediately phoned Mr Car enthusiast, and asked him to check the Dashcam. (He had checked it a few days before; and at that time it had appeared to be firmly fixed; yet, I asked him to just check again to be sure).So on my insistence, he switched off the infotainment and then removed the dash cam. And bingo! The sound had vanished!There weren't any radio interferences, but the dash cam had a minor movement while connecting to the GPS module. And that made the noise.That night he removed the old insulation tape; and again delicately fixed it using new insulation tape.He says that when he had fixed the dashcam three years back; at that time too the cam was not touching the connectors in the GPS module, and he had used a few strips of insulation tape to make the connection firm. Apparently, this is a known issue in the older models of 70mai cams in which the GPS modules are sold separate and not inbuilt.So, his latest theory is that a few weeks back, when he switched on the heater for an extended time, the insulation tapes most likely, lost their adhesiveness, and the dashcam became loose again; thus scraping against the windshield and producing the grating noise.This theory is not that unbelievable; it is known to occur.I was the one who had suggested that he should look at the Dashcam again. For this, he says he shall be eternally grateful to me. In fact, he says that he has fallen in love with me all over again.And not just me; his undying love for his Honda City too has been revived. He feels guilty for cursing the Baby Honda for no fault of its; and regrets hitting it at numerous spots last week trying to figure out where the rattle is emanating from. (I'm just glad that the issue got resolved before his surgical experiments resulted in new rattles)Imagine the horror he would have had to face; had he sold this car; removed the dash cam and fixed it to the new car; only to end up with the same baffling haunting noise a few years later.I know it is a little too premature to celebrate; but three days have passed, and the noise hasn't recurred so far.Meanwhile, Mr Car enthusiast is enjoying the calmness and the beauty of silence.I thank everyone for their suggestions and inputs. Now, we have a readymade thread in case any new rattle arises in the Baby Honda City.So, for now, I take your leave, that is, until the dreaded sound comes back.... Popular tire company makes harsh cost-cutting decision amid declines originally appeared on TheStreet. When thinking about Formula 1, the world's most prestigious motor racing competition, only a few tire brands come to mind. This is because the motorsport uses a single tire supplier to ensure an even playing field for all teams, and the selected manufacturer must be exceptionally reliable and capable of meeting the sports demanding performance standards. This popular tire company rose to stardom as Formula 1's tire supplier from 1997 to 2010, providing tires for top teams like Ferrari for many years. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Ultimately, the company chose to end its long-standing partnership with Formula 1 in 2010 to refocus its resources and prioritize its business, as the returns on investment no longer met expectations. Related: Tesla unveils an unusual innovation to win back customers However, even the world's largest tire and rubber company is not immune to today's economic challenges or devastating shutdowns to make ends meet. Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations files WARN notice.Shutterstock Bridgestone faces troublesome challenges The multinational tire and rubber company Bridgestone Corp. has faced various business challenges over the last few months, including a decline in tire demand in the North American market, partly due to increased imports of low-priced tires. These bumps in the road have only grown due to U.S. tariff implementations and the uncertain economy. To mitigate the effects of these challenges, the company developed a Mid-Term Business Plan that would be enacted from 2024 to 2026. This multi-year strategy consisted of significant cost reductions and various restructurings to strengthen the company financially. Related: When you'll see empty retail store shelves due to tariffs However, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, once positive numbers have now flipped, total revenues declined by 1% compared to last year, and the Americas went down 3%. The company predicts more negative revenues for the rest of 2025, predicting a 2% decline compared to the year prior. Bridgestone Americas files a WARN notice Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corp. (BRDCY) , filed a WARN notice with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) on May 30 to inform the state that it will be permanently closing its Bridgestone facility in La Vergne, Tenn., on July 31, impacting 658 hourly and staffed workers. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or WARN, requires companies to give employees 60 days' notice before planned closures or mass layoffs. The big picture: In our review of the 8GB variant of Nvidia's RTX 5060 Ti, we suggested that the GeForce 50 lineup might go down as the company's worst ever. Yet despite scarcity at more reasonable pricing, fierce competition from AMD, and plenty of criticism, Team Green's latest family of graphics cards has propelled it to unprecedented market dominance (even without taking AI into consideration). According to Jon Peddie Research, total sales of dedicated desktop graphics cards reached 9.2 million units in the first quarter of 2025 an increase of more than 8% both year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter. Although both Nvidia and AMD launched new GPU lineups during this period, Nvidia benefited far more. Nvidia sold millions of RTX 50 series GPUs between January and March, while AMD's Radeon 9000 series shipped fewer than 750,000 units. Nvidia's market share surged to a historic 92%, squeezing AMD down to an all-time low of 8% and leaving nothing for Intel. Jon Peddie told Tom's Hardware that underproduction on AMD's side is the primary factor behind this dramatic gap. AMD reported "unprecedented" demand for the RX 9070 and 9070 XT in March, suggesting that it was caught off guard and is now racing to ramp up supply. The company also faces the added challenge of balancing its allocation of TSMC semiconductors between Radeon GPUs and Ryzen 9000 CPUs, which have also been in short supply following a strong market response. Interestingly, German GPU sales from last month outside the scope of the Jon Peddie report showed AMD ahead of Nvidia, hinting that upcoming financial briefs could reveal growing momentum for AMD's cards if production can catch up. Nvidia, meanwhile, expanded its already dominant market position despite releasing some of the least exciting graphics products in recent memory. In our reviews, we noted that the RTX 50 series GPUs deliver little performance uplift over the RTX 40 Super lineup. During recent coverage of Nvidia's quarterly financials, the company's gaming revenue (PC graphics cards) surged to a record $3.8 billion, up 42% year-over-year and 48% quarter-over-quarter. That's the fastest growth rate the gaming GPU segment has seen in years. However an "overlooked" factor behind gaming revenue growth may be the increasing diversion of high-end consumer GPUs into small-scale AI operations. As demand for AI compute spreads beyond large data centers to startups and independent developers, some gaming-class GPUs especially higher-end RTX cards are being repurposed for machine learning workloads. To AMD's credit, their latest Radeons finally caught up to Nvidia in ray tracing performance and upscaling image quality after trailing for several GPU generations. That triumph, alongside larger VRAM pools in some products, has allowed the $600+ Radeon 9070 XT to outpace its direct competitors and touch the $1,000 RTX 5080 in certain scenarios. Upcoming quarterly reports will shed more light on the battle between mainstream GPUs such as the RTX 5060, RX 9060, and possibly the Intel Arc B770. While AMD scrambles to increase production, Nvidia may scale back consumer GPU output to refocus on its true revenue driver: AI chips. What has been established for almost the entire year is that TikTok is safe from getting banned in the United States, and a new report revealed that President Donald J. Trump is extending its upcoming deadline again to avoid being taken down. It is essential to note that TikTok continues to face the infamous Foreign Adversary law, which threatens its operations in the country due to its connections to China. That being said, President Trump has backed TikTok since the start of his reign, and it has already given the company two chances to find a US buyer and take over its operations to be safe from the law. TikTok Is Getting an Extension From Trump Again The Wall Street Journal shared a new report suggesting that TikTok's upcoming deadline this month is getting an extension from President Trump again, helping the company still continue its operations in the country. The law remains in effect against TikTok, particularly since the company is designated as a foreign entity with access to United States user data. This is the third time that President Trump is delaying the inevitable again, with the first one happening on June 20 rightafter he was sworn into office and began his second term as the leader of the US. The next one came after the original 75-day extension elapsed sometime around April, with the President executing another order to give the same number of days for TikTok to finalize its deal with a US company. The TikTok Ban: Upcoming June 19 Deadline The last extension from April saw a June 19 deadline that is currently nearing, and without the intervention of President Trump, TikTok would see it go dark again as the law mandates it to be taken down if it operates outside an American entity. The prohibitions against TikTok are not yet gone, and this problem is far from being in their rearview mirror as it requires them to be owned and operated by a US company. While there are already multiple companies and investors bidding for the platform, the US and China's negotiations for it are still in the process of selecting one. TikTok Is on Thin Ice in the United States When January 19 came, TikTok effectively shut down its operations in the United States as the sale deadline for the company was up, and it has not yet found any buyers to take over the platform in the country. However, this was only a temporary ban that lasted for hours as immediately after President Trump was sworn in, he enacted an executive order that is essentially a sale deadline extension. This first leeway from TikTok gave it a 75-day sale extension until early April, with the platform given more than two months to find a buyer in the United States that would divest it from ByteDance. Despite this, April 6 came and went without any deals being finalized or closed by ByteDance to any US company, but TikTok instead got another sale extension from the POTUS himself. On the legal side of things, TikTok is still on thin ice as the Foreign Adversary law is still in effect, and it is hanging over their heads as they are not exempted from it, rather, they are only supported by the most powerful man in the country.TikTok is not yet safe from the looming ban, but the good thing is that it got significant support from the administration which gives it time until it finds the right buyer for it. PowerSecure, The Southern Company (NYSE:SO)'s subsidiary known for its cutting-edge energy solutions, has announced an expanded partnership with Edged, a top developer of highly efficient and sustainable data centers and digital infrastructure. Under this collaboration, PowerSecure will deliver advanced power distribution systems to support Edgeds data centers across the US. PowerSecure Partners with Edged to Advance Eco-Friendly Data Centers Across the Country A shipping tanker moving through a busy port with containers stacked in the background. This growing alliance began with the Edged Atlanta campus, which launched commercial operations in August 2024. Since then, the two companies have worked together on projects in major cities including Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Des Moines, Kansas City, and Phoenix. So far, PowerSecure has supplied 152 megawatts of critical load capacity to Edged facilities and remains committed to supporting the companys expansion. Edged is raising the bar for sustainability in the tech sector with data centers that use no water for cooling saving millions of gallons annually per site and cut overhead energy consumption by 74%, all while handling intensive AI workloads in hot climates. Jim Smith, president of PowerSecure, made the following statement: We are proud to work with Edged in delivering customized, resilient power solutions that support the next generation of data centers. This alliance reflects the strength of our team and our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and reliability in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. PowerSecure is proud to be a key player in addressing these challenges, delivering the reliability and resilience upon which our communities and customers have come to depend. With over 20 years of experience, PowerSecure leads the US distributed energy infrastructure space and has developed, installed, and managed more than 2 gigawatts of microgrid capacity. Its parent company, The Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides clean, reliable, and affordable energy to 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond. SO has surged by nearly 8% since the start of 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of SO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Why These Energy Stocks Are Losing This Week and 20 Best Dividend Growth Stocks with High Yields Disclosure. None. Indonesian minister says EU free trade talks to wrap up this month Jakarta, June 7 (AFP) Jun 07, 2025 Indonesia and the European Union are expected to conclude talks over an economic cooperation deal that will relax trade barriers this month, Jakarta's top economic minister said on Saturday. Southeast Asia's largest economy and the 27-member European bloc have been negotiating since 2016 to strike a deal that is expected to increase trade and investment. Ties have been frayed by a proposed import ban on products linked to deforestation into the EU that has angered Indonesia because it is a major palm oil exporter. However, Jakarta's chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto told an online briefing on Saturday that talks were nearing their conclusion. "We already have entered the final round. This means that we have resolved almost all issues," Airlangga told reporters. He said in an earlier statement Indonesia and the EU would announce the conclusion of the negotiations by the end of June. Airlangga did not disclose any agreements that would be part of the deal. He said the next step was a legal drafting process to be completed in a "short time" before the two parties could ratify the agreement. One of the main points of the agreement is the eradication of non-tariff barriers and the lowering of tariffs to make their markets more accessible to the other, Airlangga said. "A strategic advantage for Indonesia is the opening of the European market which has so far been subject to relatively higher tariffs and import duties compared to our neighbouring countries," he said. The EU will also give "special treatment" to Indonesia on its top exports, potentially including forestry products, Airlangga said without elaborating. The European bloc is Indonesia's fifth-largest trading partner with bilateral trade between them reaching $30.1 billion last year, according to Airlangga's statement. 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 The acclaimed author Stephen King has issued a blistering critique of the ongoing feud between US president Donald Trump and his former ally, Elon Musk. This week, the two former allies bitterly fell out with each sharing strong accusations against the other on social media. Musk, who infamously invested millions into Trumps campaign and quickly dubbed himself first buddy, became the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. The department was tasked with slashing the federal budget. However, Musk soon found himself ousted from the presidents inner circle after clashing with Trump over his proposed spending bill. The president shrugged off the feud in calls with multiple TV networks on Friday morning, dismissing Musk as a man who has lost his mind, saying he was not particularly interested in reconciliation, and the poor guys got a problem. Musk has refuted Trump by declaring that he wouldnt have won the election without his help and also alleged the files on paedophile Jeffrey Epstein are being withheld because they mention the president. King, a frequent and outspoken critic of Trump, has now shared his thoughts on the situation and rather than take sides, has attempted to put the argument into perspective. Posting on X/Twitter on Friday (6 June), the 77-year-old writer said: Couple of billionaires having a hissy little catfight. Who gives a s***? The world actually has problems. The It and Carrie author has previously warned Musk that he was too bright to be supporting Trump and did briefly stop posting on X/Twitter, which is owned by the Tesla CEO, claiming that it had become too toxic under his leadership. King is just one of many celebrities who have shared their opinion on Trump and Musks fight. Rapper Kanye West, a Trump supporter, wrote on social media: Broooos please noooooo. We love you both so much. Jon Favreau, host of the podcast Pod Save America, joked, I'd love to know who gets custody of @DavidSacks. Meanwhile, Boxer and influencer Jake Paul said: One of the problems with the Republican Party is on display today (As a current Republican) We unfortunately have these Alpha male egos and leaders who arent mature enough sometimes. Theyre 50+ years old and diss tweeting each other. Elon and Trump are great but they need to work together and not make America look bad. Donald Trump and Elon Musk have fallen out over a proposed spending bill ( AP ) Elsewhere, Today Show host Savannah Guthrie quipped: First of all, to just use TikTok language, its giving 7th-grade girl. Meet the Press anchor Kristen Welker wholeheartedly agreed, saying: Savannah, you hit the nail on the head. 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 Tyler Perrys new Netflix film, Straw, has debuted with a strong audience score on Rotten Tomatoes despite failing to convince the critics. Straw is the latest project from Perry and Netflixs film creative partnership that has the filmmaker writing, directing, and producing features under a multi-year, first-look deal. It stars Taraji P. Henson as a single mother struggling to care for her sick daughter alongside Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor. Shes just trying to survive, just trying to be a great mother to her daughter, and then the circumstances in her life cause her to be in this situation, Perry told Netflixs Tudum publication about the storyline. I think that a lot of people around the world, no matter if youre a Black woman or not, will be able to relate to that feeling of, Im at my last straw. Straw landed on the streamer on Friday and currently has an audience Popcornmeter rating of 80 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It does not yet have an average critic score on the review aggregator. open image in gallery Taraji P. Henson plays Janiyah Wiltkinson in Straw ( Netflix ) Currently watching Straw on Netflix, and it's been a long time since a movie touched me this hard, one viewer raved on X. I know it's just a movie, but it hits close to home thinking about people who are actually going through so much in life and are close to hitting their last straw. I dont care what anyone says about Tyler Perry, STRAW was phenomenal!! wrote another. Others specifically praised Hensons performance in the movie. If Taraji P Henson dont get a damn Oscar for this I will raise HELL! one fan pledged. This girl acted her ass off in this movie.I cried so much watching this. Her ethic,ambition,poise,&resilience shown in this movie she needs the credit she doesnt get! Every scene in this movie just traumatized me. Taraji P Henson is truly one of the greatest actresses of her generation, added another. open image in gallery Teyana Taylor as Officer Kay Raymond in Straw ( Netflix ) Film critics were less convinced by the project. The Guardians Andrew Lawrence argued that Hensons acting deserved more in his two-star review. Yet again its Henson who delivers the powerhouse performance while edging from distress to anger to winsome compassion. Its just a shame that after hiring her for four films now, Perry is still treating her like a speed bag, Lawrence wrote. 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. Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporters Lovia Gyarkye described the film as reliably overwrought. Fans of the [Perry] will recognize the melange of caricatures and predictable plotting that propel Straw to its charged conclusion, writes Gyarkye. The Washington Posts Ty Burr offered a withering take: Few filmmakers portray the Black American experience with so much heart and so little finesse as Tyler Perry. Straw is out now on Netflix. 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 Alan Yentobs last interview will air on BBC Two on Sunday (8 June), the broadcaster has confirmed. Yentob, the presenter and long-time BBC executive, died in May at the age of 78. His final programme will be an interview with the artist Jenny Saville, titled When Alan Yentob Met Jenny Saville. The documentary is set to air as part of a special tribute night on BBC Two and iPlayer, featuring some of the presenters best-loved films, including his interviews with David Bowie, Salman Rushdie and Mel Brooks. Yentob had been working with Saville on a film for his Imagine documentary series before his death and persuaded the artist, who rose to fame during the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement of the late Eighties and early Nineties, to allow cameras into her studio for the first time in nearly three decades. Alan and I were beginning to work on a documentary about my paintings from across the years, Saville said. It was an honour to know Alan, who Id met in my early twenties and we reconnected to make this film. open image in gallery Yentob persuaded Jenny Saville to allow cameras into her studio for the first time in nearly three decades ( BBC Studios ) Suzy Klein, the BBCs head of arts and classical music TV, hailed Yentob as a titan of arts broadcasting and described his last interview as a testament to his relentless curiosity and advocacy for the arts across many decades. News of Yentobs death was confirmed by his wife Philippa Walker, who described the Arena host as curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body as well as the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. open image in gallery Yentob was hailed as a towering figure in British broadcasting by the BBCs director-general ( Getty Images ) Yentob joined the BBC in 1968 as a trainee and would later secure unprecedented access to David Bowie to film the documentary Cracked Actor. He became the controller of BBC Two in 1988 and later took on the same role at BBC One between 1993 and 1997. In 2004, he was announced as the broadcasters creative director. He commissioned hit BBC shows such as Absolutely Fabulous, the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, Have I Got News for You and Wallace & Gromit. In a tribute, BBC director-general Tim Davie said that Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts and cultural visionary who shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond. 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 Comedian and actor Dawn French has apologised after a video she posted about the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Palestine was met with backlash. The 67-year-old shared a video on Thursday (5 June) where she attempted to critique those supporting Israels ongoing military campaign in Gaza. In the since-deleted video, The Vicar of Dibley star said, in an exaggerated tone, complicated, no, but nuanced. But [the] bottom line is no. Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us and we want that land and we have history Those people arent really even people, are they? she continued with each statement ending with no. The video, which was viewed more than four million times, was strongly critiqued, with many feeling that she trivialised the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. In response, French issued a lengthy apology and acknowledged that her satirical video failed in its original intention. OK, its important for me to address this. I posted a video in the style Ive been using for social media in an effort to convey an important point. I clumsily used a mocking tone. My intention was NEVER to mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened on 7 October 2023 and what continues to unfold from that brutal, unthinkable, unforgivable savage [attack]. My heart broke for the many innocent people and their families that were killed, tortured, raped and kidnapped. The fact that hostages are still held is utterly appalling. She added that her aim was to mock and point the finger of shame at the behaviour of the cruel leaders on ALL sides of this atrocious war, who have continued to behave like the worst, dangerous, sickening bullies and seem to relish the tyrannical and childish one-upmanship of the violence. They were my target, but clearly I failed to do that, and thats on me. French continued by apologising that her disgust at Hamas didnt figure and that her video appeared one-sided. The star said that she had been motivated to make the video out of the growing sense of helplessness around the war, particularly the suffering of children in Gaza. The images of starving and wounded children have haunted me day and night, French wrote. History has taught us never to stand by and allow this kind of inhumane violence to be wrought on anyone, especially innocent children. I have felt my silence is complicit or even somehow sanctioning. So in my small way, I wanted to voice my desire to say NO to both sides to any further violence. I hope you will understand my intention was not to offend, but clearly I have. For which I am sorry, and I have removed the video. The Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French has apologised after a video she posted ( Getty Images ) Palestinian health authorities state that more than 52,800 people, a large proportion of whom are women and children, have been killed in the Israel-Gaza conflict, which many human rights organisations have described as a genocide. Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told the BBC on Wednesday (4 June) that the enclave had become worse than hell on earth and that states are not doing enough to end the war, end the suffering of Palestinians and secure the release of Israeli hostages. 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 Jeremy Clarkson has banned a prospective customer from his Cotswolds pub after they criticised its food prices. Clarkson, 65, opened the doors to The Farmers Dog pub near Burford, Oxfordshire, last August and has documented the lead-up to the launch on the latest series of his Prime Video reality show Clarksons Farm. The former Top Gear host didnt hold back when one Twitter/X user weighed in on the cost of dining at the establishment, which serves produce from Clarksons nearby farm, Diddly Squat. The social media user claimed that the price for one meal at The Farmers Dog was a bit much, writing: Thought @JeremyClarkson wanted an affordable pub for customers. 24 for pie and veg is a bit much. Another detractor then chimed in with a comment about the price of British beef, claiming: Dead weight for British beef is far too expensive 6.89/kg for R4L [a term used for grading beef] down from the record high 6.98/kg earlier in the month. Clarkson then responded simply by stating: You are now banned from the pub. open image in gallery The former Top Gear host didnt hold back when responding to a sceptical social media user ( X: @JeremyClarkson ) Its not the first time that Clarkson has laid down the law to bar potential customers from his new venture Last year, a photo of The Farmers Dogs people who are banned list circulated on social media, with prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Clarksons former Top Gear and The Grand Tour co-star James May sharing the dubious honour of being the first two people to be barred. Mays Grand Tour colleague Richard Hammond has also previously joked that he is not allowed to visit the pub either. Clarkson took over the venue, formerly known as The Windmill, in June 2024, intending to serve food and drink from local suppliers. open image in gallery Clarkson is reinventing himself as a pub landlord ( Prime Video / Ellis O'Brien ) The concluding episodes of season four of Clarksons Farm aired on Prime Video on Friday (6 June) and showed the broadcaster struggling to prepare for the pubs grand opening after mixing up the dates of the August bank holiday, with Clarkson eventually putting the finishing touches to the venue as customers queue up outside. On Thursday, analysts at Raymond James raised Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN)s price target to $83 from $79, while maintaining an Outperform rating for the stock. The revised price target represents a 14% upside potential from its current trading value. Raymond James Lifts Ciena Corporation (CIEN)'s Price Target To $83, Maintains Outperform Rating A team of telecom engineers discussing a communication infrastructure diagram. Raymond James adjustment follows Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN)s Q2 FY25 earnings call on June 5, in which the company reported revenue of $1.13 billion, up 23.6% year-over-year, driven by accelerating demand in cloud and AI. However, Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN)s adjusted earnings per share of $0.42 missed analysts' estimates by 9 cents, overshadowing the impressive revenue growth. The companys gross margin also declined to 41% from 43.5% in the prior years quarter. Shares crashed nearly 13% on Wednesday to close at $73.05. Despite disappointing investors, the stock has demonstrated remarkable strength over the past year, gaining over 51% during the period. Raymond James analysts remain confident about the companys growth prospects, given its technology leadership and favorable market trends. They expressed optimism about Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN)s long-term potential, citing its strong strategic position in the industry. Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) is a network technology company that provides hardware, software, and services to a range of network operators. While we acknowledge the potential of CIEN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: ChatGPT Stock Advice: Top 12 Stock Recommendations and 10 Cheap Rising Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. 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 Former Great British Bake-Off winner Nadiya Hussain has revealed that the BBC has chosen not to renew her cooking show for further seasons. Hussain, 40, won the beloved baking show in 2015 and has been a fixture on the broadcasters schedules ever since, helming shows such as Nadiyas Fast Flavours, Nadiyas British Food Adventure and Nadiyas Family Favourites. In a video shared on Instagram, the TV presenter revealed that the BBC didnt want to commission the show any more and described the news as a huge turning point for her. The BBC have decided that they didnt want to commission a show, Hussain told her followers. And for me, that was a huge turning point because its something Ive done for the past 10 years. I was already on this steady trajectory of change and I was thinking about where I wanted my career to go, she added. open image in gallery Hussain won The Great British Bake-Off in 2015 and has become one of the shows most popular stars ( PA ) And when the BBC decided they didnt want to commission the show any more, it really did kind of solidify everything for me, and it made me dig my heels in and think, OK, I know where I want to be. A BBC spokesperson confirmed the news while describing Hussain as a much-valued part of the BBC family. After several wonderful series we have made the difficult decision not to commission another cookery show with Nadiya Hussain at the moment, the spokesperson said. Nadiya remains a much-valued part of the BBC family, and we look forward to working together on future projects. open image in gallery The TV chef said her career is moving in a positive direction ( PA ) In the video, Hussain also reflected on her experiences working in the food industry as a Muslim woman, noting that she had experienced a lot of gaslighting. Its really difficult, she said. As a Muslim woman, I work in an industry that doesnt always support people like me or recognise my talent or full potential. Theres a lot of gaslighting, making me feel like whats actually happening isnt happening. The TV chef promised fans that her career is moving in a positive direction and hinted that she is working on some new things. She added that she is now focused on being my most authentic self, and working with people who believe my voice has a platform, and believing in my talent. 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 Oh yeah. I definitely think I want kids at some point. I was breezily told this by a guy I was on a sort-of date with a notable statement considering the man was 44 years old and single. I had been noticing this phenomenon, or something like it, cropping up more and more frequently recently: unattached men blithely expressing their confident expectation that they would, at some vague, undefined point in the future, realise their paternal destiny despite apparently taking no action to achieve this goal, such as dating with intention, committing to a relationship or creating the sort of life that would be conducive to starting a family. Even better, sometimes they shared the sentiment that they were still thinking about it, having come to no firm conclusions on the matter upon entering middle age. Its not just anecdotal. The average age of fathers is going up around the world, including England and Wales, where it has increased to 33.7 years old. There has been a postponement of parenthood in general: the average age of first-time mothers has risen to 29 in the UK (more than half of women now remain childless by the age of 30 for the first time since records began), while the birthrate decline in nearly every country on Earth has been well documented. Millennials have been dubbed the Peter Pan generation due to our delaying of big life milestones such as getting married and getting sprogged up; concurrently, the propensity to cling onto culture aimed at children has resulted in the cursed phenomenon of the Disney adult. At a time when previous generations would have been embarking on a mid-life crisis, complete with sportscar, leather jacket and abandoning the wife and kids for their 26-year-old secretary, many of the current cohort are still stuck in first gear, mulling over the baby question as if they had all the time in the world. And, on the one hand, men do. Quick biology lesson: unlike women, who are born with all the eggs theyre ever going to have and release just one a month between puberty and menopause when reproduction shuts up shop, most men create millions upon millions of new sperm throughout their lifetime. Hence why you can see the likes of Robert De Niro casually cracking out another baby at 79. On the other hand, just because its possible, doesnt mean its probable. Counter to what culture would have us believe, males very much have their own fertility window. One 2020 study found that conception is 30 per cent less likely for men over 40 than it is for men under 30. Those like De Niro are an exception, rather than the rule, says Dr Michael Carroll, a reader in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University and author of Clinical Reproductive Science. Its not a full stop theres not a definitive cessation of reproduction but past the age of about 40, the quality of sperm starts to decline. Motility, the capacity to swim really well, declines; morphology, what they look like in terms of shape, becomes not great; and the number of sperm produced declines as well. open image in gallery The majority of childless men say they want kids some day ( Getty/iStock ) Its not just that the likelihood of conception goes down with paternal age; the likelihood that any baby conceived will have certain health issues also goes up. Over the years, those spermatogonia will start to pick up errors in mutations, explains Carroll. Those mutations can be carried through to the mature sperm, then through to the offspring. So older men have a higher propensity of producing children that have neuropsychiatric disorders or neurodevelopmental disorders. A large 2014 study based on Swedish medical records suggested that children born to fathers older than 45 were about 75 per cent more likely than those born to fathers in their early twenties to have autism, for example. Yet, currently, there seems to be a conspicuous education gap. Men dont know much about their reproductive capabilities, argues Carroll. In fact, I dont think men really think about reproduction at all until theyre in a relationship where theres a decision to start a family and by that time, if theyre in their late thirties or early forties, the quality of sperm has already decreased, and so their time to pregnancy will have likely increased. The vast majority of the research and conversation around infertility has historically focused on women, causing it to be seen by society as a womens issue. In reality, its completely equal 50 per cent of fertility problems within a heterosexual couple will derive from the man. This misconception might be no accident, though, posits Dr Robin Hadley, an associate lecturer who specialises in male involuntary and circumstantial childlessness. Societies have a social clock, an ideal period of when to reproduce, he says. Within that, men were always assumed to be fully fertile from puberty till death. Whats the benefit to society to maintain that myth? It keeps the focus on women and womens bodies, and its about control. Past the age of about 40, the quality of sperm starts to decline Dr Michael Carroll Data is often not even collected on mens fecundity in the same way it is for women, such as during birth registrations and questionnaires for large health data sets like the UK Biobank. Hadley cites a political scientist in America called Cynthia R Daniels: She said its because societies will usually go to war at some point, and they dont want to give a psychological advantage to any enemy that their men are weak, he says. Societies dont want to see their men as vulnerable in any way. And yet men are vulnerable when it comes to reproduction. Theres a growing body of evidence indicating that mens sperm is reducing in quality and quantity. In 2017, a study demonstrated that total sperm counts had declined by 59 per cent in high-income countries since 1973. The same study, repeated in 2023, found that sperm counts are reducing at a rate of around 2 per cent per year. Other research has shown a possible dip in overall motility. Thats probably a more important factor when youre looking at fertility, because sperm need to swim quite an arduous journey to reach an egg, says Carroll. Its the equivalent of swimming seven miles through treacle. Add in a documented decrease in testosterone levels in men, and its clear that fertility, or lack thereof, is not just a female problem, its a male and female problem. Despite often being seen as the ones to drag their heels on the baby-making decision, the irony is that its childless men, not women, who are more likely to say they dream of being parents. Some 57 per cent of men said they want to have children someday, compared to 45 per cent of women, according to a poll by Pew Research Centre. open image in gallery OAP fathers like Robert De Niro give the false impression that men are equally fertile from puberty till death ( AP ) In which case, why arent they more proactive about the decision? The nebulous term some day could be at the crux of the matter the visualisation of becoming a father as some ambiguous, indeterminate event, happening to some hazy future version of oneself. Its an issue known as identity discontinuation, according to Sekoul Krastev, managing director of The Decision Lab, a consultancy that applies behavioural science to real-world decision-making. There has been interesting research to show that men are more disconnected from their future selves than women for various reasons, he says. It can have this consequence of making them more likely to think of decisions as being removed from them, not something that they have to face; something that they can postpone and not really have to think about. And indeed, fertility decisions often end up falling to women. Research into family planning shows that Its mainly the women in heterosexual couples who are taking charge of the fertility question, according to Dr Vincent Straub, a population researcher at the University of Oxford whose work focuses on mens health and reproductive genetics. Theres still this implicit bias that reproduction is a female topic, and its not something where the man should be leading the conversation. Theres a lack of engagement from men. Biology, too, plays a part that lack of a perceived fertility cut-off for men could unconsciously lead to procrastination. A man and a woman reaching the same age and thinking about kids are thinking about it very differently, says Krastev. For women, its something of an off-ramp. Its a decision of: Will I have one now or never?, as opposed to Now or later? Theres still this implicit bias that reproduction is a female topic, and its not something where the man should be leading the conversation Dr Vincent Straub, University of Oxford Theres some evidence to show that a lack of a hard deadline can result in vacillation and indecision. Usually, people will take the time that theyre allotted to make a decision or do a task, says Krastev. But if you give someone too much time, it could actually lead to a bad decision. He cites the secretary problem, a mathematical problem set in the 1950s: someone is trying to hire a new employee but has to immediately decide after each interview whether or not to hire the candidate or reject them and move on to the next. You dont have a timeline of when to stop looking for that person, so you can just keep interviewing people forever because youre not sure if the next person will be the best person that youve ever met, says Krastev. This quandary could perhaps be best observed in the precursor to the decision to have children: the decision of who to have children with. Everyone tells you this is the most important decision youll ever make, so obviously you dont want to get it wrong you want to optimise the decision, adds Krastev. So even someone whos very well intentioned and wants to have kids at an early age might think, Well, is this really the right time? The right person? Could I do better? The rise of dating apps and subsequent idea that the one could always be another swipe away has only exacerbated things further. It all makes for the perfect breeding ground for decision paralysis when we feel unable to make a choice due to overwhelm, overthinking or fear that were going to choose wrong. It usually happens when theres an unlimited amount of time, an unlimited or high number of options, and other types of uncertainty are introduced. And with having kids, obviously thats quite a lot of uncertainty, says Krastev. open image in gallery Half the time, infertility in heterosexual couples is caused by issues with the male partner ( Getty/iStock ) The take-home from the experts is that the culture around family planning has to change men need to be properly educated and empowered to be a proactive part of the decision-making process. Straub highlights a current three-way gender gap education, research and policy that needs addressing. The average mans comparative lack of fertility education is baked in, to a large extent, even in the research infrastructure, says Straub. The lack of research or evidence on this topic is already a demonstration that we dont even know the level of education of men when it comes to their reproductive health. Theres also emerging research that explores how parental policies shape who takes ownership of procreation decisions. If theres an imbalance to begin with, such as maternity versus paternity leave (the latter is only two weeks in the UK), it reinforces the expectation that fertility decisions are driven by women because theyll inevitably be the ones making a trade-off between career and childcare responsibilities. The expectation is that, for the man, that trade-off doesnt even exist, says Straub. But there are reasons to be hopeful. In November 2024, a new National Mens Health Strategy was announced by the UK health secretary, which includes plans to improve mens health literacy, education and training. A new research organisation dedicated to understanding and addressing issues affecting men and boys in the UK, the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, was also launched this year. There is now a shift, and these kinds of conversations will hopefully start, not just in research settings, but also in classrooms, says Straub. But the gap definitely, definitely still exists. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sean Diddy Combs bought an ex-girlfriend new teeth and is still paying rent for her home as part of a love contract she made with the music mogul, his sex trafficking trial heard. The woman, testifying under the pseudonym Jane Doe, testified all day Friday about her relationship with Diddy, their so-called hotel nights days-long drug-fueled sex sessions. She told the court how Diddy began paying for her new house after she verbally agreed to the love contract with him in March 2023. The jury heard that Diddy asked her what she wanted as a monthly allowance, but when she asked for $15,000, he countered with $10,000, which she agreed to. She said that she used the first payment to move into the home and that he still covers her monthly rent. Diddy also provided $15,000 for the furniture to fill the apartment. The allowance made her feel like there was some sort of balance in our relationship because she was always loving to him and for once, this was him giving me some love in return, Doe told the court. She testified that Diddy also paid for her to get new veneers because he didnt like my teeth. Kristina Khorram, Diddys chief of staff, made the appointment for her, Doe recalled. In early April 2023, Doe texted him that she hadnt seen him in a while, without the company of male escorts, prompting Diddy to note his recent purchases. Well get over it please. Look at that roof over your head and that pretty smile, he said in a text Doe read in court. The music mogul faces five federal counts of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty. The major purchases were far from the only memorable moments in the courtroom Friday. At the start of the day, Diddy blew a kiss to his mother, who was sitting in the pews, and mouthed: Hi, Mommy. Doe testified about carrying drugs in her luggage from Los Angeles to Miami on two occasions for Diddy. Doe was really jealous when she saw another woman spending quality time with Diddy, like hanging out with him at the studio and gym, while most of the time she spent with him was at hotels. Jane Doe testified that Diddy also paid for her to get new veneers because he didnt like my teeth ( REUTERS ) Doe read another text from September 2023, in which she claimed the hotel nights were the only reason you have me around and why you pay for the house. She repeatedly told jurors that she didnt like sleeping with escorts and only wanted to sleep with her partner. Doe testified that when she objected to future hotel nights later in their relationship, Diddy would say things like: If you want to break up, thats fine. Im not about to be paying rent for a womans house that Im not seeing. She said she wasnt trying to break up with him, but felt obligated to perform these nights with him. As part of their love contract, they agreed to take a break from hotel nights for two years, she testified. Earlier in the day, she broke down in tears on the stand while describing some of the hotel nights, stating that Diddy didnt like it when the escorts wore condoms. One time, on her birthday in 2023, she reluctantly participated in a hotel night and asked an escort to wear a condom. Diddy gave her dirty looks and then said: You better not ask for a f***ing condom, she testified. Still, he grabbed a condom and Doe and the escort proceeded. Doe said she developed frequent urinary tract infections and her body became sore as a result of the hotel nights. The jury also heard a voicenote that Diddy sent Doe in August 2023 during an argument after she cancelled on their hotel night plans because she wasnt feeling well. Im about to really disappear on youYoull have a rude awakening. Youll just have silence, he told her. Doe said she was pretty alarmed by that message because it made her realize that he could just cut me off at any moment he wanted. Her testimony continues Monday. 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 Escaped Arkansas murderer Grant Hardin the subject of the Devil in the Ozarks true crime documentary has been captured after he escaped captivity, according to the Mountain View Police. Hardin escaped from the Arkansas Department of Corrections' North Central Unit on May 25 after he disguised himself as a law enforcement officer. The Arkansas Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness confirmed to KARK that Hardin was captured "about a mile" from the prison, where he was hiding in the woods. According to Magness, a specialized tracking unit from the US Border Patrol assisted area police in the search. Hardin, a former police chief in Gateway, Arkansas, was serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and another sentence for rape. His case drew national attention and was the subject of the true-crime documentary Devil in the Ozarks. He was being housed in a maximum-security wing of the primarily medium-security prison, formerly known as the North Central Unit, now called Calico Rock. Officials are investigating whether a job Hardin worked in the facilitys kitchen aided in his escape. The investigation will focus in part on whether or not the role gave him access to materials he could have used to create his disguise, the Associated Press reported. On the day of his escape, Hardin was pushing a cart while wearing his makeshift uniform. He approached a door with the cart in tow, and a prison guard opened a secure gate, which allowed him to exit the facility. Hardin had been outside for approximately 20 minutes before a correctional officer noticed that he was missing. No other inmates escaped during the breakout. Before he was caught, Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert J. Hammons wrote in a criminal complaint that based on two unconfirmed sightings, one which placed Hardin in Missouri Hardin had fled the state. Based on this information, investigators believe Hardin has fled the state of Arkansas to avoid recapture, the filing said. Hammons also noted in his write-up that Hardin had extensive knowledge of the region and experience as a survivalist. 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 deputy marshal said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The man accused of killing King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss, 59, maintains his innocence, his lawyer said in a statement Friday. Police arrested Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, in connection with the murder of Joss, who was shot dead last Sunday in front of his San Antonio home following a neighborhood argument, police say. Alfonso Otero, Alvarezs lawyer, said his client categorically denies any accusations and statements made against him by individuals and the media. In a statement obtained by The Independent on Friday, Otero added, We urge the public to withhold judgment until all the evidence is disclosed. open image in gallery Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez (left), the neighbor accused of killing King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss, maintains his innocence, his lawyer said on Friday. ( Getty Images/Associated Press ) We have confidence and trust that the judicial process will be fair to all parties involved and request everyone to respect Mr. Ceja and his familys right to privacy and his constitutional right to a fair trial, the statement continued. Joss husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales , 23, said he and the Parks and Recreation actor were visiting their burned-down home last Sunday to check the mail, The Independent previously reported. They were stunned when they arrived to find the charred skull of one of their three dogs that had died in a January house fire, Kern de Gonzales said. Kern de Gonzales said the charred skull was placed on the ground in clear view.n He said that he and Joss began crying and screaming, which led to the deadly confrontation with Alvarez. In a social media post announcing Joss death, Kern de Gonzales claimed it was a hate crime. The San Antonio Police Department previously said there was no evidence to indicate that Mr. Josss murder was related to his sexual orientation, but officials have since walked that back. open image in gallery Joss husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, said the deadly confrontation started after he and Joss began to cry and scream at the site of their dogs charred skull. ( Facebook/Tristan Kern de Gonzales ) We shouldn't have done it, SAPD Chief William McManus said Thursday at a press conference. It was way too soon, before we had any real information, and I will own that, he added. Kern de Gonzales told The Independent that he appreciate[s] all the efforts of everybody that got the SAPD to retract their statement. At the same time, there is really nothing the SAPD can do for me that would remedy anything, he 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 California police say two more minors have been identified as alleged victims in a child porn case agasint Joe Seiders, the former drummer for the Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers. On April 7, an 11-year-old boy told the Riverside County Sheriffs Department that a man, later identified as Seiders, 44, recorded him on a cell phone while he used the restroom at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Palm Desert, a community close to Palm Springs. Seiders returned to the restaurant on April 9, where he allegedly followed boys in and out of the restroom. Believing he was the same man from the previous incident, police were contacted and took Seiders into custody on child porn charges. A subsequent search of Seiders home uncovered evidence linking him to both incidents. His potential charges include possession of child sexual abuse materials, child molestation, and invasion of privacy. The new charges, brought against Seiders on this week, are from an unrelated incident, police said in a news release Friday. open image in gallery The New Pornographers have severed all ties with their former drummer Joe Seiders (pictured) following his arrest. ( WireImage ) While officials did not reveal the ages or genders of the two new alleged victims, Seiders additional charges include committing lewd acts with a minor by force or fear, using or coercing a minor to produce child pornography, possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child, and invasion of privacy. The New Pornographers have yet to address the new charges publicly, but issued a statement after Seiders initial arrest. Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by the news of the charges of Joe Seiders- we have immediately severed all ties with him, the April 17 statement posted to Instagram read. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions. The Independent contacted representatives for The New Pornographers on Saturday for comment. open image in gallery Joe Seiders, 44, joined The New Pornographers in 2014. ( Riverside County Sheriff ) Seiders joined the band in 2014, replacing former drummer Kurt Dahle. Formed in Vancouver in 1997, The New Pornographers released their latest single, Ballad of the Last Payphone, on April 2. 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 Police have thwarted a potential mass shooting targeting a Michigan graduation ceremony, according to the local sheriffs office. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said at a press conference Friday a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the foiled plot, per The Detroit News and WXYZ. Another suspect is still on the run, police said. On Tuesday, police were called to a graduation ceremony for the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac. While responding to a report of a fight where the ceremony was being held, instead, police said they ended up foiling a possible deadly mass shooting. While at the Pontiac graduation, someone told the cops about a Snapchat post they had seen threatening to shoot up the ceremony. I believe we probably prevented a mass shooting, Bouchard said. open image in gallery Police are hunting for Jamarion Hardiman, 20, (pictured) in connection with what they say was a thwarted potential mass shooting at a Michigan graduation ceremony. ( Oakland County Sheriff's Office ) The complexs security and police said two men were involved in a fight which started in a bathroom and moved to the parking lot. The 19-year-old and a 20-year-old were then seen putting packages underneath cars before leaving, according to Bouchard. There was a fully-loaded unregistered firearm with a 40-round magazine found in each package, according to officials. "Just those two weapons, without changing magazines, had 80 rounds of potential firepower," Bouchard said. "Shooting into a graduation, you can only imagine the outcome of that, he added. A 19-year-old suspect was arrested, but police said the 20-year-old suspect, Jamarion Hardiman, is still on the run. The graduation ceremony was able to carry on as planned. The Arts and Technology school said in a statement on Facebook on Friday: While a brief physical altercation did take place inside the venue, it was quickly handled by staff and security, and those involved were promptly removed. Thankfully, no one within the ceremony was harmed, and we were able to continue and complete our beautiful commencement celebration without further disruption. The school is a 30-minute drive south of Oxford High School, the scene of a deadly 2021 mass shooting carried out by then-15-year-old Ethan Crumbley. open image in gallery The school is just a 30-minute drive south of Oxford High School, the scene of a deadly 2021 mass shooting carried out by then-15-year-old Ethan Crumbley. ( Oakland County Sheriffs Office ) Crumbley killed four students and injured seven others, including a teacher. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole in December 2023. His parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, were sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. While they were not involved in the shooting, they failed to secure the handgun used in the shooting and failed to act on signs of their sons mental health issues. Linda Watson, the mom of one of the victims who was injured in the Oxford shooting, reacted to Tuesdays incident. This is a horrible problem that is still going on that you would think, after a couple of big incidents that we have had in the state of Michigan, one being Oxford, two being Michigan State, that there would a greater level of awareness, and that there would have been some change, some things being implemented, that would have potentially prevented this, she told WXYZ. 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 Nineteen-year-old Sade Robinson was excited about her first date with a new guy shed met while out with friends. But it quickly turned into a nightmare, with the Milwaukee college student never returning home from dinner and drinks. The very next day, April 2, 2024, Robinson's leg was discovered on the shores of Lake Michigan in Cudahy's Warnimont Park her toes still coated with pink polish. Her car was found set on fire, and Maxwell Anderson, the 34-year-old man she went out with, was spotted on security cameras at a nearby bus station. On Friday, Anderson was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, hiding a corpse, and arson in the grisly slaying, after a two week trial. The details of the case are gruesome Robinson was dismembered, her body parts, including her torso and her right breast, were scattered across Milwaukee County. Her head, however, has still not been recovered. Robinsons murder stunned the community, reignited a national conversation about the disproportionate violence Black women face, and left a grieving mother fighting for more than just a conviction. open image in gallery Maxwell Anderson has been found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, hiding a corpse, and arson in the grisly slaying, after a two week trial ( Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ) She was just going on a date On April 1, 2024, Robinson went on a first date with Anderson at the Twisted Fisherman restaurant in Milwaukees Menomonee Valley and then the pair went to Dukes on Water for drinks. Surveillance video would later show her vehicle in several parts of the city that night and into the early hours of April 2. But the teenager was nowhere to be seen. When Robinson didnt show up for her job at the Pizza Shuttle the next day, her co-workers called the police and reported her missing. Her mother, however, wouldnt be notified for two more days. Once contacted by law enforcement, Sheena Scarbrough was able to assist them with tracking down her daughters cell phone. open image in gallery Sade Robinson was killed in April 2024 and her remains were found in and around Lake Michigan ( Milwaukee Police Department ) The mother and daughter had been tracking each others phones for safety a priority Scarbrough had for her two daughters, especially living in a state where Black women were 20 times more likely to be murdered than their white peers, according to a 2024 Columbia University report. Robinson, who was studying criminal justice at Milwaukee Area Technical College with dreams of joining the military, had an easy smile and a fierce work ethic, her mother said. She was just going on a date, Scarbrough told Fox6. I was looking forward to experiencing her adulthood with her. Both my daughters I wanted to see what they would become. Chilling evidence unfolds in court Maxwell Anderson brutally and callously killed and dismembered Robinson hours after the two shared dinner last spring, prosecutors told the jury at the beginning of the trial. He then brutally and callously cut her apart, disposed of her body parts and burned her car, Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan said. In the first days of the trial, prosecutors presented chilling digital breadcrumbs: license plate readers, surveillance images, and a man they identified as Anderson walking away from Robinsons burned-out car near 30th and Lisbon. Video footage showed the pair meeting for dinner and drinks at the restaurant and then at the bar before going to Andersons home on the citys south side. open image in gallery A still image from a video shows Sade Robinson, left, arriving at the Twisted Fisherman restaurant where she met Maxwell Anderson, seated in court on the right, with his defense attorney Anthony Cotton, left, in Milwaukee County Circuit on Monday ( Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ) There was on-and-off movement at Andersons house on the night of April 1, 2024 until 12:45 a.m. on April 2, 2024, according to a neighbors video presented by prosecutors. Phone records then show Robinsons phone traveling around the city of Milwaukee before eventually ending up apparently stationary near Warnimont Park, where the severed leg was recovered, according to the criminal complaint. Police said they believed the leg appeared to be sawn off. After Robinson went missing, her friend was able to use Life360, a location-based services app on her phone, which allows users to share their location, Urban Milwaukee reported. That app showed the phone was near Andersons home on the citys south side on the night of the date and then at Warnimont Park on the morning of April 2, 2024. That same morning, the Milwaukee Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on the citys north side. The car belonged to Robinson. Surveillance video footage from a Milwaukee County Transit System bus, also from that morning, showed Anderson boarding a nearby bus shortly after Robinsons car was set on fire. open image in gallery Surveillance video footage from a Milwaukee County Transit System bus, also from that morning, showed Anderson getting on a nearby bus shortly after Robinsons car was set on fire ( Milwaukee County Circuit Court ) Weeks later, on May 11, 2024, Robinsons right arm washed ashore in Waukegan, Illinois, according to Vance-Curzan. Andersons defense attorney Anthony Cotton didnt dispute that his client went on a date with Robinson or that the dismembered body parts belonged to Robinson. But he argued that Anderson had no reason to kill the woman. There is absolutely no reason for Max to commit a crime like this, Cotton said during his opening statement. We dont dispute any of that timeline, that they went out together and went back to Maxs house. But that doesnt mean he [Anderson] killed her, Cotton said. Anderson did not testify and his defense team did not present any witnesses. During a search of Andersons home, while investigators did not locate any kind of gory scene in the residence, Vance-Curzan said they did find a photo on Andersons phone of Robinson laying face down on his couch and another photo that shows Robinsons pants and underwear being pulled off her body. And police actually did find those pants and underwear in the trunk of her car after it had been burned, Vance-Curzan said. Vance-Curzan also told the jury that Warnimont Park, where Robinsons severed leg was found, was a place Anderson had known well and a place he had called his secret beach. One does not end up going out to dinner and then going out for drinks on Water Street for a good time, to being dead and cut up into pieces and discarded into Lake Michigan, unless someone intends for that to happen, Vance-Curzan said. open image in gallery Prosecutor Ian Vance-Curzan shows the home where Maxwell Anderson lived and rented out part of the space during Anderson's trial in Milwaukee County Circuit court ( Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ) Anderson had planned to kill Robinson weeks before her death, according to a statement from a confidential informant, noted in court filings FOX6 News obtained. The informant told police that when they were at Anderson's home on March 5, he showed the informant his basement, where there was a plastic tarp covering a sanitation sink, along with the ceiling, floor and the walls, according to the filings. The informant also noticed three saws. Anderson allegedly told the informant that he intended to kill Sade Robinson. He went on to say, according to the filings, that he would use a gun to force her down into the basement and then he planned on shooting Robinson and then dismember her body in the room before disposing Robinson's body throughout the city. A search warrant also revealed that prosecutors believe Anderson tried to cover up Robinson's death with a text message. On the morning of April 4, 2024, police arrested Anderson during a traffic stop near his home. He has been in custody since his arrest, held on a $5 million bond. Sade's voice gets heard Robinsons death is not just a tragedy its a cautionary tale. There have been nine domestic violence homicides in Milwaukee this year, according to data gathered by the Sojourner Family Peace Center. In 2024, there were at least 34 domestic violence homicides and Robinson was one of those victims. Scarbrough knew she wanted to turn her pain into advocacy with the hope that no other mother would have to wait 48 hours to find out their daughter has been reported missing. Weeks after Robinsons death, Scarbrough stood with her younger daughter, Adriana, who accepted her sisters posthumous degree in criminal justice from Milwaukee Area Technical College. And then she got to work. Scarbrough launched Sades Voice Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at protecting young people and supporting families enduring the unthinkable. For all of the other missing and murdered Black, indigenous people of color, Scarbrough said. open image in gallery Robinson, who was studying criminal justice at Milwaukee Area Technical College with dreams of joining the military, had an easy smile and a fierce work ethic, her mother said ( Milwaukee Police Department ) Scarbrough has also partnered with Wisconsin lawmakers, including State Rep. Shelia Stubbs, who has pledged to reintroduce legislation that would strengthen police response to missing persons especially Black women and girls. In Massachusetts, a bill introduced by Rep. Bud Williams would create a statewide task force to improve how law enforcement handles cases involving missing Black women. Minnesota, California, New York, and Illinois have already taken similar steps with varying degrees of success. Wisconsin has yet to pass such a bill. Organizations like the Black and Missing Foundation Inc. and Our Black Girls have been instrumental in amplifying underreported cases. open image in gallery A pink makeshift memorial to Sade Robinson in the parking lot of the Pizza Shuttle where she worked ( Praiawart/Wiki Commons ) It is her voice, her legacy to honor and carry what she was about, Scarbrough said about her daughter. She has saved so many young women and individuals. My baby is a hero. Scarbrough previously referred to Anderson as a demonic entity. As testimony against him unfolded in court, as did the story of who Sade Robinson was and who she was meant to be. She had such a light, Scarbrough said. And even now, I believe that lights still working. 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 retired police officer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for lying to authorities about leaking confidential information to Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys extremist group. Tarrio was under investigation at the time for burning a Black Lives Matter banner in Washington, D.C. Shane Lamond, a former lieutenant with the Metropolitan Police Department, was convicted of one count of obstructing justice and three counts of making false statements. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson handed down the sentence after a trial in December. Lamond had been providing Tarrio with information about the investigation into the banner burning. Tarrio attended Lamond's sentencing and later called for Trump to pardon Lamond. I ask that the Justice Department and the President of the United States step in and correct the injustice that I just witnessed inside this courtroom," Tarrio said outside the courthouse after the sentencing. Prosecutors recommended a four-year prison sentence for Lamond. Because Lamond knew what he did was wrong, he lied to cover it up not just to the Federal Agents who questioned his actions, but to this Court," they wrote. "This is an egregious obstruction of justice and a betrayal of the work of his colleagues at MPD. open image in gallery Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio rallies in Portland, Ore., Aug. 17, 2019 ( AP ) Lamond's lawyers argued that a prison sentence isn't warranted. "Mr. Lamond gained nothing from his communications with Mr. Tarrio and only sought, albeit in a sloppy and ineffective way, to gain information and intelligence that would help stop the violent protesters coming to D.C. in late 2020, early 2021," they wrote. Tarrio pleaded guilty to burning the banner stolen from a historic Black church in downtown Washington in December 2020. He was arrested two days before dozens of Proud Boys members stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Tarrio wasn't at the Capitol that day, but a jury convicted him of orchestrating a violent plot to keep President Donald Trump in the White House after he lost the 2020 election. Lamond testified at his bench trial that he never provided Tarrio with sensitive police information. Tarrio, who testified as a witness for Lamonds defense, said he did not confess to Lamond about burning the banner and did not receive any confidential information from him. But the judge did not find either mans testimony to be credible. Jackson said the evidence indicated that Lamond was not using Tarrio as a source after the Dec. 12, 2020, banner burning. It was the other way around, she said. Lamond, of Colonial Beach, Virginia, retired in May 2023 after 23 years of service to the police department. open image in gallery Enrique Tarrio Lamond, who met Tarrio in 2019, had supervised the intelligence branch of the police departments Homeland Security Bureau. He was responsible for monitoring groups like the Proud Boys when they came to Washington. Prosecutors said Lamond tipped off Tarrio that a warrant for his arrest had been signed. They pointed to messages that suggest Lamond provided Tarrio with real-time updates on the police investigation. Lamonds indictment says he and Tarrio exchanged messages about the Jan. 6 riot and discussed whether Proud Boys members were in danger of being charged in the attack. Of course I cant say it officially, but personally I support you all and dont want to see your groups name and reputation dragged through the mud, Lamond wrote. Lamond said he was upset that a prosecutor labeled him as a Proud Boys sympathizer who acted as a double agent for the group after Tarrio burned a stolen Black Lives Matter banner in December 2020. I dont support the Proud Boys, and Im not a Proud Boys sympathizer, Lamond testified. Lamond said he considered Tarrio to be a source, not a friend. But he said he tried to build a friendly rapport with the group leader to gain his trust. 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' author joins Elon Musk's war against rising 'debt ceiling' originally appeared on TheStreet. 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' author and Bitcoin advocate Robert Kiyosaki thinks it's not possible to fix the U.S. debt problem: I don't see how you can fix 36 trillion dollars of debt. Kiyosaki made the comment while discussing the rising national debt and President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" with host Brian Rose on the London Real podcast. The bestselling author urged the viewers to abandon fiat money and choose Bitcoin, gold, and silver, as he believes the country is poised for the greatest financial collapse in history. Kiyosaki doubled down on his earlier prediction and repeated that the king coin will hit the price of $1 million within the next 10 years. Kiyosaki gave credit to the tech-savvy young generation for adopting Bitcoin earlier, as his "boomer" generation was "sound asleep at the wheel." When Rose asked Kiyosaki's opinion about people criticizing the big, beautiful bill for "still too much spending," the author said that he doesn't think the debt issue is fixable. He warned that America is going deeper and deeper into debt. Kiyosaki criticized the Fed for printing money every time there is a deficit challenge facing the economy. He warned: We are sitting on a time bomb right now, and it scares me. I mean I feel for the people not prepared for it. Among the most prominent voices against Trump's latest bill is Elon Musk, who dubbed it the "Debt Slavery Bill." The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill could add up to $3.8 trillion to the already rising debt of $36.9 trillion over the next ten years. Bitcoin, the asset Kiyosaki trusts will save the people from such crises, was trading at $104,469.80 at press time, up nearly 50% over the last 12 months. 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' author joins Elon Musk's war against rising 'debt ceiling' first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. 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 kingdom is in turmoil, the great Houses of Musk and Trump at war, and their subjects forced to choose sides. But as the scheming Littlefinger in Game of Thrones famously said as he plotted to take the Kings place: chaos is a ladder. And so it is for JD Vance, the ostensibly loyal vice president, and perhaps the person who stands to benefit the most from the chaos unleashed by the feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump which is perhaps why hes remaining uncharacteristically subdued. Vance has never been one to shy away from a fight, especially an online one, especially if its in defense of his boss. He once launched a 400-word diatribe against historian Niall Ferguson for criticizing Trumps Ukraine policy, slamming his moralistic garbage and historical illiteracy. open image in gallery ( Getty ) He had no problem accusing senior members of his own party of pettiness for voting against what Trump wanted, and mocked world leaders whove had run ins with the president. The practicing Catholic even found himself on the wrong side of the Pope himself when he got into another online beef with British politician Rory Stewart over Trumps deportation policies. So one would expect the online warrior to rush to the defense of his president in response to the firestorm of abuse unleashed by Musk against the president on Thursday, which began with accusations of ungratefulness and ended with claims of him being close to Jeffrey Epstein. But Vance has been remarkably quiet. His only public comment at the time of writing has been the kind of terse statement a wife gives in support of a cheating politician spouse. President Trump has done more than any person in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads. I'm proud to stand beside him, Vance wrote on X. The next day, he continued with his lawyerly posts. There are many lies the corporate media tells about President Trump. One of the most glaring is that he's impulsive or short-tempered. Anyone who has seen him operate under pressure knows that's ridiculous, he wrote. It's (maybe) the single biggest disconnect between fake media perception and reality, he went on. Where was the combative Vance who demanded the Ukrainian president say thank you to his boss in the Oval Office? The one who told Kamala Harris to go to hell over the Biden administrations handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan? Instead, Vance did not utter Musks name in the 24 hours since the feud burst into the open. There may be an innocent reason for his uncharacteristic reserve. Vance was asked by Trump to remain diplomatic in his dealings with Musk, The Independent learned from a source familiar with the situation. But the VP has other motivations for keeping quiet, too. For years, he has been dogged by rumors of dual loyalties between the tech billionaires who fueled his rise and the president he now serves. open image in gallery Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump (C) visits with Elon Musk (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance back stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds on October 05, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. ( Getty ) Vance first came to public attention as the best-selling author of Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir of a rough Appalachian upbringing that many liberals praised as an intellectual explanation of Trumps appeal to the white working class. But before that book set him on a path to Congress and the Senate, he was already being courted by a set of right-wing tech billionaires known as the PayPal mafia the billionaires Musk, David Sacks and Peter Thiel, who worked together at the pioneering online payments company back in the late Nineties and early Noughties and were bound together by a belief in deregulation, libertarianism and later, by darker right-wing ideology that railed against multiculturalism. Vance was working in venture capital at the time and went to work for Thiel at his San Francisco investment house, Mithril Capital. Thiel would be instrumental to Vance's rise, backing his campaign for Senate in 2021-22 to the tune of $15 million, and reportedly introduced Vance to Trump. The trio of Musk, Sacks and Thiel were instrumental in convincing Trump to choose Vance as his running mate, seeing in him an ideological ally, the libertarian tech investor who could one day take over as president. Some have gone so far as to call Vance a Manchurian Candidate for the tech elite. When the feud between Musk and Trump spilled out into the open, Musk was not shy about announcing his desire for Vance to take over as president. He responded to a tweet calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced with Vance with one word: Yes. open image in gallery Elon Musk in the Oval Office on his last day as a special government employee. ( AP ) That is not an empty threat. Vances path to the White House would inevitably require the support of Musk, the man who spent $395 million on electing Republicans in 2024. So his decision to ignore Musks call for mutiny is an interesting and calculated choice. Much like Littlefinger, Vance has made sharp ideological turns and formed strategic alliances to find his way to within arm's length of the throne. He was once vehemently opposed to Trump, only to radically change course to stand by his side in his quest for power. But, spoiler alert, his fictional counterparts calculating and maneuvering didnt end well for him. Trump spent his entire first term weeding out traitors, and claims to have gotten very good at it over the years. Will he be able to sniff out Vance? Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musk and Donald Trumps spectacular fallout could have catastrophic consequences for the future of space travel. The two men the president and the person who previously referred to himself as the first buddy have been engaged in a high-profile fight that has seen them make a host of threats and allegations about each other in public. Many of those comments relate to their personal character and history. But one of the more substantial moments came when Mr Trump appeared to suggest he could cancel Mr 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. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! He wrote on his own Truth Social platform. In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately, Mr Musks wrote on his own X platform soon after. (Soon after, he wrote that we wont decommission Dragon, though it was unclear how seriously any of the posts were intended to be taken.) The argument prompted outcry and not only for its tone. Mr Musk was warned by Ars Technica journalist Eric Berger in a post that his threat would both end the International Space Station and simultaneously provide no way to safely deorbit it, in a tweet that he responded to. The consequences for the US and the worlds plan to explore space could be even more expansive than that. As Mr Bergers posts suggested, Mr Musks threat to decommission Dragon could put the International Space Station in peril. Currently, it is the only way that the US can safely send astronauts up to space and bring them back down again. Eventually, SpaceX is expected to build the spacecraft that will bring the International Space Station out of orbit and to a fiery and safe end, after its operation life is complete in 2030. But the consequences could be much wider. Nasa, SpaceX and others have been clear that the eventual plan is to move away from a focus on low-Earth orbit of the kind that ISS embodies, and further on into space. First, that will mean taking astronauts back to the Moon and then eventually, they hope, to Mars. Those missions will probably depend on SpaceX too. The company has been hard at work on its upcoming Starship, which is being built with the explicit aim of colonising Mars. Much of SpaceXs domination over space travel can be traced back to one moment, in the wake of the cancellation of the Space Shuttle programme. The Space Shuttle was intended to be the start of a new journey to reusable spacecraft and relatively simple flights to space, but deadly disasters, high costs and other problems meant that it ended in 2010. That left the US without the ability to send astronauts to space from its own soil, and for a decade it depended on Russia to do so. In 2020, SpaceXs Dragon took astronauts to orbit, and it has since become a regular visitor. Nasa as a result relies heavily on SpaceXs dragon. Perhaps that reliance was made most clear earlier this year, when Boeings Starliner intended to be a rival to the Dragon suffered from technical issues on its way to the space station, and its crew had to be brought back on board a SpaceX spacecraft. If Mr Trump were to make good on his threat to cancel those programmes, or Mr Musk did the same with his suggestion that he could bring the Dragon programme to an end, all of that work would be in peril. With it, the whole plan for US space travel to the ISS, the Moon and onto Mars would be at risk, given how central SpaceX has become to those plans. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home 400 drones, 40 missiles - Russian hits almost whole of Ukraine Russia Friday June 06, 2025 retaliated, what it called Ukraine's "terrorism" committed five days ago, hitting almost whole of Ukraine Saturday June 7, 2025 8:29 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies Moscow/Kyiv: Russia Friday June 06, 2025 retaliated, what it called Ukraine's "terrorism" committed five days ago, hitting almost whole of Ukraine. Russia launched 400 drones and 40 missiles hitting different targets in Ukraine in the largest ever attack since the Ukraine war began in 2022. The Russian military said its forces carried out the large-scale overnight strikes against Ukrainian defense industry sites, using drones and long-range precision-guided weapons. The barrage, which included air, sea and land based missiles as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), was a response to recent terrorist acts carried out by Kiev, Russias Defense Ministry said as reported by Russia Today. Ukrainian officials also reported waves of missile and drone attacks across multiple cities, including the capital Kiev, as well as Lviv and Lutsk on Friday morning. Zelensky confirms Russian attack In a televised address Saturday, Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the Russian attacks. Zelensky said over 400 drones and more than 40 missiles - including ballistic missiles were used in the overnight strikes, which he said targeted "almost all of Ukraine". Zelensky further said that Russia "must be held accountable" for the strikes targeted at civilians. Ukrainian officials confirmed death of 5 civilians. At least three people were killed and 17 others, including two children, were wounded in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said, describing the assault as the most powerful on the city since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian shelling hit the city of Kherson, killing a couple and damaging residential buildings, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin confirmed. In Dnipro, two women, aged 45 and 88, were injured in separate attacks. The Russian attack came five days after Ukraine in a surprising attack on June 1, 2025 stormed Russian military bases using 117 drones. In the operation codenamed Operation Spiderweb Ukraine claimed destroying Russian military planes worth a combined $7 bn. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RYAN) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire J.M. Wilson Corporation. Headquartered in Michigan, JM Wilson will be integrated into RT Binding Authority, Ryan Specialtys division focused on binding authority solutions. Ryan Specialty Reaches Agreement to Acquire J.M. Wilson JM Wilson, established in 1920, operates out of six offices across the US and offers a wide range of insurance products, from personal lines to surety. The firm is especially recognized for its strong expertise in transportation insurance, a complex segment where it has built a reputation for underwriting profitability and maintaining long-term partnerships with top-tier carriers. Commenting on this acquisition, Ed McCormack, CEO of RT Specialty, made the following comment: JM Wilson is very well respected in the industry, with its strong underwriting track record and client-focused approach. We are delighted to be able to add such high-quality talent to our organization. This team fills a critical need for RT Specialty, giving us a more robust Midwest binding authority presence and strengthening our transportation practice. Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RYAN) offers specialized products and services to insurance brokers, agents, and carriers. The company operates as both a wholesale broker and a managing underwriter with delegated authority, delivering solutions that include distribution, underwriting, product development, administration, and risk management. While we acknowledge the potential of RYAN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Why These Energy Stocks Are Losing This Week and 20 Best Dividend Growth Stocks with High Yields Disclosure. None. Crook said Parks Victoria had been starved of funding for years, including a $95 million cut last year, and the free booking system imposed a burden on rangers. The NSW government wants to tackle ghost bookings, where campers reserve a spot but dont show up. Credit: Dean Sewell Theyd have to monitor the campsites more than they were, and then sometimes it was turning into fisticuffs, when people didnt turn up, but people still camped in their spots, Crook said. There were a lot of issues, a lot of dumped rubbish, fires left alone, and the potential for bush fires. It looked good on paper, but in action with a park service thats so degraded and not looked after by the state, it was always going to fall in a heap. NSW has 360 campsites in national parks, as well as free camping in state forests managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW. In NSW, the online backlash has centred on whether the fees for national parks are too high. While the proposal would introduce a free tier for a bare patch of earth, a basic campsite with a pit toilet would be $22 a night in high season, while sites with the most facilities including a hot shower would be $89 a night. Atkinson, an outdoor creator whose video posts on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube have garnered millions of views, has been campaigning against the price rises. Now that submissions have closed, he has switched to pushing an online petition. Atkinson acknowledged that ghost bookings are a big issue a video he posted in July last year showed a campground in Kosciuszko National Park that was booked out, yet had four out of five sites empty but said making camping unaffordable was not the way to fix it. He recently posted a video about how the price to pitch a tent at Woody Head campground in Bundjalung National Park was more expensive than renting a three-bedroom house in the nearby town. Atkinson said only about 30 per cent of campgrounds had a booking system before the COVID-19 pandemic, while most were free and first come, first served. NPWS expanded the booking system to cover every campsite as a pandemic measure, though keeping prices for the formerly free locations low. Like in Victoria, the ease of online reservations increased ghost bookings. They didnt have a ghost booking problem before COVID happened, Atkinson said. The only way to make a booking system work is to make it expensive but, if you do that, you block out anyone below middle income, and young people are just going to be completely discouraged, so that is a very poor solution. He said it would be better for the basic campsites to be free, without a booking system a proposal NPWS argues would encourage people to physically block out campsites by erecting tents early. Atkinson said the practical hurdles kept this problem in check, and added that NPWS should expand campsite capacity to meet demand anyway. Former NPWS park ranger Louisa Andersen, who posts content online as Ranger Louie and is now based in Western Australia, said she had concerns about the prices. How are people meant to care about the environment and parks and natural places if they cant afford to experience it? Andersen said. Rangers dont get discounts either and I just cant wrap my head around or justify paying that much. Sergey Kolotsey of Baulkham Hills made a submission proposing to solve the ghost booking problem without raising fees by asking people to pay a deposit that would be refunded if they checked in using a QR code at the campsite. Loading The NSW National Parks Association submission recommended merging the lower pricing tiers, since the costs of managing a wholly unserviced site, sites with pit toilets, and sites with pit toilets and a table were all minimal. The non-government organisation expressed surprise that there was no benchmarking of best practice across the nation, since many bushwalkers and campers travel from state to state. Queensland and South Australia have simplified their fee structure and remain competitive with regional caravan parks, the submission says. Advertisement Eating outEssential cafes and bakeries These 12 cafes are all-star all-rounders, nailing the vibe, food and drinks, every time Want the whole package? These favourites want to give it to you. Like a Euro-leaning corner spot, an exceptional cafe-grocer and diners with retro American vibes. Good Food June 6, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in Good Foods Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025, presented by T2. See all stories . Great service. Impeccable food. Unimpeachable coffee. Abundant natural light. Architectural appointments. Modest prices. It feels like too much to ask, but if theres ever been a city where you can reasonably expect to have it all in a single cafe, its the one that rhymes with Shellbourne. These are the all-rounders in Good Foods Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025, presented by T2. This 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 also live on the Good Food app, within a collection and discoverable on the map. Fried chicken sandwich at Elster in Elsternwick. Eddie Jim Elster Carefully walking the line between cafe and restaurant is what Elster does best. Its a cafe insofar as you can have a flat white and a granola or chicken sandwich. But its a restaurant in that your cereal comes with bruleed pink grapefruit, and your sandwich layers crumbed buttermilk-brined chook and oozy dill tartare between squishy milk bread. Advertisement Good to know: A solid booze menu from bloody Marys to TarraWarra chardonnay rounds out the offer. 258 Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick, elster.com.au Breakfast plate, omelette and pastry at Florian. Florian Days that start at Florian carry a glow, much like the spun-gold light that hits the tables outside rarely empty, even on weekdays. Fat gruyere-filled omelettes and eggs Florian (with bearnaise and cavolo nero) are mainstays. Sandwiches rotate but the chicken-mayo is the MVP. On Friday nights, swing past for crudo, pasta and steak sandwiches, or switch gears with Thai each Thursday. Advertisement Good to know: Florians farmhouse chic is yours to shop at its next-door homewares store. 617 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North, floriancarlton.com.au Yunnanese bolognese on rice, topped with a fried egg. Luis Enrique Ascui Four Kilo Fish First things first: this is not a fish shop. Its something far less ubiquitous: one of the rare places in Melbourne that serves Chinese specialty coffee. Run by two women from Yunnan in south-western China, the Hawthorn hideout pours exclusive single-origin coffees and mind-bending jaffles (one jams together kimchi, cheese and peanut what a combo). Advertisement Best for: A Yunnanese immersion that includes a slightly spicy take on bolognese. 834 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, fourkilofish.com.au Bright blue noren (bunting) surrounds the bar counter at Ima Asa Yoru in Brunswick. Eddie Jim Ima Asa Yoru It outgrew its snug Carlton home, but this Japanese frontrunner hasnt forgotten its roots, still wowing brunch crowds with generous teishoku sets that are also creatively low-waste. Trays of nourishing pickles, greens, miso soup and rice are bolstered by the likes of grilled fish collars and agedashi tofu. Drop in after dark for yakitori, pecorino-dusted Japanese potato salad and other snacks. Advertisement Best for: Leisurely brunches when you and your BFF have lots to catch up on. 1 Duckett Street, Brunswick, imaproject.co Pancake stack with maple syrup, whipped cream and bacon at JollyGood diner. Wayne Taylor JollyGood Diner With retro American vibes and an offering that easily transitions from day to night, this north-side diner really has something for everyone. Whether youre after buttermilk pancakes (and bottomless filter coffee) for breakfast with the kids, a roll-up-your-sleeves French dip sandwich for lunch, or a night of steak and all-you-can-eat frites with pickle martinis, youre in for a jolly good time. Advertisement Good to know: JollyGood started life as a sandwich shop, so dont overlook the sanger selection. 27A-29A Johnston Street, Collingwood, jollygoodmelbourne.com Morning Markets ham and salad sandwich. Parker Blain Morning Market Shopping? Snacking? Save this address. At Andrew McConnells cafe-grocer, pick up cheese, tinned fish and a bottle of fizz; buy gorgeous glassware and flowers to gift; or dash in for dinner supplies, both fresh and ready-to-heat. Also find solo treats such as caneles and cookies, cakes for a crowd, and essentials including milk and Baker Bleu bread. Advertisement Good to know: Sandwiches are consistently great and weekly specials keep things fresh. 59 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy and 579 High Street, Prahran; morning.market Anchovy on toast at Napier Quarter cafe and wine bar in Fitzroy. Eddie Jim Napier Quarter How does one tiny corner so comprehensively capture how Melbourne likes to eat and drink, from the am to the pm? Euro-leaning breakfasts include the modern classic that is anchovy and egg on toast, plus continental plates to share and cardamom buns from Iris The Bakery. As the day rolls on, Napier keeps switching speeds, adding focaccia, charcuterie and pasta, made with beautiful produce. Advertisement Best for: Solo or one-on-one breakfasts that are about quality over quantity. 359 Napier Street, Fitzroy, napierquarter.com.au By day, Ondo serves lunch sets with hot dishes, rice and sides. Bonnie Savage Ondo Cafe As the culinary K-boom reverberates along Little Lonsdale Street and its laneways, were seeing Korean food in higher resolution than ever before. Happily, that means more Korean breakfasts. If your heart wilts at the mention of chicken and mung bean congee, gentle pork broth, or beef tartare bibimbap, youll want to begin your day within the soothing timber walls of Ondo preferably with a black sesame latte. Advertisement Good to know: Turn your meal into a set with a coterie of banchan led by blushing salted squid. 115 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, ondomelbourne.com Smith + Delis Foghorn Legless sandwich with vegan chicken schnitzel, vegan bacon, tomato, lettuce and ranch. @elkashoots_ Smith + Deli Squishy cinnamon doughnuts and chunky chocolate cookies cover the counter beneath a bold surrealist-style mural. Staff deliver McMuffin-coded breakfast sandwiches and pork banh mi to sun-drenched tables. Meanwhile, rotating salads available as a twin-set or trio tick the wholesome box, but why miss out on all the fun that Shannon Martinez and company inject into vegan cooking? Advertisement Good to know: On weekends, dishes like okonomiyaki with house-made kimchi are served from mid-morning. 107 Cambridge Street, Collingwood, smithanddeli.com Sunhands cafes wholesome breakfasts showcase vegetables grown nearby. Nicholas Wilkins Sunhands Rejecting labels of breakfast and lunch, this corner cafe-wine bar runs a simple menu thats all about whats freshest and best. Vibrant salads such as kale, roasted Brussels sprouts and sunflower-seed dressing change often. But some items stick around, from dippy eggs with toast soldiers to curried-egg sandwiches of country-kitchen proportions. Later on, oysters, cured fish and martinis are the go. Advertisement Must-order dish: The breakfast plate is a fun way to get your veg in. 169 Elgin Street, Carlton, sunhands.com.au Grab baked goods, produce and more at Via Porta in Mont Albert. Eddie Jim Via Porta Eatery-Deli No one leaves here hungry, whether theyre sharing house-made croissants with their pup on the pocket-sized front patio, eating crumbed eggplant toasties in the chic vanilla-toned cafe, or holed up on the mezzanine at night with a bowl of spaghetti puttanesca. Brunch is king, and the undeniable favourite is the doorstop-sized French toast. Via Porta also has a Hawthorn bakery. Advertisement Good to know: Local parking inspectors ruthlessly enforce time limits. Youve been warned. 677 Whitehorse Road, Mont Albert, viaporta.com.au Walrus diner-style booths are hot property. Simon Schluter Walrus A haven of Americana, this Laminex and plywood gem heaves on weekends, with the four generous booths particularly hot property. Groups come for incredibly fluffy pancakes with crisp ribbons of bacon, and big slices of pie and French toast. The truly dusty will know the power of the bacon-egg-cheese roll inspired by New Yorks bodega sangers. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Two bodies, believed to be a Brisbane couple who went missing in Tasmania, have been found by authorities near a crashed car. Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya, who had been in the St Helens and Scamander area in the states north-east, had been scheduled to fly from Launceston home to Brisbane on Wednesday. But the pair, both aged in their 20s, did not board their flight or return their rental car, police said. Brisbane couple Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya. Credit: Tasmania Police About 5.30pm on Friday, the car, a Toyota Corolla, was found submerged in water off Tebrakunna Road, and the pair were found nearby a short time later. The board of Mildura Hospital has lashed out at the Allan government over its lack of funding to expand bed capacity at the regional health service and says it can no longer meet the growing demand from patients. The intervention comes after this masthead revealed that hundreds of patients at Mildura Hospital have been languishing in the emergency department for more than 24 hours, with scores waiting 48 hours and one 85-year-old woman dying. Linda Romeos mother died after a lengthy wait in the emergency department of Mildura Hospital in March. Credit: Ian McKenzie Mildura Base Public Hospital chair Frank Piscioneri said he was frustrated by the situation, and there had been no meaningful progress with the government despite the board repeatedly meeting ministers and representatives. Our capacity challenges are becoming more urgent by the day, he said. NR: It was an incredibly powerful speech made off-the-cuff, but we didnt recognise the significance at the time. We had been saying for some time to the prime minister that she should call Tony Abbott out on some of his behaviour in the chamber, and not just continue with her usual stoic, dignified approach. On that particular day Abbott was needling her. And when he made the indirect reference to her father, something inside her snapped, and she unleashed. Fitz: And when you were with her back in the prime ministerial office, did she recognise it as a Gettysburg speech? NR: No, we all thought it was an incredible, heartfelt speech in the chamber. But it was also just another day of rancorous debate during a pretty tough term of parliament. Julia was always like: Whats next? Lets move on to the next thing. And there wasnt even much of a bump in the press gallery on the day. It was only in subsequent days when the international media picked up on it and it circulated on YouTube that the whole thing exploded. Fitz: Which, for the record, is what happened at Gettysburg. People at the time liked it, but it was only when Lincolns words circulated via The New York Times that the whole thing truly took off! NR: Well, The New York Times was one of many media organisations that contacted us in the days after that speech, wanting comment and interviews. It was amazing how it struck a chord around the world. Look at George Street its one of the best urban development projects in the world. Credit: Ben Symons Fitz: All right, so here in Sydney, weve long said that the only good thing to come out of Melbourne is the Hume Highway boom-tish while truly nurturing a grudging respect for the Victorian capital, and we suspect you feel the same for us. Now youve broken cover, and said some very kind things about Sydney this week, noting that were right up there with Melbourne as one of the two best cities in the world. What brought this burst of warmth for us in Sydney? NR: I feel it. Ive always felt it. If I couldnt live in Melbourne, theres only one other city I would truly love to live in, and thats Sydney. And I often think that in Australia, we dont appreciate the fact that we have these two unbelievably brilliant cities side-by-side on the east coast. Sydney is the movie and Melbourne is the novel. Fitz: I love that, I think, but what do you mean, exactly? NR: Sydney is very flashy, and its got the worlds most beautiful harbour. And people who live in Sydney are obsessed by how close they can get to that harbour and what view they have of it. Melbourne has a very interesting internal life as a city. We love our bookshops, festivals, our food, our theatres, and sports. We love having conversations with ourselves, about ourselves. In Sydney, you turn up in activewear to your Mums funeral. In Melbourne, you wear a black puffer jacket to a job interview. The CTA building in Martin Place, lit up for Vivid. Credit: Destination NSW Fitz: All right, you also said you admired Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, a legend who copped a bit over the years but was someone who deserves huge credit for her vision and determination. What do you, as a new lord mayor of Melbourne, admire about our veteran lord mayor? NR: The first thing is her electoral success. The shelf life of politicians in this country seems to have gotten shorter and shorter. And there is Clover, who has totally bucked the trend winning election after election. This has allowed her to see through policy and projects which she has been a supporter of for a long time. Look at George Street, with the [light rail] and pedestrians its one of the best urban development projects in the world. When I was in Sydney recently, I was walking down George Street in the evening and seeing the thousands of people walking through the centre of Sydney. Its been totally transformative. Clover can take a lot of credit for that. Fitz: You were up here to see our Vivid festival, and said you had a lot to learn from it. What, particularly? NR: In Melbourne, we are looking for new ways to activate our city during the winter months. I love what Vivid has done through incredible light projections, installations, music performances, and speaking events to bring people into the city. Well do it in a Melbourne way, but Vivid has given us some good ideas. Fitz: In Sydney, were dealing with a housing crisis. Hows your mob going on that front? NR: We do, too, though its not as acute as Sydneys. Our median house prices are significantly lower than Sydneys, and we dont have the same geographic constraints that Sydney faces in terms of the development of new housing. But we do have huge population growth, which means we need to keep the new housing supply coming. My municipality, the City of Melbourne, was the fastest growing capital city in Australia in percentage terms last year. Im a proud pro-development lord mayor, and a lot of that is happening in medium and high-rise residential towers. Loading Fitz: And I gather you credit Sydney for the way you do some of it? NR: Yes, when I was first elected a councillor a number of years ago, one of the first things I did was travel to Sydney, and just like I did last week spent a day meeting with people at the City of Sydney and in the NSW government. Getting under the bonnet and just saying, Whats working here, guys? What can we learn from you? One of the ideas I got from that first trip was around Clover Moores Design Excellence Program. I ripped off many of the features of that program, introducing into Melbourne things like design review panels for new development proposals, and the use of development bonuses to reward good architecture and design. Fitz: I know the answer, of course, but remind us what a design review panel is? NR: Its a group of outstanding architects, landscape architects and urban designers who can peer-review major projects when theyre submitted to the city and provide feedback on the quality of the architecture and design. We are looking for buildings that give more back to the street and the city than they take. Melbourne has a distinct design identity that is highly regarded, and the panel has proven its value by ensuring major projects use materials and concepts that represent our city and tell a story about Melbourne. Fitz: Youve got my vote! And what is a development bonus? NR: If they get it right, you allow them to build more on the site than they otherwise would have been able to. Fitz: I also see youre credited with introducing measures like forcing graffiti taggers to fund clean-ups. What does that mean? Key Points The Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF uses a fairly complicated selection process when it buys stocks. During the last rebalancing it increased its exposure to energy stocks. 10 stocks we like better than Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEMKT: SCHD) is one of the most popular dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs) you can buy. But this fairly complicated product can also help investors who prefer to buy individual stocks, which is a function of the screening process used. Targeting well-run companies that have high yields, the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF's recent rebalancing suggests that energy stocks could be a place for dividend investors to focus on today. Here are three top options from the ETF's portfolio. What does the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF do? The 100 stocks within the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF go through a fairly strict screening process. First, only companies that have increased their dividends for at least 10 consecutive years are looked at. (Real estate investment trusts are removed from consideration.) Then a composite score is created for the remaining stocks. Image source: Getty Images. The score includes cash flow to total debt, return on equity, dividend yield, and a company's five-year dividend growth rate. The 100 companies with the highest scores are included in the ETF. Without getting too deep into each metric, the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF is attempting to focus on high-quality businesses that have both growth potential and attractive yields. This is basically what most dividend investors are trying to do when they pick stocks. That makes the ETF's portfolio a great starting point for dividend investors. And right now, after the annual rebalancing of the portfolio, energy stocks appear to be an important focus. This sector makes up 21% of the ETF's assets, which is its largest sector weighting. If you haven't been looking at energy stocks, the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity's portfolio suggests you should be. Its top three energy holdings are ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP), Chevron (NYSE: CVX), and EOG Resources (NYSE: EOG). Here's a look at each one. 1. ConocoPhillips is a pure-play driller ConocoPhillips has a dividend yield of 3.6%. The dividend has been increased annually for eight years. The annualized dividend growth rate over the past five years is an attractive 20%. That said, ConocoPhillips is down around 25% or so over the past 12 months, falling even more than the price of oil. That makes complete sense. ConocoPhillips is a pure-play energy producer. So the top and bottom lines of its income statement are entirely reliant on the price of the commodities it sells. The dividend has a history of being a little on the volatile side, too. And, in fact, it was cut in 2016 during the deep energy downturn at the time. Even if you have a particularly strong stomach and a positive outlook for oil, this is a more aggressive investment option. old trump back ONCE again, United States President Mr. Donald Trump has revived the ban on people from some countries from entering the US -- a move that he has picked up again from his last tenure. Reports also are afoot stating that the President would block en try for foreigners planning to study at the Harvard University. And all this is being done under his America First programme that has received welcome as well as ridicule from the American and international communities. No matter the motives that may have spurred these Trump actions, it is clear that the US President appears set to alter the dimensions of the long-standing American policy of accommodation of foreigners -- that has stood it in good stead all these years. No matter the political implications of the Presidents approach, it is reality that a very brig section of American public opinion favours Mr. Trump in this regard. The common American people have seen what they tend to describe as negative effects of the age-old policy of accommodation. The biggest and realistic fear of the common American people is that smart people from different countries dominate the educational and social scenes in the US and displace the legitimate claims of the Americans to jobs and positions of responsibility and honour. It may be noted that even in the current Trump Administration, there are Indian origin people in good numbers occupying positions of importance. The common American people do not seem to appreciate this, as is commonly believed. During his previous tenure at the White House, President Mr. Trump has stirred a lot of social unease because of policies that did not favour accommodation of foreigners. Despite that, he had continued with his stated policies and created both, fans and foes in the larger American society. The biggest effect of those policies was on the American job market where countless lakhs of people lost opportunities to study and then work in the United States. That policy had also affected adversely lakhs of jobs in other countries, too, particularly in the service part of the IT sector. Now that Mr. Trump is deciding to pick up on the old policies once again, many of those negative prospects appear to loom large in the distance. Of course, Mr. Trump appears least worried. He also does not mind his faith in his own policies getting branded as swagger. He has definitive policy ideas that he does not want to barter for anything. Even though he swore by friendship with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Mr. Trump did not mind asking his functionaries such Mr. Elon Musk to exercise restraint on their Indian business interests. That was one of the reasons of Mr. Musks disenchantment with the President. Though both once claimed to be great friends, they now spare no word in criticising each other -- thanks mainly to their conflict of interests. All these developments are promising to leave a negative effect on the Presidents political goodwill -- at home and abroad. Yet, Mr. Trump has promised himself and the nation that in his America First policy, all the decisions he is taking fit well. He appears convinced that the American nation has taken upon itself and its exchequer a lot of unnecessary burden by the policy of accommodation -- and that burden now needs to be cut off the back. America First means American people first, Mr. Trump is reported to have stated time and again -- eliciting much positive response from the common Americans. So long as that response favours him, Mr. Trump is bent upon pursuing his own policies -- no matter what his detractors may have to say in that regard. So, old Mr. Donald Trump is back with a bang and is pursuing his old policies -- though one may wonder how he would handle much antagonism he has created right within the first six months in the remainder of his tenure. Window on vidarbha 12 Maoists Lay down arms before CM Fadnavis Gadchiroli Correspondent : As many as 12 Naxalites carrying a bounty of crores surrendered along with their weapons before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday. This is the first such incident of Naxal surrender along with their weapons. The surrendered Naxals include DVCM (Divisional Committee Member) Sapanakka, (wife of DKSZCM Geereddy Pavanananda Reddy) along with three senior cadres of DVCM rank along with one Commander, two Dy Commander, four ACM and one-party member. Maharashtra Government had announced a total cash reward of Rs 1.12 crore cumulatively on them. The CM reached Kawande village on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. He became the first Chief Minister of the state to visit this extremely remote and Naxal-affected area. We presented a copy of the Constitution of India to the surrendered Naxals today. Industries like Lloyds have made a big contribution in rehabilitation of the surrendered Naxals. We want to make this district employment-rich and develop it as the steel city of India. While doing this, the government is determined to do this development while preserving the natural resources, water, land and forests here, said Fadnavis while speaking on the occasion. The C-60 jawans of the district police who performed commendable jobs while fighting against the Naxals were felicitated by Fadnavis. Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said, Today I visited Kawande Outpost and interacted with the villagers. Our police force built Kawande Outpost in just 24 hours. This is not just a police station, but an initiative to bring Government administration to the people. Where there was a lack of security, Government administration is being brought to the people by opening police stations. In the last two years, 6 such outposts have been built, he said. In the last one and a half years, 28 Maoists were killed, 31 Maoists were arrested, and 44 people surrendered. This is a new record. Many who had huge bounties on them are now leaving Maoism and returning to normal life. Our battle is now in its final stage. Our soldiers carried out very difficult operations in Kawande. Our target is to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. Naxal recruitment had completely stopped in Maharashtra for 4 years. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took very strict steps and now Naxalism is on the verge of ending, said Fadnavis. Co-Guardian Minister Ashish Jaiswal, MLA Dharmaraobaba Atram, MLA Dr Milind Narote, Lloyds Metals and Energy Managing Director B Prabhakaran, DIG Ankit Goyal, District Collector Avishyant Panda, SP Nilotpal, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) and Guardian Secretary Milind Mhaiskar, Ajai Kumar Sharma, Dy. Inspector General (Ops.) CRPF, D E Kindo, Commandant 37 Bn CRPF, M. Ramesh, Addl SP (Ops), Satya Sai Karthik, Addl SP Aheri and other dignitaries were present at the programme. 13 former Naxals tie nuptial knot Gadchiroli Correspondent A mass marriage ceremony of 13 former Naxalites who had surrendered earlier was also organised at Shaheed Pandu Alam Auditorium in the Police Headquarters in the Gadchiroli on Friday by the Police Department. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the ceremony and wished the newlyweds a happy new life. The newly-married couples were felicitated by Fadnavis. The surrendered Maoist couples who were tied in nuptial knot included Giridhar (in charge of Gadchiroli Divisional Committee) and Lalita among others. On this occasion, the police themselves acted as hosts for the surrendered Maoists. All the couples were gifted household essentials by the Chief minister and other dignitaries to help them start their new lives. Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. contributed for organising this event as part of their CSR activities. Co-Guardian Minister Ashish Jaiswal, MLA Dharmaraobaba Atram, MLA Dr Milind Narote, Lloyds Metals and energy Managing Director B Prabhakaran, DIG Ankit Goyal, District Collector Avishyant Panda, SP Nilotpal, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) and Guardian Secretary Milind Mhaiskar, Ajai Kumar Sharma, Dy. Inspector General (Ops) CRPF, D E Kindo, Commandant 37 Bn CRPF, M Ramesh, Addl SP (Ops), Satya Sai Karthik, Addl SP Aheri and other dignitaries were present at the programme. The Gadchiroli Police has been organising mass marriage ceremonies for the tribal couples for the last several years. This time it was a special ceremony of the mass marriage of the surrendered Naxals. In the evening, he felicitated the C-60 jawans and presented them with state-of-the-art AK-103 weapons and ASMI pistols, bulletproof jackets. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also praised their bravery. The keys of 19 four-wheelers purchased from the District Planning Development Fund were handed over to the police force. Chief Minister Fadnavis also distributed the benefits of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Food Security Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, MNREGA Job Card, Screening and Anemia Checkup, Aadhaar Update, Caste Certificate etc. Bharat Rangers blast their way to easy win Special Correspondent : This is a learning phase for us in Vidarbha Pro T20 League. Its our first year, and naturally, there will be mistakesbut whats important is that we learn and improve. The IPL is a different league altogether and cant be compared directly, but we can definitely raise our standards and skill levels here. Neco Master Blasters captain Jitesh Sharma THE sparse crowd gathered at VCAs Jamtha Stadium came to see Jitesh Sharma hitting fours and sixes. But they returned home disappointed as the Neco Master Blasters captain, who won the IPL title for Royal Challengers Bengaluru recently, failed to help his side start the Vidarbha Pro T20 League campaign on a winning note. Bharat Rangers pacers Shubham Kapse (3-21) and NachiketBhute (3-32) shared six wickets between them as they recorded a comfortable 23 runs victoryin theirinauguralmatch. Bharat Rangers, despite scoring a below par score of 131 all out,bowled superblywithBhute and Kapse breaking the backbone of Master Blasters in the power play. Both the bowlers had extended first spell of three overs each, a rarity in T20, as they claimed four wickets in first six overs to leave Master Blasters reeling at 43-4. TheirhopesrestedonJitesh Sharma and all waited with bated breadth to see their stumper playing a captains knock, but spinner Gaurav Farde bowled well to get his wicket caught by captainAthravTaide forjustnine runs when the batter attemped an unnecessary sweep shot. The downfall started in the third over when opener Vedant Dighade was trapped in front by Bhute. Kapse then got R Sanjay who nicked the ball to Taide in slips. Adhyan Daga tried to ease pressure with a six and two boundaries off Bhutes over but the bowler had the last laugh to get rid of the batter caught by Manan Agrawal Opener Aryan Meshram played a little cameo with a couple of boundaries butKapse disturbed his furniture in the sixth over. Gaurav Dhoble (16) and Akash Kombe (10) delayed the process but the Taide-led side crossed the line with ease in the end. Earlier, Bharat Rangers could muster 131 runs thanks to the topandmiddleorderbatterswho couldmanagerunsindouble figures. DanishMalewar (29),Neel Athaley (23),UpdeshRajput (22) andMalharDosi (24)startedwell but failed to convert them into big scores as Neco Master Blasters bowlers kept bouncing back with timely wickets. The Rangers were shocked in the first two overs when their openers skipper Taide and Shree Choudhary both fell cheaply.Choudharywas the first to goonduck.PacerPrafulHinge bowled a fuller length delivery which forced Choudhary to nick it to the wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. Next over,Taide played an away widish delivery to give Sharma his second catch of the innings. Malewar and Athaley showed some resistance with a 43-run partnership for the third wicket but they too could not stay put in the middle. Blasters Jaiswal bowled his medium pace deliveries with a smooth action and was effective in taking two wickets. He mixed his deliveries quite well which includedafewbouncers.His figures read 4-0-23-2. R Sanjay, Sanmesh Deshmukh and Hinge bowled well to take a couple of wickets each. Man of the match Kapse, who took three wickets, said, It was on a slower side and I just maintained the line.I have been a net bowler with Gujarat Titans and that experience helped me a lot here. I have learned a lot from Ashu bhai (Ashish Nehra) at Gujarat Titans. BINKAR HITS UNBEATEN 78 AS TIGERS ROAR OPENER Rohit Binkar cracked a match-winning unbeaten half-century as Orange Tigers recorded an easy four-wicket win over Nagpur Heroz under lights. Chasing a modest 127, Tigers lost five batters who scored in single digits but Binkarcarriedhisbat through to a fine unbeaten 78 (747b, 9x4, 4x6) to see his team through. Kshitij Dahiya too battedwell for his 17 from 20 balls. Earlier,TejasSoni andYash Thakurs rearguard action helped Nagpur Heroz to 126 in 20 overs. With the top and middle order fumbling in front of OrangeTigers,Sonimanaged to score 25 from 17 balls and Thakur hit a six and four boundaries to remain unbeatenon29from15balls. Mandar Mahale (19), and Prabal Chokhande (18) were the other batters to reach double digits ForOrangeTigers,Darshan Nalkande took two wickets while Saurabh Dubey, Dahiya, Akshay Karnewar, GaneshBhosle,VikramPatel and Minar Sahare all took a wicket each. Briefscores:NagpurHeroz 126-9(TSoni25,YThakur29*; DNalkande2-35,AKarnewar 1-18) lost to Orange Tigers 131-6 (RBinkar 78*,KDahiya 17; A Ingle 2-15, Y Thakur 2- 25) by four wickets. CEO Jean-Marc Chery revealed at a BNP Paribas event in Paris that STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM) will lose 5,000 workers over the next three years, including 2,800 job layoffs that have already been publicized. CEO: STMicro will eliminate 5,000 jobs in the next three years. A worker assembling the inner circuitry of a semiconductor product. It is anticipated that 2,000 of the total will depart naturally, with voluntary departures making up additional reductions. Chery pointed out that continuing talks with local authorities were the reason for implementation delays, especially in Italy. The French and Italian governments jointly share a 27.5% interest in STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM), which employs 50,000 people worldwide. Its cost-cutting initiative, which was started in late 2024, is to reduce the workforce through early retirement and attrition in order to save hundreds of millions by 2027. In April, the business announced that 1,000 of the 2,800 scheduled layoffs would be voluntary in France. According to reports, the Italian government has opposed further cuts and has pushed to limit them to 1,000. Market declines and CEO-targeted insider trading accusations, which the company refutes, are additional factors putting pressure on the business. While we acknowledge the potential of STM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 High-Growth EV Stocks to Invest In and 13 Best Car Stocks to Buy in 2025. Disclosure. None. Sunita Jamgade case Kargil cops return empty-handed Staff Reporter : The Kargil Police returned empty-handed after failing to arrest Sunita Jamgade, the city woman who had crossed the Indian border and entered Pakistan last month. Despite travelling to Nagpur and seeking her custody, the Kargil Police team could not secure her arrest due to procedural lapses. According to sources, Sunita Jamgade had travelled to Srinagar with her son on May 4. From there, she proceeded to Sonamarg and then to Kargil. Leaving her son at a hotel, she allegedly crossed the Indian border into Pakistan. She was nabbed by Pakistani Rangers and interrogated for eight days. After it was determined that she was mentally ill, the Rangers handed her over to the Border Security Force. Following her return to India, the Kapil Nagar Police arrested her. Currently, she is in judicial custody in Nagpur Jail. Meanwhile, the Kargil Police initiated a separate investigation into her illegal border crossing and registered an offence at Kargil. A team of Kargil Police arrived in Nagpur three days ago and sought her arrest through a production warrant. However, during the court hearing, the Kargil Police failed to produce the required copy of the production warrant from their local court. As a result, the Nagpur court did not grant permission for Sunitas arrest and transfer. Without the necessary legal documentation, the Kargil Police were forced to abandon their arrest attempt and return without her, sources said. Pakistan attacked insaniyat, Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam: PM KATRA : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused Pakistan of attacking insaniyat and Kashmiriyat by targeting tourists in Pahalgam, saying the intent was to trigger communal clashes in India and rob Kashmiri people dependent on tourism of their livelihoods. The Prime Minister was speaking after flagging off the first train service to the Kashmir Valley, and inaugurating several development projects, including the worlds highest railway bridge over the Chenab river and Indias first cable-stayed Anji bridge. He said tourism provided employment and acts as a connecting link between people, but unfortunately, the neighbouring country is an enemy of humanity, harmony and tourism. Not only that, Pakistan is also the enemy of the poors bread and butter. What happened on April 22 in Pahalgam is an example of that. Pakistan attacked insaniyat and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. The intent of Pakistan was to trigger communal riots in India. It wanted to strip people of Kashmir of their earnings, thats why Pakistan attacked tourism, he said. Tourism was increasing during the last five years in Jammu and Kashmir, and tourists were arriving in record numbers, Modi said. He said tourism fuels the kitchens of the poor in Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan deliberately targeted that sector. Pakistan wanted to destroy the livelihoods of guides, pony operators, guest house owners, shop owners, and roadside dhaba operators who are dependent on tourism. Adil, who challenged the terrorists, was also there to earn his livelihood, he said, referring to the ponywala, who was among the 26 people gunned down by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22. The Prime Minister said it has been one month since Indian forces wreaked havoc on terrorists holed up in Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. Whenever Pakistan hears about Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its shameful defeat, he said. Modi said the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project is a symbol of a new and empowered Jammu and Kashmir, and a resounding proclamation of Indias growing strength. The Chenab and Anji bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir, he said. The Prime Minister inaugurated the two state-of-the-art bridges before flagging off the Vande Bharat train to mark the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL), providing direct train connectivity to the valley. He also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore for Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district. The 272-km USBRL project, constructed at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels, spanning 119 km, and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration. Reducing wastage must to conserve water: Vishwanath A leading urban planner, S Vishwanath was in city to create awareness on water conservation and minimise waste By Sagar Mohod : Community ownership of resources ensures people's effective participation in any conservation drive. Currently, India is juxtaposed between growing economy and need to feed the over 1 billion populace, along side balancing environment concerns, said S Vishwanath, Civil Engineer and Urban Planner. On a mission to emphasise the need to conserve water and minimise waste, he was in the city to deliver a talk organised by The Indian Institute of Architects. Having spent his childhood days in Nagpur, Vishwanath is currently settled in tech capital of the country, Bengaluru. Today, he is identified as one of the leading players in managing the mismanaged urban landscape. Asked about current scenario during a talk with The Hitavada on Friday, Vishwanath said, India is steadily moving in the right direction on the front of water conservation. The battle will be half won unless the society as a whole does not embrace the idea of doing it self, at least stopping the criminal wastage as it alone can make a large difference. One needs to embrace the concept that we have to return that much amount water back to environment that they have used. Hence, everyone will realise their duty to use only the required amount of water and simply because it is available cheap, one should not indulge it criminal waste of the precious natural resource. Elaborating further, Vishwanath, pointed out, Even prosperous western countries track record on the environment front was also poor. What we see today is after the planners focus shifted on conservation. In India also, the Atal Jal Bhujal Yojana and Amrut Yojana have changed the ground scenario. Most importantly community participation is bringing about the change. Sharing success stories, particularly of the community that was engaged in digging wells, he said, While focus on water conservation remains in public domain, much light needs to be shed on pollution abatement as he shared successful example of Bengaluru where citizens involvement is getting the result. Every lake has its own group of environmentalists working with public representatives. They have ensured that 86 lakes are conserved and protected. Stress needs to be given on reusing the sewage water after through treatment as it automatically ensures conservation. Similarly, Government needs to concentrate on decentralised models, as one project fits all does not work. The Indian Institute of Architects has formed a panel to study hydro geological aspects and prepare a document on how to approach the subject at planning level. Currently, the focus is more in hydrological aspects that hydro geological, one that pertains to recharging the aquifers, which is what needed in India today, informed Vishwanath. RTI disclosures expose crumbling backbone of medical education system By Mukesh S Singh NEW DELHI/RAIPUR AIIMS Nagpur, Bhopal and Bhubaneswar report 362 PG dropouts and unregulated 3036 hour duty shifts amid unchecked systemic fatigue AFMC, Pune data reveals 63 instances of 36-hour shifts monthly among just 15 anaesthesiology residents JIPMER, Puducherry admits 276 PG dropouts, while NMC concedes over 1,100 nationwide in five years A chilling mirror held up to Indias overstretched healthcare system, fresh revelations accessed through Right to Information (RTI) queries have laid bare the deep-rooted dysfunction and burnout that plague the countrys elite medical training institutions. From All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar to Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), PGIMER Chandigarh to Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Pune, and the apex National Medical Commission (NMC) itself, data reveals a shocking consensus: Indias resident doctors are being driven past their physical and psychological limits, with life-threatening consequences. The comprehensive disclosures, shared with The Hitavada by United Doctors Front (UDF) National President Dr Lakshya Mittal, chronicle a pattern of institutionalised overwork, mental health breakdowns, and an abject failure to implement the 1992 Uniform Residency Scheme (URS). The RTIs were filed by health rights advocate J. Swamidass in collaboration with UDF. According to NMCs own RTI response, the commission received 1,680 formal complaints between 2020 and 2024 from medical students regarding issues including ragging, long duty hours, faculty bullying, and abuse. During the same period, 1,113 postgraduate medical students dropped out, and a staggering 119 UG and PG students died by suicide due to academic or work-related stress. At AFMC Pune, anaesthesiology residents reported performing 63 separate 36-hour shifts over just three months, with many also working continuous 12-hour night shifts twice a weekdespite being in only their fourth to sixth month of training. Similar data from the Department of General Medicine at AFMC revealed duty rosters reaching 66 hours per week, with one 24- hour shift every week and four 30+ hour duties every month. AIIMS Bhubaneswars response added another layer of severity. In departments like Ophthalmology, junior residents were recorded working 1214 hour shifts routinely and doing 24-hour duties up to three times a week. Despite institutional claims of a 48-hour work week, the actual implementation was found to be subject to patient load, which in reality meant that the rules were often bypassed. Notably, AIIMS confirmed that duty hours could extend to 30 or even 36 hours, depending on institutional needs. Equally alarming are the dropout and mental health statistics. JIPMER reported 276 PG student dropouts and 200 undergoing psychiatric counselling between 2020 and 2024. AIIMS Bhopal and AIIMS Nagpur recorded 178 and 56 PG student dropouts respectively during the same period. These numbers are not mere outliers they are a reflection of sustained neglect and overwhelming systemic pressure. Resident doctors are the silent engines of Indias public health system, but their lived experience is now synonymous with institutionalised cruelty, Dr Mittal said. What were witnessing is a normalisation of physical collapse, unacknowledged grief, and administrative silence. The RTI disclosures further highlight that there is no central monitoring mechanism under NMC to enforce residency norms. The commission admitted that it does not maintain data on duty hour breaches, suicide cases, or grievance redressal outcomes a staggering oversight for a regulatory body. According to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, while they claim to maintain biometric attendance and duty rosters, there is no consistent mechanism ensuring that residents receive 52 weekly offs and 20 casual leaves annually as per the 2023 Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations. The issue has now reached the judiciary. The United Doctors Front has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court seeking the full implementation of the URS and 48-hour weekly duty limits. This move comes after the Ministry of Health, for the first time in 33 years, conducted a review meeting in April 2025, chaired by Dr Sunita Sharma, Additional Director General of Health Services. However, the situation on the ground remains unchanged. The National Medical Commissions passive stance is tantamount to complicity, Dr Mittal stated. When the apex medical regulator does not even track lifeor-death indicators among resident doctors, it signals a failure of both governance and conscience. Switzerland plans info exchange on crypto assets with India and 73 other countries NEW DELHI/BERNE : SWITZERLAND on Friday proposed an automatic exchange of information on crypto assets with India and 73 other countries, a move likely to help track funds stashed by Indians abroad in virtual currencies. India and Switzerland already have an automatic exchange of information framework in place for bank accounts and other financial assets held by Indians in Switzerland, and vice versa. The two countries exchange this information yearly, and it has helped Indian authorities unearth many cases of undisclosed funds stashed abroad by Indians. While there are no clear-cut regulations as yet in India on cryptocurrencies, they are regulated from the perspective of anti-money laundering laws. The Reserve Bank of India has consistently maintained that it is concerned about cryptocurrencies as they can hamper financial stability, but these virtual currencies are considered legal tender in various other countries. While there are no official estimates, it is suspected that a large number of Indians may have stashed undisclosed funds in crypto assets, and the proposed information exchange framework will help unearth those assets. The Swiss Government said in a statement that its Federal Council on Friday adopted a dispatch approving the list of 74 partner states for the automatic exchange of information concerning crypto assets. By Ariane Luthi and Oliver Hirt BERN (Reuters) -The Swiss government on Friday proposed stricter rules for UBS following its takeover of Credit Suisse, which could make it hold $26 billion more in core capital, confirming some of the bank's worst fears about incoming new regulations. The key proposal, which the bank would have six to eight years to prepare for after it became law, is that UBS must fully capitalise its foreign units, in line with what many analysts, lawmakers and executives had been expecting. UBS shares, which have lagged European peers amid months of uncertainty about the proposals, jumped after they were made public on Friday afternoon, rising by as much as 7%, and on track for their best day since May 2024. Still, the bank slammed the capital plan as "extreme" and internationally out of line. The government said its capital requirement proposal would allow UBS to reduce its holding of Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds by $8 billion. Today, UBS must only 60% capitalise its foreign units and can cover some of the capital with AT1 debt. UBS executives say the additional capital burden will put the Zurich-based bank at a disadvantage to rivals and undermine the competitiveness of Switzerland as a financial centre. Such was the shock in Switzerland over the 2023 collapse of Credit Suisse that top politicians led by Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter vowed to introduce more robust rules that would protect taxpayers and prevent another meltdown in future. Keller-Sutter now holds Switzerland's rotating one-year presidency and Friday's announcement will start a long period of political wrangling over the measures, which the governing federal council called "targeted and proportionate". "They're crucial for the stability of the financial sector and hence for protecting the economy and taxpayers," Keller-Sutter told a press conference. Depending on how UBS responds, the capital requirements could end up being significantly lower, she said. A parliamentary inquiry last year noted that since UBS bought Credit Suisse for 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.65 billion) in March 2023, it has had a balance sheet bigger than the Swiss economy, and urged policymakers to take the foreign units into account. The federal council said it would present drafts on the proposals for consultations with stakeholders in the second half of 2025. Finance Ministry officials say laws requiring parliamentary approval will not enter force before 2028. Separate measures known as ordinances that can be issued directly by the government could apply from the start of 2027. Tealwood Asset Management Inc. trimmed its stake in shares of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO Free Report) by 26.4% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,360 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 5,520 shares during the period. Tealwood Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Apollo Global Management were worth $2,103,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of APO. Retirement Systems of Alabama acquired a new stake in shares of Apollo Global Management during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $15,984,000. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. lifted its position in shares of Apollo Global Management by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 6,930 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,145,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares during the period. Confluence Wealth Services Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Apollo Global Management during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $202,000. State of Alaska Department of Revenue acquired a new stake in shares of Apollo Global Management during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $8,417,000. Finally, Leo Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Apollo Global Management during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $215,000. 77.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Apollo Global Management alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on APO. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Apollo Global Management from $170.00 to $131.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Apollo Global Management from $186.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, April 4th. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Apollo Global Management from $145.00 to $156.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Apollo Global Management in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Finally, TD Cowen decreased their price objective on shares of Apollo Global Management from $214.00 to $144.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, seventeen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Apollo Global Management presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $159.00. Apollo Global Management Stock Up 2.4% Shares of NYSE APO opened at $133.45 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $76.27 billion, a PE ratio of 18.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 1.59. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $130.66 and a 200 day simple moving average of $149.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.44 and a quick ratio of 1.44. Apollo Global Management, Inc. has a 1 year low of $95.11 and a 1 year high of $189.49. Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 2nd. The financial services provider reported $1.82 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.84 by ($0.02). Apollo Global Management had a return on equity of 13.97% and a net margin of 17.53%. The company had revenue of $5.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $977.14 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.72 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 21.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Apollo Global Management, Inc. will post 8 EPS for the current year. Apollo Global Management Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 16th were paid a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 16th. This is a boost from Apollo Global Managements previous quarterly dividend of $0.46. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.53%. Apollo Global Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 35.73%. Insider Transactions at Apollo Global Management In related news, insider Lb 2018 Gst Trust bought 607,725 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 4th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $111.39 per share, with a total value of $67,694,487.75. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now owns 621,754 shares in the company, valued at approximately $69,257,178.06. The trade was a 4,331.92% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Martin Kelly sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.57, for a total value of $530,280.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 373,164 shares in the company, valued at approximately $49,470,351.48. This represents a 1.06% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 8.20% of the companys stock. Apollo Global Management Profile (Free Report) Apollo Global Management, Inc is a private equity firm specializing in investments in credit, private equity, infrastructure, secondaries and real estate markets. The firm prefers to invest in private and public markets. The firms private equity investments include traditional buyouts, recapitalization, distressed buyouts and debt investments in real estate, corporate partner buyouts, distressed asset, corporate carve-outs, middle market, growth, venture capital, turnaround, bridge, corporate restructuring, special situation, acquisition, and industry consolidation transactions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Apollo Global Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apollo Global Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 2,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $346,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 30.6% during the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 9,993,434 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,751,149,000 after acquiring an additional 2,338,882 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 21,084.0% during the 4th quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC now owns 8,491,606 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,487,984,000 after acquiring an additional 8,451,521 shares in the last quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 318.5% during the 4th quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 8,162,449 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,430,306,000 after acquiring an additional 6,211,920 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 6.7% during the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 4,366,543 shares of the companys stock valued at $765,149,000 after acquiring an additional 275,904 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Temasek Holdings Private Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $720,730,000. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Price Performance Shares of RSP stock opened at $178.69 on Friday. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a 12 month low of $150.35 and a 12 month high of $188.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $72.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.59 and a beta of 0.99. The companys fifty day moving average price is $169.94 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $175.93. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Company Profile Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taiwan-based tech company Foxconn has acquired the Fairbanks Logistics Park, an industrial property situated on 100 acres in northwest Houston. The seller, Dalfen Industrial, announced in a news release on Thursday that the site includes four buildings totaling 1 million square feet of industrial space. Foxconn is reportedly investing $450 million in the property to build an AI server manufacturing facility, according to the Greater Houston Partnership, the largest chamber of commerce in the Houston area. The Fairbanks Logistics Park facility will create 600 direct jobs and have an estimated economic impact of $920 million. Foxconn Corp. is based in Taiwan and manufactures electronics for companies such as Apple, the Greater Houston Partnership said in its New Business Announcements: Q1 2025. They are expanding production lines in North Houston to build an AI server. Foxconn has not publicly commented on the facility in Houston. Dalfen Industrial, which acquired the Fairbanks Logistics Park for $90.6 million in July 2023, did not disclose the sale price to Foxconn. Ingrasys USA, a Foxconn subsidiary, acquired the property in March for $142 million, according to the Financial Times. This transaction marks a significant growth move for another Fortune 50 tech manufacturer entering the Houston market joining the ranks of Apple and Nvidia, who have also announced major investments in the region, Dalfen Industrial said in a statement. Together, these developments are helping to position the city as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure. Foxconns purchase of the Fairbanks Logistics Park arrives in conjunction with Apple Inc. and Nvidia Corp. recently announcing new production facilities in the area. Foxconn supplies high-tech components for both firms. Apple plans to build a 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility scheduled to open in 2026. Tech firm Nvidia is building an AI supercomputer manufacturing facility in Houston, also expected to open in 2026. The post Tech giant Foxconn creating 600 jobs with $450M Houston investment appeared first on FreightWaves. MariMed (OTC:MRMD Get Free Report) is one of 55 public companies in the Medicinals & botanicals industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare MariMed to related companies based on the strength of its profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, valuation, risk, dividends and earnings. Insider & Institutional Ownership 0.2% of MariMed shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 15.8% of shares of all Medicinals & botanicals companies are held by institutional investors. 19.0% of MariMed shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 21.5% of shares of all Medicinals & botanicals companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get MariMed alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares MariMed and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio MariMed $148.60 million -$16.03 million -2.40 MariMed Competitors $310.11 million -$49.81 million -5.63 Analyst Ratings MariMeds rivals have higher revenue, but lower earnings than MariMed. MariMed is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. This is a breakdown of current recommendations for MariMed and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MariMed 0 0 0 1 4.00 MariMed Competitors 291 567 1085 86 2.48 As a group, Medicinals & botanicals companies have a potential upside of 78.14%. Given MariMeds rivals higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe MariMed has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Risk and Volatility MariMed has a beta of 3.15, indicating that its stock price is 215% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, MariMeds rivals have a beta of 1.31, indicating that their average stock price is 31% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares MariMed and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MariMed -8.95% 1.58% 0.53% MariMed Competitors -38.94% -24.68% -6.33% Summary MariMed beats its rivals on 8 of the 13 factors compared. MariMed Company Profile (Get Free Report) MariMed Inc. engages in cultivation, production, and dispensing of medicinal and recreational cannabis in the United States and internationally. The company sells flowers and concentrates under the Natures Heritage brand; and soft and chewy baked goods and a hot chocolate mix under Bubbys Baked brand; and drink mix under Vibations brand. It also offers chewable cannabis-infused mint tablet under the brand Kalm Fusion; and flower, vapes, and edibles under InHouse brand. In addition, the company provides supplement, nutrient-infused fruit chews under Bettys Eddies brand and ice creams under Emack & Bolios brand. The company licenses its brands. MariMed Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Norwood, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for MariMed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MariMed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Dr. Martens plc (LON:DOCS Get Free Report) were up 18% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 74.30 ($1.01) and last traded at GBX 70.75 ($0.96). Approximately 6,163,005 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 176% from the average daily volume of 2,233,193 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 59.95 ($0.81). Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Dr. Martens from GBX 7,000 ($94.70) to GBX 6,000 ($81.17) and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, May 19th. Get Dr. Martens alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Dr. Martens Dr. Martens Stock Up 8.7% The company has a market capitalization of 795.54 million, a PE ratio of 11.62, a P/E/G ratio of 6.40 and a beta of 0.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 127.27, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 2.85. The companys 50-day moving average is GBX 55.34 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 62.80. Dr. Martens (LON:DOCS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, June 5th. The company reported GBX 2.40 ($0.03) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Dr. Martens had a net margin of 7.89% and a return on equity of 18.91%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Dr. Martens plc will post 2.5809394 EPS for the current year. Dr. Martens Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 6th were issued a GBX 0.85 ($0.01) dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 6th. This represents a yield of 1.47%. Dr. Martenss payout ratio is currently 42.53%. Insider Activity at Dr. Martens In other Dr. Martens news, insider Giles Wilson acquired 32,640 shares of Dr. Martens stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 25th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 54 ($0.73) per share, for a total transaction of 17,625.60 ($23,844.16). In the last three months, insiders have acquired 33,206 shares of company stock valued at $1,792,771. 4.36% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Dr. Martens Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dr. Martens is an iconic British brand founded in 1960 in Northamptonshire. Originally produced for workers looking for tough, durable boots, the brand was quickly adopted by diverse youth subcultures and associated musical movements. Dr. Martens have since transcended their working-class roots while still celebrating their proud heritage and, six decades later, Docs or DMs are worn by people around the world who use them as a symbol of empowerment and their own individual attitude. The Company successfully listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange on 29 January 2021 (DOCS.L) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dr. Martens Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dr. Martens and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada set a C$1.00 price objective on Evogene (TSE:EVGN Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. Separately, Desjardins cut their target price on Evogene from C$4.00 to C$3.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, March 4th. Get Evogene alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on EVGN Evogene Stock Performance Evogene Company Profile Evogene is a leading computational biology company focused on revolutionizing product discovery and development in multiple life-science based industries, including human health and agriculture, through the use of its broadly applicable Computational Predictive Biology (CPB) platform. The CPB platform, incorporating a deep understanding of biology leveraged through the power of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, has been designed to computationally discover and guide the development of life-science products based on microbes, small molecules and genetic elements. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Evogene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Evogene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intergy Private Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 10.8% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 2,563 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 250 shares during the quarter. Intergy Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $305,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Reliant Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.8% in the first quarter. Reliant Investment Management LLC now owns 12,184 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,449,000 after buying an additional 450 shares during the last quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 908,442 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $108,041,000 after acquiring an additional 19,398 shares in the last quarter. Seneca House Advisors increased its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. Seneca House Advisors now owns 2,569 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $306,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. KFG Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 1st quarter worth about $203,000. Finally, Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 12,920 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,537,000 after purchasing an additional 544 shares in the last quarter. 61.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Exxon Mobil Stock Up 2.4% XOM stock opened at $104.29 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $449.45 billion, a PE ratio of 13.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.51. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $105.42 and its 200 day simple moving average is $109.19. Exxon Mobil Co. has a fifty-two week low of $97.80 and a fifty-two week high of $126.34. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, May 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.73 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $83.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $86.11 billion. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 9.63% and a return on equity of 12.92%. Exxon Mobils quarterly revenue was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.06 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 7.43 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 15th will be given a $0.99 dividend. This represents a $3.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 15th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is currently 52.52%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Scotiabank reduced their target price on Exxon Mobil from $140.00 to $115.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 11th. Piper Sandler downgraded Exxon Mobil from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Barclays restated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $129.00 to $124.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $125.50. Read Our Latest Analysis on XOM Exxon Mobil Profile (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 Articles 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. Weyerhaeuser (NYSE:WY Get Free Report) and Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, profitability, dividends, valuation and institutional ownership. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Weyerhaeuser and Kite Realty Group Trust, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Weyerhaeuser alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Weyerhaeuser 1 2 6 1 2.70 Kite Realty Group Trust 0 5 2 1 2.50 Weyerhaeuser presently has a consensus price target of $33.25, suggesting a potential upside of 24.35%. Kite Realty Group Trust has a consensus price target of $27.63, suggesting a potential upside of 22.42%. Given Weyerhaeusers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Weyerhaeuser is more favorable than Kite Realty Group Trust. Volatility and Risk Valuation & Earnings Weyerhaeuser has a beta of 1.16, indicating that its share price is 16% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Kite Realty Group Trust has a beta of 1.11, indicating that its share price is 11% more volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares Weyerhaeuser and Kite Realty Group Trusts top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Weyerhaeuser $7.09 billion 2.73 $396.00 million $0.50 53.48 Kite Realty Group Trust $856.17 million 5.79 $4.07 million $0.07 322.36 Weyerhaeuser has higher revenue and earnings than Kite Realty Group Trust. Weyerhaeuser is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Kite Realty Group Trust, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Weyerhaeuser pays an annual dividend of $0.84 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. Kite Realty Group Trust pays an annual dividend of $1.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.8%. Weyerhaeuser pays out 168.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Kite Realty Group Trust pays out 1,542.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Weyerhaeuser has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years and Kite Realty Group Trust has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Kite Realty Group Trust is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Profitability This table compares Weyerhaeuser and Kite Realty Group Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Weyerhaeuser 5.56% 3.86% 2.30% Kite Realty Group Trust 0.48% 0.12% 0.06% Institutional and Insider Ownership 83.0% of Weyerhaeuser shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 90.8% of Kite Realty Group Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Weyerhaeuser shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 2.0% of Kite Realty Group Trust shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Weyerhaeuser beats Kite Realty Group Trust on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Weyerhaeuser (Get Free Report) Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control approximately 11 million acres of timberlands in the U.S. and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2022, we generated $10.2 billion in net sales and employed approximately 9,200 people who serve customers worldwide. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. About Kite Realty Group Trust (Get Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Indianapolis, IN that is one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. The Companys primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. The combination of necessity-based grocery-anchored neighborhood and community centers, along with vibrant mixed-use assets makes the KRG portfolio an ideal mix for both retailers and consumers. Publicly listed since 2004, KRG has nearly 60 years of experience in developing, constructing and operating real estate. Using operational, investment, development, and redevelopment expertise, KRG continuously optimizes its portfolio to maximize value and return to shareholders. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned interests in 180 U.S. open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets, comprising approximately 28.1 million square feet of gross leasable space. Receive News & Ratings for Weyerhaeuser Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Weyerhaeuser and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $26.36 and last traded at $26.11, with a volume of 611360 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $25.04. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth GFI has been the topic of a number of research reports. Wall Street Zen downgraded Gold Fields from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 30th. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Gold Fields to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. HSBC restated a hold rating and set a $21.00 price target on shares of Gold Fields in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of Gold Fields from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, April 14th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $18.56. Get Gold Fields alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Gold Fields Gold Fields Stock Down 3.2% Institutional Trading of Gold Fields The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $22.52 and a 200-day simple moving average of $18.84. The stock has a market cap of $22.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.47, a PEG ratio of 0.30 and a beta of 0.57. Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its position in Gold Fields by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 105,174 shares of the companys stock worth $1,388,000 after acquiring an additional 573 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in shares of Gold Fields by 21.0% in the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,742 shares of the companys stock worth $83,000 after purchasing an additional 649 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in shares of Gold Fields by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 17,332 shares of the companys stock worth $229,000 after purchasing an additional 720 shares during the last quarter. Bridgewater Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Gold Fields by 4.9% during the 1st quarter. Bridgewater Advisors Inc. now owns 20,021 shares of the companys stock worth $441,000 after purchasing an additional 934 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Richardson Financial Services Inc. bought a new stake in Gold Fields during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. 24.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Gold Fields Company Profile (Get Free Report) Gold Fields Limited operates as a gold producer with reserves and resources in Chile, South Africa, Ghana, Canada, Australia, and Peru. It also explores for copper and silver deposits. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Sandton, South Africa. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Gold Fields Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gold Fields and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF (NYSEARCA:RODM Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $34.17 and last traded at $34.00, with a volume of 4019 shares. The stock had previously closed at $33.94. Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of $1.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.46 and a beta of 0.71. The firms fifty day moving average is $32.02 and its 200 day moving average is $30.55. Get Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF by 2.1% during the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 70,770 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,193,000 after buying an additional 1,463 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF by 1.3% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 95,912 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,972,000 after acquiring an additional 1,257 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF by 18.0% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 199,968 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,197,000 after purchasing an additional 30,458 shares in the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC bought a new stake in Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $2,000,000. Finally, US Bancorp DE acquired a new position in shares of Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $51,000. Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF Company Profile Direct Markets Holdings Corp., formerly Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc, is a holding company. Through its subsidiaries, it is engaged in the investment banking business. The Companys principal operating subsidiary is Rodman & Renshaw, LLC (R&R). It is an investment bank, which provides corporate finance, strategic advisory and related services to public and private companies across multiple sectors and regions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL Get Free Report) VP Stuart Maurice Absolom sold 18,926 shares of Hecla Mining stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.66, for a total value of $126,047.16. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 59,410 shares in the company, valued at $395,670.60. This trade represents a 24.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Hecla Mining Stock Performance Shares of HL opened at $6.28 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $3.97 billion, a PE ratio of 125.63 and a beta of 1.44. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $5.36 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.55. Hecla Mining has a 1 year low of $4.41 and a 1 year high of $7.68. Get Hecla Mining alerts: Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The basic materials company reported $0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.05 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $261.34 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $238.50 million. Hecla Mining had a net margin of 3.85% and a return on equity of 3.10%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 37.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.01) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Hecla Mining will post 0.21 EPS for the current year. Hecla Mining Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 23rd will be given a $0.0038 dividend. This represents a $0.02 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.24%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 23rd. Hecla Minings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 9.09%. A number of brokerages recently commented on HL. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating and set a $5.50 price target (down from $7.50) on shares of Hecla Mining in a report on Monday, May 5th. HC Wainwright reiterated a buy rating and set a $11.50 price target on shares of Hecla Mining in a report on Friday, February 14th. Roth Mkm dropped their price target on Hecla Mining from $6.60 to $6.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 18th. National Bank Financial raised Hecla Mining to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, March 21st. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Hecla Mining from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hecla Mining presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $7.13. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on HL Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hecla Mining Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Strs Ohio purchased a new position in shares of Hecla Mining in the first quarter valued at $188,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its position in shares of Hecla Mining by 24.1% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,959,276 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $10,894,000 after purchasing an additional 380,448 shares in the last quarter. Aristeia Capital L.L.C. purchased a new position in shares of Hecla Mining in the first quarter valued at $333,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Hecla Mining by 20.9% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 4,285,345 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $23,827,000 after purchasing an additional 739,360 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its position in shares of Hecla Mining by 12.7% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 12,124,216 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $67,411,000 after purchasing an additional 1,366,700 shares in the last quarter. 63.01% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Hecla Mining (Get Free Report) Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hecla Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hecla Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horizon Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 85,948 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,688,000. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF accounts for 2.5% of Horizon Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in QUAL. Tallon Kerry Patrick purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 4th quarter worth $334,000. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 25.3% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 10,028 shares of the companys stock worth $1,786,000 after purchasing an additional 2,023 shares during the last quarter. Heck Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth $81,990,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 72,723 shares of the companys stock worth $12,987,000 after purchasing an additional 360 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bleakley Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC now owns 3,803 shares of the companys stock worth $677,000 after purchasing an additional 363 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Price Performance Shares of BATS QUAL opened at $180.45 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $52.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.81 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $148.34 and a 1-year high of $187.26. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $169.87 and a 200 day moving average price of $176.77. About iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Impact Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 8.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,737 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 449 shares during the quarter. Impact Capital Partners LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $736,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in EOG. Y.D. More Investments Ltd increased its position in shares of EOG Resources by 149.4% during the 4th quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd now owns 202 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Mainstream Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Keystone Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Finally, Heritage Wealth Advisors increased its position in shares of EOG Resources by 562.2% during the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Advisors now owns 245 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Susquehanna reduced their target price on EOG Resources from $161.00 to $156.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Morgan Stanley set a $135.00 target price on EOG Resources and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, June 2nd. Mizuho reduced their target price on EOG Resources from $140.00 to $134.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Bank of America reduced their target price on EOG Resources from $125.00 to $124.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 23rd. Finally, Citigroup reduced their target price on EOG Resources from $134.00 to $125.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, March 17th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $139.58. EOG Resources Price Performance Shares of NYSE EOG opened at $113.93 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $62.18 billion, a PE ratio of 9.17, a P/E/G ratio of 3.58 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 2.31 and a quick ratio of 2.07. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $111.51 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $122.42. EOG Resources, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $102.52 and a fifty-two week high of $138.18. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The energy exploration company reported $2.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.75 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $5.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.92 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 23.77% and a net margin of 29.18%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.82 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 17th will be issued a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 17th. This is a boost from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.58%. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is currently 36.18%. Insider Buying and Selling at EOG Resources In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,037 shares of EOG Resources stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.76, for a total value of $515,767.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 47,732 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,098,240.32. The trade was a 7.80% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the ride-hailing giant is exploring the use of crypto as a payment method, which marks the third time the company has made the claim since 2021. Speaking at the Bloomberg Tech conference in San Francisco on Thursday, Khosrowshahi said the company is in the study phase of evaluating stablecoins for operational use. I think stablecoins are one of the more interesting instantiations of crypto that have a practical benefit beyond being a store of value, Khosrowshahi said. Uber was an early member of the Diem Association (formerly Libra), joining in 2019 to support Metas now-defunct stablecoin initiative aimed at reshaping global payments. You can have your opinions on Bitcoin, its a proven commodity, and people differ on where its going. But stablecoins seems quite promising, especially for global companies moving money around internationally, Khosrowshahi continued on Thursday. Thats super interesting to us, and were definitely going to take a look. The remarks echo what Khosrowshahi told CNBC in September 2021, when he said Uber would look into accepting BTC and other cryptocurrencies as payment. At the time, he dismissed any plans to put crypto on the companys balance sheet, saying, We are going to keep our cash safe. Later, in February 2022, Khosrowshahi told Bloomberg that the company would absolutely accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment at some point in the future, but emphasized that the time wasnt right yet. Were having conversations all the time, Khosrowshahi said at the time. As the exchange mechanism becomes less expensive and becomes more environmentally friendly, I think you will see us leaning into crypto a little bit more. When he made crypto-related comments in 2021, BTC traded flat for the next three months. However, his February 2022 comments came weeks before the beginning of an industry-shaking major market correction, which kicked off later that spring. Disciplined Investments LLC decreased its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report) by 0.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 28,894 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 259 shares during the period. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF makes up approximately 2.5% of Disciplined Investments LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest position. Disciplined Investments LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF were worth $5,437,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 9.5% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 54,061,592 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $10,008,423,000 after buying an additional 4,699,792 shares during the period. FMR LLC raised its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 4.0% in the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 9,268,989 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,715,968,000 after buying an additional 354,694 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 7.8% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 9,252,043 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,712,831,000 after buying an additional 671,710 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 21.6% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,877,198 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,458,306,000 after buying an additional 1,400,086 shares during the period. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 36.6% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 6,284,015 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,163,360,000 after buying an additional 1,683,297 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Trading Up 1.0% Shares of IWD opened at $190.76 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $61.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.08 and a beta of 0.90. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF has a 12-month low of $163.19 and a 12-month high of $200.42. The companys 50-day moving average price is $182.68 and its 200 day moving average price is $188.14. About iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the large capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market, as represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index (the Index). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lake Hills Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 4,653 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $279,000. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Redwood Park Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. VSM Wealth Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Marshall Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $32,000. Promus Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Pinney & Scofield Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. 57.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Stock Down 0.2% Altria Group stock opened at $59.25 on Friday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $43.83 and a 52 week high of $61.26. The companys 50 day moving average price is $58.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $56.02. The stock has a market cap of $99.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.05, a P/E/G ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.60. Altria Group Announces Dividend Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $1.23 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.04. Altria Group had a net margin of 46.90% and a negative return on equity of 258.72%. The firm had revenue of $4.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.64 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.15 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 16th. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.89%. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 68.34%. Analyst Ratings Changes MO has been the subject of several research reports. Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on Altria Group from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Altria Group from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $60.00 price target on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Tuesday, April 1st. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on shares of Altria Group from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $56.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MO About Altria Group (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Perkins Coie Trust Co raised its position in Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK Free Report) by 125.7% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 677 shares of the transportation companys stock after purchasing an additional 377 shares during the period. Perkins Coie Trust Cos holdings in Alaska Air Group were worth $33,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wood Tarver Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in Alaska Air Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $38,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in Alaska Air Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $52,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Alaska Air Group by 61.6% in the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 955 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $62,000 after acquiring an additional 364 shares in the last quarter. Millstone Evans Group LLC acquired a new position in Alaska Air Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $76,000. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Alaska Air Group by 31.2% in the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,953 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $96,000 after acquiring an additional 464 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.90% of the companys stock. Get Alaska Air Group alerts: Alaska Air Group Trading Up 3.4% ALK stock opened at $52.43 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.19, a P/E/G ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 1.44. Alaska Air Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $32.62 and a 1-year high of $78.08. The businesss 50 day moving average is $48.34 and its 200-day moving average is $58.34. The company has a current ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04. Insider Buying and Selling at Alaska Air Group Alaska Air Group ( NYSE:ALK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 23rd. The transportation company reported ($0.77) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.72) by ($0.05). Alaska Air Group had a net margin of 3.37% and a return on equity of 14.66%. The business had revenue of $3.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.92) EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 40.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Alaska Air Group, Inc. will post 6.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, VP Emily Halverson sold 2,946 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.34, for a total transaction of $151,247.64. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 8,253 shares of the companys stock, valued at $423,709.02. This represents a 26.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Andrew R. Harrison sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.51, for a total value of $401,325.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 26,530 shares in the company, valued at $1,419,620.30. This trade represents a 22.04% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 10,479 shares of company stock worth $554,228. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes ALK has been the subject of several recent research reports. TD Cowen upped their price target on Alaska Air Group from $54.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. Bank of America cut their price target on Alaska Air Group from $80.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Alaska Air Group from $85.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, March 3rd. Barclays lowered their price objective on Alaska Air Group from $62.00 to $55.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Finally, Susquehanna lowered their price objective on Alaska Air Group from $95.00 to $55.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $66.83. View Our Latest Analysis on ALK Alaska Air Group Profile (Free Report) Alaska Air Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates airlines. It operates through three segments: Mainline, Regional, and Horizon. The company offers scheduled air transportation services on Boeing jet aircraft for passengers and cargo in the United States, and in parts of Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, and the Bahamas; and for passengers across a shorter distance network within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alaska Air Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alaska Air Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Perkins Coie Trust Co lessened its stake in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 1.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 6,192 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 103 shares during the quarter. BlackRock comprises approximately 1.3% of Perkins Coie Trust Cos holdings, making the stock its 19th largest position. Perkins Coie Trust Cos holdings in BlackRock were worth $5,860,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in BLK. First City Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of BlackRock by 7.5% during the 1st quarter. First City Capital Management Inc. now owns 315 shares of the asset managers stock worth $298,000 after purchasing an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank lifted its position in shares of BlackRock by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank now owns 1,836 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,738,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares during the last quarter. Reliant Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Reliant Investment Management LLC now owns 4,636 shares of the asset managers stock worth $4,388,000 after purchasing an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock by 11.5% during the 1st quarter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,899 shares of the asset managers stock worth $4,637,000 after purchasing an additional 504 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Independence Bank of Kentucky acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 1st quarter worth about $2,269,000. Institutional investors own 80.69% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently weighed in on BLK. UBS Group cut their price objective on BlackRock from $1,045.00 to $1,010.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Citigroup cut their price objective on BlackRock from $1,200.00 to $1,100.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 14th. TD Cowen cut their price target on BlackRock from $1,251.00 to $1,032.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. Barclays upped their price target on BlackRock from $950.00 to $990.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, April 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price target on BlackRock from $1,275.00 to $1,124.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 7th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,082.46. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director J. Richard Kushel sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $912.50, for a total transaction of $9,125,000.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 66,034 shares in the company, valued at $60,256,025. This represents a 13.15% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 1.98% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. BlackRock Trading Up 0.5% BLK stock opened at $990.26 on Friday. BlackRock, Inc. has a 1-year low of $752.30 and a 1-year high of $1,084.22. The firm has a market cap of $153.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.58, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.41. The businesss 50 day moving average is $925.28 and its 200-day moving average is $973.54. The company has a current ratio of 5.23, a quick ratio of 5.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 11th. The asset manager reported $11.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.84 by $0.46. BlackRock had a return on equity of 16.32% and a net margin of 31.21%. The company had revenue of $5.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.47 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $9.81 EPS. The companys revenue was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 47.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. BlackRock Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 23rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 5th will be paid a $5.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 5th. This represents a $20.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.10%. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio is currently 50.63%. About BlackRock (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Radnor Capital Management LLC grew its position in Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR Free Report) by 3.2% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 7,350 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 225 shares during the quarter. Radnor Capital Management LLCs holdings in Quanta Services were worth $1,868,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in PWR. Banque Transatlantique SA acquired a new stake in shares of Quanta Services in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Quanta Services in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Sierra Ocean LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Quanta Services in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Centricity Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Quanta Services in the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, Rakuten Securities Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Quanta Services by 1,027.3% in the 4th quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 124 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.49% of the companys stock. Get Quanta Services alerts: Quanta Services Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PWR opened at $361.20 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $53.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.90, a P/E/G ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.07. Quanta Services, Inc. has a 1-year low of $227.08 and a 1-year high of $365.88. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $306.00 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $304.44. Quanta Services Announces Dividend Quanta Services ( NYSE:PWR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The construction company reported $1.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.72 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $6.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.88 billion. Quanta Services had a return on equity of 18.00% and a net margin of 3.82%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 23.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.41 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Quanta Services, Inc. will post 9.34 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 11th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 1st will be paid a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 1st. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.11%. Quanta Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 6.45%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently commented on PWR shares. BMO Capital Markets set a $352.00 target price on shares of Quanta Services in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Quanta Services from $331.00 to $360.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Truist Financial reduced their price target on shares of Quanta Services from $398.00 to $324.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Roth Capital upgraded shares of Quanta Services to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 20th. Finally, B. Riley upped their price target on shares of Quanta Services from $300.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $347.35. Read Our Latest Report on Quanta Services Quanta Services Company Profile (Free Report) Quanta Services, Inc provides infrastructure solutions for the electric and gas utility, renewable energy, communications, and pipeline and energy industries in the United States, Canada, Australia, and internationally. The companys Electric Power Infrastructure Solutions segment engages in the design, procurement, construction, upgrade, repair, and maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution infrastructure and substation facilities; installation, maintenance, and upgrade of electric power infrastructure projects; installation of smart grid technologies on electric power networks; and design, installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial and industrial wirings. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PWR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Quanta Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quanta Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $6.03, but opened at $6.52. Sibanye Stillwater shares last traded at $6.62, with a volume of 6,929,632 shares traded. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth SBSW has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen lowered Sibanye Stillwater from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 30th. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Sibanye Stillwater from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $4.70 to $5.30 in a research report on Tuesday, March 18th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $5.05. Get Sibanye Stillwater alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on SBSW Sibanye Stillwater Trading Up 3.7% Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sibanye Stillwater The company has a market capitalization of $4.77 billion, a PE ratio of 12.96 and a beta of 0.72. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $4.95 and a two-hundred day moving average of $4.21. The company has a current ratio of 2.09, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. grew its stake in shares of Sibanye Stillwater by 13.1% during the first quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 17,659 shares of the companys stock valued at $81,000 after buying an additional 2,050 shares during the last quarter. Comprehensive Money Management Services LLC lifted its position in Sibanye Stillwater by 5.9% in the first quarter. Comprehensive Money Management Services LLC now owns 40,301 shares of the companys stock valued at $185,000 after purchasing an additional 2,250 shares during the last quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV increased its stake in shares of Sibanye Stillwater by 35.8% in the first quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 9,100 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 2,400 shares during the period. Banco Santander S.A. boosted its position in Sibanye Stillwater by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Banco Santander S.A. now owns 32,926 shares of the companys stock valued at $151,000 after buying an additional 2,952 shares during the period. Finally, Aire Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Sibanye Stillwater by 5.3% in the 4th quarter. Aire Advisors LLC now owns 61,060 shares of the companys stock worth $201,000 after acquiring an additional 3,060 shares during the last quarter. 34.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Sibanye Stillwater (Get Free Report) Sibanye Stillwater Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a precious metals mining company in South Africa, the United States, Europe, and Australia. The company produces gold; platinum group metals (PGMs), including palladium, platinum, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium; chrome; nickel; and silver, cobalt, and copper. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sibanye Stillwater Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sibanye Stillwater and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tealwood Asset Management Inc. decreased its position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 1.1% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 25,263 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 269 shares during the period. Tealwood Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $1,978,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 380.5% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 24,240 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,794,000 after buying an additional 19,195 shares in the last quarter. Confluence Wealth Services Inc. acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the 4th quarter valued at $236,000. YANKCOM Partnership acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the 4th quarter valued at $107,000. Bleakley Financial Group LLC grew its stake in Charles Schwab by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC now owns 25,344 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,876,000 after buying an additional 228 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GHP Investment Advisors Inc. grew its position in Charles Schwab by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 65,159 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,822,000 after purchasing an additional 1,082 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.38% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,290 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 owns 39,154 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,433,022.72. The trade was a 7.75% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Frank C. Herringer sold 3,592 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, April 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.26, for a total value of $266,741.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 172,162 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,784,750.12. This trade represents a 2.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 97,608 shares of company stock valued at $8,392,040 over the last quarter. 6.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Charles Schwab Price Performance Shares of Charles Schwab stock opened at $88.25 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $81.74 and a 200-day moving average price of $79.64. The Charles Schwab Co. has a one year low of $61.01 and a one year high of $89.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a current ratio of 0.47. The stock has a market cap of $160.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 0.90. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.01 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $5.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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 in the previous year, the business earned $0.74 EPS. Equities analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 4.22 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 9th were paid a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 9th. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.22%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 32.73%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $84.00 to $97.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 15th. Citigroup raised shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $85.00 to $102.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $90.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $93.00 to $87.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $100.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, April 25th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $89.63. Check Out Our Latest Report on SCHW Charles Schwab Company 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). 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. Tower Wealth Partners Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG Free Report) by 7.2% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,820 shares of the business services providers stock after buying an additional 123 shares during the period. Tower Wealth Partners Inc.s holdings in Republic Services were worth $441,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its position in Republic Services by 37.5% during the 4th quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 17,682 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,586,000 after buying an additional 4,827 shares during the period. DnB Asset Management AS boosted its position in Republic Services by 65.1% during the 4th quarter. DnB Asset Management AS now owns 72,931 shares of the business services providers stock worth $14,672,000 after buying an additional 28,764 shares during the period. Hickory Point Bank & Trust bought a new position in Republic Services during the 4th quarter worth approximately $790,000. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in Republic Services during the 4th quarter worth approximately $266,000. Finally, EULAV Asset Management raised its holdings in Republic Services by 41.7% during the 4th quarter. EULAV Asset Management now owns 390,458 shares of the business services providers stock worth $78,552,000 after purchasing an additional 115,000 shares during the last quarter. 57.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Republic Services alerts: Republic Services Price Performance Shares of NYSE RSG opened at $252.93 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $246.33 and its 200-day moving average price is $228.80. Republic Services, Inc. has a 1-year low of $185.07 and a 1-year high of $258.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $79.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.97, a P/E/G ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04. Republic Services Announces Dividend Republic Services ( NYSE:RSG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The business services provider reported $1.58 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $4.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.08 billion. Republic Services had a net margin of 12.74% and a return on equity of 18.28%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.45 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Republic Services, Inc. will post 6.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.58 per share. This represents a $2.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.92%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 2nd. Republic Servicess payout ratio is presently 34.99%. Analysts Set New Price Targets RSG has been the subject of several analyst reports. National Bank Financial upgraded shares of Republic Services to a hold rating in a report on Monday, May 26th. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Republic Services from $265.00 to $278.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of Republic Services from $239.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, February 18th. Argus set a $260.00 price target on shares of Republic Services in a report on Tuesday, February 18th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $266.00 price target on shares of Republic Services in a report on Friday, April 25th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Republic Services presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $250.44. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on RSG Republic Services Profile (Free Report) Republic Services, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers environmental services in the United States and Canada. It is involved in the collection and processing of recyclable, solid waste, and industrial waste materials; transportation and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous waste streams; and other environmental solutions. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Republic Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Republic Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (Refiles to additonal subscribers, no change to story) NEW YORK (Reuters) -UBS hired two technology investment bankers in New York from Bank of America, according to a memo seen by Reuters on Thursday. David Larsen will join the Swiss bank in September, to focus on application software, according to the memo by Laurence Braham, the global co-head of technology for UBS' investment bank. The lender also hired Rob Michlovich as a managing director focused on industrial and supply chain software, who starts in July. He previously advised BofA clients in industrials and tech. "David and Rob collectively bring over 30 years of banking experience and have advised clients on numerous high-profile M&A and capital markets transactions," Braham wrote. "The software sector represents a significant global fee opportunity for the firm." (Reporting by Lananh Nguyen in New York; Editing by Nia Williams) This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced Monday that William C. Smith & Co. will pay over $1 million and reform its business practices to resolve charges that it conspired with other District landlords while using pricing software from RealPage to allegedly inflate rents. In November 2023, Schwalbs office filed suit against RealPage and 14 landlords, including W.C. Smith, accusing them of unlawfully colluding by collectively adopting the rents set by the Richardson, Texas-based revenue management software companys technology and unlawfully agreeing to exchange competitively sensitive data in violation of the District of Columbia Antitrust Act. W.C. Smith, which owns 9,000 units and is the first company to settle in the Washington, D.C., case, denied the allegations in the complaint and denied that it violated any law or engaged in any anticompetitive conduct, according to the consent order filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. We have consistently asserted that we did not participate in any of the activities alleged by the Office of Attorney General in the RealPage litigation, John Ritz, president of W.C. Smith, said in a statement provided to Multifamily Dive. We now have been dismissed from this case without admission of the allegations or acceptance of liability. By settling this matter, we avoid considerable and unnecessary legal expenses and can return our focus to creating thriving communities for the residents of Washington, D.C. which has been our mission for more than 50 years. Agreement details As part of the consent agreement, W.C. Smith, which ceased using RealPages Lease Rent Options software in December 2023, agreed to a number of conditions for 10 years, including: There was anger at a private nursing home in Lalbagh, Murshidabad, on Friday after a deceased woman was allegedly referred to a government hospital along with her newborn, sparking allegations of medical negligence. Police said the woman had delivered a baby via caesarean section at the Lalbagh-based facility. Although she appeared stable shortly after delivery, she reportedly suffered seizures and died soon after. However, the nursing home allegedly transferred the woman, dead already, along with her newborn to the Berhampore Government Hospital, stating that her condition had deteriorated. Upon arrival at Berhampore, doctors confirmed that the woman had died much earlier. Shocked by the revelation her family returned to the Lalbagh nursing home with the body and the newborn and accused the hospital of a cover up. Angry relatives and locals gathered outside the nursing home, leading to a chaotic scene marked by protests and vandalism. Police were deployed in large numbers to restore order. No representatives from the nursing home have publicly commented on the incident so far. Advertisement Police sources confirmed that a meeting has been convened with both the bereaved family and the nursing home authorities to investigate the matter. A formal inquiry is underway to ascertain the timeline of events and any lapses in medical care. The incident has sparked renewed concerns over accountability and standards at private healthcare facilities in the region. Advertisement While the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is at Jammu, the Trinamul Congress has criticised the PM for not thinking about the tourists, who were gunned down by Pakistan-based terrorists last month. Trinamul MP in the Rajya Sabha Saket Gokhale wrote in his X-handle: PM Modi today inaugurated a Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar. The least he couldve done because sindoor flows in his veins is to have taken a ride on the train, gone to Srinagar, & then to Pahalgam, Poonch, & Uri to show some solidarity with people whose family members were killed by Pakistani shelling. Advertisement My party @AITCofficial was the first to send a 5-member delegation as directed by CM @MamataOfficial even though we dont even have any presence in J&K. Why? Because, as Indians, Bengal cares about the pain of J&K. Advertisement If PM Modi can go around the country stealing credit for the victory of our Armed Forces, why is it so hard for him to share the pain of our own people? PM Modi wants to shamelessly politicize Sindoor but he has zero concerns for the victims of Pakistani shelling. He went to J&K today for his own PR. The thought of innocent victims didnt even cross his mind. This is a man who cares about no one but himself. It may also be mentioned here that partys MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who was part of the all-party MP delegation to foreign nations talking about Indias stand against terrorism after Operation Sindoor, had been professing tourism in Kashmir. Tourism creates jobs. Tourism connects people. But unfortunately, our neighbouring country is against humanity, against harmony, and against tourism. Not just that it is a country that is even against the livelihood of the poor. What happened in Pahalgam on April 22 is a clear example of this. Pakistan attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. Its intention was to incite riots in India. Its aim was to stop the earnings of the hardworking people of Kashmir. Thats why Pakistan targeted the tourists. With these attacks, Pak wanted to dent Kashmirs economy we will collectively ensure the opposite happens. Through these attacks, they wanted to cripple our economy. So now the onus is on us to do the opposite and ensure that Kashmir flourishes and prospers. It is my humble appeal that next time you visit India, spend 34 days in Kashmir to support the local people and boost tourism and the local economy, he had said. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has advised all e-commerce platforms to take necessary steps to ensure that their platforms do not engage in deceptive and unfair trade practices, like Dark Patterns. All e-commerce platforms have been asked to conduct self-audits to identify dark patterns within three months of the issue of an advisory and take necessary steps to ensure that their platforms are free from such dark patterns. Advertisement The e-commerce platforms, based on the self-audit reports, have also encouraged giving self-declarations that their platform is not indulging in any dark patterns. The self-declarations by the platforms will enable a fair digital ecosystem, along with building trust between consumers and e-commerce platforms. Advertisement The CCPA has also issued notices to e-commerce platforms in some cases that have been found violating the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns. All e-commerce platforms are therefore advised to refrain from deploying deceptive design interfaces that mislead consumers or manipulate their decision-making. The Authority has been keeping a close watch on the violation of the Guidelines issued for the Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns. Instances of Dark Patterns have been noticed on E-Commerce platforms. The Department of Consumer Affairs constituted a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising representatives from concerned Ministries, regulators, Voluntary Consumer Organisations, and NLUs. The mandate of this JWG is to examine and undertake measures to identify violations of Dark Patterns on e-commerce platforms and share the information with the Department of Consumer Affairs at regular intervals. The JWG shall also suggest appropriate awareness programmes for creating awareness amongst the consumers. As part of the governments broader strategy and ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the digital era and curb unfair practices in e-commerce and online services. The Department of Consumer Affairs had notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023 and specified 13 dark patterns, namely: False urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements and Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing and Rogue Malwares. Tata Motors has issued an official press release announcing the launch of factory-fitted air conditioning systems across its entire truck range. According to the release, this significant upgrade spans the SFC, LPT, Ultra, Signa, and Prima cabins, while also extending it to cowl models for the first time. Tata Motors has also introduced a series of value additions, including power output enhancements, reinforcing its commitment to set new benchmarks in performance and drivability, the release stated. Advertisement Commenting on the development, Tata Commercial Vehicles Vice President & Business Head Rajesh Kaul said, The introduction of air-conditioned cabins and cowls marks a significant step towards building a comfortable working environment for drivers, enabling higher productivity. In addition to complying with the regulatory requirements, we have leveraged this opportunity to deliver long-term value with a host of enhancements. These upgrades, shaped by extensive customer feedback, and backed by smart engineering, are designed to minimise impact on total cost of ownership, ensuring greater profitability for fleet owners. Advertisement The new air-conditioning system offers dual-mode operation, Eco and Heavy, delivering optimal cooling with enhanced energy efficiency. Tata Motors range of heavy trucks, tippers and prime movers now offer higher power output of up to 320hp. Coupled with intelligent technology that maximizes fuel economy, this upgrade makes the trucks well suited for diverse applications, the release stated. The air conditioning systems feature dual-mode operation with Eco and Heavy settings, designed to provide cooling while maintaining energy efficiency. Tata Motors has also increased power output across its heavy truck, tipper, and prime mover lineup to 320 horsepower. The enhanced truck models include fuel efficiency features such as automatic engine idle shut-off and voice messaging systems for real-time alerts. These additions are part of Tata Motors strategy to improve driver working conditions and increase productivity. Tata Motors operates as Indias market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three passenger vehicle manufacturers. The company is part of the $165 billion Tata Group and reported $44 billion in revenue. The company supports its vehicle portfolio through a network of over 3,000 service touchpoints and its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 program, which provides maintenance contracts, roadside assistance, and spare parts access. It also operates Fleet Edge, a connected vehicle platform for fleet management. Tata Motors runs operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, with vehicle sales extending to Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries. As of March 2024, the companys structure included 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and multiple equity-accounted associates. Two juveniles were apprehended for allegedly murdering a 16-year-old boy in Central Delhis Anant Parbat area, the Delhi Police said on Saturday. The held minors, both aged 14 and 15, were caught on Thursday along with the weapon of crime, a knife, which was confiscated from their possession, it said. Advertisement We received a PCR call on Monday regarding an unconscious boy lying in the pool of blood near Durga Mandir in Taliwalan Basti. Responding to it, a police team immediately rushed to the reported area and found the minor grievously injured. He was then taken to RML Hospital, where the doctors declared him dead, Nidhin Valsan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, said. Advertisement The officer added that, while probing into this case, an eyewitness informed the officers that he and the deceased were returning back home when two unidentified boys suddenly approached from behind and stabbed the victim with a knife before fleeing the spot. On the basis of his statement, a case under relevant sections of the BNS was filed, and an investigation into this matter was initiated by the police team. Furthermore, acting on a lead, police apprehended the two suspected minors near Jeewan Mala Hospital on Thursday. During sustained interrogation with them, they confessed to their involvement in the incident. Subsequently, a blood-stained knife, which was used in the crime, was recovered from a nearby park, the DCP mentioned. However, the motive behind the attack is yet to be determined. Further investigation into this matter is ongoing by the police team, he added. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has arrested Angad Pal Singh in connection with a multi-crore scam involving forged documents used to claim trade benefits under Indias Foreign Trade Policy, a senior police officer said on Saturday. Singh was arrested on Monday following his deportation from the United States in connection with another fraud case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was produced before the court and is currently in judicial custody, said Vikram K Porwal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Economic Offences Wing). Advertisement The officer further stated that an FIR registered in 2017 (FIR No. 12/2017, PS EOW) was originally based on a complaint filed by ICICI Bank. The bank reported that 467 fake Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates (FIRCs) had been submitted to its Naraina branch by 17 firms all linked through 18 account holders. These fraudulent FIRCs were used to illegally claim trade incentives from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), causing a loss of 30.47 crore to the exchequer. Advertisement It also emerged that the fake FIRCs were purportedly issued by Corporation Banks Bhikaji Cama Place branch. The exporters allegedly used these forged documents to secure Bank Realisation Certificates (BRCs) from ICICI Bank, which were then submitted to DGFT to obtain Duty Credit Scrips a form of incentive that allows for the import of goods at reduced customs duties. Under Indias Foreign Trade Policy, exporters are entitled to two major benefits: Duty Drawback (refunded directly by Customs) and Duty Credit Scrips, which are issued by the DGFT only after confirmation of payment from foreign buyers via FIRCs and BRCs. In this case, however, no actual remittances were received, and the documentation was entirely fabricated. Investigators revealed that Singh, along with his father Surinder Singh and brother Harsahib Singh, operated five export firms: Kumar Trading Company, National Trader, Trident Overseas India, HSC Exim India, and AHC Auto Spares. They allegedly created a network of bogus export firms and falsified foreign remittance records to fraudulently obtain Scrips. These Scrips, which are transferable, were later sold in the open market, generating substantial profits. Police allege that Singh, who managed the day-to-day operations of the firms, conspired with bank employees to process the fake documents. The family fled the country soon after the initial complaint was filed. His return and arrest mark a major breakthrough in the case, which has seen several arrests since 2017. Three accused have already been charge-sheeted, and investigations are ongoing. According to the police, Singh is a Delhi native who studied up to Class 12 and later joined his father in the auto parts export business. Utilizing his knowledge of the import-export ecosystem, Singh allegedly roped in friends and relatives to open additional firms, offering high returns in exchange for their participation in the scheme. The accused is also named in another criminal case under investigation by the EOW. The accused created forged FIRCs to claim export benefits fraudulently and caused a loss of 30.47 crore to the Government of India. With this arrest, we have made significant progress in the case, the DCP stated. Further investigations are underway to determine the involvement of additional individuals, including bank officials, the DCP added. The special cell of Delhi Police has arrested a key member of the counterfeit currency note nexus with the recovery of Rs 4 lakh, , all in the denomination of Rs 500, Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), it said on Saturday. The action came after a credible input regarding interstate syndicate indulged in circulation of FICN in various states, including Delhi & NCR and surveillance, was mounted upon the suspects, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell NDR) Amit Kaushik. Advertisement Kaushik added that during the surveillance, it was revealed that FICN is being pumped into India through the porous Indo-Bangladesh border and acting on a specific input, the suspect identified as Naushad Alam was arrested from Vijay Ghat Bus Stand while he was enroute to deliver consignment of FICN to one of the contact of his associate. Advertisement Alam was thoroughly interrogated, wherein he confessed of being part of the nexus further revealing that he used to get the supply of FICN from his sources at the rate of Rs 200 for Rs 500. The DCP also mentioned that during investigation of this case and earlier detected similar cases, it has been revealed that many Bangladesh-based elements are pumping FICN in India through the Bangladesh border and also suspected that a large portion of the money derived from FICN goes to buy sophisticated weapons. A case under the relevant section of BNS has been registered at the Special Cell police station, and investigation has been taken up, Kaushik said. Delhi Police on Saturday arrested the man who issued death threat to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. According to the police, the accused, identified as Shlok Tiwari, had called the PCR of Ghaziabad Police and threatened to kill CM Rekha Gupta. Advertisement Following the threat, the Ghaziabad Police informed Delhis North West District Police and began a hunt for the accused. He was arrested from Ghaziabad. Advertisement The person who threatened to kill Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has been apprehended from Ghaziabad by the team of Special Staff of Delhi Police North West District, the police said. According to the police, the accused was under the influence of alcohol when he made the threat call. The accused has been identified as Shlok Tiwari and he had made the call under the influence of alcohol. Police have also recovered fake ID cards from his possession. Further interrogation is ongoing, Delhi Police said in a statement. General Ved Prakash Malik was the Army Chief from 1997 to 2000. He was commissioned into the 3rd Sikh Light Infantry in 1959. He is known for overseeing the planning and execution of Operation Vijay during the Kargil War. The officer received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for his military service. In an exclusive interaction with Sushil Kumar of The Statesman, he talked about Operation Sindoor, Pakistan celebrating a fake win, US President Donald Trump wanting to take credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Advertisement Q. How do you look at Indias military action launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack? Advertisement A. We have adopted a more active approach against terrorism from 2016 onwards, after the Uri attack following which a surgical strike was done. It had the sanction of the political authority. Earlier, even if we were to cross the Line of Control, there would be no political sanction, but 2016 was the first time that the Indian armed forces had sanction from the political authority, and then in 2019, when the Balakot strike happened, it was the second time that the armed forces were granted permission to strike back in Pakistan territory. I would say political sanction is the main thing that made Operation Sindoor entirely different. This time, not only were diplomatic and economic sanctions imposed, but the kinetic action was also undertaken on the intervening night of May 6 and 7. So, it was a different approach. I would say although the target initially was only the camps of terrorists but when they provoked us, we had to carry out the action of hitting their military bases. It was a more assertive action, wanting to give a stronger message than the earlier ones, and it was effective as it showcased our capabilities, weapons systems and the kind of advancement that has taken place in the armed forces. A good action but now it has to be seen how effective the military operation has been, and whether the message of deterrence has been conveyed to Pakistan. Q. Some people in Pakistan believe they have won the war against India. They are celebrating post Operation Sindoor. Your comments. A. The Pakistan government and the Pakistani army want to save their image, which they have lost, and they are desperate to do it. That is why they are celebrating both politically as well as militarily. But the truth cannot remain hidden. Even when the Kargil war got over, they celebrated. However, it was a big setback to Pakistan. This time too, Pakistanis will gradually get to know it. Q. Why did India never respond the way it did this time to attacks by forces backed and supported by Pakistan? A. It is a political problem. The armed forces will do whatever they are told to do. People like me who have been fighting these kinds of wars have been of the opinion that organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-eMohammed are nothing else but proxies of the Pakistan government. They are all working for the ISI, and it is a part of the Pakistani army. Therefore, the state is fully involved. India realized it, and changed its policy. The political leadership of the country has now given a goal to the armed forces to carry out certain actions in Pakistan. A major change in the policy has taken place since 2016, and this time around there was a much stronger message to carry out these actions. Our whole aim is to stop Pakistan from indulging in a proxy war against India. Q. Do you think India after declaring that any terror attack in future would be considered an act of war would end up attacking Pakistan? A. As I said, the main aim is to ensure that they do not indulge in proxy war against us. So, it is a very strong message that has been sent to Pakistan, and I do not think it could have been stronger than this, that if you indulge in terrorist acts, it would be like inviting a war from India. But the other aspect of it is the preparation required. We have to be prepared all along, 24X7, that if a terrorist attack is taking place, whether it is being carried out by one or two terrorists or four terrorists, Pakistan would have it from India. Therefore, we need to be fully prepared. I feel that India should be spending more money to have that kind of preparedness. Q. What are the lessons India may have learnt from the recent conflict with Pakistan? A. After every action, there are lessons to be learnt. We generally do full enquiry, and I believe they (Indian armed forces) must be doing some inquiry. We should wait for some time, let the inquiry be over. Rest assured the lessons will be drawn, as we always do after every action. Q. Many have questioned the timing of the ceasefire when India had an edge in the conflict. A. It did come as a surprise to most of us. When you are at an advantageous position, you want to exploit the success, and I also have the same feeling that we should have continued for some more time, but it also depends on the national policy. Therefore, the proposal of ceasefire was accepted, otherwise we could have carried on some for more time. I, as a soldier, feel we should have hit them harder as they were not in position to respond. Q. US President Donald Trump was the first to announce the ceasefire. Dont you think the announcement should have come from the Indian side? A. He does not have much credibility. He wanted to jump the gun and have the credit. The US tries to arm twist both India and Pakistan. Something like it was tried even during the Kargil war, and whatever the then US President Bill Clinton did with (the then Pakistan prime minister) Nawaz Sharif, we carried on with our actions till we completed our goals. So, I do not think one should take President Trump seriously on the matter. Reality is that a call was made by the Pakistani DGMO, and he requested for a ceasefire which was accepted by the (Indian) government. The fact that the Pakistanis were hit hard, forced them to seek a ceasefire. Q. How do you look at Indias decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold since Pakistan has called it an act of war? A. It has to be seen yet. We have to be prepared for all activities from their end. The Indus Waters Treaty has been one sided as we have been giving more than 80 per cent of water to Pakistan. Holding it in abeyance was considered earlier also. They cannot wage a conventional war against India because we are much stronger. They may create issues here and there, and we have to be prepared for all that. Pakistan cannot do much about it. We just have to guard our interests. Prime Minister Narendra Modis Principal Secretary P K Mishra has called for transboundary cooperation to address extreme heat risks. Heatwaves are transboundary and systemic risks, particularly for densely populated urban areas, stressed Dr. Mishra, urging the international community to enhance technological collaboration, data sharing, and joint research on heat resilience. Advertisement Delivering the keynote address during the Special Session on Extreme Heat Risk Governance at Geneva on Friday, he called for the Common Framework to provide accessible knowledge, research, and practical solutions, alongside institutional and financial support mechanisms. Advertisement Dr. Mishra affirmed Indias full commitment to sharing its expertise, technical capacities, and institutional strengths with global partners, ensuring a resilient, coordinated, and proactive global response to extreme heat. Dr. Mishra acknowledged key challenges that remain and called for a global focus on developing a localized heat-humidity index based on real-time data to enhance early warning systems, advancing building technologies and passive cooling innovations that are affordable and culturally appropriate and addressing equity concerns, as extreme heat disproportionately affects women, outdoor workers, the elderly, and children. He has emphasised the urgent need to address extreme heat as a global crisis, echoing the call from the UN Secretary-General. Dr. Mishra underlined that rising temperatures posing a systemic risk to public health, economic stability, and ecological resilience, and India welcomes the UNDRRs initiative to advance the Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance as a platform for shared learning, guidance, and collaboration. Dr. Mishra emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken a proactive and forward-thinking approach to extreme heat risk management. He pointed out that India has moved beyond disaster response toward integrated preparedness and mitigation strategies. Since 2016, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has developed comprehensive national guidelines on heatwave management, revised in 2019, which laid the foundation for decentralized Heat Action Plans (HAPs). He acknowledged the pioneering Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, which demonstrated how early warnings, inter-agency coordination, and community outreach can save lives. Over 250 cities and districts across 23 heat-prone states have operational Heat Action Plans, supported by NDMAs advisory, technical, and institutional mechanisms, stressed the Principal Secretary, underscoring that strengthened surveillance, hospital readiness, and awareness campaigns have significantly reduced heatwave-related mortality. Dr. Mishra highlighted that Indias approach is whole-of-government and whole-of-society, engaging ministries from health, agriculture, urban development, labor, power, water, education, and infrastructure. He noted that public health institutes, research groups, civil society organizations, and universities are playing a crucial role in supporting local governments in improving heat action plans. Extreme heat deeply impacts communities, and India has actively incorporated traditional wisdom and local experiences into its response, stressed Dr Mishra. He noted that schools have become catalysts for behavioral change, educating children about climate resilience. He also emphasised that hospitals and primary health centers must be strengthened to ensure swift and effective emergency responses. Outlining Indias transition from a preparedness-only approach to long-term heatwave mitigation, including cool roof technologies, passive cooling centers, urban greening, and the revival of traditional water bodies, Dr. Mishra affirmed that India is integrating Urban Heat Island (UHI) assessments into city planning. Dr. Mishra announced a major policy shift, stating that National and State Disaster Mitigation Funds (SDMF) can now be used for heatwave mitigation, allowing local governments, private sector entities, NGOs, and individuals to co-finance prevention and mitigation projects, fostering shared responsibility. Thats where Costco stands out as a rare case: a recurring revenue model outside of the tech sector. Customers pay an annual membership feeranging from $60 to $120 in the U.S.just to shop in its warehouses. Costco likely converts nearly all of that directly into operating profit (though the company doesnt explicitly disclose this), which allows the business to be highly profitable even while selling goods at razor-thin margins. But heres what a lot of market participants miss when analyzing companies: valuations based on net earnings are heavily anchored to one key factorrisk. And unlike earnings, theres no single, universally accepted measure of risk. Some investors focus on beta, while others consider regulatory threats or macroeconomic exposure. Ultimately, each investor views the situation through their own lens. I agree with Costcos criticsthose who are skeptical about a warehouse full of assorted goods trading at a forward P/E of 58, a multiple literally higher than tech giant and AI trailblazer Nvidia. For a company like Costco, which has grown revenue at a ~10% CAGR over the past five years and operating income by 15%yet is only expected by analysts to grow revenue at a 5% CAGR over the next fiveit really doesnt make much sense, at first glance, for the business to trade at such a steep premium. That stability arguably justifies the stocks lofty valuationand forms the backbone of my bullish thesis, even if theres little to no margin of safety. Timid growth projections, razor-thin margins, and a business model that hasnt changed much in decades dont exactly scream innovation. And yet, Costco continues to climblargely, in my view, due to one key factor: risk perception. Because the companys business model is so heavily anchored in predictable, recurring revenue from membership fees, its earnings stream is exceptionally stable. Costco (COST) has long been a market favorite, but its current valuation has even the most bullish investors raising eyebrows as the company trades near all-time highs. Trading at earnings multiples that outpace some of the worlds biggest tech giants, its fair to ask: how can a warehouse selling pallets of toilet paper and rotisserie chickens possibly justify such a steep premium? At first glance, the numbers dont add up. Comparing Costco to tech companies indicates a rather inflated valuation for the wholesaler. Story continues In the most recent quarter, membership income rose 10% year-over-year, with a staggering 93% renewal rate in North America. That kind of brand loyalty and perceived value creates a business model with very little risk of earnings volatility. And because of that, Costco functions like a defensive stock, offering low risk and a high degree of predictability in returns. So, while the valuation may look stretched on the surface, this level of stability and cash flow certainty arguably justifies a premium multiple. When Tough Times Hit, Costco Gets Tougher While only about 2% of Costcos total revenue comes from membership fees, those fees account for more than half of the companys total operating income. At this kind of scale, theres simply no other retailer that can pull off a high-volume, low-margin model quite like the Issaquah, Washington-based warehouse giant. Main Street Data indicates that Costcos revenues are inching higher while membership fees remain a staple. Costco (COST) Revenue by Segment Thats why, even during periods of weak consumer spending, Costco tends to remain highly profitablenot just because of its membership model, but because it consistently gains market share from competitors. By keeping margins razor-thin on discretionary items, and with shoppers naturally shifting toward essentials during times of financial stress, Costco puts pressure on rival retailers that simply cant match its pricing without cutting into their own profitability. Take Q3, for example: Costcos comparable sales rose 8% year-over-year to $62 billion, while peers like Target (TGT) saw comparable sales shrink and were forced to revise earnings guidance downward. This highlights how Costco isnt just weathering macroeconomic headwindsits actually growing through them. In other words, macro risks seem to have a much lighter impact on a company like Costco. Costco (COST) comparison with Walmart and Target The Fine Line Between Fair Price and Overpaying While Costcos relatively low-risk business model may warrant a valuation premium, its worth exploring what an appropriate stock price might look like under simplified assumptions. For this analysis, Ill estimate an equity value for Costco using a basic perpetuity-based discounted cash flow (DCF) model. Lets begin with the fact that, in fiscal year 2024, Costco generated approximately $4.8 billion in membership fee revenue. While this isnt equivalent to free cash flow, it serves as a reasonable proxy for recurring operating cash flow due to its stable and high-margin nature. With Costcos current market capitalization at approximately $470 billion, we can reverse-engineer the valuation. If we assume a 6% discount ratereflecting the companys relatively low risk profile despite the 10-year Treasury yield sitting around 4.4%and a perpetual growth rate of 5%, the implied equity value is approximately $480 billion, or about $1,083 per share. This closely aligns with Costcos current share price. Costco (COST) stock price history year-to-date These assumptions appear fairly reasonable and suggest that Costcos valuation is justified under optimistic, yet not unrealistic, conditions. However, using a more conservative 7% discount rate, while keeping other assumptions constant, would cut the implied equity value significantly, roughly in half. In summary, while Costco does not appear overvalued under favorable scenarios, the current valuation leaves little room for error. A meaningful margin of safety may only emerge if macroeconomic conditions shift, such as a recession prompting lower risk-free rates and, in turn, greater tolerance for elevated valuation multiples. Is Costco a Good Stock to Buy? Out of the 25 analysts who have covered COST in the past three months, 17 rate the stock as a Buy, while the remaining eight call it a Hold. So, while the overall sentiment is moderately bullish, the average price target of $1,096.36 implies ~8.5% upside from the current share price over the next twelve months. Cautious Optimism for the Warehouse Giant Given the strength and stability of Costcos underlying business model, its premium valuation multiples appear justifiable. At present, there are no significant concerns that would challenge a constructive outlook on the stock. However, its important to note that the current valuation offers limitedif anymargin of safety. As such, I maintain a cautious Buy rating on Costco. While near-term upside may be constrained, the company remains well-positioned to deliver steady, long-term compound growth. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Eid al-Adha was celebrated with deep religious fervor and festive spirit across the national capital on Saturday with faithful offering prayers at Eidgahs and mosques to mark the auspicious occasion. In Delhi, large congregations were witnessed at iconic sites such as Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, and the historic Shahi Eidgah. Dressed in traditional attire, worshippers gathered in the early hours to participate in the Eid prayers, embracing one another and exchanging warm greetings of peace and goodwill. Advertisement Additionally, scores of devotees gathered at the historic Jama Masjid in the morning, coming together to offer prayers and celebrate Eid al-Adha with deep devotion and joy. Clad in traditional attire, worshippers united in a vibrant display of faith and community, marking one of the most revered festivals in the Islamic calendar. Advertisement To ensure smooth and secure celebration, the Delhi Police deployed additional personnel and conducted widespread patrolling throughout the city. Security arrangements were intensified in key locations, with police presence visible near major mosques and public gathering areas. Furthermore, in a bid to maintain communal harmony and uphold the law, the Delhi government issued strict advisories ahead of the festival. Authorities have prohibited the illegal slaughter of cows, calves, camels, and other restricted animals. Further, the city administration has banned the public sharing of photos and videos depicting sacrificial rituals, urging citizens to perform these rites only in designated, non-public areas. Eid-uz-Zuha commemorates the unwavering faith and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his only son in obedience to Gods command. The festival not only honors this act of submission and faith but also emphasizes values of charity, sacrifice, and community solidarity. As part of the celebrations, many faithful also engage in the distribution of food to the underprivileged, reflecting the spirit of compassion and sharing that defines Eid. Moreover, Eid-uz-Zuha is celebrated to commemorate the willingness of Hazrat Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son in obedience to Gods command. The festival is also known as Eid al-Adha or Eid ul-Azha. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has appealed to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to initiate a dialogue with the UAE government to sensitise it about the religious significance of the five Kakaars, particularly the Kirpan and Kataar, and to ensure that Sikhs are allowed to practise their faith without fear or restrictions. In a letter to the External Affairs Minister, Badal expressed concern over a recent advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in the UAE, warning Indian nationals against carrying sharp objects while visiting the country. This advisory follows Article 405 of the UAE Penal Code, which prohibits the carrying of such objects. Advertisement Badal stated that the advisory has caused deep distress and mental agony to Sikh travellers and residents in the UAE. She cited several instances of Sikhs being detained and forced to remove their Kirpan and Kataar including a recent case of an elderly man being detained in Abu Dhabi for wearing a Kirpan and a turban. Advertisement She stressed that these actions contravene the rights of Sikhs to practise their faith and raise serious concerns about the protection of religious freedoms for minorities in the UAE. The Sikh community has always contributed positively to societies worldwide, including the UAE, and demands the freedom to practise its faith in accordance with its tenets. Denying Sikhs the right to wear their five Kakaars, particularly the Kirpan, is a curtailment of religious freedom and contrary to the principles of mutual respect and pluralism that India stands for, she stated. Badal also urged Dr Jaishankar to consider dispatching a high-level delegation comprising representatives from the National Commission for Minorities and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to engage with UAE authorities and relevant international bodies to raise awareness about the Sikh articles of faith. She emphasised that the Kirpan one of the five Kakaars mandated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is a sacred symbol and an inseparable part of Sikh identity. Its significance is spiritual and symbolic, representing the duty to uphold justice and protect the oppressed. It is not a weapon of aggression or harm. The Kirpan is worn at all times by Amritdhari Sikhs as a matter of religious obligation and conscience, she added. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended Eid al-Adha greetings to Muslims across India and the world on Saturday, calling the festival a time for peace and strengthening brotherhood. Speaking to media persons, CM Abdullah said, I hope this Eid brings better days ahead for the Muslims of India and the world. I hope it brings peace and strengthens brotherhood. While we are celebrating Eid, unfortunately, once again, permission was denied to offer namaz in Srinagars iconic Jama Masjid. I dont know the basis of these decisions, but we need to learn to trust our people. These are the same people who came out to protest against the Pahalgam terrorist attackThe government should think about allowing namaz in the historic Jama Masjid. Advertisement Meanwhile, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah offered Eid al-Adha prayers at the Hazratbal Dargah and wished everyone Eid Mubarak as he left the premises. Advertisement On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah gathered at the Hazratbal Dargah to offer their prayers. Meanwhile, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter and PDP leader Iltija Mufti, offer namaz on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha, and called for the occasion to inspire harmony and strengthen the fabric of peace in our society. Best wishes on Eid ul-Adha. May this occasion inspire harmony and strengthen the fabric of peace in our society. Wishing everyone good health and prosperity, his post on X read. As people across the country celebrate Eid, multiple dargahs and mosques were filled with people offering prayers early in the morning. In Mumbai, people offered Namaz at the Jama Masjid Mahim Dargah, while in Delhi, at the first light of dawn, people turned to the Jama masjid to offer their prayers. The air echoed with chants of Eid Mubarak, as families, young and old, embraced and celebrated the spirit of sacrifice and compassion that the festival symbolises. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahims willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The day is marked by prayers, charitable acts, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with a message of sharing and empathy at its core. The date changes every year, based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Abrahams willingness to sacrifice everything for God. Eid al-Adha is called Id-ul-Adha in Arabic and Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent, because of the tradition of sacrificing a goat or bakri. It is a festival that is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Earth Sciences, on Saturday left for France to lead a high-level Indian delegation at the International Meet on Oceans. The third edition of the United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference is scheduled from June 8 to June 13 in the French city, Nice. The event is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. Advertisement Global leaders, scientists, policy makers, and civil society members will join high-level meetings during the four day conference to discuss sustainable ocean governance and concrete actions for the health of the worlds oceans. Advertisement Over the next four days, Singh will participate in bilateral meetings with Ministers from key partner countries, deliver Indias national statement at the UNOC plenary session, and engage in crucial policy dialogues on ocean action. On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister will also take part in an India-Norway marine collaboration event on Marine Spatial Planning, to be held aboard the Norwegian research vessel S/S Statsraad Lehmkuhl at Monaco Harbour on June 8. To strengthen cooperation on marine pollution, ocean science, and blue economy financing, Singh will hold bilateral meetings with representatives from France, Germany, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Chile. Aligned with the UNs Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), the conference will focus on restoring marine ecosystems, reducing marine pollution, promoting ocean-based scientific cooperation, and mobilizing resources for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. Ocean Action Panels, involving governments, UN bodies, researchers, industry leaders, and NGOs, will be featured during the conference to forge partnerships and propose practical, scalable solutions. The Minister will articulate Indias stance on ocean policy, highlighting initiatives in marine research, coastal resilience, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the official press statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared an article written by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirming Indias zero-tolerance for cross-border terrorism. The Defence Minister had written that any attack on India would be met with a strong response and no distinction would be made between terrorists and their perpetrators, PM Modi said in a post on X. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reaffirms Indias zero-tolerance for cross-border terrorism. He asserts that any attack on India will be met with a strong response and no distinction will be made between terrorists and their perpetrators, the Prime Minister stated. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister through the article said that India demonstrated a successful strategy to defeat terrorism, laying out five key positions on how the global community can uproot such activities. He also asserted that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism would be retaliated against as India has zero-tolerance against this menace. The article titled Weve shown how to defeat terror, which was published in an English Daily, Singh reflected on Indias response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Indias subsequent response through Operation Sindoor, emphasising the nations resolve against terrorism. Under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, India is following a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Fighting against terror is not optional but its our collective duty. Its high time the global community unites to uproot this menace from its roots. Read my article where I reflect on Indias fight against terror and the path forward for the world, the Defence Minister wrote. Terrorism, the minister said, is a whip to humanity, he said. In another article published in a Hindi daily, the Defence Minister called for global unity and measures to take effective action against terrorism. Terrorism is a scourge on humanity. Indias stand under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very clear, and that is of zero tolerance. In my article I have stressed the need for global unity against terrorism and discussed the measures available to the global community to take effective action against terrorism, Singh stated in a post on X. On May 7, Indian Armed Forces successfully hit nine terror camps in a coordinated military operation termed Operation Sindoor, and destroyed four camps in Pakistan, including Bahawalpur and Muridke, and five in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The strikes, which targeted top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leaders involved in sponsoring terrorist activities in India, were successful. Following the attack, intense clashes took place between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan attempting to strike Indian cities along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC). India also retaliated with targeted strikes on Pakistani military installations, causing significant damage. On May 10, a cessation of hostilities between the two nations was agreed upon, with India saying that it had not called off the operation but just posed it. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was rushed to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla on Saturday, after her health reportedly deteriorated. She had reached Shimla at her daughter Priyanka Gandhis private residence at Charabra, on June 2, along with her. Advertisement The 78-year-old Congress leader underwent routine tests including, ECG, MRI, after which she returned to Charabra, said the doctors. Advertisement Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on way to his scheduled visit to Una is said to have cancelled it, to return to Shimla after Sonia Gandhis sudden health issue. BREAKING NEWS Doctors are examining her. She is stable. Details awaited: Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister.#SoniaGandhi #Shimla #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/oy7x2yI5Fl The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) June 7, 2025 The IGMC hospital has not issued any official medical bulletin, however she is stated to be fine. According to sources she is likely to cut short her Shimla visit and will return to Delhi on Sunday. Principal Media Advisor to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan said that Sonia Gandhi is perfectly fine and was brought to the IGMC hospital for routine checkup after minor health issue. She was not admitteded to the hospital and returned to Charabra after checkup, he said. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) founder and chief Raj Thackeray sparked fresh speculation about a political rapprochement with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray after a remark made outside his Shiv Tirth residence near Shivaji Park, Dadar West, on Saturday afternoon. As he got into his vehicle, a journalist asked where he was headed. Raj replied, I am going to Matoshree, before immediately clarifying, I am going to my sisters house for some household work. Advertisement His statement came a day after Uddhav Thackeray, when asked about the possibility of reuniting with his cousin and the MNS, responded: Whatever is in the minds of the people of Maharashtra will happen. I will give the news soon. There is no confusion in the minds of Shiv Sainiks or in the minds of their (MNS) workers. Advertisement Significantly, Raj Thackerays comments came after a key meeting on Saturday morning with MNS central committee group presidents, which was attended by senior leaders including Bala Nandgaonkar, Mumbai MNS president Sandeep Deshpande, and others. As the possibility of the Thackeray cousins coming together gained traction, reactions from across the political spectrum began to pour in. BJP leader and Fisheries & Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane mocked the development. We are not able to sleep because one has 20 MLAs, and the other has zero power. We are terrified by this power and sweating. The Thackeray brand was destroyed the day they abandoned Hindutva, he said sarcastically while speaking to the media in Dharashiv district after visiting the Tulja Bhavani temple. Echoing the sentiment, BJP leader and Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development Minister Pankaja Munde said in Tuljapur: The coming together of the Thackeray cousins poses no threat to the BJP, which is the worlds largest political party. We are in power at the Centre for the third time and also in Maharashtra. So, I dont think their alliance will impact us, including in the BMC elections. On the other hand, opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies welcomed the potential realignment. Supriya Sule, NCP Lok Sabha MP and daughter of Sharad Pawar, said: I welcome the decision. They are family and part of Balasahebs grand legacy. If that legacy is carried forward through their unity, it will be a joyous moment. The more partners we have, the stronger the Maha Vikas Aghadi becomes. We will work together for Maharashtra. Harshvardhan Sapkal, Maharashtra Congress chief, was cautiously optimistic: If Raj Thackeray is ready to work against the BJP to protect democracy and the Constitution, then the MNS can be considered for inclusion in the MVA. Commitment to constitutional values is the key. Atul Londhe, Congress state spokesperson, said: Both Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray-led MNS have expressed the intent to join hands to safeguard Maharashtras interests and resist the communal agenda of the BJP. If their unity serves this purpose, Congress will welcome it. Those in power are trying to create caste and communal divides. If they unite to uphold the ideologies of Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Phule, and Dr Ambedkar, it is a welcome development. India on Saturday thanked the United Kingdom for its support in condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated that India practises a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism. In his opening remarks during the delegation-level talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy here, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, At the outset, let me thank the Government of the United Kingdom for the strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and for your solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism. We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it, and we will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with its victims. Advertisement The UK Foreign Secretary arrived in New Delhi this morning for a crucial two-day official visit aimed at reviewing and advancing the UK-India economic and migration partnership. Lammy called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi before engaging in bilateral discussions with Jaishankar. Advertisement David, very pleased to welcome you back to India. You have just had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Modi, and I think your visit at this time gives us an occasion to assess our comprehensive strategic partnership, which I believe has strengthened across all sectors in recent times. We have had very regular high level political and official interactions, Jaishankar said. The External Affairs Minister further said Foreign Secretary, the recent conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention is truly a milestone which will not only propel our two way trade and investment but will have also have a positive effect on other strategic aspects of our bilateral ties, it would also contribute to the strengthening of supply and value chains. Since your last visit to India, there have been significant initiatives which both of us have taken and those initiatives have progressed well. I would single out the Technology Security Initiative (TSI) which will enable deeper collaboration in strategic technology sectors of AI, Semiconductors, Telecom, Quantum, HealthTech/ Bio-Tech, Critical Minerals and Advanced Materials, Jaishankar said. We have also launched the Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue, the first meeting of which was held, I believe, this week. This will enhance among others the TSIs effectiveness in promoting trade in critical and emerging technologies, including the resolution of relevant licensing or regulatory issues, he said. Jaishankar further said similarly, the UK-India infrastructure financial bridge can unlock quality long term capital flows from the United Kingdom to India, and that would surely contribute to our infrastructure development. There is very good collaboration in the education sector with many more universities, I believe, planning to establish their campuses in India, and on the people to people ties front, we had the privilege I myself had the honour to open two new consulates in Manchester and Belfast, he said. So, there is so much more that we can talk about and that is indeed why we are meeting. I look forward to discussing these initiatives on how to further deepen and diversify our partnership, and I also hope we can exchange views on key regional and global issues, he added. The UK Foreign Secretary, who met Jaishankar, expressed condolences over the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated the UKs support in combating terrorism. Lammy also spoke about the recent progress in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring growing education and trade cooperation. Offering condolences on the terror attack, the UK Foreign Secretary said, It is obviously also sadly the case that there has been a horrific terrorist attack since we last met and my prime minister wishes me to convey once again the deep condolences of the UK and a hand of friendship with India and support as we deal with the terrorism threat in a comprehensive manner. Referring to the newly finalised FTA between the two countries, Lammy said, Since I was last here in India, our country has won a trophy which is that long-held prize of an FTA which I think is the beginning of a new era in relations between our two countries and allows us to move forward with a degree of ambition. He also noted that the agreement is expected to increase bilateral trade by 25.5 billion in the coming period and welcomed the growing interest among UK universities in forging partnerships in India. Im very pleased that we are able to talk about our comprehensive strategic partnership to build on the technology security initiative that we launched last year to see more universities desiring of partnership and opening up here in India and of course our new agreement will increase trade by 25.5 billion pounds over this next period which is truly remarkable, he said. Lammy expressed gratitude for his visit and appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting him an audience. Im very pleased to be back in India and very grateful to Prime Minister Modi once again giving me an audience and giving me so much of his time at a very very busy and challenging time, he said. Union Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday asserted that India will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with its victims. During his meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Dr Jaishankar thanked the Government of the United Kingdom for its condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. Advertisement We will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with its victims. I thank the Government of the United Kingdom for the strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and for your solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism, he said. Advertisement He also asserted that India expects partner countries to understand the practice of zero tolerance policy against terrorism. We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it., said the minister. His remarks came amid Indias efforts to counter the Pakistani narrative and expose the country for harbouring terrorists and using them for cross-border attacks in India. Last month, India and Pakistan returned from the brink of an all-out war, after four days of confrontation following Indias Operation Sindoor air strikes on terror groups in Pakistan and PoK. The strikes were launched to destroy the terror launchpads and training centres in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The renewed American push to broker a nuclear agreement with Iran is as bold as it is fraught. In a world teetering on the edge of multipolar disorder, this overture delivered via Omani mediation signals a tactical shift. It is a gamble to freeze a nuclear programme that has crossed multiple red lines, not through coercion alone, but by dangling the prospect of legitimacy and relief. Even the act of proposing a deal now serves a dual purpose: it signals strength to allies and adversaries alike, while subtly conceding that time and leverage may be slipping away. Irans possession of over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity is not merely a statistic. It is a statement. It says that Tehran is prepared to play at the threshold of weapons capability without formally crossing it. It dares the international community to define what is tolerable, and to clarify what will provoke action. The US offer described as detailed and acceptable by its architects may very well be the final diplomatic lever before confrontation becomes the only alternative. But how sincere are the intentions on either side? The Iranian regime maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, even as it produces uranium well beyond what civilian use requires. Advertisement Meanwhile, the US administration is led by a president who famously withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), deriding it as a short-term fix. The re-entry into negotiations is, therefore, not just a policy reversal; it is a high-wire act of political consistency. Irans refusal to grant access to international inspectors and its evasions around past nuclear activities have damaged the credibility of its assurances. And yet, the US cannot ignore the reality that military strikes or further sanctions may only accelerate Irans clandestine resolve. Diplomacy remains the narrow corridor through which stability might still pass. The broader geopolitical calculus cannot be ignored. China and Russia, while nominally signatories to previous agreements, are unlikely to endorse a US-led deal that strengthens Washingtons hand in the region. The Gulf states watch with unease, calculating whether a newly emboldened Iran will emerge from sanctions relief flush with resources and regional ambition. Still, the alternative to a deal is grimmer. Advertisement If Iran reaches the capability to produce weapons-grade material within weeks, as some assessments suggest, the risk of pre-emptive conflict escalates dramatically. And in a region already reeling from multiple proxy wars, another flashpoint could spiral into a confrontation none of the global powers are prepared to manage. The challenge, then, is not merely to draft an agreement, but to restore enough mutual confidence that it will be honoured. This is not just about uranium. It is about trust, power, and the endurance of diplomacy in an increasingly brittle world order. The question is whether that diplomacy still has time or if time has already run out. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home After crossing Egypt, Madleen flotilla now closes to Gaza Madleen, the Gaza aid ship launched by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), Saturday crossed the Egyptian coast and is now nearing the Gaza Strip, the organizers said Saturday June 7, 2025 10:54 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies Mediterranean Sea: Madleen, the Gaza aid ship launched by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), Saturday crossed the Egyptian coast and is now nearing the Gaza Strip, the organizers said. The vessel is carrying 12 international activists including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, and French-Palestinian Member of European Parliament Rima Hassan. The Madleen flotilla started its journey from Catania in Italy on June 1, 2025. It was scheduled to reach Gaza today i.e. Saturday June 07, 2025. However, it got delayed due to persistent threat from the Israeli forces. Israeli threats Named after the first Palestinian fisherwman Madleen Kulab who ran her fathers fishing business after he was injured in a 2009 Israeli attack, the Gaza flotilla was launched a month after Conscience flotilla was destroyed by Israel. Conscience flotilla was attacked by Israeli drones in European waters on May 2, 2025, in violation of international law, where it remains stranded. Madleen FFC aid ship too was targeted by Israeli drones at least two times in the last three days. The Zionist regime in Israel has announced to forcibly stop the aid ship. "The humanitarian aid ship Flotilla, en route to Gaza, is currently under threat from the Israeli military. Israel has announced its intention to intercept the vessel, placing the lives of the human rights activists on board in serious danger", the group said. "Protected Vessel" The activists onboard the aid ship have called on the international powers, including the United Kingdom for its protection. The Madleen is a UK flagged civilian ship and is protected under international maritime law. The group said it remains in contact with international legal and human rights bodies to ensure the safety of those on board, warning that any interception would constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. As per the Freedom Flotilla FFC Tracker, Madleen aid ship is closing in on Gaza Strip, and if goes well, will reach the besieged Palestinian enclave Sunday June 08, 2025. However, the Israeli Navy is expected to block the vessel should it enter Israels territorial waters. Clashes aboard the Madleen would likely spark public and diplomatic outrage, The Times of Israel reported. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Key Points The trade war shows no signs of abating, so investors are continuing to trade out of speculative plays. In the crypto world, they're more interested in stablecoins these days anyway. 10 stocks we like better than Dogecoin A generally worried investor base and promising developments with a rival cryptocurrency segment put the kibosh on Dogecoin's (CRYPTO: DOGE) value on Thursday. The foundational meme coin stumbled late that afternoon, declining nearly 14% in value as of 4 p.m. ET. By contrast, the equity market wasn't suffering nearly as much, with the S&P 500 index closing the day 0.5% lower. Trade war blues The trade war between the U.S. and its major trading partners ground on Thursday, with no end immediately in sight. The conflict hasn't been beneficial to speculative assets like cryptocurrencies generally. Dogecoin -- not nearly as useful a coin or blockchain as a growing number of altcoins -- is highly speculative even among other cryptos. Image source: Getty Images. Thursday afternoon it was reported that imports of foreign-manufactured goods plummeted month-to-month in April, showing that the dispute is having a tangible effect on the structure of the domestic and global economies. Investors tend to like steady and predictable developments in both, not dramatic swings. Compounding problems for Dogecoin and other meme coins, the crypto world seems to be more focused on (and enthusiastic about) stablecoins. On Thursday, it was reported that Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego said as many as 16 members of his Democrat party in the chamber could vote to approve the stablecoin bill currently being deliberated by that body. If passed, the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) would set a pack of rules and regulations governing such cryptocurrencies. Dodging Dogecoin Although I think Dogecoin has a decent shot at a brief rebound given that it's an enduringly popular meme coin, for me it's too unpredictably volatile as an investment to put money into. I don't think the trade war's going to end soon, either, and it feels like the crypto spotlight will continue to shine on stablecoins for a bit. I'd leave Dogecoin alone for now. Should you invest $1,000 in Dogecoin right now? Before you buy stock in Dogecoin, 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 Dogecoin wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. As the Gaza war grinds into its second year, the world is once again watching a fragile and fractured negotiation unfold one that promises a temporary ceasefire but no definite end to hostilities. At the centre of this deadlock lies a hard truth: a ceasefire that does not lay the groundwork for a political resolution is, at best, a pause in the bloodshed and, at worst, a reloading of weapons. The current proposal backed by international mediators and reportedly accepted by Israel offers a 60-day halt in fighting in exchange for hostage releases and prisoner swaps. It also allows humanitarian aid to flow into the devastated enclave. Hamas, however, has countered with its longstanding demands: a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and sustained aid access. These are not new conditions, but they are, from Hamass perspective, non-negotiable. The groups response was not a rejection but a reframing of the conversation insisting that short-term deals without structural guarantees are unacceptable. On one level, the deadlock is predictable. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will continue the war until Hamas is disarmed, dismantled, and removed from governance in Gaza. Hamas, meanwhile, sees any partial agreement as a trap one that leaves it politically and militarily exposed without achieving the liberation and sovereignty it seeks. Each side is rooted in existential demands that make compromise appear like capitulation. But the real tragedy is not in the diplomatic stalemate it is in the cost to civilians. More than 54,000 Gazans have been killed since the war began, many of them women and children. Entire neighbourhoods have been flattened. Infrastructure has collapsed. Food insecurity is rampant. For the 2.2 million people trapped in the Strip, the difference between a 60- day ceasefire and a permanent truce is not just political, it is existential. Moreover, by treating humanitarian relief as a bargaining chip rather than a right, negotiators risk normalising a brutal calculus where civilian suffering is leveraged for political concessions. This not only deepens mistrust but sets a dangerous precedent, where human lives are subordinated to tactical gains and diplomatic optics, rather than protected unconditionally. The international community, particularly the United States, has attempted to structure this negotiation as a technical matter of sequencing: who gets released when, what aid enters, and what timeline is followed. But this technocratic approach ignores the core issue. You cannot bomb your way to security, nor can you airlift your way to peace. Political legitimacy, trust, and sustainable governance are prerequisites for a lasting solution. If this war is to end, both sides and the powers that back them must do more than negotiate pauses in fighting. They must confront the deeper political questions they have long evaded. Anything less risks not only prolonging the conflict but ensuring that the next ceasefire, like so many before it, will simply mark the start of the next war. Advertisement Rudraveena is the mother and queen of Indian classical music, says Rudraveena exponent Carsten Wicke. A German by origin, he has spent decades promoting and reviving this great Indian classical instrument through numerous performances and training students in this ancient art. In his early twenties, driven by spiritual curiosity, he travelled to India. Reflecting on his journey, he says: Well, I grew up in the Eastern part of Germany and learned Western Violin as a child for several years. Nevertheless, it was a start to understand how to produce sound with the fingers and how to express myself through music. Carstens path led him to an ashram, where meditation deepened his fascination with Indian classical forms. On my second journey, I definitely wanted to learn more, so I came to Kolkata and I started to learn study seriously. I contacted Pandit Anindo Chatterjee in the middle of the 1990s, and he was great enough to take me on as a beginner. Being a student, I listened to all kinds of classical music. I soaked it all up like a sponge and then I finally got in touch with my Guru, Ustad Asad Ali Khan. Being chosen by him as a disciple was a very big thing. Advertisement Under Ustad Asad Ali Khanan heir of eight generations of Rampur court musiciansCarsten delved into Khandarbani Dhrupad, mastering its expansive Alaap and dynamic Jor and Jhala. In describing his gurus teaching, Carsten recounts: Ustadji would tell me, Carsten, never worry. You know, if you take care of the Veena, the Veena will take care of you. That counsel shaped his lifelong devotion. Advertisement Distinct among Indian instruments, the Rudraveenas two resonatorsTumbas made from specially grown pumpkinsdemand rare craftsmanship. The Danda, originally bamboo but now seasoned teak, connects these gourds. Carsten explains: This instrument slowly became obsolete. The manufacturing requires a lot of experience and subtle understanding of sound production and playability, which unfortunately is almost lost these days amongst the musical artisans. He underscores maintenance challenges: During monsoons, the strings start rusting. You have to take care of the polish and use special fluids. I keep my Rudraveena in a velvet cover all the time to keep it safe because one wrong movement and it will break. Transporting it for festivalsworldwide appearances from Nagpur and Kolkata to Berlin, London, and Pragueremains a logistical hurdle. Carsten advocates for support so that travelling with these rare instruments has to become more affordable. Onstage, a Rudraveena performance unfolds in three phases: Alap, Jor/Jhala, and Bandish/Gat. He elaborates: Speaking of creating sound through an instrument, its very challenging. Its a question of how to put intensity into the music. And this is basically happening by the Praana, the life energy that is infused into the sound that one is creating. When you want to create music through an instrument, the music has to have Praana or soul in it. Despite its rarity, Carsten insists the Rudraveenas bass-rich timbre offers meditative depth unlike Sitar or Sarod: The sound of the Rudraveena is indeed very special because you can feel it in a way that it touches your soul. I basically chose the RudraVeena because it resembles the voice of my heart. His philosophy rejects mere spectacle. You can be very sound technically and the audience gets very impressed and then one goes out of the hall and forgets all about it. Because the sound didnt touch you very deeply. Instead, he seeks Nada Brahmasound as the universe. The nature of classical music is not to entertain the musician or the audience. Its an abstract diving into sound, and thats what makes the form so appealing and challenging. He stresses that improvisation merges composer and performer, guiding listeners toward transcendence. Preparation combines practice and mental focus. A senior artist once told me that you dont need special preparation before a concert, provided you have done your homework. He adds: The inner kind of preparation happens basically through meditation You become centred in this kind of power or mental state, and focused within your own being. Looking ahead, Carsten worries modern audiences demand pop-like immediacy: Listeners expect similar excitement from classical music, as pop music usually delivers The attention span of the audience has drastically reduced. Consequently, the Rudraveena lacks a commercial market. Yet, he observes an international revival through Baithaks and house concerts: Todays listeners enjoy the unique experience the Rudra Veenaan unparalleled musical journey between silence and ecstasy. Advising young musicians, Carsten urges integrity: What do you think of why we make you learn for decades, before allowing you to enter the stage? Because we want to form a character and not just a musician. He believes innovation must respect roots: They can expand their musical horizons and add some of it to the traditional form Let them do so by maintaining the purity of the form. Let us not be too rigid with them. Those who transcend popularitys lure will secure the Rudraveenas legacy. Through decades of dedication, Carsten Wicke continues to champion this venerable instrument, reviving its lineage, teaching students to honour its soul, and inviting global audiences into its meditative embrace. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called for international help to stop Iran completing its nuclear program, after the publication of a damning report. Speaking at a press conference today in Berlin, Germany, Saar urged for action after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) detailed how Iran has been carrying out nuclear tests in secret, despite warnings not to from countries around the globe. The paper, published on Saturday, shows that Irans uranium levels are now at 90 per cent of those needed for weapons grade, and if it keeps growing at the rate it currently is, will soon be enough for nine nuclear bombs. Additionally, investigators at the IAEA found that at three out of four sites inspected, secret tests had been carried out. The evidence contradicts Irans claims that the materials are for peaceful purposes, and Iran has not yet provided an explanation for the tests. Standing beside the Foreign Minister of Germany Johann Wadephul, Saar stated: The serious report by the IAEA on Irans nuclear program paints a clear picture; Iran is determined to complete its plan to obtain nuclear weapons. The report reinforces what Israel has been saying for years Irans nuclear program is not for peaceful purposes. Advertisement Such a level of uranium enrichment exists only in countries that are working to acquire nuclear weapons Despite countless warnings from the international community Iran is determined to complete its nuclear weapons program. It reinforces what Israel has been saying for years Irans nuclear program is not for peaceful purposes. The level of uranium enrichment described in the report is alarming. Such levels exist only in countries pursuing nuclear weapons. There is no civilian justification for it. Advertisement This clearly indicates; Iran continues to violate its basic obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and continues to deny cooperation with IAEA inspectors. In light of this report I call on the international community to act now to stop Iran. The report writes: The Agency concludes that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran, specifically, Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad. The tests referred to were carried out between 2003 and 2018. It went on to state that Irans production of nuclear material was of serious concern. The findings come at a delicate moment in US-Iran talks, where American diplomats are hoping to dissuade Iran from continuing its nuclear enrichment. It could mean that Iran may be referred to the UN Security Council, which would further disrupt talks and may push Iran to take inflammatory measures such as increasing its uranium supply even more, as it has done previously. With negotiations currently underway, US President Donald Trump recently instructed Netanyahu to hold off striking nuclear sites. Saars comments echo that of a statement put out by Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the weekend, where he said: The international community must act now to stop Iran, adding that Irans uranium levels exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever. Bangladeshs Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunuss 11th foreign visit in the last eleven months will be his scheduled visit to the United Kingdom from June 9-13. Reliable sources said that Yunus, who announced on Friday that elections will be held in April 2026, is scheduled to hold a confidential political dialogue with Bangladesh Nationalist Partys (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Advertisement Addressing a rally virtually on May 28, Tarique Rahman had stated that historically, caretaker governments in Bangladesh have shown that national elections can be organised and executed within three months. The precedent is clear: it can be done. And yet, ten months into its tenure, the interim administration has still not announced an election date. The people of Bangladesh deserve better. We seek a nation free from authoritarianism, led by a government elected through a fair vote, and accountable to its citizens, he had said. Advertisement The BNP has stated unambiguously that it wants the national elections to be held by December this year as it perceives a clear victory minus the Awami League. The BNP members, including Tarique Rahman, are strongly opposed to Yunuss incrementalism and his advisors, mostly from the July uprising of 2024. At home, there is hardly any political or economic value for Yunus. The BNP wants an honest assessment of what has been actually accomplished in these months and not what was spin-doctored as Yunus is in the habit of doing. Similarly, the Bangladesh military wanted the national election to be held by December 2025. Gen Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, had drawn the red lines for the Yunus administration. Bangladeshis in Britain are mainly concentrated in Greater London boroughs such as Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Camden. Outside London, the British Bangladeshi community is heavily concentrated in major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and other urban centres across the UK. Islam, as a religion, plays a binding factor among young British Bangladeshis, who have questioned the secular nationalism of their parents and grandparents. Many British Bangladeshi citizens are active in British politics. The Conservative Friends of Bangladesh at Westminster on April 28 discussed Bangladeshs fragile transition, law and order, safety of religious minorities, promises of reform and democracy and an inclusive election under the Interim Government. Lord Jonathan P. Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council, chaired the meeting. Richard Fuller, the MP from North Bedfordshire & Shadow Chief Secretary, Gareth Bacon, the MP from Orpington & Shadow Transport Secretary, Bob Blackman, the MP from Harrow East, Chairman of the 1922 Committee & Chair of the Backbench Business Committee, participated in the meeting and voiced their concern on the prevailing situation in Bangladesh. Overall, the participants expressed grave concern over the plight of minorities due to the disturbed political situation and also dwelt on fragile economic conditions. They pledged help and support from Conservative Party leaders and members to hold a free, fair and inclusive election, revive the economy and ensure adequate safeguards for minorities. Earlier, on April 8, senior British politician and prominent jurist Lord Alex Carlile of Berriew chaired the seminar on Democracy, Human Rights, Good Governance, Rule of Law and the role of Political Parties in Bangladeshs current political landscape, held at the House of Commons. The event was organised by Blackman, who is also the President of the Parliamentary Group Conservative Friends of Bangladesh, and he called for sincere efforts to make the upcoming elections in Bangladesh fair, impartial and inclusive. In his message, Kings Counsel John Cammegh advised the Bangladeshi interim government to prioritise political, social, and economic democratisation over establishing an International Criminal Tribunal against the previous government. He warned that such tribunals often serve as tools for political retribution, fostering division and anxiety. Asserting that it will only help the income of legal advisors, he advocated for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to promote unity and healing in Bangladesh. Yunus wants to gain international legitimacy, economic and political support, diplomatic recognition, as well as influence from Western perspectives. The Awami League never missed an opportunity to attack Yunus, and no doubt, Yunus is paying back the same with dividends by banning the Awami League. In the complex, personal jealousy of Yunus, there is a precipitous decline of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh, with a growing Western/US trend of turning a blind eye to Yunuss adverse activities. During the visit to London, Yunus will receive the King Charles III Harmony Award 2025. A bilateral meeting with UK PM Keir Starmer is also scheduled at 10 Downing Street on June 11. Major issues that are likely to be discussed are prevention & repatriation of illicit capital with Bangladesh expected to request British governments support in repatriating funds allegedly laundered during ALs tenure, seek the UKs backing for the reforms and election preparations by the interim government in Bangladesh, support for the July-August mass movement, and investment and export trade. The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, met Yunus on Wednesday at the State Guest House in Dhaka. Their discussions encompassed a range of mutual interests, including trade and investment, aviation cooperation, migration, and the interim governments efforts in asset recovery (the interim government says the previous regime enabled the laundering of an estimated $16 billion annually. Yunus expressed interest in receiving technical support from the UK, including training by British researchers, to bolster Bangladeshs ocean research efforts. The meeting was also attended by Lutfey Siddiqi, the Chief Advisers envoy for international affairs, Lamiya Morshed, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Coordinator, and James Goldman, Deputy High Commissioner of Britain. Indias Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal and Denmarks Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Morten Bodskov, on Friday agreed to strengthen the bilateral maritime collaboration between the two countries, which includes promoting the green transition of the maritime sector. The two ministers reaffirmed the Green Strategic Partnership, as mutually agreed upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen. The Ministers highlighted the importance of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on maritime affairs signed in 2024, which encompasses the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Green Shipping. Advertisement The Ministers emphasised that the newly established Centre is intended to improve the quality and efficiency of maritime activities while promoting the green transition of the maritime sector in India. They highlighted alignment with targets set out in the Indian governments Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, including Indias ambitions to become a green shipping hub for the international maritime sector. Advertisement Recalling that the establishment of green corridors has further been defined as a priority by the Indian government, the ministers agreed that the Indo-Danish Centre of Excellence will contribute to the development of green corridors through the conduct of a pre-feasibility study. The study will serve as a preliminary assessment of the main components of possible green corridors in India and outline the most promising ones. The two countries agreed that the study will be carried out by the Mrsk Mc-Kinney Moller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping, applying its methodological blueprint, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, as well as other relevant Indian ministries. Union Minister Sonowal is on an official visit to Denmark on June 5-6. He arrived in Copenhagen after completing his visit to Norway, where he attended the Nor Shipping event. During the ministers visit to Oslo, Indian maritime companies bagged shipbuilding orders and signed MoUs with leading global players to explore opportunities for collaboration and future business. An All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India, led by senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, met with key American lawmakers and officials to brief them on the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Indias response through Operation Sindoor. During the visit, the delegation held a significant meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The Indian Embassy in Washington shared the update on social media platform X, stating: Advertisement The All Party Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor had a warm and candid conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State @DeputySecState today. The Indian Delegation briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the embassy posted. Advertisement The delegation also met Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the influential US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In that meeting, the Indian lawmakers discussed the cross-border nature of the Pahalgam attack and reiterated Indias firm stance against terrorism. The Indian parliamentary delegation led by Dr @ShashiTharoor had a productive meeting with Senator @ChrisVanHollen, member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed Indias subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth Indias firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. The Senator sympathized with the victims of repeated terror attacks in India, said that [the US] stands with [India] in the fight against terrorism, and expressed support for Indias right to defend itself, the embassy posted on X. Earlier, the Indian delegation engaged in candid conversations with members of the US Congress, senior officials from the US government, and representatives of American think tanks and media at a reception hosted by Indias Ambassador to the United States. The visit is part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to build bipartisan support in Washington for stronger counter-terrorism cooperation and to deepen strategic ties between India and the US in the face of regional security threats. Earlier on Thursday, the Delegation had an excellent meeting with 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. Russian forces launched 400 drones and 40 missiles on Ukraine overnight on Friday, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, Ukrainian authorities said. All four fatalities occurred in Kyiv, where 20 other people were injured, said Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Advertisement The State Service for Emergencies confirmed that three of the victims were emergency service workers. Advertisement Separately, the National Police reported that about 40 people were injured nationwide, with most of them in Kyiv, the northwestern city of Lutsk and the western city of Ternopil. According to the police, 38 facilities were damaged in the attacks, including five apartment buildings and five private houses, Xinhua news agency reported. For Kyiv residents, the night brought a sadly familiar chorus: the high-pitched buzz of drones, the wail of air raid sirens, and thunderous explosions overheadwhether from successful air defence interceptions or incoming missiles hitting their targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia had launched over 400 drones and 40 missiles in the massive overnight assault, calling it one of the largest since the war began. He said the strikes killed many people, injured 49 others, and targeted almost all of Ukraine, naming nine regions ranging from Lviv in the west to Sumy in the northeast. While Russia has persistently bombarded Ukraine throughout more than three years of full-scale war, this latest attack was widely anticipated. Ukrainians had been expecting a major reprisal since Sunday, when Kyiv carried out a bold strike that damaged more than a third of Russias strategic cruise missile bombers. During a phone call with former US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would have to respond to the Ukrainian assault. Meanwhile, Ukraines General Staff reported on Friday that its forces had struck two Russian airfields overnight. These sites were believed to be housing many aircraft that had escaped damage in Kyivs Spiderweb operation last weekend. According to Ukraines air force, Russias assault included 407 drones, six ballistic missiles, more than 38 cruise missiles, and one anti-radar missiletotaling 452 projectiles. Of those, 406 were intercepted, including 32 cruise missiles and four ballistic missiles. The remaining two ballistic missiles reportedly missed their targets. Ukrainians had been bracing all week for a major retaliation following the weekend drone strike, which hit 34 per cent of Russias nuclear-capable bombers at airbases as far as Siberia. Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian forces struck a Russian missile unit in Bryansk region, hitting Iskander launchers, according to a statement from Ukraines General Staff. The strike occurred as Russias 26th missile brigade prepared to launch an attack, likely targeting Kyiv, from the city of Klintsy. On June 4, the Kremlin confirmed an attempted Ukrainian strike on the Crimean Bridge but claimed it caused no damage. There was indeed an explosion, but nothing was harmed, and the bridge remains operational, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. On Tuesday, Ukraine also attacked the Kerch Bridgethe key link between Russia and the annexed Crimean Peninsulausing 1,100 kilograms of underwater explosives. The proposed $3.7 million oil refinery to be built by Chinas Sinopec in Sri Lankas Hambantota port is facing significant delays over multiple issues like dispute over equity structure, tax concessions, market access, and allocation of land for the project. The inland port is built in a natural harbour near the town of Hambantota in the district of the same name on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, located 250 kilometres from Colombo. Unable to repay its debt, Sri Lanka gave China a controlling equity stake and a 99-year lease for Hambantota port, which it handed over in December 2017. Advertisement In the pact signed on January 16, 2025, during the visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Beijing from January 14 to 17 following his visit to India in December 2024, China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, or Sinopec, the worlds biggest refinery, agreed to expand its economic and energy footprints by building a massive oil refinery in Hambantota. Advertisement The agreement promised a facility capable of processing 2,00,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Incidentally, the Sri Lankan government had originally envisioned a 1,00,000 barrels per day refinery when Expressions of Interest (EoI) were called. While hailed by Sri Lankan officials as a landmark foreign investment, the deal had raised deep concerns about sovereignty, environmental integrity, and long-term economic independence. This expansion had raised red flags with China controlling a major deep-water port and a potential mega refinery. However, the project in Sri Lanka is considered a top priority at Sinopec. The refinery is planned adjacent to the Hambantota port that China Merchant Port Holdings controls, on a 99-year lease. The refinery project in Sri Lanka is a move by the top Chinese and global refiner to secure more markets overseas. The Sinopec investment was cleared in November 2023 during the term of Dissanayakes predecessor, Ranil Wickremesinghe. Under debt-trap diplomacy, China woos foreign leaders and signs deals, which are dual-use in nature. The original Request for Proposal (RFP) had stipulated foreign equity to be capped at 20 per cent and mandated 80 per cent of the projected output per day to be earmarked for exports. However, Sinopec is seeking a larger equity share and dilution of the 80 per cent export obligation to enable it to gain wider access to the domestic market in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka authorities have, till now, ruled out any changes in the RFP. Separately, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has raised concerns that unrestricted market access for Sinopec could severely disrupt the petroleum sector in Sri Lanka and adversely affect energy security. The Sri Lankan government had initially offered 500 acres of land for the project in Arabokka, Hambantota, and Sinopec subsequently requested an additional 200 acres of land just 3.5 kilometres from the Chinese-controlled port. The authorities concerned are yet to decide on the quantum of land to be allocated, and there is also the related issue of lease duration for the land to be allocated. Hence, no formal agreement has been reached in this regard. Meanwhile, the Central Environment Authority (CEA) had issued the terms of reference to Sinopec to carry out an environmental impact study and submit the report to it. We recently published a list of 10 Stocks With Surprising Gains. In this article, we are going to take a look at where First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) stands against other best-performing stocks on Thursday. First Majestic Silver extended its winning streak to a fifth straight day on Thursday, jumping 15.52 percent to close at $8.41 apiece as snapped up shares in the company following the surge in silver prices. Silver futures rose to as high as $36.27 per troy ounce at intra-day trading on Thursday, its highest since 2012, before closing lower to $35.81 per troy ounce. Silver prices grew alongside gold, as investors funds flocked to safer assets anew to mitigate the risks from the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. Why First Majestic Silver Corp. (AG) Skyrocketed On Monday An open-pit mine framed by a mountain range, highlighting the company's vast mining concessions. In recent news, First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) discovered a new gold-silver deposit called Sto. Nino, one kilometer away from the Santa Elena mining property in Sonora, Mexico. Additionally, it was able to raise the production of its Navidad deposit at the same site following the success of its drilling operations. First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) said that the addition of Navidad and Sto. Nino raised the number of its hosted production sites to four, the others being Sta. Elena and Ermitano. The Santo Nino discovery marks yet another exciting milestone for the district, and the drilling shows the vein remains open for expansion in most directions. At the same time, step-out drilling at the Navidad Discovery continues to intercept exceptionally high-grade mineralization and expand the resource envelope, said First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) President and CEO Keith Neumeyer. Overall, AG ranks 3rd on our list of best-performing stocks on Thursday. While we acknowledge the potential of AG as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. 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. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the Election Commission of India (ECI) were engaged in a war of words on Saturday after the Rae Bareli MP reiterated his partys allegations of match-fixing in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. In his latest post on X, Gandhi, who is the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, attacked the poll panel for releasing evasive notes in response to his charges. You are a constitutional body. Releasing unsigned, evasive notes to intermediaries is not the way to respond to serious questions, he said. Dear EC, You are a Constitutional body. Releasing unsigned, evasive notes to intermediaries is not the way to respond to serious questions. If you have nothing to hide, answer the questions in my article and prove it by: Publishing consolidated, digital, machine-readable Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 7, 2025 The Congress leader dared the Commission to publish consolidated, digital, machine-readable voter rolls for the most recent elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas of all states, including Maharashtra, and release all post-5pm CCTV footage from Maharashtra polling booths. Evasion wont protect your credibility. Telling the truth will, Gandhi said. It all started when, earlier in the day, Gandhi shared an article he had written for the Indian Express on X and claimed that the Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. Rahul alleged that the election rigging took place in five steps: rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission, add fake voters to the roll, inflate voter turnout, target the bogus voting exactly where BJP needs to win, and hide the evidence. How to steal an election? Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. My article shows how this happened, step by step: Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll Step 3: Inflate voter pic.twitter.com/ntCwtPVXTu Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 7, 2025 Gandhi further alleged that the match-fixing of Maharashtra will come to Bihar next and then anywhere the BJP is losing. In a strong rebuttal to his allegations, the ECI issued a statement saying unsubstantiated allegations raised against the electoral rolls of Maharashtra are an affront to the rule of law. "Any misinformation being spread, by anyone, is not only a sign of disrespect towards the law but also brings disrepute to the thousands of representatives appointed by their own political party and demotivates lakhs of election staff who work untiringly and transparently during elections. After any unfavourable verdict by the voters, trying to defame the Election Commission by saying that it is compromised is completely absurd," the poll panel said. Meanwhile, Gandhis allegations have also led to a political storm, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accusing the Congress leader of insulting the people of Maharashtra and women voters. Fadnavis said the claims made by Gandhi amounted to his admission of the Congress's defeat in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections and appealed to him to refrain from "falsely comforting" himself by lying. The state Congress has come out in support of Gandhis claims and said the party will organise torchlight processions on June 12 in Maharashtra to draw people's attention to the "vote theft pattern" of the 2024 polls. "The credibility of the Election Commission is at stake and democracy is under threat. To awaken public awareness, the Congress party will organise torchlight processions across Maharashtra on June 12," state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said. Even two weeks after an Indore-based couple went missing from Meghalaya's Sohra area, the state police are yet to get any clue about the wifes whereabouts even as the husbands body was found in a deep gorge on June 2. Sonam Raghuvanshi (25) and her husband Raja Raghuvanshi (29) were on a honeymoon trip when they disappeared on May 23, hours after they checked out of a homestay at Nongriat village in East Khasi Hills district. As the police investigation and the search operation to trace Sonam are still underway, a tourist guides claim on Saturday gave a fresh twist to the case. VIDEO | Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav urges Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order CBI probe into Indore woman's disappearance in Meghalaya. Here's what victim's brother Vipin said: "I would like to thank the Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, for supporting us. The Madhya Pradesh pic.twitter.com/QdUo3fo5Sz Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 7, 2025 Albert Pde, a guide at Mawlakhiat, said he had seen the couple accompanied by three male tourists as they were climbing over 3,000 steps from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat around 10 am on May 23the day they went missing. "The four men were walking ahead while the woman was behind. The four men were conversing in Hindi but I could not understand what they were speaking as I know only Khasi and English," Pde told news agency PTI. Pde has also recorded his statement before the police. According to reports, the guide recognised the couple as he had offered them his service on the previous day, but they refused his offer. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya: A search operation near Wei Sawdong Falls in Sohra for missing Indore tourist Sonam Raghuvanshi ended without success on Friday. Teams from NDRF, West Jaintia Hills mountaineers, NESAC drone unit, and local guides combed through difficult terrain and dense pic.twitter.com/mh7RVztY1W IANS (@ians_india) June 7, 2025 According to reports, the couple arrived in 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 in Nongriat village, where they stayed the night and left the homestay the following morning. Their scooter was found abandoned at a cafe along the road from Shillong to Sohra on May 24. Even as the Meghalaya government has intensified the search operation and deployed drones to trace Sonam, her family members have accused police of laxity and demanded a CBI probe into the case. The Madhya Pradesh government, too, has come out in support of the family and urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to direct a CBI probe into the incident. The UK and India have discussed collaborations to expand counter-terrorism efforts in the wake of recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over a span of 88 hours, that ended in Pakistan's request for the ceasefire that exists at the moment, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy explained, as per a Reuters report. Lammy, having completed a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, is now the highest-profile Western official to have visited both nations since the ceasefire was announced last month, the report added. Glad to meet UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today in Delhi. Appreciate UKs strong condemnation of the terrorist attack on Pahalgam and support in combatting terrorism. Our conversation focused on the significant strides being made by the Comprehensive Strategic pic.twitter.com/R9yssJiZCI Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 7, 2025 ALSO READ | Congress targets Modi, Jaishankar as Pak is set to chair UNSC counter-terrorism panel: 'Foreign policy collapse' The ceasefire followed escalating tensions between the two nations that had begun with Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The operation was, as New Delhi clarified at home and abroad, the country's 'measured' response to the terrifying Pahalgam attacks of April 22 that saw 26 dead, for which Islamabad was blamed. "We want the situation to be maintained, but of course we recognise fragility, particularly in the backdrop of terrorism, terrorism designed to destabilise India," Lammy said, in an interview at the residence of the British High Commissioner in New Delhi. "We are keen to continue to work with our Indian partners on counter-terrorism measures," he declared, declining to offer specifics. This follows the 16th India-UK Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, which took place in May last year. ALSO READ | Did Donald Trump's US mediate India-Pakistan ceasefire talks after 'Operation Sindoor'? MEA Jaishankar says credit goes to... The two sides shared their assessment of the terrorist and extremist threats in their respective territories and regions including threats posed by globally sanctioned terrorist entities and individuals. The two sides also exchanged views on the proscription of individual terrorists and entities as a tool to combat terrorism, as well as ways of working together in multilateral forums, an MEA statement read, dated May 22, 2024. It was agreed to further strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation to meet these shared challenges, the statement added. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the British High Commissioner Residence in New Delhi | Reuters Lammy also touched upon the importance of trade between the two nations, referring to the free trade deal that India and the UK agreed upon just last month, in connection with which UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to visit India soon. Four Israeli soldiers were killed and five others wounded on June 6 morning when a booby-trapped building collapsed on them during a ground operation in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The deceased included Sergeant Major (Res.) Chen Gross, 33, from Gan Yoshiya, a reservist in the Maglan Unit of the Commando Brigade, and Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver, 19, from Sde Warburg, a combat engineer in the elite Yahalom Unit. The names of the other two soldiers killed have yet to be released. Among the five wounded were a seriously injured reserve officer from the Maglan Unit and four others with moderate injuries. The IDF said the soldiers were clearing a building suspected of containing Hamas tunnel infrastructure when the explosion occurred, causing the structure to collapse. The building, located in the Bani Suheila neighbourhood near the Israeli border, was reportedly fortified and had been the target of Israeli forces previously. An initial IDF probe indicated the explosion was the result of an extensive booby trap planted by militants. The military has launched a formal investigation into the incident, which it says highlights the growing risk of structural instability in buildings damaged during repeated raids over the past year and a half. This weeks deaths bring the Israeli militarys death toll in Gaza to eight in seven days the highest weekly figure since early January. A total of 866 Israeli troops have been killed since the war began on October 7, 2023. IDF Spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin addressed the tragedy at a press briefing. Sometimes, there is no choice but to enter structures to check for tunnels. We take many precautions, but we will examine this incident carefully and draw lessons, he said. He confirmed that IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir had convened senior officers at the Southern Command following the fatal blast. The IDF stated that the operation, conducted by the Maglan and Yahalom units, was intended to establish a permanent hold on territory and destroy Hamas infrastructure before doing so. The soldiers' deaths came as Palestinian officials reported at least 38 fatalities across Gaza from Israeli strikes on June 6. The attacks coincided with Eid al-Adha, marking the second consecutive year that Palestinians observed the festival under bombardment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered condolences about the death of the soldiers, calling it a sad and difficult day. He reiterated that the campaign would continue until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are returned. Our four fighters gave their lives for our security, he said. The people of Israel embrace the families in their grief. Hamas, meanwhile, issued a defiant statement. A spokesman for its military wing, Hudhaifa Kahlout, also known as Abu Obeida, declared that fighters would continue to strike Israeli forces and warned the Israeli public to pressure their leaders to end what he termed a war of extermination. Despite Netanyahus rhetoric, a new poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute suggested widespread public scepticism. Among the 751 respondents, just 37 per cent believed the military operation would lead to the release of hostages, and only 38.5 per cent thought it would succeed in toppling Hamas. Even within Netanyahus Likud voter base, confidence was low, with only 27 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively, expecting those goals to be met. The growing pressure on Israels military also brings to the fore the contentious issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription. Defrin described it as an operational necessity, revealing that the army is short by approximately 10,000 soldiers, including 6,000 in combat roles. A wave of call-up notices is expected in the next draft. Ultra-Orthodox parties have warned that they will bring down Netanyahus coalition if military exemptions are not enshrined in law. But, public sentiment has shifted against the exemptions due to the burden placed on reservists and their families. Of 18,000 conscription notices sent to ultra-Orthodox individuals earlier this year, only 232 were accepted, a military official recently told parliament. Israeli President Isaac Herzog reflected on the losses, saying, The price of war is extremely heavy. This is a time of great sorrow, but also of great commitment to stand behind our heroic fighters, to embrace the bereaved families, and to ensure that their names and courage are never forgotten. We recently published a list of 10 Stocks Took a Shocking Nosedive. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY) stands against other Friday's worst-performing stocks. Harmony Gold saw its share prices decline by 5.27 percent on Friday to finish at $14.56 apiece as investor sentiment was dampened by the death of another mine workerallegedly the 10th death case recorded this year alone. The news sparked investor concerns about the companys safety regulations and strategy, especially as it aims to achieve zero harm and foster a proactive safety culture. Why Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (HMY) Crashed On Friday An open pit mine with heavy excavation machinery toiling away against the backdrop of a hidden valley. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited regrets to announce a loss of life due to a fall of ground at its Joel mine in the Free State province. All relevant authorities, family members, and colleagues have been informed, it said. We have been on a journey to achieve zero harm since 2016, and we continually assess the maturity of this journey to identify areas for improvement, it added. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY) said that it achieved six months of death-free shifts, showing that its strategy was correct. We continue to believe that zero loss of life is possible, it noted. Overall, HMY ranks 4th on our list of Friday's worst-performing stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of HMY as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that Israel armed clans in Gaza hostile to Hamas, claiming the move was approved by security officials and aimed at safeguarding Israeli soldiers. In a video message, he defended the strategy, insisting it saved lives. The admission followed reports in the Israeli media that Netanyahu had personally authorised the distribution of weapons to a clan led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a resident of Rafah from a Bedouin background, known locally for his involvement in criminal activity. His group, which calls itself the Popular Forces or the Anti-Terror Service, is believed to have received Kalashnikov rifles, including some confiscated from Hamas. Israeli officials have described Abu Shabab as the head of a Palestinian militia they armed to undermine Hamass grip on southern Gaza. Although Abu Shabab denies receiving Israeli arms, multiple videos circulating on social media show him operating alongside Israeli forces in IDF-controlled zones. Abu Shabab, in his thirties, holds influence in eastern Rafah, near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Humanitarian workers and Palestinian civilians have accused his group of hijacking and looting aid convoys. Truck drivers and aid personnel allege that his men, often armed, have intercepted shipments of flour and other supplies. A senior United Nations official, Georgios Petropoulos, described him as a self-declared power broker in the area. In a November 2024 interview, Abu Shabab denied looting on a wide scale but admitted that his men had taken control of several aid trucks, saying the goods were needed to feed his community. Though significantly smaller than Hamas, his group has grown more visible in recent months. In May, it began posting images of armed members online and claimed responsibility for securing dozens of aid trucks. In a video, Abu Shabab urged displaced residents to return to Rafah, promising food, medicine and shelter. He also claimed to operate under Palestinian legitimacy, a term typically associated with the Palestinian Authority, which has not confirmed any link to his faction. The Palestinian Authority declined to comment directly on connections to Abu Shabab. A spokesman, Major General Anwar Rajab, said a full statement would be issued soon, noting that the matter involved overlapping political, security and humanitarian concerns. Israeli opposition parties have sharply criticised Netanyahus strategy. Yair Golan of the Democrats accused him of creating a new crisis in Gaza instead of securing a deal for the return of Israeli hostages. Avigdor Lieberman, a former defence minister, alleged links between Abu Shababs group and Islamic State, although he provided no evidence. The IDF has not commented on the allegations. Even Abu Shababs own family has distanced itself. In a public statement last week, they denounced him as a collaborator with Israel and said he was no longer welcome among them. Jonathan Whittall, a senior UN humanitarian official, said that criminal gangs had looted aid near Israeli-controlled crossings and named Abu Shababs group as one of them. Netanyahu, however, remained defiant. On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas, he said in a video message. Whats bad about it? It only saves the lives of IDF soldiers, and exposing it only helps Hamas. While Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led delegation claimed to be 'victims of terrorism' on US soil, American lawmakers asked their Pakistani counterparts to act against the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed and protect religious minorities in the country. A Pakistani delegation led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto reached the US this week to counter India's major global outreach to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. While the Bhutto-led delegation claimed themselves to be "victims of terrorism" and India's "aggression", American lawmakers asked them to "eliminate vile terrorist group" JeM, which reportedly has bases in Pakistan. The Pakistani delegation met with the US House foreign policy panel recently to counter India's narrative and to urge further intervention by the US to resolve India-Pakistan tensions. US Congressman Brad Sherman, who met with the Pakistani delegation, said he "emphasized the importance of combatting terrorism" to them. "I emphasized to the Pakistani delegation the importance of combatting terrorism, and in particular, the group Jaish-e-Mohammed, who murdered my constituent Daniel Pearl in 2002. Pakistan should do all it can to eliminate this vile group and combat terrorism in the region," Sherman tweeted. He added that Pakistani leaders were also urged to take steps to release Dr Shakil Afridi, who helped the US to eliminate Osama Bin Laden. "I urged the Pakistani delegation to relay to their government the need to free Dr Shakil Afridi, who continues to languish in prison for helping the United States kill Osama Bin Laden. Freeing Dr. Afridi represents an important step in bringing closure for victims of 9/11," Sherman added. Sherman said protection of religious minorities in Pakistan was also raised during the meeting and Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims living in Pakistan "must be allowed to practice their faith and participate in the democratic system without fear of violence, persecution, discrimination, or an unequal justice system". A team led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor visited the US recently and exposed how Pakistan sponsored terror activities against India. India launched a global outreach programme in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 persons were killed. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and conducted targeted strikes on terror bases in Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated and after days of heightened military operation, both nations agreed to ceasefire on May 10. The massive blaze that has been raging in Turkmenistan's 'Gateway to Hell' gas crater for more than half a century has been significantly contained, according to the government there. The Darvaza Gas Crater, commonly referred to as the 'Gateway to Hell', is located in the Karakum desert. In 2018, it was officially renamed as the 'Shining of Karakum'. The pit was reportedly ignited in 1971 when Soviet scientists tried to contain poisonous gases emanating from the crater. They dug a hole in Karakum desert to study the methane leaks but it was too late when they realised that there was an underground gas field. However, their decision to ignite the methane to solve the problem resulted in the creation of the longest continuously burning man-made fire. The crater has been on fire ever since and earlier attempts to put it out have been unsuccessful. Irina Luryeva, a director at Turkmengaz, the state-owned energy company, said, "Whereas before a huge glow from the blaze was visible from several kilometres away, hence the name Gateway to Hell, today only a faint source of combustion remains." She added that several wells have been drilled to capture methane from the crater. The reduction in the combustion was reportedly recorded by independent satellite data, showing a decrease of threefold. It was in January 2022 that the country's then president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, currently serving as the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, ordered the extiguishing of the crater. "We are losing valuable natural resources for which we could get significant profits and use them for improving the well-being of our people," the president said back then, pointing out that it "negatively affects both the environment and the health of the people living nearby". In March 2024, Turkmenistan launched a joint project with the UN Environment Programme to control methane emissions. Donald Trump's close aide Sergio Gor is reportedly one of the key factors behind the ongoing feud between the US president and billionaire Elon Musk, according to reports. Sergio Gor, who is the director of presidential personnel, spoke to his colleagues about taking revenge on Musk for humiliating him in front of other officials in the White House, reports the New York Post. Gor pushed Trump to abruptly withdraw the nomination of Musk's close friend Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator following the SpaceX boss's exit from White House. This reportedly escalated the tensions between Musk and Trump, who started publicly calling out each other. Following this Musk called Trump's "big, beautiful bill" a "disgusting abomination". He even said that Trump was in the Esptein files and that was the actual reason the documents have not been made public. The Big Ugly Bill will INCREASE the deficit to $2.5 trillion! https://t.co/jEMS6coT3V Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Gor and Musk got off on the wrong foot even before Trump swore in as president for the second time in January. Musk, who was touted as the chief of the Department of Government Efficiency, questioned Gor's staff appointments during the transition and even went on to call the White House aide "sleazy". On March 6, Musk "humiliated" Gor during a cabinet meeting over delayed staffing of the Trump administration. Following this, Gor was looking for an opportunity to give "payback" to Musk. "He was bragging to other people that he was going to get one last shot at Elon out the door. He was going to get Elon back for making him look bad, NY Post quoted a source as saying. Gor would reportedly gloat to colleagues about Tesla stocks tumbling as if he was "responsible for taking the Tesla stock down." "Elon was, like, his obsession, and he would plant a story on Elon and he would send me the link and then send me a screenshot of Teslas stock price with a laughing face," the outlet quoted another person as saying. However, Gor has dimissed the allegations that he sought revenge against Musk, saying the claims about him rejoicing at Tesla shares tanking were not true. Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday accused Ukraine of indefinitely postponing the exchange of prisoners (POWs) and dead bodies. This development comes amid yet another heavy Russian drone and missile onslaught at Kharkiv on the same day that saw four killed and 40 injured. Screengrab: X/@ZelenskyyUa The exchange of as many as 12,000 dead soldiers and certain prisoners of war had been agreed upon (to take place from June 7-9) at the second iteration of the Istanbul peace talks on Monday, which, however, failed to achieve a ceasefire. ALSO READ | Why do Russia and Ukraine swap prisoners, but not peace? "In strict accordance with the Istanbul agreements, on June 6, Russia began a humanitarian operation to hand over to Ukraine more than 6,000 bodies of killed Ukrainian servicemen, as well as to exchange wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war and prisoners of war under the age of 25," Medinsky clarified on Telegram. Vladimir Medinsky | X/@TASS 1,212 bodies of killed Ukrainian soldiers are already in refrigerated containers at the exchange point. Russia has also handed over to Ukraine the first list of 640 prisoners of war, categorised as 'wounded, seriously ill and young people' in order to begin the exchange, Medinsky added. ALSO READ | 3 dead in Russia's 400+ drone barrage on Ukraine in continuing 'response' to Op Spider Web "We are on site. We are fully prepared to work. International TV channels, news agencies and correspondents are welcome to come and see for themselves that this is indeed the case," he said, claiming that while Russia always keeps its word, Ukrainian officials tasked with the exchange were nowhere to be seen. "Today's statements by the Russian side do not correspond to reality or to previous agreements on either the exchange of prisoners or the repatriation of bodies," Andriy Kovalenko, an official with Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council said on Telegram. Meanwhile, in what Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terehov called one of the most powerful attacks on the Northeastern city, dozens of explosions rent the air as Russian troops struck simultaneously with missiles, drones and guided aerial bombs. Multi-storey and private residential buildings, educational and infrastructure facilities were attacked, he noted, as per a Reuters report. ALSO READ | NATO ignores CRUCIAL Russian peace demand, invites Ukraine to next Summit Kyiv's sudden silence on the humanitarian exchange possibly reflects anger at Russia's devastating offensive in recent days, which Moscow claims was revenge for Kyiv's daring Operation Spider Web, that destroyed about 15 airplanes deep inside Russian territory. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, proposed to hold the next round of the Istanbul negotiations between June 20 and 30, an Interfax report said. Elon Musk, who is at loggerheads with President Donald Trump, has hinted at entering the US politics and suggested the name of his new political party: The America Party. Revealing the results of his poll on X, asking whether it was time to create a new political party in the US, Musk said he garnered support from at least 80 per cent of respondents. The America Party https://t.co/hO5S8Kjb5O Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 6, 2025 "The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle!" Musk wrote, "And exactly 80% of people agree. This is fate." In a follow-up tweet, Musk revealed the name of the political party, calling it "The America Party". Responding to Elon Musk's poll, First Take on ESPN host Stephen A Smith endorsed the idea of a centrist political party to rival the Democrats and Republicans. "Mr. @elonmusk I'm all for moving America to the CENTER. I'm definitely down for that cause! Sign me up!!!" Musk had earlier slammed Trump's "big, beautiful bill", calling it a "disgusting abomination". The President said he was "very disappointed" with the former DOGE chief, saying his friendship with Musk may not survive. Mr. @elonmusk Im all for moving America to the CENTER. Im definitely down for that cause! Sign me up!!! https://t.co/lBFaluJsWM Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 6, 2025 Musk hit back at Trump again, saying the Republican would have lost the presidential election against Kamala Harris if he had not backed him. The President slammed Musk for betrayal, threatening to cut the billionaire's government contracts. He even went on to call Musk "a man who has lost his mind". Musk then said it is "time to drop the really big bomb", saying Trump is in the Epstein files. "That is the real reason they have not been made public." While the billionaire businessman mulls entering politics, previous personalities who floated political parties in the US have not been able to make inroads into the votebanks of the Republicans and Democrats. PALESTINE: A boy looks on as he sits between worshippers during the early morning prayers for Eid al-Adha at the make-shift prayer room of a mosque in the Abu Amin neighbourhood in northeastern Gaza City | AFP We recently published a list of 10 Stocks Took a Shocking Nosedive. In this article, we are going to take a look at where The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) stands against other Friday's worst-performing stocks. Shares of The Mosaic Company decreased by 4.40 percent on Friday to end at $34.80 apiece, a third straight day, as investors reacted negatively to lower production guidance for the second quarter and full year 2025. In a statement, The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) said it now sees phosphate sales volumes for the second quarter of 2025 to be in the range of 1.5 million to 1.6 million tons, or lower than the 1.7 million to 1.9 million tons as targeted previously. Why The Mosaic Company (MOS) Crashed On Friday A farmer tending to his crops in a field, with a fertiliser bag nearby. It also revised its production guidance for the full year period to 7 million to 7.3 million tons, lower than the 7.2 million to 7.6 million tons as expected previously. While its phosphate facility in New Wales was expected to increase over 20 percent in the current quarter, commissioning and ramp-up of the first of three new gypsum handling systems took longer than expected. The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) said it now expects the second and third systems to be installed and commissioned by the end of June and early July. Additionally, it extended planned downtimes for its Riverview facility to eliminate bottlenecks, causing production to miss initial expectations. Its Louisiana facilities also discovered additional necessary repairs, resulting in extended outage periods and some lost production. Overall, MOS ranks 8th on our list of Friday's worst-performing stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of MOS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. The spokesman for Hamass military wing, Abu Obeida, published an unusual statement on Shabbos claiming that IDF forces are besieging the area where the Zionist prisoner Matan Tzengauker is located. The statement read: An urgent warning to all concerned. We unequivocally affirm that the enemy will not be able to rescue him alive. If this prisoner is killed during an attempt to release him, the occupation army will be responsible for his deathafter we kept him alive for a year and eight months. Following the message, Hamas released a photo of Zangauker appearing frail and attached to an IV with an explicit threat: He Will Not Return Alive. In the wake of the publication of the message and photo, the IDF issued a statement clarifying that no rescue operation of Matan Tzengauker was carried out. According to reports in Gaza, IDF troops are currently engaged in intense clashes with terrorists near the European Hospital in Khan Younis. Zangaukers mother, Einav, is one of the most well-known activists of the left-wing weekly hostage release protests in Tel Aviv. Matan was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) IDF forces recovered the body of Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta from the Rafah area in Gaza, the IDF and Shin Bet announced in a joint statement on Motzei Shabbos. Nattapong Pinta was abducted alive by terrorists of the Mujahideen terrorist organization from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th, 2023, and was murdered while in captivity by the murderous terrorist organization, the statement said. The operation was made possible by precise intelligence obtained from a Shin Bet interrogation of a terrorist, along with intelligence received from the Hostage Task Force and the IDF Intelligence Directorate. Following an identification procedure carried out by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in cooperation with the Israel Police, the Hostage Task Force of the IDFs Manpower Directorate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notified the family, the country of Thailand, and the community of Nir Oz. The murderous Mujahideen terrorist organization abducted, held, and murdered Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, whose bodies were returned as part of the last hostage deal, as well as the bodies of Gad Haggai and Judi Lynn Weinstein, which were returned earlier this week. The Mujahideen terrorist organization has also murdered and is holding the body of another foreign national. The IDF and Shin Bet will continue to make all efforts possible to bring home all the hostages. Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated, Pinta Nattapong left his wife, Narissara, and their young son, Wirapat, in Thailand to work in agriculture in Israel hoping to give them a better future and fulfill their dream of opening a family coffee shop in Thailand. But that dream was tragically and painfully cut short when Nattapong was brutally abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Mujahideen Brigade terrorists during the Hamas-led terror assault on October 7. Nattapong, who was kidnapped alive, was cruelly murdered in captivity by the terrorists in Gaza. This morning, we received the painful news that his body was recovered last night in a courageous operation by the IDF and Shin Bet. The State of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of Nattapongs family and of the entire Thai people. Fifty-five hostages are still being held in the hell of captivity in Gaza in a horrific crime against humanity and we must continue doing everything possible to bring every one of them home immediately, until the last! (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG Free Report) had its target price decreased by The Goldman Sachs Group from $23.00 to $15.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning,Benzinga reports. The Goldman Sachs Group currently has a neutral rating on the stock. Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on SG. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of Sweetgreen from $27.00 to $20.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 9th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $45.00 target price on shares of Sweetgreen in a research report on Tuesday, February 25th. Citigroup cut their price target on Sweetgreen from $43.00 to $39.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 27th. Oppenheimer decreased their price objective on Sweetgreen from $35.00 to $29.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Finally, TD Securities reiterated a buy rating and issued a $25.00 price objective on shares of Sweetgreen in a report on Thursday, May 15th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $29.08. Get Sweetgreen alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Sweetgreen Sweetgreen Trading Up 1.1% Shares of SG stock opened at $14.05 on Wednesday. Sweetgreen has a 1 year low of $12.37 and a 1 year high of $45.12. The firms 50 day moving average is $17.46 and its 200-day moving average is $26.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -18.01 and a beta of 2.06. Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The company reported ($0.21) EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of ($0.21). The company had revenue of $166.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $164.68 million. Sweetgreen had a negative return on equity of 18.82% and a negative net margin of 13.27%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($0.23) EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Sweetgreen will post -0.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Clifford Burrows bought 19,200 shares of Sweetgreen stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $13.11 per share, with a total value of $251,712.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 19,200 shares in the company, valued at approximately $251,712. This trade represents a ? increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Mitch Reback sold 10,088 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.23, for a total value of $153,640.24. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 334,421 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,093,231.83. This represents a 2.93% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 35,014 shares of company stock valued at $736,283. 21.52% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sweetgreen A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of SG. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in shares of Sweetgreen by 4.9% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 144,722 shares of the companys stock worth $3,621,000 after purchasing an additional 6,720 shares in the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Sweetgreen by 38.1% during the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 75,756 shares of the companys stock worth $1,895,000 after buying an additional 20,885 shares in the last quarter. SCS Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Sweetgreen during the 1st quarter worth about $374,000. Rip Road Capital Partners LP acquired a new position in shares of Sweetgreen during the 1st quarter worth about $2,077,000. Finally, Sandler Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Sweetgreen in the 1st quarter valued at about $3,243,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.75% of the companys stock. About Sweetgreen (Get Free Report) Sweetgreen, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates fast food restaurants serving healthy foods at scale in the United States. The company also accepts orders through its online and mobile ordering platforms, as well as sells gift cards that do not have an expiration date and can be redeemed. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sweetgreen Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sweetgreen and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NBY Get Free Report) passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $0.56 and traded as low as $0.56. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals shares last traded at $0.58, with a volume of 20,497 shares traded. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Trading Down 1.6% The business has a fifty day moving average of $0.56. The stock has a market cap of $2.44 million, a PE ratio of -0.06 and a beta of 2.82. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Company Profile (Get Free Report) NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc develops and sells eyecare and wound care products in the United States and internationally. It offers Avenova Spray, a solution for removing foreign materials, including microorganisms and debris from skin around the eye, such as the eyelid; Avenova Eye Health Support antioxidant-rich oral supplements; Avenova Lubricating Eye Drops for instant relief; NovaWipes by Avenova; Avenova WarmEye Compress to soothe the eyes; and the i-Chek by Avenova to monitor physical eyelid health. See Also Receive News & Ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Botswana Diamonds plc (LON:BOD Get Free Report) fell 19.7% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.11 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.11 ($0.00). 2,492,620 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 6% from the average session volume of 2,652,092 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.14 ($0.00). Botswana Diamonds Trading Up 15.4% The stocks 50-day moving average price is GBX 0.13 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 0.15. The stock has a market capitalization of 1.80 million, a P/E ratio of -2.98 and a beta of 0.80. Get Botswana Diamonds alerts: Botswana Diamonds (LON:BOD Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, March 19th. The company reported GBX (0.02) ($0.00) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Botswana Diamonds had a negative net margin of 2,389.67% and a negative return on equity of 10.66%. About Botswana Diamonds Botswana Diamonds plc explores for and develops diamond properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The company's flagship property is the Thorny River/Marsfontein property located in South Africa. It also explores primarily in the Kalahari region of Botswana. Botswana Diamonds plc was formerly known as Botswana Exploration plc and changed its name to Botswana Diamonds plc in October 2010. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Botswana Diamonds Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Botswana Diamonds and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Udine Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 6.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 217,833 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 13,286 shares during the quarter. Bank of America makes up about 6.1% of Udine Wealth Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest position. Udine Wealth Management Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $9,090,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank increased its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 3,940,121 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $173,168,000 after acquiring an additional 173,021 shares during the period. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new position in Bank of America in the 4th quarter valued at $60,679,000. Arizona State Retirement System increased its stake in Bank of America by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 2,028,439 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $89,150,000 after buying an additional 10,377 shares during the period. Gradient Investments LLC increased its stake in Bank of America by 7.8% in the 1st quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 696,416 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,061,000 after buying an additional 50,296 shares during the period. Finally, Keybank National Association OH increased its stake in Bank of America by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Keybank National Association OH now owns 3,458,616 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $152,006,000 after buying an additional 38,258 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Performance Shares of BAC opened at $45.01 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04. The stock has a market cap of $339.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.98, a PEG ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a 50-day moving average of $40.71 and a two-hundred day moving average of $43.50. Bank of America Co. has a 12-month low of $33.07 and a 12-month high of $48.08. Bank of America Dividend Announcement Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 15th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.80 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $27.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $26.83 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 14.10% and a return on equity of 10.29%. As a group, research analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 6th will be given a dividend of $0.26 per share. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.31%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 6th. Bank of Americas payout ratio is currently 30.95%. Analyst Ratings Changes BAC has been the topic of several recent research reports. Robert W. Baird raised shares of Bank of America from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $45.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Friday, March 7th. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $45.00 to $42.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $50.00 to $45.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $49.50 to $43.50 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 3rd. Finally, Argus dropped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $53.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and four have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $47.50. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Bank of America Bank of America Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First City Capital Management Inc. reduced its stake in Avery Dennison Co. (NYSE:AVY Free Report) by 5.2% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,730 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 260 shares during the period. First City Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Avery Dennison were worth $842,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Congress Asset Management Co. increased its stake in Avery Dennison by 15.6% in the 1st quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. now owns 72,888 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $12,972,000 after purchasing an additional 9,819 shares during the period. Radnor Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Avery Dennison by 11.2% in the 1st quarter. Radnor Capital Management LLC now owns 2,390 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $425,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares during the period. Matrix Trust Co increased its stake in Avery Dennison by 34.6% in the 1st quarter. Matrix Trust Co now owns 751 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $134,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the period. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc increased its stake in Avery Dennison by 50.4% in the 1st quarter. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc now owns 142,945 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $25,424,000 after purchasing an additional 47,877 shares during the period. Finally, Merit Financial Group LLC increased its stake in Avery Dennison by 43.6% in the 1st quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 1,557 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $277,000 after purchasing an additional 473 shares during the period. 94.17% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Avery Dennison alerts: Avery Dennison Price Performance Shares of AVY stock opened at $179.95 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. The businesss fifty day moving average is $174.24 and its 200 day moving average is $183.34. Avery Dennison Co. has a twelve month low of $157.00 and a twelve month high of $233.48. The stock has a market cap of $14.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.64, a PEG ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.88. Avery Dennison Increases Dividend Avery Dennison ( NYSE:AVY Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The industrial products company reported $2.30 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.32 by ($0.02). Avery Dennison had a return on equity of 33.06% and a net margin of 8.05%. The company had revenue of $2.15 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.15 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.29 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Avery Dennison Co. will post 9.96 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 18th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 4th will be issued a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.09%. This is an increase from Avery Dennisons previous quarterly dividend of $0.88. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 4th. Avery Dennisons payout ratio is 43.32%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently commented on AVY. Barclays decreased their target price on Avery Dennison from $225.00 to $210.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Truist Financial decreased their target price on Avery Dennison from $215.00 to $210.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded Avery Dennison from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $205.00 to $172.00 in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Raymond James decreased their target price on Avery Dennison from $208.00 to $194.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Avery Dennison from $226.00 to $216.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 25th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $206.60. View Our Latest Research Report on Avery Dennison Avery Dennison Company Profile (Free Report) Avery Dennison Corporation operates as a materials science and digital identification solutions company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, Latin, America, and internationally. It provides pressure-sensitive materials comprising papers, plastic films, metal foils, and fabrics; performance tapes products, including tapes for wire harnessing, as well as cable wrapping for automotive, electrical, and general industrial applications; mechanical fasteners, which are precision-extruded and injection-molded plastic devices used in various automotive, general industrial, and retail applications; and other pressure-sensitive adhesive-based materials and converted products under the Fasson, JAC, Yongle, and Avery Dennison brands. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AVY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Avery Dennison Co. (NYSE:AVY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Avery Dennison Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avery Dennison and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Persium Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 9,053 shares of the consumer goods makers stock, valued at approximately $557,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Dodge & Cox raised its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 27.7% during the 4th quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 39,996,830 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $2,002,641,000 after purchasing an additional 8,670,940 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 7.2% during the 4th quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 7,569,492 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $379,004,000 after purchasing an additional 505,206 shares during the period. Capital International Investors raised its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 5.5% during the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 2,594,619 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $129,201,000 after purchasing an additional 134,243 shares during the period. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 30.3% during the 4th quarter. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,493,842 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $74,797,000 after purchasing an additional 347,000 shares during the period. Finally, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership bought a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV during the 4th quarter valued at $56,849,000. 5.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts: Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Stock Performance Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV stock opened at $70.98 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $66.04 and its 200-day moving average price is $58.07. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a twelve month low of $45.94 and a twelve month high of $71.94. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. The company has a market cap of $127.57 billion, a PE ratio of 21.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.85. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Increases Dividend Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV ( NYSE:BUD Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The consumer goods maker reported $0.81 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.04. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a net margin of 10.98% and a return on equity of 15.29%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.75 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced an annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 6th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 7th were issued a $1.0492 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 7th. This is an increase from Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs previous annual dividend of $0.87. This represents a dividend yield of 1.2%. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs payout ratio is 24.35%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have commented on BUD. Argus upgraded shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $70.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Thursday, March 27th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, May 18th. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, March 3rd. Finally, Berenberg Bank started coverage on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Wednesday, April 2nd. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $71.50. Read Our Latest Analysis on BUD Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Profile (Free Report) Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, exports, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BUD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sovereign Financial Group Inc. trimmed its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 3.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 13,788 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 434 shares during the period. Sovereign Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $841,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 189,944,516 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $10,743,262,000 after acquiring an additional 1,373,209 shares during the period. Capital International Investors lifted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 45,866,624 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,593,940,000 after acquiring an additional 3,218,865 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.7% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 44,391,247 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,505,967,000 after acquiring an additional 1,187,231 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,989,525,000. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 59.9% in the 4th quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 32,079,246 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,814,341,000 after acquiring an additional 12,011,983 shares during the period. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Insider Transactions at Bristol-Myers Squibb In related news, EVP Samit Hirawat purchased 4,250 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 25th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $47.58 per share, with a total value of $202,215.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 83,513 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,973,548.54. This trade represents a 5.36% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.09% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $55.00 price target (down from $67.00) on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, February 7th. Argus raised shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb to a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $54.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 11th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating and issued a $55.00 price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $58.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance BMY stock opened at $48.42 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.90. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a one year low of $39.35 and a one year high of $63.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $98.54 billion, a PE ratio of -10.95, a P/E/G ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.38. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $49.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of $55.06. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.50 by $0.30. The business had revenue of $11.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.77 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 18.53% and a positive return on equity of 13.93%. The firms revenue was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned ($4.40) earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Perkins Coie Trust Co increased its position in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 67.8% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,047 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 423 shares during the quarter. Perkins Coie Trust Cos holdings in Bank of America were worth $44,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Piscataqua Savings Bank increased its stake in shares of Bank of America by 1.8% in the first quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank now owns 56,349 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,351,000 after buying an additional 995 shares during the period. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC increased its position in Bank of America by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 96,871 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,042,000 after purchasing an additional 1,404 shares during the period. Independence Bank of Kentucky increased its position in Bank of America by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 45,650 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,905,000 after purchasing an additional 5,921 shares during the period. Impact Capital Partners LLC increased its position in Bank of America by 5.1% during the 1st quarter. Impact Capital Partners LLC now owns 9,606 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $401,000 after purchasing an additional 465 shares during the period. Finally, Cranbrook Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Bank of America by 41.2% during the 1st quarter. Cranbrook Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,049 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 306 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.71% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BAC has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Baird R W raised shares of Bank of America from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, March 7th. Phillip Securities upgraded Bank of America from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. UBS Group increased their price target on Bank of America from $46.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Robert W. Baird upgraded Bank of America from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $45.00 to $50.00 in a report on Friday, March 7th. Finally, Truist Financial cut their target price on Bank of America from $50.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and four have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $47.50. Bank of America Trading Up 1.4% Shares of Bank of America stock opened at $45.01 on Friday. Bank of America Co. has a 1 year low of $33.07 and a 1 year high of $48.08. The firm has a market cap of $339.01 billion, a PE ratio of 13.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.30. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $40.71 and a 200-day moving average price of $43.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 15th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.80 by $0.10. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.29% and a net margin of 14.10%. The firm had revenue of $27.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $26.83 billion. Equities research analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.7 EPS for the current year. Bank of America Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 27th. Investors of record on Friday, June 6th will be issued a $0.26 dividend. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.31%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 6th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 30.95%. Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. We recently published a list of 10 Stocks With Surprising Gains. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE:PAAS) stands against other best-performing stocks on Thursday. Pan American Silver rallied for a fifth consecutive day on Thursday, jumping 7.56 percent to close at $28.60 apiece, in line with silver prices hitting a new all-time high. Silver futures rose to as high as $36.27 per troy ounce at intra-day trading on Thursday, its highest since 2012, before closing lower to $35.81 per troy ounce. Silver prices grew alongside gold, as investors funds flocked to safer assets anew to mitigate the risks from the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. Why Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS) Soared On Thursday A large drill in operation deep in a mine, surrounded by the machinery of a modern extraction site. Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE:PAAS) is a Canada-based silver and gold miner with operations throughout the Americas. In the first quarter of the year, Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE:PAAS) swung to a net income of $169.3 million from a $30.8 million net loss in the same period last year. Revenues increased by 28 percent to $773.2 million from $601.4 million year-on-year. Overall, PAAS ranks 9th on our list of best-performing stocks on Thursday. While we acknowledge the potential of PAAS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Stokes Capital Advisors LLC reduced its stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 0.2% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 14,602 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 35 shares during the period. Mastercard accounts for about 2.0% of Stokes Capital Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 18th biggest position. Stokes Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $8,004,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. NewSquare Capital LLC acquired a new position in Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Marshall Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Measured Risk Portfolios Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Navigoe LLC purchased a new stake in Mastercard during the 4th quarter worth $33,000. 97.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Mastercard alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently issued reports on MA shares. UBS Group increased their price target on Mastercard from $660.00 to $670.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $633.00 target price on shares of Mastercard in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Macquarie reduced their price target on Mastercard from $645.00 to $610.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Wall Street Zen lowered Mastercard from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on Mastercard from $650.00 to $652.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-four have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $610.00. Insider Activity at Mastercard In related news, insider Craig Vosburg sold 14,051 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $585.05, for a total transaction of $8,220,537.55. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 58,451 shares in the company, valued at approximately $34,196,757.55. This trade represents a 19.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Edward Grunde Mclaughlin sold 7,132 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $534.68, for a total transaction of $3,813,337.76. Following the sale, the insider now owns 34,524 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,459,292.32. The trade was a 17.12% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 37,258 shares of company stock worth $20,885,067 over the last quarter. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Mastercard Price Performance Shares of NYSE:MA opened at $590.03 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $547.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $541.73. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52 week low of $428.86 and a 52 week high of $591.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $537.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.48, a PEG ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The credit services provider reported $3.73 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.57 by $0.16. Mastercard had a net margin of 45.71% and a return on equity of 188.47%. The company had revenue of $7.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.12 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.31 earnings per share. Mastercards revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year. Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intergy Private Wealth LLC lessened its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 4.1% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 2,268 shares of the companys stock after selling 97 shares during the quarter. Intergy Private Wealth LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $1,274,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in IVV. Fiduciary Planning LLC increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.2% during the 1st quarter. Fiduciary Planning LLC now owns 8,365 shares of the companys stock worth $4,700,000 after purchasing an additional 491 shares in the last quarter. DKM Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 5.3% in the first quarter. DKM Wealth Management Inc. now owns 9,636 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,414,000 after purchasing an additional 485 shares in the last quarter. Successful Portfolios LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 3.8% during the first quarter. Successful Portfolios LLC now owns 10,227 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,747,000 after buying an additional 370 shares during the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 20.4% during the first quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 5,717 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,212,000 after buying an additional 969 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sara Bay Financial grew its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 3.9% during the first quarter. Sara Bay Financial now owns 2,067 shares of the companys stock worth $1,153,000 after buying an additional 78 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Trading Up 1.0% NYSEARCA IVV opened at $602.00 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $561.94 and a 200 day simple moving average of $583.04. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 12 month low of $484.00 and a 12 month high of $616.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $591.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.71 and a beta of 1.01. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Godsey & Gibb Inc. lessened its holdings in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 1.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,905 shares of the companys stock after selling 183 shares during the period. Godsey & Gibb Inc.s holdings in Altria Group were worth $835,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Redwood Park Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. VSM Wealth Advisory LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Marshall Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Promus Capital LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Pinney & Scofield Inc. acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.41% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, April 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $60.00 target price on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Tuesday, April 1st. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $56.00. Altria Group Stock Performance NYSE:MO opened at $59.25 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $99.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.05, a PEG ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.60. The firms 50-day moving average is $58.45 and its 200-day moving average is $56.02. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $43.83 and a 52-week high of $61.26. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $1.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $4.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.64 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 46.90% and a negative return on equity of 258.72%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.15 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 EPS for the current year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 10th. Investors of record on Monday, June 16th will be paid a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 16th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.89%. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 68.34%. Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLC trimmed its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 12.9% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,883 shares of the companys stock after selling 280 shares during the quarter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $322,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of QUAL. Howe & Rusling Inc. raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 7.6% in the 4th quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 776 shares of the companys stock valued at $138,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the period. Bristlecone Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Bristlecone Advisors LLC now owns 17,214 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,065,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares during the period. Tucker Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 11.5% in the 4th quarter. Tucker Asset Management LLC now owns 629 shares of the companys stock valued at $112,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Florida Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.9% during the 4th quarter. Florida Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,315 shares of the companys stock worth $412,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Private Portfolio Partners LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 1.7% during the 4th quarter. Private Portfolio Partners LLC now owns 4,095 shares of the companys stock worth $729,000 after purchasing an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Up 2.2% Shares of BATS:QUAL opened at $180.45 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $169.87 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $176.77. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 12-month low of $148.34 and a 12-month high of $187.26. The firm has a market cap of $52.09 billion, a PE ratio of 25.81 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Godsey & Gibb Inc. grew its stake in Eaton Co. plc (NYSE:ETN Free Report) by 0.7% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 77,080 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 524 shares during the period. Eaton comprises approximately 2.1% of Godsey & Gibb Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding. Godsey & Gibb Inc.s holdings in Eaton were worth $20,953,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Norden Group LLC boosted its position in Eaton by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Norden Group LLC now owns 978 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $325,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. TFC Financial Management Inc. boosted its position in Eaton by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. TFC Financial Management Inc. now owns 752 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $250,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Nwam LLC boosted its position in Eaton by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 5,314 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,764,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Founders Financial Alliance LLC boosted its position in Eaton by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Founders Financial Alliance LLC now owns 5,415 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,797,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC boosted its position in Eaton by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC now owns 3,587 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,190,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.97% of the companys stock. Get Eaton alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Craig Arnold sold 103,486 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $322.75, for a total transaction of $33,400,106.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 490,208 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $158,214,632. This trade represents a 17.43% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Michael Yelton sold 2,120 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $296.87, for a total value of $629,364.40. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 3,382 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,004,014.34. The trade was a 38.53% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 156,660 shares of company stock valued at $49,622,894 in the last three months. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have commented on ETN. Citigroup upped their price objective on Eaton from $323.00 to $351.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Eaton from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, May 18th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Eaton from $336.00 to $356.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating and set a $355.00 target price on shares of Eaton in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage on Eaton in a research report on Thursday, May 15th. They set an outperform rating and a $380.00 target price on the stock. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $367.83. Read Our Latest Research Report on ETN Eaton Stock Up 1.6% Shares of ETN opened at $331.71 on Friday. Eaton Co. plc has a 52-week low of $231.85 and a 52-week high of $379.99. The company has a market capitalization of $129.80 billion, a PE ratio of 34.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 1.16. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $298.11 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $316.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Eaton (NYSE:ETN Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, May 2nd. The industrial products company reported $2.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.70 by $0.02. Eaton had a return on equity of 22.62% and a net margin of 15.25%. The business had revenue of $6.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.26 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.40 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Eaton Co. plc will post 12.02 EPS for the current year. Eaton Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 23rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 5th were paid a $1.04 dividend. This represents a $4.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 5th. Eatons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 41.98%. Eaton Company Profile (Free Report) Eaton Corporation plc operates as a power management company worldwide. The companys Electrical Americas and Electrical Global segment provides electrical components, industrial components, power distribution and assemblies, residential products, single and three phase power quality and connectivity products, wiring devices, circuit protection products, utility power distribution products, power reliability equipment, and services, as well as hazardous duty electrical equipment, emergency lighting, fire detection, explosion-proof instrumentation, and structural support systems. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ETN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eaton Co. plc (NYSE:ETN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Capital Wealth Advisors trimmed its holdings in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 1.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 4,358 shares of the companys stock after selling 68 shares during the period. Procter & Gamble makes up 0.9% of Vanguard Capital Wealth Advisors investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Vanguard Capital Wealth Advisors holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $743,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of PG. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter worth approximately $5,244,463,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 20,758.5% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 7,951,456 shares of the companys stock worth $1,355,087,000 after purchasing an additional 7,913,335 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble in the 4th quarter worth $1,010,685,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1,195.1% in the 4th quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 3,222,585 shares of the companys stock worth $580,596,000 after purchasing an additional 2,973,757 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 62.5% in the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 7,398,120 shares of the companys stock worth $1,240,294,000 after purchasing an additional 2,846,560 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Procter & Gamble news, insider Moses Victor Javier Aguilar sold 10,520 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.67, for a total value of $1,669,208.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 25,182 shares in the company, valued at $3,995,627.94. This trade represents a 29.47% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Jennifer L. Davis sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $161.38, for a total value of $161,380.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 51,965 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,386,111.70. This represents a 1.89% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.18% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Procter & Gamble Trading Up 0.7% Shares of PG opened at $164.01 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $164.01 and a 200 day moving average of $167.27. The Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $156.58 and a fifty-two week high of $180.43. The firm has a market cap of $384.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a current ratio of 0.76. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The company reported $1.54 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.01. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.00% and a net margin of 18.35%. The company had revenue of $19.78 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.42 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.52 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year. Procter & Gamble Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 15th. Investors of record on Monday, April 21st were issued a $1.0568 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, April 21st. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.58%. This is a positive change from Procter & Gambles previous quarterly dividend of $1.01. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 66.98%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on PG shares. Barclays reiterated an equal weight rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Thursday, March 27th. Piper Sandler increased their target price on Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $164.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, May 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Procter & Gamble from $181.00 to $172.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Evercore ISI reissued an outperform rating and issued a $190.00 price target (up from $170.00) on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Redburn Partners set a $161.00 price target on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $178.86. View Our Latest Analysis on Procter & Gamble Procter & Gamble Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble Co engages in the provision of branded consumer packaged goods. It operates through the following segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric and Home Care, and Baby, Feminine and Family Care. The Beauty segment offers hair, skin, and personal care. The Grooming segment consists of shave care like female and male blades and razors, pre and post shave products, and appliances. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Towneley Capital Management Inc DE decreased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 95.1% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 401 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,778 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 0.1% of Towneley Capital Management Inc DEs portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest holding. Towneley Capital Management Inc DEs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $331,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 159,138 shares of the companys stock valued at $131,434,000 after buying an additional 1,550 shares in the last quarter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 11.5% during the 1st quarter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 310 shares of the companys stock valued at $256,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 8.3% during the 1st quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 8,317 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,869,000 after acquiring an additional 637 shares during the last quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 3.5% in the first quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 1,639 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,354,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Impact Capital Partners LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 15.3% in the first quarter. Impact Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,685 shares of the companys stock worth $1,392,000 after purchasing an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $818.24, for a total transaction 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 represents a 14.62% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades LLY has been the subject of several research reports. Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. Erste Group Bank cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Wall Street Zen upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,011.37. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.6% NYSE LLY opened at $770.00 on Friday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $677.09 and a 12 month high of $972.53. The companys 50-day moving average price is $770.87 and its 200-day moving average price is $799.95. The stock has a market cap of $729.76 billion, a PE ratio of 65.76, a PEG ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.64 by ($1.30). The company had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.77 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 85.24% and a net margin of 23.51%. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.58 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Investors of record on Friday, May 16th will be paid a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 16th. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.78%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 48.82%. About Eli Lilly and Company (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. Read More 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. WealthBridge Investment Counsel Inc. lowered its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 1.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 23,303 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 337 shares during the quarter. The Goldman Sachs Group makes up 4.6% of WealthBridge Investment Counsel Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. WealthBridge Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $12,730,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 17.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,474 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,989,000 after buying an additional 508 shares in the last quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA bought a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter valued at $32,815,000. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 7.0% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 888 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $508,000 after buying an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 43.4% during the 4th quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 6,062 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $3,471,000 after buying an additional 1,836 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Robertson Stephens Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.7% during the 4th quarter. Robertson Stephens Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,014 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $581,000 after buying an additional 36 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently commented on GS shares. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $760.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. Citigroup dropped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $585.00 to $550.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 24th. Oppenheimer lowered The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 19th. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $660.00 to $594.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $558.00 price target on The Goldman Sachs Group and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, April 7th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $593.40. The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE:GS opened at $614.49 on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $437.37 and a fifty-two week high of $672.19. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $555.71 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $582.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.32, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.67. The firm has a market cap of $188.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.32. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, April 14th. The investment management company reported $14.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $12.57 by $1.55. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 13.30% and a net margin of 11.32%. The business had revenue of $15.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $11.58 EPS. On average, analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 30th will be given a dividend of $3.00 per share. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.95%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 30th. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is currently 27.85%. Insider Activity In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, Director John B. Hess purchased 3,904 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 15th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $511.68 per share, with a total value of $1,997,598.72. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 3,904 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,997,598.72. This trade represents a ? increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 11.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,899 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 504 shares during the period. Blue Zone Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in BlackRock were worth $4,637,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Amalgamated Bank increased its stake in BlackRock by 1.7% during the 4th quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 28,711 shares of the asset managers stock worth $29,432,000 after acquiring an additional 489 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its stake in BlackRock by 4.9% during the 4th quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 12,480 shares of the asset managers stock worth $12,793,000 after acquiring an additional 578 shares during the period. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank increased its stake in BlackRock by 6.9% during the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 65,396 shares of the asset managers stock worth $67,038,000 after acquiring an additional 4,210 shares during the period. Polar Capital Holdings Plc bought a new position in BlackRock during the 4th quarter worth $15,307,000. Finally, Alberta Investment Management Corp increased its stake in shares of BlackRock by 242.3% in the 4th quarter. Alberta Investment Management Corp now owns 21,905 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $22,455,000 after purchasing an additional 15,505 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.69% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at BlackRock In other BlackRock news, Director J. Richard Kushel sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $912.50, for a total value of $9,125,000.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 66,034 shares in the company, valued at approximately $60,256,025. The trade was a 13.15% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 1.98% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BLK has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Barclays boosted their price target on BlackRock from $950.00 to $990.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, April 14th. Bank of America lowered their price target on BlackRock from $1,196.00 to $1,178.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on BlackRock from $1,046.00 to $988.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 14th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on BlackRock from $1,275.00 to $1,124.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 7th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price target on BlackRock from $1,045.00 to $1,010.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 11th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, BlackRock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,082.46. Check Out Our Latest Report on BlackRock BlackRock Price Performance Shares of BLK opened at $990.26 on Friday. BlackRock, Inc. has a 12-month low of $752.30 and a 12-month high of $1,084.22. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $925.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $973.54. The company has a quick ratio of 5.23, a current ratio of 5.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The stock has a market cap of $153.42 billion, a PE ratio of 23.58, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.41. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, April 11th. The asset manager reported $11.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $10.84 by $0.46. BlackRock had a return on equity of 16.32% and a net margin of 31.21%. The business had revenue of $5.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.47 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $9.81 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 47.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. BlackRock Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 23rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 5th will be given a $5.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 5th. This represents a $20.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.10%. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 50.63%. BlackRock Company Profile (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. We recently published a list of 10 Stocks With Surprising Gains. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW) stands against other best-performing stocks on Thursday. Sibanye Stillwater grew its share prices by 7.79 percent on Thursday to finish at $6.50 apiece as investors flocked to mining stocks following the rally in gold prices. On Thursday, spot prices of gold held on to its level, growing 0.17 percent at $3,358.35 per troy ounce, as traders resorted to such asset to minimize risks from the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. Why Sibanye Stillwater Limited (SBSW) Soared On Thursday A mining truck loaded with precious metals in an open pit mine. In recent news, Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW) announced a more optimistic business outlook for the rest of the year. According to Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW) CEO Neal Froneman, he expects the company to continue posting positive outcomes from its actions over the past two years. In the first quarter of the year, Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW) registered an 89-percent jump in adjusted EBITDA of $222 million as a result of its diversification and restructuring program. Among its businesses, PGM operations was the strongest, contributing $137 million. The increase in Group adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was not solely a function of our leveraged exposure to the increasing gold price, but reflects the combined outcome of operational restructuring we implemented from H2 2023, which has resulted in increased profitability from most of our operations, he said. Along with reduced future annual capital requirements, we believe that this result signals a clear inflection point for the Group, and is set to position us to realize ongoing value for stakeholders, he added. Overall, SBSW ranks 8th on our list of best-performing stocks on Thursday. While we acknowledge the potential of SBSW as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. There has been an outpouring of anger and sadness over the deportation of five children from Ireland to Nigeria earlier this week. A deportation flight ordered by the Irish Government saw 35 people deported to Nigeria on the flight, including five children as part of family units. It has since emerged that some of these children were attending Irish schools with some people subsequently expressing dismay over the decision. Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon went on RTE Radio One's Claire Byrne Show to express his own anger and frustration with Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, who said he did not feel bad about the deportation. Minister O'Callaghan said the flight, which cost 325,000 to charter, was value for money and ensures that Ireland's asylum system is not "meaningless." You have to look at the alternative to it. My department is spending 1.2 billion this year just in terms of accommodation for people who are seeking asylum. READ NEXT: 'She is no good to me' - Man accused of 'slicing babies' threat makes drastic comment in court If you have a deportation order, youre required to leave the country. If you dont do so voluntarily, it will be enforced," adding that such actions are "in the interest of people who are granted asylum, that persons who are rejected for asylum are forced to leave. Otherwise the asylum system becomes meaningless. He did admit that deportation are not a "very pleasant part of the job." He was criticised by Gary Gannon on Claire Byrne's radio show. Gannon said: "I don't think any parent, any person of conscience could accept that this is how we would treat children in this State." He added that he understands we have to have an effective system of migration, saying, "I accept that deportations may play a role in that. I do not accept for a second that children should feel the consequences for what has been a State failure for a broken migration system." He added: "What happened in that school this week was devastating. Those children in that school, and others in similar situations, have been here for three and four years. They've been in our school systems, they've been learning our language, playing for the GAA teams. "Consequences are felt there, not just on the deportation flight, but the other 20-odd children who were in their class, their families. That is an immensely painful situation. If the system is taking too long, that is the failure of the State, not a failure of those parents who have the right to pursue asylum." He called for compassion in the situation where applications have taken so long due to a "failure of the State." Principal of St James Primary School in Dublin, Ciaran Cronin, spoke on Newstalk's Lunchtime Live and explained that two of the boys on the deportation flight back to Nigeria had been in his school for three years. He said: "In 2022 we enrolled 32 children that were living in the Red Cow Hotel. Were on the Luas line, theres no school based out there, so we thought it would be a good fit. "They all joined our school on a Tuesday, and they were just the most fantastic addition to our school." READ NEXT: 'He saw good in everyone' - Michael Gaine funeral hears stunning tribute to slain farmer He said the other 14 children from the Red Cow Hotel came to school on Wednesday "visibly distressed" after their friends had been taken from the hotel to Dublin Airport for the Thursday morning flight. They were so upset, shaking, there were tears; and when we were asking them what happened, they told us that two of the boys that are in second class and sixth class, theyd been taken away in a minivan with all their stuff to go to the airport to be deported," Mr Cronin told stand-in presenter Anna Daly. We were just flummoxed by it, how do you explain that to children? Im not going to comment on deportation laws and how it should be done because obviously its a thing that is needed in any country, he said. But the way children are treated should be given the utmost priority that things are done in a respectful; a trauma-informed way. This wont leave children for the rest of their lives, that have witnessed that, that have seen that they're going to be scarred for life from this. Speaking of the sombre mood in the school since, he concluded: "Its as if someones passed away." USE THE ARROWS ABOVE OR NEXT BUTTON BELOW TO SEE MORE PICTURES There was an unusual feature at the funeral of Michael Gaine which took place in Kenmare, Co Kerry, with his wife Janice leading mourners at his funeral mass on Saturday morning. Michael Gaine was reported missing on March 20 with his remains found on his land and in a slurry tank on his farm almost two months later on May 16. Gardai continue to probe the death of Michael Gaine and are treating the case as a homicide. On Saturday, June 7, family and friends, including his wife Janice, attended his funeral mass at Holy Cross Church, Kenmare. A man arrested, questioned and subsequently released over the killing spoke to say he would not attend the funeral earlier this week. The celebrant for the funeral Mass was Father George Hayes, Parish Priest of Kenmare, who was joined by Father Sean Murphy, Assistant Priest, Kenmare. READ NEXT: 'Didn't deserve to die'- Tributes to farmer Michael Gaine as funeral details emerge In an unusual move, the eulogy was delivered prior to the actual funeral mass as Michael's cousin Eoghan Clarke spoke glowingly about the beloved farmer. Symbols of Michael's life were presented at the altar, also before the funeral mass. Michael's coffin was adorned with a portrait photograph of the popular farmer who was also a rallying enthusiast. The mementos presented included a photograph of Michael on his quad with his beloved dog Ted, a photograph of his parents, a photo of Michael and Janice at a wedding, a CD representing his love of music, ABOVE: Michael Gaine's wife Janice arrives at his funeral mass in Kenmae PIC: Niall Carson/PA Wire Speaking in his eulogy, Michael's cousin described him as "proud man" known for his work, "ethic, personality, humour and kindness." He said he was "brave, fearless and strong" but had a softer affectionate side and "saw the good in everyone." Mr Clarke said he had "time for everyone" and would always help those who needed it. He quoted one of Michael's friends who said, "I will always remember the way you offered help before I ever even needed it." Eoghan said: "By virtue of his incredible character, he attracted a lot of good people in his life. My own friends describe Mike has someone who instantly gelled with them. He made them feel at ease immediately and he showed a genuine interest in them." The eulogy continued: "He had a photographic memory for faces, for places, for facts and for words. Personally, this was always one of the most fascinating things to me about Michael. It was his ability to put in a full day's shift on the farm and then chat about politics, world events or economic developments while being fully up to speed on all of them." Eoghan revealed how Michael met his wife Janice in the Riversdale one fateful New Year's Eve. She had come from Jakarta to visit her parents in Kerry for Christmas. The pair kept in touch as Janice went on her travels again. "For the next few years, Michael kept Telecom Eireann in business feeding coins into one of the payphones in Kenmare just to speak to Janice in Indonesia, and then in Taiwan where he went to visit her. And the rest is history and from the outside looking in, Michael and Janice had a truly beautiful relationship. It always struck me how loving Michael was with Janice and how they both spent not just time, but quality time, together," Eoghan said. He added: "Janice and Michaels sisters will know better than anyone that Michael had a soft, caring side. In Janices own words, Michael was a true man. He was soft and loving. Caring and affectionate. Kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong. He was strong mentally and, as anyone who ever tried to follow him up the mountain in wellies will know, he was strong physically too!" READ NEXT: Gardai confirm human remains as Michael Gaine amid major investigation update The mass was told Michael loved all animals, particularly sheep dogs, sheep and lambs. Eoghan said: "And of course, I have to mention Teddy (or Ted - Michael and Janices Cavalier dog. Michael and Janice loved Ted dearly. Ted would come to Dublin with Michael as he dropped Janice to the airport. Ted would sit in the front seat of the Rav while you were in the back, and you wouldnt dare to suggest to swap places with Ted! "Michael would proudly introduce Ted to anyone new and tell them about his likes and dislikes! Ted liked a biscuit, some Tayto and on the very rare occasion, a drop of Carlsberg. Mike would proudly tell you that Ted knew the colour of the green beer can and that no other beer would scratch Teds itch. While Ted has sadly passed away after a long life with Michael and Janice, there is comfort in knowing that Alfie (also a Cavalier) and Michael had bonded too in the shorter time that they were acquainted although Alfie hasnt reached the legal drinking age in dog years just yet!" He concluded by saying: "We will all miss Michael terribly. I know Ill miss our phone calls the most, as well as that happy feeling that Michael gave you when you were with him. He was always the glue that held the Rally of the Lakes weekend together and I will always look back very fondly on our adventures to the best spectating spots in Kerry." PICTURES: Niall Carson/PA An important crackdown that might even be more meaningful than rounding up youngster dolts driving crazy at night . . . Even if that is ALSO pretty important . . . Check-it: Friday, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced the names of two suspects who were charged for their role in the burglaries, including the ring's alleged leader . . . Later Friday, prosecutors continued to reveal charges against other suspects in the alleged ring. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . At least 5 suspects now charged in 'organized ring' involving 100+ burglaries across Kansas City Authorities announced Friday a major break in their investigation of more than 100 non-residential burglaries across Kansas City since March 2024. This morning hottie Sabrina and her latest track inspires our weekend peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Street Life Respite Small businesses hope for safer future after recent burglary arrests The River Market area is no stranger to property crime, with local businesses like Enzo and Bule Nile Cafe experiencing the impact firsthand. The Dotte Fears MAGA?!? As Trump administration's deportation policies sow fear, Hispanic businesses suffer Businesses along Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, are taking a hit as customers stay home and cut back on spending. Burnout In The Burbs Multiple cars damaged in fire on Aspiria campus in Overland Park Multiple cars were damaged June 6 in a fire inside a parking garage on the Aspiria campus in Overland Park, Kansas. An investigation is ongoing. Golden Ghetto Remembers Old Shawnee Town Museum keeps the city's 1929 roots alive Long before Shawnee was one of Johnson County's fastest growing suburbs, it was a quiet farming town. Nearly a century later, the Old Shawnee Town Museum is helping the city remember. Home Team Stays Losing 2025 Complete eighth inning meltdown leads to 7-2 loss to White Sox Blunders, bad pitching, mishaps all lead to a five-run outburst for the White Sox that was hard to watch. Pop Star End Game Earns Praise Sabrina Carpenter reveals bum in cheeky jean shorts for new video SABRINA Carpenter showed off her peachy bum in a new video while donning ultra cropped jean shorts. The hitmaker, 26, showed off her toned bottom in some shorts as she thumbed a car with little suc... White House Divided Could Musk-Trump feud stoke GOP divisions ahead of midterms? ANALYSIS Even by the standards of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk's relationship, it's been an unusual week. Progressives Can't Capitalize "He's a lunatic": Democrats shut down idea of Musk alliance after break with Trump "We'll agree with him on some of the things he's saying, but embracing him is pretty out of the question." Chicago Style Clap Back Rahm Emanuel warns Dems have become party of 'punks' who 'talk down to people' and fret over identity politics Former mayor Rahm Emanuel slammed his party for losing touch with voters, stating they've "run this car straight into a wall" by prioritizing issues like pronouns. War In Europe Rages On Ukraine says it shot down Russian Su-35 fighter jet Ukraine's air forces shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet on Saturday morning, the Ukrainian military said. Holy Land Tragedy Cont'd Israeli military retrieves body of Thai hostage from Gaza, defence minister says The Israeli military has retrieved the body of a Thai hostage who had been held in Gaza since Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday. Vlad Hammers Away Kharkiv hit by 'most powerful attack' of entire war, mayor says, as Russia pounds Ukraine again | CNN Russia bombarded Ukraine's second-largest city with massive strikes in the early hours of Saturday, its mayor said, one night after Moscow carried out one of the war's largest aerial assaults on Ukraine. Urban Farming & Blogger Advice Weekly Update - Planting Guide, Gardening with Kids, & Roof and Basement Leaks from Spring Rains Sarahs planting guide for early June, Weekend Forecast Arrives . . . Soggy start to Saturday, drier by the evening Showers and storms will linger into the afternoon hours and then we slowly dry out into the evening. Sabrina Carpenter - Manchild is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. As scary as they can be, recessions are normal and temporary. But that doesnt make them any less painful. With the possibility of a recession dominating headlines in recent months, its no surprise if youre concerned about the security of your money. You may even wonder if your money is safe in a bank during a recession. Two pieces of good news may help calm your fears: First, according to JPMorgan Research, the likelihood of a recession has dropped from 60% to 40% in recent weeks. Second, even if a recession does happen, your money is safe in a bank. Continue reading to learn how banks protect your cash, what happens when they fail, and how you can keep your money safe during a recession. This embedded content is not available in your region. Are banks safe during a recession? Banks are generally safe at any time, including during a recession. In 1933, following the Great Depression, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created to promote consumer trust in banks. The FDIC protects insured bank deposits of up to $250,000 per customer, per insured bank, per ownership category, in case of bank failure. FDIC insurance doesnt apply to all account types; it only covers certain deposit accounts, such as savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs). Money invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments isnt covered. What happens if a bank fails? Bank failures are unlikely, but they do happen on occasion, and especially during a recession. While there has only been one bank failure in 2025, there were 157 in a single year following the Great Recession. But even when banks fail, FDIC insurance protects bank customers in one of two ways: The FDIC may open a new account for you at an insured bank with a balance equal to your insured balance at the failed bank. The FDIC may send you a check in the amount of your insured balance at the failed bank. According to the FDICs website, it has historically paid customers within a few days of failed bank closures. And since the creation of the FDIC, no depositor has ever lost insured funds. Are credit unions safer than banks during a recession? Credit unions and banks are both safe during a recession, provided theyre both federally insured. Like banks, credit unions offer insurance on deposits of up to $250,000. Though FDIC insurance doesnt apply to credit union deposits, credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which provides similar coverage. While banks and credit unions provide the same amount of financial protection during a recession, credit unions have characteristics that may make them feel safer. For example: Credit unions are member-owned. Unlike banks, credit unions are nonprofit organizations and dont have to cater to shareholders. This generally means they put members needs first and offer highly personalized customer service, which can provide some peace of mind during financially unstable times. Credit unions tend to have fewer fees, more affordable loans, and higher savings rates. Because credit unions are nonprofit entities, they can pass profits on to members in the form of lower fees and higher savings rates. These extra savings can go a long way during a recession, when members may be looking to cut costs wherever they can. Credit unions take less risk compared to banks. Because banks operate for a profit, theyre generally willing to take on more risk in the pursuit of bigger returns. For example, the majority of subprime mortgages in 2006 were issued by banks, not credit unions. Credit unions, meanwhile, are more risk-averse, which can provide a sense of stability for their members. Strategies for keeping your money safe during a recession You can keep your money safe during a recession by keeping it in the right place. Here are some tips to make sure your cash is secure if and when a recession hits: Make sure you bank with insured institutions. FDIC or NCUA insurance protects your deposits as long as your bank or credit union is backed by one of these organizations. To confirm your bank is FDIC-insured, use the FDICs BankFind Suite tool. To check a credit unions NCUA status, use the NCUAs Credit Union Locator tool. Get extra FDIC coverage. If you have a lot of money saved, $250,000 worth of insurance may not be enough. Luckily, some banks allow you to insure deposits beyond the standard $250,000 by using something called reciprocal deposits. This system spreads your money between multiple partner banks, each of which can insure up to the standard limit. Alternatively, you can insure funds beyond the $250,000 maximum simply by opening accounts at multiple banks. Build an emergency fund. An emergency fund is always important, but its particularly crucial during a recession. Having cash on hand in a safe, high-interest account like a high-yield savings account gives you extra comfort and protection if an emergency does happen. Read more: Recession-proof your money: How to protect your savings, investments, mortgage, and more Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Should you keep your money in the bank during a recession? Yes, keeping your money in the bank during a recession is generally a good idea. You can also keep your money in a credit union. As long as your bank or credit union is insured by the FDIC or NCUA, your deposits will be safe up to federal limits. Where is the safest place to keep your money during a recession? Both banks and credit unions are safe places to keep your money during a recession. Banks are insured by the FDIC, and credit unions are insured by the NCUA. Both types of financial institutions insure up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category. Both banks and credit unions are safer than keeping physical cash, which can get lost, stolen, or damaged. Can the government take money from your bank account in a crisis? Generally, the government cant take money from your bank account in a crisis. However, it may be able to garnish wages and seize your tax refund if you owe outstanding debt, such as federal student loans. American Express and Delta are out with all-new welcome bonus offers across three personal credit cards within the Delta SkyMiles suite: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card : Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card : Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card : Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. There are also new offers on Delta business cards: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card : Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card : Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card : Earn 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. With over 290 destinations across six continents and more than 200 million customers served in 2024, Delta is one of the most well-known airlines worldwide. And you could reduce much of the upfront cost of flying to one of Deltas global destinations if youre able to take advantage of these generous sign-up bonuses. How much are these Delta SkyMiles credit card bonuses worth? It depends on how you redeem the miles, but we value Delta SkyMiles at an average of 1.18 cents each. That means 100,000 miles equals about $1,180. However, as with many airline credit cards, the exact value of your miles depends on how you use them. Since Delta uses dynamic pricing, you can see different values with each redemption. What can I do with 100,000 Delta SkyMiles? You can find plenty of value with 100,000 (give or take, depending on the welcome offer) Delta SkyMiles. This is especially true when accounting for the TakeOff 15 benefit, which provides an automatic 15% discount on eligible award flights for Delta SkyMiles cardholders. Lets take a look at some possible redemptions. A direct flight to Middle-earth for 38,200 miles You can fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL) for 38,200 miles. The cash price for the same flight is $1,341, giving you a redemption value of about 3.5 cents per mile ($1,341 / 38,200 = 0.035104). Youll still have plenty of miles left to figure out your return flight, which could mean including a stop in Australia after visiting Hobbiton (and while youre in the area). A direct flight to the capital of Mexico for 26,300 miles This flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Mexico City (MEX) will only set you back 26,300 miles. The redemption value for this flight is about 1.5 cents per mile, which is better than our average valuation. And with miles to spare, you can bring some friends or work on covering the return leg home. 12 short-haul flights between Atlanta and Miami (for 8,300 miles each) You dont have to get fancy with your redemptions; a short flight will do just fine if it saves you money, especially if its a route you frequently take. Consider this example: A flight between Atlanta (ATL) and Miami (MIA) that costs 8,300 miles or $117. With 100,000 miles, you could take this flight 12 times, giving you plenty of opportunities for vacations or visiting friends and family. This particular flight has a redemption value of about 1.4 cents per mile. Delta SkyMiles personal credit card details See which flavor Gold, Platinum, or Reserve of Delta SkyMiles card is the best fit for you. Learn more Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. Welcome offer Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months Rewards rate 2x mile on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) 1x mile on all other eligible purchases. Benefits Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel Check your first bag free on Delta flights Read our full Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Card review Learn more Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $350 Welcome offer Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first 6 months Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels 2x miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets 1x miles on all other eligible purchases Benefits Receive a Companion Certificate on a main cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. Terms apply. Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required Check your first bag free on Delta flights Learn more Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $650 Welcome offer Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases 1x miles on all other purchases Benefits Receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class Receive a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. Terms apply. Enjoy 15 complimentary visits to the Delta Sky Club when you fly Delta, and unlock unlimited visits after spending $75,000 in purchases in a calendar year Read our full Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Card review Delta SkyMiles business credit card details Consider which Delta SkyMiles business card is right for you if you run a small business. Learn more Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 Welcome offer Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25) Rewards rate 2x miles on purchases at U.S. shipping providers and at U.S. providers for advertising in select media (up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year) 2x miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants 1x miles on all other purchases Benefits After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel Save 15% anytime you book award travel with miles on a Delta flight First checked bag free on Delta flights + zone 5 priority boarding Read our full Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex Card review Learn more Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $350 Welcome offer Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $8,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25) Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta and hotel purchases 1.5x miles on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $100,000 in combined spending annually) 1x miles on all other purchases Benefits Earn an annual statement credit of up to $200 after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays Save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app Earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases Read our full Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex Card review Learn more Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $650 Welcome offer Earn 110,000 bonus miles after you spend $12,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25) Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases 1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store purchases (plus all purchases after you spend $150,000 on your card in a year) 1x miles on all other purchases Benefits Earn an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com Check your first bag free on Delta flights Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad Read our full Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex Card review Which Delta SkyMiles credit card makes sense for me? 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Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product. Contract workers hired by the State of California carry giant sequoia seedlings to be planted on a hillside in Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest outside Springville, Calif., on April 26, 2022. 50,000 people expected at Rome rally on Saturday. Italy's opposition centre-left parties have organised a major rally in Rome on Saturday calling for an end to Israel's war in Gaza, with at least 50,000 people expected. "We appeal to all those who feel what is happening is unbearable, let's mobilise together to stop the massacre and the crimes of the Netanyahu government in Gaza, reads a statement on the website of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) party. The appeal was signed by PD leader Elly Schelin along with the leaders of opposition left-wing parties: Angelo Bonelli (Europa Verde), Giuseppe Conte (Movimento 5 Stelle) and Nicola Fratoianni (Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra). The meeting point for the rally is at 14.00 in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II from where the procession will set off towards Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano. Joining the political leaders on stage in the piazza will be around a dozen guest speakers including journalists Rula Jebreal and Gad Lerner, musician Paolo Fresu and historian Anna Foa. Speaking on Italian television channel La7 on Thursday, Schlein said there was "no ambiguity" about the rally whose "mobilisation platform is very clear: it calls for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists, it calls for sanctions on Netanyahu's government and the suspension of the cooperation agreement with Israel, a total arms embargo to and from Israel and full recognition of a state for the Palestinians." M5S leader and former Italian premier Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday that the "genocide" being perpetrated by Israel in Gaza was an "outrage against humanity". Noemi Di Segni, president of the Italian Union of Jewish Communities (UCEI) on Friday expressed "strong concern" about the Rome rally's "shortcomings and inconsistencies". "We are concerned about the choice to defend only one people, the Palestinian people, and not the Israeli people too, with one flag and not two," Di Segni wrote in an article about the demonstration in the capital. Matteo Salvini, deputy Italian premier and leader of the right-wing Lega party, took aim at the rally, saying: "I hope that no one uses the deaths in Gaza to push people to go and vote" [in the upcoming referendums on citizenship and labour reform which the government is against]. A separate event was held in Milan on Friday evening, organised by the centrist Azione and Italia Viva parties - led respectively by Carlo Calenda and Matteo Renzi - calling for an end to the military offensive on Gaza and the release of hostages while emphasising the need for dialogue and the fight against anti-Semitism. "I have nothing against the demonstration in Rome, of which, however, we do not agree with what is missing: the bit about Hamas, the bit about those who want the destruction of the state of Israel, the bit on anti-Semitism ever stronger and more pronounced", Calenda said. The Rome rally will result in a heavy security operation and will lead to numerous street closures and traffic restrictions on Saturday. Photo credit: Fabrizio Maffei / Shutterstock.com. Kenneth Fox Gardai have arrested a man in connection with a robbery at a retail premises in South Dublin earlier this week. On bank holiday Monday evening a man armed with a knife entered a filling station in Ballybrack Village. He threatened staff and took a sum of cash before fleeing the scene. Gardai from the Shankill Detective Unit arrested a man in the Shankill area of Dublin in connection with the investigation earlier on Friday, He is being detained at a Garda Station in the Dublin Region. An absolutely stunning collection of vintage and classic cars, along with equally impressive carts, will go under the auctioneer's hammer in Waterford on June 16. The classic car, traps, carriages and transport memorabilia auction will take place at RJ Keighery Antiques in William Street, Waterford, and it's sure to attract immense interest from car enthusiasts. Waterford News & Star spoke to auctioneer, Thomas Keighery about the collection and how it came to be that such a stunning group of vehicles would be brought to the market. "They were left to a lady in a will from her father," said Thomas. "They were stored in a shed for five to 10 years," he added. This example of a famous Ford Model T is absolutely stunning. However, Thomas pointed out the vehicles were exquisitely stored resulting in them being in pristine condition. "They were well stored," he said. "They were wrapped as well so they really are in unbelievable condition," he added. This Morris Isis is one of the sublime cars that will go under the auctioneer's hammer Thomas said that such was the condition of the vehicles that minimal work was required to prepare them for the forthcoming auction. "We just had to give them a buff really, that's all," he said. "The lady's father was into cars and had gathered them over time," he added. The vintage model steam engine in a box will also be auctioned off It's also understood the cars were actually being driven until the owner passed away. With such a classic and eclectic collection there is obviously an immense amount of history attached to the vehicles which stretch back as far as 1912. This tub trap is just one of the stunning traps going to go under the hammer "It's very rare for such a collection to come to the market like this," said Thomas. Commenting that younger people tend to be into slightly newer classics Thomas said: "You don't see many pre-1950s cars coming to the market and definitely not a collection like this." While the oldest car going under the hammer is a 1912 Model T Ford, one of the rarest vehicles in the collection is an Italian, 1926 Bianchi, which is wrapped in leather. This rare, Italian, Bianchi dates back to 1926 and is wrapped with leather. "It has timber spokes as well and the craftsmanship is brilliant," said Thomas. "It's very rare and there are only a couple of hundred of them in existence anywhere," he said. Such is the rarity of the car that Thomas said it was difficult carrying out research into it. "The detail of the interior is incredible but it was difficult to find out much about its history, it's very rare," he said. The vintage oil dispenser will be among the pieces auctioned off While RJ Keighery Antiques have auctioned some classic vehicles in the past Thomas said it's very rare to have such a quantity of cars from the one owner going under the hammer. The Ford Prefect was one of the most popular classic cars. He said one of the vehicles, a 1934 Morris Isis, would make a lovely wedding car. One of the biggest cars in the collection he said there were some tentative moments as they tried to get it into the showroom. "We got it in by millimetres," he said. This vintage timber trap with two seats will go under the hammer "This is very different to our normal auctions," he added, commenting that ordinarily the focus would be on antique furniture and household items. "We got a call that there were cars left in a will and to be honest we expected them to be rusty so we couldn't believe it when we actually saw them, our eyes lit up," said Thomas. There will also be vintage signs and motoring memorabilia going under the hammer "It will bring a smile to enthusiasts faces because they're a throw-back to a classic time," he added. In addition to the cars the classic and vintage traps are also in stunning condition and there is a stunning collection of vintage signs and equipment such as oil dispensers. While the auction itself will get under way at 12 noon on June 16, viewing of the collection is available at the showroom throughout this week from 12 noon to 5pm. For more information about the collection go online to antiquesireland.ie or phone Almost four thousands students will sit their state exams in Waterford this year. In all it's predicted that around 140,457 students will sit exams around the country between Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cycle examinations. They will take place in 5,846 main and almost 10,000 special examination centres through the network of over 800 post-primary schools, and other venues recognised by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to hold the certificate examinations. Figures issued to Waterford News & Star by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) revealed that in Waterford it's predicted 1,671 students will sit their Leaving Cert exam along with a further 153 students undertaking the Leaving Cert Applied exams. In terms of the Junior Cycle exams, 1.962 students are predicted to sit their exams in Waterford. A spokesperson for the SEC said the reason the figures are predicted is because they relate to the number of people registered to sit the exams but it doesn't necessarily mean they will all sit them. He said delivery of the State Examinations is a massive logistical exercise involving the secure distribution of around four million examination papers to the examination superintendents responsible for supervising the written examinations. The examinations will run until Tuesday, June 24, for Leaving Certificate (Established and Vocational), Thursday, June 12, for Leaving Certificate Applied and Monday, June 16, for Junior Cycle examinations. "This year sees another record number of candidates due to sit examinations which is linked to demographic increases, with the numbers entered passing 140,000 for the first time," said the spokesperson. The number entered to take this years examinations has increased by 4,297 students - a three per cent increase compared to last year's figure of 136,160 candidates. The most significant increases were in the numbers entered for the Leaving Certificate programme (5 per cent) and Leaving Certificate Applied programme (11 per cent). Speaking before the start of the examinations Ms. Jacinta Stewart, Chairperson of the State Examinations Commission said: Today marks a real milestone in the educational journey for the thousands of candidates taking the State examinations. On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and the staff of the SEC, I want to offer our sincere best wishes to all those taking examinations this year. I also want to express my appreciation to parents and families as well as school communities for supporting these candidates at this very important time in their lives. Ms. Stewart also expressed her particular thanks to principals, teachers, special needs assistants, and other school staff for they work they doing in facilitating the holding of the examinations. She paid special mention to the thousands of teachers, who each year give up their time to undertake contract roles with the SEC such as written examiners and superintendents. The SEC has been asked by the Department of Education to implement a gradual return to normal Leaving Certificate outcomes beginning in 2025. This SEC will commence this process by applying a post-marking adjustment, after all marking in this year's Leaving Certificate examinations is completed, in order to bring the overall Leaving Certificate results in the aggregate on average to a point broadly midway between the 2020 and 2021 levels. The SEC intends to issue the 2025 Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied examination results to candidates on Friday, August 22, which is in line with the date of issue of the results in 2024. "Developing and applying the post-marking adjustment requires a process of analysis to be undertaken on the marks achieved in the examinations and, on foot of this analysis, an adjustment to the marks awarded to candidates through the marking process," said the SEC spokesperson. "By its nature, the post marking adjustment can only be applied once all of the marking has been completed and so this step adds time to the results process in comparison to a normal (pre-Covid) year," he added. The results issue date of Friday, August 22, takes account of the time needed for that additional step. "The timeline for results must also allow sufficient time for an extensive range of quality assurance checks to be undertaken," said the spokesperson. Review of the Scheme of Reasonable Accommodations The SEC provides Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations, or the RACE scheme, to support students with a complex variety of special educational needs. The purpose of the scheme is to allow candidates who have special educational needs that interfere with their capacity to engage with the standard examination arrangements to demonstrate what they know and can do, without compromising the integrity of the assessment. "This involves such students being held to the same standard as other candidates with regard to what the examination is intended to measure," said the SEC spokesperson. "The RACE Scheme supports one in four candidates in accessing the State examinations and the scheme has been evolving to better meet the needs of candidates with special educational needs while preserving equity and fairness in the examinations for all. Recent enhancements to the scheme are pilot arrangements for the provision of digital papers and extended additional time for candidates who are vision impaired and under the care of the Visiting Teacher Service. In the context of Senior Cycle Redevelopment, and in light of increasing complexity in relation to the education of young people with special educational needs, the SEC has also commenced work on a comprehensive system wide review of the RACE Scheme. The review, directed by the Board of Commissioners and overseen by a Steering Group, will seek to address all of the relevant issues and take account of best practice internationally. In the coming months there will be extensive consultation and engagement with as broad a range of stakeholders as possible including young people with special educational needs, their families, and representative organisations. "A particular focus of the review will be exploring ways to increase the use of Assistive Technology by candidates to enhance access and integrity and to further support independent learning," said the SEC spokesperson. Met Eireann has issued a thunderstorm weather warning for County Waterford. The moderate level warning was issued at around 2pm, and gave notification of scattered thunderstorms today (Saturday, June 7) with the chance of hail. With regard to possible impacts, Met Eireann said there could be spot flooding and lightning damage. The event carries a yellow level status and will be valid throughout this afternoon until 6pm. In addition to Waterford the warning, which was issued by Waterford City & County Council through a Met Eireann weather alert link also related to County Wexford. He says she stared at him as if he were Ernest Shackleton disembarking in England in 1917. I guess shed never expected to meet someone whod pulled off such a feat. Nobody could survive such a fire. Like meeting Alex Honnold, or Keith Richards a myth, a ghost, a person seemingly impervious to the certainties. Loading Ive done the maths on his habit (50 years x 365 days x 60 cigs = 1,095,000). He appears to have gotten away with smoking a million cigarettes. I guess if the packs were stacked theyd be about the size of a school bus. But youd buy the bus and the school itself for the $2 million the smokes cost. He always has one lit, and in absent-minded moments two one waggling in his lips as he talks and the other being used as a baton to enhance his arguments. And I notice that every time he draws a lungful, as the ciggie crackles and glows, his pupils dilate, and a moments serenity washes over his sallow face. So, who am I to say hes got it wrong? If it kills him now, hes still played games of chance against God and won. Is that genes? Luck? Or the devil taking care of his own? Hes also known among those who like to hoist a goblet. And when he finally got in to see the doctor he told her: The kidneys and liver were not discussing at all. Theyre off-limits, a no-go zone, my private affair. That he felt protective of these organs rather than his lungs tells you how appreciative he is of the vintners art. Forensic teams are working to formally identify human remains found in the search for missing teenager Pheobe Bishop, as police revealed the remains were consistent with the timeline of her disappearance. Pheobe, 17, disappeared on May 15 after failing to board a flight at Bundaberg Airport, north of Brisbane, bound for Perth, where she was to visit her boyfriend. The disappearance prompted a wide search of the Gin Gin area, as her distraught family and police pushed for more information from the public. Missing Queensland teenager Pheobe Bishop. Credit: Missing girl Pheobe Bishop. Police this week arrested her two housemates, James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, who were charged with murder and interfering with a corpse. 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 Hours before the beleaguered Greens were set to choose a new leader after a rough election, the crossbench partys First Nations spokeswoman, senator Dorinda Cox, was spotted having breakfast with unusual dining companions. She was eating 10 minutes away from the Treasury building in inner east Melbourne, near the MCG, where the partys remaining 12 MPs, including Cox, would vote that afternoon on the party leadership, following Adam Bandts shock loss. Cox planned to put herself forward to be the Greens deputy. But the West Australian senator wasnt dining with her Greens colleagues. Instead, she was joined by Labor senator Jana Stewart and her husband Marcus Stewart, the first co-chair of Victorias First Peoples Assembly. Dorinda Cox arrives for the Greens leadership vote on May 15. She had breakfast with a Labor senator that morning. Credit: Penny Stephens It was one of several conversations that Labor figures had with Cox before she stood next to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday to announce she would be joining the party. Her defection shocked many; Greens leader Larissa Waters, voted in at the May 15 meeting, was told just 90 minutes before Cox went public. But the decision was 12 months in the making, and involved discussions with both Albanese and former Labor senator Pat Dodson, the Father of Reconciliation, sources familiar with the process but who asked to remain anonymous have told this masthead. Her departure deals another blow to the progressive crossbench party, already battered from losing its leader and two other lower house MPs in last months election. The Greens retain the balance of power in the Senate but go backward, again, in number. The loss of their only Indigenous senator raises uncomfortable questions about representation. Advertisement But that narrative belies the more complicated backdrop to her departure. Cox has been the subject of numerous complaints about her conduct and several Greens staffers were relieved the party would no longer have to defend her. She also had a fractious relationship with the Greens internal Indigenous network, which exposed dysfunctional elements of the at-times secretive political party. The Green wave washes away In 2022, the Greens hit a high-water mark in Canberra. Their 16 parliamentarians included two Indigenous MPs. But a bitter relationship between Cox and firebrand senator Lidia Thorpe began almost as soon as they sat together in parliament for the first time that year. Cox, who came into parliament on a senate vacancy in 2021, had coveted the Indigenous affairs portfolio, which was given to Thorpe. Then the Voice referendum campaign began, fuelling the divide within the Greens over whether the party should be more activist or collaborative. Loading Thorpe and Cox disagreed over politics. Cox supported the Yes vote and made an argument for change from within. Thorpe advocated a progressive No case, describing the Voice as a powerless advisory body as she pushed for treaties instead. They also clashed personally. Thorpe revealed this week that she made a workplace complaint against Cox to the parliamentary watchdog. When Thorpe quit the Greens in early 2023, Cox was elevated to the First Nations portfolio and led the Greens to formally support the Yes case. Advertisement But she never had the support of the Greens First Nations Network also known as the Blak Greens which is a collective of the grassroots Indigenous party members that informs the partys policy positions and who should run the portfolio. Thorpe had helped launch the group around 2018, and it backed her No stance on the Voice right through to the vote in October 2023. The Blak Greens kicked Cox out of the network in 2023, in part because of bullying allegations, her support for the Voice and her former career as a police officer. An altercation between Cox and the groups then-convenor, Tjanara Goreng Goreng, at Perth Airport that year further soured the relationship. Loading One member of the Blak Greens, who asked not to be named, said Cox was seen as relatively conservative and distant from their concerns. There were lots of tensions and we didnt see eye to eye with her at all, they said. At the partys national conference in Hobart in 2024, the Blak Greens called for the party to strip Cox of her portfolio and consider expelling her for her alleged bullying conduct. The statement divided the room at the time. Bandt continued to stand by Cox, but the dispute between the partys sole Indigenous MP and its membership had left the Greens non-Indigenous leadership in a difficult predicament. Waters this week said the partys commitment to advocating on Indigenous issues would not waver. Our policies are still very firm for First Nations justice and we wont be changing course in that regard, [we] continue to really push on those issues, she told the ABC. We do certainly have a bevy of grassroots First Nations members of our party and were really proud of that. And our policies have been crafted by those folk and our broader membership, and they are strong on truth-telling and treaties and justice. Advertisement But dysfunction in the Blak Greens makes that mission more complicated. A review of the network last year by Indigenous consulting firm MurriMatters unearthed a raft of problems with governance, relationship breakdowns and inconsistent advice to the Greens party room. A spokesperson for the group put its membership at about 300 people, with between 30 and 50 who are active, although one former senior member said meeting attendance was sometimes as few as five. Loading The network is at the bottom of an S-curve at the moment, the former member said. Theres a lot of infighting [and] people focus on personal grudges Youve got to work within all these structures, people pull against those tensions, and its a large group of white people versus a small group of black people. Some current members dispute the MurriMatters review findings, but the former member said: Were just hoping the review will set up a better structure. All the while, the networks problems with Cox persisted. In the lead-up to last months leadership ballot, the Blak Greens lobbied for a non-Indigenous MP, Mehreen Faruqi, to take the First Nations portfolio from her. The dynamics between Cox and the Blak Greens compounded the senators problems with the broader party, who rejected her bid for the deputy leadership three votes to nine last month. Advertisement Cox was a Labor member before joining the Greens and running for a state seat in 2017. According to her leaked candidate nomination form from 2020, reported in this masthead, Cox described Labor as patronising to women and people of colour, and claimed the party cared more about its donors than members. But in the Greens, Cox soon emerged as a moderate voice in a party room that seemed to platform loud voices and strident positions. That left her feeling disillusioned and unsupported, people close to her say. Coxs return to Labor The conversations that would bring Cox back to Labor began at least a year ago. She made friendships within Labor circles during the last term of parliament and became close with senators Stewart and Dodson. Cox spoke with Dodson, a fellow West Australian and one of the countrys most respected Indigenous leaders, in the weeks before her defection. But it was Albanese who led the discussions with the partys leadership, took the move to Labors national executive and made the final call. Dodson did not respond to a request for comment. Asked about his breakfast with Cox, Marcus Stewart declined to comment. But Stewart gave his reflections on a move he called a masterstroke by Anthony Albanese. There is clearly a cultural issue within their [the Greens] party room. Dorinda is a person who prioritises progress over protest, unlike the Greens, he said. Dorinda had a decision to make. Do you want to be outside the building throwing water balloons? Or in the room, trying to influence better outcomes for First Nations people? And she made it. Advertisement 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. Washington: The man mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador by the Trump administration has returned to the United States to face criminal charges of transporting illegal immigrants within the US, Attorney-General Pam Bondi said. Kilmar Abrego Garcias case has become a flash point for escalating tensions between the presidency and the judiciary, which has blocked a number of US President Donald Trumps signature policies. The US Supreme Court had ordered the administration to facilitate Garcias return, with liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor saying the government had cited no basis for what she called his warrantless arrest. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is led by force by guards through the Terrorism Confinement Centre in Tecoluca, El Salvador in an undated photo. Credit: US District Court for the District of Maryland via AP The return marks a turning point in a case that became a broader symbol of criticisms of Trumps aggressive immigration policies. Critics, including many congressional Democrats, pointed to it as a sign that the administration was disregarding civil liberties in its push to step up deportations. But the administration insisted that Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang, an accusation that his lawyers denied. It later said it had sent the man accidentally and couldnt bring him back. Iraq War veteran Kris Goldsmith tried to end his life with Percocet and vodka after getting an unexpected mandatory extension of his service. The Army let him go with a general discharge and, for five years he was in crisis, but his doctor at the Department of Veterans Affairs always made time for him, even if that meant skipping lunch. Goldsmith went on to found a nonprofit that stands up against fascism and was among the many speakers at the Unite for Veterans rally on the National Mall on Friday in Washington. The rally drew thousands, several media outlets reported, and featured the punk band The Dropkick Murphys, who performed a new song, "Who'll Stand with Us?" The rally was planned ahead of massive job cuts across the VA. The agency was expected to release a plan in June to cut more than 80,000 jobs. Several speakers at the rally touched on the importance of having specialty care through the VA to help ailments more common among veterans, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other service-related trauma. Former Army Sgt. Kayla Williams served as director of the VA's Center for Women Veterans for two years in 2016 and 2017 and hit on how the fear of cuts is already hurting the VA. Williams said her group therapist for military sexual trauma recently quit ahead of the planned layoffs. She has since sought care outside the VA. "My new counselor asked me: "What is MST?" she told the crowd. "That would never happen at our VA." New VA Secretary Doug Collins has promised the job cuts won't hurt health care for veterans. "Our goal is to increase productivity, eliminate waste and bureaucracy, increase efficiency, and improve health care and benefits to veterans. We will accomplish this without making cuts to health care or benefits to veterans or VA beneficiaries," Peter Kasperowicz, a spokesman for the VA, previously told The Gazette. However, Tim Hauser, founder of the Veterans Assurance Network, pointed out billions previously set aside to cover benefits mandated in the PACT ACT, or Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act, have been cut out of recent legislation. "I am sick and tired of broken promise after broken promise," Hauser said. A former Afghan translator, Nadim Yousify, highlighted another broken promise during the rally: the American commitment to bring Afghan allies to the safety in the U.S. "Since the U.S. hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2020, thousands of of former interpreters, contractors and local partners have been left behind. They are hiding. They are being hunted every day," said Yousify, who immigrated to the U.S. and served in the Marines. Yousify said he knows veterans who are working on their own to get interpreters out by making calls, writing letters, and raising money. But, he said, the government needs to do more to revise the visa process and get people out. "What does it say about our nation if we leave our allies behind?" Goldsmith and many other speakers urged those in the crowd to organize, because the fight for the VA will be long. They urged attendees to call their lawmakers and make their voices heard. "We cannot wait for somebody to save us. Nobody is coming," Goldsmith said. LOVELAND Logan Sweezy, a 26-year-old man with cerebral palsy, dragged a mallet along a metallophone at the newly opened Willow Bend Park and Natural Area, a wide grin stretched across his face as the musical notes reverberated through the air. Despite the hovering storm clouds, Logans whole demeanor lit up as he played the percussion instrument from his wheelchair Thursday at Lovelands first universal access playground. Next, he headed over to the drums, enthusiastically banging them with his hands as his family watched nearby. I think theyve done an excellent job of incorporating a variety of playground equipment that allows even people in wheelchairs to spin and move and enjoy all of the things you would find on a normal playground, said Mike, Logans father. When you have a kid with special needs, it becomes more difficult if you have a regular playground, he added. For children who have sensory or mobility issues, it is really nice to have another option where they can come with their families who may or may not have the same type of issues. Loveland city officials and residents celebrated the grand opening of the Willow Bend Park and Natural Area, an open space located along East 1st Street dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and their loved ones, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier Thursday. Several stakeholders of the project and park visitors attended the grand opening in show of support of Willow Bend. Andrea Samson, a city council member and council liaison for the Disability Advisory and Parks and Recreation Commissions, participated in the parks opening with her daughters, Jacqueline and Penelope, in tow. What this does is, this levels the playing field, Samson said, as Jacqueline sat in her wheelchair in front of her. This makes play safe, inclusive, and fun for everybody. Jacqueline gets to play with kids now that normally she would have to watch from the sideline. She gets to be immersed in play, and that is life changing. In one of the corners of the park, Brian Dowlings son, Ollie, who was diagnosed with autism, was playing in a calmer, quieter spot, further away from the buzzing activity and high energy of the other children. Its such a groundbreaking park for northern Colorado. And theres not really too many parks around like this, said Dowling, who served as chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission, a citizen-led group that collaborated with city officials to develop the park. Its just a wonderful place for anyone to come and to feel welcomed and to have a great time, including my son. If he does get overwhelmed, he can come over to our low-sensory area and hang out and just relax a little bit. Featured Local Savings The Willow Bend Park, spanning 12 acres, features a sport court, play field, picnic pavilion, and restroom facilities, equipped with baby and adult changing stations, that are open year round. The universal access playground, the heart of the park, goes above and beyond standard ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, according to Bryan Harding, planning manager of the Parks & Recreation Department for the City of Loveland. Harding reeled off a long laundry list of the universal access playgrounds attributes, including auditory, tactile, and Braille features; a low sensory area; wider concrete slides; plants for park patrons to smell and touch; a synthetic turf surface that makes it easier to navigate with wheelchairs; additional ground padding to soften falls; swings and a zoom track for people with various mobility abilities to enjoy; a sunken-down playground area and elevated seat walls; and a play tower with different levels and an ADA-compliant walkway. I think accessibility in the past has been accommodating mostly for physical disabilities, Harding said. But what a lot of that misses are visual impairments or auditory challenges, emotional challenges, cognitive challenges. Oftentimes, the physical disabilities aspect of that and accommodating physical disabilities completely miss the mark on all other challenges that folks may be dealing with. The Willow Bend Park and Natural Area has been in the making for over a decade. It dates back to a 2013 Parks and Recreation master plan that identified Lovelands southeast area as deficient in park land, and the city as a whole lacking facilities catering to the needs of individuals with disabilities, per Harding. That led to the vision of Willow Bend. In 2016, the city of Loveland acquired the land for the park. About four years later, the planning process for the park and natural area began. Behind the park lies a long winding ramp leading to an expansive natural area, consisting of over 150-acres of conserved habitat, an environmental education amphitheater, walking trails and an accessible fishing dock. A new paved recreation trail, stretching 1.7 miles, connects Willow Bend to downtown Loveland. What makes this park unique is that its a connector, said Marilyn Hilgenberg, open lands and trails manager for the City of Loveland. Its a community connector. It allows people a place to get outdoors, regardless of your abilities, your economic situation, whether youre young or old. Theres something here for everyone. And the whole premise for us is to get people outdoors and enjoy nature. The combination of the natural area with the universal access playground also makes Willow Bend Lovelands first hybrid recreational area. The ultimate goal of the city for Willow Bend is to connect the trail system from downtown Loveland all the way out to Interstate 25 in the next two years. A plane at the Colorado Springs Airport took to the skies Saturday afternoon, becoming the first in what aviation officials hope will be many to land its passengers in Cancun, Mexico the first international flight offered at the airport. Passengers getting ready for their flight were greeted with tables of Mexican cuisine and a performance from a traditional Mexican ballet folklorico group as officials and travelers celebrated a milestone that could be the first step to making the Colorado Springs Airport international. Offered by Southwest Airlines, the nonstop flight to Cancun takes three hours and 40 minutes and is available Saturdays throughout the summer, with additional flights scheduled for holiday seasons in November and December. "To be a part of the first international flight direct from here is a good feeling to have. It's like we're a part of the airport's growth," said 19-year-old Carstenz Johnston. Johnston and his mother, Tatiana Johnston, paid $450 each to go to Cancun. The two have traveled the world together for 15 years, taking trips to places like Africa and China. And it almost always starts at the Colorado Springs Airport. As Pueblo residents, the two often use the airport to travel to bigger ones because driving to the one in Denver takes hours, and its long lines can sometimes take as long as the drive. They hope the one in Colorado Springs can become a one-stop-shop for international flights. The airport's success is pivotal for the economic vitality of the city and its district, said City Councilmember Kimberly Gold, who represents District 4, where the airport resides. Gold hopes the flight marks the beginning of an international presence for the airport that will feed back into Colorado Springs' markets and businesses. "If you listen to the residents, they'll tell you that they want to utilize the Colorado Springs Airport more, but they want more options. So, to be able to say that we now have an international flight that opens up so many doors for us," she said. With many people in her district being of Mexican descent, Gold said the flight also connects locals to their families and culture and other international flights could do the same. "This gives an opportunity for our Mexican neighbors here in Colorado Springs, who add so much to our community, to more directly connect to their home country and their native language," she said. Alex Kovacs, the airport's director of aviation, said at the inaugural event that the goal is to connect southern Colorado to the world and this flight is the first step. In anticipation of more international flights, the airport built a 16,300-square-foot Federal Inspection Facility to make U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing efficient for arriving international passengers, who could be U.S. citizens or people coming from other countries. The facility was funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to Kovacs. A spokesperson for the airport said a timeline for more international flights is unknown, but aviation officials are actively talking to other airlines. Future international flights are reliant on the success with Cancun, at least with Southwest. Overall passenger traffic at the Colorado Springs Airport has seen a decline since January, according to public monthly traffic reports from the airport. The last month that had positive growth before January was July 2024. Total passengers in April were 181,940, a 6.2% decrease from boardings compared to the same month last year. Despite the decline, airport officials said passenger traffic is seeing "promising signs of improvement" based on numbers from April, according to a May news release. The release noted that travel demand is expected to rise through spring and summer. "If I could wave a magic wand, I would say more flights, more flights, more flights," Gold said. "We need folks to come and catch these flights go on their vacations, go on their business trips (and) make Colorado Springs just the premier airport for the Front Range." SHREVEPORT, La. Fewer Caddo Parish students are skipping school, according to new data from the Louisiana Department of Education. The latest report shows truancy is down by 5% compared to last year. Despite the improvement, more than 2,300 students were still reported absent during that time. Officials say students arent just avoiding class many are facing serious challenges that keep them out of school. The Caddo Parish District Attorneys Office attributes truancy to a number of underlying issues, including mental health struggles, poverty, lack of school uniforms, and domestic violence in the home. To address these root causes, the DAs office partnered with the Caddo Parish School District to take a proactive approach to keeping students on track. There are more clerks in the schools with attendance problems and more counseling, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Wilbert Pryor. Were getting students help on the front end, rather than letting the court system be the first to respond. That early intervention includes programs like The Harbor, a one-stop resource hub operated by Volunteers for Youth Justice. The center offers a wide range of support services, including counseling, school supplies, and food. It helps us connect them with simple resources like uniforms, school supplies. Or maybe theyre hungry, said Executive Director Kelli Todd. So we can refer the entire family to our food bank. Todd said the food bank is open to anyone in the community, not just families with students in the school system. Statewide, chronic absenteeism has increased significantly rising from 18% in 2019 to 25% in 2024, according to the Education Recovery Scorecard. Beech, common (Fagus sylvatica). Monumental, majestic, home to rare wildlife. Beech is an enchanting species and known as the queen of trees. To wander beneath the leafy canopy, its cathedral-like branches spreading upwards, is an awe-inspiring experience. That is the introduction given by the Woodland Trust in their information about the beech tree. In this short paragraph they give some idea of this wonderful tree and the many gifts it has to offer. Apart from the parklands of the great estates, it can be difficult enough to find an old beech tree, a tree that has stood the test of time and survived a succession of storms. An occasional specimen will turn up here and there along the rivers of the Ox Mountains and where they do, they are a thing of beauty, a sight to behold. Summer shade I live in a place that was once part of a small mountain farm, where along a nearby tributary of the river Moy, there stood a huge beech. How it survived the nibbles of mountain sheep and hungry cows to reach its great height was a minor miracle. Its spreading leaves and arching boughs were a glorious manifestation of creation. I was therefore very saddened to see it uprooted and thrown to the ground in recent times by Storm Eowyn. How a tree so large and so heavy could be undone by the power of wind gives some indication to the awesome strength of that same storm. I often walked the grassy path that led to the trees location. Arriving in the space under that tree was like entering a huge circular cathedral. Under its branches, I felt secluded, protected. The carpet of last winters leaves only added welcome to a place where birdsong entered but summer sun could not. It was the ideal location for a simple picnic with a child or a few moments of reflection. The background music of a passing stream only adding to the sacredness of the whole experience. In folklore and mythology, the beech tree is often associated with knowledge, wisdom, and a link to the feminine. It is considered a comforter of the soul and believed to have the power to dissolve unpleasant thoughts. In some traditions, the beech is used for divination and even accepting wishes that are believed to come true when buried among its roots. Little wonder I felt so secure under its parasol of green. The Wisdom of Trees It is said that each year the beech tree reminds us of the importance of learning and of the need to preserve our knowledge in writing for the benefit of generations to come. Just as lovers carve their names into the trunk of the beech so their love will grow with the tree. Rooted in the knowledge of the ancients and sustained by the ideas of the present, we will continue to reach for the stars. That was an excerpt from The Wisdom of Trees by Jane Gifford. Gifford goes on to explain further about the beech and its connection to the written word. Beech is a symbol for the written word and for the wisdom within ancient learning. It is the sum of the wisdom of all the other trees. It was used to make writing tablets, and thin slices of beech wood were bound together to make the first book. A great deal of paper is produced from beeches. The bark is excellent for carving, this practice dates back to Roman times. The beech tree reminded our ancestors of the need to preserve all knowledge in writing for the benefit of future generations. According to an article in Wood Magazine (US, January 2025), traditionally, the wood or timber of the beech has been of great value. Long ago, English bodgers crafted the legs of Windsor chairs from beech trees they felled in the forest. The long-wearing wood also became peasant footwear in the shape of shoes and clogs. And in the iron smelters of Germany, France, and England, beech was the fuel. Because beech bends as readily as ash, it works well for chair legs and backs. In fact, this under-used wood could be made into any type of interior furniture, cabinets, flooring, and trim. Woodturners use beech for items such as goblets with delicate stems. It's also ideal for food-use vessels like cutting boards and spoons because it imparts no odour or taste, and takes abuse. Among the realigned boughs of the fallen beech tree were hidden landscapes. Picture: Pat McCarrick Crash site The old beech I mentioned earlier, which seemed indestructible, had in hindsight, become compromised. Shelter on its southern side had been cut away in recent years and the mountain stream that ran alongside had dredged a deeper channel close to its roots. Having said that, I still cannot imagine the force that the recent storm exerted upon this mighty tree to knock it down. Now that summer is approaching, I revisit the scene of the crime. Dead and dying pieces, that were once part of a whole living, functioning tree, lay scattered around. The disturbed earth around its roots and the damage caused to surrounding trees by the felling resemble a site where an aeroplane might have crashed. It is a scene of destruction, loss, and indeed, death itself. Amazingly, these days, the mighty beech is again showing slight signs of growth. It seems that it still has a small foothold in the riverbank and so it clings to hope; its upper side, continuing to stretch skywards, has sprouted a few new leaves. While most parts of the tree will never live again, some of it at least is fighting for survival. It reminds me of Shakespeare's great line in Julius Caesar: Death, a necessary end, will come when it will come." Another thing I noticed about the fallen beech was that among its realigned boughs there were hidden landscapes. Scenes along its great trunk, hidden while it stood tall, are now on display at eye level. In the same way that an exhibition in an art gallery might be rearranged to freshen it up, so the prone beech now offers a whole new interpretation of itself. The photographs I have included with his article are taken from this new exhibition. The fallen beech now appears like an old elephant or some larger prehistoric monster, half dead, half alive. It clings to life but really, its days are numbered. Its passing is a reminder that nothing ever stays the same; change will come and death is inevitable. The old tree, despite its greatness, met a force greater than itself and that, as they say, was that. It seems no matter how great we perceive something to be, there is always a power that will one day catch us out. The trick is to enjoy the mighty beech while she still lives and accept, with grace, her inevitable passing. I wasnt one to carve our names Within the bark but joining arms We spanned its girth to guess its age and As our thoughts were tilted up, We dated it to Shakespeares Final Act. - From The Beech Tree by Norman Hadley 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 A 19-year-old being investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department for several crimes, has been formally charged for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting following internet "beef" that turned violent, according to court documents. Ruben Sandoval, 19, was arrested last month and is facing eight counts of first-degree attempted murder for allegedly shooting on April 8, at a home in the 2100 block of East Willamette Avenue. There were eight people in the house at the time, including a baby, according to investigators. A witness told police that Sandoval was part of a gang. A spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Police Department said it's unclear if he's part of an official gang, but that he's a "prolific offender." Residents in the home told police that there were two bursts of gunfire directed at their home in the early morning hours after a white vehicle was seen driving around the block 11 times. One of the residents said he ran out the door of his house ready to protect his family by firing back at the vehicle until his handgun malfunctioned. No one was reported injured in the shooting. Investigators connected Sandoval and a teenager to the shooting through Instagram chat logs, where the two bragged about being the shooters and talked about "beef" they had with a man inside the home, according to Sandoval's arrest affidavit. Chat logs in the affidavit show Sandoval taking credit for the shooting by sending news articles in a group chat with his friends and saying "uk (u know) we did it." He also posted multiple videos of a .22 caliber AR-15-style pistol, adding that he "let off 25" with it. An AR pistol is a handgun assembled using an AR-15-style receiver with suitable parts to create a pistol held and fired with one hand. Bullet casings recovered from the scene match the caliber of the pistol in Sandoval's posts, and evidence from the chat logs and witness testimony estimate upwards of 30 rounds were fired off. Sandoval got rid of the gun afterwards, according to his Instagram chat logs. The adult male who police say was the target of the shooting told investigators that Sandoval, nicknamed "Malo," had argued with him online. The man also told police that Sandoval had said he would "shoot up" his home and threatened him with a weapon, believed to be the AR pistol, two days before the shooting. According to the arrest affidavit, Sandoval has also been investigated by police for various motor vehicle theft cases and unlawful possession of weapons. Chat logs also show Sandoval talking to his friends about how he had stolen six Kia's. As of June 6, Sandoval has not been charged for any other crimes, including motor theft, according to open court records. Sandoval is being held in the El Paso County jail under a $100,000 bond. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 25 at 1:30 p.m. Kharkiv hit by most powerful attack of entire war, mayor says, as Russia pounds Ukraine again Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been returned to the United States to face criminal charges A federal appeals court will allow the White House to exclude the Associated Press from access to the Oval Office, Mar-a-Lago and Air Force One if it chooses, according to a new court order in the ongoing legal battle over press access. The University of Melbourne, one of Australias most prestigious universities, has expelled two students and suspended two others for their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The decision marks a further shift to outlaw political free speech on the campuses and more broadly and must be opposed by students, staff and all those who defend basic democratic rights. It comes amid a deepening offensive spearheaded by the federal Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to outlaw opposition to Israels genocidal assault on the Palestinian people which Australian imperialism, along with the major powers in North America and Europe, has supported for the last year and a half. The disciplinary action at the University of Melbourne is in response to a protest on October 9, 2024, where several students demonstrated at academic Steven Prawers office. Prawer is Jewish and a professor in the School of Physics working in materials science and quantum technologies. He is also the academic lead of the University of Melbournes joint PhD program with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem participates in research and training programs for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Part of the Hebrew University of Jerusalems Mount Scopus campus is reportedly built on illegally occupied Palestinian territory. Rally at the Arts West Building at the University of Melbourne on Wednesday, 15 May 2024 [Photo: X/@binarythis] During the October 9 protest, students requested to speak with Prawer to call for an end to the collaboration with the Hebrew University. They also put up pro-Palestinian stickers, a Palestinian flag and recited pro-Palestinian chants. Among the stickers were those that read antisemitism is a crime, anti-Zionism is a duty, Steven Prawer, your work will break your soul before it breaks the resistance and From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. According to the University of Melbourne Student Union-run Farrago magazine, the sit-in at Prawers office lasted 90 minutes before the police issued a move-on notice with which the students complied. The Farrago article states that one student issued with expulsion attended the protest for no more than 10 minutes and did not engage in any sanctionable actions. The universitys disciplinary committee nonetheless found that the students attendance alone constituted harassment and intimidation. Two students facing suspension will have their enrolment deferred until March 2026. University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor Emma Johnston on Monday upheld the formal recommendations of the disciplinary committee for the expulsions and suspensions. The students are appealing the decisions. Prawer told the pro-Zionist Australian Jewish News that the protesters were short-sighted, counterproductive, outrageous, uneducated [and] ignorant, and that he was targeted because he is Jewish. This is in line with a campaign being waged by the Labor government and corporate media to falsely equate opposition to Israels genocide and to the ultra-nationalist political ideology of Zionism with the Jewish faith. This has been the main tool used by governments around the world to silence and intimidate opponents of the genocide. Prawers involvement in pro-Israeli projects reveals that the protest at his office has nothing to do with the fact that he wears a kippah. In 2017, Prawer received an Australian Research Council grant of more than $200,000 to collaborate with the Israeli Center of Advanced Diamond Technologies on diamond membranes for technologies such as infra-red frequency combs for chemical sensing. The research was reported to have security applications. He has previously been a committee member for the Australian Technion Society set up to internationally promote the development projects of Technion (Israel Institute of Technology)a university with close ties to the IDF. Prawer has been an outspoken supporter of Israel. He spoke at a pro-Israeli rally organised by the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) in May 2024, calling for the defence of Israels onslaught. At the rally, Prawer declared: [We] will not allow the campus to become a virtual no-go zone for Jewish academics and students They should show the same sensitivity as they do for indigenous and other minority groups. Prawer was also a witness in the Australian governments Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill set up in 2024 to create the conditions where anti-Zionist protests and speech are outlawed on the campuses. During the inquiry, Prawer stated that universities had to take antisemitism on the campuses seriously and combat it in the same way we have combated other serious cultural issues such as sexual harassment or child abuse in our community. The parliamentary committee, launched by the Albanese Labor government, calls for sweeping new laws to prohibit anti-genocide speech on the campuses. Already, universities around the country are actively silencing pro-Palestinian protesters. Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, a well-known pro-Palestinian academic at Sydneys Macquarie University, has been targeted by Zionist groups and the Labor government. She was stripped of her research funding earlier this year. At the University of Melbourne, more than 20 students were threatened with disciplinary action last year for their involvement in the occupation of a building on campus during an anti-genocide protest. The students case revealed that the university tracks students movements through the university Wi-Fi network. At the Australian National University in the countrys capital Canberra, two students were expelled in June for their involvement in a pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus. The expulsions were reversed in September after widespread opposition to the attack on the democratic rights of students. The University of Sydney called on SafeWork New South Wales to initiate an investigation into lack of action to protect Jewish staff and students. SafeWork this week found insufficient grounds for such an investigation. There are hysterical calls in the corporate media and Zionist groups for the decision to be reversed. The attack on pro-Palestinian protests is not limited to the universities but part of a broader assault on the basic democratic rights of the whole working class and principled youth and professionals being spearheaded by the Labor party. The Victorian state Labor government has charged five protesters for publicly denouncing Israeli war crimes and Zionism. Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ferociously denounced pro-Palestinian protesters and in February the federal government passed sweeping hate speech laws under the guise of tackling supposed antisemitism. That these attacks on free speech are being carried out by Labor highlights that this is a pro-war, capitalist party of big business that cannot be appealed to through protest to alter its ongoing support for Israels war crimes. For more than 19 months, there have been protests against Gazas genocide involving millions around the world. But the genocide continues and is being deepened. This is because the Gaza genocide is not some isolated policy, but part of a broader expansion of imperialist militarism around the world led by the United States. The major capitalist countries around the world are preparing for a catastrophic conflict, above all led by the US ruling elites bid to remain the dominant power through military means targeting Russia and China. Ballooning military budgets and the threat of world war means an assault on the basic social and democratic rights of the working class. The ruling elites in the imperialist centres know that their program of slashing education, healthcare and welfare to fund war is deeply unpopular. The attack on protests against the Gaza genocide is part of a wholesale assault on anti-war, anti-establishment and anti-capitalist sentiment which is growing among masses of workers and youth. This has found its sharpest form in the US where the fascist Donald Trump leads an administration which is disappearing pro-Palestinian students and attacking immigrants and political opponents. Individual protest actions and stunts to try and change the minds of pro-Zionist figures and politicians are a bankrupt dead-end. What is required to end the genocide and imperialist war more broadly is a political fight against the Labor government itself and the development of a global anti-war movement against the system which is the cause of war: capitalism. Admiral David Johnston, the chief of the Australian Defence Force, this week issued a thinly-veiled demand for not just higher military spending but the faster development of a war economy. Defence is fully expending its budget at the moment, Johnston said, asserting there was not a dollar to spare. He was replying to a question about US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth openly pressing the government to swiftly raise military spending levels to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Australian Army soldiers from the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment and Armed Forces of the Philippines soldiers conduct a combined amphibious assault exercise during Exercise Alon as a part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 in the Philippines. [Photo: Defence Australia Facebook] The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) national political lead David Speers noted: The defence chief may not have openly called for a spending increase, but it didnt take a code breaker to decipher this message. More than that, Johnston declared that Australians had to reconsider the country as a homeland from which to conduct combat operations for the first time since World War II. During that global conflict, the continent served as a critical base for the US war against Japan across the Indo-Pacific region. Essentially, Australias military chief publicly warned of the potential for warfare on, as well as from, Australian soil. On behalf of the Trump administration in Washington, Hegseth laid down the law to governments throughout the region at last weekends Shangri-la Dialogue. They had to dramatically escalate their military build-up and put themselves on a war footing for imminent conflict with China, just as the US was demanding of its NATO partners in the Ukraine war against Russia. In line with that ultimatum, Hegseth announced that he had conveyed to the Australian Labor government that it should increase its military spending from around 2 percent to 3.5 percent of GDP as soon as possible. Admiral Johnstons remarks were doubly pointed because he chose to speak at a conference hosted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), a government-subsidised US-linked think tank. ASPI had recently accused the Labor government of leaving Australians less secure through its failure to boost defence spending. Just days earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had criticised ASPI, boasting that his government had already raised military spending by a record amount$10 billion extra over the next four years. So far, Albanese has not committed his government to meeting Hegseths demand, yet he has emphasised Labors readiness to further raise the military budget. In Perth on Tuesday, he did not categorically rule out lifting defence spending. Instead, he said: Well continue to invest in our capability and in our relationships. Albanese and his ministers are thoroughly committed to the US military alliance, on which both Labor and Liberal-National governments have depended since World War II. But they are clearly nervous about the widespread anti-war and anti-Trump sentiment among workers and youth. That sentiment enabled the Labor government to win the May 3 election on the back of a collapse of support for the Liberal Party, which was identified with the fascistic Make America Great Again Trump agenda. In effect, speaking on behalf of the military-intelligence apparatus, Johnston told the Labor government that it had to implement the deep cuts to social spending needed to boost the war preparations. He told the ASPI conference that, in preparing the governments 2026 National Defence Strategy: Its my job and that of the department to give government that frank advice and a view of what we need to be doing. He insisted: The Australian community wants education, a health system to look after the elderly, so [we are] making sure we do the best we can to present the issues of national security issues in our country, and we do that unambiguously and without avoiding some of those key areas of risk. Johnston went beyond the Labor governments 2024 National Defence Strategy, which declared that Australia faced the most challenging strategic environment since World War II and the end of a 10-year strategic warning time for conflict. That document publicly named China as the central target, parroting Washingtons propaganda that Beijing had employed coercive tactics throughout the region. It called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, foreshadowing the subordination of all aspects of society, including universities and industry, to war preparations. The 2024 document was based on Labors 2023 Defence Strategic Review, which set out the development of a military impactful projection across the region, to participate in US war plans against China under the Biden administration, as Washington also escalated the NATO war against Russia. At the ASPI event, Johnston went further. He outlined a total reorganisation of the continent. [W]ere having to reconsider Australia as a homeland from which we will conduct combat operations, he said. And that, again, is a very different way almost since the Second World War about how we think of national resilience and preparedness of what we may need to operate and conduct combat operations from this country. And thats everything, from our northern infrastructure, our supply chains, how we integrate with industry, states and territories is quite a different answer to that notion of operating from the homeland. Johnston listed many challenges facing the northern infrastructure. These included limited fuel storage, long supply lines, a lack of adequate medical facilities to deal with trauma for personnel involved in combat, and an absence of industry capable of rapidly repairing equipment damaged in battle. It was a call for larger spending, beyond the defence portfolio, to prepare for war. All federal, state and territory government health, infrastructure and industry programs had to be focused on this. The ABCs Speers commented: It all sounded rather similar to the war-fighting readiness Sir Keir Starmer spoke of in the UK. Not just in the UK but throughout Europe and internationally, governments are rapidly remilitarising and insisting on the need for whole-of-society war readiness as the US ramps up its trade war and military aggression to seek to regain the global hegemony it asserted after World War II. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth also pushed for an integrated defense industrial base to support a US-led war against China, and to shore up supply chains, including for critical war-related minerals. Labors 2024 National Defence Strategy committed the Albanese government to continuing to militarise the north of the Australian continent, making it a launching pad for offensive operations throughout the Indo-Pacific. This includes greater access to ports and air and army bases, the $368 billion acquisition of AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, more frequent visits by US nuclear submarines, fuel storage capabilities for long-range US bombers, the rotational presence of 2,500 US marines near Darwin and expansions to the Pine Gap satellite surveillance station in central Australia. Whatever the Labor governments political calculations in the wake of Hegseths ultimatum, the prime minister has previously spoken about developing a war economy, including through secure supply chains, expanded domestic weapons production and selected manufacturing. Johnstons ASPI appearance is part of a wider campaign, particularly in the Murdoch media, to drum up the war agenda and insist that the Labor government must make a sharper and faster turn regardless of public opposition. In recent days, repeated editorials in the Australian have declared: The PM must level with the public about the hard choices to be made. Today, the newspapers foreign editor Greg Sheridan, who is well-connected in Washington, accused the government of a dismal lack of urgency. As Johnstons remarks indicate, massive military spending increases can be implemented only at the cost of essential social services, such as health, education, aged care and welfare. Even meeting the Trump administrations 3.5 percent demand as soon as possible would, by one estimate, increase this years defence budget of $58 billion to almost $150 billion by the early 2030s, taking inflation into account. Increasingly, the worlds population is being confronted by the danger of World War III. The Trump administration is determined to prevent China from overtaking the US economically, even if it risks engulfing the Indo-Pacific and the world in a nuclear conflagration. In preparation for war, Washington is also demanding the decimation of social spending and basic working-class conditions, and the Albanese government is moving to comply. Postal workers picketing last November during their 32-day strike To get involved in the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee, which fights for workers to seize control of their struggle from the pro-company CUPW apparatus, fill out the form at the end of this article or email: canadapostworkersrfc@gmail.com. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Our struggle is in grave danger! If we dont actively resist the Canadian Union of Postal Workers sabotage and fight to mobilize the full power of the working class in defence of public services and against the Amazon-ification of work, Canada Post and the Carney-led Liberal government will imposeby hook or by crook new contracts that pave the way for massive job cuts, dramatically increased workloads, and the dismantling of the post office. Canada Post is demanding a government-forced vote on its final contract offer. That offer amounts to putting a noose around our collective necks. It would impose dynamic routing across the country, which would see AI intensify workloads by adjusting our routes on a daily basis; and introduce two new categories of flexible part-time workers to provide weekend delivery and slash full-time employment and overtime. In the face of this frontal assault, CUPW has raised the white flag of surrender. Last December, the CUPW bureaucrats enforced the Liberal governments patently illegal use of Section 107 of the Labour Code to outlaw our strike. They ordered us to return to work after 32 days on the picket lines, without workers having any say. We were isolated and kept in the dark, with no mass meetings called to debate the way forward, precisely because CUPW President Jan Simpson and the rest of the National Executive Board knew there was mass rank-and-file support for defying the hated Trudeau-led Liberal governments strikebreaking order and appealing for working class support. Nowonce again behind our backs and without any input from the membershipCUPW wants to surrender our right to strike. The union bureaucracy wants to stop us from opposing Canada Post and corporate Canadas assault on our jobs and working conditions altogether. CUPW is calling on the Liberal government to impose binding arbitration. That would mean the contracts for all 55,000 urban and rural postal workers will be dictated by a third party arbitrator. That is, by a pro-big business labour relations specialist committed to returning the post office to profitability according to the logic of capitalism. In other words, at our expense and by dismantling what remains of the post office as a public service. We would legally be bound hand and foot to the arbitrator-imposed concessionary contracts, without even the right to vote on, approve or reject our terms of employment. Postal workers have a long experience with government-imposed binding arbitration. Most recently, it was the mechanism used to extort or impose by fiat sweeping concessions from us after the Harper Conservative government in 2011 and then the Trudeau Liberal government in 2018 illegalized our strikes. As for today, no one should be under any illusion. The first draft of the arbitrators award has already been written by long-time federal government mediator William Kaplan, in the form of the Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) report. Mandated by the government when it illegalized our strike last December, the IIC did exactly what the government and corporate Canada intended it to do. The IIC called for ending all home mail delivery, closing more rural post offices, expanding the use of privately franchised stores, and ending trapped time, which guarantees full-time letter carriers a full days pay even when we finish our routes early. Given all this, can anyone be surprised that the Liberal government, now led by the central banker and austerity advocate Mark Carney, has welcomed CUPWs call for binding arbitration? At Jobs Minister Patty Hajdus request, contract negotiations resumed Thursday. In accordance with her instructions, Canada Post and CUPW exchanged proposals about what the terms of reference and timelines will be, if and when, binding arbitration is imposed. Hajdu and the Liberal government are playing coy, claiming their preference is still for a negotiated settlement. But no one should be in any doubt. The fix is in. Unless workers intervene, the government, citing CUPW and the NDPs support for binding arbitration, will soon use this mechanism to strip us of the right to strike, and impose savage contract concessions. Possibly as early as next week. Workers must draw a balance sheetat every point CUPW has isolated and sabotaged our struggle. After strangling our national strike, they hailed the IIC as a great democratic forum where our voices would be heard. Then, they went even further by sitting down with Steve MacKinnonthe Labour Minister who banned our striketo plan Canadas trade war measures in retaliation to Trump. We have shown tremendous militancy throughout our struggle, but the CUPW leadership has succeeded to date in repeatedly weakening our position. This is why it is high time for us to take the conduct of our contract fight into our own hands through the building of a network of rank-and-file committees at every depot and sorting facility under the leadership of the PWRFC. Through our rank-and-file committees, we can develop an alternative strategyone based on the broadest possible mobilization of the working class behind us in an industrial and political fight. The issues at the heart of our struggle are of vital concern to all workers. They include the right to strike, the defence of public services, and the use of AI to ensure good-paying, secure jobs for all, not increased worker-exploitation. Winning this fight isnt just about defeating Canada Post management, but big business as a whole and the Liberal government that stands behind it. We must explain to all workers that the ruling class wants to impose a decisive defeat on us to set an example for the onslaught they are preparing across the board as they impose policies of capitalist austerity and war. To fund tens of billions per year in additional military spending, they want to gut public services, and slash workers pay and benefits. We must fight to counterpose to this capitalist logic a socialist program for jobs, public services, and worker rights for all. There is no time to lose! If you agree with this program, we urgently appeal to you to contact the PWRFC today and begin constructing a new rank-and-file leadership at your workplace and beyond. Los Angeles Police Department officers assist immigration Gestapo on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. [AP Photo/Jae C. Hong] Widespread anti-immigrant raids coordinated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were carried out throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area Friday, sparking citywide protests and numerous violent altercations between heavily armed federal agents and unarmed protesters, turning many areas of the city into a war zone. The raids, which began Friday morning, targeted numerous sites in downtown and central Los Angeles, including the Fashion District, the Westlake District, South Los Angeles and Cypress Park, all areas known for their large immigrant populations and labor-intensive industries. Multiple raids occurred at clothing wholesalers such as Ambiance Apparel and other businesses in the Fashion District downtown. At least two Home Depot stores, where day laborers congregate for work, and other businesses were targeted in West Lake, including other day labor centers and a doughnut shop. An additional Ambiance Apparel was raided in South Los Angeles, and Home Depots in the Cypress Park neighborhood. ICE officials were also seen near a school in Koreatown, sparking fear and confusion among students and families. Connie Chung Joe, the chief executive of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, stated she received notice that ICE officials were going to a school in Koreatown, but it is still unclear if ICE agents entered any schools. In downtowns Garment and Fashion district near 9th and Towne street, workers were dragged away and thrown into unmarked white vans. Activists in trucks read instructions over a loudspeaker to those detained inside Ambiance Apparels warehouse, informing them of their rights. Demonstrators attempted to block the convoy of vehicles from leaving, eventually being cleared by pepper spray. Agents are seen in video footage riding on the back of military vehicles as protesters shout for them to leave, throwing objects and denouncing the agents as fascists and pigs. In South Los Angeles a demonstration sprang up at 15th Street and Santa Fe Avenue in response to the detention of workers from Ambiance Apparel. Officers with the LA Police Department (LAPD) established a skirmish line and agents in riot gear attacked the crowd with pepper spray and flash-bang grenades to disperse protesters who were blocking vehicles from leaving with the detained immigrant workers. At least one protester received medical treatment for being pepper-sprayed after being tackled to the ground and forcefully detained. The raids quickly provoked protests which grew to some 500 people who gathered in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Federal Building, which are adjacent to each other. Federal agents and riot police were called in to disperse the crowd. The federal agents showed up in military armored vehicles wearing camo gear and brandishing heavy rifles. Agents deployed flash-bang grenades, pepper grenades and teargas on the unarmed demonstrators. One person threw eggs at one of the military-police vehicles. Video footage from Reuters in front of the LA Federal building and Detention Center shows agents violently tackling a protester and dragging their limp body into the building. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California President David Huerta was injured and detained by federal agents. According to Democratic Congressman Gil Cisneros, Huerta was also tased. Reports indicate that Huerta was knocked down and suffered an injury to his head. Huerta was treated at LA County General Hospital, then transferred to Federal detention and remains in custody, according to a statement from the SEIU. The Los Angeles Police Department declared that the protest taking place outside the Los Angeles Federal building was an unlawful assembly and the estimated 200 protesters remaining were ordered to disperse by 7 p.m. In response to the protests, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, stated publicly, There is not a First Amendment right to physically obstruct law enforcement officers from executing a duly issued warrant. Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe, a spokesperson for HSI branch of ICE, said that a total of 44 people were administratively arrested and one person was arrested for obstruction. OKeefe claimed that agents were executing search warrants in the investigation of businesses suspected harboring of people illegally in the country. One business owner is claimed to have locked ICE agents in his building, prompting charges of obstruction of a federal investigation. HSI military-style vehicles and armed agents were preparing a night raid in Chinatown, with activists calling for a mobilization against ICE at 721 Hill St., as of 10:00 p.m. Friday night. No reports as of this morning indicate the raid occurred, but numerous reports indicate that HSI agents were staging in the area with some in military vehicles and tactical gear. Numerous Democratic Party officials from Los Angeles and throughout California have condemned the raids, although the Democratic Party is equally culpable for attacks on immigrants and deportations, which reached record highs under the Democratic administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Mayor Karen Bass stated she was deeply angered and that the tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. All 15 members of the Los Angeles City Council released a joint statement denouncing the raids and stating the fear tactics employed support extreme political agendas that aim to stoke fear and spread discord in our city. California congressmen Scott Peters and Juan Vargas called for an investigation into the tactics used in Fridays raids, writing to the Department of Homeland Security that it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country. These events raise serious questions about the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the operations as cruel and chaotic, criticizing them as an attempt to meet an arbitrary arrest quota. The comments from Newsom are particularly cynical as his administration is currently seeking to prevent undocumented immigrants from enrolling in healthcare benefits through Medi-Cal, in a move which has been celebrated by the far right. The posturing by the California Democrats at the federal, state, and local level, against the tactics used in raids by federal agents in Los Angeles and San Diego this week, cannot disguise their agreement with the program of mass deportations. Their objection is that the military-style assaults against protesters is too transparently anti-democratic, and they fear that the Trump administration is too obtrusively carrying out mass deportations and provoking anger and social opposition. They present no opposition to the policy of mass deportations, only the tempo and brazenness with which raids have been carried out. There is growing opposition to the Trump administrations vicious assault on immigrants and their families, as demonstrated by the protests against the administrations policies. Demonstrations against raids are increasingly militant, reflecting a deepening mood of opposition. The mass demonstrations in Los Angeles and response by workers and the community represent the growing anger by the working class and youth toward the brutal disappearances of immigrants, but more broadly the intensifying socio-economic crisis facing the working class. Poverty, homelessness and other forms of social misery are increasing, even as the Trump administration is escalating attacks on living conditions and wages, education, healthcare, and all social welfare programs as part of a broader social counterrevolution which workers have faced under Democratic and Republican administrations for decades. The scenes Friday hark back to the mass city-wide protests and violent police repression that were carried out in response to the acquittal of the cops who brutally beat Rodney King in 1991. The mass protests which the ruling class called riots sparked one of the deadliest acts of retaliation by the state and police in US history, producing more casualties, 54 dead and 2,000 injured, than any civil unrest since the Civil War. As the Bulletin, the US predecessor of the World Socialist Web Site, wrote at the time: When 27 cops gather on a Los Angeles street corner, in full public view, to make sport of beating a man to within inches of death, they are not acting as individuals. They are the representatives of a society on the brink of breakdown, where the relations between people have descended to the level of the animal kingdom. They personify a dehumanized society whose ruling class they are hired to defend. The intensified attacks on the immigrant population and the working class as a whole reflect the violent state of class relations and the crisis of the global capitalist system. The growing militarized ICE raids on immigrants and communities throughout the US are only test runs for the ruling class, who will be prepared to deploy far greater force against the population, immigrant and citizen alike, as the social anger directed against capitalism explodes. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, bangs a gavel to signify the start of a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 5, 2025. [AP Photo/Virginia Mayo] At their meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, the defence ministers of the 32 NATO member states laid the groundwork for the largest military build-up in the alliances history. It is to be adopted in a matter of weeks, at the NATO summit in The Hague (June 24-25). This war summit marked a turning point in the preparations for a direct military confrontation with Russia and an devastating escalation of the global war. The summit took place just days after the most recent large-scale Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian airfields, including in the interior of the country. These attacks were almost certainly planned and coordinated with NATO, and represent a further step in the escalating war. The decisions made in Brussels aim to massively expand NATOs military capacity for exactly this type of escalationdirect warfare against Russia. As the World Socialist Web Site has warned, this is leading toward open war between nuclear powers and threatens nothing less than the annihilation of human civilization. (NATO risks nuclear catastrophe with attack on Russian airports) The core decision was to adopt a new set of military capability targets for the next decade, based on a comprehensive threat assessment aiming to massively expand NATOs combat readiness. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the NATO alliance is taking a huge leap forward to become a stronger, fairer and more lethal Alliance. The objectives include the build-up of large manoeuvre formations, air and missile defences, long-range weapons and logistics infrastructure. Rutte made clear that fulfilling these goals will require unprecedented military spending: We will need significantly higher defence spending. That underpins everything. In fact, the benchmark of spending two percent of GDP on defence, agreed at the NATO summit in Wales in 2014, has been rendered obsolete. Rutte stated bluntly that in the face of Russias arms production and the broader global security environment, 2 percent is not enough. The new target set by NATO stands now at 5 percent. In Brussels Rutte explained that 3.5 percent had to be spent just to achieve the agreed military capabilities and targets. But overall at least 5 percent are needed to prepare for war. He said: If a tank is not able to cross a bridge, if our societies are not prepared in case war breaks out, for a whole of society approach, if we are not able to really develop the defense industrial base, then the 3.5 percent is great but then you cannot really defend yourselves If you spent about 3.5 percent on your core defense, then clearly you have at least to spend 5 percent on defense issues. While some of the European powers prefer to remain rather silent about their commitment to the new goals given the vast implications and enormous opposition in the working class German imperialism is particularly aggressive in adopting them. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) welcomed the new targets and stated that Germany, as Europes largest economy, would assume a central role in meeting them. Germany traditionally takes on the second-largest share of NATOs military burden, and it intends to significantly expand this role. Pistorius announced that the Bundeswehr (armed forces) would fully equip all army divisions and brigades and massively invest in the air force and navy. He described this as a generational Kraftakt (herculean effort). Germanys planned war budget dwarfs anything in the countrys postwar history. With the 100 billion special fund from 2022 and the adoption of an additional 1 trillion fund this year, annual defence budgets are surging. As leading government and opposition politicians call to raise military spending to five percent of GDP, the ruling class is openly preparing for total war. Five percent of Germanys GDP would amount to around 225 billion annually. This militarisation has far-reaching implications for the working class. Pistorius left no doubt about who would foot the bill. On public radio, he cynically declared: This country cannot be defended with welfare benefits and education. The government is already redirecting funds earmarked for social and environmental purposes toward armaments. The EU, for example, has made leftover Covid recovery funds available for defence spending, cutting into budgets originally intended for climate and digital investment. The NATO strategy does not only target Russia. Rutte explicitly pointed to a growing bloc of adversaries: Look what is happening between China, North Korea, Iran and Russia... The war drive is global in scope. NATOs stated aim is to ensure its forces can fight not only now, but also in three to five years against any threat. This is why NATO is massively increasing industrial arms production, including in Europe, and calling for extra shifts and new production lines. The NATO Defence Planning Process now explicitly ties the military build-up to economic restructuring. A new investment law in Germany will speed up procurement and expand industrial capacity. The government is also introducing a new conscription-style voluntary military service, modelled on Sweden, to rapidly boost the ranks of the Bundeswehr. Behind talk of security and defending our way of life lies a ruthless imperialist agenda. German capitalism is using the Ukraine war to cast off the last restraints it has felt on the use of military force since the fall of the Nazi regime and to re-emerge as Europes dominant military power. In autumn 2023, Pistorius stated that Germany must become ready for war. CDU leader Friedrich Merz echoed this in his first Bundestag speech as chancellor, declaring: The Bundeswehr will become the strongest conventional army in Europe. This policy, long advocated by the far right, is now the official programme of the entire ruling class. Christian Democrat Johann Wadephul and AfD politicians have long demanded five percent of GDP for defence. Now, this has become government policy, supported by both the CDU and SPD-led ministries. The German governments insane march toward war is effectively backed by all major parties. The Greens, once self-proclaimed pacifists, have become the list fervent advocates of militarism, openly applauding the deployment of the Bundeswehr against Russia. The Left Party criticizes some of the recent measures but only to obscure and safeguard the governments war agenda, while seeking to contain the widespread public opposition. Yet it voted in favor of the 1 trillion war credits in the Bundesrat and later played a key role in securing Merzs swift election as Chancellor in the Bundestag. The consequences of the militarist offensive will be catastrophic. The rearmament agenda means that the ruling class will not only wage war in Europe, but wage war on the social and democratic rights of the working class at home. Just as in the run-up to the First and Second World Wars, the ruling classes in Germany and across Europe and the entire NATO alliance are responding to internal crises and international contradictions by preparing for war and dictatorship. Workers and youth must draw the necessary conclusions. NATOs war policy can only be stopped through the independent political mobilisation of the working class across Europe and internationally, directed against the capitalist system that produces war. The urgent task is the building of a socialist anti-war movement that unites workers in every country on the basis of a common internationalist programme. To join the Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Committee, fill out the form at the end of this article. Chicago teachers march in October, 2019 According to a WBEZ news report, officials at Chicago Public Schools (CPS) wrote a letter to CPS board members on Tuesday outlining possible ways of dealing with the districts $529 million budget deficit. Among the plans being floated by CPS are proposals to delay implementation of parts of the recently concluded teachers contract, including the hiring of librarians, nurses and staff needed to reduce class sizes. These plans completely vindicate the warnings of the WSWS that the contract was brought to teachers under false pretenses, and that educators would come under immediate attack if the Chicago Teachers Union and Johnson administration were allowed to block strike action. Pointing to precedents in Detroit and other cities, the WSWS wrote in an April 6, 2025 statement, titled, Chicago teachers: Reject the CTU sellout agreement and mobilize against Trumps war on public education: But the reality is that any agreement that is signed will be subject to revision or renegotiation once Mayor Brandon Johnson and school officials announce a financial emergency. CPS officials issued their letter following the approval of a budget by the state General Assembly on May 31, which included no additional funding for CPS or other school districts. Even though there was no money in the CPS budget to fund pay raises or any of the other provisions in the new contract, CTU and CPS officials, along with Mayor Brandon Johnson, tried to disarm teachers by claiming they would jointly lobby Springfield for additional state funding. This was despite the fact that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said last July the state would not rescue the school districts that might have been irresponsible with the one-time money they received, referencing the end of federal pandemic funding which school districts around the country, including CPS, were using to plug budget holes and fund necessary programs. According to the new teachers contract, 30 librarians were supposed to be hired in the upcoming school year, and 40 teachers per year were slated to receive training and education to become certified as school librarians. The demand for school librarians has been overwhelmingly popular among parents and teachers in a district where they are currently present in only about 15 percent of schools. At least one was even laid off recently by CPS. Not hiring these librarians in the upcoming year, as well as not hiring needed nurses, would save around $30 million. Additionally, the new contract specified that $40 million per year would be allocated to class size reduction. This provision, which CTU touted as introducing enforceable class size limits, would still leave class sizes dangerously high in many cases and relied on a Joint Class Size Assessment Council with limited authority for enforcement. Ignoring these contract provisions would still leave a $459 million deficit, as well as a separate $175 million pension payment that CPS is supposed to make after Brandon Johnson elected to continue shifting this burden from the citys budget to the school district. This is to say nothing of the impact of cuts to federal funding by the Trump administration for low-income students, English learners and free and reduced meals. In addition, Trump has been threatening the city over its sanctuary city policy and purported commitment to DEI policies. Around 16 percent of CPS funding comes from the federal government. The WSWS warned: In fact, the agreement was pushed through on entirely false pretenses. It not only fails to meet teachers demands for substantial pay improvements to keep up with skyrocketing living expenses, increased staffing and smaller class sizes. It also leaves educators and students exposed to devastating cuts due to the budgetary crisis in the school district, the municipal government and Trumps savage cuts to federal funding. We said: The contract will resolve nothing. It will soon be followed by demands for layoffs, school closures and program cuts due to the $700 million-plus school deficit, which will only be increased due to proposed Republican cuts of 25 percent or more in aid to low-income, disabled and English learner students, along with cuts to free and reduced school meals. Illinois is set to lose pre-school funding for 28,000 children due to cuts in the Head Start program, according to a recent report. Already, the district has announced the layoff of 530 tutors, whose last day was May 30, and reports have indicated more to come. According to Chalkbeat, a presentation given to board members by district leaders indicated that between 1,600 and 1,700 positions based inside schools could be cut. The WBEZ report noted that some CPS officials and board members have said borrowing is on the table to address the shortfall. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez strongly opposed taking out loans to cover the budget shortfall despite being urged to by Johnson, eventually leading to the formers firing. Credit rating agencies Moodys and S&P both warned CPS during contract negotiations that relying on borrowing would result in a credit downgrade and increased future borrowing costs. Even if the district were to take out loans to cover part of the shortfall, it would only be a small reprieve that would set the stage for even larger deficits and layoffs for the next budget year. But it would not stave off the need for layoffs entirely. Teacher positions are being cut already at many schools, according to recent posts shared on a Facebook group for Chicago teachers. One educator said, Our union had a meeting after school indicating we might need to cut 12 (!) sped [special education] positions. Considering the gains we made in our new contract with librarian positions, is it possible we will be required to let go of CURRENT staff at the expense of hiring NEW staff? This feels disruptive to the culture that many schools have established. Other educators chimed in, with one responding, We had cuts and we are pretty high on the opportunity index. Another noted, A lot of cuts. Truly dont know how we are going to make it work. A third added, A lot of cuts admin said 5 sped positions and a SECA [special education classroom assistant]. He then said cuts to general staff as well. So maybe looking at clerks or office staff as well as non Sped teaching staff? Yet another educator expressed anger, saying, Its unbelievable that cuts include one SECA from the 2 SECAS in the k-2 Cluster room! The room cant be run effectively with just one SECA and one SPED teacher. What a travesty! CTU bureaucrat Nora Flanagan answered the first educator, responding that No school will be forced to hire a librarian. She continued, saying complacently that Threatened/theoretical cuts happen every year, and we organize to fight them every year. (Its being discussed at HoD Q&A right now, so ask your delegate tomorrow for more info.) For its part, CTU leadership has limited itself to issuing legal threats to CPS. CTU president Stacy Davis Gates called the CPS proposals attempts at vindictive sabotage, and appealed to the legality of the contract. She wrote, To be clear, the district does not have the option of delaying investments it is contractually obligated to make under our (collective bargaining agreement), for FY26 or any other year of the agreement. Urging educators to rely on the capitalist courts for salvation, particularly under conditions in which Trump is openly flouting judges decisions, is a dead end. The courts are not neutral arbiters but tools of the most powerful corporate and financial interests. Moreover, even on the slim chance some judge ruled in favor of the CTU bureaucracylargely to prop up its credibilityalternative means would be found to impose equally devastating cuts. It should be remembered that last December, the courts weighed in on the side of Martinez, who had recently been fired by the CPS board, issuing a temporary restraining order preventing CTU-aligned CPS board members from being involved in contract negotiations or interfering with him. Furthermore, the CTU contract (Appendix H) explicitly allows the district wide latitude to carry out layoffs by eliminating or reducing positions and even allows for increased class sizes due to lack of funds at the district, unit, or school level. CPS teachers must not allow the CTU to restrict opposition to layoffs to the legal plane. The CTU and Democratic Party worked above all to prevent strike action by Chicago teachers during the run-up to the contract, afraid that they would lose control over the situation and allow teachers to galvanize a more general working class opposition to the policies of the Trump administration. But that is exactly what is needed. Educators should draw the conclusions of this betrayal by the CTU and its apologists in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and other pseudo-left organizations, and build new organs of self-determination for teachers. As the WSWS recently noted: To defend public education, educators must organize independently of the CTU bureaucracy and the Democratic Party. Rank-and-file committees must be formed in every school and neighborhoodnot to petition the powers-that-be but to fight all layoffs, school closures and budget cuts. These committees will unite Chicago educators with their counterparts in New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other districts where teachers are facing massive budget cuts or upcoming contract battles. What is needed is an industrial and political counteroffensive to defend the right to high-quality public education against Trumps drive to destroy public schooling. The Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Committee will be reaching out to the 77,000 educators on the West Coast and 14,000 Philadelphia teachers, and help them draw the lessons from Chicago and assist them in building rank-and-file committees for the struggle ahead. To join the Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Committee, fill out the form below. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping [AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, Alexandr Demyanchuk] Talks between China and the US over tariffs and trade will resume on Monday in London after it appeared that the 90-day truce agreed to last month in Geneva was about to collapse. After considerable pushing by Washington, US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation on Thursday lasting an hour and a half. The conversation was preceded by a rising tide of accusations. The US claimed that China was slowing the rollout of approvals for the export of rare earth products, vital for key sections of US industry, while China pointed to new bans on the export of US technology and the threat to exclude Chinese students from study in the US. On Monday, a government statement from Beijing warned that China was prepared to take resolute and forceful measures to defend its interests. It said the moves to tighten controls on US technology, bans on the export of advanced jet engine components and the plans to revoke visas for thousands of students in the US were unilateral and discriminatory actions contrary to the Geneva agreement. That agreement to hold off on the economic war, which saw the US raise tariffs on all Chinese goods to 145 percent, was that tariff and other restrictive measures would be suspended for 90 days to allow discussions. On Wednesday Trump had described Xi as extremely hard to make a deal with, as Washington continued to raise the prospect of a phone call between the two presidents. While the call went ahead, the differing responses on its outcome made clear that nothing fundamental has been resolved. Trump, who always tries to present himself as a great negotiator, described the call as very good when speaking to reporters at the White House. On social media, he said that the talks resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries. There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of rare earth products, Trump wrote. He told reporters that any complexity had been straightened out and were in very good shape with China and the trade deal. However, there were no details as to what such a deal might involve, only that discussions between two high-level teams would be held as soon as possible. The report by the official Xinhua News Agency was somewhat different. It said it had been initiated at Trumps request and Xi urged him to remove negative measures. It made no mention of rare earths and whether controls on their supply would be loosened. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, former senior IMF official on China, now an economics professor at Cornell University, Eswar Prasad, said: The asymmetry in Beijings and Washingtons reporting of the call suggests that Xi held to a tough line and Trump did not get much acquiescence to his demands. The lifting of controls over the export of rare earths has been central to the immediate demands of the US because it is among the most powerful means Beijing has in the struggle to push back against the US. Rare earths are needed for many aspects of high-tech production. China produces almost 70 percent of the critical minerals needed for making fighter jets, nuclear reactor control rods and auto production. Rare earths are needed in the production of magnets that can operate at high temperatures in electric vehicles. The problem for the US is that while rare earths are, despite their name, relatively abundant, their refinement is a costly process. China has a near monopoly of refining capacity, for instance controlling 90 percent of the supply of the elements needed in high-temperature magnets. Countries that have rare earths have to send them to China for processing. In recent weeks, car companies in the US and elsewhere have warned they could be forced to stopping production because of the lack of supplies. Last month, Ford suspended production of one of its models for a week because of a rare earth shortage. Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) noted that, with the exports of these minerals from China having virtually ground to a halt, car makers faced hard decisions about whether they can continue to keep some plants operating. Last month, it reported, industry groups representing most automakers and parts suppliers told the Trump administration that vehicle production could be reduced or shut down imminently without more rare-earth components from China. The mainstream media analysis of the conflict mostly consists of expressions of mystification or ignorance over Trumps objectives as he goes violently one way, with tariff hikes, then the other, saying they were a tool to enable negotiations which are sure to lead to a deal. Typical was a recent comment by senior Financial Times columnist Edward Luce entitled, The great Trump riddle on China. He wrote that Trumps phone call with Xi was unlikely to lift our confusion. Luce is either seeking to cover over the real objectives of US policy because he does not want to draw the conclusions which flow from such an analysis, or he simply cannot see the wood for the trees. In any case, the US objectives are in plain sight. They have been articulated for years in numerous documents issued by the military and intelligence establishment and by related think tanks. The US aims to crush the economic rise of China, above all in the area of high-tech, because this is regarded as the greatest threat to continued US global dominance. Chinas development must be prevented at all costs, including, if necessary, by military means. Luce even tried to maintain that the Chinese are as confused about Trumps endgame as everyone else. Beijing is not confused. It knows very well, at least since the Obama administrations pivot to Asia in 2011, stridently pushed forward by his secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and the build-up of military encirclement. Together with subsequent tariff and other restrictions, starting under the first Trump administration and deepened under Biden, it makes clear the endgame is the suppression of China. The policies of the second Trump regime are not simply a continuation of the past. They are an intensification of the economic attacks, leading to the use of military force, arising from the very logic of events. The US has not resorted as its first choice to military meansa course of action with incalculable consequences and no guarantee of success. In China, the US is confronting not Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria but a powerful military force, with nuclear weapons, backed by a huge industrial base. The first choice has been to use economic methods of coercion, starting with tariffs and extending to restrictions on the use of American technology. But this program has been a manifest failure, as noted in a WSJ article titled The US plan to hobble China tech isnt working, published last month. The US has tried almost everything to win the tech race against Chinaacross areas as varied as AI, energy, autonomous vehicles, drones and EVs. So far, none of it has worked. Chinas EVs are cheaper and by many measures better than Americas. The country dominates in consumer drones. China produces the lions share of the worlds solar panels and batteries. And while the US and its allies maintain a narrow lead in advanced microchips and AI, the gap appears to be closing faster than ever. Many other issues could also be cited, including the advancement in China of automated factory production outstripping what exists in the US. That fact was noted by New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman after a visit to China, in an article entitled, I just saw the future. It was not in America. Faced with these realities, Trump went va banque, all in, on April 2 with his so-called reciprocal tariffs. But when these measures threatened to blow up the US financial system, he had to sue for a 90-day truce to allow negotiations. There can be no resolution, however, through talks or deals, because the essential demand of the US is that Chinese economic development cease, to which the Xi regime cannot and will not agree. This is why, in the wake of the reciprocal tariff debacle, which has provoked criticism and opposition within sections of the US ruling class, the military option has come increasingly to the fore. This was evidenced by the bellicose address by defence secretary Pete Hegseth to the annual top-level Shangri-la Dialogue last weekend. Hegseth warned war with China could be imminent and demanded US allies in Asia prepare for it by massively increasing their military spending. The implications for the working class of the tariff and economic war are clear. It must not allow itself to be confused and blindsided by the mystification purveyed in the capitalist media but act on the objective logic of events now rapidly unfolding. That means initiating a political fight to develop an independent and internationalist socialist movement based on the overthrow of the capitalist system and its destructive economic irrationality, which is inexorably leading to the outbreak of a new world war. In a recent interview with Tageszeitung (taz), right-wing military historian Sonke Neitzel openly rehabilitates Hitlers Army, the Wehrmacht, and its criminal traditions. Under the headline As a republic, we need a democratic warrior, Neitzel not only calls for the reintroduction of compulsory military service, but also a return to the warrior virtues and military traditions of the Nazis. Sonke Neitzel [Photo by Das blaue Sofa / Club Bertelsmann. / CC BY-SA 2.0 Neitzels interview comes at a time when German imperialism is once again marching eastwards and preparing for an all-out war against the nuclear power Russia. With the deployment of a permanent combat brigade in Lithuania near the Russian border, Berlin has opened a new chapter in German war policy. Eighty years after Hitlers war of annihilation against the Soviet Union, German tanks and soldiers are once again being mobilised against Russia. And once again, the propaganda about the alleged protection and defence of Germany and Europe against the Russian aggressor is being used to prepare for a war of aggression. Neitzels contribution to this development is ideological. The de-civilianisation of the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) that he calls for aims to prepare German soldiers and the entire population for new large-scale military offensivesand to make the murderous logic of an aggressive imperialist war policy socially acceptable again. According to Neitzel, soldiers should not only protect lives but also take lives, something which had long been denied in Germany. What Neitzel cynically refers to as the democratic warrior is in fact the fascist warriorwho combines a willingness for total subordination to the state with an ideological justification of murder and annihilation. In the taz, he puts it quite bluntly: The task of soldiers is ultimately: fight, kill, die. He explicitly looks to the greatest killing machine in human history as a role model: Hitlers Wehrmacht. It is not about copying the content of the Wehrmacht, but about recognising how important soldier cultures are for the cohesion of troops and state, says Neitzel. The Wehrmacht system was relatively clever in this respect, he claims. The fact that the soldier cultures he praises, which he also refers to as tribal cultures, were linked to the war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and the Holocaust of six million Jews, the greatest crimes in human history, does not bother Neitzel. He says, As an institution, the Wehrmacht dealt intensively with and understood soldier cultures: I have to convey identity, cohesion and motivation to soldiers. How do I do that? With songs, with uniforms, with honours, with badges that work for soldiers who are in such a fight. Neitzels intention is clear: he wants to prepare the Bundeswehr for another war against Russia in the spirit of the Wehrmacht and revive the traditions of the Nazis. The point is that a republic should also understand how tribal cultures work in order to utilise them to its best advantage, he demands. To make it concrete: Why does every grimy Panzer operative still know the 1935 Panzerlied (a Nazi song popular in the tank corps)? Because its a song that works for the social reality of armoured troops. The song contains the verses: When an enemy army appears in front of us, we go full throttle and go for the enemy! And: To die for Germany is our highest honour. By the social reality of armoured troops, Neitzel and the ruling class once again mean war against Russia. If the German 45th armoured brigade, which is stationed in Lithuania, possibly has to fight, then it wont be 59 coffins coming back like from Afghanistan, but perhaps 2,000, warns Neitzel. He is almost exasperated by the fact that the majority of Germans do not have a positive attitude towards war after the terrible crimes committed in two world wars. Hence his call for the reintroduction of conscription. He regrets that Germans think of the Second World War when they think about war: For Germans, war is genocide and mass murder. But it is precisely these traditions that Neitzel wants to return to. He laments the fact that, unlike under the Nazis, the mentality of sacrifice no longer plays a role today: We talk about values, but not about a willingness to sacrifice and sacrifice as a concept. Zero. Sacrifice played a major role as a concept under National Socialism [Nazism], and of course we dont talk about that. Neitzel not only wants to sacrifice young people for the predatory interests of German imperialismif necessary, he is prepared to see the entire population consumed by war. Even women and older people should not be exempt from compulsory military service and active participation in combat. Many older men are fighting in Ukraine. ... The oldest man the Bundeswehr has trained was 71 years old, he claims provocatively. And he didnt sit in the office, he went to the front. Neitzels interview is no slip-up. For years, he has been involved in a comprehensive campaign aimed at relativising the crimes of German imperialism in order to prepare new ones. Back in 2014, he spoke at the German Historical Museum together with the radical right-wing Humboldt Professor Jorg Baberowski (Hitler was not vicious), where the latter openly advocated war crimes such as taking hostages, burning down villages and spreading fear and terror in order to win wars. Neitzel also played a leading role in the campaign to rehabilitate German imperialism in the First World War. Like the second infamous and now retired war professor at Humboldt University, Herfried Munkler, he tried to erase the evidence of German responsibility for the outbreak of the First World War assembled by the renown historian Fritz Fischer. Then as now, the aim was to exonerate German militarism of all guiltto make it capable of acting and waging war again. The fact that Neitzels positions are not on the fringes but at the centre of the politics of the ruling class is demonstrated by his influence on the policies concerning the traditions of the Bundeswehr, his proximity to the Centre for Military History and his involvement in security policy strategy papers. Significantly, last July the Bundeswehr issued Supplementary Notes on the Guidelines on the Understanding and Cultivation of Tradition in the Bundeswehr, which explicitly identify leading generals and officers of the Nazi Wehrmacht as being tradition-creating and identity-creating for the Bundeswehr. After a public outcry forced the Bundeswehr leadership to at least officially revoke the Supplementary Notes, Neitzel is now going on the offensive again. His initiative is part of the criminal agenda of a ruling class that is determined to become a world power againwith all the consequences. While Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (Social Democrat, SPD) is calling for Germany to become war-ready and the Merz government is preparing an arms budget of five percent of GDP, Neitzel and co. are arming themselves ideologically. The fact that Neitzels interview appears in taz, the Green Partys in-house newspaper, speaks volumes about the right-wing turn of the formerly pacifist milieu of the wealthy petty bourgeoisie. Under conditions of war, growing conflicts between the imperialist powers and explosive social polarisation, these layers are now discovering sympathies for Hitlers Wehrmacht in order to defend their own sinecures and interests both at home and abroad. As early as 2014, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) warned that the ruling class was relativising its historical crimes in order to repeat them. What is currently unfolding is a deliberate, systematic recourse to the darkest chapters of German historyand their transformation into a current strategy for military dominance in Europe and beyonda third German grab for world power, to paraphrase the title of Fritz Fischers seminal work. Workers and young people must respond to this madness by building an international socialist anti-war movement. The terrible crimes of the past must not be allowed to serve as a model for new atrocities. The agenda of the ruling classfascism, militarism, falsification of history and imperialist war policymust be countered by the working class with its own programme of socialist and revolutionary internationalism. On January 19, the Socialist Equality Party held an international meeting in memory of Wolfgang Weber, who died on November 16 after a serious illness. Wolfgang Weber was an outstanding fighter for Trotskyism and longtime Central Committee member of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP) (Socialist Equality Party, Germany). Following the speeches by Ulrich Rippert and Christoph Vandreier, we are publishing further contributions from the event here. Further obituaries, as well as important books and articles by Wolfgang Weber, can be found on this page. Wolfgang Weber at the party congress of the SGP in 2010 Chris Marsden (Socialist Equality Party, Britain) Comrade Wolfgang was an extraordinary man. There was nothing showy or boastful about him. He dressed modestly, spoke softly, listened to what you said. But when he did speak he did so with an authority that reflected a lifetime of study and political work. And he was driven to study, to discuss, to speak by profoundly held political convictions. I cannot speak as someone who was personally close to Wolfgang, and their experience will not be mine. But I dont recall many discussions that were small talk, or polite inquiry. Wolfgang wanted to speak about politics and history, contemporary developments, especially with comrades from overseas. He wanted to know your take on things, not just to tell you his own. And he asked the questions that mattered, which made you think hard and strive for precision, context, to explore contradictions. He made you reach for the high standards that he set for himself. Likewise, with his interventions in political meetings and party schools. His contributions were carefully prepared, thoughtful, above all, historically rooted. He wanted to elevate the discussion to focus on essentials. And he could do so because he had done the necessary work, possessing an extraordinary intellect but also one shaped by intense political struggle. In the aftermath of the split, as members of the British section began a now decades-long political collaboration with our German comrades, Wolfgang played a significant part in our re-education and familiarisation in the historic conquests of the Trotskyist movement. And that is the essential, defining characteristic of Comrade Wolfgang. We are not dealing with mere personal traits. Wolfgang was a Trotskyist, with all that this implies. Our tendency is a movement of history, as Comrade North has stressed again and again. And an assimilation of its protracted struggle for capitalisms overthrow is the only way to really understand the often-tragic experiences through which humanity and the working class has passed in the 20th century. That is why Wolfgang, who was animated by a deeply felt need to understand why the horrors of fascism emerged in Germany, took the decision to join this movement and to dedicate half a century of his life to building it. He understood that it was the betrayal and derailing of socialist revolution by Stalinism that had such devastating consequences for Germany, Europe and the world and determined to build the International Committee of the Fourth International as the world party of socialist revolution. We who mark his passing today understand very well the role of generations in our movement, especially that generation which came into struggle in the 1970s without which the continuity of Trotskyism could have been broken by the degeneration and betrayals of the Workers Revolutionary Party. Wolfgang and the BSA leadership rallied to the struggle waged against the WRPs betrayal of Trotskyism, becoming part of the living link to the historic struggle of the ICFI to resolve the crisis of revolutionary leadership. From that time onwards, Wolfgang sought in his writings, spoken contributions, and above all in his relations with cadre, old and new, from Germany and internationally, to animate the lessons of the past as a guide to the essential political conflicts of our present. This took the form of a historically grounded offensive against Stalinism, German social democracy, the WRP renegades, Pabloites and state capitalistsincluding his part in exposing the filthy lies about Trotsky of Robert Service. For all of this, Wolfgang has an honoured place in our movement and will be remembered by those now coming forward in the fight against war and fascist reaction, and for socialism. Ulrich Rippert, Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, Germany) V. Gana (Parti de legalite socialiste, France) I bring greetings from the Parti de legalite socialiste to this commemoration of Comrade Wolfgang Webers life. He is remembered by his comrades in France as a tireless fighter for Trotskyism, against Stalinism, Pabloism and all forms of petty-bourgeois anti-Trotskyist revisionism. As he fought to bring Trotskyism to the European working class, he collaborated over decades with comrades fighting to build a section of the ICFI in France. I first met Comrade Wolfgang at the end of the 1980s. As part of a group of refugees in France breaking with Tamil nationalism to support Trotskyism, we traveled to a summer camp of the German section in Darmstadt. Comrade Wolfgang was one of the comrades who spoke with us there. He asked me where I came from, my political past and about our experiences inside the Tamil bourgeois nationalist movement against the Sri Lankan capitalist state. Comrade Wolfgang stressed the great political lessons of the ICFIs recent split with the nationalist renegades in the WRP. He urged us to study David Norths writings on the WRP, the WRP renegades adaptation to Middle Eastern bourgeois nationalism, and how this had affected millions of workers in the region. These great lessons were essential to building a nucleus of Tamil workers fighting for the perspectives of the ICFI in France. Comrade Wolfgang repeatedly came to France with other leading members of the German section, notably during the 1995 rail strike against the Juppe government. He always stressed the importance of building our party in France and the protracted political struggle that would be required. Comrade Wolfgang understood profoundly the power of the ICFIs response to globalization and the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union. At a meeting of the German section that we attended in Essen, he spoke in support the ICFIs launch of the WSWS in 1997. Stressing the significance of the newspapers previously published by our national sections, he explained the critical importance of an internationally-coordinated online publication through which the ICFI speaks to the world working class. He always spoke powerfully for the initiatives of the German section that prepared the founding of our party in France. We warmly remember his leading role in alerting German historians and the German public to Comrade Norths exposure of Robert Services slanderous biography of Trotsky, opposing the publication of the German edition of Services hack work. It is a critical chapter in the ICFIs great struggle against the post-Soviet school of historical falsification. We remember how Comrade Wolfgang strongly supported the decision to legally challenge the Verfassungsschutzs false, anti-communist classification of our German section as extremist. He thus played an important role in the struggle against German remilitarization and the legitimization of fascism and militarism that placed the SGP at the center of the political struggles of the working class not only in Germany but across Europe. The intensification of our collaboration with comrades in Germany and across Europe is the most fitting way to commemorate the internationalism and the political commitment that Comrade Wolfgang brought to the work of the ICFI. Christoph Vandrier (Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, Germany) Peter Symonds (Socialist Equality Party, Australia) On behalf of the Socialist Equality Party in Australia, I would like to pay tribute to Wolfgang Weber, a veteran fighter for Trotskyism, that is, for the liberation of the working class and a socialist future for humanity. Wolfgang was a member of the International Committee of the Fourth International for more than 50 years of his life, which encompasses half of the history of the Trotskyist movement from the founding of the Left Opposition to today. As a member of the German section of the ICFI, the League of Socialist Workers (BSA), he stood with the ICFI against the renegades of the Workers Revolutionary Party leadershipGerry Healy, Cliff Slaughter and Mike Bandain the decisive split of 1985-86 that marked the victory of the orthodox Trotskyists over Pabloite opportunism. Wolfgangs writings were voluminous and far too extensive to deal with in any detail here. But they were preoccupied with the great historical questions of the 20th centurythe 1917 Russian Revolution and its degeneration under the Stalinist bureaucracy, and Nazism in Germany. Trotskys writings provided the political key to understanding both Stalinism and its responsibility for the rise to power of Hitler in 1933. Wolfgang made an imperishable contribution to the renaissance of Marxism in the ICFI in the wake of the split with the WRP renegades. I want to focus on just one aspecthis book Solidarity in Poland 1980-1981 and the Perspective of Political Revolution published in German in 1987 and English in 1989. I got to know Wolfgang in 1988 when we were in Detroit for a period as part of the discussions surrounding the 1988 international perspectives document. At his request, I played a very small role in preparing the English-language edition of the book by polishing the translation. We spent not a few hours discussing the choice of words, phrases, commas, the peculiarities of the English language, and the politics of Solidarity, among many other issues. Wolfgangs approach to it all was meticulous. The book was part of the ongoing political exposure of the WRP renegades, who had played a pernicious political role during the mass strikes of Polish workers in 1980-81 and the formation of independent Solidarity trade unions. While the strike movement demonstrated the enormous political strength of the working class, its great weakness lay in the political perspective of its leadership under Lech Walesato pressure the Stalinist regime for reforms. The Pabloites, who had abandoned the Trotskyist perspective of political revolution, reinforced the reformist program of the Solidarity leaders and associated intellectuals, such as Jacek Kuron. The WRP simply ignored the decisive question of revolutionary leadership and glorified the spontaneous movement of the working class. In its statement of December 1980, the WRP declared that the struggle of the Solidarity movement for independent unions and the right to strike was entirely in line with the policy of Lenin and Trotsky. It continued: Regardless of its immediate policy and leadership, the working class of Poland is now thrust into the forefront of the world socialist revolution. The statement was just one expression of the WRPs infamous new world reality of the undefeated nature of the working class, which, for all its radical sounding phrases, was the political means for the WRPs adaptation to the existing leaderships of the working class. According to the WRP, everything expressed the undefeated working classin Poland, both the mass strikes and the crushing of the Solidarity movement in 1981. As Wolfgang pointed out what the WRP failed to do was to examine what kind of immediate policy and leadership the Polish working class had, and to point out reformist limitations and expose its petty-bourgeois advisers. He noted that similarity with the spontaneous conceptions of the German Pabloite Winfried Wolf, who had dismissed the necessity of revolutionary leadership with the phrase: What counts is not what the revolutionary actors thinkIt is only their action that is decisive. Wolfgangs book subjected the politics of its Solidarity leadership and, in particular, figures like Kuron to a withering critique, along with the different but equally treacherous roles of the Pabloites and the WRP leadership. These layers regarded the Stalinist regimes as permanent, historically necessary features of world politics right at the point when they were heading for disaster. Wolfgangs book was part of the work of the IC by David North and others in analysing the crisis of Stalinism and seeking to clarify for workers the necessity of Trotskys perspective of political revolution to oust the Stalinist bureaucracies as a component of the world socialist revolution. In 1988, events were moving rapidly. Wolfgang felt compelled to add an epilogue to the English-language edition examining the reemergence of strikes in Poland and Gorbachevs pro-market Perestroika policies. The collapse of the Stalinist regimes in Eastern Europe, beginning with the bringing down of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 and leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, resulted in capitalist restoration. This was in no small part due to the political roles of the Pabloites and the WRP, who had hailed Gorbachev as the vehicle for political revolution. In Poland, it was starkly exposed by the installation of Walesa as president in December 1990 who presided over the return of capitalist market relations. I have referred to just one aspect of Wolfgangs prodigious work, which epitomised his approach to political issuesrigorous, scientific and, above all, committed to clarifying the working class in the best traditions of Marxism. I also regarded Wolfgang as a friend, not that, given that Australia lies at the ends of the earth, one could just drop around for a cup of coffee. But we were able to speak at various international meetings. He stayed with me on the occasion that he was in Australia, and in 2010, when I was in Germany, kindly invited me to make a trip to Munich, where he treated me to his hospitality and showed me the sitesnot the tourist ones but those of significance to the working class. Wolfgang was a highly cultured, warm and generous comrade with a subtle sense of humour. His premature death is a loss to the International Committee and the international working class. He will be greatly missed by his comrades, friends and particularly, his familyhis companion Annie and their children. It is certainly fitting that we commemorate his life and work today. Deepal Jayasekera (Socialist Equality Party, Sri Lanka) Dear comrades, On behalf of all members and supporters of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka, I bring greetings to this memorial meetings and also pay revolutionary tribute to the memory of Comrade Wolfgang Weber. His death is an immense loss not only for the SGP but also for the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) as a whole. His dedication to the struggle to defend and develop Trotskyist principles of international socialism is a real inspiration for all of us in the SEP and other sections of the ICFI. As I learned through the WSWS, Comrade Wolfgang played a crucial role in defending historical truth, mainly in the struggle of the Trotskyist movement against the Stalinist bureaucracy, which carried out treacherous betrayals of Soviet and international working class. He fully utilized his immense intellectual capacity in this revolutionary effort to establish the powerful legacy of historical struggle by the Trotskyist movement against the counterrevolutionary Stalinist bureaucracy. It has been crucial for the political education of the cadres of the IC and also new layers of workers and youth who have been attracted to our movement. We learned about Comrade Wolfgang as a leading member of the BSA, the predecessor of the SGP, mainly as the editor of the Neue Arbeiter Presse, organ of the BSA. I had the opportunity to meet Comrade Wolfgang. The first time I met him was in 1991, when I traveled to Berlin as a part of the delegation of the Revolutionary Communist League (RCL), the predecessor the SEP, to the Berlin Conference organized by the ICFI against imperialist war. During that visit, I also participated in an international meeting to discuss the editorial work of the IC sections. Wolfgang, in his capacity as the editor of the Neue Arbeiter Presse, took part in this meeting and spoke. Also I recall meeting with him in Australia between December 1995 and January 1996 at the summer school hosted by the Socialist Labour League (SLL), the predecessor the SEP in Australia. It was my first visit to the Australian section. Yes, during that time, I stayed with Wolfgang at Comrade Peter Symonds apartment. The theme of that summer school was the ICFIs split with the WRP renegades in 1985-86. When he visited Australia, Wolfgang had visited Paris, as a member of the IC team, which intervened in the general strike in France in November-December 1985 against Prime Minister Alain Juppes economic reform measures, including a pay freeze in the public sector. Wolfgang had written a series of articles analyzing the French general strike. During a special evening session held during the summer school, Wolfgang delivered a report drawing crucial political lessons from his experiences in intervening in the general strike. And also later too, during my several visits to Berlin for international party events, I had the opportunity to meet Wolfgang. During those occasions, I learned much from his contributions elaborating on the program and perspective of international socialism. The legacy of Comrade Wolfgang will live forever in the cadre of the SGP and the ICFI. Long live the memory of Comrade Wolfgang! K. Nesan (Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, Germany) Dear Comrades, It is a privilege to make some points on the memory of a lifelong revolutionary and comrade, Wolfgang Weber. Even though Wolfgang was seriously ill for the last five years, he successfully managed to control the harshness of his sickness so that it would not undermine his revolutionary spirit as he carried out his political work. Whenever he spokewhether in a national committee meeting, a party school or at a public meetinghis smooth tempo, concentrated and determined style overpowered his sickness. His only aim was to fight for the political independence of the working class embodied in the International Committee of the Fourth International. As a strong and dedicated fighter for Trotskyism, his contributions were rooted in the historical lessons of the Marxist movement in developing and explaining the internationalist perspective in the fight against German militarism and imperialist war in Ukraine and Gaza. He was confident in the analysis of the International Committee that the present decade is the decade of socialist revolution. In his contributions he always pointed out the developing class struggles around the world against mass layoffs and social cuts and the development of the opposition against war. In October, one month prior to his death, we had a discussion in the National Committee on the recruitment of new members to the party. He said the discussion demonstrated that there had been a fundamental change in class relations, paving the way to recruiting workers. He said: We must fight for this clarity by constantly working through and educating workers in the lessons of the history of the class struggles in the 20th centurylessons that have only been learned and documented in the history of the Fourth International and the ICFI. After the split with the WRP, the German section, the Bund Sozialistischer Arbeiter (BSA), started to work intensively among the Tamil exile community, first organising a meeting with Keerthi Balasuriya in early 1987 in Stuttgart. This meeting was attended by a large number of youth. It was a decisive political turn among the Tamil workers and youth. Together with Peter, Uli and Ludwig, Wolfgang played an important role in recruiting and educating Tamil workers to the party. Many in the Tamil exile community which supported various armed groups understood the dead end of their politics during their negotiations with the Indian government which led to the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. It was a reactionary accord, which paved the way to the invasion of the Indian Army in the North and East of Sri Lanka, massacring thousands of civilians. The International Committee opposed this accord and published a statement in November 1987, The situation of Sri Lanka and the Tasks of the Revolutionary Communist League. In early 1988, I met Wolfgang at a meeting that discussed this statement in Stuttgart. He spoke in English, and I was his translator into Tamil. Wolfgang spoke in detail on the theory of permanent revolution. He insisted on the unification and mobilisation of the Sinhala and Tamil people under the leadership of the working class for a socialist perspective, represented by the International Committee. The democratic demands of the Tamil masses could only be achieved through a socialist revolution. It is appropriate to recall Wolfgangs answer to a question related to the support the JVP was getting in the rural areas in Sri Lanka. Wolfgang explained that the JVPs influence among the rural poor was the result of the betrayal of the LSSP and CP, and this can only be prevented through the intervention of the working class. Wolfgang said the JVP represented neither the workers nor the rural poor. It represented the interests of sections of the Sri Lankan bourgeoisie. He further said that the JVPs opposition to the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was chauvinistic in its support for the anti-Tamil war. The International Committees opposition to the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was based on socialist principles, that is, to unify the working class to fight against the reactionary national bourgeoisie and the betrayal of LSSP. In the background of the present JVP/NPP government, which is implementing the IMFs austerity demands on the working class, Wolfgangs answer was highly relevant. Wolfgang had a close political relationship with Tamil members. During the summer camps in between sessions, he used to discuss political issues at length, as well as topics related to film, music and literature. Over the years at party conferences and schools, he would meet with us and also hold discussions with each of us. In June 2022 prior to his 70th birthday celebration, he was keen to confirm whether Tamil-speaking comrades would be participating in the event. Wolfgangs contribution in the event was directed at the political education of the young comrades, sharing his own experiences when he joined the party and what political issues were involved at that time. Uli also spoke in detail about that, a task that he undertook at every opportunity. Even months before his passing, he maintained his humour. Once he needed a comrades help in installing a program on his computer. After receiving the instructions, he wrote back, Aha, all right! Ill make sure I install it over the next few days and let you know if I end up in a ditch! Wolfgang is no longer with us. But his lifelong fight to build the party of socialist internationalism will inspire millions of workers and youth in the developing mass struggles of the working class. Peter Schwarz (Socialist Equality Party, Germany) I knew Wolfgang for 50 years, initially and briefly when he still lived in Munich, then after his move to Essen, through our daily collaboration. Its hard to believe hes no longer with us. He was part of a generation that, like myself, came to Trotskyism through confronting the issue of National Socialism. The question How was it possible? troubled hundreds of thousands of people at the time. Wolfgang found the answer in Trotsky. The mass strikes in England and the important role played in them by the Socialist Labour League clearly demonstrated to him that building a revolutionary movement in the working class was not only necessary but also possible. Ever since, Wolfgang has been a Trotskyist, a socialist and a convinced internationalist. The large international turnout at this commemoration event confirms this. For Wolfgang, there was never any doubt that the ICFIand only the ICFIis the only revolutionary, Marxist party. When the ICFI broke with the WRP renegades in 1985, Wolfgang stood firmly on the side of the ICFI. The question that preoccupied Wolfgang more than any other was that of Stalinism. It is no coincidence that two of his three books, published by Arbeiterpresse Verlag, now Mehring Verlag, address this question: GDR40 Years of Stalinism and Solidarity 19801981. Germany is not only the land of Nazi barbarismIt is also the land of Marx and Engels, the first Marxist mass party under the leadership of August Bebel and Wilhelm Liebknecht and the largest Communist Party outside the Soviet Union. The betrayal of the Social Democratic Party, which abandoned its opposition to German militarism in August 1914 and embarked on a course of war, was relatively easy to understand. For four decades the party sailed under the banner of Marxism and grew steadily but never had a single opportunity for a revolutionary test of strength. These conditions created a conservative layer at its top that came to terms with bourgeois rule, supported the war in 1914, strangled the proletarian revolution in 1918 and murdered Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht in 1919. But why did the German Communist Party (KPD), which had hundreds of thousands of members and millions of voters, fail so miserably when Hitler came to power in 1933? This wasnt just a historical question. When Wolfgang became politically active, as Ulrich Rippert has mentioned, thousands of Nazi criminals still occupied ministries, professorships and corporate boards through postwar Western Germany. In East Germany (GDR) where many of us, including Wolfgang, had relativesa Stalinist regime ruled that, although it had abolished capitalist property, brutally oppressed the working class and drove West German workers back into the arms of social democracy. The DKP (the postwar German Communist Party)the West German branch of the East German state party, the Socialist Unity Party (SED)propagated peaceful coexistence and was hysterically hostile to a socialist perspective. We felt this not only politically and ideologically but also physically when they tore down our banners at May Day demonstrations. The most-read book in the BSA during the 1970s was Trotskys Writings on Germany, which Helmut Dahmer published in a two-volume edition in 1971. Dahmer had studied with Horkheimer and Adorno and was close to the Frankfurt School and Pabloism. Nevertheless, he understood that Trotskys writings had tremendous political significance. As recently as 2011, Wolfgang managed to persuade him to sign the letter of protest against Robert Services diatribe against Trotsky. Wolfgang responded enthusiastically to the insurrectionary movements that developed against the Stalinist bureaucracy in Poland, Eastern Europe and the GDR during the 1980s. His book on Solidarity, published as a series of articles in the Neue Arbeiterpresse in 1987, was an important preparation for the events that led to the end of the GDR two years later. Wolfgang examined in detail how this massive, spontaneous movement, which at its peak comprised 10 million workers, was first suppressed and then diverted in a reactionary, nationalist direction. He particularly focused on the counterrevolutionary role of Pabloism and its support for Jacek Kuron and other pro-capitalist figures inside and outside the Stalinist party. In 1989, this largely determined our irreconcilable stance toward the petty-bourgeois democrats who mushroomed in the GDR in the fall of 1989 to mislead and suppress working class opposition. Ranging from Stasi (East German secret police) agents to right-wing bourgeois politicians, including a 35-year-old physicist named Angela Merkel, and even the Pabloites, everyone was represented. Wolfgang wrote numerous polemical articles on this topic and was also personally and energetically involved in our political interventions in the GDR. In the years that followed, the ICFI drew far-reaching conclusions from the capitalist restoration in the Soviet Union, the GDR and Eastern Europe. Every type of national perspective had been exhaustednot just those of the Stalinists but also those of social democracy, the trade unions and the national movements. A new revolutionary leadership of the working class could not emerge through tactical intervention in these organizations, but only through the building of the ICFI. We therefore transformed our sections from leagues into parties. We were confronted not only with a crisis of leadership but also with a crisis of socialist consciousness within the working class. We developed our work accordingly. We founded the WSWS, which, in addition to political analyses and a daily perspective, also encompasses historical, theoretical and cultural issues. We expanded our publishing work with numerous booksespecially by David Northon burning theoretical and historical issues. Wolfgang made an important political contribution in this regard, as previous speakers have already explained. What distinguished him was the importance he attached to the political education of the working class. He wasnt satisfied with platitudes but insisted on a thorough understanding of history and Marxism. This shaped his work until the last day of his life. Wolfgangs early death is a great loss for his family and our party. But he lived a fulfilling life, one that was not useless and aimless but dedicated to a better future for humanity. For this, he will be remembered and live on. Hakan Ozal (Sosyalist Esitlik Grubu, Turkey) On behalf of the Socialist Equality Group in Turkey, I remember Comrade Wolfgang with deep respect. Wolfgangs loss is a source of profound sorrow for Trotskyists worldwide who are committed to Marxist doctrine. But his life and struggle, together with the legacy he left behind, will be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our continued work and will continue to illuminate our path. Comrade Wolfgang Weber dedicated his life to the continuity of the Trotskyist movement and fought for more than half a century for the victory of the worldwide socialist revolution. In the 1970s and 1980s, he played a crucial role in defending and advancing the Marxist perspective during a particularly critical period in history. His remarkable works on Stalinism and the revolutionary struggle in the GDR and Poland are only a few of his significant contributions to revolutionary theory. The time I spent with Wolfgang, although brief, was an unforgettable period. During my studies at Bielefeld University, we invited him as a speaker at the events we organized as the IYSSE. During this time, in which I was in close contact with him through party work, I was able to experience firsthand his extraordinary dedication to the revolutionary struggle and his profound theoretical clarity. I was particularly impressed by the event entitled Historical Quarteta moment in which I was able to experience Wolfgangs intellectual strength and modest personality up close. This meeting impressively demonstrated Wolfgangs determination to lead the intellectual debate against attacks on Leon Trotskys historical legacy. Four renowned history professors participated in the panel discussion. Wolfgang was not just a participant in this select group but a true guide with his profound knowledge, clear analysis and strong stance. His calm yet highly effective style not only helped steer the discussion but also enabled participants to grasp the issues in greater depth. On that day, Wolfgang courageously refuted the attacks on Leon Trotskys ideas and historical factsIt was not just an academic debate but a powerful defense of revolutionary consciousness, scientific integrity and the Trotskyist perspective. As a listener present in the meeting, I could clearly sense the respect the professors had for him and the audiences admiration for his analysis. In that hall, Wolfgang was not just a speaker but also a courageous advocate for historical truth and the interests of the working class. His knowledge and intellectual depth were exceptional. His understanding of history, philosophy and political theory enabled him to convey complex topics clearly and understandably. But what truly distinguished Wolfgang was his humility and deep respect for his comrades. He always willingly shared his knowledge and experiences with young people, never displaying arrogance. His patience, his explanations and the persuasive power of his words left a deep impression on his listeners. Comrade Wolfgang Webers tireless struggle for the independence of the working class and the international socialist revolution lives on in the ICFI. Wolfgangs legacy will continue to guide the world Trotskyist movement and the international working class. His dedication, his humility and his revolutionary faith, which he carried with unshakable confidence until his last breath, are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for us. We honour his memory and will continue his struggle. Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists, Russia Dear Comrades, We express our deepest condolences on the death of Comrade Wolfgang Weber to the German section, to the entire International Committee and to the relatives and friends of Comrade Wolfgang. Wolfgang Weber devoted much of his conscious life to the cause of the struggle of the working class against the capitalist system of oppression and exploitation. Having embarked on this path as far back as 1971 during his studies in the UK, when he first became acquainted with the Socialist Labour League, he continued this struggle right up to his last breath. In fact, at the very beginning of his political career, he dropped out of his studies and began working full-time for the party. During the split with the opportunist wing in the Workers Revolutionary Party, Comrade Wolfgang did not hesitate to support the Trotskyist majority. When Robert Service organized a political attack on Leon Trotskys biography, it was Wolfgang Weber who helped counter it. He spent the last five years of his life battling a severe form of cancer, but even during this difficult time he continued his party work. Over the last few years the International Committee of the Fourth International and the entire working class has lost many of its fighters, among them: Comrade Wije Dias, longtime leader of the Sri Lankan SEP, who died in 2022; Comrade Helen Halyard, whose death occurred almost a full year ago; and now Comrade Wolfgang Weber, who died on November 16. Despite this loss for the whole International Committee, it cannot be said that his life was lived in vain. It will serve, especially for us, who have just embarked on this path, as a model for the life of a true fighter and as an incentive to go forward. Comrade Wolfgang may not see the birth of the new world, but he staunchly believed in it, and we must do everything we can to ensure that our generation will continue his struggle and rid the world of this outmoded social system that threatens to destroy all of humanity. Rest in peace, Comrade Wolfgang. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Ronald Adams Sr., his wife Shamenia Stewart-Adams, and one of their sons [Photo by Adams family] Today marks two months since the death of Ronald Adams Sr., a 63-year-old machine repairman who was crushed while servicing equipment inside an enclosed cell at Stellantis Dundee Engine Complex in Michigan. On April 7, a gantry used to lift engine blocks suddenly activated, pinning him to a conveyor. He died from crushing injuries and traumatic asphyxia. Neither Ronald Adams family nor his coworkers have received any information about the circumstances surrounding his death. Stellantis, the United Auto Workers and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) have withheld all findings from their investigations, including any determination of safety violations. In response, on May 13, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) launched an independent investigation to break the cover-up, uncover the causes and hold those responsible accountable for the entirely preventable death of a respected worker, husband, father and grandfather. Key questions the rank-and-file investigation seeks to answer include: Why did the gantry engage, crushing Adams in as little as 1.5 seconds? Did management encourage the bypassing of lockout/tagout safeguards? Was retooling rushed to meet production deadlines? Did layoffs and cost-cutting endanger workers? What role did the joint UAW-Stellantis safety committee play? A rising toll of fatal accidents Adams death is part of a continuing pattern of preventable workplace tragedies in which workers lives are sacrificed for the sake of profit. Since his death, at least a dozen more fatal workplace accidents have been reporteda number that is likely an undercount due to delays in OSHAs reporting system. Among the dead are: April 9 : Leony Salcedo-Chevalier, 34, struck and killed by a reversing box truck at Amazons JFK8 facility in Staten Island, New York. : Leony Salcedo-Chevalier, 34, struck and killed by a reversing box truck at Amazons JFK8 facility in Staten Island, New York. April 29 : Felix Jose Lopez Sr., Reginald Reggie Magee and Felipe Mendez killed in a scaffolding collapse at a Texas liquefied natural gas (LNG) site. : Felix Jose Lopez Sr., Reginald Reggie Magee and Felipe Mendez killed in a scaffolding collapse at a Texas liquefied natural gas (LNG) site. May 1 : Alan Herrarte, 30, an excavator operator, buried in a sand and mud collapse at the Signal Peak Silica mine in Atascosa, Texas. : Alan Herrarte, 30, an excavator operator, buried in a sand and mud collapse at the Signal Peak Silica mine in Atascosa, Texas. May 5 : Telesforo Torres Lopez, 54, crushed by a skid loader on his first day of work in Brentwood, California. : Telesforo Torres Lopez, 54, crushed by a skid loader on his first day of work in Brentwood, California. May 7 : Luis Medina fell 20 feet into a utility vault in Palm Desert, California. : Luis Medina fell 20 feet into a utility vault in Palm Desert, California. May 19 : Joseph Maidaa, 26, died after his Caterpillar vehicle plunged 40 feet over a wall at the Salt Lake iron mine in San Bernardino, California. : Joseph Maidaa, 26, died after his Caterpillar vehicle plunged 40 feet over a wall at the Salt Lake iron mine in San Bernardino, California. May 24 : Raymond Feige, a New York City engineer, was killed in an explosion aboard a sewage vessel on the Hudson River. : Raymond Feige, a New York City engineer, was killed in an explosion aboard a sewage vessel on the Hudson River. May 27 : Willy Victor Carmona died of cardiac arrest following a worksite accident in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. : Willy Victor Carmona died of cardiac arrest following a worksite accident in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. May 31 : Rigo Reyna-Sanchez was killed in a landslide during Caltrans emergency work in Humboldt County, California. : Rigo Reyna-Sanchez was killed in a landslide during Caltrans emergency work in Humboldt County, California. June 4: Isael Martinez, 34, and Hector Pozos, 57, a day laborer, died in a crane collapse during high winds on Merritt Island, Florida. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,283 workers died in job-related accidents in 2023the equivalent of one every 99 minutes. The AFL-CIO reports that an additional 135,000 workers die each year from work-related diseases, including cancer and heart failure. That amounts to more than 380 preventable deaths every day in the American workplace. Yet only about 1,800 federal and state OSHA inspectors are tasked with overseeing 11 million workplaces nationwide, and the agencys budget amounts to just $3.92 per worker. Investigations rarely hold corporate management accountable, with fines that companies simply absorb as a cost of doing business. Even these inadequate protections are now under threat, as Trump slashes OSHA funding and intensifies attacks on immigrant workerswho suffer a disproportionate share of workplace fatalities. This is only one way in which the corporate oligarchy subordinates safety and lives to profits. As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, nothing will be permitted to get in the way of corporate profit-making, no matter how many workers lives are lost. Amid the ongoing Canadian wildfires, employers have done nothing to protect workers from toxic air quality conditions affecting over 115 million people across the US. Response to Adams death Workers across the US and around the world are determined to put an end to the relentless sacrifice of lives for corporate profit. This was reflected in the widespread response to a TikTok video by Will Lehmana socialist Mack Trucks worker and prominent opponent of the corrupt union bureaucracyvoicing support for the IWA-RFCs investigation. The video received over 100,000 views, nearly 30,000 likes, and more than 1,000 comments, many from workers who had lost loved ones and were demanding justice. The rank-and-file investigation has already uncovered critical information. Workers report that the retooling of the Dundee plant for new engine production was more than a year behind schedule. In an effort to accelerate the launch, managementacting with the approval of the UAWroutinely bypassed safety protocols. Testimony points to the widespread use of cheat keys to override lockout/tagout procedures, allowing work on energized machinery. Skilled trades workers were often forced to perform their tasks without spotters, further increasing the risk of deadly accidents. Following Adams death, workers report that management quietly asked for the return of cheat keys, without penalty. They also say that the plant manager, Adams supervisor and the UAW safety representative were dismissed in the aftermath. Spotters have since been assigned to monitor enclosed workspaces, a tacit admission of the dangerous conditions that had previously been allowed to persist. Even as it hands out billions to its top investors, Stellantis is carrying out a massive cost-cutting campaigndubbed doghouseaimed at extracting more from workers, suppliers and contractors. The doghouse is back! Stellantis Chief Financial Officer Natalie Knight boasted earlier this year. If we apply more discipline, we can ensure big savings for the company. Any investigation organized by Stellantis, the UAW and MIOSHA will amount to a whitewash. The IWA-RFC has learned that contractors from Fives Cineticthe firm responsible for programming the gantry and washer Adams was servicinghave not even been interviewed. Moreover, critical operational data may have already been overwritten, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation. Despite being designated as employee representatives, UAW officials have worked to silence workers and resume production without ever explaining the circumstances that led to Adams death. Dundee workers say this only confirms what many already know: the UAW functions as a tool of corporate management. UAW Local 723 officials claim that MIOSHA is wrapping up its investigation, but the agency told the World Socialist Web Site that it has not yet held its closing conference with Stellantis and the UAW. Once that occurs, MIOSHA has 90 days to issue a letter of findingswhich UAW officials are under no obligation to share with the rank-and-file. The IWA-RFC investigation is essential to preventing another cover-up and ensuring that Ronald Adams death is not buried and forgotten like so many others. The investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr. is not only about uncovering the truthit is about empowering the working class to assert its own interests, including the fundamental right to a safe workplace. As Will Lehman emphasized in his statement supporting the investigation, Adams death is not an isolated tragedy. This is not just a fight about Dundee, Lehman said. Its about all of us. Autoworkers everywhere, internationally, are being pushed to the brink by speedups, through layoffs and adding additional work to existing jobs, by dangerous machineryall because of the capitalist system that treats us as expendable. The IWA-RFCs investigation is aimed at mobilizing the rank and fileindependent of the union apparatus and corporate managementto break the cover-up, hold those responsible accountable and fight for workers control over workplace safety. We urge all workers at Dundee, autoworkers at other plants, and all workers in the US and internationally: Come forward, share what you know, and take part in this struggle. Your identity will be protected. You will not fight alone. Join the fight to ensure that Ronald Adams death is not forgottenand that no more workers are sacrificed for profit. Fill out the form below to get involved. Jennifer Vazquez Sura and Kilmar Abrego Garcia with their children [Photo: Jennifer Vasquez Sura] On Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States from El Salvador, marking the latest chapter in a protracted legal and political assault on his rights that has exposed the Trump administrations determination to criminalize and demonize immigrant workers. Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident and Salvadoran native, was brought back to face multiple felony charges after his illegal deportation in March, when he spent weeks at the concentration camp called the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) before he was moved and kept in isolation in another prison. Attorney General Bondi confirmed at a press conference that our government presented El Salvador with an arrest warrant, and they agreed to return him to our country, emphasizing that the administrations decision to return Abrego Garcia was the result of a Tennessee grand jury indictment and not court rulings that determined his deportation was illegal in the first place. Bondi stated that Abrego Garcia has landed in the United States after he was deported to an El Salvador prison in March and is now in US custody facing criminal charges. She revealed that a federal grand jury in Nashville secretly indicted Abrego Garcia last month on two felony counts: conspiracy to illegally transport undocumented immigrants for profit and the unlawful transportation of undocumented immigrants for profit. Abrego Garcia was arrested upon his arrival back in the US, taken into federal custody and appeared in a Tennessee courtroom on the same day. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes of the US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee set a hearing date of June 13 to address his arraignment and the governments motion to keep him in pretrial detention, citing that he poses a danger to the community and a serious risk of flight. Abrego Garcia will remain in federal custody in Tennessee pending this hearing. The indictment, unsealed on Friday, alleges that Abrego Garcia participated in a yearslong conspiracy to transport thousands of undocumented migrantsincluding childrenacross the US from Texas to the interior, in exchange for thousands of dollars. The charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee, when police found Abrego Garcia at the wheel of an SUV with nine other Hispanic men, all lacking identification. At the press conference, Bondi went further, asserting, Thousands of undocumented individuals were smuggled, and accused Abrego Garcia of exploiting the innocence of minor children for financial gain. None of these accusations are included in the formal indictment. According to the details in the indictment, the traffic stop involving Abrego Garcia took place on November 30, 2022, on Interstate 40 in Tennessee. Garcia was driving a Chevrolet Suburban eastbound when he was pulled over by the Tennessee Highway Patrol for speeding. Inside the vehicle, troopers discovered eight other Hispanic men, making a total of nine occupants. None of the passengers had identification or luggage, which immediately raised suspicions among the officers. Garcia told the troopers that he and the men had been in St. Louis for two weeks working construction. However, subsequent checks of cell phone data and license plate readers contradicted this story, revealing that Garcia had been in Texas earlier that same morning and not near St. Louis in the previous two weeks. This discrepancy, combined with the lack of luggage and identification, led the troopers to suspect that Garcia was transporting undocumented individuals for profit. During the stop, officers found an envelope containing $1,400 in cash inside the vehicle. One trooper remarked, Hes transporting these individuals for profit, according to body camera footage. Despite these suspicions, the officers did not arrest or charge Garcia at the time. He was issued a warning for having an expired drivers license and allowed to continue driving with his passengers. The body camera footage from the stop shows a relatively cordial exchange between Garcia and the troopers, with no evidence of criminal activity presented during the interaction. Months later, the stop became the focal point of a federal investigation. It was cited in a grand jury indictment accusing Garcia of conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants and unlawfully transporting them for profit. The Trump administration has repeatedly referenced the incident as evidence of alleged criminal activity, even though no charges were filed at the time of the stop. Garcias wife later explained that he sometimes transported groups of construction workers between job sites. His attorney emphasized that the body camera footage did not show any criminal activity and insisted that Garcia deserved his day in court. Attorney General Bondis public statements included accusations not found in the indictments, a hallmark of the Trump administrations political vendetta against Abrego Garcia. From the moment it became known that he was illegally deported, the White House has been painting him as a dangerous criminal and, by extension, reinforcing the administrations lie that immigrant workers are threats to the public. The ordeal faced by Abrego Garcia is part of the Trump administrations open defiance of the judiciary. Despite a Supreme Court decision declaring his deportation illegal and ordering the White House to facilitate his return, the administration delayed and resisted compliance for months. Federal Judge Paula Xinis condemned the Justice Departments willful refusal to comply, warning of an incipient crisis between the executive and judicial branches. Legal experts have described this as a constitutional crisis, with the executive branch essentially defying the courts. Throughout, the White House has repeated the false claim that Abrego Garcia is a member of MS-13, despite the lack of evidence and the fact that he has no criminal record in either the US or El Salvador. Judge Xinis noted that the government must answer questions about who authorized Abrego Garcias placement in a Salvadoran prison and provide evidence supporting claims that he belongs to MS-13, an allegation the judge noted remains unsubstantiated in court. Abrego Garcias legal team has denounced the administrations actions and underscored his right to due process. Following Bondis press announcement, attorney Andrew Rossman stated, It would now be up to the US judicial system to ensure he received due process. The defense has consistently disputed the gang allegations, emphasizing that Abrego Garcia has never been convicted of any crime and that the accusations are based on flimsy evidence. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was born in July 1995 in San Salvador, El Salvador, and immigrated to the United States in 2011 at the age of 16 to escape gang violence. In El Salvador, the Barrio 18 gang extorted his mothers business and threatened to kill him if he refused to join. After arriving in the US, he settled in Maryland, living with his brother, who became a US citizen. He married Jennifer Vasquez Sura, also a US citizen, and together they have a child with special needs, whom they raise alongside her two children. All three children are American citizens. Abrego Garcia was granted withholding of removal in 2019, allowing him to live and work legally in the US, and he complied with all ICE check-ins until his illegal deportation. If convicted of the charges against him, Abrego Garcia faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each of undocumented individual he is accused of transporting. This means that, because the alleged offenses involve transporting thousands of migrants over a period of years, his total potential sentence could amount to several lifetimes in prison. Meanwhile, Bondi made it clear that, upon completion of any prison sentence, Abrego Garcia would still be deported to El Salvador. Jun. 6The North Idaho Pride Alliance is hosting the ninth annual Pride in the Park Saturday at Coeur d'Alene City Park and is expecting a bigger turnout than last year. The organization's signature event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will feature live performances, local vendors, dancing, booths with LGBTQ+ resources and a kid and family zone. "We are definitely expecting another record turnout of LGBTQ folks and their families and allies and community members to celebrate inclusion, joy and unity," Executive Director Sarah Lynch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of vendors has increased by 20% since 2024, and twice as many volunteers will be helping run the event. Lynch attributes the growth to the community recognizing the need to publicly support the queer community. "The message that we want to send is that you're seen, you belong and you deserve to thrive," she said. In addition to Saturday's event, the alliance is also hosting a Queer Blood Drive June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Human Rights Education Institute. 1 dead after shooting in Northtown Mall parking lot originally appeared on Bring Me The News. A man was shot dead in the parking lot of Northtown Mall in Blaine Friday evening. According to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, the shooting was reported around 5:15 p.m., with first responders arriving to find the victim, who was pronounced dead after lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. The shooting happened in the parking lot outside the Best Buy retail outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities were searching for three males who reportedly ran from the scene. One of them was arrested while the others have yet to be apprehended. The man killed in the shooting has not been identified. Last September, a 21-year-old was charged for firing a gun outside Northtown Mall, with at least one round striking a display case inside the mall. That incident resulted in shoppers and staff inside the mall taking cover. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared. One Fort Worth restaurant was temporarily closed and two more were noted to have issues with rodents or roaches, according to the most recent round of health inspections. The report compiled by the Star-Telegram from city records contains data from May 18-May 31 and 120 inspections. Fort Worths restaurant inspections function on a demerit system: Zero demerits is considered a perfect score, and restaurants that receive over 30 demerits are required to fix the worst problems immediately and remedy the rest within 48 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No restaurant received over 30 demerits in this round of inspections, according to the report. One restaurant was closed for serious health violations: Basic Bar, located at 904 Houston St., had a score of 13 and was closed due to issues with hot water temperatures and wastewater not draining properly. More top stories from our newsroom: Widow of Arlington firefighter who died in Cancun seeks $35M at trial Christmas-themed restaurant Campo Verde reopens Teen arrested in stabbing death of his father [Get our breaking news alerts.] Golden Chick, located at 2820 E. Berry St., had a score of 16. Fruit fly-like insects were observed near a beverage station and the restaurant was warned that repeat violations would be subject to legal action, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two businesses were noted to have issues with roaches or rodents: Hot Shot Food Store, located at 4413 E. Berry St., had a score of 18. Rat droppings were found near seasoning storage and a mouse trap was seen in the kitchen, according to the report. Bunny, located at 1888 Green Oaks Road, had a score of 11. An inspector observed a roach walking across a counter in the eatery, according to the report. Some data analysis in this story was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here. Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Fort Worth for May 18th - May 31st, 2025. Scores are based on a demerit system. When the total exceeds 30, the restaurant must take immediate corrective action on all identified critical violations, then has 48 hours to initiate corrective action on all other violations. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name. You can also sort by score. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) One person was seriously hurt in a two-vehicle crash on Friday evening, June 6, in El Pasos Upper Valley, the El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) said. EPFD said the call came in at 8:43 p.m. at Redd Road and Doniphan Drive. One person was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, and three others refused transportation, EPFD said. El Paso Polices Special Traffic Investigations unit also responded to the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doniphan was closed in both directions for hours at the crash site, but reopened at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning, the Texas Department of Transportation 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. A soldier with the 101st Airborne Division died on Thursday, June 5 in a training accident in Hungary, the Army announced today. Sgt. Aaron Cox, 24, was serving as an Infantryman in the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He died after being involved in a vehicle accident in Hungary while helping prepare for a multi-national military exercise, the Army said on Saturday, June 7. The loss of Sgt. Cox is a tragedy for all of us on the Strike team, Col. Duke Reim, commander of the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, said in the Armys announcement. He was a strong soldier and leader, who quickly rose through the ranks while serving. We are in direct contact with his family, for care and support that they need during this difficult time. We would like to thank our Hungarian allies for their prompt response and support to our soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Army did not provide additional details on the accident but did say that it is under investigation. Coxs death came during preparation for the Saber Guardian 2025 exercise. The NATO exercise, set to run June 9-24, includes live-fire drills and motorized assault training, and will be held in Germany and Romania, in addition to Hungary. Cox, from Mabank, Texas, enlisted in 2021 and was assigned to Fort Campbell a year later. He also previously deployed to Poland that same year. Per the Army, his decorations include the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Air Assault Badge, among others. The 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division deployed to Europe this spring as part of U.S. rotations in support of the NATO mission. The troops replaced soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. The latest on Task & Purpose Authorities discovered 104 pounds of cocaine being smuggled through an immigration checkpoint in Riverside County. On June 4, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a silver SUV at the I-15 North immigration checkpoint in Temecula. While interviewing the driver, a K-9 alerted authorities to the possible presence of narcotics. After searching the SUV, agents found 40 suspicious bundles that were concealed within the roof in an aftermarket motorized compartment. U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 104 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the roof of an SUV with an aftermarket motorized roof compartment in Temecula on June 4, 2025. (U.S. Border Patrol) U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 104 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the roof of an SUV with an aftermarket motorized roof compartment in Temecula on June 4, 2025. (U.S. Border Patrol) The bundles were removed and were discovered to contain cocaine. The packages weighed a total of 104 pounds. Officials estimated the street value at $708,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, who was only identified as a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody by Homeland Security. The case was referred to the U.S. Attorneys Office for federal charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute. Drug smugglers are often resourceful, but our dedicated agents are always watching, said Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, San Diego Acting Chief Patrol Agent. Our agents are the best of the best, and we remain resolute in our mission to keep communities safe. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, the public can call 911 or the San Diego U.S. Border Patrol Sector at 619-498-9900. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) The 13th California measles case of this year was confirmed in Woodland on Friday afternoon by the Yolo County Health and Human Services, according to the Office of the County of Yolo. Video Above: Child with measles possibly exposed others at UC Davis Medical Center Officials said the person is a resident of West Sacramento and is experiencing mild illness as they recover at home. Their vaccination status is unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to two cases reported in 2024 among Yolo County residents who traveled internationally, the county had not seen a measles case since 2015, officials said. Officials confirm there are no additional local cases that have been identified thus far, but acknowledge the measles that was detected in wastewater samples collected from the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in mid-May and early June. Only a small portion of the wastewater processed at the plant originates from West Sacramento, officials said. Although the June detections may be linked to this individual, the May wastewater detections cannot be. The source of the earlier detections is being investigated. Officials said it is possible that another unknown person with measles was in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county informs the community that the person visited the Sutter Davis Hospital while infectious and may have exposed patients, visitors and healthcare providers. Precautions to take to avoid dangers from the summer heat The hospital identified patients and staff who may have been exposed and is notifying them. Meanwhile, officials said the hospital took all the necessary safety precautions and notified Yolo County Public Health once measles was suspected. Visitors present at the time the patient was at the hospital, however, have not been identified. Anyone who was at the hospital during the following days and hours is asked to contact Yolo County Public Healths Communicable Disease Program at 530-666-8670. Yolo County Public Health said the person visited Sutter Davis Hospital, Emergency Department, 2000 Sutter Place in Davis on: May 31-June 1, between 10:12 p.m. and 1:42 a.m. June 2, between 2:42 p.m. and 1:23 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case of measles in our community is a good reminder that while international travelers and those traveling to outbreak areas within the U.S. are at highest risk of measles, residents can also encounter measles during travel to non-outbreak areas or even within our local community, said Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County Public Health Officer. It is important to check your measles vaccination status to make sure you are protected against measles infection. Officials said vaccinations against measles fell globally during the pandemic, and the disease surged throughout the nation. The county reminds the community that measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR), or a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV). The symptoms of measles begin eight to 10 days after exposure and typically start with a fever, cough, red and watery eyes and a runny nose. The person infected will then experience a rash that starts from the head and spreads downwards, three to five days after the initial symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles can result in serious complications and even death for young children and vulnerable adults, said the county. Exposed people with symptoms should stay home and away from others and contact Public Health 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 FOX40 News. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A 14-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a Northeast D.C. shooting that occurred on May 9, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Maryland teens arrested after Northwest DC armed robbery, police say Police say officers responded to reports of a shooting shortly after 4 p.m. in the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, where officers found a Metrobus damaged from gunfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, no one was hurt in the shooting, and the suspect fled the scene. Officers later identified a 14-year-old boy as the suspect and charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Every time a slavery-set film like Sinners hits the screen, Black folks are inevitably pulled in two directions: a necessary reckoning with our history and a painful confrontation with how that history continues to bleed into our present, fueling a chilling, subconscious awareness of racist violence. Its a pattern that repeats itself with agonizing regularity. Each time we see an unarmed Black man fall victim to police brutality, each time we witness a Black person targeted by racist vigilantes, and each time a crime that reeks of hate goes inexplicably unclassified as such, we are reminded that the specter of Jim Crow still haunts our modern-day reality. Lets be clear: the rope and tree are not the only instruments of lynching. The legacy of white supremacy finds new and insidious ways to manifest. Here are 15 true crime cases that remind us were not that far from the 1960s. George Floyd In one of the most horrifying police killings to date, Floyd was reported for using a fraudulent bill at a corner store before he was apprehended by a group of Minneapolis Police officers. The 2020 incident shook the world after people watched the bystander video of the arrest, where former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyds neck for nearly 10 minutes as he yelled out for his mother and voiced that he couldnt breathe. Floyd died as a result of the incident but sparked an international movement against police brutality. Robert Brooks Marcy Correctional Facility What happens when a group of white cops have a Black inmate all to themselves? Attorneys say a modern day lynching. Robert Brooks was allegedly beaten to death by a group of New York prison correctional officers. Surveillance footage shows the officers punching him in the chest, striking him in the face and pinning him up against the wall all while he was restrained in handcuffs. At some point, officers were seen pinning him down on his neck and groin with their feet while others took turns punching him. He then fell unresponsive and was declared dead by asphyxiation. Only one of the few officers charged pleaded guilty. Javion Magee Facebook The family of Javion Magee took to social media to sound alarms about his mysterious death. The 21-year-old truck driver was found dead in a rural part of North Carolina, leaning up against a tree with a rope around his neck, police said. Authorities ruled his death to be a suicide, arguing that evidence shows he bought the rope from Walmart. However, Magees family claim he was lynched, arguing he never had a history of mental illness. Hells Angels Attack Wikimedia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three young Black men say they were chased down but a group of seventeen outlaws from biker gang Hells Angels in a KKK-like pursuit. They recalled being called racial slurs and told they didnt belong in the neighborhood, per prosecutors. One of the men was kicked and punched by one of the gang members while another was stabbed in the chest and suffered a cracked sternum. Prosecutors said these individuals have a history of touting Nazi symbols and displaying white supremacy. They were also slammed with assault charges. James Byrd Wikimedia Back in 1998, 49-year-old James Byrd took a ride home from a truck full of white men Shawn Berry, Lawrence Brewer and John King. Unbeknownst to Byrd, the men had strong ties to the Ku Klux Klan. Byrd hopped in the back of the truck and the men took him down an old town road, dragged him out of the back of the truck and brutally beat him with hands, feet and beer bottles. Byrd was then chained by his ankles to the back of their pickup truck and driven wildly down the road for about three miles, leaving a trail of flesh and blood on the ground. Forensic experts say he was conscious for most of the dragging until he was swung over a concrete drainage culvert causing his head to sever from his body along with one of his arms. Once the car stopped, the three men dumped the remains of Byrds body in a cemetery and drove off to a barbeque like nothing happened. The authorities say they found 81 different places where Byrds scattered remains were found. Shawn Berry was sentenced to life in prison after cooperating with the investigation into Byrds death, Lawrence Brewer was executed by lethal injection in connection to the murder and John King was placed on death row but wasnt executed until 2019. Peter Bernando Spencer GoFundMe When the only Black guy on a camping trip ends up dead, you can expect there to be questions. Spencer, 29, was found shot to death at a home in rural Pennsylvania after being invited on a trip with a former co-worker, per NBC. Spencers family believed the cops were trying to paint their loved one out to be the aggressor and argue that he was murdered in cold blood. None of the four witnesses were immediately arrested or charged despite a number of firearms and substances collected from the scene, police said. The man accused of shooting him will not face charges in the incident after authorities claim he acted in self-defense. Ahmaud Arbery Facebook Father and son duo Travis and Greg McMichael, initiated a chase in their pickup truck behind Arbery as he jogged through the neighborhood, suspecting he was looting a nearby property that was under renovation. Travis hopped out of the truck and fatally shot Arbery at close range. Despite arguing that they were trying to protect the neighborhood, investigators found loads of social media posts riddled with racist rhetoric suggesting their targeting of Arbery was racially motivated. The two were convicted of hate crimes. Tamla Horsford X Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamla Horsford was found dead in a friends backyard years ago. She had been invited to a slumber party where shed been drinking, per 11Alive News. Witnesses claimed Horsford went out on the balcony for a cigarette when she allegedly fell over the balcony to her death, leading police to rule her death as an accident under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. However, the position of her body at the crime scene as well as an independent autopsy found Horsford sustained serious injuries before she fell including blunt force trauma to her body. Also, photos from throughout the event dont show Horsford being sick or incoherent. Being she was the only Black person present at the party, her family believed foul play was afoot. Kendrick Johnson Facebook Authorities say Johnson was found by classmates in the school gym, stuck upside down in a gym mat. Georgia Bureau of Investigation ruled he died of asphyxia in some weird accident, suffocating while trying to retrieve a shoe. However, the teens cause of death later showed he suffered blunt force trauma to the head and other injuries from what seemed like a Taser according to his death certificate and a third autopsy done in 2018. Johnsons family still believes foul play was involved despite the authorities claim that theres no evidence to support that theory. Instead, they believe two white brothers beat him to death and hid his body out of retaliation of Johnsons talking to one of their girlfriends. They also believe the boys fathers, who were connected to law enforcement, helped clear the boys of any criminal fault. Goon Squad YouTube Eddie Parker and Michael Jenkins accused a gang of former Ranking County sheriffs deputies Hunter Elward, Brett McAlpin, Christian Dedmon, Daniel Opdyke, Jeffrey Middleton and former Richland Police Department officer Joshua Hartfield of torturing them in a no-knock raid. The two outlined the horrifying incident in a lawsuit detailing that they were profiled by a neighbor who saw them entering a white womans home which was a friend of theirs. When the officers pulled up on them, Jenkins and Parker said they were bound, forced to strip nude, sexually assaulted as well as beaten. Jenkins was also shot in the jaw after an officer shoved his firearm in his mouth. The so-called Goon Squad pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection to the incident. Vauhxx Booker YouTube On his way to meet some friends, Booker walked onto property he didnt know was private. He told police he was then apprehended by a group of white men accusing him of trespassing. Though he tried to calmly explain himself, he says the men proceeded to beat him, rip out his hair and threaten to break his arms. In the midst of the chaos, he said he heard one of them say get a noose. The two men involved were criminally charged. However, Booker claims he was retaliated against by authorities who threatened to charge him in the incident if he didnt drop the charges against the two men. Timothy Haslett Jr. Police Handout Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 22-year-old Black woman escaped Hasletts captivity, running from his house screaming with a metal dog collar around her neck, police say. The woman told authorities Haslett said two other women didnt make it one dying by electrocution during a sexual encounter and another dying by a gas mask. The Kansas City Defender found Haslett had social media riddled with racist posts, including nasty references to Breonna Taylor. He was charged with first-degree rape, aggravated sexual offense, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault and first-degree murder of another Black woman. Shamari Taylor Police Handout Taylor and his girlfriend were kidnapped by a group of Philadelphia police officers and frisked for their money and drugs. While his girlfriend was let go, Taylor disappeared and his mother and sister were shot and injured. It wasnt until a dozen years later that police located Taylors remains in a shallow grave. Prosecutors found he was suffocated to death by the group of cops, per CBS. Also, those cops werent cops but impersonating law enforcement. The five were charged with kidnapping resulting in death. One of them was acquitted. Elijah McClain Facebook Authorities say McClain was walking home from the convenience store when someone called 911 to report a suspicious-looking Black man. Within eight seconds of exiting his patrol car, an officer ran up on McClain and immediately tried to grab him, prosecutors argued. Per USA TODAYs report, they also claim that instead of de-escalating the situation, the officers made the situation more intense as they tackled McClain to the ground and placed him the now-banned carotid artery control hold which rendered him temporarily unconscious. The responding officers and EMTs argued McClain displayed superhuman strength leading to a fatal dose of ketamine. Two of the three officers was acquitted of criminal charges. White Supremacist Taunts Over the past few years, neighborhoods all over the nation have randomly been taunted with flyers from KKK or white supremacist groups either telling people of color to get out or inviting racists to be recruited into their antics. On the other hand, some communities have seen the hate firsthand by Nazi or white supremacist marches coming through town. The last one we saw went through a predominantly Black neighborhood and almost got f-cked up! The residents burned their flags, snatched their posters and forced them out of their town limits. Police say two people from Atlanta were arrested after a chase that stretched from Villa Rica to Carrolton on Thursday. The Villa Rica Police Department said the suspects truck damaged three other vehicles, but no one was reportedly hurt. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A Villa Rica officer said he tried to stop a Ram truck for an illegal window tint at about 8 p.m. Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the truck traveled slowly before coming to a stop in the fast lane on Highway 61. Once a second police unit arrived, officers tried to contact the driver, later identified as Kevin Lynch. TRENDING STORIES: Officers said they saw the driver with a gun in his right hand, the weapon pointed at the drivers window. Police said they backed away from the truck and gave the driver commands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truck began to drive away. The chase started from the stop location on Highway 61 and ended near Old Airport Road in Carrollton. Police said the truck hit two vehicles, and debris from one of those collisions struck a third vehicle. People in the truck were also seen throwing items out of the vehicle during the chase. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Authorities said they used a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver on the truck to stop the dangerous chase. Lynch and passenger Julia Brown were arrested on several charges. Lynch was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of a firearm during certain crimes, felony fleeing and eluding, several counts of hit and run and several other traffic offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown was charged with tampering with evidence, criminal trespass and obstruction and littering. Villa Rica police said Carroll County Sheriffs Office, Georgia State Patrol and Carrollton Police Department assisted in the arrest. Officials say this incident is still being investigated. CHICAGO Police are searching for answers after officers were called to the scene of two separate shootings that unfolded just blocks away from each other on the citys West Side on Friday night. Officers said the first shooting unfolded just after 10 p.m. in the 3300 block of West Walnut Street, in East Garfield Park. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers responded to the scene following a report of a person shot in the area and when they arrived, they found the victim, a 47-year-old man, who had suffered gunshot wounds to his arm and abdomen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While officers were on the scene, they received a call about another shooting that unfolded just blocks away in the 3300 block of West Lake Street. Officers responded to the scene and found a 43-year-old man who had suffered gunshot wounds to his torso and abdomen. Both victims were taken to the hospital where they were listed in critical condition and officers said neither provided details on what led up to the incidents. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting and an investigation is now underway. Anyone with information on the shootings is asked to contact CPD Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8251 or dial 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. The Brief Two men are dead while a third is critically injured after separate shootings early Saturday across Philadelphia. Police are actively investigating the deadly violence. PHILADELPHIA - Gun violence early Saturday morning claimed the lives of two men, while a third was critically injured and homicide detectives are searching for suspects and possible motives. What we know The first shooting happened a little after 5 a.m. in Philadelphias Olney neighborhood, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding officers found 40-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his back on the 5000 block of North Franklin Street. Medics pronounced him dead at the location. A weapon was recovered and homicide detectives are searching for a suspect. The second shooting happened within a short time of the first, around 5:15 a.m. Police were dispatched to Old York Road and Roosevelt Boulevard where they found a 30-year-old man who had been shot. He was rushed to Temple University where he died a short time later. Another man arrived at the hospital after that in connection with the shooting incident. He is listed in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say they believe an attempted robbery may have been the motive. Two weapons were recovered, but no arrests have been made. What you can do Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or text a tip to 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here. All tips are confidential. Click here to find resources for victims of violence in Philadelphia. A Seattle man has been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries targeting the homes of professional athletes, according to prosecutors. Earl Henderson Riley IV, 21, faces charges over the burglaries at the homes of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo and former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. He has been charged with four counts of residential burglary and one count of robbery in the first degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office worked for weeks on multiple search warrants that led to the filing of these felony charges today," King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. MORE: FBI issues warning about burglaries of pro athletes' homes The suspect is being held in King County Jail on $1 million bail. The police investigation started in early 2025, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office said. The attorney's office says it worked with six different police jurisdictions in a coordinated effort. Charges may be filed against other defendants and the investigation remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 4 arrested in connection with burglary at Joe Burrow's house Police and the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office said they wanted to interrupt this burglary crew because of their ongoing acts. "We could do that once we identified what we believe is the ringleader of this bunch and charge him as we've done today," Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff said. "That doesn't mean our work is finished. We still want to go and identify everybody who was involved and see if there are additional people that we can have sufficient evidence to charge." The defendant was previously held in custody and released by the court on Feb. 7, after pleading guilty as charged to three robbery counts, according to the attorney's office. NEED TO KNOW The body of Adriana Suazo was found in a wooded area in the Norfolk District, in Milton, Mass., on Sunday, June 1 The 21-year-old's death comes after several women have been found dead in the New England region since March, sparking fears of a serial killer in the region Suazo's cause of death is being investigated by the Chief Medical Examiner, according to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office Speculation that a serial killer is operating in New England has been reignited following the discovery of a woman's body in Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At around 11:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 1, the body of 21-year-old Adriana Suazo was found in a wooded area by a passerby near a home on 143 Central Avenue, Norfolk District, in Milton, Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey announced in a press release. Suazo's body showed no obvious signs of trauma. The Chief Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of her death. Family members said they werent sure why Suazo who grew up in Boston had been in Milton at the time, the Boston Globe reported. One of her sisters allegedly said shed last spoken to Suazo on May 29. Getty View of lake in forest against sky in Boston, Mass. View of lake in forest against sky in Boston, Mass. The discovery of Suazo's body marks the 13th unexplained death in remote or wooded areas in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine since March, sparking concerns of a possible serial killer on the loose in the region, Fox News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, the remains of six people were found in towns close to one another in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The victims included Paige Fannon, 35, who was found in the Norwalk River on March 6, Denise Leary, 59, who was found in New Haven on March 21 and Michele Romano, 56, five days later, according to police. Police denied a single suspect in the killings, despite speculation about a serial killer in the area at the time. This investigation is in the early stages, remains active and ongoing, and there is no information at this time suggesting any connection to similar remains discoveries actively under investigation by CSP or other CT law enforcement agencies," the Connecticut State Police told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. The police added that there is no known threat to the public at this time. gofundme Suazo's body was found in a wooded area in Milton on June 1 Suazo's body was found in a wooded area in Milton on June 1 A GoFundMe page set up by Suazos sister, Mel Loves, described her as a firecracker, full of life, laughter, and fierce love and said her death has been heartbreaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Losing her so suddenly has shattered our world, the description on the page read. My family is completely heartbroken, trying to navigate this pain while also doing everything we can to give Adriana the proper burial she deservesa sendoff that honors the vibrant, loving, and unforgettable person she was. The page so far has raised $9,550 with a goal of reaching $11,000 to cover funeral costs. 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 are urging anyone who saw Suazo in the last week to call the Massachusetts State Police Tip Line at the NDAO at 781-830-4990. The investigation is ongoing. PEOPLE has contacted the NDAO and the Massachusetts State Police for comment. Read the original article on People A young woman celebrating her summa cum laude college graduation experienced a traumatic freak accident in The Bahamas that resulted in her legs being severed. When the boating incident occurred on May 12, Hannah Smith, 22, was allegedly on the first day of her trip. According to the Daily Mail, she and a friend, Brooklyn Pitre, were on a celebratory Carnival Sunrise cruise after graduating. The two were returning to the ship via a pontoon ferry after doing off-ship excursions. As the small boat docked around 3:55 p.m. at Nassau Cruise Port, Hannah found herself in the water. The ferrys propellers reportedly dragged the young woman under the water, then partially severed her legs and surrounded her in blood. Two of the boats female passengers were able to pull Hannah out of the water, and she went to a local hospital. Two days later, the Memphis, Tennessee, native was transferred to a hospital back in the United States for emergency surgery. Updates provided by her family (shared on GoFundMe) note that Hannah has undergone over 10 surgeries in the two and a half weeks following the boating incident. Though she suffered some medical setbacks and doctors performed extensive procedures, the recent graduate has been pulling through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear how exactly Hannah ended up in the water, as sources differ. The pontoon ferrys captain allegedly told local authorities that Hannah jumped into the water. Police claim that alcohol consumption possibly played a role in the tragic incident. However, the recent graduates parents, Tracy and Marvin Smith, deny that their daughter was inebriated. What Else Is There To Know About Hannah Smith And The Boating Incident In The Bahamas? The recent graduate and Delta Sigma Theta sorority member studied communications and graphic design at Miles College, a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) institution in Alabama. A family member has created a GoFundMe to aid Hannah with her medical costs and recovery. At the beginning of the fundraisers description, it describes Hannah as a young woman who is love and light. This boating accident will not define your life, declared Hannahs family member in the GoFundMes description. We need you to have many more birthdays, more holidays, more life experiences While on what was supposed to be a beautiful trip to the Bahamas, Hannah was involved in a tragic accident that nearly claimed her life. Through the grace of God, shes still with us, but the road ahead is long, filled with surgeries, recovery, and overwhelming medical costs. As of this reporting, the fundraiser has received over 1,200 donations. Its currently at over $50,500 of its $250,000 goal. A May 29 update on Hannahs well-being said, This journey is taking a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual toll. Please keep her lifted in your thoughts and prayers. She is fighting!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late March, the State Department updated its travel advisory for Americans traveling to The Bahamas. The alert included a notice regarding crime, swimming-related risks, and traveling with firearms and ammunition on the Caribbean island. The post 22-Year-Old Woman Tragically Loses Legs Following Freak Accident In The Bahamas appeared first on Travel Noire. NEED TO KNOW Elvin Ayavaca, 18, Richard Barrero, 19, and two unidentified 17-year-olds allegedly snuck into the Hudson River Lighthouse at around 3:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, May 31 The group of teenagers set a fire in the newly renovated historic site and vandalized the 142-year-old landmark, police say On Friday, June 6, all four were arrested in connection with the incident Four teenagers have been arrested for allegedly vandalizing and setting fire to a historic lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, June 6, Elvin Ayavaca, 18, and Richard Barrero, 19, were charged with third-degree arson, third-degree burglary, and second-degree criminal mischief felonies for their alleged involvement in the incident, Westchester County Police Department (WCPD) said in a news release shared on Facebook. A 17-year-old boy, unidentified due to his age, was charged as a juvenile and arraigned in the Youth Part of Westchester County Court. In a follow-up news release, police said that a second 17-year-old was also charged. The four suspects allegedly hopped over a locked fence at the Hudson River Lighthouse at around 3:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, May 31. They then are believed to have smashed a window and climbed into the historic site. Westchester County Police Department Sleepy Hollow lighthouse damage Sleepy Hollow lighthouse damage Hours later, at about 9:40 a.m., an employee found the lighthouse with significant fire damage to the flooring on the first floor and multiple broken windows on the first and second floors, per the WCPD news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple items were destroyed, including valuable antiques, other furniture and items of historical significance. Additionally, 35 antique books were removed from the shelves and thrown on the floor. The teens are accused of causing at least $100,000 in damage to the 142-year-old landmark, just a year after the historic site received a $3.4 million renovation. Its disappointing, and its heartbreaking to see this kind of damage that was just completely unnecessary, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, per News 12. 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. Its a cherished landmark, said WCPD officer Kieran OLeary, per the New York Post. Everybody in Westchester is really upset about it. A representative for the Westchester County Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Friday. Read the original article on People NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) Two men were arrested on May 30 by Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office deputies for allegedly using a wrecker company to transport 48 packages of hydroponic marijuana. Online East Texas predator sentenced after sexual relationship with out-of-state minor According to the sheriffs office, a traffic stop was conducted on a tow truck hauling a vehicle on Loop 224 near University Drive for a traffic violation. The driver, identified as Jerome Brown, 30, and the passenger, Corey Roberts, 39, told authorities conflicting information. Mugshot of Jerome Brown (left) and Corey Roberts (right), courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office Photo courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office A K9 was brought onto the scene, where it gave a positive alert, leading to a search of the vehicle. Authorities found 48 packages of suspected hydroponic marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When authorities found the suspected hydroponic marijuana inside the vehicle, they realized it was packaged the same as other marijuana that was seized in previous NSCO investigations. Hydroponic marijuana is a cannabis plant that is grown through a hydroponic system that does not use soil, according to South Coast Behavioral Health. Former Winnsboro ISD coach confesses to improper sexual relationship with student, sheriffs office says Brown and Roberts were booked on delivery of marijuana charges with bonds set at $100,000, officials said. Both men posted bond the next day and court dates are pending for the charges. The sheriffs office said the investigation for this case is still active. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON In their zeal to deliver a big win to President Donald Trump by passing his sweeping tax and spending bill, Republicans have been coming up with ridiculous ways to defend their plan to strip health care from an estimated 11 million low-income people. Experts dont matter. Prove you are worthy of health care. Were all going to die anyway. Somehow, these are actual arguments GOP lawmakers and officials have been making as they try to gloss over the pain their bill would impose on poor people and families while handing big tax breaks to mostly rich people. Here are five of the most absurd ways Republicans have tried to defend their so-called Big Beautiful Bill, which guts federal health and food assistance programs by nearly $1.3 trillion. HuffPost is dedicated to holding lawmakers accountable and covering how their actions impact you, your community, and the country. Support journalism that demands transparency join our membership program today. Were all going to die anyway. It was her first town hall of the year, held at 7:30 in the morning at a rural area two hours away from Des Moines possibly to keep national attention off the senator as much as possible. Yet Republican Sen. Joni Erst of Iowa last week still managed to step in it with a flippant remarkto a woman concerned about Republican plans to cut Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People will die! the woman shouted at the senator. Well, we all are going to die, Ernst responded with a smirk. For heavens sakes, folks. The glib comment quickly went viral on social media and Democrats pounced on her words, featuring them on signs at press conferences around the U.S. Capitol this week as they blasted the GOP tax and spending bill. It even spurred Democratic state Rep. JD Scholten to announce his entry into the race to unseat Ernst, who faces reelection next year, and election handicappers to shift the raceslightly toward Democrats. Ernst later doubled down by filming a sarcastic apology video from a cemetery. Im very compassionate, she told a swarm of reporters this week. Losing health care coverage is actually healthy. From the minute Republicans started drafting the legislation this year, they knew two things: They would limit eligibility for the childless adults without disabilities covered under the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion, saving hundreds of billions of dollars, and they would deny that the significant loss of coverage resulting from work requirements which would mostly kick people who have jobs off Medicaid by imposing new paperwork burdens on them counted as a cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) explained in February, losing health care coverage would spur people to improve themselves, and theyd be better off for it. Work is good for you. You find dignity in work. And the people that are not doing that, were going to try to get their attention, Johnson said. So everyone needs to take a deep sigh of relief and understand that were not going to harm any Americans with this. What were doing is the right thing by the people. The Congressional Budget Office said this week the proposed work requirements better understood as a limit on benefits for people who dont prove to their state government theyve participated in 80 hours per month of qualifying community engagement activities would reduce Medicaid enrollment by 5.2 million and save $344 billion over a decade. Ultimately, 4.8 million fewer people would have insurance in 2034. This week, Johnsons office pointed to a new analysis by the conservative American Enterprise Institute finding that unemployed Medicaid recipients who would be affected by the law typically spend 4.2 hours per day watching TV and playing video games, compared with 2.7 hours per day of TV and video games for Medicaid recipients with jobs. For Republicans, unemployed gamers are about as deserving of government assistance as undocumented immigrants, who are also targeted in the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next time a Democrat makes false claims about Medicaid cuts, just remember that what theyre really saying is they want illegal aliens and able-bodied adults playing video games at home to continue stealing resources from those who need it, Johnsons office said in a statement. In a major analysis of work requirements that have been tried in various federal programs, however, the CBO found in 2022 that booting unemployed people off Medicaid didnt boost their employment. The budget office pointed to what happened when the first Trump administration let Arkansas implement a Medicaid work requirement in 2018. There, many of the targeted adults lost their health insurance as a result of the work requirement, the CBO said. Employment did not appear to increase, although the evidence is scant. Research indicates that many participants were unaware of the work requirement or found it too onerous to demonstrate compliance. Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), lead author of the Republicans Medicaid proposal, has said lawmakers learned from the Arkansas example and that the compliance paperwork in this case would be less onerous. Dont believe the experts. GOP lawmakers have sought to undermine the Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan federal agency that analyzes the fiscal effects of legislation, after it estimated that the massive tax cut package will add $2.4 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years and eliminate health insurance for nearly 11 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have argued that these tax cuts will spur economic growth and eventually pay for themselves, something that studies have shown did not happen after they made similar arguments about their 2017 tax cut bill. They also have a very vocal critic to contend with in billionaire Elon Musk, their one-time ally who has savaged the bill as an abomination for how it will balloon the deficit. Appearing Thursday on CNN, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) also dismissed the CBOs projections about the nearly 11 million people who stand to lose their health care coverage. Can you say for certain no one will lose their health insurance? CNN anchor Pamela Brown asked Scott. You just cant look at those numbers at face value and say theyre going to happen, Scott responded. People will find jobs eventually. Republicans who are willing to at least acknowledge that cutting Medicaid will lead to people losing health insurance argue that they will instead be able to find a job and receive employer-sponsored health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are screaming and saying, Hey, its kicking people off Medicaid. Its not kicking people off Medicaid, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said in an interview with CNBC. Its transitioning from Medicaid to employer-provided health care. So, yes, weve got 10 million people that are not gonna be on Medicaid, but they then are gonna be on employer-provided health care. Thats an extremely optimistic prediction, especially since the GOP bill doesnt explicitly create any jobs itself. Even if those people who lose their Medicaid coverage are able to find a job at some point, not every employer offers health care, particularly for part-time roles. Few of those disenrolled from Medicaid because of the policy would have access to and enroll in employment-based coverage and none would be eligible for the premium tax credit, CBO Director Phillip Swagel said in a letter to members of Congress on Wednesday. Prove you deserve care. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the former TV personality now running the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said people should have to prove that you matter to get Medicaid coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Wednesday interview on Fox Business, Oz defended the bills harsh, new work requirements for Medicaid. The bill requires states to deny coverage to people age 19 to 64 applying for Medicaid if theyre not already working at least 80 hours a month. It also requires states to kick people off Medicaid if they cant prove theyre meeting the work requirements. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these work requirements alone will result in 5.2 million people losing their health coverage. Were asking that able-bodied individuals who are able to go back to work at least try to get a job or volunteer or take care of a loved one who needs help or go back into school, Oz said. Do something that shows you have agency over your future. If people arent doing those things, he said, theyll have to get a job and get health insurance there because they shouldnt be covered by Medicaid anymore. Go out there. Do entry-level jobs. Get into the workforce. Prove that you matter, Oz said. Get agency into your own life. In fact, under the GOP bill, most people are projected to lose Medicaid coverage due to red tape, with states not automatically exempting certain people from work requirements who should be exempted. At least 2 in 3 enrollees would be kicked off Medicaid despite working or qualifying for an exemption, like having a disability or going to school, per the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The vicious blowup between President Trump and Elon Musk has shaken up the power dynamics in Washington, D.C. As Musk burns his bridges to the White House and MAGA World, several of his political and business rivals stand to benefit. And while Musks enemies may relish his ouster, some of Trumps biggest rivals could also gain from the presidents feud with the worlds richest man. Here are the people, businesses and factions that could win from Musks loss. Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin Musks alienation from Trump gives Jeff Bezos a major opportunity to improve his tumultuous relationship with the president and fuel the growth of Blue Origin, his aerospace company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before Musks alignment with Trump, he and Bezos butted heads for years as the billionaires dueled each other for dominance over the private-sector space race. At the same time, Bezos was fending off Trumps attacks on The Washington Post and facing off with the administration in court. Musks SpaceX had already cemented itself as the industry leader before joining forces with Trump, far outpacing Blue Origin in total launches while also servicing the International Space Station. But Musks growing ties to Trump threatened to deepen SpaceXs connection to the government and siphon billions of dollars in federal contracts away from Blue Origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Musk out of Trumps good graces, Bezos now has an opening to build on months of work to curry the presidents favor. Ahead of the 2024 election, Bezos spiked the Posts pending endorsement of former Vice President Kamala Harris, a move critics derided as self-interested. In an op-ed for the Post, Bezos said his decision was made based on editorial principle alone, but he acknowledged how his business empire has become a complexifier for the paper. Amazon was also one of several major tech companies to donate $1 million to Trumps inauguration, and it inked a documentary deal with Melania Trump reportedly worth $40 million. Boeing Musks exit is another win for Boeing after months of progress moving forward from a series of scandals and safety lapses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Boeing faced federal investigations into its safety protocols for commercial aircraft, it also suffered an embarrassing setback in its spacecraft efforts during the Biden administration. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams spent months stuck on the International Space Station after taking off from Earth on Boeings Starliner in June 2024. What was supposed to be a weeklong mission turned into a nine-month ordeal in which several Starliner maintenance issues delayed their return to Earth. Former President Biden rejected Musks offer to bring Wilmore and Williams home with the SpaceX Dragon amid its own feud with the tech CEO. The Biden administration held an electric vehicle summit earlier in Bidens term, but it snubbed Musk, sending the Tesla CEO on his path toward endorsing Trump. Wilmore and Williams finally returned to Earth in March after Trump dispatched the Dragon to bring them back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk threatened Thursday to ground the Dragon amid Trumps threats to scrap SpaceXs federal contracts, which would have debilitated the U.S. space program. While Musk has since pulled back from that threat, his feud with Trump gives Boeing an opening to move forward from the Starliner mishap. Sam Altman and OpenAI Before this week, Musks most notable falling out with an ally may have been his feud with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Musk, one of the co-founders of the nonprofit artificial intelligence (AI) firm behind ChatGPT, has battled Altman in the courts and on the internet over his leadership. He had consistently criticized Altman for plans to make OpenAI a for-profit business plans that have since been scrapped and sued the company for an alleged breach of its commitments. Musk also launched xAI, one of several rivals to OpenAI, and incorporated the Grok chatbot into X, the social media platform he also owns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, however, ignored Musks disdain for Altman and made OpenAI a major player in Project Stargate, his effort to build out AI data and energy centers. Musk was forced to abide Trumps partnership with Altman, and the president dismissed his advisers beef with OpenAI when touting the benefits of the deal. No it doesnt. He hates one of the people in the deal, Trump said in January when asked if Musks criticism bothered him. Ive spoken to Elon. Ive spoken to all of them, actually. The people in the deal are very, very smart people, Trump continued. But Elon, one of the people in the deal he happens to hate, but I have certain hatreds of people too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Altmans arch rival out of the White House, the path is clear for an even bigger role in Trumps efforts to boost AI. Trumps anti-immigration alliance While Musk shared Trumps support for stricter border security, he spent his stint with the president at odds with some of Trumps closest advisers and major MAGA movement leaders. Even before Trump took office, a war over H-1B visas erupted between Musk and several Trump allies who are fiercely opposed to courting immigrants and who back Trumps severe immigration restrictions. Musk squared off with former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and right-wing activist Laura Loomer over the H-1B program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend, Musk, reportedly a former H-1B recipient, wrote in one of several posts on X defending the visas. While the tech CEO said H-1Bs were essential for U.S. competitiveness, Bannon and Loomer accused Musk of supporting a scam that would undermine Trumps America First platform. Musk has also butted heads with Stephen Miller, a top Trump White House policy adviser and the architect of much of the presidents immigration restriction agenda. In recent days, Miller has been front and center in defending Trumps tax cut and spending bill, the measure behind the rupture between Musk and Trump. The reconciliation bill cuts taxes, seals the border and reforms welfare. It is not a spending bill. There is no pork. It is the campaign agenda codified, Miller said Thursday on X, a clear swipe at Musk, if not by name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon has gone even further, urging Trump to seize control of SpaceX and deport Musk, a native of South Africa, citing allegations that his legal status in the country had lapsed. The Democratic Party Democrats have had a miserable start to 2025, but the Musk-Trump feud is undoubtedly good news for the time being. The messy online battle between Trump and Musk gave Democrats some relief from months of ineffectual attempts to impede the presidents agenda, recriminations over the 2024 election, divisions about their future, and a lack of clear leadership, resulting in historic unpopularity. Oh, man, the girls are fighting, arent they? Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) quipped Thursday. Well see what the impacts are of it legislatively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, eager to quash a distraction from his legislative push, sought Friday to ice the feud with Musk and move forward. But one first-term Trump White House aide said Musks alienation could lead to further fractures in the GOP, which could give Democrats some room to breathe after a brutal six-month stretch. We think weve seen some real legislative gridlock but with new life and momentum breathed into the Freedom Caucuss power, I dont think weve seen anything yet, the former White House aide said. At a time when Republicans need to be united more than ever, the most dangerous faction Ive seen could be accelerating quickly and congressional leadership may soon find they have less control than ever. Democrats were already banking on Musk being an electoral liability in next years midterm elections, though they were wary of drawing his money into the race. If Musk follows through on threats to punish Republicans who voted for Trumps bill, the divided field could boost Democrats even further. Hes already suggested Republicans wouldnt have kept the House without his help, and while he previously downplayed any plans to get politically involved, thats harder to believe as the rhetoric between him and Trump heats up, the former White House aide said. The midterms are a prime opportunity to back up that claim and in swing districts where a couple million dollars can tip the scales, his involvement could be a game-changer. Alex Gangitano contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEED TO KNOW Dozens of Blanding's turtles were released back into their natural wetland habitat on June 4 Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Blank Park Zoo, and Iowa State University joined forces to raise the turtles that are considered a threatened species The year-old turtles were released with tiny transmitters allowing their movements to be tracked for the next two months A group of year-old Blanding's turtles were released from the Blank Park Zoo and placed in their natural habitat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blanding's turtles are a threatened species, and as part of a partnering project between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Blank Park Zoo, and Iowa State University, the agencies worked together to help the population. "Blanding's turtles are so cool, they've got this bright yellow chin, and they kind of look like an army helmet with this dome shape of their shell," Dr. Karen Kinkead, wildlife diversity program coordinator for the Iowa DNR, told WHO Des Moines. The turtles' parents are native to the Iowa wetlands. Now that their babies are one year old, they were released into a marsh in Guthrie County with tiny transmitters to track their movements and gather data. You definitely want to be putting them into a good Blandings turtle habitat where theyre gonna be able to thrive, so thats pretty much made up of wetlands, Elizabeth Lang, a research associate at Iowa State University, told Iowa Local 5 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHO Des Moines reports that Lang will spend her summer in the marsh tracking the turtles and monitoring their whereabouts. Over the winter, the baby turtles made the Blank Park Zoo their home. Getty Blanding's turtle Blanding's turtle "The zoo's kept them over the winter for us, and they've kept them awake instead of allowing them to go to sleep for the winter," Kinkead told KCCI News. "So they've grown bigger than they would in the wild. Because they're bigger, it will be harder for some of their natural predators to swallow them whole." 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. Kinead said she has concerns about the Blanding's turtle release: "I'm definitely a bit nervous. I hope that they do really well out there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To my knowledge, this is the first opportunity we've had to track the juveniles," Kinkead told WHO Des Moines. "And we suspect that the juveniles are not using the habitat the same way as the adults do because we just don't find them the way we do adults." Kinkead said she believes the young turtles spend more time in the water than the adults. The turtle's transmitters will last two months, allowing Lang and partnering technicians to track how the turtles spend their summer. WHO Des Moines reports that the Blanding's turtle was placed on a threatened species list due to complications in successful nesting and habitat loss. DNR is working to rebuild the Blanding's turtle population following a late winter storm that devastated the species 10 years ago. Read the original article on People 1.This is a picture of Earth from ONE HOUR ago: NOAA Do you see yourself? 2.And this is a picture of Mars that was taken THIS WEEK: NASA/JPL-Caltech Weather looks nicer than New York City, not going to lie. 3.This is how big Earth is compared to Jupiter's Great Red Spot: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Christopher Go I would hesitate to call that giant thing a "spot." It's disrespectful to Big Jupey. 4.Speaking of which, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter is shrinking: NASA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to NASA, "Some unknown activity in the planet's atmosphere may be draining energy and weakening the storm, causing it to shrink." 5.And while we're talkin' Jupiter, this is what Jupiter would look like if it were as close as the moon: Petition to replace the moon with Jupiter. Get on it, Biden. 6.This is what the Korean penisula North Korea on top, South Korea on bottom looks like from space: Pictures From History / Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images That arrow is pointing to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. 7.In 2001, there was a huge dust storm on Mars that obscured the whole planet from the outside: NASA Imagine leaving your windows open on Mars that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8.This is what Florida looks like from space: NASA/JSC Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth To paraphrase Carl Sagan: Every Floridian you love, every Floridian who has robbed a gas station, every Floridian who has unwisely kept an exotic animal as a pet, every Floridian who has ever been seriously hurt flying off a jump in a backyard go-kart accident, has lived out their lives on that peninsula. 9.And this is what the Himalayas look like from International Space Station: NASA Not so tall now, are you! 10.This is the last image NASA's InSight rover sent from Mars before running out of power at the end of its mission last December: NASA/JPL-Caltech 11.While we're on the subject, this is the last picture the Mars Opportunity rover took: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell/ASU Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, one of the final few. Goodnight, sweet prince. 12.This is what a volcano erupting looks like from space: / Alamy Stock Photo Neat! 13.This, to scale, is how far apart the Milky Way galaxy and the Andromeda galaxy are: FYI, the Milky Way is about 100,000 light-years across. 14.This is how big Earth is compared to Saturn: Stocktrek Images, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo Earth is PUNY. 15.And this is how big the Moon and Pluto's moon Charon are compared to the Earth: NASA Moon: Gregory H. Revera Charon: NASA/JHUAPL/SWRI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know what? I'm glad that puny little dwarf planet doesn't count as a planet anymore. 16.This is what Antarctica looks like from space: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio / The Blue Marble data is courtesy of Reto Stockli (NASA/GSFC) Read more about how this image was made here. 17.This is what the inside of a 1970s spacesuit looked like: Specially the Russian Orlan suit. Looks comfortable and not horrifying at all! 18.You can see volcanic eruptions on Jupiters moon Io from space: NASA/JPL Some are large enough to be seen from Earth, too. 19.Speaking of IO, here's a picture of one of the moon's most unique mountains, named "Steeple Mountain:" NASA / JunoCam Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's about four miles high. 20.This is what the Pacific Ocean looks like from space: NASA / Dembinsky Photo Associates / Alamy Stock Photo There are at least ten fish pictured here. 21.This is a picture of Pluto and its moons taken in 2006... Nasa / Getty Images Related: 13 Tweets From Women This Week That Made Me Laugh So Hard I Might Need Medical Attention 22.And this is a much, much clearer picture of Pluto taken only a decade later, in 2015: Nasa / Getty Images By NASA's New Horizons spacecraft from 476,000 miles out. 23.This is what the Space Shuttle Endeavour looked like as it left Earth and traveled into orbit: Futuras Fotos / Alamy Stock Photo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looks like a little toy. 24.This is what a typhoon looks like from space: Universal History Archive / Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Specifically, Super Typhoon Maysak in 2015. 25.This picture was taken shortly after David Scott and Neil Armstrong's Gemini 8 space capsule landed in the Pacific Ocean: Interim Archives / Getty Images Some cool-looking extra-terrestrial dudes. 26.This is what the United Kingdom looked like from space during the winter of 2010: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, Goddard Space Flight Center Likes like one of those Games of Thrones. 27.This is what a sunset looks like from space: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hmmm. Is this more or less impressive than the sunset your mom has as the background on her iPhone lock screen? Weigh in on this in the comments, please. 28.On Feb. 7, 1984, Bruce McCandless II performed the first-ever untethered space walk, and folks, it looks absolutely terrifying: Nasa / Getty Images He used a jet-propelled backpack to maneuver around. It was apparently very, very cold. 29.This is a picture of the ice mountains of Pluto as seen from the New Horizons space probe: Science History Images / Alamy Stock Photo The photo is 230 miles across, to put things into perspective. 30.This is what New Zealand looks like from space: NASA I think I see Tom Bombadil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 31.This is how big an average-sized comet is compared to Paris: Esa Specifically the Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet. Very chill, though. 32.This is a REAL picture of the moon crossing in front of the Earth: Nasa / Getty Images The image was taken by the DSCOVR spacecraft about a million miles away from Earth. Related: "Something's Killed Me. Please, Someone Tell My Parents": 19 Terrifying Stories From People Who Lived In Haunted Houses That Are Gonna Give Me Serious Nightmares 33.This is what a solar eclipse looks like from space: Alamy Stock Photo Like a pen blew up all over Earth. 34.In 1972, astronaut Charles Duke left behind a picture of his family on the moon's surface. It's been there ever since: CBW / Alamy Stock Photo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The back of the photo reads, "This is the family of Astronaut Duke from Planet Earth, who landed on the Moon on the twentieth of April 1972." 35.This is how big everyone's favorite telescope, the Hubble Telescope, is: / Alamy Stock Photo KRGEAC The Hubble Space Telescope at the Lockheed assembly plant 8913987 36.This picture, taken in 1946, is one of the first images of Earth ever taken from space: Jhu Sheridan Libraries / Getty Images It was captured from a 35-millimeter camera attached to a V-2 rocket. 37.And this is the first picture of Earth from the moon, taken in 1966 by Lunar Orbiter 1: Encyclopaedia Britannica / Universal Images Group via Getty Images 38.The Mars rovers are way, way bigger than you thought they were: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images This is the Perseverance rover. It's not a little RC car! 39.This is what a piece of the moon and a piece of Mars looks like: Read and see more here. 40.These are two of the earliest known photographs of Saturn and Jupiter, taken in the 19th century: Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images 41.You're probably familiar with the "Face on Mars," an image of a formation on Mars from the 1970s that launched a million conspiracy theories... Corbis Historical 42....well, this is what a much less blurry, much more recent photograph of that same "face" looks like: Photo 12 / Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images I still want to believe. 43.Mars is home to the tallest mountain in the solar system, the 72,000-foot-tall Olympus Mons: Historical / Corbis via Getty Images It's over 372 miles wide. That's bigger than Arizona. 44.Speaking of Mars, this is what a sunset looks like on that there planet: Nasa / Getty Images Not as nice as Key West, but what are you gonna do. Martians make do. 45.There's a bunch of trash left by humans on the moon. In fact, if you really want to know, there are 96 bags of human waste on that big pie in the sky: NASA / Corbis via Getty Images Now, THAT'S amore. 46.You might recognize Eugene from this iconic picture of his moon walk: Donaldson Collection / Getty Images 47.NASA recently captured one of the clearest pictures of Jupiter yet: Makhbubakhon Ismatova / Getty Images/iStockphoto Look at my boy Jupey! 48.This is the Willamette meteorite, the largest meteorite that's ever been found in the United States: Bettmann / Bettmann Archive It is the sixth largest in the world and weighs 15.5 tons. 49.And this is the Hoba meteorite, the largest meteorite on Earth: Groblerdupreez / Getty Images The largest that we know of, that is. It's located in Namibia. 50.Way out on the edge of the Solar System is this big ol' hunk of rock called Ultima Thule, Arrokoth, or (486958) 2014 MU69 the farthest thing from Earth humanity has ever "explored up close": Handout / Getty Images Reminds me of two peanuts I ate earlier today. Those were some good peanuts. 51.Buzz Aldrin took humanity's first "space selfie" while on a spacewalk in 1966: Space Frontiers / Getty Images Never heard of a "space selfie"? Well, it's got its own Wikipedia page. 52.This is what the moon looks like in the Northern Hemisphere... Claudine Silaho Weber-hilty / Getty Images/iStockphoto 53....and this is what the moon looks like in the Southern Hemisphere. It's upside down: Agcuesta / Getty Images/iStockphoto Well, I guess that just depends on the moon you lived your life with. 54.This is what Ireland looks like from space: I think I see Bono. 55.And finally, this is the statement President Jimmy Carter wrote and put aboard the Voyager 1 spacecraft, intended for any aliens the probe might encounter: It reads: "This Voyager spacecraft was constructed by the United States of America. We are a community of 240 million human beings among the more than 4 billion who inhabit the planet Earth. We human beings are still divided into nation states, but these states are rapidly becoming a single global civilization. "We cast this message into the cosmos. It is likely to survive a billion years into our future, when our civilization is profoundly altered and the surface of the Earth may be vastly changed. Of the 200 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy, some perhaps many may have inhabited planets and spacefaring civilizations. If one such civilization intercepts Voyager and can understand these recorded contents, here is our message: "This is a present from a small distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts, and our feelings. We are attempting to survive our time so we may live into yours. We hope someday, having solved the problems we face, to join a community of galactic civilizations. This record represents our hope and our determination, and our good will in a vast and awesome universe." 56.This is Eugene Cernan, who is, as of 2023, the last man to ever walk on the moon: Space Frontiers / Getty Images He did it way back in 1972. It's been that long, folks! 57.Finally, let's end by looking at the TRUE color of every planet in our solar system. This is what color Mercury really is: NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Arizona State University/Carnegie Institution of Washington 58.And this is what Venus looks like to the naked eye: NASA/JPL-Caltech 59.Here's where you are, Earth, in true color: NASA No surprise here. 60.This is what Mars looks like in real color: ESA & MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/RSSD/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA 61.And this is what Jupiter looks like without any filters: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona 62.Here's Saturn in all its true-color glory: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute 63.And this is Uranus in real color: NASA/JPL 64.Here's Neptune in true color: NASA / Voyager 2 / PDS / OPUS 65.And, finally, here's our little dwarf planet warrior, Pluto, in real color: NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute/Alex Parker Also in Internet Finds: The History We're Taught Is Wildly Sanitized, So Here 28 Disturbing Historical Events Everyone Should Be Aware Of Also in Internet Finds: People Who Never Believed In The Supernatural Are Revealing What Made Them Change Their Minds, And I'm Terrified Also in Internet Finds: 50 People Who Woke Up One Morning Over The Past Month And Accidentally Destroyed Their Entire Lives The South Fulton Police Department said one person was arrested after a 8-year-old was shot Friday night. Officers responded to the 4300 block of Cascade Road and found an 8-year-old child with a gunshot wound to the leg. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The child was taken to a nearby childrens hospital for treatment. The police said initial findings indicate the shooting came after a large fight with several people. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several people were detained at the scene. Police arrested one woman, who has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, police said. Police have not yet identified the arrested woman. South Fulton police said detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Crime Scene Unit and NIBIN Task Force, are actively investigating the case. Channel 2 has reached out to South Fulton authorities for more details. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The death of a 9-year-old girl who became unresponsive after dental surgery in San Diego County has been ruled an accident resulting from a rare blood disorder, according to autopsy report by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office. Silvanna Moreno died from a disorder called methemoglobinemia that could have been triggered by the administration of nitrous oxide and other commonly used anesthetic medications during her dental surgery on March 18, the medical examiner said. Methemoglobinemia is a rare blood disorder which disrupts how iron in the hemoglobin can deliver oxygen to cells and tissue in the body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's extremely rare for a person to be born with the disorder there isn't an exact number of affected people due to its rarity. Experts who have studied the condition say it can, more commonly, be developed by an unusual confluence of events involving the exposure to medication, which may have happened in the case of Moreno. It's not clear if Moreno had the congenital form of methemoglobinemia, meaning present at birth, or a form triggered by exposure to certain medications. The disorder leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and cyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the skin, said Dr. Michael Levine of UCLA Health. Read more: Pope meets with child protection advisory board as survivors call for zero tolerance of abuse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sometimes people have a defect in that system and they get congenital methemoglobinemian as a result," said Dr. Gentry Wilkerson, associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who has authored a study on the condition and ways to treat it. "It's so rare, I would be shocked if I ever saw it in my career." The San Diego Police Departments child abuse unit announced in April that it was investigating the girls death but the department said Friday it has ceased its investigation and closed the case, said Lt. Travis Easter. Dreamtime Dentistry, the Vista, Calif., facility where Moreno underwent surgery, responded to the medical examiner's report by saying the death was "not due to dosage but instead due to her rare but undiagnosed/undetected medical condition." The dentistry office also said there were no clear signs before the surgery that she had this condition. "A common cause of exposure that can lead to methemoglobinemia is dental procedures because one of the medicines that they'll give for patients that have dental pain is benzocaine," Wilkerson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benzocaine was not listed in the medical examiner's report as one of the medications administered to Moreno. Wilkerson said dental procedures are generally very safe. But in other cases, "it's a medication dose dependent effect where a person can take an excess of quantity or an excess amount of the drug and then subsequently develop methemoglobinemia," Levine said. Moreno was referred to Dreamtime Dentistry after complaining about a toothache four months prior, according to the autopsy reviewed by The Times. The dental office accepted the referral because it offered Moreno "treatment under general anesthesia due to her young age and acute situational anxiety," the facility stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day before her March 18 surgery, Moreno's autopsy said that she had a fever but her symptoms resolved after being given children's Tylenol. Representatives for Dreamtime Dentistry told The Times they were not aware of her fever and noted that Moreno's mother, "completed and signed a pre-operative check-in form indicating 'No' when asked if the patient was sick." The pre-op evaluation included a thorough review of Moreno's medical and dental history, assessment of vital signs, a physical examination including heart, lung sounds and airway evaluation, among other procedures, according to a statement from Dreamtime Dentistry. Read more: Commentary: A mother's plea to Trump: If you want to encourage a baby boom, give families a break Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All medications were administered according to manufacturer guidelines based on Moreno's age and weight," according to the statement from the facility. Throughout the procedure, anesthesiologist Dr. Ryan Watkins observed Moreno and noted no complications, the dental office stated. Once the procedure was completed, the child was monitored in the facility's recovery area until she awoke with stable vital signs. After the procedure, she was discharged into the care of her mother and sent home, according to the County of San Diego Medical Examiners Office. Moreno fell asleep on the car ride home, and when she arrived home she stayed asleep and was transitioned into her bed, according to the medical examiners office. Her family checked on her throughout the day and called 911 when it was discovered later that she was unresponsive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders transported Moreno to Rady Children's Hospital while performing life saving measures. When the child arrived at the hospital medical staff assumed life saving measures to no avail and she was pronounced dead, according to the medical examiner. 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. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in the U.S. to face a federal indictment in Tennessee accusing him of helping to transport across the country hundreds of people who had entered the U.S. illegally. Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. marks a surprising turnaround in the mistakenly deported Maryland mans legal saga after months of litigation seeking to bring him back. Since sending Abrego Garcia to a Salvadoran mega-prison in March, the Trump administration has defied a judges orders to return him to the U.S. or communicate their efforts to do so. The two-count indictment alleges the Beltsville resident conspired with others for nearly a decade to transport people, as well as narcotics and firearms on occasions, in more than 100 trips from Texas to Maryland and other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts have warned of a ongoing constitutional crisis due to the Trump administrations failure to grant Abrego Garcia a hearing or abide by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis rulings. However, his long-awaited return could mitigate any showdown between the executive and judicial branches. Justice Department officials said at a Friday afternoon news conference that they believed Abrego Garcias indictment and return made the matter moot. Abrego Garcia has landed in the U.S. to face justice, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday. She said that El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who has previously refused to release Abrego Garcia, had agreed to return the 29-year-old after being presented with an arrest warrant. He is charged in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee with conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain. In a filing to keep him detained in the U.S., the Justice Department said that Abrego Garcias potential sentence, if he is convicted, goes well beyond the remainder of [his] life. Abrego Garcia was stopped by Tennessees highway patrol in 2022 while transporting eight people. Officers suspected that the matter was a human trafficking incident, according to a Department of Homeland Security document, though Abrego Garcia was not initially detained or charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That traffic stop appears to be at least part of the basis for the indictment, which was filed under seal in late May and cites the encounter. The indictment also accuses Abrego Garcia of being a member of MS-13. Since his deportation in March, which Xinis ruled was illegal, Abrego Garcia has been held in El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center as well as in a smaller prison in Santa Ana. Trump administration officials had said that he was never coming back to the U.S., despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming Xinis order to facilitate his return. For months, the Trump administration has tried to publicly justify Abrego Garcias removal, repeatedly accusing him of presenting a public danger. In April, Bondi posted a series of documents on X, including a 2019 gang field interview sheet from Prince Georges County Police that cited a Chicago Bulls hat and a shirt as being indicative of the Hispanic gang culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only other piece of corroborating evidence was a confidential source, according to the document, and members of the public have called the integrity of the police officer who authored the report into question. The 2019 investigation led to an immigration hearing, in which a judge decided Abrego Garcia could remain in the U.S. because it was more likely than not he would be subjected to gang violence if deported back to his native El Salvador, which he left as teenager. The former Maryland residents return may avoid the ugliest possible outcomes in his civil case, where the government has flouted Xinis repeated orders for his return. Its at least a distraction, and possibly a chance for the government to vindicate itself, said Carl Tobias, a constitutional law professor at the University of Richmond. But were a long way from there, and its difficult to know what will happen in either courthouse, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment itself, he said, could go either way, depending on what evidence the Justice Department presents. On X, Congressman Andy Harris, a Trump ally and the lone Republican in the Maryland congressional delegation, said that returning Abrego Garcia, whom he called an already deported illegal alien criminal, to the U.S. is a waste of hard-earned taxpayer dollars, implying that he will be deported again after he stands trial. Maryland Democrats said that Abrego Garcias return, despite being under criminal charges, was a victory. In a statement Friday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the Maryland Democrat who first traveled to El Salvador to visit Abrego Garcia, said that the Trump administration has finally relented to our demands for compliance with court orders and with the due process rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I have repeatedly said, this is not about the man, its about his constitutional rights and the rights of all, Van Hollen said. The administration will now have to make its case in the court of law, as it should have all along. Kilmar Abrego Garcia should not have been deported, U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat, said. Even the Supreme Court demanded this President follow the law and return him to the U.S. It is right that due process will be afforded to him. In an interview Friday on CNN, Maryland U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin said he did not know any Democrats whove defended Abrego Garcias conduct because to this point, he has not been charged with a crime. However, Raskin said since his deportation, Abrego Garcia has been entitled to a proper court procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not a moral question, its a legal question, the Montgomery County Democrat said. To accentuate his point, Raskin compared Abrego Garcias case to President Donald Trumps criminal prosecution last year in New York. He had every element of due process along the way, Raskin said of the president. Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey, who also traveled to El Salvador last month to see Abrego Garcia but was denied access, said in a CNN interview Friday that the Maryland fathers return was likely due to the White House getting a lot of heat about his case. Its good they could bring him back, and hopefully theyll bring back the other 250 plus Venezuelans and others who are in this odd status of deportation, even though they havent done anything or been convicted of any criminal activity, said Ivey, who represents the Maryland district where Abrego Garcia resides. Shortly after the indictment was unsealed, the Justice Department asked for Xinis to dissolve a preliminary injunction ordering Abrego Garcias return, adding that the underlying case should be dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that case, Xinis recently permitted the plaintiffs to seek sanctions against the U.S. government. She had not made any new rulings as of Friday afternoon. _____ (Baltimore Sun reporters Hannah Gaskill, Luke Parker and Ben Mause contributed to this story.) _____ NEED TO KNOW A video of a horse experiencing his freedom for the first time after being left neglected and malnourished is going viral In the video, the horse named Thunder runs around an open pasture, where police brought him to be rehabilitated The homeowner responsible for Thunder and several other animals found on the farm was arrested and charged by Polk County Sheriffs Office in Florida A young horse is free after living his life in horrific conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers from the Polk County Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit in Florida received a tip that two undernourished horses were seen on a farm in Lake Wales, according to a press release. A video of one of the horses named Thunder jumping for joy after being rescued is going viral. This is his first time ever experiencing a pasture and being able to run free (well somewhat free) and he is loving it, the Polk County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) wrote in a June 3 Facebook post. He was kept in a very small stall in a dark barn and never turned out to pasture. Upon the 2-year-old Paso Fino horses rescue, he was taken to a wide-open pasture and stable, where Thunder was relocated to rehabilitate him back to health. Police found Thunder in an "extremely skinny and malnourished state with his bones protruding, according to the press release. The other horse, found on the farm about 60 miles east of Tampa, died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another was laying on the ground in its own feces, unable to lift its head, and barely breathing this horse succumbed to its severe neglect and was deceased by the time detectives arrived, the press release read. Polk County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Thunder's first moments as a free horse Thunder's first moments as a free horse Detectives found six other horses, 11 goats and two sheep also living in the horrific conditions. Piles of solid waste, including rotting household trash, scrap metal, waste wood, 23 tires, hundreds of flies, and broken appliances, were scattered about, per the press release. Detectives also located a trough filled with a mixture of antifreeze and gasoline, leaking into water that the animals were then drinking. Police arrested the homeowner Joemanuel Nunez-Suarez and charged him with felony animal cruelty. 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. Nunez-Suarez claimed that the three horses living in inhumane conditions belonged to a friend whom he told to come pick up the animals three months ago because it was too expensive to provide them with food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two suspects were charged with environmental crimes, two others were charged with resisting arrest and all of the animals were seized by PCSO and will be rehabilitated, the release stated. "We appreciate the tipster who alerted us to the deplorable conditions on this property, PCSO Sheriff Grady Judd said in statement. It's a shame we were unable to save one of the abused horses, but we will make it our mission to rehabilitate all of the animals that were subjected to this filth and neglect, and ensure these suspects are never again allowed to own animals." Read the original article on People Acid spill at Pilgrim's Pride chicken plant hospitalizes 26 originally appeared on Bring Me The News. An acid spill at the Pilgrim's Pride chicken processing plant in Cold Spring, Minnesota, sent more than two-dozen people to the hospital Friday. The incident was reported at 8:15 a.m. and prompted a Hazmat response at the plant on the 800 block of Sauk River Road. Per the Cold Spring Police Department, a container of peracetic acid spilled, with the spill contained within the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When officers arrived on scene the buildings had already been evacuated," the police department said. "Numerous employees were assessed at the scene and 26 people were transported by Mayo Clinic and Centracare Ambulance to the St. Cloud Hospital to be evaluated for further treatment." The USDA describes peracetic acid as an organic peroxide based, colorless liquid with a "strong, pungent, vinegar-like odor." "In the concentrated form it is highly corrosive and unstable," it says. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Conservationist and veterinarian Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka has been on a decades-long mission to save critically endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. As CNN reported, she fell in love with the great apes over 30 years ago after visiting Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park one of just two patches of forest in the world where the animals live. "You don't hear them, but you see their trails as you're walking," Kalema-Zikusoka told the news outlet. "You can be looking for them, thinking will I ever see them? Then suddenly they're there. It's such a magical feeling." Describing the first time she saw a mountain gorilla up close, she added, "I looked into his very intelligent brown eyes, and I felt a really deep connection. He was just willing to let us into his presence, and not at all threatening." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had originally visited the park as part of a summer placement after graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in London, but the month-long internship revealed a deeper calling, and she decided to pursue conservation work in the park full-time. For three decades now, she's been helping the mountain gorilla population rebound, with their numbers in Bwindi growing from less than 300 individuals to nearly 460. According to the IUCN Red List, the species was downgraded from critically endangered to endangered thanks to Kalema-Zikusoka's dedication. Over the last century, mountain gorillas have faced numerous pressures from poaching, deforestation, and violence in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Compounding these issues, the brutal eight-year dictatorship of Idi Amin in Uganda devastated remaining gorilla populations and many other wildlife. During the military coup, Kalema-Zikusoka's father who was a minister in the government was abducted and never seen again. As she got older and learned more about what happened that day, she felt it was her duty to keep his legacy alive by restoring Uganda through conservation work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mountain gorillas have been pushed to near-extinction, confined to just two isolated areas: the Virunga Mountains, which straddle the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, and Bwindi in southwest Uganda. All these events sparked Kalema-Zikusoka's passion to become a veterinarian and help the wildlife return to Uganda's ecosystems. Part of the mission involved efforts to improve public health as well, which isn't usually in the job description for a vet. But after a scabies outbreak in low-income communities bordering Bwindi spread to some of the gorillas, Kalema-Zikusoka saw an opportunity to better the lives of both humans and animals. She launched the nonprofit Conservation Through Public Health to enhance the well-being of rural communities. Through the organization, community volunteers are trained to educate families about the importance of proper hygiene, family planning, infectious disease prevention, and other aspects of health. Meanwhile, local farmers escort wandering gorillas back to their forest homes if they venture close to humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kalema-Zikusoka's conservation efforts have also led poachers to give up their livelihoods in favor of gorilla tourism, a booming industry in Uganda. Some are also training to become farmers, guides, and rangers after learning about the importance of protecting gorillas. Ensuring the gorillas have a safe place to live has also positively impacted people, bringing them more jobs and opportunities. It's another example of the interconnected nature of life on our planet, proving that humans and animals can coexist with a little planning and goodwill. "The mountain gorillas have really shaped my life," Kalema-Zikusoka told CNN. And in turn, "the gorillas have really transformed Uganda, and brought Ugandan conservation and tourism back on the map." "Gladys, I think she's born with conservation in her blood. If you go through the life of her family, how she was brought up, she was brought up in that life of being a conservationist and I think she'll die a conservationist," Joshua Masereka, the community conservation warden at Uganda Wildlife Authority, added. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansans are speaking out against lawmakers who are voting to cut Medicaid. The GOP-led One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed the US House by a razor thin margin. 215 House members voted to pass it, while 214 voted against it. Local Kansas activists are calling out Rep. Derek Schmidt, a Republican who voted to pass the bill. A group of protesters gathered outside of Schmidts office in Topeka Thursday afternoon and expressed concerns about cuts to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today is life or death, protester Dillon Warren said. We voted someone in there that we shouldnt have. He doesnt support us. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that if the bill passes, at least 7 million people will lose Medicaid coverage. For that reason, many Kansas voters are making their voices heard. Chiefs and Royals stadium bill deadline approaching as Kansas and Missouri fight for the teams We need Medicaid for medical equipment, protester Rick Macias said. These chairs are $200,000 if not more. So, its very important that Medicaid sticks around. 27 News reached out to Schmidt, who was unavailable for comment. A spokesperson for the congressman provided 27 News with a written statement. Congressman Schmidt is a strong supporter of Medicaid for people the program is designed to help: those who are disabled, in nursing homes, pregnant, raising small children, or otherwise in need. Unfortunately, some states have abused the program by providing benefits to illegal aliens, millions of healthy young adults who choose not to work, or people who are not eligible to receive taxpayer-funded benefits from the program. That is the main reason why Medicaid spending has exploded by more than 50 percent since just 2019: an unsustainable rate of growth that puts benefits for Americans who need them most at risk. By addressing this abuse of the program, Congressman Schmidt is protecting both the traditional Medicaid recipients who rely on benefits and the taxpayers who pay the bills. Spokesman for Rep. Derek Schmidt For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. June 7 (UPI) -- The ancient Dead Sea Scrolls likely are much older than originally thought, a new artificial intelligence analysis suggests. The scrolls could be centuries older than initially thought, according to a study that combined radiocarbon dating with AI to better analyze the remnants of ancient documents, The Times of Israel reported. "The Dead Sea Scrolls ... completely changed the way we think about ancient Judaism and early Christianity," said Mladen Popovic, lead author of the study that was published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Out of 1,000 manuscripts, a bit more than 200 are what we call biblical Old Testament," Popovic told CNN. "They are the oldest copies we have of the Hebrew Bible." Popovic is the dean of the Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Archaeologists recovered thousands of remnants of scrolls that were first discovered in 1947 in the Judean Desert by Bedouin shepherds in an area that has become the West Bank. Instead of dating the scrolls based on the form of their lettering, researchers used carbon dating to analyze samples from 30 of the Dead Sea Scrolls that were provided by the Israel Antiquities Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also created high-resolution copies of the scripts and used an AI-powered model called "Enoch" to analyze the textual characters contained in 135 scrolls. The study revealed the scrolls are older than initially thought, which is from the 3rd century B.C. to the 1st century A.D. A paleographic study of the text within the scrolls narrowed their origin to that timeframe in 1961, but little else was done to analyze their origin until now. The new study pretreated pieces of parchment to remove any chemical traces from prior studies before undertaking carbon dating, and AI analysis corroborates the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It suggests some of the scrolls were one or two centuries older than originally thought, including Old Testament books like Ecclesiastes. The study also suggests literacy was much more widespread in the region. "These manuscripts are not just the earliest copy of these [Old Testament] books that survived," IAA Dead Sea Scrolls Unit leader Joe Uziel told The Times of Israel. They are "one of the oldest copies of these compositions ever written," he said. Only about 10% of the scrolls were studied, which Popovic said means there is a lot more to learn through more studies of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The U.S. Air Forces 53rd Wing officially elevated its Collaborative Combat Aircraft unit to a fully operational squadron. The new Experimental Operations Unit was formally activated on Thursday, June 5 at Nellis Air Force Base. The unit had previously operated as a detachment under the 53rd Wing, based in Nevada, since 2023. This weeks activation as a fully operational squadron comes as the Air Force steps up testing of the first phase of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (or CCA) program. The EOU embodies our commitment to rapid innovation and ensuring our warfighters have the most advanced tools to dominate the future battlespace, Col. Daniel Lehoski, commander of the 53rd Wing, said in the announcement from the Air Force. They are ready to reduce risk in concurrency and deliver capability faster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCA development is a part of the sixth-generation Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet program, which itself started as a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (or DARPA) project in 2015. The idea is to create remote controlled aircraft to be essentially uncrewed wingmen for pilots, with each crewed fighter jet able to give commands to the drones. While other branches of the armed forces are working on a greater integration of drones and other uncrewed systems, the Air Forces CCA program is unique in that it would act as an uncrewed force multiplier for crewed aircraft. The program is being developed in two stages, or increments as the Air Force refers to it. Increment 1 is currently testing some of the new aircraft, which were designated the YFQ-42A and the YFQ-44A in March, and made by General Atomics and Anduril, respectively. The new experimental operations unit at Nellis will start with running simulations out of the bases Virtual Warfare Center and the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center. The Air Forces stated plan is to eventually carry out actual flight tests based on those simulations. Lt. Col. Matthew Jensen, head of the Experimental Operations Unit, said that the new squadrons mission is to deliver combat-ready capabilities to the force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our vision is to create a collaborative combat ecosystem that is more agile, adaptable and lethal, Jensen said. This will enable our forces to dominate the future battlespace and achieve decisive advantages in complex, contested environments. The activation of the experimental operations unit comes only a few weeks after the Air Force began ground testing of CCA systems at Beale Air Force Base in California. Beale was selected as the home for the Air Forces first CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit. The latest on Task & Purpose (NewsNation) In recent months, the Trump administration has gone up against Harvard University and other Ivy League schools over on-campus protests and policies. The White House has recently frozen visa interviews with international student visa holders and has threatened to revoke the visas of Chinese students. Interviews were frozen because the agency wanted to expand social media screening and vetting. President Donald Trump said the move would determine whether foreign students being let into the country were troublemakers and that he wants to ensure admitted students are those who love our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow gutting of Education Department Attorney Alan Dershowitz told NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas that a lot of politicians and progressives who have stood behind the campus protesters have egg on their face, and that it was a bad look to support them. We are picking our wrong heroes, Dershowitz said. Dershowitz added the Trump administrations measure of revoking student visas and canceling visa interviews is a good preventive measure in ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The Southeast Alaska village of Metlakatla is seen in an undated photo. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo) In an extraordinary order, a Ketchikan Superior Court judge has dismissed murder charges against a Metlakatla man, citing a lengthy series of errors, lies and evidence concealed from defense attorneys by the Metlakatla Police Department. The errors, Judge Daniel Doty said last week in an order, were so severe that defendant Isaac Henderson cannot be guaranteed a fair trial. The order dismisses the charges against Henderson with prejudice, meaning that they cannot be brought again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dismissal was first reported by the Ketchikan Daily News. The record in this case established a unique and egregious pattern of discovery violations and misrepresentations about discovery, Doty wrote. No remedy short of dismissal with prejudice would remedy the prejudice to Mr. Henderson or deter similar violations in the future, he said. Prosecutors with the Alaska Department of Law have filed a motion asking the judge to reconsider his dismissal. Meanwhile, Angie Kemp, director of the departments criminal division since 2022, said on Friday that her division has suspended all work with the Metlakatla Police Department until the department undergoes reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That extreme possibly unprecedented act means state attorneys will not prosecute criminal cases coming from Metlakatlas police department unless they involve particularly serious crimes. Its an extreme remedy, but one thats necessary, Kemp said by phone on Friday. Interim police chief says department is rebuilding Metlakatla is located at the tip of southern Southeast Alaska, on the Annette Island Reserve, Alaskas only Indian reservation. Bruce Janes, a member of the local police department for 31 years and chief for eight, is no longer working there, Kemp said. Shes since spoken with Desmond King, chief of Metlakatlas fire department and now its interim police chief, requesting changes to police department procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Ive explained to him that until those steps are taken, the Department of Law cant continue to prosecute cases, absent extreme circumstances, out of Metlakatla where those cases involve Metlakatla Police Department officers, Kemp said. Metlakatla Mayor Albert Smith was out of the office and unavailable to talk by phone, town staff said on Friday. A message left on his cellphone was not returned. King, speaking by phone, said that in addition to acting as fire chief and interim police chief, hes also the towns deputy police commissioner. I actually carry a few hats right now, while were in the rebuilding stage. Were in a very stressful situation, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about Kemps decision to temporarily stop work with Metlakatlas police, he said he was familiar with it. I totally understand that, King said. Thats what I would expect them to do, because it was some internal issues that we have to fix, and were really going to be at Ground Zero. Its all about building everything as fast as we can, but as responsible as we can. Smith declined extensive comment, citing the mayors unavailability on Friday, but said that officials in Metlakatla are aware of the departments problems and the need to fix them. Its going to be a long, long-term project, but theres a lot of of the infrastructure and smaller things that we can take care of immediately and be very proactive in re-establishing all the relationships we have with the DAs office, working with the Alaska Police Standards Council, (Bureau of Indian Affairs) Justice System, theyre involved now. We have a lot of support. We definitely dont feel alone, he said. Court hearings revealed new information The turmoil surrounding the Metlakatla Police Department stems from the 2021 shooting death of Tyler Henderson. After an investigation by local police and Alaska State Troopers, the Department of Law charged Hendersons brother, Isaac, with his murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was frequently delayed, and Isaac Hendersons defense was repeatedly reassigned to five different public defenders who apparently took little action on the issue as it lingered in court. Four years on, it remains unclear whether the shooting was accidental, an act of self-defense as Isaac Henderson claimed or murder. As Hendersons trial approached, his attorneys John Phillips and Julia Graves began challenging some of the evidence that prosecutors planned to present. Neither attorney answered phone calls Friday seeking comment. During a series of evidentiary hearings in April, former Metlakatla police officer Austin McKeehan said that he falsified evidence reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former police chief Janes, under questioning, said he had made false statements to the grand jury that indicted Henderson, falsely claiming that he submitted a piece of evidence to the state crime lab. At the hearing, Janes admitted that the investigation was very sloppy and probably the worst Ive ever done. In another hearing, Janes testified that the department routinely destroys evidence logs every year, making it impossible to guarantee that evidence is properly stored and not tampered with. On May 5, at a hearing the judge called shocking, Janes revealed previously undisclosed witness interviews to both prosecutors and defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a trials discovery process, prosecutors are required to share possible evidence with defense attorneys. Janes, at this point in the case, produced several pieces of hard-copy evidence from within the case file that had not been shared with either prosecutors or the defense. If the prosecutor did review the file, the prosecutor saw a number of items that he had not seen before but failed to disclose those documents or identify them during the discovery hearing. If the prosecutor did not review the file, the failure to do so is inexplicable, Doty wrote in his order. Before another hearing, Janes provided several hard drives to the prosecutor. Those contained possible evidence. The state contends that there was no time to share them with the defense before the hearing; the defense argued that withholding them until the hearing was part of a continued pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under normal circumstances, it would be appropriate for a judge to postpone the case until everyone is certain that all evidence has been fairly shared. In this case, Doty said, he doesnt have confidence that will ever occur. Police officers knowingly completed inaccurate chain of custody logs, destroyed chain of custody logs, made contradictory and irreconcilable statements under oath about what physical evidence had been collected or tested, and stated repeatedly and falsely that they had provided all the available evidence in the case, Doty wrote in his order. More importantly, though, the evidence here raised serious and substantial questions about whether the state has committed additional discovery violations that have not yet come to light, he said, using state to refer to both police and prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that doubt, he said, it is appropriate to dismiss the case. In short, the police misrepresented or forgot so many facts about discovery that it is impossible to determine, and will likely not be possible to ever determine, whether the state complied with its discovery obligations in this case. In court, the Hendersons mother, Naomi Leask, said she and other members of her family moved from Metlakatla to Ketchikan in order to stay with Isaac Henderson and secure his bail. Speaking to Doty, she said that regardless of how the case is resolved, they do not expect to ever return to Metlakatla. In town, said King, the interim police chief, theres work to be done. The temperature of our community, it feels a little off, the anguish and stuff that people feel, he said. But you know, its improving from this day, moving forward. We have to make sure we do it right and do it right by our people. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Canning River, seen here in 2018, flows from the Brooks Range into the Beaufort Sea along the western edge of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Photo by Lisa Hupp/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) At the conclusion of the 2025 Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference much attention was given to profitability of fossil fuels, while far less was said about the meaning of sustainability itself. In fact, both Alaskans and the principles of sustainability were notably absent from the conferences central themes and many of its attendees. From the outset, the federal governments priority appeared to be reassuring foreign interests of the United States continued ability to sell off Alaska piece by piece. Conference organizers, led by Gov. Mike Dunleavy appeared eager as regulatory protections continue to be rolled back by the Trump administration. Federal officials, including U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, expressed strong support for the further weakening of environmental safeguards to unilaterally advance long-contested development projects across Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many attendees represented corporate interests excited to profit from new extraction opportunities or potential buyers, watching to see if the administration follows through on promises to mine Alaskas oil, gas, and critical minerals. These companies appeared enthusiastic to exploit the land with minimal oversight and a lack of local consent. The audience was left with a misleading impression of Alaskan support. At the center of ongoing and proposed projects, such as Red Dog mine, Graphite One, and Ambler Road, was the largest item for sale: a natural gas reservoir on the North Slope. The proposed Alaska liquid natural gas pipeline, currently led by the Alaska Gasoline Development Corp. and New York-based Glenfarne Group LLC, would extract natural gas from subsurface carbon and transport it 800 miles south to Nikiski for export. The estimated almost $40 billion project promises only temporary jobs and infrastructure. Environmentally, natural gas poses risks similar to coal and oil. It is composed primarily of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Inevitable gas leaks during extraction and transportation can release up to 10% of methane before combustion, with the remainder ultimately emitted as carbon dioxide. These outcomes reflect outdated, combustion-based energy models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding Alaskas wildlife and people, cabinet members seemed to dismiss concerns after brief visits, suggesting the animals are happy and that communities would benefit from further resource development despite evidence to the contrary. The resource curse is a paradox that explains the economic dynamics of regions rich in natural resources, but limited in democratic representation. Extraction projects often introduce new workers, housing, and other infrastructure at great cost to local communities. Despite generating profits for corporate sponsors, these projects typically result in a net loss for the public. Workers are imported from out of state, while profits are exported. Local towns are then responsible for maintaining infrastructure without receiving corresponding benefits like revenue to support housing, health care or affordable energy. As finite resources are exhausted, companies maintain profit margins while community returns diminish. Once operations end, communities are often left with environmental damage and abandoned development, economically and socially worse off than before. Alaskas economy remains heavily reliant on oil and gas. As existing operations decrease in yield, public education and health care routinely face budgetary cuts. The natural gas reserve would only provide exports for a few decades, but its development would cause irreparable environmental damage, and leave Alaska facing another energy crisis within a generation. Why Gov. Dunleavy labeled this conference sustainable remains unclear. It is unrealistic to claim the pipeline would benefit any of the roughly 190 communities beyond the Railbelt. While the state invests in LNG exports, rural towns reliant on diesel will face rising costs and health issues, including cancer risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of ones stance on oil and gas, Chris Wright, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, himself stated: Energy its about people and math. However, his equation solves for profit, while Alaskas equation for energy must begin and end with the voices and needs of the people. Scientists attending the summit this week in an official capacity were restricted to framing oil and gas as the primary development priority. This narrowed the conversation and sidelined discussions around advances in technology such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. Still, a handful of sustainability advocates attended as guests, business owners, protesters, and speakers. One speaker, Lesil McGuire, senior advisor with New Energy Alaska, an advocacy coalition that promotes renewable energy noted, Solar arrays can be propped up in a number of weeks. As of 2020 solar energy has become cheaper to install and maintain than fossil fuels. Alaska needs energy infrastructure tailored to its unique environment, focused on long-term self reliance through renewable sources. Current examples include solar installations in the Northwest Arctic Borough, microgrid cooperatives, and heat pump incentives in Southeast Alaska. A cursory glance shows Alaskas capacity for renewable energy that could be faster to build and more cost effective than the LNG pipeline. In reality the conference didnt need to be held in Alaska, as Alaskans themselves played a minimal role. Led by Gov. Dunleavy, the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference 2025 resembled government-backed promotion of the oil and gas industry and signaled extraction projects could move forward without oversight and regardless of local stakeholders needs or opposition. International representatives seemed to be promised fuel for import, and out-of-state corporations appeared to be invited to profit at the expense of Alaskas environment. Renewable energy has been viable for decades and continues to become more efficient. Given a voice and a seat at the table, many Alaskans and Americans would likely favor local, self-sufficient renewables for lower prices and long-term reliability. Natural gas in Alaska will run out in this lifetime, do nothing to reduce costs in the majority of Alaskan communities, and may cause permanent harm to the environment. The United States and Alaska are not in need of a technological revolution in fossil fuels, but an information revolution in renewable energy. It is vitally important that all Alaskan voices are heard. Alaska values pristine wilderness, supports true sustainability, and is not for sale. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) An Albuquerque man who shot and killed a man after an argument over a pool table at a local bar has been sentenced to over 20 years behind bars. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an emotional day in court Friday, as family members of James Silver asked the judge to give his killer, Jeremy Saiz, the maximum penalty, after he shot and killed the 38-year-old outside of Dragon Horn Tavern. Jeremy Saiz, you took my sons father, said Silvers sons mother. No words can express how much I miss my little brother every day, said Silvers older sister. It was last November at the bar, near Candelaria Rd. and Juan Tabo Blvd., that a confrontation broke out between Silver and the bar employee, Saiz, who was not on shift that day. After the confrontation, Saiz followed Silver outside the bar and shot him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends and family of the defendant also made their plea to the judge, asking for mercy. But I ask that you see him in his entirety, not only for his worst moment but for the man he always tried to be, said Saizs sister. Saiz addressed the court, saying, I pray that one day you will find it in your hearts to forgive me. You will forever be in my prayers. Saiz took a plea deal prior to sentencing for second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement. The judge sentenced him to the maximum under his plea deal of 24.5 years in prison. Before this incident, online court records show Saiz did not have a significant criminal history in New Mexico. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. ALABAMA (WHNT) The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is warning Alabama residents of a text messaging scam claiming to be from the Alabama Department of Vehicles, a department that does not exist. ALEA said the texts threaten to suspend a persons drivers privileges for 30 days and suspend their vehicle registration unless recipients click a malicious link or provide personal information. Early morning Shooting in Polyplex parking lot leaves man injured in Decatur Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities pointed out that the Alabama Department of Vehicles does not exist, as Alabama does not operate a DMV. In Alabama, driver licensing services are administered by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys (ALEA) Driver License Division, and vehicle registration is handled by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), ALEA said. Additionally, license plate issuance is handled through local county probate offices. Officials said ALEA and the Drivers License Division do not send unsolicited messages threatening prosecution or requesting personal information and payment. ALEA said any messages doing those things should be deleted immediately. ALDOR also said it does not contact taxpayers through text messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency gave the following tips: What to Watch For: Text messages claiming to be from the Alabama DMV Warnings about immediate license suspension or vehicle registration cancellation Links prompting users to enter personal or financial information What to Do: Do not click on links in suspicious text messages Do not provide any personal information Report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the IC3 Scammers are trying to create a false sense of urgency by threatening you and your driving privileges, said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. We urge all Alabamians to be cautious and remember that our Agency will never contact you this 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 WHNT.com. A friend of Miami Beachs notorious Alexander brothers charged with taking part in a rape almost a decade ago asked a judge to dismiss the case this week, saying that critical evidence in the case was lost, destroyed or never preserved by state prosecutors. Ohad Fisherman, a 39-year-old friend of twins Oren and Alon Alexander, is accused of pinning a woman down at a Miami Beach apartment on New Years Eve 2016, while the brothers took turns raping her. His attorneys also say his accuser contradicted her original statement about Fisherman to police last year when she said during a deposition last month that she wasnt held down during the assault. Oren and Alon one who gained wealth and shot to fame as a high-end real estate executive, the other in the familys security business are also named in the dismissal motion. But the duo are not expected to return to Miami in time for a trial that could begin before the end of the month. Twins Oren and Alon Alexander, 37, are asking the court to drop one of the three Miami Beach sex assault cases theyre accused of, arguing the state is withholding key evidence. Thats because on top of the state charges, theyre also facing a host of weighty federal sex crime charges including sex trafficking and are jailed in Brooklyn, New York. Oren has also been charged by Miami-Dade state prosecutors with two other sexual assaults on Miami Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: She sued the Alexander brothers for rapes. Would she have to use her name? In the motion filed before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Lody Jean, Fishermans attorneys say the state had the opportunity during the Alexander brothers Miami Beach arrest in December to secure the evidence that is now under the control of federal prosecutors. And, they say, if federal prosecutors in New York are unwilling to share the evidence, the case should be dismissed. The sovereign district of New York is notorious for not collaborating with other prosecutors offices, said Fisherman defense attorney Jeffrey Sloman, who once served as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. The Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office is learning this lesson the hard way. Ed Griffith, spokesman for the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office, said the state will address the motion during Mondays hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean ruled in a separate earlier order that the investigations into the alleged sex crimes by Miami Beach Police and federal prosecutors were separate and that the feds werent obligated to turn over the potential evidence. In a joint statement, Alexander brothers defense attorneys Eddie ODonnell IV and Joel Denaro called the arrest of their clients a publicity stunt and said theyre trying to get them released to stand trial in state court. The [Miami-Dade] prosecutors have used the New York federal government to shield us from getting our clients electronics and getting them to trial, the attorneys said. Theyre now using the accusers attorneys to shield us from seeing the accusers phones. The jury will be scratching their heads as to how these charges were brought. Seeking video from boat excursion in South Florida The 33-page motion filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court by Fisherman defense attorney Juan Michelen says the trios constitutional rights were violated by state prosecutors who have purposely withheld video evidence and meta data from cellphones that could exonerate them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion says that the woman who says she was raped at a luxurious Miami Beach apartment on New Years Eve 2016, and who is referred to as M.W. in court documents, told police in her original statement that she believed the brothers videotaped the incident. Defense attorneys are also seeking video from a boat excursion in South Florida early in the evening that they believe was taken the same night that the woman says she was raped. State prosecutors have said in court they they dont have access to the video, which defense attorneys say could show the trio was somewhere else at the time of the alleged sexual assault. Michelen says in the motion that the three men have been denied due process. Prosecutors say trio used fame and wealth to lure women The twins, 37, were rounded up from their Miami Beach homes in December by police and federal agents and charged with three sexual assaults and rape in Miami Beach along with the federal counts. Also arrested and charged that day was their 38-year-old brother Tal Alexander, who is only facing the federal charges. Real estate brokers Tal Alexander, right, and his younger brother, Oren Alexander, outside their home in Miami Beach in 2019. Miami-Dade state prosecutors have accused Fisherman anointed the hummus hunk by a New York magazine for his foray into the chick pea industry of only taking part in a single assault on Miami Beach and have not accused him of penetration. He was released on bond not long after his arrest and isnt required to wear an ankle monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Named in the original charging documents on Dec. 11 when the Alexander brothers were taken into custody, Fisherman turned himself in a week later after returning from his honeymoon in Japan. State and federal prosecutors say the three Alexander brothers used their fame and wealth to lure women to their apartments or on trips around the country, even outside the U.S. Then, investigators say, the brothers often drugged the women before raping them. More than two dozen women have also filed civil lawsuits asking for millions of dollars in damages. Looking for missing video, cellphone data According to court filings, M.W. told police in October that she was at a hotel on South Beach with friends when she received a text from Alon whom she had met previously in New York inviting her to a barbecue at his apartment. She said Alon also sent a picture of people having a good time on the balcony. When she got there, Alon greeted her in the lobby and the two took an elevator directly up to his apartment. But no one was there. The woman told police she was sitting on the foot rest of the bed when Fisherman came from behind and held her shoulders as the twins discussed who would go first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, she said, the Alexander brothers removed her shorts and bathing suit bottom and took turns penetrating her while wearing condoms. She told police she said, Please, no, twice. She told police Fisherman never penetrated her. But under questioning from Orens defense attorney ODonnell, the woman made no mention of Fisherman taking part in the alleged sexual battery or even of anyone pinning her down as it was happening. At one point while discussing the possibility of one of the twins videotaping the incident on a cellphone, ODonnell asks M.W. if its correct that nobody held her down while she was on the bed. Correct, she replies. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) A man was arrested for an attempted abduction and sexual assault in Fairfax County, according to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). Wuilver Mauricio Garcia Hernandez, 36, of Alexandria has been charged with abduction with intent to defile, attempted rape and strangulation. Police said on Thursday, June 5, around 12:45 a.m., officers were called to the 3800 block of Roxbury Court in Woodlawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, a woman, told officers that Hernandez approached her while she was walking home. The man followed her, attacked her, and tried to sexually assault her in a nearby wooded area. Fairfax County police searching for 3 involved in burglary, attempted burglary The victim fought back, and Hernandez left. First responders took the victim to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. Hernandez is currently being held without bond, according to police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. "At the moment, I am against Ukraine's entry into the European Union," Polish President-elect Karol Nawrocki told Hungarian outlet Mandiner in an interview released on June 7. "On the one hand, we must support Ukraine in its conflict with the Russian Federation, but Ukraine must understand that other countries, including Poland, Hungary, and other European countries, also have their own interests," he said. Nawrocki won the second round of the Polish presidential election on June 1 with 50.89% of the vote. He has previously voiced opposition to Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO, despite supporting Ukraine's sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Poland has such an interest, for example, in the exhumation of the Volyn (massacre) victims," Nawrocki said. Polish and Ukrainian researchers began exhuming victims of the World War II era massacres on April 24 in Western Ukraine. It was the first such exhumation since 2017, when Ukraine imposed a moratorium in response to the destruction of Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) memorials in Poland. "During the campaign, I did not agree, and as president, I will not agree, to unfair competition with Ukraine for Polish agriculture or the logistics sector," Nawrocki said. EU tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural exports resumed on June 6, amid opposition to Ukrainian exports and its EU accession from eastern European members, including Hungary and Poland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I see Ukraine as a country that, although it is very bravely defending itself against the Russian Federation, must also respect the interests of other countries that otherwise support Ukraine," he said. In contrast to other Eurosceptic leaders in Europe, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Nawrocki does not express pro-Russian views, but has repeatedly accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of taking advantage of allies. Read also: Wondering where to start with Dostoevsky? Try his Ukrainian contemporaries instead Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEED TO KNOW An American Airlines flight from the U.S. to Naples, Italy, was diverted to Rome because it was to big to land on June 2 The flight was diverted away from Naples International Airport to Rome Fiumicino Airport due to operational limitations, a spokesperson for American Airlines told PEOPLE Passengers then boarded a bus in Rome to get to Naples American Airlines passengers en route to Italy ran into an unusual obstacle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The passengers on a transatlantic flight from the U.S. to Italy on June 2 needed to be rerouted because their plane was too big to land at Naples International Airport, Business Insider initially reported. An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE that American Airlines flight 780, which departed Philadelphia International Airport, was diverted to Rome Fiumicino Airport due to operational limitations. Customers traveled from [Rome] to [Naples] by bus, and we apologize to them for this disruption to their journey, the spokesperson added, explaining how the passengers reached their intended destination. Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty American Airlines plane (stock image) American Airlines plane (stock image) Driving from Rome to Naples takes roughly three hours to complete. PEOPLE reached out to Naples International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport for comment on June 7, but did not immediately hear back. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data showed that the plane diverted after seven hours as it flew over the Tyrrhenian Sea, west of the Italian mainland, a considerable distance from the Naples International Airport, per Business Insider. An aviation enthusiast, who goes by the handle of @ JonNYC on X, first flagged news of the incident on June 5, and posted that the plane didnt have approval by the airport to land. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Richard "Ricky" Cowles Jr. was found shot in the California apartment he shared with his girlfriend Amy Preasmyer, who was 16 and pregnant William "Billy" Hoffman was convicted of murder, and witnesses claimed during his trial that Preasmyer asked him to kill her boyfriend Preasmyer was convicted of orchestrating Cowles' death in 2007 In August 1997, 21-year-old Richard Ricky Cowles Jr. was found beaten and shot inside the Lancaster, Calif., apartment he shared with his 16-year-old pregnant girlfriend Amy Lynn Preasmyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A re-aired 2023 Dateline investigation is shedding new light on the old case, which saw Preasmyer eventually convicted for conspiring to kill her boyfriend. Police initially arrested William Billy Hoffman, who had allegedly told several people that he killed the young electrician, according to the National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Murderers. He was found guilty in 1999 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Though he argued his innocence at trial, Hoffman later admitted his guilt in a letter to Cowles' parents. He not only confessed to killing their son, but also told investigators that he would testify against Preasmyer for orchestrating the whole thing. She had reached a point, I believe, where in her own words, she blamed the victim for the pregnancy and basically told other people he had ruined her birthday and ruined her life, Deputy District Attorney Michael Blake told the Los Angeles Daily News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, There was other evidence she despised the victim. By August 1997, she is actively looking for someone to kill him. Heres everything to know about the murder of Ricky Cowles Jr., and where Amy Preasmyer is now. What happened to Ricky Cowles Jr.? NBC Ricky Cowles' father. Ricky Cowles' father. On Aug. 12, 1997, Cowles was found beaten and shot in his apartment by Preasmyer, who had been out for a drive with a friend. Though he was alive, he became comatose and died two days later, according to Dateline. Months later, police arrested Hoffman, a store clerk, and he was found guilty of beating the young father-to-be with a claw hammer and shooting him. He had reportedly told several people about the murder and had asked for help disposing of evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his trial, Hoffman tried to testify that another man was responsible for Cowles' death, but he later confessed to his role in the murder in a 2002 letter to the victims family, per Los Angeles Daily News. According to the outlet, though witnesses testified during his trial that Hoffman had said he committed the murder for Cowles' girlfriend, Preasmyer denied any involvement. She was, however, later arrested in 2005. What was Amy Preasmyer convicted of? In 2007, Preasmyer was found guilty of orchestrating her boyfriends death. She was convicted of murder with the special-circumstance allegations of lying in wait, conspiracy and solicitation of murder, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other people were also convicted on charges related to Cowles' murder. Jennifer Kellogg, who stayed with the couple the week of the killing, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 17 years in prison, according to Antelope Valley Press. Hoffman testified in court that Kellogg was the one who asked him if he was willing to kill somebody and that Cowles had wanted her out of his apartment. She and Preasmyer also brought him to the residence and suggested places where he could hide. The girls suggested hiding places and how to commit the murder, District Attorney Blake told the Los Angeles Daily News. Because they believed the victim would fight back, it was decided Hoffman would disable him and shoot him. Blake also told the Antelope Valley Press that Hoffman believed he would be paid for killing the young man, but never was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2006, David Ashbury was sentenced to two years in prison for supplying the pistol used in the murder, per Antelope Valley Press. Where is Amy Preasmyer now? In 2008, Preasmyer was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. While incarcerated at Central California Womens Facility in Chowchilla, Calif., she was falsely accused of sexual assault and moved to Administrative Segregation (Ad-Seg). She wrote about her experience and the conditions of Ad-Seg in a 2013 essay for the San Francisco Bay View. Preasmyer is also a contributing writer for a nonprofit writing platform for incarcerated individuals called Prison Writers. Where is William Hoffman now? NBC Billy Hoffmann is interviewed on 'Dateline'. Billy Hoffmann is interviewed on 'Dateline'. In 1999, Hoffman was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His sentence was later commuted by former California Governor Jerry Brown, and he was released in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Dateline in 2023 that since hes been out, hes been living a life of amends and wants to educate young people on the consequences of committing violent crimes. [Cowles' murder] is something I dont like to think about, but theres also part of it that I dont want to forget what Ive done either, Hoffman told journalist Keith Morrison. I cant make it go away, and I dont feel it would be right to make it go away. Read the original article on People Redtown Ranch Holding LLC has applied for a groundwater production permit application seeking to drill 21 high-capacity wells in Anderson and Houston counties. The project would authorize the extraction of more than 10 billion gallons of groundwater a year from the Carrizo and Wilcox aquifers the same water source that supplies water to all residents of both counties. The notice for the application of the permits was run by the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater District, which serves Anderson, Cherokee and Henderson counties, in the May 20 issue of the Palestine Herald-Press. Redtown Ranch LLC Groundwater Well Permit Application Map Redtown Ranch LLC Groundwater Well Permit Application Map Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another permit has been applied for by Pine Bliss LLC for 24 wells. This set of wells are to be located in Henderson County, and within the Queen City Sand, Wilcox Group and Carrizo/Reklaw Formation aquifers. This well set would be located just north of Frankston in Coffee City, pulling from the Anderson and Henderson county water supply sources. Pine Bliss LLC Groundwater Permit Application Map Pine Bliss LLC Groundwater Permit Application Map Redtown Ranch is a 7,250-acre property on the Trinity River with portions that lie in both Anderson and Houston counties. While it's not clear exactly who owns the ranch, hedge fund manager Kyle Bass is associated with the property through Conservation Equity Management, of which he is CEO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnnie Parker This is a water war. How are you going to stop it, if it can be stopped?" - Johnnie Parker Pine Bliss is owned by 24th Parallel Holdings LP, which is also associated with Conservation Equity Management Partners. There are 19 listed municipal water user groups in Anderson County, including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice supplies for Coffield and the Beto Gurney & Powledge Units that these wells could affect. Attempts by the Herald-Press to interview Kyle Bass, or anyone with Conservation Equity Management Partners with regard to their intent or purpose of the wells were unreturned as of press time Friday, June 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a report by KETK News, Bass issued the following statement: The great state of Texas is in the midst of a water supply source crisis. Our drilling applications are intended to be part of the solution to that crisis. We seek authority pursuant to current Texas law to drill wells that we will test to collect actual field data to prove up the results of the rigorous hydrogeologic modeling and analysis we have conducted that supports the issuance of production and export permits based upon the best available sound science in compliance with all applicable Texas laws. Our drilling applications are the first step in our ongoing constructive dialogue with the Neches & Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. Following our completion of the aquifer testing pursuant to our drilling permits, we will continue the process by reporting our findings and data to the District along with our application for additional permits authorizing production and exploration. KETK also reported that in a document providing background on their applications to NTVGCD, Conservation Equity Management said they arent seeking to produce or export any water from the area at this time. The first phase of their project was creating water models theyre now trying to validate by drilling. Lets be clear: we are not seeking to produce or export water at this time. Texas law requires a permit to drill any well we cannot 'wildcat' and then apply after the fact, Conservation Equity Management said. Once wells are drilled, they will be tested according to the standards of both the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and NTVGCD. We will then submit those results to the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KETK reported the document then states that if the data produced from the drilling in the second phase of their project validates their model, theyll enter their third phase. Battle lines drawn Rep. Cody Harris issued a letter of protest to the NTVGCD on behalf of Anderson County on May 29. As chairman of the Natural Resources Committee in the Texas House of Representatives, a good portion of my time is spent ensuring that Texas communities, and rural East Texas communities specifically, have their needs and relied upon water resources. Anderson County cannot afford to have its water supply literally pulled away from other areas of the state and I will fight to keep this from happening, Harris stated in the letter. While we are working rigorously at the state level to propose and enact significant legislation that will not stand by while attempts are made to drain my own district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Trent Ashby, who represents Houston County in District 9, also wrote a letter of protest to the NTVGCD dated May 31. As a lifelong resident of East Texas and a member of the Texas Houston of Representatives, I have consistently supported responsible groundwater management and local control over water resources. This proposed project is deeply troubling. The sheer volume of water involved equivalent to the annual usage of more than two million Texans raises serious concerns about aquifer depletion, potential impacts on surrounding private and municipal wells, and the long-term sustainability of our region's water supply, stated Ashby in his letter. Even more concerning is the lack of transparency in the application. The permit fails to include essential information regarding drawdown modeling, export intentions and mitigation strategies elements that are not only expected but required by Texas law and the administrative rules of the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. Rural East Texas cannot be treated as a water bank for distant urban development, particularly when proper due diligence has not been observed. According to Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge, a former Game Warden, this issue is vitally important. Imagine Houston County Lake (which has a capacity of 19,500 acre-feet, holds between 6.37 or 8.8 billion gallons of water, according to the Texas Almanac) being drawn down to empty 2.5 times a year, he said in a statement on social media. Thats about the equivalent amount of water that will be taken and sold somewhere else. This will affect your local water supplies that are provided by your municipalities, anyone with a well for their home or livestock and anyone with spring fed creeks or ponds. It will affect you and your children in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to all be vocal and united in this fight to protect our resources, our water and our way of life. Action in Anderson County According to Anderson County Judge Carey McKinney, the posting in the paper was the first notification to community leaders and water districts that this type of activity was happening within the county. Two special meetings on this issue have been held by McKinney at the Anderson County Annex. The first was a community meeting held Friday, May 31. The second was a special called meeting of the Commissioners Court on Wednesday, June 4, to consider and take action to authorize the county judge to file a request with the NTVGCD for the purpose of contesting the granting of applications to drill 21 wells for Redtown Ranch, and the 22 water wells for Pine Bliss LLC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is going to affect every citizen in Anderson County, McKinney said in his opening statements of that meeting. Prior to a unanimous vote of approval, the Commissioners opened the floor to allow concerned residents who had signed up to speak to address the well issue. Precinct 1 Commissioner Greg Chapin said he and County Extension Agent Truman Lamb believe it will affect the agriculture industry in Anderson County. Truman and I met on this, and the agriculture impact this is going to have, just on the growth of grass or crops, the productions of that, the small scale water wells of these individuals, these mom and pops, their gonna hit first, they are gonna be struggling for those wells to produce for them, then its gonna start working over our bigger industries and water producers, Chapin said. Its coming from the lowest level all the way to the top. Its gonna hurt everybody, I feel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billy Jack Wight, a resident of Elkhart with property near Redtown Ranch, questioned the Commissioners on whether or not the new owners of Redtown Ranch had the necessary electrical capabilities to power generators for the wells to pull this amount of water. Houston County Judge Jim Lovell, who was present for the meeting, informed the group that shortly after this group acquired the ranch they spent $1 million running a three-phase line from Houston County Electric Co-Op to the ranch. That was already in place. McKinney noted this will affect Lake Palestine, which is owned by Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority. There are three entities that have contracts for water supply and storage with UNRMWA the city of Palestine, which can pull a little over 20 million gallons per day this is fed through the Neches River; the city of Tyler which can receive 60 million gallons of raw water per day and the city of Dallas. Johnnie Parker, owner of PH20 Eco Solutions LLC, a company that uses forward osmosis technology to recycle and reuse water, told the commissioner they are in for a fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a water war, Parker said. How are you going to stop it, if it can be stopped? What y'all are facing is bad. These people are going to take your water and they are going to use it for profit and what they are going to do is they are going to take it from here, impound it somewhere else, they are going to hold it until you dont have water anymore for you to provide for your communities and your families and then when that happens, it puts the pressure on you and then you have to go back and rebuy your commodities, your resources that you allowed them to take out of here. Parker told the Commissioners they were on a short time frame to address the issue. He said everyone in the county needed to put all their differences aside and work together and encouraged everyone to send in a contest into the ground water district. Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge We need to all be vocal and united in this fight to protect our resources, our water and our way of life" - Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge How residents can help fight back Chapin encouraged everyone to send in a written contest to the NTVGWD. This is just building the momentum to get it started, to try to file in injunction to slow them down, and then at that point, if we can get lawyered up enough, lobbied up enough, to be able to go in and change some laws, that could protect us on the amounts they can take out or whether they can do it at all, thats where we got to start at. So if this is a one year process, or a five year process, this is a battle and its a fight, and the more we go, we need to build more momentum to try to get more representation in the next session (in Austin) so that we can change the laws to take and defend our communities and what we do with this water. The way the laws are written right now, this is a perfectly legitimate business that can be approved and passed through, Pct. 2 Commissioner Mims said. Everything in the state is permitting it right now. We have no way of stopping anything and that is why we are asking for the public and everybodys support in helping us. Anyone who wishes to protest the application for these wells is encouraged to provide a written notice/email to the district with reasons why you are contesting the wells, meaning how these wells would be detrimental to your own well, lakes, stock ponds, other water sources and access to water. The deadline to contest the wells is 11 a.m. Thursday, June 19. Notice can be emailed to manager@ntvgcd.org or mailed to: Neches & Trinity Valleys GCD PO Box 1387 Jacksonville, TX 75766 If you send a contest in by email, you should get an email back acknowledging your contested email was received by the NTVGCD. A hearing will be scheduled upon receipt of written notice to the district and all parties will be notified of the hearing time and date. If no one contests the application, the hearing will be canceled. This districts rules are on the NTVGCD website at www.ntvgcd.org. Letter from Rep. Cody Harris Letter from Rep. Cody Harris Letter from Rep. Trent Ashby Letter from Rep. Trent Ashby The 19 listed municipal water user groups in Anderson County There are 19 listed municipal water user groups in Anderson County, including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice supplies for Coffield and the Beto Gurney & Powledge Units that these wells could affect. Andrew Yang has reached out to Elon Musk with a sales pitch: Lets build a third party together. The former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate has been pushing his independent Forward Party for several years and he sprang into action after Musks feud with President Donald Trump erupted and Musk polled X users on whether they wanted a new political party. In an interview with POLITICO Magazine, Yang said he hasnt heard back from Musk yet, but hes optimistic. Yang also acknowledged he doesnt agree with Musk about everything, but said that his Forward Party should appeal to those across the political spectrum. And dont forget that Musk had endorsed Yangs previous presidential bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enormous hurdles exist to breaking through in Americas two-party system. But Yang argued the American public is ready for a change, particularly if the effort gets help from the richest man in the world who also happens to control a massive social media platform. Elon has built world-class companies from nothing more than an idea multiple times, and in this instance, you have the vast majority of Americans who are hungry for a new approach, Yang said. Im happy to spell it out for Elon or anyone else who wants to head down this road: A third party can succeed very quickly. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. I saw that you retweeted a post Elon Musk made about needing to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80 percent in the middle. Have you reached out directly to Musk about creating a new party or working with your Forward Party? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have reached out, and some mutual friends are also looking to connect us. Have you heard back yet? Not yet, but I assume hes been very busy. We have been of the opinion that America needed a new political party for a number of years, and so waiting another 24 hours is nothing. Is he someone youd want to work with to build a third party? I want to work with people that recognize that America's political system has gone from dysfunctional to polarizing to even worse. And at this point, the fastest growing political movement in the United States is independents. They feel like neither party represents them, and the two-party system is not delivering what they want to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the two of you have seen dysfunction on both sides you on the Democratic side and Musk on the Republican. If you think about what animates Elon, he wants to get us to Mars, and I feel that he's been driven these last several years by an opposition to wokeness, by what he sees as excessive bureaucracy, and by waste and overspending in the federal government. And in our two-party system, he thought that Trump was the better choice. If you look at Musks politics over the last number of years, he waited in line to meet Barack Obama, he endorsed me in a Democratic cycle, and even earlier in this cycle 2024 he was looking for an alternative to Trump. There are a number of things that I think Elon shares in common with a lot of other folks I talk to who want to see some kind of middle ground or balance. The problem is: In our two-party system, you get whipsawed either one direction or the other. I will say that the deficit in spending, neither party has done a good job of addressing it, because as soon as they're in power, they don't want to make the tough choices. Youre coming politically from the center-left; Elon Musk is coming from arguably the hard right. How would you overcome your political differences? If you look at the Forward Party makeup, my co-chairs include Christine Todd Whitman, who was governor of New Jersey and EPA secretary under George W. Bush, and Kerry Healey, who was lieutenant governor of Massachusetts under Mitt Romney. And I would say that the three of us don't line up on every issue, but we're in lockstep on the fact that America's current political system is not delivering real solutions or results, and both parties are captive to perverse incentives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who wants to modernize and restore the American political system, so that it actually listens to people and communities, we can agree on that. And that is the mission. The fact is that the two parties do a great job of falsely segmenting us along some ideological spectrum, saying, Oh, you want this? You're over there. You want this? You're over there, when in reality the current system is not going to deliver what either of those sides want. Unless what they want is strife and conflict and mistrust. But is that enough to maintain a third party or does there need to be a political or policy goal that propels the party forward? Are there any specific policies that you feel like you agree on with Musk? The three pillars that we're operating on are dignity, dynamism and democracy, which is something that most Americans can get behind. But in practical terms, if you can imagine three or four U.S. senators who are from a new party, they could work with either side to get things done and would become the most powerful legislators in the country, because their votes might be necessary to pass any legislation. And I dare say that you would have a much more interesting and balanced set of solutions as a result. What about his work to dismantle USAID and cause havoc in much of the federal government? Did you agree with that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing I found interesting was that a number of moderate Democrats signaled over the last 24 hours that they would be open to receiving Elon as an ally as a result of his feud with Donald Trump, despite him being essentially one of their primary boogeyman over the last number of weeks. I don't have to agree with everyone's past decisions in order to agree that the primary mission has to be getting our political system back in a place where it's actually responsive to both the views and the needs of the American people, and right now, we don't have that. Anyone who's kept up with me over the last number of years knows that I've been driven by the fact that AI is going to transform our economy in ways that push more and more Americans to the side. That is playing out before our eyes right now in real time, with [Anthropic CEO] Dario Amodei coming out saying that entry-level white collar work is going to be automated, and that we need to think bigger about solutions. I think that Dario is right. I've been making the same case since 2019, 2018. I'd ask anyone who is reading this right now, What is the current plan when it comes to the economic changes that are going to be brought by AI? The answer is, Not much. Because our current political class does not have to address that issue, or any of a panoply of other issues in order to keep power. They have done an expert job of gerrymandering the country into red zones and blue zones, such that all of us are looking up, wondering, What the heck is going on? Speaking of AI, do you think Musk could be a good partner on that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you look back at the [2020] cycle, he was openly saying that AI was going to have a massive impact, and he did endorse me while I was running as a Democrat on some of those solutions. Musk has become very polarizing to much of the country. Who are the people you think youd attract if you built a third party with Musk? Again, people have come to the Forward Party from all different walks of life and different ideologies. Elon has a very, very significant following and megaphone, and you can see that with the number of people that have voted on his post about starting a third party . It's about 5.3 million votes, with 81 percent saying yes, it is time to create a new political party, and Forward has gotten thousands of new followers just in the last 24 hours, because we are the preeminent effort to modernize and rationalize America's broken political system. I'm thrilled that others are waking up. Do you think Elon Musk is actually serious about creating a new party? What do you think he wants out of all this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I haven't spoken to Elon recently, but I think there are several things that are animating him, and very, very high on his list is America's financial solvency. I think he's deeply frustrated by the fact that he wanted to reduce waste in government, and then the Republicans turn around and propose a bill that would increase the deficit by two and a half trillion dollars. If your goal is to have the government on a positive fiscal path, that's not the way to do it. I think Elon's frustration is shared by lots of other Americans who realize that when push comes to shove, politicians don't want to make the tough choices that would be necessary to put us on a sustainable path certainly politicians from the current parties. I saw [JP Morgan CEO and Chair] Jamie Dimon speak the other day, and he seems to share similar concerns and had a number of very sensible proposals. But you realize that it would take a figure, in my view, who's not of the two major parties to make some of these solutions happen. Is that person Elon Musk? I think there are any number of people that if they were to be elected as an independent or a Forward Party member, they would then be able to propose the common-sense solutions that most Americans say we need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One figure that I'm very excited about that recently declared that he was running for governor of Michigan as an independent is [Detroit Mayor] Mike Duggan, who has turned around Detroit, and before that, turned around a hospital chain. Someone like Mayor Duggan would make very sensible choices for the state of Michigan, free of party constraints. You can imagine someone doing that at the national level. Millions of Americans would love to see that happen. I have a feeling that the right independent ticket could galvanize a tremendous amount of energy, because more and more Americans sense that the status quo isnt working and that neither party has our interests at heart or wants to solve the tougher problems. Elon Musk is clearly still very new to politics. Why do you think he knows what it would take to build a third party that could actually overcome all the hurdles that exist in our 2-party system? Elon has built world-class companies from nothing more than an idea multiple times, and in this instance, you have the vast majority of Americans who are hungry for a new approach, as evidenced by the overwhelming response to Elon's poll and to every other poll that shows that not only are half of Americans saying theyre independent, but more than two thirds are saying that the current political system is not working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm happy to spell it out for Elon or anyone else who wants to head down this road: A third party can succeed very quickly. Just to throw some numbers out to you, there are over 500,000 locally elected officials around the country, and up to 70 percent of those races are not meaningfully contested. Up to 10 percent of those positions go unfilled, and thousands of those positions are technically non-partisan, which includes many, many mayors and county executives. So if the Forward Party were to simply start recruiting and contesting at scale, which you could do with a certain level of resources, you could have thousands, even tens of thousands, of locally elected officials within one cycle. You could have several U.S. senators and a very serious presidential ticket within the next several years. At some point you have to wonder, OK, when do the American people raise their hands and say, I get it. This system is not meant to deliver good things. It's meant to deliver me thinking that my neighbor is bad and out to get me? Eventually, enough of us have to get together and say, let's create a positive, independent political movement that can drive us towards solutions, and also is able to say, You and I don't agree on everything, but youre a good person. I believe in your good will. I don't think that goodness or character are somehow confined to any one party or another. I don't think that people on the opposite side are my enemies, and let's create a system that actually will make us feel good about our future. Even if every last measure does not line up with me, I know that the people who are adopting it actually are making earnest, sincere efforts to move us forward. Do you think Musk is a good person? Or does the desire to recruit people who also want to create a third party trump any character assessments? I'm someone who tends to judge people by their actions more than anything else. And Elon Musk has done more for sustainability on this planet than virtually any other human, and that's something that I think is incredibly estimable and admirable. I've been in public life now for a number of years, and I'm sure I've said or done things that people can brandish and say, Oh, I disagree with this person. I live my life trying to use actions as the guiding principle. I try to hold other people to a standard where actions and impacts are much more important than statements or misstatements. If Musk were serious about building a third party, what do you think the path would look like with the help of his money and social media platform? It would be very straightforward. I've spent several years looking at it. You can start with candidates like Mike Duggan, who are running as independents in very significant races, in this case, for the governorship of Michigan. You could energize tens of thousands of local candidates and wind up with thousands of elected officials very, very quickly. You could create a fulcrum in the U.S. Senate. I call it the Legislator Liberation Fund, where you could offer to buy out senators or members of Congress from their contract with their current party by funding their next election, and they could vote their conscience. There are a lot of legislators who are on the verge of retirement who might take that and say, Okay, I don't have to grovel before the donors for the last number of years. I can actually try and fix American politics. There are multiple members of Congress I've spoken to whose ears are very, very open to that kind of offer. In the scheme of things, none of the things I'm talking about are that expensive for someone with a certain level of resources. Ill give you the opportunity to make a direct sales pitch to Musk: What would you say to him in this moment to get him on board and help fund the Forward Party or the creation of a new party? Elon, the political class will never get serious about putting America on a path to sustainability, and you've seen it up close. You know that if it's going to happen, it's going to be from some new force in American politics. Help us build it. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Clark County grand jury indicted a man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriends new boyfriend in 2008 and then fleeing to Mexico, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. Jonathan Romero, 34, is charged with murder with a deadly weapon, attempted murder with a deadly weapon, and burglary while in possession of a deadly weapon. The FBI arrested Romero in Mexico, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. It is unclear when he was taken into custody. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on May 15, according to jail records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 18, 2008, police found David Manriquez, 18, deceased at a home near Lamb Boulevard and Washington Avenue. Documents indicate Manriquez was dating Romeros ex-girlfriend. A witness told police that Romero came into her home searching for Manriquez and then shot him. Prosecutors issued a warrant for Romeros arrest three days after the murder, according to records. The coroners office determined Manriquez was shot several times, documents said. Romero remained in custody without bail. An initial arraignment is scheduled for June 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Ronan the sea lion can dance to a lot of different songs, but there is something about Boogie Wonderland, by Earth, Wind and Fire that really gets her going. It didnt take more than a few days for Peter Cook, a marine mammal sciences professor at the New College of Florida, to train Ronan to bop her head to music. Using fish as a reward, he taught her the movement. Then he taught her to move when a metronome played. Over the course of the next two months, he gave her a fish every time she synchronized her head bops to the beat of the music. Once that clicked, she could do it 60 times in a row within a couple of days, he said. Before long, she was able to do this with music recorded live in a studio with natural fluctuations, complex instrumentation and syncopation, meaning different beats were emphasized in different measures, Cook explained. And it wasnt just Earth, Wind and Fire that got her moving, but also the Backstreet Boys and other rock songs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once she understood the task, she seemed to be able to transfer that knowledge over to even complex musical types of stimuli, which do have things like meter, Cook told Salon in a phone interview. The thing is, we're just not sure how she thinks about or understands things like meter, syncopation or anything like that. Historically, many thought that humans were the only animals that could recognize an external beat and synchronously move to it. But in 2007, Snowball the cockatoo went viral for dancing to the rhythm of the Backstreet Boys. Then, in 2013, Ronan the sea lion similarly acquired world fame for moving her head rhythmically to the beat of music. These two case studies are part of a growing field of research set on trying to understand which animals have the capacity to be musical, providing clues on how and why music evolved in humans. In 1871, Charles Darwin wrote: "The perception, if not the enjoyment, of musical cadences and of rhythm is probably common to all animals. Darwin suggests that if music gives us pleasure, it has an evolutionary purpose. And if all animals share a common ancestor, it could be something that is evolutionarily shared. But that isn't easy to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have this problem in studying the origins of musicality Music doesn't fossilize, said Henkjan Honing, a professor of Music Cognition at the University of Amsterdam. Cross-species work is a way of resolving that problem because the assumption is that if you share a certain trait with a genetically close species, then the common ancestor might also have had that particular skill. In a way, all animals make rhythms, whether in the form of fireflies flashing, birds chirping or even a tiger pacing back and forth. Some of these rhythms are influenced by pure physiology: Walking, swimming and having a heartbeat are all rhythmic. Yet defining what constitutes music is challenging because it is inherently subjective. Plus, we dont know if animals experience music as music, or if that is our own human experience we are projecting onto them. In one study released last month, eastern and western chimpanzees which are two different subspecies were observed in the wild to have distinct drumming patterns. These patterns are short, structured and rhythmic, but they are thought to be used more for communication purposes than for music, said study author Vesta Eleuteri, who studies the evolution of social cognition and communication at the University of Vienna. Some chimpanzees drum with isochrony [occurring at the same time], but we didn't find evidence of other core musical rhythms that are present in humans, Eleuteri told Salon in a video call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musicality generally implies that animals have control over the rhythm they are making and use it flexibly. One way to determine if an animal is musical is to see if they have the ability to identify a note's pitch in relation to other notes. Another way, which has been studied more, is to see if they are capable of synchronizing to beats in a rhythm, Honing said. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. Human children have been shown to do this before they can walk or talk, though its unclear whether this ability is learned or innate. Children arent perfectly synchronized to the beat at younger ages and they improve over time, suggesting that it could be something that is socially learned. On the other hand, one 2009 study found evidence in babys brains that they were detecting rhythmic patterns as young as seven months old, which could indicate that this ability is already functional at birth. Nevertheless, in a study published in May, Ronan the sea lion was shown to perform better than adult humans when tasked with moving in sync to a beat. Although Ronan doesnt perform this task outside of her training sessions on her own, she does get a fish regardless of whether or not she moves to the music in training sessions, indicating she is voluntarily moving to the beat, Cook said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear what motivates Ronan to perform this activity, but Cook said sea lions are kind of like the Border Collies of the sea and can quickly learn new tasks. As such, it could have something to do with mastering a task, he explained. I think she enjoys the cognitive challenge and the opportunity to sort of master something and then practice that mastery, he said. I just dont know if its about groove the way it is with humans. Looking at similarities and differences between our closest living relatives, primates, can provide clues into whether music shares a common ancestral origin. In humans, if we are walking or typing and listening to music, we naturally sync up to the rhythm. In studies conducted by Yuko Hattori, an assistant professor at Kyoto Universitys Primate Research Institute, chimpanzees were able to synchronize their movement to a variety of rhythms. Similar findings were also reported in another study with a bonobo, in which the bonobo was also able to synchronize its drum beats to a human in the experiment. Movements from primates in these studies are not as precise as humans, but one hypothesis used to explain the origins of music could help explain the differences. It suggests that in humans, our ability to move in time with a beat stems from vocal learning. It could be that humans ability to refine that beat synchronization evolved along with our vocalization abilities, Hattori said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The monkeys are a more distant evolutionary distant species, and so perhaps that there is some gradual development in the course of primate evolution, Hattori told Salon in a video call. This hypothesis could explain why birds like Snowball and humans can move to a rhythm, although it raises questions about Ronan the sea lions ability to move to the beat. Sea lions dont naturally adapt their calls to external stimuli in the wild, although seals do, which share an evolutionary root with sea lions more than 20 million years up the ancestral tree. However, it could be that this shared ancestor is related to some degree of vocal learning in sea lions. Its rare to get a brain scan of chimpanzees or sea lions due to ethical reasons, so what is happening neurologically when these animals move to the music is also unknown. However, experiments in birds like the zebra finch help provide some answers as to why this species sings. Although zebra finches sing their own songs and do not move to external rhythms, they do at some point learn those songs from other zebra finches, so there is some degree of learning and internalization related to music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one 2017 study, Ofer Tchernichovski, who studies animal behavior at Hunter College, and his team set up an experiment in which birds had to get an unpleasant air puff in order to reach a peep hole where they could see a singing bird. What they found was that males were always willing to pay to hear any song, whereas females were only willing to hear the song if they were presented with the song of their mate. When females were presented with the song of her mate, dopamine levels went up. The thing is, the females are not very sensitive to songs, so this was exactly the opposite of what we thought, Tchernichovski told Salon in a video call. What we think is that for females, the song is really about sex, whereas for male zebra finches, its more social. Another study released earlier this year found dopamine activity increased in young zebra finches when they sang songs that were closer to their eventual adult song versions compared to when they sang songs that deviated further away from them. Other studies have shown male zebra finches self-evaluate their songs when practicing alone with songs they sing better activating the dopamine system more than songs they sing worse. However, when singing for females, their dopamine system is activated by a social response based on the cues they receive from the female. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies show that the dopamine system in humans is also activated when we listen to music. In one study, people listened to their favorite music while under an fMRI machine. In anticipation of that moment, the dopamine system was activated in the brain. Furthermore, studies have also shown that musical training in adolescence increases empathy and prosocial behaviors. In other words, it brings us together which we see when we clap to the beat at a concert or sing the lyrics to popular songs. One 2014 study found infants were more likely to help someone if that person rocked them synchronously versus whether they did so out of rhythm. One of the theories that is important for the origins of musicality is that it could be a way of social bonding, of increasing the social cohesion of the group, Honing said. You see the same thing with Snowball: He likes to dance when his owner is there She always dances with him, and thats what the bird likes. Enjoyment is the key, Honing added. If you get pleasure out of something, that means it's important biologically, so it might be an adaptation. When a wild orangutan in Sumatra recently suffered a facial wound, apparently after fighting with another male, he did something that caught the attention of the scientists observing him. The animal chewed the leaves of a liana vine a plant not normally eaten by apes. Over several days, the orangutan carefully applied the juice to its wound, then covered it with a paste of chewed-up liana. The wound healed with only a faint scar. The tropical plant he selected has antibacterial and antioxidant properties and is known to alleviate pain, fever, bleeding and inflammation. The striking story was picked up by media worldwide. In interviews and in their research paper, the scientists stated that this is the first systematically documented case of active wound treatment by a wild animal with a biologically active plant. The discovery will provide new insights into the origins of human wound care. To me, the behavior of the orangutan sounded familiar. As a historian of ancient science who investigates what Greeks and Romans knew about plants and animals, I was reminded of similar cases reported by Aristotle, Pliny the Elder, Aelian and other naturalists from antiquity. A remarkable body of accounts from ancient to medieval times describes self-medication by many different animals. The animals used plants to treat illness, repel parasites, neutralize poisons and heal wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term zoopharmacognosy animal medicine knowledge was invented in 1987. But as the Roman natural historian Pliny pointed out 2,000 years ago, many animals have made medical discoveries useful for humans. Indeed, a large number of medicinal plants used in modern drugs were first discovered by Indigenous peoples and past cultures who observed animals employing plants and emulated them. What you can learn by watching animals Some of the earliest written examples of animal self-medication appear in Aristotles History of Animals from the fourth century BCE, such as the well-known habit of dogs to eat grass when ill, probably for purging and deworming. Aristotle also noted that after hibernation, bears seek wild garlic as their first food. It is rich in vitamin C, iron and magnesium, healthful nutrients after a long winters nap. The Latin name reflects this folk belief: Allium ursinum translates to bear lily, and the common name in many other languages refers to bears. Pliny explained how the use of dittany, also known as wild oregano, to treat arrow wounds arose from watching wounded stags grazing on the herb. Aristotle and Dioscorides credited wild goats with the discovery. Vergil, Cicero, Plutarch, Solinus, Celsus and Galen claimed that dittany has the ability to expel an arrowhead and close the wound. Among dittanys many known phytochemical properties are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and coagulating effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Pliny, deer also knew an antidote for toxic plants: wild artichokes. The leaves relieve nausea and stomach cramps and protect the liver. To cure themselves of spider bites, Pliny wrote, deer ate crabs washed up on the beach, and sick goats did the same. Notably, crab shells contain chitosan, which boosts the immune system. When elephants accidentally swallowed chameleons hidden on green foliage, they ate olive leaves, a natural antibiotic to combat salmonella harbored by lizards. Pliny said ravens eat chameleons, but then ingest bay leaves to counter the lizards toxicity. Antibacterial bay leaves relieve diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress. Pliny noted that blackbirds, partridges, jays and pigeons also eat bay leaves for digestive problems. CC BY A weasel wears a belt of rue as it attacks a basilisk in an illustration from a 1600s bestiary. Wenceslaus Hollar/Wikimedia Commons Weasels were said to roll in the evergreen plant rue to counter wounds and snakebites. Fresh rue is toxic. Its medical value is unclear, but the dried plant is included in many traditional folk medicines. Swallows collect another toxic plant, celandine, to make a poultice for their chicks eyes. Snakes emerging from hibernation rub their eyes on fennel. Fennel bulbs contain compounds that promote tissue repair and immunity. According to the naturalist Aelian, who lived in the third century BCE, the Egyptians traced much of their medical knowledge to the wisdom of animals. Aelian described elephants treating spear wounds with olive flowers and oil. He also mentioned storks, partridges and turtledoves crushing oregano leaves and applying the paste to wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study of animals remedies continued in the Middle Ages. An example from the 12th-century English compendium of animal lore, the Aberdeen Bestiary, tells of bears coating sores with mullein. Folk medicine prescribes this flowering plant to soothe pain and heal burns and wounds, thanks to its anti-inflammatory chemicals. Ibn al-Durayhims 14th-century manuscript The Usefulness of Animals reported that swallows healed nestlings eyes with turmeric, another anti-inflammatory. He also noted that wild goats chew and apply sphagnum moss to wounds, just as the Sumatran orangutan did with liana. Sphagnum moss dressings neutralize bacteria and combat infection. Natures pharmacopoeia Of course, these premodern observations were folk knowledge, not formal science. But the stories reveal long-term observation and imitation of diverse animal species self-doctoring with bioactive plants. Just as traditional Indigenous ethnobotany is leading to lifesaving drugs today, scientific testing of the ancient and medieval claims could lead to discoveries of new therapeutic plants. Animal self-medication has become a rapidly growing scientific discipline. Observers report observations of animals, from birds and rats to porcupines and chimpanzees, deliberately employing an impressive repertoire of medicinal substances. One surprising observation is that finches and sparrows collect cigarette butts. The nicotine kills mites in bird nests. Some veterinarians even allow ailing dogs, horses and other domestic animals to choose their own prescriptions by sniffing various botanical compounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mysteries remain. No one knows how animals sense which plants cure sickness, heal wounds, repel parasites or otherwise promote health. Are they intentionally responding to particular health crises? And how is their knowledge transmitted? What we do know is that we humans have been learning healing secrets by watching animals self-medicate for millennia. 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: Adrienne Mayor, Stanford University Read more: Adrienne Mayor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. A city north of the Missouri River is following Kansas Citys lead in further cracking down on street racing. The city of Riverside recently passed a new ordinance that is nearly identical to the one in Kansas City for people who participate in and attend illegal sideshows. The measure makes it illegal for anyone in Riverside to drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle that does not have all wheels on the ground. This includes any road, parking lot, highway or other public property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new legislation reflects a trend across the metro of cities offering harsher punishments for those participating in speeding competitions. In the last three, four weeks, the sheriffs department and the (Riverside) Police Department heard some chatter on social media about (street racers) maybe meeting in Riverside, said Kathy Rose, the mayor of Riverside. Deterring sideshows Authorities responded quickly by patrolling the area and parking in spots that the drivers might be attracted to. Nothing ended up happening because apparently there were some scouts, so people that were checking the area out saw (the police) presence and then decided not to go there, said Rose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Skinrood, the chief of police for Riverside, said other than the incident a few weeks ago, the city hasnt had any issues with street racing in the past several months. Street racing and sideshows had in the past been more popular in an industrial area of Riverside off of Interstate 635, called Horizons, said Skinrood. That area now has several construction projects going on, with several people moving in and out, making it harder to race. Skinrood thinks this could possibly be why the city hasnt seen races in recent months. We have started our higher patrols down in that area, weve also received information from time to time from other agencies that theyve heard that there are scouts coming to Riverside, said Chief Skinrood. Lots of times when we know about that, we have a car down there, and that keeps them at bay. Street racing across KC Last year, the Kansas City council members pushed for harsher measures for those driving vehicles at sideshows. Spectators within 200 feet of unlawful drag races and speed competitions can be fined up to $100. This applies if there are two or more people present at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those participating in races can receive up to a $250 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail on the first violation, up to a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail for the second violation, and up to a $1,000 fine and/or and up to six months in jail for a third. Vehicles participating in unlawful events can be towed, but the police cannot seize the vehicles. KCPD has been pushing for a state law that allows authorities to seize participating vehicles. Kendrick Calfee contributed to this story. Paul, Weiss the first law firm to strike a deal with President Trump to avoid a punitive executive order is losing a prominent attorney to a firm that, when targeted by the White House, fought back in court. Damian Williams, former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, is set to leave Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison after half a year there for a role at Jenner & Block. His departure is the latest in a series of high-profile resignations from the firm in the aftermath of its agreement with the Trump administration. In a Friday statement, Williams praised Jenner & Block for fearlessly advocating for its clients and how it lives its values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im excited to join a team with an extraordinary depth of legal talent that doesnt shy away from hard fights and delivers results that matter, he said. Since returning to the White House, Trump has targeted six big law firms with executive orders aimed at undercutting their business as retribution for their ties to his political adversaries. While four of the firms filed legal action challenging the directives, Trump revoked his executive order against Paul, Weiss after it agreed to provide $40 million in free legal services to support administration initiatives and other perks. The deal set off an avalanche of agreements between the Trump administration and the nations top law firms. Now, eight other firms have entered agreements with Trump to provide tens of millions of dollars in pro bono work, despite there being no executive orders issued against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenner & Block, meanwhile, sued the administration. A federal judge last month deemed the order against the firm unlawful and blocked it in full. This order, like the others, seeks to chill legal representation the administration doesnt like, thereby insulating the Executive Branch from the judicial check fundamental to the separation of powers, U.S. District Judge John Bates, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, wrote in a 52-page opinion. It thus violates the Constitution and the Court will enjoin its operation in full. Last month, four top lawyers at Paul, Weiss also departed from their roles as partners at the law firm to form their own practice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) A Wichita County judge has denied a request for a bond reduction from the alleged co-conspirator in the trafficking and child sex crimes case of Anthony Patterson. Jandreani Bell in the 30th District Court for a bond hearing on June 6, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) Jandreani Dashimella Bell, 32, of Vernon, faces charges of indecency with a child, two counts of trafficking of a person, and one count of attempted trafficking of a person related to Pattersons case. Shes also been charged with bail jumping. PREVIOUS STORY: Pattersons alleged co-conspirator back in Wichita County Jail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bell was booked into the Wichita County Jail on March 4, 2025, where shes being held on bonds totaling over $920,000. On Friday, June 6, 2025, a motion to reduce Bells bond was heard in the 30th District Court, with Judge Jeff McKnight presiding. The motion, filed by David Bost, Chief Public Defender in Wichita County, called Bells total bond amount oppressive and said that despite the efforts of Bells friends and family, she has not been able to come up with the money to be released from custody. Jandreani Bell in the 30th District Court for a bond hearing on June 6, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) During Bells bond hearing, Bost called Bells mother as a witness. Bells mother testified that Bell has no assets in her name that she could sell to make a bond, and that she planned to help Bell, but can only afford around $500. She testified that if Bell were to be released on bond, she would reside in Vernon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooke Robb with the Wichita County District Attorneys Office cross-examined Bells mother, questioning Bells ability to keep court dates in Wichita County, given past issues with Bell. READ MORE: Timeline of Anthony Pattersons child sex crimes, trafficking case After the relatively brief hearing, Judge McKnight denied Bells motion for a bond reduction, leaving the current bonds in place and keeping Bell in custody in Wichita County. Jandreani Bell in the 30th District Court for a bond hearing on June 6, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) Shortly after Patterson was convicted and sentenced for five counts of trafficking and child sex crimes, Bell was among the five individuals to appear on Texomas Most Wanted list, published on December 27, 2024, by the Wichita Falls Area Crime Stoppers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Bell failed to appear for a pre-trial hearing the week before. Judge McKnight then declared her bond insufficient and issued a warrant for her arrest. Bell was eventually taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals in Oklahoma City on Jan. 22, 2025, then extradited to Wichita County on March 4. The charges against Bell stem from a Wichita County human trafficking investigation that eventually led authorities to discover the crimes committed by Patterson. READ MORE: Human trafficking investigation leads to arrest of Vernon woman During Pattersons trial in Fort Worth, testimony from the two child victims revealed that Bell, their adult cousin whom they called Gentry, was responsible for transporting the girls from their home in Vernon to Wichita Falls, where she later met up with and was paid by Patterson. Jandreani Bell in the 30th District Court for a bond hearing on June 6, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) According to Pattersons defense team, however, Bell was an unreliable prostitute attempting to extort the wealthy former president of the Patterson Auto Group. Before the trial began, they filed a motion to exclude any out-of-court statements made by Bell regarding Patterson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Bell was originally listed as a potential witness in the trial, she was never called to testify. Prosecutors explained during closing arguments that if she had taken the stand, they would not have been legally able to prosecute her for her role in the human trafficking case. As of the publication of this story, no trial date has been set for Bell for the charges connected to Pattersons case. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. As Florida moves forward with plans to reinstate a regulated black bear hunt for the first time since 2015, opponents of the hunt from around the world are mobilizing an unconventional tactic applying for the lottery hunt en masse. If these anti-hunters draw a tag, theyll hold onto it, effectively preventing a legal, well-intended bear hunter from drawing. Their goal is to flood the lottery and, theoretically, reduce the number of bears harvested. Never in my life did I think Id be a hunter, Chuck ONeal, president of Speak Up Wekiva, a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the Wekiva River and its watershed, told Naples Daily News. Now that we have a constitutional right to hunt, I might as well take advantage of that. A screenshot of a message urging anti-hunters to purchase a license. Floridas regulated hunt would require targeted bears to weigh at least 100 pounds live weight and cubs must not be present at the time of harvest, according to the FWC website . Chuck ONeal / Facebook ONeal was sarcastically referring to Amendment 2, Floridas new constitutional amendment that guarantees the right to hunt and fish for anyone with a proper license. Passed in 2024 with more than 67 percent support from the Florida electorate, the amendment protects individual participation in hunting and fishing. Also, it identifies these activities as the preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeal and other opponents of the bear hunt argue that Amendment 2 makes it possible for them to purchase a license and apply for one of the black bear permits, which are likely to be allocated this year. Well put in a few times or a few hundred times. Its an equal opportunity to enter this. I must admit, Im not a good marksman. I may kill a bear with kindness, ONeal said. However, the specific language of the amendment could complicate the protest effort. It may not be illegal to purchase a tag and stay home, but the coordinated effort to obstruct legal hunting access seems to run afoul of the spirit of Amendment 2, which was intended to guarantee Floridians the right to hunt, not just to purchase a license. If anti-hunters snatch up a large quantity of the states available bear permits, it would rob others of their constitutionally protected right. It also strips the state of the management tool that the amendment prioritizes. Its unclear how FWC would prevent anti-hunters from applying or if there would be any punishment for drawing with the intention of limiting hunting opportunity for others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to the complexity of the issue is Floridas application process. The state requires individuals to complete a hunter safety course before purchasing a license. If non-hunters apply for the black bear lottery without completing the required course, they wont be able to buy a permit, even if they are drawn in the lottery. This could limit the protests potential impact (unless, of course, those applicants are willing to complete hunter education). Read Next: Florida Just Approved a Black Bear Season. Connecticut Could Be Next The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains the hunt is necessary to manage the states growing black bear population and to mitigate rising human-bear conflicts, including a recent fatal attack on an 88-year-old man in Collier County. The FWC voted 4-1 to give preliminary approval for the hunt on May 15. A final vote on the proposed hunt, which would allot 187 black bear tags, is scheduled for August. The FWC was not immediately available for comment on whether the state has a plan to address protester-driven lottery entries. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Afghans in Kabul have marked Eid al-Adha over the past two days with traditional prayers, animal sacrifices and family gatherings as the city observed the fourth such celebration since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Early in the morning, there were some open-air prayer grounds across the capital. Taliban police patrolled the streets and stood guard near prayer sites as crowds moved through the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At animal markets around Kabul, residents haggled over sheep and goats to be sacrificed in accordance with Eid customs. Vendors did brisk business as families prepared for the holiday feast. For many, it was a rare chance to celebrate amid ongoing economic hardship. Inside a city security office, Taliban officials monitored surveillance screens showing various parts of Kabul, to maintain control and stability during public events. For families in Kabul, Eid remains a time of faith, gathering, and reflection, even as daily life continues to adjust under the current administration. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. This story has been corrected to note that this is the fourth Eid under the Taliban, not the third. A Department of Homeland Security officer reacts after shooting pepper balls during a protest at the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) World Pride gathers LGBTQ+ advocates from around the globe. This year, which marks the 50th anniversary of Washingtons Pride festival, is the first time the city is hosting the gathering. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. A federal appeals court ruled Friday that the Trump administration may ban The Associated Press from the Oval Office and other limited spaces for now, pausing a judges order to return the wire services access. In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia temporarily blocked U.S. District Judge Trevor McFaddens April 8 order deeming unlawful APs exile from the press pool, a small group of journalists who document the presidents movements and statements in and around the White House. The White Houses exclusion of AP stemmed from the outlets refusal to use the term Gulf of America in its popular stylebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House is likely to succeed on the merits because these restricted presidential spaces are not First Amendment fora opened for private speech and discussion, Judge Neomi Rao wrote in an opinion joined by Judge Gregory Katsas, both appointees of President Trump. The White House therefore retains discretion to determine, including on the basis of viewpoint, which journalists will be admitted. The judges said that, without a stay, the government would suffer irreparable harm because the injunction impinges on the Presidents independence and control over his private workspaces. McFadden, also a Trump appointee, ordered the Trump administration to reinstate APs access to the Oval Office, Air Force One and other small spaces that hold a limited number of officials and journalists. The APs spot in the presidents press pool has traditionally been secured daily, both at the White House and when the president is traveling. Its reporters are usually granted access in a tradition dating back decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AP and the district court again lean heavily on the history of the press pool as an institution, Rao wrote. But the AP cannot adversely possess a seat in the Oval Office, no matter how long its tradition of access. The panel did not pause the portion of McFaddens order restoring APs access to the East Room, noting that it does not share the hallmarks of spaces like the Oval Office. In a dissenting opinion, Judge Cornelia Pillard said that participation in the press pool or broader White House press corps has never been conditioned on a news organizations viewpoint until now. The panels stay of the preliminary injunction cannot be squared with longstanding First Amendment precedent, multiple generations of White House practice and tradition, or any sensible understanding of the role of a free press in our constitutional democracy, the Obama appointee wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department had argued that the spaces from which the White House sought to exclude the AP are not a press facility like the Brady Press Briefing Room and are intended for the presidents personal use. Plus, presidents have the personal autonomy to decide to whom they reveal their minds. Charles Tobin, a lawyer for the AP, argued that the White House cant single out an outlet for exclusion from the pool based solely on its viewpoints, though he acknowledged that its the presidents prerogative to revoke APs daily spot in the press pool. After McFadden ruled in the APs favor, the White House removed the spot typically reserved for wire services from the press pool, instead making those outlets eligible for selection as part of the pools daily print-journalist rotation. Patrick Maks, a spokesperson for AP, said in a statement, we are disappointed in the courts decision and are reviewing our options. The Hill requested comment from the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) The Connecticut Appellate Court fully upheld a trial court ruling that the Town of Watertown owes the City of Waterbury millions of dollars for unpaid water and sewer services, the City of Waterbury said in a statement Friday. The 2023 ruling said Watertown owed Waterbury $18.8 million. With additional principal and interest that has accrued since the ruling, the amount owed is now over $34 million. 2 motorcycles collide with pickup truck in Waterbury Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Appellate Court determined that Waterbury acted within its legal rights when it set just and equitable rates for Watertowns use of the citys water and sewer systems, and confirmed Waterbury had the proper authority to seek legal action to recoup unpaid rates and fees which were reasonably applied to Watertown. The Appellate Court rejected the argument that Watertown should pay a lower wholesale rate, and that the town was free to contract with private water companies with rates more costly than Waterburys. The court noted that case was about Watertowns conscious decision to underpay the rates set by Waterbury for all users within its borders after June 30, 2018. Watertown has until June 30 to petition the Connecticut Supreme Court for permission to pursue a further appeal. This is a tremendous win for Waterbury and its taxpayers, Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski said in the statement. It affirms our right to set fair and reasonable rates for the services we provide, ensuring that our residents are not left to subsidize the obligations of others. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Corporation Counsel Angela Juliani and particularly Attorneys Joe Mengacci, Dan Foster, and Kevin Daly, who handled the trial and the appeal. Their dedication and expertise led to a successful outcome in this case. This decision not only validates our position, it protects the financial interests of our city and its residents for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Apple Valley woman is the 72nd person federally charged for her role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson announced Friday. Dorothy Jean Moore, 57, was charged in a federal indictment with three counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering, Thompson said in a news release. According to the release, Moore launched two purported federal child nutrition program sites in late 2020 under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. Moore completed and signed meal count forms, claiming to have served 1,500 meals to children each day at each of her sites, which she said she operated out of community churches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore claimed and received reimbursements for those meals through the Feeding Our Future program, the release said. In addition, she said she operated a catering company called Jeans Soul Food and claimed additional federal reimbursements for food from that company used at the other sites. The release cited her bank records, saying they show she used little of the reimbursement dollars she received to purchase food. Instead, Moore used those funds for other purposes, including to purchase cars and fund an enhanced lifestyle. She is the 72nd Minnesotan charged with defrauding the U.S. Department of Agricultures child nutrition programs during the pandemic, when regulations temporarily were loosened and a variety of businesses and nonprofits were allowed to help feed hungry kids while schools were closed. Federal prosecutors have called the scheme the nations largest coronavirus pandemic fraud, amounting to more than $250 million. This fraud is outrageous, brazen, and seemingly never-ending, said Thompson in the release. Stealing from a program designed to feed vulnerable children is not only criminal its unconscionable, said Special Agent in Charge Alvin Winston of the FBIs Minneapolis office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore made her initial appearance in U.S. District Court Friday. Related Articles Democratic frustrations are growing in Arizona amid a feud within the state party, triggering concerns about the ramifications for 2026 and beyond. Only months into his tenure as Arizona Democratic Party chair, members of the party have voiced exasperation with Robert E. Branscomb II for various actions, including airing grievances with Democratic elected officials publicly, his handling of the party budget and fundraising, and for suspending another party official. While Branscomb has urged Arizona Democrats to have patience and said his job has a steep learning curve, its done little to quell discontent within the party: Dozens of Arizona Democratic Party state committee members have signed onto a petition calling for a special meeting to consider removing Branscomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members are already bracing for a chaotic state committee meeting on Saturday, and some are concerned the partys fundraising and coordinated campaign could be impacted ahead of the 2026 elections if the dispute doesnt resolve itself soon. We run out of money, then what do we do? said one state committee member, who like others interviewed in this piece requested anonymity to speak candidly. Whos going to run the party if theres no money? Patience is wearing thin among Arizona Democrats since Branscomb was elected chair in January. Months into his term, he roiled the party after accusing the states two Democratic senators of intimidating him following his selection of a new executive director for the party, prompting both senators, in addition to Gov. Katie Hobbs (D), state Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) and state Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D) to issue a statement refuting Branscombs letter to state committee members and saying Branscomb had lost their trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, he suspended First Vice Chair Kim Khoury, with an investigation being launched into potential violations of the ADP Code of Conduct and governing procedures, according to the Arizona Republic, which obtained a copy of the letter. Democrats have also voiced concern over the state partys fundraising after its treasurer recently estimated that, at the current rate, the party would run out of money by the end of the year. One longtime state committee person believed there would be money coming into the state for elections and congressional races, but they noted its not going to be through the state party at this point as long as hes involved. In an interview with the Arizona Republic last month, the state party chair said Democrats needed to give him some time to get adjusted to the role and that they needed to have patience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While hes acknowledged there are things he could have done differently as chair, hes suggested the circumstances he entered into when he took over as chair didnt place him in a strong position to lead the party. The Hill contacted Branscomb on Thursday, and he indicated he was not immediately available for an interview. He did not respond to additional requests for comment. While some members of the party are sympathetic to the fact helming a state party can be challenging, they also say Branscomb did himself no favors publishing his letter invoking the two senators. I wouldnt disagree with that, the longtime state committee member said when asked about Branscombs comments to the Arizona Republic, because I know its a hard job, and I know theres a learning curve, and I know hes new to the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is that email basically makes it almost impossible to recover from. State party feuding is not new, of course. Former Arizona GOP Chair Jeff DeWit left his position early last year following a leaked conversation between him and Kari Lake, in which DeWit sought to dissuade the former local news anchor from running for Arizona Senate. In Nevada in 2023, Democrats ousted their chair, Judith Whitmer, whose election prompted a number of officials to exit the state party. And while some members see intraparty conflict as unhelpful and an annoyance, they argue that their candidates, including all three Democratic statewide elected officials, will have the resources needed to be successful and competitive next year. Multiple avenues would be available to them, particularly county parties, to help with fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do think it will be more of a temporary annoyance than something that is actually going to have any sort of electoral impact, one party insider said, noting that the conflict itself doesnt resolve around an ideological split. But other Arizona Democrats even those who voted for Branscomb in January are concerned that the dragged-out rift could negatively impact the partys fundraising and organizational efforts. I dont think well have an effective coordinated campaign, said Steven Jackson, the Legislative District 8 chair who has led circulation of the petition calling for the special meeting to consider removing Branscomb. Jackson supported Branscomb during the January chair election. I think it would affect the [Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee], which will affect legislative races. You know, weve got an attorney general who [won] by 250 votes last time, and a governors race thats going to be tough, Jackson added, referring to Mayess race against Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.) in 2022, which she won by 280 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite members frustrations with Branscomb, removing him as chair is still a tall task: Two-thirds of the entire state committee need to vote for his removal in order for it to move forward. Some members question whether theres enough frustrated Democrats to meet that threshold. Its hard to gauge because it is a high threshold, right? the first state committee member said. But the more he stays on, the more he loses trust and confidence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CALICO ROCK, Ark. Grant Hardin, an Arkansas prisoner who escaped last month, has been captured, ending a nearly two-week manhunt that included hundreds of local, state, and federal agencies. Grant as hes captured. Photo courtesy of US Border Patrol. Hardin was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m. on Friday, June 6. Hardin was found by Arkansas law enforcement officers and the U.S. Border Patrol near Moccasin Creek in Izard County, roughly a mile and a half west of the North Central Unit, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracking dogs were able to pick up a scent in the area, and Hardin was apprehended a short time later, the ADC says. This was a great joint operation by a number of agencies, and Im so thankful for their tireless efforts, said Director of Division of Correction Dexter Payne. The Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals, FBI, Border Patrol, Game and Fish, all the state and local agencies, along with the dedication of our Department employees, all played an indispensable role and I express my extreme gratitude. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement following Hardins capture. Thanks to the great work of local, state and federal law enforcement Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief and I can confirm that violent criminal Grant Hardin is back in custody, Sanders said. I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin. Grant in custody. Photo courtesy of US Border Patrol. Hardin is a former Police Chief in Gateway, Arkansas. He had been incarcerated at the North Central Unit since 2017, where he was serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and an additional sentence for rape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He escaped from the North Central Unit on Sunday, May 25, by impersonating a law enforcement official. This is a developing story. More information will be updated 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Relying on a tribal militia or clan in Gaza may work in the short term. However, in the long term it is unlikely to achieve success. Reports have confirmed that Israel has been arming and apparently supporting or working with armed militias in Gaza. Some reports refer to this group as a gang. Others describe the leader of the group, Yasser Abu Shabab, as a member of a large clan in southern Gaza. There may be more clans being activated or encouraged than just the one linked to Abu Shabab, which is not his real name but rather a nomme de guerre, meaning the full details about this group continue to be shrouded in some mystery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is therefore hard to know if these groups will become an effective anti-Hamas movement. If they aregangs that are better known for looting and other past crimes than for achieving much now, then they will likely not be embraced by the average person. If the groups are made up of clans or even men with links to Bedouin tribes, then its possible that it will be hard for them to make inroads among other Gazans. Its worth asking whether the new militias in Gaza may be effective and whether history tells us that arming militias is an effective tactic. First, lets look at what we know about Gaza. Its worth noting that the Gaza Strips population is divided into different groups. There are people who came there as refugees in 1949, fleeing areas in the Negev that became part of Israel. These people likely make up more than half of the coastal enclaves population. Then there are the people in Gaza who trace their heritage to people who lived there for hundreds of years before 1948. Those people could be called the original Gazans. They are very different than those called refugees, who moved to camps such as Khan Younis, Rafah, Maghazai, Deir al-Balah, Jabaliya, Nuseirat, and Shati. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The camps became the backbone of the Palestinian political and armed movements. They also became a hotbed of Hamas activity in the 1980s and 90s and thus a hotbed of terrorist activity. The Gaza Gazans, who predate 1948, are less inclined toward Hamas. Illustration of drones circling Hamas terrorists. (photo credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90, Yuri Coretz /AFP, pixelfit from Getty Images Signature) Will the militias be accepted by Palestinian society? This means that any attempt by the armed militias, gangs, or clans will face hurdles in terms of penetrating Gazan society. This is because groups that have roots in one area may not be popular in others, or they may even alienate people. Back in the 1980s, Gazan families and clans were often involved in violence against one another. This kind of family violence is also common in Arab villages in Israel, where there has been an unprecedented level of gun violence in recent years. This kind of violence means people are often divided and hard to unify, either militarily or politically. What does history tell us about the challenge that militaries or countries have in recruiting or arming tribes, mercenaries, militias, or other types of paramilitary groups? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not uncommon in antiquity for tribes to play a role as auxiliaries alongside normal military formations. It was also common that when countries were at war, they would often bring along a cavalcade of smaller allies. For instance, when Hannibal was fighting Rome at the beginning of the 3rd century BCE, he had to recruit people from Italy because the number of Carthaginians in his army began to decline over time. By the 15th and 16th centuries, mercenaries played a major role in fighting among the Italian city-states. This was the era of Machiavelli, who wrote that mercenaries were often disunited, ambitious, [and] undisciplined. However, they continued to be used by European states. The British employed Hessian mercenaries and others during the American Revolutionary War. These groups generally did not prove effective. In addition, the British and other colonial powers often relied on alliances with tribes to help during wartime or to keep the frontier peaceful. For instance, at the battle of Isandlwana in 1879, the British army fighting the Zulus in Southern Africa included a number of local native troops. The native troops of the Natal Native Contingent, for instance, included tribes that had fought the Zulus. Henan Cortes, during his conquest of the Aztec empire, allied with groups that the Aztecs had suppressed in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In modern times, many countries have sought to work with tribes and militias. For instance, Lawrence of Arabia worked with tribes that were in revolt against the Ottoman Empire (1916-18). During the Vietnam war, the US often worked with Montagnard fighters who opposed the Communists. America also worked with the Hmong people in Laos. Later, during the US occupation in Iraq, the US relied on a group called the Sons of Iraq or Sahweh, which were Sunni tribal militias concentrated in Anbar province. Rwanda has long backed groups in eastern Congo who are made up of members of the Tutsi minority. What this history tells us is that there is a long tradition of working with tribal militias, clans, gangs, and mercenaries. However, these groups do not have a lasting ability to achieve results. Usually, they are used as part of a policy and then abandoned when a war is over. In other cases, they simply fade away. The Sunni awakening groups in Iraq, for instance, were starved of resources after the US left the country in 2011. Some of the tribes that supported America continued to play a role. During the ISIS invasion of Iraq, a number of tribes near Haditha helped hold off the ISIS attack. These included the Jughayfa and Albu Nimr tribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ISIS persecuted tribal groups that resisted. Key Sunni tribes such as the Shammar opposed ISIS and similar extremists. However, most of these tribes are not able to operate on a national level; they can only help secure certain areas. The use of tribes and militias usually enables states to carve out areas of influence in other states in which they are intervening. When there is a chaotic or weak state on the border, countries will often seek to arm local groups to help protect their borders. This can backfire because the groups may end up going on rampages and massacring people, or they may escalate a war in a neighboring country. The Vietnam War, for instance, destabilized Cambodia and Laos, which led to great suffering over the years. Minority groups who were exploited as allies were often betrayed. In other situations, states will try to co-opt or even work with drug cartels, which is how Mexicos former Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) appeared to have run the country in the 1980s and 90s. When this broke down, the country fell into a brutal cycle of violence as the cartels had become more powerful than some state governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While relying on a tribal militia or clan in Gaza may work in the short term, it is unlikely to achieve long-term success. The theory that Israeli soldiers lives will be saved via this alliance is not necessarily proven by history. Usually, when states think they can provide guns to tribes or militias as a short-term fix, they find out later that they are drawn into more complex wars. For instance, the spillover from the Rwandan genocide has led to fighting in eastern Congo for thirty years. Has the use of proxies, tribes, and militias there helped Rwanda, Congo, or anyone else in the long term? Probably not. The same can be said for Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and many other states teetering on failure and civil war. A long civil war in Gaza will likely harm Israel in the long term. More than 20 U.S. Army museums that showcase the legacies of major historic units or bases will close in the next three years under a major overhaul of the museum system, Army officials said Wednesday. A list of museums and facilities that could close by 2028, obtained by Task & Purpose, includes ones at Fort Drum, New York, which is dedicated to the 10th Mountain Division, and museums at major bases like Fort Stewart, Georgia, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and Fort Bliss, Texas. The list of specific museums to be closed, an official told Task & Purpose, was still pre-decisional, but senior Army leaders had approved the plan in concept. In all, the Army plans to reduce its current roster of 41 museums and other facilities 38 of which are on or near bases inside the U.S. with three overseas to 12. The decision comes as the Armys office for overseeing the museums deals with aging buildings and growing maintenance costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have more museum footprint than we can support and that is the bottom line, said James Vizzard, the deputy executive director of the Army Center for Military History at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. We can keep the museums open, but we cannot present a museum experience our visitors deserve and, frankly, our workforce deserves. Army museums are overseen by the Center of Military History, under its Army Museum Enterprise directorate, and take several forms: 33 traditional museums open to the public with curated displaysl; four properties dubbed training support facilities, which are generally attached to major training schools and open to soldiers while training in major discplines like artillery or infantry; and two major warehouses in Alabama and Virginia which house the vast majority of the systems 540,000 artifacts the historical weapons, uniforms, vehicles and other notable objects with educational value. The museums also oversee a collection of 60,000 archived documents. Only about 1% of the Armys artifacts are on display at any time in the museums, Vizzard said. Historians and curators regularly create exhibits from the vast pool of stored artifacts for showcasing in the museums. Part of the problem is that [each museum] can afford to hire a couple of curators, but every museum should also have education specialists. Thats what museums are for, said Vizzard, who retired from the Army as a colonel after a career in artillery. You need to have exhibit technicians and educators and those are where we tend to skimp, frankly, and that gets back to that museum experience. Youre not getting the right museum experience if you just have curators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is also overseen by the center, but its budget, staffing and exhibit spaces will not be affected by the round of closures. One of the driving factors is the state of the aging facilities. Many Army museums, said Vizzard, occupy older buildings on a base, leading to high maintenance costs. The museum enterprise was created because lots of individual entities, whether that was posts or units or schools, created their own little museums, Vizzard said. So you had a post commander who was all excited about it and put a lot of money into it and built it up. And then the next commander was like, I dont really care about the museum. I got to train people to go to war. As a result, museums at smaller bases without outside funding often find their way to ever smaller and older buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyll say we have this really old building, lets put the museum in it, Vizzard said. And as someone who lives in a 90-year-old house, my word for it is money pit. If the Army were to repair and update the over 100 buildings that Army museums now occupy, Vizzard said, the cost could run to $65 million. By comparison, the total annual operating budget for all 41 museums, he said, is $35 million. Leaky roofs and bad HVAC, he said, make for bad experiences for visitors and also can damage exhibits. Closings, consolidations, and new public-private partnerships As museums are closed in the next three years, Vizzard said, their employees will be offered jobs at other facilities, and some facilities will maintain a local presence. Three smaller museum facilities currently in Virginia, for example, will be consolidated while a fourth is closed. The U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, and both the Quartermaster Museum and the Ordnance Training Support Facility at Fort Gregg-Adams will be consolidated in a single facility under the theme of Army Sustainment at Gregg-Adams, near Richmond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Army Womens Museum at Gregg-Adams will be closed and its exhibits considered for addition to other museums. In Kansas, a museum currently on the closing list will likely be replaced with a new facility under a public-private partnership with local backers. The Army-run Frontier Army Museum at Fort Leavenworth is on the proposed list of facilities to be shuttered, but its role could largely migrate with Army support to a new, privately funded museum planned for just outside the base gates. The facility would follow the model of the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, Georgia and the Wings of Liberty museum at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, which already operate as public-private facilities. And some museum properties that serve as local landmarks may stay. The formal museum at the White Sands Missile Range, Vizzard said, may close as an active museum, but its missile park, with dozens of historic rockets mounted in the open, will likely remain. Missiles on display at the U.S. Armys White Sands Missile Range Museum in New Mexico. U.S. Army photo Not a DOGE decision The overhaul of the Armys museum, Vizzard said, was not a reaction to the flurry of federal budget cuts under President Donald Trump. Planning for the cuts, he said, predated both the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and recent budget mandates by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One question weve gotten a lot is, you know, was this from DOGE? Was this the new administration? It absolutely was not. We were working on drafts of the information paper, frankly, before the inauguration, and we did not change them significantly in response to anything that happened after. This has been a long time coming, Vizzard said. Bases and facilities where the Army is proposing to keep museums open, according to a draft proposal obtained by Task & Purpose, are: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii in Honolulu Fort Gregg Adams, Virginia Fort Bragg, North Carolina Fort Cavazos, Texas Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri Fort Campbell, Kentucky Fort Jackson, South Carolina Fort Benning, Georgia Fort Novosel, Alabama Fort Sam Houston, Texas Fort Sill, Oklahoma Those set to be closed include museums on the following bases: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Huachuca, Arizona Fort Lewis, Washington White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico Fort Carson, Colorado Fort Riley, Kansas Fort Bliss, Texas Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Fort Knox, Kentucky Fort Stewart, Georgia Fort Drum, New York, Fort Hamilton, New York Rock Island, Illinois Fort Eustis, Virginia Camp Humphreys, South Korea Vilseck, Germany UPDATE: 6/7/2025; This article has been updated to clarify that some of the facilities proposed to be closed include traditional museums and training facilities, and add examples. The latest on Task & Purpose June 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army celebrates its 250th birthday on June 14th in the nation's capital, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, and will be marked by a parade expected to include tanks, rocket launchers and more than 100 military vehicles. With the two birthdays occurring on the same day, the previously scheduled parade that was intended as a relatively small event at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., has grown in size and cost. Up to 300 soldiers and civilians, the U.S. Army Band and four cannons were initially slated to honor the Army's 250th birthday, with seating available for 120 attendees, The Washington Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Army leaders last year sought a permit for the event, but Trump's election victory has changed its scope, while doubling as an unofficial celebration of the president's birthday. Axios reported the parade will live up to Trump's request for a showcase of the U.S. military's might, with dozens of tanks, rocket launchers, missiles and more than 100 other military aircraft and vehicles participating, as well as 6,600 U.S. Army troops. The parade route has been moved to the northwest portion of Constitution Avenue and will include a flyover of F-22 fighter jets, World War II planes and Vietnam-era aircraft. The event is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. EDT at 23rd Street and continue along Constitution Avenue N.W. to 15th Street. Trump will review the parade on the Ellipse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event has an estimated cost of nearly $45 million, including more than $10 million for road repairs after the heavy military equipment passes over. The parade's estimated cost has Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., skeptical about its benefits. "I would have recommended against the parade," Wicker told an interviewer on Thursday, but the Department of Defense wants to use it as a recruiting tool. "On the other hand, [Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth] feels that it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for thousands of young Americans to see what a great opportunity it is to participate in a great military force," Wicker said. "So, we'll see." UPDATE: Memphis Police arrested Hunter Maness, 33, in connection with the Mud Island shooting. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two men have been arrested in connection with a shooting in Mud Island earlier this week, Memphis Police confirmed. Christopher Skelton (left) and Justin Furnish (right) Christopher Skelton, 29, and Justin Furnish, 42, are facing a slew of charges for the following incidents: On June 2 at 12:45 p.m., officers responded to a shooting at Island Place East and Island Village Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the suspects were three men in a red Chevrolet Silverado. They said that the suspects cut the victim off and attempted to steal his 2020 Ford F-150 before they shot him and fled. When the male victim was shot, he tried to get away from the suspects but ended up crashing into a mailbox. That crash caught the attention of a witness, who helped the victim stay awake until paramedics arrived. Two other witnesses heard the gunshot, and one of them had video footage that captured the suspects truck. The male victim was taken to Regional One in critical condition. At last check, he is expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violent Crime Investigators arrived at the scene and gathered evidence. They determined that the suspect vehicle was stolen from the 1500 block of Monroe earlier that morning. ORIGINAL STORY: 1 injured, 3 suspects flee after Mud Island shooting, robbery On June 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., officers responded to a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of East Holmes Road. The red Chevrolet Silverado was recovered and towed to the city lot. Photo by WREG On June 5, 2025, DeSoto County investigators reached out and provided information on this case. VCU was advised that when DeSoto County assisted MPD with the arrests of Christopher Skelton, 29, and Justin Furnish, 42, for unrelated charges on June 2, 2025, the red truck was at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 6, Skelton and Furnish were charged with the following crimes: Christopher Skelton: Theft of property of a motor vehicle $2,500-$10,000, attempted carjacking, attempted first-degree murder and two counts of employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony Justin Furnish: Theft of property of a motor vehicle $2,500-$10,000, attempted carjacking, attempted first-degree murder and two counts of employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A devastating infestation of microbugs is damaging the treasured underground frescoes that decorate the labyrinths of ancient catacombs beneath Rome. A vast network of tunnels, dug into the soft, porous tufa rock that underlies much of the city, was created in the early Christian era for the burial of the dead. They were also used as clandestine meeting places at a time when Christians were persecuted by Romes emperors. But the colourful frescoes that adorn the ceilings and walls of the catacombs are being eaten away by microorganisms, a phenomenon that experts say is being accelerated by climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising temperatures have increased humidity levels inside the underground burial sites, encouraging the growth of bacteria, moss and fungus. The alarm about the rampant art-eating fungus has been raised by a Vatican department, the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology. Cardinal Pietro Parolin in the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus in Rome on June 4, following restoration works - ANGELO CARCONI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The survival of frescoes which were created 2,000 years ago is at risk, said Monsignor Pasquale Iacobone, the head of the department. There is an increase in the proliferation of vegetation, and the damage is unprecedented. Its the effect of climate change and the increase in outside temperatures. Ancient Romans, who cremated their dead, banned Christians from burying corpses within the walls of the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the Christians instead dug underground passageways for the interment of their dead, eventually excavating around 300 km of tunnels beneath Rome. There are about 300kms of tunnels beneath Rome - ANGELO CARCONI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock They wrapped the dead in shrouds and laid them to rest in rectangular niches that were carved out of the tunnel walls. Among the treasures under threat are striking frescoes in the San Callisto Catacomb, which mark some of the earliest surviving examples of Christian art. San Callisto, the biggest and most famous of Romes catacombs, was established in the second century AD and contained the remains of about half a million people, as well as seven popes who were martyred in the third century AD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with the six catacombs that are open to the public, the problem is affecting all 400 of the decorated chambers that exist in Romes 60 catacombs. We are seeing an unexpected increase in biological infestations, Barbara Mazzei, an archaeologist and an expert on the catacombs, told Corriere della Sera newspaper. While the problem underground is high humidity, the issue above ground is a lack of moisture high temperatures and drought conditions mean that trees are sinking their roots deeper, breaking through the ceilings of the catacombs and penetrating the frescoes. The confined, subterranean nature of catacombs and the lack of ventilation mean that it is hard for experts to use chemicals such as biocides to combat the growth of bacteria and mould. Instead, they are experimenting with natural products that are not harmful to humans, including essential oils made from lavender, thyme and cinnamon. Cleaning and prevention work in the catacombs - Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology The threats faced by the catacombs were revealed at a seminar in Rome organised by the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the catacombs lie beneath the Appian Way, the regina viarum or queen of roads that once ran from Rome to the distant port of Brindisi on the Adriatic coast. In 2010, the earliest known icons of four of Christs apostles were discovered on the ceiling of an elaborately decorated chamber in a catacomb beneath the streets of Rome. Scientists used advanced laser technology to remove a hardened crust of dirt and calcium deposits to bring to light the brightly coloured fourth-century paintings of Saints John, Paul, Andrew and Peter. Artworks in the catacombs are under threat - Independent Photo Agency Srl / Alamy The images adorn the ceiling of a vault, carved out of volcanic rock, which provided the last resting place of a rich Roman noblewoman who converted to Christianity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Archaeologists also found an early image of Christ, a painting of a naked Daniel with lions at his feet and a sketch of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The catacombs of Santa Tecla, a labyrinth of tunnels, galleries and burial chambers, lie hidden beneath a five-storey office in Ostiense, a residential area of Rome. 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. Claremore and Rogers County's joint opioid abatement project is "nothing short of remarkable," said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Drummond's office granted the city and county about $500,000 last fall to combat the spread of opioids in the community. Using money the state received from 2022 settlements with pharmaceutical companies, the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Revolving Fund paid out $12 million to 85 entities last year and is getting ready for a second round of awards. The city and county have used those funds to hire a grant manager and two personnel to provide GED prep and testing in the county jail. The funding also buoys the Women in Recovery program offered through Tulsa Family and Children's Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond visited the Rogers County Courthouse May 30 to discuss the state of the abatement project. Fourteen people from city and county leaders to Family and Children's Services personnel to people involved with the county's drug court sat with Drummond around a rectangle of tables. "One of the takeaways I want you to get from this time together is that this involves a lot of people, a lot of directions, a lot of expertise, a lot of people that really, really care about tackling this opioid crisis," said Scott Greenland, hired by the county last December to manage the grant. Greenland said opioid deaths are increasing in Rogers County. Eight people died of an overdose in the county in 2019; that number climbed to 28 in 2022, then dipped slightly to 23 in 2023. Greenland said men are twice as likely to die of an overdose than women, and men aged 35 to 45 face the highest risk. In 2024, Greenland said, 116 overdoses occurred in Rogers County. Nearly all the overdoses occurred in residential areas, but other than that, Greenland said no common thread ties them together. He compared the geographical spread to the random locations of marbles dropped from a helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't know exactly how to tackle that yet, but we're working in that direction, realizing that it's not an easy, quick fix," Greenland said. "This is something that we've got to strategically look at." Claremore City Manager John Feary said he and District 3 Commissioner Ron Burrows had first talked about a joint opioid abatement initiative several years ago, but neither the city nor the county had the money then. Feary said he is thankful the state Legislature and Drummond had made funds available, and that partner organizations like Family and Children's Services and local recovery houses had joined the team to provide their expertise. The city and county have leaned on these partner organizations to provide high school equivalency exams and parenting classes to inmates in the Rogers County jail, help inmates find stable employment upon release and give those recovering from addiction a temporary place to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lani Burns, director of employment and education at Family and Children's Services, said a stable job and a gain in education level are the two biggest factors in decreasing recidivism. "If we combine expertise, and that's what this collaboration is all about, we allow for pathways and cycles to break within that familial cycle of addiction and incarceration," Burns said. The other part of the city and county's strategy of combating opioids is teaching kids why they're harmful. Greenland said school-based prevention is evidence-based and differs from past "just say no" approaches by showing students how drugs like fentanyl affect their bodies, brains and futures. He said about 1,215 of Rogers County's 13,500 public school students have received prevention education from local nonprofits Rogers County Youth Services or KeyChoices. Greenland said he aims to increase this percentage from 9% to 40% in the next few years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burrows said school prevention is the heart of the project. "It starts with the youth," Burrows said. "We know we got an issue with adults, and how do you break the cycle?" The county introduced Drummond to Chantel Reben, two years sober after going through Rogers County's drug court and Family and Children's Services Women in Recovery program. Reben said she grew up surrounded by addiction and went to prison for drugs in Okmulgee County in 2012. A recovery program helped her get clean, and she established a life in Claremore for her and her son. But after a life-altering car accident injured her son, Reben relapsed, which culminated in 2022 with another arrest and the threat of 15 years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Judge Stephen Pazzo and Chrisie Stone, coordinator of Rogers County's drug court, saved her from prison because they understood she needed treatment for her addiction. She entered Women in Recovery and received trauma therapy. Reben said she graduated from drug court May 15. "I was given the opportunity to address my trauma, my loss, my addiction, my health, that reunification with my child, and I've returned to a truer version of myself," Reben said. "... I have a well-paying job which I will be leaving to right after this I'm supported in my community and my son is as well. I have fully reunified with him, and I'm actually in a healthy, loving relationship." After the meeting, Drummond said Claremore and Rogers County are deploying the opioid funds exactly how his office intended they be used. He said the city-county project should serve as a template for other entities seeking to combat opioid addiction in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can invest money today with our youngest citizens and avoid this heartbreak as they become workforce-ready or not," Drummond said. "It's commendable ... to look at [Reben], truly, a wonderful young person that was on a path of destruction and lived hard years, but now I'm so proud of her in her sobriety, and she's got partnerships around her. They're gonna lift her up and keep her straight." Drummond said that regrettably, many local governments in Oklahoma aren't taking advantage of the settlement money. His office plans to distribute $28 million in its next tranche, for which applications close Friday. Claremore and Rogers County are asking for $2.4 million. From then on, the Attorney General's office will open grant applications every three years. BROADVIEW, Ill. (WGN) Protesters and attorneys are calling for the release of a grandmother who was arrested by ICE agents in Chicago earlier this week. Attorneys for Gladis Yolanda Chavez Pineda told WGN-TV they were able to see her briefly Friday inside a processing center in Broadview. Theyve been trying to find her since Wednesday and said all she wanted to know was if her daughter was okay. According to Pinedas legal team, theres now a federal order granting her temporary stay, but they dont know if it will be enough to prevent her from being deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys, advocated and elected officials are calling for ICE to release Pineda, claiming shes been sleeping on the floor of a Broadview immigration processing center since Wednesday. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ICE arrests at immigration supervision building in Chicagos South Loop spark protest, advocates speak out Pineda was one of several immigrants detained at an immigration supervision office in the South Loop. Gladis is from Honduras. She came here with her young daughter seeking refuge. Honduras is a very unstable nation currently, Pinedas attorney Nadia Singh said. On Friday, Pinedas legal team said the 7th Circuit District Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay order while an appeal in her asylum case is pending. They said what happens next is up to ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve also filed a stay with ICE discretion that was filed at the office downtown. In the past, ICE officers were able to exercise that discretion based on our conversation that there are now additional layers of bureaucracy and Im sure back logged processing that are now in place, Singh said. Meanwhile, a petition calling for Pinedas release has collected over 9,000 signatures. Community outraged as ICE raid sparks questions in Pilsen Constitutional rights are being violated. We are all watching as constitutional rights are being violated. There is no due process, Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33th Ward). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has vowed to go after the worst of the worst, but adovcates said Pineda is a construction worker with no criminal record. According to advocates, Pineda has been compliant on whats been required of her since 2017 and has been wearing an ankle monitor for several months as instructed. This administration is diverting historic levels of law enforcement personnel and resources away from narcotics and violent crime to Trumps mass deportation effort. Individuals wit no record of dangerous crime are being rounded up at great expense and removed even when they are awaiting a court hearing. America is not safer or stronger with this Trump plan, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) said. Other attorneys said the process of finding someone detained by ICE is frustrating. Theyve learned the online database is not being updated fast enough due to the volume of people now being processed. They are doing all they can to get in contact with ICE officials before Pineda is put on an airplane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines She has no criminal conviction. Theres no negative factors that demonstrate shes a danger to anyone, AJ Johnson Reyes, senior staff attorney at Beyond Legal Aid, said. There are also concerns for the conditions inside the processing center. WGN-TV was told there are no beds and there are a number of people waiting to be processed. WGN-TV has reached out to ICE asking for comment on this case and allegations of conditions inside this center. They confirmed they received our request and we are waiting for their response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Protecting animal species from exploitation and extinction requires accurate information about the animals and how humans are interacting with them. Sometimes, that information is hard to get, as is the case for North Korea due to its lack of open communication with the rest of the world. However, a recent study published in the journal Biological Conservation sheds light on North Korea's wildlife and, unfortunately, the situation is dire, University College London reported. What's happening? The information in the report came from interviews with North Korean defectors directly involved in the illegal wildlife trade, including hunters, buyers, and middlemen, gathered between 2021 and 2022. This group revealed that despite North Korea's system of protected habitats and protected species, it is extremely common for endangered animals to be hunted for meat, skins, traditional medicine ingredients, and other resources. Some of the animals and parts are traded within North Korea, with the rest crossing the border to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Korean government itself is involved in illegal wildlife trade, which violates both its own laws and international law regarding the treatment of endangered species. Lead author Dr Joshua Elves-Powell said in the UCL report: "The widespread harvesting of North Korea's wildlife, driven by the economic limitations of the North Korean state and the shortages of food, medicine, and basic goods experienced by many of its citizens, is an important threat to the biodiversity of North Korea and the wider region." Protected animals like Amur tigers, Amur leopards, Asiatic black bears, long-tailed gorals, and Eurasian otters are among the species of most concern in this report. But after an economic collapse and famine in the 1990s, it's likely that almost every mammal species heavier than half a kilogram (just over a pound) has been affected to some extent, UCL reported. Why is North Korean wildlife important? As this data makes clear, many people in North Korea are relying on the animals in the country for food or their livelihoods. Unfortunately, wildlife is not an unlimited resource. The more those animal populations are pushed toward extinction, the more the people involved will suffer. Species that are lost can never be recovered, and populations that are damaged may take many years of conservation efforts to restore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesn't just impact the animals within North Korea's borders. Normally, animals should be able to cross the border freely, interbreeding and searching for food. Populations near the border will be impacted by the activities that happen on only one side, as there will be fewer individuals to maintain genetically diverse populations. What's being done about North Korea's wildlife trade? The study authors called on China to crack down on buyers and put economic pressure on North Korea to stop the illegal wildlife trade. As the market for the majority of illegal animal parts that leave North Korea, China has the power to shut down demand. 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. Following years of overuse and land degradation, officials in a Ugandan municipality have agreed to ban farming and stone quarry operations in a key region. As Nile Post reported, the move is an attempt to reverse the damage that human activity has caused to Ibanda Hill. The area has been previously recognized for its role in biodiversity conservation, water resource protection, and flood regulation for Uganda and its neighbors, such as Rwanda. The region's ecosystem provides habitat for various plant and animal species, and its vegetation helps stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and regulate water flow. However, with an increase in quarry activities and farming, Ibanda Hill has taken a drastic turn for the worse. This has led to concerns regarding precious water resources, soil erosion, and potential landslides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 21, Ibanda Municipality held a community hearing to weigh its options. In the end, the ban was viewed as the most reasonable course of action. After a brief grace period to allow farmers to harvest the remainder of their crops, farming activities will be permanently banned by September. Ibanda Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyerize stressed how vital Ibanda Hill is to the community and the necessary steps that need to be taken to preserve it. "We must weigh the long-term environmental consequences of our actions," Mbetegyerize said. "The destruction around Ibanda Hill threatens not only biodiversity but also the future of our community." On the flip side, some community residents see the ban as the destruction of their livelihoods. According to one person who spoke at the hearing, this ban will leave them out in the cold. "We have been feeding our families through farming and quarrying on this hill. We feel abandoned," they said. In response to the community blowback, Ibanda officials said resources will be provided to help with the transition. "We are ready to support you in forming community-based groups that can access government funding and development initiatives. Let us work together to find sustainable alternatives," said Josephat Murangira, the Senior Community Development Officer for Ibanda Municipality. 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. Jun. 7The Commercial Trust and Savings Bank was built at 222 N. Main St. as a two-story wood structure and opened on Jan. 6, 1897. Harold Kibbee Sr., an early pioneer banker served as cashier and president of the Commercial Trust and Savings Bank for 51 years. The two-story building was moved to the back of the lot in 1906 to make room for a new building (shown in photo). The bank moved to 208 E. Third Ave. in 1961. In 1999, the bank was sold to First National Bank of South Dakota. Known as the Realty Building, this building at 300 N. Main St. was housed by the Baron Brothers Dry Goods Store and Peterson's Hardware Store. Woolworth's opened at this location on Nov. 25, 1916. On Aug. 7, 1940, a fire destroyed the interior of the store. Baron Brothers moved to the old Piggly Wiggly building in 1959 so that Woolworth's could expand. Numerous doctors and dentist offices were on the second floor while the third floor contained apartments. Researcher Pam Range For the record: 2:14 p.m. June 7, 2025: An earlier version of this story said Officer Samuel Riveros married a childhood friend and was a father of two. Darius Wong, the civilian victim, was the married father with two children. Sirens blared along Ramona Boulevard in Baldwin Park as police officers from throughout the region gathered Friday to mourn one of their own. In remembrance of Officer Samuel Riveros, who was killed in a shootout last weekend, hundreds of residents and officers surrounded an expansive arrangement of blue and white flowers fashioned into the shape of hearts and crosses at the Baldwin Park Police Department. Family, friends and locals stood solemnly and at times silently wept as law enforcement officials spoke of Riveros work and presence in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riveros, 35, served for nearly 10 years as a member of Baldwin Parks SWAT team and also worked as a training officer, according to Police Chief Robert Lopez. He was a snowboarding enthusiast and often attended concerts, friends and colleagues recalled. Manuel Soto holds a candle during the vigil for fallen Officer Samuel Riveros at the Baldwin Park Police Department on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) A photo of Riveros smiling in his police uniform was at the front of the stage, which was decorated in the colors of his favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sam leaves behind a hole in our hearts that will never be filled in this life, his mother, Lily Riveros, said in written remarks that were delivered by his sister. He took the time to figure out what he could do better and he would, in turn, encourage those he worked with to do the same. We can't wait until we are reunited with Sammy, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 31, Baldwin Park Officers Anthony Pimentel and Alfredo Leal responded to reports of a shooting in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue. Eduardo Medina-Berumen, a 22-year-old resident, allegedly shot and killed Darius Wong, 43, following a parking dispute, neighbors and law enforcement officials told The Times. It is still unclear, however, whether Wong was involved in the dispute. Read more: Baldwin Park officer ran into hail of bullets to aid other officers, officials say. Suspect charged Medina-Berumen then allegedly engaged in a shootout with arriving officers, authorities said. Riveros ran toward the gunfire to aid his fellow officers and was fatally shot, according to Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman. Pimentel suffered minor injuries and was briefly hospitalized. Akeem Haim, a high school friend of Riveros, said he was not surprised by the circumstances of his death. Commitment to duty was one his lifelong traits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why I wasn't surprised that he became an officer, Haim said. That's what Sam would do They say he didn't hesitate, and I believe them, because when he wanted to help me, he didn't hesitate. Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila said in a tearful speech that Riveros was an active and impactful community member who supported multiple youth initiatives. I work at our preschool. He came over with the rest of our great Police Department, sounding the sirens, passing out stickers and singing, Avila said. The interactions he had with the community... were amazing. In an emotional display, officers and the crowd sounded cheers of, Lets go, Sammy! in a cadence much like people hear at a Dodgers game. Firefighters raise an American flag between two ladder trucks before the vigil for Samuel Riveros on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Many community members and officers attested to Riveros commitment to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing all these people here, its crazy, said Eric Esquivel, a childhood friend. All of these people came here for Sammy because they really knew and loved him. Lopez said that while he grieved the loss of one officer and injury of another, he admired them for their sacrifice. There was a person down and there was no hesitation whatsoever by Sam or the other responding officer to rush into harm's way, Lopez said. Read more: 'A night of tragedy': A young officer who loved Dodgers, snowboarding killed in Baldwin Park shootout Medina-Berumen is charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances, two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and one count of possession of an assault weapon. If convicted as charged, he faces a possible sentence of life without parole. Prosecutors could also elect to seek the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with The Times a day after he took office in December, Hochman said the cold-blooded assassination of a police officer could warrant pursuit of the death penalty. However that decision has not yet been made in this case. Pastor Elmer Jackson, a chaplain for the Baldwin Park Police Department, said that while Riveros loss was "devastating" for the department, it has brought a renewed sense of unity among officers and the community. It has brought our community together with this tragedy, Jackson said. It brought our police department together. So despite everything, something good comes out of this. As speeches at the vigil concluded, a police helicopter circled overhead. Dozens of prayer candles dotted the field behind the department. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The parliamentary foreign affairs committees of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania issued a joint statement on June 6, affirming their firm support for Ukraine both in its defense against Russia and in its pursuit of EU and NATO membership. Following their meeting in Lithuania on June 6, the Baltic states reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraines EU integration, stating their goal of concluding accession talks and welcoming Ukraine as a full EU member by Jan. 1, 2030. Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. Accession talks began in June 2024, with European leaders setting 2030 as a target for Ukraine's potential accession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite broad EU support for Ukraine's accession, Hungary remains a major obstacle. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on March 7 that his government would conduct an opinion survey on Ukraine's potential EU membership. In their statement, the Baltic states also urged the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague to take "concrete political steps" toward Ukraines membership in the alliance. They argued that Ukraine's NATO accession would consolidate a just and lasting peace not only in Ukraine but also in all of Europe" and help uphold the rules-based international order globally. "Ukraines NATO membership would provide a more effective and enduring framework for safeguarding Euro-Atlantic security," the statement reads. Ukraine applied for NATO membership in September 2022, months after the outbreak of the full-scale war. The country has not received a formal invitation, as the 32 members have not reached a consensus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement also reaffirmed the Baltic countries pledge to support Ukraine until its full victory, and welcomed expanding defense cooperation between Ukraine and like-minded partners. It encouraged inviting Ukraine to join the U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), calling it a meaningful step toward deeper regional security integration. "We call upon the Foreign Affairs Committees of other national parliaments, international parliamentary assemblies, governments, and responsible institutions to endorse this statement and to adopt corresponding actions that would ensure continued and determined support for Ukraines victory, reconstruction, and full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community," the statement read. Read also: Nordics, Baltics urge concrete steps toward Ukraines EU membership Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The foreign affairs committees of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have issued a joint statement expressing their full support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, as well as for its membership in the European Union and NATO. Source: Zygis Pavilionis, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament, on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: The committee meeting took place on Friday 6 June, in Birstonas, Lithuania. In the final document, the parties confirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressed that Ukraine's victory over Russia and its accession to NATO are key conditions for a just and lasting peace in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also noted that Ukraine's membership in NATO would provide a solid foundation for Euro-Atlantic security and stressed that Russia's full-scale war is a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter and basic human rights norms. To quote the countries' statement and five key commitments they declared: To support Ukraine until its full victory, including the liberation of all temporarily occupied territories, accountability for war crimes, and full implementation of international justice; To support Ukraines membership in the European Union, with the goal of concluding accession negotiations and welcoming Ukraine as a full member of the European Union by 1 January 2030; To support Ukraines path towards NATO membership, in line with the decisions of the Bucharest (2008), Vilnius (2023), and Washington (2024) NATO Summits, which clearly affirmed that Ukraines future is in NATO. We call on the upcoming 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague to take concrete political steps that would pave the way for Ukraines accession to the Alliance; To welcome the growing practical defence cooperation between Ukraine and likeminded partners and to encourage an invitation for Ukraine to join the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) as a meaningful step towards deeper regional security integration; To continue diplomatic and political efforts to isolate russia [the name of the aggressor country was deliberately written with a lowercase letter ed.] and its supporters in the war within international organisations, to expand and tighten sanctions regimes, and to ensure full legal and political accountability for the crimes committed against Ukraine. The committees of the three countries also called on other parliaments, international institutions and governments to support this statement and take appropriate steps towards Ukraine's victory, its reconstruction and full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: A NATO summit will be held in The Hague at the end of June. As European Pravda reported earlier, NATO leaders are preparing to adopt a decision to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, part of which will be allowed 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! After a morning of rain and stormy skies, conditions will improve for Saratoga Springs, New York, ahead of the Belmont Stakes horse race Saturday evening. But while the skies may be dry, the track may not be. A weather station in Saratoga Springs recorded nearly 1.5 inches of rain since midnight at noon ahead of the race, which could contribute to muddy track conditions. While Saratoga Springs was not under any significant weather alerts on Saturday, there was a flash flood warning nearby in Albany, NY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The race day schedule has already been altered, with two races being moved off the turf to the main track. (MORE: How Weather Can Affect Horses At The Kentucky Derby) Glimpses of sunshine will become more frequent as the day progresses with temperatures warming into the low 70s by post time at 7:04 pm. Sara Tonks is a content meteorologist with weather.com and has a bachelors and a masters degree from Georgia Tech in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences along with a masters degree from Unity Environmental University in Marine Science. Credit: Bonhams Auctioneers/Youtube When Sir Basil Gould attended the enthronement of Tibets new Dalai Lama in 1940, it was obvious history would be unfolding before his eyes. But 85 years later, the British diplomats own papers are at the centre of a purported attempt to control the past. Documents written by Sir Basil that are said to prove the independence of Tibet became engulfed in a bidding war in London this week, as followers of the Dalai Lama sought to keep them out of Chinese hands. A cache of documents was sold by Sir Basils family at Bonhams - Bonhams The document was part of a cache sold by Sir Basils family at Bonhams on Thursday. It described how Tibet exercised de facto independence in internal and external affairs before China tightened its grip in the 1950s a claim seized on by campaigners, who say it runs counter to the Chinese narrative that the region has never been free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the bidders was a former representative of the Dalai Lama, who wanted to preserve the documents for the regions historical record. But the lot ultimately sold for more than 14,000 to an anonymous buyer. It came amid fears from Tibetan campaigners that Chinese buyers could be trying to snap up Sir Basils estate and keep parts of it from the public eye. Tenzin Rabga Tashi, from the London-based campaign group Free Tibet, said: This is what it means when not only have you lost your country, but your history is sold to the highest bidder. In telegrams, letters and photos, the Basil Gould collection documents vividly the gathering darkness of 1940s Tibet before Chinas invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, the sale to unknown bidders online does not negate the irrefutable evidence of Britains unique connection with Tibet as an independent country. Serving as a British trade agent in Gyantse, Tibet, from 1912 to 1913, Sir Basil went on to become a British political officer in Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet for a decade from 1935. He attended the enthronement of the Dalai Lama, taking a young artist called Kanwal Krishna with him who captured the event with a series of watercolours. A portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at his enthronement, which sold for 152,800 - Bonhams A collection of watercolours from Krishnas 1939 to 1940 visit to Lhasa with Sir Basil sold for 457,600 - Bonhams Other lots sold on Thursday included a portrait of the Tibetan leader during the ceremony. The painting, which sold for 152,800, was also among those that Tibetans were keen to keep from Chinese hands ahead of the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another lot a collection of 40 watercolours from Krishnas 1939 to 1940 visit to Lhasa with Sir Basil sold for 457,600. In a video promoting the sale, Giles Peppiatt, head of fine art at Bonhams, said: These are extraordinarily rare images and to have these images from a first-hand source is unprecedented. The Gould collection shows a remarkable insight into Tibet in the 1940s and most importantly shows us the principal characters in the divination, in the search and the enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama. Today Tibet is recognised as part of the Peoples Republic of China, known as the Tibet Autonomous Region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China claims to have held control over Tibet since the 13th century. However, many dispute this narrative, with independence advocates arguing the country in fact had long periods of freedom to run its own affairs. Detail of a watercolour from Sir Basils collection - Bonhams An Early Ming Dynasty incense burner from Sir Basils collection - Bonhams The document in question, which archivists understand was written by Sir Basil, appears to support this view. The Telegraph understands that it describes how ... since 1912 the Tibetan government continuously exercised de facto independence in both internal and external affairs. The paper goes on to say that the Chinese Republic declared that Tibet was part of China. It added that the British took a middle line and informed the Chinese that they upheld the autonomy of Tibet while admitting the suzerainty of China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The writer then goes on to describe how a compromise was later reached in which Tibet was divided into Inner and Outer Tibet with some degree of Chinese control contemplated for Inner Tibet, while Outer Tibet was to be autonomous. A portrait photograph of Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek from Sir Basils archive - Bonhams The document was auctioned off as part of a larger lot described as a large box of papers, letters, manuscripts and other ephemera relating to Tibet. A proof copy of Sir Basils 1957 book, The Jewel in the Lotus: Recollections of an Indian Political, which detailed his time in Tibet, was also included in the lot. After a bidding war that lasted more than five minutes, the item was eventually won by an anonymous online bidder for a final total of 14,080 once auction charges were added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sonam Tsering Frasi, a former representative of the Dalai Lama to the UK and northern Europe, was among those who unsuccessfully attempted to secure the lot. Speaking to The Telegraph following the auction, Mr Frasi, 70, said: All of these archive materials are important to us as Tibetans because they belong to the Tibetan people and it relates to what happened before the Chinese people [came]. So this paper has an independent British governments thinking [and] attitude [about] what was happening on the ground in Lhasa. He added: Tibet was an independent country. But that doesnt fit with the Chinese narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Frasi said: There was definitely a concern about trying to keep these out of Chinese hands because we dont know who is online bidding. My suspicion is that there were Chinese bidders and there might be lots of records in there that will show the thinking of British-India with regards to Tibet autonomy. He added: These papers the danger is that they would not surface at all or they would be spun around to say something else. Bonhams does not reveal whom successful bidders are. A spokesman would not approach the winner on The Telegraphs behalf, saying this would have gone against its privacy rules. 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 Center Square) Dr. Kevin OConnor, former president Joe Bidens physician, has been subpoenaed by a U.S. House of Representatives panel investigating the physical and mental fitness of the 46th president. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, ordered OConnor to appear for a deposition on June 27 as part of the investigation into Bidens cognitive decline. The date, ironically enough, is one year to the day his only debate with Donald Trump went horribly wrong leading to an eventual withdrawal from the campaign on July 21. Previously, Comer requested OConnor to appear voluntarily for a transcribed interview but he refused. The chairman also noted that in the last Congress he requested the physician to take part in a transcribed interview, but Comers request was blocked by the Biden White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to OConnor, Comer highlighted an assessment made by the physician in February 2024, months before the former presidents debate performance, that led to withdrawing from the race. The chairman noted that OConnor said Biden was a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency. Comer said the committee was also interested in exploring the physicians financial relationship with the Biden family and whether it impacted his assessment of the former presidents physical and mental fitness to fulfill his duties as president. Comer concluded, Given your connections with the Biden family, the committee sought to understand if you contributed to an effort to hide former President Bidens fitness to serve from the American people. You refused the committees request. However, to advance the committees oversight and legislative responsibilities and interests, your testimony is critical. In addition to OConnor, Comer has sent letters to five former senior Biden White House aides, demanding they appear for transcribed interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chairman is seeking answers on the potentially unauthorized issuance of sweeping pardons and other executive action. The subpoena comes on the heels of President Donald Trump issuing an order directing his counsel, the attorney general, and heads of relevant executive agencies to investigate whether certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Bidens mental state. The president is asking whether an autopen was used to carry out executive actions, including executive orders, clemency grants, pardons, and presidential memoranda, and who directed the presidents signatures to be affixed to the documents. The investigation furthers the debate as to whether the pardons and actions could be voided. Like Trump, Comer calls for transparency, calling the cover-up a significant scandal in American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people deserve full transparency and the House Oversight Committee is conducting a thorough investigation to provide answers and accountability, Comer said. The cover-up of President Bidens mental decline is 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. They must appear before the House Oversight Committee and provide truthful answers about President Bidens cognitive state and who was calling the shots. The investigations have been fueled in part by a book written by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, Original Sin, which the congressman quoted as claiming, Five people were running the country, and Joe Biden was at best a senior member of the board. Another book, written by former Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, is due in the fall. Entitled Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines, the combative Biden staffer says she has left the Democratic Party and become an independent. The books publisher has promised a run through the three weeks leading up to Biden withdrawing from pursuit of reelection. Even the initial story about the FBI targeting Catholics for suspicion and surveillance was bad enough. In December 2023, the House Judiciary Committee published a detailed report about how the FBI specifically identified traditional Catholics as potential domestic terror threats. The House report revealed the shocking finding that the Richmond, Virginia, office of the FBI suspected traditional Catholics "as violent extremists and proposed opportunities for the FBI to infiltrate Catholic churches as a form of threat mitigation." In sworn testimony before the U.S. Senate, former FBI Director Christopher Wray was challenged by Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri: "Now we know that, in fact, FBI agents did approach a priest and a choir director to ask them to inform on parishioners." Despite this serious allegation, Wray denied a wider FBI initiative and blamed a localized mistake in Richmond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well new information reveals that, at best, FBI Director Wray was playing fast and loose with the truth. At worst, the then-sitting chief law enforcement investigator of America committed perjury when he dishonestly stated that the memo was "a single product by a single field office." Oh, all while completely maligning the largest denomination of Christian believers in the United States. But, alas, the sad story of the FBI targeting Catholics does not end in 2023. New information uncovered by Sen. Charles Grassleys committee reveals that the so-called "Richmond memo" was more like a nationwide all-points-bulletin from FBI brass, informing legions of agents to suspect and investigate faithful parishioners across the land. As CatholicVote describes, "the FBIs anti-Catholic Richmond memo was distributed to more than 1,000 employees in FBI field offices across the country." Sen. Grassleys press release states that a whistleblower "produced at least 13 additional documents and five attachments that used anti-Catholic terminology and relied on information from the radical far-left Southern Poverty Law Center" to target Catholics. Amazingly, such harsh anti-Catholic actions formed a key policy agenda for Joe Biden, a politician who constantly trumpeted his Catholic bona fides and bragged about the rosary he carries in his pocket. Of course, those pronouncements did not stop him from targeting the Little Sisters of the Poor for brutal Department of Justice intimidation when he was vice president. Nor did Joes faith restrain him as president, when he awarded Americas highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to the late Cecile Richardson, one of the most prolific abortion providers in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, Bidens anti-Catholic actions follow a tragic trend of recent decades for Democrats, once the proud home to generations of Catholic voters across America. In fact, Bidens eventual vice president, Kamala Harris, engaged in brazen anti-Catholic bigotry as a U.S. senator in 2018. Harris tried to derail the judicial nomination of Brian Buescher simply because the district court nominee dared to belong to the Catholic fraternal charity organization, the Knights of Columbus. I wrote about that prejudice - an unconstitutional religious litmus test - in a December 26, 2018, opinion piece for RealClearPolitics. No wonder that during the 2024 presidential race, then-Sen. JD Vance called the Biden-Harris White House "the most anti-Catholic administration in living memory." Which brings us back to the present day and these newfound facts about the breadth and scope of the anti-Catholicism of Bidens FBI. This targeting fits within a larger context of the completely unacceptable politicized weaponization of federal law enforcement by people like Biden, Harris, Wray, and former Attorney General Merrick Garland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Grassley makes it clear that he believes Wray lied under oath. If that allegation is correct, then the Trump-Vance DOJ must charge Wray. In addition, this issue carries great political peril for Democrats and big continued rewards for Republicans. Historically, Catholics decide national elections. For over half a century, the Catholic vote has determined the winner in every election but one (choosing Al Gore over George W. Bush in 2000). In 2024 Trump rolled up an incredible +11% margin among Catholics nationwide, a giant improvement over his tie among Catholics in 2020. In fact, Trump would not have won the popular vote - surprising every "expert" - without his dominant performance among Catholics. So, lets get to the truth, punish the evildoers, and reap the political spoils as well. Steve Cortes is president of the League of American Workers, a populist right pro-laborer advocacy group, and senior political advisor to Catholic Vote. He is a former senior advisor to President Trump and JD Vance, and a former commentator for Fox News and CNN. BOSTON (SHNS) Warning that a silver tsunami of Baby Boomer businessowners looking to sell in the next 15 to 20 years could lead to vanishing local small businesses, advocates asked lawmakers Thursday to provide incentives for employee ownership structures. John Abrams, who said his business was employee-owned for 40 years and has written two books on employee ownership, said about three million American small businesses including about 70,000 in Massachusetts have founders older than 55 and are likely to transition ownership in the next two decades. Some of those companies will be passed down in families, but less than in the past. Many will unceremoniously close their doors finding no buyer, leaving holes on Main Street. Others will be targeted by strategic buyers and private equity. They may be absorbed, bundled, relocated, carved up, sold for parts, their mission and culture undone. Jobs will be lost, he said as part of a panel organized by the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power. While many founders wish to preserve the businesses they devoted much of their life to, they and their advisors, financial planners, succession consultants, business brokers, accountants, know little of the employee ownership options available that can accomplish that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coalition members pitched the Joint Committee on Economic Development on a bill (H 503 / S 305) they said would make it easier for employees to buy the businesses they work for during ownership transitions, including by giving employees a right of first refusal, making technical assistance available and incentivizing the selling owner by exempting sales of less than $1 million (or the first $1 million in sales of a greater value) from the state capital gains tax, according to a committee summary. Halsey Platt, the owner of a residential construction business based in Ayer, told the committee that he is in the process of converting his business into an employee cooperative. He said he has been building the business for 33 years. As he begins to think about exiting the business, he said the notion of being able to have my employees be able to build generational wealth was incredibly appealing to me. I think by the Legislature enacting these laws, it will make my choice and that business transition more normalized. And I think if the Legislature moves forward with this, part of what happens here in Massachusetts will be that it changes the landscape, that then employees get educated about what an employee cooperative is and they are able to start to think about that, Platt said. This bill is not restrictive in terms of the owner of the business who wants to sell. It is simply giving those employees the opportunity to match that offer. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A bill passed the Oregon legislature on Thursday, aiming to shield Oregonians from taking on increased utility rates from Big Tech facilities in the state. House Bill 3546, known as the Protecting Oregonians With Energy Responsibility (POWER) Act, would hold companies behind facilities such as data centers or cryptocurrency operations, responsible for their own utility bills, If signed into law, the bill would create a separate pricing system for energy users who demand more than 20 megawatts, or roughly the same usage as a small city, according to the Democratic Majority Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillamook opens first owned-and-operated facility outside of Oregon Data centers play an important role in our growing technology needs in the United States, and they need to pay their fair share for infrastructure required to meet their energy needs, rather than passing the costs on to residential ratepayers, said Senator Janeen Sollman (D Hillsboro, Forest Grove & Rock Creek), a chief sponsor of the bill. Large energy users have the potential to place significant strain on the grid, especially in regions where energy capacity is already stretched thin. The cost to serve certain large energy users is spilling on to other ratepayers, added Rep. Pam Marsh (D Southern Jackson County), a chief sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives. This bill will help state regulators assign these high costs to the data centers and crypto mining entities that are consuming the energy. The Democratic lawmakers note that industrial users currently pay about eight cents a kilowatt hour while households are charged more than double the rate at 19.6 cents per kilowatt hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics The bill helps protect everyday users, like families and small businesses, from paying the costs that big businesses are running up, said Sen. Deb Patterson (D Salem), who co-sponsored the POWER Act. Household budgets are stretched far enough as they are. They shouldnt be covering corporate costs, too. The POWER Act passed the Senate in an 18-12 vote on Tuesday, with the Oregon House of Representatives concurring for the bills final passage on June 5. The bill now heads to Oregon Governor Tina Koteks desk for signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the bill was introduced in the House, Rep. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) raised concerns that the bill would discourage tech companies from growing their presence in Oregon. Drug trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prison after largest meth bust in Oregon history In his letter which was supported by industry advocates such as the Data Center Coalition along with unions IBEW 48, IBEW 280 and UA 290 Brock Smith said, data centers strengthen grid reliability through infrastructure investments and help stabilize residential electricity rates by providing consistent demand. The current proposed legislation, with its misaligned regulations, threatened these widespread community benefits and could discourage future development that supports our digital economy. The bill comes as large technology companies are facing two growing demands to raise their energy supply for artificial intelligence and data centers, while meeting long-term goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions, as reported by the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI uses vast amounts of energy, AP said, noting a 2024 report from the United States Department of Energy estimated that the electricity needed for data centers in the U.S. tripled in the last decade and is anticipated to double or triple again in 2028, when tech companies could consumer 12% of the nations energy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham Police Department announced it was conducting a homicide investigation Saturday morning. According to the BPD, North Precinct officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue North at around 6:19 a.m. on a report of a person down. Officers observed an adult male lying unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation revealed that two individuals were involved in a verbal argument that began at the Church of the Reconciler. The altercation continued to the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue North, where the victim was injured. Security officer at Donaldson Correctional Facility arrested The BPDs Crime Reduction Team responded to the scene and took a person of interest into custody without incident. An adult male was transported to the Birmingham Police Headquarters, where he will be interviewed by homicide detectives. According to the BPD, the incident occurred under an Interstate Bypass, which is considered state property while being in Birminghams jurisdiction. Police say the state has been notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Stay with CBS 42 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 CBS 42. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Friday, U-Prep Charter School hosted a special luncheon honoring the presidents and immediate past presidents at Divine Nine and National Pen-Hellenic Council Organizations. University Preparatory is a charter school for young men and the luncheon recognizes Black Greek leadership in fraternities and sororities, as well as their service and commitment. All of the organizations have components of mentorship, service and really just uplifting the community of Rochester and as you all know, we need that, U-Prep Chief Operations & Chief Finance Officer Dr. Cam Lewis said. So, were all doing the same work, its not a competition, its really about doing the work of your chapter and working together to do some bigger productions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do a lot of work and often we do the work and you dont really think about what youre doing because youre just here to serve the community, Kimberly Brown said. So, to know that people notice and that its not just thankless work, it is very encouraging and motivating. Attendees were honored with a commemorative book, a chef-prepared brunch and special gifts to show appreciation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LOGAN COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD) A Bloomington man was killed in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Route 66 in Logan County on Thursday. Krynn Schupback, 27, was pronounced dead in the emergency department of the Lincoln Memorial Hospital at 3:19 a.m., Thursday, said Logan County Coroner Donald Peasley. The crash occurred at approximately 2:12 a.m. on Thursday on Route 66 near 1500th Avenue, north of Lincoln. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to a Springfield hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Logan County Coroners Office. This story will be updated when 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 CIProud.com. RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) It was a packed house at Middle Tennessee State University Friday morning as two members of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron answered questions from the public. Oliver Moreira age 9 spent roughly two months preparing for the event and made a jet suit with his mom. He said the Blue Angels are one of the reasons he hopes to have a career in the skies one day. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts I like them because they do a lot of tricks and tricks that make me encouraged, Moreira said, explaining his suit. I can transform with it and its really awesome and I get to impress a lot of people, and I hope one day I become a commercial pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middle Tennessee native Mychael Kisling returned to his alma mater for the event, which was just down the road from where he attended high school. Its great. I love being here coming back to Murfreesboro brings back a lot of memories, especially running track in high school and then coming here to college as well, Kisling said, who added that he now serves as an aviation electronics technician. It was fun here at MTSU. Kisling, along with U.S. Marine Corps Major and C-130J Demonstration Pilot Josh Horman, answered dozens of questions from the audience. Were normally flying 250 knots, which is about 300-320 miles per hour when were doing the break passes, Horman said when asked how fast a Fat Albert plane could fly. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Because its very difficult and we want to showcase the precision of the pilots, Horman said when another audience member asked about the Blue Angels flight formations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Blue Angels are expected to continue wowing people at the Great Tennessee Air Show this weekend, Moreira said that he did not want to wrap up Fridays event without sharing his advice to others. I have some advice for everybody thats watching, Moreira said. Never give up and you can do it if you have it in your mind. Perhaps thats a sentiment the Blue Angels would also agree with. The Blue Angels were set to perform at the Great Tennessee Air Show on Saturday, but due to visibility reasons, they had to stand down for the day. Since the group is still scheduled to fly Sunday at 3 p.m., organizers said Saturday attendees are welcome to come back to the show Sunday with a complimentary day pass (just make sure to bring your Saturday ticket for entry). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An entrepreneurship project delegation visited Chenango County on May 14 and 15 to explore the feasibility of including the area in a multi-state network of entrepreneurial hubs. The visit was arranged by Martha Ryan, DCMO BOCES Public and School Liaison, who co-wrote the grant supporting the initial phase of the project, according to a BOCES news release. The $189,720 grant from Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies seeks to lay the groundwork for developing a network of community-based small business incubators to provide resources to support and grow small businesses in rural areas of six Appalachian states, including New York, the release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My goal for this effort is to develop a stronger network to connect our DCMO BOCES CTE students to careers as business owners, Ryan said. The team was in Chenango County to conduct interviews, focus groups, and tours to identify resources and opportunities that could be included in the initiative. Pamela Lankford, from Building Bridges 2 Careers, an economic development organization based in Marietta, Ohio, and Denny Hummer, assistant director of Business Incubation at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, toured local businesses including Chobani and Golden Artist Colors in Columbus, Rentals To Go in Norwich, and also met with Chris Hayes, an owner of multiple businesses in Norwich. It was a fun and insightful day getting to tour local businesses, learning about all the ways Chobani gives back and the history of Golden Artist Paints, Lankford said. But the highlight for me was learning about RTG and their evolution, and most importantly getting to see the longhorns, she added, referring to the distinctive cattle raised on the RTG property. They also met at the DCMO BOCES Support Services Center with a group of government, business and non-profit agency leaders, the release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is certainly no doubt that community leaders want to make sure entrepreneurs have all of the resources and support they need to be successful, Lankford said. After their two days in Chenango County, the team returned to their home states to continue work on this phase of the initiative. We are very excited to finish up our visits so that we can begin compiling the data and information and find similarities and ways these rural communities can help each other build their base of entrepreneurship, Lankford said. The body of a 46-year-old woman who went missing a week ago has been found by police. Yajaira Castro Mendez, from Ilford in east London, was reported missing on 31 May. Her body was found in the Bolderwood area of the New Forest in Hampshire on Saturday, the force said. Juan Toledo, 51, from south-east London, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with her murder and was remanded into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Det Insp Jay Gregory said: "This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time." He urged anyone with information about Ms Castro Mendez's death to contact police. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Related internet links "We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home - both the living and the dead," the PMO said in a statement. The body of the last Thai hostage, Pinta Nattapong, was recovered from the Gaza Strip on Friday during a special operation conducted by the IDF and Shin Bet, they both said in a joint statement on Saturday. Hamas is believed to have the body of a second foreign national. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The operation was made possible by precise intelligence obtained from a Shin Bet interrogation of a terrorist, along with intelligence received from the Hostage Task Force and the IDF Intelligence Directorate," the statement said. Identification of Nattapong's body was carried out by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in cooperation with the Israel Police, the Hostage Task Force of the IDF's Manpower Directorate. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar updated his counterpart Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangyampongsa on the details of the operation to recover Nattapong's body, according to Israeli local media. Israel intends to hold a ceremony for Nattapong at Ben Gurion Airport before his coffin is flown to Thailand, Sa'ar said. Sangyampongsa thanked the minister for his efforts. Hostages square Tel Aviv (photo credit: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters) 55 hostages remain in Gaza under Hamas captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hamas has 20 living hostages, two we cannot determine, and another 33 dead," an Israeli security source said on Saturday. Nattapong was the last Thai hostage held by Hamas Nattapong was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Released Thai hostages who were captured during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, pose as they hold up Thai national flags in Israel, January 30, 2025 (photo credit: ROYAL THAI GOVERNMENT/ROYAL THAI EMBASSY in Tel Aviv/Handout via REUTERS) In January 2025, five Thai nationals who were kidnapped and held hostage in Gaza were released from captivity. At that time, Nattapong was believed to be alive. The freed Thai captives were also working in agriculture in the areas surrounding the Gaza Strip at the time of their capture. Israeli officials, Hostages Forum, Nir Oz offer condolences The Thai Embassy informed Nattapong's family on the situation in coordination with the Defense Intelligence Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The news of [Nattapong's] murder is shocking, but nevertheless the certainty in this complex situation provides us with some comfort," the spokesperson for Kibbutz Nir Oz said in a statement on Saturday. "We would like to thank the security forces who were involved in the complex rescue operation. Alongside this, we reiterate what must be said: Nattapong was kidnapped alive, and he is the 14th hostage from Nir Oz to be murdered in captivity, the statement concluded. "Together with all the citizens of Israel, we extend our condolences to Nattapong's family and the Thai people," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. "We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home - both the living and the dead. "The IDF and ISA will continue to make all efforts possible to bring home all the hostages," the organizations said in their statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said, "We stand with Nattapong's family today and share in their grief. While the pain is immense, his family will finally have certainty after 20 terrible and agonizing months of devastating uncertainty. Every family deserves such certainty to begin their personal healing journey. "We emphasize once again that decision-makers must do everything necessary to reach an agreement that will bring back all 55 remaining hostagesthe living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial. Israel's longest war in its history cannot end in victory without all 55 hostages who remain in captivity." Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan also responded to the news, calling it "a sad closing of a circle for the Pinta family." "There is no more time, we must immediately return the 55 hostages who remain in captivity," he said. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid offered his condolences in a post on Twitter/X in addition to congratulating the IDF and Shin Bet for their successful operation. New York City emergency responders recovered a body from the East River Friday night the second to surface in the same day amid search efforts for two teenagers believed to have drowned last week in separate incidents. Around 7 p.m. on Friday first responders, including the NYPD Harbor Unit, recovered the body of an unidentified male floating in the East River near E. 34th St. in Manhattan, cops and the FDNY said. Earlier Friday the body of an unidentified man thought to be in his 30s surfaced near the Brooklyn Bridge shortly after daybreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recovery of the two bodies comes amid ongoing searches for two missing teenagers believed to have drowned last week. A 15-year-old girl disappeared May 30 after falling into the water somewhere under the Roosevelt Island Bridge and then being swept away with the current. A boy, Brandon Pino, 17, from Port Richmond, Staten Island, is believed to have jumped from the Staten Island Ferry after leaving a goodbye note for his family. Authorities could not immediately say if the body recovered Friday evening was that of the young Staten Islander. ELKO COUNTY, Nev. (KTAL/KMSS) A tragic incident occurred earlier this week involving a train traveling to Utah. The Elko County Sheriffs Department in Nevada has identified a man found deceased on train tracks as 24-year-old James Ivy Woods, a resident of Shreveport. On June 2, 2025, around 4:30 a.m., Elko Central Dispatch received a call from a woman who reported that her friend might have fallen off a train. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Sheriffs office, James and the woman had been traveling unlawfully on the train when they made their journey toward Utah. The woman says that they had jumped onto the train together, but shortly after, she fell asleep. When she woke up, she realized James was missing and immediately contacted the police for help. Sheriffs deputies, along with personnel from the Union Pacific Railroad, began a search for James. Tragically, around 6:35 a.m., a railroad employee discovered him on the tracks. The Sheriffs office reported that James had suffered fatal injuries after being struck by the train during his fall, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an ongoing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) Bolivia's electoral tribunal on Friday included leftist Senate leader Andronico Rodriguez on the list of presidential candidates approved for the ballot but excluded the powerful former socialist leader Evo Morales the other major thorn in the presidents side. As tensions escalate in the run-up to Bolivia's Aug. 17 elections, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal reinstated Rodriguez, a 36-year-old political upstart with close ties to Morales and roots in the ex-president's rural coca-growing stronghold, weeks after suspending his candidacy on technical grounds in a decision that shocked many Bolivians. We are the candidate of the people, Rodriguez said in a speech welcoming the revival of his campaign. Our primary concern has been to wage the legal battle, and in the end, the power of the people had to prevail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the ruling Movement Toward Socialism party, or MAS, riven by dysfunction and division over President Luis Arce's power struggle with his former mentor, Morales, supporters of the senate leader see him as the only chance for MAS to beat the right-wing opposition and salvage its decades-long political dominance. President Arce, widely blamed for accelerating Bolivia's worst economic crisis in 40 years, dropped out of the race last month. Opinion polls show that his pick for the presidency, senior minister Eduardo del Castillo, has inherited the president's unpopularity. Arce's government insists that its main rival, Morales, is constitutionally barred from running. Morales accuses Arce of waging a judicial war against him. In leaving out Morales, the tribunal opened the potential for further turmoil: Morales has called on his supporters to take to the streets to demand his eligibility. Over the last week his followers have blockaded some of the main roads around the country, adding to a sense of crisis as merchants and truckers rise up in outrage over surging food prices and severe fuel shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morales, who governed Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, has been holed up in the country's tropics for months, surrounded by fiercely loyal coca-farmers, as Arce's government seeks his arrest on charges relating to his sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. A constitutional court filled with judges beholden to Arce has disputed the legality of Morales' fourth candidacy and barred him from the contest. The constitutional court acts like a sniper ... restricting and enabling electoral participation upon request, he said in response to his disqualification. The order is clear: Hand over the government to the right and legitimize the election with negotiated candidates who will protect their backs. Morales, whose own loyalists packed the same court when he was president, points to an earlier court ruling that paved the way for his 2019 presidential campaign, that said it would violate his human rights to stop him running. Morales' bid that year for an unprecedented fourth term ultimately sparked mass protests and led to his resignation and brief self-exile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservative opposition to MAS is also fractured, with at least three right-of-center candidates vying for the presidency and no clear frontrunner. All of them are little-known abroad but well-known within Bolivia, where they have run for president or served in government in the past: Jorge Tuto Quiroga, former president from 2001-2002, Samuel Doria Medina, a former cement tycoon and planning minister, and Manfred Reyes Villa, the mayor of Bolivia's major central city of Cochabamba. Quiroga and Doria Medina promoted privatizations of state-run companies in the 1990s before MAS took over. FBI director Kash Patel and deputy director Dan Bongino defended four Los Angeles raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after Democrats said the effort was sparking terror in the city. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials said more than 800 gathered to protest the arrests of dozens including a local labor union president. The large group breached the first layer of a federal law enforcement building in Los Angeles and sprayed graffiti on cars, per a DHS official. The Right to assemble and protest does not include a license to attack law enforcement officers, or to impede and obstruct our lawful immigration operations, Bongino wrote in a Saturday post on X, stating the agency is investigating the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The days of chaos ruling the streets are over. Either obey the law, or go to jail, theres no third option, he added. Patel taunted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D-Calif.) who shared a post declaring that she wouldnt stand for the law enforcement efforts that deeply angered her and other constituents. The FBI chief responded in a quote tweet with the statement, We will. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller also chimed in telling Bass, You have no say in this at all. Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced. However, Democratic lawmakers said many of those detained are lawful asylum seekers who will now sit in overpopulated ICE facilities without a chance to defend themselves in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overcrowding is so bad that women and children are being forced to sleep outside in tents. Meanwhile, the lights in the building shut off at 5pm. Families are sitting in pitch black Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) said in a statement. According to attorneys on site, ICE claims it can detain people indefinitely even if they have a legal stay. That means even if a court says they cant be deported, ICE keeps them locked up anyway, he added. Gomez, along with California Democratic Reps. Norma Torres, Lou Correa and Luz Rivas, on Saturday visited a facility in downtown Los Angeles holding detained individuals seeking information on the situation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Officers with Customs and Border Protection captured an alleged pedophile at the Mexico border earlier this week. CBP officers arrested Noe Magallen, a 71-year-old American citizen, at the Progreso Port of Entry on June 5, according to a press release. Magellan was wanted for indecency with a child by sexual contact in Hidalgo County, Texas. Our frontline CBP officers maintained their vigilance and uncovered a man wanted on a significant alleged offense of a sexual nature involving a child, said Port Director Michael Martinez in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers at the Progreso International Bridge between McAllen and Brownsville referred Magallen for secondary inspection, according to the release. They used federal law enforcement databases and biometric verification to check his identity. Then, officers found he was wanted by the Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office on a felony arrest warrant for alleged sexual indecency with a child. Magallen was turned over to the Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office deputies for adjudication of the warrant, the release reads. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Magallen was booked on June 5, according to jail records. He faces one charge of indecency with a child by sexual contact, which allegedly occurred on August 2, 2022. He was previously arrested twice in 2000 for driving while intoxicated. The National Crime Information Center is a centralized automated database for police to collaborate on outstanding warrants, according to the release. As The Dallas Express reported at the time, CBP officials cited the same system in May after arresting wanted sex offenders. Apprehensions like these exemplify CBPs continued commitment to our border security mission and protecting our communities, Martinez said in the release. Massachusetts health officials are investigating four recent cases of suspected botulism connected to cosmetic injections of Botox. The outbreak on the South Shore prompted the Department of Public Health to warn health care providers to be alert about symptoms. consistent with botulism occurring after botulinum toxin injections. Botox is widely used for cosmetic purposes to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While generally safe when administered by trained professionals, improper dosing, administration technique, or use of non-FDA-approved products may increase the risk of systemic botulism symptoms, the DPH advisory said. Botulism, though rare, can be fatal. It occurs when botulinum toxin enters the bloodstream and can produce effects far from the injection site, according to the advisory. Initial botulism symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and breathing problems, according to state health officials. These symptoms may progress to muscle weakness that worsens over hours to days. Anybody who is experiencing any symptoms should go to an emergency room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is very rare, South Shore Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr. Todd Ellerin told WCVB. We call it iatrogenic botulism, which means you get it as a complication of an injection. It is very rare. The DPH has not released details about the condition of the four individuals involved in the South Shore cases or information about the provider or facility where they received their injections. More News ``` Read the original article on MassLive. (NewsNation) The City of Boulder, Colorado, has released a new detailed timeline of the attack in the city on June 1. Per the release, a police officer arrived within four minutes of a 911 call, and within a minute of their presence, Mohamed Soliman was arrested. A call to 911 was received at 1:26 p.m. local time before Soliman was taken into custody by 1:31 p.m. Trump to part with his Tesla amid Elon Musk feud: White House official Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within five minutes of being called, a fire-rescue unit was on the scene. Advanced life support also arrived at the same time. The first ambulance arrived a minute later. 118 charges have been filed against Soliman, following injuries to 15 people during the attack. The department is taking steps to protect our community by utilizing regional partners and local resources. Visitors should expect enhanced security measures and increased police presence, a statement from the city read. We encourage the public to see something, say something report any suspicious activity to an officer in the area or to dispatch. For safety in public spaces, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, let others know where you are, and follow your gut instinct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. DENVER (KDVR) One week after the attack in Boulder, the Jewish community in town is set to host its biggest event of the year, the annual Jewish Festival. Things may look a little different this year, with a much larger police presence expected. Friends hunt storms in Colorado on Friday This year is the 30th anniversary of the Jewish Festival in Boulder. While there was discussion about the festival even happening and how it can be kept safe, community leaders decided the 30th iteration of the event is the most important one yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its always been called the best Sunday in June, said Jonathan Lev, executive director of the Boulder Jewish Community Center. A day of Jewish celebration is now coming only a week after a day of Jewish pain. The attacks on last Sunday put into question whether that festival was possible, said Lev. Lev called it a long, short time that they had to decide on whether the festival was even possible. Three factors played into keeping it going: the first was immediately apparent when talking to community members. The Jewish community really needed this festival and needed an opportunity to come together, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second factor was coming together safely. The festival averages 10,000 to 15,000 people a year, and he expects that total to be significantly higher this year. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said on Thursday that those kinds of crowds will require more of his staff. You will see a large police presence, said Redfearn. You will see our partner agencies, you will see us there ready to protect that event to ensure that people can grieve and recover from this attack safely and peacefully. He said just being there isnt enough, though, and asks for community help as well. We need all eyes and ears out there to help look for things that may not be right and let us know so we can address them, said Redfearn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With safety settled, the final factor was including the organization Run for Their Lives as part of the festivities, which will now be a focal point of the day. Pothole that formed in under 30 minutes causes backups on I-70: CDOT All three of those things came together in a beautiful way, said Lev. A beautiful way, he said, to provide necessary healing. We need to be able to both have Jewish joy and experience our Jewish pain together, said Lev. The Jewish Festival will be on Pearl Street Mall between 13th Street and 14th Street this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 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 FOX31 Denver. BRIGHTON, N.Y. (WROC) The Brighton Police Department will be hosting a Bike Rodeo where members of the community will get the opportunity to test their skills, learn the rules of the road, and get a bike safety checkup Sunday for Bike Safety Day. The event will be held at Brighton High School by Twelve Corners Presbyterian in the back parking lot at 10 a.m. Attendees are asked to arrive at 9:45 a.m. AHA Heart Walk & Run to raise awareness of heart disease, stroke Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will also be a giveaway where people will be able to go home with safety materials and new bike helmets. Pre-registered participants will be able to enter a drawing for a free bike. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Scott Clark knows a little about being on the coast. His restaurant, Dads Luncheonette, is a train caboose parked on the Pacific Coast Highway in Half Moon Bay. This casual destination, which serves simple but thoughtfully prepared sandwiches, bowls of soup, and slices and pie, overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Thats the water Im in every day of my life, fishing and kayaking, foraging and surfing, Clark writes in his recent cookbook Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip. It is a decidedly different life than the one he was leading as chef de cuisine of Saison in San Francisco, a restaurant with three Michelin stars and ranked 27 on the list of the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants while he was there. The grueling workload of fine dining doesnt leave much time for surfing in the Pacific Ocean or, as the name of his train caboose restaurant suggests, being a parent. The recipes in Coastal illustrate Clarks decision to leave behind fine dining in 2017 and embrace a more casual lifestyle with his family, without forgetting the knowledge and skills that made him a great chef. (MORE: Kick Off The First Days Of Summer With A Tomato Sandwich) This recipe, which Clark calls Pre-Surf Fire Cider shows both sides of his personality. Its the perfect companion to an early-morning beach trip, when you need a sip of something to warm you up and get you ready to dive into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its also a sophisticated, cheffy spin on the health-conscious fire cider trend, which leans on insights from folk medicine to boost the immune system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a digestive, immune-boosting ripper. I go nuts for it. I chug a hefty pour before surfing because it gets me loose, Clark writes. You can also slam it into cold water, pour it over ice, make a tea with it, whisk it into salad dressing, or if youre feeling real frisky, blend it into a Bloody Mary. But beware: Its not the easy sipper youre looking for; its a shot of natures high-octane fuel. Pre-Surf Fire Cider Ingredients 2 cups unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar cup unpeeled, chopped fresh ginger cup peeled, chopped fresh horseradish root cup garlic cloves, peeled and smashed cup peeled, chopped turmeric Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 Tbsp honey, plus more as needed 2 serrano chiles, halved lengthwise Peel of 1 lemon, preferably Meyer, pith removed Peel of 1 navel orange, pith removed Peel of 1 grapefruit, pith removed tsp black peppercorns tsp pink peppercorns tsp fine salt, such as Maldon Instructions In a large mason jar, combine all the ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to push the solids down to submerge them in the vinegar. Crank a lid on the jar, give it a good shake, and store it somewhere dark and cool for 4 weeks. Pour the cider through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a clean mason jar. Discard the solids. Taste the cider and add more honey, as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, until its perfect for you. The cider keeps, in the fridge, for a few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excerpted from Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip by Scott Clark with Betsy Andrews, 2025. Published by Chronicle Books. Weather.com copy writer Wyatt Williams is exploring the relationship between weather, food, agriculture, and the natural world. MORE ON WEATHER.COM - Think Spring With This Pasta Primavera - Feeling Spicy? Make This Thai Chili Oil - Refreshing Spring Sips Britons will miss out on compensation for delayed flights after Brussels adopted a rule change following complaints from airlines. Payouts that were previously triggered by delays exceeding three hours will now only be made after four hours of holdups, European transport ministers agreed. The new regulation, hammered out following a decade of discussions and bargaining over passenger compensation, will apply to all services from EU countries to the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the time being, travellers headed from Britain to the Continent will still qualify for a refund when flight delays hit the three-hour mark, unless they are flying with an EU-registered airline. While raising the compensation threshold, ministers also agreed to increase the minimum level of payment from 250 (210) to 300 for shorter journeys and to 500 for those above 3,500km (2,175 miles). The original regulation, known as EU261, was passed in 2004 with the aim of ensuring that passengers received money and assistance in the event of flights being cancelled at short notice. Following Brexit, the UK adopted it into law so that the rights of travellers remained unchanged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Government will now have to decide whether to adopt the amendments for outbound flights or stick with the original version. Taking no action might be welcomed by consumer groups but would have consequences for UK airlines, which would be at a disadvantage to their European rivals. It could also affect fares, with Ryanair having claimed that EU261 costs passengers 7 per ticket. Airlines for Europe, an industry group, had pressed for a higher compensation threshold, arguing that extending it to five hours as originally proposed by the European Commission would allow 70pc of flights that are cancelled to be rescued. It argued said that airlines inevitably scrapped flights once compensation was triggered, especially since the payouts involved were often higher than the ticket prices charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said a five-hour threshold would have made it more practical for carriers to fly in replacement aircraft so that more flights would get away, potentially benefiting 10m passengers a year. A spokesman said: Getting to their destination is the primary concern of passengers, even if it means getting to bed or arriving at their holiday resort late. But with a low cancellation threshold it makes more sense to call off the flight and take that hit. Airlines have also railed against the fact that the compensation applies whether delays are caused by a crew shortage or technical issue that might be laid at their door, or by severe weather or air traffic control issues beyond their control. A number of extraordinary circumstances are expected to be added as part of revisions to 31 different air passenger rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revisions must still clear the European Parliament but are expected to become law in the bloc by the end of the year. The Department for Transport said the UK did not have to amend its legislation in line with any changes from the EU, and that any potential future reforms would require careful consideration on their merits, and be subject to public consultation. However, air passenger advocate Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, believes that if such changes will be upvoted by EU Parliament, it will be the first time EU moves away from consumer protections, where EU 261 Regulation set up the best practice globally. He added: "In practice, it would mean that more passengers will ultimately face flight disruptions and will have to buy travel insurance to protect themselves from such disruptions and incidental expenses due to a lack of compensation. While there is a small surcharge added to ticket prices, it represents the cost of compliance, while travel insurance includes costs, G&A, overhead and profit margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In practical terms it would mean spending approximately 40 euros on travel, making travel more expensive and increasing profit margins for airlines upselling insurance. It would put additional pressure on low cost travellers. Consumers are benefiting from existing protections, which have lost 50% of compensatory power given the rate of inflation since inception. So regulations should stay for consumer's benefit and be adjusted to inflation just as in the case with the Montreal Convention." 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 law firm trying to remove Hamas from the UKs list of proscribed terrorist groups is being investigated by a solicitors watchdog, The Telegraph understands. Riverway Law made headlines in April when it launched an appeal to have Hamas taken off Britains list of proscribed groups. The firm made a submission to Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, arguing that Hamas posed no threat to the UK people and should be allowed to operate here on free speech grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days after submitting its appeal to the Home Office, the firm was reported to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) by Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary. Mr Jenrick argued that Riverways appeal potentially breached UK sanctions rules on terror groups. He also drew attention to apparent social media posts about the war in Gaza by Fahad Ansari, the leading lawyer in the case and the director of Riverway. The posts included claims that Hamas is a legitimate resistance movement protecting Palestinians from UK-sponsored Israeli genocide. A good reminder that in the majority of the world, Hamas is not a banned group but is viewed as a legitimate resistance movement fighting for liberation against a genocidal apartheid state occupying Palestinian land. https://t.co/GbfC2LEpTG Fahad Ansari (Stop the Gaza genocide) (@fahadansari) December 6, 2023 The SRA is understood to be at an early phase of its investigation and no conclusions have yet been reached. Mr Ansari said he was confident the investigation would not find against the firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to the watchdog sent in April, Mr Jenrick said there was a clear need to uphold public confidence in the legal profession and to ensure rigorous enforcement of the UK sanctions regime. He said that there were significant questions as to whether Riverway have complied with their obligations under the UK sanctions regime, the SRAs own published guidance and broader professional standards expected of solicitors. Mr Ansari has defended his firms actions. In response to Mr Jenricks complaint he said: We were in contact with OFSI [the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation], external counsel and others who had represented sanctioned organisation[s], to ensure that we did not breach our duties under the sanctions regime. Riverway submitted a 106-page application to the Home Office in April, accompanied by a video which was posted to its social media channels. Today, our legal team submitted the application to the Home office to remove Hamas from the banned list of organisations under UK Counter terrorism powers You can read the full legal application here: https://t.co/Zxov8lhle8 pic.twitter.com/b7N07fuH5X Riverway Law (@riverwaylaw) April 9, 2025 The application argued the proscription of Hamas in the UK should be lifted in line with European Convention of Human Rights protections in the interest of freedom of speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also claimed the ban is disproportionate and that Hamas poses no threat to the UK people. The ongoing appeal, believed to be the first of its kind, is being fronted by Mousa Abu Marzouk, Hamass head of international relations and its legal office. Mr Jenrick welcomed the SRAs investigation on Saturday, telling The Telegraph: Our sanctions regime is pointless if it isnt enforced. Ansari is a shameless apologist who argues Hamas poses no threat to the British people. What nonsense. This evil death cult threatens free people everywhere. Robert Jenrick Mr Ansari has previously appeared to make a series of controversial social media posts related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In posts dating from last year he appeared to praise fighters of the courageous Palestinian mujahideen, wrote you should view Hamas as an army of angels and dismissed international courts as hopeless, saying that only armed resistance would help Palestinians. In April last year, a post on his X account said: Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating especially the courageous Palestinian mujahideen who continue to resist the Western-backed Israeli genocide entirely on their own. You are the pride of this Ummah. May you celebrate Eid one day in a fully liberated Palestine. Another comment posted in June said: If you believe genocidal Israel is the most moral army in the world, then you should view Hamas as an army of angels. Mr Ansari told the Sunday Telegraph: One of the problems with low-grade politicians being appointed to senior positions is that it gives them and their racism undue influence over regulators who rather than treat them as the glorified trolls that they are feel obliged to open investigations over the most spurious allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am confident this investigation will conclude with the SRA viewing Jenricks report as yet another attempt by the pro-genocide lobby to disrupt the work of those who refuse to be silenced by events that have turned global opinion against the settler colonial project in Palestine. In the interim, I will continue my efforts to unapologetically oppose Zionism, the ideology at the root of Israeli apartheid and genocide. The SRA declined to comment. Riverway Law was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In a fake village in Buckinghamshire, several members of Space Command are huddled around a computer screen watching a foreign missile approach a Ministry of Defence communications satellite. It is just an exercise, but it is a scenario that is increasingly worrying military chiefs, who fear space is now the most important theatre of war. With satellites controlling everything from EasyJet flight plans, to Amazon deliveries, to army advances, targeting them would cripple society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia took down Ukraines satellite communications hours before it began its full-scale land invasion in 2022. China and Russia have both tested anti-satellite missiles, while Moscow is allegedly developing a programme to arm some of its satellites with nuclear warheads, meaning it could destroy enemy networks while in orbit. In recognition of this new orbital battlefield, Space Command was established at RAF High Wycombe in 2021, to protect and defend UK interests in space. It is now home to the UK Space Operations Centre, opened officially by government ministers this week. The RAF base is the former headquarters of Bomber Command, a military unit responsible for strategic bombing during the Second World War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With its winding streets, faux church towers and manor house office blocks, it was designed to look like a quintessential Home Counties village, should the Luftwaffe be passing over. Space Command is taking over the former Bomber Command headquarters in a fake village near High Wycombe - Popperfoto The Bomber Command motto Strike Hard, Strike Sure has been replaced with Space Commands Ad Stellas Usque Latin for up to the stars. While Bomber Harriss team had its eyes fixed firmly on the ground, Space Commands are turned skywards. Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement, who helped open the operations centre this week, said: From a national security point of view, space is a contested and congested and competitive domain, and we need to make sure, as our adversaries advance their capabilities, that were able to deal with what that throws up. She added: Its an extension of the more earthbound worries that weve got. The usual kind of things that you worry about on Earth, its just extended upwards, because thats now a domain that is as important as land, sea or air to the potential of war-fighting or defending national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Space Operations Centre does vital work in monitoring and protecting our interests. Its a recognition of the fact that our adversaries are active there, and we need to know whats going on. Although the United States performed the first anti-satellite missile tests in 1959, space warfare has largely been consigned to Hollywood and science fiction, until recently. Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement, opened Space Command with Chris Bryant, minister of data protection and telecoms - Sgt Rob Travis RAF/Ministry of Defence In January 2007, China shot down one of its own ageing weather satellites with a ballistic missile, creating a cloud of space junk, which is still causing problems. In November 2021, Russia conducted its own direct-ascent anti-satellite test, destroying the Soviet intelligence satellite Kosmos-1408, and generating a debris field that forced astronauts on the International Space Station to take shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However it is not just anti-satellite missiles that are causing concern. According to the latest Space Threat Assessment, from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, nations are developing ever more elaborate space weapons. These include electro-magnetic pulses, microwaves and lasers to fry electronics; dazzlers to blind optical sensors; and grapplers to latch on to satellites and pull them out of orbit. China, Russia, Iran and North Korea all have the capability of jamming and hijacking satellite signals and launching cyber attacks. A 10-second delay in Google Chrome loading may seem like a domestic internet glitch, but bad actors could also be behind it, Space Command has warned. Counter-space arsenal Space Command is particularly worried about China, which in the past year has launched increasingly advanced and highly-manoeuvrable satellites for purposes that remain unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CSIS believes Beijing may be creating a formidable on-orbit counter-space arsenal and that manoeuvrability testing is allowing Chinese operators to develop tactics and procedures that can be used for space war-fighting. US Space force commanders have also warned that Chinese satellites have been spotted dogfighting in space, moving within less than a mile of each other. China continues to develop and field a broad set of counter-space capabilities, a member of Space Command told The Telegraph. Its certainly one of the more capable adversaries. Space is no longer a sanctuary, its a space of contest. Its the modern battlefield. Russias Luch satellites have also been spotted stalking European communications and broadcast satellites, moving close to their orbits for reasons not fully understood. Space Command fears they are probing the systems to find out how best to disrupt signals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Russia continues to deny it is developing an orbital nuclear anti-satellite weapon which would breach the 1967 Outer Space Treaty US intelligence suggests otherwise. Chris Bryant, the data protection and telecoms minister, said: Theres a lot of stuff up there now and the risks from deliberate bad actors, in particular from Russia and China, and the havoc that could be created either deliberately or accidentally, is quite significant. So we need to monitor as closely as we possibly can, 24/7, everything that is going on up there so that we can avert accidental damage, and we can also potentially deter other more deliberate, harmful activity. Space Command currently employs more than 600 staff, roughly 70 per cent of whom are from the Royal Air Force with the remaining 30 per cent from the Army and Navy, plus a handful of civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only is it monitoring the sky for threats from foreign powers but it is also keeping an eye out for falling space debris, asteroids, and coronal mass ejections from the Sun which could wipe out power grids and satellites. When a threat is spotted, the team can contact satellite providers to warn them to reposition their spacecraft, or advise them to power down until a powerful jet of plasma has passed through. It also informs the Government and the security services on the orbital movements of foreign powers. Space Command also launched its first military satellite last year, Tyche, which can capture daytime images and videos of the Earths surface for surveillance, intelligence-gathering and military operations. It is part of the Governments 968 million Istari programme which will see more satellites launched by 2031 to create a surveillance constellation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bryant added: Lots of people think space and joke about Star Trek and the final frontier, but actually the truth is you couldnt spend a single day of your life these days in the UK without some kind of engagement with space. The havoc that could be created, which might be military havoc, or it might be entirely civil havoc, could be very significant. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A disability rights nonprofit and an elderly advocacy organization are suing the secretary of state over a recently enacted law that they say could disproportionately harm their ability to vote absentee. This complaint marks the third lawsuit but the fourth bill filed over elections-related bills since the 69th legislative session adjourned earlier this year. House Bill 719, sponsored by Columbia Falls Republican Rep. Braxton Mitchell and backed by Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen's office, is the latest bill to be entangled in a lawsuit. The main provision of that new law requires Montanans voting absentee which accounts for the majority of ballots cast in Montana to now write their birthdate on the outermost envelope. Like a signature comparison which already exists in state law, elections officials would now also have to compare that date to the one they provided when registering to vote. The case is filed in Lewis and Clark County District Court. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, Disability Rights Montana and Big Sky 55+, ask the court to block the new law because they say HB 719 violates the Montana Constitution and the U.S. Civil Rights Act for two main reasons: The complaint argues that it stands to disproportionately impact elderly and disabled Montanans since those groups rely on absentee ballots due to hurdles like mobility impairments, physical and other access barriers in polling places, and travel restrictions. The advocacy groups also assert the measure is unnecessary and heightens the chance of ballot rejection by imposing an extra step. "Ultimately, in its effort to fix a non-existent problem, HB 719 creates a problem that is very real: the exclusion of qualified voters," the attorneys for the organizations, which includes Raph Graybill, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in 2024, wrote in the complaint. "And while it was vaunted by its proponents as an election integrity measure, HB 719 undermines democracy in Montana by excluding qualified voters from the process." Proponents say the new law is solely meant to "strengthen the integrity of our elections by ensuring a simple but important safeguard" and will "help prevent fraud." Mitchell explained that he started out looking for a way to help strengthen Montana's election security, and found that the birthdate solution was the "least intrusive." "This is not intended to make it harder to vote," Mitchell said during the legislative session. "It's about making sure every vote is legitimate and counted properly." When reached by email secretary of state spokesperson Richie Melby did not respond to questions directly, but said there is a "lack of credibility with every word in the lawsuit." The plaintiffs also expressed concern that another requirement for voters would lead to higher rejection rates of ballots, a problem that in Montana, voters only have until 5 p.m. the day after election day to remedy. Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County clerk and recorder, warned that it's possible some voters may mistakenly put the day's date on the envelope as opposed to their birthdate. "I think there will be a learning curve," Plettenberg said speaking on behalf of the Montana Association of Clerk & Recorders and Elections Administrators who took a neutral position on the legislation. "I think voters will get used to it but, yes, I do think in those first elections we will see an uptick with some rejected ballots. We see the good in it, but then we had to weigh it with that concern of how many ballots would we have to reject." She added that in Ravalli County, where she is the elected clerk and recorder, they received roughly 23,000 absentee ballots and only rejected 48 to 50 due to a lack of signature, but she cautioned that that number was likely on the low end because of how engaged voters were in this past election. The bill passed almost entirely along party lines, garnering only a couple Republican no votes along the way. Mitchell said he wasn't surprised by the lawsuit, because there have been a slew of lawsuits over the last couple years regarding elections-related legislation. "Any election bill we bring, it doesn't matter what it is, the left-wing activist groups sue over it with their infallible courts out here," Mitchell said when reached by phone Friday. Republican frustration over the state's court system has been center-stage over the last couple years after a number of their bills have been struck down by Montana's judges. GOP lawmakers formed a special select committee in response to their view that the judges are biased and partisan, and the package of bills that committee produced to reign in the courts was the Republicans' key platform this past legislative session. Ultimately, most of those bills did not pass, and the state has once again entered the time of year where new laws start to get hung up in court. The other two lawsuits, which alleged unconstitutionality over three elections bills from the 2025 session, were filed earlier this year following the sessions adjournment. One of the suits asked the court to block a bill that touches the state code regarding residency and plaintiffs said could unconstitutionally bar some college students from voting. The other suit was brought by Montana's largest public employee union and grouped two bills together: one that said voters must provide photo IDs and the other that truncates same-day voter registration. Disability Rights Montana was also involved in a 2021 lawsuit regarding elections bills that resulted in a sweeping ruling where the state supreme court struck down four elections-related laws the Legislature passed the session prior. CHICAGO At just 12 years old, Bronzeville student, Stevie Mitchell, is on a mission to become the youngest Chick-fil-A franchise owner in history. Mitchell says he is not just a fan of the food, but he sees Chick-fil-A as a sign of possibility. Mitchell, alongside his father Stephen and South Loop Chick-fil-A owner- Kareem Edwards joined WGN News on Saturday morning to discuss his big dream. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Minnesota Supreme Court has indefinitely suspended attorney Susan Shogren Smith, who authorities say filed legal challenges in the November 2020 election without permission of the plaintiffs. The suspension from practicing law came Thursday, on the heels of a petition for disciplinary action against Shogren Smith filed by the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility saying that she has conducted professional misconduct. The Brooklyn Center attorney was given a $10,000 sanction in 2021 after a judge found she bamboozled voters into signing on as plaintiffs without their knowledge or permission to file legal challenges against the election of five congressional Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calls to Shogren Smith on Friday were not returned. The petition for disciplinary action noted that a three-judge panel had determined she had committed a fraud on the court and gave her an additional $15,000 sanction. The petition claims that Shogren Smith has failed to pay the $25,000, according to court documents. Respondents misconduct is serious, the state Supreme Court document said, and involved not just lack of competence and failure to communicate with clients, but dishonesty to the courts and disregard for the discipline process. The court documents said her actions were not a brief lapse of judgement but something that occurred for several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shogren Smith is a member of the MN Election Integrity Team, a conservative group that sought to prevent the state from certifying its election results while President Donald Trump and his allies promoted unfounded claims of election fraud. On Dec. 1, 2020, she filed five complaints in Ramsey County District Court, naming as defendants Secretary of State Steve Simon and the Democratic candidates who won their Congressional races. Those legal challenges were filed in the names of 14 separate voters, at least four of whom had no idea they were participating. Susan Shogren Smith perpetrated a fraud against this court and, more importantly, perpetrated a fraud against these plaintiffs, Ramsey County Chief District Judge Leonardo Castro said at the time the first sanction was imposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February of 2021, Republican activist Corinne Braun discovered her name was connected to one of the cases. To my horror, I saw that I had sued Steve Simon and Ilhan Omar. It was a surreal moment for me, she said, likening the discovery to finding her car had been broken into. Braun testified she had received an anonymous email asking to add her name to a list of disgruntled voters. She filled out the form and signed her name and then forwarded the email to about 5,000 people on her mailing list. As Shogren Smith explained in court, what Braun had signed was an affidavit that agreed she will be joining with other voters across Minnesota to contest Minnesota election results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braun, though, said she didnt understand the implications. Shogren Smith acknowledged she never spoke with the plaintiffs or informed them of the outcome of the case, even when Braun and two other unwitting plaintiffs were ordered to pay $3,873 to the defendants at the conclusion of the case. Shogren Smith said at the time, she believed someone else with the MN Election Integrity Team was having those conversations with plaintiffs. I absolutely believed that those conversations were happening with these plaintiffs, she said. Related Articles WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) A man was sentenced to more than two decades in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to a break-in where he threw gasoline on three residents of the home and threatened to set them on fire. Shane Webb in the 30th District Court for a plea hearing on June 6, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) Shane Lawrence Webb, 41, of Burkburnett, was indicted for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Hes been in the Wichita County Jail since January 2, 2025, on bonds totaling $400,000. On Friday, June 6, 2025, in the 30th District Court, Webb pleaded guilty to burglary of a habitation. As a result of his plea bargain, the three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon were reduced to attempted aggravated assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS STORY: Man allegedly pours gas on 3 people, threatens to light them on fire Presiding Judge Jeff McKnight sentenced Webb to 25 years in prison for burglary of a habitation and 10 years in prison for each of the three attempted aggravated assault charges, setting the sentences to run concurrently. Webbs charges stem from December 28, 2024, when officers with the Burkburnett Police Department were dispatched to a residence on West Fifth Street for a disturbance. Shane Webb in the 30th District Court for a plea hearing on June 6, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) Authorities said when officers arrived, they spoke to three victims who lived at the residence, each telling them the same story about Webbs actions before they arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit, the victims told police that Webb had kicked through the door and was holding a Coca-Cola bottle full of gasoline and an ignited handheld torch. They said he then threw the gas on their person and face. Police said the victims told them Webb was actively threatening to light them all on fire until one of them extinguished the torch. Webb fled the scene before officers arrived. A records check on Webb revealed 16 arrests since 2007, including charges of assault, aggravated assault, obstruction or retaliation, aggravated robbery, assault of a public servant, and other violent crimes. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. CALDWELL, Texas (FOX 44) The Burleson County community gathered Friday to honor the life and legacy of Sheriff Gene Hermes, who died following a long battle with cancer. A funeral service was held at the Burleson County Cowboy Church in Caldwell, drawing hundreds of mourners from across the county and neighboring areas. Among them were law enforcement officers, family members, and community supporters who came to pay their respects. Though somber, the ceremony was also filled with smiles and laughter as stories were shared about Hermes sense of humor, commitment to public service, and love for his family. Sheriff Hermes was remembered as a man of integrity, deeply respected by both his colleagues and the community. He officially became sheriff in March 2020, but his tenure with the Burleson County Sheriffs Office spanned many years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Hermes wasnt just a leader he was a family man and someone who always put the people of this community first, said Chief Deputy Bill Rios. Community members say that while Hermes may no longer be here, his impact will not be forgotten. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. (FOX40.COM) The new resource hub, Business Solution Center, was launched by the City of Sacramento in an effort to help local small businesses succeed. Video Above: Local business in Old Sacramento focused on Eco-Friendly products Officials said the Citys Office of Innovation and Economic Development developed the hub, while the American Rescue Plan Act and the U.S. Small Business Administration funded it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Business Solutions Center aims to unite multiple small business services into a single, streamlined program. The hub offers personalized, one-on-one support for entrepreneurs who want to build a business plan, expand operations or navigate permitting and licensing. We know small businesses are the backbone of Sacramentos economy, and the Business Solutions Center is about meeting them where they are with the support they need to succeed, said Denise Malvetti, Deputy Director of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development. Whether its funding, permits, or someone to help navigate your next steps, this Center puts real, tangible resources within reach. 13th measles case of 2025 in the state confirmed in Woodland The center helps business access: Up to $5,000 in microgrant funding to invest in equipment. One-on-one consultations with counselors in partnership with California Capital Financial Development Corporation. Up to $2,500 in city fee credits to help cover permitting, licensing or inspection costs SizeUp Sacramento: a data tool offering insights on business performance, competitors and customers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From day one, weve designed the Business Solutions Center with equity, accessibility, and long-term impact in mind, Malvetti said. This isnt just about recoveryits about building a stronger, more inclusive local economy for years to come. Officials said the center was built with an emphasis on equity, accountability, and measurable results. The city is able to evaluate the programs impact through a customer relationship management system that tracks service requests. Based on the evolving needs of Sacramentos business community, adjustments are made. Those who want to participate can: Visit the 311 portal and register for an account. Add your business to your 311 account Submit a Business Resources request through the dashboard Officials said those who already have a 311 account can: Login and select My Profile Then click on Add Business Select Request Service and make sure to click the Business Case request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information can be found on the citys 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 FOX40 News. Read the Los Angeles Times story here . A board that regulates air quality in the Los Angeles area voted Friday to consider more alternatives to its plan to levy a fee aimed at phasing out gas-fired water heaters and furnaces. That proposal was defeated on a 7-5 vote. But board members agreed 7-4 to consider less-stringent options, citing concerns over the cost to property owners and manufacturers and the ability of the electric grid to withstand more demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Coast Air Quality Management District Board Chair Vanessa Delgado said that means any rule changes aimed at lowering nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions likely would not come before the board until at least next year. The proposed rules would have encouraged homeowners to buy furnaces and water heaters that emit no NOx a key pollutant contributing to smog by placing a fee on manufacturers that sell natural-gas-fired appliances in the district. More than 200 speakers testified in person and online for and against the plan. The governing boards vote followed a warning Friday from Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, that any action to impede the use of domestic energy resources would face a legal challenge by his office. California regulators are on notice: if you pass illegal bans or penalties on gas appliances, well see you in court, Essayli said on X. The law is clear feds set energy policy, not unelected climate bureaucrats. The South Coast Air Quality Management District board on Friday rejected a plan aimed at phasing out gas water heaters and furnaces by charging a fee to manufacturers that failed to meet targets for reducing their use between 2027 and 2036. (South Coast Air Quality Management District via Zoom) Board members split on rules Opponents of the rule changes told the board that housing was already too expensive and the cost of living too high for area residents. Floodlight found that a coalition of groups that included SoCalGas, the countrys largest gas utility, led a massive opposition campaign that included convincing officials from dozens of cities in the four-county district to oppose the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those testifying in favor cited the positive health effects of the rules, which were projected to prevent 2,490 premature deaths and avoid 10,200 asthma cases by cutting NOx emissions by six tons per day. Some noted that natural gas also known as methane is a potent greenhouse gas that helped make the devastating wildfires that ripped through the Los Angeles area in January more likely . In voting against the proposed rules, board member Janet Nguyen said they would unnecessarily penalize people by raising the cost of household appliances. I, like everybody here, support clean air, said Nguyen, who also serves as an Orange County supervisor. But we must also pursue environmental progress without punishing the very people we serve today. These rules dont target refineries or shipping ports. They target people, the 17 million homeowners, renters ... Yorba Linda, Calif., council member Peggy Huang urges members of the South Coast Air Quality Management District board on Friday to reject rules aimed at curbing the use of gas-fired water heaters and furnaces. She was among roughly 200 people who signed up to speak on the rules at Fridays hearing. The board defeated that proposal but agreed to consider less-stringent measures. (South Coast Air Quality Management District via Zoom) Board member Holly Mitchell took the other side, saying the rules were needed to improve air quality in the nations smoggiest air basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont start now, when will we effect any change? asked Mitchell, a Los Angeles County supervisor. We have the worst air quality in the nation. That forces us to make hard decisions. Board member Patricia Lock Dawson, mayor of Riverside, reflected her colleagues mixed feelings. It is our job to improve air quality. We are specifically charged with reducing NOx, Lock Dawson said. But Californians are really struggling now. (And) poverty is a health issue, too. She added: I wish this were more carrot than stick. Defeated rules aimed at phasing out appliances To meet the targets, 30% of manufacturers sales would have needed to consist of zero-emission models starting in 2027. That would rise to 50% in 2029 and eventually 90% by 2036. The rules were projected to affect 10 million gas appliances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the rules, manufacturers would be charged $100 for each gas furnace and $50 for every gas water heater they sell within the targets. For sales that exceed the cap, they would pay $500 and $250, respectively. Revenue from these fees would be used to help pay for zero-emission appliances, especially in disadvantaged communities, according to the air district. The proposal was a compromise, Mitchell said, noting that staff had made numerous changes in the original proposed rule changes to answer cost concerns. Among the thousands who had registered opinions with the air-quality district ahead of the vote was second-grade teacher Barbara Ishida. Her Altadena home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Barbara Ishida looks at the remnants of her home after the January 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif. Ishida is determined to build back without gas appliances, noting greenhouse gas-fueled climate change made the devastating wildfires more likely. She is seen at the site of her home on May 17, 2025. (Nia MacKnight / Floodlight) Ishidas vision is to build a fire-resistant home with no gas appliances. That approach is backed by a University of California Berkeley study released in April that concluded all-electric construction is the fastest, most cost-effective and most climate-friendly strategy to rebuild after the fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ishida had signed a letter supporting the proposed rules because she believed they would encourage Altadena to build back in a sustainable way. She criticized opponents for thinking short term. They're just putting profits over people, Ishida said in an interview before the vote. They're not thinking long term, And they're not thinking very well for the next generation. (FOX40.COM) A bill that could ban the sale of the most popular handgun in the U.S. is potentially on its way to becoming law after it passed through the California State Assembly on Tuesday. Assembly Bill 1127, also referred to by many people as the Glock Ban Bill, was authored by Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and would prohibit licensed firearms dealers from selling guns that can be easily converted by hand or with common household tools into a machine gun. Although the Glock isnt specifically mentioned in the written legislation, it falls into that category of firearms. New gun laws wont be enforced by Sutter County Sheriffs Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am pleased to be presenting AB 1127, which will protect communities from mass shootings and gun violence by encouraging gun manufacturers to prevent the conversion of their firearms to dangerous automatic weapons, Gabriel said during an Assembly Standing Committee hearing. He continued, Automatic weapons are exceptionally lethal and capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute. They are illegal in California. Unfortunately, some semi-automatic firearms feature a dangerous design flaw that allows them to be converted to fully automatic weapons through an attachment of a cheap and easy-to-use device, known as a switch. Northern California police warn of $1,000 fine per illegal firework amid Fourth of July holiday The Glock is infamous for its easy-alteration capabilities by using a Glock switch. In 2022, a converted Glock was reportedly used in a mass shooting that occurred just blocks from the California State Capitol Building. It left six people dead and several others injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadly, certain companies in the gun industry have known about this issue for decades and have done nothing meaningful to address it, Gabriel said. This common-sense legislation will ensure that the gun industry is held accountable and that were doing everything we possibly can to protect our communities from mass shootings. AB 1127 is supported by organizations like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, and Voices for Progress. However, other groups such as the National Association for Gun Rights and Gun Owners of California Inc. are in opposition. AB 1127 is a blatant attack on your right to own one of the most common self-defense firearms in America, Gun Owners of California said on social media before the bill passed through the Assembly. This bill targets semiautomatic pistols used by millions of law-abiding gun ownersand its being pushed under the false pretense of safety. NAGR vowed to fight back against the proposed legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California (is) pushing rapidly towards a total ban of Glock pistols, NAGR said on social media. The most popular firearm in the country. If you think there is a line they will not cross, think again. AB 1127 passed on a vote of 58-17, with Democrat support and Republican opposition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editors Note: This story has been updated to clarify the legal action taken by Diaz and his attorneys. A man arrested last year on allegations of child pornography plans to sue San Bernardino County, accusing authorities of uprooting his life, damaging his reputation and potentially targeting him over his sexuality. Nicholas Diaz was arrested last November after his home in Grand Terrace was raided by authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diaz was a longtime foster parent, and as a result of the raid and ensuing charges, lost custody of one of his two adopted children. But the attorneys representing Diaz say those charges were eventually dropped, and his arrest was the result of, at best, misidentification, or, at worst, deliberate targeting of a single gay parent. According to Ontario-based McCune Law Group, Diaz became the subject of a law enforcement investigation after the discovery of his OnlyFans account, an online subscription service typically used for homemade production of adult content. Authorities viewing this account allegedly found a video that they believed featured a minoran allegation that Diazs attorneys say was not true, and not sufficient probable cause to warrant a raid at his home and charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, the claim states, the person depicted in the video was a consenting adult male in his 30s. Nicholas Alejandro Diaz is seen in this undated courtesy image provided by McCune Law Group. The claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, alleges that warrants were drafted for his arrest through a process of shoddy or biased detective work, ultimately leading to Diaz being taken into custody at his workplace, causing him public humiliation and embarrassment in front of his colleagues. He was eventually taken to his home, where authorities began an extensive search. Mr. Diaz offered to voluntarily provide the Sheriffs Department with any information to clear up what he knew was a mistake, the suit reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His attorneys also allege that Diaz informed authorities that his children were inside, and that he had requested the opportunity to reassure them. That request was denied, they said, and deputies approached with guns drawn and forcibly entered the home. Diazs attorneys claim one of his sons was pinned down on his stomach by several law enforcement officers, and had his diabetes monitoring device ripped out of the pump, causing the child to go into diabetic shock after he was placed in handcuffs. The raid, and the detaining of one son, happened in front of Diazs second adopted son. He was also eventually handcuffed and taken outside alongside his brother, where they were made to sit on the curb, exposed to their neighbors. At the time of his arrest, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said no foster children were at home at the time of the search; there was no mention of Diazs adopted children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diaz was eventually booked into jail and held on $80,000 bail, while his photo was disseminated to the public and local media, including KTLA, after authorities stated there may be additional victims whove yet to come forward. The release of his name and photo led to Diaz losing his job, as well as receiving threats of violence against his family, his attorneys said. Diaz also lost custody of his youngest son and was granted only limited visitation rights. The charges were eventually dropped, and last month, three separate tort claims were filed against San Bernardino County on behalf of him and his two adopted sons. The potential lawsuits allege physical injury to one of the sons, emotional trauma caused by the raid and the arrest, as well as significant and irreparable damage to Diazs reputation, career and the familys overall well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Diazs case tells the story of a loving father, gay man, and proud member of the San Bernardino community, who found himself arrested and publicly humiliated for crimes he did not commit, McCune Law Group wrote in a statement provided to KTLA. Mr. Diaz saw his family torn apart by false and biased accusations. His children were physically and mentally harmed by the raid, and by the pain of ongoing separation from their parent. They are owed peace of mind. But his attorneys say that peace of mind cant be obtained without setting the record straight. To protect this family, it is crucial that we tell their true story, the statement concludes. KTLA has reached out for comment from San Bernardino County and the District Attorneys Office. The D.A.s Office did not respond to a request for clarification regarding charges against Diaz; a County spokesperson said it would not be appropriate to comment on the ongoing legal matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government tort claims were filed on May 14, and the County has 45 days to respond. If rejected, a lawsuit will proceed, attorneys 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. DECATUR Feelings ran high Wednesday at a Parent Town Hall at Stephen Decatur Middle School organized to address ongoing concerns. As parents entered for the meeting, a table awaited them with forms to fill out with their questions, which district personnel separated into categories for the meeting. Principal Matt Fraas began the meeting with a PowerPoint presentation listing the statistics of behavior issues at the school since the start of classes on Aug. 14. As part of the district's BOLD facilities plan, Thomas Jefferson and Stephen Decatur middle schools merged at the beginning of the school year. The Thomas Jefferson building is being remodeled to accommodate both the Garfield and Enterprise Montessori programs beginning in August 2020. Parents have voiced concerns about fights at the school, overcrowding, a lack of schedules, staff vacancies, and an inability to contact the school due to problems with phones. One of the most-often raised concerns is disputes and confrontations between students. With 850 students, there have been 55 referrals for fighting, for example, and Fraas said several of those were the same students in multiple confrontations. We're working with student services to provide support for students in multiple issues, he said. VIDEO: Decatur school board meeting; informational picket held by union outside The Decatur school board meeting is being streamed live by the district starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Some of the changes that are underway, Fraas said, include scheduling core classes within academies, so that students are not moving through the corridors in large groups. During lunch, arrival and dismissal are the times when the problems are occurring, when large numbers of students are moving in the same areas. We're targeting areas where we need to make changes, he said. In the 28 days of school so far, he said, there have been 17 days when fights occurred. 'A good ride': Decatur schools recognize Chris Barnett for 50 years of service DECATUR The year that Chris Barnett began working in Decatur public schools, NASA astronauts landed on the moon for the first time. The Roll It's too many days, he said. These are 12- and 13-year-old brains whose problem-solving skills are not developed. One thing we've seen is multiple fights in a day. Part of that is a copycat mentality. Some of it is ego and seeking status, a crowd mentality of 'it's a show.' Staff is working on teaching students to do the hard thing because it's right, even if nobody else is doing it. When there's a fight, for example, rather than join the crowd and egg on the combatants, walk away and do what you should be doing. He acknowledged the rocky start to the school year, when difficulties with the software meant that schedules were not ready and some students were sitting idle because they had not been assigned to a class. That situation also created problems with student behavior, he said. In addition, not all classrooms were ready and there were a number of vacancies on the teaching staff, some of which have since been filled. Some of those have been filled with substitutes. Latest Decatur teachers assistant union contract proposal posted DECATUR The Decatur school district on Wednesday posted its latest offer to the union representing teaching assistants. On Monday and Tuesday this week, the staff put students through practice, learning the right way to enter a classroom or move through halls to decrease problems, to speak respectfully to adults and to each other and to learn that polite and friendly behavior could defuse potential confrontations. Other problems he talked about include phones that weren't working properly, with only one line in the building that could accept calls at first. That's largely been corrected and, he said, will be completely fixed in the next two weeks. After Fraas had addressed the written questions, he opened the floor for additional remarks and several parents called out their specific concerns, with many speaking at once, often with anger. Parent Gwen Roundtree said her biggest concern is the school's responsibility for her child, who is 13. When my child is at this school, you are responsible for her, Roundtree said. I'm not ashamed to say it, my child was able to get high in the bathroom. Drugs are in this school. Parent Pearl Baker, who brought her seventh grade daughter, Katrina Hall, said reports that police had been called to the school numerous times made her want to hear what the district had to say about all that. That's alarming, she said. What we hear from school district officials is that the numbers are the same when (Thomas Jefferson) and Stephen Decatur were separate, and that's kind of alarming also. It's kind of to see what they have to say and how they plan on fixing it and what they think is going wrong. Katrina has yet to be assigned a locker, and students are not allowed to carry their bags with them due to concerns over weapons, she said, so they have to leave them in a classroom and she worries that someone will steal her belongings. Concerns also were raised during the public comment portion of the Tuesday Decatur school board meeting. In early September, district and police officials had to address rumors that a gun was brought to school and guard was stabbed, which they said were both false. On Wednesday, men from the D-100 group also attended the meeting at Stephen Decatur. The group seeks to gather members of various entities in the city who want to solve community problems, especially violence. We want to get all the different active groups in Decatur to come together with one accord, said Elder Thomas Rhone, a member. We don't care who's the head of thing. We just want to be sure there's a sound representation of people who want their neighborhoods to be safe. Remember this? 21 photos of Decatur high school activities through the years Canada is providing Ukraine with military aid worth over 35 million Canadian dollars (approximately US$25.5 million). Source: Canadas Defence Ministry press service, as reported by European Pravda Details: Canadian Defence Minister David J. McGuinty took part in the 28th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein Format). At the meeting, McGuinty announced that Canada is providing Ukraine with military aid worth 35 million Canadian dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that 30 million Canadian dollars (US$21.9 million) will be spent on Coyote and Bison armoured personnel carriers, as well as new equipment and ammunition from Canadian companies. This is in addition to the previous transfer of 64 Coyote armoured vehicles, which arrived in Ukraine in December 2024. Another 5 million Canadian dollars (US$3.6 million) will go towards electronic warfare kits from the Canadian defence industry. Background: At the 28th Ramstein meeting, held at NATO headquarters, Ukraine and its partner countries agreed to create a defence production mechanism. The US secretary of defence ignored the Ramstein meeting for the first time. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) Capital University will have new leadership next semester. Dr. Jared Tice was announced Friday as the schools 18th president. At a time when higher education is challenged, Jareds visionary leadership will provide a strategic roadmap that aligns with our mission and values, Board of Trustees chair Marti Taylor said in a statement. Tice joins the university from Catawba College in North Carolina, where he was Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tice will begin the new role Aug. 1 after the retirement of current president David Kaufman. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com A collection of restaurants and eateries run by James Beard Award-winning Seattle chef Renee Erickson is set to close, with some locations closing either temporarily or permanently. Bateau, a contemporary steakhouse, and Boat Bar, a French-inspired oyster bar, are shutting down temporarily on June 19. Both restaurants are expected to reopen in the next three to six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were incredibly proud of what Bateau and Boat Bar have brought to Seattles dining scene, Erickson said in a prepared statement. This closure will allow us the time and space to refresh and retool these restaurants after a long 10 years, so they can evolve and continue to inspire. Multiple General Purpose cafes to close permanently However, Beataeus next-door neighbor, The General Porpoise cafe, also owned and operated by Erickson, is set to close permanently in order to be converted into a private dining room. The General Porpoise location in Laurelhurst is also closing permanently by June 24. These restaurants fall under the umbrella of Sea Creatures Restaurants, a network of eateries locally owned and operated by Erickson and partners. Sea Creatures Restaurants also owns Willmotts Ghost, The Whale Wins, The Walrus and the Carpenter, Barnacle Bar, Deep Dive, Westward, and Lioness. The closures, both permanent and temporary, came after a unionization effort led by some Sea Creatures employees earlier this year, according to The Seattle Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are comfortable with the union, Sea Creatures Restaurants co-owner Jeremy Price told The Seattle Times. Thats an employees right, and we are all good with that. Erickson and Prices goal is to relocate all doughnut shop employees working at the now-permanently closed General Porpoise cafes to the remaining locations. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has detained two Russian agents who detonated an improvised explosive device under a prosecutors car in the city of Dnipro on 6 June 2025. Source: Security Service of Ukraine; Office of the Prosecutor General; Ukraines National Police Details: The SSU reported that the agents were recruited by Russia through Telegram channels offering "easy money". They first tracked the routes of a prosecutors office employee. They then placed an improvised explosive device in a specific location near the prosecutors car in one of Dnipros districts. The car after the explosion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Ukraines National Police Subsequently, they activated the explosives and installed a remote monitoring and control device near the attack site, documenting the aftermath for their handlers. The car after the explosion Photo: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Prosecutors Office Quote: "It was established that they were involved in the detonation of an improvised explosive device under the car of one of the employees of the local prosecutors office. As a result of this crime, the law enforcement officer received minor injuries and his vehicle was completely destroyed." Doctors confirm the prosecutors life is not in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both detainees are cooperating with the investigation and providing testimony. They have been charged under Article 258.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (terrorist act committed by a group) and are facing up to 12 years in prison. Background: On 3 June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine detained a 42-year-old conscript in Kharkiv who was serving in a National Guard assault brigade and working for the Russians. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta later this month, an invitation Modi accepted despite strained ties between the countries. The countries expelled each others top diplomats last year over the killing of a Sikh Canadian activist in Canada and allegations of other crimes. The invitation prompted anger from the World Sikh Organization of Canada, which wrote to Carney in May asking him not to invite Modi. Tensions remain high between Canada and India over accusations about Indian government agents being involved in the murder of a Canadian activist for Sikh separatism in British Columbia in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney extended the invitation to Modi in a phone call between the two leaders on Friday. The summit runs from June 15 to 17. Carney noted Canada is in the role of G7 chair and said there are important discussions that India should be a part of. India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, the most populous country in the world and central to supply chains, Carney told reporters, adding that there has been some progress on law enforcement dialogue between the two countries. I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi and, in that context, he has accepted, Carney said. Carney said there is a legal process underway in the killing of the Canadian Sikh activist and said he would not comment on the case, when asked by a reporter if he thought Modi was involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tit-for-tat expulsions came after Canada told India that its top diplomat in the country is a person of interest in the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and that police have uncovered evidence of an intensifying campaign against Canadian citizens by agents of the Indian government. Modi said he was glad to receive a call from Carney and congratulated him on his recent election victory. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the summit, Modi said in a social media statement. Nijjar, 45, was fatally shot in his pickup truck after he left the Sikh temple he led in Surrey, British Columbia. An Indian-born citizen of Canada, he owned a plumbing business and was a leader in what remains of a once-strong movement to create an independent Sikh homeland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four Indian nationals living in Canada were charged with Nijjars murder. Balpreet Singh, legal counsel and spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization of Canada, called Carneys invitation to Modi a betrayal of Canadian values. The summit to which Mr. Modi is being invited falls on the anniversary of the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar two years ago, he said. So for us, this is unacceptable, its shocking and its a complete reversal of the principled stand that Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau had taken. Canada is not the only country that has accused Indian officials of plotting an assassination on foreign soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023 US prosecutors said an Indian government official directed a failed plot to assassinate another Sikh separatist leader in New York. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) If you are searching for some Black-owned food trucks to celebrate Juneteenth, look no further than this upcoming event, Black Food Truck Night. Hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce (SBAACC), the event will celebrate culture, community, and cuisine, featuring DJ Static Shock to keep the energy moving. On Thursday, June 19th, SBAACC invites the community to enjoy some of the best local Black-owned food trucks, music, and vibes as we honor freedom and flavor. Shreveport-Bossiers Black Owned Food Trucks include: Smoking Oyster Prayer in a Pot Louisiana Smokehouse Rajin Cajun Niema Cookery Corner (Winner featured on Food Networks Beat Bobby Flay) A Snacktivity Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shreveports Artish event highlights diverse Black artists Their event will take place at the Louisiana Daiquiri Cafe, located at 1881 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. According to the poster, it is presented by SBAACC and FAR Development Foundation, sponsored by State Farm Agent Katrina Worsham, State Senator Sam Jenkins, and the Power Coalition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) While dependency courtrooms have seen a fair share of highs and lows, on Friday, June 6, Bay County courtroom S-2 only saw highs. Parents, once deemed unfit by the court, were granted reunification with their children. It means the world. Its very rare. We celebrate reunification. Usually, we celebrate adoptions, which is fantastic in itself. But see, in this full circle moment for families, from the time the families were sheltered to the time they were unified, its really powerful, Florida Assistant Regional Counsel Megan McKeeby said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of the required case plans parents must complete is complex, unique, and difficult in their own way. Rural community of Alford benefits from innovative grant system Each case plan is designed to remedy the reasons why the children came into care. It can be anything from substance misuse, mental health, domestic violence, or it can be a combination of those things. They put in a lot of work. As I tell most people, I couldnt complete a case plan if I had to do one, McKeeby said. Some parents who were previously granted reunification in November and have been doing well were granted termination of supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the stigma remains for many parents who struggle with substance abuse, trauma, or other extenuating factors that led them to be in dependency court. However, Fridays celebration was a display of compassion, understanding, and ultimately triumph. The perspective matters because the obstacles these families face with the wrong perspective, that pulls them in the wrong direction. But with the right perspective, it can be a positive change, and it can be a force for good, and it can turn an otherwise difficult, challenging moment into an opportunity to be better, to do better, and to be the parent that theyve been called to be. And so these types of events, these types of celebrations for reunification are worth our time, 14th Judicial Circuit Judge Dustin Stephenson said. Judge Stephenson said he runs his courtroom looking to the positive, and encourages families that celebrations like Fridays are in their future. Panama City Commissioner Janice Lucas presented those in attendance with a proclamation solidifying June as National Family Reunification Month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was the first of its kind for Bay County. And it was possibly overdue for all of the caseworkers, judges, community partners, and families who play a pivotal role in the process. Judge Stephenson said Bay County is in dire need of foster parents who can step up, even temporarily, while a parent is going through the reunification process. He says many Bay County children have had to be relocated to Central or South Florida due to the lack of foster parents in our area. To learn more about becoming a foster parent, 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. ST. LOUIS The Endangered Wolf Center in St. Louis announced that efforts to help six endangered Mexican Wolf Pups born in the state. The Mexican wolf, according to the center, is a keystone species, as less than 300 exist in the wild. In a conservation effort for the species, the center said the pupswhich were 10 days oldwere flown to New Mexico. They plan for the pups to be fostered by two wild packs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News According to the Endangered Wolf Center, a pup foster is a conservation initiative that seeks to increase genetic diversity. This year was a special pup foster to help facilitate, because the pack is very genetically valuable. The father of these pups was actually born from artificial insemination back in 2017, so getting his genetics back into the landscape is a huge conservation win, said Sarah Holaday, director of Animal Care and Conservation at the Endangered Wolf Center. The center hopes that the six pups will possess the essential traits needed to help the endangered species. Ever since 2016, the organization has fostered over 52 captive-born pups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Unions in California are different from those in other places. More than any state in our troubled country, their ranks are filled with people of color and immigrants. While unions have always been tied closely with the struggles of civil rights, that has become even more pronounced in the years since George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. In the subsequent national soul-searching, unions were forced to do a bit of their own. But where that conversation has largely broken down for general society under the pressure of President Trump's right-wing rage, it took hold inside of unions to a much greater degree leading to more leadership from people of color, sometimes younger leadership and definitely an understanding from the rank and file that these are organizations that fight far beyond the workplace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is why the arrest of David Huerta, president of SEIU-USWW and SEIU California, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday is going to have a major impact on the coming months as deportations continue. Read more: Live coverage: Trump administration sending National Guard troops to L.A. amid clashes over raids "They have woke us up," Tia Orr told me Saturday morning. She's the executive director of the 700,000-strong Service Employees International Union California, of which Huerta is a part, and the first African American and Latina to lead the organization. "And I think they've woke people up across the nation, certainly in California, and people are ready to get to action," she added. "I haven't seen that in a long time. I don't know that I've seen something like that before, and so yes, it is going to result in action that I believe is going to be historical." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While unions have voiced their disapproval of mass deportations since the MAGA threat first manifested, the unions' might has not gone full force against them, taking instead a bit of a wait-and-see approach. Well, folks, we've seen. We've seen the unidentified masked men rounding up immigrants across the country and shipping them into life sentences at torturous foreign prisons; we've watched a 9-year-old Southern California boy separated from his father and detained for deportation; and Friday, across Los Angeles, we saw an anonymous military-style force of federal agents sweep up our neighbors, family members and friends in what seemed to be a haphazard and deliberately cruel way. And for those of you who have watched the video of Huerta's arrest, we've seen a middle-aged Latino man in a plaid button-down be roughly pushed by authorities in riot gear until he falls backward, and seems to strike his head on the curb. Huerta was, according to a television interview with Mayor Karen Bass, pepper-sprayed as well. Then he was taken to the hospital for treatment, then into custody, where he remains until a Monday arraignment. U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli wrote on social media that "Federal agents were executing a lawful judicial warrant at a LA worksite this morning when David Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle. He was arrested for interfering with federal officers ... Let me be clear: I dont care who you areif you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted. No one has the right to assault, obstruct, or interfere with federal authorities carrying out their duties." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have covered protests, violent and nonviolent, for more than two decades. In one of the first such events I covered, I watched an iconic union leader, Bill Camp, sit down in the middle of the road in his trademark suspenders and refuse to move. Police arrested him. But they managed to do it without violence, and without Camp's resistance. This is how unions do good trouble without fear, without violence. Huerta understands the rules and power of peaceful protest better than most. The union he is president of SEIU United Service Workers West started the Justice for Janitors campaign in 1990, a bottom-up movement that in Los Angeles was mostly powered by the immigrant Latina women who cleaned commercial office space for wages as low as $7 an hour. After weeks of protests, police attacked those Latina workers in June of that year in what became known as the "Battle of Century City." Two dozen workers were injured but the union did not back down. Eventually, it won the contracts it was seeking, and equally as important, it won public support. Huerta joined USWW a few years after that incident, growing the Justice for Janitors campaign. The union was and has always been one powered by immigrant workers who saw that collective power was their best power, and Huerta has led decades of building that truth into a practical force. He is, says Orr, an organizer who knows how to bring people together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To say he is a beloved and respected leader in both the union and California in general is an understatement. You can still find his bio on the White House website, since he was honored as a "Champion of Change," by President Obama. Within hours of his arrest, political leaders across the state were voicing support. "David Huerta is a respected leader, a patriot, and an advocate for working people. No one should ever be harmed for witnessing government action," Gov. Gavin Newsom posted online. Perhaps more importantly, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, speaking for her 15 million members, issued a statement. Huerta "was doing what he has always done, and what we do in unions: putting solidarity into practice and defending our fellow workers," she said. "The labor movement stands with David and we will continue to demand justice for our union brother until he is released." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar statements came from the Teamsters and other unions. Solidarity isn't a buzzword to unions. It's the bedrock of their power. In arresting Huerta, that solidarity has been supercharged. Already, union members from across the state are making plans to gather Monday for Huerta's arraignment in downtown Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Stephen Miller, the Santa Monica native and architect of Trump's deportation plans, has said the raids we are seeing now are just the beginning, and that he would like to see thousands of arrests every day, because our immigrant communities are filled with "every kind of criminal thug that you can imagine on planet earth." But in arresting Huerta, the battleground has been redrawn in ways we don't fully yet appreciate. No doubt, Miller will have his way and the raids will not only continue, but increase. But also, the unions are not going to back down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Right now, just in the last 14 hours, labor unions are joining together from far and wide, communities are reaching out in ways I've never seen," Orr told me. "Something is different." Rosa Parks was just a woman on a bus, Orr pointed out, until she was something more. George Floyd was just another Black man stopped by police. Until he was something more. Huerta is the something more of these immigration raids not because he's a union boss, but because he's a union organizer with ties to both people in power and people in fear. The coming months will show what happens when those two groups decide, together, that backing down is not an option. 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. Jun. 6The Trump administration's focus on domestic energy production has pushed the Bureau of Land Management to reconsider a rule against oil drilling in a 10-mile area surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. As Department of Interior secretary, New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland issued an order in 2023 to prevent oil and natural gas drilling in the 10-mile radius surrounding Chaco Canyon for 20 years. The All Pueblo Council of Governors wants those protections to stay in place for the sake of protecting sacred sites in the Chaco region. But the Navajo Nation is suing to revoke the protections, arguing the withdrawal causes significant economic harm to its members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increasing domestic energy production and mining is a Trump administration priority. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order telling agency heads to identify actions that impose an "undue burden" on the development of domestic energy resources, particularly oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, biofuels, critical minerals and nuclear energy resources and to make plans to revise or rescind those actions. "This will restore American prosperity including for those men and women who have been forgotten by our economy in recent years. It will also rebuild our nation's economic and military security, which will deliver peace through strength," the order reads. Subsequently, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued an order in February essentially telling his agency to take steps to follow Trump's order, including "actions to review and, as appropriate, revise all withdrawn public lands." When it comes to Chaco, the Bureau of Land Management is following that order to review withdrawn public lands. According to an agency spokesperson, no formal decision has been made yet related to the Chaco order, which prohibits oil and gas development and exploratory mining on federal lands within a 10-mile radius of the Chaco Culture National Historic Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's deeply disappointing that Trump and his administration are working to undermine our communities rather than to address the struggles and concerns that New Mexicans face every day," Haaland said in a statement. The Bureau of Land Management held a tribal consultation in late May about considering revoking the Chaco order. Ahead of the meeting, Acoma Gov. Charles Riley called for a united tribal response to keep the protections in place. Recently, the All Pueblo Council of Governors also passed a resolution reaffirming its opposition to weakening Chaco protections. "Chaco is a place that's very sacred to us," Riley said. "It contains many of our beliefs and origins. ... Many times, people don't understand our connection with these sites, whether it be Chaco, Mesa Verde, Bears Ears, things like that, many of our religious tribal leaders still go back to these places and call upon our ancestors to guide and protect our people, and that's what people don't understand." Acoma also received notice of the consultation late, only 19 days ahead of time instead of the typical 30, Riley said, giving the pueblo leaders less time to prepare, and the consultation didn't seem like a "true consultation," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It just doesn't seem like this administration is listening. They hear you, but they're not listening," Riley said. 'A domino effect' As the Biden administration came to a close in January, the Navajo Nation filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the United States, the Interior Department, the Bureau of Land Management and Haaland, arguing that she failed in her statutory obligations and fiduciary duties to the Navajo Nation when issuing the order. Navajo Nation members hold mineral rights for land in the area, and the lawsuit argues that profiting off of those mineral rights will be effectively impossible with the checkerboard of surrounding federal lands ineligible for lease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This will result in sizable financial losses, especially relative to modest incomes that are prevalent in this isolated region, and will significantly reduce economic activity and employment in the region, further detrimentally affecting the Nation and its citizens," the lawsuit reads. The Navajo Nation repeatedly proposed a 5-mile withdrawal radius as a compromise approach to protecting Chaco. The lawsuit argues that the U.S. government never officially considered that suggestion, so it didn't encourage public consideration of it. The office of Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren did not respond to a request for comment by the Journal's print deadline. In April, the Acoma and Laguna pueblos asked to join the lawsuit as intervenors on the side of the defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico's all-Democratic congressional delegation have been vocal about trying to protect certain wild or culturally significant areas in the state, like the Gila and Pecos watersheds, from mining and oil and gas development. In April, Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez led the reintroduction of a bill to make the 10-mile protected area around Chaco permanent. All five members of the delegation are cosponsors. It seems unlikely to pass in a Republican dominated Congress. "With the atmosphere of today and the push for shorter environmental reviews, the fast track of mining of uranium and oil and gas production, it really does threaten a lot of our sacred places around the country," Riley said. "And if we God forbid fail on Chaco, then, in my opinion, it's just a domino effect. Then, who's next? What's next?" Journal Capitol Bureau Chief Dan Boyd contributed to this report. Global manufacturing conglomerate 3M has bowed out of a historic environmental legal battle brought on by the state of New Jersey just days before the lawsuit's scheduled trial. This settlement is one of the largest wins a state has ever received to rectify damages to its land and natural resources, according to Inside Climate News. Since March 2019, New Jersey has filed three lawsuits against 3M and simultaneous lawsuits against chemical giants DuPont and Chemours the latter of which is a spinoff of the former. Two of the three 3M lawsuits concerned the contamination of the state's natural resources near the Chambers Works sites, an active chemical plant that was previously operated by DuPont for gunpowder manufacturing and later by Chemours for dye and chemical production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Manufacturing Dive, 3M was accused of supplying over 500,000 pounds of PFOA, a type of PFAS, to the Chambers Works site from the 1970s to 2002 for DuPont to use in its nonstick technology, Teflon. The manufacturing waste created during Teflon production was then allegedly discharged into the state's air, water, and soil surrounding the plant's site, contaminating natural resources with PFAS, which has large ramifications on public health and the environment. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they can take up to hundreds or even thousands of years to break down. They leach into the soil and water supplies, which then get ingested by wildlife and humans, accumulating in our bodies' organs. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to disruptions in the endocrine system and mutations in gene expression, as well as increased risk of certain cancers and metabolic conditions. 3M's historic settlement with the state of New Jersey, a total compensation of $450 million for restoring the state's natural resources, marks a triumph in environmental conservation. This case sets the tone for ongoing litigation with DuPont and Chemours, in addition to other states looking to hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact. "If you harm our residents, if you turn a profit at the expense of their interest and their health, if you put the health and safety of our residents at risk we're going to hold you accountable," said New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, per Inside Climate News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are hardly done. We will continue to hold DuPont, Chemours, and their progeny companies accountable. Expect that they come to the table or sit before a judge and jury," warned New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, per Inside Climate News. Do you feel safe drinking the tap water where you live? Always Most of the time Not usually 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. A Chicago police officer was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer while pursuing a suspect on the citys south side. Krystal Rivera, a 36-year-old single mother who had spent four years on the force, was rushed to the hospital in a squad car after taking a gunshot wound to the back. The vehicle she was traveling in bizarrely crashed and caught on fire, and she had to be transferred into another vehicle to complete the journey. The incident occurred at around 9:50 p.m. Thursday while Rivera and the Gresham (6th) District tactical team tried to conduct an investigatory stop on a person believed to have a weapon. Her death was later ruled a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riveras daughter, Bella Medina, 10, told The Chicago Sun-Times that her mother hugged her tighter than usual when she left for work on Thursday morning. When she said bye, its like she had a feeling. She gave me the biggest hug, biggest kiss, and she said, If anything happens, Im always right here, in my heart. Riveras sister described Medina as her life. Bellas 11th birthday party was scheduled to take place this weekend. Krystal Rivera, 36, died after being shot in the back by a fellow Chicago Police officer. On route to the hospital the car transporting her crashed and caught fire (Chicago Police Department) As released in yesterdays preliminary statement, an officer discharged his weapon during the encounter with an armed offender, a CPD statement read on Friday. Further investigation revealed the only weapon discharged during this incident was the weapon of the officer, whose gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press briefing early on Friday morning, Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters that Rivera and another officer had been following the suspect on foot and had chased him into a building. Inside, the officers encountered the suspect armed with a rifle. During the confrontation, another Chicago police officer fired shots, hitting Rivera. Several suspects are now in custody, according to Snelling. Snelling described Rivera as young, vibrant, and a hard worker, highlighting that she had confiscated and processed two guns that day prior to the incident. At a press briefing early on Friday morning Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters that Rivera and another officer had been following the suspect on foot, and had chased him into a building. He described Rivera as young, vibrant and hardworking (Chicago Police Department) "She did great work, and if you talk to anyone on her team, they will tell you how great of a worker she was," he said. "This is the risk that our officers take every single day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also spoke at the briefing, saying, The entire city of Chicago is grieving and mourning together over this tragic loss. This young woman served honorably and courageously, he said. I'm calling on the entire city of Chicago to keep this officer's family in your prayers, along with our entire police department. Her young, energetic, and bold approach towards keeping us safe is the memory that we will honor, and I will assure that our police department has everything that it needs in order to render justice. Her 10-year-old daughter survives Rivera. Pastor Donovan Price told ABC Chicago that he prayed with Riveras fellow officers during roll call after her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It reminds me of a typical family when they found out something terrible happened. They're crying, emotional. With these officers, a lot of them are young. You can look in their eyes that it could have almost been them. Friends told the network that Rivera dreamed of being a police officer since she was a teenager, The Brief Several cars in South Loop parking garages were broken into between Friday night and early Saturday morning. Police provided a rough description of the suspected thief. CHICAGO - Several cars parked in South Loop parking garages were broken into between late Friday night and early Saturday morning. The break-ins took place in parking structures along the 600 block of South La Salle Street, the 800 block of South Wells Street, and the 100 block of West 9th Street, according to the Chicago Police Department. What we know In each incident, the offender broke the passenger or driver side windows and, in several cases, took personal property from inside the cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The offender was also reported to have been seen fleeing in a gray Lexus sedan with an Ontario, Canada, license plate, police said. The offender was described by police as an African American male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and a black/gray Nike Jordan gym shoes. Police listed each incident's date and approximate location: 600 block of S. La Salle St on June 6 at 11:19 p.m. 600 block of S. La Salle St on June 6 at 11:19 p.m. 600 block of S. La Salle St on June 6 at 11:19 p.m. 600 block of S. La Salle St on June 6 at 11:19 p.m. 600 block of S. La Salle St on June 6 at 11:19 p.m. 600 block of S. La Salle St on June 6 at 11:19 p.m. 600 block of S. La Salle St on June 6 at 11:19 p.m. 800 block of S. Wells St on June 7 at 2:20 a.m. 800 block of S. Wells St on June 7 at 2:20 a.m. 800 block of S. Wells St on June 7 at 2:20 a.m. 100 block of W. 9th St on June 7 at 2:20 a.m. 800 block of S. Wells St on June 7 at 2:20 a.m. 800 block of S. Wells St on June 7 at 2:20 a.m. What you can do Anyone with information on the break-ins is asked to contact Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com. CHICAGO Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera was mistakenly shot by a fellow cop during a confrontation with an armed suspect that took her life Thursday, police have announced. In a statement late Friday, the department said that an investigation had reached the conclusion that Rivera was struck by friendly fire. As released in yesterdays preliminary statement, an officer discharged his weapon during the encounter with an armed offender, the statement read. Further investigation revealed the only weapon discharged during this incident was the weapon of the officer, whose gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rivera was widely praised Friday. Earlier in what would be her final shift, Rivera took two guns off the street, authorities said, only to come face-to-face with a rifle later that night. Rivera, 36, a four-year veteran with a young daughter who lived in the Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side, was killed after the Gresham (6th) District tactical team she was part of tried to conduct an investigatory stop on a person believed to have a weapon about 9:50 p.m. Thursday in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue. The investigation into the aggravated assault of the police officers by the armed offender who pointed the rifle remains ongoing, the police statement read. This offender remains in custody. Detectives also continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the investigative stop preceding the encounter. At this time, no further information is available while the investigation continues. The statement concluded with a request for prayers for Riveras family and her partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy had found that Rivera was shot in the back. The first Chicago police officer to be killed in the line of duty this year, Rivera was mourned by city officials and her fellow officers, who praised her work ethic and asked Chicagoans to keep her family in their prayers. Our officer was young, vibrant and a hard worker, police Superintendent Larry Snelling said, speaking from the University of Chicago Medical Center early Friday. She was a working police officer trying to keep the streets safe. Flanked by department brass, Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city and state officials, Snelling gave some details about the shooting, but did not offer a full picture of exactly how the shooting unfolded. In response to a reporters question about the gunfire, Snelling said investigators were waiting on a warrant to search the apartment where the shooting happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the deal: We wont know that until the search warrant is served and we are able to go through that apartment and collect more evidence. The evidence that we collect usually gives a story of what occurred in there, Snelling said. So until we have all of that information we cant rely on just one source at this time. Snelling in a news conference that took place hours after the event said the officers first tried to stop someone thought to be armed when the individual ran into an apartment, and the officers followed, he said. There, Snelling said, the team encountered a second person armed with a rifle. One of the officers fired a gun at some point during the confrontation, he said, and another officer was shot, later succumbing to her injuries at University of Chicago Medical Center. When the officers followed into that location they were then confronted by a second person who was in that apartment who was armed with a rifle pointed at the officers, Snelling said. At some point the officer discharged the weapon. Our officer was struck. She was then transported by assisting units to the hospital here where she later succumbed to her wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two people in the apartment ran away and were arrested shortly afterward, Snelling said, though he said officials had several people in custody in connection with the shooting. The department did not specify exactly how many people were in custody as of Friday afternoon. A third officer hurt his wrist and was listed in fair condition, according to a police statement. Investigators recovered three weapons at the scene and were still reviewing body-worn camera footage, Snelling said, and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability was investigating the shooting. After the shooting, police officers took their wounded colleague to the hospital in a squad car, which crashed and caught fire on the way there because of what Snelling described as a malfunction with the vehicle. Another squad car finished the trip, he said, and the officers in the first car were doing fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way that she worked, it was evident that she did love her job, Snelling said. She wanted to make Chicago a better place. Riveras mother, reached by phone, declined to comment. In a statement posted to social media, the mayor asked Chicagoans to keep Riveras family in their prayers, especially her young daughter who will who will miss her mom for the rest of her life. Rivera had an unmatched work ethic, Johnson said. Officer Rivera was a hero who served on the force for four years. She had a long career in front of her. A bright future was stolen from her family and from her loved ones, he said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family friend Alicia Headrick described Rivera as someone who was unapologetically herself and wanted everyone else to be able to tap into that as well. Headrick, 28 and a Grundy County sheriffs deputy, said she mostly stayed in touch with Rivera via social media. While they occasionally talked about working for two very different law enforcement agencies, Headrick mainly remembered Rivera cheering her on and likened her to an older sister. Rivera had been a single mother for some time and was ferociously independent, she said. (Rivera) just always wanted to make a life and career for herself and for her daughter, Headrick said. She had a very pure heart that just wanted to serve other people. The last Chicago officer to suffer fatal injuries on the job was Enrique Martinez, 26. Martinez, who was also assigned to the same Gresham District as Rivera, was fatally shot in November in the 8200 block of South Ingleside Avenue just one street east of where Rivera was killed Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the hospital early Friday, squad cars lined Cottage Grove Avenue for blocks in every direction. A peer support officer walked people, some of them in tears, in and out of the ambulance bay as others in uniform exchanged hugs in the street. In Chatham, the crime scene spanned multiple blocks as law enforcement agencies fanned out in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Cook County sheriffs deputies walked up and down Maryland Avenue near East 83rd Street with rifles and canine units while tactical teams searched nearby alleys with flashlights. As squad cars lined the streets for several blocks in every direction, a police helicopter circled the area, beaming a searchlight. Residents walked their dogs and filmed the scene on their phones, protesting when officers asked them to back up to Cottage Grove so they could expand the crime scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers appeared to zero in on an alley on the west side of Ingleside. A resident leaned out the window of a courtyard building across the street and asked if they needed to get in. Detectives begin combing the front yard with flashlights. Just before noon Friday, a two-man crew arrived at the Gresham District station to affix purple and black bunting on the buildings facade, in keeping with CPD tradition after an officer is killed on the job. MUSKEGO, Wis. (WFRV) A 10-year-old child was hospitalized following a boating-related injury on Saturday morning in southeast Wisconsin. According to the Muskego Police Department, officers responded to a reported boating accident around 10 a.m. at Idle Isle Park in Muskego. Wisconsin man sentenced to 7 years for selling fentanyl to undercover officer A preliminary investigation revealed the child was injured in an incident on Little Muskego Lake. Immediate care was provided before the child was transported to a nearby hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin motorcyclist found 75 feet from road, extensive life-saving efforts unsuccessful Authorities say the extent of the injuries is not being released at this time. The incident remains under investigation, and all parties are cooperating. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Muskego 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) A Wichita Falls man previously sentenced to probation for possessing child pornography is now heading to prison after prosecutors said he failed to register as a sex offender. PREVIOUS STORY: Man gets probation for child pornography plea Joshua Duane Lyford, 42, of Wichita Falls, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of possession of child pornography in December 2022. A 10-year prison sentence was deferred, and Lyford was sentenced to 10 years of community supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Lyford was arrested and charged with failing to comply with his duty to register as a sex offender as required by Texas law. Prosecutors with the Wichita County District Attorneys Office filed a motion in February 2025 to revoke Lyfords probation sentence. The motion was granted, and hes been held without bond in the Wichita County Jail since. Joshua Lyford in the 78th District Court for a plea hearing on June 6, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) On Friday, June 6, 2025, Lyford pleaded guilty to failure to comply with his duty to register as a sex offender for life and possession of child pornography in the 78th District Court, with Judge Meredith Kennedy presiding. Lyford was sentenced to 2 years in prison for failing to register as a sex offender and 7 years in prison for child pornography. Lyfords sentences were set to run concurrently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS STORY: Man jailed with $100,000 bond after child porn investigation The original child pornography charges against Lyford stem from an investigation by the Wichita Falls Police Departments Crimes Against Children Task Force in 2020 that uncovered multiple files of child sexual exploitation materials on Lyfords phone, including images of children 10 years old and under. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) A Chillicothe family is grateful to have their little girl back home, but now they have a long and expensive road ahead of them. NBC4 first reported on Locklynn Boler at the beginning of March. At just 4 years old, she fell into a coma for weeks due to severe complications from the flu. She has fortunately recovered from it, but will never be the same again due to the brain injury she suffered from the coma. You see all these kids dying from this, and somehow she made it, said Bradley Boler, Locklynns father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because Locklynn was born a fighter. Shes been through it since the day she was born, Boler said. She had issues with her kidneys well before all of this. Boler said its been a constant battle since Locklynn woke up from her coma. Her brain injury has left her unable to walk, talk or eat on her own. Since then, shes been in and out of Nationwide Childrens Hospital. Shes on like 20 different meds, Boler said. She takes a massive med pass at 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. She has to get vest treatments multiple times a day. The bills have been piling up for the Boler family. Theyre in the process of making their home wheelchair-accessible for Locklynn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan now is we wound up getting a van finally, Boler said. We want to try to get one with a lift, as well as getting another ramp built on to the back porch. Locklynn now needs around-the-clock care. One of the Boler familys biggest struggles was finding a nurse, but their prayers have been answered. My sister quit her job to take care of Locklynn, Boler said. We owe her the world. Boler said theyre grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community. Fundraisers for their family have brought in close to $11,000. All of that money is being put toward necessary modifications to make Locklynn as comfortable as possible as she adapts to her new normal. Local organizations like the Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment (MOBILE) have also stepped up to provide resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Value your time with your kids, Boler said. I spent a lot of the last year working 70 to 80 hours a week. Spend more time with your kids. You never know. It could happen to anybody. While Locklynn will never be the little girl her family once knew, they said they love this new version of her just as much. Shes amazing, Boler said. Thats all I can say. Shes the strongest kid Ive ever met in my life. The Boler family is still raising funds to be able to make the necessary modifications to their home for Locklynn. Theyre selling #LocklynnStrong t-shirts. You can purchase one 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. The Chinese government on Saturday confirmed Monday's meeting in the United Kingdom of its senior representatives with their US counterparts. Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit the UK from June 8 to 13 at the invitation of the British government, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry announced. During his stay, he will hold the first meeting regarding the economic and trade mechanism between China and the United States, the ministry said. It did not provide any additional details about the Chinese delegation. Trump announces talks US President Donald Trump announced on his online platform Truth Social on Friday that senior representatives from the US and China would meet in London for further trade talks. The US delegation will be led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Trump, the talks will focus on the details of a trade agreement concluded in May between the two largest economies. In the tariff dispute, Trump had temporarily raised punitive tariffs on imports from China to the US to as much as 145%, prompting Beijing to respond with retaliatory tariffs. Disputes beyond tariffs Other contentious issues between the two countries include US restrictions on the sale of key technology products, such as chip design software, to China. Washington, in turn, is not happy with China's export controls on rare earths. The Commerce Ministry in Beijing once again justified the controls, stating that raw materials are goods for both civilian and military purposes, according to an evening statement. In line with the law, China has issued a certain number of export licences and is ready to strengthen exchanges with the relevant countries regarding rare earths. Jun. 6MORGANTOWN The city of Morgantown is taking advantage of a recent change in state code to create the city's second safe surrender site. Safe surrender sites are designated locations at which newborns up to 30 days old can be dropped off while maintaining the anonymity of the person surrendering the child. In April 2024, Morgantown opened West Virginia's second Safe Haven Baby Box at the Norwood Fire Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the West Virginia Legislature expanded the allowable surrender sites beyond fire departments to include police departments, sheriff's departments and EMS facilities. In response, the city of Morgantown is looking to add the Morgantown Public Safety Building home of the Morgantown Police Department as a designated site. Unlike the Norwood setup, which includes dedicated infrastructure known as a "baby box, " built directly into the fire station, a baby dropped at the Public Safety Building will be handed to a police officer. "The police department, who is there 24-7, feel comfortable that they would be able to have policy and procedures to follow state code and be able to accept an infant less than 30 days old and get it to the nearest hospital facility, " Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It likely would go to the police supervisor ... but it still requires the same anonymity. The person does not have to give their name or any information should they not want to." Morgantown City Council recently passed the first reading of an ordinance creating a new section of code pertaining to the safe surrender sites. Safe surrender guidelines were previously under the city's fire code as fire stations were the only allowable locations under the law as it was passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023. In other business, council has passed on first reading amendments to the city's business license and business and occupation tax provisions. During its most recent session, the Legislature passed House Bill 2451, which eliminates the need for municipal business licensure as well as business and occupation tax liability for some businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Attorney Ryan Simonton explained that in order to be eligible for the business license exemption, a business must be a sole proprietorship or independent contractor ; cannot have a permanent physical location within the city ; and must generate annual revenue below $2, 500. In order to be exempt from business and occupation tax liability, a business must generate gross annual revenue below $2, 500. Business and occupation taxes or B &O taxes are taxes charged by municipalities on business activity within the city. "If they have $2, 501 in revenue, they do have to pay taxes on that full amount, " he said. If adopted upon second reading on June 17, the changes will take effect at the July 1 start of the new fiscal year. So, Im sitting here on a Thursday afternoon, watching a bunch of junior-high-school kids answering questions about American government and constitutional rights. And the sad irony is they know more about it than at least 90% of the politicians and elected officials I cover on a daily basis. Its called the National Civics Bee. Its like a spelling bee, but with civics. And Thursday was the state finals, held at the downtown Wichita headquarters of the Kansas Leadership Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What made this a lot more fun than the usual bee format was it was set up to allow for audience participation. Attendees (in a separate group) could play along with the competitors and test their own knowledge. I talked with Chris Green of the Leadership Center and we both agreed it would be fun to invite some of our elected officials next year to see see how they stack up against the sixth-, seventh- and eighth graders in the contest. I wonder how many would accept the challenge. The questions ranged from fairly easy, like . . . Q: A new education reform bill was introduced in Congress and successfully passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate. What is the next step before the bill can become law? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: The president must sign the bill into law or take no action for 10 days, after which it will automatically become law. . . . to the detailed and difficult, for example. . . Q: In Federalist number 39, how does Madison distinguish between a federal and national government, and what does this distinction suggest about the nature of the Constitution as a product of the convention? A: Madison claims that the Constitution is both federal and national, with the House of Representatives representing the national and the Senate representing the federal, suggesting that the constitution will balance power between the state and national. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (I got that one wrong. I picked the answer with the House representing the federal and Senate national). In addition to the multiple choice, the five finalists had to read from and answer judges questions on an essay they wrote on a current issue, ranging from saving rural hospitals to reforming state policy on drivers license revocation. When all was said and done, Tanya Ramesh of Wichita won the competition, a $1,000 giant check, and a ticket to Washington for the national finals. Madeline Stewart of Overland Park took second and $500, while Zane Hoff of Salina got third and $250. Civics in the Trump era I thought the Civics Bee was one of the coolest events Ive been to in a while, so I hesitate to even bring this up, but some of the questions probably need updating in this era of MAGA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance: Q: How did Afroyim versus Rusk in 1967 affect the governments power regarding citizenship revocation? A: It limited the governments ability to to revoke citizenship. Afroyim v. Rusk was a landmark case that ruled: Congress has no power under the Constitution to divest a person of his United States citizenship absent his voluntary renunciation thereof. The courts revised that stance since, to allow citizenship to be revoked (called denaturalization) if it was granted on false pretenses that would have prevented it in the first place, for example, terrorists or Nazi war criminals living under false identities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, denaturalization has become a key part of President Donald Trumps ongoing efforts to deport as many non-white immigrants as possible, whom he accuses (echoing a former world leader named Adolf) of poisoning the blood of our country. During his first term, Trump created Operation Second Look, a program to comb immigrant citizens paperwork for misstatements or errors that would allow them to be denaturalized. This term, his top immigration advisor, Stephen Miller, has vowed to turbocharge Operation Second Look, which could also lead to denaturalization and deportation of American-born children of immigrants, under Trumps executive order that purports to end birthright citizenship. Another Civics Bee question that caught my attention was this one: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Q: Which statement best reflects the application of federalism in the Clean Air Act, considering the following quotation, the Clean Air Act represents a partnership between federal and state governments to improve air quality and to protect public health. A: The federal government sets national standards, while states can implement stricter regulations based on local needs. Thats the way its supposed to work. But it brought to mind a recent press release I got from Kansas 1st District Rep. Tracey Mann, taking a victory lap over Congress rolling back California anti-pollution regulations. At the time, I remember thinking, What business is this of Tracey Manns? given that he represents a district that sprawls from Colorado to one county away from Missouri, where there are about four times as many cows as people and the largest city, Lawrence, would be a minor suburb of Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What he knows of the pollution challenges facing California Im guessing would fit on a microscope slide, but he couldnt care less as long as he can own some libs and send out a press release titled: Rep. Mann Reverses Biden Green New Deal Policies. When I was growing up, we didnt have civics bees. We barely had any civics education. Truth be told, most of what we ever knew about the workings of government came from Schoolhouse Rock, three-minute educational cartoons sandwiched between Jonny Quest and Scooby-Doo on Saturday mornings. Cue the music: Im just a bill, yes Im only a bill, and Im sitting here on Capitol Hill. I cant help thinking if wed had civics bees back then, we wouldnt be in this mess were in today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it lifts my heart to see these earnest young kids competing over who knows the most about the people and ideals that built America. It gives me great hope that their future will be better than the present that my generation has handed them. CLARKSVILE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Clarksville Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one woman injured. Clarksville police were called to C&G Food Mart in the 900 block of Crossland Avenue at about 9:35 p.m. Friday after getting a 911 call about a shooting. READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County Arriving officers found one woman with a non-life-threatening graze wound to her head, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Clarksville police, the woman was a passenger in a vehicle at the intersection of Caldwell Lane and Maddox Circle when the shots were fired. The driver of the vehicle then drove to C&G Food Mart, where they called emergency services. The victim was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Anyone with surveillance cameras in the area has been asked to review their footage. If you see anything suspicious, youre advised to call 911 immediately. No further details were immediately released as the Clarksville Police Department said this is an active, ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. CLEVELAND COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) A Cleveland County man with a violent past, mistakenly released from jail, says he plans to turn himself in, but wants law enforcement held accountable for letting him go. On April 28, Cleveland County District Judge Michael Tupper signed off on a summary order for Michael Bodnar. Bodnar is facing multiple charges connected to a 2023 case for kidnapping, burglary, and domestic assault and battery by strangulation. Cleveland County Sheriff says no layoffs needed despite lower budget approval Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents say the incident tied to the charges happened in Norman, in October of that year. Documents say Bodnar broke into the apartment of a woman, News 4 is calling D.W., strangled her, and refused to let her leave for several hours. Documents go on to say at one point D.W. told police Bodnar threatened to pour Spic and Span on her and light her on fire. Bodnar was arrested and booked into the Cleveland County Detention Center, where online records say hes undergone court proceedings since November of the same year. A plea and sentencing hearing for Bodnar is indicated as being scheduled for July 14 online, and in the summary order that Tupper signed off on. On the same Summary Order, Tupper also crossed off a box to leave additional comments, saying that the order was supposed to be tracked with the case number associated with Bodnar charges. Just above that box, unchecked, is a line of text that indicates DOC is relieved of custody as to the matter, and the Defendant in the case is ordered to be released. Bodnars attorney also signed off on a motion to revoke/accelerate summary order, saying that it was understood Bodnar could face up to eight years in state prison. Despite those court-reported facts, News 4 confirmed Wednesday with Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason, Bodnar is not currently in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I fear for my safety, D.W. told News 4 in an interview over the phone. I called the [District Attorney] and she said Judge Tupper had never signed for him to be released. News 4 requested an interview with Amason on Wednesday before speaking with D.W. to explain, but he provided a statement. News 4 followed up again after speaking with D.W. to address her concerns to request an interview again, but did not receive a response. The statement Amason provided is below: The Cleveland County Detention Center received a summary order signed by District Judge Michael Tupper from the Court Clerks Office on April 29th. Based on past practice with similar orders, this particular document was unfortunately misinterpreted by a detention clerk. Judge Tupper has since issued a bench warrant for the individuals arrest. We are currently reviewing internal procedures to ensure this type of error does not happen again with any order from the court. Chris Amason, Cleveland County Sheriff News 4 read the statement to D.W. in a separate phone call, and asked her for her thoughts. They should feel ashamed of themselves, said D.W. I thought they were better qualified than that, I dont even have words for it. Im totally disappointed with the I dont even have words for it. Im totally disappointed with the Cleveland County Sheriffs Department at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 reached out to the Cleveland County Commissioners office Wednesday for comment, but they declined. We also reached out to the Cleveland County District Attorneys office for comment on Wednesday, but did not hear back. On June 6, hours before the broadcast version of this report was set to air, News 4 received a call from a man identifying himself as Bodnar. Bodnar asked if he was speaking with a News 4 employee who had stopped by his parents home Wednesday to speak with him. The News 4 employee confirmed that was the case, but when News 4 employees stopped by Wednesday afternoon, no one came to the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just kind of found out theres a warrant for my arrest, Bodnar said during the nearly 20-minute phone call. He told a News 4 employee he didnt want his name to be slandered. I thought my charges got dropped, essentially, Bodnar said, when asked about his thoughts on his sudden release months ago. He said in that time, hes been focused on trying to find a job and building relationships again. He denies D.W.s allegations, calling them lies. He admitted that an argument took place, but said it was consensual and that he did not hold her in her apartment against her will. He says he was not given any conditions associated with his release when he was let out of the jail, and that on July 14, he expected to go to court and for a judge to tell him the charges had been dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I called my attorney, and he doesnt know anything, said Bodnar. Im like, what do you mean you dont know anything, and it took him this long to figure it out. Bodnar says he doesnt want the assumption to be made that he broke out of jail. I dont want the news to just say something bad about me, they let me out, said Bodnar. Bodnar further emphasized his disappointment with the Cleveland County Detention Center and the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office for the admitted clerical error. If somebody made a mistake, somebody needs to be held accountable for what they did, said Bodnar. It isnt fair to me. It isnt fair to my mental state. This isnt fair to anybody around me, all because of a mistake. The jail has been making mistakes, and I want that to be known also. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A News 4 employee asked Bodnar if he plans to turn himself in, since court records said the warrant for his arrest was granted, and Judge Tupper has ordered that he be notified when Bodnar is back in custody. He said he could turn himself in as early as Friday night, but said hed definitely do so in the next few days once he got his belongings back to where they needed to be and said goodbye to his family. Its important to note, News 4 did notify Cleveland County authorities Friday night about Bodnars call before this report aired. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Palestinians receive food from a charity distribution point in Khan Yunis, Gaza on June 05, 2025. Credit - Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images The organization tasked with delivering food aid in Gaza halted operations at its distribution centers this week following a series of fatal incidents near aid sites, raising urgent questions about how humanitarian assistance can be delivered safely in the weeks ahead. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private group backed by Israel and the U.S. said in a statement on social media Wednesday that centers would be closed for update, organization, and efficiency improvement work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, the organization said two of its aid centers were open, while two other hubs remained closed. In total, over 1.4 million meals were distributed on the day, across the two centers, according to the GHF. But on Friday, June 6, the GHF announced that all aid hubs would once again be closed for the day, warning people to stay away from sites for their own safety. Heres what has been reported regarding the circumstances surrounding the closure of aid centers. Deaths at Gaza aid distribution hubs The closures came after a number of incidents in which Palestinians collecting aid from hubs have been killed. On Sunday, June 1, 31 Palestinians were killed at an aid hub, according to Reuters and the Associated Press, citing Gazas Health Ministry and witnesses, after Israeli soldiers opened fire near crowds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on X, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it did not fire at civilians while they were near or within the humanitarian aid distribution site and that reports to this effect are false. CNN reported that sound and video of gunfire from the site was consistent with that of weapons used by the IDF, and that the rate of fire appears to rule out weapons used by Hamas. Pictures of bullets from the scene were also consistent with machine guns used by the IDF as they can be mounted on tanks, according to the news outlet. Weapons experts told the BBC that both the IDF and armed Palestinian groups have access to weapons that use these types of rounds. In a post by the GHF Sunday, civilians were warned that Israeli troops were operating in the area surrounding the aid hub at the time of the shooting, and that it was prohibited to enter before 5 a.m. On Monday, June 2, three Palestinians were killed, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told the BBC, at the same location as Sundays killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF said on Monday morning that it was aware of reports regarding casualties, and the details of the incident are being looked into. The statement added that approximately half a kilometer from the aid site, IDF troops identified several suspects moving toward them, deviating from the designated routes. The troops carried out warning fire, and after the suspects failed to retreat, additional shots were directed near individual suspects who advanced toward the troops. The IDF has not provided any further statement to TIME regarding the incidents on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday marked the third day in a row of deadly incidents at the distribution center. At least 27 people were killed, according to the Red Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Red Cross said Tuesday that its field hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, received 184 patients, 19 of whom were dead upon arrival and an additional eight who died at the hospital. The majority of cases had suffered gunshot wounds, the Red Cross said. A spokesperson told TIME that all responsive patients from Tuesday's mass casualty event had told the aid organisation they were trying to reach an aid distribution site. The ICRC urgently reiterates its call for the respect and protection of civilians. Civilians trying to access humanitarian assistance should not have to confront danger, the Red Cross said. The IDF however said that troops fired warning shots Tuesday towards suspects that had deviated from designated aid routes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troops are not preventing the arrival of Gazan civilians to the humanitarian aid distribution sites, the IDF said in a statement. The warning shots were fired approximately half a kilometer away from the humanitarian aid distribution site toward several suspects who advanced toward the troops in such a way that posed a threat to them. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned Tuesdays incident, calling for a prompt and impartial investigation into each of these attacks, adding that those responsible must be held to account. The UN said that since Israel resumed military operations in March, 640,000 Palestinians have been displaced. Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation? GHF is a U.S. private organization that has been backed by Israel and the U.S. to be the sole distributor of aid in Gaza. This came after Israel imposed an 11-week blockade on the territory in early March. Israel allowed aid into Gaza in May, following international pressure and condemnation of the humanitarian situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the United Nations called the initial aid a drop in the ocean. The GHF was designated to distribute aid in Gaza. But the day before operations began, on May 25, the foundations lead Jake Wood resigned, saying he would not be able to work in a way that met humanitarian principles. On May 27, just two days into the new GHF-led distribution program, it was reported that one Palestinian had been killed and dozens more injured near an aid hub. Medicin San Frontieres reacted on May 30 to the incident, saying: The disastrous start of the food distribution coordinated by the newly created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation confirmed that the U.S.-Israel plan to instrumentalise aid is ineffective, adding that it was a dangerous and reckless approach, to aid distribution. The impact on aid The U.N. Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Thursday that since Israel resumed military operations in March, 640,000 Palestinians have been displaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over half of those displaced since May are based in the North of Gaza, on the other end of the strip from three of the GHFs four aid centers. Palestinians have been presented the grimmest of choices: die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available through Israels militarized humanitarian assistance mechanism, said Turk. Since the start of the war, as of June 5, over 54,600 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gazas Health Ministry the primary source for casualty data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies in the absence of any independent monitoring on the ground. A peer-reviewed study, undertaken by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine epidemiologists, published in January in The Lancet found that the official Gaza death toll reported by the enclaves Ministry of Health between October 7, 2023 and June 30, 2024 likely undercounted the number of fatalities during that period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war was triggered after the Hamas terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Oday Basheer, who helps run a food kitchen in Deir al-Balah, told TIME that he has not collected any food from the GHF centers yet, describing the process as messy and dangerous. His kitchen has partnered with World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by chef Jose Andres, to help provide food for displaced Palestinians. WCK halted operations in Gaza twice in the past year after Israeli strikes killed seven in April 2024 and three last November. Despite aid entering the strip, Basheer says that prices are still rising, with people paying up to $20 for a kilo of flour. There is not enough coming in to replace what we are buying, people are dying to get a bag of flour, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: $25 Butter and $40 Eggs: The Search for Food in Gaza He also described that people who successfully get into the aid hubs can take as much as they want, with aid not distributed equally among those waiting. From where I am, you have to walk 20 kilometers there and back, carrying food. Just the strongest and fastest can get there, he explains. Jehad Miri, a journalist from Tel al-Hawa in Gaza City who has been displaced over a dozen times, says that despite having not eaten properly for weeks, he has not gone to the GHF aid sites. Going to those aid centers feels like walking into death, he told TIME from Deir al-Balah. Just two days ago, a close friend of mine was killed. He used to go to the aid centers to help families who couldnt reach them. Several of Miris family members have chronic health conditions, and he has been supporting them however he can. Ive been trying to take care of them getting food, water, and whatever they need. Every day feels like a mission finding water, finding a way to charge batteries, finding internet, finding safety, he says. Wednesdays aid hub closure affected everyone, Miri says, not only those who go to collect aid. We get some food from traders who risked their lives to bring it from the aid hubs. Now, thats gone. We cant buy anything anymore, the prices are insane. Basic food supplies are staggeringly high, with 500 grams of butter costing up to $25 and a dozen eggs priced at over $40, civilians in Gaza have told TIME. Friday marked the beginning of Eid Al Adha, an important festival in Islam that will be honored across the Gaza Strip, despite the continuing war. But Miri explains: In Gaza, Eid doesnt feel like Eid anymore. Basheer agrees, saying: It was a custom to get new clothes, new food before Eid. Now you cannot find anything. There is no joy, there is no celebration for this Eid. Every day there is lots of killing, you dont know if you will be alive. Contact us at letters@time.com. Day 3 of CMA Fest may be another soggy one, with a threat of storms later in the day. So pack up your ponchos (and carefully consider your footwear) if you're heading to downtown Nashville for another day of country music. The latest forecast for June 7 shows there is a chance of rain throughout the day and with storms, some of which may be severe, possible in the afternoon and evening. The Nashville area is under a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. "Main threats include damaging winds and heavy rainfall," forecasters said of the afternoon and evening storm risk. "There is a lesser threat of large hail. And there is a very low chance of tornadoes mainly across southern Middle Tennessee." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing for the storms will vary across the region, but NWS said the main window is from a severe weather threat is from 1-6 p.m. The CMA Connect app will send out real-time alerts about when stages are closed, where attendees can shelter and when it is safe to return to outdoor stages. Be sure to have your notifications enabled so you don't miss any key updates from festival organizers. Nashville-area weather radar This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: CMA Fest Saturday weather forecast: Rain, storm chances continue Day 3 An agreement reached last summer, after substantial boating issues on Lake Erie off the coast of Ashtabula County, has been extended, said Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere and Lt. Phillip Gurtler, a spokesperson with the U.S. Coast Guard Ninth District. Timonere said it was his understanding the Coast Guard planned to continue weekend staffing of the station during the summer months. Early in the 2024 boating season, there were a series of major incidents that local officials brought to the attention of the Coast Guard. The Ashtabula Station had been reduced from being staffed seasonally to relying on coverage from Fairport Harbor and Erie before the start of the 2024 boating season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By mid-summer of that year, the station was staffed on the weekends after a fatality and major rescue operations on a windy July day. The Coast Guard will continue to utilize Forward Operating Location Ashtabula to support Coast Guard operations in the area in the same way it did during last summers boating season, Gurtler said. Ashtabula was identified during our extensive analysis as an area with multiple overlapping coverages consisting of Coast Guard units and our local, state, and federal partners for Search and Rescue, he said. The transition from a seasonal station to an FOL allowed us to better consolidate Coast Guard personnel and assets to provide a more resilient coverage, even if the Coast Guard has a slightly less visual presence in a particular area. FOL Ashtabula will be manned as required by operations. Last year, local and state officials asked the Coast Guard to increase their presence, including a campaign stop in Ashtabula by then-Senator Sherrod Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gurtler said any mariner or boater in distress should use VHF Channel 16 or call the Sector Command Center at 888-230-4703. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also operates a vessel out of the Geneva State Park Marina and the Ashtabula County Water Rescue team also responds to search and rescue missions. The city of Ashtabula also has a boat that can be utilized. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus City Hall honors and remembers victims of gun violence by lighting itself orange. Friday night, dozens gathered at Columbus City Hall to raise awareness of gun violence. This event not only honored and remembered those who died by gun violence, but it was also about the work being done to prevent it. City hall was glowing orange because its the color of gun violence awareness. Events are being held not just in Columbus, but nationwide to bring awareness to the gun violence thats happening across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its imperative to realize that every life lost is a story thats been cut too soon. It is something that is impacting families and generations from that unfortunate loss. So we dont do it as a performative gesture just to show numbers. But what we do is to honor the people who have been lost, said Office of Violence Prevention Director Rena Shak. Lancaster honors first Black business owner: debuts statue Year to date, the city has the lowest number of homicides in more than a decade. However, there were thirteen homicides in the month of May. Its a trend that doesnt surprise Director Shak. Historically, May has been our highest month with homicides for the last few years, as far as I can count, she said. We hope that our efforts, as well as the efforts of all of our partners, both government and nonprofit, everything that were doing this summer, helps to keep those numbers lower than they were in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus police say there have been thirty-two homicides this year, 87% of those were committed with a gun. I feel like gun violence took a lot of people that I really care about away from me at such an early age, throughout the process of life, and even in my elder years. So I just feel like it really is a public crisis. But more importantly, its a cultural issue that weve got to address and try to change the pattern, said Nello Jennings, a Columbus Violence Reduction Interventionist. Jennings says keeping homicide numbers down requires community effort and collaboration. We all got to be in this thing together for us to really have an impact. I feel like the effects of gun violence is indiscriminate and it can affect any family, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Director Shak says her office is investing millions of dollars into violence reduction. What we know is a large majority of all of our homicides that are happening year after year are starting in a conflict, said Director Shak. So if we can get to that source of individuals in our community not truly knowing how to best resolve that conflict, how can we prevent those from happening on the back end. Director Shak wants to emphasize the fact that they cant do this work alone. It takes an entire community coming together to really make a difference. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) The identity of a woman involved with a man in an alleged assault of a pregnant woman was not discovered until after she was allegedly assaulted by the same man. Court documents state that a woman was involved with a man in which she became pregnant. The couple agreed to meet to iron out their differences, and the man drove the woman to a home on Burstock Road in the Deshler Park neighborhood. Police said that when the couple arrived at the home, the man, 19-year-old Terrentino Goodgame, told the woman he intended to force her to miscarry her child by forcing her to take aspirin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim tried to escape, but Goodgame, along with 19-year-old Raveuna Blair, allegedly took part in choking and beating the woman, who at one point began to lose consciousness. The victim told police that Goodgame punched her in the stomach and that Blair kicked her in the stomach. She also reported that the two suspects forced her to drink aspirin crushed up in orange juice mixed with castor oil. Two dead, three injured after SUV drives into West Jefferson pond The identity of Blair went undiscovered until Jan. 11, when she became the victim of an alleged domestic violence incident in which Goodgame was arrested. The victim in the October 2024 assault looked at a photo array and identified both Goodgame and Blair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also connected the two suspects after a search warrant was executed to investigate the phone of Goodgame, who reportedly had several text conversations with Blair. Goodgame, who pleaded not guilty to assault, strangulation and endangering children in an incident that occurred four days prior on Oct. 15, also pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, kidnapping, felonious assault and strangulation in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, he is facing weapons charges from February 2024 and felonious assault, abduction and domestic violence charges from the January incident with Blair, who suffered facial injuries and was reportedly held captive for two days before police were called. All bonds of $30,000 twice, $500,000, and $2 million have been revoked. Blair received a $300,000 bond in Franklin County Municipal Court on Wednesday. She has no other previous charges in Franklin County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SEOUL, South Korea (WRBL) While most Columbus State University students arent in class this summer, some students and CSU President Dr. Stuart Rayfield are in South Korea. In this foreign exchange program they are learning about South Korean culture first hand. The CSU contingent is spending 10 days in South Korea. Dr. Rayfield went to South Korea to look for new academic and economic opportunities with a focus on the countrys direct investment in Georgia. South Korea is one of the top five investors in the Peach State. June 6th is also Korean Memorial Day. Its a holiday dedicated to honor the soldiers and civilians that died in war, specifically the Korean War. Dr. Rayfield says this trip and holiday underlines the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and South Korea. It really puts a lot into perspective how important our relationship is with South Korea, Dr. Rayfield said. Its not just a military connection or relationship. Its an economic relationship. Its a cultural relationship. So being here today specifically and earlier this week they had their SNAP election. Just really felt a sense of pride in the community and a sense of love of country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is Dr. Rayfields first time to visit South Korea, and she plans to meet up with the CSU students in South Korea this weekend. The CSU contingent plans to return back to the Fountain City on June 11th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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, Kristen Welker dives into what comes next in the breakup between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Plus, our Capitol Hill team examines the senators who could make or break Trumps big, beautiful bill. And Shannon Pettypiece answers this weeks reader question on the U.S.-China trade war. Before we dive into all that, two bits of breaking news this Friday afternoon: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man whose erroneous deportation to El Salvador gave way to a protracted battle over due process, has been returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee. The Supreme Court allowed members of the Department of Government Efficiency to access Social Security Administration data. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here. Adam Wollner What's next in the feud between Trump and Musk? By Kristen Welker The feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump erupted yesterday in an epic clash between the worlds richest man and the worlds most powerful man and its not clear yet where the confrontation will go next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told me this morning that there are no plans for a phone call between Trump and Musk today, despite at least one report that it was a possibility. But just because theres nothing on the books doesnt mean the two men wont have an impromptu call. After all, Trump has a personal cellphone where he often talks to everyone from world leaders to reporters. And one administration official told me anything can happen, and theyd like to de-escalate a very unfortunate situation. While the White House may be looking to turn down the temperature, some of the presidents allies were quick to go after Musk. Steve Bannon, a former Trump White House adviser, told me the president should pull every contract associated with Elon Musk and start major investigations immediately. Bannon also said, Thus spake the ketamine, in a sign that some of Trumps allies are zeroing in on Musks alleged drug use. (Musk has said he took ketamine to treat depression.) At stake in all of this is the future of Trumps signature legislation, which includes tax cut extensions, an elimination of tax on tips and overtime, and cuts and changes to federal programs including Medicaid and food stamps. Musk has trashed the big, beautiful bill, arguing that it would balloon the countrys debt. Sources from the White House and on Capitol Hill have told me that while Musks opposition might embolden Republican senators who are already opposed to the measure, Musk is not flipping any more votes to the no column at this point. Im also told that if these senators had to choose between Trump and Musk, theyd choose Trump every time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well talk more about the next steps for Trumps domestic policy bill on Meet the Press this Sunday, with exclusive interviews with Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla. and Cory Booker, D-N.J. Behind the scenes: Trumps team is taking the feud seriously: White House aides scrambled into at least two closed-door meetings Thursday to strategize about whether and how to respond to Musks social media barrage. Vice President JD Vance was with Trump on Thursday when the tweets began and they spoke multiple times in the afternoon, according to a person familiar with the days events. Trump encouraged Vance to be diplomatic about Musk if asked about him, the person said. Meanwhile, Trump is considering selling or giving away the red Tesla that he purchased in March, according to a senior White House official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more on the Trump-Musk feud The senators to watch as Republicans make changes to Trumps big bill By Sahil Kapur, Julie Tsirkin and Frank Thorp V Amid the back-and-forth between Donald Trump and Elon Musk this week, Senate Republican leaders have been juggling a host of competing demands as they prepare to take up and make changes to the House-passed big, beautiful bill. They can ultimately afford to lose just three GOP votes on the Senate floor, assuming all Democrats oppose the package as expected. Here are the senators who could make or break the bill: Rand Paul: Hes the only Republican senator who has voted against this legislation every step of the way. He has blasted the spike in military spending, the huge increase in deficits and, in particular, the $5 trillion debt limit hike. Paul does support a key part of the package an extension of Trumps 2017 tax cuts but he wants to offset it with trillions of dollars in additional spending cuts, on which the GOP has no hope of finding consensus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susan Collins: The Maine senator is the sole Republican to represent a state that Democrats consistently win at the presidential level. And she faces re-election this year. Her trajectory has been revealing, from supporting the initial budget resolution to voting against the revised version. A key reason for her opposition? Concerns that the Medicaid cuts would harm low-income and older constituents. Lisa Murkowski: When she voted for the budget blueprint in April that kick-started the process of writing the legislation, the Alaska Republican quickly followed it up with a broad set of grievances that will need to be addressed, or shell be unable to support the final product. That includes the changes to Medicaid, the cost of the tax cuts and the phaseout of clean energy tax credits that benefit her state. Ron Johnson: The Wisconsin Republican has railed against the bill and its estimated $2.4 trillion contribution to the deficit, insisting he cant vote for it as written. He has slammed the idea of a megabill, calling for breaking it up and limiting the debt ceiling hike. Trump asked him to be less negative during a meeting at the White House this week, Johnson said. Read more on the other key senators to watch Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grabbing the third rail: Senate Republicans open the door to cutting Medicare waste in Trump agenda bill Mailbag: Who loses in a U.S.-China trade war? Thanks to everyone who emailed us! This weeks reader question is on the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China. Who is in worse shape if the two countries dont trade any longer? To answer this, we turned to senior policy reporter Shannon Pettypiece, who has been covering the ins and outs of Trumps tariff agenda. Heres her response: Both the U.S. and China have a lot to lose by cutting off trade ties with each other, but in some ways, not as much as they did before the first wave of China tariffs Trump imposed in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese companies have been shifting production offshore, to neighboring countries like Vietnam and even Mexico, while Chinese officials have worked to boost trade with other trading partners, like the European Union. The share of total Chinese exports to the U.S. has dropped to an estimated 14% in 2024 from 19% in 2018. Across Chinas entire economy, U.S. exports account for 3% of Chinas gross domestic product, and a sustained U.S. tariff rate of 60% could reduce Chinas GDP by 2 percentage points, according to Goldman Sachs. In short, that would be bad for Chinas economy, but not entirely crippling. Chinas economy isnt on the strongest footing at the moment. Its growth has slowed since the Covid pandemic and the country is grappling with a collapse in its real estate market, which has wiped out the savings for many Chinese. The U.S. has also been working to lessen its dependence on China in recent years, and U.S. companies have increasingly been shifting their manufacturing out of China. China accounts for about 15% of total U.S. imports, down from about 22% in 2018. But the U.S. is still heavily dependent on China in a number of key areas, like rare earth metals crucial for U.S. manufacturing of cars and defense equipment. About a third of U.S. imports from China are in product categories where the vast majority of those items come from China, according to Goldman Sachs. That means, even a temporary halt to shipments from China could lead to supply chain shortages, like those seen during the Covid pandemic. But who blinks first or offers more concessions in a trade standoff could have just as much to do with politics as economics. China removed term limits on President Xi Jinping in 2018, essentially allowing him to remain in power for life. Meanwhile, the U.S. will have midterm elections next year and another presidential contest in 2028. Today's other top stories Exclusive interview: Education Secretary Linda McMahon told NBC News she is seeing progress from Harvard and Columbia amid Trumps attacks on the universities. Read more In the courts: The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to allow the Education Department to carry out broad layoffs that were blocked by a federal judge. Read more In the courts, cont.: A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked Trumps effort to block visas for foreign students planning to study at Harvard. Read more Report card: The U.S. added 139,000 jobs in May, more than expected but pointing to a labor market that continues to slow. Read more Trade update: Trump said China trade talks will resume Monday when Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer meet with Chinese officials in London. Read more Go your own way: Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate in the Virginia governors race this fall, has tacked to the right on same-sex marriage and abortion rights, complicating her efforts to follow Gov. Glenn Youngkins path to victory. Read more On second thought: Some Democrats who called on then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations are now endorsing him for mayor of New York City. Read more Follow live politics updates Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner and Dylan Ebs. 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 PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) With the weekend heat up ahead, concerns for heat and fire safety remain across the state of Oregon. KOIN 6 Senior Meteorologist Kelley Bayern spoke with Noah Alviz, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Portland office, about areas of concern this weekend. Not only are we getting hotter, we are getting drier, Alviz said. Our relative humidity is dropping. We are forecasting humidity to get into that 30% range. Those are two very important factors when it comes to fire weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winds are another factor in fire danger and rapid fire spreading. Thankfully, forecasts are showing winds this weekend will stay on the lighter side and are not of major concern. Still, as more folks head into the outdoors this weekend, it is encouraged to practice fire safety tips. Fire season officially began in Oregon in June. You can tune into the full interview on the KOIN+ streaming app. Keep your eyes on the forecast with the KOIN 6 Weather Team as the temps crank this weekend in Portland. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bankruptcies have traditionally been rare for community associations, but two recent filings by condominium associations in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties just a week apart could represent the start of a troubling trend. The first was in late April, when the Green Terrace Condominium Association filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is designed to allow filers to reorganize their finances under court supervision while remaining operational. Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is also commonly referred to as reorganization bankruptcy, is the most common type used by associations. The communitys residents were alerted about the filing via letters posted on their doors stating: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The association has faced significant challenges over the past decade, including various criminal and civil litigation and substantial mismanagement by previous board members. The current board is actively working to address these issues and is optimistic the Chapter 11 filing will lead to a favorable outcome for all involved. The filing came after the city of West Palm Beach notified the community that it planned to shut off its water service due to its outstanding balance of more than $1.4 million. The city is also owed $2.5 million in code enforcement liens, and it is just one of dozens of creditors listed in the filing. The cutoff of water service to the community was suspended by the bankruptcy filing, which has provided residents with more time to find and move to new homes. The reports indicate 20 people have applied with the city for up to $7,000 in emergency rental assistance for new apartments, and 16 have met the eligibility requirements. Michael Hyman The circumstances behind the bankruptcy filing for the Ocean 5 Condominium Association on May 2 are different. The five-story building at 458 Ocean Dr. in Miami Beach has only 13 units and was completed in 2006, and it apparently resorted to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing as a result of a $583,000 civil judgment awarded to one of its unit owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report by the South Florida Business Journal, the association originally sued the owner in 2019 for allegedly conducting unauthorized short-term rentals and causing a disturbance involving one of its renters that drew media attention, which harmed the propertys reputation. The owner filed a counterclaim against the association alleging it used the lawsuit to retaliate for the negative publicity, and it deactivated the owners key to access the building without cause. The unit owner ultimately prevailed and was awarded the damages for lost rental income and emotional distress. The bankruptcy filing, which lists the owner as the associations sole creditor and claims assets valued at less than $130,000, states that the Miami-Dade Circuit Court jurys ruling is currently under appeal. While the conditions at these two associations that led to their bankruptcy filings are different, they both share a common factor. Involvement in civil litigation took a toll on the financial well being for both, and for Ocean 5 the judgment in favor of the owners countersuit appears to have been the sole cause of its insurmountable debt. Indeed, litigation is among the most common drivers for association bankruptcies. It can present unexpected costs that create insoluble financial shortfalls, so associations should turn to it only when all other reasonable options have been exhausted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to such legal setbacks, associations can also be forced into bankruptcy by significant financial mismanagement or theft, uncovered property damage, high rates of owner delinquencies, and the costs associated with inspections and repairs. Chapter 7 bankruptcies, which are also available to associations, are designed to liquidate assets in order to pay off debts, so they are generally an unrealistic option. Associations assets are all jointly owned by their unit-owner members. Instead, most association bankruptcies take the form of Chapter 11 filings, which enable them to restructure their debts with the benefit of an automatic stay to halt creditor collection proceedings unless they are otherwise allowed by the court. They provide opportunities to negotiate with creditors, cancel or renegotiate contracts and avoid the seizure of assets and garnishing of bank accounts. Just as with litigation and foreclosures, associations should consider bankruptcy only as a last resort. They will need to pay both attorneys fees and court costs, plus fees for a trustee if one is appointed, and they typically will not be allowed to completely wipe away debts and judgments. Their actions and reorganization plans will be highly scrutinized by their creditors and bankruptcy judge, who may even dismiss the case if it is deemed that the community has not presented a viable restructuring strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those that are experiencing mounting and highly significant financial strains should seek the help of qualified attorneys and other experts to make changes to their budgets and collections that could address and resolve their growing financial woes. If all reasonable options and actions prove to be of no avail, they should give bankruptcy circumspect consideration with the help of highly experienced bankruptcy counsel. Michael L. Hyman with the South Florida law firm of Siegfried Rivera has focused on community association law since 1970 and is based at the firms Coral Gables office. He is the author of the two-volume Florida Condominium Law and Practice and is board certified as an expert in community association law by The Florida Bar. Michael is a regular contributor to the firms Newsroom blog at www.SiegfriedRivera.com/blog. The firm also maintains offices in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and its 49 attorneys focus on real estate, community association, construction and insurance law. www.SiegfriedRivera.com, MHyman@SiegfriedRivera.com, 305-442-3334. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) The Governor signed an act Friday establishing a Connecticut-Puerto Rico trade commission. Connecticut-Puerto Rico trade commission established Lamont chose Bridgeport as the place he would sign the act because it has the highest Puerto Rican population per capita in our state. Many celebrated along Bridgeports waterfront, where new construction and established businesses line the harbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trade commission is said to add and build on the many relationships that already exist between the state and the island, with trade expected to expand in both directions. Not just large companies were talking about mom and pop businesses in Puerto Rico that are eager to sell their products here in Connecticut because of our growing population, Rep. Chris Rosario (D) from Bridgeport said. Establishing the trade commission received unanimous bipartisan support in the state legislature. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump really wants to fly on an upgraded Air Force One but making that happen could depend on whether hes willing to cut corners with security. As government lawyers sort out the legal arrangement for accepting a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family, another crucial conversation is unfolding about modifying the plane so it's safe for the American president. Installing capabilities equivalent to the decades-old 747s now used as Air Force One would almost certainly consign the project to a similar fate as Boeing's replacement initiative, which has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers Thursday that those security modifications would cost less than $400 million but provided no details. Satisfying Trump's desire to use the new plane before the end of his term could require leaving out some of those precautions, however. A White House official said Trump wants the Qatari jet ready as soon as possible while adhering to security standards. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details on equipment issues or the timeline. Trump has survived two assassination attempts, and Iran allegedly also plotted to kill him, so hes well aware of the danger he faces. However, he seems willing to take some chances with security, particularly when it comes to communications. For example, he likes to keep his personal phone handy despite the threat of hacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He boasted this week that the government got the jet for free, saying, We need it as Air Force One until the other ones are done. Heres a look at what it would take to make the Qatari plane into a presidential transport: What makes a plane worthy of being Air Force One? Air Force One is the call sign for any plane that's carrying the president. The first aircraft to get the designation was a propeller-powered C-54 Skymaster, which ferried Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference in 1945. It featured a conference room with a bulletproof window. Things are a lot more complicated these days. Boeing has spent years stripping down and rebuilding two 747s to replace the versions that have carried presidents for more than three decades. The project is slated to cost more than $5.3 billion and may not be finished before Trump leaves office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2021 report made public through the Freedom of Information Act outlines the unclassified requirements for the replacement 747s under construction. At the top of the list survivability and communications. The government decided more than a decade ago that the new planes had to have four engines so they could remain airborne if one or two fail, said Deborah Lee James, who was Air Force secretary at the time. That creates a challenge because 747s are no longer manufactured, which could make spare parts harder to come by. Air Force One also has to have the highest level of classified communications, anti-jamming capabilities and external protections against foreign surveillance, so the president can securely command military forces and nuclear weapons during a national emergency. It's an extremely sensitive and complex system, including video, voice and data transmissions. James said there are anti-missile measures and shielding against radiation or an electromagnetic pulse that could be caused by a nuclear blast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The point is, it remains in flight no matter what, she said. Will Trump want all the security bells and whistles? If the Qatari plane is retrofitted to presidential standards, it could cost $1.5 billion and take years, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that aren't publicly available. Testifying before Congress this week, Meink discounted such estimates, arguing that some of the costs associated with retrofitting the Qatari plane would have been spent anyway as the Air Force moves to build the long-delayed new presidential planes, including buying aircraft for training and to have spares available if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., said that based on the contract costs for the planes that the Air Force is building, it would cost about $1 billion to strip down the Qatar plane, install encrypted communications, harden its defenses and make other required upgrades. James said simply redoing the wiring means youd have to break that whole thing wide open and almost start from scratch." Trump, as commander in chief, could waive some of these requirements. He could decide to skip shielding systems from an electromagnetic pulse, leaving his communications more vulnerable in case of a disaster but shaving time off the project. After all, Boeing has already scaled back its original plans for the new 747s. Their range was trimmed by 1,200 nautical miles, and the ability to refuel while airborne was scrapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Eckloff, a former leader of protection details at the Secret Service, expects the president would get the final say. The Secret Service's job is to plan for and mitigate risk," he said. "It can never eliminate it. If Trump does waive some requirements, James said that should be kept under wraps because "you dont want to advertise to your potential adversaries what the vulnerabilities of this new aircraft might be. It's unlikely that Trump will want to skimp on the plane's appearance. He keeps a model of a new Air Force One in the Oval Office, complete with a darker color scheme that echoes his personal jet instead of the light blue design that's been used for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happens next? Trump toured the Qatari plane in February when it was parked at an airport near Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort. Air Force chief of staff Gen. David Allvin was there, too. The U.S. official said the jet needs maintenance but not more than what would be expected of a four-engine plane of its complexity. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it would be irresponsible to put the president and national security equipment aboard the Qatari plane without knowing that the aircraft is fully capable of withstanding a nuclear attack. Its a waste of taxpayer dollars, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Boeing's project has been hampered by stress corrosion cracks on the planes and excessive noise in the cabins from the decompression system, among other issues that have delayed delivery, according to a Government Accountability Office report released last year. Boeing referred questions to the Air Force, which said in a statement that it's working with the aircraft manufacturer to find ways to accelerate the delivery of at least one of the 747s. Even so, the aircraft will have to be tested and flown in real-world conditions to ensure no other issues. James said it remains to be seen how Trump would handle any of those challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The normal course of business would say there could be delays in certifications, she said. But things seem to get waived these days when the president wants it. ___ AP writer Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report. CORNING, N.Y. (WETM) In a couple of weeks, the City of Corning Police Department will bid farewell to long-time police dispatcher Mike Watson of nearly 31 years. Since 1994, the dispatch desk has been occupied by Watson who first started that year on October 31. During his three-decade career at the department, hes crossed paths with many part-time dispatchers whove moved up in their law enforcement careers after working with him. One of them was Kenzie Spaulding who is currently Cornings Police Chief. Bradford County police chiefs react to new Pennsylvania driving law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I started as a part-time dispatcher and he was a full-time dispatcher when I started, and so he you know, helped show me the ropes and teach me the dispatching job and its going to be a huge loss for all of us, Spaulding said. Watson mentioned how over the years police work has changed to where there are now digital radios and body cameras. One of the things he said hell miss and was grateful for was the camaraderie and support he had from colleagues over his tenure. The most that I would miss from here is definitely being together as a group, Watson said. Kind of like your second family, second home, all the joking around we did, and fun times we had when we were able to. Watsons last day on the job will be June 26 and afterwards hell begin working part-time at the Corning Senior Center on July 1. According to Spaulding, the department will be interviewing people to fill in for Watsons position in the next weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Costco is a popular big-box membership warehouse club, offering discounted prices on brand-name merchandise in bulk and non-bulk sizes. Costco is actually the third-largest retailer in the world, only behind Walmart and Amazon, and is a Fortune 500 company. "With hundreds of locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one," the company states on their website. To shop at Costco, members have to own a membership card. The Costco "Gold Star Membership" card includes two card and the ability to shop online and in warehouses. For those who want to up their game, the Costco "Executive Membership" package also includes an annual 2% reward and Costco services discounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, Costco customers are being told not to use their membership card for one specific thing. The TSA is showing their frustration with travelers who are not showing them a REAL ID to take a flight, and they don't want passengers to think that their Costco card counts as a proper REAL ID. "In a Facebook post shared on June 4, the TSA stated a Costco membership card is not, in any way, an acceptable form of identification to get on a plane. Yes, people are actually trying to use their Costco cards to get on aiplanes. We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person," the TSA stated in their post, "but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning May 7, the majority of adult citizens taking a flight in the U.S. must show either a passport or upgraded identification card that meets federal REAL ID standards. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has information for each state about scheduling appointments and also provides the types of documents needed. Related: Costco Announces a Big Change for Shoppers Costco Members Cautioned Against Using Their Membership CardDon't Use It As a REAL ID first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 6, 2025 Jun. 6MITCHELL The Mitchell City Council has a fast-turn around in mind for the gentrification of a city-owned trailer park. The Mitchell City Council, during its regular meeting on June 2, unanimously approved a document to request developer proposals for the redevelopment of the city-owned properties on First Avenue, which the city recently purchased as part of a mobile home park near Hitchcock Park. The city opens up the proposal process on June 9, and expects to maintain a tight schedule to flip the city-purchased trailer park and begin construction in spring or summer 2026. Proposals are due Aug. 15. An evaluation and interview period will be held by a selection committee from Aug. 19 through Sept. 12. Plans call for a selection committee recommendation to be given to the city council on Oct. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Development of the project area must be substantially completed within 24 months of council approval or the property will revert back to the city. "I think we've all seen real estate projects that didn't get finished," said Mitchell Mayor Jordan Hanson, who believes the shorter timeline will put teeth on the project. The document assumes the formation of a selection committee, but expressly calls for Hanson to appoint members to it. The document states that preference will be given to proposals that show a completion date within a two-year timeframe, show the highest and best use of the property, and show the highest density in housing units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'd like to see as many units as what is being taken out of there replaced, so we don't lose any of our total housing supply," Hanson said. The request for proposal document outlines three locations for development. Location No. 1 (in red on map) is a half city block north of East First Avenue between North Kittridge Street and North Hunter Street. Location No. 2 (in yellow on map) is a single plot located at 1101 E. First Ave. Location No. 3 (in purple on map), is a whole city block south of East First Avenue between South Hunter Street and South Foster Street. A submitted proposal must include a project narrative, a site plan, a developer's references, a financial plan and a timeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposals will be evaluated based on creativity, quality, city goals, financial feasibility, developer qualifications, match of design to the surrounding neighborhood, and providing a repayment source to the city towards acquisition costs of the trailer park. The selection committee will have to come up with a scoring system for proposals, according to Hanson. "We didn't want to specifically have anything spelled out there in case it would limit creativity of the proposal," said City Administrator Stephanie Ellwein, who noted that a developer may have different ideas or want to do tax increment financing. The city is seeking to develop a "residential and/or mixed use project," according to the document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council member Tim Goldammer suggested that a council representative from Ward No. 2, where these properties are located, should be on the selection committee. The two council members who represent Ward No. 2 are John Doescher and Kevin McCardle. Council member Mike Bathke questioned if these city-owned properties would be appraised, and while City Attorney Justin Johnson confirmed that would be part of the process, Ellwein suggested if the city transfers the properties to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation then it wouldn't be the same process. Proposals must follow submission guidelines, which are outlined in the document. All dates are subject to change, as stated in the document. A full document and a frequently asked questions page can be found on the city's website. Councils are flying flags for Ukraine from their town halls while blocking investment in the British defence industry. At least a dozen English councils have passed motions to divest from defence companies because of the war in Gaza, or have taken steps to reduce their holdings in arms companies. A report by two Labour MPs has found that defence companies have missed out on at least 30 million in investment because of action taken by local councils to focus their pension funds on ethical firms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, several of the councils have displayed the Ukrainian flag from their town halls in solidarity against Russia. The MPs, Luke Charters and Alex Baker, said there was untapped potential in local government pensions that could be used to boost investment in the defence sector, which often struggles to access finance. They argued that supporting British defence companies would help Ukraine, which has received more than 18 billion in military and humanitarian support from the UK. The MPs said there was a concerning trend among UK councils to divest from defence, with at least a dozen authorities implementing partial or full exclusion policies since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MPs did not name the councils, but The Telegraph has found evidence of town halls in London, Bristol, Somerset, Oxford and Dudley where motions have been passed banning defence investment in support of Palestine. Dudley council, which is under no single partys overall control, passed a motion to divest from defence companies with the support of Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors. The council has flown the Ukrainian flag several times since the Russian invasion in February 2022, and lit up its town hall in blue and yellow. Dudley Councils town hall lit in Ukraines colours Labour-run Manchester city council, which voted to pressure its pension provider to abandon weapons manufacturers in November last year, has celebrated Ukrainian independence day and spent 50,000 to support Ukrainian refugees arriving in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion noted that councillors recognise the inextricable link between war, climate destruction, and human suffering and that armed conflicts not only result in loss of life, including civilians and children, but also lead to intense environmental destruction. Labour-run Waltham Forest Council, which announced plans to sell all defence investments in August last year, has hosted events for Ukrainian residents affected by the crisis in their home country. Mr Charters told The Telegraph: With war on our continent, this is not the moment for councils to pull back from investing in UK defence. Firms and financiers have been clear when we have engaged with them: barriers like weak demand signals, short-term contracts, divestment, and regulatory uncertainty are holding the sector back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our report calls for urgent engagement with local government pension schemes and sets out 12 reforms to help unlock the capital and credit our defence sector needs to grow. Financing sovereign defence isnt optional its vital to our security and economic future. Councillor Pete Lowe of Dudley Council, which passed a motion to divest from defence companies with the support of Labour and the Liberal Democrats The reports findings also include an apparent admission from the parliamentary pension scheme for MPs that their savings are often deliberately not invested in defence. A letter to the MPs from the chair of the fund said that while there was no specific ban on defence investments, environmental, social, governance and climate change issues tend to be more pronounced in some defence companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Charters and Ms Baker said: There needs to be a holistic review by officials to understand how public investment vehicles are performing when it comes to defence sector investment. The UK cannot afford to miss this moment due to outdated ethical aversions. Defence investments represent not only a financial opportunity, but also an ethical obligation to secure the nations future amidst an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. Dudley council, Manchester city council and Waltham Forest council have all been approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. SOUTH LAUREL Two Corbin residents were arrested Monday night after Laurel County deputies responded to reports of intoxicated individuals and children playing dangerously in the roadway. Bryan Scott Bowling, 59, and Bethany C. Collier, 42, were arrested after Dep. Daniel Reed and Dep. Jared Hale were dispatched to a residence off Laurel Whitley Road, approximately nine miles south of London, around 7:38 p.m. Monday after a caller reported suspicious activity. Witnesses stated that the individuals at the home had attempted to drive while impaired, pulling out of the driveway and into a ditch before retreating back onto property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dispatchers were also informed that several children were jumping into the roadway, posing a serious risk as cars passed by. When deputies arrived on scene, they found that the caregivers of three juveniles appeared to be under the influence. Following an investigation, officials determined that the safety and well-being of the minors had been compromised, prompting intervention from the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Bowling and Collier were each charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor. Bowling faces an additional charge from a Laurel County District Court complaint warrant for third-degree terroristic threatening. Both individuals were transported to the Laurel County Correctional Center, where they remained at press time. MARYLAND (DC News Now) Court documents unsealed by a federal court in Tennessee Friday accuse Kilmar Abrego Garcia of facilitating the unlawful transportation of undocumented individuals to and throughout the United States for nearly a decade. The documents claim Abrego Garcia was a member and associate of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) a claim his family and advocates have disputed since his wrongful deportation more than two months ago. Since his deportation in March, Abrego Garcia had been imprisoned at a Salvadorian facility, with Trump administration officials fighting court rulings ordering his return. On June 6, news broke that he would be returning to the U.S. to face the charges filed in Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee police release video of Kilmar Abrego Garcia traffic stop in 2022 Simon Sandoval Moshenberg, one of his attorneys, said the move is an abuse of power. The government disappeared Kilmar to a foreign prison in violation of a court order. Now, after months of delay and secrecy, theyre bringing him back, not to correct their error but to prosecute him. Due process means the chance to defend yourself before youre punished, not after. This is an abuse of power, not justice, he said during a press conference. From around 2016 through 2025, Abrego Garcia and others conspired to bring people from countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Ecuador, passing through Mexico before crossing into Texas, the newly-released court documents stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his co-conspirators knew the people they were transporting did not have authorization to enter the U.S., the Grand Jury alleged. Over the course of nearly a decade, they reportedly transported thousands of undocumented aliens who had no authorization to be present in the United States, and many of whom were MS-13 members and associates. The conspirators included five Salvadorian citizens and one person from Guatemala, in addition to Abrego Garcia. They reportedly received thousands of dollars for the scheme. In 2021, one of the six conspirators was involved in the transportation of more than 150 migrants, which ended when the tractor-trailer carrying them overturned in Mexico. This resulted in the deaths of at least 50 migrants. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Investigators never arrested Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Prince Georges County police clarify Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to transporting undocumented immigrants and firearms at times, Abrego Garcia also transported narcotics from Texas to sell in Maryland, court documents claim. He sometimes brought close relatives with him when he picked up undocumented individuals in Texas. On other occasions, he came alone. When he did not bring a relative, he sometimes abused the women in the group, according to one of the conspirators. Knowing this was bad for business, [Co-Conspirator 6] reported these allegations of abuse to [Co-Conspirator 1 and Co-Conspirator 2] and CC-6 directed CC-1 and CC-2 to cause [Abrego Garcia] to stop the abuse, court documents read. The 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee On Nov. 30, 2022, a state trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol stopped a Chevrolet Suburban on I-40. Abrego Garcia was reportedly driving and had nine passengers, all of whom were Hispanic men and none of whom had identification, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked where they were coming from, Abrego Garcia reportedly told the trooper they were in St. Louis for two weeks doing construction and were on their way back to Maryland. The trooper noted that none of the passengers had luggage, nor were there any tools or construction equipment. Court documents claim Abrego Garcia had given the trooper false information and that license plate reader data showed the Suburban had not been near St. Louis at any point in the last year, and had been in the Houston, Texas area within the week leading up to the traffic stop. The charges against Abrego Garcia Abrego Garcia was charged with two counts of Conspiracy to Transport Aliens for Financial Gain, for which he faces a maximum of 10 years per alien transported, according to charging documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement INITIAL COVERAGE: Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador due to administrative error, court filings say Who is Kilmar Abrego Garcia? Abrego Garcia came to the United States as a teenager back in 2011, fleeing gang threats in his home country of El Salvador. In 2019, he was arrested over an unfounded allegation that he was involved with MS-13, which placed him in deportation proceedings. However, an immigration judge ultimately found that Abrego Garcia was the one at risk of being a victim of gang violence. He and his relatives had testified that members were trying to extort them and recruit him and his brother to join. His family had been forced to move multiple times, ultimately leading Abrego Garcia and his brother to flee to the U.S. out of fear. The judge said Abrego Garcia would likely face persecution if deported, granting him a form of legally mandated protection: withholding of removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had a permit from the Department of Homeland Security to legally work in the U.S. and was a sheet metal apprentice pursuing a journeyman license when ICE arrested him in March, his attorney told the Associated Press. His wife is also a U.S. citizen and they had been living in Maryland with their child. Kilmar-Abrego-Garcia-complaintDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. When Daniel Muir former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle and current pastor of Straitway Indiana-Goshen appeared before the Cass County Circuit Court in February, he asked to push back a jury trial scheduled for March so he and his wife could hire attorneys. The prosecutors office didnt object to giving Muir a bit more time. The jury trial was moved to August. Fast forward several months and Muir, along with his wife, Kristin, attended their final pretrial conference on Thursday without attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They filed objections to the conference and a motion to stay proceedings in May. In their filings, the couple noted theyve asked the Indiana Supreme Court to move jurisdiction of the case away from the trial court. Judge Stephen Kitts II said he would follow whatever ruling the Supreme Court issues regarding the case, but would not delay the trial until the Supreme Court ordered him to do so. Their requests to again push the trial back was denied, following several court proceedings where the couple appeared without attorneys and Judge Stephen Kitts II warned it would be difficult to fight their charges without lawyers. The final pretrial conference also came shortly after Cass County Prosecutor Noah Schafer filed a motion to amend the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, Schafer moved to add a third count against Daniel Muir for Domestic Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a level 5 felony that carries a potential sentence of 1-6 years in the Department of Correction. A fine of up to $10,000 could also be imposed. According to a court document, the serious bodily injury was a facial fracture. Kitts allowed the additional charge to be added. Daniel and Kristin Muir both face Obstruction of Justice charges, a level 6 felony, while Daniel Muir faces an additional class A misdemeanor Domestic Battery charge. The charges stem from allegations that their 14-year-old son, Bryson, had been physically abused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teenagers grandmother, Cheryl Wright, allegedly told Ohio police she was concerned for her grandsons safety on June 16, 2024, shortly before he was picked up from her home by Kristin, Wrights daughter. Later that day, police declared the teenager missing after they didnt find him in Kristins vehicle shortly after she left the home in Cleveland, Ohio. The next day, two Cass County Department of Child Services agents stood at the gates of Muirs 117-acre religious compound called Straitway Indiana-Goshen and asked to speak with Bryson to follow up on the abuse complaint. Muir allegedly declined their request and refused to accept paperwork that indicated the two case workers had stopped by. Leaving the documents at the gate, one of the caseworkers told Muir a judge could issue a warrant to come onto the property and speak with Bryson. All we do is live a peaceful life, but because of that, we constantly receive foolishness, Muir said in body-cam footage allegedly captured by a Cass County deputy at the scene. Im not going to allow you into my home. The court will never come onto this property. It just is what it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police issued a silver alert for Bryson on June 25. He was still unaccounted for and a photo released by police showed him with a swollen black eye. An early-morning raid led by Indiana State Police followed shortly after, on July 3, when Daniel and Kristin Muir allegedly refused to cooperate with police to locate their son. Bryson was found on the property safe and well with his parents, who were arrested and taken to Cass County Jail. Both parents were released on bail July 12. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The man who has been on death row for nearly 40 years after being convicted of killing a mother of three was found competent to be executed in court Friday, despite having dementia. The judge ordered that Ralph Leroy Menzies (67) failed to prove that his vascular dementia prevents him from understanding his punishment or the states reasons for it, and because of that, he is competent to be executed, according to court documents obtained by ABC4.com. PREVIOUSLY: Will convicted killer on death row for nearly 40 years be executed? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menzies attorney provided a statement to ABC4.com about the ruling, which you can read below. We respectfully disagree with the Courts order and plan to appeal to the Utah Supreme Court. Ralph Menzies is a severely brain-damaged, wheelchair-bound, 67-year-old man with dementia and significant memory problems. He cannot understand the States reasons for his execution. His dementia is progressive and he is not going to get better. It is deeply troubling that Utah plans to remove Mr. Menzies from his wheelchair and oxygen tank to strap him into an execution chair and shoot him to death. Lindsey Layer, Attorney for Ralph Menzies The Office of the Utah Attorney General also offered a statement to ABC4, saying, Our hearts today are with the family of Maurine Hunsaker and we are committed to seeking justice for her. Menzies was sentenced to death in 1988 for killing Maurine Hunsaker, a mother of three. Over the nearly 40 years he has been on death row, his attorneys have been appealing his sentencing. In late 2023, Menzies exhausted his direct and post-conviction appeals, and in January 2024, a hearing to issue a death warrant for Menzies was scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Menzies asserted that he is incompetent to be executed. If someone is incompetent to be executed, that means that they are unable to rationally understand the reason why the state is executing them. In Menzies case, he claimed he was incompetent due to his dementia. The purpose of the hearing that took place on May 7 was not to determine whether he had dementia; all parties agreed that there was evidence that showed that he does have vascular dementia that impairs his daily life and thought, court documents said. Menzies attorneys argued that his functioning had significantly declined since his last evaluation in 2010, but the state argued that Menzies had been able to recite the facts of the case, identify the victim as Maurine Hunsaker, and knew he had received a capital sentence and would be executed. Menzies is not the first person on death row to develop dementia. According to the AP, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the execution of a man with dementia in 2019 in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menzies attorney told ABC4.com that she intends to appeal this decision to the Utah Supreme Court, so there will be additional hearings in the future. If a death warrant is issued for Menzies, he will be executed by firing squad. According to the AP, he selected the method of execution in 2004, before it was removed as an available method by the Utah State Legislature. 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. CHICAGO Chicago police are searching for a missing 15-year-old boy who may be in need of medical attention. Police said JMauri Hill was last seen Tuesday, May 27 in the 3800 block of North Spaulding Avenue in Irving Park. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland He was last seen wearing a black jacket, a black hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants, according to investigators. Police said JMauri is 510 and weighs 130 pounds. He also has brown eyes and black hair. (Photo: Chicago Police Department) Authorities added he may be in need of medical attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Area 5 Detectives at 312-746-6554. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) If youve been to the Flying J Pilot Travel Center in Aurora recently, you may want to check your bank statement. The Aurora Police Department said customers cards may be compromised after credit card skimmers were found at the Flying J Pilot Travel Center at 16751 E 32nd Ave. This gas station is just off Interstate 70 and down the road from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge. Can you spot a credit card skimmer? What to look for Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said an unknown suspect placed credit card skimmers at four gas pumps between May 25 and 31, and people who used No. 22 and 24 diesel gas pumps on the semi-truck side during that time may have compromised credit or debit cards. Credit card skimmers are devices that look like card readers and are usually placed at ATMs, gas pumps, or credit card readers at retail outlets, according to the FBI. Once the victim swipes their card, the device either stores or sends the information to the criminals. If you used these gas pumps in late May, the department recommends that customers notify their dispatch centers and banks and cancel their cards. Wanted fugitive found in Centennial while mowing the lawn Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said the skimmers were removed, but were stolen from the business before being turned over to authorities. This is still an active investigation, and the department is asking anyone with information to contact the Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). If you used the affected pumps during that time and have questions, the department said to contact Detective Steve Cox, Aurora Police District 2 Criminal Investigations, at 303.739.6060. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (KRON) The U.S. Coast Guard and Power Engineering Construction Co. will work with the City of Santa Cruz on June 6, 7 and 8 to clear underwater debris left from the Santa Cruz Wharf, which partially collapsed during a powerful storm in December of 2024. The work will remove heavy equipment and wood debris left on the seafloor next to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf following the disaster. Hit-and-run driver who ran over, seriously injured 5-year-old charged: SF DA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This material was deposited during the major storm event in December 2024, which caused significant damage to the south end of the Wharf, the City of Santa Cruz said in a statement Friday. A section of the Santa Cruz Wharf that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean is seen at a nearby beach amidst heavy surf in Santa Cruz, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) This aerieal view shows people looking at the collapsed pier at the Santa Cruz Wharf in Santa Cruz, California, on December 23, 2024. A pier collapsed into the ocean and floated away off the US state of California on Monday, weather authorities said, as the region was pounded by a powerful storm. Lifeguards rescued two people after the structure in Santa Cruz broke free, firefighters said, while a third person managed to get themselves out of trouble. (Photo by Daniel Dreifuss / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL DREIFUSS/AFP via Getty Images) The collapsed pier at the Santa Cruz Wharf is pictured in Santa Cruz, California, on December 23, 2024. A pier collapsed into the ocean and floated away off the US state of California on Monday, weather authorities said, as the region was pounded by a powerful storm. Lifeguards rescued two people after the structure in Santa Cruz broke free, firefighters said, while a third person managed to get themselves out of trouble. (Photo by Daniel Dreifuss / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL DREIFUSS/AFP via Getty Images) A building floats in the ocean after a wharf partially collapsed Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via AP) A building floats in the ocean after a wharf partially collapsed Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via AP) While crews are actively working in the area, the actual underwater removal will happen Saturday. The city expects to complete the project on Sunday. SF SoMA sex shop sued for allegedly selling toxic mouth gags This complex effort has been delayed until now due to the need for a window of calm sea conditions, the City of Santa Cruz said. Favorable marine weather forecasts now allow the operation to proceed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Coast Guard is asking beachgoers, swimmers, and boaters to stay at least 300 feet away from any dive flags used during the removal. The location of the dive flags will chance and the project is completed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Felonies The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Friday at 11 a.m. Tiffany N. Cates, 39, of Fairview, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, trafficking methamphetamine. Steven L. Cockerham, 49, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of methamphetamine, disorderly conduct. Steven L. Collier, 42, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Saltillo Police Department, violation of probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yakira Vonshae Doss, 22, of Belden, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of parole. Mitchell D. Gilmer, 39, of Brandon, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, grand larceny. Derek W. Lee, 29, of Pontotoc, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug, embezzlement, no seat belt. Keshawn D. Little, 37, of Shannon, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of a controlled substance. Christopher Dewayne Malone, 45, of Clarksdale, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, first-degree arson. Summer Monroe, 39, of Fulton, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of the Intensive Supervision Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deandra Morris, 34, of Nettleton, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, parole violation. Andrew B. Pinson, 56, of Ecru, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug, possession of paraphernalia. Robert Blake Sebolt, 30, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, aggravated assault. James Farrentino Shumpert, 51, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, false pretense, sale of methamphetamine, domestic violence. Paul W. Spearman, 44, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of a Schedule II drug, driving with a suspended license, expired tag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Randy A. Taylor, 45, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of methamphetamine. Dillan G. Warren, 20, of Mooreville, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, felony possession of marijuana, child endangerment. Dustin Warner Wildmon, 24, of Belden, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of fentanyl. Lee County Sheriff's Office The following reports were filed Friday by the Lee County Sheriff's Office. A County Road 397, Guntown, woman said two white males in a white pickup pulled into her driveway around 2:30 p.m. Her dogs barked, so she went out to see what was going on. One of the suspicious men said he was there to check the leveling on her mobile home for flooding. The man measured and checked from the front of the trailer to the drive. Neither man identified himself nor said who they were working for. They left before deputies arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A County Road 1205, Nettleton, woman said an unknown man and woman were trespassing, again. She said the couple have been coming onto her property looking through her shed for more than a year. Neither person has ever talked to her. A County Road 300, Shannon, man said a friend borrowed a utility trailer. When he returned the trailer, he could smell alcohol coming from the drivers area. He said the man was driving a white pickup, heading north of County Road 506. A Hillridge Road, Tupelo, man said the IRS mailed his income tax return on March 12. Someone intercepted the check, forged his signature and cashed the check. He reported the theft to the IRS but wanted a separate report on file for his records. Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way. The Florida Bar on Friday dismissed a complaint brought by a coalition of about 70 liberal-leaning and moderate law professors, attorneys and former Florida Supreme Court justices against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The complaint accuses Bondi, Floridas former attorney general, of violating her ethical duties in her current job. As the Miami Herald reported, the complaint claims Bondi has sought to compel Department of Justice lawyers to violate their ethical obligations under the guise of zealous advocacy. While Bondi may have violated ethical rules thats unclear disbarring a U.S. attorney general is extreme and could be a slippery slope. The move would no doubt be seen, perhaps rightfully so, as political retribution, and that would only add more fuel to the raging dumpster fire of our partisan politics these days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint outlined three instances in which the coalition said Bondis conduct violated Florida Bar rules and longstanding norms of the Justice Department. In one instance, they said, she fired a seasoned immigration lawyer who the Trump administration said sabotaged the case in the mistaken deportation of a Maryland man to El Salvador. Another instance cited: A longtime federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia resigned rather than carry out enforcement orders that she said were unsupported by evidence. A third example: Several senior federal prosecutors in New York and Washington resigned after they refused to follow a Justice Department order to drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The Bar rejected the complaint Friday, as it had done with two previous complaints about Bondi by the same group, and cited a jurisdictional issue. It said it does not investigate or prosecute sitting officers appointed under the U.S. Constitution while they are in office. The group includes two retired Florida Supreme Court justices, Barbara J. Pariente and Peggy A. Quince. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake: Bondi is deeply political. And she has shown her commitment to carry out President Donald Trumps agenda at all costs. Bondi has made it clear that the presidents priorities and the DOJs mission are, in her view, one and the same. This is a break in the fire wall that has long existed between the presidency and the Justice Department. But politicizing the law or the Bar isnt the answer, no matter which side is doing it. Ethical standards must be enforced. Thats a cornerstone of the legal profession. But its hypocritical to condemn Bondis politicization of the DOJ while attempting a similar act via the Bar. We recognize that Trumps Justice Department is by design, political. And Bondis actions have been extremely partisan including when she placed the DOJ attorney on leave in the case of the Maryland man who had been wrongly deported a man to El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At my direction, every Department of Justice attorney is required to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States, Bondi said in a statement. Any attorney who fails to abide by this direction will face consequences. The Florida Bar exists to ensure the integrity of the legal system is protected not act as a political referee. Its understandable that some feel justified challenging Bondis standing as a lawyer. Bondis conduct does warrant scrutiny, and she holds an enormous amount of power as the U.S. attorney general. But the uncertainty of the times shouldnt be a reason to use the law to punish ideological opponents, even if we think the other side does it, too. Click here to send the letter. Czech President Petr Pavel has called for every effort to be made to end the war in Ukraine and prevent its spread to Czechia. Source: Pavel in his remarks at memorials in the Sumava Mountains honouring US soldiers who died in World War II on 7 June 2025, writes Ceske Noviny, as reported by European Pravda Details: The president paid tribute to US soldiers in two former Sumava villages, Zhuri and Gruberg, where one of the final battles of World War II occurred on 5 and 6 May 1945 between Hartmanice and Zelezna Ruda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting on the past, Pavel noted the absurdity of young lives lost in the wars final days: "And unfortunately, its happening today as well." He stressed that peace is not guaranteed and requires active effort to maintain. "If there is a war in Ukraine today and people are dying just as senselessly, as absurd as it was here, for reasons many of us dont even understand, that is why we must do everything in our power not only to end the war in Ukraine but also to prevent it from reaching us as it has in the past." In Gruberg, Pavel added that the causes of World War II serve as a reminder: "If we are not vigilant enough, if we do not respond to these signals in time, then perhaps our successors will wonder how it is possible that we did not see this happen. Just as we can be surprised today when we look at the 1930s and ask ourselves how its possible that they didnt see it then." Background On 2 June 2025, EU Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius shared the assessment of Western intelligence services that a Russian attack on European Union states could happen within the next few years. Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the country's armed forces estimate that Russia views the West as a systemic enemy and is building up its military power and preparing for a large-scale confrontation with NATO. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! 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? DENVER (KDVR) Hector M. Flores served, fought and was wounded in Europe after the D-Day invasion during World War II. But when he returned to Colorado, he didnt receive a heros welcome. Navy veteran of Korea, Vietnam and Cold War honored as Hero of the Month Now, a group called Leadership Veteran is trying to change that. They dedicated a park bench to the late Army sergeant on Friday, 81 years after the Normandy invasion that turned the tide of the war, and led to an allied victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bench sits in a park in Denvers Baker neighborhood that already bears Flores name. I cant believe this is happening today from my fathers memory, his daughter, Stella Acosta, told FOX31. Not only (does this honor) the legacy of a decorated World War II veteran, but the legacy of a family whose spirit ripples through this community in ways many of us do not even realize, Flor Alvidrez, Denver City Council member, said during a short dedication ceremony. A plaque on the bench details Flores service in the Army in World War II, and how he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Hearts while fighting in Italy. In October 1944, Flores ran up a hill, took out enemy machine gun operators and captured five German soldiers, and Army field reports show, he did it all with few casualties to his men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like many Mexican-Americans, Flores served his country proudly, was honorably discharged, yet had trouble finding work when he got back home to Colorado. It was really clear early on that this was just an Army vet who had not been well honored, said Ellen Winiarczyk, associate professor and creator of the College of Professional Studies Nonprofit Leadership Masters program at the University of Denver. Not long ago, the Leadership Veteran program, a group that brings together leaders of non-profits that help veterans throughout the area, heard Flores story and decided to do something to honor him. This (park bench) is actually one of the early service projects that the group has embraced to be able to celebrate a World War II veteran here in our Denver community, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denver bar announces final day of business after nearly 30 years They hope the plaque will serve as a permanent tribute not just to Hectors heroism, but also to the struggles he faced. They want future generations to know the story of Hector M. Flores. I feel the power of legacy, Alvidrez said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Michelle Valdes mom thinks she sees immigration agents everywhere: in the lobby of the building where she cares for elderly clients, at the local outlet mall, on downtown corners. The fear is constant. Driving to work, going to the store just leaving the house feels too risky for her. At work, while she cooks and cleans in her clients homes, she listens as stories of immigration detentions, deportations and constantly changing laws and policies play loudly in English from the TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 67-year-old undocumented Colombian national who has lived in the United States for more than a third of her life has stopped driving completely, opting for Uber, and ducking down in the backseat when she sees police officers. As a Jehovahs Witness, she has chosen not to do her door-to-door ministry and only attends church on Zoom. But what keeps her up at night these days is that she will soon go without seeing her daughter, likely for close to a decade. She is preparing to leave the United States after 23 years, leaving behind her 31-year-old daughter, a DACA recipient or Dreamer who came to the United States when she was 8 and is still in the process of gaining her green card. I dont want to feel like Im going to be spending two months in some detention center in the middle of God knows where, where none of my family members see me., says Michelle Valdes mother. She has lived undocumented for over two decades in South Florida and has decided she will soon return to Colombia. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is a federal program that protects undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children from deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want to feel like Im going to be spending two months in some detention center in the middle of God knows where, where none of my family members see me, she said in Spanish during an interview with the Herald. She asked not to use her name for this story because she fears she could be targeted. Im done, she said. Her daughters immigration situation is also precarious, even though she is married to a U.S. citizen. His family, from Cuba, got lucky when they won the visa lottery. But her family did not have such luck. Valdes family did what immigrants often do: They fled danger, asked for political asylum, hired lawyers and filed paperwork. And they lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, only 19.3% of Colombian asylum cases were approved, according to researchers at Syracuse University. Even in 2006, when violence was at a very high point in Colombia, only 32% of asylum cases were approved. Their familys story reveals the toll a constantly changing and exceedingly complicated immigration system has on families who tried to do the right thing and legalize their status. Now, under President Trumps administration, which has ramped up enforcement and the optics around it, being undocumented has become even more hazardous. People who have been living and working in the shadows in the United States are now being forced to decide if the reward of seeking a better life is still worth the risk. And those who are following the rules are afraid the rules will keep changing. The mother has already started packing boxes. Denied asylum Valdes mom had never heard of the American Dream. She said she had never even heard the phrase el sueno americano before coming to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family fled Colombia in 2002, leaving behind comfort and status. Valdes mother had been an architect in Cartagena, a city on the South American nations Caribbean coast. The family had a driver, a cook and a nanny. But violence by the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, the rebel group known as FARC, was encroaching on their lives: armed robbery at their home, threatening calls and the kidnapping of her cousin, a wealthy businessperson. The family was forced to pay a ransom for his release. The early 2000s in Colombia, under President Andres Pastrana, were years of intense violence by guerrilla gangs such as the FARC, who targeted wealthier Colombians. They would just pick up anybody who they believed they could get money from, said Valdes. Her aunt would often call Valdes mom from Florida, telling her their family would be safer here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family arrived on a tourist visa in 2002, found a lawyer and applied for asylum. It was denied in 2004. Under U.S. immigration policy, people who have suffered persecution due to factors such as race, religion, nationality, membership to a social group, or political opinion can apply for asylum. It must be filed within a year of arrival in the United States. Valdes familys interview did not go well and they were placed in removal proceedings. They appealed and in 2006 took the case to the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals. The familys asylum application claimed that Valdes mom would be killed by the FARC guerilla gang if she returned to Colombia, in connection with her cousins kidnapping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the court ultimately found holes in her case, and said her fear is not well founded and that she failed to prove that she would be in danger if she returned to Colombia. Their final motion was denied in part because it was filed 45 days late, according to the court filing. Valdes was just 11 years old when the courts denied her familys final plea to stay in the United States. The family was issued removal orders. I feel like I made a mistake asking for asylum, said Valdes mother. I wasnt guided well because I was scared and didnt know what to do. She says predatory lawyers charged her close to $40,000 but never told her the truth about her odds of winning the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its pure show, she said in Spanish. I believed they would help, but they did nothing. By then, Valdes and her brothers were attending public schools in West Palm Beach, a right undocumented children have because of a supreme court ruling which passed narrowly in the early 80s. I just kind of poured my whole life into school, just to kind of distract myself from other things going on in life, specifically with immigration, she said. In fifth grade, she won the science fair. At Roosevelt Middle School she was in the pre-med program and the national junior honor society. She always had As and Bs in school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when her middle school national honor society was invited to Australia, she had to stay behind, unable to travel because she was undocumented. At Suncoast Community High School, she was invited to sing in a choir concert in Europe, but again, she could not go. In 2007, ICE detained Valdes parents and her eldest brother. Her other brother and Valdes were picked up from school and reunited with their parents at the ICE office. Valdes mom said the officer told her that since the family had a removal order, they needed to deport at least one person to prove they completed their quota for the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to this day, Valdes and her mother cant fully explain why the father was deported but they were released. Was it luck? Did the ICE officers sympathize with their family? Then 13, Valdes remembers standing in the Miami immigration office as agents took her father away. He was wearing jeans, a tan coat and a gray-blue fishermans hat, she said. What I remember the most is that there was, like, some sort of feeling that I got, that I knew that I was never gonna see him again. He was deported in January of 2007, when Valdes was in seventh grade. It was the only semester she ever failed in school, she said. Her father died at 69 in Colombia in 2022. A petition for him to get legal status and return to the U.S., filed on his behalf of his son from a previous marriage, was approved a year after his death, said Valdes. 17 years too late, she said, in tears. DACA as a lifeline In 2012, Valdes and her mother were preparing to leave the United States for good. Flights were booked. Boxes mailed. Then, just 14 days before departure, President Obama announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The program was meant to protect children like Valdes, who came to the U.S. at a young age. Valdes was 18. Her phone lit up with messages from people in her community who knew she was undocumented. She applied that October. As a Dreamer, or DACA recipient, shes protected from deportation and able to work legally but cant travel outside the country. Her two older brothers, Ricardo and Jean Paul, had already left the country by then. After attending public schools and graduating from high school, the brothers could not attend college or find work. So in 2011, they returned to Colombia, and their mother sent them money to attend university. They both still live there and havent seen their mom in 14 years. Valdes situation was slightly better, but without legal permanent residency, she didnt qualify for most scholarships. The one scholarship she did get was a $4,000 scholarship from the Global Education Center at Palm Beach State, but $1,500 was deducted in taxes because she was considered a foreign student. Starting in 2014, Florida universities provided in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students under certain conditions. But because Valdes didnt enroll in college within a year of graduating from high school, she lost access to the waiver. That waiver was recently canceled in Florida for undocumented students, and starting July 1, at least 6,500 DACA recipients in Florida enrolled in public universities will have to pay the out-of-state tuition rate. Michelle Valdes (left) spends time with her mother who is undocumented and plans to leave the United States for her native Colombia, leaving behind her daughter and life of over two decades. When people asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I would ask for money to pay my tuition, she said. Throughout those years, people would come to Valdes asking for help filling out their work permit applications, DACA applications and other legal forms, and they would say, Wow, you are so good at it. Although she never wanted to do anything law or immigration related, she kept getting pulled in that direction, and decided to get her paralegal certificate, Valdes said. She now works at an immigration law office. Her plan is to go to law school after getting hands on training. I always thought: When I turn 18, Im an adult why am I still tied to my moms case? she said. But nobody explained it. At her job in the law office, she finally learned the full truth of her case. Her name is still listed on her mothers asylum application the case that was denied in 2006. So she still had a final removal order connected to her name. That case, and its order of removal, still haunts her. Although shes married to a U.S. citizen, it will take her years to adjust her status to get a green card and permanent residency status. The process will involve her husband filing petitions and waivers explaining that it would be an extreme hardship for him if she were deported. Valdes will have to leave the country and re-enter. In all, the process could take around eight years. Former president Joe Biden had a program to help people like Valdes, whose family is of mixed-status but the program was shut down by Republicans. Immigration attorneys say there are fewer and fewer pathways for people married to U.S. citizens to legalize their status. The roadblocks and complications frustrate Valdes to tears. Valdes said that it is not fair that under our immigration system, a child, at such a young age, has to suffer the consequences of the parents mistakes. No es justo, no es justo, she said, crying. Its not fair. But immigration laws, enforcement and policies are changing every day. People say get in line, get in line, get in line, and then you get in line, and its like, Oh, too bad, you dont apply with that anymore, or were just going to change the laws. Or, you know, you aged out, or you didnt submit by this day, said Valdes. In the past weeks, ICE agents across the nation have even begun detaining people as they exit immigration courthouses. Some are individuals with final orders of deportation like Valdes and her mom. Just this week, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump can revoke humanitarian parole for over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. President Trump has spoken favorably of DACA recipients, but nonetheless, Dreamers still have to reapply every two years, and there is no guarantee their right to legally be in the U.S. will not be revoked. Immigration attorneys say DACA could be the next program to be shut down by the Supreme Court. How shaky is DACA? How solid is it? Valdes asked. Same fear, different country Valdes mom says she now feels the same fear in the United States as she did in Colombia maybe worse. Im scared. Terrified, she said. Im constantly looking over my shoulder, always on alert. For years, she tried to hold on. But after 23 years, shes tired of living in limbo. Valdes and her mom try not to think much about the fact that they are leaving each other, focusing more on the present and getting through each day. Valdes mom says her ultimate goal was always for her daughter to get an education in the United States, and now that her daughter has a job, a husband, and is planting roots, she feels like she can go and let her daughter live her life. A portrait of Michelle Valdes family, who came to the United States during a particularly dangerous time in Colombia and now her mother is considering returning to Colombia amid the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. She left Colombia because she was tired of being followed. I was tired of being paranoid. I was tired of never being able to have my freedom, to just live, because I was always so scared. And fast forward, 23 years later, Im just in the same boat in a different country, she said. The hardest part for Valdes is imagining being pregnant and then giving birth without her mom by her side. But, she says, Now I tell her, I totally understand. Its your turn to finish living your life, Mom. I want her to be at peace, and I want her to rest. As her mother prepares to leave, Michelle is left with the frustration of knowing that theres nothing she can do. I am still helpless. I still cant help her. I still cant help myself. Its a looming darkness you carry every day, said Valdes. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Tenants at the historic David Copperfield Apartments are learning some for the first time that they may soon be forced out of their homes. A surprise development plan could turn the decades-old building into a hotel, and many residents say they were left completely in the dark. Man sentenced to 18 years in prison for North Kanas City High School shooting Were in the dark about their plans for the building completely, said tenant Mary Frances Morales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building, nestled in the Plaza neighborhood, has been a longtime fixture in the community. But now, change is quietly underway. FOX4 has confirmed that a special use permit to convert the complex into a hotel was approved by the city back on November 13, 2024. According to the city, the owner was required to post a yard sign about the proposal but was not obligated to notify tenants individually. Residents tell FOX4 they never saw that sign. I didnt know it was approved until just now with you, Morales said. Tenants say theres been no communication about the timeline, and with no clear answers, theyre left wondering how long theyll have before they need to find new housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really upsetting, Morales told FOX4. You at least want a bit of time to plan and organize things if you need to move. City officials say tenant impact is considered during the approval process but noted that no residents attended or spoke at the public meetings related to the permit. Its unclear how many tenants were even aware the meetings were happening. The owner of the building, Peter Caster of PAC Investments LLC, listed just eight full-time tenants in his business plan and claimed he had no intention of displacing them. However, tenants dispute that claim, saying nearly half of the building already operates as short-term rentals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some residents accuse Caster of raising rents to push long-term tenants out, under the guise of adjusting to market rate. FOX4 reached out to Caster directly. He answered the phone but hung up without responding to any questions. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Youre changing the face of communities, really, Morales added. There are people here that are really part of the community, that have lived here for ages. This is their home. With so much uncertainty, residents are left to wait and wonder. FOX4 will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as they unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Service Employees International Union California President David Huerta was injured and detained while documenting an immigration enforcement raid in downtown Los Angeles Friday, labor union officials said prompting protests and calls for his release. Huerta, 58, was treated at a hospital and then transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown L.A., where he remained in custody as of 5:30 p.m., according to a spokesperson for the labor union. Protesters spray-painted the center with messages such as "F ICE," "Burn Prisons" and "Abolish ICE." What happened to me is not about me; This is about something much bigger, he said in a statement from the hospital. This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice thats happening. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The labor union said in a statement that Huerta was detained while "while exercising his First Amendment right to observe and document law enforcement activity." Read more: ICE raids across L.A. spark backlash; Trump officials vow to continue operations Federal authorities, however, said Huerta deliberately obstructed federal agents access to a worksite where they were executing a warrant by blocking their vehicle. Agents executed four search warrants across L.A. Friday related to the suspected harboring of people illegally in the country, according to Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations, a branch of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Let me be clear: I dont care who you are if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted," U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli wrote in a statement on X. "No one has the right to assault, obstruct, or interfere with federal authorities carrying out their duties." Elected officials representing Los Angeles at the city, county, state and federal levels released a flurry of statements condemning Huertas arrest, criticizing the raids and decrying the Trump administrations escalation of deportations. SEIU California President David Huerta was injured by federal agents and wrongfully detained, said L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. I am calling for his immediate release. This is a democracy. People have a right to peacefully protest, to observe law enforcement activity, and to speak out against injustice. Gov. Gavin Newsom called Huerta a respected leader, patriot and advocate for working people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No one should ever be harmed for witnessing government action," he wrote on X. Read more: Multiple immigration sweeps reported across L.A., with a tense standoff downtown Essayli said Huerta was arrested on suspicion of interfering with federal officers and will be arraigned Monday. "There is not a First Amendment right to physically obstruct law enforcement officers from executing a duly issued warrant, said Harmeet Dhillon, the U.S. assistant attorney general for civil rights. Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) called for Huerta's immediate release, saying he was "violently thrown to the ground" by ICE agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are better than this and every American should be alarmed," McGuire said in a statement. Aside from Huerta, 44 people were administratively arrested during Fridays immigration action, OKeefe said. Hundreds of people rallied outside the Los Angeles Federal Building, condemning the crackdown and demanding Huerta's release. By 6:30 p.m., a crowd of more than 100 people had gathered outside an immigration services building and detention center downtown, with several protesters wearing T-shirts with the words, ICE out of L.A. Mandy Bell, a 65-year-old Koreatown resident, said she saw a video from the protests earlier in the day and was eager to join. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrants are not the enemy, she said. I didnt think the raids would come here. Its so wrong, so Ill be out here. I gotta find out when the next protest is. The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowd to disperse around 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., around eight police vehicles and a group of about 50 officers in riot gear closed in on a group of protesters on North Alameda Street, while a secondary group of protesters further back shouted shame on you at the officers. Were out here because people are living in fear right now, one protester shouted at an officer. You know someone who is." 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. Dawn French has taken down a video she posted on Instagram about the war in Gaza, saying she apologised "unreservedly" for it. The video sparked a backlash, with critics accusing the actress and comedian of appearing to "mock" the 7 October 2023 attack that triggered the war. On Saturday, French acknowledged on Instagram that the video "appeared one-sided", and said she never meant to "mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror" of that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope you will understand my intention was not to offend, but I clearly have. For which I am sorry and I have removed the video," she added. In the 40-second video, posted earlier this week, the Vicar of Dibley star shared her views on the ongoing war, saying: "Complicated, no, but nuanced. But [the] bottom line is no." Switching into a high-pitched voice, she went on to say: "Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us, yeah but no. But we want that land... and we have history No. Those people aren't really even people, are they really? No." On social media, people were quick to criticise her, with actress Tracy-Ann Oberman saying she was "so saddened" by the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This mocking voice 'bad thing' of October 7 that Dawn (who I revere by the way) appears [to] be mocking involved the most horrific terrorist attack involving rape, sexual violence, burning alive, child mutilation and taking of civilian hostages," she wrote. "Why would Dawn seem to deny that which has affected so many of us personally in the most painful way possible." MP Rosie Duffield commented on Oberman's post, writing: "One can, and should hate what is happening in Gaza and also condemn the hideous events of October 7th. "It is agonising to see events unfold, and requires extremely careful, measured and well-considered comments and actions. This is not that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, screenwriter and activist Lee Kern called her video "sneering mockery". Responding to the backlash, French said that she had posted a video in the style that she has been using for social media "in an effort to convey an important point". She added that she had "clumsily used a mocking tone". "My intention was NEVER to mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened on 7 October 2023 and what continues to unfold from that brutal unthinkable, unforgiveable, savage attack," she said. She said her intention had been "to mock and point the finger of shame at the behaviour of the cruel leaders on all sides of this atrocious war". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "THEY were my target, but clearly I failed to do that, and that's on me. I apologise unreservedly, and I'm particularly sorry that my disgust at Hamas didn't figure. It appeared one-sided and that is wrong." Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led cross-border attack almost 20 months ago, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. Some 54 of those captured during the attack remain in captivity, including 31 the Israeli military says are dead. At least 54,607 people have been killed in Gaza since then, including 4,335 since Israel resumed its offensive on 18 March, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. On this date in history: In 1776, the Lee Resolution, which led to the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was introduced in the Continental Congress. In 1864, Republican delegates meeting in Baltimore nominated Abraham Lincoln for his second term as president. His running mate was Andrew Johnson. In 1942, Japanese forces occupied Attu and Kiska in the Aleutian Islands. U.S. forces retook the islands one year later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1965, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Connecticut law banning contraceptives. President George W. Bush hugs Oreta Burnham, mother of killed missionary Martin Burnham, during a meeting with Gracia Burnham (L) and her family in the Oval Office July 24, 2002. On June 7, 2002, U.S. missionary Martin Burnham, captured in the Philippines by a Muslim group more than a year earlier, was fatally shot during a rescue attempt. UPI File Photo In 1967, Israeli troops captured Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. Far-right Israeli supporters wave national flags on Jerusalem Day to celebrate Israel's victory in the Six-Day War outside the Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, May 13. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI On June 7, 1864, Republican delegates meeting in Baltimore nominated Abraham Lincoln for his second term as president. His running mate was Andrew Johnson. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI In 1975, the first videocassette recorder went on sale to the public. In 1983, one day after Nicaragua expelled three U.S. diplomats, the Reagan administration ordered six Nicaraguan consulates closed and expelled six of the country's diplomats. In 1990, South African President F.W. de Klerk lifted a 4-year-old nationwide state of emergency in all but the strife-torn Indian Ocean province of Natal. In 1998, three white supremacists killed James Byrd Jr. by dragging him for 3 miles behind a pickup truck in Jasper, Texas. The three men were convicted of murder -- one was executed in 2011, another is on death row and a third was sentenced to life in prison. The lynching spurred a Texas hate crime law as well as the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2002, U.S. missionary Martin Burnham, captured in the Philippines by a Muslim group more than a year earlier, was fatally shot during a rescue attempt. In 2008, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., officially ended her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination and endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI In 2013, an arsonist set fire to a bus in Xiamen, China, killing 42 people and injuring 30 others. In 2013, six people were killed and five injured in a Santa Monica, Calif., shooting rampage that started at a private home and ended on a college campus. The dead included the 23-year-old gunman, who was shot by police. In 2021, two express trains collided in southern Pakistan, killing at least 40 people and injuring dozens. KYIV, Ukraine Russia struck Ukraine with a thunderous aerial bombardment overnight, further dampening hopes that the warring sides could reach a peace deal anytime soon days after Kyiv embarrassed the Kremlin with a surprising drone attack on military airfields deep inside Russia. The barrage was one of the fiercest of the three-year war, lasting several hours, striking six Ukrainian territories, and killing at least six people and injuring about 80 others, Ukrainian officials said Friday. Among the dead were three emergency responders in Kyiv, one person in Lutsk and two people in Chernihiv. The attack came after U.S. President Donald Trump said his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, told him Moscow would respond to Ukraines attack Sunday on Russian military airfields. It was also hours after Trump said it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia fight for a while before pulling them apart and pursuing peace. Trumps comments were a remarkable detour from his often-stated appeals to stop the war and signaled he may be giving up on recent peace efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian cities have come under regular bombardment since Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022. The attacks have killed more than 12,000 civilians, according to the United Nations. Russia doesn`t change its stripes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The war has continued unabated even as a U.S.-led diplomatic push for a settlement has brought two rounds of direct peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine. The negotiations delivered no significant breakthroughs, however, and the sides remain far apart on their terms for an end to the fighting. Ukraine has offered an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin to break the deadlock. But the Kremlin has effectively rejected a truce and hasnt budged from its demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin continues efforts to falsely portray Russia as willing to engage in good-faith negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, despite Russias repeated refusal to offer any concessions, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said late Thursday. Further peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are expected in coming weeks, as is another exchange of prisoners of war. The attack involved 407 Russian drones and 44 ballistic and cruise missiles, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said. Ukrainian forces said they shot down about 30 of the cruise missiles and up to 200 of the drones. The Kyiv emergency workers were killed while responding to the strikes. They were working under fire to help people, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias Defense Ministry said it aimed at Ukrainian military targets with long-range precision weapons and successfully struck arms depots, drone factories and repair facilities, among other targets. But fitting a pattern for Russian attacks throughout the war, Fridays bombardment also struck apartment buildings and other non-military targets, Associated Press reporters observed. In Kyiv, explosions were heard for hours as falling drone debris sparked fires across several districts, said Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Administration. He urged people to seek shelter. Vitalina Vasylchenko, a 14-year-old Kyiv resident, sheltered in a parking garage with her 6-year-old sister and their mother after an explosion blew one of their windows off its hinges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard a buzzing sound, then my dad ran to me and covered me with his hand, she said. Then there was a very loud explosion. My whole life flashed before my eyes I already thought that was it. I started having a panic attack. ... Im shocked that Im alive. In Kyivs Solomyanskyi district, a fire broke out on the 11th floor of a 16-story apartment building. Emergency services evacuated three people from the burning unit. The attack caused a blackout in some areas, and more than 2,000 households on Kyivs eastern bank were without power, city officials said. Elsewhere, 10 people were injured by an aerial attack on the western city of Ternopil, regional governor Viacheslav Nehoda said. The strike damaged industrial and infrastructure facilities, left parts of the city without electricity, and disrupted water supplies. Russia also targeted the western Lviv and Khmelnytskyi regions, the northern Chernihiv region, and the central Poltava region, where at least three people were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Russia, air defenses shot down 10 Ukrainian drones heading toward the capital early Friday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. As a precaution, flights at Moscow airports were temporarily suspended overnight Thursday into Friday and then again late Friday afternoon. Ukrainian drones also targeted three other regions of Russia, authorities said, damaging apartment buildings and industrial plants. Three people were injured, officials said. Russias Defense Ministry said that air defenses downed 174 Ukrainian drones over 13 regions early Friday. It added that three Ukrainian Neptune missiles were also shot down over the Black Sea. Ukraine struck airfields and other military targets in Russia, such as fuel storage tanks and transport hubs, the Ukrainian General Staff said. Also, a locomotive derailed early Friday in the Belgorod region after the track was blown up, Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Russia has recently accused Ukraine of sabotaging the rail network. BOULDER, CO Metaphors about divorce and grief defined an emotional presentation about the Colorado River in Boulder, Colorado, on June 6. Those metaphors, however, did not represent strife or disaster in stalled water negotiations, but apparent progress and the willingness to let go of past ideas and move toward compromise. "We've heard about the stages of grief ... about denial and anger and the need to be at bargaining," said Chuck Cullom, executive director of the Upper Colorado River Commission. "Well, I believe the basin states are there." Officials involved in tense negotiations over how to manage shortages on the Colorado River suggested that months of harsh talk and stalemates have ended and negotiators are exploring new options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials indicated that even parts of the "Law of the River," a 100-year-old legal framework that governs Colorado River allocations, could change as a result of the negotiations. We're trying to pivot to something else and be creative, and we have good engagement on that right now," said Colby Pellegrino, deputy general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. While most of the negotiators from the seven Colorado River basin states did not attend the conference at the University of Colorado in Boulder, the speakers who did attend were cautiously optimistic about their chances at making a deal. The states have been wrangling for two years over how to distribute water cuts as reservoir levels and stream flows have plummeted in the river. Existing operation guidelines for the river expire in 2026, and the federal government will impose its own regime of water cuts unless states can reach a deal. Now, officials are signaling that progress has resumed toward a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternative urged: How will Arizona deal with Colorado River shortages? Cities need a 'Plan B,' expert says State negotiators are meeting more often The Colorado River is a critical source of water for Arizona, providing 36% of the states water, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Populous counties in central and southern Arizona Maricopa, Pinal and Pima are the most vulnerable when it comes to water cuts as their water rights have lower priority. Negotiators from the upper and lower basins of the Colorado River have blown through several informal deadlines to reach a deal, sniping at one another in public remarks and propping up their own proposals for shortage management. The debate often centered on whether upper basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) should take any administered water cuts, as lower basin states like Arizona have already taken cuts. Now, the basin states have begun the process of letting go, Pellegrino said, backing away from some of the ideas they clung to at the beginning of the process and imagining new compromises. The states, along with federal officials, have met every other week since the end of March, according to Scott Cameron, acting assistant secretary for water and science at the Department of the Interior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameron said the Trump administration is looking to rework and expand the alternatives for river management that the Biden administration put forward in January. Cameron said Trump officials like Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are seeking to engage intensely and support Colorado River basin states in reaching a deal. Although the administration has fired large numbers of federal employees working in water modeling, Cameron said he was working to shield this process from those cuts, and state representatives have said they are receiving strong services from federal agencies. Californias representative on the river, J.B. Hamby, said in an interview on June 5 that renewed support from federal officials has helped jump-start negotiations. For the longest time, states weren't meeting all that often, or were certainly not inviting the feds into the room," Hamby said. "Now that the Trump administration officials are actively engaged in our discussions, I think everyone who supports the basin-state process has seen that as a material benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameron said he has also met with several of the 30 tribes in the Colorado River basin to learn about their unique and differing positions and incorporate their views into official negotiations. Less water: Worsening climate outlooks raise the stakes for an agreement on the Colorado River Water use on the river has become more unsustainable The Colorado River is expected to carry about half of the water it should, according to the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center, pushing states dangerously close to trip wires for legal action under contracts that govern the river. Scientists expect climate change to bring more erratic flows to the river in the long term, with an overall decline in water levels. Brian Richter, scientist and president of the nonprofit Sustainable Waters, presented preliminary estimates on June 5 that potentially a quarter of human water use in the Colorado River basin over the last decade has been unsustainable, meaning it is drawing on limited water reserves that natural water cycles have not replenished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a massive cultural change that has to happen in this space, and about how we use water, and that is going to affect the culture of every single water user, Pellegrino said. "And we need to be doing that cultural change very rapidly." Cameron indicated that the negotiations could mean big changes in the bedrock laws that govern the river, saying some of the legal framework defining river management can be changed by Congress or state legislatures. The Colorado River is governed by a long list of compacts, court decrees, and international agreements with Mexico. "We don't take all aspects of what people lump together as the 'Law of the River' right now to be fixed," Cameron said. "If the needs of society change, we ought to be open to having a conversation about changing existing law." Cameron said his team has notified federal lawmakers that they might seek congressional action in the spring of 2026. The federal team aims to have a final decision in place by the summer of that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interested in stories about water? Sign up for AZ Climate, The Republic's free weekly environment newsletter. But to even reach a state-approved deal, Pellegrino said, state negotiators need to be better shielded from stakeholders and interest groups in their states that keep squashing ideas for deals before they can be fleshed out. If every whisper of what we are working on results in every person who's worried about how it might affect them running and saying, 'This isn't the deal for us,' we're never going to get there, Pellegrino said. Cullom and Pellegrino said the basin is dealing with a hydrological reality in the river that no one can change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are trying to turn this thing upside down and sideways, trying to find a unicorn," Cullom said. "But there is probably not an operational scheme that prevents us from the challenges that this drier future brings. Austin Corona covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to austin.corona@arizonarepublic.com. Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Colorado River negotiations are getting unstuck, officials say A contentious Conneaut Lake Borough Council meeting late last year has become the focus of litigation in the latest escalation of back-and-forth claims pitting one council member against two other borough officials. Mario DeBlasio filed suit last week in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against fellow council member Bill Eldridge and Brenda Braden, the boroughs former secretary-treasurer. The lawsuit accuses Eldridge and Braden of a calculated effort to discredit and humiliate DeBlasio at the Nov. 13 council meeting and claims that they falsely accused him (DeBlasio) of harassment, unethical conduct, and creating a hostile work environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit further alleges that due to comments from Eldridge and Braden during the meeting, DeBlasio has suffered damage to his reputation, public humiliation, emotional distress, and loss of business relationships and profits. Citing the ongoing nature of the litigation, Brian Pulito, the lawyer representing DeBlasio in the case, declined to elaborate or offer examples of the alleged damage that DeBlasio, a contractor and owner of rental properties, had experienced. Pulito said the suit was filed in Allegheny County. The harm that occurred to him occurred wherever the publications were made, Pulito said Thursday. For defamation, thats anywhere where somebody reads it, so in this particular case, he has customers and clients in Allegheny County. Eldridge declined to comment on the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My attorney has advised me to not make public statements until the court case is resolved, he said Thursday. Similarly citing the ongoing litigation, Braden also declined to comment. The lawsuit comes weeks after council members voted 4-3, with DeBlasio among the majority and Eldridge in the minority, to replace Eldridge as project manager for the Water Street revitalization program. Eldridge has chaired the revitalization committee coordinating the effort on a volunteer basis since its beginning in 2012 and wrote the grant applications that have brought the borough $10 million in funding over the years. The vote to replace him came after heated discussion in the meeting between DeBlasio, Eldridge and two other members. Conflicts between DeBlasio and Eldridge have been evident at council meetings for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2024, the two exchanged words briefly regarding a vote to hire an engineering inspection firm to perform inspections for a traffic light installation project in the borough. DeBlasio questioned whether the $42,000 contract could be awarded without bidding. Eldridge and the boroughs lawyer assured him that state law allows noncompetitive contracts for professional services. Several months later, DeBlasio submitted an extensive Right-to-Know request to the borough regarding the traffic signal construction projects; the hiring of Braden as borough secretary-treasurer; and the operations of the Conneaut Lake Area Community Development Committee that Eldridge chairs. At councils October meeting, Eldridge criticized the request, describing it as a 21-section document meant as punishment/harassment directly in response to last months discussion concerning Councilman DeBlasios unprofessional behavior towards Braden, who was the secretary-treasurer at the time, similarly said she viewed the request as a personal attack in response to her criticism of DeBlasio. In an interview with The Meadville Tribune after the meeting, DeBlasio defended his request as a legitimate effort at oversight on public funds and activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A month later, the conflict reached a tipping point as Braden read a letter to council members explaining why she would be resigning at the end of the year. The reason for her resignation, she said, was her belief that DeBlasio was trying to intimidate and belittle her in response to her not providing him with information he requested in his Right-to-Know request. Airing the thinking behind her resignation at a council meeting was an intentional effort, Braden said according to the lawsuit, to get these actions and behavior(s) on public record so the public can see, in my opinion, what a detrimental effect Mario DeBlasio has on the productivity of the Council, Borough and its employees. Eldridge alleged that the boroughs personnel committee had determined that a complaint made against DeBlasio by Braden was valid. Eldridge also said that DeBlasio had been given a written caution in the past that described DeBlasios behavior as unprofessional and undesirable. DeBlasio again defended the legitimacy of his request and said that all of his interactions with Braden had been in clear view of the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was the behavior? What is this imaginary harassment? DeBlasio asked during the November meeting, according to the lawsuit. Mario wants to know where the money went, thats harassment? Because public meetings typically focus on routine agency business, lawsuits involving the comments of public officials at public meetings are uncommon, according to Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. Public officials also enjoy a certain amount of immunity from liability related to their official duties, but she noted that the protection is not limitless, and it would not typically apply to conduct outside the scope of their official duties. Proof of defamation requires a false statement of fact that tends to harm reputation or standing in the community, Melewsky said. The truth is not defamatory, and opinion is speech protected by the First Amendment, she added. In this case, a judge will determine if the comments were beyond the scope of the officials duty, and if so, whether they constitute defamation, both of which will be very fact-specific determinations. The mural in the Delhi Post Office is getting some recognition 85 years after it was painted. Its an important work of art in our area that hasnt had much attention, Pamela Benson, project coordinator, said. Benson and Bovina Librarian Annette Corvelo applied for and received a project grant from the Roxbury Arts Group to create broader student and community awareness of the historic mural, a news release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a great opportunity to expand local awareness about this important mural, Benson said. The 1940 mural The Down-Rent War is both a master work of New Deal era art and an important representation of the 1840s Anti-Rent War in Delaware County. The two worked with Andes Central School fourth grade teacher Mary Pelletier to introduce the mural to her students before they took a field trip to the post office to see the mural in person, Benson said. Pelletier talked about the mural and about the Anti-Rent War. The 15 students got to see pictures of the mural that was painted by artist Mary Earley before they visited the post office June 4. Benson said the students were excited when they walked into the post office and pointed their fingers toward the painting and said there it is, there it is. Bovina Historian Ray LaFever was also there to talk about the mural and answer questions from students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were lucky hes here to help us, Benson said, as he is very well versed in the Anti-Rent War. LaFever wrote a book about the history of Bovina and the Anti-Rent War affected many residents of the town. Andes was at the center of the Anti-Rent War in Delaware County so it seemed appropriate to include Andes students as the first group of students to learn about the mural, Benson said. This fall, some area high school students will learn about the mural and conflict. Around 1839, the tenant farmers became aroused because they could not own the land they lived on and worked and must always pay rent to the manor lords, Early stated when she painted the mural, the release stated. According to information about the conflict on the Pomeroy Foundation website, wealthy landowner Stephen Van Rensselaer and Alexander Hamilton created a durable lease system that bypassed the fact that this idea of feudalism had been made illegal in the state of New York in 1787. Along with requiring the tenants to pay their annual rent, they were also required to pay taxes on the land even though the tenants were only allowed to use it for agricultural purposes. The land owner, or patroon, had access to everything else on the land, including timber, mineral, and water rights. Also listed in the lease was the caveat that if the tenant wished to sell the land, they would be required to pay a quarter of the sale price directly to the patroon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Anti-Rent War lasted from 1839 through 1846 in 11 upstate counties. In Andes, Delaware County Undersheriff Osman Steele was killed at a property sale at Moses Earles farm Aug. 7, 1845. The states Constitution was amended in 1846 to outlaw the durable lease system. The scene in the mural shows a meeting of farmers just before dawn discussing plans to avert a neighboring farmers eviction, reminding viewers of the power of collective resistance in the face of injustice, the release stated. Its the only mural in Delaware County painted during the Works Progress Administration era, Benson said. It was a big project at the time. Its an amazing piece of art. The scope, depth, size and colors are wonderful. In addition to area students learning about the mural, LaFever will give a community presentation about the mural on Sept. 17 at the Bovina Public Library, the release stated. Benson said the time hasnt been confirmed yet. The grant also paid for a photograph of and information about the mural to be printed on oversize postcards that will be available at area post offices this fall. Benson said she hopes people will visit the mural in Delhi. A 5G mast that was set on fire in west Belfast has been extinguished, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said. A report of a fire in Dunmurry was made shortly after 14:40 BST on Saturday. Police are currently in attendance at the Springbank Industrial Estate. They said: "the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition." The Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) attended and extinguished the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been a series of arson attacks on 5G masts in west Belfast, with the fire service recording 13 incidents between January 2023 and December 2024. The Sinn Fein MP for the area said: "I want to strongly condemn the latest suspected arson attack". Paul Maskey also said: "This behaviour is both ludicrous and absolutely nonsensical. "Just a few weeks ago, Sinn Fein published the results of a survey highlighting widespread mobile signal black spots across the west of the city some of which are due to damage caused to masts," he added. "Those responsible for this disgraceful vandalism must be brought to justice." Democrats are diving forcefully into the immigration fight, dismissing concerns about political backlash to confront President Trump directly on a polarizing issue that ranks among the presidents strongest suits in the eyes of voters. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is leading the charge. Not only has he waged an animated defense of Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), who is facing federal charges following a recent scuffle with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside a migrant detention center in New Jersey, but hes also demanding that the masked ICE officers involved in the fracas and Trumps broader mass deportation campaign be publicly identified. Every single ICE agent who is engaged in this aggressive overreach and are trying to hide their identities from the American people will be unsuccessful in doing that, Jeffries told reporters in the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is America, he added. This is not the Soviet Union. Were not behind the Iron Curtain. This is not the 1930s. And every single one of them, no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes, will of course be identified. The call drew immediate howls from officials with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other Republicans, who have long-accused Democrats of siding with people in the country illegally over the rule of law a major theme of Trumps successful campaign last year. Many of the GOP critics are accusing Democrats of putting the safety of federal law enforcement officers in jeopardy. We take threats to law enforcement very seriously. As the state leading the nation in immigration enforcement, FL will not sit idly by and allow agents from DHS/ICE and/or state and local agencies to be targeted, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) posted on X, linking to Jeffriess comments. DeSantis said hes instructed Florida law enforcers to be on the lookout for any doxxing campaigns aimed at law enforcers, and to respond quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sabotaging the work of those in the immigration enforcement arena will not stand! he wrote. Capitol Hill Republicans are piling on. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) this week introduced legislation designed to shield federal law enforcers from doxxing. Violators could face five years in prison. The pushback has done little to dissuade Jeffries, who on Thursday doubled down on his identification push, wondering why those involved in Trumps mass deportation campaign should enjoy privileges of anonymity that others in law enforcement dont. It seems to me that the officials at the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE, should be held to the same standards as every other part of law enforcement in terms of transparency, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strategy has its risks. Trump has built his political brand around an America First message that helped propel him into the White House in 2016 and again in 2024. His big, beautiful bill working its way through Congress includes, as a central feature, an immigration crackdown that helped usher the bill through the House last month. And while Trumps approval rating is underwater across almost every major issue, including the economy, recent polls indicate that his approach to immigration is the sole exception, winning more supporters than detractors. Still, the Democrats aggressive pushback against Trumps policies is a clear sign that theyre not shying away from the immigration issue, regardless of the potential pitfalls. And the de-masking of ICE agents is just one front of a much broader fight theyre taking up this year. In recent weeks, Democrats have also rallied behind immigrants deported without due process, including a Maryland resident who was mistakenly sent to El Salvador. Theyve staged public protests outside migrant detention centers, like the one in Newark that led to McIvers arrest. And top Democrats are up in arms after DHS agents stormed into the district office of Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and handcuffed a staffer with accusations that aides were harboring immigration rioters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, characterized the latter incident as intolerable. Im relieved this situation was resolved, but DHSs actions first, in attempting to enter the office without a warrant or consent, and then proceeding to handcuff and detain a terrified young congressional staffer without cause were the stuff of police in a banana republic or a gangster state, Raskin said in an email. This outrageous behavior reflects an alarming disregard for the law and a shocking disrespect for the peoples House and the lawmaking branch of government, he continued. DHS does not have the authority to barge into congressional offices with vague demands and arrest or intimidate legislative staffers. We will not tolerate such lawlessness. Raskin and Nadler are pressing Republicans on the Judiciary Committee, led by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), to stage hearings on the unusual incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent battleline of the partisan immigration war arrived this week, when Trump announced a travel ban affecting 12 countries. The makeup of the targets largely African or Middle Eastern countries with mostly non-white populations were not overlooked by Democrats, some of whom accused the president of using official policy to promote bigotry. Make no mistake: Trumps latest travel ban will NOT make America safer, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) wrote on X. We cannot continue to allow the Trump administration to write bigotry and hatred into U.S. immigration policy. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) delivered a similar warning. From his first Muslim Ban, Trumps travel bans have always betrayed the ideals and values that inspired Americas Founders, Beyer posted on X. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Seven Democratic lawmakers unveiled legislation Thursday outlining updated air safety regulations after a deadly passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter in January. The proposed bill would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to do safety reviews after commercial airline accidents while requiring companies to use advanced aircraft-tracking technology known as ADS-B. Democratic Sens. Maria Cantwell (Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Mark Warner (Va.) and Ed Markey (Mass.) introduced the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 to strengthen aviation safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), airports across the nation, and the Federal Aviation Administration, according to a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have called for major reform for airlines after several deadly plane crashes at the beginning of the year. Complications continued in early May, as two commercial passenger jets landing at National Airport last week needed to shift course because of an Army helicopter taking a scenic route near the airport. Duffy, in part, said incidents occurred due to a dwindling air traffic control staff, outdated communication technology and a lack of clear guidance on military flights. However, lawmakers say Thursdays legislation will help close the gap in aviation regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DCA tragedy claimed 67 lives and exposed critical gaps in aviation safety oversightover 15,000 near-misses should have been a glaring warning sign, Cantwell said in the release. This legislation closes dangerous loopholes that allowed aircraft to operate without essential safety technology, mandates modern surveillance systems that enhance pilot awareness of nearby aircraft, and ensures the FAA finally acts on the data instead of ignoring it. The FAA declined The Hills request for comment on the pending 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 The Hill. Senior Chinese official urges consistency in fight against organized crime Xinhua) 09:56, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong on Friday emphasized the need to make the fight against organized crime a regular and ongoing effort, with improved mechanisms and more effective methods. At a meeting on the sustained campaign against organized crime, Wang, who is also a member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that it is necessary to "crack down on all crime, eliminate all evildoers, target all protective umbrella organizations, fight all forms of corruption, and restore order wherever there is chaos." Wang called for more precise and forceful strikes against crime, for a "zero tolerance" stance, and for speed, accuracy and intensity to be prioritized to ensure there is no room for criminal elements. He also urged the formation of a sound, sustainable mechanism to prevent and control organized crime, with the aim of eliminating breeding grounds for such forces. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) DENVER (KDVR) The Giggling Grizzly bar in downtown Denver announced that it is closing its doors this summer. The bar posted a statement from its owner on Facebook, explaining that the closure comes with the buildings purchase by local developers. Plans approved, groundbreaking date in sight for historic Denver venue renovations We came out here all those years ago to expand our hospitality properties to the Rockies, but what we found was family and friends. We have had sooo many ups, and sadly, some pretty sad downs, but we have loved every minute of it, the statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bar said its last day of business will be on Sunday, July 6. We will have one last 4th of July weekend with the Rockies and fireworks, and many days in between to come say Hi to all of our awesome team, and goodbye to a place that we hope has brought you many smiles, laughs, and maybe even a headache the next day:). Cheers to you all and we appreciate and love you!! The building, along with the neighboring historic jazz club El Chapultepec, was purchased by Monfort Companies in 2022. The developers renovation plans were officially approved by the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission earlier this year, and they plan to begin construction this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. On Saturday morning, the Orange County Sheriffs Office said a deputy shot and injured a man who had attacked the deputy behind a store on Hiawassee Road. At a media briefing, Sheriff John Mina reported that a deputy noticed a man acting suspiciously in a small, fenced-in area behind the Save Discount store at 2793 N Hiawassee Road. The location is shown below. Mina stated that the deputy approached the man to inquire about his actions. The suspect crossed over the fence and began reaching for a bag. The deputy attempted to detain the man, but he managed to escape before assaulting the deputy. According to Mina, the deputy was hit in the head and face around twenty times during the fight. At one point, two handguns fell out of the bag the suspect was carrying and he then ran to grab the guns. Both weapons can be seen below. Mina said the deputy fired several shots after the man grabbed both guns. The unidentified man was struck and transported to the hospital. Mina stated the suspect is stable and will face aggravated battery charges against a law enforcement officer, with additional firearm-related charges expected. Mina said the suspect has an extensive criminal history, including robbery and larceny. The deputy involved in this incident was also transported to the hospital for possible head injuries. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an investigation into the case. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Deputy involved shooting on N. Hiawassee Road. Deputy involved shooting on N. Hiawassee Road. Advertisement Advertisement Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over his campus activism, said he has suffered visceral harm after missing the birth of his son while in federal custody. The most immediate and visceral harms I have experienced directly relate to the birth of my son, Deen. Instead of holding my wifes hand in the delivery room, I was crouched on a detention center floor, whispering through a crackling phone line as she labored alone, Khalil, a green-card holder, wrote in court documents filed Thursday. I listened to her pain, trying to comfort her while 70 other men slept around me, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration said it plans to revoke Khalils legal status and urged him to deport himself voluntarily, according to reports from The Associated Press. Khalil was denied permission to go to the birth of his first child last month. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initiated removal efforts for Khalil in March, citing a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act over the governments allegation that he participated in pro-Hamas rhetoric at campus protests amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. To not be able to see them, hold them, speak with them freely, enjoy everything I imagined our first days as a family would be like, is devastating. Worst still is knowing that they must face all the fear and notoriety of this case without me, Khalil wrote in this weeks court documents. The Rubio Determination is casting a shadow of suspicion across our entire family. I could never have imagined this would happen, and it is horrifying to experience this as a husband and father, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalil, in the court filings, denied accusations that he supports Hamas but questioned the Israeli governments strikes on innocent Palestinians. Democrats and advocacy organizations have urged officials to immediately release Khalil, alleging that his constitutional right to free speech has been ignored. This arrest is unprecedented, illegal, and un-American. The federal government is claiming the authority to deport people with deep ties to the U.S. and revoke their green cards for advocating positions that the government opposes. To be clear: The First Amendment protects everyone in the U.S. The governments actions are obviously intended to intimidate and chill speech on one side of a public debate, Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said in a statement. The State Department did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (NewsNation) A special tactical unit of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is being credited with helping capture fugitive Grant Hardin, the so-called Devil in the Ozarks who escaped from an Arkansas prison May 25. Multiple sources tell NewsNation correspondent Ali Bradley that three agents from the Border Patrol Tactical Unit, or BORTAC, were in on Hardins apprehension Friday. BORTAC, which is based out of El Paso, Texas, has members deployed throughout the country. State officials said Arkansas law enforcement also was involved in Hardins capture near Moccasin Creek in Izard County, less than two miles west of the North Central Unit prison where Hardin escaped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters confront ICE agents in cities across US Federal officials said BORTAC agents out of the Rio Grande Valley Sector had been assigned to search for Hardin. CBP said BORTAC agents have advanced search capabilities and extensive training in navigating complex terrain such as the region into which Hardin disappeared. Chief Border Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez said the units unique capabilities and training are well-suited for the demands of this critical mission. The BORTAC team is often called in when all other options for search assistance have been exhausted, federal officials said What other high-profile cases has BORTAC worked on? BORTAC agents were also called into action when reports emerged of an active shooter at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Monthly reported at the time that BORTAC agents were investigating stash houses on the border just west of Uvalde when agents were dispatched to the school where the shooting took place. BORTAC agents were later credited with fatally shooting the suspect in the high-profile school shooting. Law enforcement personnel stand outside Robb Elementary School following a shooting, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File) The presence of border agents caused some to question why federal immigration agents were involved, but agency officials told the outlet that agents are routinely present in Uvalde, which is located about 80 miles from northern Mexico. Grand theft cargo: Sinaloa cartel targets US rail companies BORTAC was also involved in the 2023 capture of Danelo Cavalcante, who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison and was captured after a two-week manhunt. Cavalcante, a convicted murderer, was located as part of a multi-unit search in which officers were able to surround him in a wooded area of the state without his knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The specialized Border Patrol team was also called in to assist with another jailbreak at a maximum-security prison in New York in 2015. Agents shot and killed one of the escaped inmates, Richard Matt. In that operation, BORTAC agents swooped into a wooded area by helicopter and fatally shot Matt after he reportedly pointed a shotgun at agents, NBC News reported. Agents were also dispatched to the Los Angeles riots in 1992, in which they assisted local police officers in dealing with the civil unrest that followed the police-involved beating of Rodney King. BORTAC agents are also sometimes assigned to provide security assistance at high-profile events like the Super Bowl, to assist with response to natural disasters and to assist with immigration operations in sanctuary cities, according to reports. BORTAC was created in 1984 to serve as a civil disobedience function to respond to riots at legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service detention centers, CBP officials said. The tactical team was quickly shifted to assist with high-risk warrant service, intelligence and reconnaissance missions and well as foreign law enforcement. How are BORTAC agents trained? The training for BORTAC agents is designed to mirror aspects of the U.S. Special Operations Forces, CBP officials said. Agents are put through training that can often last more than a month, which involves physical testing and pistol qualification, as well as swimming, treading water and drown-proofing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents who pass the physical portion of the training are then put through weeks of intensive training in small unit tactics, defensive tactics and airmobile operations, the agency said. The tactical training involves putting trainees through sleep deprivation and stress conditions training, as well as learning advanced techniques in weapons and tactics. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Department of Homeland Security request for 21,000 National Guard troops to support expansive interior immigration enforcement operations includes a call for troops to search for unaccompanied children in some cases and transport them between states, three sources briefed on the plan told NBC News. Having National Guard troops perform such tasks, which are not explained in detail in the DHS request, has prompted concern among Democrats in Congress and some military and law enforcement officials. The tasks are laid out in a May 9 request for assistance from the Department of Homeland Security to the Pentagon. The document states that this represents the first formal request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the deployment of National Guard personnel in support of interior immigration enforcement operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The request calls for National Guard troops to be used for Search and Rescue for UACs [Unaccompanied Alien Children] in remote or hostile terrain, and Intra- and inter-state transport of detainees/ unaccompanied alien children (UACs), without clearly explaining what that would entail. Most of the troops, about 10,000, would be used for transporting detained individuals, DHS said. Roughly 2,500 troops would be used for detention support, but the document does not specify where. Another 1,000 troops would be assigned to administrative support, such as processing detainees. The request also asks for up to 3,500 troops to Attempt to Locate Fugitives and to conduct surveillance and canvassing missions, as well as night operations and rural interdictions. It also asks for support for ICE in joint task force operations for absconder/fugitive tracking, according to the three sources familiar with the plans. NPR first reported the details of the DHS request. Concerns about the use of troops Democrats in Congress and military and law enforcement officials have expressed concern about the use of National Guard troops to perform what they say are civilian law enforcement duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One characterized the plan as the Trump administration finding a way to get the National Guard into the streets and into American homes, saying, I fear its going to look like a police state. A second source said, Trump has said he wants to use the National Guard for law enforcement, and the Pentagon and other entities have always said, Oh, dont worry, it will never come to that. But this is it. Pentagon officials did not respond to a request for comment. Defense officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said the request has not been approved and is being evaluated by Pentagon policy officials, the general counsels office and other Pentagon leadership. The officials say the most likely course of action would be for some parts of the request to be approved and others rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But one source briefed on the plans said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is close to approving some elements of the request and is considering which state governors to approach first regarding National Guard units. We are so much closer to this being real, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. DHS is requesting the National Guard troops under Title 32 status, which means they would remain on state active duty under the command of their governor but would be federally funded. Title 32 status generally allows National Guard troops to conduct law enforcement activities without violating the Posse Comitatus Act, an 1878 law that bars the use of federal troops in law enforcement operations. A National Guard member who opposes troops performing such tasks told NBC News, I plan to leave the National Guard soon over this. The Texas National Guard uses a pepper spray gun to disperse migrants maintaining a camp within the Rio Grande on the border between Mexico and the United States in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on April 20, 2024. (David Peinado / Anadolu / Getty Images) Tensions between DOD and DHS over cost The Pentagon is also being asked by DHS to pay the full cost of deploying the 21,000 National Guard troops. That comes amid growing tension between the Pentagon and DHS over the cost of border and other immigrant-related operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DHS request for National Guard troops arrives when the Pentagon is already footing a $23 million-a-month bill to hold as many as 2,500 undocumented immigrants in a military facility in Texas. Defense officials say they are frustrated that the camp is holding far fewer individuals than they were told to expect, and they would like a reprieve. The Defense Department is in a contract with DHS to help support DHS and ICE officers who are under pressure from deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller to arrest 3,000 undocumented immigrants a day. But it has been slow going for ICE agents, resulting in fewer arrests across the country. That has resulted in many empty beds at facilities like the one in El Paso, owned and operated by the Defense Department. Military officials say the facility has been holding an average of 150 undocumented immigrants each day over the last several weeks a fraction of its 2,500 beds. On one recent day, they said, the facility housed fewer than 80 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon officials are asking to cut the number of beds in the facility from 2,500 to about 1,000, which they say would save $12 million per month. It is not clear if the DHS request for National Guard troops will increase the need for beds in the El Paso facility. The DHS request also comes as the Pentagon is struggling to fund critical projects to support U.S. troops. Congress is aware that the department is redirecting funds from existing military construction projects like barracks improvements for lower enlisted personnel and long-standing infrastructure projects elsewhere in the world in favor of southwest border missions, a Senate aide who spoke on condition of anonymity told NBC News. They are pretty frustrated with the way that the department is ordering them to support DHS out of their own pockets for a grossly disproportionate cost compared to what ICE facilities would cost the government, added the aide, referring to military officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the Pentagon notified Congress that it planned to transfer more than $1.74 million in the current DOD budget to the southwest border mission, a step that will take money away from renovating barracks and base facilities. Service member advocacy groups have criticized the move. Rob Evans, the founder of Hots&Cots, where service members can post reviews of barracks, dining areas and other facilities, says he sees evidence daily of barracks with sewage leaks, mold, failing HVAC systems and more. When funding is pulled from this line, troops pay the price in real ways: delayed repairs, worsening conditions, and a growing sense that their well-being comes second to optics and operations, Evans said. Service members deserve clean, safe, and dignified living conditions. Theyve earned at least that much. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com NEED TO KNOW Serial killer Richard Ramirez known as the "Night Stalker" murdered at least 13 people in the Los Angeles area from 1984 to 1985 He was sentenced to death in 1989 He died in in 2013 at 53 years old Richard Ramirez a.k.a. the Night Stalker terrorized Los Angeles with his twisted crimes in the 1980s. From April 1984 to August 1985, Ramirez killed at least 13 people, sneaking into their homes in the middle of the night through open windows and unlocked doors, per CBS News. But his trail of terror didnt stop there: Ramirez also robbed, raped and beat many others, using a wide variety of weapons (including handguns, knives and even a tire iron) to inflict his brutality, according to CBS. The randomness of his attacks and methods left authorities perplexed and allowed Ramirez to escape capture for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Texas-born murderer was eventually caught on Aug. 31, 1985, as he attempted to steal a car in East L.A. An angry mob of citizens who recognized him from media coverage as the Night Stalker surrounded him, beating him with a steel rod until police arrived. It would take another four years for Ramirez to be brought to trial for his crimes. But on Sept. 20, 1989, the man known as the Night Stalker was found guilty of all 43 counts including 13 counts of murder, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults and 14 burglaries. Ramirez was given a total of 13 death sentences, and was sentenced to be executed by gas chamber, The New York Times reported. Ramirez died in June 2013 at 53 years old, according to the Los Angeles Times. He never showed any remorse for what he had done, Frank Salerno, one of the detectives who helped capture Ramirez, said in the 2017 Reelz docuseries Murder Made Me Famous. He was pure evil. So how did Richard Ramirez die? From the Night Stalkers final days to his continued notoriety, heres everything to know about his death behind bars. How did Richard Ramirez die? Bettmann/ Getty Richard Ramirez looks out the window of a police van. Richard Ramirez looks out the window of a police van. Ramirez died while awaiting execution for the string of horrific crimes he committed in California between 1984 and 1985. Initially, California corrections officials stated that Ramirez died of natural causes, per the Los Angeles Times. However, a coroners report released 10 days after his death revealed that he had died due to complications from blood cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Marin County coroners office, Ramirez had B-cell lymphoma a common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It was not clear when Ramirez had been diagnosed with cancer or whether he had been receiving treatment for it. Additionally, Ramirez had other significant conditions at the time of his death, including chronic substance abuse and chronic hepatitis C viral infection. The drug abuse occurred prior to Ramirezs imprisonment (more than two decades earlier) and was likely the cause of his hepatitis C infection, the Marin County assistant chief deputy coroner told USA Today. It's likely something that he has been dealing with for years, the coroner said about Ramirezs hepatitis C infection, per USA Today. Its killing your liver. Shortly after his capture and arrest, a friend of Ramirez's named Donna Myers confirmed that Ramirez had started to use cocaine the year prior, dissolving it in water and shooting it up. (Hepatitis C is often spread by the use of intravenous drugs, per USA Today.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had cut marks, you know, tracks, running across his left arm, Myers told PEOPLE about Ramirezs extensive drug abuse. He broke off a needle in his arm one day... he got so hooked on cocaine he just got wigged out. When did Richard Ramirez die? Bettmann/ Getty Richard Ramirez appears in court wearing prison clothes on May 6, 1986. Richard Ramirez appears in court wearing prison clothes on May 6, 1986. Ramirez died at 9:10 a.m. on June 7, 2013, according to the Los Angeles Times. Where did Richard Ramirez die? AP Photo/Doug Pizac Man identified by police as Richard Ramirez is taken from Hollenbeck police station on August 31, 1985, following his arrest in Los Angeles. Man identified by police as Richard Ramirez is taken from Hollenbeck police station on August 31, 1985, following his arrest in Los Angeles. Ramirez died at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, Calif., according to the Los Angeles Times. He had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the week from San Quentin State Prison, where he had been on death row since receiving his sentence in 1989. How old was Richard Ramirez when he died? Bettmann/Getty A mug shot of the "Night Stalker" serial killer, who perpetrated a series of brutal murders in the Los Angeles area in 1984 and 1985. A mug shot of the "Night Stalker" serial killer, who perpetrated a series of brutal murders in the Los Angeles area in 1984 and 1985. Ramirez, who was born on Feb. 29, 1960, was 53 years old when he died. What were Richard Ramirezs last words? AP Photo/John Mabanglo Richard Ramirez with attorneys Randall Martin and Daro Inouye on October 5, 1990. Richard Ramirez with attorneys Randall Martin and Daro Inouye on October 5, 1990. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Ramirezs final words before his death are unknown, his statements at his sentencing made it clear that he did not fear dying. When the jury recommended the death penalty on 19 different counts at his October 1989 trial, Ramirez appeared unbothered. Big deal, he told reporters, per the Los Angeles Times. Death comes with the territory. See you in Disneyland. At his sentencing one month later, in November 1989, Ramirez delivered a chilling monologue to the packed courtroom which included members of his family, victims who survived his attacks and relatives of those he killed. You dont understand me. You are not expected to. You are not capable of it. I am beyond your experience, Ramirez said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, I am beyond good and evil. I will be avenged. Lucifer dwells in us all. Thats it. What was the public reaction to Richard Ramirezs death? AP Photo/Russel A. Daniels David Shinn, deputy chief of the San Francisco police department, speaks during a news conference beside a photograph of "Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez on October 22, 2009. David Shinn, deputy chief of the San Francisco police department, speaks during a news conference beside a photograph of "Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez on October 22, 2009. Emotions surrounding Ramirezs death were mixed. Some expressed relief over the end of the serial killers life, while others felt disappointed that he did not face the execution by gas chamber that he was sentenced to. Law enforcement officials viewed the death of the notorious serial killer as the closing of a dark chapter in the history of Los Angeles, NBC Los Angeles reported. Though Ramirez was never executed, Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Alan Yochelson expressed to the Los Angeles Times that some measure of justice has been achieved, since the notorious killer lived out the last two-plus decades of his life behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of Ramirezs surviving victims and relatives of those he killed, however, felt that the killer known as the Night Stalker did not deserve to live as long as he did. Its about time, Bill Carns, one of the last people attacked by Ramirez, told the Los Angeles Times. He should have been put to death an awful long time ago. Reyna Pinon, the wife of one of the men who helped capture Ramirez, echoed a similar sentiment: To me, he had a better death than all those people whose lives he took, she said. Doreen Lioy, a freelance magazine editor who Ramirez married in 1996 while in prison, declined to comment to reporters following Ramirezs death. However, Ramirezs relatives in El Paso, Texas, released a statement asking for privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are mourning the loss of our son and brother, Richard Ramirez, the family told the El Paso Times. The world judged him, whether fairly or unfairly, it no longer matters. He is now before the true judge, the judge that sees and knows all things. We ask that you respect our sorrow and grief. How have Richard Ramirezs crimes been portrayed in the media? AP Photo/POOL "Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez confers with his attorney in a courtroom on May 21, 1986 in Los Angeles, CA. "Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez confers with his attorney in a courtroom on May 21, 1986 in Los Angeles, CA. Ramirezs reputation as one of the most notorious serial killers in history has lived on since his 2013 death particularly in the L.A. area. Signs of the terror the Night Stalker inflicted on southern Californians in the 1980s still remain intact today. Everybody kept their windows open and he was crawling in windows, Tiller Russell, who directed the 2021 Netflix docuseries Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer, told PEOPLE. So to this day in L.A., when you drive around, thats why there are bars on the windows. The haunting memory of Ramirez has also been kept alive through pop culture references, with his life and crimes inspiring songs, television shows, films and documentaries. Since Ramirezs death, the 2016 film The Night Stalker, the 2024 film MaXXXine, episodes of American Horror Story and multiple documentaries and docuseries have all told his sadistic story. Read the original article on People Due to conservation protection, shooting films at the Auschwitz site is not possible. In order to meet the needs of filmmakers, the Auschwitz Museum has made a digital replica, which was created "out of the growing interest of directors in the history of the German camp," explains Bartosz Bartyzel, a spokesman for the museum, in an interview with Euronews Culture. Euronews Culture: Where did the idea to create a digital replica of Auschwitz come from? Bartosz Bartyzel: The Auschwitz Museum has been working with filmmakers for many years - both documentary filmmakers and feature film directors. However, due to the conservation protection of the authentic Memorial Site, it is not possible to shoot feature films at the site. The idea to create a digital replica was born out of the need to respond to the growing interest in the history of the Auschwitz German camp in cinema and the daily experience of dealing with the film industry. This tool offers an opportunity to develop this cooperation in a new, responsible and ethical formula. Why is a replica necessary? B.B.: The regulations in force at the Memorial preclude the possibility of shooting feature films on the authentic and protected site of the former camp. However, filmmakers - especially those who want to reach for more narrative forms - need a space that allows them to tell the story faithfully. With a digital replica, they can do this without compromising the integrity of the historic site. Were filmmakers consulted with before the implementation? B.B.: In fact, it was the day-to-day collaboration with filmmakers and the production needs and challenges they reported that inspired the project. The idea was not detached from reality - on the contrary, it was born out of specific conversations, experiences and questions that had been coming from the creative community for years. Auschwitz: zdjecie rzeczywiste i replika cyfrowa. - EBU/film.auschwitz.org Who was involved in the creative process? How long did it last? B.B.: The Picture from Auschwitz project is a joint initiative of the Auschwitz Museum, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation and a team of technology specialists led by Maciej Zemojcin. The very concept crystallised over several months in the course of joint work and discussions. The technical team used the most advanced spatial scanning technologies to create a digital replica of the Auschwitz I camp. At the moment, the Foundation is making efforts to raise the funds needed to continue the project - to create a digital replica of the grounds of Auschwitz II-Birkenau, as well as the interiors of some of the buildings. What reactions did you receive after the announcement of the creation of the replica? B.B.: The reactions were definitely positive - both from the film community, which sees this as a viable and professional working tool, and from the general public, for whom this is an opportunity to learn about history in a deeper and more authentic way through the medium of film. The project has also been recognised in international debate, including at the Marche du Film in Cannes. Are there already willing filmmakers who will benefit from the replica? B.B.: We have already started discussions with the first filmmakers who have expressed an interest in collaborating using the digital replica. The details of these projects remain at the agreement stage for the time being, but we hope to be able to provide more information on the first productions soon. Replika cyfrowa Auschwitz. - film.auschwitz.org How has this project been funded and what will it take to sustain it? B.B.: The creation of the replica is financed by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation from earmarked donations made by private donors. The Foundation is seeking funds to continue the project. Its assumption is that ultimately the maintenance and development of the programme will be financed through licence fees paid by film producers who will use the materials within the Virtual Film Location. This way, the project will become a self-financing tool, simultaneously supporting the educational and commemorative mission of the Memorials. What difficulties have arisen in implementing the project? B.B.: Such large and innovative projects always face difficulties. One of the biggest was, of course, obtaining adequate funding to start and develop the project. A key challenge was also the need to reconcile high-tech solutions with the very special status of the space we were mapping. Although we are working in a digital environment, we must not forget that every step we take concerns an authentic Memorial, which is subject to unique protection. This must be a priority thought in every action. The Disney Conservation Fund marked its 30th anniversary by awarding the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation a $1 million grant. The announcement was made during the Corridor Connect Summit at Disneys Coronado Springs Resort. The grant helps protect Floridas natural lands, wildlife, and endangered species, such as the Florida panther, black bear, and manatee. Nature is essential to our health and happiness, and here in Florida, we are tremendously fortunate to have such a rich diversity of awe-inspiring landscapes to enjoy, said Yalmaz Siddiqui, Vice President, Environmental Sustainability at The Walt Disney Company. headlin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Wildlife Corridor stretches nearly 18 million acres and connects important natural areas across the state. Disney said the donation will help train conservation teams and expand access to trails and natural areas. Over the past 30 years, the foundation has awarded the Florida Wildlife Corridor more than $132 million for community conservation programs. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Two specially trained detection dogs are now safeguarding endangered species at Malaysia's busiest airport, sniffing out smuggled wildlife before illegal traders can transport them abroad, reported The Vibes. The Belgian Malinois dogs, Van and Perry, help authorities detect concealed animals in passenger luggage. Perhilitan, the country's department of wildlife protection and national parks, intercepted illegal wildlife valued at approximately 5.4 million Malaysian ringgits ($1.27 million) that smugglers attempted to transport through Kuala Lumpur International Airport during 27 months from early 2023 through this March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad provided the canine team. The dogs were brought from the Netherlands and underwent specialized training to identify items protected under international conservation agreements. "So far, 10 investigation papers have been opened by Perhilitan related to cases of wildlife smuggling through KLIA during the same period. On average, these wild animals are being smuggled to South Asia, Indonesia, and Vietnam," Perhilitan Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim told Harian Metro, via The Vibes. You can appreciate these hard-working dogs for their role in protecting vulnerable creatures like baby siamangs, iguanas, birds, snakes, and turtles. Their work is especially important now, as attempted wildlife smuggling at KLIA has increased by 42% since 2023. When flying internationally, you might be unaware of smugglers' methods. "Usually, these animals are put in plastic containers, packed in boxes, or wrapped with stickers before being checked in as luggage," Abdul Kadir explained to Harian Metro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dogs' efforts protect both individual animals and help preserve biodiversity. Illegal wildlife trade threatens vulnerable species, especially in ecologically diverse regions like Malaysia. For people who care about conservation, these detection dogs are a compassionate approach to a challenging issue. They help authorities without creating delays for regular travelers. Malaysia Airports Holdings added that the dogs "were trained to detect hidden wildlife in luggage, and these four-legged heroes help stop smuggling before it takes flight," The Vibes shared. Which of these groups has the biggest role to play in reducing food waste? Grocery stores Restaurants Individuals The government 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. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Physician and clinical researcher Chris Apfel discusses his article, Functional precision oncology: a game changer in cancer therapy. Chris explains that functional precision oncology takes a highly personalized approach by testing a patients live tumor cells outside the body (ex-vivo) against a panel of cancer drugs to directly observe which treatments are most effective against that specific cancer. This method, he argues, can significantly improve cancer response rates and survival while reducing costs and unnecessary side effects, by moving beyond the limitations of standard pathology (which identifies cancer type but not optimal treatment) and genomic sequencing (which identifies mutations but provides actionable targets for only a minority of patients). Chris recounts the history of functional testing, its initial promise, its decline with the rise of next-generation sequencing, and its current resurgence, supported by studies demonstrating its high predictive accuracy for clinical outcomes. Despite its potential to complement genomics and truly personalize care, he notes that functional precision oncology faces slow adoption due to its general absence from standard NCCN treatment guidelines, hospital restrictions on external tissue testing, and a systemic preference in health care for standardization over innovative, individualized approaches. Chris strongly encourages patients, particularly those facing difficult or unresponsive cancers, to educate themselves about functional precision oncology and actively advocate for access to these tests. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and its part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcareand its built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Chris Apfel. He is a physician and clinical researcher. Todays KevinMD article is Functional precision oncology, a game changer in cancer therapy. Chris, welcome to the show. Chris Apfel: Thank you very much for having me. Kevin Pho: So before we talk about your article, just briefly share your story and journey. ADVERTISEMENT Chris Apfel: OK. As you may have already recognized from my accent, I was made in Germany over half a century ago. I have done a lot of clinical work and a lot of research to see how we can really improve patient outcomes. I did a lot of research, published over a hundred papers, and at some point, a paper in the New England Journal of Medicine. I had a nice offer at the Cleveland Clinic. I then had an offer at Harvard and Stanford and decided to go to UCSF, the University of California, San Francisco. I continued with my research until my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. I got a call on a Monday morning and learned he apparently had stage four lung cancer. I was not aware of that. Because I was on the cancer IRB at the University of California, I asked my oncologist what we should do, and he said he probably needs cisplatin Paclitaxel. I said, well, he may not. He may refuse. Whats the evidence that this works? Because when he took care of my mother who had ovarian cancer, the treatment didnt work in her last months of life and only made her more miserable, he said, unless you can promise me this is going to work, I dont want it. And thats actually what happened. I said, wait a minute. I thought the future is here now. I thought we are all talking about precision medicine. I thought that we have it all under control. Cant we do genomic sequencing? Yes, we can, but only one out of four patients has actionable mutations. Thats actually where the story started, where I realized the public doesnt know that when tissue is examined and a biopsy is done, you do histology, or pathology, which is better understood in laymans terms. You try to classify the tumor to get an understanding of what could or could not work. And its based on many, many studies that really compare groups of patients. But every patient is different. And thats actually where the journey started. Kevin Pho: So tell us how that leads into your KevinMD article, Functional precision oncology, a game changer in cancer therapy. Chris Apfel: So with the recognition that if we just look at the genome, we are only looking at a very small snippet of the cancer biology. The cancer biology is not driven by a single mutation; the cancer biology is much more complex. As Im also an adjunct professor of biostatistics and epidemiology, and I love clinical trial design, the best way to predict the future is actually to create it. So I said to my oncologist, why can we not take the tissue, put it ex vivo in the lab, and put different drugs on it to see which of the treatment options is really best for that individual patient? This idea is not new, and I actually only came upon this because in the ICU when I have been treating patients with sepsis, you always do an antibiotic sensitivity test. You always want to know which antibiotic works best. Its the same principle. Why should this not work? This is biologically and medically plausible. And the answer I got is, people have tried this before, but it has never worked. I said, thats odd. So I looked into it and spent about a year reviewing all the data that has been published, some dating back to the eighties, and it turns out that you can actually double the patients chance of a tumor response if you know ahead of time which therapy is most likely to work. Thats a big deal. Thats a bigger deal than any drug thats in development, and yet its not the standard of care. There were a number of reasons for this, why this is not standard of care. One of these was that in the early phases, they were trying to grow tumors. If you have an aggressively growing tumor, you can do that and you can compare how you can slow down the tumor growth. The problem is it takes months to grow the tumors, and by that time, the disease has progressed in the patient. So with such a clonogenic assay, its hard to really make a difference for patients. And then if you have the other extreme, when the tumor is a slow-growing tumor, low-grade tumors, they sometimes grow very slowly. You cant grow them at all. You dont have a test result then. So we do know that in principle, you can replicate the biology ex vivo and it correlates with patient outcomes. But if you try to grow tumors, it comes too late to really have a clinical impact. Now there has been a lot of NIH research on organoids and there has been a lot of progress made. But all these academic spinouts that are based on NIH-based research dont really have an impact on patients. The way was, and thats actually very interesting, Larry Weisenthal and Robert Nagourney started off saying, well, we need to actually see whether we can kill the tumor. And so they developed a technology, the disc assay, where they could actually, within a week or 10 days, see whether they could kill the tumor. And they did a lot of studies on this and were actually able to show it. And were active in the nineties until the two-thousands. And then what actually happened was genomic testing came along. Genomic testing is interesting because its mechanistically plausible. Its fascinating. It has been developed as a companion diagnostic. So the FDA approval of a drug is dependent on the mutation you have. Suddenly, big pharma was highly dependent because it was harder and harder to develop a drug that can work on a patient population. Genomic testing was kind of the ideal tool for drug development to better identify patients who would benefit from a targeted therapy. And so the FDA approval and with that, reimbursement was tied to genomic testing. And thats actually why genomic testing took off. And thats also why functional testing has fallen by the wayside. But whats interesting is that now people are more and more recognizing the limitations of that. I mentioned the National Cancer Institutes MATCH trial that Keith Flaherty from Harvard published a couple of years ago where they looked at actionable mutations of over 5,000 patients, I believe. They could find that only in one out of four patients can you match it to a targeted therapy; for everybody else, it is basically still a hit-or-miss or trial and error. Kevin Pho: Let me jump in here. For the physicians listening, could you provide a case study of a specific cancer that illustrates this functional precision oncology approach? Chris Apfel: Yes. At Sage, what we have developed is a technique where we can actually create hundreds of 3D micro-tumors that reflect the tumor heterogeneity and variability within each of the wells. And we can create those within one day through disaggregation. Then we drug them for roughly a week, and then we assess how they are affected, whether they are completely killed or not affected at all. What we can see is we had, for example, an ovarian cancer patient who had failed first-line treatment. Second-line treatment had failed. She had failed carboplatin, paclitaxel, has failed PARP inhibitors, and was really progressing. So we were testing a wide range of drugs after we got the sample shipped overnight. We also interestingly tested VAC, which is a combination of Vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide. It showed great effectiveness. The reason why we tested this was because it was in the NCCN guidelines as a salvage therapy. Its rarely given. But interestingly, a week later, the histology report came back and was actually showing this patients tumor had sarcomatoid components. And VAC is a typical combination therapy for sarcoma. Its very interesting. So thats a nice success. The other part is a lady out of San Diego, a music teacher, who presented with ascites. Ascites is not a good sign at the initial stage. And interestingly, out of the ascites, from the paracentesis, we were able to get tons of tissue, so no extra biopsy was needed, no extra surgery was needed. And it was highly sensitive to the standard therapy of carboplatin paclitaxel. She got this as neoadjuvant therapy and responded beautifully. But we also saw that because our test can actually test both cytotoxicity and anti-proliferation, there is a subset of tumors that is likely resistant to it, that is sensitive to a different combination. And those are things that you cannot know ahead of time unless you really test the tumor and you cant get it with a traditional genome-driven precision medicine approach. And that is functional precision medicine, where you really look at how the tumor is responding to the various treatments. Kevin Pho: So what used to take months for a tumor to grow under the traditional functional precision technology you mentioned earlier, youve now compressed into a timeframe of, say, a week, and then youre able to determine which specific treatments affect that specific individual patients tumor. Chris Apfel: Well said. Kevin Pho: So does this apply to most cancers? You mentioned ovarian cancer. Are there specific cancers that are more amenable to this approach versus others? Chris Apfel: Yes. I think it applies for a wide range of tumors. It applies for all solid tumors that we can get our hands on. We have done a lot with sarcomas, also in children and minors. We have also done colorectal, lung, and liver mets, for example, of breast cancer patients, and glioblastoma. And the interesting thing is we can test both the FDA-approved drugs, and we can also test drugs that are in development. So if the patient is considering going on a clinical trial, one can actually think about what the different drugs are that are currently in development from which the patient would be most likely to benefit. We can test that. And then there is actually interest in looking at repurposed drugs. You are familiar with Lovastatin and Avastin. And we have seen those being effective in sarcoma patients. We have seen Desuranib, we have seen a bunch of drugs, Metformin. And if you go into the literature, there is ample research on it, what the mechanisms are, how they affect cancer metabolism and the cancer biology. So thats actually quite intriguing. They dont always show up, I would like to say in probably five percent of cases. But thats an additional thing, not a replacement of course, but these are additional options that we can see in our lab. Kevin Pho: Now, what are some of the reasons behind the resistance some hospitals and oncologists have to this approach? Chris Apfel: Thats a very important part, and what is often not recognized is that oncologists and medicine have become overregulated. I would like to say if you are in one of the NCCN cancer centers, you are expected to practice by the guidelines that you and your colleagues have set up. These are 33 cancer centers in the U.S. They basically define the standard of care and so they are encouraged to practice within those walls, and they dont carry any benefit from going beyond that. Thats one part. The other part is its not reimbursed by insurance at this point. So we are working on a health economic analysis to demonstrate that it can actually benefit patients so that they are not getting treated with therapy that cant be effective. So thats the second one. Then there is a question also on liability. What if I do something else? And so one of the things that is important to explain to oncologists is you can actually provide superior care within the standard of care. If I use the ovarian cancer sample I mentioned, when we get the tissue, the first-line treatment may still be carboplatin, cisplatin, and Paclitaxel. But very often tumors respond in ovarian cancer; you have a 75 percent response rate, but then you also have over 80 percent of patients who reoccur within the same year. And then the big question is: what next? We can already test this ahead of time so you can provide superior care with better outcomes within the standard of care. Because the standard of care is not fully developed. But for an oncologist, because the guidelines have become more and more complex, it adds another layer of complexity, and most oncologists are overworked and just want to get through the day. Kevin Pho: So in terms of macro-level outcomes data for this functional precision oncology approach, you mentioned anecdotal success cases, but on a more macro level, are there any survival benefits when contrasted to guideline-driven standard of care? What are some of the differences in terms of survival and outcome benefits? Chris Apfel: So normally in medicine, we want randomized controlled trials. Thats the state of the art and ideally even meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. And one of the criticisms and pushbacks was, there arent really randomized controlled trials for this functional precision medicine approach yet. There has been a randomized controlled trial from Daniel Von Hoff in the nineties, and that failed for the reason that I said: it took too long to get the results and so the treatment came too late. Interestingly, and by the way, many things and many approvals occur in the oncology field without RCTs, without randomized controlled trials. And an assay is actually not a drug. So requesting a randomized controlled trial for an assay is suddenly a very high bar, which I think is politically motivated. Because if you think about ER/PR-positive breast cancer, there are no prospective trials that show that if you measure ER/PR you have improved outcomes. Thats caveat number one. Number two, I think last year the first paper was published that looked at recurrent glioblastoma patients. It was a company out of the Midwest and they showed, I think, over six months progression-free survival and overall survival difference in the range of about half a year when patients got therapy according to the assay-guided therapy as opposed to the standard of care. So that evidence is growing. Kevin Pho: You mentioned some of the obstacles that prevent the spread of this technology. What do you propose to overcome some of these limitations and get wider adoption of this approach? Chris Apfel: Its very interesting. Patients need to be empowered, and their right over their tissue and their body needs to be respected. Very often, especially in larger centers, there is pushback. The patient says, I want to have the Sage Onco test. They may even have a physicians order, and the pathology department says its against our policy. So in order to overcome this, patients need to be aware that the glamorous precision oncology approach that only uses DNA and the approach that NCCN cancer centers are taking is a very confined approach that doesnt always consider the best possible treatment options for that individual patient. And patients often believe if they go to an NCCN cancer center, then they get the best possible care because they also have clinical trials, et cetera. They are on the cutting edge. The problem is because of these guidelines, even at NCCN Cancer Centers, the practice is really restricted to the guidelines. And so the therapy from a medical oncology perspective you get is almost identical to what you get at the NCCN cancer centers as opposed to in community practice; there is likely no difference. There is a firewall between research and clinical care. So you may have a researcher whos working on a novel compound, but unless there is really a clinical trial on which he or she can enroll you, he or she would not use it if other treatments have failed. And NCCN cancer centers argue that they have the latest and greatest, but this is also financially motivated because the clinical trials are usually paid for very well by industry. If you get $50,000 per patient to enroll in a clinical trial, its very clear why you can say, well, our center is the best, you get the latest, you have access to the latest innovation. But in a way, its an academic-industrial complex that is at work here, and patients are not aware of it. And so patients need to know that they have a right to determine what will be done with their tissue when they get a biopsy or when they get surgery and that they actually have the right to determine and say, I want the Sage Onco test, or I want to have a functional profiling test because I dont want to fly blindly when it comes to subsequent therapy. Kevin Pho: Were talking to Chris Apfel. Hes a physician and clinical researcher. Todays KevinMD article is Functional precision oncology, a game changer in cancer therapy. Chris, lets end with some take-home messages you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Chris Apfel: Yes. The take-home message is if you are a patient and youre diagnosed with a serious cancer, you need to be your own advocate. You need to think about what the treatment options are and cast a wide net, get a second opinion. And dont just blindly rely on a big brand. You also need a support network that helps you emotionally and helps you look beyond the normal horizon that people normally look at if you want to have an outcome thats better than average. Kevin Pho: Chris, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming on the show. Chris Apfel: Thank you very much for having me. American Family Children's Hospital, part of the UW Health system, is seen in Madison, Wis., on April 1, 2020. (Photo by Dee J. Hall/Wisconsin Watch) Click here to read highlights from the story Health care systems including SSM Health, Aurora Health, UW Health and, most recently, Ascension have removed from their websites language related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The changes have come in the months since President Donald Trump has signed executive orders abolishing federal DEI programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UW Health publicly announced changes such as the removal of anti-racism modules titled Being a leader in anti-racism and anti-racism funding and replacement with modules called Being a social impact leader and Community giving. Republished from Wisconsin Watch. Multiple Wisconsin health care systems have removed diversity, equity and inclusion language or resources from their websites in the wake of President Donald Trumps federal ban on funding for DEI programming. The systems include SSM Health, Aurora Health, UW Health and, most recently, Ascension. Froedtert ThedaCare Health has maintained its DEI webpage, though it removed a link to its equal employment opportunity policy in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aurora Health, Ascension, Froedtert and SSM Health made the changes quietly, without directly alerting the public. UW Health, however, released an op-ed in Madison 365 April 8 explaining the changes. As we enter the next phase of this important work, we are further aligning with our organizational mission under the name of Social Impact and Belonging, the op-ed said. This reflects both the evolved nature of the work and our desire that these mission-focused priorities endure despite the current tumultuous political environment. The changes occurred in the weeks after President Donald Trumps executive order abolishing DEI programs from all federally funded institutions and programs. The executive order, issued Jan. 20, states the Biden Administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to attacks on DEI programs by the federal government, some organizations have pushed back, arguing Trumps actions are a threat to a multiracial democracy. Some institutions are also suing the federal government for its actions, such as threatening to withhold federal grants and funding. Harvard University has filed a lawsuit, citing First Amendment principles to protect academic freedom and private actors speech. But while some federally funded institutions are pushing back, others are not. Different approaches to DEI purge In the past couple of months, SSM Health removed the word diversity from its website, including changing a page titled Our Commitment to Diversity to Our Commitment to Culture & Inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SSM has hospitals located throughout Wisconsin including Ripon, Fond du Lac, Waupun, Baraboo, Janesville, Madison and Monroe. In changing the webpage, SSM Health also removed an entire section regarding its commitment to fostering a diverse workplace and health care center, including a section that read, SSM Health makes it a point to work with diverse organizations broadening our reach into the communities we serve to support and promote a more inclusive society. SSM Health also notably replaced the section discussing diversity with comment on SSM Healths mission as a Catholic ministry. On the updated page, the system discusses its commitment to follow in the footsteps of its founders to ensure all people have access to the high-quality, compassionate care they need. In removing the word diversity, SSM replaced the statement At SSM Health, diversity is an integral part of who we are and a reflection of our mission and values with At SSM Health, inclusion is an integral part of who we are and a reflection of our Mission, Vision and Values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, our belief that every person was created in the image of God with inherent dignity and value calls us to foster a healthy culture, inviting each person to be the best version of themselves, SSM Health communications consultant Shari Wrezinski said when asked for comment. Wrezinski said the organizations mission has remained the same, and its communications, policies, programs and practices reflect the organizations mission. This has not and will not change, Wrezinski said. As such, our website and other communications materials are continually updated as we strive to clearly convey our commitment to a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Despite removing the section on diversity, SSM Health has maintained its equal opportunity section. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Froedtert did the opposite, by maintaining its webpages on diversity, equity and inclusion, but removing its equal opportunity policy document from the pages. The equal opportunity document, which can still be found online but was removed from the DEI website, specifically outlines Froedterts commitment and policy to maintain equitable and nondiscriminatory recruitment, hiring and human resources practices. The document outlines two policies specifically: FH is committed to its affirmative action policies and practices in employment programs to achieve a balanced workforce and FH will provide equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or any other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Froedtert did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Froedtert system serves patients primarily in the Milwaukee area. Froedtert recently merged with ThedaCare, serving Wisconsin residents in the Fox Valley and Green Bay. In 2020, the system reported receiving tens of millions in federal funding through the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While removing a link to an equal opportunity document may be a simple change, the Rev. Marilyn Miller, a partner in Leading for Racial Equity LLC, said every small change pushes society further back in achieving full access and equity. So it might be a small tweak now, but what does that open the door to later? So, yeah, its impactful because any change thats stepping back from full equity is a problem, Miller said. Theres populations that dont feel any security anymore. Aurora Health Care also has removed DEI language in the past couple of months since the executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, Aurora merged with Advocate Health, a system with more than 26 hospitals throughout the Midwest. Advocate Aurora Health later merged with Atrium Health in 2022, creating the third largest nonprofit in the nation. Earlier this year, Aurora removed an entire page on diversity, equity and inclusion. The page now redirects to Advocates page titled Access & Opportunity. That change cut statements such as: Our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy is anchored by our purpose to help people live well and to deliver safe, consistent, and equitable health outcomes and experiences for the patients and communities we serve. A spokesperson for Aurora Health Care said the organization will continue to deliver compassionate, high-quality, consistent care for all those we serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As our newly combined purpose and commitments state, we lift everyone up by ensuring access and opportunity for all, the spokesperson said. To provide our patients and communities clear and consistent information that explains our programs, policies and services, we are making various changes to our websites. Ascension, one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the nation, took down the entire page on diversity, equity and inclusion. The health care system currently operates at over 165 locations in Milwaukee, Racine, Appleton and Fox Valley. The system still has modules on Identifying & Addressing Barriers to Health and Ensuring Health Equity. Ascension did not respond to a request for a comment. Making a statement UW Health removed its page on diversity, equity and inclusion, replacing it with a page titled social impact in belonging. In doing so, UW Health removed anti-racism from its entire website. It used to be one of the main themes. UW Health removed the anti-racism modules titled Being a leader in anti-racism and anti-racism funding, and now in their place are modules called Being a social impact leader and Community giving. Chief Social Impact Officer Shiva Bidar-Sielaff and CEO Alan Kaplan addressed the changes in a video, stating social impact and belonging align with their mission, values and strategies as a health care organization. At UW Health, social impact refers to the effects health care policies, practices and interventions have on the well-being of individuals and communities, improving health outcomes, access to care and quality of life, Bidar-Sielaff said. Belonging is the understanding that you are valued and respected for who you are as an individual. UW Health reported receiving $315 million in federal funding, totaling over half of the $622 million in grant funds federal and non-federal awarded to the School of Medicine and Public Health. That total is 37% of all grant funding awarded to UW-Madison. Despite claims by health care centers that missions remain the same, advocacy groups in Wisconsin are raising concerns regarding the impact these changes could have on communities in Wisconsin. Chris Allen, president and CEO of Diverse & Resilient an advocacy group focused on health inequities for LGBTQ+ people in Wisconsin said these quiet language shifts are significant. They send a message that commitments to addressing disparities may be weakening, even if thats not the stated intention, Allen said. William Parke Sutherland, government affairs director at Kids Forward, a statewide policy center that advocates for low-income and minority families, said many health care partners feel pressured to preserve funding sources. In Wisconsin, maternal mortality rates are 2.5 times higher for Black women than white women. Maternal morbidities or serious birth complications were the highest among Black women and people enrolled in BadgerCare, the states largest Medicaid program. From 2020 to 2022 there were 7.8 stillbirth deaths per 1,000 births among Black babies, compared with 4.5 among white babies. Disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates could be attributed to stress caused by poverty, lack of access to quality care, or systemic racism, according to health care researchers. If a mother is stressed over a long period of time, that can cause elevated levels of stress hormones, which could increase premature births or low birth weights for infants. For Black women, midwives have been found to reduce the disparities they otherwise may experience during pregnancy, reducing the risk of maternal mortality or morbidity. Access to midwives is currently covered by Medicaid, so losing federal funding could harm these services. Regardless of language, Wisconsins racial disparities in health access and outcomes arent going away on their own, Sutherland said in an email. Removing language that acknowledges DEI efforts will not reduce the health care disparities felt by Wisconsin residents, Sutherland said. Federal funding cuts could also hurt rural families in Wisconsin, specifically those who rely on Medicaid for their health care needs. We cannot begin to address these challenges if were not willing to acknowledge them, Sutherland said. A colorblind approach has not helped in the past. This article first appeared on Wisconsin Watch and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. A federal appeals court ruled that the White House has the latitude to exclude any journalists it chooses from the Oval Office and other restricted areas including on the basis of a news outlets viewpoint. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, in a 2-1 decision Friday, ruled against the AP, which had sued three Trump administration officials in February over a ban on the news organizations access to presidential events as part of the White House press pool. The White House blocked the AP after the outlet continued referring to the body of water on the southeastern periphery of the North America as the Gulf of Mexico, after Trump decreed on Jan. 20 that henceforth it should be known as the Gulf of America. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The development was welcomed by President Trump. Big WIN over AP today. They refused to state the facts or the Truth on the GULF OF AMERICA. FAKE NEWS!!! Trump posted on his Truth Social account Friday. The Gulf of Mexico has been known by that name since at least the late 16th century, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. The appeals court issued a stay, pending appeal, on a lower courts preliminary injunction holding that the Trump administration cannot discriminate against the AP over the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America issue. Under the First Amendment, Judge Trevor McFadden wrote in the April decision, if the Government opens its doors to some journalists be it to the Oval Office, the East Room, or elsewhere it cannot then shut those doors to other journalists because of their viewpoints. In the ruling Friday, the appeals court disagreed. Restricted presidential spaces such as the Oval Office and Air Force One are not First Amendment fora opened for private speech and discussion, Judge Neomi Rao wrote in the ruling, joined by Judge Gregory Katsas. The White House therefore retains discretion to determine, including on the basis of viewpoint, which journalists will be admitted. Both of the judges are Trump appointees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the president sits down for an interview with [Fox News host] Laura Ingraham, he is not required to do the same with [MSNBCs] Rachel Maddow, Rao wrote in the opinion. The First Amendment does not control the presidents discretion in choosing with whom to speak or to whom to provide special access. The two judges added that without a stay, the government will suffer irreparable harm because the injunction impinges on the Presidents independence and control over his private workspaces. In a dissenting opinion, Judge Cornelia Pillard of the D.C. Court of Appeals, an Obama appointee, wrote that my colleagues assert a novel and unsupported exception to the First Amendments prohibition of viewpoint-based restrictions of private speech one that not even the government itself advanced. She said that if the White House were privileged to exclude journalists based on viewpoint, each and every member of the White House press corps would hesitate to publish anything an incumbent administration might dislike. The Associated Press indicated that it will continue its legal fight in the matter. We are disappointed in the courts decision and are reviewing our options, AP spokesman Patrick Maks said in a statement Friday. According to the APs report on the ruling, one possibility is that the news organization will seek an expedited review of the full case on its merits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The APs lawsuit names White House chief of staff Susan Wiles, deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich and press secretary Karoline Leavitt as defendants. On Friday, Leavitt trumpeted the appeals court decision. VICTORY! she wrote in a post on X. As weve said all along, the Associated Press is not guaranteed special access to cover President Trump in the Oval Office, aboard Air Force One, and in other sensitive locations. Thousands of other journalists have never been afforded the opportunity to cover the President in these privileged spaces. Leavitt continued, Moving forward, we will continue to expand access to new media so that more people can cover the most transparent President in American history rather than just the failing legacy media. And by the way @AP, its still the Gulf of America. She ended the post with a smiley-face emoji and the U.S. flag. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Lori Vallow Daybell -- better known as the "Doomsday mom" -- gave the judge too much lip during her murder conspiracy trial Friday -- and she got booted right out of the courtroom! Daybell -- serving 3 life terms for killing her son, daughter and conspiring to kill her fifth husband's ex-wife -- was back in an Arizona courtroom to face an attempted murder charge after she allegedly tried to whack her niece's ex-husband. She also faces another life sentence after she was convicted in April of conspiring to kill another one of her ex-husbands. TMZ During Friday's trial, Daybell -- who's representing herself -- sat at the defense table and, at one point, argued with Judge Justin Beresky over the prosecutors bringing up her previous convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exchange was all caught on video. Check it out ... Daybell kicks things off by requesting a hearing to prohibit the use of evidence of her prior crime to prevent showing she's capable of committing the current crime she's accused of. But the judge wasn't feeling Daybell ... sternly telling her any hearing about her "good character" would be short. TMZ Daybell didn't like the judge's tone, demanding he not yell at her because she's always courteous to him. Of course, the judge disagreed and ordered the bailiffs to escort Daybell out of the courtroom, raising his voice as he said, "Take her out!" Ada County Sheriffs Office And out she went. A Dorchester man is facing firearm and drug charges after a search warrant was executed. According to Boston police, on Thursday, June 5, around 8:43 a.m., officers were conducting a drug investigation and executing of search warrants in the area of 223 Callender Street in Dorchester. During the search, officers recovered a Taurus 9MM with seven rounds in the magazine, a firearm holster, and. one loose round of ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested 27-year-old Ronald Cox of Dorchester on multiple firearm and drug-related charges. Drug-related evidence that was recovered was one plastic bag of crack cocaine, six unknown pills, drug packaging material, digital scales, and $667 in U.S. currency. Cox is facing the following charges: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Unlawful Possession of Ammunition Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Substance Possession with Intent to Distribute, Subsequent Offense Cox was taken into custody and he is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District 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 DOUGLAS, Mich. (WOOD) A Douglas woman is in a legal fight to keep the chickens that she has been raising in her backyard for months. Kathy Sarkisian told News 8 that she has been a big advocate of health and wellness for much of her life. She said that having backyard chickens felt like the next step in that journey, for the added health benefits chicken eggs have. It was just absolutely perfect, she said. It fit right into everything I believe in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, Kathy went through the permitting process with the city. Ultimately, a zoning official approved her permit and she began building, which she said costs her about $23,000. Shortly after her permit was accepted, the dream started to fade away. She said a city zoning official said a neighbor had objected to her chickens, which according to their citys ordinance would mean that her permit quote Shall not be granted, with no right of appeal. When cities subjugate their authority to an individual, another property owner, they create dissension among their residents and that really bothers me, Sarkisian said. Ultimately, Kathy said she was told to get rid of her chickens, which she did not do, leading her to being fined everyday that she has them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, she filed a federal lawsuit against the city. A complaint was filed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan stating: The city is depriving Kathy of her constitutional and civil rights, including the right to make productive use of her land without unreasonable governmental interference. What if I had the authority to just say Nope, I dont want you to use that, so you cant. Its kind of the same thing, Sarkisian said. The lawsuit goes on to add that the city violated its own process by allowing neighbors to object to this after a permit had been granted. Kathy is being represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation. One of her attorneys told News 8 that the ordinance is unconstitutional and a violation of her civil rights protected by the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors cant wield government power like they are here, Austin Waisanen, a property rights attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation told News 8. The threat is that next time it wont just be chickens in your backyard, itll be chickens playing in your backyard or barbequing or many other ordinary uses of land. Sarkisian told News 8 that this means more to her than just chickens. Its about doing what is right. Most everybody told me Dont do it, its going to be a problem, it is going to cost you a fortune, just get rid of the chickens, and I am like, Its just not right. Sometimes you have to stand up and do what is right, she said. I am not holding any grudges, I just want the city to make it right and create a constitutional law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 8 did reach out to the City of Douglas for comment, but they declined due to the ongoing litigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Jun. 6ROCHESTER The driver of the vehicle that struck a pedestrian Thursday evening is facing criminal charges relating to driving while impaired, according to new charges filed Friday, June 6. Darcy Travis Lewis, 35, was charged with two felony counts of criminal vehicular operation and two misdemeanor counts of driving while impaired. The crash happened around 5 p.m. June 5 at the intersection of Third Avenue and Third Street Southwest. The pedestrian had a broken nose and a fractured rib as a result of the crash, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, Rochester police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Third Avenue Southwest and Third Street Southwest in Rochester after receiving a report that a motor vehicle struck a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers saw the pedestrian injured but moving around. The pedestrian was taken to Saint Marys for treatment. A bystander pointed out the driver to law enforcement. The man, later identified as Lewis, was sitting on the curb north of the intersection. He was "very emotional," the complaint said. When asked what happened, Lewis said he was driving north in the west lane of Third Avenue Southwest. The complaint said Lewis told police he was traveling around 15 mph at the time of the accident when someone ran from the east side of the road and hit his van. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer could smell the odor of burnt marijuana on Lewis while they were speaking. According to the complaint, the officer told Lewis he was going to take a quick look at his car. Lewis told the officer there was marijuana in his vehicle, so the officer asked Lewis to get the marijuana for him. Lewis handed the officer "a small amount of marijuana" and a partially smoked cigar. Lewis said he smoked marijuana earlier that day. The passenger side corner of Lewis's vehicle was broken and the fender was broken, the complaint said. When officers conducted further investigation and additional field sobriety testing, Lewis admitted that he used methamphetamine on June 4 or June 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis had eyelid tremors and was swaying back and forth, officers observed while conducting the field sobriety tests. Witnesses in the area told police they saw the individual running westbound across Third Avenue Southwest when a silver minivan drove around a parked bus before striking the pedestrian. Officers drew Lewis's blood and sent a sample to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing. He made his first appearance in court Friday morning, June 6. The DuPage County states attorneys office is launching a new Animal Protection Unit, officials announced. Comprised of a team of specially trained prosecutors, it will be focused on enhancing prosecutions of crimes committed against animals. This issue has been a priority for me for a long time, States Attorney Robert Berlin said. Im grateful that we have the resources to implement a unit like this because I just think its so good for our community and our county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His office has seen an increase in animal cruelty cases, owner neglect cases and in the number of petitions it has had to file in civil court seeking forfeiture of animals because of cruelty or neglect, he said. As of Friday, about 35 cases concerning animal cruelty, violations of the Illinois Animal Control Act or animal endangerment were pending. Rather than have these cases spread out amongst different prosecutors, because theyre so important in the community, I thought that we should have a specialized unit made up of a small group of prosecutors who are trained in these cases (and) have a specialty (so) they can really handle them from start to finish, Berlin said. The unit will partner with law enforcement agencies and DuPage County Animal Services as well as the community to provide a comprehensive, focused approach to prosecuting local animal cruelty cases, according to the states attorneys office. Further, the unit will also provide additional legal protections for those at risk of domestic violence, which can be linked to animal abuse, a news release on the new team said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few years ago, the Urban Resource Institute and the National Domestic Violence Hotline conducted a survey of nearly 2,500 people focused on how domestic violence affects survivors with pets and their families. Among respondents, 37% said their abuser had threatened to harm or kill a pet and 29% said the abuser had actually harmed or killed pets, per a 2021 report of survey results. Just last week, a Naperville man was sentenced to prison after beating his familys dog to death following an argument with his partner. Alongside prosecution, the new Animal Protection Unit will engage in public outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare laws and available resources for those who need help with animal care, per the states attorneys office. Berlin said hes hoping the unit will be able to participate in school education programs as well as train police and animal control officers across the county so local authorities are also better equipped to handle these kinds of cases. Training would include what to look for, information on animal cruelty laws, investigative techniques and appropriate handling of animals during seizures, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully, by prosecuting defendants for these crimes (and) holding them accountable, were going to do two things: were going to remove violent offenders from the street, and were going to deter others from doing the same thing, Berlin said. And that makes the community safer. Just like children and just like seniors, our animals are some of our most vulnerable victims. They cant speak for themselves. We have to speak for them. tkenny@chicagotribune.com Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness. Chuang Tzu A hunter once lost his way deep inside the jungle while chasing a deer. He used all his navigation skills, but he did not find any way out of the jungle or food for several days. He started feeling so hungry that he could eat an entire elephant in one go. Disappointed, he lost all hope. And that is exactly when an apple tree caught his sight. He gathered ten apples to feed him for the rest of his journey. As he ate the first apple, his joy knew no bounds, and he just could not stop feeling grateful and blessed. He thanked life and God. He could not believe his good fortune when he ate the first apple, but he was less grateful when he had the second apple and even less grateful when he had the fifth apple. Somehow, with each additional apple, his hunger increased until the joy of eating apples reduced drastically. He could not enjoy the tenth apple. Why? He had already taken for granted the gift of having found an apple tree in the middle of a forest after long days of hunger. When he took the tenth apple in his hand, he was still hungry but did not feel like having it anymore. Economics refers to this as the law of diminishing marginal utility. It really is the law of diminishing gratitude or taking things for granted. Lets call it the 10th Apple Effect. The tenth apple did not lack taste or the potential to satisfy his hunger; the only thing lacking was his gratitude for finding food in the middle of the jungle. The tenth apple is really as sweet as the first apple. If the tenth apple fails to give you as much pleasure as the first one, nothing is wrong with the apple, but with the person enjoying the fruit. If you get bored with your medical practice and seeing patients, it is not because the day is dull. It is because your gratitude has become dull. Remember the excitement when Apple Inc. released its first iPhone? People stood in line all night to grab that glorious piece of technology. Do people have the same excitement buying the iPhone 16 or the 10th Apple Effect? Probably not! Think about your first few days in practice. Were you grateful for the job and passionate about making a difference? You can remember your first patients and their families. Fast forward 10 or 20 yearsare you still grateful for being a doctor? Do you still wake up each morning with full energy and passion to make a difference? Are you still excited to go to the operating room or office? Perhaps you are experiencing the 10th Apple Effect at work. It may be time to pull back and experience gratefulness with our patients and work. It is very easy to focus on what is wrong with the health care industry as there is no shortage of problems and complaints contributing to the 10th Apple Effect. However, have we paused to look at what is right? Have we stopped considering the remarkable accomplishments of pharma, biochemists, and genetic engineering that created a vaccine in six months instead of the usual five or more years? Have we forgotten to marvel at the millions of Americans who received a vaccine in just three months in early 2021? Have we forgotten to acknowledge the concept of gene editing and that perhaps many genetic diseases, like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia, are going to be cured by removing defective genes and replacing them with normal genes? We have forgotten that we can use robots to assist surgeons in many operations, reducing blood loss, operating time, and the patients hospital stay. Now AI can perform many administrative tasks in medical offices, allowing physicians to focus on patients and not computer screens. Isnt it time to condition ourselves to look at the brighter side of patients, staff, colleagues, and events? There is so much negativity swirling around the surgical lounges and physician lunchrooms where so many doctors say they would not choose a medical career or are retiring early because navigating the EMR is too cumbersome. You might take notice of the ways that your self-talk and internal dialogues are contributing to your state of unhappiness. If you keep focusing on what is not working, you may feel frustrated and consider leaving your medical practice. Our thoughts and choices create our own feelings and thoughts. It may be time to start counting your blessings in your practice. Let me provide a few suggestions. ADVERTISEMENT Thank everyone around you, even for small things. Do not wait until someone does something monumental for you to say thanks. Just saying thank you, acknowledging kindness, or engaging in a helpful act are all ways of expressing gratitude. Take this to your gratitude bank: 80 percent of employees would be willing to work harder for an appreciative doctor, and 70 percent said they would feel better about themselves and their efforts if their doctor thanked them more often. Maybe you might create an appreciation board in the employee lounge where doctors and staff post thank-you notes for their fellow staff members and doctors. Trust me, it feels nice to give and receive thank-you notes. An old proverb states, Show me your friends, and Ill tell you who you are. You cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life. Our thoughts are influenced by the people around us. Step away from people who focus on negativity at work. Negative people will drain your energy. If you are in the doctors lounge and hear negative comments about medicine and health care, politely excuse yourself and move to another table where positive thoughts hold the day. Before you can follow your passion, you must find it. If you have a clear purpose and are passionate about what you do, then each day will be a grateful day in your practice. If you cannot find passion, I suggest the mantra, Do what you love or love what you do. Deep six the If-then excuse. For example, you might convince yourself that If I do more procedures and earn more money, then I will be happy. Honestly, there is nothing that you must do to be happy. Happiness is a choice. Gratitude is also a choice; you can look at the glass half full and be thankful. Enjoy the journey. Avoid those if/then thoughts. Next time you find yourself envious of someone else or in another practice, reconsider, reassess, and perhaps even be careful of what you wish for because you will probably get it. Bottom line: Dont let the 10th Apple Effect affect your happiness. Find ways to be grateful. You will enjoy all the other apples. Neil Baum is a urologist. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso County Public Works Department will host two free community clean-up events this weekend in Canutillo and Fabens. The events will take place from 8 a.m. to noon or until capacity on Saturday, June 7, at 1002 Tiffany Rd. in Canutillo and 199 Citizen Transfer Station Rd. in Fabens. According to the news release by the County, passenger tires, bulk trash, and electronic waste will be accepted as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tires Each resident may bring up to five tires. There will be a maximum collection of 1,500 tires for the event. Accepted tires must measure 17 inches or smaller. Tires from retailers, semi-trucks, equipment-trucks, or those with rims will not be accepted. Bulk trash and electronic waste Residents may bring one pick-up truck load of bulk trash, including furniture, chairs, carpet, etc. Accepted electronics include computers, tablets, scanners, video games, cameras, radios, cellphones, VCRs, and DVD players. CRT monitors and televisions will NOT be accepted. The cleanup events allow El Paso County residents to dispose of unwanted items, while making a difference in their community, read the news release by the County. Some items may not be accepted, and residents are encouraged to sort their bulk waste before arrival at the clean-up event, the County said. According to the County, the events are part of a series of community cleanups that will take place from April to August. For any questions, you can contact the El Paso County Public Works Office at (915) 273-3330. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso Independent School District is celebrating more than 4,000 graduates from all high schools. The district invites families, friends, and community members to join in celebrating the Class of 2025 as they cross the stage and step into the next chapter of their lives. Graduation is a major milestone not only for students, but for the families and educators who have supported them along the way. For many, this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Many graduates have secured prestigious positions in military academies and esteemed universities nationwide, EPISD said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graduation ceremonies were held Friday, June 6 for El Paso High and for San Jacinto Adult Learning Center. Details of the locations, dates, and times of the ceremonies are provided below: 2025 Graduation Schedule Saturday, June 7 UTEP Magoffin Auditorium 9 a.m. Young Womens Academy 12 p.m. TMECHS 3 p.m. CCTA Monday, June 9 UTEP Don Haskins Center 9 a.m. Chapin High School 1 p.m Irvin High School 5 p.m. Austin High School Tuesday, June 10 UTEP Don Haskins Center 9 a.m. Burges High School 1 p.m. Jefferson/Silva Health Magnet 5 p.m. Bowie High School Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, June 11 UTEP Don Haskins Center 9 a.m. Andress High School 1 p.m. Franklin High School 6 p.m. Coronado High School Tuesday, July 15 UTEP Magoffin Auditorium 9 a.m. Summer Graduation To ensure a memorable and dignified experience for all graduates, El Paso ISD encourages guests to be respectful during the ceremonies by refraining from using air horns, noisemakers, beach balls, silly string, or other distractions that may disrupt the reading of graduates names. Clear bag policy in effect at UTEP venues Ceremonies taking place at UTEPs Don Haskins Center and Magoffin Auditorium will follow UTEPs clear bag policy. Attendees are permitted to bring: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag (maximum size of 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches) Small clutch bag approximately the size of a hand (4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or smaller), with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag A 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (ex. Ziploc) Medically necessary items, subject to inspection Prohibited items include umbrellas, coolers, strollers, outside food or drinks, large camera equipment, e-cigarettes, weapons, and more. For full guidelines, visit UTEPs clear bag policy FAQ. For updates and additional graduation resources or to watch the live stream, visit https://www.episd.org/page/2025-graduation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) The Elmira Police Department is bringing back its K-9 program for the first time in over ten years after the Elmira City Council approved funding. The department will receive $122,095 in funding from the county. The funds will go towards the K-9 and other handler fees. The dog ranges between fifteen and sixteen thousand dollars, which seems to be the going rate, and then a new patroling vehicle. Youre looking at forty-five to fifteen thousand dollars for that. There are those fees and then the handler training fee, and then all of the little things that go with it, said Kristen Thorne, Elmira Police Department Chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corning Farmers Market kicks off first day of season Chief Thorne hopes that everything will be up and running by the end of 2025. Im in the process of trying to get the bids and trying to find the place that were going to buy it from, so when that happens, most of them it takes a couple of months to do the training on the dog, said Thorne. The K-9s will be able to help sniff out drugs and complete tasks to help the department. Bikers urged to follow traffic laws and safety tips We are looking to get a dual-purpose dog so he or she will be able to do tracking, building searches, article searches, and then search for narcotics, said Thorne. Fentanyl, methenamine, cocaine, we do not test for obviously marijuana anymore, you know, because marijuana is legal now, so the dog wont be trained on that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Thorne is currently in the process of choosing a K-9 to add to the department. Ive reached out to several kennels, I have one in mind. There have been a lot of dogs in surrounding agencies that have come from this kennel, so thats what I would like to do, but that has not been cemented in stone as of yet, said Thorne. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. NEED TO KNOW Elon Musk has deleted his X post claiming that President Donald Trumps name is mentioned in the Jeffrey Epstein files Musks claim came after the two men clashed about a new budget bill backed by the president The tech billionaires decision to take down the post may be a sign of de-escalation in their highly publicized feud Elon Musk has taken down his explosive claim that President Donald Trumps name is in the Jeffrey Epstein files a move which may be a step toward de-escalation in the public feud between the two men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the since-deleted post, which Musk shared on X on Thursday, June 5, the tech billionaire claimed that Trump appears in the high-profile case files, writing that it was the real reason the files had not been made public. "Have a nice day, DJT!" he added sarcastically. Trump responded to the claim on Friday, June 6, by reposting a statement on Truth Social that was originally written by Epsteins former lawyer, David Schoen, on X. In the statement, Schoen claimed that his client had no information to hurt President Trump. "I was hired to lead Jeffrey Epstein's defense as his criminal lawyer 9 days before he died, the statement began. He sought my advice for months before that. I can say authoritatively, unequivocally, and definitively that he had no information to hurt President Trump. I specifically asked him!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's name has previously been publicly linked with Epstein. His name was mentioned in flight logs released earlier this year by Attorney General Pam Bondi a total of seven times. However, the appearance of Trump's name in the flight logs does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, as many of the individuals named could have been on Epstein's plane for legitimate reasons. The president was friends with the disgraced financier and pedophile for many years, but the two had a falling out in the mid-2000s, Trump told reporters shortly before Epstein died by suicide in 2019. Davidoff Studios/Getty Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump in 1997 Musks deleted claim came on the heels of a number of verbal jabs with the president following the release of a controversial new budget bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore," Musk posted to X which he owns on Tuesday, June 3. "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." 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 During an Oval Office press conference on Thursday, June 4, Trump responded to Musk's criticisms. "Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anyone sitting here," Trump told reporters. "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 also predicted Musk's attacks would get personal after saying he was "very disappointed in Elon." The war of words also came just days after it was announced Musk would be leaving the Trump administration. Read the original article on People When President Donald Trump took office in January, he began offering plenty of signs that his goals for U.S. spaceflight aligned closely with those of billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk. Now those goals, which included making reaching Mars during Trump's second term a top priority, appear to be up in the air amid an increasingly volatile fallout between two of the world's most powerful men. As insults have turned to threats, Trump has suggested he'd hit Musk where it could hurt most: His wallet. Musk's SpaceX has spent years positioning itself at the center of American civil and military spaceflight a profitable relationship that has made the company's CEO incredibly wealthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Musk has floated and then retracted the idea of decommissioning a SpaceX vehicle critical to NASA's spaceflight program. The vast majority of SpaceX's missions with NASA and the government launch from Cape Canaveral, either from the space agency's Kennedy Space Center or the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Serious threats, or empty words? That remains to be seen as Musk and Trump reportedly consider a detente. In the meantime, here's what to know about what's at stake if the U.S. government's relationship with SpaceX were to crumble: U.S. spaceflight: Trump looks to axe many NASA space missions that launched from Florida Trump threatens Elon Musk's government contracts amid feud The feud between Trump and his former top advisory escalated in a dramatic fashion when the president threatened to cut off the taxpayer dollars that have fueled the growth of SpaceX, of which Musk is the CEO. 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," Trump said in a post on his social media platform. "I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it!" In all, Musk and his businesses have received at least $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits, a Washington Post analysis found. How the potential fallout between two of the world's most powerful men could affect U.S. spaceflight ambitions remains to be seen. NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens said in a post on social media site X that NASA will continue to execute upon the Presidents vision for the future of space. NASA 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. Bethany Stevens (@NASASpox) June 5, 2025 We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the Presidents objectives in space are met, Stevens wrote. What is SpaceX? Elon Musk, the world's richest man, founded Space Exploration Technologies Corp., more widely known as SpaceX, in 2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commercial spaceflight company is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas. The site, which is where SpaceX has been conducting routine flight tests of its 400-foot megarocket known as Starship, was recently voted by residents to become its own city. SpaceX benefits from billions of dollars in contracts from NASA and the Department of Defense, which use many of the company's spacecraft to help launch government missions. SpaceX also conducts many of its own rocket launches, most using the Falcon 9 rocket. That includes a regular cadence of deliveries of Starlink internet satellites into orbit from both California and Florida, and occasional privately-funded commercial crewed missions on the Dragon. SpaceX is also planning to bring its Starship operations to Florida by the end of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent of SpaceX's private human spaceflights, a mission known as Fram2, took place in April. SpaceX was also famously involved in funding and operating the headline-grabbing Polaris Dawn crewed commercial mission in September 2024. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket used for many NASA missions A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station June 3, 2025. The rocket is carrying 23 Starlink satellites. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK SpaceX provides launch services to the Pentagon, including the launch of classified satellites and other payloads. CEO Gwynne Shotwell has said the company has about $22 billion in government contracts, according to Reuters. The vast majority of that, about $15 billion, is derived from NASA. SpaceX's famous two-stage Falcon 9 rocket one of the world's most active is routinely the rocket of choice to get many NASA missions off the ground. For instance, the rocket is due in the days ahead to help propel a four-person crew of private astronauts to the International Space Station for a venture with NASA known as Axiom Mission 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA also has plans to use SpaceX's Starship in its Artemis lunar missions to ferry astronauts aboard the Orion capsule from orbit to the moon's surface. The rocket, which is in development, has yet to reach orbit in any of its nine flight tests beginning in April 2023. What is the SpaceX Dragon? Capsule is vital to US spaceflight A SpaceX Dragon capsule prepares to dock at the International Space Station on April 22 carrying supplies for astronauts aboard the outpost. The vehicle is also used to transport humans for crewed missions to and from the station. SpaceX's Dragon capsule is also a famous vehicle that is widely used for a variety of spaceflights. The capsule, which sits atop the Falcon 9 for launches to orbit, is capable of transporting both NASA astronauts and cargo to the space station. Under NASA's commercial crew program, the U.S. space agency has been paying SpaceX for years to conduct routine spaceflights to the International Space Station using the company's own launch vehicles. The first of SpaceX's Crew missions ferrying astronauts to the orbital outpost on the Dragon began in 2020, with the tenth and most recent contingent reaching the station in March for about a six-month stay. 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 crew of four. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dragon spacecraft also was the vehicle NASA selected to bring home the two NASA astronauts who rode the doomed Boeing Starliner capsule to the space station in June 2024. Certifying the Starliner capsule for operation would give NASA a second vehicle in addition to Dragon for regular spaceflights to orbit. Musk says he could decommission Dragon before backing off Because Boeing is still developing its Starliner capsule, Dragon is the only U.S. vehicle capable of carrying astronauts to and from the space station. It's also one of four vehicles contracted to transport cargo and other supplies to the orbital laboratory. For that reason, Musk's threat Thursday, June 5 to decommission the Dragon "immediately" would be a severe blow to NASA if he were to follow through on it. Musk, though, appears to already be backing off on the suggestion, which he made in response to Trump's own threats. In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately pic.twitter.com/NG9sijjkgW Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 In response to a user who advised Musk to "Cool off and take a step back for a couple days," Musk replied: Good advice. Ok, we wont decommission Dragon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven astronauts are aboard the International Space Station, including three Americans. Four of the astronauts rode a SpaceX Dragon to the station for a mission known as Crew-10, while the remaining three launched on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Contributing: Joey Garrison, Josh Meyer, USA TODAY; Reuters 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: SpaceX at center of Trump, Musk feud: What it could mean for Florida SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Savannah Impact Program partnered with local city officials to help educate younger people on the real-life consequences of guns Friday. City leaders spoke to elementary age kids on engaging in violence. Deputy criminal chief Greg Gilluly touched on a shooting in Statesboro that involved a 4-year-old who shot himself with a gun that was not stored properly. I think one of the biggest problems is kids who are curious who will touch guns and as a result of playing with the gun, they get killed, Gilluly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savannah Impact Program officials told WSAV that they believe bridging the gap between young people and police officers is something that will help encourage young people to make the right decision. If you know youre an officer and you trust your officers, then gun violence will come to an end, Savannah Impact Program Director, Latoya Daniels said. We cant say were going to fix it all, but if we have trust and we build a community, that is what we are trying to do. Mayor Van Johnson also spoke and told kids that gun violence gets in the way of them growing up. Theres two roles, one is making sure that guns are not in illegal hands, Johnson said. Then secondly, making sure that young people make good decisions, understanding that youre going to walk away Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Savannah Impact Program holds events year-round, and said it is all about building a safer community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan energy companies are weighing the pros and cons of overhead power lines versus underground ones. Severe weather in Michigan can take a toll on exposed power lines. Consumers Energy spokesperson Brian Wheeler says this is one reason the company is looking to focus its efforts more on underground lines. We know that, over time, underground power lines can be more reliable, said Wheeler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers uses its Reliability Road Map to strategically place underground lines where they will be most beneficial. If we are in a heavily forested area, for example, maybe a more rural area, where trees are falling repeatedly, that makes a good candidate to bury more power lines, said Wheeler. This wont solve all power problems, though, as the Lansing Board of Water and Lights Director of Operations and Engineering for Transmission and Distribution, Wayne Lynn, explains, underground lines have some complications to consider too. Unfortunately, we have people who dig into our underground cables, and thats something we have to deal with, said Lynn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Consumers Energy, BWL installs both kinds of lines. Officials said that BWL is also doing more underground work, but they said that it is quite priceyaround seven times more expensive than overhead lines. The underground is a conversation that we would have to have to be very intentional in doing that. Wayne continued, Most people do it because of the aesthetics. When you have to repair, its a lot more costly as well because you have to dig. BWL and Consumers each have their own approaches to underground versus overhead power lines, but both companies want to make sure customers are satisfied. We want reliable service, we want affordable service. There are lots of different tactics and ways that all get us to the same goal, Wheeler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether it is overhead or below the ground, be careful around power lines. We encourage people to stay a safe distance away from them all the time. Wheeler continued, With an underground power line, people undertake digging projects. Even something simple in their own yard, you want to call MISS DIG at 811. That allows us to go out and mark where those lines are to avoid them. Consumers Energy will soon release more information on its pilot project for underground wires. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RELATED VIDEO: Hunt for Hardin recap IZARD COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Escaped Arkansas inmate Grant Hardin, known as Devil in the Ozarks, has been taking into custody, according to the Izard County Sheriffs Office. (Arkansas Dept. of Corrections) Hardin was taken into custody by Izard County authorities just a short distance from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, the Stone County Sheriffs Office said via Facebook. While many details will remain under investigation there is no longer an active threat to public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board of Corrections member Benny Magness also confirmed that Hardin is in custody. (Arkansas Dept. of Corrections) Hardin, who was serving time for murder and rape, was first reported missing from the North Central Unit nearly two weeks ago on May 25. Hardin managed to escape by impersonating a law enforcement official, according to a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Hardin impersonated an officer in dress and manner, causing the corrections officer operating a secure gate to open the gate and allow Inmate Hardin to walk away from the North Central Unit, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Nexstars KNWA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magness said he was captured about a mile from the unit in the woods, with help from a specialized unit from border patrol. An extensive manhunt During the nearly two weeks that Hardin spent outside of the prison, authorities launched a massive manhunt that included local, state and federal agencies. The search for Hardin was complicated by the rocky, rough terrain that includes dense forests and an extensive network of caves. Thanks to the great work of local, state and federal law enforcement Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief and I can confirm that violent criminal Grant Hardin is back in custody, said Governor Sarah Sanders. I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin. This combo of images provided by the Arkansas Department of Corrections shows an actual photo of inmate Grant Hardin, left, and a photo rendering of the convicted former police chief known as the Devil in the Ozarks as the search for the escaped inmate headed into its second week. (Arkansas Department of Corrections via AP) This was a great joint operation by a number of agencies, and Im so thankful for their tireless efforts, said Director of Division of Corrections Dexter Payne. The Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals, FBI, Border Patrol, Game and Fish, all the state and local agencies, along with the dedication of our Department employees, all played an indispensable role and I express my extreme gratitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin, who was previously the chief of police in the small Arkansas town of Gateway, located near the Missouri border, had been incarcerated at Calico Rock since 2017. He was serving 30 years after pleading guilty to murder in the fatal shooting of 59-year-old James Appleton, an employee for the Gateway water department. The prison term is in addition to a 50-year sentence for raping a teacher inside a Rogers, Arkansas elementary school in 1997. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ESSEX, Vt (ABC22/FOX44) In Essex on Friday, community members were focused on young Vermonters, especially when it comes to vaping and tobacco. According to data from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, just over 16% of high school students in Vermont use e-cigarettes. What were doing here is really trying to create an understanding of what is really a new market for some very dangerous products, says Marcus Aloisi, field director for Flavors Hook Kids a Vermont based organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Founded just last year, the group works to raise awareness about the dangers of kids using tobacco products especially flavored ones like vapes and nicotine pouches. In the past year, the organization has participated in health and wellness events, as well as health and safety fairs at local schools. They also hosts community breakfast events like the one on Friday at Leo and Co. in Essex. Aloisi says its a great opportunity for folks to ask questions and share personal experiences in a safe, judgment free space. And hopefully, we can get them education and resources that might make an impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second time Flavors Hook Kids has hosted an event like this, both times in partnership with the organization Vermont Moms. Obviously vaping and all of those things are of great importance, says Anne Sharp, a blog writer for Vermont Moms. Trying to help parents understand it better is something were very passionate about. A mom of two teenagers, Sharp says shes learned a lot by attending the meetings. Something that shocked her the most the plethora of options kids now have at their fingertips. When I was a kid, it was just cigarettes and beer, basic things, but now there us this big variety that is almost exciting for kids to try and it doesnt even seem like a bad thing, Sharp explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The groups were also joined by Tom Fantana, a mental health and drug and alcohol counselor with the University of Vermont. He says nicotine is always a big topic of conversation. So many kids come in wishing theyd never even started, says Fontana, and its this message he hopes to get across to the younger generations. There are some questions around whether one form better than the other, and its all reasonable but you have to understand that nicotine is nicotine. Last year, Flavors Hook Kids worked on the bill S.18, which looks to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in Vermont. While the Governor ultimately vetoed it, campaign director Jill Sudhoff-Guerin says theyre not giving up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, theyre working to rebuild support for the campaign in the community. What were hearing is a response of, we want to help our kids not spend money on or use these products. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ESSEX, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) People of all ages will be able to raise money for kids this weekend in a fun event that tackles a difficult subject. Big Beautiful Life is a non-profit in Essex, Vermont offering support to children with chronic medical conditions. It was inspired by Addi Carroll, a local child with a previously unknown medical condition who passed away at the age of 12 in June of 2022. Addi enjoyed spending time around firefighters and fire trucks, and Essexs town Fire Department recognized her as an honorary firefighter, even naming a truck after her. AmeriCorps in Vermont will continue for now Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The events on Sunday, held at and around Essex Middle School, will center on a 5k run, walk, and roll with all ages welcome to participate and a shorter 1.2k event. Also at the event will be face painting, sweet treats including creemies, a dance party, and an opportunity for all children to get close to a fire truck. Children under 5 can be registered free; others are $30 to $40, with the fee helping raise money for the organization, which also hosts blood drives and accepts toys and medical supplies for children in hospitals. Police and firefighters from other cities will also be participating in the event, including Essexs own Fire Department where Addi spent much of her time and the Burlington Police Department. Burlington and Essex police will participate at the event. (Courtesy: Burlington PD via Facebook) Williston firefighters recognized for saving baby with medical care The fundraiser and festivities will start at 8:15 a.m. on Sunday and are scheduled to continue until 12:30 p.m.. The event has no relation to the recent big, beautiful bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 former Washington, D.C. police department lieutenant was sentenced to 18 months in prison for tipping off a Proud Boys leader about an investigation and then lying about it. Shane Lamond was found guilty in federal court last December of alerting Henry Enrique Tarrio to a warrant for his arrest over the December 2020 burning of a Black Lives Matter flag stolen from a Black church. When federal investigators later asked Lamond about his communications with Tarrio, he lied about it in three separate false statements. On Friday, Lamond said in court that he respectfully disagrees with the guilty verdict, but also acknowledged he was sloppy in his relationship with Tarrio, The Hill reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Amy Berman Jackson told Lamond that that was quite the understatement. His actions, she said, werent in line with proper department guidelines unless you twist them until theyre unrecognizable. That is absolutely not the way police treat information about a warrant, Jackson said Friday, The Washington Post reported, and Mr. Lamond knows that He lied to the federal agents when he was a sworn law enforcement officer himself. Tarrio, convicted of seditious conspiracy, was pardoned by Donald Trump. / REUTERS/Hannah McKay Lamond, who had been with the Metropolitan Police Department for 24 years, is a first-time offender, and his sentence was considerably less than the 30 years he could have received for obstruction of justice. Lamond has until August 1 to surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarrio was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riota black mark that President Donald Trump removed via a pardon in January. Tarrio, who was in the courtroom Friday, said Trump should pardon the former officer as well. This has to be corrected, he told reporters afterward. Stewart Rhodes and Enrique Tarrio both called for Trump to pardon Lamond. / Brian Snyder / REUTERS Also in attendance was Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year seditious conspiracy sentence was commuted by Trump. Rhodes called Fridays sentencing a travesty of injustice. Jackson said a potential pardon didnt influence her sentencing decision. Im going to do my job to the best of my ability, which I think is determining the right sentence, she said, according to The Post. Grant Hardin, a former Arkansas police chief convicted of rape and murder, was captured Friday after escaping from prison nearly two weeks ago. Hardin, 56, was taken into custody roughly 1.5 miles west of North Central Unit, the facility he fled wearing what prison officials have described as a "makeshift" law enforcement uniform, the Arkansas Department of Corrections said. U.S. Border Patrol agents and Arkansas law enforcement officers found him near an Izard County creek after tracking dogs picked up his scent in the area, the department said. He was apprehended a short time later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin's identity was confirmed by fingerprint analysis, the Izard County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. Grant Hardin. (Arkansas Department of Corrections Communications Department / AP) To every one of our Department staff that assisted in this manhunt over the last 13 days, I give my heartfelt thank you for your immeasurable contributions to bring this search to a peaceful conclusion," Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace said in a statement. Hardin walked out of the North Central Unit just before 3 p.m. May 25. An affidavit stated that he "impersonated a corrections officer in dress and manner, causing a corrections officer operating a secure gate to open the gate." Authorities released a photo showing him dressed in all black and pushing a wheeled cart with what appeared to be wooden pallets on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple agencies, including state police, assisted in the search. The FBI, Department of Corrections, Arkansas State Police, and Department of Justice said there was a reward of up to $10,000 for information that led to his arrest. Hardin, who has a background in law enforcement, was in prison for killing Gateway city water employee James Appleton in 2017 and raping teacher Amy Harrison in 1997. He was sentenced to 30 years for Appletons murder and 50 years for the sexual assault. Both cases were featured in the 2023 Max documentary "Devil in the Ozarks." Rand Champion, a Corrections Department spokesperson, had said that Hardin's background in law enforcement made the search more difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin was the police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, for about four months in early 2016. From August 1990 to May 1991, he worked for the Fayetteville Police Department. A department spokesperson said he was let go while still going through the training program. NBC affiliate KNWA of Fayetteville reported that he also worked as a police officer, county constable, and corrections officer. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com June 7 (UPI) -- A former Arkansas police chief who escaped from a prison 12 days ago was apprehended about a mile and half from where he was incarcerated in northwest Arkansas. Grant Hardin, known as the "Devil in the Ozarks," was caught around 3 p.m. local time Friday by Arkansas law enforcement officers and the U.S. Border Patrol, according to Arkansas Department of Corrections. Hardin, 56, was an inmate at the North Central Unit in Calico Rock in Izard County for murder and rape. Calico Rock is 126 miles north of Little Rock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracking dogs picked up Hardin's scent west of the prison near Moccasin Creek in Izard County, the state agency said. Escaped inmate Grant Hardin has been recaptured and was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m. on Friday, June 6. Read more on our website:https://t.co/oZkoHRDp85 pic.twitter.com/D5H0Ea5OXh Arkansas Department of Corrections (@ADCPIO) June 6, 2025 Hardin was brought back to the North Central Unit where he was identified using his fingerprint and for a physical exam before he was moved to the Varner SuperMax Unit in Gould, Arkansas, Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion told CNN. After a dayslong manhunt that crossed several states, Champion said Hardin would be interviewed to learn more about his escape and nearly two weeks on the run. "This was a great joint operation by a number of agencies, and I'm so thankful for their tireless efforts," Dexter Payne, director of the Division of Correction in Arkansas' Department of Corrections, said in an agency press release. "The Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals, FBI, Border Patrol, Game and Fish, all the state and local agencies, along with the dedication of our Department employees, all played an indispensable role and I express my extreme gratitude." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin escaped from the prison at approximately 2:55 p.m. on May 25. The agency said he "was wearing a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement" when he escaped, but was not wearing an actual guard uniform and all DOC-issued equipment was accounted for. Hardin is the former chief of police for the city of Gateway in Benton County, which had a population of 444 people in 2023. He also was a police officer, county constable and corrections officer. Gateway, which is near the Missouri border, is 129 miles west of Calico Rock. Since 2017, he was in the North Central Unit serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder, and 25 years for each rape count. He pleaded guilty to the murder of James Appleton, 59, a city water employee found shot in the face inside his work truck in October 2017, KNWA reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin's DNA linked him to the 1997 rape of a teacher, the TV station reported. Amy Harrison, a teacher at Frank Tillery Elementary in Rogers, was ambushed while preparing lesson plans at the school when she was ambushed and assaulted by a man with a gun. "He's a sociopath," former Benton County prosecutor Nathan Smith told Arkansas ABC affiliate KHBS/KHOG. "Prison's not full of people who are all bad. It's full of a lot of people who just do bad things. Grant's different." The FBI offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest. "Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief because violent criminal Grant Hardin is now in custody," Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders posted on X. "I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin." MARSHALL COUNTY, Iowa Marshall Countys Wohlert House, which was once staffed by midwives, will be the focus of an upcoming event hosted by the Historical Society of Marshall County (HSMC). The residential property in State Center was built in 1909 and was once a birthing hospital before automobiles and highway travel became dependable. It was home to an early womens business, said Catherine Noble in a news release. Emma Wohlert, a widow, had established and operated it as a baby hospital. On Tuesday, June 10, Noble, who has remodeled the property and was able to secure its selection for the National Register of Historic Places, will present a program on the propertys unique history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After two years of researching the Louis F. and Emma M. (Edler) Wohlert House-Emma Wohlert Maternity Home, it was learned that Emmas granddaughter still lived in the area. Nancy Davis, of West Des Moines, was able to provide family photographs and an original diary that had records of more than 400 births between the years of 1923 and 1945. The diary entries are now accessible on the State Library of Iowas Archives, listed as the Wolert House. The presentation will be held at 6:30 the Mowry-Irvine Mansion at 503 West Main Street in Marshalltown. It is free of charge and open to the public. Marshall County Historical Society headquarters The Second-Tuesday series is part of an ongoing effort by HSMC to educate central Iowans about the significant contributions made by Marshall County residents and events which have shaped the county, stated a news release. The HSMC was established by a group of women in 1908. It is a certified 501(c)3 not-for-profit group whose income is derived exclusively from memberships, a small endowment, and fundraising activities. For more information, contact HSMC at 641-752-6664 or info@hsmcia.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Talking with ABC News for his first-ever interview, the new executive chairman of the controversial United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) discussed dozens of people being killed near the aid distribution centers and one of the sites being shut down within 10 days of opening. Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore -- who has twice been appointed by President Donald Trump as a commissioner on the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom -- said the organization "can't control what happens outside" the distribution points and added that there have been incidents, "as one would expect, in a war, outside of our distribution sites." PHOTO: Rev. Dr. Johnnie Moore speaks during an interview with ABC News. (ABC News) Israel Defense Forces said that its troops opened fire on both Sunday and Tuesday of this week in areas near GHF aid distribution sites in Gaza, stating it has fired shots "towards" people but not at them. The IDF said "suspects" had deviated from specific routes towards the aid hub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Moore, "some" deaths in one of the incidents did "come from the IDF" although he also blamed "some" of the deaths on Hamas. At least 57 people were killed and nearly 300 injured, health officials said, between Sunday and Tuesday's shootings, leading GHF to pause its distribution for 24 hours. MORE: Aid distribution resumes in Gaza, humanitarian group says When asked if GHF's aid plan was part of the problem, given that desperate, hungry people had been killed on their way to pick up food, Moore answered, "No, I think that's a quite cynical point of view." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I fundamentally disagree with the premise that our operation is somehow disproportionately imperiling people," he said. According to Moore, GHF -- since it was set up 10 days ago -- had distributed "10 million meals to Gazans, to thousands and thousands and thousands of people." The population of Gaza is around 2.2 million. PHOTO: Palestinians carry boxes and bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, June 6, 2025. (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Addressing the two incidents, Moore said, "Somehow people veered off the secure corridor," and referred to the deaths as "a tragedy." In the wake of such deadly incidents, GHF has since closed its distribution centers. Moore said his organization was "working with others" to make such incidents "less likely to happen" in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not doing this for anybody to die," GHF's executive chairman said. Moore pushed back on the implication that the new aid plan, which was set up at the behest of Israel to counter the alleged looting of aid by Hamas, had been mismanaged. Moore confirmed that Gazans arriving at the aid distribution points didn't need to show any form of ID to get access to aid. When asked by ABC News how he could be sure that Hamas would not profit from aid distributed under his plan, he said there was "no evidence" any of their aid had been seized. PHOTO: A boy carries a box of relief supplies from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), as displaced Palestinians return from an aid distribution centre in the central Gaza Strip on May 29, 2025. (Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images) The GHF executive said his organization was "very much solving the problem" and, over time, GHF would "put more energy on verification." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International aid agencies have refused to participate in GHF's aid distribution operation, stating that it breaches fundamental humanitarian principles, such as the notion that aid should always be distributed at the point of need. The GHF operation has been accused by multiple U.N. organizations of forcing people to have to travel long distances through a perilous war zone to reach the distribution points, which are located in tightly restricted areas. The most vulnerable people in Gaza would appear to be the least likely to be able to access the aid. Moore rejected that premise and said, "over time" he believed they would be able to get aid to the most vulnerable people. International aid agencies have also accused GHF's aid distribution operation of being part of Israel's military strategy, which Moore said was "simply not true." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Palestinians have been presented the grimmest of choices: die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available through Israels militarized humanitarian assistance mechanism," United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement on Tuesday. "This militarized system endangers lives and violates international standards on aid distribution, as the United Nations has repeatedly warned," Turk's statement continued. Moore said GHF was communicating with the IDF to "manage" the "secure corridors," but he described GHF as an "American organization" with "American contractors." When asked if Israel was funding the organization, at least to some extent, he refused to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's certain things that we're not gonna talk about or focus on now," Moore told ABC News. PHOTO: Palestinians seeking aid gather near an aid distribution site run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 27, 2025. (Hatem Khaled/Reuters) GHF has been mired in controversy from the beginning, and it lost Executive Director Jake Wood, a U.S. military veteran, who resigned just before the aid plan launched nearly two weeks ago. Wood cited concerns over the group's impartiality. In an interview days before his resignation, Wood had suggested on CNN that GHF would only be able to scale up its operation to the necessary level to cater for Gaza's population if major aid agencies were to join the operation, something they have all refused to do. As a new executive, Moore said he believed they could scale up the operation to the necessary degree, but said it was not their goal to do it without the cooperation of major aid agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I mean, they're the ones who have said that they won't work with us," he added. "My message to them [international aid agencies] is like, stop criticizing us, just join us, and we can learn from them if people have better idea." As of Thursday, the aid sites were shut down and then briefly re-opened and then closed again at two sites in Rafah, Gaza, GHF said. The GHF says that some sites have been reopened on Saturday but it is currently unclear how much aid is being distributed. Moore said the ultimate aim was to have significantly more than eight distribution centers and said he thought that "big organizations" would eventually cooperate with GHF. New executive chairman of US-backed aid for Gaza hits back at criticism originally appeared on abcnews.go.com GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A company with ambitious goals centered on the Triad is celebrating the issuance of a presidential executive order. On Friday, Donald Trump signed an executive order to lift the FAAs ban of supersonic flights over the United States. Recently, Senators Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) were among several lawmakers who introduced bills in the house and senate that would revise this ban. The lifting of this ban comes as Boom Supersonic, a company aiming to build a supersonic airliner, has chosen Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro as the site where it will build engines for its planned Overture jet. Boom wrote in a statement that it supports repealing the ban, which the company calls outdated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boom Supersonic did multiple test flights earlier in the year with their XB-1 jet, which broke the sound barrier without creating an audible boom. Legalizing supersonic flight makes a renaissance in supersonic passenger travel inevitable, said Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. Were grateful to President Trump for his leadershipthis important step allows us to accelerate development of our Overture supersonic airliner. About Boom Boom is investing about $500 million to build Overture, a commercial supersonic jet, in Greensboro and, in January 2023, signed a lease and broke ground on a 62-acre site where its so-called Superfactory is well under construction. The company, which plans to employ more than 1,700, also has an option for a second parcel. Boom plans to have its first passengers in the air by 2029 and will fly more than 600 profitable routes to destinations worldwide with a range of 4,250 nautical miles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boom has taken on three partners to design and build the engine it calls Symphony, which will power the Overture, and now has partnerships with companies to provide the wings, the fuselage and the tail assembly. Another partner, Dimensional Energy, is to provide sustainable aviation fuel, which is described by the U.S. Department of Energy as being made from renewable biomass and waste resources, which could be corn, algae or wood products. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. HONOLULU (KHON2) Experts say considering the circumstances, military prosecutors did the best they could in the Mischa Johnson murder case. Army soldier sentenced to 23 years in prison for brutal killing of pregnant wife Even though her husband admitted to killing her and their unborn child, there is a chance he could even get out of prison early. Despite the heinous details in the killing of Mischa Johnson, experts say military prosecutors got all the prison time they could for Dewayne Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentence of 23 years is actually pretty high for the charges he was facing, said Alexander Silvert, retired federal public defender. Johnson faced a murder charge, but plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and obstruction of justice. Experts say there are two critical components to proving murder, intent and evidence. I know in this particular case, theres no body, said retired Col. Mark Bridges, former military judge/JAG corps. Theyre probably, to my knowledge, there were no other witnesses about what occurred. And so the governments in a bit of a quandary there. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Evidence is key, said Silvert. What can you prove? And so the government here took the evidence they had, made the best deal they had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So even though Johnson admitted he dismembered Mischas body and threw it in a dumpster, and even though prosecutors showed he contacted 18 women on a dating app days after the killing, experts say that is irrelevant in regards to intent. All of that indicates hes certainly not a good person, not a nice person, but all that doesnt indicate that he killed his wife, said Silvert. It would indicate to a jury, I think, if it argued correctly, simply that the marriage was dissolving. It was a bad marriage. He knew they were going to separate. So he was making other arrangements and moving on with his life. Johnson could also be out earlier. Experts add that in some cases, the accused is released early for good time, usually shaving up to a third off their sentence. They could also be eligible for parole. Parole is never a definite thing, said Bridges. So theyll look at the facts and circumstances of what happened in this case. And the parole authority will have to decide whether parole is appropriate. So its never an automatic thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news A guilty verdict is also not guaranteed. So experts say coming to a plea agreement might not please all, but is important for closure and a sense of peace for the victims family. The family at this moment, not all of them may feel that way, but I think over time, it will prove out that psychologically, it was really good to find out what happened, said Silvert. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Claim: H.R. 1, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, contains a provision that bans states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years. Rating: Rating: Mostly True Context: If the "Big Beautiful Bill" becomes law, states and local governments would be unable to enforce any regulations on AI systems and models involved in interstate commerce for 10 years. There are exceptions for any laws or regulations that facilitate the rollout, operations or adoption of AI models and systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A budget bill that Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed on May 22, 2025, allegedly bans all 50 states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade, according to claims shared on social media in early June. As the Senate prepared to take up H.R. 1, more commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, people online expressed their concerns about the alleged AI-related provisions in the legislation. For example, one X user shared this claim (archived) on June 2, 2025: Trump's Big Beautiful Bill: - forbids states from regulating AI for 10 years, -centralizes control at the federal level -integrates all AI systems nationwide into federal government agencies. Do you get it yet? pic.twitter.com/oSkNmrJaAA Maine (@TheMaineWonk) June 3, 2025 Similar claims also appeared in Facebook (archived) posts (archived) around the same time. Snopes reviewed the text of H.R. 1 and found a provision that bans states from regulating AI systems "entered into interstate commerce" for 10 years in Section 43201 of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paragraph (c) in that section outlines the 10-year moratorium on states' AI regulation: (1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (2), no State or political subdivision thereof may enforce, during the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, any law or regulation of that State or a political subdivision thereof limiting, restricting, or otherwise regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, or automated decision systems entered into interstate commerce. In other words, if the bill becomes law, states and local governments will be blocked from enforcing any regulations on AI systems and models that are involved in interstate commerce for 10 years. The phrase "interstate commerce" broadly refers to business or activity that crosses state lines. But in the context of this bill, the distinction likely doesn't mean much. As a result, we've rated the claim mostly true. The Supreme Court has said activities that happen entirely within one state can still count as interstate commerce if they have a significant enough impact on the national economy, as David Brody, a civil rights and technology legal expert, explained in an article for Tech Policy Press published on May 27, 2025. That means many AI systems would likely be subject to the federal rules if H.R. 1 passes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there are some exceptions to the 10-year moratorium on states' AI regulation notably for any laws or regulations that facilitate the rollout, operations or adoption of AI models and systems, according to the bill text. Snopes reached out to the White House and the office of U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, who introduced H.R. 1, for comment about the 10-year moratorium on states regulating AI and the purpose of including it in the bill, and is awaiting responses. Lawmakers, advocacy groups voice opposition Multiple Republican lawmakers have voiced support for the 10-year moratorium, with some saying a patchwork of state laws doesn't support innovation and others stressing the importance of a federal approach to AI regulation. But other federal and state lawmakers as well as watchdog groups have strongly opposed the proposed rule over concerns about limiting states' ability to deal with potential harms caused by AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said in an X post on June 3, 2025, that she "did not know about" the section of H.R. 1 that bans states from regulating AI for a decade, adding that she is "adamantly opposed" to the provision. Full transparency, I did not know about this section on pages 278-279 of the OBBB that strips states of the right to make laws or regulate AI for 10 years. 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 pic.twitter.com/bip3hztSGq Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) June 3, 2025 Hundreds of state lawmakers across the political spectrum also signed a letter addressed to the U.S. House and Senate on June 3, 2025, expressing "strong opposition" to the 10-year moratorium on AI regulation. The letter read in part, "The proposed 10-year freeze of state and local regulation of AI and automated decision systems would cut short democratic discussion of AI policy in the states with a sweeping moratorium that threatens to halt a broad array of laws and restrict policymakers from responding to emerging issues." Nearly two weeks earlier, a coalition of advocacy organizations, including Common Sense Media, Fairplay and Encode, also called on congressional leaders to oppose the provision, writing in part that AI companies would have "no rules, no accountability and total control" if it were to take effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter dated May 21, 2025, the groups wrote: As written, the provision is so broad it would block states from enacting any AI-related legislation, including bills addressing hyper-sexualized AI companions, social media recommendation algorithms, protections for whistleblowers, and more. It ties lawmakers' hands for a decade, sidelining policymakers and leaving families on their own as they face risks and harms that emerge with this fast-evolving technology in the years to come. Discussions about AI companions and possible issues arising from their use have gained prominence in recent months. For example, research from Drexel University in Philadelphia suggests that inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment, during conversations with AI chatbots is "becoming a widespread problem," the university said on May 5, 2025. Consumer Reports, another advocacy organization, also raised concerns about states being unable to deal with a variety of issues that AI technology poses, including sexually explicit images, audio and video created without a person's consent. Snopes has previously looked into other claims about the "Big Beautiful Bill," including whether it contains a provision allowing the U.S. president to delay or cancel elections. Sources: Arrington, Jodey. "Text - H.R.1 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Congress.gov, 2025, www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text. Accessed 4 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brody, David. "The Big Beautiful Bill Could Decimate Legal Accountability for Tech and Anything Tech Touches." Tech Policy Press, 27 May 2025, www.techpolicy.press/the-big-beautiful-bill-could-decimate-legal-accountability-for-tech-and-anything-tech-touches/. Accessed 4 June 2025. Cornell Law School. "Commerce Clause." Legal Information Institute, 18 Sept. 2018, www.law.cornell.edu/wex/commerce_clause. Accessed 4 June 2025. Hendrix, Justin. "Transcript: US House Subcommittee Hosts Hearing on 'AI Regulation and the Future of US Leadership.'" Tech Policy Press, 21 May 2025, www.techpolicy.press/transcript-us-house-subcommittee-hosts-hearing-on-ai-regulation-and-the-future-of-us-leadership/. Accessed 4 June 2025. Open letter from consumer advocacy organizations to congressional leadership. Common Sense Media, 21 May 2025, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/featured-content/files/common-sense-media-letter-in-opposition-of-federal-ai-moratorium.pdf. Accessed 4 June 2025. CHICAGO (WGN) As the community mourns the loss of Officer Krystal Rivera, her friends and colleagues are sharing more about how theyre honoring her memory. Rivera, four-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was killed after another officer unintentionally shot her during a call on the citys South Side Thursday night. MORE COVERAGE: CPD officer killed in South Side shooting Her friends say she embodied what it meant to protect and serve the community, and she did it with great pride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a sad, heavy day for Chicago, Pastor Donovan Price said. Rivera was a mother, daughter, friend to many and a protector to countless strangers. She served on the 6Th District Tactical Team, working to make the streets of Chicago safer. Officer Krystal Rivera Theres nothing like walking into a room and having to deliver this type of message to her mother and her very young daughter, CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said. Riveras brothers and sisters in blue say she was an exceptional officer but her greatest pride in life was her daughter. This weekend, she would have celebrated her daughters birthday. Full of courage and compassion both on and off the job, she devoted her life to helping others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was one of the things her mother said, she loved her job, Snelling said. After becoming a police officer in 2021, Riveras friends say she carried out her responsibilities with great pride. They remember her for her contagious laugh, her smile and her fierce loyalty to those around her. A longtime friend shared photos from when they were younger, saying Rivera always treated her like she was her little sister and always made her feel safe. The two both eventually became police officers. You hear a lot of people badmouthing officers, but you have no idea what those officers go through every day on and off duty, Benita Betts, retired CPD officer, said. Betts served the city for over 20 years. She brought food and drinks by the 6th District on Friday to say thank you and recognize that the job doesnt stop even in the wake of great tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My son used to be on the officers TAC team. They worked together, so I just wanted to come out and show my support, Betts said. At an event for peace at nearby St. Sabina Church, the weight of this loss was heavy on the minds of city leadership and local clergy. We should understand any place in this city where a child is shot and killed, where a police officer is shot and killed, where anybody is shot. Its a city that should be caring. A city should be mourning. Its not about race or creed or neighborhood, Rev. Michael Pfleger said. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is also offering support. In a statement, its executive director wrote in part: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She represented everything we want our police officers to be: smart, assertive, tough, compassionate and professional. Krystal greeted each tour of duty with zeal and enthusiasm and worked every day to make Chatham and our city safer. The foundation says they are praying for Riveras family and promise to support her daughter in the days, weeks and years to come. Volunteers with Light the Line are also offering their support. Earlier they placed blue ribbons on poles and trees in honor of the officer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Amtrak will run special trains once again to a Juneteenth event in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. It will be June 14 at Allensworth, named for the former slave who founded it in 1908. The town faded after several years due to the loss of its water supply and rail depot. Amtrak sets up a temporary platform next to what is now a state historic park. All tickets are half off for the trip, then reduced even more by Amtraks regular discounts for children, seniors and other groups. Four southbound trains will get them there before and during the gathering, which is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and return afterward. The image of Colonel Allen Allensworth, founder of Allensworth, is displayed on a t-shirt, at the rededication of Allensworth State Historical Park, Wed. Aug. 25, 2021. The trip is on the San Joaquins corridor. It has five daily round trips between Bakersfield and Oakland and a sixth branching north to Sacramento. The stops on the way include Stockton, Modesto, Denair, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Hanford and Corcoran. Tickets can be purchased on the Amtrak website, which also has departure times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when people in Galveston, Texas, got belated word of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is now a federal holiday on June 19 each year. The town was named for Lt. Col. Allen Allensworth, who earlier had become the highest-ranking Black officer in the U.S. Army. Few of the old buildings remain, but the state has plans for a visitor center and other amenities. The nonprofit Friends of Allensworth is helping out. Friends of Allensworth docent Emmett Harden in the classroom of the original Allensworth schoolhouse built in 1912 at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Amtrak carried just 33 passengers on its first Allensworth promotion in 2019, said an email from Tom van der List of KP Public Affairs in Sacramento. Last year brought more than 350. People who prefer to drive can go south on Highway 99 to Fresno, then south on Highway 43 to Allensworth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Amtrak rides are free this year for certain Black students in Stockton, Tracy, Bakersfield and the Bay Area, thanks to a grant from the nonprofit Parks California. The $50,000 will support current and future trips to Juneteenth and to the annual October event marking Allensworth joining the state park system in 1974. A drone image shows Col. Allen Allensworths home in the foreground with the rest of the town behind it at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park near Earlimart on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. The grant money was secured with help from the routes governing body, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. This grant will help elevate and expand the Visit Allensworth program, while allowing travelers to experience the benefits of public transportation through Amtrak San Joaquins, Executive Director Stacey Mortensen said in a news release. She added that it will reduce access barriers to this historically and culturally significant site, allowing Black communities throughout our service corridor to connect with this cornerstone of Californias rich history. Some of the other passengers will be from a service club in Modesto. The Silver Square Lodge #66/Creators Club is calling it the Never Be Forgotten, Never Be Repeated Train Ride Back In Time. More information is at 209-595-6966 or on the groups Facebook page. The Bee has details on Juneteenth observances in Modesto, Riverbank and Lathrop as part of a roundup of various events this month. PLAINFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A family of sandhill cranes was caught on camera in Plainfield, a species of bird in Massachusetts that is of high conservation need. Ticks becoming more active as weather heats up 22News received this photo of a group of sandhill cranes, including two chicks, from viewer Michael Carenzo of Easthampton. The birds were seen walking together in Plainfield on Friday. The sandhill crane is a large wading bird known for its loud, rattling calls and elaborate courtship dances. Males and females both stand at approximately 3.3 feet tall, with a wingspan of approximately 6.5 feet. These birds mate for life and are found in New England, the upper Midwest, Canada, Alaska, and isolated populations in the western United States. Credit: Michael Carenzo. According to the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, the sandhill crane population saw a severe decrease in the early 20th century due to unregulated hunting and loss and degradation of their wetland habitats. The cranes had a significant resurgence as wetland protection legislation was filed and the North American Breeding Bird Atlas was established in 1966. They are considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These cranes spend the winter in the southern U.S. or northern Mexico, with many returning to breeding areas in Massachusetts in late March or early April. Sandhill crane chicks remain with their family through late fall migration, and typically become independent after their first spring migration. Threats to the species include human disturbance around nest sites, loss and degradation of nesting habitat, and collisions with artificial structures. They are also vulnerable to diseases including the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. MassWildlife states that it is important not to disturb nesting sites and habitats to continue seeing the increase in population of sandhill cranes, with the hope that protecting these grounds can support the full annual cycle conservation of the species. 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. NEED TO KNOW The family of Tim and Esther Keiderling, the father and daughter who died while hiking in Maine, has spoken out Heinrich Arnold, Tims brother-in-law, said the heartbreaking tragedy has been "difficult to fully grasp" Tim and Esther's bodies were discovered on Mount Katahdin on June 3 and June 4, respectively The family of Tim and Esther Keiderling, the father and daughter who died while hiking in Maine, has spoken out about the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement shared via the familys New York-based church, Tims brother-in-law, Heinrich Arnold, thanked community members for their outpouring of prayers and support" after the "heartbreaking tragedy." Explaining that Tim, a father of six, and Esther's deaths have been "difficult to fully grasp," he continued, "Both were taken from us far too soon, and we are all left asking: Why? " "One comfort to the family is knowing that Tim and Esther were doing something they both were passionate about: being near to God, surrounded by expansive views and visions, immersed in nature, in the raw and wild beauty of creation," added Arnold. The relative also said: "The last few days have been filled with endless hours of heartache and prayer as we prayed for Gods protection and his comfort in this loss." Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Esther Keiderling (left) and Tim Keiderling (right). Esther Keiderling (left) and Tim Keiderling (right). Joe Keiderling, Tims brother, told NBC News that his sibling was "utterly unique." The pair both worked for the medical supply company Rifton Equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many young men and women remember him as an elementary school teacher who could hold them spellbound with wildly imaginative stories and escapades in the woods and fields of the Hudson Valley he called home," Joe continued. Of Esther, Joe said his niece was quiet but "deeply sensitive," telling NBC News, "She loved reading and writing, with a particular fondness for the poets Gerard Manley Hopkins and Edna St. Vincent Millay." Tim, 58, and Esther, 28, both of Ulster Park, N.Y., were last seen on Sunday, June 1, at around 10:15 a.m. local time. They had set out from the Abol Campground to hike Mount Katahdin, according to a statement from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Days later, on Tuesday, June 3, authorities updated the statement, writing that a Maine Warden Service K9 search team found Tim's body near the summit of the mountain, but his daughter remained missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization updated the statement again the following day on Wednesday, June 4, announcing that searchers had found Esther's body. 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 Baxter State Park website describes the Katahdin trail as a very strenuous climb, no matter which trailhead you choose, adding that it can take an average of eight to 12 hours to hike round-trip. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife did not respond to PEOPLE's request for further updates on Friday, June 6. Read the original article on People The family of a Turkish immigrant killed by a drunken driver claims three downtown Manhattan bars should be held responsible for his death. Mahbub Ali, of Astoria, was allegedly visibly intoxicated when he visited Barcade Downtown, Harrys on Wall Street and Klong, where he drank over a nearly six-hour stretch, the victims family said in a lawsuit. But the watering holes kept pouring drinks anyway, until Alis blood alcohol content was .158 percent, nearly twice the legal limit for driving, according to court papers. Esiyok, 23, had just landed a delivery job and was living in a shelter when he was struck and killed crossing Third Avenue. Obtained by the New York Post Ali, 28, then got behind the wheel fatally struck Abdulhekim Esiyok as he walked across Third Avenue near East 21st Street in Gramercy, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ali kept going slamming into an 18-year-old cyclist, two pedestrians on the sidewalk and a parked van before coming to a stop, the NYPD said. He was arrested at the scene. Ali went to brunch with a friend in the Financial District around noon on June 4, 2023, before heading to multiple locations to continue drinking, the Manhattan District Attorneys office said. Esiyok, 23, whod been in New York for just a month, was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The family is now seeking unspecified damages from the three bars, accusing the establishments in a Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit filed Monday of violating New Yorks Dram Shop Act, which holds alcohol-serving establishments liable if they sell booze to someone who is clearly drunk and that person causes injury or death. The suit claims staff at Harrys kept serving Ali even though he was visibly intoxicated. J.C.Rice The family is devastated, said attorney Samantha Raphaelson, who represents Esiyoks family. Theyre still in disbelief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ali plead not guilty to a slew of charges, including manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, assault and driving while intoxicated. The case is pending. He had an American dream, Raphaelson said of Esiyok. He came here to work hard and provide for his loved ones and he was killed in a senseless act. Barcade Downtown allegedly poured drinks for Ali as he racked up a .158 BAC, nearly twice the legal limit, prosecutors said. Taidgh Barron/NY Post Klong, a Thai restaurant on St. Marks, was one of the bars Ali allegedly visited on a booze crawl before the deadly crash. Helayne Seidman Barcade Downtown, Harrys on Wall Street and Klong did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Alis criminal lawyer declined comment on the lawsuit. Floridas largest independent food bank, Farm Share, partners with Disaster Relief Nonprofit Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to distribute hurricane preparedness supplies throughout the state. The statewide event begins on Saturday, June 7, at 9 a.m. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The American Red Cross will sponsor the event alongside Neighbors 4 Neighbors to distribute hurricane supply kits to 6,500 families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know the fear and uncertainty that hurricane season brings for so many Florida families, said Stephen Shelley, CEO of Farm Share. Thats why were committed to showing up, before, during, and after the storm, to make sure our neighbors have the support and supplies they need to stay safe and recover. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The locations include: Tallahassee Fairgrounds 441 Paul Russell Rd.., Tallahassee, FL 32301 Sumpter Park 165 SW 3rd Ave, Madison, FL 32340 Fair Ground Youth Fair 10901 SW 24th St, Miami, FL 33165 Pompano North Lauderdale Park 4001 NW 62nd St, North Lauderdale, FL 33068 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hand Park 500 W Canal St S, Belle Glade, FL 33430 West Palm Beach - IBEW Local #728 Building Corp 4620 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33415 Celebration Church 9555 R G Skinner Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Next Level Church 12400 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, FL 33966 Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Himes Ave Lot 14, Tampa, FL 33607 [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Our collective goal is to work hand-in-hand with corporate, government, religious, nonprofit, and individual partners to minimize the impact of major disasters, said Michael Capponi, Founder of GEM. We believe that smart partnerships are the key to building a stronger, more resilient response framework. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farm Share and GEM delivered more than 13 million pounds of emergency supplies, including food and water, last year. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Farmers from around the state met in Marianna on Friday, June 6, for the 2025 Perennial Peanut Field Day. The Perennial Peanut Producers Association hosted the annual event in partnership with the UF IFAS Panhandle AG extension team. The educational program featured five innovation updates about the industry, with tips for planting and harvesting. Bay District Schools hosting summer job fair for 2025-26 school year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farmers also discussed the state of the industry. I think the biggest challenges are always the cost of the inputs that we have to use. Fertilized chemicals, weve seen those go up this year. This is a very unique crop. So the people talking today are from the university, and were still learning a lot of new ways to grow this crop and what to do with this crop. So, with it being a newer crop, theres always the challenge of not knowing what youre doing, sometimes affecting you down the road, Perennial Peanut Producers Association President Tyler Putnal said. The program was followed by a tour of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Centers beef and forage research 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 mypanhandle.com. NEED TO KNOW Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, searched online about how to move to Canada on May 26, days before the girls went missing, according to authorities Decker searched the keywords "how to relocate to Canada" and "how does a person move to Canada" His three young daughters went missing on May 30 after a "planned visitation" and were found dead on June 2 Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, reportedly conducted online searches about how to move to Canada days before the killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by Fox 13 Seattle, the Independent and NBC Right Now, Decker searched "how to relocate to Canada" and "how does a person move to Canada" on May 26. He also allegedly searched a Canadian job site. Authorities, who have not yet located Decker, said they were worried that he was attempting to flee the U.S. into Canada. "The location of the victims' remains is relatively close to the Canadian border and approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, a well-established trail that leads directly to Canada," the affidavit states, per Fox 13 Seattle. The U.S. Marshals Service did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, June 7. GoFundMe Olivia, Paityn and Evelyn Decker Olivia, Paityn and Evelyn Decker The manhunt continues for Decker, who has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping in the deaths of his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. Police have described him as posing "a significant risk, if approached" due to his prior military experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are searching anywhere and everywhere for him," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The three girls were last seen on May 30 during a "planned visitation" with their father. The following day, the Wenatchee Police Department issued an endangered missing persons alert, and said that the young girls were "believed to be missing and unable to return home on their own." Police said the girls headed out with their dad at around 5 p.m. local time on May 30 and hadn't been heard from or seen since then. On June 2, authorities canceled the alert and revealed that they had found the bodies of the three children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deckers pickup truck was found near the Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Wash., where the three sisters bodies were discovered, Fox 13 Seattle reported. The cause of death for all three sisters is likely to be "asphyxiation," according to a preliminary report seen by Fox 13 Seattle. According to the outlet, investigators found two bloody handprints on Deckers truck, while inside there were items including a blanket, food and car seats for the girls. Police also found a wallet on the center console of the vehicle. Court documents obtained by the outlet also state that Decker's cell phone activity showed "he drove to and left the same campground a day prior to the kidnapping. According to ABC News, police are offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to Decker's arrest. Read the original article on People FBI Director Kash Patel left podcast bro Joe Rogan virtually speechless as he casually revealed that his house had been swatted. What? asked a stunned Rogan. The head of the FBI gets swatted? Joe Rogan Experience / YouTube These people play, its the ultimate hypocrisy. They have two sets of rules: One against you, and one for them, Patel said, having just lit a cigar, during an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience published Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel did not specify who he meant by these people, but instead stoked fears that broader corrupt actors in the government were attempting to snuff out his mission to put out the truth. Patel added that he was committed to congressional oversight as he used most of the interview to stir the same claims of government corruption and bad actors outlined in his 2024 book, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracywhich Rogan plugged. Patel also backed up President Donald Trumps allegations that he was being spied on as part of an investigation into Russian election interference. Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 7, 2017. REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein / Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters Patel alleged that former FBI director Andrew McCabe and then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein as privy to the scheme, and he claimed they lied to cover it up. However, Patel claimed that he caught them because they were arrogant enough to write everything down. Why would they write everything down? Rogan asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are so arrogant. They think, No one is gonna catch us. Im going to write everything down. We are gonna put it in a vault, and no one is gonna find it, claimed Patel. Well, you know what? I found the vault. Patel claimed they had committed illegal activity by pushing a disinformation campaign. Patel cryptically added with a grin, And now Im going to work. The Daily Beast has contacted both McCabe and Rosenstein for comment. Rogan, taking Patels word that crimes had been committed, asked, Is there a statute of limitations on these crimes? Patel said generally there is a five-year statute of limitations on what are known as process crimes. BREAKING: FBI Director Kash Patel announces his house was swatted yesterday: As Director of the FBI of responsibility, I'm not just gonna bring a case because somebody hurt me. They did. And they continue to do it. Shit. My house just got swatted yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ZaoefUMJOQ Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 6, 2025 But if you can tie them to an overarching conspiracy, there is no statute of limitations, claimed Patel. So if there was more egregious conduct that no one knew about before that we are just finding, then we will have to relook at it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Patel promised, The one thing we will do is put out all that information to the American public. He added, And if we can work with our partners at the DOJ to come up with a prosecution, that will be their decision. The Daily Beast has contacted Patel for further comment. Within the next seven months, St. Augustines Bridge of Lions could become the bridge without lions. The city could soon approve an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to remove the two Medici lion statues from the west end of the bridge for $100,000 as part of a project to replace the seawall along the Matanzas River. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< FDOT told Action News Jax, if the agreement is approved, the lions would be removed from the bridge by January 31, 2026, and reinstalled by December 31, 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax told you last year when the $45 million seawall replacement project initially had an expected completion date of November 2025. FDOT now says there is no set completion date, and it is still in the design phase. Some people living in St. Augustine told Action News Jax they hope to see the seawall replaced, but not the lions removed from their base. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Its called the Bridge of Lions, but there wont be any lions, said Ronny Dixon, who lives in St. Augustine, I think its sad. I mean, theyre such a staple of what we see every morning when we walk across, and I think that they will be sorely missed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keith Bariani lives in the city too, and said he doesnt agree with removing the lions or the plan to replace the seawall. The lions are St Augustine. This is what its all about. To take them away is going to be really detrimental, I think, to the city, Bariani said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] FDOT says it is planning on having another public meeting to go over the seawall replacement project sometime in December. The agency said, if the agreement to remove the lions is approved, the city would be responsible for storing and maintaining the lions while they are away from the bridge. FDOT said it would refurbish the concrete pedestals they are sitting on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The St. Augustine city commission is expected to vote to approve the agreement with FDOT to remove the lions during its next meeting, which is being held on Monday at 5:00 PM inside City Hall. 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. Protesters march in downtown Hamilton. (Photo by Kathryn Houghton for KFF Health News). HAMILTON Scientists are often careful to take off their work badges when they leave the campus of one of the nations top research facilities, here in southwestern Montanas Bitterroot Valley. Its a reflection of the long-standing tension caused by Rocky Mountain Laboratories improbable location in this conservative, blue-collar town of 5,000 that was built on logging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many residents are proud of the internationally recognized research unfolding at the National Institutes of Health facility and acknowledge that Rocky Mountain Labs has become an economic driver for Hamilton. But a few locals resent what they consider the elitist scientists at the facility, which has employed about 500 people in recent years. Or they fear the contagious pathogens studied there could escape the labs well-protected walls. That split widened with the COVID-19 pandemic and the divisions that emerged from mask mandates and vaccine development. In 2023, Matt Rosendale, a Republican who was then a U.S. representative from Montana, falsely tied the lab to the origins of covid in an attempt to cut its funding. Now, Hamilton is a prime example of how the Trump administrations mass federal layoffs and cancellation of research grants are having ripple effects in communities far from Washington, D.C. On an April afternoon, hundreds of people filled the sidewalks at an intersection of Hamiltons usually quiet downtown, waving signs that read Hands Off Federal Workers and Stop Strangling Science. Some driving by honked in support, rolled their windows down, and cheered. Others flipped off the rallygoers and cast insults at them. A passing bicyclist taunted protesters with chants of DOGE short for the Department of Government Efficiency, the federal initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk to cut costs that has driven mass layoffs and slashed programs. Kim Hasenkrug, a former Rocky Mountain Labs researcher of 31 years, who retired in 2022, joined the crowd. He slammed President Donald Trumps promise to let Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. go wild on health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were beginning to see what going wild looks like, Hasenkrug said. These cuts will not streamline research. They will throttle it. As of early May, 41 Rocky Mountain Labs workers had been let go or told their contracts would end this summer, and nine more had retired early, according to researchers employed by the facility. KFF Health News spoke with 10 current or former Rocky Mountain Labs workers who requested anonymity to speak about information that has not been publicly released. The federal government has also slashed billions of dollars for research, including at least $29 million in grants to Montana recipients, ranging from university scientists to the state health department. Thats according to HHS data confirmed by KFF Health News. Scientists who remain in Hamilton said research has slowed. Theyve struggled to buy basic gear amid federal directives that changed how orders are placed. Now, more cuts are planned for workers who buy and deliver critical, niche supplies, such as antibodies, according to researchers at the labs. The Department of Health and Human Services didnt respond to repeated requests for more information on the governments cuts to research, including questions about the changes in Hamilton. Deputy press secretary Emily Hilliard said the department is committed to the continuity of essential research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some within the lab feel as if theyve become public enemies or outcasts, unable to defend themselves without risking their jobs. Postdoctoral scientists just starting their careers are seeing options dwindle. Some workers whose employment contracts expire within days or weeks have been in the dark about whether theyll be renewed. At least one Rocky Mountain Labs scientist moved to another country to research infectious disease, citing current turmoil, according to an email sent from the scientist to co-workers that was reviewed by KFF Health News. The remaining staff has been discredited, disrespected, and discouraged from remaining in public service, Hasenkrug said. The National Institutes of Health is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. It has 27 institutes and centers focused on understanding illness and disabilities and improving health. The agencys research has helped lead to vaccines against major diseases from smallpox to COVID and has been behind the majority of medicines approved for the U.S. market. That research also generated more than $94.5 billion in new economic activity nationwide, according to United for Medical Research, a coalition of research groups and advocates. The Trump administration aims to eliminate roughly 1,200 jobs at the NIH and shrink its budget by 40%. The administrations budget proposal to cut NIH funding calls the agencys spending wasteful, deems its research risky, and accuses it of promoting dangerous ideologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a dramatic political turnabout for the NIH, which for decades enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington. From 2015 to 2023, its annual budget grew by more than $17 billion. As of 2023, Rocky Mountain Labs was one of only 51 facilities in the world with the highest level of biosafety precautions, according to the Global BioLabs mapping project. In April, HHS indefinitely stalled work at another of those labs, the Integrated Research Facility in Frederick, Maryland, Wired reported. Kennedy has said the nation should pause funding infectious disease research, and the White House has said it plans to intensify scrutiny of gain-of-function research, which involves altering a pathogen to study its spread. Hamilton, in Ravalli County, is a place of scientists, ranchers, and outdoor recreationists. Here, 1 in 8 people live below the federal poverty line. Nearly 70% of county residents who participated in the 2024 presidential election voted for Trump, and Trump signs still dot U.S. Highway 93 leading to town. In the thick of the COVID pandemic, the sheriff and county commissioners refused to enforce a statewide mandate to mask in public spaces while Rocky Mountain Labs researchers worked to understand the virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The labs work dates to 1900, and even early on it was controversial. Rocky Mountain spotted fever was killing people in the valley. Researchers found the cause ticks and worked to eradicate the disease-carrying bugs by requiring ranchers to treat their cattle. That created resentment among locals who already harbored a healthy distrust of government-imposed programs, according to an NIH account. The tension came to a head in 1913 when a dipping vat used to chemically treat cattle was blown up with dynamite and another damaged with sledgehammers. Now, some residents and local leaders are worried about the economic consequences of an exodus of federal workers and their salaries. Most of the county is government-managed public land, and the first wave of federal cuts hit U.S. Forest Service workers who do everything from clear trails to fight wildfires. Rocky Mountain Labs generates hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy by creating more work for industries including construction and bringing more people into the citys shops, a 2023 University of Montana study found. The rural community is also a base for international vaccine developer GSK due to the labs presence. Kathleen Quinn, a vice president of communications for the company, said GSKs business with government agencies continues as usual for now amid federal changes and that its too early to say what any longer-term impact could be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our community is impacted more than most, said City Councilor Darwin Ernst. He spoke during an overflowing March town hall to discuss the federal government cuts. Hundreds of people turned out on the weeknight asking city councilors to do something. Ernst, a former researcher at the lab who now works as a real estate broker and appraiser, said in an interview hes starting to see more homes enter the market, which he attributed to the atmosphere of uncertainty and former federal workers having to find jobs elsewhere. Someone recently left with her entire family. Because of the layoffs, they cant afford to live here, he said. Some people retire here but thats not everyone. Jane Shigley said shes been a Hamilton resident for more than 30 years and initially thought the government would find some inefficiencies, no big deal. But now shes worried about her hometowns future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somethings going on that we cant control, Shigley said. And the people that its happening to arent allowed to talk to us about it. The City Council sent a letter to federal officials in April asking for formal consultation prior to any significant changes, given Hamiltons interdependence with Rocky Mountain Labs and the federally controlled lands surrounding Hamilton. As of May, city leaders hadnt received a response. People in town are split on how badly the federal cuts will affect Hamilton. Julie Foster, executive director of the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, said the community survived the decline of logging, and she thinks Rocky Mountain Labs will survive, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be here. There may be bumps in the road, but this is a resilient place, Foster said. Even amid the cuts, Rocky Mountain Labs is in the process of a building expansion that, so far, hasnt stopped. And researchers work continues. This spring, scientists there helped make the first identification in Montana of a species of tick known to carry Lyme disease. KFF Health News correspondent Rae Ellen Bichell contributed to this report. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. A federal judge in Phoenix has denied two motions for preliminary injunctions that sought to halt a land swap that would transfer ownership of Oak Flat, a parcel of U.S. Forest land located 60 miles east of Phoenix, to a company that intends to open a huge copper mine. In a packed courtroom on June 6, U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza heard arguments in two lawsuits seeking to stop the land exchange until the merits of the cases had been heard. The judge also heard from lawyers representing the U.S. Forest Service and Resolution Copper, who asserted that the law requires the government to transfer the federal property to the mining company within 60 days of the publication of a Final Environmental Impact Statement. The government's lawyers indicated that the environmental impact statement would be made available to the public on June 16, but officially published in the federal register on June 20, when the 60-day countdown would begin. The judge set a timeline for the cases after the government publishes the final environmental review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two lawsuits challenged the environmental review of the land exchange and the value of the land being swapped to the government by Resolution Copper. One lawsuit was brought by the San Carlos Apache Tribe, a federally recognized tribe, and the other by the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona Inc. and a coalition of environmental and outdoor recreation groups including the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition, Earthworks, the Center for Biological Diversity, Access Fund and the Sierra Club Grand Canyon chapter. In May, U.S. District Judge Steven Logan issued an injunction sought by the grassroots group Apache Stronghold to block the land swap. Logan ruled that the federal government could not issue the final environmental impact statement for the exchange, but that order was set to expire if the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Apache Stronghold's request for a review. On May 27, the high court said it would not hear the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critical minerals: Why can't the US mine and refine all its copper? What to know about new Trump order The ongoing legal battle over the future of Oak Flat The land at the center of the dispute, Oak Flat, also known as Chichil Bidagoteel, is considered sacred to the Apache and other Native peoples and the site of religious ceremonies. It is also a popular site for outdoor recreationists and habitat for rare desert species, like the endangered Arizona hedgehog cactus and ocelot. Beneath the land sits one of the largest copper deposits on the continent, according to Resolution Copper, whose method of underground mining would sink the land into a nearly two mile wide crater approximately 1,000 feet deep. Resolution Copper is a subsidiary of multinational mining companies BHP and Rio Tinto. Oak Flat has been at the center of ongoing debate over First Amendment religious rights, environmental conservation, mining reform and the green energy revolution since Congress authorized the land exchange in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exchange for about 5,000 acres of ecologically valuable properties around Arizona, Resolution Copper would gain ownership of Oak Flat to create one of the largest copper mines in the country. While Resolution Copper says the mine would create jobs and benefit the local and state economy, environmentalists say the huge copper mine would destroy the environment and deplete ground and surface water. In April, the Trump administration added the proposed Resolution Copper mine, along with nine other mining projects, to a priority list to increase the domestic production of critical minerals in accordance with an executive order issued in March. In May, the U.S. Supreme Court declined the hear the lawsuit brought by Apache Stronghold, despite dissents from Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas. The Apache Stronghold argued that their First Amendment rights to religious freedom were violated by the land exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Leos covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to john.leos@arizonarepublic.com. Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Federal judge denies bid to halt land swap for copper mine at Oak Flat An employee at a FedEx facility in Menomonee Falls has been charged after witnesses say he fired a gun at another employee on June 2. DeAnthony Leflore, 19, of Milwaukee, was charged June 3 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with a felony count of first-degree attempted homicide and a misdemeanor count of battery. Leflore turned himself in to the Menomonee Falls Police Department around 2:30 p.m. June 5, according to a news release from the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, Leflore could face up to 60 years of prison time. According to the criminal complaint: Menomonee Falls police were called to the FedEx facility at N96 W14849 County Line Road at 4 a.m. June 2 for a report of a man with a gun. When police arrived, a FedEx manager said Leflore had fled the scene on foot. The situation began when Leflore arrived to work at 2:30 a.m. for his 3:30 a.m. shift. He said his badge was not working to get access into the facility. The manager was called and told him to go home because employees are not allowed to start work early. He said, "I'll up on you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The manager told the security staff not to allow Leflore in due to his escalating behavior and asked Leflore to not report back to work until the following day. Leflore arrived again at 3:50 a.m. and said his badge was not working. After the manager did not let him in, Leflore said he was going to force it and proceeded to punch the manager in the left eye. The manager said she grabbed the defendant's hood and dreadlocks and clinched tightly as he continued to punch her in the face area with a closed fit three more times. Another manager separated them. Leflore subsequently went to his small backpack to retrieve a handgun and pointed it at the first manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The manager said as she ran back to the main building, fearing for her life, she heard two gunshots. She said she was not struck by the gunshots, but her face was swollen from being punched in the face. Leflore has his first preliminary court appearance on 8:15 a.m. June 16. He is currently being held at the Waukesha County Jail. Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee man arrested after shots fired at FedEx in Menomonee Falls LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Smallmouth bass just lost one of their favorite places to spawn in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, according to a Thursday news release from the National Park Service. The water is moving again and the temperature is cooling down 3.5 miles past the dam after workers cleared a shallow slough where the river splits around a sandbar. The site, about 12 river miles upstream of Lees Ferry, Arizona, is the latest battleground in fighting the invasive smallmouth bass, which presents a threat to the humpback chub, which is federally protected. Cold shot fired in battle over Colorado River invaders Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing drought in the Southwest U.S. has contributed to lower elevations at Lake Powell, and warmer water from the surface is closer to the dams intakes. Thats providing a way for the fish to get through the dam and establish populations in the river. Officials said the water now moves through a channel created on the backside of the sandbar. Where it was once still, the water is moving now at about one foot per second, bringing cooler water and disrupting spawning. A before (left) and after (right) view of the project shows the channel flowing around the sandbar after the slough was cleared. (Photos: National Park Service) In previous years, a high-flow experiment at Glen Canyon Dam occurred often enough to churn up sand settled in the riverbed and reshape sandbars downstream. But thats not happening right now as work continues on recoating the inside of the pipes the river outlet works used for that high-volume release. Now, officials are using a combination of strategies to disrupt spawning, including chemical and mechanical removal of nonnative species and the use of cool mix flows pulling colder water from deeper within Lake Powell to cool the river below the dam, creating unfavorable conditions for warmwater fish. Long-term methods to control bass populations below the dam are being explored by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glen Canyon Dam ground zero for war on invasive smallmouth bass in Colorado River The channelization project aims to protect native fish including the threatened humpback chub, endangered razorback sucker, and flannelmouth sucker by limiting smallmouth bass reproduction. The channelization may also benefit the rainbow trout population at Lees Ferry, already observed in the new channel, the news release said. This channelization effort demonstrates the power of partnerships and adaptive management in protecting the Colorado River ecosystem, Reclamation Upper Colorado Basin Regional Director Wayne Pullan said. During the channel project, special care was taken to protect native wildlife, particularly salamanders which are rarely seen in the canyon. The National Park Service adjusted the design to ensure protection of springs located within the project site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera was mistakenly shot and killed by a fellow officer during a confrontation with an armed suspect, according to police, who continued to hold at least two people in custody as of late Friday. The department announced Rivera had been struck by friendly fire about a day after she died. She and her Gresham District tactical team were trying to conduct an investigatory stop in the Chatham neighborhood, police have said, and encountered an armed suspect after chasing a person into an apartment building on the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue. An autopsy conducted Friday found that Rivera had died of a gunshot wound to the back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As released in yesterdays preliminary statement, an officer discharged his weapon during the encounter with an armed offender, the statement read. Further investigation revealed the only weapon discharged during this incident was the weapon of the officer, whose gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera. Rivera, 36, a four-year veteran of the police force, leaves behind a young daughter. She lived in the Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side. Police said they were continuing to investigate the suspect the tactical team encountered in the apartment, who allegedly pointed a rifle at the officers. This offender remains in custody, the police department said in a statement. Detectives also continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the investigative stop preceding the encounter. At least two people remained in custody as of late Friday night, though Superintendent Larry Snelling said several people were initially arrested following the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after the time of the shooting Thursday, officers found and detained a 25-year-old man and 26-year-old woman in a gated yard near an apartment building on the 8200 block of South Maryland Avenue, according to police sources. The man was described in arrest paperwork as being armed with a rifle. According to police sources, authorities had issued several warrants for the man out of Cook, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. The woman had one active warrant out of Stephenson County, according to police sources, and both are listed in arrest records as residents of Freeport in northwestern Illinois. Rivera was the first city police officer to be killed in the line of duty this year. The last officer to suffer fatal injuries on the job was Enrique Martinez, 26. Martinez, who was also assigned to the same 6th District as Rivera, was fatally shot in November in the 8200 block of South Ingleside Avenue just one street east of where Rivera was killed Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was widely mourned by city officials and her fellow officers, who praised her work ethic and asked Chicagoans to keep her family in their prayers. Investigators recovered three weapons at the scene and were still reviewing body-worn camera footage, Snelling said after the shooting. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability was investigating. After the shooting, police officers took their wounded colleague to the hospital in a squad car, which crashed and caught fire on the way there because of what Snelling described as a malfunction with the vehicle. Another squad car finished the trip, Snelling said, and the officers in the first car were doing fine. The way that she worked, it was evident that she did love her job, Snelling said. She wanted to make Chicago a better place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riveras mother, reached by phone, declined to comment. In a statement posted to social media, Mayor Brandon Johnson asked Chicagoans to keep Riveras family in their prayers, especially her young daughter who will miss her mom for the rest of her life. Rivera had an unmatched work ethic, Johnson said. Officer Rivera was a hero who served on the force for four years. She had a long career in front of her. A bright future was stolen from her family and from her loved ones, he said in the statement. Family friend Alicia Headrick described Rivera as someone who was unapologetically herself and wanted everyone else to be able to tap into that as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Headrick, 28, a Grundy County sheriffs deputy, said she mostly stayed in touch with Rivera via social media. While they occasionally talked about working for two very different law enforcement agencies, Headrick mainly remembered Rivera cheering her on and likened her to an older sister. Rivera had been a single mother for some time and was ferociously independent, she said. (Rivera) just always wanted to make a life and career for herself and for her daughter, Headrick said. She had a very pure heart that just wanted to serve other people. CHICAGO Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera was mistakenly shot and killed by a fellow officer during a confrontation with an armed suspect, according to police, who continued to hold at least two people in custody as of late Friday. The department announced Rivera had been struck by friendly fire about a day after she died. She and her Gresham District tactical team were trying to conduct an investigatory stop in the Chatham neighborhood, police have said, and encountered an armed suspect after chasing a person into an apartment building on the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue. An autopsy conducted Friday found that Rivera had died of a gunshot wound to the back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As released in yesterdays preliminary statement, an officer discharged his weapon during the encounter with an armed offender, the statement read. Further investigation revealed the only weapon discharged during this incident was the weapon of the officer, whose gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera. Rivera, 36, a four-year veteran of the police force, leaves behind a young daughter. She lived in the Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side. Police said they were continuing to investigate the suspect the tactical team encountered in the apartment, who allegedly pointed a rifle at the officers. This offender remains in custody, the police department said in a statement. Detectives also continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the investigative stop preceding the encounter. At least two people remained in custody as of late Friday night, though Superintendent Larry Snelling said several people were initially arrested following the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after the time of the shooting Thursday, officers found and detained a 25-year-old man and 26-year-old woman in a gated yard near an apartment building on the 8200 block of South Maryland Avenue, according to police sources. The man was described in arrest paperwork as being armed with a rifle. According to police sources, authorities had issued several warrants for the man out of Cook, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. The woman had one active warrant out of Stephenson County, according to police sources, and both are listed in arrest records as residents of Freeport in northwestern Illinois. Rivera was the first city police officer to be killed in the line of duty this year. The last officer to suffer fatal injuries on the job was Enrique Martinez, 26. Martinez, who was also assigned to the same 6th District as Rivera, was fatally shot in November in the 8200 block of South Ingleside Avenue just one street east of where Rivera was killed Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was widely mourned by city officials and her fellow officers, who praised her work ethic and asked Chicagoans to keep her family in their prayers. Investigators recovered three weapons at the scene and were still reviewing body-worn camera footage, Snelling said after the shooting. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability was investigating. After the shooting, police officers took their wounded colleague to the hospital in a squad car, which crashed and caught fire on the way there because of what Snelling described as a malfunction with the vehicle. Another squad car finished the trip, Snelling said, and the officers in the first car were doing fine. The way that she worked, it was evident that she did love her job, Snelling said. She wanted to make Chicago a better place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riveras mother, reached by phone, declined to comment. In a statement posted to social media, Mayor Brandon Johnson asked Chicagoans to keep Riveras family in their prayers, especially her young daughter who will miss her mom for the rest of her life. Rivera had an unmatched work ethic, Johnson said. Officer Rivera was a hero who served on the force for four years. She had a long career in front of her. A bright future was stolen from her family and from her loved ones, he said in the statement. Family friend Alicia Headrick described Rivera as someone who was unapologetically herself and wanted everyone else to be able to tap into that as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Headrick, 28, a Grundy County sheriffs deputy, said she mostly stayed in touch with Rivera via social media. While they occasionally talked about working for two very different law enforcement agencies, Headrick mainly remembered Rivera cheering her on and likened her to an older sister. Rivera had been a single mother for some time and was ferociously independent, she said. (Rivera) just always wanted to make a life and career for herself and for her daughter, Headrick said. She had a very pure heart that just wanted to serve other people. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Thousands of people are expected to gather at Linn Park over the weekend to enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz music. The Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival attracts people from all over the country. I could sit and listen to the music all day long, I hope the weather holds up, said Montie Taylor, who traveled down from Tennessee. Just wonderful music, a great environment and just vibing and kicking off the summer. Taylor and her best friend, Tina Deneen, are getting groovy together at the Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival this weekend. Though they live hundreds of miles apart, the sorority sisters knew the perfect spot to reconnect would be the jazz festival in Birmingham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We used to live here, sometime about 6 years ago we moved from here to Maryland, and we came to this jazz festival before and had such a wonderful time, so we thought wed travel back to Birmingham, Deneen said. Greater Birmingham Humane Society reaches capacity, waives adoption fees I lived here in Birmingham for a small amount, short amount of time, and Tennessee is not that far away, Taylor said. So, when my best friend said she was coming from Maryland, it was an easy decision to come down and enjoy good music, good food and have the best time with our besties. The experience of being able to come out here with our friends, and we have such great memories of Birmingham, thats why we came back, Deneens husband, Lou, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Steel City Smooth Jazz Fest is a homecoming for more people than just Taylor and Deneen. I grew up here as a little kid, said Dennis Gordon. Up the road there about three blocks on 22nd street. Gordon lives in Atlanta now. He says, since retiring, he and his wife travel to all of the jazz festivals around the southeast. He says he has mixed feelings about genres other than jazz being included in the festival. Its ok, but Im iffy if its not jazz. Im 70 years old and it keeps the young folks from here, Gordon said. We enjoy it though, we enjoy all of it. While people travel to the Magic City from all over to enjoy the music, its a big draw for locals as well. Thelma and Wayne Webb have been coming to the Steel City Jazz Fest for the last decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody just loves one another, you know, were just of all race, of all kind, just love one another, Thelma said. Thats what its all about, love and having a good time. A safe, good time, Wayne added. Gates will reopen for the Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival at noon on Saturday. Music continues through Sunday. You can find more information about the event 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 CBS 42. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) New interchanges in Sioux Falls and Rapid City seem to be cutting down on crashes. The diverging diamond at I-29 and 41st Street in Sioux Falls opened nearly a year ago. Spring Creek golf course sold for $2.5 million According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the interchange was averaging over 100 crashes a year before construction. Its currently on track to have fewer than 30 in it its first year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interchange at Lacrosse Street and I-90 in Rapid City was averaging more than 18 crashes a year before construction. After about two years of the diverging diamond, crashes are down to roughly seven. With each car passing through, its easy to tell 41st street and I-29 is a busy part of town. The diverging diamond is designed to help with traffic flow, but thats not all. The big one is safety, South Dakota Department of Transportations Director of Operations Craig Smith said. KELOLAND News spoke with one driver today who thinks the diverging diamond is a good addition to Sioux Falls. I think its great. Traffic flows much easier and less accidents and stuff, so I think its great, Vaughn Blaschke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advantage of the diverging diamond, you eliminate those left turn movements in a traditional interchange situation, so by eliminating that conflict movement you expect to see some reduction in crashes, Smith said. Fewer crashes at the pair of interchanges in Sioux Falls and Rapid City is encouraging news for Smith. Theres a big investment to make a change like that, so to see what we were expecting to happen actually happening out there is great to see, Smith said. There are currently three diverging diamonds in South Dakota. The third one is also in Sioux Falls. Its located at Benson Road and I-229. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fourth diverging diamond is in the works near Brandon and I-90. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Thousands of vehicles were backed up along a 45-kilometre section of Austria's Tauern motorway (A10) on Saturday as traffic ground to a halt at the start of the Whitsun holiday weekend. The tailback formed south in the province of Salzburg, starting at a tunnel construction site near the town of Golling, media reported. Travelling time for holidaymakers was extended by around five hours with the congestion stretching back across the German border into Bavaria, according to Austria's O3 radio station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were also lengthy delays in the mountainous Tyrol region in western Austria. The area around Innsbruck, the Brenner motorway towards Italy and the Fernpass road (B179) were among the most affected locations. BOSTON (WWLP) Governor Maura Healey has ordered all U.S. and Massachusetts flags to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday. The order was issued to honor Staff Sergeant Loring E. Lord of Somerville, who served in the U.S. Army Air Forces 642d Bombardment Squadron, 409th Bombardment Group, 9th Bombardment Division, 9th Air Force, during World War II. Lord was a gunner aboard an A-26B Invader, when his aircraft was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire during a bombardment mission to Germany in March 1945. WWII bomber crash left 11 dead and non-recoverable. 4 are finally coming home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those aboard the aircraft were buried in a cemetery in Germany. The remains were later discovered in 2018 and taken to a laboratory for analysis and identification. Lords remains were identified in September 2024, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Courtesy of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Courtesy of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Courtesy of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Courtesy of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Loring was born in Somerville in 1916 and enlisted in the Army Air Forces during World War II. His remains were returned to Massachusetts on May 29th. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. American flags and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flags are ordered to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Saturday in his honor. 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. Take a gander at Jersey Citys newest residents. Folks in Chilltown have been going gaga over a goodly gaggle of some 60 Canada geese. People have been sharing pictures and video of the waddling water fowl whove been on a single-file tour of the citys downtown. The geese have been touring the downtown area for over a week. Gerome94/ Reddit The eight adults and more than 55 fluffy goslings have been spotted at all hours, slowly strutting across the streets and sidewalks of Jersey Avenue, Thomas Gangemi Drive, Newark Avenue, River Drive and Second Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve also been spotted outside the Newport Centre Mall, which is situated not far from the Hudson River. Recently, entire intersections have gladly come to a standstill to permit the dozens of geese to pass through. The geese have become social media stars. Gerome94/ Reddit Thats so many, laughed a man who filmed the geese outside Dirty Hippie Studios last week. A woman passing by commented, That is so cute, to which the man replied, Its a great migration! Lisa Levinson, director of the National Goose Protection Coalition at In Defense of Animals, told The Post seeing this many geese together isnt all that unusual. In fact, geese mate for life, and often raise their young in groups known as gang broods, making geese among the most family-oriented birds, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They even have no problem adopting abandoned or orphaned goslings. What you might be seeing [in Jersey City] is an extended family, said Levinson. Added Levinson: I applaud the people of Jersey City for appreciating them and giving these geese the right of way when theyre out there, walking with their families. While reputed to have aggressive dispositions, Levinson said thats a myth. When people talk about geese as not friendly or aggressive, its usually at the time of year when they are protecting their young, like any human mom would, she said. Paul Curtis, an urban wildlife expert at Cornell University, told The Post it is rare to see such a large group of geese in such visible areas on public streets, and estimated there are at least a dozen family groups of geese in that large flock seen in Jersey City, walking from wherever the young were hatched at their nests probably a pond nearby to a favored molting area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The geese will likely stick around downtown Jersey City until late next month, and return next spring. Geese come back to the same locations to nest and molt year-after-year, Curtis noted. Once the birds can fly [again], it is much easier to avoid predators, and geese family groups will start to leave the molting area or pond. A judicial appeals panel has upheld a temporary injunction blocking the enforcement of a new state law criminalizing undocumented immigrants when they arrive in Florida notching another victory for immigration advocates in a case that has drawn Floridas attorney general into conflict with a Miami federal judge. The Friday afternoon ruling by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta keeps in place a lower court order temporarily preventing police and prosecutors from making arrests and pursuing charges under Floridas SB-4, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in February. The law makes it a crime for immigrants to enter the state of Florida if they have been deported or denied entry into the country, or eluded immigration officers when coming into the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a difficult case, and this order does not finally resolve the issues, states the order, issued by judges Jill Pryor, Kevin Newsom and Embry Kidd. The unsuccessful appeal at the heart of Fridays ruling was brought by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who sought to stay the temporary injunction. Uthmeier has argued that District Court Judge Kathleen Williams overstepped in April when, responding to a lawsuit brought by several undocumented Florida residents who said the law was unconstitutional, she blocked the enforcement of the law. Williams initially issued a restraining order preventing the enforcement of SB-4, and then ordered a broader temporary injunction after learning that state police had continued to make arrests including an American citizen. Uthmeiers attorneys argued that while Williams order had bound them from enforcing the law, it didnt apply to independent law enforcement agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol. The attorney general was so adamant in his position that, days later, he wrote a letter to law enforcement agencies telling them he didnt think Williams order was legitimate leading the judge to initiate contempt proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their Friday ruling, the judges waded into the legal skirmish, writing that Uthmeier may well be right that the district courts order is impermissibly broad. But that does not warrant what seems to have been at least a veiled threat not to obey it. A spokesman for Uthmeiers office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The American Civil Liberties Union, whose attorneys have worked on the case, celebrated the ruling as a significant victory, not just in Florida but around the country as red states move to implement strict immigration laws. This ruling is not just a legal victory its a resounding rejection of cruelty masquerading as policy, said Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida. The case, brought by the Florida Immigrant Coalition, the Farmworker Association of Florida, will continue on before Judge Williams, who has yet to issue her ruling on whether Uthmeier will be held in contempt of court. Really? The one harmless thing children can do has now been subject to the wrath of a Karen tirade: blowing bubbles. One Florida woman targeted her tantrum toward two little Black kids but police say she used a nonlethal weapon that escalated the whole ordeal. Ada Anderson, 81, was arrested in connection to the Monday evening incident. The Marion County Sheriffs Office said they responded to a disturbance at a home on Pine Court Drive in Ocala, Fl. There, April Morant told police she and her daughters were in their driveway playing with bubbles when Anderson approached them behind the fence separating their homes. The woman told police the woman sprayed bear mace at them and spat racial slurs while doing so, per ClickOrlandos report. Anderson told the cops Morants daughters, three and six years old, were running up and down the fence yelling at her when she stepped out of her home and sprayed them. However, she claimed the liquid didnt touch them because she was 40 feet away from them, the report says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, Morant told the cops she and her daughters suffered lung issues and nose pain from inhaling the pepper spray and police found splatters of the liquid all over their property on their side of the fence. Also, Morant tells ClickOrlando her neighbors behavior has been like this since moving to the neighborhood back in November. She tells us every day, like, an everyday occurrence, every day since weve been here, we dont belong here. And we are monkeys. And she calls us the N-word. So, its always something. So, I know shes doing whatever she can to make me move, Morant told reporters. The last crazy Karen incident weve seen in Ocala was in 2024 when 60-year-old Susan Lorincz shot and killed Black mother Ajike Owens who knocked on her door demanding answers to the accusations of throwing a pair of roller skates at her kids as they played. Lorincz argued self-defense but was still found guilty of felony manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Despite Andersons argument in this situation, she was arrested on a felony battery charge but bonded out of county jail. Records show she previously faced charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapons and stalking. She also faces a restraining order filed by Morant on behalf of herself and her daughters, the report says. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is taking public comments on a program that would open up nearly the entire U.S. coastline to oil drilling. As you can see on this map, the coasts of both Florida and Georgia are included. Map of the US with divisions between planning areas >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The Florida state constitution bans drilling on the coastline, but that only applies to water within three miles of the coast. The rest is federally owned, and thats the water the Trump administration wants to open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jahlonious Monk has been living in Jacksonville for the last 20 years. He is completely against the idea. I think its messed up like I dont think that should happen. I think that the nature here is so amazing and its such a beautiful place that we should protect and preserve, said Monk. Who wants to visit here when its full of pollution? [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Visitors such as Kenneth Smith, who traveled here from Ohio, felt the same way. No, I wouldnt come if there is drilling. Id just leave everything like it is, said Smith. While the White House tries to make the change, theres a bill in Congress to help. It would remove former President Bidens block on adding offshore drilling sites. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] We reached out to all four U.S. representatives in our viewing area, whose district includes the Atlantic coast. Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I support responsible investments in American energy, I remain opposed to opening Floridas Atlantic Coast to offshore drilling. We must continue to safeguard our beautiful beaches and coastal waters that drive our states economy, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL) said. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Managements 45-day public comment period ends June 16th, 2025. To learn more about the oil and gas leasing program, click here. 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. A beautiful stretch of weather over the weekend will give way to more storminess and cooler weather to begin the second week of June in the Northeast, but AccuWeather meteorologists are expecting more consistent summer warmth to then take over in the region through the middle of the month. The mid-month warmth will not come, however, with consistent dry weather, as rounds of summertime showers and storms will impact areas that are already waterlogged since a very wet May. There can also be a return of smoke from Canadian wildfires. Fans sit in the right field stands of PNC Park during a rain delay in the scheduled baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies in Pittsburgh, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) "The rain and clouds will keep temperatures up to 10 degrees below the historical average to start the week," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill. "The good news for those yearning for summer weather is that high pressure and much warmer weather returns for the second half of the week." From a nice weekend to rounds of wet weather Following a wet start to the weekend, the second half of the weekend will remain nice for many for getting outside across the Northeast. Unfortunately for those hoping to extend that dry weather into the start of the workweek, rain will return, say AccuWeather meteorologists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, rain and thunderstorms began returning to parts of the upper Ohio Valley, central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic, including the cities of Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Other parts of the northern mid-Atlantic and western New England will follow by Sunday night and Monday. AccuWeather.com While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, a few storms can turn gusty into Sunday evening and again on Monday, from the mid-Atlantic west to West Virginia and north to western New York state. There is also a small chance of hail and an isolated tornado. For the eastern half of New England, including Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, it may take until Monday night or Tuesday for showers and storms to arrive, as a dome of high pressure will be stubborn in relenting its control over the region. When rain arrives, though, it can come down hard. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The axis of repeated downpours through Tuesday will follow a path from the Lower Hudson Valley and Interstate 95 corridor north to Maine," said Merrill. "This same zone of real estate saw 2 to 8 inches more rain than average in May, including in Boston, which recorded its fifth wettest May on record." AccuWeather.com Areas south along the Eastern Seaboard to the South can also experience these downpours, which can slow travel both by road and air. At the same time, dry weather will begin returning to the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and western mid-Atlantic, as another area of high pressure builds in beginning Tuesday. This drier weather will also usher in an increase in temperatures more typical of mid-June. Warmer weather to return by midweek, but with smoke? With countless summer vacations kicking off during the new week, many will be pining for sustained warm weather to enjoy time in the pool, a lake or the ocean. It seems Mother Nature will cooperate beginning in the middle of the week, by turning up the thermostat, say AccuWeather meteorologists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a few days where the mercury will be no higher than the 70s in the mid-Atlantic and even being stuck in the 60s in upstate New York and New England, 80s will return to many areas by Wednesday and Thursday. AccuWeather.com Combined with dry weather, light winds and a high sun angle close to the summer solstice, AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures can be a few degrees above actual thermometer readings for several days, above 90 in some parts of the mid-Atlantic states. The arrival of drier weather along westerly winds can also mean the return of Canadian wildfire smoke across the Great Lakes and Northeast, and perhaps as far away as the Southeast. As of June 4, Canadian government statistics indicated that nearly 6 million acres of forest had been scorched by wildfires, mostly in the central portion of the country. As of June 7, over 200 active fires are burning, sending smoke across the country. AccuWeather.com Though pockets of smoke leftover from earlier in the month remain in the Midwest and Northeast, thicker plumes are expected to arrive this week. While it remains in question how much air quality can be affected at ground level, it seems at least probable that it will be impacted close to the Canadian border for a time from the Dakotas to the Great Lakes region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the warmth and potentially smoky skies, a slight cooldown is expected for most by next weekend, but that could be short-lived. "There will be a 'sneaky front' that trims temperatures several degrees for Father's Day weekend," added Merrill. "Fortunately for dads, the weather looks dry, so outdoor activities should go off without a hitch." After that, another ridge of high pressure may build east for the following week, as the calendar approaches the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere on June 20. This would result in more warm weather and, ultimately, spontaneous pool parties. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. Grant Hardin, the one-time Arkansas police chief who escaped from prison where he was serving sentences for murder and rape, has been recaptured, according to the Izard County Sheriffs Office. Hardin, 56, had been on the run for more than 10 days after breaking out of the prison on May 25, wearing what authorities described as a makeshift law enforcement uniform. Once the police chief of the small town of Gateway, Arkansas, he was serving a 30-year sentence for murder and two 25-year sentences for two counts of rape when he escaped. He was captured Friday afternoon, just 1.5 miles west of the prison grounds, according to a Facebook post from the sheriffs office. Tracking dogs picked up a scent in the area and Hardin was apprehended a short time later by Arkansas law enforcement officers and US Border Patrol, according to a news release from the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin was brought back to the North Central Unit, from which he escaped, to be identified via fingerprinting and for initial physical assessments following his capture. He was then transferred to the Varner SuperMax Unit in Gould, Arkansas, where he arrived Friday evening and will be housed moving forward, according to Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Hardin will be interviewed in the coming days in an effort to uncover any meaningful details that give a better idea of both the escape and his time on the run, Champion said. Thanks to the great work of local, state and federal law enforcement Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief and I can confirm that violent criminal Grant Hardin is back in custody, said Gov. Sarah Sanders in the release. I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His escape incited an intense search effort in the difficult, rocky terrain of northern Arkansas near the prison, hampered by heavy rain. The area includes plentiful caves and old outbuildings, offering a fugitive many places to hide. Authorities said earlier in the week they believed he may have left the state. The area where Hardin had traveled, near a river not far from the prison, had seen high water from a large amount of rain over the last few weeks, which more than likely limited his options to get around the area, Champion said. Search teams had previously searched the area, but high waters initially limited their ability to fully investigate, Champion said. Hardin had been incarcerated since 2017 after he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the death of James Appleton, according to court documents. Officials were using all resources at their disposal, including dogs, drones and aircraft as weather permitted, among other methods, Champion previously said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin was accused of shooting Appleton, who worked for the City of Gateways water department, in the head while driving down a road approximately half a mile from his home, documents show. Hes just an evil, evil man, Appletons sister, Cheryl Tillman, told CNN. Im sure the people here in Gateway are worried about him breaking out of prison after what hes done. Two years after pleading guilty to murder, Hardin pleaded guilty to two counts of rape after his DNA, which was entered into the Arkansas DNA database following his murder plea, was connected to the 1997 rape of schoolteacher Amy Harrison in the nearby city of Rogers, court documents show. Hes extremely dangerous, former Benton County prosecutor Nathan Smith told CNN affiliate KHBS. Hes already proven that he has no moral core or center that would prevent him from doing anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin had a long career in law enforcement and briefly served as police chief of Gateway, a tiny Arkansas town with a population of just over 400. But many of his jobs ended with him being fired or forced to resign, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported. At the time of Appletons murder, Hardin was a corrections officer at the Northwest Arkansas Community Correction Center in Fayetteville, about an hour south of Gateway, according to the Gazette. His escape came days after a group of 10 inmates at a New Orleans jail made a similarly brazen escape, prompting a national manhunt. Two inmates are still at large more than two weeks after the jailbreak. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEED TO KNOW Grant Hardin, the former police chief who was convicted of rape and murder, has been found after he escaped prison last month and was on the run for two weeks Hardin, also known as the Devil in the Ozarks, was located 1.5 miles away from the prison he had been held at since his 2017 conviction The criminal was wearing a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement" during his escape, police said A former police chief, who was convicted of rape and murder, has been found after he escaped prison and was on the run for two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant Hardin, also known as the Devil in the Ozarks, was captured by authorities 1.5 miles away from the Calico Rock North Central Unit in Arkansas, where he had been held since 2017, on Friday, June 6, the Izard County Sheriffs Office (ICSO) said in a news release shared on Facebook. Hardins identity was confirmed through fingerprinting, per police. "We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the community for all law enforcement and Department of Corrections personnel involved in this operation," the ICSO said in a statement. AP Photo/Nicholas Ingram Police set up checkpoints looking for escaped prisoner Grant Hardin, Thursday, May 29, 2025, near downtown Calico Rock, Ark. Police set up checkpoints looking for escaped prisoner Grant Hardin, Thursday, May 29, 2025, near downtown Calico Rock, Ark. According to a statement from the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Hardin was wearing a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement" during his escape. Officials confirmed he was not wearing a DOC uniform and said that all DOC-issued equipment had been accounted for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A prison officer in one of the guard towers opened a secure gate that allowed Hardin to freely exit, the Associated Press reported, citing a court document. Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the state prison system, told the outlet that the lack of verification of Hardins credentials was a lapse" and would be investigated. 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. Hardin was the former police chief for the city of Gateway, Ark. In 2017, he pleaded guilty to murder after fatally shooting 59-year-old James Appleton, who worked in the city of Gateways water department, CBS News, 5News and The New York Times reported, citing an affidavit. The legal document states that Hardin murdered Appleton in February 2017 after pulling up to his parked car and shooting him through the window while the victim was on the phone, according to the Times. A motive remains unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While serving his 30-year murder sentence, Hardin also pleaded guilty to the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher in Rogers, Ark., 5 News reported. Hardin was tied to the long-unsolved crime after authorities linked him to DNA taken from the victims clothes, authorities said, per the outlet. According to authorities, the victim said Hardin pointed a gun at her and raped her after she exited the school restroom, the Times reported. He was sentenced to 50 years for that crime, per the Associated Press. Reacting to Hardin's capture, Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace said, Im incredibly appreciative to all of our dedicated law enforcement agencies that spent countless hours, both day and night, sacrificing their time, utilizing their resources and lending their invaluable expertise to this search." She added, "To every one of our Department staff that assisted in this manhunt over the last 13 days, I give my heartfelt thank you for your immeasurable contributions to bring this search to a peaceful conclusion. Read the original article on People Editors note: This story mentions rape and sexual assault. Former Hopkinton Deputy Chief of Police, John Jay Porter, was convicted Friday on three charges of rape of a child, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. Porter, of Hopedale, assaulted a 15-year-old student between 2004 and 2005 while he served as a school resource officer for the Hopkinton school system. The student often sought support from Porter when she was in the ninth and 10th grades. The relationship changed when she was in the 10th grade, going from a trusted adult and student to a flirtatious, then sexual one, Ryan said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rapes occurred off school property. On one occasion, Porter volunteered to drive the student home when she was excused early from school. On the way, he stopped at the police station and exchanged his police vehicle for his personal one. Before arriving at the students home, he stopped the car and began kissing the student and touching her all over her body, according to Ryans statement. In another instance later that same year, Porter drove the student home after she babysat at his Hopedale home. He stopped to discuss their relationship and assaulted her again, according to the statement. The defendant in this case abused his position of power to take advantage of and manipulate a child to gain her trust before sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions, Ryan said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porter is scheduled to be sentenced at 2 p.m. on June 18 in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. If you are a victim of sexual assault, you are not alone. Rape Crisis Centers in Massachusetts offer free, confidential services for adolescent and adult survivors as well as their loved ones. Crisis centers operate a 24/7 toll-free hotline for phone counseling, questions and referrals. For a full list of regional crisis centers, click here . SafeLink offers a 24/7 toll-free hotline: (877) 785-2020 (877) 521-2601 (TTY) More local crime stories , Read the original article on MassLive. By Sachin Ravikumar and Gnaneshwar Rajan (Reuters) -Zia Yusuf said on Saturday he would return to Britain's right-wing Reform UK party, two days after quitting as its chair, blaming his abrupt resignation on exhaustion from the job. Yusuf, a businessman who is not a lawmaker himself, resigned on Thursday hours after a row with a Reform lawmaker over her call for a ban on the burqa, the full-length garment worn by some Muslim women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yusuf became Reform chair last year, tasked by party leader Nigel Farage with professionalising the party. While it has since overtaken Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour in the polls, the exit of several senior figures has raised questions over whether Farage can hold together a team ahead of the next election, expected in 2029. "After 11 months of working as a volunteer to build a political party from scratch, with barely a single day off, my tweet was a decision born of exhaustion," Yusuf said on X, referring to the earlier post announcing his resignation. Yusuf said he would focus on a new role overseeing an Elon Musk-inspired "UK DOGE team" within Reform that the party hopes will reduce wasteful spending at the councils it controls after its victory in a series of local elections last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party has seen departures from its upper ranks before. One of its lawmakers, Rupert Lowe, was suspended by the party in March over allegations including threats of physical violence against Yusuf. No charges were brought against Lowe, who denies the allegations. And in November its deputy leader Ben Habib quit, citing "fundamental differences" with Farage. Farage said Yusuf would assist Reform with policy, fundraising and media appearances in addition to his work on local councils. "Zia will continue to be an important part of the team we are building to fight and win the next general election," Farage wrote on X. (Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru and Sachin Ravikumar in London. Editing by Mark Potter) EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 46-year-old Fort Bliss sergeant was charged with animal cruelty after a video of a dog tethered to the flat bed of a truck in direct sunlight went viral last week, according to the El Paso Police Department. David Scott, 46, was arrested on Thursday, June 5, and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals: kill/poison/serious bodily injury. He was then booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a $30,000 bond, El Paso Police said. According to a Fort Bliss spokesperson, Scott is a sergeant assigned to the Soldier Recovery Unit at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to El Paso Police, on May 29, Animal Cruelty investigators were called to assist Animal Services along the 11800 block of Gateway West outside of a restaurant. A video on social media showed a dog tethered to the flat bed of a truck in direct sunlight and the dog is seen slipping off and hanging from its collar, not touching the ground, El Paso Police said. Through an investigation, Scott was revealed to be the offender and was arrested days later. Fort Bliss is cooperating with local law enforcement as they continue their investigation, read the statement from Fort Bliss. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PADUCAH, Ky. (FOX 56) A Fort Campbell soldier has been charged with enticement and sexual exploitation of a minor. A grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment for 23-year-old Cameron Lawrence on April 15. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the United States Attorneys Office said Lawrence was charged with one count of enticement of a minor, two counts of attempted enticement of a minor, and two counts of sexual exploitation of children. At his initial court appearance on June 3, Lawrence was ordered to be detained pending trial. If convicted, he will face a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life 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 FOX 56 News. Jun. 6CANTON A St. Lawrence County grand jury on Tuesday handed up four indictments for drug possession. Jeyson Infante, 27, of Massena, was indicted by a St. Lawrence County Grand Jury on two counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and evidence tampering. He allegedly possessed cocaine with intent to sell it on April 7 in Massena. He is represented by attorney Nicole Duve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three people were indicted as co-defendents in a methamphetamine case. Richard Bell, 55, of Massena, was indicted on one count of second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. On May 23 in Morristown, he allegedly possessed methamphetamine with intent to sell and cutting agents. He is represented by the St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office. Kay Bullock, 44, an inmate at St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility, was indicted on one of count second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 23 in Morristown, she allegedly possessed methamphetamine with intent to sell. She does not have an attorney, according to court documents. Anthony Moselle, 55, an inmate at St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility, was indicted on one count second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. On May 23 in Morristown, he allegedly possessed methamphetamine with intent to sell. He is represented by attorney Brian Barrett. Jun. 6SANTA FE New Mexico's capital city frequently touts its art galleries, restaurants and progressive policies, but there's a different brand of politics coming to the City Different. Four Cabinet secretaries from President Donald Trump's administration will join seven western governors including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham later this month at the Western Governors' Association's summer meeting in Santa Fe. The two-day event, which starts June 23 at a luxury downtown hotel, will feature discussions about housing shortages, outdoor recreation and wildfire response efforts, according to an online agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also allow attendees to mingle with corporate sponsors of the event, and travel to the Santa Fe Opera and other local spots. The Trump administration officials slated to attend the meeting are Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. All four will headline the group's annual meeting as keynote speakers, a WGA spokesman confirmed Friday. Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota, took over as Interior secretary from former New Mexico congresswoman Deb Haaland in January, after Trump won the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the governors slated to attend the event, the list includes Mike Dunleavy of Alaska, Jared Polis of Colorado, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, Spencer Cox of Utah, Mark Gordon of Wyoming and Arnold Palacios of the Northern Mariana Islands. Five of those governors are Republicans, with Polis and Lujan Grisham the lone Democrats. Additional governors could also end up attending. As for Lujan Grisham, who will be the event's official host, the governor has vowed to work with Trump administration officials when possible, even while criticizing a Republican-backed plan to trim federal spending on Medicaid and other programs. "My job is to create stability in every single relationship in the federal government," she said during a Bloomberg TV interview last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Western Governors' Association is a bipartisan group that includes 19 states and three U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Previous WGA annual meetings have been held in Olympic Valley, California, and Boulder, Colorado. Meanwhile, Santa Fe has also hosted big political gatherings in past years, including a National Governors Association summer meeting in 2018. That event included a Western-themed reception and a private burning of Zozobra for governors and their family members. Santa Fe may be one of the most liberal cities in New Mexico, if not the nation. But later this month, the City Different will host some of the most high-profile figures of the MAGA movement. Four U.S. Cabinet secretaries under the administration of Republican President Donald Trump will headline the 2025 annual meeting of the Western Governors Association as keynote speakers June 23-24, the association announced Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They include Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. Additional Trump administration officials may be coming to New Mexico, too, but their attendance has not yet been confirmed. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who chairs the association, said the four Cabinet secretaries' attendance represents the largest gathering of presidential administration officials at a Western Governors' Association meeting since the coronavirus pandemic. "I think the point is both Democratic and Republican governors want a chance to talk about their states and what their pressing issues are," Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said in a telephone interview Friday. "All the governors in the National Governors Association signed a resolution that I helped lead that is against all the cuts that we're seeing in the budget reconciliation bill, so this is a chance to maybe, outside of the larger party platform lobbying, to talk about real issues," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two-day meeting, held at the Eldorado Hotel and Spa, will be a star-studded event, at least in the world of politics. In addition to the four Cabinet secretaries, six Western governors Mike Dunleavy of Alaska, Jared Polis of Colorado, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, Arnold Palacios of the Northern Mariana Islands, Spencer Cox of Utah and Mark Gordon of Wyoming are also scheduled to attend. "Together, these federal officials and state leaders will explore bipartisan solutions to the West's most pressing challenges," a news release states. The governors will also moderate panel discussions on various issues, including rural health care, outdoor recreation for disabled people, housing and post-wildfire flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'True bipartisan dialogue' Amy Barela, chair of the Republican Party of New Mexico, said the state GOP welcomes the Cabinet secretaries and governors to New Mexico. In a statement, she called the meeting an extraordinary opportunity for New Mexico to be part of meaningful conversations on critical issues impacting the region. "We sincerely hope this event fosters true bipartisan dialogue especially on matters like rural health care, which must prioritize the needs of New Mexican citizens first; outdoor recreation, which should begin with making our state a safer, more desirable destination; and post-wildfire flooding, where discussions must recognize not only the diverse landscapes but also the stark differences in recovery outcomes," she said. Barela noted New Mexico's wildfire recovery efforts are much further along under Republican-led leadership in Ruidoso and bipartisan leadership in Roswell, "while citizens in San Miguel and Mora counties under Democrat leadership are still suffering and waiting for meaningful recovery." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These contrasts must be acknowledged in any honest discussion about disaster response and preparedness," she said. Lujan Grisham, who announced her initiative would focus on housing when she was elected association chair last year, said she wants to make sure housing is a big topic of discussion during the meeting. "Affordable housing is my signature issue, and I want to make sure that we get a chance to really talk about the federal government's role and the state's regional roles at supporting each other to get more affordable housing in stock," she said. 'We are not shy' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lujan Grisham said Cabinet secretaries typically talk about their priorities and "what we should expect to see in the Trump administration." "They're beginning to hire people back," she said. "They want us to know that that's occurring, that they are wanting to engage with states directly, and this is really what the Western Governors' Association promotes, that irrespective of the federal administration, we want these partners to recognize states' rights and the state's priorities, and as they unfold their own [priorities], do no harm and make sure that you're engaging in the things that matter to us." All the governors will want to talk about regulatory reform and "to lean much heavier on states' rights," Lujan Grisham said. "I've been a proponent of that as well." Asked whether she expected friction, given proposed federal budget cuts, Lujan Grisham said the Western governors are "typically pretty respectful, which is one of the reasons that the [Western Governors' Association meeting] is a popular forum." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, she added, "we are not shy." "I just got back from Alaska," she said. "Gov. Dunleavy and the administration officials who were there will tell you I'm not shy. They know how I feel about the cuts and how I feel about some of the more draconian measures that are being pitched and proposed, and I think that they fully expect for us to be talking about it." The meeting also presents opportunities to discuss collaborations, she said. "There are some issues and proposals that could really help us," she said. "I'd like more help finishing up our transmission lines, so I do think there's an opportunity here, so we really try to make it a dialogue. But none of us are going to shy away from what our concerns are, and they didn't in the Biden administration, either." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An economic boon Lujan Grisham called it "kind of fantastic" to have the meeting in a super blue city like Santa Fe. "It is valuable to show that we can stand on our own, that we are not afraid of having active dialogue," she said. "We can be respectful, but we can also make sure that we're heard. "And they should come here," she added. "They expect me to go to D.C. I expect them to come into my fantastic state and to talk about resolutions to the problems that they, A, may create, and B, they have the power to resolve. I like these juxtapositions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting is expected to provide an economic boon for Santa Fe. More than 400 people are registered so far. While the meeting will include various panel discussions and keynote addresses, it won't be all business for the governors and administration officials. The agenda includes a dinner at the Santa Fe Opera, a reception at La Fonda on the Plaza and a working lunch meeting at the governor's residence. "I think the vast majority of governors are bringing their spouses and partners, and I think that speaks volumes about people wanting to be in New Mexico and wanting to be in the City Different, so I'm excited about that," she said. "It's a packed agenda, so we're going to be working overtime, so I'm excited about that, too." Lujan Grisham said her husband, Manny Cordova, may have his hands full, too. "We're trying to get Manny to do a red chile cooking lesson for the spouses," she said. "And maybe one last thing we'll do, we'll remind all the governors that the best green chile in the world is indeed in New Mexico." French automotive and defense companies will produce drones on Ukrainian soil, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced on June 6, Le Monde reported. "We are going to embark on a completely unprecedented partnership where a large French car company I won't name it because it's up to them to announce it will join forces with a French defense SME (small to medium-sized enterprise) to equip production lines in Ukraine to be able to produce drones," Lecornu said, as quoted by the newspaper. Lecornu did not specify the types of drones to be produced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that, apart from Ukraine, the drones will be also provided "to our own armies to have ongoing tactical and operational training that reflects the reality." Lecornu also said there is "no need" to send French citizens to work on the production line, since it will be set up in Ukraine, where Ukrainians "are better than us at designing drones and especially at developing the strategies that accompany them." Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been developing and deploying technological innovations and cutting-edge unmanned systems. Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly relied on drone warfare, using aerial, naval, and ground-based drones for reconnaissance and combat missions. In late March, presidential advisor Alexander Kamyshin said in an interview with Radio Khartia that Ukrainian manufacturers had the capacity to produce over 5 million FPV drones per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in preemptive strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has stated that a French car manufacturer, in cooperation with a defence company, will launch drone production in Ukraine. Source: Le Monde; European Pravda Details: French car and defence companies will manufacture drones on Ukrainian territory. Lecornu considers this a "mutually beneficial" partnership with Kyiv. "We are launching an entirely new partnership, under which a major French car company will join forces with a small or medium-sized French defence business to establish production lines in Ukraine for manufacturing drones," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not specify the type of drones but noted they would be used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Lecornu also mentioned that these drones would be available to French armed forces so they "maintain constant tactical and operational training that corresponds to the realities" of the war in Ukraine. He said that Ukraine would provide feedback on the use of these drones in combat conditions. "There is no need to ask French citizens to work on the production line in Ukraine," Lecornu emphasised. He added that Ukrainians are "better than us at developing drones and, most importantly, at forming the doctrine of their application". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 5 June, Ukrainian and French defence ministers discussed possibilities for joint weapons production for the needs of Ukraine's defence forces during a meeting in Brussels. Ukraine and its partner countries decided to establish a mechanism for defence production, according to an agreement reached at the 28th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein Format) held on 4 June at NATO headquarters. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Greenland on June 15, together with Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, according to an official announcement on Saturday. The leaders plan to discuss the security situation in the North Atlantic and the Arctic with Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, as well as other topics such as economic development, climate change and renewable energy. Greenland has been the focus of an unusual amount of international attention since US President Donald Trump, who came to power in January, said he wanted to take control of the territory. Greenland is largely autonomous but part of the Kingdom of Denmark. US Vice President JD Vance travelled to the US military base in northern Greenland at the end of March. Greenland and Denmark have categorically rejected Trump's approaches. Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, right, speaks with Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman, center, and Josh Manske, left, at an event with IFU members in Ankeny June 7, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) ANKENY Iowa Farmers Union members met Saturday with U.S. Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya and explained how consolidation in the agriculture industry has crippled their farming operations and rural communities. Bedoya, who visited with Iowa farmers three years prior, said it was important to come back to the places where the scope of the problems that people are facing just hits you in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key question is: what is the undone work, Bedoya said to the group gathered in a barn at Griffieon Farms outside of Ankeny. Bedoya is visiting with groups around the country while he is involved in a lawsuit against the Trump administration, which fired him from the FTC in March. During his time at FTC, Bedoya and his team sued over the business merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, sued pesticide companies for alleged anticompetitive practices and sued John Deere for the right to repair equipment. After listening to farmers share their stories, Bedoya said the scope of the problem and the just how many issues are facing Iowa farmers is what stood out to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sean Dengler, a former farmer in Tama County, said the monopolization across the machinery and agricultural sector led him to give it up and end five generations of Dengler farming tradition. Last harvest season, an error code on his combine led to a several-days harvest delay waiting for a licensed technician to come out to the farm, diagnose and come back to repair the rig. Giving farmers the ability to fix the equipment they bought is their right, Dengler said. Part of the problem, for repairs and for nearly every aspect related to farming, is that repair shops, dealers, grain elevators, meat lockers and other commodities are fewer and further between. Farmers gave countless examples Saturday of how this spread has hurt not just their ag operations, but their rural communities as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Josh Manske, an IFU board member and farmer, said farmers no longer shop around for the best fertilizer price, instead they shop for transportation. The price is the same no matter where you go, Manske said, noting the problems with a lack of competition. LaVon Griffieon said she sees the same issue spread to grocery stores across the state. Living where she does just outside of Ankeny, Griffieon said she has access to multiple stores within a 5-10 minute drive, but friends of hers in rural counties must drive in excess of 20 minutes to the closest grocery store, and close to an hour to find a store with organic products. It seems like feast or famine, Griffieon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffieon said the consolidation in the grocery industry makes the margins for an independent grocer are even worse than farming. Jerry Rosman, a farmer and truck driver, said he sees the same issue in the field, but also on the highway. The dynamics of what it is might be a little different, but its just as things get tighter at the top, at the bottom they just start disappearing, Rosman said. Pull through a little town and you can just see the decline. Mike Carberry, a board member for Iowa Farmers Union, said agriculture needs the FTCs work breaking up the monopolies of the industry that, he said, have turned Iowa into an extractive state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bedoya, who listened intently to the farmers, said while hes committed to bringing this type of legal action forward, stopping a merger, as the FTC did with the Kroger and Albertsons case, takes a massive amount of time, people and money. The amount of time it takes to stop a merger that has not yet happened is massive, Bedoya said. To undo a merger that has already happened is gargantuan it is something that kind of happens once in a legal generation. Bedoya said a similar issue of vertical integration in the pharmaceutical industry has been blocked by legislative efforts in several states. Lawmakers in Iowa passed a bill that would put restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers to prevent them from using specific pharmacies to fill prescriptions. The bill has yet to be signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Bedoya, speaking on similar legislation passed in Arkansas, said it opened up an avenue for going after vertical integration, that could be an option to intervene in some of the consolidation issues in agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is going to require both parties, and its going to require every level of government or every branch, not just, federal prosecutors, but state prosecutors, state legislators, and also federal legislators if they get their act together and pass some bills, Bedoya said. Bedoyas fight Bedoya and the other Democratic commissioner, Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, at the FTC were fired by President Donald Trump, but Bedoya alleges the firing was illegal and is fighting in court to stay at FTC. Bedoya said while he might be locked out of the FTC system and without access to his files, hes still doing the work of a commissioner and speaking with rideshare workers, pharmacists, farmers and more to learn about the issues they are facing. But no matter what, I will continue doing this work, whether its at FTC or in a nonprofit, Bedoya said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his view, the FTC has started to take up cases that trend more towards political battles, than protecting American consumers. The FTC is not for fighting your political fights, Bedoya said. Its for suing the John Deeres of the world. Its for suing the Cortevas and Syngentas of the world that are screwing over farmers and that are making peoples lives harder. Its not for political warfare. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As one of the centurys stupidest, most high-profile feuds escalated yesterday, President Donald Trump at one point threatened to cancel the U.S. governments expansive contracts with SpaceX and Tesla, companies that are both at least nominally headed by ketamine enthusiast and Grimes-ex Elon Musk. In response, Musk threatened to immediately decommission SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft, currently Americas only means of shuttling astronauts to and from the International Space Station. An X user with fewer than 200 followers then appeared to negotiate some kind of detente on the matter, prompting Musk to back down. The bizarre, petulant, helplessly transfixing back-and-forth was a reminder that, while Musks time as a special government employee may be over, hes still very much a part of the U.S. government. His business empire has been built on government largesse, whether through SpaceXs expansive contracts with NASA, Starlink satellites, or the clean car rule compliance credits that have accounted for 34 percent of Teslas profits since 2012. As The Washington Post reported in February, Musks businesses have over the years received $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies, and tax credits. In many ways, Musk owes his fortune to the U.S. government. A truce between Trump and Musk may be imminent, but, if he wishes to use it, Trump has a powerful wild card for sticking it to Musk: nationalize his companies. A similar idea was floated online yesterday by Steve Bannon, the odious former film producer and Trump confidant, who suggested using the Defense Production Act to seize SpaceX. The wide-ranging Korean Warera policy outlines several steps by which the White House can bypass Congress to intervene in the demand and supply sides of particular industries. Those powers can include directing private companies to prioritize orders from the federal government, issuing loans and loan guarantees, and allocating materials, services, and facilities from corporations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just this week, Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to boost production of so-called critical minerals and weapons. A waiver published to the Federal Register on Wednesday claims that shortfalls of either would severely impair national defense capability. The Biden administration similarly leveraged the Defense Production Act to spur on the domestic production of graphite, a key component of the lithium-ion batteries used in military energy systems and electric vehicles. Both presidents turned to the law during the Covid-19 pandemic to address medical supply chain shortages and accelerate vaccine production. As the Roosevelt Institutes Todd Tucker has pointed out, the Defense Production Act has been continually updated to give the White House broader authority over energy, in particular. Its 2009 reauthorization specifically excised language in previous versions that restricted the governments ability to directly engage in energy production. After 9/11, the Defense Production Acts definition of national defense was updated to include the protection and restoration of critical infrastructure, a legal designation of 16 sectors deemed essential to the functioning of the economy, including telecoms, information technology, and transportation. In theory, that is, the Defense Production Act offers Donald Trump a massive toolbox with which to intervene in Musks business. He could stick it to the richest man on earth by ordering Tesla to stop making Cybertrucks and start making electric buses, or forcing Starlink to provide free internet service to everyone in the country. As Bannon hinted, the law also opens up the possibility of requiring recipients of government fundingincluding those who have received loans and contractsto give the government equity stakes in exchange. The first Trump administration did just that in 2020, when the Treasury Department sought equity stakes in publicly traded national security contractors, including defense firms, looking to receive the $17 billion set aside for them in coronavirus relief funds. Tying federal funding to public equity stakes is a common practice in other countries thats somewhat rare in the U.S. The most prominent example in recent memory was when the federal government spent $50 billion on a 61 percent equity stake in General Motors, bailing out the automaker after its bankruptcy in 2009. While this move theoretically empowered the White House to enact wide-ranging reformscorrecting for the kinds of mistakes that had plunged GM into financial ruin in the first placepresidential advisers, including Larry Summers, then the head of the National Economic Council, pushed the Obama administration to instead act as a reluctant equity owner and not interfere with or exert control over day-to-day company operations. The concept of the government seeking a golden share in certain companies has already come up during Trump 2.0. Trump obliquely floated the possibility of the U.S. receiving an equity stake as part of Nippon Steels controversial takeover of U.S. Steel, entitling the government to an advisory role that could allow it to outvote other shareholders on major issues like mergers and asset sales. Given the sheer scale of Musks dealings with the federal governmentbusiness he seemed eager to expand during his disastrous time in Washingtonthere are any number of options for Trump to bolster government oversight of SpaceX and Tesla, including, potentially, buying up shares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican attacks on both electric vehicle incentives and Californias clean car rules, moreover, may end up costing Tesla billions of dollars, JP Morgan Chase analysts have found. Tesla is already struggling amid flagging sales in the U.S. and abroad; earlier this year at the White House, Trump even hosted a bizarre infomercial for Tesla, seemingly aimed at boosting the companys fortunes. Its not impossible to imagine that Tesla might at some point come begging for another handout, offering Trump the opportunity to do what Barack Obama couldnt: play an active role in the day-to-day operations of a U.S. automaker. To state the obvious, it is vanishingly unlikely that Donald Trump will use either public equity stakes or the Defense Production Act toward progressive ends. In March, his administration removed solar panels, heat pumps, and other green technologies from the Defense Production Acts purview by rescinding several Biden-era executive orders. Doing so, though, would make Elon Musk really, really mad. If Trump is too afraid to exert that kind of power over Muskwho has demonstrated time and again his alarming sway over the federal governmentwhichever Democrat makes it to the White House next shouldnt be. (COLORADO SPRINGS) School may be out for the summer, but its not stopping 100 local teenagers from spending two weeks learning what it takes to become a police officer. The 10th annual Pikes Peak Regional Law Enforcement Teen Academy highlights the jobs of those who serve and protect the community. For students like Brooke Ankrun, the training is preparing her for life after high school. Growing up, I would always dress up as a cop for Halloween, and my moms best friend was actually a cop, and I thought she was the coolest lady in town, said Ankrun, a Junior at Palmer Ridge High School. Im definitely going to go into the criminal justice field. As of right now, I dont know if its going to be law enforcement, but its definitely going to be working with crime, so maybe the federal level or maybe the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Teen Academy, now in its 10th year, offers an exciting and educational experience for young adults to explore the inner workings of regional law enforcement agencies in El Paso County through day-long instruction and hands-on scenarios. Participants gain exposure to a wide range of law enforcement functions, including Patrol Operations, Tactical Enforcement Unit/SWAT, K-9 Unit, Mounted Patrol, Explosives Unit, Criminal Investigations (Narcotics, Investigations, Crime Lab), drone operations, search and rescue, and crisis negotiation. The hands-on activities and realistic scenarios help bring the topics taught to life. Cory Adkisson has been a School Resource Officer for the last six years. He tells FOX21 students who go through the academy act as another line of defense, should the unthinkable happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It helps tremendously because all the teens who have gone through this academy just get it, Adkisson explained. They have a lot bigger picture of what were looking at and why its important for us to know things ahead of time, and they will be more I think, more likely to come to us with information. As a School Resource Officer, he believes the academy is helping him connect to students. I still remember the first day Brooke came and talked to me and started expressing her interest in learning more about law enforcement and what we do, said Adkisson. Its things like that, I mean, making that connection and being able to find some common ground where we get to just bond and grow together is huge. Brooke Ankrun, left, and School Resource Officer Cory Adkisson, right, share a hug following the teen academy. Courtesy: FOX21 News Reporter Austin Sack These two are inseparable, and now Brooke Ankrun is encouraging more young women to do what they are passionate about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel as though growing up theres been a bit of [stigma] around women going into law enforcement because theres, you know, its like this girl against like a big bad guy and stuff and I feel like we need to shed more light that women can do it and they can be strong, said Ankrun. A $500 scholarship will be awarded each week to one academy attendee, and there is also the opportunity for all participating teens to earn college credit through Pikes Peak State College by participating in this teen academy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) On Friday evening, authorities announced ten additional counts each of attempted murder for four suspected shooters in a mass shooting at a house party early Sunday morning in Catawba County. 4 suspects facing 10 additional counts of attempted murder in Catawba Co. mass shooting The extra charges have been filed against Toland Huff, Jr., Zachary Bates, Izaiah Mitchell, and KeAndre Mack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriffs officials say they are being held in jail without bond on the additional charges and will have a first appearance in Catawba County District Court Monday. Our investigation has revealed that gang motives were a part of this tragedy, said Major Aaron Turk with the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. Detectives released new details after court Friday afternoon on what they believe was behind the deadly mass shooting in Catawba County at a house party early Sunday morning. Four of the suspects who investigators now call the hillside shooters were in court Friday before the additional charges were filed in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say some of them have confessed to firing into the crowd of more than 100 people. Detectives say they have identified the name of the gang they believe was involved in the mass shooting, but they arent releasing it. Prosecutors indicated in court that some of the accused shooters arent just confessing to the crimes, but they seem to be turning on one another. Mack, Mitchell, Bates, and Huff all went before Judge Mark Killian in court Friday. All four are charged with attempted murder in the deadly Catawba County mass shooting. Friday morning and early afternoon, before the additional charges were announced, Mack got a $500,000 bond, Mitchell is being held without bond, Bates got a $300,000 bond, and Huff also is being held without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do consider all of these defendants an extreme danger to our communities, said Major Turk. Prosecutors say some of the suspects confessed to firing from a hillside into a crowded house party from a neighbors yard on Walnut Acres Drive early Sunday morning. One person was killed and eleven others injured. All I want is for justice to be served. If its right, its right. If its wrong, its wrong, said Kendra Mack, KeAndre Macks mother. Her son is charged with attempted first-degree murder. I just pray that whatevers going on in this courtroom today that God will just step in front of me as well as my family. I still love my son, I dont love him any less, said Mack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said in court Friday that Mack fully confessed to planning and carrying out the shooting. I would say theres a lot of influences out here, we cant say that the age of these children, they did not know what they were doing, but we can say that there are influences. Being a follower is easy, but being a leader takes work, said Mack. Prosecutors also said in court that one of the suspects was trying to work his way up in the gang. Detectives say that while each of the accused shooters might have had different motivations, in general, they were targeting the entire crowd at the house party. MORE FROM 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. Gaza's civil defence agency said Saturday that Israeli forces had killed at least 36 Palestinians, six of them in a shooting near a US-backed aid distribution centre. The Israeli military told AFP that troops had fired "warning shots" at individuals it said were "advancing in a way that endangered the troops". The shooting deaths were the latest reported near the aid centre run by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) in the southern district of Rafah, and came after it resumed distributions following a brief suspension in the wake of similar deaths earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, an aid boat with 12 activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, was nearing Gaza in a bid to highlight the plight of Palestinians in the face of an Israeli blockade that has only been partially eased. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that at around 7:00 am (0400 GMT), "six people were killed and several others wounded by the forces of the Israeli occupation near the Al-Alam roundabout", where they had gathered to seek humanitarian aid from the distribution centre around a kilometre away. AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls compiled by the civil defence agency or the circumstances of the deaths it reports. Samir Abu Hadid, who was there early Saturday, told AFP that thousands of people had gathered near the roundabout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As soon as some people tried to advance towards the aid centre, the Israeli occupation forces opened fire from armoured vehicles stationed near the centre, firing into the air and then at civilians," Abu Hadid said. The GHF said in a statement it had not distributed aid on Saturday because of "direct threats" from Hamas. Later Saturday, the Israeli army said an operation in Gaza City resulted in the killing of Asaad Abu Sharia, reportedly head of the Mujahideen Brigades. The armed group is close to Hamas ally Islamic Jihad that Israel has also accused over deaths of hostages seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz near the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The army said he had taken part in the bloody attack on Nir Oz when Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. It said he was "directly implicated" in the killings of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, a family who became a symbol of seized hostages for many in Israel. - Activist boat nears Gaza - The GHF, officially a private effort with opaque funding, began operations in late May as Israel partially eased a more than two-month-long aid blockade. UN agencies and major aid groups have declined to work with it, citing concerns it serves Israeli military goals. On Saturday, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said that the overall toll for the Gaza war had reached 54,772, the majority civilians. The UN considers these figures reliable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war was sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Israel has come under increasing international criticism over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the UN warned in May that the entire population was at risk of famine. The aid boat Madleen, organised by an international activist coalition, was sailing towards Gaza on Saturday, aiming to breach Israel's naval blockade and deliver aid to the territory, organisers said. "We are now sailing off the Egyptian coast," German human rights activist Yasemin Acar told AFP, saying they expected to reach Gaza by Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian territory was under Israeli naval blockade even before Hamas's October 2023 attack and the Israeli military has made clear it intends to enforce it. A 2010 commando raid on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was part of a similar attempt to breach Israel's naval blockade, left 10 civilians dead. - Evacuation order - The Israeli military has stepped up its operations in Gaza in recent weeks in what it says is a renewed push to defeat Hamas, whose October 2023 attack sparked the war. On Saturday, the military issued evacuation orders for neighbourhoods in northern Gaza, saying they had been used for rocket attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Saturday, Hamas released a photograph of one of the remaining hostages, Matan Zangauker, appearing to be in poor health, with a warning that he would not survive. His mother, Einav Zangauker, speaking at a protest in Tel Aviv, said "I can no longer bear this nightmare. The angel of death, Netanyahu, continues to sacrifice the hostages". During the October 2023 attack, militants abducted 251 hostages, 55 of whom remain in Gaza, including 31 the Israeli military says are dead. bur-kir/dcp/ysm/js/phz GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Myrtle Beach man was arrested Friday afternoon after a traffic stop on Highway 17 led authorities to a large drug seizure, the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office said. Chasen Davis was charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics multiple times and remains in custody at the Georgetown County Detention Center. During a traffic stop near Wachesaw Road, deputies noticed a strong marijuana odor coming from the car. A search yielded 2.75 pounds of marijuana, 42 THC vapes, 9.82 grams of cocaine, 1.02 grams of ketamine, 19.44 grams of mushrooms, 13 doses of hydrocodone, 11 does of Oxycodone, 38 does of clonazepam and $3,330 in cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. There are no talks planned between Germany's coalition parties on reintroducing compulsory military service despite the moves to strengthen the armed forces, according to a senior member of parliament. "The coalition agreement clearly states that we are in favour of voluntary service," Matthias Miersch, the leader of the Social Democrats (SPD) parliamentary group - the junior partner in the conservative-led government - told the Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung newspaper. "We can negotiate compulsory military service in the next legislative period if necessary, but not in this one," he added in remarks published on Saturday, referring to the tenure of the current parliament which is due to run until 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miersch said the goal of 60,000 additional soldiers, cited by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, is achievable only in the medium term: "At the moment, there is not nearly enough training capacity available." Military service was mandatory for Germany men from 1956 to 2011, with the possibility of doing civilian service instead on grounds of conscientious objection. However, due to the Ukraine war and the perceived increased Russian threat to Europe, there has been discussion of reintroducing the draft as in some EU states, such as Lithuania in 2015 and Croatia which is planning to do so this year. It comes amid a broader rearmament effort among European nations. Pistorius, also from the SPD, has said that another 60,000 troops would be needed in Germany's active forces for NATO's planning targets for increased defence capability. Pressure from the right The new parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, Henning Otte, who like Chancellor Friedrich Merz comes from the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), has floated the idea of renewed conscription to prevent the Bundeswehr Germany's military - from being overstretched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the new commissioner, Otte told reporters that he intended to "put this on my agenda again this year." The head of the Bundeswehr Association, Andre Wustner, also advised the coalition to move towards a possible new draft. To achieve the increased NATO targets, voluntary service must become more attractive, said Wustner. He also expressed doubts that it would be possible to recruit up to 60,000 additional men and women for the active forces on a voluntary basis. Miersch said that the key question was exactly how to make military service attractive to citizens. This was not currently possible simply because of the lack of equipment, he argued, urging Pistorius to "now invest and appeal to young people differently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chairman of the defence committee in the parliament, CDU politician Thomas Rowekamp, also backed reintroducing compulsory service. "Of the approximately 700,000 school leavers, less than 10% currently opt for voluntary service and only 10,000 for service in the Bundeswehr," Rowekamp told the Rheinische Post newspaper. "Anyone who wants to live their life in freedom and prosperity cannot rely solely on the commitment of others." He therefore called for compulsory service for men and women in the military or alternatively in social or civil society areas. "In this way, we not only strengthen our defence capabilities, but also social cohesion," he said. NEED TO KNOW Aaron Goodwin confronted his estranged wife Victoria Goodwin during her sentencing on June 5 He told the judge he "will never feel safe" and he fears for his life after finding out that his estranged wife conspired to have him killed Victoria was sentenced to a minimum of 36 months and a maximum of 90 months in prison after taking a plea deal in April Aaron Goodwin confronted his estranged wife Victoria Goodwin for conspiring to murder him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ghost Adventures star, 49, read a statement in court as Victoria was sentenced on Thursday, June 5, detailing how he felt when he found out that she had been plotting his murder and the subsequent fear he had for his safety. For seven years I thought I was in [the] most loving relationship of marriage with my best friend, someone I trusted [with my] whole heart and laughed with every day. Someone who made me feel like I was so like I was her one and only, an emotional Goodwin told the judge, per Court TV. "Now, discovering she put a hit out to kill me more than once, got blackmailed and spent almost all our savings to keep it quiet This has led me to fear [for] my life, he continued, through tears. Ive hired armed security for weeks. Not knowing [whether] it was over or not. COURT TV/Youtube Aaron Goodwin reads his statement before a judge. Aaron Goodwin reads his statement before a judge. Aaron, who filed for divorce from Victoria in March, told the judge that ever since he found out about the plot, he has been looking over his shoulder and going through therapy to understand everything that has happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then described the feeling as a heartbreak no one should go through in life," stating, "The fact that this person did all this to me with no worry, no care or love in her heart for me, I will never feel the same." "I will never feel safe or be the same because of what she did. Especially when she gets out one day," Aaron added. Whether she [gets] minimum or maximum time, I still wont feel safe whenever shes released. I feel like this deserves prison time." Victoria was later sentenced to a minimum of 36 months and a maximum of 90 months in prison, according to KVVU-TV. She previously accepted a plea deal in April, pleading guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder. Victoria was initially taken into custody on March 6 on charges of soliciting to commit murder and conspiring to commit murder. She allegedly conspired with convicted murderer Grant Amato, with whom she began a relationship in March 2024, after seeing him in the Paramount+ true crime docuseries, Ctrl + Alt + Desire, per a police report. 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. After Victoria and Amato met, she allegedly conspired to kill Aaron with her new lovers help allegedly going as far as discussing payments for his murder. Their alleged plans were discovered when a phone Amato had been communicating with Victoria on was confiscated by prison security guards. COURT TV/Youtube A photo of Victoria Goodwin during her sentencing. A photo of Victoria Goodwin during her sentencing. Aaron and Victoria had been married since August 2022. Following the news of Victorias alleged murder-for-hire plan, Aaron filed for divorce in a complaint that read, "There is no possibility of reconciliation between husband and wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron later thanked his fans for their continued support in a March 22 Instagram post. "Thank you everyone for all the love and support through this emotionally trying time. It has really helped a lot and I appreciate you all, he wrote. Read the original article on People An alleged sexual assault victim has been awarded of total of approximately $32 million after suing a man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting her as a juvenile in Southbury before he was arrested and allegedly found with child sexual abuse materials. The damages, outlined in a judgement dated May 21, are against 75-year-old Edgar Mills of Southbury, according to documents filed in Superior Court in Torrington. The lawsuit, filed in January by New Milford-based attorneys Ryan Henry and Elizabeth Gilbert, alleged that Mills sexually assaulted a girl on multiple occasions at a barn on his property in Southbury between September 2021 and December 2024, when he was arrested by Connecticut State Police on sexual assault and related charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims that Mills filmed the alleged sexual abuse to create child sex abuse material, which he allegedly distributed, according to the suit. As a result of the alleged abuse, the girl said she endured severe emotional and psychological distress and feelings of guilt, shame and shock as well as fear, distress and apprehension. She entered into therapy and will likely have to continue to receive treatment, the lawsuit said. Mills arrest followed an investigation that began when authorities received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to the lawsuit. The tip alleged that numerous items of child sexual abuse material involving a young girl had been put online. The tip was later allegedly tied to Mills before authorities went to his home and allegedly located cameras, a tripod and other items set up in a barn, according to court documents. Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the property and seized a number of items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mills criminal case remains pending in Waterbury Superior Court. He is being held in lieu of a $1 million bond and is scheduled to make an appearance on June 18. According to court records, Mills has pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of fourth-degree sexual assault, five counts of first-degree sexual assault and a single count each of employing a minor in an obscene performance, first-degree possession of child pornography and risk of injury to a child. The total judgement against Mills in the civil lawsuit came to about $32 million. The victim was awarded $27.5 million in noneconomic damages and a little over $1.4 million in economic damages. The attorney fees came to a little more than $3 million, court documents said. Henry and Gilbert did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday. A key artificial intelligence pioneer is concerned by the technology's growing propensity to lie and deceive and he's founding his own nonprofit to curb such behavior. In a blog post announcing LawZero, the new nonprofit venture, "AI godfather" Yoshua Bengio said that he has grown "deeply concerned" as AI models become ever more powerful and deceptive. "This organization has been created in response to evidence that today's frontier AI models have growing dangerous capabilities and [behaviors]," the world's most-cited computer scientist wrote, "including deception, cheating, lying, hacking, self-preservation, and more generally, goal misalignment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of all people, Bengio would know. In 2018, the founder of the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA) was presented with a Turing Award alongside fellow AI pioneers Yann LeCun and Geoffrey Hinton for their formative roles in machine learning research, and he was listed as one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" in 2024 thanks to his outsize impact on the ever-accelerating technology. Despite the accolades, Bengio has repeatedly expressed regret over his role in bringing advanced AI technology and its Silicon Valley hype cycle to fruition. This latest missive seems to be his most stark to date. "Im deeply concerned," the AI pioneer wrote in his blog post, "by the behaviors that unrestrained agentic AI systems are already beginning to exhibit." Bengio pointed to recent red-teaming experiments, or tests that push AI models to their limits to see how they'll act, showing that advanced systems have developed an uncanny tendency to keep themselves "alive" by any means necessary. Among his examples was a recent report from Anthropic detailing how its Claude 4 model, when told it would be shut down, threatened to blackmail an engineer with incriminating emails if they followed through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These incidents," the decorated researcher wrote, "are early warning signs of the kinds of unintended and potentially dangerous strategies AI may pursue if left unchecked." To put such behavior in check, Bengio said that his new nonprofit is building a so-called "trustworthy" model, which he calls "Scientist AI," that is "trained to understand, explain and predict, like a selfless idealized and platonic scientist." "Instead of an actor trained to imitate or please people (including sociopaths), imagine an AI that is trained like a psychologist more generally a scientist who tries to understand us, including what can harm us," he explained. "The psychologist can study a sociopath without acting like one." A pre-peer-review paper Bengio and his colleagues published earlier this year explains it a bit more simply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This system is designed to explain the world from observations," the paper reads, "as opposed to taking actions in it to imitate or please humans." The concept of building "safe" AI is far from new, of course it's quite literally why several OpenAI researchers left OpenAI and founded Anthropic as a rival research lab. This one seems to be different because, unlike Anthropic, OpenAI, or any other companies that pay lip service to AI safety while still bringing in gobs of cash, Bengio's is a nonprofit though that hasn't stopped him from raising $30 million from the likes of ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, among others. More on creepy AI: Advanced OpenAI Model Caught Sabotaging Code Intended to Shut It Down KANSAS CITY, Mo. Some good news, a good Samaritan who saw our story about a carpenter who said his trailer and equipment were stolen in Grandview, is stepping up to help. FOX4 first told you about this story earlier this week. Kyle Hudson now has a set of tools and lots of equipment thanks to a generous donation. Once it leaves here its yours, the good Samaritan said. I hope it helps. Parkville loosening restrictions on short-term rentals ahead of World Cup 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its incredible, Hudson said. It very much will. The man who donated more than a dozen pieces of equipment wanted to remain anonymous, but felt pulled to help. He heard Hudsons story. Hudson said in May, a thief took off with his trailer, along with all his Milwaukee tools and work equipment inside. It was parked outside his home in Grandview and wasnt insured. He said about $10,000-worth of items gone. The material and the equipment got stolen in the trailer, Hudson said. A generous viewer saw our FOX4 story and reached out to help Hudson, a total stranger. We were there for the hand off of equipment, including saws, drills, even an air compressor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were all items he owned. They were items that Ive had it for several years and I love it. The man said. Sell it or do whatever to get you some Milwaukee stuff again. It means getting back to work sooner than later, Hudson said, With everything here pretty much immediately. And that was pretty far out of sight. The man donating this equipment related to Hudsons story. He said about ten years ago, a thief stole $25-30,000-worth of work equipment out of his trailer. He told me, thats why he wants to help. Hudson said since the trailer and everything inside was stolen, hes lost several projects. Hes grateful this equipment will help him get back to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV I cant express my gratitude enough, Hudson said. There are good people out there, it might not be your next-door neighbor but there are people that are going to help if you speak up. Grandview police told FOX4 on Tuesday theyll look into the stole trailer and equipment. The response from the communitys been overwhelming, Kyle said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Republicans have set an ambitious deadline of trying to pass President Donald Trumps sweeping agenda through Congress by the fourth of July, kickstarting an intensive negotiation in the US Senate where Republican lawmakers are all over the map when it comes to the specific changes they want to see made to the House-passed bill. The challenge ahead for Senate Majority Leader John Thune is he can only afford to lose three votes, but he must find consensus between conservatives in his conference who are pushing for more spending cuts and others who already fear that some of the cuts to Medicaid and rollbacks to clean energy tax credits that were a cornerstone of the House bill went too far. Its a herculean task and one made more complicated by Elon Musk publicly blasting the House bill. Adding to the challenge is the fact that whatever the Senate settles on will need to go back to the House and win approval there before the President can sign it and pass it into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are senators describing in their own words their concerns and what they want to see changed in the weeks ahead. The interviews were conducted in the first week in June after lawmakers returned from recess. The transcripts below have been lightly edited for clarity. Photo Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN/Getty Images Concerns about changes to Medicaid Why it matters: New work requirements for Medicaid and changes to how states can levy provider taxes made up a significant amount of the ways to save money in the House bill. Speeding up how quickly those work requirements were implemented also went a long way to secure support from the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Yet a handful of GOP senators say they need to look closely at how the changes could affect their states and their constituents. And some Republicans in the Senate are warning that the changes may need to be scaled back, a potential problem for House conservatives. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri: Im concerned about people who are here legally, residents of my state, citizens of my state who are working and would lose health care coverage. I am not going to vote for that There are a host of concerns but Medicaid is the big kahuna and that is where I am training my focus and my fire. Ive got 1.3 million Missourians on Medicaid, or CHIP, so thats the hill to fight on. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia: CNN: Do you have concerns about the changes to the provider tax on the Medicaid side? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice: The provider tax is really important. I mean, you know, to to a lot of states, you know that we, we, we cant let that just get undermined, because you get that undermined and everything you can hurt a lot of our nursing homes a lot. Reporter: My follow up question is does the House bill cut Medicaid to the bone? When you say that, are you worried that theyre gonna have bigger cuts are you fine with the House as it is? Justice: I do not think it cuts it to the bone, or any of the bone, but but theres, you know, you get you gotta get through all the fine print and everything, because there could be things that absolutely hurt people and everything. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine: Im still going through the issues that I see as problematic. Im looking at the changes in education programs like Pell grants. Ive told you many times that Im looking at the impact on rural hospitals. I support the work requirements that are in the bill. I think that makes sense. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia: There is a lot of concern. I did a couple roundtables at home, and so, you know, we talked about it, where I can look and see more deeply. There were some nuances to it that I hadnt actually understood before that are in the House bill. We havent had a chance to digest how its going to impact our hospitals. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas: Ive said before that I want to see very I want to make sure that were not harming hospitals that we just spent COVID money to save. So, thats part of it, but I also care a lot about, with disabilities and so, Medicaid is an important issue. So, well see how, what the Senate does and Ill be lobbying to try to get something thats acceptable to me. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina: We have to take a look at states that have expanded Medicaid, to make sure that were making a smart decision for millions of people who are under expansion North Carolina, 620,000 Medicaid recipients alone. So, weve got to work on getting that right, giving the state legislatures and others a chance to react to it, make a recommendation, or make a change. And thats all the implementation stuff that were beginning to talk about now that were in possession of the bill. Photo Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN/Getty Images Concerns about the deficit and government spending Why it matters: In the Senate, a handful of lawmakers have made clear they dont think the House bill does enough to curb the countrys spending problems. The argument was bolstered this week by two things. First, Musk attacked members for backing the bill he argued didnt go far enough. Then, the Congressional Budget Office released a report that they anticipated the bill in its totality would increase the countrys deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenge here is that finding additional cuts that 51 senators can support and 218 House Republicans can sign off on is tough to do. Some of the largest savings that could have been made to programs like Medicaid were rejected in the House already by swing district Republicans who argued that the cuts could harm their constituents. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin: Johnson: I talked to the President today hes encouraged me to support the bill and I said listen, we all want him to succeed but my bottom line is we need to seriously address the debt and deficit issue. CNN: Would you be open to passing something close to the House bill now with a promise of changes in the future? Johnson: Listen, I want to help the president succeed in this thing so Ive got a pretty open mind. My requirement has always been a commitment to a reasonable pre-pandemic level of spending and a process to achieve and maintain it. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky: Come the end of September, when our fiscal year ends, the deficits going to be $2.2 trillion. Thats just not conservative. Theyre borrowing $5 trillion, that means theyre anticipating the following year being over $2 trillion as well, so its just not a conservative thing to do, and Ive told them I cant support the bill if theyre together. If they were to separate out and take the debt ceiling off that, I very much could consider the rest of the bill. Sen. John Curtis of Utah: Curtis: If you look at the House bill, just to simplify it a little bit, were going to spend in the next 10 years about $20 trillion more than the revenue we bring in, and theyre cutting $1.5 trillion out of $20 trillion. Most of us wouldnt do that in our businesses, in our homes, and certainly dont do it in the state of Utah. And so thats a big concern to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN: So any substantial changes to get your support? Curtis: Im not drawing red lines, right, like Im being careful. But I think we have to do our best work to get my support. Photo Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN/Getty Images Concerns about clean energy rollbacks Why it matters: At the end of the Houses precarious negotiations, members of the House Freedom caucus got assurances that many of the clean energy tax credits that were part of former President Joe Bidens legacy would be rolled back and that the process for ending them would begin sooner than the original legislative text had laid out. It was a huge victory for conservatives. But, in the Senate, a handful of lawmakers are worried that the rollbacks could affect projects in their states that create jobs and income for their constituents. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska: On the energy tax credits as you know, obviously a great deal of focus on oil and natural gas in the state, but also on the clean energy side as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive made clear that I think these investments that we have made as a country in some of these clean energy technologies, were seeing that play forward in a lot of states, and so lets be smart about these, lets make sure if youre going to do phase-outs of this, that theyre reasonable phase-outs. So Im going to be advocating for that. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas: Were going to pay attention to how it affects Kansas. One of the issues is I think there is a lot of Senate sentiment that its too rapid. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina: Look, the key there is to go at it through the lens of a businessperson. Its easy, you know, from a political standpoint, to cancel programs that are out there. We need to be smart about where capital has been deployed to minimize the impact on the message were sending that wed send businesses, that every two or four years we have massive changes in our priorities for energy transition. We just got to get it right. It doesnt mean that I think we have to extend every program, necessarily, but I do think we have to hold businesses harmless for the programs that are there, and then calculate what the economic effect is going to be. If we dont this is not all their spending, theres economic growth behind a lot of these as well, as weve seen in North Carolina. Photo Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN/Getty Images Concerns about state and local tax deductions Why it matters: A group of New York and California Republicans fought hard in the House to increase how much in state and local taxes constituents can deduct on their federal returns. The deduction cap went from $10,000 to $40,000 for people who fall below a certain income threshold, but the benefit really helps voters in high-tax states. In the House, Speaker Mike Johnsons majority is built on winning some of these high-tax districts. And several members in his conference made it clear theyd vote against the bill without a boost to SALT. In the Senate, the politics are very different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The provision is costly and there arent any Republican senators representing high-tax states like New York, California, New Jersey or Illinois. Therefore, there is a lot of grumbling from GOP senators who would rather spend the billions it costs to raise the threshold on another area of the tax code. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo of Idaho: Theres not a single senator from New York or New Jersey or California and so theres not a strong mood in the Senate Republican caucus right now to do $353 billion for states that basically the other states subsidize. But that being said, you know, like I say on every issue, nothing is resolved until its resolved and we are working things out. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina: CNN: Is there any way the $40,000 cap survives? Tillis: I hope not. But, you know, Ill have to that is one where I dont. I believe when I draw a red line, I stick to it. Im not willing to draw a red line there, but I would be a lot happier, in total, Id be a lot happier seeing that number come down. Ive said it before. Its because its personal to me. I took all the criticism for making North Carolina not a SALT state, and now youre telling me Ive got to subsidize the bad decisions made in Albany and Sacramento. So its at the end of the day, if they do their work in their state, they should be talking to state senators, not US senators, to fix that problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNNs Ted Barrett, Alberto Mier, Rebecca Wright, Curt Merrill, Dan Dzula, Matt Dempsey, Jesse Remedios, Graelyn Brashear and Dan Bloom contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DES MOINES, Iowa Its been years in the making, and now emergency responders will be getting more cancer benefits. House File 969 is a bill that has been trying to get passed to expand cancer coverage for firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders to cover all types of cancer, rather than just 14 types of cancer that are currently covered for disabilities and death benefits. The bill passed in the Senate 46-1 in April with a minor amendment, and then the final unanimous House vote got a standing ovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill Friday morning at the Shop Event Center, where many supporters gathered. This included many people who fought for this, and they had a reason behind it all. Three local firefighters recently passed away from cancer. Phillip Mike Broaderick, Brian Stoaks, and Malcolm Cortner were the main reason why we fought so hard for this, the President of Des Moines Professional Firefighters Union, Joe Van Haalen said. We are part of a big family, and if you think we cant accomplish something, youre crazy. Because when we get together and take care of this, this is the stuff that we can do. Exciting discovery brings historic Iowa birthing hospital back to life, learn more during upcoming event Their selflessness is inspiring, and it deserves our greatest and deepest gratitude, Reynolds said. This means thanking first responders for their service, but it also means ensuring that they receive the care that they deserve and the care that theyve earned through years of selfless sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A big reason this bill is becoming a law is the wives, families, and friends of those firefighters who passed. To be able to have this for the men and women that are serving at the end of their day, at the end of their battle and were able to they had every feeling, every option, every health care option accessible, Sheena Cortner, who lost her firefighter husband to cancer, said. They were able to do everything they could in their own fight against cancer. Moving forward to just know that no family is going to have to go through the mental anguish of that piece of the cancer battle, widow Emily Broderick said. It is huge. And no doubt, they helped finish the jobs that their husbands started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He would be beyond thrilled. He was able to help a little bit in the beginning with the fight, but as time went on and he got sicker, he was not able to, Broderick said. But his message before he passed away was dont quit. And we didnt quit. And here we are. Hes so proud of us, of Local 4 Union Des Moines Fire Department, Cortner added. He was really passionate about this, so I know that he is so happy that this day has finally come. This law will go into effect July 1st, 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 who13.com. Three residents filed a lawsuit this week against Sonoma County seeking to block code enforcement from using drones to take aerial images of their homes in what the American Civil Liberties Union is calling a "runaway spying operation." The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU Wednesday on behalf of the three residents, alleges that the county began using drones with high-powered cameras and zoom lenses in 2019 to track illegal cannabis cultivation, but in the years since, officials have used the devices more than 700 times to find other code violations on private property without first seeking a warrant. "For too long, Sonoma County code enforcement has used high-powered drones to warrantlessly sift through peoples private affairs and initiate charges that upend lives and livelihoods. All the while, the county has hidden these unlawful searches from the people they have spied on, the community, and the media," Matt Cagle, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Sonoma County said the county is reviewing the complaint and takes "the allegations very seriously." Read more: Will these drones 'revolutionize' 911 response? L.A. suburb will be first to test The lawsuit comes amid a national debate over the use of drones by government agencies who have increasingly relied on the unmanned aircraft during disasters and for environmental monitoring and responding to emergency calls. More recently, some agencies in California and in other states have explored using drones to investigate code enforcement violations. In 2024, nearly half of Sonoma County's drone flights involved non-cannabis violations, including construction without a permit, junkyard conditions and zoning violations, according to data included in the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The use of drones over someone's private space raises a question of what is considered private," said Ari Ezra Waldman, a professor of law at UC Irvine. Waldman said if law enforcement on the ground wants to see on the other side of a tall fence or trees into someone's property they have to get the person's consent or they need probable cause for a warrant. "Why shouldn't that apply above ground too?" he said. California doesn't have a law that regulates the use of drones by code enforcement agents. In 2015, lawmakers in the state Assembly approved a measure that would have restricted the use of drones over private property without the owner's permission. Then-Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the bill saying at the time that it could expose hobbyists or commercial users to "burdensome litigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU argues that the county's use of drones as an investigative tool violates the California Constitution which provides people the right to privacy and against unreasonable searches and seizures. "I think that our expectations of privacy are based on social norms and people don't normally expect that someone is going to have a super high powered, detailed ability to capture extraordinary detail with a camera that's just buzzing over their property," Waldman said. "We shouldn't have to walk around life expecting that just because this technology exists that we have no privacy from anything anymore, from any direction." The lawsuit also alleges that the county's drone policy has loosened in the past several years. In 2019, the policy required inspectors to receive a complaint about a property before deploying a drone. Now, officials have no such requirement, allowing them instead to launch "discretionary proactive investigations," the complaint states. Residents named in the lawsuit say that the drones hovering above their homes have resulted in ongoing privacy concerns and a loss of enjoyment of their property. One plaintiff, Benjamin Verdusco, decided to sell his home after he learned that the county had been taking pictures of his backyard with a drone in 2021, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Police drones could soon crisscross the skies. Cities need to be ready, ACLU warns Another plaintiff, Nichola Schmitz, who is deaf, wasn't able to hear the buzz of the drone hovering above her property on Oct.10, 2023. When a worker on her property pointed it out she "became confused and worried," the complaint states. She rushed to her bedroom and closed the curtains, concerned about how long the drone had been there and whether it had seen her naked on her property earlier that day. She alleges the drone made two big loops around her property and, shortly after, a red tag appeared on her gate alleging two violations of the county code one for illegal grading and another for having on her property an unpermitted dwelling, a small cabin that her father had built on the land in 1981. She spent $25,000 for a contractor to fix the alleged grading issue but still faces $10,000 in fines. ACLU attorneys allege the evidence obtained by the drone was done so unlawfully because officials did not have a search warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This horrible experience has shattered my sense of privacy and security," Schmitz said in a statement. "Im afraid to open my blinds or go outside to use my hot tub because who knows when the countys drone could be spying on me." A third plaintiff, Suzanne Brock, confronted county officials after she learned that they had taken detailed aerial photos of her outdoor bathtub and shower that she and her daughter used daily. She expressed concern to inspectors that they might have seen her naked in the bathtub. Code Enforcement Inspector Ryan Sharp told her that "when we see something like that, we turn around," according to the complaint. When Brock asked if county officials see people during the flights, Sharp told her yes, according to the complaint, but added that "we don't put that in the camera footage." 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) Governor Josh Green has released a list of bills he plans to veto. Governor Green Reflects on the Impact of Maui Week On June 6, Green informed legislative leaders and stakeholders of 19 bills passed during the 2025 legislative session of the Hawaii State Legislature that he plans to veto. Green is not required to veto every bill indicated on the Intent-to-Veto list, but cannot veto a bill that is not included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me be clear: of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature this session, 19 are on our Intent-to-Veto list, said Governor Green. Our team has completed a review of every measure and the overwhelming majority of legislation will become law. Each bill on todays list is based on thorough legal and fiscal analysis, and as always, was guided by what will best serve the people of Hawaii, protect our resources and strengthen our future. The list includes a measure that would allow the film tax credit to expire, as well as allowing the state to sell naming rights to facilities like the New Aloha Stadium. The following is a full list of bills being considered for vetoes: HB126 : RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE HB300 : RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET HB302 : RELATING TO CANNABIS HB496 : RELATING TO MAMAKI TEA HB796 : RELATING TO TAX CREDITS HB1369 : RELATING TO TAXATION SB583 : RELATING TO NAMING RIGHTS SB589 : RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY HB235 : RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY HB800 : RELATING TO GOVERNMENT HB958 : RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION HB1296 : RELATING TO THE MAJOR DISASTER FUND SB15 : RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION SB31 : RELATING TO PROPERTY SB38 : RELATING TO HOUSING SB66 : RELATING TO HOUSING SB104 : RELATING TO CORRECTIONS SB447 : RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM SB1102: RELATING TO THE AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIRE FIGHTING UNIT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To date, Green has signed 200 bills into law benefiting the people and the aina. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Green has until July 9 to issue final vetoes. All other bills will become law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Sen. Lindsey Graham has pledged that his expansive sanctions bill would be bone crushing for the Russian economy. But if enacted, the South Carolina Republicans proposal to impose 500 percent tariffs on any country that buys Russian energy would effectively cut the U.S. off from some of the worlds largest economies including allies in Europe. A 500 percent tariff is essentially a hard decoupling, said Kevin Book, managing director of Clear View Energy Partners, an energy research firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham appeared to acknowledge as much on Wednesday, when he proposed a broad carve-out for countries that provide aid to Ukraine. This exemption would spare the European Union, which continues to import almost 20 percent of its gas from Russia. But experts remain skeptical that the sky-high tariffs proposed in the Sanctioning Russia Act are in any way feasible. India and China buy roughly 70 percent of Russian energy exports, but several other countries that buy any oil, gas or uranium from Moscow and arent included in the carve-out could also be exposed to tariffs under the bill. The United States, which is still reliant on imports of enriched uranium from Russia to fuel its nuclear reactors, could also run afoul of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edward Fishman, a senior researcher with the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, said countries in the crosshairs of the bill would struggle to halt their imports of Russian energy overnight. Tariffs of 500 percent on imports of goods made in China would send prices soaring, disrupt supply chains and could drive up U.S. unemployment to recessionary levels . Most likely, it would lead to a screeching halt in U.S. trade with China. It would hurt Americans quite a bit, Fishman said. The legislation's goal, co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), is to starve Russias war economy, which continues to earn hundreds of billions of dollars from energy exports. There is widespread support for the overall objective, with 82 senators signing on to Grahams bill so far, and growing support for a companion bill in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is likely to change significantly as it moves through Congress and in consultations with the Trump administration, said Matt Zweig, senior policy director of FDD Action, a nonprofit advocacy organization affiliated with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. It may also take a long time. With sanctions legislation, youre also normally dealing with iterative processes where you would want to go through every nook and cranny, Zweig said. Still, the widespread bipartisan support for the legislation suggests there is a high degree of support among lawmakers for tougher action on Russia. "What Congress may be doing is pressuring the executive branch to act, said Adam Smith, a partner at the law firm Gibson Dunn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is a sense in the Senate that more sanctions on Russia need to be imposed, or ought to be imposed, added Smith, who was a senior adviser to the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control during the Obama administration. Graham, the bills most vocal Republican advocate, said as much in a meeting with reporters in Paris over the weekend, where he described the bill as one of the most draconian sanctions bills ever written. The Senate is pissed that Russia is playing a game at our expense and the worlds expense. And we are willing to do something we havent been willing to do before and that is go after people that have been helping Putin, Graham said. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, dismissed concerns that the bill is too harsh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need to make Putin understand he has to stop screwing around and come to the table. But we also need to follow it up and make clear we will be tough," she said. Not everyone agrees. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has long been skeptical about the effectiveness of sanctions to change the behavior of U.S. adversaries, bashed the bill on Monday as literally the most ill-conceived bill I've ever seen in Washington, he said. It would be a worldwide embargo on 36 countries. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine have made little progress on peace talks. Officials from both countries met in Istanbul on Monday and agreed to a further prisoner swap, but failed to achieve any major breakthroughs. Graham and Blumenthal visited Ukraine, France and Germany during last weeks congressional recess, where they discussed the sanctions bill, as well as efforts to push Russia to the negotiating table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal has been welcomed by European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, who met with Graham in Berlin on Monday. Pressure works, as the Kremlin understands nothing else, Von der Leyen said in a statement. These steps, taken together with U.S. measures, would sharply increase the joint impact of our sanctions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated Monday that the chamber could take up the legislation later this month. Republican senators have said they would like to secure the approval of the White House before moving forward. The proposed use of blanket tariffs to target countries that continue to do business with Russias energy sector is novel and appears to be pitched to Trumps interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump viewed sanctions as "a tool in his toolbox, but declined to comment about his position on the bill. Trump appeared to be inching closer toward supporting the bill in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, which linked to an op-ed in The Washington Post supporting the legislation. Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump indicated he wanted lawmakers to secure his approval before moving forward with the bill. Theyre waiting for me to decide on what to do, he said, describing the legislation as a harsh bill. The president has liberally wielded tariffs to advance his foreign policy agenda, but his implementation has been spotty. Wall Street has even adopted a trading strategy referencing Trumps capriciousness called TACO, which stands for Trump Always Chickens Out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs of 145 percent on China, imposed in April, lasted a month before being dramatically scaled back to make way for trade talks, which have so far failed to secure a breakthrough. As it stands, the bill includes some levers that Trump could pull to forestall the tariffs, requiring the president to make a formal determination that Russia is refusing to negotiate or has violated any future peace agreement. Nahal Toosi, Joshua Berlinger, Phelim Kine and Katherine Tully-McManus contributed to this report. During Chinas imperial age, those deemed guilty of the worst offenses were sometimes sentenced to death in a public square by a brutal form of execution known as lingchi. Soldiers using sharp blades would slice away pieces of flesh from the accused until they died. Translated, lingchi means death by a thousand cuts. Maybe democracy does die in darkness, as journalist Bob Woodward often suggests. Or maybe democracys demise comes in the light of day, in a public forum, where everyone can bear witness. Sometimes those holding the knives are the oligarchs or elected officials drenched in corruption. And sometimes theres blood on the hands of the people. On Saturday, voters in San Antonio the seventh-largest city in the country are headed to the polls to decide the first open mayoral race since President Obamas first term. Or at least some voters will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2024, nearly 60% of the 1.3 million registered voters in the county cast a ballot in the general election. However, in the local election held last month, barely 10% showed up to the polls. Before anyone starts throwing shade at San Antonio, in Dallas the turnout was even lower. Lackluster participation in an off year election is not new. However, the mayoral race in San Antonio has increased national interest because the outcome is being viewed as a litmus test for both the strength of the Democrats resistance and the publics appetite for the White Houses policies. Like other big blue cities nestled in legislatively red states, San Antonios progressive policies have been under constant assault from the governors mansion. And with neither the progressive candidate, Gina Ortiz Jones, or her MAGA-leaning opponent, Rolando Pablos, eclipsing 50% of the vote in May, the runoff has drawn more than $1 million in campaign spending from outside conservative groups looking to flip the traditionally blue stronghold. The outcome could provide a possible glimpse into the 2026 mayoral race in Los Angeles, should the formerly Republican Rick Caruso decide to run against Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat. When the two faced off in 2022, around 44% of the citys registered voters went to the polls. Caruso lost by less than 90,000 votes in a city with 2.1 million registered voters most of whom didnt submit a ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is rather astonishing how little we actually participate in democracy, given the amount of tax dollars we have spent trying to convince other nations that our government system is the best on the planet. Capitulating to President Trumps unsubstantiated claims of mass voter fraud, many local conservative elected officials have tried to ram through a litany of voter integrity policies under the guise of protecting democracy. However, democracy is not a delicate flower in need of protection. Its a muscle in need of exercise. Some people find voting to be a chore, Michele Carew, the elections administrator for Bexar County which includes San Antonio told me. We need to make voting easier and quite frankly, fun. And we need to get those who dont feel like their vote counts to see that it does. That means getting out and talking to people in our neighborhood, in our churches, in our grocery stores about when elections are coming up and whats at stake locally. Carew said that the added outside interest in the citys election has driven up early voting a tick and that she expects to see roughly a 15% turnout, which is an increase over previous years. It could be worse. The city once elected a mayor with 7% turnout back in 2013. Carew also expressed concern about outside influence on local governing. One of the first times I saw these nonpartisan races become more political was in 2020, and so as time goes by its gotten even more so. I would like to think once the candidate is elected mayor they remain nonpartisan and do whats best for the city and not their party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, a presidential election year when youd expect the highest turnout, 1 in 3 registered voters across this country roughly 20 million people took a look around and said, Nah, Im good. Or something like that. The highest turnout was in Washington, D.C., where nearly 80% showed up. Too bad its not a state. Among the lowest turnout rates? Texas which has the second-greatest number of voters, behind only California. And therein lies the problem with trying to extrapolate national trends from local elections. Maybe Ortiz Jones will win in San Antonio this weekend. Maybe Caruso will win in L.A. next year. None of this tells us how the vast majority of Americans are really feeling. Sure, its good fodder to debate around the table or on cable news shows, but ultimately the sample size of a mayoral election belies any claims about a results meaning. Turnout during an off year is just too low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing we know for certain is most voters in America exercise their right to vote only once every four years. Oligarchs and corrupt officials are not great, but its hard for democracy to stay healthy and strong if thats all the exercise its getting. @LZGranderson 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. GRANDVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) Bystanders pulled a child from a car that was rear-ended and then trapped under two pickup trucks, police say. It happened at the intersection of 28th Street and Ottawa Avenue in Grandville around 4:55 p.m. Friday. The Grandville Police Department said in a release that the initial report officers got was of two trucks on top of each other and an injured child. Police say a westbound pickup truck failed to stop for traffic lined up at a red light and rear-ended a sedan. The sedan was shoved forward under another pickup in front of it. The pickup that hit the back of the car came to a rest on top of it, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A child in the back seat of the car was trapped, but freed by bystanders before emergency responders arrived. The child was taken to the hospital. Police did not indicate house serious the childs injuries were. The childs mother was also taken to the hospital as a precaution with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RELATED VIDEO: Hunt for Hardin recap UPDATE: Officials with the Arkansas Department of Corrections have confirmed that Hardin will be transported to Varner Supermax Unit, the states most secure prison. IZARD COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Escaped Arkansas inmate Grant Hardin has been taken into custody, according to the Izard County Sheriffs Office. Board of Corrections member Benny Magness confirmed that convicted murderer and rapist Hardin is now in custody. He was located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the prison grounds after bloodhounds caught his scent, according to the Arkansas Depart of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardins identity was also confirmed through finger printing, the Izard County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. COURTESY: Arkansas Department of Corrections COURTESY: Arkansas Department of Corrections Hardin was taken into custody by Izard County authorities just a short distance from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, the Stone County Sheriffs Office said via Facebook. While many details will remain under investigation there is no longer an active threat to public safety. Gov. Sanders issues statement Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief because violent criminal Grant Hardin is now in custody, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement via X. I am grateful for local, state and federal law enforcement and give special thanks to the Trump admin and [Secretary Kristi Noem], for sending Border Patrol who helped track and apprehend Hardin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about the Hunt for Hardin, click here. This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Eighty-one years ago today, Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in whats become known as D-Day, which laid the foundation for the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II. Friday evening, veterans and members of the community gathered in Forsyth Park to honor the occasion. The event featured speeches by members of various military branches, as well as Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also provided information about support services for veterans in our area. The gathering was hosted by 50501 Savannah. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After a tumultuous 48 hours, there are signs that the embarrassingly public fight between President Donald Trump and his former adviser Elon Musk may be winding down. Late Friday night, in response to criticisms from a businessman who took issue with his attacks on Trump, Musk tweeted that he would apologize profusely as soon as there is a full dump of the Epstein files. That post was quickly deleted. Musk had previously made waves on Thursday by claiming that Trump is mentioned in the Epstein files, adding, that is the real reason they have not been made public. Trump and disgraced financier/convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein enjoyed a long friendship prior to Epsteins arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk followed his tweet deletion up with a sort-of olive branch reply to one of the official Trump administrations X accounts. In response to a video of the president saying of Musk, Im not thinking about Elon. I just wish him well, Musk replied, Likewise. Not included in the video were remarks Trump made in response to questions from journalists about whether he was interested in reconciling with his (currently) former friend in which he said, There are efforts, but Im not really interested in that. Im really interested in the country solving problems, including war problems in very faraway lands. Musk also responded to footage of Trump discussing the potential cancellation of government contracts held by SpaceX. The president said, Well take a look at everything. Hes got a lot of money. He gets a lot of subsidy, so well take a look at that only if its fair for him and for the country. I would certainly think about it yeah but it has to be fair. To this, Musk responded, Fair enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk had previously threatened to begin decommissioning SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft after Trump threatened to cancel the companys government contracts, later backing down in response to pleas from X users. In response to one user who told Musk, You are both better than this. Cool off and take a step back for a couple days, Musk responded, Good advice. Ok, we wont decommission Dragon. The beef potentially being quashed will be disappointing news for former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who author Michael Wolff believes is attempting to enter the fray and fan the flames in an effort to ingratiate himself with the president once again. Bannon was fired from his position as Trumps chief strategist in 2017 after playing a sizable role in his success in the 2016 presidential election. He weighed in on the squabble between Musk and Trump on Thursday, insulting Musk and calling for his immigration status to be investigated. As Wolff told the Daily Beasts Joanna Coles, if you say what Trump wants to hear, then youre in like Flynn. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Greater Birmingham Humane Society shelter is at capacity, and they need your help to save the lives of dogs and cats. Definitely if theyve been thinking about adopting a pet, this is the time to adopt. If theyre at all interested in fostering a pet, this is absolutely the time to foster, said Ivana Sullivan, the Chief Program Officer for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. On Friday and Saturday, GBHS is waiving adoption fees at all their locations in hopes of finding homes for the dozens of animals they are sheltering. The only fee that will need to be paid is the $10 micro chip fee. This week the CEO of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Allison Black Cornelius took to Facebook with an urgent plea: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are in a crisis here at GBHS, a major crisis, were full, were beyond full, and animals like Rex need a home, she explained. Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosting 2025 Fern Expo To listen to her entire statement, click here. Ivana Sullivan, the Chief Program Officer, talked about what led to this situation: Weve got lots of folks trying to surrender their pets, weve got lots and lots of strays in Jefferson County that are coming into the shelter for their stray holds and so we just only have so many kennels. In her Facebook post, Cornelius mentioned that they have not had to euthanize for space in a long time, but theyre having to do so now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very devastating, Sullivan remarked when asked about this because you get to a point where theres just no where to put these animals. The state of Alabama does not require pets be spayed or neutered. Sullivan said that needs to change: There definitely needs to be some sort of mandatory solution to this so this can stop, animals in the shelter is just not the solution, weve got to do better. GBHS is also in need of folks to foster pets and food for dogs and cats, including wet cat food for kittens. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Greenfield Mayor Virginia Desorgher was awarded a Housing Hero Award by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership at a ceremony on Thursday. Mayor Desorgher received this award during a ceremony at MHPs Housing Institute conference in Worcester. She was recognized for creating more housing opportunities in the city of Greenfield, using innovative strategies to drive outcomes such as public-private partnerships, flexible zoning, and use of public land for housing. Local fair provides mental health resources and support to youth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deshorger said that the advancements of housing in Greenfield are due to the efforts of many community members, including City Council Vice President John Garrett, who also attended the ceremony. When I first took office, housing was one of my most pressing concerns, and it is still today, Deshorger said. None of this happened without the wonderful people of our city that collaborated to help to bring us here. Courtesy of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership. An ordinance was passed under Deshorgers leadership to lift a 24-unit cap on residential development in downtown Greenfield. The Hope Street parking lot has also been closed to parking and designated for housing development. The space spans an acre wide and serves as an accessible location to nearby restaurants, municipal buildings, and the train station. I am beyond thrilled that Greenfield is getting an award for the work that were doing locally, and especially because it is work that is vital, not just in our city but throughout the entire commonwealth, Garrett said. We didnt build our way into this problem in a minute, so its not going to be an instant solution, but weve been trying in our small city to find solutions that work for our locality. 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. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Greenville Animal Protective Services officers rescued a young deer inside a storm drain. According to a post from Greenville, NC Police Department on Facebook, neighbors on Chesapeake Place reported a fawn was stuck inside a storm drain. APS officers responded and conducted a thorough search, but couldnt locate the fawn. The APS officers later returned to the area and discovered the fawn inside the storm drain. The officers ended up crawling into the drain to reach the fawn and rescue it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fawn is now in the care of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Portland man who taught at a local high school was arrested on Friday and accused of committing online sex crimes against children. Oscar Armando Ramirez, 36, was a teacher at Gresham High School when he was allegedly communicating in sexually explicit conversations online with someone who said they were a 13-year-old girl, the Portland Police Bureau said. In reality, the person Ramirez was chatting with was actually an undercover police officer with the Bothell Police Department in Washington, posing as the child, as part of an undercover sting operation, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill blocking utility rate increases by Big Tech passes During that conversation, Ramirez was informed he was communicating with a 13-year-old. Ramirez shared in the chat that he teaches 9th-11th graders. The chatting continued for four days and included lewd sexual conversations about acts that Ramirez wanted to do with her, PPB said in a press release. In conversations with [Bothell Police Detective Mike Garcia], Ramirez agreed to meet with her and made arrangements to meet when her parents would not be home. The Bothell Police Department notified the PPB of the undercover sting operation on December 5. After learning Ramirez was a high school teacher, Portland police then immediately notified the Gresham-Barlow School District, which placed Ramirez on leave. Following a Multnomah County grand jury indictment on June 3, Portland police arrested Ramirez on Thursday at his home in the Sunnyside Neighborhood of Southeast Portland. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gresham-Barlow School District released a statement on Friday acknowledging Ramirezs arrest. They confirmed he is a social studies teacher employed in the fall of 2021, saying a criminal background check at the time didnt reveal any criminal record. The District was first notified of the investigation on December 6, 2024. The District immediately placed Mr. Ramirez on administrative leave. Because this was a police investigation, we could not share this information at that time. We have remained in contact with the police since they informed us of the situation, a spokesperson for the district said. The district said Portland police told them there is no evidence that any Gresham High School students are involved with the case. In addition, the district said now that Ramirez has been arrested, they will follow their human resources protocols related to his employment. The district said due to the difficulty surrounding the situation, they will provide counseling support to Gresham High School community members as needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirez faces charges that include three counts of luring a minor and second-degree online sexual corruption of a child. Portland police said their investigation has not revealed any crimes involving students or other children. However, if anyone has more information about crimes allegedly committed by Ramirez, theyre encouraged to contact Portland police. The entire statement from the Gresham-Barlow School District is below: Earlier today, Oscar Ramirez, a social studies teacher at Gresham High School, was arrested by the Portland Police Bureau. He was charged with 3 counts of Luring a Minor and 1 count of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police have informed us that there is no evidence that GHS students were involved. Mr. Ramirez is a social studies teacher employed in the Gresham-Barlow School District in the fall of 2021. When he was hired, the required fingerprinting and background checks completed by the district did not reveal any criminal record. The District was first notified of the investigation on December 6, 2024. The District immediately placed Mr. Ramirez on administrative leave. Because this was a police investigation, we could not share this information at that time. We have remained in contact with the police since they informed us of this situation. Now that we have been notified of his indictment and arrest, we will follow our human resources protocols related to his employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since news of this nature is difficult for any school community, the district will provide counseling support to the Gresham High School community as needed. The GBSD cannot provide further information about the teacher now; however, it will continue cooperating fully with law enforcement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Greta Thunberg's Gaza Freedom Flotilla is edging closer to Israeli waters, but will the boat make it to Gaza? Five days after climate activist Greta Thunberg set sail Sunday afternoon along with 11 other activists on a ship carrying aid to Gaza, the group could soon near Israeli waters. Israeli officials have vowed not to allow the ship, called the Madleen, to dock. The countrys navy is reportedly preparing to rebuff the ship and, if necessary, arrest its passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group is carrying supplies for Gazan Palestinians and protesting what they say is Israels illegal, decades-long blockade, and ongoing genocide in the enclave. Their voyage is operated by the pro-Palestinian nonprofit Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which has staged other naval efforts to reach Gaza by sea over the last 15 years. The latest trip, which departed from Sicily and detoured to pick up Sudanese refugees, comes as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza turns 20 months old and includes Thunberg, one of the most prominent progressive activists in the world. Heres what you need to know in advance of a possible showdown on the high seas. A drone view shows the Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen, organized by the international NGO Freedom Flotilla Coalition, anchored off the coast of Catania, Italy, on June 1, 2025 (photo credit: REUTERS/DANILO ARNONE) Why have the activists undertaken their voyage and what are people saying about them? The trip comes amid widespread criticism of Israels handling of aid to Gaza, where 2 million Palestinians live and where Israel has been fighting Hamas, the governing authority, since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered basic aid to enter Gaza last month amid growing concerns about starvation following Israels months-long aid blockade. Since Netanyahus announcement, aid distribution in Gaza has since faced multiple setbacks, including deadly shootings at aid distribution sites. According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Madleen is carrying baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, womens sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches and childrens prosthetics. We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying, Thunberg said during a press conference ahead of the voyage. Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity, she continued. And no matter how dangerous this mission is, its not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the live-streamed genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement London has so far rejected requests by Israel to deter the Madleen, which is flying under a UK flag, from approaching Israeli waters, according to the Times of Israel. Last month, the leaders of France and the United Kingdom issued statements condemning Israels blockade on aid to Gaza and continued offensive and vowing to take concrete actions if they continue. The group has drawn support from pro-Palestinian advocates around the world. The human rights group Amnesty International, for example, called the voyage an important solidarity initiative that will help to keep the spotlight on Israels illegal and suffocating blockade of the occupied Gaza Strip amidst its ongoing genocide. But critics of the group have pilloried them for engaging in performative activism that is unlikely to achieve any results for Palestinian civilians. An Israeli official reportedly referred to the Madleen as the selfie flotilla, for example. It has also added to concerns over whether Thunbergs increasing focus on Israel is distracting from her leadership on climate change. Thunberg has sparred with her critics. After Sen. Lindsay Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, tweeted, Hope Greta and her friends can swim! Thunberg said on the progressive radio show Democracy Now, We can swim very well. What is the Freedom Flotilla Coalition? Following two successful independent voyages that reached Gaza in 2008, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was founded in 2010 to protest Israels blockade of Gaza. It operates a small fleet of ships that have tried but rarely if ever succeeded to bring aid and supplies by sea to the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the groups first mission, in 2010, a Turkish flotilla ship called the Mavi Marmara was raided by the Israeli military during an aid mission, and nine people on board were killed. Subsequent efforts in past years were intercepted, and their passengers were detained and deported. Last month, one of the ships in the groups fleet, the Conscience, was hit by two alleged drones just outside of Maltas territorial waters. The group accused Israel of perpetrating the attacks. Israel has declined to comment. An Israeli cargo aircraft reportedly flew at a relatively low altitude over eastern Malta several hours before the reported attack, according to flight data reviewed by CNN. The IDF declined to comment to CNN about the flight data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thunberg told USA Today that she was supposed to be on the Conscience voyage but had stayed behind. Who is on board the Madleen? Including Thunberg, there are 12 activists and journalists on board the Madleen, which is named for what the group says is Gazas only female professional fisherwoman. Among them is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. Hassan is of Palestinian descent and was barred from entering Israel in February due to her active opposition to the conflict in Gaza and support for the BDS movement. Others on board the Madleen come from at least half a dozen countries, according to a press release from the FFC. They include: Yasemin Acar, a German pro-Palestinian activist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baptiste Andre, a physician from France. Thiago Avila, an activist from Brazil. Omar Faiad, an Al Jazeera correspondent. Pascal Maurieras, a French activist. Yanis Mhamdi, a journalist-director at Blast, a French independent media outlet. Suayb Ordu, a Turkish activist. Reva Viard, an activist from France. Sergio Toribio, a crew member from Spain. Marco Van Rennes, a crew member from the Netherlands. Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham was among the crowd of spectators who gathered in solidarity with the crew of the Madleen to bid them farewell in Catania, Sicily. Governments are not standing up for what their legal obligations are under international law, so it takes a disparate group like this to try and achieve it, said Cunningham in a post on the Gaza Freedom Flotillas Instagram account. Anybody who was fearful of using the word genocide, thats gone now. What could happen over the weekend? If it is not intercepted, the Madleen could reach Gaza sometime over the weekend, according to a post on X early Friday morning by the International Committee to Break the Siege, which was reposted by FFC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were on our way to Gaza expected to arrive in about 48 hours, the post read. These next hours are critical. Your voice is our protection. Let apartheid Israel know: the world is watching. Your silence gives them cover. Dont stay silent. But the IDF has said it does not intend to allow the ship to dock. The Jerusalem Post reported that military officials said the ship will be warned not to enter the area, and if they defy orders, the IDF may take over the ship and arrest them. The protesters would then be transferred to the Ashdod port and deported, according to officials. The IDF is prepared to operate on all fronts, including in the maritime arena, a spokesman, Effie Defrin, said this week. He added, We will act accordingly. CLEVELAND, Ohio (WKBN) The Cleveland Guardians selected the contract of catcher Dom Nunez from Triple-A Columbus ahead of Friday nights series opener against Houston. Nunez spent the past two seasons at Triple-A Columbus after signing minor league contracts with Cleveland each of the past two offseasons. He has played in 111 games at the Major League level with the Colorado Rockies from 2019-22. In his Major League career, Nunez has posted a batting average of .180 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In corresponding roster moves, the team placed catcher Austin Hedges on the 7-day concussion injured list, retroactive to June 5. In addition, right-handed pitcher Andrew Walters was placed on the 60-day injured 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 WKBN.com. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) The last-standing underdeveloped woods in Greensboro will be saved. Guilford Woods is packed with rich history from the Revolutionary War to the Underground Railroad and is an oasis of ecology. Guilford Woods is where the revolutionary soldiers once walked,and the freedom seekers hid. Its a home to many ecologies. Through the Piedmont Land Conservancy and Guilford Colleges partnership, the area will be officially protected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Jim Hood, a retired English professor from Guilford College and a former interim president of Guilford College, Guilford Woods is a special place. I spent a lot of time walking around here and learning the names of the plants and animals that lived here, Hood said. He said in a rapidly developing suburban area, Guilford Woods is the last remaining forest that is untouched, and that is important. These trees clean the air. This forest cleans the water for Greensboro, Hood said. The memories, meaning, and legacy are rooted in nature. Hood highlighted the witness tree, which is approximately 350 years old. Its a silent witness to the operation of the Underground Railroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freedom seekers hiding out in these woods on their ways to Indiana or other parts of the north to get away from the evils of slavery, he said. Guilford College and the Piedmont Land Conservancy have teamed up to preserve 120 acres of the most valuable areas of the woods. Now, Guilford Woods can continue to be used as an outdoor classroom and financially benefit the college. Its a way for the college to withdraw some money from an asset that was increasing in value not in a tangible kind of way, but this makes it more tangible, he said. For Kevin Redding, the executive director of the Piedmont Land Conservancy, retracing the steps of the revolutionary soldiers made preserving the land a cause worth fighting for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of years old forest. It has the history component to it. It has the educational component to it. It has a public available recreation part of it. It has everything we would wish in a conservation property, Redding said. The Piedmont Land Conservancy plans on raising $8.5 million through private donations. In total, they will be preserving about 245 acres of land in the area, including Price Park. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Floridas State Constitution was signed in Port St. Joe in 1838. But Gulf County wasnt officially recognized until June 6, 1925. That makes Friday, June 6, 2025, Gulf Countys 100th anniversary. Gulf County tourism officials have been celebrating the milestone all week. Friday, the main event was held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Port St. Joe, with live music beginning at 4 p.m. There were food and art vendors, and a fireworks show closed out the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gulf County is so good at coming together in tragedy, and when hardship happens and things like that. But coming together to celebrate something so special, I think is just, its incredible. And Im honored to be a part of it, said Gulf County Tourism Director Silvia Williams. So I was actually born and raised here in Port St. Joe, part of Gulf County. This has always been home for me, both of my parents were born and raised here as well. At the end of the day, its the people, you know, it really has just, in my opinion, you know, the greatest people in the world live here, Gulf County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Aaron Little said. The festivities continue Saturday, June 7, in Wewahitchka for their historical festival in celebration of their 150th birthday. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charles Whitehead Public Library and is free to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The serial transit offender with about 230 total arrests who cops slammed as a candidate for the subway crime Hall of Fame is in trouble again as he racked up four more busts over the past month before being dumped back onto the street, law enforcement sources said. Michael Wilson, 37 who sources say committed 90 percent of his crimes in the subway system was nabbed for the 25th time this year on Tuesday for allegedly riding between cars on a train passing through the 42nd Street-Times Square station, according to the sources. He then lied about his personal info to arresting officers, according to the sources. Michael Wilson, 37, who has 170 arrests on his record, was most recently busted for riding between subway cars, sources said. Obtained by NY Post Wilson was also busted on May 25 for allegedly lying across multiple seats on a train car in Brooklyn, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 12, he was nabbed for allegedly smoking crack cocaine on a staircase at Riverside Drive and 104th Street on the Upper West Side, and then tossing the residue down the steps, cops and sources said. And on May 6, Wilson was charged with allegedly smoking crack on a moving train in Harlem, police said. He was released on each of the cases which is nothing new for the serial offender, who earlier this year drew the ire of NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper. If there was a hall of fame for Subway offenders this guy would be a first ballot inductee, NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper wrote in a scathing X post. Wilson was busted twice in May on crack-cocaine-related offenses, cops said. Stephen Yang And yet, certain parts of our criminal justice system seem to think otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kempers comments came after Wilsons Feb. 2 bust, when cops caught him swiping a rider through a turnstile with a MetroCard in exchange for cash, law enforcement sources said. He was ordered to leave the West 34th Street and Seventh Avenue subway station during the 10 a.m. ordeal, but he refused, and started to flail his arms and stiffen his body in an effort to avoid arrest. Eventually officers placed Wilson under arrest. They found six MetroCards in his possession, which they bent along their magnetic strips to render them unusable. He also had a student MetroCard. Chief of Transit Michael Kemper previously called Wilson a candidate for the hall of fame for Subway offenders. Stephen Yang Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office ultimately let him off without prosecution in the interest of justice, according to sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kemper took exception to the DAs rationale, referencing it verbatim in his X post. Justice for whom? Recidivist criminals or law abiding NYers who simply want to travel on the subways free of harassment or open acts of lawlessness? Kemper said. A spokesperson for Bragg said at the time that his office continues to hold accountable those who jeopardize the safety of other passengers and transit workers in our subways. Wilson has four prior felony convictions one for a violent offense, sources said. Stephen Yang Last years decrease in transit crime throughout the borough was the result of close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, and we are continuing that work every day, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before that bust, Wilson was arrested on two criminal tampering charges on Jan. 17, and seven others on Jan. 13, according to the sources. On Jan. 3, he was arrested and slapped with 11 charges 10 for criminal tampering and one for theft of service, the sources said. The career criminal whose first arrest was back in 2004 was arrested 232 times over the years, but dozens of those cases have been sealed, bringing the unsealed total to 170, according to the sources. A whopping 135 of his arrests have been on felony charges, but hes only been convicted of felonies four times, with one of them a violent felony, according to the sources. His parole was also revoked several times, the sources said. He has also racked up 53 misdemeanor convictions, the sources said. Wilson had also been issued more than 30 bench warrants to failure to appear in court, according to the sources. FLORENCE, Ky. (FOX 56) A New Hampshire man was arrested on Friday, June 6, after an investigation showed that he allegedly sent at least five nude photos of himself to a minor. According to a news release from the Boone County Sheriffs Office (BCSO), the victim told law enforcement that Paul Anthony Vallatini, 37, of New Hampshire, had met the victim on Snapchat and had allegedly sent her at least five nude photos of himself. The news release states that deputies with the BCSO met with Vallatini and the minor together in Florence. She told law enforcement that she picked him up from the airport and they had allegedly gone shopping together during his two-day visit. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was discovered Vallatini was staying at a local hotel and the Boone County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant on his room, deputies wrote. During the search, they allegedly found condoms in his duffle bag as well as a number of items that allegedly supported the minors claims. Vallatini was charged with five counts of distribution of obscene matter to a minor and human trafficking of a victim under age 18. He was lodged in the Boone County Jail. The BCSOs 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Federal Hill is hosting La Festa di San Giuseppe (Saint Josephs Day) this June 6-8 to come together to honor the patron saint of workers, familie, and the universal Church. Traditionally held on March 19, this years event will be held in June due to weather considerations, offering a warm and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. The celebration will feature a blend of cultural traditions, delicious food from across New England, live music, shopping and games for the kids! Whether youre of Italian descent or simply looking to enjoy your favorite spots on the hill, theres something for everyone at this celebration! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video above, Ashley Erling gets a preview of the event! Each weekend, Ashley brings you around Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts for a look at whats happening as part of our all-new, expanded 12 News This Morning. 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. Close Thanks for signing up! 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. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Actor Freddie Stromas latest role as the unhinged superhero Vigilante in HBOs Peacemaker may not get him recognized on the street much. Thats because his costume covers his face for much of his screentime. But once the mask comes off, you may remember him as Cormac McLaggen in the Harry Potter movies or Luke in Pitch Perfect. Stroma was in town for Epic Cons: Savannah Friday to meet and greet fans. But it wasnt his first visit to the Hostess City. Back in November, the cast of Peacemaker was in the Coastal Empire to shoot part of season 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Star John Cena was spotted at Leopolds Ice cream and director James Gunn stopped by Odin & Sons Comics and Collectibles. When WSAV News 3 caught up with Stroma at Epic Cons: Savannah, we asked him if he was part of the Savannah production. I wasnt filming myself, but I came down anyway. It was amazing. I dont think I can say much, but we had a really good time. I think James [Gunn] is quoted as saying it was the best day of filming hes ever had. I had a great time just checking out Savannah. Its beautiful. Star of Gilmore Girls reminisces about playing baseball in Savannah And while he spoke to WSAV, Stroma said Gunn shot some of the new Superman movie in Savannah as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WSAV News 3 asked the Savannah Film Commission to confirm, and they told us that some pickup shots for the movie were done here but its uncertain whether any of them will be in the final cut. Let WSAV know if you see any Savannah shots when the movie premiers on July 11! Stroma wasnt able to divulge any secrets from season 2 of Peacemaker either. But he did offer this: [Youll see] a lot of high jinks and a lot of lunacy. Season 2 of Peacemaker premieres August 21 on HBO. Epic Cons: Savannah continues through Sunday. Get your tickets 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 WSAV-TV. (KRON) Police say a 45-year-old man is under arrest for allegedly making criminal threats in several messages against a Petaluma City Schools District official in which he demanded the removal of Pride flags saying harsh consequences would follow if they werent taken down. 2 teens arrested for throwing fireworks into crowd, yelling slurs at Redwood City Pride event The Petaluma Police Department says its officers took Josh Garzoli into custody just after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday after a series of reported confrontations between the suspect and the District Administrator. Police released the following timeline of events: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 30, 2025, Garzoli left a concerning voicemail with Petaluma City Schools Officials demanding the removal of the Pride flag from school grounds. Garzoli reportedly told a School District Official there would be harsh consequences if the flag was not removed. On June 2, 2025, Garzoli arrived at the Petaluma Schools Administration Office. He was reported as being agitated and angry, demanding the removal of Pride flags, but left without further incident. On the morning of June 5, 2025, at approximately 9:18 AM, the Petaluma Police Department responded to a report of criminal threats made toward a Petaluma City Schools District Official. Investigators say that Garzoli then sent an alarming email to the official in which he demanded the removal of the flags before the end of the school day on Thursday and said he would have the District Administrator executed if the flags remained. The threat was considered specific, time sensitive, and caused safety concerns for school officials, confirmed investigators. Petaluma PD says Garzoli was booked into custody on suspicion of violating California Penal Code 422 Criminal Threats, which is a felony offense. Police say the suspects bail was increased to $750,000. We are working closely with Petaluma City Schools to ensure additional security measures are in place and that district personnel feel supported and protected, say police. The safety of our school staff, students, and broader community is our highest priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) On Friday, the Hartford Public Library launched its new Library on Wheels, Bringing the joy of reading out of the library and into the community. Hartford Taste Festival kicks off It is a state-of-the-art mobile library that brings books, technology, and services directly into Hartfords many neighborhoods. The mobile library will drive around Hartford, visiting senior centers, farmers markets, schools, literacy events, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK A Manhattan judge in Harvey Weinsteins rape and sexual assault retrial denied his motion for a mistrial Friday after a juror said he was being bullied and berated by other members of the panel. Jurors ended the day without a verdict and are scheduled back in Manhattan Supreme Court Monday morning. Weinsteins lawyers said the treatment of the juror was enough to shut down the six-week trial, but the judge urged the members to keep on deliberating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before a lunch break on the second day of deliberations, a 25-year old juror asked Judge Curtis Farber if he could be dismissed from the highly watched trial because he believed the process was not fair and just. The juror told Farber that he was being shunned for having opposing views from other members of the jury. The juror also said he heard other jurors discussing the case on the elevator and outside the courthouse. He described the tension with jurors as playground stuff. Is someone being bullied? Is someone being made fun of? Is someone being threatened? Weinstein lawyer Arthur Aidala said in court. There is some degree of taint going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aidala praised the juror for having the courage to come forward. But Farber said that the discussions the juror described did not rise to the level of misconduct, but were typical, heated deliberations by a jury. It may be that his youth makes him particularly uncomfortable, Farber said. The fallen movie mogul and Miramax studio co-founder is accused of raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and assaulting two other women in 2002 and 2006. More than 80 women, including actresses Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd, have accused Weinstein of sexual assault, harassment or other misconduct. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Manhattan jury convicted Weinstein, 73, of rape and sexual assault charges in 2020 at the height of the #MeToo movement. But a state appeals court threw out the conviction in 2024, citing errors by the trial judge. Weinstein is already serving a 16-year prison sentence after a California jury found him guilty of rape in December 2022. Weinstein has denied all the charges against him. He has said any sexual encounters have been consensual. I have regrets that I put my family through this, that I put my wife through this, and I acted immorally, Weinstein said in a telephone interview with FOX 5s Good Day New York on Friday. I put so many friends through this and hurt people that were close to me by actions that were stupid, you know what I mean? But never illegal, never criminal, never anything. _____ PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A drug dealer active in the Portland area was sentenced to more than six years in federal prison, authorities said. Bexon Javier Calix-Rivera was a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Portland, the U.S. Department of Justice said. The 21-year-old had multiple encounters and arrests with the Portland Police Bureau downtown for alleged drug dealing and other charges, stretching back to two years ago. On Thursday, Calix-Rivera was sentenced to 78 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Longview OKs zero-tolerance policy for camping Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a six-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Portland on June 11, 2024, on multiple drug trafficking and gun charges, Calix-Rivera ultimately pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl earlier this year. On June 4, 2024, PPB officers saw Calix-Rivera carrying a hatchet, recognizing him from previous drug arrest encounters. He was once again engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions in downtown Portland, the U.S. DOJ said. Officers attempted to detain Calix-Rivera, but he fled on foot, The U.S. DOJ said in a press release. When officers apprehended Calix-Rivera, they seized fentanyl powder, a firearm, and $755 in cash. PPB officers booked Calix-Rivera in the Multnomah County Jail, and he was released the same day. Ten days prior to this arrest, PPB officers encountered Calix-Rivera in downtown Portland, detained him, and seized hundreds of fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and $1,492 in cash. He was arrested and later released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before that, PPB had first encountered and arrested Calix-Rivera back in January 2023. Police officers had arrived at a pre-arranged drug deal in Portland, court records say. Officers found thousands of fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder and heroin after searching his car He was booked into the Multnomah County Jail and released the next 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 KOIN.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) With white sand, blue water and crashing waves, its no secret that beaches in Hawaii are popular among locals and tourists alike. But are they the best? According to Tripadvisor, the answer is yes. Report: Two Hawaii beaches among most polluted in the country The travel company has determined that at least two beaches in Hawaii are among the worlds best, with Poipu Beach Park on Kauai and Kaanapali Beach on Maui both earning Travelers Choice Awards Best of the Best titles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of 25 beaches from around the world that made the list, Poipu Beach claimed the 14th spot with an average rating of 4.5/5 from more than 5,000 Tripadvisor reviews. Mauis Kaanapali Beach came in at number 22, with an average 4.6/5 rating from more than 9,000 reviews. Reviews from travelers highlight Poipus clear waters, snorkeling opportunities and potential for seeing Hawaiian monk seals or turtles. For Kaanapali, Tripadvisor travelers appreciate its soft sand and snorkeling conditions. The Hawaii beaches were included on a list of 25 beaches from around the world, including Greece, Australia, Brazil, Iceland and more. Only one other beach in the United States claimed a spot on the list, with Floridas Siesta Beach taking fourth place overall. The Travelers Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel, Tripadvisor explains. Its awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The travel company says less than 1% of its 8 million listings receive a travelers choice award. To see the full list of the best of the best beaches around the world, visit Tripadvisors website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Heartland Flyer, Oklahomas only Amtrak train route, is facing permanent suspension after Texas lawmakers declined to fund its share of the routes budget. Since June 14, 1999, the Heartland Flyer has provided daily routes between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. The Heartland Flyer is a jointly funded partnership between ODOT and TXDOT, using each states tax dollars. Passenger train between OKC, Fort Worth could soon see its last ride Oklahoma City Amtrak. KFOR The Heartland Flyer was recently being considered for expansion to Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amtrak, which operates the route, says funding decisions for state-sponsored services are determined locally. Peter LeCody, president of Texas Rail Advocates, says losing the train would hurt both Texas and Oklahoma. If it should go away because of budget constraints in Texas, were going to be putting probably more than 50,000 vehicles back on Interstate 35, and thats not a good deal, said LeCody. According to Derek Sparks, Director of Government Relations for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the train is needed now more than ever. We are literally in an incredible moment for marketing our community, and it is correct to say that the timing is very unfortunate that we would be losing something that many people who come here may enjoy in their own community, and it sends the wrong signal, said Sparks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Department of Transportation requested $7M to uphold their end of the deal, but the funds were not approved in Texass budget cycle. It could also have an economic impact on both states. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has implied hes not picking up the slack. Well see what we have to do on this side, Stitt said. Were not going to pick up their end of that. And so were not sure exactly whats going to happen with that. The Texas Department of Transportation says it has no contractual obligations to Oklahoma. However, Amtrak did say theyre seeking possible solutions, but so far, no specifics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Senator Mark Mann has supported the Heartland Flyer for years, issuing a statement about Texass decision to no longer fund the rail service. While it was disheartening to learn that the Texas legislature failed to fund their portion of the Heartland Flyer, I am not feeling defeated. There are still other options that can and need to be explored in order to secure the funding necessary to continue service. I am currently working with the Oklahoma City Chamber to identify a coalition of interested stakeholders to explore how we can secure funding and continue the Heartland Flyer train service. Sen. Mark Mann The budget for the train service runs out sometime before October 1, 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (WBOY) Despite its federal funding being slashed over the past few months, volunteers and advocates of AmeriCorps are still lending a helping hand to one another in West Virginia. On Friday, Try This WV held its annual conference at West Virginia Wesleyan College with a twist in direction meant to help serve former members of AmeriCorps and organizations who have been affected by the federal budget cuts implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). More than 100 people from all over the state attended the conference to help brainstorm ideas on how to move forward and how to serve each other and their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 News spoke with Try This WV Executive Director Brittney Barlett on the response to the conferences new direction, as she had stated it was planned over about six weeks. When I called people and said, hey, what if we did this, they were all like yes, how can I help? And I think that this space is really needed, so I think what we already heard this morning is that this is a space where we can actually talk about it, Barlett said. Its amazing that were already here. The fact that this happened and people still want to come together to figure out a solution is really magical. Fairmont Lions can help you recycle your electronics this weekend At the start of the conference, those impacted by the cuts shared their stories with one another to help better understand the severity of the cuts. Jenny Totten, conference facilitator and Director of Youth Education and Strategic Advancement for Future Generations University, also spoke with 12 News on how the AmeriCorps cuts have impacted West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are one of the largest states with the number of AmeriCorps per capita, and our communities suffer when the work doesnt happen, Totten said. And the work doesnt go away, its just how does the work get done, and so I think folks here are still deeply invested in their community and serving their community, and how do we make that work move forward. On top of getting a new sense of community, attendees also received headshots and support in adjusting resumes and finding new jobs. Barlett stated that although there is yet to be another event like this upcoming, she hopes to see them soon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Phoenix leaders recently commissioned a study to examine commuting patterns on Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street where reversible lanes are used in rush hour. City traffic engineers also will look at the effects of those lanes on the major arterials within a mile and a half to the east and west of them. The City Councils decision last month came as a citizen petition that garnered 4,000 signatures demanded the removal of the reverse lanes along the two heavily trafficked corridors, commonly referred to as the Sevens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, people have raised safety concerns with Phoenixs reverse lanes, which have been used for nearly a half-century. City officials argue they are needed to mitigate traffic during peak hours. The report, which is planned to be completed by December 2026, will study the citys streets and the potential impacts of removing a portion of the reverse lanes, notably through the Melrose District. It's the second time the city has studied the question in four years and follows the second resident petition in three. After the last petition, in 2023, The Arizona Republic asked readers to let us know how they felt about the reverse lanes. In our non-scientific poll, two-thirds of readers said Phoenix should stop using reverse lanes. We want to see if readers' thoughts on the matter have changed since then. Let us know by answering the poll question below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the debate continues over whether the reverse lanes are helpful, the issue as prompted another debate within The Republic newsroom and among its readers. Many longtime Phoenix residents use the colloquial term suicide lanes" to describe the reverse lanes on the Sevens. But traffic engineers do not use that term; they call them reversible lanes. Many people use "suicide lanes" to describe any center lane where cars can face each other head-on, such as on McDowell or Thomas roads. So, which is it? What should the lanes on the Sevens be called? We're asking readers to help settle this dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, here's what we know about the lanes, their definitions and how theyre meant to be used: What are the center lanes along Phoenixs arterial streets? A truck on June 6, 2025, pulls out of a shop along 16th Street, near Indian School Road. Both are arterial streets that have center left turn lanes. This is an easy question to answer, as traffic engineers in Phoenix and around the country agree on their definition and description. Theyre center two-way left turn lanes, or TWLTL, to the engineers. Simply put, theyre center turn lanes. The lanes are marked with solid yellow lines on the outside, and inner broken yellow lines. Drivers traveling in both directions along major streets like Indian School and McDowell roads or the Sevens can hop into the center lane to turn across traffic down a side street, or into a driveway or shops. What are reverse lanes? Reverse, or reversible, lanes, like the ones along Seventh Street and Seventh Avenue, are converted center turn lanes. Theyre designed to expedite traffic flow during morning and afternoon rush hours, and only between McDowell Road and Dunlap Avenue on Seventh Street. On Seventh Avenue, the lane ends at Northern Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are flex lanes? New lanes introduced on Interstate 17 to alleviate traffic congestion On weekdays in Phoenix, those center turn lanes on the Sevens can be used as southbound through-traffic lanes for drivers heading into downtown from 6 to 9 a.m. They flip to northbound through-traffic lanes from 4 to 6 p.m. as drivers head away from downtown. During all other times of the day, the lanes can again be used as left-hand turn lanes, just like those on Thomas Road. Then what are suicide lanes? Pictured is the center left turn lane off Indian School Road on June 6, 2025. On weekdays, the lane is converted to a reverse lane for through traffic, a longstanding practice in the city that has prompted safety concerns among residents. This is the crux of the debate. Suicide lane is not an official term that traffic engineers and transportation departments use. Its hardly found in official documents and government reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term is purely colloquial, and depending on who youre talking to, it can have slightly different meanings and uses. Here in Phoenix, many use it interchangeably with reverse lanes to denote the safety concerns and confusion associated with the lanes. Elsewhere, suicide lane is the term used to describe all center turn lanes, not just those used for reverse lanes. A study on U-turns and intersections that the North Carolina Department of Transportation commissioned noted that some people described the two-way left turn lane as a suicide lane. According to Wikipedia, the term has historically been used to describe the center left turn lane, as well as center passing lanes that are sometimes found along highways. So, whos right? Heres where you, the reader, can weigh in and help settle or fuel the debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What do you call Phoenix's reverse travel lanes? Cast your vote in the poll below. Shawn Raymundo covers Phoenix and Scottsdale. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Suicide' or 'reverse' lane? What to call center lanes on the Sevens? WHITTIER, Alaska (AP) They were born on U.S. soil, are entitled to U.S. passports and allowed to serve in the U.S. military, but 11 people in a small Alaska town are facing criminal charges after they tried to participate in a fundamental part of American democracy: voting. The defendants, who range in age from their 20s to their 60s, were all born in American Samoa the only U.S. territory where residents are not automatically granted citizenship at birth. Prosecutors say they falsely claimed American citizenship when registering or trying to vote. The cases are highlighting another side of the debate over exaggerated allegations of voting by noncitizens, as well as what it means to be born on American soil, as President Donald Trump tries to redefine birthright citizenship by ending it for children of people who are in the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the prosecutions in Alaska and the status of American Samoans when it comes to voting. What is the Alaska case about? The investigation began after Tupe Smith, a mom in the cruise-ship stop of Whittier, decided to run for a vacant seat on the regional school board in 2023. She was unopposed and won with about 95% of the vote. That's when she learned she wasn't allowed to hold public office because she wasn't a U.S. citizen. Smith says she knew she wasn't allowed to vote in federal elections but thought she could vote in local or state races, and that she never would have voted if she knew it wasn't legal. She says she told elections workers that she was a U.S. national, not a citizen, and was told to check a box saying she was a citizen anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 10 months later, troopers returned to Whittier and issued court summonses to her husband and nine other American Samoans. While Smith appeals the charges against her, the state filed charges against the others in April. The state argues that Smith's false claim of citizenship was intentional, and her claim to the contrary was undercut by the clear language on the voter application forms she filled out in 2020 and 2022. The forms said that if the applicant did not answer yes to being over 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, do not complete this form, as you are not eligible to vote. Why can't American Samoans vote in the U.S.? The 14th Amendment to the Constitution promises U.S. citizenship to those born on U.S. soil and subject to its jurisdiction. American Samoa has been U.S. soil since 1900, when several of its chiefs ceded their land and vowed allegiance to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For that reason, Smith's lawyers argue, American Samoans must be recognized as U.S. citizens by birthright, and they should be allowed to vote in the U.S. But the islands' residents have never been so considered Congress declined to extend birthright citizenship to American Samoa in the 1930s and many American Samoans don't want it. They worry that it would disrupt their cultural practices, including communal land ownership. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals cited that in 2021 when it declined to extend automatic citizenship to those born in American Samoa, saying it would be wrong to force citizenship on those who dont want it. The Supreme Court declined to review the decision. People born in all other U.S. territories Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are U.S. citizens. They can vote in U.S. elections if they move to a state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Samoans can participate in local elections on American Samoa, including for a nonvoting representative in Congress. Have other states prosecuted American Samoans for trying to vote? Supporters of the American Samoans in Whittier have called the prosecutions unprecedented. One of Smiths attorneys, Neil Weare, suggested authorities are going after low-hanging fruit in the absence of evidence that illegal immigrants frequently cast ballots in U.S. elections. Even state-level investigations have found voting by noncitizens to be exceptionally rare. In Oregon, officials inadvertently registered nearly 200 American Samoan residents to vote when they got their drivers licenses under the states motor-voter law. Of those, 10 cast ballots in an election, according to the Oregon Secretary of States office, but officials found they did not intend to break the law and no crime was committed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hawaii, one resident who was born in American Samoa, Sai Timoteo, ran for the state Legislature in 2018 before learning she wasnt allowed to hold public office or vote. She also avoided charges. Is there any legislation to fix this? American Samoans can become U.S. citizens a requirement not just for voting, but for certain jobs, such as those that require a security clearance. However, the process can be costly and cumbersome. Given that many oppose automatic citizenship, the territory's nonvoting representative in Congress, Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, has introduced legislation that would streamline the naturalization of American Samoans who do wish to become U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would allow U.S. nationals in outlying U.S. territories that is, American Samoa to be naturalized without relocating to one of the U.S. states. It would also allow the Department of Homeland Security to waive personal interviews of U.S. nationals as part of the process and to reduce fees for them. ___ Bohrer reported from Juneau, Alaska, and Johnson from Seattle. Honolulu police said they have opened an investigation into a case of alleged child abuse after a video went viral on social media. On Thursday evening, a witness scrolling through Instagram saw a post of a woman allegedly assaulting a girl. The witness was able to identify the woman and child and called 911. The Honolulu Police Department said today that officers have identified a 34-year-old woman as the childs mother, and taken her two children an 11-year-old, autistic girl and a 3-year-old boyinto police custody and transferred them to Child Welfare Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The viral post, shared on @hhnewz, asked, What would you do in this situation if you saw this ?? as a woman seated in a car at Kapolei Commons appears to yank the child by her hair so that she falls onto her knees on the pavement in a parking lot, in front of an open car door. HPDs strategic enforcement detail located the mother, along with the child and her brother, at about 10 a.m. today in the Kapolei area. Police said the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Domestic Violence Section, have been notified, and are working to pursue charges against the mother. No arrests have been made, pending the ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Honolulu Police Department takes abuse allegations seriously and urges the public to report incidents by calling 911 or visiting any police station, open 24 /7, HPD officials said in a social media post. See more : 3 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 ? . Drier weather will continue to move into New Mexico into this weekend. Storm chances will still be possible Friday afternoon in far eastern New Mexico. That includes another threat of severe weather. Temperatures will continue a warming trend across the state Friday. On Saturday, only a spotty shower or two is likely in northeast New Mexico, but on Sunday, more isolated storms are possible in northern and eastern New Mexico. Temperatures will again continue to warm up through the weekend, with Sunday being the hottest day for most. More moisture will move into eastern New Mexico Monday, bringing a better chance for showers and thunderstorms up to the northern mountains as well. Outflow from those storms will push moisture as far west as the Continental Divide Tuesday morning. This will bring a more widespread chance for storms Tuesday afternoon. Rain chances move back into eastern parts of the state 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Hours before the Capital Pride Parade during WorldPride in Washington, D.C., fencing at a key gathering spot for Pride celebrations is being taken down, two sources told ABC News. The decision comes following public outcry and a reversal by the U.S. Park Police and the National Park Service, which had made the decision to close off Dupont Circle Park ahead of Saturdays parade, which marks the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride. Two sources confirmed to ABC News that the park, long the site of unofficial Pride parties and gatherings in the city, is being reopened ahead of the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fencing was initially requested by the Metropolitan Police Department in April due to safety concerns following past incidents during Pride events, though there are no known credible threats to the nation's capital as tens of thousands gather to celebrate, officials told ABC News. After a debate between federal officials, city police and LGBTQ+ activists, the U.S. Park Police announced the park would close from 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, through approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. Leigh Vogel/UPI via Shutterstock - PHOTO: A firefighter attaches a pride flag to a firetruck as thousands of people gather to celebrate the WorldPride 2025 Parade in Washington D.C., on June 7, 2025. MORE: Trump's military parade includes a dog and pony show. And the dog is named Doc Holliday While D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith later rescinded the request to close the park, the National Park Service continued with the plan, prompting backlash from local politicians and activists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "D.C. is no stranger to high-profile gatherings," said Smith, the first African American woman to lead the U.S. Park Police in its 200-year-plus history, after attempting to get the closure rescinded after public backlash. "We have a proven track record of hosting them safely and successfully, and this year will be no different." Mayor Muriel Bowser then called for the decision to be reversed, and the reversal was granted. We are pleased that the Mayors office and the National Park Service could work together overnight on a solution that protects the historic features of this park while also ensuring the safety of all who enjoy it," the office of the mayor and NPS said in a statement as the fencing was coming down. "We want this weekend to be a safe and fun celebration in our nations capital -- and one that includes one of the best parks and community spaces in our city, Dupont Circle," they added. "We look forward to working together on future initiatives that keep DC safe and beautiful. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: A U.S. Park Police vehicle stands by as workers put up fencing around Dupont Circle ahead of the World Pride Parade, June 6, 2025, in Washington. Preparations for the international celebration have been years in the making, and at least one party promoter had already advertised an event in the park before the closing was announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials had said that closing the park was part of a broader federal security plan amid what they said were concerns about crowd control and potential disruptions. In recent years, the space has seen several incidents that that officials say prompted concern from law enforcement. Leigh Vogel/UPI via Shutterstock - PHOTO: Mayor Muriel Bowser joins marchers in the WorldPride 2025 Parade in Washington D.C., on June 7, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith attends the World Pride parade, June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. According to authorities, in 2019, a person was arrested after gunshots caused crowds to flee. In 2023, the park was vandalized, resulting in $175,000 in damage to the historic fountain. In 2024, a group of minors was found drinking, smoking marijuana and fighting in the park. They later ran into nearby businesses and reportedly stole items. In a letter obtained by ABC News, the U.S. Park Police initially wrote that the closure was necessary to "secure the park, deter potential violence, reduce the risk of destructive acts and decrease the need for extensive law enforcement presences." Jacquelyn Martin/AP - PHOTO: People stage a pride flag during the World Pride parade, June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. MORE: 'We see you': In Trump-era Washington, World Pride 2025 organizers aim to bring 'hope' to LGBTQ+ community Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD will have an increased presence throughout D.C. during WorldPride and Capital Pride. It will coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and activate special units to assist with crowd management and traffic. Police will also increase patrols in high-crime areas starting this weekend through the end of August. "MPD, alongside all of our district agencies and public safety partners, have been working for many months to plan for these large-scale events that are happening this summer, and our joint planning efforts have included site visits, tabletop exercise, intelligence coordination and layered security strategies tailored uniquely to these events to ensure that we can keep our city safe for World Pride 2025," Smith said. "We have been planning for over a year." Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP - PHOTO: People ride motorcycles during the World Pride parade, June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Days after WorldPride, the nation's capital will host a June 14 military parade marking the 250th anniversary of the Army, though officials said there aren't any known credible threats for that event either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That Army parade will be the sixth National Special Security Event that Washington has hosted this year. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: Participants from the Modern Military Association of America attend the World Pride Parade, June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. "There's no place more experienced than the District of Columbia in executing these large-scale events," Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah said last week. HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. A Mountain View man faces several felonies after his attempt to purchase a firearm as a felon opened up the discovery of a past shooting incident. According to court dockets, Justin Kimbell, born 1984, faces felony charges of first-degree assault or attempt; shooting a firearm at or from a motor vehicle or person as a prior offender; unlawful possession of a firearm; driving while intoxicated persistent; and armed criminal action. The probable cause statement says Howell County deputies were dispatched to two separate residences in the Hutton Valley area on June 3 regarding calls involving a convicted felon, Kimbell, who claimed to have bought a firearm from somebody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the victim learned Kimbell was a convicted felon, Kimbell claimed the victim refused to give him his money back. As a deputy was trying to find the victims address, he observed Kimbell drive past him in a red SUV with no registration. The deputy knew of Kimbells revoked driving status and probation for felony driving while intoxicated, so he pulled Kimbell over and arrested him for driving on his revoked status, as well as driving while intoxicated (DWI). On scene, deputies observed that Kimbells SUV had multiple fresh bullet holes down the drivers side, as well as a busted window, as if it had been involved in a gunfight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a deputy was completing the DWI process, another deputy made contact with the victim in the original call, who wished to report an additional incident concerning Kimbell. The victim stated that approximately two months earlier, while providing Kimbell a ride back from town, Kimbell had grown increasingly angry and began acting erratically. The victim further stated that Kimbell had suddenly pulled out a revolver, stuck the muzzle to the side of their head as they were driving, and cocked the hammer. When the victim observed this, they swept the barrel away from their head right as Kimbell fired the weapon, blowing out the drivers window of the victims vehicle. The victim stated they had not reported the incident because they were extremely scared of Kimbell and was afraid he would kill them. The victim provided photos of powder burns to their body, along with other information that corroborated their statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kimbell is currently being held in the Howell County Jail. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday, 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The South-Central U.S. Human trafficking Conference brought a sense of awareness. It was a free event with sessions on recognizing the signs of human trafficking, reporting suspicious activity, supporting survivors, and understanding the complex trauma. Human trafficking has no demographic, as many traffickers look for vulnerable citizens. Its not age, race, or even gender specific. My daughter is 17, and so that does hit home for me as well, because thats something I always look at. Because there are so many social media platforms now, and you dont know who they are talking to, said Brandy Foshee, a judges assistant at the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With social media, people can be groomed over the course of years before they are trafficked. Lindsey Rayl, a human trafficking advocate, shared her personal story of being trafficked at 15 years old. Additionally, the conference moderators were individuals who work directly with agencies combating human trafficking. Watch: Human Trafficking in Our Community We see that there are the social workers, there are the attorneys, there are multiple people doing multiple things, including the survivors, and so when we all come together, its a big piece of the puzzle that creates a community for not only addressing the issue, but moving forward to make strides, said Helen Marrs, assistant district attorney at the Caddo Parish District Attorneys Office. The mission of the Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking is to rescue victims and empower them to live full, meaningful lives beyond their trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition says having knowledge of the risks, as well as open and honest communication with loved ones and children, can prevent the inhumanity that is human trafficking. Heather Courtney, president of the Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking Board of Directors, said, Being aware of who your loved ones are with, who they are around, what they are doing, you know, video games. Everybodys kids play video games, but I think like the chat features on these video games, its terrifying. The access people have to your children, so I think being vigilant about who has access to your children. Being aware of what theyre looking at, what theyre playing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Another New York City public school student has been detained by federal immigration authorities as part of the Trump administrations escalation of round-ups and deportations, according to elected and education officials. The state and local lawmakers shared on social media Friday afternoon that a junior at Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood, Queens, was arrested earlier this week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at an immigration court hearing that Michael Gianaris, the New York State Senate deputy leader, characterized as routine. It is every parents nightmare to be separated from their children and have no idea where they are or what is happening to them. The fact that this is happening in our countrys name is sickening, Gianaris told the Daily News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this story was posted, the Department of Homeland Security on Saturday denied arresting a minor near an immigration courthouse. Unfortunately, the media doesnt seem to care about the facts and is running away with another fabricated sob story, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. (She provided additional information about an arrest on Friday, which did not correspond with the timeline offered by lawmakers.) The News could not identify lawyers for the student, the students age or at which courthouse the arrest took place. This is not justice, Councilwoman Jennifer Gutierrez, a Democrat whose district includes Ridgewood, said on X. This is condoned family separation by the Trump Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apprehending anyone let alone minors in courthouses, when they are following our laws, our protocols, is unjustifiable. I am calling for his immediate release. His family has not heard from him in days, Assemblywoman Claire Valdez added on X, and has no idea where he is being held. I demand that he be released immediately to his family. The Queens student is the second known immigrant enrolled in New York Citys public schools to be targeted for deportation during President Trumps current term. Last month, ICE agents detained Dylan, a 20-year-old Bronx student from Venezuela, after he attended a routine court hearing in Manhattan sparking widespread condemnation by Democrats and protests. His last name is being withheld at his familys request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Mayor Adams, who has mostly reserved judgement on Trumps deportation agenda, took the unexpected step of filing a friend-of-the-court brief on Dylans behalf. We are deeply saddened to learn that one of our students was detained by ICE while attending a legal hearing to seek asylum, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said in a statement. This young person should be returning home from school today, surrounded by family not facing detention. Emphasizing that the arrest did not take place in a school, the chancellor urged families to keep sending children to their classes. Federal agents have been rounding up immigrants in lower Manhattan for days, focusing on courthouses and a nearby migrant service center on Elk St. The arrests are part of a national effort under the Trump administration to ensnare migrants, including people without criminal records, in deportation proceedings as they appear for various check-ins. Kristi Noem says the Department of Homeland Security will ensure protesters face the consequences for taking part in clashes with ICE officers on Friday afternoon. I believe that we will press charges against everybody who has broken the law last night, the Homeland Security secretary told Fox News on Saturday. Her comments come after police arrested dozens of participants in violent protests outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles, where a number of immigrants were being detained following raids by ICE officials across the city earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forty-four people were arrested during Fridays protest against ICE raids, said Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations 'ICE Barbie' Noem, who got the nickname for her habit of cosplaying as an immigration enforcement agent, said the Trump administration intends to press charges against protesters in Los Angeles. / Grzegorz Wajda / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Well continue to do our ICE operations, well continue to make sure everybody in this country has the law equally applied to them, Noem further told Fox, adding: Freedom works when everybody has justice applied equally to them. Since President Donald Trump took office for the second time earlier in January, his administration has come under near-constant fire for violating immigrants constitutionally mandated right to due process amid the presidents ongoing, nationwide deportation drive. The demonstrations broke out Friday after a series of immigration raids carried out across the city by ICE officers. / Erik McGregor / LightRocket/Getty Images This has perhaps most notoriously played out in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland dad of one who was deported to his native El Salvador in March for his supposed ties to violent criminal groupsallegations the White House has since wholly failed to substantiate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has this week facilitated Abrego Garcias return to the United States so that he can face federal criminal charges for allegedly conspiring to transport people around the country illegally. Noem also spoke with Fox about the return to the US of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. / Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Handout The guy spends his life trafficking people and children and selling them into slavery, Noem said of the Maryland dad on Saturday. Hes back, hes getting prosecuted, then hell be returning back to El Salvador. The homeland security secretary further took aim at the Democratic Party for having turned Abrego Garciawho has never been convicted of a crime, and who has previously testified in court about his efforts to resist gang recruitment in his home countryinto a hero. Donald Trump's administration has admitted it deported Abrego Garcia in error, but has now returned him to the U.S. to face human trafficking charges. / Win McNamee/Getty Images She also lambasted Democrat officials for their ongoing criticism of ICEs involvement in Trumps nationwide deportation drive, using their opposition to the violation of immigrants rights to further praise the presidents policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What do we do when we have guys like Hakeem Jeffries standing up in front of the world and saying its ok to write Kill ICE, its ok to throw things at law enforcement officers? Its not ok, not in America, she said. This has been going on now by Democrat leaders for years and thats why Donald Trump is in the White House. Hes the only guy, the only guy who fights for every single American, she added. Thats why Im so proud to work for him, I cant believe it. I cant believe that these dummies in the Democrat party are still around, and still getting elected. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Lets get a check on the latest in news and weather with KELOLAND On The Go. ICE agents took the 25-year-old man into custody in the courthouse lobby. The man was not a criminal defendant, but rather someone subpoenaed by the defense in a case. States attorney: ICE agents acted reasonably Authorities have arrested a Brookings man whos accused of raping a middle school student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 21-year-old Brookings man arrested for rape of minor The South Dakota Department of Health has confirmed its second case of measles in the state. South Dakota confirms 2nd case of measles in 2025 Fewer crashes are being reported at two interchanges in South Dakota. Fewer crashes at SD diverging diamond interchanges Aside from an isolated shower in southeast KELOLAND early this morning, we have dry skies and temperatures in the 50s. Scattered storms late today A South Dakota swimmer is training to compete in the Paralympic games in Los Angeles in 20-28. Alex Post: Aspiring, inspirational swimmer For the latest in news and weather, use the KELOLAND News app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Idaho rethinks LGBTQ rights as laws, symbols, and support face pushback Stories by Idaho Statesman journalists, with AI summarization This collection of stories examines recent efforts by Idaho lawmakers and officials to restrict LGBTQ rights in public spaces, marriage, sports, education, and community symbols. State legislators advanced a resolution to revoke same-sex marriage rights and praised decisions by Boise States womens volleyball team to opt out of matches involving transgender athletes. Businesses like Micron and St. Lukes have pulled back public support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, with St. Lukes employees voicing disappointment over the decision not to fly the Pride flag during Pride Month. Boise officials kept flying the Pride flag at City Hall despite a new law banning non-government flags, and city leaders debated how to navigate the laws lack of penalties. At the Nampa Public Library, a youth club flyer led to public disputes, while statewide book bans faced lawsuits over their impact on LGBTQ content and First Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the stories below. U.S. Sens. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, right, and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, speak during the Republican watch party at The Marriott Hotel in Meridian, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. By Vincent Medina NO. 1: IDAHO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WANT MOUNTAIN WEST TO BAN TRANS ATHLETES FROM WOMENS SPORTS Boise State has forfeited two volleyball games against San Jose State this season, including one that was scheduled for Thursday. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shaun Goodwin Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, prepares for the Senate session, Tuesday. Feb. 13, 2024. By Sarah A. Miller NO. 2: LGBTQ YOUTH GROUPS NAMPA LIBRARY FLYER IRKS FAR-RIGHT LEGISLATOR, WHO HELPS STIR UP ISSUE Unfortunately ... there are Republican factions that have infiltrated Idaho who only support constitutional rights if they are in alignment with what they believe. | Published November 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Carolyn Komatsoulis Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, objects to a motion to dispense with reading Gov. Brad Littles letter to the Idaho House of Representatives Wednesday, April 21, 2021, after he vetoed House Bill 135. The House continued with the reading and then opened up debate to discuss the bill that would curb the governors emergency powers. By Darin Oswald NO. 3: IDAHO RESOLUTION PUSHES TO RESTORE NATURAL DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE, BAN SAME-SEX UNIONS This is yet another example of the extreme wing of the Republican Party ginning up divisive social issues in order to create problems where none exist, said Idahos Democratic leadership. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ian Max Stevenson Eagle Library, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. By Darin Oswald Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NO. 4: FIRST AMENDMENT UNDER SIEGE: PUBLISHERS, PARENTS, LIBRARIANS & KIDS FIGHT CENSORSHIP | OPINION Idaho voters should have enough self-respect to punish this abuse of government power at the ballot box. | Opinion | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bryan Clark Boise City Hall continues to fly a Pride Flag among its array of flags in downtown Boise, just over a block away from the Idaho State Capitol Building. The Idaho Legislature passed a law this session that bans the flag at government offices. By Darin Oswald NO. 5: NEW IDAHO LAW FORBIDS BOISE FROM FLYING LGBTQ+ PRIDE FLAG. BUT ITS STILL UP Boise will continue to fly the Pride flag outside City Hall, a spokesperson said. She did not answer a question about whether the city knew that it was illegal. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sarah Cutler St. Lukes Health System flies a Pride flag on June 10, 2023 during Pride Month. By David Staats NO. 6: MANY OF IDAHOS BIGGEST BUSINESSES BACKED DEI. ARE THEY CAVING TO PRESSURE? Idaho companies like Micron and St. Lukes face growing political pressure on diversity-related initiatives. | Published June 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Palermo NO. 7: WERE IDAHOANS WHO WORK FOR ST. LUKES. THE PRIDE FLAG SHOULD FLY | OPINION We dont approach this viewpoint from a political or personal value system. We approach it from the lens through which we healthcare workers view every patient encounter... | Opinion | Published June 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Undersigned St. Lukes employees Drag entertainer Coco Freeo introduces performers at Boise LatinX Pride at Cecil D. Andrus Park, Saturday, May 31, 2025. By Sarah A. Miller Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NO. 8: UNCERTAIN TIMES FOR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY. WHAT BOISES MAYOR SAID AT PRIDE EVENT The Trump administration has been rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. | Published May 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carolyn Komatsoulis Harrison Boulevard in Boises North End has a tradition of flying flags along the median. The inclusion of the Pride flag has become a magnet for vandalism, theft and political debate. By Darin Oswald NO. 9: IS IT A CRIME FOR BOISE TO BREAK IDAHOS NEW FLAG LAW IF THERES NO PUNISHMENT? Laws like this one can be problematic, a lawyer said. | Published June 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carolyn Komatsoulis The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill is now moving through the U.S. Senate, and conservative Christians are thrilled with many of the provisions that have been included so far. Although we dont yet know how the Senate version of the bill will shake out, its worth noting that the version passed by the House late last month fulfills many of the pro-family policies made by the Trump administration. These include an expansion to the child tax credit for working families, tax benefits for adoptive parents and making permanent the Trump personal income and business tax cuts that fueled the above-average economic growth America experienced before the pandemic derailed international markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, one provision in particular that would improve educational access and outcomes for all students has flown under the radar so far. The provision would help more than one million students across the country access the educational support they need by creating special tax benefits for private donations to scholarship-granting organizations. It is modeled after the Educational Choice for Children Act, a federal proposal that has been introduced multiple times over the past several years and has earned the support of Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, as well as other conservative stalwarts like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, and Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina. Scholarship-granting organizations already exist in many states, providing scholarships directly to students for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, education technology and curriculum materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The provision offers both a supplement and alternative for students in states like Idaho, which has already begun moving down the road to more universal school choice programs by offering a new $5,000 refundable tax credit paid directly to the private school and homeschool families. Some parents particularly within the homeschooling community have voiced concerns that new school choice initiatives, such as Idahos refundable tax credit, might jeopardize their educational freedom. After all, government money usually comes with strings attached. When you take the government cheese, you have to step into the regulatory mousetrap. And even if those restrictions arent imposed right away, the door remains open for future state and federal mandates. Importantly, the ECCA provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill addresses these concerns by making sure no government funds go to the organizations, schools, or families involved thereby avoiding another opportunity for government regulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the ECCA establishes tax incentives for private donations to scholarship-granting organizations, which then award scholarships directly to students. Because this is private money not government dollars families can freely choose the best educational options for their children without government interference. All of this explains why the ECCA is supported by homeschool freedom advocates, including the Home School Legal Defense Association. In fact, the ECCA model helps ensure that parents remain in control of their childrens education, consistent with biblical principles like Ephesians 6:4, which commands fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Not only would the ECCA provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill help parents fulfill this biblical responsibility, but it would also expand educational opportunities for children currently stuck in failing public schools, no matter the state in which they live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide school choice which empowers parents while also protecting educational freedom is a high priority for Trump and it should be just as high a priority for our legislative branch as they set education policy. With that in mind, we call on the U.S. Senate to keep the ECCA provision in whichever version of the One Big Beautiful Bill they adopt. Our children and their families deserve it. Blaine Conzatti is the president of Idaho Family Policy Center. The IDF announced on Friday that four Israeli soldiers were killed and five others were wounded in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, when a bomb detonated, causing a building to collapse on the troops. Sergeant Uri Yehonatan Cohen, 20, from Neve Yarak, and Sergeant Major Tom Rotstein, 23, from Ramat Gan, fighters in the Yahalom unit, Combat Engineering Corps, fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip, the IDF confirmed on Saturday. The IDF announced on Friday that four Israeli soldiers were killed and five others were wounded in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, when a bomb detonated, causing a building to collapse on the troops clearing the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warrant Officer, (Warr. Ofc.) Chen Gross, and Staff-Sergeant (St.-Sgt.) Yoav Raver were the other two soldiers killed during the same incident. The deaths of these four soldiers bring the total number of soldiers killed this week to eight. The incident occurred at approximately 6 a.m., IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin informed. IDF soldiers Yoav Raver and Chen Gross fell in the Gaza Strip, June 2025. (photo credit: ILLUSTRATION) The operation took place as part of the IDFs efforts to destroy terror infrastructure in the area, aiming to establish continuous control. The building that the troops entered is situated above a tunnel system, so it was necessary to enter and investigate it. The aftermath of Friday's Gaza explosion The Israeli army is using various methods to counter Hamass regular use of explosives, Brig.-Gen. Defrin stated. When asked why soldiers are sent into buildings instead of using airstrikes, Defrin responded that sometimes it's necessary to investigate tunnel routes or other terror infrastructure, though he could not elaborate further. In addition, the IDF held a security assessment Friday morning at the Southern Command, where senior officials, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, reviewed and approved ongoing operational plans in Gaza. A preliminary investigation into the deadly incident was also presented. While no specific findings were disclosed, Defrin emphasized that lessons will be learned. The Israeli military has recovered the body of a Thai national who was held hostage in the Gaza Strip. The remains of Nattapong Pinta were recovered by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza. Mr Pinta was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the Oct 7 2023 attack on Israel, and killed in captivity shortly afterwards, the IDF said. He had been working as a farm labourer on the Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel, just a few miles east of Gazas border, when he was abducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Thai national is the most recent hostage whose body has been found. On Thursday, the Israeli military recovered the bodies of US-Israeli dual citizens Judith Weinstein Haggai, 70, and Gad Haggai, 72, who were both residents of the kibbutz where Mr Pinta worked. Israeli authorities have said they believe all three of the recently found hostages were murdered by the terrorists who kidnapped them. The bodies of Judith Weinstein Haggai and Gad Haggai were also recently recovered The attack that Hamas launched on Oct 7 surprised and devastated Israel. The terrorist group killed more than 1,000 people, including hundreds of security personnel, and took more than 200 hostages. About 30 Thais were abducted that day. Roughly two-thirds of those kidnapped on Oct 7 were subsequently released as part of deals between Israel and Hamas. Forty-six Thais have been killed during the conflict, the Thai foreign affairs ministry has said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the Oct 7 attack, continues in Gaza. Attempts to broker a ceasefire have repeatedly hit roadblocks. Hamas has rejected proposed deals that do not guarantee a full Israeli withdrawal from the Strip and an end to the war. Mr Pinta, who was 36 and is survived by a young son and wife, migrated to Israel as an agricultural labourer in 2022. At the time of the Oct 7 attack, there were about 30,000 Thai migrant workers in Israel. Many went home, primarily on government evacuation flights, and some vowed never to return, given the risks they faced in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Israel-Hamas war continues, with no sign of a ceasefire or an agreement on hostages Since then, however, the Thai government has continued to grant permissions for its citizens to work in Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thais remain the largest group of foreign farm workers in Israel, with about 38,000 in the country, according to Thai officials. There are 55 hostages remaining in Gaza, though only about 20 of them are believed to still be alive, according to the Israeli authorities. Israel said its expanded offensive in the Strip, named Operation Gideons Chariot, would increase the chances of returning the missing. However, many of the hostages families have expressed alarm at the new tactic of seizing and holding territory, which follows heavy bombardment, and are urging Benjamin Netanyahu to make a deal with Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Thai Embassy has been notified about Mr Pintas remains, according to the Israeli prime ministers office. We express our deep gratitude and appreciation to our brave commanders and soldiers for this important and successful operation, said a statement from Mr Netanyahus office. A demonstrator in Tel Aviv in May holds portraits of the Israeli hostages being held in the Gaza Strip - JACK GUEZ/AFP We will not rest and we will not be silent until all our hostages are brought home both the living and the deceased. An Israeli hostage support group said in a statement: We stand with Nattapongs family today and share in their grief. While the pain is immense, his family will finally have certainty after 20 terrible and agonising months of devastating uncertainty. Every family deserves such certainty to begin their personal healing journey. 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 terrorists used the compound to plan and execute terror activities against IDF troops and Israeli civilians, the IDF noted. The IDF carried out a targeted strike on terrorists from theIslamic Jihad terrorist organization who were operating under the guise of journalists on Thursday, the army confirmed on Saturday. The terrorists were operating from a command and control compound in the courtyard of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in the Gaza City area, the IDF stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jihadists used the compound to plan and execute terror activities against IDF troops and Israeli civilians. "The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip continue to use hospitals for terrorist purposes, cynically and cruelly exploiting the civilian population inside the hospital and its surroundings," the IDF concluded. Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli army also announced that the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's commander of its Jenin Battalion in the West Bank was arrested, alongside two other individuals, during an IDF special forces operation on Friday night near Jenin. IDF soldiers in Khan Yunis in Gaza, in July 2024. (photo credit: FLASH90) IDF strikes Gaza currency exchange office linked to Hamas, PIJ funding In recent weeks, the IDF struck the "Al-Cairo" currency exchange office in Gaza City, citing the facilitys long-standing role in financing terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the military announced on Friday. According to the IDF, the exchange office has been used in recent years to store and transfer tens of millions of dollars that directly supported the operations of these terror groups. Authorities say the arrest of Muslim Mazarwa, a key figure in the Jenin terror network, could deal a significant blow to planned attacks in the region. Security forces, guided by Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) intelligence, thwarted an imminent terror attack in the Menashe Brigade sector in the West Bank over the past 24 hours, the IDF announced on Saturday. Undercover Border Police units operating in the West Bank arrested a senior wanted operative affiliated with a terror network in Jenin. The arrests are part of an ongoing operation in northern Samaria aimed at dismantling local terrorist networks and reshaping the areas security environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend,IDF soldiersfrom the Menashe Brigade, Yamam fighters and undercover Border Police units, guided by precise Shin Bet intelligence, carried out targeted operations against terror operatives. On Saturday morning, security forces operated in Wadi Burqin, near Jenin, to arrest Muslim Mazarwa, a key figure in the Jenin terror network. Undercover units approached the building covertly, surrounded it, used special equipment, and arrested Mazarwa along with two other wanted suspects. During a search of the premises, they found a Glock handgun. In a separate operation on Friday, Yamam fighters, working with IDF soldiers and guided by Shin Bet intelligence, operated in the Menashe Brigade sector to kill a terrorist planning an imminent attack. Two M-16 rifles seized by Israeli security forces during counterterror operations in the West Bank. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) When the forces reached the building, two suspects attempted to flee. Yamam fighters shot them in the lower body and arrested one of them, along with four additional wanted suspects. May counterterror operations in Jenin The operation followed previous action at the end of May, when reservist forces from the Menashe Brigade, Duvdevan fighters, and Yamam forces conducted simultaneous raids in villages nearJenin, arresting three additional cell members suspected of plotting an imminent attack. During that operation, forces discovered two M16 rifles and full magazines believed to have been intended for use in an attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, seven suspects were arrested during the latest operations. The arrested suspects and the seized weapons were transferred to security forces for further investigation. There were no casualties among Israeli forces. HONOLULU (KHON2) A Kaimuki man found a 3.5-foot-long ball python in his backyard on June 3, and officials with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) safely captured it. After the snake was captured, officials said it was being safeguarded at the Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB). KHON2 spoke with Jonathan Ho, Plant Quarantine Branch Manager with the HDOA, to learn more about what comes next and how these types of animals make it into Hawaii in the first place. Ho said that, while there are regulations in place to prevent certain plants and animals from coming into Hawaii, other states may not be looking to stop the transportation of those plants and animals because they are not as regulated elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegal 3.5-foot-long snake captured in Kaimuki backyard The regulations are designed to help protect the native and the natural resources that the state has, Ho told KHON2. As it relates to plants and other things, theyre all subject to inspection upon entry staff are looking for diseases, whether that be insects, plant pests, frogs, whatever that may be. When people travel to Hawaii from the mainland, they are required to fill out a form to declare any agricultural items, including plants, animals, soil and more. If any agricultural items are being brought, they are subject to inspection upon arrival. So, how do some animals (like the snake in Kaimuki) get past that inspection? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very easy for somebody to potentially smuggle one in when nobodys really looking for it except a small number of staff in the state, Ho said. A ball python was captured from a backyard in Kaimuki, Hawaii, on June 1, 2025. Authorities believe the snake to be an escaped pet, but snakes are illegal in Hawaii. (Courtesy: Hawaii Department of Agriculture) A ball python was captured from a backyard in Kaimuki, Hawaii, on June 1, 2025. Authorities believe the snake to be an escaped pet, but snakes are illegal in Hawaii. (Courtesy: Hawaii Department of Agriculture) The ball python found in Kaimuki is not the first python that has been captured in Hawaii. As recently as April 2024, a similarly sized ball python was found in a Waipahu home. In February 2021, HDOA inspectors captured a 3-foot-long ball python in Aiea. However, Ho said residents should not be concerned about the snakes, as ball pythons are common pets. He said in these situations, a snake was likely smuggled into the state as a pet before getting lost: Snakes are very good escape artists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are concerned about an illegal animal, or if you see one in your area, you are encouraged to call 808-643-PEST (7378), which is the states toll-free and confidential pest hotline. What happens to illegal animals in Hawaii? In Hawaii, it is illegal to bring in or possess invasive bird species, invasive aquatic animals, non-native mammals, wild preadatory mammals, large reptiles and snakes, the HDOA said. For more specific examples of illegal animals, visit the HDOAs website. Being in possession of an illegal animal in Hawaii may lead to a person being charged with a class C felony and being issued a fine of up to $200,000. If you are found to be in possession of an illegal animal, you may face several years in prison, the HDOA said. The HDOA encouraged individuals who have illegal animals to turn them in under the amnesty program, which allows people to voluntarily surrender illegal animals without facing criminal or civil penalties (if the animal is surrendered before an investigation). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you can prevent it from becoming established, its far better than not being able to deal with it in the long run, Ho said of illegal animals. Animals that are taken into HDOA custody are generally not euthanized. However, there are some circumstances where an animal may be put down such as in situations where an animal is dangerous, injured or sick. In most other cases, Ho said that animals may be maintained or rehomed locally. The PQB holds on to some animals for demonstration purposes, and other animals may be sent to municipal zoos or shipped to an out-of-state sanctuary or university for research. The department puts a lot of effort into that because we want to incentivize people to surrender things as opposed to letting them go, Ho said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are advised against releasing illegal animals into the wild. Instead, illegal animals can be dropped off at a local Humane Society, municipal zoo or HDOA office. Anyone with information on illegal animals is asked to call 808-643-PEST (7378), which is the states toll-free and confidential pest hotline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Legislation would allow farmers to sell their poultry at farmers markets, roadside stands and through delivery By GRACE FRIEDMAN Medill Illinois News Bureau news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD A bill that would lift long-standing restrictions on small poultry farmers in Illinois, reducing red tape and transforming the way local farmers process and sell their products, is heading to the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a measure dubbed the chicken bill, farmers who process fewer than 7,500 birds annually would be exempt from state and federal inspections of their poultry operations or from having to send birds to USDA-approved processing facilities an increase from the previous 5,000-bird threshold. The change, part of an update to the Illinois Meat and Poultry Inspection Act, also allows these farmers to sell their poultry beyond their own farms including at farmers markets, roadside stands and through delivery a major shift from earlier restrictions. This is important for our small farmers to be able to get their product to the community, and thats what this is all about, said Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, who co-sponsored the bill. The Illinois House voted 116-0 on Friday, May 30, to approve House Bill 2196, and the Senate passed it unanimously on May 22. Turner represents a largely rural district spanning 10 counties. Farmers in my community, especially small farmers, are important to me, personally, but also to our whole district, she said. State Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, a farmer himself, said the legislation provides local agriculture with a much-needed boost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We always want to get the freshest product to the consumer. We want them to know where it came from, Meier said. So whats better than meeting the farmer whos raised those chickens, knowing where theyre coming from? Theyre fresh, and youre getting a good, healthy product. Initially, the bill faced pushback from some public health groups, which argued for stricter labeling and packaging rules to ensure the safety of poultry products for consumption. The revised bill includes mandated temperature controls during storage, transportation, shipping and delivery. Processed poultry must be packaged in sealed, leak-proof containers to prevent contamination. Each package must also be clearly labeled with the farms name and address, the product name, net weight and a statement indicating that the poultry was processed under exemption and not inspected by state or federal authorities. Everything you see in that bill was done by some of the public health coalitions, Michael Desmedt, interim director of public health for DuPage County, said. I think our voices were heard, and they understood our concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ed Dubrick, a poultry farmer and policy organizer with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for sustainable agriculture, said he went around the state and asked livestock farmers what they needed to help with the processing of their animals. Dubrick said the current exemption was too limiting because farmers could only sell on or from the farm. Expecting someone to come to the farm every time they want some chicken just really isnt realistic, he said. But if we can bring it to a farmers market where the consumers are, that adds an opportunity. Illinois is one of the few states without more flexible on-farm poultry processing exemptions, Dubrick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many states about 40 youre allowed to process up to 20,000 birds under similar rules. Were only asking for 7,500, he said. Farmers will benefit, according to Dubrick. It gives them the opportunity to drive both their production and their profits on their farms, he said For consumers, he said, I think youll see an increase in the availability of local poultry, and I dont think youll see any difference in food quality or safety. Farmers are proud of their product. Theyre not going to put their name, their reputation, their business on the line. Anna Morrell, co-owner of The Little Farm at Weldon Springs in Clinton, said the bill could make it more viable for her and her husband to scale up their small operation, which began in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This basically just opens up another avenue for getting poultry processed with lower overhead and gives us an avenue of sales into farmers markets, Morrell said. Were currently not operating under the poultry exemption. We take our meat to USDA-inspected facilities, but there are very few processors in Illinois that process poultry. Morrell said the current law had made it more challenging for poultry farmers in Illinois to sell their products; this bill would decrease the number of miles farmers have to travel to get their poultry processed. If signed, Legislators and advocates say the bill represents a rare collaboration between producers, public health departments and state lawmakers. And lets see if we cant keep a few more farm families on the farm and give kids another chance at a future on the farm, Meier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grace Friedman is a journalism student at Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and a fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). The Brief U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois) said in a since-deleted post on X that a Sikh chaplain leading a prayer in Congress was "deeply troubling." She initially misidentified the man as Muslim, according to multiple reports. Miller's comments have received backlash from several fellow members of Congress. WASHINGTON, D.C. - A Republican congresswoman representing parts of downstate Illinois is getting heat for saying in a since-deleted social media post on Friday that it was "deeply troubling" to her that a Sikh man led a prayer in the House of Representatives, after misidentifying the man as Muslim. Should have never been allowed What we know According to multiple reports, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller wrote on X: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its deeply troubling that a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House of Representatives this morning. This should have never been allowed to happen. "America was founded as a Christian nation, and I believe our government should reflect that truth, not drift further from it. May God have mercy!" Miller then edited the post to reflect that the man was actually Sikh, but later deleted it entirely. WASHINGTON - JANUARY 10: Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., speaks during a news conference on border security and funding on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Still, Millers post garnered criticism from multiple members of Congress, including Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat who represents parts of Chicagos northwest suburbs and is running for a U.S. Senate seat. He called Millers comments anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am appalled by Rep. Mary Millers commentsfirst misidentifying a Sikh chaplain as Muslim, then saying he should have never been allowed to lead the House in prayer. Her remarks were both anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim, and they reflect a disturbing pattern of religious intolerance," Krishnamoorthi said. "The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all. The Sikh and Muslim communities have long contributed to the strength, service, and spirit of our nation. All Americansregardless of partymust come together to reject these attacks and stand united against all forms of prejudice." Its deeply troubling that such an ignorant and hateful extremist is serving in the United States Congress. That would be you, Mary. pic.twitter.com/wQ3KCnQwe7 Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) June 6, 2025 Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York), the minority leader in the House, also reacted to Millers comments saying, "Its deeply troubling that such an ignorant and hateful extremist is serving in the United States Congress. That would be you, Mary." The Congressional Asian Pacific Americans Caucus, which includes Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) and Krishnamoorthi, said on X that it condemned Millers anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim bigotry." "Sikhs and Muslims practice two separate and distinct religions, and conflating the two based on how someone looks is not only ignorant but also racist," the CAPAC added in its post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A request for comment to Millers campaign was not immediately responded to on Saturday. UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 11: Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., arrives for the House Republican Conference caucus meeting in the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) History of controversy The backstory Its not the first time Miller has drawn ire for controversial comments during her tenure in Congress. Just a few days into her first term in 2021, Miller apologized for knowingly quoting Adolf Hitler during a rally outside of the U.S. Capitol. While discussing the need for the Republican Party to appeal to young people, she said, "Hitler was right on one thing. He said, Whoever has the youth has the future." She made that comment on Jan. 5, 2021, the day before supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to stop the certification of President Joe Bidens 2020 election victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller apologized for the comment and said some were trying to "twist" her words to "mean something antithetical to my beliefs." She added she was "passionately" pro-Israel and "will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community." In 2022, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the constitutional right to an abortion, Miller said at a rally the decision was a "victory for white life." A spokesman said Miller meant to say the decision was a victory for a "right to life," and that her comment was a "mix-up of words." When Gladis Yolanda Chavez finally had a chance to speak to her attorney, two days after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, the first thing she asked him to do was keep her daughter safe. Chavezs 10-year-old daughter was in school when her mother was detained at an ICE check-in Wednesday, one of an estimated 20 people who were rounded up during surprise check-ins at the federal agencys Intensive Supervision Appearance Program offices in Chicago. Similar arrests were reported that day in New York, San Jose and Birmingham. Chavez and about 20 others were still at the ICE processing center in Broadview Friday morning. Since the facility is not a detention center, something prohibited in Illinois due to the states Way Forward Act, there are no beds. So they had been sleeping on the floor and sitting around on the few chairs available, she told her lawyers and supporters, who were finally able to see her Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shed been difficult to locate, her attorneys said, because Chavez and others recently detained had not been added to the ICE detainee online locator system, typically the only way for families to find their loved ones after theyve been detained. If youre arrested by ICE in Illinois, what happens next? Legal experts explain the process. We are angry, and this is not the end. We will continue to visualize how ICE is engaging and exposing their racist tactics targeting immigrants of color, said Antonio Gutierrez, a co-founder and strategic coordinator of Organized Communities Against Deportations, where Chavez worked. This is fascism and racism at its finest example, while having the U.S. government doing illegal kidnapping, coercion and human trafficking without orders of removal. Supporters of Chavez, elected officials and her attorneys spoke at a news conference Friday in front of the Broadview processing center to demand ICE release Chavez and others detained on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A.J. Johnson Reyes, one of Chavezs lawyers and a member of Beyond Legal Aid, said that while an ICE agent he spoke to before showed his desire to help, he said the agent told Reyes could no longer do so because now he is following orders. They are forced to put their humanity aside, Reyes said. Still, he said, his team is committed to doing everything legally possible to stop Chavezs deportation. The lawyers sought two stays of removal in an attempt to stop the deportation. The temporary stay was granted by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, said Reyes. Another request for a stay was submitted with ICE, but not granted. While they remain hopeful, theyre bracing for the worst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several migrants in restraints are escorted to vans for transport out of the Broadview Immigration Processing Center on June 6, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Broadview police officers provide crowd control as community members and immigrant rights advocates gather outside the Broadview Immigration Processing Center on June 6, 2025, to demand the immediate release of Gladis Yolanda Chaves. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Attorneys A.J. Johnson Reyes and Nadia Singh enter to speak with clients at the Broadview Immigration Processing Center on June 6, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Two men try to leave a bag with supplies and money for a detainee at the Broadview Immigration Processing Center on June 6, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Attorney Nadia Singh, of Beyond Legal Aid, community members and immigrant rights advocates gather at the Broadview Immigration Processing Center June 6, 2025, to demand the immediate release of Gladis Yolanda Chaves. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 6Carlos Pineda and girlfriend Stephanie Tlatenchi get emotional as several vans filled with migrants leave the Broadview Immigration Processing Center on June 6, 2025. The couple were there to try to communicate with one of the detainees. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)Expand At any point, Chavez could be put on a plane back to her native Honduras or to a detention facility across the country, said Xanat Sobrevilla, a longtime friend of Chavez and member of OCAD. She was completely dedicated to her daughter, Sobrevilla said in tears. Chavez has served as a community organizer for OCAD, an organization that provides resources and legal aid to undocumented individuals facing deportation to guarantee a right to due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, as Chavez urged others to comply with the law, she was detained. According to her supporters, Chavez received a message on June 2 to report to the ISAP office at 2245 S. Michigan Ave. for a check-in, despite already being subject to electronic monitoring via an ankle bracelet. She arrived on Wednesday with her two attorneys, they said. But after more than 90 minutes, she was handcuffed and ICE agents ordered her attorneys to leave. She was being detained. Chavez arrived from Honduras more than a decade ago, seeking refuge from extreme poverty and violence in her home country. She lived on the citys Northwest Side and had been attending routine check-ins with ICE for nearly eight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system which required her to also wear an ankle monitor the last two months allowed for individuals like Chavez, who are not considered a threat or who had an ongoing immigration case, an alternative to detention and deportation. What was meant to be a routine check-in with ICE has, for many, become a turning point. Agents have broad discretion to decide whether individuals can remain in the country or face removal. But advocates warn that new quotas imposed by the Department of Homeland Security are leaving little room for discretion or compassion even for those who have lived in the United States for more than a decade. Though she has become the face of this recent ICE operation in Chicago, there are dozens of families waiting for help and clarity, Gutierrez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there are dozens of parents leaving behind their U.S. children, he said. Many were detained during a surprise check-in at the ISAP Chicago office even after having complied fully with every requirement imposed by ICE, including wearing an ankle monitor, supporters said. Outside the Broadview facility, Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said that the new operations were part of Trumps racist agenda, and that they are committed to continuing to organize to make sure that people know their rights. Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez of the 33rd Ward, in which Chavez had been living, said that she, too, would advocate for immigrant rights despite the clash with ICE agents outside the facility on Wednesday, where she and other aldermen said they were roughed up. We will take the risks necessary to protect our community, she said. (NewsNation) A Ugandan immigrant who arrived in the United States at age 27 has fostered nearly 50 children and adopted three, driven by his own experience of being helped by a stranger as a homeless child. Peter Mutabazi, a single father, began fostering children at age 40 after learning about the number of children in the foster care system. His decision to help was inspired by a man who showed him kindness when he was a child, surviving on the streets by stealing food. He said, Hey, whats your name? You know, he didnt say, Go away. He didnt say, You thief,' Mutabazi told NewsNations CUOMO on Friday. That rattled me, because no one human being had ever called me or asked me what my name was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIDEO: Retiring UT Police K-9 surprised with tennis ball sendoff The stranger not only fed Mutabazi but also offered to send him to school, seeing potential in the boy when others saw only bad behavior. My dad said I will never mount anything. And I believed that. But this man saw the best in me when nobody saw that, Mutabazi shared. Initially, Mutabazi signed up to foster just one child, uncertain whether he would be accepted as a single Black man. He had never seen anyone like himself in the foster care system, he said. Little did I know that truly, I would have as many as almost 50 that have come through my family, Mutabazi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His approach focuses on creating a safe space where children can heal from trauma rather than trying to erase their past experiences. He also works to support the biological parents, viewing them not as villains but as people who may lack resources or support. My job is not take away their trauma, but create a space where they feel they can thrive, where they feel they can overcome what theyve gone through, he said. Mutabazi, founder of the Now I Am Known Foundation, has a GoFundMe page to raise money for 20 full-room makeovers for foster youth across the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Leavenworth Federal Correctional Institution, pictured here in 2023, is the subject of criticism from civil rights groups and immigration attorneys who say conditions for immigrants inside are inhumane. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA, Kan. Immigrants being held inside a federal prison in northeast Kansas and their attorneys reported an unsanitary, inequitable and unhealthy environment that has left people, even those who have won their immigration cases, deprived of basic needs. Based on interviews with people inside the prison and attorneys representing those people, immigrants face unsanitary and crowded living quarters, extended lockdowns, delayed and costly medical treatment, restricted contact with their families and no access to religious services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, these conditions have led to suicide attempts. These arent criminals, said Michael Sharma-Crawford, a local immigration attorney and chair of the Kansas and Missouri chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. In theory, none of these people deserves to be in jail. A pair of letters one sent to the warden of the Leavenworth Federal Correctional Institution complaining of a rat infestation and another sent to the warden, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Prisons detail conditions that are well below what is required of the federal agencies. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys and advocates claim in the letters, sent May 5 and May 29, that a significant number of people remain imprisoned at Leavenworth despite having won their immigration cases, which often fall under civil law, not criminal. Some cannot return to their countries of origin because, upon return, they could face torture or violence. While the possibility of securing release for people facing deportation is low, Sharma-Crawford said ensuring they are held within legal standards could be done. Leavenworth, formerly the Fort Leavenworth Military Prison, is one of two facilities in the state currently used to detain immigrants. In February, ICE and the Bureau of Prisons agreed to hold immigrants at Leavenworth. A separate facility in Leavenworth, a shuttered prison owned by private company CoreCivic, was planned to reopen and detain immigrants as well, but a judge blocked the company from doing so Wednesday based on local zoning rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharma-Crawford said he has heard anecdotes about ICE officials in and around Chicago driving across the region, including to Kansas and Missouri, frantically trying to find a place to hold people. More than 1,300 men are typically held in the medium-security prison, and about 220 are held in a minimum security satellite camp. At least 80 immigrants are being held at Leavenworth, according to the letter. Randilee Giamusso, a spokeswoman for the prison bureau, declined to comment on the letters claims but confirmed the bureau received the letter. The Federal Bureau of Prisons is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all inmates in our population, our staff, and the public. We have received the letter, Giamusso wrote in an email. However, we do not comment on matters related to pending litigation, legal proceedings, or investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Media officials at ICE did not respond to requests seeking a comment. Life without sunlight Several immigrants at Leavenworth experienced such a depression from extended lockdown periods, which sometimes lasted 20 hours at a time for three days straight, that they attempted suicide, said the May 29 letter signed by a collection of eight civil rights organizations and attorney groups. After their suicide attempts, they were reportedly put in solitary confinement. One detainee who witnessed a suicide attempt has felt depressed and fearful during subsequent lockdowns, the letter said, but has been afraid to report his mental health symptoms to staff for fear that he, too, will be removed from the unit and will be placed in solitary confinement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another representative of the prison bureau declined to confirm or deny the letters claims about suicide attempts in Leavenworth. Karla Juarez, executive director of Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation, said in a news release that the conditions at Leavenworth are horrifying. Whats happening at FCI Leavenworth is not only a violation of ICEs own policies its a violation of our shared humanity, she said.These are people who have already won their immigration cases and who should be free with their families, not locked in overcrowded cells without access to medical care or even sunlight. People serving sentences from criminal convictions at Leavenworth are able to use the prisons outdoor yard for recreation and exercise. Those in ICEs custody are not, despite that being a condition of the two agencies collaboration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement between the federal agencies said: ICE detainees will have access to education and psychology materials, leisure and law libraries, and indoor and outdoor recreation. Reports from inside the prison have found that people being held for immigration reasons have access to none of these things. Plus, a pervasive language barrier has created a hurdle for immigrants in the prison who say their basic needs arent being met, the letter said. Those imprisoned for crimes and in immigration cases both report that they usually do not encounter prison staff who speak Spanish, the letter said. One person who only speaks Spanish said he wasnt offered a translator when given medical care. Another, who only speaks Russian, said his requests for medical assistance have gone unanswered for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Access to prescribed medications, dental care, mental health care and medical care has been delayed, the letter said, and when they are seen by staff for treatment, they are not provided with proper care and are instructed to pay for medication, which is in violation of ICE policy. The letter concludes with a list of 14 recommendations. The foremost suggestion demands the release of all detained immigrants who have won their immigration cases. Others included providing free and timely medical care, interpretation services, free and private confidential calls with attorneys, access to a chaplain, free printing from the prison law library, recreational services, and outdoor time. The letter was backed by Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation; the American Civil Liberties Union; the ACLU of Kansas; the American Immigration Lawyers Association; the Missouri and Kansas chapter of the immigration lawyers association; the Federal Public Defenders for the District of Kansas; the National Immigrant Justice Center; and the Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation through the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The rodent letter In early May, the Kansas Federal Public Defenders wrote to Crystal Carter, the prison warden, and Nathan Atkinson, a general attorney for the prison bureau, about a months-long rat infestation in Leavenworth that showed no signs of abating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rats have infested the housing area, said the letter, obtained by Kansas Reflector, Clients report rats stealing commissary and finding rat feces in their food, as well as finding dead rats in the common areas. The federal defenders saw and heard rats during visits with their clients. The letter outlined the health and safety hazards associated with such infestations, arguing that allowing the rodents to remain could degrade conditions so much so that it amounts to a constitutional violation. Often, in-person visits are the attorneys only options, they said in the letter. They called video visits problematic because clients are frequently brought into video visitation rooms late, or the wrong person is brought in, or all the rooms are full, so visits have to be done in a common area. Carter, the warden, stated in a May 13 response obtained by Kansas Reflector that the prison had cleaned infested areas and implemented pest control measures, including regular inspections, baiting, and setting traps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person who was detained in Leavenworth earlier this year described the prison to civil rights groups and attorneys as very dirty. We didnt have any cleaning supplies. Food was the hardest part because it wasnt a pleasant meal. There was no way to wash clothes. We only had one uniform, and that was it, said the man, who was unnamed in a press release from the ACLU of Kansas. Honestly, the time we were locked up in the cell was the worst. We had no communication with our families, and they didnt comply with the necessary resources. While both letters make claims that the federal agencies are breaking the law, attorneys and advocates have not filed a lawsuit or an official complaint. If proper conditions for immigrants cannot be ensured, thats when they could go to court, said Sharma-Crawford, the immigration attorney. At one point, immigration officials and courts would allow leniency for immigrants with open cases who were in good standing, Sharma-Crawford said That grace is gone, he said. That humanity is gone. Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney at the ACLUs National Prison Project, said the Trump administration should cease the use of federal prisons to detain immigrants. Holding people in extended lockdown, and denying them access to adequate medical care, legal counsel, and even sunlight isnt just inhumane, Cho said. Its illegal. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This report was first published by the Kansas Reflector, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network. Its supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. North Charleston, S.C. (WCBD) A massive sting operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies has come under scrutiny after immigrant advocacy groups and faith leaders raised concerns about civil rights violations during the arrests. Earlier this week, the Charleston County Sheriffs Officealong with Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and other agencies carried out Operation Last Stand, arresting 80 people in a raid in Ladson. Officials say the raid focused on a location known as The Alamo, which had reportedly been under surveillance for a year due to suspected criminal activity. Authorities claim they arrested two high-level cartel members and an international murder suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But community members and immigrant advocates argue the sweep went too far. The narrative from the sheriff, governor, and attorney general is that theyre targeting violent criminals, said Will McCorkle, with the Charleston Immigrant Coalition. What they quickly overlook are the innocent people who were detained and are now facing deportation for no real purpose. Two men facing state charges in ongoing investigation into unsanctioned Charleston County nightclub During a press conference held by local advocacy groups, speakers said many of those arrested were not involved in criminal activity and were instead racially profiled and swept up in a broader operation without just cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me be clear. We do not condone criminal activity, said Dulce Lopez, Civil Rights Strategist for the ACLU of South Carolina. But no one deserves to be criminalized by simply existing in communities and places. No one should be treated as guilty by association. Some individuals present at the club that night allege they were lined up and questioned based on appearance alone. It didnt matter what we showed them, said Alejandar Delaveea, an immigrant advocate who was there. They refused to believe our IDs were valid. People were lined up by skin color. Those with tattoos were separated and questioned as potential gang members. Advocates are calling on the Charleston County Sheriffs Office to release the full incident report and provide clarity on how decisions were made during the raid. Many also demand the department cut ties with ICE to rebuild trust within the Hispanic and Latino communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charleston Countys decision to align itself with ICE is a destructive one, said McCorkle. Its already torn families apart and will continue to damage the trust between law enforcement and the people theyre supposed to protect. News 2 reached out to the Charleston County Sheriffs Office regarding these concerns, and the department has not commented on the allegations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. EDITORS NOTE: CNNs coverage of protests in Los Angeles has moved here. President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles to disperse protests that began in response to immigration raids, the White House said in a statement Saturday night. Immigration authorities and demonstrators have clashed for two days in the Los Angeles area, with unrest beginning Friday after dozens of people were detained by federal immigration agents across different locations. The arrests come amid Trumps crackdown on immigration, which has involved waves of raids and deportations across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement in riot gear deployed tear gas and flash bangs to disperse crowds in downtown Los Angeles and the city of Paramount over the two days, with authorities reporting multiple arrests Saturday. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, Californias feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the deployment of troops purposefully inflammatory and warned it would only escalate tensions. This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust, Newsom said. Tear gas fills the street as a protester confronts Border Patrol personnel during a demonstration in Paramount, California, on Saturday. - Eric Thayer/AP Officials from the Trump administration described protesters as lawless rioters. The Los Angeles Police Department, meanwhile, said Saturdays demonstrations within the city remained peaceful and events concluded without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in Los Angeles County, a crowd of protesters in Paramount became increasingly agitated, throwing objects and exhibiting violent behavior toward federal agents and deputy sheriffs, the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department said in an advisory Saturday night. In response, the department requested additional resources countywide and deployed additional deputies. In nearby Compton, a vehicle was set on fire where protesters began to gather, video from CNN affiliate KABC showed. On Friday, video showed several projectiles being thrown at officers equipped with body armor and protective shields outside a Los Angeles federal detention center. Leavitt argued that Trump called in the guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester and violent mobs attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents. Trump invoked his authority under Title 10, which allows the president to call in the National Guard as necessary to repel invasion, suppress rebellion or execute laws. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said active duty marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized if the unrest continues. Protesters face off with police The White Houses move is facing criticism from some in law enforcement. Many see the deployment of the National Guard as an overreaction that may backfire and only provoke additional agitators, one senior law enforcement source involved in responding to the Los Angeles protests said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of potentially violent demonstrators were observed by law enforcement around Los Angeles as of Saturday evening and law enforcement officers were actively working to bring them under control, according to the source. Members of law enforcement operate in Paramount. - Daniel Cole/Reuters A protester places debris in a fire. - Eric Thayer/AP Videos of the scene Friday show law enforcement officers in riot gear, wielding batons, holding shields and throwing smoke bombs into the crowd. Protesters chanted Free them all and held signs with messages including Full Rights for All Immigrants and Stop the Deportations. Video shows several officers in riot gear pinning at least one person to the ground. Other videos show the detention center sprayed with anti-ICE graffiti, with some protesters blocking LAPD vehicles close by. Further investigations FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Saturday on social media the bureau was investigating alleged instances of demonstrators obstructing immigration enforcement operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insurrectionists carrying foreign flags are attacking immigration enforcement officers, while one half of Americas political leadership has decided that border enforcement is evil, Vice President JD Vance said in a post on X Saturday night. Mayor Karen Bass said many in Los Angeles County are fearful following recent federal immigration enforcement actions. She added that reports of unrest are deeply concerning. Weve been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward, Bass said in a statement Saturday night. Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable. A firework explodes after being thrown at police. - Barbara Davidson/Reuters The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said it was working to ensure the safety of the public by managing traffic and controlling crowds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response to the protests drew a conflict between ICE and the Los Angeles Police Department. Our brave officers were vastly outnumbered, as over 1,000 rioters surrounded and attacked a federal building, ICE said in a statement, saying LAPD took two hours to respond. But the LAPD said it mobilized personnel and acted as swiftly as conditions safely allowed. Sowing a sense of terror Bass, the Los Angeles mayor, characterized the immigration arrests as mass chaos, according to CNN affiliate KABC. The mayor said she hadnt been told about the raids in advance. It sows a sense of terror throughout the community, she said. ICE was literally chasing people down the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press reported at least 44 people were arrested by federal immigration agents. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers executed search warrants at three locations, according to a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations. The federal law enforcement activity came on the same day multiple sources told CNN the Trump administration is preparing for large-scale cancellation of federal funds for California. CNN has reached out to DHS for further information. Police detains a protester blocking the garage entrance of the Los Angeles Federal Building, on Friday. - Daniel Cole/Reuters One of the Friday raids was in the citys Fashion District, where agents served a search warrant after a judge determined a business was allegedly using fictitious documents for some of its workers, US Attorneys office spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass said Fridays immigration arrests were different from previous, more organized actions. Ive been really worried about this from the beginning, and as far as I know, this is the first time this has happened in our city like this, she told KABC. We know ICE has been here, but its been for targeted arrests; this was just mass chaos. It sows a sense of chaos in our city, and a sense of terror, and its just unacceptable. The American Civil Liberties Union called on elected officials to uphold their commitment to all Angelenos immigrants and non-immigrants alike by taking all action necessary to grind this oppressive and vile paramilitary operation to a halt and keep our city safe and whole in a Friday statement. Union leader arrested David Huerta, the president of the Service Employees International Union California, was arrested by federal agents after allegedly attempting to obstruct their access at a worksite, US Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me be clear: I dont care who you areif you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted, Essayli said. Protestors hold placards as they gather around the Los Angeles Federal Building on Friday. - Daniel Cole/Reuters Protesters confront Border Patrol personnel in the Paramount section of Los Angeles on Saturday. - Eric Thayer/AP After being treated for injuries from his arrest, Huerta released a statement condemning the citywide raids. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals, he said. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice. This is injustice. And we all have to stand on the right side of justice. No one should ever be harmed for witnessing government action, Newsom said in a statement responding to Huertas arrest, describing the union president as a respected leader, a patriot and an advocate for working people. Eroding trust Protesters gathered outside the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles at roughly 4 p.m. Friday, CNN affiliate KABC reported. At one point, hundreds of activists began marching toward a detention facility on Temple Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families and friends who had loved ones taken by immigration authorities visited the detention center to learn more about their status, KABC reported. A young woman who spoke with the outlet said she went to the building in tears after her father was taken by federal agents. The LAPD declared an unlawful assembly around 7 p.m. and warned demonstrators were subject to arrest if they remained in the area. Aerial footage from KABC shows law enforcement throwing smoke bombs on a street to disperse people so they could make way for SUVs and military-style vehicles. While the LAPD will continue to have a visible presence in all our communities to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individuals immigration status, Police Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement about the immigration enforcement activities. A cross is held aloft near Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in Paramount on Saturday. - Barbara Davidson/Reuters I want everyone, including our immigrant community, to feel safe calling the police in their time of need and know that the LAPD will be there for you without regard to ones immigration status. Newsom said in a Saturday statement, Continued chaotic federal sweeps, across California, to meet an arbitrary arrest quota are as reckless as they are cruel. Donald Trumps chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power Americas economy, the governor said. CNNs Martin Goillandeau, Sarah Dewberry and Josh Campbell contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) As President Donald Trump cracks down on immigration, a Mexican citizen living in Albuquerque is sharing his story about the uncertainty hes facing trying to remain in New Mexico, where hes lived for decades. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocating for an Albuquerque man facing questions about his immigration status, dozens showed up Friday for Antonio Rios. Born in Mexico, Rios has been living and working in the U.S. for more than 20 years. In that time, he had two kids with a U.S. citizen who fell into drug addiction. He was also deported more than once. He said hes kept coming back to support his kids, who are American citizens. They were in the street, he saw pictures of them, you know, living in the street, and so he was desperate to get to his children and to protect them, said Rebecca Kitson, Immigration Attorney for Rebecca Kitson Law. Since 2016, Rios has worked with an immigration attorney trying to get a visa, while staying in contact with immigration and customs. But amid a shift in federal policy, Rios is now worried hell be deported any day. I mean, I think its a real example of the shift in enforcement policy with this administration. In the past, ICE has had the ability to exercise its discretion in cases where they know the person individually and think that the person is deserving of some additional support, said Kitson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rios applied for a special visa indicating hes a trafficking victim, after he said he worked at an unsafe Albuquerque job site. However, that application hasnt been decided on, leaving his family wondering if Rios will be allowed to stay. Like surreal, like it doesnt feel real. Ive just always been with my dad, its always been him who takes care of us, so it doesnt feel real that hes most likely about to leave, said Juliana Chairez, daughter of Antonio Rios. After talking to ICE officials on Friday, Rios is still here, but now on an ankle monitor that ICE is tracking. One isnt a criminal, Im waiting. Ive been working 20 years working here. I wish I could get through this and not come out in chains, said Antonio Chairez Rios, currently waiting to hear from ICE. Rios is expecting that ICE could make a decision on his status in the next few days. His next check-in with immigration and customs is in September. Its unclear when hell receive a decision on his visa application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LOS ANGELES Federal immigration authorities raided three locations across the city on Friday, officials said, in chaotic action that drew immediate rebuke from local lawmakers and a distanced response from L.A. law enforcement. Today, ICE officers and agents alongside partner law enforcement agencies, executed four federal search warrants at three location in central Los Angeles, a statement from Homeland Security Investigations said. As federal agents often wearing camouflage and bulletproof vests with their faces covered burst into buildings, protesters and supporters soon showed up, creating tense scenes throughout the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses reported tear gas being employed at least one of the locations to clear a path for federal agents to take in their prisoners. Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested and one person was arrested on an obstruction charge, the HSI statement said. Gov. Gavin Newsom strongly denounced the raids. Continued chaotic federal sweeps, across California, to meet an arbitrary arrest quota are as reckless as they are cruel, Newsom said in a statement. Donald Trumps chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power Americas economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those arrested was SEIU California President David Huerta, who represents an estimated 750,000 service workers across the state. He was booked by federal law enforcement at the site of one of the raids, according to Bill Essayli, the L.A.-based U.S. attorney for the Central District of California. David Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle, he said on X Friday night. He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment in federal court on Monday. The labor union said Huerta was released from a hospital Friday afternoon after being transported for unknown reasons. He remained in custody early Friday evening, it said in a statement. The union said he was exercising his First Amendment right to observe and document law enforcement activity when he was taken into custody. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass visited Huerta in the hospital and spoke to NBC Los Angeles afterward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is doing OK physically, but I know what really impacted him the most was the emotional trauma of watching parents and kids being separated, she said. Among the sites targeted by federal agents was clothing manufacturer, importer and wholesaler Ambiance Apparel in the citys Fashion District, Essayli told NBC Los Angeles. The agents served a search warrant and were looking for fictitious employee documents, Essayli said. A representative for Ambiance Apparel could not be immediately reached for comment on Friday. People look inside importer and wholesaler Ambiance Apparel in the Los Angeles Fashion District on Friday. (NBC LA) U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., called the ICE action a continuation of a disturbing pattern of extreme and cruel immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These indiscriminate raids prove once again that the Trump administration cares about nothing but instilling harm and fear in our communities to drive immigrants into the shadows, Padilla, a Los Angeles native and the son of Mexican immigrants, said in a statement. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Sheriff Robert Luna were both quick to state that their personnel had no role in the federal action. Today the LAPD became aware that ICE was conducting operations in the City of Los Angeles, McDonnell said in a statement. Im aware that these actions cause anxiety for many Angelenos, so I want to make it clear: the LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. Video posted to social media by the Peoples City Council shows LAPD officers outside the Ambiance Apparel location. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luna acknowledged that raids have caused fear but asked residents to remain calm and peaceful as we continue to place your safety and well-being at the forefront of our efforts. A protester attempts to evade a Department of Homeland Security officer after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation on Friday in Los Angeles. (Jae C. Hong / AP) On Friday afternoon, multiple immigrant rights groups rallied in downtown Los Angeles to express anger over the raids and Huertas arrest. Outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal lockup, federal agents stood guard amid shouting protesters and ultimately fired less-lethal rounds to clear the area in front of the structure, according to NBC Los Angeles video and imagery posted to social media verified by NBC News. Yvonne Wheeler, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, spoke onstage nearby earlier, decrying the raids as a swipe at working class L.A. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today was a dark day in Los Angeles, she said. This administration is cruel and inhumane. Protesters held up signs that said Stop Deportations, and some chanted, Free David, free them all, referring to Huerta and the arrested immigrants. A spokesperson for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles estimated 1,000 people had gathered following its call for supporters to join the group downtown. Crowd members dodge pepper balls fired by officers during a protest after U.S. immigration authorities conducted an operation Friday in Los Angeles. (Jae C. Hong / AP) LAPD officer Drake Madison said it was not yet known how many arrests, if any, had taken place as protesters marched to the complex that includes the detention center and the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. Los Angles City Council member Ysabel Jurado also took the temporary stage, decrying the raids timing during Pride Month and graduation season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a calculated attempt to take joy from our community, she said. Im heartbroken. But Im ready to fight. She was among the 11 of the citys 15 council members who condemned the federal action. This indiscriminate targeting of children and families not only harms the individuals who are directly impacted, but destroys our communities sense of trust and safety in their own homes, the lawmakers said in a joint statement. We condemn this in no uncertain terms: Los Angeles was built by immigrants and it thrives because of immigrants. We will not abide by fear tactics to support extreme political agendas that aim to stoke fear and spread discord in our city. Andrew Blankstein and Erick Mendoza reported from Los Angeles and David K. Li from New York City. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Immigration raids Friday led to the arrests of dozens of people and caused hours of chaos in downtown L.A. Here is what we know so far: Where were the raids? Federal agents hit several locations including the Ambiance Apparel in garment district, where many were detained and authorities clashed with protesters, and a Home Depot in the Westlake District. Read more: ICE raids across L.A. spark backlash; Trump officials vow to continue operations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Ambiance Apparel, immigration authorities detained employees inside a clothing wholesaler, and used flash-bang grenades and pepper spray on a crowd protesting the raid around 1:30 p.m. Friday. Agents surrounded the gates protesters had tried to block. Some threw objects at the agents, as they yelled and filmed them. To disperse the crowd, pepper spray was used. Read more: Live coverage: Trump administration sending National Guard troops to L.A. amid clashes over raids The agents who had been inside the store walked out at least a dozen individuals and boarded them in the vans as other agents in riot gear taped off the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vans filled with migrants left first, followed by the line of tactical vehicles and trucks. The agents used what appeared to be at least a dozen rounds of flash-bang grenades and pepper spray before protesters dispersed. Read more: Multiple immigration sweeps reported across L.A., with a tense standoff downtown There were reports of other actions but they could not be confirmed. Protesters clashed with immigration agents Saturday morning at a Home Depot in Paramount. The US attorney for Los Angeles said Saturday on X that a few operations were planned and that the public should not interfere with them. Who was detained? Forty-four people were administratively arrested and one person was arrested for obstruction during Fridays immigration action, said Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations, a branch of ICE. Federal agents executed four search warrants related to the suspected harboring of people illegally in the country at three locations in central Los Angeles, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, said his team has identified at least 11 Mexican nationals who were detained during raids across the Southland. The office is offering them legal services, and he said he is monitoring detention conditions. What about the SEIU president? Service Employees International Union California President David Huerta was injured and detained while documenting an immigration enforcement raid in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. Huerta, 58, was treated at a hospital and then transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown L.A. Read more: David Huerta, president of SEIU California, detained during L.A. ICE raids Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened to me is not about me; This is about something much bigger, he said in a statement from the hospital. This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice thats happening. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice. Many elected officials expressed outrage at the arrest and called for his release. In a statement on X, U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli alleged that Huerta had deliberately obstructed federal agents access to a worksite where they were executing a warrant by blocking their vehicle Friday morning. Huerta was arrested on suspicion of interfering with federal officers and will be arraigned Monday, Essayli said. Read more: Photos: A fierce pushback on ICE raids in L.A. from protesters, officials What about the protests? Scores of protesters converged at the Metropolitan Detention Center on Friday afternoon and evening, at times clashing with agents. Some vandalized the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly and ordered about 200 protesters who remained gathered by the Los Angeles Federal Building to disperse around 7 p.m. The use of so-called less-lethal munitions was authorized at 8 p.m. following reports of a small group of violent individuals throwing large pieces of concrete at officers, police said. A citywide tactical alert was issued shortly thereafter. By midnight, most of the protesters had left the area. It was unclear whether anyone was arrested or injured during the protest. What was the reaction? The raid met with swift condemnation across Los Angeles by politicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday afternoon, U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla alongside California Reps. Scott Peters and Juan Vargas demanded an investigation into the tactics used during the San Diego raids. This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country, the lawmakers stated. These events raise serious questions about the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics. Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement saying: It sows a sense of terror in the community. Its bad enough that it happened at this location, but the way this goes and spreads throughout the community, people are not sure where they are safe." That sparked a response from White House deputy chief of staff and immigration crackdown advocate Stephen Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller responded to Bass on X: You have no say in this at all. Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced. What do we know about the case itself? Officials have released few details. But Essayli told KNBC it was part of "stepped-up" enforcement efforts. My office prepared search warrants for particular businesses where theres probable cause that they are using fictitious documents to employ people, Essayli told the station. 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. bluefield There were no surprises in Bluefields municipal election. The incumbents ran unopposed and were re-elected, according to unofficial returns. Voter turnout in the city was light, according to City Clerk Anthony Heltzel. The election was held Tuesday with voters casting ballots in three different districts. The results will be canvassed on June 9 at 9 a.m. In District 1, Treyvon Simmons was re-elected with 38 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In District 2, Mayor Ron Martin was re-elected with 46 votes. In District 3, Daniel Wells was re-elected with 29 votes. Simmons, Martin and Wells will serve another four-year term on the Bluefield Board of Directors. Im deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve a third term on the Bluefield City Council, Ron Martin, the citys current mayor, said. Though uncontested, I dont take this lightly continued trust of Bluefields citizens means everything. Im committed to working hard every day to move Bluefield forward and make our city the best it can be for all who call it home. Heltzel said the remaining incumbents on the city board wont be up for re-election until 2027. They include at-large board members Matt Knowles and Peter Taylor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a new law passed earlier this year by the West Virginia Legislature could impact that election. Senate Bill 50 was signed into law by Gov. Patrick Morrisey earlier this year. It will require all towns and cities in West Virginia to hold their elections on the same day that statewide general or primary elections are held. Now the city of Bluefield will have to do that, but we arent for sure when that will be implemented yet, Heltzel said. So it may effect when the next election is. Heltzel said the city cant extend term limits of elected board members. He said the city hopes to receive more information and guidance with regards to the new law in the future. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com Nearly two dozen paintings by one of the world's most celebrated modern artists - once part of a record-breaking art deal - are set to hit the auction block for the first time next week. On 12 June, 25 rare MF Husain paintings will go under the hammer at an art gallery in Mumbai city, more than two decades after he painted them. This will be the first public glimpse of the paintings, locked away in bank vaults since 2008 after authorities seized them from a prominent businessman over an alleged loan default. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's like the paintings have come full circle," says Dadiba Pundole, director of Pundole Art Gallery, where the auction is set to be held. Husain used the gallery as his studio for many of these works, part of an ambitious 100-painting series he never finished. Often called the "Picasso of India," he was one of the country's most celebrated - and controversial - artists. His works have fetched millions, but his bold themes often drew criticism. He died in 2011, aged 95. Titled MF Husain: An Artist's Vision of the XX Century, the 25 paintings at Pundole'a gallery offer a glimpse into his take on a transformative century shaped by leaps in technology, politics, and culture. Pundole has estimated that the auction could fetch up to $29m (21m). This comes months after another Husain painting, Untitled (Gram Yatra), sold for an unprecedented $13.8m at a Christie's auction in New York, becoming the most expensive Indian artwork to be auctioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oil-on-canvas masterpiece had adorned the walls of a Norwegian hospital for almost five decades, forgotten by the art world, until the auction house was alerted about its presence in 2013. Husain sketching the outlines of a painting in the series at the Pundole Art Gallery [Pundole Art Gallery] The latest paintings to be auctioned seem to follow a similar trajectory. Husain began working on them in the early 2000s, with great excitement and vigour, recalls Pundole. "When he was painting, nothing could disturb him. It didn't matter what was happening around him," he adds. In 2004, Husain sold 25 paintings to a Mumbai businessman as the first instalment of a billion-rupee deal. Kishore Singh, author of MF Husain: The Journey of a Legend, wrote about this agreement in the Indian Express newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He [Husain] wasn't jealous of fellow artists, but he was competitive," Singh writes, noting that Husain struck the deal soon after Tyeb Mehta's Kali [an Indian goddess] set a new record for India's most expensive painting in 2002, selling for 15 million rupees. Husain struck a billion rupees deal with businessman Guru Swarup Srivastava for this series of paintings. Media dubbed it "India's biggest art deal," catapulting the little-known Srivastava into overnight fame as a celebrity collector. But two years later, India's top crime agency, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), began investigating Srivastava's business, alleging he and associates had misused a loan from a government-backed agricultural body. The CBI alleged Srivastava diverted the funds into real estate, mutual funds, and Husain paintings. He and his company deny all charges; the case remains in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2008, a tribunal allowed the government-backed agricultural body to seize one billion rupees in assets from Srivastava, including the 25 Husain paintings. In February this year, a court cleared the way for the paintings to be auctioned to recover part of the loan. And so, after years locked away in bank vaults, the 25 paintings are finally stepping into the spotlight. In 2004, Husain sold 25 paintings to a Mumbai businessman [Pundole Art Gallery] In a 2018 interview to author and journalist Tara Kaushal, Srivastava spoke about his stalled deal with the artist. "I had planned to pay Husain for the rest of the paintings by selling the first 25. But legal complications meant that, when Husain called me in 2008 saying the paintings were ready in London and Paris, and to pick them up at the agreed price, my funds were not ready. He understood," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked why Husain had chosen to sell his paintings to a person who almost nobody knew in India's elite art circles, Pundole says, "He didn't care. As long as his paintings were sold." There's no way to know how Husain felt about the failed deal or his unfinished 20th Century series - but the episode remains a striking footnote in his bold, eventful career. The 25 paintings in this series, vibrant acrylics on canvas, showcase Husain's bold style while reflecting key 20th-century events and social attitudes. An acrylic and canvas painting from the collection [Pundole Art Gallery] One painting shows an unlikely group chatting on a bench, symbolising Husain's call for peaceful dialogue and coexistence among global powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another painting honours Charlie Chaplin while juxtaposing a rocket launch to highlight the contrast between social and economic disparities and massive state spending. Other paintings depict a world battling poverty, soldiers in trenches, and humanity confronting tragedies like World War Two, the Partition, and the Holocaust. Injured press officers of the State Emergency Service in Kyiv have shown photos from hospital. On the night of 6 June, they were injured in a repeat Russian attack on the site of another strike. Source: Photos from the medical facility were posted on social media by Pavlo Petrov, the injured spokesperson of the SES Details: In the photo, he and his colleague Inna Zhelnyk are lying in hospital beds. Pavlo has scratches on his face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These photos are probably a little different from what you are used to seeing on my account, but thats that. We are alive, and that is the main thing. As for the rest, itll get better, itll heal," wrote the press officer. The State Emergency Service employee said that phones, cameras and bulletproof vests of his colleague Inna were left at the site of the Russian attack, so they will have to restore their mobile numbers. Photographer and editor-in-chief of Frontliner Andrii Dubchak has launched a fundraiser to help the wounded Pavlo Petrov. Background: On the night of 5-6 June, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities with 452 air weapons. The strike resulted in 13 hits and debris falling. In Ternopil, 10 people were injured in the attack, including 5 emergency workers. Russia also struck Lviv, Chernihiv and Lutsk, where 30 people were injured and two more were killed. Three State Emergency Service workers were killed while clearing up the aftermath of the night strikes on the capital, working under fire. Nine more of their colleagues were injured. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) After meeting for more than eight hours in Pierre this past week, members of South Dakotas Project Prison Reset task force have narrowed the focus of where a new mens prison should be built and how big it should be. Huron company added to prison discussion On Tuesday, task force members unanimously supported building a facility, or multiple, at existing Department of Corrections spots or at proposed sites in the Worthing or Mitchell areas. The state has previously spent more than $50 million in land purchase and design costs for a new mens prison in rural Lincoln County at a site that has now been officially rejected by the task force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to build new prison facilities to house 1,500 to 1,700 inmates with a maximum cost of $600 million. JE Dunn Construction has been tasked with bringing proposals in front of the task force at its July meeting. On this weeks Inside KELOLAND, two state lawmakers from Sioux Falls who serve on the task force, Republican Sen. Chris Karr and Democratic Sen. Jamie Smith. shared what they took away from the task forces latest decisions. Karr said state lawmakers have challenged contractors and the state engineer to provide options that meet the 1,500 beds and no more than $600 million price tag. I look forward to hearing back at our next meeting about what they come up for us for options, Karr said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karr said the previous price tag for a mens prison in Lincoln County at the cost of $825 million was too high to get the necessary two-thirds majority vote in the House and Senate to be approved. We need to do something, said Karr, who added that the Department of Corrections design choices of a campus-style prison built to last 100 years dictated some of the higher costs. Smith said the longer the state continues to delay taking action, the more expensive future prison needs will become. If we only spend the $600 million, weve got to make sure that this is the right thing to build, Smith said. If we build under way too much, were going to be having this conversation right away again. Focus on rehabilitation Smith said he believes the Department of Corrections needs more space and staff to help incorporate more rehabilitation, treatment options and vocation with inmates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then its the re-entry too, Smith said. We need to get all those put together to be able to help people be successful in the future. Karr said that, in 2024, 63% of the men released from a state prison served less than one year. Karr said DOC is having more success with rehabilitation in Springfield but not Sioux Falls because of a lack of space. Were too overcrowded in Sioux Falls, Karr said. Smith said lawmakers should consider what policies and investments the state could make to keep people out of prison. Karr and Smith also will serve on the Legislatures Initial Incarceration, Reentry Analysis, and Comparison of Relevant States Interim Committee. The panel meets for the first time on June 24 at the University of Sioux Falls and will: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Examine the makeup demographic analysis, offense characteristics, and geographic distribution of the current prison population; Conduct a comparison of incarceration rates in similar states, including a review of sentencing laws and the incarceration of non-violent offenders; and Identify barriers to successful reentry after incarceration, including housing, job training, and substance abuse barriers. Capitol Bureau reporter Bob Mercer also 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 KELOLAND.com. 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. For once, President Donald Trump was trying to be the adult in the room. Trump and Elon Musk, two billionaires with massive egos and combustible temperaments, had forged an unlikely friendship over the past year, one built on proximity, political expediency, and, yes, a touch of genuine warmth. Relations between the president and his top benefactor had grown somewhat strained in recent weeks, as Trump began to feel that Musk had overstayed his welcome in the West Wing. Musk had suggested privately that he could stay on at the White House, an offer that Trump gently declined, two people familiar with the situation told us. (They, like others we talked with for this story, spoke anonymously in order to share candid details about a sensitive feud.) But Musk was still given a gracious send-off last Fridaycomplete with a large golden, albeit ceremonial, keyaimed at keeping the mercurial tech baron more friend than foe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The peace didnt last even a week. On Tuesday, Musk took to X to attack the Republican spending bill being debated in the Senate, trashing Trumps signature piece of legislation as a disgusting abomination. Even as the White House tried to downplay any differences, Musk couldnt let go of his grievancesthe exclusion of electric-vehicle tax credits from the bill, and Trumps rejection of Musks pick to run NASA. Yesterday, the planets richest man attacked its most powerful. Each took aim at the other from their respective social-media platform, forcing rubberneckers into a madcap toggle between Truth Social and X. Trump deemed his former aide CRAZY, while Musk went much further, dramatically escalating the feud by calling for Trumps impeachment, suggesting that the president had been part of Jeffrey Epsteins notorious sex-trafficking ring, andlikely worst of all in Trumps mindtaking credit for the presidents election in November. [Charlie Warzel: The Super Bowl of internet beefs] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one day, Musk made X great again. The spectacle seemed to subside today, as Trump showedat least by his standardssome restraint. The president insisted that he was not thinking about Musk and wanted only to pass the reconciliation bill that had featured in the brawl. Musk, meanwhile, has far more to lose: his newfound stardom within the MAGA movement, his personal wealth, and government contracts worth billions to his businesses. Steve Bannon, the influential Trump adviser who has long been critical of Musk, crowed that the tech billionaires attacks on Trump were so personal that he wont be forgiven by the MAGA crowd. Only the fanboys are going to stick with himhes a man without a country, Bannon told us. Trump and Musk were inseparable during the transition and in the first months after the inauguration. At times, Musk stayed over in the White House residence, regaling reporters with tales of late-night Haagen-Dazs ice-cream binges (caramel flavor) in the White House kitchen. He grew close to Trumps powerful adviser Stephen Miller and to Millers wife, Katie, whod entered the administration as a special government employee alongside Musk; the trio socialized outside of work. (Musk has since unfollowed Stephen Miller on X.) Musks 5-year-old son, X, became a frequent visitor to the Oval Office and Mar-a-Lago, at times scampering around the tables at Trumps private club. But friction mounted over time: a West Wing shouting match between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a heated Cabinet meeting about job cuts, clashes with senior White House staffers. Trump grew angry that Musk was bad-mouthing his tariff plan to CEOs, and was especially incensed when The New York Times reported in March that Musk was scheduled to receive a classified briefing at the Pentagon about China; the president began quietly telling confidants last month that he was getting tired of the Tesla chief. The cuts forced by Musks Department of Government Efficiencysymbolized by Musk wielding a gold-plated chain saw at the Conservative Political Action Conferenceangered even some Republicans, who depended on the government services DOGE was slashing. Trump initially bought into Musks claim that DOGE would find $2 trillion in cuts, two advisers told us. But the potential savings shrank as the chaos grew, and Trump became disillusioned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump started off as more than enamored, then it faded when it turned out the trillion dollars in DOGE cuts was bullshit, Bannon told us. Trump was like, Okay. Musks 130-day tenure as a special government employee expired late last month. Despite growing disenchanted with Washington, he suggested to the White House that he wanted to stay on, the two advisers told us. Trump declined. A representative for Musk did not respond to requests for comment. Trump was like, You know, hes been around long enough, but he was not mad, not like, Screw this guy, one of the advisers told us. It was like, Its probably time to turn the page. The White House built Musk a dignified off-ramp, with aides putting together an exit plan that would allow Musk to leave the team on good terms. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles had often found herself in the unenviable position of trying to manage Muska man Trump privately described as part genius, part child. But in the hours before his departure, Musk was dealt a disappointment over a government job that was very important to SpaceX. Trump had announced Jared Isaacman, an aviation entrepreneur and a Musk ally, as his pick for NASA administrator in early December. But Isaacman faced opposition on Capitol Hill, and the scheduling of his confirmation vote forced the issue last week. Trump, after hearing senators complaints, asked Sergio Gor, the personnel director who had previously clashed with Musk, for Isaacmans vetting files. The White House was unhappy about the nominees previous donations to Democrats, a White House official told us, and his nomination was withdrawn. [David A. Graham: Elon Musk goes nuclear] At the same time, Musk took aim at the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that encapsulated the entirety of the Republican legislative agenda. He privately lobbied Trump, Wiles, and House Speaker Mike Johnson to include an EV tax credit and then publicly torched the bill when they didnt, posting on Tuesday to his 220 million X followers: Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The split has forced Republicans in Congress to choose between a president who demands their loyalty and a billionaire who helped fund their victory last year (and who could finance their opponents campaigns, if he chooses to). Some rushed to proclaim their neutrality. I learned a long time ago when I was fighting to stay out of other peoples fights, Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, a Trump ally, posted yesterday on X. (A former wrestler, Mullin had a brief professional career in mixed martial arts.) Other Republicans assumed the posture of a child begging their warring parents to get along for the sake of the family. Representative Beth Van Duyne began a post on X, We have the best chance to save America, save the world, and bring lasting prosperity. Then she dropped the politesse: WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!! CEASE FIRE FOR GODS SAKE! For GOP leaders, the choice seems to be an easy one: They have stuck with Trump, fiercely defending the bill they wrote on his behalf and are rushing to enact before the self-imposed July 4 deadline. After Musk took credit for the partys majorities in Congress as part of his X tirade yesterday, Johnson told reporters that the glory belonged not to Musk, but to the president. A few House conservatives seized on Musks complaints about the deficit-busting nature of the bill and suggested that they might reconsider their support if the Senate does not improve the legislation. He made the biggest mistake in Washington, a Republican strategist who requested anonymity to speak frankly told us. He told the truth. He is not wrong, even if he is annoying. But Musk might have overplayed his hand in pivoting from policy to personal attacks on the president. He hasnt moved a vote, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters, according to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps realizing that he was destined to lose a fight hed started, Musk appeared to cool off late yesterday, approvingly quoting social-media posts about stopping the fight and saying that he would not follow through on his threat to decommission SpaceXs Dragon spaceships, which are used to transport NASA astronauts and supplies to and from the International Space Station. He might have 38 billion reasons for seeking detente: Thats the number of dollars his companies are believed to receive in government contracts, deals that could be canceled by a vengeful president. Musk spent nearly $300 million supporting Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 presidential election, but slumping Tesla sales worldwidedue, in large part, to anger about his alliance with Trumpare estimated to have cost him well over $100 billion since he took his government post. Tesla stock fell 14 percent the day of Musks fight with Trump. As of early this afternoon, Trump had not posted again about the feud. He gave brief interviews to a few reporters in which he insisted that he was not thinking about Musk, though he referred to his oncetop aide as the man who has lost his mind to ABC News. Trump allies circulated to reporters allegations of Musks drug use recently aired by The New York Times (I think the ketamine finally rotted his brain, one told us; Musk has disputed the Times report). White House aides, stung by Musks eruption yesterday, let it be known that Trump has no intention of speaking with Musk today and that the president plans to sell or give away the Tesla hed bought back in March as a show of support for Musk. Asked for comment on the breakup, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt did not mention Musk, saying instead that the administration will continue the important mission of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse from our federal government and that the One Big Beautiful Bill is critical to helping accomplish that mission. Musk typically averages about 100 X posts a day. But through the afternoon today, hes posted only a handful, all promotions of his various businesses. None was about Trump. Article originally published at The Atlantic Thomas Fugate poses for a selfie at a 2024 campaign rally for President Donald Trump. (Credit: Via Fugates Instagram account) ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. 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 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were entering very dangerous territory, one longtime U.S. counterterrorism official said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Working alongside a dedicated, driven group of folks, we faced every challenge head-on and, together, celebrated a victorious outcome, Fugate wrote on Instagram. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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 attacks 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Pentagon investigators are looking into whether Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally wrote the text messages detailing the militarys plans to strike Houthi targets in Yemen or whether other staffers typed out those details, according to two people familiar with the ongoing probe. The Defense Departments Office of Inspector General has spent several weeks interviewing Hegseths current and former staff members to figure out how United States strike details taken from a classified system wound up in a commercial messaging app known as Signal. "Because this is one of the DOD IGs ongoing projects, in accordance with our policy we do not provide the scope or details to protect the integrity of the process and avoid compromising the evaluation," DOD IG spokesperson Mollie Halperin told ABC News. Thomas Padilla/AP - PHOTO: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers a speech at the US cemetery to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, June 6, 2025 in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy. The details were relayed in two chat groups that included Hegseth - one with Vice President JD Vance and other high-ranking officials, and a second one that included Hegseth's wife, who is not employed by the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Pentagon watchdog launches probe into Hegseth use of Signal chat ahead of Houthi airstrike It remains unclear how soon the findings will be released. Hegseth is scheduled to testify for the first time as defense secretary on Tuesday, where Democratic lawmakers are expected to question his handling of classified and sensitive information. The sharing of the details reportedly occurred around the same time in mid-March when key members of President Donald Trump's National Security Council, including Hegseth, inadvertently shared details about the March 15 missile strike in Yemen with the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Much of the same content was shared in the second encrypted chat with family members and others -- a chat group that Hegseth had created on his personal phone during his confirmation process that included his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, the two officials told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: What to know about Signal, which the Pentagon previously discouraged workers from using In addition to looking at whether the information was classified and who wrote it, investigators are also asking whether any staff members were asked by Hegseth or others to delete messages, according to one person familiar with the IG probe. The government is required under law to retain federal communications as official records. Grossi claimed that Israel's threats against the Islamic Republic imply that "the Iranian thing has incredible potential to become catastrophic." International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi said that Iran is his "biggest preoccupation" when discussing nuclear-powered countries in an interview with the Financial Times published on Friday. Grossi told the Times this as a new confidential IAEA report said that the Islamic Republic had dramatically increased its uranium stockpile enrichment "close to weapons grade." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran doesnt have a nuclear weapon at this moment, but it has the material, he told the Times. He also claimed that Israel's threats against the Islamic Republic imply that "the Iranian thing has incredible potential to become catastrophic. If there is a failure in negotiation, this will imply, most probably, military action. Grossi then mentions the nuclear capabilities the Islamic Republic has, saying that one would have to go half a mile underground to find them. "I have been there many times, he added. To get there, you take a spiral tunnel down, down, down." IRANS PRESIDENT Masoud Pezeshkian (right) meets with IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi in Tehran, last month. Irans nuclear weapons program has reached a critical stage, says the writer. (photo credit: Irans Presidency/West Asia News Agency/Reuters) The Times further quoted him saying that "Today we could have 30 countries, which could have nuclear weapons, judging from their technical development, but we have nine, and says that if Iran is added to that list, "you could have a cascade in the Middle East." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said that US President Donald Trump's actions on Iran "have triggered negotiations where there were none before, and this is objectively commendable. What other countries concern Grossi? Grossi noted his concern for Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and its occupation by Russian forces. He also told the Times that Russian President Vladimir Putin's repeated threats to use nuclear weapons "is worrying because it normalizes this." According to reports by sources to Iranian-affiliated media, the documents were allegedly transferred from within Israel to Iranian territory. Iran has obtained Israeli intelligence materials, including sensitive documents related to Israels nuclear capabilities, Iranian-affiliated media reported on Saturday. The intelligence materials allegedly include thousands of documents related to that regimes nuclear plans and facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents were transferred from within Israel to Iranian territory, Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen remarked. Even though the mentioned operation was carried out some time ago, the abundance of documents is such that reviewing them and viewing images and videos has taken up a significant amount of time, sources told Irans Tasnim News Agency. Due to the need to securely transport the leaked materials into Iran, a period of media silence was maintained to ensure their safe arrival at protected destinations in the country, sources emphasized. Prosecutors indict two Israeli nationals for spying on behalf of Iran Roi Mizrahi and Almog Attias, both 25, were allegedly in contact with an Iranian intelligence operative who instructed them to install spy cameras, according to an Israeli indictment filed in May. While there is no confirmed link to the recent Israeli intelligence leak, sources suggested that these suspects may be linked to the alleged intel leak. The State Prosecution filed an indictment at the Beersheba District Court against Mizrahi and Attias for carrying out a series of intelligence missions on behalf of agents operating for Iranian intelligence agencies, the Attorney-Generals Office announced Friday. The silhouette of a man, seen over the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran (illustrative) (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK) Both Mizrahi and Attias are from Nesher, near Haifa. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) announced the arrest of the two in May. Mizrahi has been charged with contacting a foreign agent, assisting an enemy in wartime, and carrying and transporting weapons. Attias was charged with contact with a foreign agent and providing information to the enemy, intending to harm the states security. Iran has sharply criticised United States President Donald Trumps travel ban on its nationals and those of several countries, calling it racist and a sign of deep-rooted hostility towards Iranians and Muslims. Trump earlier this week signed an executive order that bars and restricts travellers from 19 countries, including several African and Middle Eastern nations. The policy, set to take effect on Monday, echoes measures introduced during Trumps previous term in office from 2017-2021. In the executive order, Trump said he must act to protect the national security of the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alireza Hashemi-Raja, who heads the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs department for Iranians abroad, said on Saturday that the decision reveals the dominance of a supremacist and racist mentality among American policymakers. This measure indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian and Muslim people, he said in a statement. The latest restrictions cover nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. A limited ban has also been applied to travellers from seven other countries. Hashemi-Raja argued that the policy breaches international legal norms and denies millions the basic right to travel, based solely on nationality or faith. He said the ban would entail international responsibility for the US government, without elaborating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US and Iran have had no formal diplomatic relations since 1980, following the Islamic Revolution. Despite decades of strained ties, the US remains home to the worlds largest Iranian diaspora, with about 1.5 million Iranians living there as of 2020, according to Tehrans Foreign Ministry. Iran uses Eid al-Adha diplomacy to strengthen regional ties, project unity, and influence nuclear talks with the US, while tensions with Israel persist. Iran has embarked on a series of high-level phone calls with regional countries during the Eid al-Adha Islamic holiday. The goal is to push for Islamic unity. Iran also wants to use this against Israel. Iran knows that its proxies have been weakened, as evidenced by a recent Israeli airstrike in Beirut targeting a Hezbollah site. Iran is also involved in high-stakes nuclear talks with the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian state media said on June 7 that the Islamic Republics foreign minister had reached out to Egypt. This comes just a week after he visited Egypt. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatt, held a telephone conversation in which they discussed bilateral ties and regional developments, particularly the situation in Gaza, Irans state media IRNA said. The two foreign ministers also exchanged Eid al-Adha greetings. Araqchi visited Egypt [last] week on Monday, where he met with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, his counterpart, and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi. A 3D-printed miniature model depicting U.S. President Donald Trump, Iranian and U.S. flags in this illustration taken, April 17, 2025 (photo credit: REUTERS/DADO RUVIC) The Iranian diplomat also spoke with his Pakistani counterpart, Muhammad Ishaq Dar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They discussed bilateral ties, as well as the latest regional and international developments, IRNA noted. They also spoke about Eid al-Adha. During the call, the top Iranian and Pakistani diplomats exchanged views on the continued Israeli aggression against Lebanon and Syria, stressing the need for unity and solidarity among the Islamic Ummah worldwide, Irans state media added. They also reviewed the latest state of bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-level consultations to strengthen cooperation between the two neighboring Muslim countries. Iranian President reached out to the UAE leader Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reached out to UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. President Masoud Pezeshkian and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have congratulated the Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) to each other in a telephone conversation on Friday, IRNA noted. These calls are important. Irans leadership didnt need to make all these calls for the holiday. Iranian state media is highlighting this to show how Iran has strong diplomatic connections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Pezeshkian expressed his hope that the blessings of Eid al-Adha will pave the way for the spread of peace and ward off war from the region, in his talks with the UAE. The UAE is a member of the Abraham Accords and a close partner of the United Sates and the West. Iran wants to make sure that Gulf states stand by it in nuclear talks. This is part of its desire to use its more positive ties with Saudi Arabia to convince the US to do a deal. Gulf countries want a deal, they dont want conflict that could undermine their economies or threaten their ranking as travel hubs in the region. Iran spoke to the UAE about the importance of the holiday and Muslim unity. Pointing to the need to strengthen unity and convergence among Islamic countries, Pezeshkian prayed to God Almighty for happiness, health, and increasing success for the Muslim people of the United Arab Emirates and the entire Islamic nation, IRNA added. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his part, congratulated the arrival of Eid al-Adha to the government and noble nation of Iran and wished success for the two nations on this auspicious occasion. DUBAI (Reuters) -Iranian intelligence agencies have obtained a large trove of sensitive Israeli documents, some related to the nuclear plans and facilities of Tehran's arch enemy, Iran's state media reported on Saturday. There was no immediate official comment from Israel and it was not clear whether the report was linked to a reported hacking of an Israeli nuclear research centre last year that Tehran is choosing to divulge now amid heightened tensions over its nuclear programme. "Although the operation to obtain the documents was carried out some time ago, the sheer volume of materials and the need to transport them safely into Iran necessitated a news blackout to ensure they reached the designated protected locations," state-run PressTV reported, quoting unnamed sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(Sources familiar with the matter) also noted that the abundance of documents is so vast that reviewing them, along with viewing images and videos, has consumed a significant amount of time," PressTV added, without giving details of the documents. In 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli agents had seized a huge "archive" of Iranian documents showing Tehran had done more nuclear work than previously known. U.S President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with bombing if Tehran did not come to an agreement with Washington over its nuclear programme. But Trump in April reportedly blocked a planned Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites in favour of negotiating a deal with Tehran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that abandoning uranium enrichment was "100%" against the country's interests, rejecting a central U.S. demand in talks to resolve a decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. (Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Additional reporting by Emily Rose in Jerusalem; Editing by Louise Heavens) (Reuters) -Tehran on Saturday blasted U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban on countries including Iran, saying it showed "deep hostility" toward Iranians and Muslims. "The decision to ban the entry of Iranian nationals - merely due to their religion and nationality - not only indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian people and Muslims but also violates... international law," a senior foreign ministry official said in a ministry statement posted on the X platform. Separately, Iran on Saturday condemned new sanctions imposed by the United States targeting more than 30 individuals and entities Washington said are part of a "shadow banking" network linked to Tehran that has laundered billions of dollars through the global financial system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The new U.S. sanctions ..., are illegal and violate international law, and are further evidence of the deep and continuing hostility of the U.S. ruling regime towards the Iranian people," foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement carried by state media. Trump's travel ban will bar citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The ban, which Trump said was necessary to protect against "foreign terrorists", was reminiscent of a similar move he implemented during his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, when he barred travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations. (Reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din and Dubai Newsroom; Editing by William Mallard and Alistair Bell) Trump's proclamation on Wednesday will bar citizens from 12 countries starting on Monday at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Iran on Saturday blasted US President Donald Trump's travel ban on countries including the Islamic Republic, saying it showed "deep hostility" toward Iranians and Muslims. "The decision to ban the entry of Iranian nationals - merely due to their religion and nationality - not only indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian people and Muslims but also violates... international law," a senior foreign ministry official said in a ministry statement posted on the X/Twitter social media platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's proclamation on Wednesday will bar citizens from 12 countries starting on Monday at 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT). Which countries' citizens will not be allowed to enter US? The countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Poster outside the former US embassy in Tehran featuring US President Donald Trump, in Iran, January 29, 2018 (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK) The ban, which Trump said was necessary to protect against "foreign terrorists," was reminiscent of a similar move he implemented during his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, when he barred travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations. JERUSALEM (AP) Israel is supporting armed groups of Palestinians in Gaza in what it says is a move to counter Hamas. But officials from the U.N. and aid organizations say the military is allowing them to loot food and other supplies from their trucks. One self-styled militia, which calls itself the Popular Forces, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, says it is guarding newly created, Israeli-backed food distribution centers in southern Gaza. Aid workers say it has a long history of looting U.N. trucks. Gaza's armed groups have ties to powerful clans or extended families and often operate as criminal gangs. Aid workers allege Israel's backing of the groups is part of a wider effort to control all aid operations in the strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel denies allowing looters to operate in areas it controls. Heres what we know about anti-Hamas armed groups in Gaza: Who are these groups? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a social media video Thursday that Israel had activated clans in Gaza to oppose Hamas. He didnt elaborate how Israel is supporting them or what role Israel wants them to play. Netanyahu's comments were in response to a political opponent accusing him of arming crime families in Gaza. Clans, tribes and extended families have strong influence in Gaza, where their leaders often help mediate disputes. Some have long been armed to protect their group's interests, and some have morphed into gangs involved in smuggling drugs or running protection rackets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After seizing power in 2007, Hamas clamped down on Gaza's gangs -- sometimes with brute force and sometimes by steering perks their way. But with Hamas' weakening power after 20 months of war with Israel, gangs have regained freedom to act. The leadership of a number of clans including the clan from which the Abu Shabab groups members hail have issued statements denouncing looting and cooperation with Israel. A self-proclaimed nationalist force Besides the Abu Shabab group, it is not known how many armed groups Israel is supporting. The Abu Shabab group went public in early May, declaring itself a nationalist force. It said it was protecting aid, including around the food distribution hubs run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a mainly American private contractor that Israel intends to replace the U.N.-led aid network. Aid workers and Palestinians who know the group estimate it has several hundred fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Abu Shabab groups media office told The Associated Press it was collaborating with GHF to ensure that the food and medicine reaches its beneficiaries. It said it was not involved in distribution, but that its fighters secured the surroundings of distribution centers run by GHF inside military-controlled zones in the Rafah area. A spokesperson with GHF said it had no collaboration with Abu Shabab. We do have local Palestinian workers we are very proud of, but none is armed, and they do not belong to Abu Shababs organization, the spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with the groups rules. Before the war, Yasser Abu Shabab was involved in smuggling cigarettes and drugs from Egypt and Israel into Gaza through crossings and tunnels, according to two members of his extended family, one of whom was once part of his group. Hamas arrested Abu Shabab but freed him from prison along with most other inmates when the war began in October 2023, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abu Shababs media office said he was summoned by police before the war but wasnt officially accused or tried. It also said claims the group was involved in attacking aid trucks were exaggerated, saying its fighters took the minimum amount of food and water necessary. Aid workers say it is notorious for looting The head of the association in Gaza that provides trucks and drivers for aid groups said their members' vehicles have been attacked many times by Abu Shababs fighters. Nahed Sheheiber said the group has been active in Israeli-controlled eastern parts of Rafah and Khan Younis, targeting trucks as they enter Gaza from the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel. Troops nearby did nothing to stop attacks, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheheiber said that when Hamas policemen have tried to confront gangs or guard truck convoys, they were attacked by Israeli troops. One driver, Issam Abu Awda, told the AP he was attacked by Abu Shabab fighters last July. The fighters stopped his truck, blindfolded and handcuffed him and his assistant, then loaded the supplies off the vehicle, he said. Abu Awda said nearby Israeli troops didnt intervene. These kinds of attacks are still happening and highlight a disturbing pattern, according to Jonathan Whittall, from the U.N. humanitarian coordinator, OCHA. Those who have blocked and violently ransacked aid trucks seem to have been protected by Israeli forces, said Whittall, head of OCHA's office for the occupied Palestinian territories. And, he added, they have now become the protectors of the goods being distributed through Israels new militarized hubs, referring to the GHF-run sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military did not reply when asked for comment on allegations it has allowed armed groups to loot trucks. But the Israeli prime ministers office called the accusations fake news, saying, Israel didnt allow looters to operate in Israeli controlled areas. Israel often accuses Hamas of stealing from trucks. What does all this have to do with aid? Muhammad Shehada, a political analyst from Gaza who is a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said he doesnt believe Israels support for armed groups is aimed at directly fighting Hamas. So far there has been no attempt to deploy the groups against the militants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he said, Israel is using the gangs and the looting to present GHF as the only alternative to provide food to Palestinians, since its supplies get in while the U.N.s dont. Israel wants the GHF to replace the U.N.-led aid system because it claims Hamas has been siphoning off large amounts of supplies. The U.N. denies that significant amounts have been taken by Hamas. Israel has also said it aims to move all Palestinians in Gaza to a sterile zone in the south, around the food hubs, while it fights Hamas elsewhere. The U.N. and aid groups have rejected that as using food as a tool for forced displacement. The Abu Shabab group has issued videos online urging Palestinians to move to tent camps in Rafah. Israel barred all food and other supplies from entering Gaza for 2 months , pending the start of GHF a blockade that has brought the population to the brink of famine. GHF started distributing food boxes on May 26 at three hubs guarded by private contractors inside Israeli military zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has let in some trucks of aid for the U.N. to distribute. But the U.N. says it has been able to get little of it into the hands of Palestinians because of Israeli military restrictions, including requiring its trucks to use roads where looters are known to operate. Its Israels way of telling the U.N., if you want to try to bring aid into Gaza, good luck with this," said Shehada. "We will force you to go through a road where everything you brought will be looted. ___ Magdy and Keath reported from Cairo Israeli raids across Gaza have killed at least 75 Palestinians, with rescuers scrambling to find dozens of bodies under the rubble after the bombing of a residential building in Gaza City described by the enclaves civil defence as a full-fledged massacre. Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basel told Al Jazeera that the Israeli army gave no warning, no alert before Saturdays strike on the house in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City that left at least 16 people dead, including women and children. This is truly a full-fledged massacre a building full of civilians, said Basel, who added that approximately 85 people were believed to be trapped under the rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We woke up to the strikes, destruction, yelling, rocks hitting us, said Hamed Keheel, a displaced Palestinian at the site, noting that the attack had taken place on the second day of Eid al-Adha. This is the occupation, he said. Instead of waking up to cheer our children and dress them up to enjoy Eid, we wake up to carry women and childrens bodies from under rubble. Local resident Hassan Alkhor told Al Jazeera that the building belonged to the Abu Sharia family. May God hold the Israeli forces and [Israeli Prime Minister] Netanyahu accountable, he said. The Times of Israel newspaper cited the Israeli military as saying that it had killed top Palestinian fighter Asaad Abu Sharia in the attack. Abu Sharia was the leader of the Mujahideen Brigades, who the military claimed had participated in the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas confirmed the killing in a statement shared on Telegram, saying that Abu Sharias brother, Ahmed Abu Sharia, had also been assassinated in the attack, which it said was part of a series of brutal massacres against civilians. A handful of rice for our starving children Also on Saturday, Israeli forces killed at least eight Palestinians waiting near an aid distribution site run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Rafah in southern Gaza. The attack was the latest in a series of deadly incidents around the groups operations that have killed 118 people and left others missing in less than two weeks. Gaza resident Samir Abu Hadid told the AFP news agency that thousands of people had gathered at the al-Alam roundabout near the aid site. As soon as some people tried to advance towards the aid centre, the Israeli [forces] opened fire from armoured vehicles stationed near the centre, firing into the air and then at civilians, Abu Hadid said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman told Al Jazeera her husband had been killed in the attack after going to the aid point to get a handful of rice for our starving children. He said he felt he was walking towards death, I begged him not to leave. He insisted to find anything to feed our children, she said. The GHF, a shadowy United States-backed private group engaged by Israel to distribute aid under the protection of its troops and security contractors, began operations in late May, replacing existing networks run by the United Nations and charities that have worked for decades. Critics say the group does not abide by humanitarian principles of neutrality, claiming that its operations weaponise aid, serving Israels stated aims of ethnically cleansing large swaths of Gaza and controlling the entire enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GHF said on Saturday that it was unable to distribute any humanitarian relief because Hamas issued direct threats against its operations. These threats made it impossible to proceed today without putting innocent lives at risk, it said in a statement. Hamas told the Reuters news agency that it had no knowledge of these alleged threats. The United Nations, which has refused to cooperate with the GHF, has warned that most of Gazas 2.3 million population is at risk of famine after an 11-week Israeli blockade, with the rate of young children suffering from acute malnutrition nearly tripling. Lost future generation As Israel continued its attacks amid the looming famine, it emerged that health authorities had recorded more than 300 miscarriages over an 80-day period in the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expectant mothers face an increased risk of miscarriage and premature births, with basic medical supplies such as iron supplements and prenatal vitamins impossible to obtain. Brenda Kelly, a consultant obstetrician at Oxford University Hospital, told Al Jazeera that Gaza was losing a future generation of children, alluding to a staggering rise in stillbirths, miscarriages and pre-term births. What were seeing now is the direct fallout of Israels weaponising of hunger in Gaza impacting babies growth and growth restriction is one of the leading causes of miscarriages and stillbirth, she said. Severe malnutrition among pregnant women is compounded by severe stress and psychological trauma, as well as repeated displacement and a lack of safe shelter, she said. Those babies that do survive face heightened health risks. We know that famine experienced in-utero has lifelong consequences for children who then go into adulthood with much higher risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as mental health disorders, she said. Israeli officials informed Lebanon of its intended strike on Hezbollah terror targets in Dahiyeh a week prior. Beirut did not respond to Israel's forewarning that it planned to strike terror targets from Hezbollah's Aerial Unit in Dahiyeh, Israeli officials said on Saturday, according to a report from KAN. Israel officials informed Lebanon of its intent to strike Hezbollah's Unit 127 drone infrastructure a week prior, KAN said, however, no response was taken by the Lebanese government or army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack on Unit 127 took place on Thursday. Israeli Air Force's "head of Lebanon affairs," intelligence officer Lieutenant Colonel N., had been tracking Hezbollah's Unit 127 for over two years. The unit is responsible for importing, manufacturing, and deploying various unmanned aerial vehicles (AUVs) from Lebanon into Israel. "We hit seven targets: five in Beirut and two in southern Lebanon," Lt. Col. N. confirmed. IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon, November 25, 2024. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) The IDF specifically targeted Al-Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj Al-Barajneh in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh, as well as several specific buildings, IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sites were "deliberately established in the heart of the civilian population in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut," the IDF said. Evacuation warnings were issued to Lebanese residents prior to the attack. Alerts in Dahiyeh caused panic and anxiety among Beirut residents, many of whom were preparing for Eid Al Adha celebrations, as the alerts were issued for several buildings in different areas of the suburb at once, reports Maariv. "Don't issue evacuation warnings for "Lebanese residents" - be more specific," Lebanese actress Nadine Rasi said in a video published by Arab media. She urged Israel to issue alerts for specific streets, saying "general warnings for Lebanese residents harm our tourism. Be thoughtful." Hezbollah must disarm, Katz says "The Lebanese government must disarm the terrorist organization in Hezbollah. You must ensure that the Lebanese army truly enforces the ceasefire agreement and not through coordinated displays," Defense Minister Israel Katz said in response to condemnations of the attack by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, KAN alleged. The French Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the attack in a post of Twitter/X on Friday, calling for "all the parties to abide by the ceasefire." The Israeli military said on Saturday it had killed the leader of the Palestinian Mujahideen Brigades who it said was directly involved in the abduction and murder of the well-known Bibas hostages. Shiri Bibas and her two red-haired sons became symbols of the plight of Israeli hostages after video footage of the frightened mother and her two children being abducted spread around the world. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it killed As'ad Abu Sharaiya, in Gaza City in the north of the coastal strip in a joint special operation by the IDF and the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, he is said to have served as the leader of the relatively small Mujahideen Brigades. The IDF said Abu Sharaiya entered the Nir Oz kibbutz on October 7, 2023, and was one of the leaders of the devastating massacre carried out by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas and other militias in Gaza. In addition to the Bibas family, the IDF said he was involved in the kidnapping of Thai citizen Nattapong Pinta, whose body was recovered earlier on Saturday, and the couple Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein, whose bodies were recovered earlier this week. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israel said Saturday it retrieved the body of a Thai hostage abducted into the Gaza Strip during the Hamas-led attack that sparked the war, as Israel's military continued its offensive, killing at least 95 people in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza's health ministry. Nattapong Pinta had come to Israel to work in agriculture. Israels government said he was seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed early in the war, which began on Oct. 7, 2023. Thailand's foreign ministry said the bodies of two other citizens were yet to be retrieved. Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive. Many lived on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, the first places overrun in the attack. Forty-six Thais have been killed during the war, according to the foreign ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's defense minister said Pinta's body was retrieved from the Rafah area in southern Gaza. The army said he was seized by the Mujahideen Brigades, the small armed group that also took two Israeli-American hostages, Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai, whose bodies were retrieved on Thursday. Israels military later said it killed the head of the Mujahideen Brigades, Asad Aby Sharaiya, in Gaza City on Saturday. Fifty-five hostages remain in Gaza. Israel says more than half are dead. Families rallied again Saturday evening in Israel, calling for a ceasefire deal to bring everyone home. Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel's military had surrounded the area where he's held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel's responsibility. Israel's military didn't immediately comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to expand the (military) ground maneuver is at the cost of Matans life and the lives of all the hostages, Zangauker's mother, Einav, told the rally in Tel Aviv. Israel continues its military offensive A strike in Gaza City killed six members of a family, including two children, according to the Shifa and al-Ahli hospitals. Israel's military said the strike targeted the Mujahideen Brigades leader. This is the real destruction, a man said as he carried the body of a small boy from the scene. Four Israeli strikes hit the Muwasi area in southern Gaza between Rafah and Khan Younis. In northern Gaza, a strike hit an apartment, killing seven people including a mother and five children. Their bodies were taken to Shifa hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stand up, my love, one weeping woman said, touching the shrouded bodies. Israel said it was responding to Hamas barbaric attacks and dismantling its capabilities. It said it takes all feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm. Reports say some of the dead tried to get food aid Staff at Nasser hospital, which received the bodies of six people over the past 24 hours, said they were killed while on their way to get food aid. Much of Gaza's population of over 2 million relies on aid after widespread destruction of agriculture as well as a recent Israeli blockade. Experts have warned of famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels army has warned that the aid distribution area is an active combat zone during nighttime hours. It said several suspects attempted to approach troops operating in the Tel al-Sultan area overnight in a manner that posed a threat." The army said troops called out, then fired warning shots as the suspects advanced. An army official who couldn't be named in line with military procedures said the shots were fired about a kilometer (half-mile) from the distribution site. Over the past two weeks, shootings have occurred frequently near the new hubs where thousands of desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Israel's military has said it fired warning shots or, in some instances, at individuals approaching. The hubs are run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants it to replace a system coordinated by the United Nations and aid groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GHF spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with the groups rules, said it didn't feed Gaza residents on Saturday and blamed Hamas threats. There was no immediate Hamas response. Israel accuses Hamas of siphoning off aid under the U.N.-led system. The U.N. and aid groups deny there's significant diversion of aid to militants and say the new system which they have rejected allows Israel to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles and wont be effective. The U.N says it has been unable to distribute much aid under its system because of Israeli military restrictions on movements and insecurity. Separately, Palestinians lined up at a soup kitchen in Gaza City for handouts on the second day of Eid al-Adha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have been standing here for more than an hour and a half. I feel I have a sunstroke, and I am in need, said Farida al-Sayed, who said she had six people to feed. I only had lentils, and I ran out of them. Death tolls since the war began Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages. Most were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages and recovered dozens of bodies. Israels military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants. The offensive has destroyed large parts of Hamas-run Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population of roughly 2 million Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Mohammad Jahjouh reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip. Bassem Mroue and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel, contributed to this report. ___ Follow the APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war ___ A previous version of this story was corrected to show that the previous bodies were recovered on Thursday, not Friday. The Israeli military will continue to bomb Lebanon if Hezbollah is not disarmed, Israels Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned, saying there will be no calm in Beirut and no order or stability in Lebanon unless Israels security is assured. Agreements must be honoured, and if you do not do what is required, we will continue to act, and with great force, the Israeli minister said in a Friday statement. Israels military launched a series of strikes targeting Beiruts southern suburbs on Thursday night, sending huge numbers of residents fleeing their homes on the eve of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday after issuing a forced evacuation order an hour earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel claimed, without providing evidence, that its latest attack was launched against Hezbollah drone factories in the Lebanese capital. The Israeli military said Hezbollah was operating to increase production of UAVs [drones] for the next war with Israel in blatant violation of the terms of Novembers ceasefire. Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli fighter jets had carried out about a dozen strikes in the attack. A Hezbollah statement said a preliminary assessment showed nine buildings had been destroyed, while dozens of others were damaged. Hezbollah also denied there were drone production facilities in the targeted locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli attack was the fourth, and heaviest, carried out targeting Beiruts southern suburbs a Hezbollah stronghold since the ceasefire ended hostilities on November 27. Israels last attack on the Lebanese capital, in which it claimed to destroy infrastructure where precision missiles were being stored by Hezbollah, came in late April. Flagrant violation of an international accord Across Lebanon, Israel has violated the ceasefire on a near-daily basis in the seven months since it was signed, according to the Lebanese government of President Joseph Aoun, Arab nations and human rights groups. Aoun has appealed to the United States and France, guarantors of the November ceasefire, to rein in Israels attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking late on Thursday, Aoun voiced firm condemnation of the Israeli aggression, labelling the attacks a flagrant violation of an international accord on the eve of a sacred religious festival. On Friday, Ali Ammar, a Hezbollah lawmaker, urged all Lebanese political forces to translate their statements of condemnation into concrete action, including diplomatic pressure. In the months since the ceasefire, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 190 people and wounded nearly 500 more, the Lebanese government said in April. Under the ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese military has been tasked with disarming Hezbollah a political party and paramilitary group once believed to be more heavily armed than the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But following Thursdays attack, Lebanons army warned that such attacks are weakening its role in the ceasefire. It added that Israel rejected its proposal to inspect the alleged drone production sites in southern Beirut in order to prevent an air strike. 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 military said in a statement. It added that continued Israeli attacks could lead the army to freeze its cooperation with the monitoring committee when it comes to searching posts and dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure near the Israeli border in southern Lebanon. The war between Israel and Hezbollah re-erupted in the wake of Israels war on Gaza in October 2023, as the Lebanese group launched cross-border attacks on northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Subsequent Israeli attacks on Lebanon killed more than 4,000 people, including hundreds of civilians, before the ceasefire was signed. Hezbollah rocket fire in Israel killed a reported 87 Israeli military personnel and 46 civilians. Israeli attacks have killed at least 75 Palestinians across Gaza, medical sources have told Al Jazeera, including at least 16 in a strike on Gaza Citys Sabra neighbourhood, which the Civil Defence described as a full-fledged massacre. Dozens were also wounded in that Israeli attack on Saturday. Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah, said of the attack in Gaza City: Sources are saying there are dozens of Palestinians still trapped under the rubble. The Civil Defence teams are trying to retrieve bodies and rescue as many Palestinians as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli militarys Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee announced the latest forced evacuation orders to neighbourhoods in northern Gaza, including northwest of Gaza City and Jabalia. Forces will attack each zone used to launch rockets, calling on residents to immediately move to the southern areas of the enclave, Adraee wrote on X Saturday. In the south of the besieged enclave, the Palestinian Red Crescent said al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis was no longer accessible after Israeli forces designated the surrounding area a dangerous combat zone and ordered evacuations. There are many patients and medical staff in the hospital, the group said in a statement, urging international organisations to intervene, provide protection for medical sites, and open safe corridors for aid and medical supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those killed in Israeli attacks today were eight people in a shooting incident near an aid distribution site west of Rafah in southern Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza have gathered at al-Alam roundabout near Rafah almost daily since late May to collect humanitarian aid, at a centre about 1km (0.6 miles) away, operated by the shadowy US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Nearly 120 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire near these GFH sites since they were introduced. Samir Abu Hadid, who was there early Saturday, told the AFP news agency that thousands of people had gathered near the roundabout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As soon as some people tried to advance towards the aid centre, the Israeli occupation forces opened fire from armoured vehicles stationed near the centre, firing into the air and then at civilians, Abu Hadid said. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. The GHF had said on Friday that its aid centres would remain closed until further notice due to security concerns, just days after several deadly incidents near its aid hubs. Operations at our distribution points have been paused until further notice, a spokesperson for the GHF said on Friday, despite warnings from humanitarian agencies that the territory is on the brink of famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel last month partially lifted a total blockade on humanitarian supplies entering Gaza that had been in effect since March 2, but rights groups and the United Nations have warned that only a trickle of aid has been allowed into the territory. The UN, which has refused to cooperate with the GHF over neutrality concerns, has warned that Gazas entire population of more than two million people was at risk of starvation. In Israel, Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the military had recovered the remains of Thai national Nattapong Pinta from Rafah, southern Gaza. Pinta, an agricultural worker, was seized during the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Israeli officials said he had been held by the Mujahideen Brigades, a Palestinian armed group. His remains were found alongside those of two Israeli American captives retrieved earlier in the week. Pintas family in Thailand has been notified. By Maayan Lubell, Jaidaa Taha and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -A controversial humanitarian organization backed by the United States and Israel did not distribute any food aid on Saturday, accusing Hamas of making threats that "made it impossible" to operate in the enclave, which the Palestinian militants denied. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which uses private U.S. security and logistics firms to operate, said it was adapting operations to overcome the unspecified threats. It later said in a Facebook post that two sites would reopen on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Hamas official told Reuters he had no knowledge of such "alleged threats." The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said later on Saturday that GHF operation has "utterly failed on all levels" and that Hamas was ready to help secure aid deliveries by a separate long-running U.N-led humanitarian operation. Hamas also called on all Palestinians to protect humanitarian convoys. Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the U.N.-led operations, which the militants deny. A Hamas source said the group's armed wing would deploy some snipers from Sunday near routes used by the U.N.-led aid operation to prevent armed gangs looting food shipments. The U.N. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel allowed limited U.N.-led operations to resume on May 19 after an 11-week blockade in the enclave of 2.3 million people, where experts have warned a famine looms. The U.N. has described the aid allowed into Gaza as "drop in the ocean." Israel and the U.S. are urging the U.N. to work through the GHF, but the U.N. has refused, questioning its neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarizing aid and forcing displacement. The GHF began operations in Gaza on May 26 and said on Friday so far it has distributed nearly 9 million meals. While the GHF has said there have been no incidents at its so-called secure distribution sites, Palestinians seeking aid have described disorder and access routes to the sites have been beset by chaos and deadly violence. Dozens of Palestinians were killed near GHF sites between Sunday and Tuesday, Gaza health authorities said. Israel has said it is investigating the Monday and Tuesday incidents, but said it was not to blame for Sunday's violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOSPITAL FUEL LOW The GHF did not give out aid on Wednesday as it pressed Israel to boost civilian safety beyond its sites, then on Friday it paused some aid distribution "due to excessive crowding." The Israeli military said on Saturday that 350 trucks of humanitarian aid belonging to the U.N. and other international relief groups were transferred this week via the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza. Israel makes the U.N. offload aid on the Palestinian side of the crossing, where it then has to be picked by the U.N. and aid groups in Gaza. The U.N. has accused Israel of regularly denying access requests and complained that its aid convoys have been looted by unidentified armed men and hungry civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has in recent weeks expanded its offensive across the Gaza Strip as U.S., Qatari and Egyptian-led efforts to secure another ceasefire have faltered. Medics in Gaza said 55 people were killed in Israeli strikes across the enclave on Saturday. The Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday that Gaza's hospitals only had fuel for three more days and that Israel was denying access for international relief agencies to areas where fuel storages designated for hospitals are located. There was no immediate response from the Israeli military or COGAT, the Israeli defence agency that coordinates humanitarian matters with the Palestinians. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it had uncovered "an underground tunnel route, including a command and control center from which senior Hamas commanders" operated beneath the European Hospital compound in southern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war erupted after Hamas-led militants took 251 hostages and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, Israel's single deadliest day. Israel's military campaign has since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to health authorities in Gaza, and flattened much of the coastal enclave. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday the Israeli military had retrieved the body of a Thai agricultural worker held in Gaza since the October 2023 attack. Nattapong Pinta's body was held by the Mujahedeen Brigades militant group, and recovered from Rafah in southern Gaza, Katz said. (Reporting by Mayaan Lubell in Jeruslem, Jaidaa Taha, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Muhammad Al Gebaly in Cairo and Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; writing by Maayan Lubell and Patricia Zengerle; editing by Mark Potter, Mark Heinrich and Alistair Bell) Michal Peleg, 65, was last seen on Wednesday near her home in the village of Kavousi, a popular destination in eastern Crete known for hiking trails. An Israeli woman has been missing for three days on theGreek island of Crete, and local police, together with volunteers, are conducting a search operation. A professional Israeli search and rescue team is also en route to assist. Michal Peleg, 65, was last seen on Wednesday near her home in the village of Kavousi, a popular destination in eastern Crete known for hiking trails. According to her family, Peleg often goes for walks in the area and swims at a nearby beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rescue team from Harel Insurances unit, with which Peleg is insured, is scheduled to arrive in Crete on Saturday. The team includes three Israeli rescuers. The Foreign Ministry said its Department for Israelis in Distress Abroad, together with the Israeli Embassy in Greece, is assisting in the search. Representatives from the Foreign Ministry are in constant contact with the family of the missing woman, as well as with Interpol, the insurance companys rescue team, and local police who have deployed search teams, the ministry said. We hope the missing woman is found safe and sound as soon as possible. Lefkada, Greece (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK) Professional search team using drones, foot patrols to aid in the search for Peleg Daniel Krasso, a member of the Harel 669 rescue team, said: On Friday evening, we received a request to locate a Harel insured who is missing in Crete. Accordingly, we immediately activated local search teams with the assistance of local police. At the same time, we prepared to dispatch a rescue team from Harel 669, consisting of three Israeli rescuers, to assist in locating the missing person. He added that Harel 669 is coordinating with foot search teams, drones, and other technological tools to aid in the effort. We are in constant and direct contact with the insureds family and the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Krasso said. Thousands of Israeli protesters in Tel Aviv have again called for the return of captives held in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire, while hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestine supporters gathered in Rome denouncing the Italian governments complicity in the war. Captive families and antigovernment protesters gathered in front of Israels army headquarters on Saturday, several hours after Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Israeli forces had recovered the body of a Thai captive. In a statement, the Israeli army said on Saturday morning that the body of Nattapong Pinta was retrieved from the Rafah area in southern Gaza after he was taken captive during Hamass October 7, 2023, attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hostages and Missing Families Forum wrote on X that it bows its head in sorrow over the murder of Nattapong Pinta. The time is running out for all 55 hostages. We must bring them all home, Now!, the group wrote on X. The spokesperson of Hamass armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, warned that an Israeli captive, Matan Zangauker, is being held in an area targeted by the Israeli army. He warned that if Zangauker were killed during an attempt to free him, the Israeli military would be responsible. The captives mother, Einav Zangauker, speaking at the Tel Aviv protest, criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for neglecting those being held in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military pressure is closing in on [my son] and is placing him in immediate danger. The decision to expand the ground operation comes at the cost of Matans life and the lives of all the hostages, she said. [Netanyahu] continues to sacrifice the hostages. He is using the [Israeli military] not to protect Israels security, but to continue the war and protect his government. Itzik Horn, the father of captive Eitan Horn, said at a news conference in Tel Aviv that the United States Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff should push for a new ceasefire proposal aimed at securing the release of the captives. Present Netanyahu and Hamas with an offer with an ultimatum to end the war. This is likely the only way to return the hostages, Horn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called on Witkoff to set aside the Netanyahu framework for extending the war for the return of the captives. Police prevented activists from the NGO, Looking the Occupation in the Eye, from reaching the protest area in Tel Aviv, according to reports in the Israeli media. The activists were reportedly carrying placards protesting against Israeli war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. , . 07.06.2025 pic.twitter.com/2vJ3lFkXDl (@Alimut_Israel) June 7, 2025 Translation: Police pushing and shouting at protesters carrying signs calling for an end to the war. During the Hamas attack, which killed 1,139 people in southern Israel, the group abducted 251 people; following a series of prisoner-for-captive exchanges with the Israeli government, the group are currently holding 55 captives in Gaza, a number of whom are dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels war on Gaza has now killed at least 54,772 Palestinians and injured 125,834 others, Gazas Health Ministry reported. Enough to the massacre of Palestinians In the meantime, across Europe, pro-Palestine demonstrators called for an end to the Israeli genocidal assault in Gaza. In Rome, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the city in a protest called by opposition parties slamming the governments complicity in the war. The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, called the turnout an enormous popular response in opposition to Israels actions in the besieged and bombarded enclave. The demonstration was to say enough to the massacre of Palestinians, to say enough to the crimes of Netanyahus far-right government and to show the world another Italy, Schlein told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has come under increasing pressure to take a stronger stance on the war in Gaza as she has backed Israel and Netanyahu throughout, while admitting difficult conversations with the Israeli leader of late. Pro-Palestinian protesters attend a demonstration, calling for an end to the bombing in Gaza, in Rome, Italy, June 7, 2025 [Matteo Minnella/Reuters] In the British capital, London, antigovernment demonstrators held placards demanding Cut war, not welfare. Speaking at the Whitehall rally, former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said with the abominable, deliberate starvation of children in Gaza and the genocide thats inflicted against the Palestinian people, a world of peace was needed. We need a world of peace that will come through the vision of peace, the vision of disarmament and the vision of actually challenging the causes of war, which leads to the desperation and the refugee flows of today, he said. Pro-Palestine protests were also held Saturday in Denmark, Sweden, and Germany, where demonstrators raised banners calling for an end to the Israeli genocide against Palestinians. LGBTQ+ advocates respond with outrage after a Facebook post from a local Republican group appeared to tie Pride Month to notorious criminals, including serial killers and sex offenders. The post, shared by the Mandarin Republican Club, included the caption: Happy Pride Month. So glad our Acosta Bridge was lit in their honor. Below were images of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky, and a Georgia couple convicted of sexually assaulting their children. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also included in the post was a photo of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan with Andrew Gillum, a former Florida gubernatorial candidate who was involved in a sex scandal but never faced any criminal charges. LGBTQ+ community leader James Eddy called the post offensive and hateful. In this day and age, people on Facebook feel like they can put anything, Eddy said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Its sad that it came from the Republican Party. Eddy said he really was disgusted the fact that you associate Pridebecause they said Happy Pride in itwith pictures of like Jeffrey Dahmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post appeared to criticize a peaceful protest where supporters lit up the Acosta Bridge with flashlights. That protest was in response to a state ban on lighting public structures in specific colors, which LGBTQ+ advocates believe targets Pride celebrations. You know, when something is taken away, you try to fight against it, Eddy added. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] After Action News Jax began asking questions, the post was deleted. The Duval County Republican Party responded with a statement: We did not push it out. We did not approve it. We did not sanction it. Attempts to contact the head of the Mandarin Republican Club were unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors office declined to comment. As of now, it is still unclear who within the Mandarin Republican Club was responsible for the post. 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. (NewsNation) James Carville is taking heat for suggesting some Jewish campaign donors are turning their backs on Democrats ostensibly because they fault the party for what they consider to be antisemitic protests at Columbia University but really because theyre embracing President Trumps tax policy. On a recent episode of his podcast, Carville said many Jewish people see through that argument, while others just want your (expletive) tax cut. Among critics who blasted Carville was U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., who said on social media: I dont care whose campaign you ran thirty years ago, thats unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE arrests Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia protests The Democratic strategist joined CUOMO on Friday in an attempt to explain himself. He noted that student protesters at Columbia were chanting for the ouster of then-President Joe Biden for his support of Israel during its escalating war with Hamas in Gaza. Students at Columbia were chanting, Hey, hey, ho, ho, Genocide Joe must go, Carville said of claims that Democrats enabled anti-Israel protests. You might have many reasons to not want to vote for a Democrat, but the Columbia students is just not a valid reason. I do not believe you. Carville said Democratic presidents have long supported Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAO PAULO (AP) Japans Princess Kako of Akishino, a niece of Emperor Naruhito, received the highest order of Brazil's powerhouse state of Sao Paulo on Friday as she kicks off an 11-day trip to the South American nation. Her trip also marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko arrived on Thursday in Sao Paulo. She held appointments with members of the Japanese community on Friday and finished her schedule at a dinner with Governor Tarcisio de Freitas at the state government palace. She was awarded the Order of the Ipiranga at a closed ceremony. Princess Kako will visit another seven cities, including Rio de Janeiro and capital Brasilia, where she is expected to meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to de Freitas, she made reference to the first Japanese immigrants arriving in the city of Santos in 1908 after a gruesome trip through the seas. On the first day of her trip, she visited the memorial to pioneer Japanese immigrants at Sao Paulo's Ibirapuera Park. I felt that the immigrants made an enormous effort to adapt to Brazil, and still today are very active in different areas. The fact that Brazil sheltered the Japanese community made the connections between the two countries to become deeper, the princess said. Today, Brazil has the largest population of people of Japanese descent in the world, estimated at about 2.7 million. About half of those live in Sao Paulo state, official figures show. Emperor Naruhito has no male children, which makes his brother Akishino, Princess Kako's father, the first successor in line. Japan's tradition does not allow women to take the throne. Princess Mako, who is Princess Kako's older sister, was the last member of Japan's imperial family to visit Brazil. She traveled to 13 cities of the South American nation in 2018. Fox News host Jesse Watters criticized the Trump administration for bringing Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the United States, saying the wrongly deported mans return was like taking a rental car to the car wash. I dont think they should have brought him back, Watters said on The Five, shortly after news broke that Abrego Garcia is facing two counts of human smuggling in Tennessee. This is a national security situation. The guy is a designated terrorist. He belongs somewhere else. What are we going to do? Were going to spend two years and $50 million trying this guy and imprisoning this guy, feeding him, giving him healthcare, and then flying him home? Watters said incredulously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is like renting a car and taking it to a car wash before you return it, he added. Whats the point? Its not your car, and its going back anyway. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Abrego Garcia would first serve time in a U.S. prison if convicted, then be removed from the country once again. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen meets Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man wrongly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration. / Senator Chris Van Hollen via X / via REUTERS Garcia had been held in El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center even after the Trump administration admitted his deportation was an administrative error. When the Supreme Court ordered that it facilitate his return, the White House insisted that it was powerless to do so. Fridays events proved the administration was lying, The Five co-host Jessica Tarlov said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [White House Press Secretary] Karoline Leavittas well as other members of the administration, from the president himself to Kristi Noemlied to the American people when they said they couldnt bring him back, Tarlov said. Well, I guess you could get him back. Andrew Rossman, a lawyer for Abrego Garcia, made the same point. Todays action proves what weve known all alongthat the administration had the ability to bring him back and just refused to do so, he told The New York Times. Its now up to our judicial system to see that Mr. Abrego Garcia receives the due process that the Constitution guarantees to all persons. Jennifer Vasquez Sura, wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia / Ken Cedeno / REUTERS Abrego Garcia was sent to Tennessee, where the indictment was filed in May and unsealed Friday. The Times reports that an imprisoned mans information about Abrego Garcia moved the case forward. Prosecutors couldnt agree how to proceed, however, and one ended up resigning. SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)Jewish organizations and synagogues are choosing not to participate in San Diego Pride because of one of the festivals headline performers. Jewish synagogues and leaders said they decided not to participate after San Diego Pride failed to remove Kehlani as a headliner, despite a coalition of Jewish leaders sharing its concerns about Kehlanis participation in May. In the past, Kehlani has made comments against Israel and zionists and opened a music video with language that the San Diego Jewish community said could lead to direct harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have no objection to her supporting the Palestinian people. I do have an objection to her saying, long live the antifada, which is dangerous, said Lilian Faderman, congregant at Temple Emanu-El and LGBTQ historian. If people are ignited to violence we see what happens. We see what happened in Washington, D.C., with the murder of that beautiful couple. We see what happened in Colorado, Faderman said. Several Jewish synagogues and organizations are now saying they will no longer participate in San Diego Pride due to safety concerns. Temple Emanu-els senior rabbi, Devorah Marcus, and the president and ceo of the Jewish Federation of San Diego, Heidi Gantwerk, are a part of the Finest Community Coalition, which started earlier this year to combat antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition said it reached out to San Diego Pride, but changes have not been made to the lineup. This is a really painful loss for people in our community who have spent years participating with great joy and pride. Many people in the Jewish community really enjoy being a part of Pride and this hurts, said Heidi Gantwerk, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego. Rabbi Marcus and Gantwerk said the Jewish community will still celebrate Pride in their own way with a community Shabbat and a brunch. Meanwhile, it still hurts Faderman to know she wont be able to be at San Diego Pride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really sad to me that the San Diego Pride didnt understand the needs of the community, Faderman said. FOX 5/KUSI reached out to Kehlanis team and San Diego Pride for comment, but 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Job opportunities at the Port of Los Angeles are dwindling as President Trumps steep tariffs take a hit on global trade and a major economic engine for the regional economy. Nearly half of the longshoremen who support operations at the port went without work over the last two weeks, Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, said in an interview. The port processed 25% less cargo than forecast for May, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps tariffs have drastically stemmed the flow of goods into the U.S., driving down activity at the neighboring ports of L.A. and Long Beach, which collectively processed more than 20 million 20-foot-long cargo units last year. The two ports are the largest in the country and provide jobs for thousands of dockworkers, heavy equipment operators and truck drivers. But work has fallen off sharply in recent weeks. Over the last 25 work shifts, only 733 jobs were available for 1,575 longshoremen looking for work. Read more: Tariffs bring shipping slowdown, threatening trucking jobs at L.A. ports They havent been laid off, but theyre not working nearly as much as they did previously, Seroka told The Times. Since the tariffs went into place, and in May specifically, weve really seen the work go off on the downside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marine terminal operators post available work opportunities, known as job orders, on a digital board at the port three times a day. Longshoremen can review the job orders at each shift and bid on the jobs they want to take. If there are more longshoremen than job orders, a portion of workers will go without pay. The average of 733 job orders posted over the last 25 shifts, which is equal to roughly two weeks, is unusually low. Ordinarily, 1,700 to 2,000 job orders are posted during a typical day shift, and 1,100 to 1,400 are posted during a standard night shift. Seroka attributed the decrease in job opportunities to lower cargo volume moving through the port. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, 17 cargo ships canceled their planned trips to Los Angeles amid uncertainty over duties the Trump administration imposed worldwide. Although May is typically a busier month than April, this May saw 18% less cargo processed than the month prior, according to port data. The falloff comes during a crucial time in advance of the Christmas shopping season, orders for which are usually placed before July 1. Read more: U.S. representatives sound alarm over slowing port activity Conditions are not expected to significantly improve anytime soon. "The June numbers that we're projecting right now are nowhere near where they traditionally should be," Seroka said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An average of five ships have entered the port each day over the last week. This time of year, there would typically be 10 to 12 ships in the port each day. The drop in cargo volume caused by Trumps tariffs will mean empty shelves when products dont reach our stores, rising prices on everything from groceries to clothes to cars, and undoubtedly, more Americans out of work, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said in a news conference last month. The decline in shipping has broader ripple effects on L.A.s logistics economy. A 2023 report found that the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach contributed $21.8 billion in direct revenue to local service providers, generating $2.7 billion in state and local taxes and creating 165,462 jobs, directly and indirectly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A decline of just 1% in cargo to the ports would wipe away 2,769 jobs and endanger as many as 4,000 others, the study found. Read more: 'It's going to hurt a lot.' How L.A.'s importers are navigating Trump's shifting tariffs Union officials could not be reached for comment Friday but had predicted job losses for their members. Some of the workforce will not be getting their full 40 hours a week based on the loss of cargo, Gary Herrera, president of the longshoremen union ILWU Local 13, warned last month. That is going to have an effect on the work opportunities for not just us, but for truck drivers, warehouse workers and logistics teams, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The slowdown in activity at the ports of L.A. and Long Beach has also spread into surrounding communities. Businesses in the area rely on a robust community of port workers to frequent their establishments. "We're starting to hear from small businesses and restaurants in the harbor area that their customer patronage is trending downward," Seroka said. "Outside of COVID, this is the biggest drop I've seen in my career." 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. Joe Rogan found out about the Elon Musk-Donald Trump war in the middle of taping his new interview with Kash Patel. Trumps FBI director was defending himself from reports that hed drastically reduced briefing meetings at the Bureau during the Joe Rogan Experience taping on Thursday when Rogans producer cut in. After Rogan read aloud Musks tweet accusing Trump of being named in the Epstein files, he exclaimed, What the f--- are they doing? In an afternoon post on X, Musk wrote that it was Time to drop the really big bomb, as he claimed Trump is in the Epstein files and that is the real reason they have not been made public. He added, Have a nice day, DJT! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks sarcasm about the bomb hed dropped really seemed to surprise Rogan just as much as the information itself. Have a nice day, DJT? Rogan read again, incredulous. Someone should take his phone away. Musk wrote that it was Time to drop the really big bomb in an X post Thursday afternoon. He claimed Trump is in the Epstein files and that is the real reason they have not been made public. / Jim Watson/Getty Images Musk and Trump had reached the climax of their public spat on Thursday, just after Trump threatened to cut billions of dollars in government contracts and subsidies that support Musks businesses. The threat prompted the Tesla CEO to go nuclear in their war of words. Jesus Christ, thats a crazy thing to say, Rogan said after reading Musks tweet. How does he know? he then asked Patel. Does he know that Donald Trump is in the Epstein files? Does he have access to the Epstein files? Republicans have signaled support for President Trump and his MAGA agenda over Elon Musk as their relationship melted down this week despite the billionaire's claims Republicans would not have won without him. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Patel, who was also apparently learning about the major escalation in real time, was coy. I dont know how he would, but Im just staying out of the Trump Elon thing. Thats way outside my lane, he said. I know my lane and that aint it. Rogans takeaway was that social media had soured Musks mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand he owns Twitter. I think its bad for your mental health. I think posting things public all day and arguing with people all day is bad for you, Rogan said. Patel insisted earlier on in the interview he was working his a-- off to give the American public the information on the Epstein case that were allowed to give you. He had also declared hed never participate in hiding information about Epsteins grotesque activities as Rogan grilled him about the night Epstein died. Youre gonna get the video of the cell and youre gonna see for yourself, he said of the soon to be released video footage from the night of Epsteins death, to try and dispel rumors that he was murdered. Rogan questioned why the video wasnt released immediately, to which Patel responded by seemingly blaming former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr. But no matter what people see, he added, We will never be able to convince everyone. Members of a family with Joplin ties grieving the fatal shootings of 26-year-old Sarah Milgrim and her boyfriend, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, say there is no healing to be accomplished for victims of terrorism while lives are taken because of hate. Robert Milgrim, formerly of Joplin, said he and his family are still processing the deaths May 21 of his daughter and Lischinsky as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The two had attended a discussion involving young professionals on ways to get humanitarian aid safely to Gazans. The pair worked for the Israeli Embassy and planned to have careers in diplomacy. When they emerged from the museum, they were shot by a man identified as a far-left activist who shouted Free Palestine as he was taken into custody at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milgrim family has been left in total devastation and loss. We were so close to Sarah, her father said. She was a young woman who was devoted to faith, family and helping those in the Middle East toward stability and peace. We have to get rid of this hate thats in the world, Robert Milgrim told the Globe by telephone on Thursday. Killing somebody does not accomplish anything. Palestinians are starving and without other necessities in the wake of hostilities that started Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas, an Arab/Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, attacked Israel. The reason Israel is trying to control aid (sent for Gaza) is that a large portion was hijacked by Hamas and they sell it on the black market, Robert Milgrim said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife, Nancy Milgrim, said in an interview of the family aired Wednesday on CBS that she didnt know anything about the support expressed for the shooter from pro-Palestinians in the U.S. I dont know anything about that, but Sarah wasnt against the Palestinians; she wasnt against the people in Gaza. She was in all her heart working towards finding a way for everyone to live together peacefully, the mother said. Sarah Milgrims brother, Jacob Milgrim, said Theres nothing more important in Judaism than life and the sanctity of life, and to what end is this fighting and sacrifice? What does it accomplish taking my sister from me? Its not going to accomplish anything. Roger Gladden of Joplin, founder of Christians for World Peace, visits the Middle East as part of his organizations mission to provide charitable support for the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christians have a great relationship with both Israel and Arabs, Gladden said, although people need to be respectful of the political and religious differences. The Holy Land is a significant holy site for a number of religions. There is a small population of Arabs who are anti-Israel. The city of Bethlehem is Joplins sister city. Gladden said a former longtime mayor of Bethlehem was Christian, but the population there has changed and the city is now overseen by Muslims. The answers (to violence) in the region are complex. Its such a long-standing, deep cultural situation and, frankly its very difficult to eliminate that, Gladden said. But we pray that it will become peaceful. The old city of Jerusalem is divided into four sectors and we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Paul Teverow, a retired Missouri Southern State University history professor who is a member of United Hebrew Congregation of Joplin, said the murders were devastating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First of all when you read about something like what happened in Washington, D.C., to Sarah Milgrim and her partner, how can you not be both devastated and appalled? and then, when I saw the name Milgrim I realized that might be someone I know or in my circle of associates. That was really devastating to me. Robert Milgrim grew up in Joplin, one of three sons of Ben Milgrim, a well-known businessman who operated Milgrims Pawn Shop on Main Street. Milgrims was a popular store, often drawing tourists and people from other areas to shop and find treasures. Ben Milgrim died in 2010 at the age of 100. He was a member of the United Hebrew Congregation, Bnai Brith, Joplin Elks Lodge #501 for over 65 years, Joplin Masonic Lodge, a 32nd-degree Mason and was a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Joplin Pistol Club. Teverow said of the Hebrew Congregation, We have received overwhelming support from the community over the years and never had any threats or messages of hostility here. There have been Jewish families in Joplin for about 150 years and the Hebrew synagogue has been here more than a century, Teverow said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Milgrim, known as Bob, grew up in Joplin and graduated in 1970 from Memorial High School. After graduating college and earning his law degree, he moved to the Kansas City area where he worked in the ERISA division of the U.S. Department of Labor. ERISA regulates retirement and health insurance funds. He said he and his family have received much support from his Joplin classmates and friends as well as people across the country. We have gotten many, many cards. The mailman has brought bundles nearly every day since the tragedy. Many are from people I went to high school with and people I was very close with in Joplin. And many are from people we dont know. We are getting flowers and meals from people we dont know too. A lot of people are mourning with the family, he said. The embassy has received thousands of messages, cards and emails, and they are compiling something, to celebrate the lives of the two lost to a hate crime. A man convicted of abducting, robbing and killing a Salt Lake woman in 1988 is competent to be executed despite suffering from dementia, a judge ruled Friday. The ruling means that the state can move forward with its plans to execute Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, who has sat on death row for decades. Although Menzies has shown he has vascular dementia, he has not shown by a preponderance of the evidence that his mental condition prevents him from reaching a rational understanding of his punishment or the states reasons for it. Therefore, he has not met his burden to show he is incompetent to be executed, 3rd District Judge Matthew Bates wrote in a 22-page document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menzies was found guilty of murdering 26-year-old Maurine Hunsaker, whose body was found in Big Cottonwood Canyon in 1986, two days after she called her husband to tell him that she had been abducted. Hunsaker was a mother of three who worked in Kearns. Utah filed an execution warrant last year after Menzies exhausted all his appeals following his 1988 conviction, but that was delayed as his attorneys claimed that Menzies was suffering from dementia. That led to several hearings that wrapped up in May of this year. While both parties agreed that Menzies is suffering from vascular dementia, the two sides disagreed on whether that prevents him from rational understanding of the reasons for his execution, Bates noted. Seven medical professionals were brought in to evaluate Menzies, and they were split on whether he was competent. However, multiple doctors wrote that Menzies told them that he was aware of why he was in prison, even if he struggled to remember simple tasks, Bates wrote. He added that Menzies joked with his family and told stories with, for the most part, the same speed, articulation and coherence as in his prior set of phone calls before his dementia diagnosis, although he also told family he was also mentally gone and going crazy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After reviewing legal precedent, Bates ruled that Menzies attorneys did not provide evidence that his mental disorder prevents him from reaching a rational understanding of the reason for his execution and that his cognitive decline does not prevent him from reaching a rational understanding of his crime and punishment. Menzies consistently showed that he understands the link between his crime and his punishment. He understands that he is going to be executed for the kidnapping, robbery and murder of Maurine Hunsaker, Brooks wrote. He understands the severity of his crime and the meaning and purpose for his execution. He added that the court will contact both parties to schedule further proceedings. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A federal judge ruled on Friday that a majority of the money from the sale of Christ the King Seminary cannot be used toward the $150 million settlement in the Buffalo Catholic Diocese. Christ the King Seminary, located in East Aurora, sold for more than $4 million in February. According to attorneys representing some of the victims, the ruling stops the diocese from using nearly 65% of that money to settle with sex abuse victims. The diocese said that the settlement which was agreed upon in April will be paid using available funds from both the diocese and individual parishes, along with contributions from Catholic-affiliated entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under New York law, a charitable corporation must honor a donors direction and intention in Saint Josephs Hospital v. Bennett, 281 N.Y. 115 (1939), the New York Court of Appeals confirmed the controlling rule, that religious corporations may not divert donated funds from the stated purpose of a donor, wrote Chief Bankruptcy Judge Carl L. Bucki for the Western District of New York. 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. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) A Huntsville man charged with making threats against a Huntsville Fire Department station has been committed to the Alabama Department of Mental Health after a judge found his mental illness makes him a threat to himself or others. Madison County Circuit Judge Chris Comer said Friday that, based on two mental health evaluations of Craig Emerson and a subsequent hearing, Emerson is mentally ill and should remain in ADMH custody for treatment and therapy. State will seek death penalty against Huntsville man charged with killing 2 women in 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emerson, 58, entered a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to a charge of making terroristic threats. According to court documents, in 2021, Emerson threatened to blow up Huntsville Fire Station #5, prompting an investigation by local authorities. Due to concerns about his mental health, he was evaluated and subsequently committed to a state mental health facility for treatment in 2023. Records show he had mental health evaluations in February 2023 and November 2024. The court ordered that Emerson remain in the custody of the ADMH without being released unless authorized by the court. State court records show Emerson was previously arrested on multiple arson charges. In February 2013, he was charged with two counts of first-degree arson and one count of attempted arson after reportedly throwing Molotov cocktails into occupied homes in Huntsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded guilty in 2015 to a count of first-degree attempted arson. Records show he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but that sentence was suspended to time served and five years probation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jun. 6A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the Trump administration to restore AmeriCorps funding in 25 states, including Washington. The preliminary injunction, issued Thursday, reinstates $12 million in unspent funding in Washington that was frozen in April when the agency that promotes services and volunteering announced plans to cut approximately 41% of its grant funding and place 85% of its paid staff on leave. The money helps fund programs and services in education, public safety and food banks around the state. Affected organizations in Spokane County include the United Way, which lost a $50,000 grant; NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101, which lost $370,000; and the MLK Day of Service, which lost $200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Phoenix Conservancy, a Pullman-based nonprofit that restores endangered ecosystems on the Palouse, the Great Plains and in Madagascar, stood to lose a $220,000 federal grant. Executive Director Chris Duke previously told The Spokesman-Review that the grant required "kind of a leap," as it largely reimburses costs already accrued, with the organization only receiving a "very small portion" of the funds before the grants were frozen. The cuts to AmeriCorps programs sparked a lawsuit from 25 states, including Washington, alleging the trims violated the Administrative Procedures Act and the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution. AmeriCorps, which provides fund for Washington to use on services, notified the state on April 25 that it would immediately cancel all but one program it had supported. The cuts, Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement at the time, would "dismantle" around 800 service sites the state administered through Serve Washington, the state agency that distributes the funds. With approximately 1,300 volunteers, Ferguson said that would touch "virtually every corner of our state." The agency attempted to cut nearly $400 million worth of AmeriCorps-supported programs. According to the Washington state attorney's general's office, the order will restore the money and stop the Trump administration from blocking funding during the ongoing court battle for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thanks to the state's action, AmeriCorps volunteers in Washington can continue to serve food banks in Chelan and Douglas counties; help communities build climate resilience and prepare for disasters in rural areas; tutor children in places like the Tri-Cities and mentor at-risk youth in places like Tacoma and Seatac; and rehabilitate low-income housing, support veterans, and so much more statewide," Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement Thursday. "We'll continue this fight until the Trump administration finally respects the rule of law and the value of community service." The federal judge found that the cuts were unlawful because Congress earmarked the funds and required AmeriCorps to provide notice and an opportunity to comment on any changes to services. "Because the agency did not provide notice and an opportunity to comment before it made significant changes to service delivery, the States were unable to voice their concerns about these changes," Judge Deborah Boardman wrote . Thursday's order restores previously terminated programs in plaintiff states, and requires AmeriCorps to reinstate more than 750 National Civilian Community Corps members. Ralph Leroy Menzies appears for a competency hearing in 3rd District Court in West Jordan on Monday, Nov 18, 2024. (Pool photo by Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune) A Utah judge says death row inmate Ralph Menzies is mentally competent enough to be executed by firing squad. In a ruling issued Friday evening, 3rd District Judge Matthew Bates wrote that Menzies does have dementia, but its not enough to prevent him from understanding why hes being punished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menzies attorneys say they plan to appeal the decision to the Utah Supreme Court. The ruling caps of a monthslong competency hearing that began in November, where attorneys for Menzies argued the 67-year-olds brain is so damaged he cant form a rational understanding of why the state is pursuing the death penalty. Attorneys for the state, meanwhile, argued that Menzies does show signs of cognitive decline but hes still competent. Menzies has spent nearly 40 years on death row, after being convicted of murdering Maurine Hunsaker in 1986. Menzies kidnapped Hunsaker, a 26-year-old gas station clerk, from her work and took her up Big Cottonwood Canyon, where she was later found tied to a tree with her throat slashed. In recent years, Menzies health has deteriorated, his attorneys say. After falling several times in prison, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia, caused when the brains blood flow is disrupted, leading to memory loss and declining cognitive function. An MRI exam showed Menzies brain tissue is deteriorating, and his balance is fraught, causing him to fall several times each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his ruling Friday, Bates acknowledged Menzies condition, but said its not enough to deem him incompetent. Although Menzies has shown he has vascular dementia, he has not shown by a preponderance of the evidence that his mental condition prevents him from reaching a rational understanding of his punishment or the States reasons for it. Therefore, he has not met his burden to show he is incompetent to be executed, Bates wrote. In a statement, Matt Hunsaker, Maurines son, said he appreciated the courts diligence for issuing the ruling so soon. During the final day of arguments in the competency hearing on May 7, Bates said he would issue a ruling in 60 days, giving himself a July 6 deadline. It kind of comes as a shock to the family. We werent expecting it this soon, Hunsaker said. We definitely appreciate the fact that its moving forward, we are in hopes that the flow can continue and we can get an execution date and the death warrant signed immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunsaker, in a text message, added, my family is very happy to see that we might have some closure coming. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Menzies attorney Lindsey Layer told Utah News Dispatch they disagree with the ruling, and plan on filing an appeal with the Utah Supreme Court. Ralph Menzies is a severely brain-damaged, wheelchair-bound, 67-year-old man with dementia and significant memory problems, Layer said. He cannot understand the States reasons for his execution. His dementia is progressive and he is not going to get better. It is deeply troubling that Utah plans to remove Mr. Menzies from his wheelchair and oxygen tank to strap him into an execution chair and shoot him to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Utah, death row inmates sentenced before May 2004 had a choice between lethal injection and firing squad. Menzies, when he was sentenced in 1988, chose the firing squad. For those sentenced after 2004, the default method of execution is lethal injection, unless the necessary drugs are not available. Read the ruling below: Menziesruling SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BOSTON (SHNS) A Superior Court judge on Friday tossed a lawsuit brought by nine municipalities challenging the MBTA Communities Act, ruling that the controversial zoning-reform law is not an unfunded mandate. Plymouth Superior Court Justice Mark Gildea granted the Healey administrations motion to dismiss the latest challenges to the 2021 law, which supporters see as a key tool to spur development of much-needed housing in more than 170 eastern Massachusetts cities and towns. Marshfield, Middleton, Hanson, Holden, Hamilton, Duxbury, Wenham, Weston and Wrentham had each filed legal complaints against the law in recent months, contending that it should not be enforceable after the Division of Local Mandates in Auditor Diana DiZoglios office deemed the measure an unfunded mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs said allowing multifamily housing by right in at least one reasonably sized zone as the law requires could force them to absorb significant new infrastructure costs with no state assistance. Superior Court ruling dismissing MBTA Communities unfunded mandate challenge But Gildea concluded the possible costs are indirect, which means the law is not an unfunded mandate, and that grant programs are available to help shoulder some of the burden. Even if [the law] was an unfunded mandate, the Municipalities have failed to allege sufficient facts concerning any anticipated amounts associated with future infrastructure costs beyond a speculative level, Gildea wrote in a 40-page decision. Some of the plaintiffs laid out their own issues with the law as well, such as Middleton arguing that it should not be classified as an MBTA community and therefore should not be subject to the mandatory zoning reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Talerman, an attorney for some of the towns, said in an email that plaintiffs are disappointed with the result and find the decision to be contrary to applicable law. Most of the 177 communities subject to the law have approved new zoning reforms, putting them in compliance, according to the Healey administration. In January, the Supreme Judicial Court upheld the MBTA Communities Act as a constitutional law the attorney general can enforce with legal action. The high court required the Healey administration to redo the regulation-setting process. 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. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A state court jury convicted a Minneapolis-area man Friday of third-degree murder and vehicular homicide in the deaths of five young women in a crash that authorities said was caused by him speeding, running a red light and slamming into their car. Jurors in Hennepin County District Court deliberated two days before reaching their verdict in the case of Derrick John Thompson, 29, of Brooklyn Park, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported. In November, a federal court jury convicted Thompson on drug and firearms charges because investigators found a handgun, ammunition and illegal drugs in his vehicle after the June 2023 crash, and he is awaiting sentencing in that case. He was convicted Friday of 15 charges and his sentencing is set for July 24. Third-degree murder is unintentionally causing a death through eminently dangerous actions and with a depraved mind, without regard for human life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His choices that day scarred many lives and affected an entire community, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty told reporters following the verdict, according to KARE-TV. The Minneapolis crash victims Salma Abdikadir, Siham Adam, Sabiriin Ali, Sahra Gesaade and Sagal Hersi were between 17 and 20 years old, on their way home from preparations for a friends wedding. Their deaths sparked sorrow and outage among Minnesotas sizeable Somali American population. Prosecutors have said Thompson was driving a black Cadillac Escalade on a Minnesota freeway at 95 mph (153 kph) in a 55 mph- (89 kph-) speed zone and abruptly cut across four lanes of traffic to exit the freeway, flying by a state highway patrol trooper. Thompsons defense attorney, Tyler Bliss, raised questions about whether Thompsons brother might have played a role in the crash that authorities did not investigate. The brother was not charged and testified that he didnt drive the SUV the night of the crash and Thompson was the last person he saw behind the wheel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bliss called that testimony self-serving. Thompson previously served part of an eight-year prison sentence in California in connection with a 2018 hit-and-run accident that severely injured a woman in the Santa Barbara area. He was released from prison there months before the crash in Minneapolis. Court records show that Thompson is the son of a former Democratic state representative from St. Paul who was sharply critical of police during his one term in office. Jury finds Derrick Thompson guilty on all charges in crash that killed 5 women originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Derrick Thompson has been found guilty on all 15 charges for causing the death of five women in a horrific car crash in Minneapolis Thompson was traveling at speeds of up to 100 mph in an SUV rented from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on the evening of June 16, 2023, when he exited I-35W at Lake Street and ran a red light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He smashed into a vehicle carrying Sahra Gesaade, 20, Salma Abdikadir, 20, Sagal Hersi, 19, Siham Odhowa, 19, and Sabiriin Mohamoud Ali, 17, killing all of them. Derrick J. Thompson. Courtesy of the Hennepin County Jail. In court on Friday, a jury returned a verdict of guilty on all 15 counts five counts of 3rd-degree murder and ten counts of criminal vehicular homicide. Thompson had claimed he wasn't behind the wheel at the time of the crash, with his defense team arguing investigators had failed to determine it was his brother, Damarco, who was at fault. Thompson, the son of former Minnesota Representative John Thompson, was allegedly was weaving in and out of traffic on I-35W shortly before exiting and running the red light at the end of the ramp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Sahan Journal, the women, some of whom were related, had been together to get henna tattoos applied at Karmel Mall ahead of a friend's wedding. Their families are expected to speak following the conclusion of Friday's hearing. Clockwise from top-left: Saga Hersi, Siham Adam, Sabiriin Ali, Salma Abdikadir, Sahra Gesaade. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A jury has handed down a verdict following the trial of a man accused of the murder of Baton Rouge civil rights activist Sadie Roberts-Joseph. 44-year-old Ronn Bell was found guilty of second-degree murder. His sentencing is set for Aug. 7. Ronn Bell (Baton Rouge Police Department) Previously, a grand jury charged Bell with second-degree murder and failure to register as a sex offender in November 2019. Roberts-Josephs body was found in the trunk of a car on North 20th Street near Scenic Highway on July 12, 2019. She was 75 years old. Days later, Bell was arrested in connection with her death and booked into jail on a first-degree murder charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives said Bell was a tenant of Roberts-Joseph and owed her $1,200 in rent. Roberts-Joseph was the founder of the Baton Rouge African American Museum. 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. Justin Baldonis $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane may be in jeopardy because of a journalists text message using the wrong choice of words. Baldonis filing largely centered on a text sent by a reporter claiming that Sloane said Lively was sexually assaulted by Baldoni. His legal team cited the unsubstantiated accusation as evidence that Sloane pushed a false narrative to destroy Baldoni and his reputation. The journalist who sent the text in question, identified as Daily Mail reporter James Vituscka, has since come forward and clarified the message, admitting that he used those words in error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In those text messages, my use of the phrase sexually assaulted was a mistake. I meant to say, sexually harassed. I regret this error, Vituscka says, according to a signed declaration shared with the Daily News on Friday by law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, which is representing Sloane. Ms. Sloane never told me that Ms. Lively was sexually harassed or sexually assaulted by Justin Baldoni or anyone else, Vituscka says. I regret that private text messages were made public. Whats more, Vitusckas text which he claims he did not authorize to be used in Baldonis filing was not in reference to any conversation that I had with Leslie Sloane but to the allegations made in the complaint Lively filed against Baldoni in mid-December, he says. In the initial complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department, the Gossip Girl star, 37, accused her 41-year-old It Ends With Us director of sexual harassment on the films set and a retaliatory smear campaign. She formally sued Baldoni at the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two weeks later, Baldoni filed his countersuit, accusing Lively, Reynolds and Sloane of defamation and civil extortion. In part using that message from Vituscka, his lawyers claimed Baldoni was targeted in a character assassination plot orchestrated by Sloane at Livelys direction. Sloane has maintained that said she never used the phrase sexually assaulted, and has sought to be dismissed from the case. After being wrongfully dragged into this litigation, Leslie Sloane has repeatedly stated that she never used the phrase sexually assaulted which formed the basis of Baldonis meritless defamation claim against her and today she is fully vindicated by the declaration of James Vituscka that admits she never said those words, attorney Sigrid McCawley said in a statement sent to The New York Daily News. The Wayfarer Parties never even bothered to attempt to confirm whether the outrageous allegations they were launching at Ms. Sloane were true, and they were not. Legal teams for Lively and Baldoni did not immediately respond to a request for comment. FBI Director Kash Patel said in an interview this week that his agency made a breakthrough as it continues to investigate former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key player in the U.S.s early response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, Patel cautioned Faucis critics from expecting too much. We just had a great breakthrough this week on Fauci, Patel told podcaster Joe Rogan in an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience released Friday, explaining the FBI had recovered phones used by Fauci early in the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had always been looking for phones and devices he used while he was back in Trump one [the first Trump administration] during COVID, and nobody had found it until two days ago. Everybody listening to us shouldnt jump to the conclusion [that] everythings in there, he added. Maybe its deleted, maybe its not, but at least we found it, and at least now we can tell people that we have been looking because it is of public importance. President Trump and his allies have long accused Fauci of misleading the government on its handling of the pandemic and hiding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Former President Biden granted Fauci a preemptive presidential pardon before Trump took office in January to shield the retired doctor from prosecution. Trump blasted the move at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) a year earlier called for Fauci to be jailed over the origins of the COVID-19 virus. Paul and others claim Fauci played a role in the outbreak through lab research in China and accused Fauci of causing between 10 [million] and 20 million deaths from the pandemic. Fauci last year defended himself before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, arguing that he always followed the best science available and never suppressed evidence of a potential lab leak. He told lawmakers at the time that another million people would have died without government interventions, though he conceded, how long you kept them going is debatable. Bidens pardon covers any offenses from Jan. 1, 2014, to the end of Bidens term related to Faucis service as NIAID director, a member of the White Houses COVID-19 task force or as chief medical adviser to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We think that there was definite foul play, but my opinion is irrelevant, Patel said. It only matters what I can show the American people and prove. Thats what were working on [but] thats why I dont run out there and say Look, were gonna get this guy, were 100 percent gonna get him,' Patel added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Katie Miller, the wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, recently departed from the Trump administration to work for Elon Musk, days before the spectacular falling out between President Donald Trump and the billionaire. The 33-year-old Miller was one of Musks first hires as he established the Department of Government Efficiency and began reducing the federal workforce. She left the administration alongside him last week. Like Musk, she was designated as a special government employee during her time in government, which allowed her to work for Musk and Trump, as well as in the private sector, simultaneously. Miller even helped to set up the departing press conference in the Oval Office featuring Musk and Trump, according to The Wall Street Journal. Musk and Trumps relationship fell apart in public on Thursday, with Musk unfollowing Stephen Miller on X. Friends of Miller told the paper that she was in a difficult position between Trump and Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie Miller was a critical reason DOGE was able to get off the ground and deliver massive cuts to waste, fraud, and abuse for the American people, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the outlet. This isnt the first time that Miller has been caught in the crossfire of a Trump feud. Miller also worked for then-Vice President Mike Pence when Trump began attacking him for not aiding him in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election towards the end of his first term. However, at the time of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, she was on maternity leave. Katie Miller ended up in a difficult situation between Elon Musk and Donald Trump (Getty) In December last year, Miller became one of the first DOGE staffers announced by the then-president-elect. However, her work at DOGE soon became the catalyst for disagreements with the White House, where top Trump aides argued that she hadnt sufficiently convinced Musk to work alongside the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top administration officials told The Journal that she often spoke on behalf of Musk, issued orders about what agencies should do, and how the governments work should be communicated. Officials were concerned about her continuing work for P2. However, she left the firm after The Journal published an article about her work there. She then also departed the White House to work for Musk, just before the blowup between the billionaire and the president. Miller has been described as having endless energy and as being fiercely protective of her husband. Current and previous co-workers told The Journal that she could go from charming to abrasive. Those who know her told the paper that she has a YOLO tattoo on the inside of her lip. Miller has at times worked for clients while lobbying the government, simultaneously addressing government issues. She quickly rose through the ranks after being hired in 2015 by Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Daines aide Jason Thielman told The Journal that Everything was always at full speed, full throttle. Sometimes, she just exhausted people, and they gave her what she wanted, he added of her battles with reporters. She joined the Department of Homeland Security during Trumps first term before working for Pence. It was during her time at DHS that she met Stephen Miller. Every Trump White House had its divisions, but she was always willing to go to bat to protect the VPs prerogatives, Pences Chief of Staff Marc Short told the paper. Following the insurrection, Stephen Miller kept working for Trump, and she remained in Pences office. While she was placed on Pences postpresidential payroll, partly because she needed healthcare, according to Pence's advisors, his office subsequently severed connections with her after Stephen Miller began working with then-President Trump. He continued to target his former vice president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After joining the Republican consulting firm P2 Public Affairs following Trumps 2021 departure from office, she subsequently became the top point of contact between Musk and the 2024 Trump campaign. She often joined Musk at events and then began advising Robert F. Kennedy, who later became Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, now known as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Pence opposed Kennedys appointment, and in January of this year, Miller took aim at her former boss, saying that he only had family values when it was politically expedient and called him a footnote of American history. Jun. 6A man has been charged with punching a woman, stealing her car and kidnapping their child. Adam Anderson, 34, of Ghent, Kentucky was charged in Dayton Municipal Court with felony counts of felonious assault, abduction and aggravated robbery, as well as a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence. He is currently in the Montgomery County Jail and is scheduled to be in court Monday, according to jail records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson was charged after police were initially called to a domestic violence complaint in the 1600 block of E. Third Street around 3:30 p.m. Thursday. According to an affidavit, police found a woman who was "dazed, bleeding from her mouth, and missing a tooth." She told police that Anderson, who is her son's father punched her in the mouth, stole her car and left with the 2-year-old boy in the car. A family member saw the woman be punched and got a second child out of the car before Anderson took it, the affidavit said. Police found Anderson standing outside the vehicle at Sammy's Drive Thru, 1290 Woodman Drive, with the toddler still inside, court documents said. Anderson had blood on his left hand, and the child was reportedly uninjured but crying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Police Sgt. Andrew Zecchini previously said that Anderson was found just over an hour after officers were dispatched, and that the child was checked by medical professionals out of an abundance of caution. According to the affidavit, Anderson told police that he had been dating the woman for three years and they broke up that day. He said that he lost his temper because he suspected she cheated on him, and that he hurt his hand slamming it on a door. He originally denied punching the woman, but during a jail call he admitted to knocking out her tooth and taking the toddler with him. He also said that the vehicle belonged to the woman, and he took it wanting to leave. Police previously said Anderson does not have custody of the child, and has a warrant for his arrest in Kentucky for violent crimes. A deputy with the Allen County Sheriffs Office shot and killed a man Friday afternoon, Kentucky State Police said. Deputies were called to a report of a domestic disturbance at a home on Shockley Road in Scottsville, state police said in a news release. When they arrived, the deputies found Joshua R. Stanka, 42, of Brownsville, armed with a gun, according to state police. State police said one of the deputies shot Stanka, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting happened at 4:30 p.m. The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team is investigating. Let's cut to the chase. Yes, the world's top TikToker Khaby Lame WAS detained by ICE, the agency confirmed on June 7. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, June 6, at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada for immigration violations, ICE confirmed to Mens Journal in an emailed statement after Mens Journal asked whether it was true that ICE had arrested the popular TIkToker. Lame entered the United States April 30 and overstayed the terms of his visa. Lame was granted voluntary departure June 6 and has since departed the U.S., ICE wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the ICE statement: ICE on Khaby Lame ICE That news came after confusion erupted because Lame is not in the ICE arrest database. Furthermore, he's been posting on Instagram and on TikTok since the rumor went viral, including while in a bookstore. However, that's likely because ICE now says it let him leave the country, so he's no longer in ICE custody. On June 6, Men's Journal asked ICE public relations about the viral and then-unverified rumor that Lame was arrested, which started on the X page of a social media influencer named Bo Louden, who claimed he reported Lame. X's Grok warned readers on June 6 that the rumor was likely false. A spokeswoman for ICE, Alethea Smock, told Men's Journal on the evening of June 6 that she was looking into it, and the agency responded with the statement on June 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 7, Lame posted several times to his Instagram story, including a post in a bookstore, holding a book. He also wished a top athlete a happy birthday. Lame posted this video on TikTok on June 7: In a June 6, 2025, post, Louden alleged that Lame, who has more than 162 million followers on TikTok, was arrested by ICE in Nevada and is in custody, and he shared an ICE database screenshot in the name of Serigne Khabane Lame of Senegal. The post then ricocheted around social media and was viewed hundreds of thousands of times. A community note was quickly attached to his post. "Khaby Lame is still living in Italy, and was granted citizenship there in 2022. ICE is a U.S.-based organization and cannot deport someone not living in the USA," it read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's true that Lame doesn't come up in the database and didn't on the evening of June 6, either. No evidence of Khaby Lame, Khabane Lame, or Serigne Khabane Lame being in ICE custody came up in that database (as the screenshot lists). Nothing. Zero results came up also when you put the supposed A-Number from the screenshot into the database. In other words, the screenshot was impossible to replicate, fueling initial questions about the report. As noted, thats likely because Lame was allowed to voluntarily leave the country, though, per the new statement from ICE, which confirmed that he was taken into custody, albeit briefly. On Louden's comment thread on X, other people wrote that they also got no results when they tried to replicate it in the official database, raising questions. Authorities also later confirmed Lame's brief detention to France 24. Lame is an Italian citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italian citizens do not need a visa to be in the United States for up to 90 days. KRON4 confirmed that Khaby Lame was born in Senegal. He is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. "Lame moved to Italy from his native Senegal when he was an infant with his working class parents, but was only granted Italian citizenship when he was 20," that site reported. In 2024, he starred in a show about trying to find a new home in the U.S. In early May, Lame was photographed attending the Met Gala in New York. This post was updated with the ICE statement. Related: 'Ballerina' Movie Scene That Made Ana de Armas Cry Khaby Lame Was Detained by ICE, Agency Confirms first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 7, 2025 Khaby Lame, the worlds most popular TikToker, has posted several times on social media since ICE confirmed detaining him. According to a statement ICE emailed Mens Journal on June 7, the agency detained Lame on accusations of immigration violations in Nevada but let him voluntarily leave the country. You wouldnt know that from his social media pages, though, as Lame has posted to both his Instagram story and TikTok page since news went viral that he was arrested by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lame posted a video with costumed mascots to TikTok, and he posted several times to his Instagram story, including a photo showing a hand holding a book in a bookstore and a shout-out to an athlete for his birthday. He also posted about Eid Mubarak. On June 8, he posted a scene showing palm trees to his Instagram story. He has more than 162 million TikTok followers. News that ICE had taken Lame into custody first broke via an X influencer named Bo Louden, although many people raised questions about the initial report because Lame no longer came up in the ICE detention database. That may be because the agency now says it let him leave the country. Louden wrote that he was the person who reported Lame to ICE. Heres the official statement by ICE, which the agency emailed to Mens Journal on June 7, after Mens Journal wrote ICE the night before to ask whether it was true the worlds most followed TikToker had been arrested. ICE statement on Khaby Lame. ICE U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, June 6, at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada for immigration violations, ICE confirmed to Mens Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lame entered the United States April 30 and overstayed the terms of his visa. Lame was granted voluntary departure June 6 and has since departed the U.S., ICE wrote. The agency later also confirmed Lame's detention to France24. Khaby Lame Posts on Social Media After ICE Confirms Detaining Him first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 7, 2025 The eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv was hit by a Russian glide bomb attack on Saturday, after suffering heavy Russian airstrikes earlier in the day. A 30-year-old woman was killed, Kharkiv's military governor, Oleh Syniehubov, wrote on Telegram. In the evening, a 62-year-old man also died in hospital from his injuries, he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 40 people were injured in the glide bomb attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This makes no military sense. It is pure terrorism," he wrote on Telegram. Russia dropped four glide bombs on the city centre, damaging two buildings belonging to a children's railway, train carriages and two houses, Syniehubov said. He said the area is a popular place for families to spend their free time at the weekend. On Saturday morning, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported three deaths in Russian airstrikes on the city, which also hit residential buildings. He said the strikes injured 21 people, including a baby and a 14-year-old girl. According to Ukrainian sources, 53 drones, four glide bombs and a missile struck various locations in the earlier attack. Terekhov said the attack was the most severe that the city had experienced since the war began more than three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, is located close to the Russian border and has repeatedly been the target of Russian attacks. A disputed exchange Meanwhile Russia and Ukraine are wrangling over the implementation of the prisoner exchange and return of 6,000 dead soldiers agreed on Monday in Istanbul. Moscow's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, said on Telegram on Saturday that the Russian side was waiting at the handover point with 1,212 frozen bodies in refrigerators ready to begin the initiative, but the Ukrainian envoys were absent. In addition, he said a list of 640 detainees had been handed over to Ukraine for the latest planned prisoner exchange. The other remains were also said to be on their way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defence Ministry released a video showing white bags, allegedly containing the bodies, being transported in lorries. Medinsky accused Ukraine of not honouring the agreement and delaying the prisoner swap. The Ukrainian coordination staff responded that the timing of the handover had not been agreed upon but was unilaterally set by the Russians. In a statement on Telegram, the staff referred to "dirty games" and called on the Russian side to return to constructive work. The implementation of the agreements could take place "in the coming days," the staff in Kiev said. At the same time, Ukraine rejected Russian accusations that the exchange of prisoners and the handover of the bodies were being delayed. Ukraine criticizes flawed prisoner lists The coordination staff said it had handed over its lists for the prisoner exchange to the Russian side, in line with the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Russian reports, the exchange is to involve 1,200 prisoners on each side. However, the staff in Kiev complained that Moscow had provided lists that did not comply with the Istanbul agreement. It is now Russia's turn, it said. The prisoner exchange was expected to take place this Saturday and Sunday. Lorries full of bodies In a video released by the Russian Defence Ministry, Lieutenant General Alexander Sorin, a member of Moscow's negotiating team, stated that the Ukrainian side had not confirmed the prisoner exchange on Saturday and had postponed it indefinitely. Russia is ready to implement all agreements reached in Istanbul, the general emphasized. "We are prepared to hand over all the bodies and also carry out the exchange of prisoners of war according to the agreed formula," Sorin said. The talks in Istanbul were the second direct negotiations since 2022, following a first round in May, which led to the largest prisoner exchange to date in the same month. A total of 1,000 soldiers and civilians were freed on each side. Massive Russian strikes on Ukraines second-largest city killed at least five people on Saturday, officials said, one night after Moscow carried out one of the wars largest aerial assaults on Ukraine. Russia has conducted extensive attacks on Ukraine in recent days, in what is being viewed as retaliation for an audacious drone operation by Kyiv that debilitated more than a third of Moscows strategic cruise missile carriers. The northeastern city of Kharkiv which sits about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the Russian border was shaken by at least 40 explosions in the early hours of Saturday, according to a Telegram post by Mayor Igor Terekhov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war, Terekhov said. The enemy is striking simultaneously with missiles, (drones) and guided aerial bombs. This is outright terror against peaceful Kharkiv. Video released by emergency services showed a large fire burning in a multi-story apartment block in the Osnovyanskyi district in the citys southwest, where Terekhov said two people had died. One person was also killed in a strike that hit a house in the Kyivskyi district to the north, he said. Russia resumed its assault on Saturday evening. It launched a fresh round of strikes using glide bombs, killing another two people and injuring at least 40 others, according to Ukrainian officials. Those killed were a woman and 62-year-old man, officials said. Two other victims of the attack are in intensive care in extremely serious condition, according to Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv region military administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The target of the second attack was a childrens playground with a miniature railway, Terekhov said. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky called the Saturday evening attack pure terrorism in a post on Telegram. Air bombs on civilians in the city even a childrens railway nearby. This makes no military sense. Pure terrorism, he said in the post. This cannot be ignored. We cannot turn a blind eye to this Every day we lose our people just because Russia feels impunity. We need tough pressure on Russia to make peace. In his daily address later Saturday, Zelensky said that the Russians are preparing to continue the war and ignore all peace proposals. They must be held accountable for this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian leader also called on the United States to send positive and specific signals related to his countrys air defense. Kyiv has extended an offer to the US to buy air defense systems, Zelensky said, but it has not yet received a response. Last week, the Pentagon notified Congress 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. Russia said earlier Saturday that its forces carried out high-precision strikes overnight on Ukrainian military facilities. The strikes achieved their objectives. All designated targets were destroyed, the Russian Ministry of Defense posted on Telegram. More than 50 drones, four guided aerial bombs and a missile were used in the attack which also damaged an administrative building and music school in the city, according to Kharkiv region prosecutors office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the injured include a 14-year-old girl and a one-and-a-half-month-old boy, who is suffering from acute stress, the office added. Ruslana Sheveleva, a Kharkiv resident whose neighbors house was struck in the attack, described the chaotic scenes as people scrambled to escape the building. The house was hit, right where this young man was lying, she told Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne. I dont think he even understood what was happening. He died instantly. They dug his mother out from under the rubble. His father, as I understand it, managed to get out almost on his own, she added. Firefighters extinguish a fire at a multi-story residential building after Russian attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine, on June 7, 2025. - Sergey Bobok/AFP/Getty Images Iryna Ivanenko, another resident, said her 26-year-old daughter who was later rescued by firefighters begged her for help, trapped in her bedroom under a heavy slab. I tried to lift the slab, but it was impossible, Ivanenko told Suspline. Uncertainty over prisoner of war swap Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday of postponing the exchange of prisoners of war and transfer of deceased soldiers for an indefinite period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian side unexpectedly postponed the transfer of bodies and the exchange of prisoners of war for an indefinite period, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky posted on Telegram. For some reason, their negotiating team didnt even show up at the exchange point. An agreement to work towards another prisoner swap was reached in Istanbul on Monday during a second round of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials. Medinsky the head of Russias delegation for the talks in Istanbul claimed Saturday that Moscow had given Ukraine a list of 640 wounded, seriously ill and young prisoners of war to be exchanged. In addition, Russia has begun the repatriation of more than 6,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers, Medinsky said. The first batch of 1,212 frozen bodies of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers has already arrived in refrigerated trucks at the exchange point. The rest are on their way, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine accused Russia of playing dirty games. Todays statements by the Russian side do not correspond to reality or to previous agreements on either the exchange of prisoners or the repatriation of bodies, Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said Saturday. The authority said that Ukraine has submitted a list of seriously wounded, ill and young servicemen to be exchanged, but claimed that Russias lists do not comply with the agreed approach. Ukraine has provided relevant comments, and the next step is now awaited from the Russian side, the authority said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenting on the repatriation of soldiers bodies, the authority said that an agreement has indeed been reached, but added that no date has been set for the transfer to take place. On Saturday evening, Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russian-appointed governor of the occupied parts of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region, said that Moscow would publish the names of the Ukrainian soldiers whose bodies were reportedly supposed to be returned that day. In a post on Telegram, Balitsky accused Kyiv of not carrying out what it had previously agreed to do. What is there to discuss if Ukraine refuses to accept the bodies of its dead, the agreement about which was reached during the second stage of negotiations, he asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several swaps have previously taken place between the two sides despite the ongoing conflict. Also on Saturday, Ukraines air force said that it had shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet as part of a successful Air Force operation in the Kursk direction. Russia did not immediately comment on the claim, but a Russian military blogger described the plane as lost and said that the pilot had been rescued. A day before the assualt on Kharkiv, in an apparent retaliation to Ukraines drone swarm, Russia launched a barrage of drones and ballistic missiles across broad swaths of Ukraine, killing at least six people and injuring dozens of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They gave (Russian President Vladimir) Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night, US President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One late on Friday. Trump had earlier warned Russian retaliation was imminent, after speaking with his Russian counterpart on Wednesday. It was not immediately clear if Putin intends further escalation. CNNs Catherine Nicholls, Mariya Knight and Kate Irby contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Kilmar Abrego Garcias case started quietly, boiling down to a clerical error that moved him up on a list to land on a deportation flight destined to El Salvador in March. And then a court filing from the Trump Justice Department acknowledging the mistake brought it to the national forefront culminating in a fraught legal battle and heated political debate. On Friday, the Trump administration announced that Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who had resided in Maryland until he was mistakenly deported to his home country, landed in the United States, and was facing criminal charges. It was an extraordinary development in a case thats come to define the presidents hardline immigration policies and a striking about-face from the Trump administration, which had maintained he would not return to the US. At the start of the legal battle, nearly three months ago, both sides agreed that Abrego Garcias deportation to El Salvador and subsequent imprisonment in the countrys notorious mega-prison was a mistake. In 2019, an immigration judge granted Abrego Garcia withholding of removal, meaning he couldnt be removed to El Salvador over fear of persecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement official called his removal an administrative error in a March court declaration, appearing to mark the first time the administration had conceded an error over the controversial flights to El Salvador that resulted in the detention of hundreds of migrants in the CECOT prison. But then, Trump administration officials publicly abandoned that position and called Abrego Garcia a terrorist, because they allege he is a member of MS-13, which the US has designated as a terrorist organization. His attorneys and family maintain that he was not a member of MS-13 and have argued that he is still entitled to due process. Heres how Abrego Garcias case played out over the last few months. Detained and deported in mid-March Abrego Garcia, who came to the United States illegally in 2012, first had an encounter with immigration authorities in 2019 after an arrest. At the time, the government similarly argued that Abrego Garcia was a gang member while he made the case that he feared a possible return to El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The immigration judge presiding over the case sided with Abrego Garcia and ruled that he may not be deported back to El Salvador. Years later, on March 12, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement pulled over Abrego Garcia and arrested him, which came as the Trump administration continued its aggressive crackdown on immigration. Abrego Garcia was then mistakenly put on a deportation flight three days later and sent to CECOT. Judge ordered Abrego Garcias return while the Supreme Court stopped short of requiring it It took the Trump administration weeks to concede that it mistakenly deported the Maryland father to El Salvador because of an administrative error. But while doing acknowledging the mistake, the administration said in court filings on March 31 that it could not return him because he was in Salvadoran custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that week, Judge Paula Xinis of the US District Court in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to return Abrego Garcia to the US, kicking off a monthslong legal battle in which the Trump administration has argued that courts cannot intervene in the foreign policy decision-making of the United States. In her April 4 order, Xinis gave a deadline of April 7 to bring back Abrego Garcia but the Supreme Court paused the deadline. Days later, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration must facilitate Abrego Garcias return but stopped short of requiring the government to return him. In recent weeks, Xinis has accused the Trump administration of repeated stonewalling and intentional noncompliance with its obligation to produce information related to how it has been facilitating Abrego Garcias return. Trump weighed in, saying he could, but wouldnt bring back Abrego Garcia President Donald Trump, in an interview with ABC News in April, acknowledged that he could secure Abrego Garcias return, contradicting previous remarks made by him and his his top aides who said the US did not have the ability to return Abrego Garcia because he was in the custody of a foreign government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by ABCs Terry Moran why he cant just pick up the phone and secure Abrego Garcias return, Trump said: And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that. But he is not. The president went on to accuse Abrego Garcia of being a MS-13 member, pointing to his tattoos, which experts say are not by themselves proof hes a gang member. And just days later, the White House and El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele made clear during an Oval Office meeting that Abrego Garcia would not be returned to the US. Democratic senator met with traumatized Abrego Garcia in El Salvador Democratic lawmakers have been critical of how the Trump administration handled the Abrego Garcia case and continued to call for him to be brought back. One Democratic senator, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, flew down to El Salvador to meet with his constituent. After initially not being allowed to meet him, Van Hollen had a sit down with Abrego Garcia on April 17 and in a press conference a day later, the senator said Abrego Garcia told him he was traumatized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he was not afraid of the other prisoners in his immediate cell but that he was traumatized by being at CECOT and fearful of many of the prisoners in other cell blocks who called out to him and taunted him in various ways, Van Hollen said. Van Hollen added that Abrego Garcia was moved a week earlier from the maximum-security prison to another detention center where conditions are better. The Trump administration slammed the senators visit, claiming Democrats and the media painted an overly rosy picture of Abrego Garcia. Meanwhile, the administration continued to portray him as a violent and dangerous criminal, releasing previously unshared documents stemming from two interactions Abrego Garcia had with law enforcement and the courts system: a 2019 arrest that didnt lead to charges or a conviction, but did result in his detention by immigration officials, and a 2021 protective order his wife filed against him alleging domestic violence, which she later decided against pursuing further after she said the couple had resolved their issues. Rubio and Bukele were in touch about Abrego Garcia Sources told CNN in late April that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been in touch with Bukele about the detention of Abrego Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A US official told CNN the Trump administration was working closely with El Salvador and asked for Abrego Garcias return but insisted that Bukele had made clear that he was not returning him to the US. Bodycam video of 2022 traffic stop released In early May, Tennessee state law enforcement released a video of a November 2022 traffic stop involving Abrego Garcia an incident that US officials argue supports their claims that Abrego Garcia was a member of MS-13 and involved in human trafficking. The video showed Abrego Garcia being stopped for speeding. When asked about other passengers in the car, Abrego Garcia tells the trooper he and the others are workers returning from a construction project in St. Louis, Missouri. When the trooper asked for his documents, Abrego Garcia explains in the video that his drivers license was expired and that he is waiting for immigration documents to renew it. He tells the officer the vehicle, which had a Texas license plate, belonged to his boss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trooper then searches the car with a police canine. They do not appear to find anything suspicious, according to the video. Abrego Garcia was not detained during the stop and no charges were filed. Fridays release and charges Nearly three months after he was deported, Abrego Garcia on Friday returned to the US to face federal criminal charges. Abrego Garcia has been indicted on two criminal counts in the Middle District of Tennessee: conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain. Trump administration officials pointed to the charges as justifying their effort to remove Abrego Garcia from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, an attorney for Abrego Garcia, accused the Trump administration of playing games with the legal system and said his client should appear in immigration court, not criminal court. The government disappeared Kilmar to a foreign prison in violation of a court order. Now, after months of delay and secrecy, theyre bringing him back, not to correct their error but to prosecute him. This shows that they were playing games with the court all along, Sandoval-Moshenberg said in a statement to CNN. Due process means the chance to defend yourself before youre punished, not after. This is an abuse of power, not justice. Abrego Garcia will be in custody for at least a week, followed by an arraignment and detention hearing, the Associated Press reported. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com June 6 (UPI) -- Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, is back in the United States after being indicted in Tennessee on two federal charges involving migrant smuggling, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday. Bondi said Abrego Garcia, 29, is in the United States to "face justice." He made his first court appearance Friday afternoon in Nashville. U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes set his arraignment for Wednesday and a hearing on whether he should be detained before the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department said in a court filing that he should be held in pretrial custody because "he poses a danger to the community and a serious risk of flight, and no condition or combination of conditions would ensure the safety of the community or his appearance in court." On May 21, a grand jury in the Middle District of Tennessee returned an indictment, charging Abrego Garcia with criminal counts of alien smuggling and conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, Bondi said at a news conference. Abrego Garcia is the only member of the alleged conspiracy indicted. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele was presented with an arrest warrant for him and he agreed to return him to the United States, Bondi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're grateful to President Bukele for agreeing to return him to our country to face these very serious charges," Bondi said. Bondi said that if Abrego Garcia is convicted of the charges and serves his sentence, he will be deported back to his home country of El Salvador. "The grand jury found that over the past nine years, Abrego Garcia has played a significant role in an alien smuggling ring," Bondi said. "They found this was his full-time job, not a contractor. He was a smuggler of humans and children and women. He made over 100 trips, the grand jury found, smuggling people throughout our country." President Donald Trump later told reporters that "I don't want to say that" it was his call to bring him back to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He should have never had to be returned. Take a look at what's happened with it. Take a look at what they found in the grand jury," the president told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey. "I thought Pam Bondi did a great job." Ben Schrader, the chief of the criminal division in the office for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville, resigned the same week of the grand jury indictment last month, CNN reported. Schrader's post on LinkedIn does not mention the Abrego Garcia case. On April 17, Democratic U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen met with his constituent in El Salvador. "After months of ignoring our Constitution, it seems the Trump Admin has relented to our demands for compliance with court orders and due process for Kilmar Abrego Garcia," Van Hollen posted on X Friday. "This has never been about the man -- it's about his constitutional rights & the rights of all." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the indictment unsealed Friday afternoon, Abrego Garcia and others are accused of participating in a conspiracy in which they "knowingly and unlawfully transported thousands of undocumented aliens who had no authorization to be present in the United States, and many of whom were MS-13 members and associates." The allegations from 2016 to this year involve a half-dozen alleged unnamed co-conspirators. Abrego Garcia and others worked to move undocumented aliens between Texas and Maryland and other states more than 100 times, according to the indictment. They "ordinarily picked up the undocumented aliens in the Houston, Texas area after the aliens had unlawfully crossed the Southern border of the United States from Mexico," the indictment said. Abrego Garcia and someone referred to a CC-1 "then transported the undocumented aliens from Texas to other parts of the United States to further the aliens' unlawful presence in the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To cover up the alleged conspiracy, prosecutors say Abrego Garcia and his co-conspirators "routinely devised and employed knowingly false cover stories to provide to law enforcement if they were stopped during a transport," including claims that migrants being transported were headed to construction jobs. In November 2022, Abrego Garcia is accused of driving a Chevrolet Suburban and was pulled over on a Tennessee interstate highway, with nine other Hispanic men without identification or luggage. Prosecutors allege that Abrego Garcia transported narcotics to Maryland, though he wasn't previously charged with any crimes. "For the last 2 months, the media and Democrats have burnt to the ground any last shred of credibility they had left as they glorified Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a known MS13 gang member, human trafficker, and serial domestic abuser," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement on X. "Justice awaits this Salvadoran man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, Noem told a U.S. Senate committee Abrego Garcia would "never return" to the United States. Abrego Garcia and his family have denied allegations that he's an MS-13 member, and he fled gang violence in El Salvador. Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, an attorney for Abrego Garcia, said his client should appear in immigration court, not criminal court. "The government disappeared Kilmar to a foreign prison in violation of a court order," Sandoval-Moshenberg Now told CNN. "Now, after months of delay and secrecy, they're bringing him back, not to correct their error but to prosecute him. This shows that they were playing games with the court all along. Due process means the chance to defend yourself before you're punished, not after. This is an abuse of power, not justice." Abrego Garcia deported in March Abrego Garcia was living in Maryland since he arrived in the United States in 2011 unlawfully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government earlier, through a confidential informant, said his clothes had alleged gang markings when he was arrested in 2019. Abrego Garcia was living with his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, and children when he was arrested in March and deported to El Salvador to the maximum-security Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT. He was with a group of more than 230 men, mostly Venezuelans, accused of being gang members. In April, the State Department said Abrego Garcia was moved to a lower-security facility in Santa Ana. The Trump administration has acknowledged that Abrego Garcia's deportation was a mistake because he had been granted a legal status in 2019. The Department of Homeland Security is banned from removing him to his home country of El Salvador because he was likely to face persecution by local gangs. He didn't have a hearing before his deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has utilized the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 wartime immigration law, to quickly deport migrants from the United States. In an April hearing, District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to comply with expedited discovery to determine whether they were complying with the directive to return Abrego Garcia to the United States, which was upheld by the Supreme Court earlier this year. The high court and district judge said the Trump administration must "facilitate" his return for due process. On Wednesday, Xinis ordered seven documents to be unsealed in the deportation. Trump criticized judges for interfering in cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Frankly, we have to do something, because the judges are trying to take the place of a president that won in a landslide," Trump said Friday night. "And that's not supposed to be the way it is. So I could see bringing him back ... he's a bad guy." The criminal charges could impact his immigration case, John Sandweg, a former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told CNN. "I think what we're going to see is on the back end of this criminal prosecution -- now that they're prosecuting him for these immigration-related offenses -- if they get a conviction, they will go back to the immigration court and argue that now there are those changed circumstances," said Sandweg, who is now a partner at law firm Nixon Peabody. President Donald Trump said Saturday that the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia the Salvadoran man who was illegally deported in March was not his decision. That wasnt my decision, Trump said in an interview with NBC News. The Department of Justice decided to do it that way. Abrego Garcia was flown back to the United States on Friday to face federal human trafficking charges in Tennessee, after prosecutors unveiled the indictment this week. It comes months after the Trump administration admitted it had mistakenly deported him which the Supreme Court declared was illegal, ordering the government to "facilitate" his return leading to an intense political and legal firestorm throughout the country over the ethics of the administrations mass deportation policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should be a very easy case for federal prosecutors, the president told NBC News. Trump said that he did not talk to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele about Abrego Garcias return. Despite the high courts order, Trump officials have for months resisted bringing Abrego Garcia back to the U.S., arguing it was out of their hands as he was in Salvadoran custody. There is no scenario where Abrego Garcia will be in the United States again, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told lawmakers last month. The Trump administration repeatedly labeled Abrego Garcia as a violent gang member, which his family and lawyers have flatly denied and a federal judge labeled as a vague, uncorroborated allegation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the administration called his deportation an administrative error, but did not immediately facilitate his return, despite the Supreme Court instructing them to. Intense backlash followed, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) traveling to El Salvador to meet with him and demand his return. Republicans, in turn, bashed Van Hollen and Democrats for defending him. Abrego Garcias lawyers have urged the public to treat the allegations with suspicion. Theyll stop at nothing at all even some of the most preposterous charges imaginable just to avoid admitting that they made a mistake, which is what everyone knows happened, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, one of his lawyers, told reporters Friday. Hes not going to be convicted of these crimes, the lawyer added. Theres no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy. This story was initially published on MyNorthwest.com A King County physician had his license revoked last month, the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) announced in a news release. Eric R. Shibley, MD, will no longer be able to practice after a series of unprofessional conduct, including felony convictions, opioid violations, and malpractice. Shibleys actions created risks to patients regarding pain management, the commission stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Respondents inaccurate and delayed charting practices placed patients at risk of harmby threatening the integrity of the medical records of his patients and potentially jeopardizing continuity of care with other providers, WMC records stated. Respondents recordkeeping regarding patient medications was also substandard, often including inaccurate medication lists and chart notes which did not coincide with actual prescriptions written and/or filled. Shibley also engaged in acts of moral turpitude, incompetence, negligence, and the improper possession, use, prescribing, or distribution of controlled substances, according to WMC. He also failed to comply with a disciplinary order and reportedly committed misrepresentation or fraud. Respondents documentation reflects copied and pasted notes; for example, including inaccurate information apparently intended for other patients chat, frequently referring to female patients as he, and including notations that were not pertinent to the patients presentation, while omitting items that were pertinent, records from the commission stated. Shibley also reportedly terminated patients care with no explanation and falsely claimed counseling on opioid risks had been provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shibley participated in a hearing with the WMC from February 20 to 21. His revoked license went into effect on May 14, the commission stated. Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here. Kohl's Corp. plans to permanently close its e-commerce fulfillment center in Monroe, displacing more than 700 workers, according to a mass layoff notice filed with the state of Ohio. Kohl's to lay off more than 700 near J.D. Vance's hometown The facility at 3500 Salzman Road is located inside the Monroe city limits but is close to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance's hometown of Middletown and has a Middletown mailing address, according to Monroe city officials, who declined further comment. Kohl's said it would shut down the facility by Oct. 31, affecting all 768 employees listed on the notice filed with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Employees last day is Sept. 12 The employees last day is scheduled for Sept. 12, however, it's possible that handful of employees will be allowed to stay on longer to assist with administrative tasks related to the closure, the notice states. Advertisement Advertisement All employees have been notified of their separation date and that their layoffs will be permanent. The employees are not represented by a union. Kohl's has seen sales decline for more than two years Kohl's, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, shut down 27 underperforming locations in 15 states in March as the struggling department store chain tried to boost profitability and improve sagging sales. The chain posted a sales decline of 4.1% for the first quarter this year, continuing a streak in which it has posted quarterly sales declines for more than two years. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kohl's will shut down fulfillment center near J.D. Vance's hometown U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) and U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) at a June 6, 2025 town hall in Lansing. | Kyle Davidson Members of the Michigan Democratic Party laid out the impacts of congressional Republicans big beautiful bill at a town hall on Friday, calling on residents of Michigans 7th Congressional District to help educate their friends and family as well. A few hundred supporters packed into the gym of Everett High School in Lansing as U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly), U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel detailed how the Trump administrations policies would impact everyone, particularly individuals with limited income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan Democratic Party has hosted several similar events in Republican districts throughout the state, Hertel said, noting House Republicans had been instructed to avoid town halls with their constituents. The most basic thing for a public servant is to be able to sit and answer questions. The least someone can do is sit down with people and explain their votes Hertel said. U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) speaks at a June 6, 2025 town hall in Lansing. | Kyle Davidson And the 7th Congressional Districts current representative, Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) has a lot of explaining to do, Hertel said, slamming Barrett for supporting Republicans spending plan, and arguing the representative failed to stand up to the President and make himself available to his constituents A Barrett spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to taking questions, McDonald Rivet slammed the Republican spending effort, telling audience members that it would take away healthcare and raise the cost of medicine, education and energy in order to deliver a tax break to the wealthy. Oh, and by the way, its going to increase the deficit by several trillion dollars, She said. Slotkin looked back on the presidents first term, when Trump was looking to overturn the Affordable Care Act, which expanded access to Medicaid and barred insurance providers from denying people coverage or charging them due to preexisting health conditions. It was the first thing he talked about when he got sworn in, he even had the House of Representatives vote to repeal Obamacare. And now we not only still have it, we expanded it, and how? Because we educated people, Slotkin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, rather than cutting peoples healthcare outright, Slotkin argued Trump is aiming to hide those cuts by requiring individuals to reregister for Medicaid every six months, making it harder to qualify and more difficult to sign up. While the current proposal would implement work requirements for Medicaid recipients, Slotkin noted it also raises the age limit for those requirements to 64. According to KFF, an independent health policy organization, 92% of medicaid recipients under 65 are already working full or part time. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that Republicans budget plan would result in 10.9 million additional people being uninsured in 2034, with 7.8 million fewer individuals on Medicaid due to the policys proposed work requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even individuals who are not on Medicaid will feel the impacts of cuts to the program, Slotkin said, noting that nursing homes, hospitals and mental health facilities all rely on Medicaid funding. I would just say this bill is designed to really be a perfect storm for poor people. If you are living at or below the poverty line, youre getting hit in every direction. Medicaid, your health care; SNAP your food; a bunch of programs, right, that you depend on. They are paying for those tax benefits for the most wealthy by really the perfect storm of cuts for the poorest among us, Slotkin said. On top of cutting SNAP benefits by $300 billion, the Department of Government Efficiency had canceled $1 billion in funding to programs supporting school meals and food banks, McDonald Rivet said. So youre that hungry kid and you have lost access to a food bank. You have lost access to food at school, and now you dont have SNAP benefits. This is the America that this bill creates, McDonald Rivet said. U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) at a June 6, 2025 town hall in Lansing. | Kyle Davidson Alongside questions on cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, audience members asked the lawmakers about the legal challenges levied against the Trump administration, and Democrats plans to counter Republicans heading into the 2026 mid-term election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the Trump Administration backed down in its resistance of a Supreme Court order demanding that the administration facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported to El Salvador three months ago. However, the fight goes beyond Abrego Gracia, into whether the executive branch needs to obey orders from the Supreme Court, Slotkin said. Now, we havent had to deal with this issue in the years past because Democrats and Republicans have largely said, Huh, if the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court issues a court order, were going to follow it. Trump is pushing the boundaries on all the democratic values and principles most of us grew up with, Slotkin said. Should an individual defy a federal court order, U.S. marshals would eventually be sent to enforce that order, Slotkin said. However, the U.S. marshals are controlled by the United States attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should the U.S. marshals receive a request to enforce a Supreme Court order against the president, Slotkin raised the question on whether Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump loyalist, would approve it. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel offers remarks at a June 6, 2025 town hall in Lansing. | Kyle Davidson Weve needed to have this fight. We need to have it out. We need a court order that he needs to obey, and we need to precipitate this conversation on the U.S. marshals. But today was an important sign that they dont want to get to that point. They dont want to wait until the U.S. marshals are potentially getting an order to activate, Slotkin said. In preparing to take on the Trump Administration, Slotkin said shed gone back to her roots in national security and crafted a war plan in the form of a 17-page powerpoint, with plans to lay out her vision of the nations future under Democratic leadership. Its about facing our problems head on and saying the only way we do well as a country, the only way that we have a strong middle class going forward, the American Dream going forward, is if we face these issues and have a vision. And its economic, its about national security, and its about our democracy, Slotkin said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Las Cruces Police have released photos of a vehicle believed to have been driven by the suspect involved in the shooting that killed a 14-year-old boy earlier this week. As weve previously reported, the shooting happened around 9 p.m. on Monday, June 2, near the intersection of Solano Drive and Spruce Avenue, where 14-year-old Alejandro Roman died as a result of an alleged road rage incident. Las Cruces Police: 14-year-old dead after alleged road rage shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Las Cruces Police, the suspect is believed to be a male who was driving a white Honda Odyssey or a similar vehicle, such as a minivan or sport utility vehicle. Las Cruces Police said they have obtained the images of the suspect vehicle and are releasing them in hopes of someone recognizing the vehicle or the person who was driving the vehicle on the evening of the shooting. Anyone who has information on who might be responsible for the deadly shooting is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795. According to Las Cruces Police, Crime Stoppers of Las Cruces-Dona Ana County is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest. To be eligible for the Crime Stoppers reward, tips must be sent to Crime Stoppers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be provided through the Las Cruces-Dona Ana County Crime Stoppers app, P3 TIPS. The app is available through the App Store on most devices. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) Las Vegas, a city famous for its neon lights, packed casinos, and high-stakes thrills, faces a quieter reality. A recent slowdown in tourism is hitting the Strip hard, and its the casino dealers who are feeling the brunt of it. Extended Las Vegas tourism slump shows April visits down 5.1% Several major resorts and hotels have quietly started laying off workers, many of them table game dealers, as foot traffic on casino floors declines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts said a mix of rising travel costs, fewer international visitors, and economic uncertainty is behind the dip in visitor numbers. Fontainebleau announced some layoffs, as well as Resorts World. We want those casinos to be successful, active, and robust because that gives our break-in dealers an opportunity to transition, thats the goal, CEG Dealer School Managing Director David Knoll said. According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, the Las Vegas metro area ended 2024 with an unemployment rate of 5.9%, the highest of any large metro area in the country. The leisure and hospitality sector, which includes casino dealers, shed thousands of jobs over the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry insiders say some properties are moving toward more automated systems, such as electronic table games, which require fewer staff. Others are simply tightening budgets amid weaker earnings reports. Weve seen our enrollment drop, and people interested in becoming a dealer. We used to have a lot more people transition from out of state and come to Las Vegas for the opportunities here, Knoll said. Hotel occupancy rates have also declined, with a drop of one percent overall in April, and a larger decrease for hotels downtown of 2.6 percent. In 2024, the average hourly wage for casino dealers in Nevada was $19.96, closely aligning with the national average of $19.25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Nevadas prominence in the casino industry, it did not rank among the top five highest-paying states for this occupation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The last full moon of the spring will peak soon above Pennsylvania, and the viewing conditions might be great for stargazing. The strawberry moon will peak overnight Wednesday, June 11, and will appear full the day before and the day after. The strawberry moon marks the peak of strawberry harvest season, and the name is attributed to the Algonquian, Ojibwe, Dakota and Lakota peoples, according to The Old Farmers Almanac. The name does not refer to a pink or red colored appearance of the moon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More names for Junes full moon include blooming moon (attributed to the Anishinaabe), green corn moon (Cherokee), hoer moon (Western Abenaki), birth moon (Tlingit), egg laying moon (Cree), hatching moon (Cree), honey moon (European) and mead moon (European). Last years strawberry moon coincided with the summer solstice, which is Friday, June 20 this year. Meteorological summer, however, began June 1, and central Pennsylvania has already begun seeing warmer temperatures. Heres when to see this years strawberry moon over Pennsylvania, plus when to catch more full moons in 2025. When will the strawberry moon peak? The strawberry moon will be full at 3:44 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time June 11, according to the Farmers Almanac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AccuWeather reports that night will be clear to partly cloudy in State College. The night of June 10 will be clear, AccuWeather forecasts, and the night of June 12 will be clear to partly cloudy. The moon will rise in State College at 9:40 p.m. June 11, according to online clock Time and Date. When to see more full moons in 2025 After the flower moon, stargazers will have six more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Heres when to look, from Astronomy.com: Thursday, July 10: Buck moon Saturday, Aug. 9: Sturgeon moon Sunday, Sept. 7: Corn moon Monday, Oct. 6: Hunters moon (supermoon) Wednesday, Nov. 5: Beaver moon (supermoon) Thursday, Dec. 4: Cold moon (supermoon) The Central Pennsylvania Observers will host a meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 5 at South Hills School of Business and Technology in State College, as well as an Thursday, Aug. 7 meeting. Originally appeared on E! Online Kate McCann and Gerry McCann have gone without answers for 18 years, but they've refused to give up hope that they will find their daughter Madeleine McCann. Or at least that they'll learn the truth about what happened to her. "The years appear to be passing even more quickly and whilst we have no significant news to share, our determination to leave no stone unturned is unwavering," Kate and Gerry wrote on their Find Madeleine website May 3, the 18th anniversary of her disappearance, days shy of her fourth birthday. "We will do our utmost to achieve this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noting that Madeleine would have turned 22 this year, the couple added, "No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day. We continue to celebrate her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her." The physician couple, who also share now-20-year-old twins Sean and Amelie, did their best to go on with their lives in England, as much as they could when a part of them would always be in Praia da Luz, Portugal, where their eldest child went missing during the family's spring holiday. It was German prosecutors who formally named a suspect in the McCann case in 2020: Christian Brueckner, a convicted sex offender who's due to be released from prison in a few months after serving seven years for raping a 72-year-old woman. He has denied having anything to with Madeleine's disappearance and has never been charged in the case. "There is currently no prospect of an indictment in the Maddie case," prosecutor Hans Christian Wolter told Sky News in January. "As things stand, the accused Christian B's imprisonment will end in early September." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet the quest to keep Brueckner behind barsincluding charging him with insulting a prison staff member in Mayhas continued since he was found not guilty last October of three counts of rape and two counts of child sex abuse dating back to between 2000 and 2017 in Portugal. Prosecutors have appealed that verdict, according to BBC News, and if he's convicted of the prison infraction he could face either a fine or up to an additional year in jail. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was initially closed in Portugal in 2008, but Scotland Yard opened their own investigation in 2011, and then Portuguese police reopened the case in 2013. With global interest in the case never waning, it has remained open ever since. AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito It was German prosecutors who formally named a suspect in the McCann case in 2020: Christian Brueckner, a convicted sex offender who's due to be released from prison in a few months after serving seven years for raping a 72-year-old woman. He has denied having anything to with Madeleine's disappearance and has never been charged in the case. "There is currently no prospect of an indictment in the Maddie case," prosecutor Hans Christian Wolter told Sky News in January. "As things stand, the accused Christian B's imprisonment will end in early September." Alexander Koerner/Getty Images Metro Police said in 2020 that Brueckner (identified only as Christian B. at the time) lived in the AlgarvePortugal's southernmost region, a popular vacation destination full of beachfront resortsoff and on between 1995 and 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police shared pictures and descriptions of two cars linked to the suspect, a camper van and a Jaguar that was re-registered under another name the day after Madeleine went missing, and asked the public for any sightings of the vehicles from the spring and summer of 2007. But it's unclear as yet if the latest action in the McCann case has borne any fruit. On June 3, German and Portuguese investigators launched a new search of the area between the resort where the McCanns were staying in Portugal when Madeleine disappeared in 2007 and where Brueckner was lodging at the time. The search ended three days later and, while police have not publicly shared any details, the BBC reported June 6 that a conversation the outlet had with an officer suggested nothing significant was found. What happened to Madeleine McCann? The McCanns were on holiday with three other families in Praia da Luz when Madeleine went missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to numerous accounts of the events of May 3, 2007, Kate and Gerry went to dinner with the other adults at around 8:30 p.m. after tucking in Madeleine and her siblings in the bedroom they were sharing in the McCanns' quarters at the Ocean Club resort. The various parents took turns going back to the rooms to check on all of the kids every half hour. Gerry recalled checking on the children at 9:05 p.m. Dr. Matthew Oldfield, another member of their party, said he went in at 9:30 p.m. but later couldn't definitively say whether he had seen Madeleine in her bed or not. In the meantime, Madeleine's family has learned to take these periodic announcements that could potentially lead to a break in the case in stride. "It's more than 13 years since Madeleine went missing and none of us can imagine what it must be like for her family, not knowing what happened or where she is," Metro Police Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, who heads up the McCann investigationdubbed "Operation Grange" in 2011said in a statement on June 3, 2020, when the suspect news broke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Following the ten-year anniversary, the Met received information about a German man who was known to have been in and around Praia da Luz," Cranwell continued. "We have been working with colleagues in Germany and Portugal and this man is a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance. The Met conducted a number of inquiries and in November 2017 engaged with the BKA who agreed to work with the Met. "Since then a huge amount of work has taken place by both the Met, the BKA and the Policia Judiciaria. While this male is a suspect we retain an open mind as to his involvement and this remains a missing person inquiry. Our job as detectives is to follow the evidence, maintain an open mind and establish what happened on that day in May 2007." What happened to Madeleine McCann? The McCanns were on holiday with three other families in Praia da Luz when Madeleine went missing. According to numerous accounts of the events of May 3, 2007, Kate and Gerry went to dinner with the other adults at around 8:30 p.m. after tucking in Madeleine and her siblings in the bedroom they were sharing in the McCanns' quarters at the Ocean Club resort. The various parents took turns going back to the rooms to check on all of the kids every half hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gerry recalled checking on the children at 9:05 p.m. Dr. Matthew Oldfield, another member of their party, said he went in at 9:30 p.m. but later couldn't definitively say whether he had seen Madeleine in her bed or not. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Kate returned to the apartment at 10 p.m. The door to the front bedroom, where the children had been asleep, was open. She remembered in her 2011 book Madeleine: Our Daughter's Disappearance and the Continuing Search for Her that, while she was standing there somewhat puzzled, the door slammed shut. And then she noticed the breeze coming from an open window. She realized that, while Amelie and Sean were fast asleep, Madeleine was gone. After a quick, frantic search of the resort grounds, they reported their daughter missing at 10:14 p.m. She had been wearing Eeyore pajamas from Marks & Spencer and had gone to sleep with her pink blanket and her Cuddle Cat. Metropolitan Police Her family had planned to celebrate Madeleine's fourth birthday on May 12, but instead she disappeared without a trace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Apart from those first 48 hours, nothing actually has changed since then," Kate told Sky News in 2017, referring to the fact that, though their daughter remained missing, there was no definitive evidence that she had been harmed, either. "I think the difficult thing has always been, how will we find her?" But Kate said that they could "take heart" in the progress that had been made, "and we just have to go with the process and follow it through, whatever it takes, for as long as it takes. But there's still hope that we can find Madeleine." PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty Images Metro Police said in 2020 that Brueckner (identified only as Christian B. at the time) lived in the AlgarvePortugal's southernmost region, a popular vacation destination full of beachfront resortsoff and on between 1995 and 2007. Police shared pictures and descriptions of two cars linked to the suspect, a camper van and a Jaguar that was re-registered under another name the day after Madeleine went missing, and asked the public for any sightings of the vehicles from the spring and summer of 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brueckner had numerous convictions for child sexual abuse, German police said in a statement, per NBC News (again, not yet identifying him by name), and seemed to have earned a living "by committing criminal offenses, such as burglaries of hotel complexes and holiday apartments as well as trafficking in narcotic drugs." On June 4, 2020, Braunschweig state prosecutor Wolters said, via Reuters, "We assume that the girl is dead. The public prosecutor's office in Braunschweig is investigating a 43-year-old German national on suspicion of murder." Wolters told the BBC days later, "We have evidence against the accused which leads us to believe that he really killed Madeleine but this evidence is not strong enough at the moment to take him to court." Moreover, the police announcement continued, Brueckner had a cell phone conversation that ended approximately an hour before Madeleine disappearedso whomever was on the other end of that call was considered a "highly significant witness." They released the two mobile numbers involved, both starting with the Portuguese country code 351, and asked for anyone with information about either number to contact authorities. Joe Giddens/PA Wire The next day, Cranwell said they had received more than 270 calls and emails. In their own 2020 statement, the McCanns thanked the police for their continuing work and the public for their support, saying, "All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know, as we need to find peace." German officials, meanwhile, gave their own grim update on the case as well. Wasted Time, Tabloid Hysteria & a Parent's Worst Nightmare: The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann Unearths Terrifying Questions Brueckner had numerous convictions for child sexual abuse, German police said in a statement, per NBC News (again, not yet identifying him by name), and seemed to have earned a living "by committing criminal offenses, such as burglaries of hotel complexes and holiday apartments as well as trafficking in narcotic drugs." On June 4, 2020, Braunschweig state prosecutor Wolters said, via Reuters, "We assume that the girl is dead. The public prosecutor's office in Braunschweig is investigating a 43-year-old German national on suspicion of murder." Wolters told the BBC days later, "We have evidence against the accused which leads us to believe that he really killed Madeleine but this evidence is not strong enough at the moment to take him to court." Handout/Getty Images The prosecutor said the evidence was "strong enough to say that the girl is dead and strong enough to accuse a specific individual of murderthat strong." But, Wolter added, "One has to be honest and remain open to the possibility that our investigation could end without a charge, that it ends like the others have. We are optimistic it will be different for us but for that we need more information." To this day, the Metropolitan Police still classify the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance as a missing persons case. Over the years a handful of suspects have been named, including Gerry and Kate, who weren't formally cleared by Portuguese authorities until July 2008, about 10 months after police acknowledged there wasn't enough evidence to keep questioning the couple. "This is the only time in 13 years that police have been so specific about a suspect, down to the phone numbers, vehicles and particularly with a known individual," said Clarence Mitchell, a former BBC reporter who for awhile was the McCanns' full-time representative and still serves as a spokesman for the family. Gerry and Kate "were coping as best as they can but want the focus to remain on the police investigation," Mitchell said, adding, "They still remain hopeful." Kate told Sky News in 2017, "You don't realize how strong you are until you have no option, and I think that's very true. Obviously massive events like this cause a lot of reaction, a lot of trauma and upset, but ultimately you have to keep going. And especially when you've got other children involved." "I think before Madeleine was taken, we felt we had managed to achieve a little perfect nuclear family of five," added Gerry, with a small smile. He cleared his throat. "And we had that for a short period...You adapt and you have a new normality and, unfortunately for us, our new normality at the minute is a family of four." (Originally published June 17, 2020, at 7 a.m. PT) Robert Murata British national who lived not far from the Ocean Club and had volunteered to aid in the search for Madeleine when she first went missingended up winning upward of $750,000 in defamation damages from four U.K. media groups for coverage in their newspapers that strongly insinuated he was guilty of something. "It is hard to describe how utterly despairing it was to be named arguidos and subsequently portrayed in the media as suspects in our own daughter's abduction," Kate said at a news conference when she and her husband were officially cleared. "It has been equally devastating to witness the detrimental effect this status has had on the search for Madeleine." What Happened to Lori Vallow's Children: A Months-Long Search, Buried Remains and Two Arrests Local authorities conducted a sweeping raid in Portugal on dozens of properties linked to around 80 suspected pedophiles in 2007, but "Operation Predator," as it was called, did not result in any substantive leads in the McCann case. In 2012, Scotland Yard said it had identified 38 persons of interest in the case, including 12 Britons. By October 2013 it was 41, including 15 British nationals. Tips came in from all over the world, as did alleged sightings of Madeleine from as far away as India and New Zealand. In 2014, Metropolitan Police announced "a potential linked series of 12 crimes which occurred between 2004 and 2010...whereby a male intruder...gained access to mainly holiday villas occupied by U.K. families on holiday in the western Algarve." NBC News reported in March 2014 that police were asking for the public's help identifying the perpetrator, whom they described as "having an interest in young white girls." Handout Detectives said that in four of the cases being investigated, the man was believed to have sexually assaulted five girls between the ages of 7 and 10 years old while they were in their beds. The suspect was further described as "tan, with messy short dark hair," and he spoke English with a foreign accent. Prosecutors in the German city of Stade said in June 2020 that the newly announced suspect was also being investigated in connection with the 2015 disappearance of 5-year-old girlidentified as Inga G.from the woods outside a family party being held in the town of Stendal, about 60 miles west of Berlin. "It is being assessed whether there is a connection between the two cases," a spokesperson for the prosecutors' office said. Though the update was disturbing, a spokesperson for the McCann family told NBC News at the time it also felt like the most "significant" development in the case to date. FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images "This is the only time in 13 years that police have been so specific about a suspect, down to the phone numbers, vehicles and particularly with a known individual," said Clarence Mitchell, a former BBC reporter who for awhile was the McCanns' full-time representative and still serves as a spokesman for the family. Gerry and Kate "were coping as best as they can but want the focus to remain on the police investigation," Mitchell said, adding, "They still remain hopeful." Kate told Sky News in 2017, "You don't realize how strong you are until you have no option, and I think that's very true. Obviously massive events like this cause a lot of reaction, a lot of trauma and upset, but ultimately you have to keep going. And especially when you've got other children involved." "I think before Madeleine was taken, we felt we had managed to achieve a little perfect nuclear family of five," added Gerry, with a small smile. He cleared his throat. "And we had that for a short period...You adapt and you have a new normality and, unfortunately for us, our new normality at the minute is a family of four." (Originally published June 17, 2020, at 7 a.m. PT) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze has condemned Russias ongoing attacks on Ukraine, emphasising Ukraines right to self-defence in response to the latest strikes. Source: Baiba Braze on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda She noted that Russia bombs civilians in Ukraine every night. Quote: "Night by night Russia continues bombing civilians in Ukraine. Kyiv, Kharkiv, cities and villages. Emergency workers, women, children, hospitals, shopping malls. Ukraine has all the rights for self-defence and taking out military targets and objects, and enabling infrastructure." Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Authorities are asking for help finding a stolen tow truck and identifying a possible suspect. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: The Laurel County Sheriffs Office said the truck was stolen from Clay Avenue in southern Laurel County between May 26 and June 6. Laurel County Sheriffs Office Anyone with information on the truck or the suspect is asked to contact the sheriffs office at 606-864-6600, message the office on Facebook, or send an email to g.acciardo@laurelcountysheriff.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 FOX 56 News. A new bill aims to limit the number of cows on dairy farms in New York a move that supporters said would protect the environment and small businesses. According to The Malone Telegram, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and Sen. Jabari Brisport introduced the bill, which would prohibit new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permits for large-scale dairy farms. New York has about 500 CAFOs, which are mostly dairy farms with 300 or more cows, per the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. However, large-scale permits are required for farms with more than 700 cows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Wildlife Foundation said farmers tend to 270 million dairy cows worldwide. However, dairy production emits a significant amount of heat-trapping pollution into the atmosphere. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 37% of methane pollution from human activity comes from livestock and agricultural routines. One cow can produce up to 264 pounds of methane each year. Per the Watertown Daily Times, the bill's sponsors said banning the CAFO permits for large-scale dairy farms would help reduce pollution and protect surrounding communities. "These big corporate farms house thousands of animals," Rosenthal said. "They're crammed into confined spaces, which has become a growing animal welfare concern. But the other side of it is the immense environmental damage these farms cause, in many cases, billion-dollar companies are running these factory farms." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some agricultural workers criticized the proposed ban. While sponsors said the regulations would benefit small businesses, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator Jay Matteson told WWNY that many of the farms with more than 700 cows are family-owned. "Even though we may think they're really big by Jefferson County standards, in the grand scheme of things, those are small businesses and very critical to the communities," Matteson said. The agriculture and food sectors provided more than 22 million jobs in the United States in 2022, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dairy is described as the largest single segment of the New York agricultural industry, with nearly 3,000 dairy farms throughout the state. 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. Jun. 6A 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 without prejudice, allowing attorneys to refile. "We will file again with the bond," Ellingsen said. Editor's note: This story was updated on June 7, 2025, to reflect that the suit was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled. Yasser Abu Shabab's Popular Force militia might get Israeli support as the fight for Gaza intensifies Yasser Abu Shabab has been named as the leader of a Palestinian militia in Gaza that Israeli officials have reportedly armed to attempt to undermine Hamas, the New York Times reported on Friday. Abu Shabab, a Bedouin man in his 30s, leads the Popular Forces, a crime group in Gaza that is significantly smaller than Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman claimed on Kan Reshet Bet that Israel is arming crime families and militias in Gaza to fight Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office did not deny Libermans claim, and defended his decision. Whats bad about it? he said, as reported by the New York Times. Its only good and it only saves the lives of Israel Defense Force soldiers. Displaced Palestinian children take shelter in tents, in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 29, 2025. (photo credit: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled) Why is Israel arming Gaza gangs? A Thursday press release from the Prime Ministers Office stated: Israel is working to defeat Hamas through various means, as recommended by all heads of the security establishment. A video posted on Wednesday showed Abu Shabab telling the people of Rafah to return home, and said that food, medicine, and shelter would be provided. He then said he and his forces were working under Palestinian legitimacy, a phrase that the report noted the Palestinian Authority often uses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, analysts interviewed by the New York Times claim that the government is arming groups like the Popular Forces in order to avoid a long-term occupation of Gaza or a Palestinian Authority-led government ruling the enclave. If you think about who really can be an alternative to Hamas in Gaza, you have two options: either an Israeli military administration or the Palestinian Authority, said retired Brig. Gen. Shlomo Brom, a former top Israeli military strategist. Brom told the New York Times that given the choices, the Israeli government was looking for other solutions. Abu Shabab has been accused several times of looting aid trucks in the Gaza Strip by aid truck drivers and international humanitarian officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior UN official Georgios Petropoulos once called him the self-styled power broker of east Rafah, according to the report. In an interview quoted in the report, Abu Shabab said that he did not raid the trucks, and instead asserted that he was feeding his community. We are taking trucks so we can eat, not so we can sell, he said, accusing Hamas of stealing aid. The Popular Forces also said that it had safeguarded aid trucks entering the enclave. We confirm that 92 trucks were secured and entered areas under the protection of our popular forces, and exited safely under our supervision, a post from the criminal grou reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberman originally claimed that the Palestinian groups were affiliated with ISIS. The New York Times report did not mention these claims. The Yisrael Beytenu leader also said that the matter did not pass cabinet approval, and said that he did not know if the IDF was aware of the operation. In my opinion, this did not pass cabinet approval, he said. This was with the knowledge of the head of the Shin Bet [Israel Security Agency], but I dont know how much the [IDF] chief of staff was privy to the matter. Amichai Stein contributed to this report. Recently, my 8-year-old son received a birthday card from his grandmother. He opened the card, looked at it and said, I cant read cursive yet. Then he handed it to me to read. If you have a child in the Philadelphia School District, chances are they have not been taught how to read or write cursive either. But cursive handwriting is making a comeback of sorts for K-8 students in the United States. Several states in recent years passed legislation mandating instruction in cursive handwriting, including California, Iowa and Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania and New Jersey are considering similar legislation, as are other states. Im an associate professor of special education and the director of the Iowa Reading Research Center. At the center, were conducting a systematic review of prior research to improve cursive handwriting instruction. We also want to know how learning cursive affects the development of reading and writing skills. Cursive instruction sidelined In cursive handwriting, the individual letters of a word are joined with connecting strokes, such as in a persons signature. Cursive fell out of favor in U.S. schools over a decade ago. In 2010, most states adopted Common Core academic standards which omitted cursive handwriting from expected academic skills to be learned by K-8 students. In fact, the standards only briefly mention print handwriting, a writing style in which the individual letters of a word are unconnected, as a skill to be taught in early elementary grades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educators often have trouble finding enough time in the school day to teach all the expected writing skills, let alone something thats not mandated such as cursive handwriting. In several national surveys, teachers have reported limited amounts of time for writing instruction and that they have found it difficult to address both the basic skills of writing, such as handwriting, and more advanced skills, such as essay composition. Benefits of handwriting The increased interest in cursive handwriting likely stems from effort by policymakers to improve the literacy performance of K-12 students across the country. On the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading assessment, a measure of nationwide reading progress, only 31% of fourth grade students scored proficient or above. Philadelphias numbers were worse, with just 19% of fourth grade students scoring proficient or above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research suggests it may be possible to improve overall writing and reading through handwriting instruction. The benefits have been more closely studied with print handwriting, but preliminary evidence suggests cursive handwriting instruction may also be beneficial. Some studies have found cursive handwriting instruction can improve handwriting legibility, writing length and select reading skills. In a 2020 study, researchers found cursive handwriting instruction can also improve spelling accuracy and storytelling ability. Why might cursive make a difference? On the surface, it seems like a simple motor skill. But under the surface, cursive handwriting draws upon deep reading knowledge and requires the coordination of multiple cognitive and physical processes. To handwrite letters or spell words in print or cursive, students need to commit multiple aspects of each letter to memory. For example, if students handwrite the word cat, they need to know the overall shape of each letter, as well as its name and sound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After drawing upon this reading knowledge from memory, students use a combination of motor and vision systems to write each letter and the entire word. Gross motor movements are used to adjust the body and arm to the writing surface. Fine motor movements are used to manipulate the pencil with ones fingers. And visual-motor coordination is used to write each letter and adjust movements as needed. Many U.S. historical documents, such as the Constitution, were written in cursive. Douglas Sacha/Moment Collection via Getty Images A skill with staying power? Besides potential benefits to overall writing and reading development, cursive handwriting continues to have social importance. It is often used to sign formal documents via a cursive signature, or to communicate with close friends or loved ones. Furthermore, understanding cursive is needed to read important historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence. Even in the digital age, touch-screen tablets and other devices often come with the ability to handwrite text with an electronic pencil. I teach courses at the University of Iowa, and many of my students handwrite their notes on electronic tablets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For schools, low-tech options such as paper and pencils remain more cost-efficient than high-tech options. For example, it can be time-consuming and expensive to replace a broken laptop but relatively cheap to sharpen a broken pencil or get a new piece of paper. Although it may be difficult for educators to find sufficient time for writing instruction, students will likely benefit from developing the capacity to express their ideas in a variety of ways, including cursive handwriting. For anyone interested in learning about cursive handwriting and teaching it to their children or students, the Iowa Reading Research Center will release a free online course and curricula called CLIFTER on June 2, 2025. Read more of our stories about Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Shawn Datchuk, University of Iowa Read more: Shawn Datchuk does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. To the editor: The Pentagon is projected to spend a staggering $2.1 trillion on the F-35 fighter jet program. This weapons system has been plagued by cost overruns, technical failures and delays. Many military analysts now consider the F-35 already obsolete, a Cold War relic in a world facing very different threats. Yet, the Trump administration has raised no concerns. In fact, its proposed increasing the Pentagons budget by $150 billion this year , funneling even more money into machines of war. Now contrast that with Californias high-speed rail project: a first-of-its-kind system in the U.S. thats projected to create tens of thousands of jobs , stimulate billions in economic activity and drastically reduce carbon emissions. Instead of supporting this vision of a cleaner, more connected America, the Trump administration has actively undermined it ( Trump administration sees no viable path forward to finish high-speed rail project, moves to pull federal funding, June 4). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a backward vision: We pour trillions into fighter jets designed to kill, while blocking a transportation system designed to move people, strengthen our economy and protect our planet. Imagine if we invested that $2.1 trillion into a nationwide high-speed rail network, connecting major cities, revitalizing regional economies and leading the world in sustainable infrastructure. Its time to rethink our priorities. The California high-speed rail project deserves more support, not less. Donald Flaherty, Burbank .. To the editor: The fight over high-speed rail is ridiculous. I just returned from three weeks in Japan, a place where bullet trains run the length and breadth of the country and ordinary trains that connect with them go to places the bullet trains dont. When someone wants to go from Tokyo to Kyoto, they dont think about flying or driving, they hop on a train. Compared to Japan, its as if were in the Stone Age when it comes to transportation. Plus, these trains run clean on electricity and dont spew harmful exhaust fumes. Murray Zichlinsky, Long Beach This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. LOCKPORT The man who previously pleaded guilty to charges of providing booze and pot to teenagers in a Mountain View Drive home that became known as the Lewiston Party House is asking to have his case dismissed. Gary Sullo, 58, has appealed to Niagara County Court Judge John Ottaviano, asking to have the charges he has already admitted to and been sentenced for thrown out because he claims his constitutional rights to a speedy trial were denied. Lawyers for Sullo and Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman argued the appeal before Ottaviano on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorney Jessica Kulpit told the judge that after Sullo was first charged in 2018 it took 4 years, 9 months and 8 days to resolve his case. There is no universe I can think of where it takes 5 years to resolve a misdemeanor case, Kulpit said. While admitting that proceedings in the case were impacted by restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kulpit insisted that the Town of Lewiston Court did nothing, without explanation, the court did nothing (to advance the case). This is a deprivation of constitutional rights. Sullo was sentenced by Lewiston Town Justice Hugh Gee to three years probation for his guilty plea to misdemeanor charges for providing alcohol and marijuana to teenagers in the home he shared with his late wife Tricia Vacanti, who was also originally charged in the case. His sentencing came more than six years after the first reports of booze and drug-fueled teenage parties at the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullo was charged with multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful dealing with a child but ultimately pleaded guilty to just two counts of endangering the welfare of a child in a deal with Niagara County prosecutors. At the time of that deal, Sullo had filed a motion in Lewiston court to have the case dismissed, arguing that his speedy trial rights had been violated. Before prosecutors could respond to that motion, and before Gee could issue a ruling on it, Sullo reportedly emailed the judge and said he wanted to take the DAs plea offer. Kulpit said that despite her clients decision to take the prosecutors offer, the request to have the case dismissed should have been ruled on in the Lewiston court. She said Sullo always expected to get a ruling. He took the plea believing he could still appeal, Kulpit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Niagara County District Attorney Laura Jordon told Ottaviano that Sullo has no right to appeal. The case law is clear, Jordan told the judge. A guilty plea precludes a (speedy trial) appeal. Jordan also said all of the delays in the case, before Sullos guilty plea, were a result of either Covid restrictions or requests from his defense attorney. Not a single delay was attributable to the people, Jordan said. The record (in the case) shows all those delays, outside of Covid, were at the defendants request. Sullos sentencing followed the sentencing of the other remaining adult in the case, Jessica Long. Long, 43, was sentenced by Gee in January 2024 to six months of interim probation for her guilty plea to one count of first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vacanti had faced 41 counts of unlawfully dealing with a minor and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the house parties. But she died suddenly on July 3, 2022, and the charges against her were set aside. Specifically, Vacanti had been accused of providing booze and pot to at least three teenage girls, who later claimed they were sexually assaulted in her home by her then-teenage son, Christopher Belter. Belter was indicted, and pleaded guilty in June 2019, to felony charges of third-degree rape and attempted first-degree sexual abuse and two misdemeanor charges of second-degree sexual abuse for encounters with four teenage girls that occurred during the parties at the familys home in 2016 and 2018. In November 2021, Belter was sentenced to eight years of sex offender probation. A month later, he was classified as a Level 3 sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Level 3 is the most serious classification and legally indicates a sexual predator. Belter was also declared a sexually violent offender. Sullo and Vacanti were originally charged with 19 combined counts of unlawfully dealing with a minor and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the parties at their home from 2016 to 2018. In January 2020, Niagara County prosecutors leveled an additional 22 counts of endangering and unlawful dealing against Vacanti and another eight counts of the same allegations against Sullo. Long was charged with single counts of unlawfully dealing with a minor and endangering the welfare of a child. Sullo, who now resides in Florida, was not present in court for the hearing on his appeal. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Local students and organizations are teaming up to help a Dayton family achieve their dream of home ownership. Liberty High School, YouthBuild Dayton and Habitat of Humanity of Greater Dayton hosted an end-of-year celebration at their joint construction site in Dayton. The organizations have partnered to build homes and create workforce opportunities for local youth in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students with YouthBuild are renovating a home for Felicia Fisher and her family to purchase at a zero percent interest mortgage. The project not only helps a local family purchase a dream home, but also provides future experience and building knowledge to YouthBuild students. When this one is completed, they are going to start on a new one, and going to build that one from the ground up, said Norm Miozzi, Habitat for Humanity executive director. So that experience in homebuilding, thats going to provide a wealth of knowledge for the students. The Fisher family is expected to move into their home in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre doing an excellent job, said Felicia Fisher. Theyre all nice, polite, sweet and I just cant wait. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lincoln County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to a home in Lincolnton after receiving reports of a man shooting into his neighbors homes. Deputies arrested the man on Saturday after being called to the 3800 block of English Oak Drive. They had received reports that the man was shooting in the direction of multiple homes in the neighborhood and hit at least one several times, reports said. Criminal Investigation Division detectives searched the suspects residence and seized multiple firearms and ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: More charges filed against alleged gang members in Catawba County mass shooting Investigators say the man, identified as 30-year-old Zackery Ryan Gardner, was shooting in the direction of two of his neighbors homes from his front and side doors around 4 a.m. Both homes were occupied as the shots were fired, officials say, but no one was injured. Neighbors said Gardner had only lived on the street for about six months. Deputies have not shared what weapon the man used to shoot at the homes, but neighbors told Channel 9s Glenn Counts that he used a high-powered 308 rifle. Neighbors told Counts that no one has any idea why Gardner opened fire. Two homes appeared to have been targeted: one belonging to a couple with a newborn baby, the other belonging to Ryan Talbot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just glad nobody got hurt, nobody got hurt, Talbot said. They got a newborn baby over there, I got a dog, but thats it...It hasnt sunk in yet. Gardner was charged with ten felony counts of shooting into an occupied property. He is in custody under a no-bond hold, according to reports. No additional details have been made available. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates. WATCH: More charges filed against alleged gang members in Catawba County mass shooting LITTLE ROCK, Ark. She may have just graduated from high school, but Little Rock native Madison Robinson is headed to the Big Apple to show off her dancing talent after a big accomplishment. Robinson is 18 years old, and she said her journey with dancing and ballet started at a young age. Little Rock high school student to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York I am very grateful that my body allows me to do such amazing things, Robinson said. My first year dancing with Ballet Arkansas was The Nutcracker Spectacular. I landed the leading role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she has had to work hard to develop her dancing skills. I did the Debbie Allen Summer Intensive and also Ailey Summer Intensive the past 2 years, Robinson said. After graduating from Little Rock Central High School, she took the next step by auditioning for the Alvin Ailey School of Dance and was accepted. My initial reaction was just pure joy; I was trying not to scream. Ill be there for three years; it is a post-grad dance school, she said. Little Rock elementary school students write and publish their own books The Ailey School in New York City is the official school of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leslie Dodge is the Director of pre-professional ballet at Shuffles Dance Studio and worked with Robinson as her dance teacher; she said she is proud of her accomplishment. Its very competitive. People from all over the country and world will audition to get into the school and the company tour worldwide. Dodge said. Its very unique to see someone like that give so much to an art form at her age. Robinson said she is grateful to her family, friends, and teacher for all the support and mentoring that have helped her reach this moment. I hope to dance in a company one day and have a long, fulfilling career and after that retire and teach dance to students, Robinson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education Matters: UA Little Rock student lands internship at Arkansas Childrens Hospital She hopes to inspire other kids around the state who are involved in the fine arts to know that they can accomplish what they want. Never lose sight of your goal. I know sometimes it can feel impossible, but it never really is impossible, Robinson said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Severe storms moved into Oklahoma overnight. There are reports of significant tree damage in Pond Creek & power outages. Other reports say there are Trees uprooted in Tonkawa. At least 2 structures w/roof torn off or partially blown off near Medford. Oklahoma Weather Radar Oklahoma Weather Watches and Warnings Map KFOR SkyCam Network Oklahoma Closings and Delays Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. As many as 44 people were detained on Friday throughout Los Angeles during chaotic, protest-inducing raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, and a local congressman claims raids by federal officials are being conducted outside the bounds of the law. Speaking to KTLAs Carlos Herrera shortly after a press conference on Saturday, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) said that he and his federal counterparts are being barred from entering the downtown Los Angeles facility in which people who were detained are believed to be held. Rep. Gomez was among several lawmakers condemning the raids and calling for transparency at the Saturday morning conference. We received reports that individuals were being detained herethis place has a capacity of a hundred folks and we heard its way above, Rep. Gomez, whose 34th District includes several prominent ethnic enclaves in Los Angeles, told KTLA. We have, as members of Congress, a right to conduct oversightto make sure [detainees] have a place to sleep, that they have access to their medicines, food and water and access to a restroomthey also have a right to counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we were given this excuse that we werent allowed in because of our safety, Gomez continued. And its like What safety issue? [because] theres no safety issue. Police use flash-bangs, tear gas to quell ICE raid protests in L.A. Gomez also said that another reason he and other officials werent let in was due to protests, but he countered that the protests blocking them from entering were actually members of Congress and the detainees legal teams; he further elaborated that the current law states that no prior notification or written permission is required for congressmembers to enter facilities like these. We can just show up, present ourselves and our IDs, and then be allowed in, he said. Thats been done time and time again. They usually drag their feet, so thats why we showed up first thing in the morning, because we know this might take all day. U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez speaks to KTLA 5s Carlos Herrera on June 7, 2025. The congressman said he observed vans being loaded up and people being shipp[ed] out, which may be an attempt to get all the detainees out before officials can get in. One of the people believed to be inside the facility is labor union leader David Huerta; the SEIU California president was arrested for obstruction, according to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huerta is not only a constituent of Gomez but a personal friend, as they previously worked together in the labor movement. The congressman stated that he was not able to see Huerta or any of the other detainees on Saturday. More individuals could be detained in the coming days; KTLA already received reports of ICE raids in Paramount and Downey on Saturday morning, and Rep. Gomez says that everyone his constituent or not has the right to be scared. PHOTOS: Federal agents conduct immigration enforcement operation in downtown Los Angeles This administration is operating outside the bounds of the law, he said. They are using tactics like showing up with masks, not presenting themselves, showing up in unmarked cars, and thats all, not only to enforce immigration laws, but to intimidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, they are starting to go to sensitive sites, arresting people who are presenting themselves at court, going through the asylum process or checking in, [which has] never been done beforeor at hospitals and schools and graduations, he continued. And when that happens, people stop showing up[ICE officials] present this fear because they want that fear to permeate so people self-deport. Thats absolutely shameful. Overall, Rep. Gomez says the tactics being used by the Trump administration are focused on intimidation based on how you look. I havent seen a Canadian living here illegally or is undocumented be thrown to the ground, he said. Its always a Latino or a brown person that gets detained. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENVILLE, Pa. (WKBN) A man who grew up in Greenville will do something really special in Honolulu next week. Vinton Smith gave his first blood donation at Commodore Perry High School in Mercer County. Now, his next donation will complete a trip across America. Smith has pictures of himself across the USA outside American Red Cross offices. The journey started in 1988. For 20 years, he gave blood in Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland, but Smith started a travel job in 2008 and had to schedule appointments in new places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then by the time I hit the 25th state, thats when I started sharing the story with others, my family and others. I kind of kept it quiet because I thought, this is kind of a crazy goal, Smith said. Hes made it interesting while rolling up his sleeves 139 times. A donation in Portland, Maine and then one in Portland, Oregon. The 49th state for Smith was Alaska. He leaves Tuesday for Hawaii, and state number 50 on his donation destination list. This is not a completion of a journey. This is a milestone in a lifelong journey to give blood, he said. The desire to give came from the family bloodline. Smiths mother and father were regular blood donors. The 54-year-old calls it meaningful and rewarding that his story can inspire others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really think about those people whom I have never met. I dont know who they are. Probably will never meet them, but whose lives have been extended and filled with moments in their life that would have been lost forever. Twelve members of Smiths family are going to Hawaii with him, including his mother. Some of them will donate blood, too, in the 50th state. Smith hopes others sense the importance of being a regular donor. I cant think of one thing that an individual can do that can have a bigger impact on someone else than simply taking a few minutes to give blood. Vinton Smith has donated roughly 30 gallons of blood. He also donates platelets, and did that recently in Nevada, his 25th state. And he wants to go for 50 states in platelet donations. Smith plans to keep donating blood, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) There was a strong show of support Friday from officials who have agreed to allow for marijuana dispensaries in their communities. Mayors, township trustees, state representatives and a county commissioner gathered at Austintown Township Hall, united in their opposition to changing the way tax money from marijuana sales are distributed. This is nothing more than a shoddy attempt to undermine the will of the voters. Im just going to call it as it is, and Its a travesty, said Warren Mayor Doug Franklin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November of 2023, when 57% of Ohio voters approved the sale of marijuana for recreational use, they also voted to allow all communities with a dispensary to collect 36% of the taxes generated from the dispensary. But now, the Ohio Legislature is proposing to change the allocation to 25% for seven years after which it would be zero. Struthers Mayor Cat Miller has a dispensary in her downtown. We feel misled and were not alone. The cities, townships and villages that came to the table in good faith are now being left behind. This is unacceptable, Miller said. Some of the state people are saying, Well, I dont believe cannabis should be legal. Thats not the issue. That issues been decided by the voters. The issue is how were going to disperse the tax money, said Girard Mayor Mark Zuppo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Niles Mayor Steve Meintkiewicz said there were community members who opposed a dispensary. We had to make a sales pitch and commitment to the Niles community and that commitment was through the future revenue streams, said Meintkiewicz. State Representatives Tex Fischer and Lauren McNally both said they support keeping the marijuana tax as it was but would not give any odds on whether it would happen. Im fully supportive of restoring these funds. I think we have, despite the situation were in now, we actually have made progress on this, Fischer said. How dare we think its acceptable to rewrite what they voted for, hoard the money at the state level, and decide in our political bubble, that we know better than the people living and working in these communities, McNally said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And by having this blatant money grab is a disservice to not only to us community leaders who are standing here today but also our residents, said Austintown Trustee Robert Santos. None of the communities at Fridays news conference have yet to receive any tax money from marijuana sales. One other note, Mahoning County Commissioner Geno DeFabio said Friday was an example of how we should work together on everything, and he would like to see more of this collaboration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. NEW YORK (PIX11) When it comes to the Roosevelt Island tram, its a battle of the tourists versus the local residents. And to some residents, the tourists are winning. To many, its one of the best-kept secrets in New York City. More Local News For the swipe of a MetroCard, you can ride the Roosevelt Island Tram from 6 AM to the wee hours of the morning seven days a week. Its the only aerial tramway in the busiest city in the world, and it has exploded on social media in the past few years, so tourists cant wait to jump on board and take videos of the view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Roosevelt Island residents are fed up. They are taking over the trams. I hate it and most people hate it, Magella Samory, a Roosevelt Island resident, told PIX11 News. I am in a Roosevelt Island mothers group, and we will talk about how theyre so rude. she added. Another Roosevelt Island resident agreed. Joan Ogden told PIX11 News, I blame social media. For the more than 11,000 people who live on Roosevelt Island, this crush of tourists packing their tram during peak times and holidays is destroying their quality of life. Some tourists even agree that changes could be made. In Ireland, we have islands like this, and the priority is always residents first, and then the tourists get on the boat, Tourist Noel Fehily, from Dublin, told PIX11 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while the lines werent particularly long this Friday night, they have been in the past, according to Roosevelt Island resident Paul Krikler. Weve had many months until recently when there have been lines going to 59th St. for many hours a day, Krikler said. A group of Roosevelt Island residents led by Paul Krikler will hold a rally on Sunday to promote priority boarding for residents and workers, something the state-run agency, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, says is not legally possible. We believe the creation of either a priority line or a reduced fare for residents would violate state law. Common carriers are prohibited by law from discriminating against people based on their residency. But Krikler is hoping the laws can be changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person who can fix this is Governor Kathy Hochul with an executive order, Krikler said. Expected to be attending Sundays rally are City Council member Julie Menin and Mayoral candidate Scott Stringer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A Kroger pharmacist is being recognized for her heroic acts last week. Kroger is commending one of its pharmacists for saving not one, but two lives during her work shift last week. According to Kroger, Pharmacist Megan Alt was attending to the drive-thru when a customer at the window began experiencing convulsions. Alt grabbed an epi pen, ran out the fire exit and administered the medication before calling 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that same shift, a security guard alerted Alt to an individual passed out in the stores restroom. Alt was able to administer Narcan and once again dialed 911 to save the persons life. Were so proud of Megan for taking extraordinary measures to care for her patients when they needed it most, said Kroger. Alt is originally from Perrysburg and earned a bachelors degree in pharmaceutical science in 2018 from Cedarville University. She then earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Cedarville in 2021. The university is also praising Alt for her quick response to those in need. The Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, along with Megans colleagues at Kroger, congratulate Megan on serving others well, said Cedarville University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) A Girard native celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday. Jane Rostan was surrounded by friends and family for the celebration. Rostan grew up in Girard and now lives in the Blackburn Home in Poland. They went all-out for the celebration, with signs outside the building and around town letting everyone know the big milestone. The Blackburn Home even got Rostan her favorite flavor of cake and the mayor of Poland to presented it to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of those things you like to do. A lot of times, people call you with complaints and problems, but this is a good thing absolutely said yes, said Mayor Tim Sicafuse. Rostan has lived in the Blackburn Home for six years. Her son joined her for the celebration, coming all the way from Arizona. She deserves it. To live 100 years old is quite a feat, and Im glad that everyones fully embracing this, said Sicafuse. I have a good family here, and I have a good family outside of town, so I think God was with me. He has been good to me, Rostan said. Rostan said she was happy to spend her 100th birthday with her friends and fellow residents of the Blackburn Home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you grow older and you need to be in a place everybody likes to be home, but they treated me good from the very first day or so. I have no complaints, Rostan said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The Miami County Sheriffs Office will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in state funding over the next two years. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak announced Thursday that the agency will receive more than $500,000 from two state grants. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first grant is from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and will help fund updated body-worn cameras for deputies. The sheriffs office will receive approximately $87,656.28 for these updates. The second grant will fund behavioral services in the jail for the next two years, according to Duchak. The Ohio Attorney Generals Office will award the sheriffs office approximately $214,500 each year. This funding will pay the salaries of behavioral professionals and supplies. The Miami County Sheriffs Office is partnering with the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services to contract behavioral health professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duchak said his office plans to onboard substance abuse disorder counselors and an addiction services coordinator, as the past several years have seen a dramatic uptick in mental health and substance abuse disorders among the inmates. This specific grant was funded by money secured from the state opioid settlement. Duchak said the county will incur no cost for these services. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] KEESEVILLE Ezra Ponds eternal rest is in the tranquil Evergreen Cemetery in Keeseville. He will have visitors today at 10 a.m. as his grave site will receive a historic marker. MILITIA When he was a young man, Private Ezra Pond (17581843), served in the Massachusetts Militia before settling in Keeseville. We sent some of that information to a representative of the Daughters of the American Revolution who helped also further research and provided documents and then we submit those documents through another middle man to the Pomeroy Foundation for validation, Nancy Sucharski, president of the Evergreen Cemetery Association, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was several people gathering details to prove his authenticity to verify that he was in the Revolutionary War. Were trying to bring history present and honor the individuals that stood in defense of freedom, values, and way of life. Its going to be a small ceremony. Our historical marker only lists Ezra Pond because at the time we had to apply for that on advance, and thats all we had the documentation on. and since then, we have discovered two other Revolutionary War veterans (Dr. Reuben Jones and James Woodbury), but we still have to go through the process of having the Pomeroy Foundation approve research it and approve those types of historical markers. FOUNDING FAMILY Pond descends from Robert Pond of Edwardstone, Babergh District, Suffolk, England, came to the New World accompanied by his wife, Mary, and his brother, William, and sister-in-law, Judith. The Ponds set sail from Southampton on the Arbella, flagship of John Winthrop, governor of the Massachusetts Bay Company. On June 14, 1630, they landed in Salem, Massachusetts and became a founding family of America, according to pondfamily.weebly.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AMERICAN ROOTS Ezra Pond was born May 28, 1758 in Wrentham, Norfolk, Massachusetts and died December 16, 1843, in Keeseville. He was the son of Ezra Pond and Sarah Morse, and he was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Clinton County, June Venette, a member of the Anderson Falls Heritage Society, said. He was married to Permelia Hubbell. He was a Pvt. in the Massachusetts Militia. He enlisted in 1777 in Capt. Wm. Henrys Co., Capt. Houghton, and Col. Whitneys Regiment in the Militia. He was in service off and on through 1780. He received a pension of $41.66 per annum for service in Massachusetts Militia from 26 April 1834 at the age of 74. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venette notes that Ezra was drafted three times during the Revolutionary era. He volunteered twice and served as a substitute for his father for a total of 12.5 months of service, she said. He was present of the Battle of Bemis Heights at Saratoga in October of 1777. He resided in Worcester, Ma. and Vermont before removing to Keeseville, the Town of Chesterfield, Essex Co., NY. By 1820, he had married Permelia Hubbell, and 25 of his descendants have become DAR members. Venette surmises that Permelias family was from Keeseville. Ponds grave is in the Clark family plot, and beside him is the grave of his daughter, Almena Clark. There is a flag by his grave, Venette said. Apparently from what Im finding, Cephus Clark installed the headstone for him. It was erected by his son-in-law. NEED TO KNOW Maggie Murdaugh and her son, Paul Murdaugh, were found dead on June 7, 2021, at the family's hunting lodge in South Carolina Alex Murdaugh, a wealthy lawyer, was found guilty of murdering his wife and their son in March 2023 He was sentenced again in April 2024 for federal charges of money laundering, wire fraud and bank fraud It's been four years since Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and her son Paul Murdaugh, 22, were found dead at their hunting lodge on June 7, 2021 and two years since the family's patriarch Alex Murdaugh was charged with their murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 2, 2023, Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before finding Alex Murdaugh guilty of killing his wife and son. He was given two consecutive life sentences in prison for the crimes. Between the highly publicized trial and the Netflix series Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal, all eyes have been on the Murdaugh family for years. Throughout the investigation and trial, Murdaugh maintained his innocence. In fact, he tried to cast suspicion on his cousin Curtis "Eddie" Smith, despite the "mountain of evidence" prosecutors had allegedly assembled against him. Since the deaths of his wife and son, the once-wealthy and powerful attorney from a prominent South Carolina family has been disgraced in connection with his alleged involvement in illegal drug distribution, money laundering, theft, embezzlement and perjury. Murdaugh has struggled with severe opioid addiction for years, allegedly spending $50,000 a week on drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's everything to know about Alex Murdaugh's murder trial and alleged crimes. Jan. 25, 2023: Alex Murdaugh's murder trial begins Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh In the opening statements, lead prosecutor Creighton Waters said that authorities have GPS information from Murdaugh's smart devices contradicting his alibi, and cell phone video placing him at the estate during the time of the murders. According to authorities, a video Paul took at 8:45 p.m. picks up his voice, and the voices of both his parents, at the property's dog kennels. Murdaugh originally told authorities he wasn't near the kennels but later admitted he was lying. Jan. 26, 2023: Alex Murdaugh wipes away tears when shown footage of his deceased family Grace Beahm Alford/AP/Shutterstock When footage from a responding officer's body cam was shown in court, which showed Maggie and Paul's bodies, Murdaugh was seen wiping away tears though an officer who was called to the crime scene reported that Murdaugh didn't seem upset, saying there were no "visible tears." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul was shot twice with a shotgun, but Maggie was shot in the back with an assault rifle, and then several more times when she was already on the ground. Jan. 27, 2023: Police testify there was no blood on Alex Murdaugh's clothes Murdaugh's lawyer, Jim Griffin, asserted that his client invited authorities to search the family estate, which pointed to his innocence, because no guilty person would be so transparent. Griffin also cross-examined Det. Laura Rutland about the state of Murdaugh's clothes, asking, "He didn't look like someone who had just been within feet of blowing Paul's head off, right?" She responded, "I can't say that. There are so many factors that you would have to take into account." Though, she said that Murdaugh could have changed his clothes after the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's sweating, and they're dry, so I'd say yes," she said. Jan. 31, 2023: Alex Murdaugh allegedly said "I did him so bad" when shown photos of his deceased son Jeff Croft, an agent with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, testified that Murdaugh was brought in for questioning days after the murders of Maggie and Paul. Croft claimed that during the police interview, Murdaugh got emotional and made a surprising statement when he first saw graphic photos of his slain son. "It was so bad, I did him so bad," Croft alleged that Murdaugh cried. "He's such a good boy, too." Feb. 1, 2023: Details are revealed about Maggie Murdaugh's phone Britt Dove, from the computer crimes unit for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, testified about usage of Maggie's phone on the night of her murder, both before and after she died. She made a phone call at 7:50 p.m. that lasted three minutes; according to authorities, Maggie also sent messages to a friend that night as she headed to the property, saying something felt "fishy" about Murdaugh's behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her phone call, she didn't use the phone again. At 9:06 p.m., after prosecutors believe Maggie was already dead, the phone's camera activated for a second. "It appears the phone's being moved and the camera's activating in the background to see if it would recognize somebody's face that would unlock it," Dove said. In the subsequent hour, Murdaugh called his wife's phone three times, and sent her a text saying "Call me babe." Prosecutors claim those were an attempt to bolster his alibi. Maggie's phone was discovered discarded beside the road outside the gates of the estate. Feb. 2, 2023: Footage emerges of Murdaugh in two different outfits on the night of the murder South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (2) Alex Murdaugh Evidence surfaced that Murdaugh changed his clothes at some point in the evening. Prosecutors showed a Snapchat video of the disgraced attorney wearing khakis and a blue button down about an hour before the murders, and he then spoke to the police later that night in a white t-shirt and shorts. Feb. 6, 2023: A family caregiver testifies that Murdaugh attempted to influence her Maggie Murdaugh/Facebook From left, Buster Murdaugh, Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh, Paul Murdaugh, Alex Murdaugh On the stand, Mushelle "Shelley" Smith, a caregiver to Murdaugh's mother, testified that he visited his mother's home for 15-20 minutes on the night of the murders, but that he instructed her to say that he was there for 30-40 minutes "if someone asked." The timeline is important to both the prosecution and the defense, as authorities have stated that Murdaugh visited his mother to create an alibi for his whereabouts the night of the murders. If he did remain at his mother's home for 15-20 minutes, prosecutors allege he would have had the time to commit the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith also described Murdaugh's behavior as "fidgety" that night, and said that he offered to give her money towards her wedding expenses in the same conversation. For his alibi, Murdaugh told authorities that he had visited his ailing father in the hospital and spent time with his elderly mother, and had come home to the 1770-acre Islandton, S.C. estate to discover his wife and son dead, shot to death with separate firearms. Feb. 7, 2023: Murdaugh's former law firm colleague testifies she suspected he was stealing Tracy Glantz/The State via ZUMA Alex Murdaugh Jeanne Seckinger, the CFO of the law firm where Murdaugh was a partner, testified under oath that she suspected he was stealing money from the company, starting in May 2021, when he was writing company checks to a client, but depositing them into a personal account of his, opened with the client's company name. She further testified that she confronted Murdaugh about the missing funds, totaling more than $2.8 million, on the day of the murders. Feb. 15, 2023: Murdaugh's sister-in-law testifies about a strange conversation On the stand, Maggie's sister Marian Proctor testified that she found her conversation with Murdaugh immediately after the deaths strange, because he didn't seem focused on finding who had murdered his family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We never talked about finding the person who could have done it," Proctor said. "It was just odd." She continued: "He said that his number one goal was clearing Paul's name," referring to his son's role in a 2019 boating accident that led to the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach. "And I thought that was so strange, because my number one goal was to find out who killed my sister and Paul." Feb. 16, 2023: Murdaugh's attorneys attempt to cast suspicion on his cousin Defense attorney Jim Griffin suggested that Murdaugh's cousin Curtis "Eddie" Griffin could have been involved with the murders, citing his involvement in supplying the disgraced attorney with drugs and his role in the botched suicide-for-hire plot. Because Murdaugh's defense team introduced the scheme, which they also admitted he concocted, Judge Clifton Newman ruled that the previously inadmissible information could now be considered as part of the trial. Feb. 21, 2023: Buster Murdaugh takes the stand Grace Beahm Alford/AP/Shutterstock Buster Murdaugh In his testimony, Buster recalled when his father called him to tell him what had happened. "He said, 'Are you sitting down?' " he testified. "He sounded odd, and then he told me that my mom and my brother had been shot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buster also recounted his father's state of mind on the night of the double homicide that took his mother and brother away from the young man. "He was heartbroken," he said. "I walked in the door and saw him, gave him a hug. He was destroyed." Buster also testified that his mother and brother confronted Murdaugh in the past about his drug use. Murdaugh has said he took up to 60 pills a day to feed his addiction. "I thought that he had handled it," Buster said, after his father went to rehab in 2018. After testifying, Buster squeezed his father's hand. Feb. 23, 2023: Alex Murdaugh takes the stand in his own defense Joshua Boucher/AP/Shutterstock Alex Murdaugh In a teary assertion of his innocence, Murdaugh denied committing the murders. "I did not shoot my wife or my son," Murdaugh said. "I could never intentionally do anything to hurt either one of them, not ever." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murdaugh also testified that he lied about information he gave to the authorities, and lied to his family about details of the day of the deaths. He long asserted that he was nowhere near the estate's kennels on the night of the murders, but recanted that on the stand. "What a tangled web we weave," Murdaugh said on the stand. "Once I told a lie then I told my family I had to keep lying." He attributed the lies to paranoia induced by his longtime drug use. "I lied about being down there, and I'm so sorry that I did," Murdaugh said. March 1, 2023: Jurors visit the crime scene After testimony concluded at the trial, jurors took a visit to the home where Maggie and Paul were murdered. Per The New York Times, jurors spent around an hour on the property examining the areas where the crimes took place. March 2, 2023: Alex Murdaugh is found guilty of murdering his wife and son After deliberating for less than three hours, jurors found Murdaugh guilty of the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. The following day, he was sentenced to two life sentences in prison, which will run consecutively. March 9, 2023: Alex Murdaugh's lawyers announce they are appealing his conviction Murdaugh's defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, announced on X that he and Jim Griffin are appealing their client's conviction as well as his prison sentences. "This is the next step in the legal process to fight for Alex's constitutional right to a fair trial," the post read. Nov. 1, 2023: Alex Murdaugh's lawyers petition for a new trial Eight months after receiving his guilty verdict, Murdaugh filed a motion for a new trial in the murders of his wife and son. The motion accused Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill of jury tampering. According to the motion, Hill pressured jurors to "reach a quick guilty verdict" and advised them not to "believe Murdaugh's testimony" to help secure herself a book deal. She did publish a book about the case in 2023, titled Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders. Though Hill denied the allegations, one juror did admit that the clerk's comments influenced her verdict decision. Still, in January 2024, a South Carolina judge denied Murdaugh's motion for a new trial. His attorneys later filed a motion in July 2024 to the South Carolina State Supreme Court, and the case is still under review. April 1, 2024: Alex Murdaugh is sentenced to 40 years for more financial fraud crimes In September 2023, Murdaugh pled guilty to federal charges of money laundering, wire fraud and bank fraud. Seven months later, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. This new sentence will run concurrently with the state prison time he's actively serving. Read the original article on People Judge Justin Beresky asked officers to escort Lori Vallow Daybell from the Phoenix courtroom Friday while she was still trying to speak with him ahead of a break during the second day of her jury trial. Take her out. Take her out, he said. After Beresky issued a repeated warning to Daybell not to make comments about whether she has good character, she told the judge overseeing her trial that he did not need to yell at her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daybell also contested his order to take her out, saying, Im very courteous to you. The judge responded, No, you have been nothing near courteous to me during the course of these proceedings. Ms. Daybell, if you continue to ask lines of questions where Ive sustained an objection, into areas where Ive sustained an objection, if you continue to speak over me or the prosecutor I may be forced to revoke your pro se status, Beresky said before the officers took her. Losing pro se status would mean Daybell could no longer represent herself. Daybell is on trial for conspiracy to murder Brandon Boudreaux, her nieces ex-husband. Although officers believe her brother, Alex Cox, was the one who fired the gun at Boudreaux, prosecutor Trina Kay said Thursday in her opening statement that Daybell was involved in planning the shooting and was Coxs alibi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daybells accusation that the judge was yelling came after he warned her that information she was bringing up could lead to him allowing prosecutors to question witnesses about her previous convictions, thereby allowing jurors to see rebutting character evidence. If youre going to introduce how you have great character and good character, were going to have a short hearing on what evidence (prosecutors) can bring in to rebut that character which could include being convicted of four murders, Beresky said. This topic was also brought up by prosecutors at the start of the day. Kay argued that in saying Daybell was a peaceful and loving person in her opening statement, Daybell could allow for the prosecution to bring in character evidence to show she was not. The prosecutor also said comments about Boudreaux hiring a private investigator could lead her team to ask about the killing of Daybells fourth husband, Charles Vallow a reason Boudreaux took that step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kay said prosecutors have tried hard to refer to Vallows death as an incident in Chandler, Arizona, and not provide details about it. Beresky agreed, saying he had thought the same thing on the first day of trial. However, he said that because that information was presented in Daybells opening statement rather than as evidence or testimony, he chose to warn her that morning not to bring those things up in the testimony phase. Still, as Daybell was cross-examining Boudreaux on Friday, she asked about her own character and about their relationship. Boudreaux contested most of the claims Daybell made in her questioning, saying they had argued in the past and had not always had a good relationship. He contested the idea that he would have referred to Daybell as a friend, saying he would have called her an aunt. He even suggested that the person transcribing the interview may have gotten that information wrong in the police documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first two days of the trial, the 15 jurors, including three alternates, have heard testimony from Boudreaux, a police officer and multiple neighbors, including one who saw the Jeep on the street and thought it looked suspicious. Someone in a Jeep fired shots at Boudreaux in 2019. Daybell was found guilty in April of conspiring to murder her then-husband, Charles Vallow, in 2019. In an Idaho trial in 2023, she was found guilty of the murders of her two children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old JJ Joshua Vallow, along with conspiring to murder them and her current husbands then-wife, Tammy Daybell. She has already received five sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Daybells husband, Chad Daybell, was found guilty of murdering her children and Tammy Daybell and was sentenced to death in 2024. Lori Daybells current trial is expected to last through next week, and the judge has informed jurors that it may extend into the following week. PHOENIX, Arizona (ABC4) Lori Vallow Daybell is back in court, charged with conspiring to commit the attempted murder of her former nephew-in-law, Brandon Boudreaux. Daybell is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of her niece, Melani. Boudreaux alleges he was shot at while returning home on Oct. 2, 2019. Daybell is representing herself in the trial, as she did in her Arizona trial on conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, where she was found guilty. Daybell was also previously sentenced for murder and conspiracy to murder her children, Joshua JJ Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ashlyn Ryan, 16. She was sentenced to prison and is currently serving five life sentences for the crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lori Vallow Daybell given 5 life sentences in prison for murder of her two children In the final chapter of the Lori Vallow Daybell trials, prosecutors are accusing Daybell of conspiring with her late brother, Alex Cox, to kill Boudreaux outside of his Gilbert home back in 2019. He gave emotional testimony of the events that took place that day, where he was reportedly shot at, but not hit. This defendant, Lori Vallow Daybell, has been charged with conspiracy to commit the first-degree murder of Brandon Boudreaux on October 2nd of 2019. The evidence in this case will prove to you beyond reasonable doubt that this defendant conspired with Alex Cox and others to kill Brandon, said Prosecutor Treena Kay. Boudreaux said he went to the gym, then came home, and as he was waiting for his garage door to open, he noticed a Jeep with Texas plates on the side of the road that was parked awkwardly. He said the car moved in, the back window of the Jeep opened, and he saw the muzzle of a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, he heard a bang and the window of his Tesla shattered. He immediately started driving, thinking someone had shot at him. Boudreaux then called 911 as he drove to the neighborhood pool. Police arrived and he talked with officers, realizing that someone had tried to kill him. Lori Vallow Daybell found guilty of conspiracy to murder husband Boudreaux also asserted before the jury that Daybell played a part in his divorce, claiming she influenced his ex-wife, Melani Pawlowski. The second day of Daybells trial in Arizona was held on Friday, as witnesses and evidence were presented before the jury. Daybell was asked to leave the room after an argument with the judge, in which she had raised her voice in discussing whether her good character could later be presented before the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the day progresses, evidence and witness testimony continue to be presented before the jury, including forensic evidence relating to the gunshot residue, provided by the detective involved in the case. Boudreaux will be cross-examined. Live updates of Day 2 of the trial can be found here. Watch Day 2 of the trial here. 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. NEED TO KNOW Lori Vallow Daybell was removed from a courtroom in Arizona this week after arguing with a judge during her latest attempted murder trial She went back and forth with Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Justin Beresky over the inclusion of character evidence before a break Lori was previously found guilty of murdering her two children and for conspiring to murder her husband Chad Daybell's first wife, as well as her fourth husband A judge had Lori Vallow Daybell escorted out of court this week after she argued with him during her latest attempted murder trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, June 6 during what marked the second day of Daybell's Arizona trial over her allegedly conspiring to kill Brandon Boudreaux, her niece's ex-husband Lori went back and forth with Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Justin Beresky over the inclusion of character evidence before a break. In footage of the exchange, shared by East Idaho News, Lori, who is representing herself in the case, was told by the judge that if she were to "introduce how you have great character," it would lead to a discussion on "what evidence" can be brought in to rebut that character evidence, including discussion of her previous convictions. Lori was previously found guilty of murdering her two children, Joshua Jaxon "J.J." Vallow and Tylee Ryan. She was also found guilty of conspiring to murder her husband Chad Daybell's first wife, Tammy Daybell, as well as her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. "[The evidence] could include being convicted of four murders," Judge Beresky told Lori. "So talk to your advisory council during the break." Kyle Green/AP Photo Lori Vallow Daybell at Ada County Courthouse on May 12, 2025 Lori Vallow Daybell at Ada County Courthouse on May 12, 2025 Lori then interrupted the judge, stating, "You don't need to yell at me," which prompted him to respond, "I'm not yelling at you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yeah you are," Lori replied. "And you don't need to talk to me that way." Beresky then ordered court security to "take her out." As Lori claimed she had been "very courteous" to the judge," Beresky replied, "No, you have been nothing near courteous to me during the course of these proceedings." He continued, "Talk to your advisory council about the rest of your cross, we're going to resume in 15 minutes." Lori later apologized to the judge upon her return to court after he warned her that continued interruptions could impact her ability to represent herself during the trial, AZCentral 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. Tony Blakeslee via AP Pool Lori Vallow Daybell appears at sentencing hearing at Fremont County Courthouse on July 31, 2023 Lori Vallow Daybell appears at sentencing hearing at Fremont County Courthouse on July 31, 2023 Lori was indicted by a Maricopa County grand jury in 2023 over allegedly conspiring to kill her niece's ex-husband Boudreaux on Feb. 24, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As KSL reported, officers believe her late brother Alex Cox fired a gun at Bourdreaux, though prosecutors alleged this week that they believe she was involved in planning the shooting and that Cox was her alibi. Lori cross-examined Boudreaux on June 6, as he claimed that they didn't always have a good relationship, per KSL. Lori, who will be sentenced in the Vallow case at a later time, is already serving three life sentences. Chad was previously convicted of his first wife Tammy's murder and the murder of Lori's children, and has been sentenced to death. Read the original article on People Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez praised Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. for confronting Chinese disinformation at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Rodriguez commended the two for calling global attention to Chinas aggression in the West Philippine Sea and for denouncing online smear campaigns. He particularly lauded their strong stand against Media Unlocked, a platform backed by China Daily, accusing it of peddling fake news to undermine Philippine officials. The lawmaker urged Filipinos to remain vigilant against misinformation targeting the countrys maritime claims and defense leaders. - Advertisement - Teodoro revealed that two fluent English-speaking hosts from Media Unlocked attempted to provoke him and Brawner during the forum, later twisting the encounter in videos circulated on Chinese platforms. They were pretending to be journalists, Teodoro said. Their goal was to create a misleading narrative. Brawner also said he was blocked from heading to a bilateral meeting and was falsely portrayed as avoiding questions about the West Philippine Sea. California Democrats and Trump administration officials are locked in a battle over a wave of immigration raids targeting Los Angeles this week, as protests over the detentions swelled in the Democratic stronghold amid President Donald Trumps broader immigration crackdown. Tom Homan, the White House border czar, told Fox News on Saturday that immigration enforcement was making Los Angeles safer and that, amid protests, were gonna bring National Guard in tonight. Federal agents in tactical gear appeared during protests on Friday afternoon against the detention of over 40 individuals in immigration sweeps across Los Angeles earlier in the day, sparking clashes between officers and protesters that turned violent and resulted in police throwing tear gas canisters in the middle of the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the situation escalated, the president of the labor union SEIU California, David Huerta, was arrested, sustaining injuries during his detainment that required brief hospitalization, according to a statement from the union. A video of Huertas arrest shows officers knocking the labor union president to the ground. Following Fridays clash, a group of Democratic members of Congress from the Los Angeles area said they were barred on Saturday from visiting the federal building where people in immigration detention were reportedly being held. The reports of what is happening inside the Roybal Federal Building is a complete violation of our laws and a stain on our values as a country, Rep. Luz Rivas (D-Calif.) said in a statement. The Trump Administration blocked my colleagues and me from conducting our congressional oversight duties into the reported abuses and neglect that is taking place at this facility. According to a statement from SEIU on Friday evening, Huerta was released from the hospital but remains in custody. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli a former lightning-rod Republican lawmaker posted on X that he will be arraigned in federal court on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened to me is not about me; This is about something much bigger, Huerta said in a statement. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice. This is injustice. And we all have to stand on the right side of justice. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials sought to cast Fridays events as a violent attack on federal immigration officials, spurred by Democratic politicians who have been outspoken in their condemnation of the administrations immigration policy. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that the situation that unfolded was a direct result of the repeated vilification and demonization of ICE by Democratic politicians, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable and Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom must call for it to end. The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens, McLaughlin said, adding that the violent rhetoric of sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE acting Director Todd Lyons also blasted local law enforcement, claiming it took the Los Angeles Police Department over two hours to respond despite being called multiple times. Other administration officials also snapped back at Newsom and Bass, casting the two Democrats as supporters of violence against federal authorities. After Newsom wrote a post to X in support of Huerta, saying that no one should ever be harmed for witnessing government action, the official DHS account replied that shoving ICE officers is not witnessing government action. Its assaulting law enforcement, adding that Governor Newsom must call on this violence to end not glorify rioters that endanger our brave law enforcement. Bass got similar treatment from FBI Director Kash Patel on social media after she released a statement saying she was deeply angered by the detentions, and that these tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not stand for this, she captioned the posted statement on X. Patel came back with an unequivocal response on Saturday. We will, he wrote in a post replying to the mayor. As outcry poured in on Saturday from major liberal organizations including labor union giant AFL-CIO and the Southern California chapter of the ACLU condemning the raids and demanding Huertas release, ICE doubled down on its position and warned that Fridays events were by no means the end of their immigration clampdown. These violent rioters will be held accountable if they harm federal officers, and make no mistake, ICE will continue to enforce our nations immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens. Sanctuary politicians would do well to remember that impeding our efforts only endangers their communities, law enforcement officers, and the detainees they claim to support, the ICE statement read. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also weighed in on Saturday evening, posting on X: "It doesnt matter if youre a judge, a member of Congress, or a protestor in Los Angeles: If you obstruct or assault a law enforcement officer, this Department of Justice will prosecute you." Fallout from aggressive U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps in Los Angeles continued Saturday, with fierce pushback from protesters, open sparring between L.A. leadership and federal officials and the Trump administration vowing to send the National Guard to the city to assist with operations. Border czar Tom Homan told Fox News the Guard would be deployed Saturday night to help with operations. It's unclear how many Guard members would arrive and exactly what their role would be. It came after a day of clashes between federal agents and protesters at a Home Depot in Paramount that was broadcast nationwide throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raids sparked outrage among state and local leaders. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday condemned the ICE raids in Los Angeles and the response by the Trump administration, and said he has deployed additional CHP officers to L.A. highways to keep the peace but not aid the federal actions. The federal government is sowing chaos so they can have an excuse to escalate. That is not the way any civilized country behaves, Newsom said in a statement posted on social media. Read more: Live coverage: Trump administration sending National Guard troops to L.A. amid clashes over raids Newsom said the Trump administration is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers, which he said was purposefully inflammatory and would only escalate tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Karen Bass spoke out a day earlier: "As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city," she posted on X on Friday evening. "We will not stand for this." "We will," FBI Director Kash Patel replied Saturday morning. Patel's response came a day after immigration officials descended on businesses around Los Angeles and arrested 44 people on suspicion of immigration violations and another for obstruction. ICE has arrested a total of 118 people in L.A. in connection with suspected immigration violations this week, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration rights advocates said conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center downtown had become overcrowded, with 200 people packed into a facility built to hold only 100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They didn't have access to food and water on a schedule. They definitely don't have access to their medicines," said U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), who arrived at the facility to check conditions Saturday morning along with fellow representatives Luz Rivas (D-North Hollywood), Norma Torres (D-Pomona) and Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana). "That's not healthy for anybody," Gomez said. "They do have a right to make sure that they're treated fairly and that they're allowed to see their attorney. So we're here because federal law says that we as members of Congress can show up and do a facility check on all those different issues." A federal agent turned the lawmakers away and told them to come back on Monday, the group said. "That is not what the law says," Rivas told reporters afterward. "We should be allowed any time for an oversight visit, and that was our intention to come in to check in on the facility and to get a briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As advocates and families of detainees scrambled for information, federal officials made clear Saturday that more arrests were on the way. "Federal law enforcement operations are proceeding as planned this weekend in Los Angeles County," U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli said on X. "Anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution." On Friday evening, crowds gathered outside the federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the roughly 200 remaining protesters to disperse around 7 p.m. Following reports of a small group of "violent individuals" throwing large pieces of concrete at officers, police authorized the use of so-called less-lethal munitions at 8 p.m., LAPD said. A citywide tactical alert was issued shortly thereafter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reports of new raids emerged Saturday morning, federal officials criticized protesters' actions and warned of further consequences. "The Lefts dangerous rhetoric against brave American law enforcement has fueled hatred and inspired violence. Democrats must immediately call on their supporters to stop the attacks on ICE officers who are simply doing their job and have every right to do so," White House spokesperson Abigail Johnson said in a statement. "To those who harm law enforcement officers, know this: you will be held accountable to the full extent of the law. The Department of Homeland Security described the protesters as "violent rioters." Advocates have vowed to continue fighting back against the arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our community is under attack and has been terrorized, Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, or CHIRLA, told the crowd of protesters. These are workers, these are fathers, these are mothers. Immigrant rights activists rallied and protested multiple immigration sweeps across Los Angeles on Friday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) The scene outside one targeted business in the Fashion District turned violent after federal immigration authorities used flash-bang grenades and pepper spray on people protesting the employees' arrests. Hours later, hundreds rallied outside the Los Angeles Federal Building to condemn the crackdown and demand the release of Service Employees International Union California President David Huerta, who was injured and detained while documenting a raid, according to a statement from the labor union. Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, consul general of Mexico in Los Angeles, said his team has identified at least 11 Mexican nationals who were detained during raids across the Southland. The office is offering them legal services, and he said he is monitoring detention conditions. The detention center seems to be at full capacity, he said. Every cell seems to be occupied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents executed four search warrants related to the suspected harboring of people illegally in the country at three locations in central Los Angeles, according to ICE. CHIRLA received more than 50 calls on its hotline, with reports of ICE sightings and men in military garb in parking lots and in locations near schools, Home Depot stores and a doughnut shop, according to Salas. Connie Chung Joe, the chief executive of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, said she received a report of immigration enforcement going to a school in Koreatown. Read more: Multiple immigration sweeps reported across L.A., with a tense standoff downtown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huerta, 58, was treated at a hospital and transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown L.A., where he remained in custody as of 5:30 p.m., according to an SEIU spokesperson. What happened to me is not about me; This is about something much bigger," he said in a statement from the hospital. "This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice thats happening. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice." In a statement on X, Essayli alleged that Huerta had deliberately obstructed federal agents' access to a worksite where they were executing a warrant by blocking their vehicle Friday morning. Huerta was arrested on suspicion of interfering with federal officers and will be arraigned Monday, the U.S. attorney said. Elected officials representing Los Angeles at the city, county, state and federal levels released a flurry of statements condemning Huerta's arrest, criticizing the raids and decrying the Trump administration's escalation of deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a democracy," said L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. "People have a right to peacefully protest, to observe law enforcement activity, and to speak out against injustice." Assistant Atty. Gen. Harmeet Dhillon, who was appointed by President Trump to lead the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, pushed back on Democratic elected leaders' defense of Huerta. "There is not a 1st Amendment right to physically obstruct law enforcement officers from executing a duly issued warrant, Dhillon said. For several hours Friday, advocates gathered outside Ambiance Apparel's warehouse shouting legal advice to those being detained inside. They stood on a long bed truck parked in the middle of the street, jamming traffic on the busy road. People gather in front of Ambiance Apparel after several employees were taken into custody by federal agents on Friday. At one point, federal agents had to shove protesters out of the path of a van that was being driven into the building's parking lot. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) You are not alone, one said into a megaphone drowning out the sounds of the crowd. Do not sign anything. Do not tell them where you are from. Katina Garcia, 18, pressed her face to the glass, looking for her father, who lacks proper documentation, who had gone to work there that morning, like any other. We never thought it would happen to us," she said, Im in disbelief. After a couple of hours a legion of federal agents dressed in riot gear descended on Ambiance Apparel to confront more than 100 people who had gathered outside. Blaring sirens announced the arrival of armored personnel carriers. Pigs, one man shouted during the raucous scene. Fascists, another said. The agents disembarked and surrounded the gates protesters had tried to block. Some threw objects at the armed agents, as they yelled and filmed them. To disperse the crowd, pepper spray was used. The agents who had been inside the store walked out at least a dozen individuals and boarded them in the vans as other agents in riot gear taped off the area. How do you sleep at night, tearing apart families, one woman screamed at an agent. What if they took your family?" The vans filled with migrants left first. Then the line of tactical vehicles and trucks backed out and left in the other direction. The crowd followed, filming with cellphones and surrounding the vehicles for at least a block. The agents used what appeared to be at least a dozen rounds of flash-bang grenades and pepper spray before protesters dispersed. A group of 11 L.A. city councilmembers released a joint statement lambasting the "indiscriminate targeting of children and families" and vowing to fight to protect immigrants. "We condemn this in no uncertain terms: Los Angeles was built by immigrants and it thrives because of immigrants," the group stated. "We will not abide by fear tactics to support extreme political agendas that aim to stoke fear and spread discord in our city." The Police Department and the L.A. County Sheriff's Department said in statements that they will neither participate in any enforcement of civil immigration laws nor seek to determine an individual's immigration status. "We want our residents to know that when they call for help, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will respond, investigate and protect everyone regardless of a person's legal status," the department said in a statement. The American Civil Liberties Union and elected officials including Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, Councilmember Ysabel Jurado and Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) raised concerns over reports that the LAPD was assisting ICE on Friday. Videos shared on social media showed LAPD officers gathering at 15th Street and Santa Fe Avenue, where a crowd was protesting the immigration action at Ambiance Apparel's warehouse. When masked goons are abducting and locking Angelenos in basements, when police are tear gassing protesters and legal observers exercising their 1st Amendment rights, and when union leaders are brutalized for daring to oppose blatant injustice, we ask our local and state leaders: Where are you? What will you do to end this madness?" said Andres Kwon, attorney and senior policy counsel at the ACLU Foundation of Southern California. Kwon said city leaders "broke their promise" to preserve L.A. as a sanctuary city, a contention that LAPD officials denied. "We received an officer needs help call from our federal partners and responded to separate the parties to maintain order," said LAPD spokesperson Jennifer Forkish. "We had nothing to do with the operation, but we do have an obligation to respond to any law enforcement agency requesting urgent assistance." The Los Angeles raids come on the heels of several recent enforcement actions in the Southland including an incident in which ICE agents deployed flash-bang grenades during operations at two San Diego restaurants, and a raid at an underground nightclub in Los Angeles where Chinese and Taiwanese nationals were detained. On Friday afternoon, U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla alongside Reps. Scott Peters (D-San Diego) and Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) demanded an investigation into the tactics used during the San Diego raids. This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country, the lawmakers stated. "These events raise serious questions about the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics. Times staff writer Kaitlyn Huamani 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. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed the city budget on Friday. The newly signed budget will preserve city services like street repair, traffic management and parks and library programming maintenance. It will also help to bring new jobs to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to the mayors office. City Council leadership will identify funds for an additional 240 recruits within 90 days, Bass office said in a press release. The money will be used after LAPD fulfills hiring 240 officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funding for vital services such as street repair, traffic management and parks and library program maintenance is also included in the budget, which according to the mayor herself, was not easy to put forward. $150K Camaro stolen from influencer during Southern California event This budget has been delivered under extremely difficult conditionsuncertainty from Washington, the explosion of liability payments, unexpected rising costs and lower than expected revenues, said Mayor Bass. This budget continues to aggressively combat the homelessness crisis and invest in emergency response and vital city services like street repair, parks and libraries. I want to thank the City Council for coming together on this deal as we work together to make Los Angeles safer for all. According to Mayor Bass office, the city budget includes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restoration of more than 1,000 city positions at risk of layoff to ensure delivery of vital services like pothole repair, traffic management, positions that support future housing development and more New investments in the Los Angeles Fire Department with more positions, funding for more paramedics and other resources and support Funding for all sworn officers and firefighters Continued funding for 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers to lower wait times Protection for homeless funding Resources to continue driving the Palisades Fire recovery forward with urgency Maintenance of library and Parks and Recreation facility hours maintained Support for capital infrastructure projects, including staff for the planning and coordination of the LA Convention Center, funding for Sepulveda Basin improvements and recreation facilities in San Fernando Valley & South L.A. Measures to preserve of all positions within the Emergency Management Department with a priority to expand with future funding Continued funding for RepresentLA to provide legal representation to Angelenos Funding to keep all animal shelters open and add strategic additional staffing support More information on the citys budget can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Louisiana Board of Ethics is pushing back against legislation that would eliminate confidentiality for people for provide tips about misconduct. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator). The Louisiana Board of Ethics expressed alarm Friday that the Louisiana Legislature is just one vote away from eliminating confidentiality for people who provide tips about government misconduct. This is all just abusive. Its just trying to dissuade someone from filing a complaint, said retired attorney William Grimley, a Louisiana Senate appointee to the ethics board since 2022, about House Bill 160 sponsored by Rep. Kellee Hennessy Dickerson, R-Denham Springs. Other members of the 15-person board nodded in agreement with Grimley. As a last-minute effort to stop the legislation, they instructed their staff to send a letter from the board expressing their concerns about the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board members also said they intended to personally contact their own senators and Gov. Jeff Landrys office to warn about the legislation. I think it will have a drastic chilling effect on the number of complaints you receive, Ethics Administrator David Bordelon told board members. We often receive complaints that are asking not to be disclosed because theres some sort of relationship or some sort of fear of retaliation. Under the bill, investigations into ethics law violations would still be kept private and shielded from the public unless the board votes to bring charges. But the name of a person who provides a tip about alleged wrongdoing would be revealed to whoever they accused of misconduct. Currently, the identity of someone providing a tip to the ethics board is never shared with the target of an investigation. Dickerson said she is bringing the bill to protect government officials from political retaliation similar to what she experienced personally. In 2023, the ethics board voted to fine Dickerson $1,500 when she was a member of the Livingston Parish School Board and running for state representative. The members concluded she had broken state ethics laws by inappropriately helping a public school teacher get paid for doing construction work at the high school where the teacher was employed. State law doesnt allow public employees to perform contract work for their employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe this is a fight for truth and justice and to give you the knowledge to know who is fighting against you, Dickerson said of her legislation. Her bill would likely encourage witness tampering and documents not being provided, Bordelon said. The tipster might experience harassment and intimidation from the subject of the investigation even before the probe gets underway, he added. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Dickerson said she has guarded against intimidation in her bill by allowing any tipsters to sue the accused for damages if they experience harassment. Critics of the legislation said those lawsuits would be expensive and not financially feasible for many members of the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ethics administrator also reiterated that the board not the person providing the tip decides whether to charge someone with ethical misconduct. Even if the person who submitted the complaint to the board is politically motivated, the board is not. Its the board that is the accuser, Bordelon told members. You make your decision based on the facts and the evidence that we present to you as staff. Dickerson included another barrier to ethics investigations the board found troubling. It requires people submitting tips to the board to either have them signed by a notary, which costs money, or to deliver them personally to state ethics administration headquarters in downtown Baton Rouge. Currently, the public can submit tips via mail and sometimes electronically. Imagine somebody in Grand Isle complaining about their local councilman. They would have to either pay a notary to notarize a statement or drive to Baton Rouge and file it with us in person here, Bordelon said. Dickerson also wants to limit materials the ethics board can use to launch an investigation to just tips from the public and reports from state officials. The board has no existing limits on the sources it can use to launch an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, it undertook 18 investigations from 2020-23 based on news reports that resulted in a discovery of wrongdoing. Under the bill from Dickerson, a former broadcast journalist, they would no longer be able to use a news story as the basis for an inquiry. This year, Landry and legislative leaders have gotten behind a few bills that would dramatically curb the ethics boards authority to pursue investigations. Lawmakers said the effort is a response to overzealous enforcement by the ethics board that crossed the line into harassment. Still, its not clear whether Landry supports Dickersons legislation. His staff hasnt endorsed it during public hearings like they have other ethics bills. Recent ethics board appointees from Landry and lawmakers are also among those worried about Dickersons bill. I would love for 100% compliance and to put us out of business. But you know, thats not happening, said Jason Amato, a former St. James Parish Council member who Landry picked to lead the ethics board earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id love to be able to cancel our monthly meeting because we didnt have any items on the agenda. But Im only six months in, and that isnt happening anytime soon, he added. Lawmakers have until Thursday to decide whether to send Dickersons proposal to Landrys desk to be signed into law. The House voted 88-7 for the bill last month, and it is scheduled for Senate debate Sunday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A vigil was held to honor the life of Samuel Riveros, 35, a Baldwin Park police officer who was killed in the line of duty. Over 1,000 people gathered outside Baldwin Park City Hall on Friday night, where a large memorial filled with flowers, candles and mementos continues growing. A speaker at the memorial described Riveros as a man of character, thoughtfulness and courage. On May 31, officers responded to a home on the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue, on reports of a man firing a rifle in the street around 7:15 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they arrived, they located a victim, Darius Wong, 43, suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was transported to the hospital and later pronounced dead. The officers were met by gunfire from the rifle-wielding suspect. Riveros began running toward the shots to help his colleagues when he was shot by the suspect. Officer Samuel Riveros as seen in a photo released by the Baldwin Park Police Department. SWAT Team units are seen after two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) Darius Wong, a father, is seen in a photo. (Vuong Family) Darius Wong is seen in a family photo. Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KNN) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) An officer being airlifted to the USC Medical Center after being shot by a suspect in Baldwin Park on May 31, 2025. (@baldwinpark_) LA County Sheriff Robert Luna (left) and Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez (right) speak to press outside Los Angeles General Medical Center after a shooting in Baldwin Park leaving one police officer killed and another wounded on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) LA County Sheriff Robert Luna (left) and Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez (right) speak to press outside Los Angeles General Medical Center after a shooting in Baldwin Park leaving one police officer killed and another wounded on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KNN) Police officers cordon off an area near the site of a shooting in Baldwin Park on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by I RYU/VCG via Getty Images) Law enforcement work to investigate a shooting scene at 4200 Block Filhurst Avenue on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Baldwin Park, CA, after the shooting left one officer dead and another wounded yesterday evening. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KNN) Police officers cordon off an area near the site of a shooting in Baldwin Park on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by I RYU/VCG via Getty Images) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KTLA) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KNN) A memorial outside the Baldwin Park Police Department honoring slain Officer Samuel Riveros. (KTLA) Riveros was airlifted to the hospital where he died from his injuries. The second officer, who was also injured, was hospitalized in stable condition. The suspect, Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, 22, was also struck by gunfire and was hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities said Wong, a father of two young daughters, had just parked his car and was walking to a family party when he was shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riveros was a nine-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department. His colleagues remembered him as a dedicated officer and friend who loved serving his community. Loved ones, colleagues and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Officer Samuel Riveros outside Baldwin Park City Hall on June 6, 2025. (KTLA) Loved ones, colleagues and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Officer Samuel Riveros outside Baldwin Park City Hall on June 6, 2025. (KTLA) Loved ones, colleagues and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Officer Samuel Riveros outside Baldwin Park City Hall on June 6, 2025. (KTLA) Loved ones, colleagues and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Officer Samuel Riveros outside Baldwin Park City Hall on June 6, 2025. (KTLA) Loved ones, colleagues and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Officer Samuel Riveros outside Baldwin Park City Hall on June 6, 2025. (KTLA) Loved ones, colleagues and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Officer Samuel Riveros outside Baldwin Park City Hall on June 6, 2025. (KTLA) Loved ones, colleagues and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Officer Samuel Riveros outside Baldwin Park City Hall on June 6, 2025. (KTLA) He had a care for this community and he had care for the department, said Joseph Valencia, a colleague. Everything that he did was to make the patch look good and to make his brothers and sisters look good and most importantly, to protect the city. He really is my little brother, but he was my crutch and he didnt know that, said Sunny Kim, Riveros police partner. I looked to him for that. There is no way for us to convey to you the emptiness and heartache we feel at the loss of our beloved Sammy, Riveros sister said at the candlelight vigil on Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 3, the suspect, Medina-Berumen, was charged with two counts of murder, along with other charges, the L.A. County District Attorneys Office announced. The charges include special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and the murder of a peace officer. These special circumstances could make Medina-Berumen eligible for the death penalty if he is convicted. L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office will decide at a later date whether to pursue capital punishment. Friends remembered Riveros as a snowboarder and an avid Dodgers fan. Riveros became a law enforcement officer after studying criminology, law and society at UC Irvine. He is survived by his mother, sister and two brothers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His family said funeral arrangements are still in the planning stages and no date has been set. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Lebanon Police have announced the arrest of 15 individuals after indictments on 85 counts of drug and weapon related offenses. The arrestss came as the department closed an investigation recently. The LPDs Special Operations Division conducted a targeted operation to arrest the individuals at the end of May. This follows an investigation by the Narcotics Unit into drug sales within the city. While serving the arrest warrants, LPD also arrested four other individuals on outstanding warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were proud of the dedicated efforts of our detectives, investigators and officers who made this operation a success, LPD said in a press release. Were also grateful to the Wilson County Sheriffs Office for their assistance. The District Attorney Generals office in Lebanon released the names of the individuals. Bradley Carey, Christopher Cason, Demetris Cason, Tabitha Cook, Brittany Fox, Damon Grimmett, Frederick Henderson, Monti Hill, David Jackson, Quantae Jackson, Dauvionne Jennings, Charles Miller, Laretta Patterson, Bettie Steward and Richard Worley were arrested on a total of 85 counts of drug and weapons charges. The names of the other four arrested on outstanding warrants have not been released. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A San Francisco immigration attorney is speaking out after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained his client. The attorney says it happened moments after an asylum hearing, and now others fear the same could happen to them. San Joses undocumented residents under attack by ICE, councilman says Alex Lubarsky has been representing undocumented immigrants for 30 years. But he says, hes never seen anything even close to whats been happening at immigration courts across the country and in the Bay Area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergio Enrique Yasila is a gay man from Peru who is seeking asylum in the U.S. He has a hearing on Monday in San Francisco, but he stopped by his immigration attorneys office on Friday to express concerns about the possibility of being detained by ICE at the courthouse. San Francisco Immigration Court (Photo: KRON4) Lubarsky is his lawyer. He says he just witnessed this happening to another client seeking asylum at the San Francisco Immigration Court on Sansom Street on Friday. Ive never had a client until today that was detained at their court hearing, says Lubarsky. Essentially, he was ambushed today in court. If they return me to my country of Peru, its likely they would kill me, says Yasila via a translator. Were afraid to go to our court hearings because we understand the government is detaining people now. And Im afraid to go to my court hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is fearful of the government of this country, and this is the place he came to seek protection and seek a better life, adds Lubarsky. Lubarsky works at the San Francisco Office for Community Legal Centers. He says the Trump administrations crack down on migrants has them overloaded. We have lines at some of our offices that stretch out the door and halfway around the block, says Lubarksy. Ive never seen anything quite like it. The phones never stop ringing. Its just sheer pandemonium. Lubarsky says having ICE agents detain people at courthouses is disrupting the due process his clients deserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My clients arrived to the United States without understanding, and now the rugs been yanked out from beneath them, claims Lubarsky. Lubarsky says even in these uncertain times, the best thing to do is to fight your case in court. I get clients coming in all the time recently saying, Should I just not go to court? Should I runaway? Should I hide? Thats really the worst thing you could do, advises Lubarsky. That would result in a removal order. You certainly cant ever win any kind of lawful status if you dont follow through with your case. Lubarsky says he looked online and called the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, but no record has been posted yet of his client. Hes hoping to see where hes being detained on Monday, but he and his clients family is in the dark for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KRON4 reached out to ICE but did not hear back in time for 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 KRON4. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. Dec. 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has accepted responsibility for mishandled line-item vetoes to the states next two-year budget while reiterating that many of the suggested cuts will be reconsidered in 2026. Pillen, speaking with the Nebraska Examiner after the Legislature adjourned for the year, said the veto process includes human beings in his office, the Clerk of the Legislatures Office and the Secretary of States Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 21, his office delivered Legislative Bill 261 and LB 264 with line-item vetoes to the Secretary of States Office, which is the right place for the bills to go when the Legislature is out of session, but not to the Clerk of the Legislatures Office on the other side of the Capitol, which is where bills must be returned when senators are in session. The Governors Office says LB 261 was line-item vetoed at 1:08 p.m. on May 21 and LB 264 at 1:10 p.m. A spokesperson for the Secretary of States Office said the bills were delivered to that office around 5 p.m. the same day. The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers meets to certify the November 2024 general election results on Dec. 2, 2024. From left: State Auditor Mike Foley, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and State Treasurer Tom Briese. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The Legislature did receive a separate letter from Pillen the night of May 21 detailing the line-item vetoes, as well as a copy of the bills with the inscribed vetoes, but lawmakers contended the next day that a line-item veto is constitutional only with the inscribed vetoes on the actual bills. Those bills remained at the Secretary of States Office until morning. The Nebraska Constitution requires vetoes to be returned within five days of being presented to the governor, excluding Sundays. The bills passed May 15 and went to Pillens office at 1:12 p.m., so the deadline was by the end-of-day May 21. The glass of milk was spilled Pillen said the mistake on the night of May 21 was a miscommunication on where it was supposed to go. Pillen was in Washington, D.C., the following day, for a Make America Healthy Again event at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottom line: We made a mistake. Id have thought, because we all work together, that a flag would have been thrown and said, Hey, lets do X, but there wasnt, and then the glass of milk was spilled the next morning, Pillen told the Examiner. The intended vetoes targeted $14.5 million to the states general fund and $18 million in repurposed cash funds for improvements at Lake McConaughy. He sought to save $14.5 million that the Legislatures budget aimed to use from the states rainy day cash reserve by trimming spending $152 million from the rainy day fund went to help balance the budget. Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Funke, left, shakes hands with Gov. Jim Pillen after being appointed the states next chief justice. Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The Nebraska Supreme Court, which faced about $12 million of Pillens proposed general fund reductions (83%), has said the loss of those funds could close vital court services. This was Pillens second two-year budget he vetoed $38.5 million in general fund spending in 2023 for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years. Lawmakers restored about $850,000 of the trims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pillen, Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Speaker of the Legislature John Arch have pledged to clarify the line-item veto process for the budget ahead of 2026, and theyve agreed that the suggested reductions should be considered when the budget is adjusted next year. Arch has said that to his knowledge, nothing like this had happened before. Pillen, whose office now insists the matter is resolved, said, As I told our team, we look in the mirror, we accept responsibilities. Ive not met a human that doesnt make a mistake yet. Missing timeline of events Pillen and his staff have declined to detail exactly what happened the night of May 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rani Taborek-Potter, a spokesperson for Evnen, said no one from the Secretary of States Office delivered the actual LB 261 and LB 264 with the line-item vetoes to the Clerk of the Legislatures Office, nor is it our offices responsibility to do so. When bills are vetoed by the Governor, the vetoed bills are delivered directly to the Clerk of the Legislatures Office by the Governors office, as was the case for LB 319 and LB 287 to the best of our knowledge, Taborek-Potter told the Examiner, referring to the two other bills vetoed this session related to expanding SNAP benefit eligibility and fighting bedbugs in Omaha. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, center, and his wife, Debra, listen to Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature John Arch lead a 2026 reelection kickoff for Evnen. June 6, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Taborek-Potter confirmed the Governors Office delivered the budget bills to the administrative assistant in the Secretary of States Office just before 5 p.m. on May 21. The Examiner on May 23 requested all records and communications regarding the line-item vetoes from when the budget bills passed May 15 to the date of the records request. The request sought texts, emails and digital messages. It also asked for communications within the executive branch and between Pillens office and the legislative branch, including staff and state senators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents provided in response indicated that Pillens veto letter detailing his objections was ready by 6:05 p.m., when the state budget administrator, Neil Sullivan, sent it to Pillens staff. Around 6:27 p.m., Kenny Zoeller, director of the governors Policy Research Office, the main research and lobbying arm for Pillen, confirmed the letter among gubernatorial staff. We are handing this off back to the Legislature POST adjournment, Zoeller wrote of next steps. I will text when its handed off. Laura Strimple, the governors primary spokesperson, sent a draft news release regarding the vetoes at 8:21 p.m. to Sullivan. It was sent to reporters around 11:23 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature adjourned at 9:20 p.m., and a reporter could see legislative staff discussing the veto letter. The next day Through much of the day on May 22, legislative leadership met off the floor, including Arch. Several emerged just before adjournment at 2:37 p.m. when Arch announced the vetoes could not be accepted and that the Legislature had concluded they were constitutionally improper. Some members of the Appropriations Committee hugged, threw fists in the air and smiled after. Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature John Arch, left, talks with former Speaker Jim Scheer of Norfolk. Scheer now serves on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. June 6, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Pillens spokesperson, Strimple, sent a statement to reporters at 4:48 p.m. stating it was the governors position that Pillen clearly took the legally required steps to exercise his veto authority by surrendering physical possession and the power to approve or reject the bills. She said the Governors Office would consult with the Attorney Generals Office and other counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Policy Research Office, executive branch budget staff and other members of the governors staff met around 5 p.m. on May 22. Strimple sent her statement on the governors position to all members of the governors staff at 5:23 p.m., then to lawmakers at 5:53 p.m. On May 27, the next legislative day, Pillen, Arch and Evnen released their joint statement around 2:54 p.m., ending the possible constitutional dispute and returning to their respective corners, with no one taking blame for the situation until Pillen spoke with reporters this week. Pillens office asserts that it searched texts and digital messages as part of the public records request but found no responsive records, including from Zoeller, who had pledged to text after delivering the veto letter in one of the emails. The Governors Office provided no records reflecting communications with the legislative branch. None of the records indicate what happened to the bills after being delivered to Evnens office. Gov. Jim Pillen, right, talks with State Sens. Rob Clements and Lou Ann Linehan, at left. At center is Pillens communications director, Laura Strimple. July 18, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The matter is concluded Evnen, speaking with the Examiner on Friday, reiterated that the Secretary of States Offices role with legislation is to file it, and when its brought to our office and were asked to file it, thats what we do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a certain amount of confusion, really between the legislative branch and the Governors Office, about those line-item vetoes, and I think that what we will do is sit down and talk through together how that will be handled. Thats a really good thing to do, he said. Multiple lawmakers beyond Arch have quietly teased the suggestion with the Examiner, asking how much clearer the process can be. Asked if there was a reason the original bills in the Secretary of States Office by about 5 p.m. could not be delivered by midnight on May 21, Evnen said: You would have to ask the Governors Office. Strimple, asked about the remaining timeline on May 21 and May 22, said that with the Arch-Evnen-Pillen joint statement, The matter is concluded. Nebraska Supreme Court funding challenges One of the top targets of Gov. Jim Pillens intended line-item vetoes to the states budget bills was about $12 million in spending earmarked for the Nebraska Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corey Steel, state court administrator for Nebraska, told lawmakers that the line-item vetoes to the courts could eliminate various services, including three problem-solving courts in Lancaster and Sarpy Counties, a drug court in Gov. Jim Pillens home of Platte County, transition living reimbursements for certain adults and non-statutory services for juveniles on probation. Pillen told the Examiner that while he has the utmost respect for the separation of powers between Nebraskas branches of government, he believes each one must look at government differently. He said the courts have significantly increased spending and have money sitting around. Steel, as well as Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke, have said that position isnt accurate and that increased spending has been in part due to legislation that came without new funds. The judicial branch leaders have said that the money held in various funds is now exhausted. However, Pillen said hes not backing down and that the reductions will be considered in 2026. We have to be fiscally responsible, Pillen said, and thats all were asking. Zach Wendling SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigans attorneys have attacked prosecutors draconian recommendation that he serve 12 years in prison in the ComEd scandal, likening the proposed term to a life sentence for an old man who is not the villain of their constructed narrative. The government seeks to condemn an 83-year-old man to die behind bars for crimes that enriched him not one penny, Madigans attorneys told U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey in a 28-page response filed late Friday. In a filing of their own minutes later, however, prosecutors revealed for the first time that Madigan amassed a personal fortune of more than $40 million during his years in Springfield, built in large part through his successful law practice appealing property taxes for deep-pocketed developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madigans greed is even more appalling given his law firms success, the prosecution filing stated. He certainly did not need more legal business. The Madigan brief, which comes a week before his highly anticipated sentencing, said the U.S. attorneys office repeatedly ignores the truth in favor of offering arguments that lack evidentiary support entirely, rely on pure speculation, or worse are contradicted by the clear evidentiary record. Over and over, Madigans defense lawyers said, the government knows better, including the offering of a false comparison to previous corruption cases against former Gov. George Ryan and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who unlike Madigan were convicted of all charges. The governments rhetoric ignores the jurys verdict, wrote attorneys Daniel Collins, Todd Pugh, Lari Dierks and Tom Breen. By comparing this case to cases such as former Governors Ryan and Blagojevich, the government asks this court to sentence Mike as if he was convicted of all charges. He was not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In turn, prosecutors wrote that Madigans request for probation rather than time behind bars would be extraordinary leniency for a former high-level elected official convicted of abusing his office for years through bribery, fraud and conspiracy. Each of those crimes is the antithesis of what a public official should do on behalf of the citizens he serves, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Streicker, Diane MacArthur and Julia Schwartz wrote in their own 16-page response, also filed late Friday. The dueling briefs set up an age-old question in Illinois politics: If youre convicted of corruption when youre near the end of your life, should you get a break? Former lobbyist Michael McClain walks toward media after the jury was deadlocked on charges at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Feb. 12, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse while holding hands with his daughter Nicole after jurors found him guilty on 10 counts in his racketeering case on Feb. 12, 2025. His daughter Tiffany is at right. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual walks toward media following former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigans guilty verdict, at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Feb. 12, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Michael McClain, left, and his attorney Patrick Cotter speak with media after the conclusion of his trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Feb. 12, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after jurors found him guilty on 10 counts in his racketeering case on Feb. 12, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Lobbyist Michael McClain leaves Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after Michael Madigan was convicted of bribery conspiracy in a landmark trial in Chicago on Feb. 12, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse with daughter Nicole after jurors found him guilty on 10 counts in his racketeering case, Feb. 12, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan arrives home after being convicted on several counts in his federal corruption trial on Feb. 12, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exits after the jury delivered a partial verdict in his and former lobbyist Michael McClains corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Feb. 12, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune) Former lobbyist Michael McClain exits after the jury delivered a partial verdict in his and former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigans corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Feb. 12, 2025, in Chicago. The panel also deadlocked on all six counts against Madigan co-defendant Michael McClain. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune) Dan Collins, attorney for Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exits after the jury delivered a partial verdict in Madigans and former lobbyist Michael McClain's corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Feb. 12, 2025, in Chicago. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune) Robert Stanley, attorney for Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exits after the jury delivered a partial verdict in Madigans and former lobbyist Michael McClain's corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Feb. 12, 2025, in Chicago. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exits the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after the jury delivered a partial verdict in his and former lobbyist Michael McClain's corruption trial, Feb. 12, 2025, in Chicago. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune) Thomas Breen, attorney for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exits after the jury delivered a partial verdict in Madigan's and former lobbyist Michael McClain's corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Feb. 12, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune) Former House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago, Jan. 29, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Michael McClain leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago at the end of the day as the ongoing corruption trial continues on Jan. 29, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Former House Speaker Michael Madigan, center, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse at the end of the day as his ongoing corruption trial continues on Jan. 22, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Former lobbyist Michael McClain places a hand on attorney Patrick Cotter's shoulder as they exit after McClain's and former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Jan. 28, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Former Speaker Michael Madigan walks toward the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Jan. 23, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago at the end of the day after wrapping up 11 hours of testimony on the witness stand that stretched over four days as his corruption trial continues on Jan. 14, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Former lobbyist Michael McClain exits after his and former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Jan. 8, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, center, crosses Dearborn Street with attorneys Lari Dierks and Todd Pugh near the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Jan. 8, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, foreground, exits after a day in his and former lobbyist Michael McClain's corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Jan. 8, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Former Ald. Daniel Solis leaves Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after a day of testimony in the corruption trial of former Speaker Michael Madigan on Dec. 3, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago during his corruption trial on Jan. 7, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Former AT&T insider Stephen Selcke leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Dec. 18, 2024, after testifying in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Michael McClain leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Dec. 18, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Former state Rep. Edward Acevedo in a vehicle leaving the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after testifying in Chicago on Dec. 17, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo arrives at Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Dec. 16, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Lobbyist Nancy Kimme exits after testifying in the corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan and former lobbyist Michael McClain at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Dec. 5, 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Jessica Basham, Michael Madigan's former chief of staff, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after a day of testimony in Chicago on Dec. 4, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) Former Ald. Daniel Solis arrives at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Nov. 25, 2024, to take the stand in the Michael Madigan corruption trial. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Nov. 27, 2024, after another day in his corruption trial. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after testifying in the trial of Michael Madigan on Nov. 21, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Former lobbyist Michael McClain arrives at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Nov. 19, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former ComEd board member Juan Ochoa arrives at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Nov. 19, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who is facing corruption charges, arrives at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Nov. 12, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former ComEd Vice President Fidel Marquez, a key witness in the racketeering case against Michael Madigan, arrives at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Nov. 12, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Lobbyist and longtime Michael Madigan aide Will Cousineau, right, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after testifying on Oct. 31, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Former House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago during his ongoing corruption trial on Oct. 24, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Michael McClain leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Oct. 23, 2024, in Chicago. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan arrives at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse for the start of his trial on Oct. 21, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Michael McClain leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago as his and former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigans ongoing corruption trial ends for the day on Oct. 24, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Former House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Oct. 17, 2024, after a jury was finally selected in his racketeering trial. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Former state Rep. Lou Lang leaves Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after being dismissed for the day on Oct. 23, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after another day of jury selection in his corruption trial on Oct. 10, 2024. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan walks across Dearborn Street toward the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Oct. 2, 2024, for the final in-person hearing before his Oct. 8 trial begins. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Former Speaker of the Illinois House Michael Madigan is seen during a break in his hearing held at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Sept. 16, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Michael McClain, left, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on May 2, 2023, after being found guilty in the ComEd Four bribery trial. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneFormer Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan arrives at his office in Chicago on Oct. 18, 2021. Defendant Michael McClain, center, exits the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in downtown Chicago for the day during the ongoing ComEd Four bribery conspiracy trial on March 28, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneFormer Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan departs from his lawyers' office on March 9, 2022, after making his first virtual court appearance for his indictment. Antonio Perez/Chicago TribuneFormer Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan walks on his second-floor patio at his Chicago home on March 3, 2022. Antonio Perez / Chicago TribuneMichael Madigan arrives at his West Lawn home on March 2, 2022, before it was announced he was indicted on federal racketeering charges. Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneSpeaker Michael Madigan arrives for the Illinois House Democratic Caucus during a spring session of the General Assembly at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield in 2019. Terrence Antonio James / Chicago TribuneAfter a meeting with then-Gov. Bruce Rauner (not shown), Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan prepares to address the media at the State of Illinois Building in Chicago on Dec. 6, 2016. Chuck Berman, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan answers questions at a press availability Jan. 24, 2012, after he addressed the fifth annual Elmhurst College Governmental Forum. Lobbyist Mike McClain, center, appears outside Speaker Michael Madigan's office at the State Capitol in Springfield on May 25, 2012. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan listens Dec. 3, 2013, after introducing a bill to overhaul the state government worker pension system. Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual talks with media following Madigans guilty verdict, at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Feb. 12, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 61Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, flanked by daughters Nicole, left, and Tiffany, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after jurors found him guilty on 10 counts in his racketeering case on Feb. 12, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)Expand Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madigan turned 83 in April. Once the most powerful politician in the state, he was convicted by a jury Feb. 12 on bribery conspiracy and other corruption charges alleging he used his public office to increase his power, line his own pockets and enrich a small circle of his most loyal associates. The jury found him guilty on 10 of 23 counts, including one count of conspiracy related to a multipronged scheme to accept and solicit bribes from utility giant Commonwealth Edison. Jurors also convicted him on two counts of bribery and another related to payments funneled to Madigan associates for do-nothing ComEd subcontracts. Madigan also was convicted on six out of seven counts including wire fraud regarding a plan to get former 25th Ward Ald. Daniel Solis, a key FBI mole who testified at length in the trial, appointed to a state board. The 12-year sentence request from the U.S. attorneys office is the longest in a public corruption case since the government asked for 15 to 20 years behind bars for Blagojevich. The prosecutions request for Madigan is also longer than their recent ask of 10 years for former 14th Ward Ald. Edward Burke, who ultimately received a two-year prison term and was fined $2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If prosecutors got their recommended sentence, Madigan would be around 94 years old when eligible for release given that federal convicts must serve 85% of their sentence. The dueling response briefs on Friday came a week after the defense previously filed more than 200 letters calling for leniency from family, friends, lobbyists, labor leaders, clergy and former public officials, ranging from the former speakers daughter, former Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and Democratic Senate President John Cullerton to Republican luminaries, including former Gov. Jim Edgar. Prosecutors on Friday argued the generous outpouring of letters hailing Madigans trustworthiness also have the unintended effect of bolstering the evidence of Madigans participation in corruption. They maintained the former speaker repeatedly downplayed and distanced himself from remarks caught on secret recordings during his trial but then undercut his position by filing letter after letter saying he was a man of his word. Also filing a videotaped appeal for leniency was Madigans wife, Shirley, who said she suffers from a variety of health concerns and that her husband is her primary caretaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors, meanwhile, argued Madigan largely ignores the jurys verdict and deprecates the evidence. Madigans arguments that he did not receive any personal benefit, that the ComEd legislation benefited Illinois and that Madigans intent was solely to help people essentially amount to a claim that he is innocent of the crimes of which the jury convicted him, they wrote. They also maintained that Madigan recommended multiple letter writers to state-level positions, such as labor leaders James Connolly of the Chicago Laborers District Council and James Sweeney of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. Both unions have been sizable contributors to Madigans campaigns, and both leaders have served on the state tollway board. These letters thus demonstrate the power Madigan wielded and to this day wields over individuals to whom he has doled out favors, prosecutors wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is important to consider loyalty in the context of general deterrence, prosecutors wrote. Loyalty to a public official, particularly one who bestows benefits, can be taken to an extreme. Prosecutors further contended that putting great weight on the numerous glowing letters when calculating a sentence would require a judge to consider that several witnesses lied on the witness stand as well as Madigans own comments caught on recordings, including when talking to Solis, the former 25th Ward alderman. That should, prosecutors said, include Madigan recorded as telling Solis that he shouldnt be talking like that rather than flatly telling him that he should not engage in what the alderman once referred to as a quid pro quo. But Madigans legal team pointed out the quid pro quo recording was part of an episode in which Madigan was acquitted on all counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the face of this acquittal, they wrote, the government still attempts to revive its spin on Madigans words and asks the court to sentence Madigan based on acquitted conduct. The defense lawyers also took exception to the governments attempt to minimize the deeply moving stories from over 200 people. Numerous letters share the story of a man that cared for others, often when no one else would, in ways that go far beyond mere constituent services, they wrote. Madigans team has recommended he serve five years probation with the first year on home confinement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, prosecutors argued that Madigans failure to accept responsibility for his conduct and to instead lie and blame others mandates that leniency is inappropriate. On top of the request for a lengthy sentence for Madigan, prosecutors have recommended he pay a hefty $1.5 million fine. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com rlong@chicagotribune.com CHICAGO Former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigans attorneys have attacked prosecutors draconian recommendation that he serve 12 years in prison in the ComEd scandal, likening the proposed term to a life sentence for an old man who is not the villain of their constructed narrative. The government seeks to condemn an 83-year-old man to die behind bars for crimes that enriched him not one penny, Madigans attorneys told U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey in a 28-page response filed late Friday. In a filing of their own minutes later, however, prosecutors revealed for the first time that Madigan amassed a personal fortune of more than $40 million during his years in Springfield, built in large part through his successful law practice appealing property taxes for deep pocketed developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madigans greed is even more appalling given his law firms success, the prosecution filing stated. He certainly did not need more legal business. The Madigan brief, which comes a week before his highly anticipated sentencing, said the U.S. attorneys office repeatedly ignores the truth in favor of offering arguments that lack evidentiary support entirely, rely on pure speculation, or worse are contradicted by the clear evidentiary record. Over and over, Madigans defense lawyers said, the government knows better, including the offering of a false comparison to previous corruption cases against former Govs. George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich, who unlike Madigan were convicted of all charges. The governments rhetoric ignores the jurys verdict, wrote attorneys Daniel Collins, Todd Pugh, Lari Dierks and Tom Breen. By comparing this case to cases such as former Governors Ryan and Blagojevich, the government asks this court to sentence Mike as if he was convicted of all charges. He was not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In turn, prosecutors wrote that Madigans request for probation rather than time behind bars would be extraordinary leniency for a former high-level elected official convicted of abusing his office for years through bribery, fraud and conspiracy. Each of those crimes is the antithesis of what a public official should do on behalf of the citizens he serves, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Streicker, Diane MacArthur, and Julia Schwartz wrote in their own 16-page response, also filed late Friday. The dueling briefs set up an age-old question in Illinois politics: If youre convicted of corruption when youre near the end of your life, should you get a break? Madigan turned 83 in April. Once the most powerful politician in the state, was convicted by a jury Feb. 12 on bribery conspiracy and other corruption charges alleging he used his public office to increase his power, line his own pockets and enrich a small circle of his most loyal associates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury found him guilty on 10 of 23 counts, including one count of conspiracy related to a multipronged scheme to accept and solicit bribes from utility giant Commonwealth Edison. Jurors also convicted him on two counts of bribery and another related to payments funneled to Madigan associates for do-nothing ComEd subcontracts. Madigan also was convicted on six out of seven counts including wire fraud regarding a plan to get former 25th Ward Ald. Daniel Solis, a key FBI mole who testified at length in the trial, appointed to a state board. The 12-year sentence request from the U.S. attorneys office is the longest in a public corruption case since the government asked for 15 to 20 years behind bars for former Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The prosecutions request for Madigan is also longer than their recent ask of 10 years for former Ward 14 Ald. Edward Burke, who ultimately received a two-year prison term and a $2 million fine. If prosecutors got their recommended sentence, Madigan would be around 94 years old when eligible for release given, federal convicts must serve 85% of their incarceration time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dueling response briefs on Friday came a week after the defense previously filed more than 200 letters calling for leniency from family, friends, lobbyists, labor leaders, clergy and former public officials, ranging from the ex-speakers daughter, former Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and fellow Democratic Senate President John Cullerton to Republican luminaries, including former Gov. Jim Edgar. Prosecutors on Friday argued Madigans generous outpouring of letters hailing Madigans trustworthiness also have the unintended effect of bolstering the evidence of Madigans participation in corruption. They maintained the ex-speaker repeatedly downplayed and distanced himself from remarks caught on secret recordings during his trial but then undercut his position by filing letter after letter saying he was a man of his word. Also filing a videotaped appeal for leniency was Madigans wife, Shirley, who said she suffers from a variety of health concerns and that her husband is her primary caretaker. Prosecutors, meanwhile, argued Madigan largely ignores the jurys verdict and deprecates the evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madigans argumentsthat he did not receive any personal benefit, that the ComEd legislation benefited Illinois, and that Madigans intent was solely to help peopleessentially amount to a claim that he is innocent of the crimes of which the jury convicted him, they wrote. They also maintained that Madigan recommended multiple letter writers to state positions, such as labor leaders James Connolly of the Chicago Laborers District Council and James Sweeney of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. Both unions have been sizable contributors to Madigans campaigns, and both leaders have served on the state tollway board. These letters thus demonstrate the power Madigan wieldedand to this day wieldsover individuals to whom he has doled out favors, prosecutors wrote. It is important to consider loyalty in the context of general deterrence, prosecutors wrote. Loyalty to a public official, particularly one who bestows benefits, can be taken to an extreme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors further contended that putting great weight on the numerous glowing letters when calculating a sentence would require a judge to consider that several witnesses lied on the witness stand as well as Madigans own comments caught on recordings, including when talking to Solis, the former 25th Ward alderman. That should, prosecutors said, include Madigan recorded as telling Solis that he shouldnt be talking like that rather than flatly telling him that he should not engage in what the alderman once referred to as a quid pro quo. But Madigans legal team pointed out the quid pro quo recording was part of an episode in which Madigan was acquitted on all counts. In the face of this acquittal, they wrote, the government still attempts to revive its spin on Madigans words and asks the court to sentence Madigan based on acquitted conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense lawyers also took exception to the governments attempt to minimize the deeply moving stories from over 200 people. Numerous letters share the story of a man that cared for others, often when no one else would, in ways that go far beyond mere constituent services, they wrote. Madigans team has recommended he serve five years probation with the first year on home confinement. Even so, prosecutors argued that Madigans failure to accept responsibility for his conductand to instead lie and blame othersmandates that leniency is inappropriate. On top of the request for a lengthy sentence for Madigan, prosecutors have recommended he pay a hefty $1.5 million fine. Ivory Coasts political landscape faces renewed turbulence as opposition heavyweight Tidjane Thiam, former Credit Suisse CEO and leader of the Democratic Party of Cote DIvoire, was excluded from the final list of presidential candidates ahead of the highly charged October 2025 elections. The Electoral Commission confirmed on June 4 Thiams disqualification alongside three other prominent opposition figures, a move rooted in a court ruling that cited his dual Ivorian-French nationality as grounds for ineligibility. Despite relinquishing his French citizenship earlier this year, Thiam vowed to challenge the decision, underscoring a deeply contentious electoral environment. Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert, head of the electoral commission, stated unequivocally that the commission must abide by judicial orders, affirming the exclusion of Thiam and others. The disqualified candidates include former President Laurent Gbagbo, his ally Charles Ble Goudeaccused of crimes against humanityand Guillaume Soro, former prime minister and rebel leader sentenced in absentia for orchestrating a coup. These exclusions have cast a long shadow over the electoral process, raising concerns about political inclusivity and the potential for renewed unrest in a country still healing from past election-related violence. The Democratic Party of Cote DIvoire denounced the exclusions as unfair and has called for nationwide demonstrations to defend democratic principles. With the political arena increasingly constrained, Cote DIvoire now faces the challenge of navigating these fractures while striving to uphold a transparent and peaceful electoral process. The eyes of the continent remain fixed on this pivotal moment in the nations democratic journey, where justice, political will, and national unity hang in a delicate balance. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The man accused of killing a former Nevada state senators son in a casino and then leading police on a chase involving several carjackings was indicted on a murder charge Thursday morning. A Clark County grand jury indicted Aerion Warmsley, 19, on 7 counts, including murder with the use of a deadly weapon. The indictment was announced Friday during a grand jury return hearing. The other charges Warmsley was indicted on include robbery with the use of a deadly weapon, two counts of reckless driving resulting in substantial bodily harm, two counts of duty to stop at the scene of a crash involving death or personal injury, and stop required on signal of a police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, March 26, North Las Vegas police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance where Warmsley allegedly sent a woman a threatening text message asking her if she wanted to die, according to police. When officers arrived, they found Warmsleys vehicle in the parking lot in front of the womans apartment. As officers attempted to speak to him, Warmsley drove away in a Mercedes sedan with unique markings before officers could talk to him. Officers documented the encounter and forwarded the information to detectives. The next morning on Thursday, March 27, around 4:30 a.m., North Las Vegas police received a call from security at the Aliante Casino and Hotel reporting that a man had been shot on the casino floor, police said. When officers arrived, they found the victim, later identified by the Clark County Coroners office as Naonche Osborne, 23, the son of former Nevada State Sen. Pat Spearman, dead from gunshot wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said information showed that Warmsley and another man left the scene in a Mercedes sedan with unique markings and stolen license plates. A short time later, the vehicle was involved in a crash near Spring Mountain Road and Procyon Street near Valley View Boulevard. The two men ran from the crash scene, and Warmsley then approached a nearby woman and stole her grey Mercedes SUV at gunpoint, police said. Both of the men drove away in the SUV; however, the other man got out of the vehicle before police pursued it. Over the span of several hours, Warmsley was involved in a series of dangerous crimes across multiple jurisdictions, including additional car thefts, high-speed pursuits, and reckless driving, police said. With the help of its air unit, North Las Vegas police located and stopped Warmsleys vehicle near Boulder Highway and Sahara Avenue, where he was arrested. Warmsley was also indicted in federal court on charges related to the armed carjackings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, May 13, Warmsley made his initial court appearance before a federal judge. According to the indictment, while fleeing from law enforcement, Warmsley hit two pedestrians, resulting in serious bodily injury. One victim suffered a brain bleed and multiple fractures. Warmsley was indicted on two counts of carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of carjacking. A jury trial was scheduled for July 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Limestone County Sheriffs Office said a man is accused of shooting and killing a family member Friday. LCSO said around 7 p.m., deputies responded to a shooting incident in the 17000 block of Kelley Drive in Athens. Upon arrival, LCSO said deputies found the body of Todd Robert Jennett, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Also at the scene was Michael Stephen Esposito, 63, of Athens, Alabama. After securing the scene, investigators began a thorough investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary findings indicate that Jennett and Esposito, his stepfather, had been involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the dispute, Esposito reportedly produced a firearm and shot Jennett multiple times. Michael Esposito was taken into custody at the scene without incident and was transported to the Limestone County Jail. He is currently being held pending an Aniahs Law hearing, which will be scheduled at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) The man accused of shooting at a Marysville police officer before he drove away has been indicted on nine charges, including attempted aggravated murder. A Union County grand jury returned the indictment Friday against Dustin M. Ohm, 29, of Marysville. On May 30, police responded to a domestic dispute call on White Oak Court. According to details from police and Union County Prosecutor David Phillips, a sergeant tried to get Ohm, who was impaired, to exit his pickup truck. He refused and revved his engine. As the sergeant moved to deploy her taser, Ohm fired at nearly point-blank range. The sergeant was struck by shattered glass and two shots were found embedded in a house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohm then reportedly fired at three other officers, coming under return fire, and drove away. He crashed into multiple cars, including a police cruiser, exiting the neighborhood. The chase was joined by sheriffs deputies and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, ending on U.S. 33 in the median strip near Northwest Parkway. Ohm got out of the car armed and was shot several times by law enforcement. Phillips said that Ohm was also struck by a self-inflicted gunshot. The charges that Ohm faces are: Attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer Three counts of felonious assault on a peace officer Having weapons while under disability Two counts of failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer Discharging a firearm at or into a habitation Vandalism Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sergeant struck by Ohm was treated at a hospital, and Ohm remains in a hospital under guard, Phillips said. The shooting of the Marysville officer was one of several times that central Ohio law enforcement officers have come under fire in recent weeks. A Morrow County deputy was fatally shot on Memorial Day, and two Mifflin Township officers were shot by a man on probation, sparking a manhunt after he ran away. Ohm is due in court on June 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said a suspect allegedly assaulted a woman and damaged a vehicle while riding the hood in southern Colorado Springs. According to CSPD, on Friday, June 6, at around 2:30 p.m., officers were called to the 4400 block of Hunting Meadows Circle near Chelton Road and South Academy Boulevard about an active disturbance between a man and a woman. Police said the man allegedly assaulted the woman, and he was seen damaging an involved vehicle while riding on the hood of it in traffic on Chelton Road. The victim was later found and taken to the hospital due to injuries sustained during the disturbance. Police determined that a knife was allegedly used by the suspect during the altercation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigated and found the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Dakota Sandoval, taking him into custody. Sandoval was booked into the El Paso County Jail for charges of Felony Kidnapping, Felony Assault, and Felony Menacing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A man was arrested after he allegedly called in a fake bomb threat when he missed his Spirit Airlines flight from an airport in Detroit on June 5 Charles Robinson allegedly made the threat after he "was told at the gate that he needed to rebook," the United States Attorneys Office said "The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority," Spirit Airlines said in a statement to PEOPLE A man was arrested after he allegedly called in a fake bomb threat when he missed his Spirit Airlines flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles Robinson planned to travel from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Los Angeles on Thursday, June 5, but missed the flight and was told at the gate that he needed to rebook," according to a news release from the United States Attorneys Office, Eastern District of Michigan. Robinson, 23, then allegedly proceeded to call Spirit Airlines at approximately 6:25 a.m. to report a threat, stating that he had information about how there would "be someone whos gonna try to blow up the airport" and theres gonna be someone thats gonna try to blow up that flight, 2145," officials said. He allegedly also gave a description of an individual, telling Spirit Airlines, per the attorney's office, "Theyre going to be carrying a bomb through the TSA" and "Theyre still threatening to do it, theyre still attempted to do it, they said its not going to be able to be detected. Please dont let that flight board. The district attorneys office said the flight was immediately postponed, and passengers and crew were subsequently deplaned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bomb sniffing dogs and FBI agents were then deployed to sweep the airplane," but no bomb or explosives were found," according to the news release. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. When Robinson eventually returned to the airport to board another flight, he was detained, the district attorneys office said. He later appeared in federal court, where he was released on bond. His next court appearance is set for June 27. Kevin Carter/Getty A Spirt Airlines airplane. A Spirt Airlines airplane. No American wants to hear the words bomb and airplane in the same sentence. Making this kind of threat undermines our collective sense of security and wastes valuable law enforcement resources, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who threatens to bomb an aircraft and endanger public safety will be swiftly investigated and brought to justice, added Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. The FBI continues to investigate the incident. Joci Moore, one of the passengers of the flight, recalled the harrowing incident to CBS News. She said the plane had begun to back away from the gate when the captain told them that they were being held up. So something at the gate had happened, she told the outlet. You could just kind of feel something was wrong, but we didnt really know what was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore added that passengers were left on the plane for three hours before they were then asked to exit the plane without their belongings. She said they were then taken back to the terminal and waited an additional two hours before they could board the plane again after it was inspected and cleared by police. Adam J. Dewey/Anadolu Agency via Getty A Spirit Airlines worker in an airport. A Spirit Airlines worker in an airport. In a statement to PEOPLE, a Spirt Airlines spokesperson said, "Law enforcement was requested to meet Spirit Airlines flight 2145 (DTW-LAX) prior to departure from Detroit (DTW) due to a potential security issue. "The aircraft taxied to a remote location, and guests were safely deplaned and transported back to the terminal. The guests were rescreened, and the aircraft was inspected and cleared by law enforcement," they continued. Added the airline's spokesperson: "The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority, and the flight reboarded and departed to Los Angeles (LAX)." Read the original article on People A Rutherford County man has been arrested in relation to a high speed crash on the downtown Lebanon Square in December. Evidence from the incident was presented to the Wilson County Grand Jury by the Lebanon Police Departments Traffic Unit, resulting in Brandin Veloz, 21, of Murfreesboro being indicted. Veloz was arrested and booked into the Wilson County Jail Friday, May 30. In the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 15, officers responded to the Square and discovered a white Cadillac sped through the center island of the roundabout, narrowly avoiding the Gen. Robert Hatton statue and also just missing the law offices of Lowery, Lowery & Cherry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a press release by LPD, Veloz is the alleged driver and was traveling at approximately 89 mph at the point of initial impact. Police said the crash scene stretched more than 700 feet. Debris from the crash shattered the windows of nearby businesses and inflicted other property damage. Veloz and a passenger sustained injuries during the impact. Police believed alcohol was a contributing factor in addition to the nearly 90 mph speed. LPD had a 360-degree camera set up on the square to monitor traffic during the holiday season, which captured video of the crash. Veloz was charged with speeding, reckless endangerment and two counts of DUI. He was released on a $5,000 bond just hours after his booking. He is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Aug. 11. AKRON, Ohio (WJW) The Summit County Medical Examiner has identified a man who died in what Akron police described as a domestic fight early Saturday morning. According to a news release, officers responded to the 1200 block of Bee Bee Circle just after 1 a.m. Woman found dead on front porch of burning home: CFD At the scene, officers located two men, ages 22 and 44, both suffering from multiple stab wounds. Both men were taken to hospitals for treatment. The 22-year-old died, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was identified as Dierre Williams, according to the medical examiner. Investigators learned the 44-year-old man was the suspects stepfather and Williams was the suspects roommate. Owner of raccoon found with meth pipes vows she wont surrender him The suspect left the scene in a vehicle before police arrived. With help from surrounding agencies, the vehicle was later located in the 3100 block of Gilchrist Rd. The suspect was not in the vehicle, however police did find a knife inside, the release said. After an extensive search involving K-9 units, the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Antoine Pixley, was arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been charged with Murder, Felonious Assault, and Domestic Violence. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A 46-year-old man was booked on felony aggravated assault charges after a traffic stop in north Phoenix escalated into a fight and shooting involving a police officer. Phoenix police say Sam Perone was taken into custody after being released from the hospital, following an altercation in which he argued with and assaulted Officer Michael Ugalde-Flores during a traffic stop near 25th Street and Cactus Road. The incident began around 2:30 p.m. on May 25, when Officer Ugalde-Flores observed Sam Perone committing a traffic violation on Cactus Road. Before the officer could park his patrol car, Perone exited his vehicle and began arguing, according to Phoenix Police Sergeant Brian Bower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ugalde-Flores asked for Perones drivers license and tried to explain the reason for the stop. Bower said Perone refused to comply, continued arguing, and then assaulted the officer. Perone was booked upon release from the hospital May 26. "We don't know what led to that physical altercation," Bower told reporters during a May 25 press conference. During the fight, a witness stopped to help the officer by trying to pull Perone away, but Perone attempted to grab the officers gun from its holster. Ugalde-Flores then unholstered his weapon and fired one round, striking Perone in the leg. Other officers arrived and applied a tourniquet to Perone, who was taken to a hospital with injuries that werent life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ugalde-Flores also was taken to a hospital, treated and released. The incident halted traffic in the immediate area. Police blocked the road after a shooting involving an officer near 24th Street and Cactus Road in Phoenix. Troy Wimer, a resident in the area, said he saw events that led to the shooting from his backyard and described seeing a traffic stop and a driver yelling about being pulled over. Wimer said he saw the man slap the police officer before a "full-fledged fist fight" ensued. He said the two struggled behind a vehicle, and although he couldnt see what happened next, he heard a gunshot then saw the driver lying on the ground. "He was still yelling and screaming that he was getting hot on the asphalt," said Wimer, who walked closer to the scene and reported seeing the man conscious and alert when he was taken to the hospital. Reach the writer at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suspect taken into custody after medical release after assault on cop Amidst a deepening public health crisis, Angolan President and current African Union Chairperson, Joao Lourenco, has called on June 4 for urgent action to establish Africa-based vaccine production, following a cholera outbreak that has claimed more than 700 lives in Angola alone this year. Addressing a virtual Summit with fellow African leaders and World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Lourenco underscored the fragility of the continents health systems and the risks posed by overreliance on external medical imports. Our health sovereignty is compromised when over 90% of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics are imported, Lourenco said, as cited in a statement shared on social media. He warned that such dependence impedes timely responses to disease outbreaks and exposes the continent to geopolitical and supply chain disruptions. The African Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) had similarly highlighted the continents vulnerability in an April report, pointing to disasters during COVID-19 and more recent outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg, and mpox as cautionary examples. The continent is grappling with a wave of cholera infections, with Sudan, South Sudan, DR Congo, and Angola among the worst hit. Angola alone had registered 24,530 cases and 718 deaths as of June 2. The situation is especially dire in war-torn Sudan, where 172 deaths were reported in a single week. As public health emergencies surgerising from 152 in 2022 to 213 in 2024health authorities and heads of state are uniting around a shared resolve: to build resilient, self-sufficient healthcare systems anchored in local vaccine manufacturing and regional preparedness. The man was found after police conducted extensive searches after he fled the scene. Israel Police have located the man who stabbed and killed his 67-year-old mother, it announced Saturday night. The police had conducted extensive searches after the man fled the scene. At 10:02 p.m., Magen David Adoms (MDA) 101 hotline in the Carmel region received a report of a violent incident on Iris Street in Nahariya. Male hands arrested with handcuffs in Criminal concept (illustrative) (photo credit: INGIMAGE) The suspect was arrested after an extensive search According to Maariv, MDA medics and paramedics arrived at the scene and were performing CPR on the woman, who suffered penetrating injuries and was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coastal District Commander, Commissioner Yechiel Bohadana, arrived at the scene to conduct a situational assessment with police commanders to search for the son, a man in his 30s. The suspect was arrested and is now in police custody. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. MURRAY, Utah (ABC4) A Murray man has been charged with assault after banging on his neighbors door and allegedly physically attacking him when he came outside. Bryan M Barrios, 31, was charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor assault, threat of violence, property damage, and public intoxication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 21, 2025, just before 9 p.m., a Murray City police officer was called to a disturbance near Regal Street in Murray. When the officer arrived, a group of people were standing outside and pointed out a man they said had attacked them. Two inmates charged for allegedly stabbing rival gang member at Utah State Prison One person, the victim, was bleeding from several injuries and had a red mark and abrasion on his neck, according to the officers arrest statement. The victim told the officer that his neighbor, Barrios, had begun banging on his door loudly, damaging the doorframe from the impact. When the victim opened the door to speak with him, documents say Barrios began yelling at him and physically attacked him. The victim recalled Barrios saying, Im going to f kill you! and wrapping his arm around his neck to strangle him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to documents, surveillance footage of the altercation showed Barrios attempting to strangle the victim, causing him to fall to the ground. Barrios then made a second attempt to strangle him, but the victim managed to pin Barrios arms to his chest and stop the physical attack. The officer who apprehended Barrios reported that he smelled of alcohol and appeared to be intoxicated. Barrios was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and was charged by the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office on June 6. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A 21-year-old man has been charged with multiple burglaries, allegedly targeting the homes of professional athletes, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. Earl Henderson Riley IV was charged with breaking into the homes of Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez and pitcher Luis Castillo, as well as former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Blake Snell. On March 31, Richard Sherman posted on X that several armed men broke into his home the day before while his wife and kids were inside. House being robbed at gun point with my family in it isnt what anyone wants for a birthday gift. Scary situation that my Wife handled masterfully and kept my kids safe. If anyone has any info that can help find these people please reach out. pic.twitter.com/HSHPiRHuoP Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 31, 2025 According to court documents, Mariners CF Julio Rodriguezs home was burglarized on May 1 on Mercer Island. His girlfriend was home at the time and she barricaded herself in a bathroom while she called 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over $194,000 in jewelry and high-end purses were stolen, documents say. Mariners Pitcher Luis Castillos home was burglarized twice - once on February 7, and again on March 28, prosecutors say. Surveillance video at Castillos home captured the suspects fleeing in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, which helped lead authorities to Earl Henderson Riley IVs arrest. In Edmonds, the home of Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Blake Snell was burglarized on March 24. Court documents say the damage was discovered on March 26 by security associates at the home. Over $200,000 in items were stolen, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors also say burglars attempted to enter the home of former Mariner Edgar Martinez on March 29. Suspects were seen walking on the property but did not enter the residence and nothing was stolen, according to documents. Court documents reveal that Earl Henderson Riley IV was previously released from court custody on February 7, 2025, after pleading guilty to previous robbery counts. Riley is being held in the King County Jail on $1 million bail, the prosecutors office says. The man accused in a deadly crash that killed an Endicott police sergeant was arrested and extradited to New Hampshire on Friday. According to New Hampshire State Police, officers obtained an extraditable arrest warrant in December and charged Keoma Duarte, 40 of New Bedford with two felony counts of reckless conduct and one misdemeanor count of disobeying an officer. Prosecutors say Keoma Duarte was so drunk the night before Thanksgiving that officers could smell the alcohol on him as they worked to free him from his crumpled Tesla on Interstate 95 near Newbury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duartes Tesla had slammed head-on into a car that Endicott College Police Sgt. Jeremy Cole was driving, killing the 49-year-old husband and father of four as he drove home from work. Duarte, 40, was arraigned on vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges from his hospital bed in December. He spoke only once, acknowledging he could hear the judge. On June 3rd, NH troopers traveled to Bristol County Jail and House of Correction in Massachusetts and took Duarte into custody. Duarte was then transported back to New Hampshire, where he was held at the Rockingham County Department of Corrections ahead of arraignment on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Hampton District Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Cole was a police sergeant at Endicott College. News of his death shook the close-knit community of students and staff. The crash remains under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The man accused of killing Deputy Daniel Sherrer could face the death penalty, according to our news partner WBNS 10TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] RELATED>> Deputy shot, killed while responding to domestic call in Ohio Prosecutor Andrew Wick announced that 53-year-old Brian Michael Wilson was indicted on 14 counts by a grand jury. Two counts of aggravated murder have specifications that make Wilson eligible for the death penalty, according to WBNS. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities believe Wilson shot and killed Sherrer on May 26. Sherrer was responding to a reported domestic situation when he was shot, WBNS says. Wick has been indicted on 14 counts including two counts of aggravated murder, one count of felony murder, one count felonious assault on a peace officer, one count of felonious assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, one count of attempted murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder, one count of felonious assault, one count of domestic violence, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm into a habitation, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm on a public roadway, two counts of possession of criminal tools and one count of discharge of firearm while intoxicated, according to WBNS. Wilsons bond was set at $5 million. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A man has been charged with the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old man in Suitland, according to the Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD). Police said James Stewart, 35, has been charged with first-degree murder and related charges in the death of Myandre McBride. Court documents: Kilmar Abrego Garcia accused of years-long conspiracy transporting undocumented aliens to the US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, officers responded at 12:35 p.m. on June 3 to reports of a shooting in the 5600 block of Regency Park Court, where McBride and another man were found suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said McBride died at the scene, and the other man was transported to the hospital in critical condition. After the investigation, detectives identified Stewart as the suspect and determined that the two were involved in an ongoing dispute. Stewart remains in the custody of the Department of Corrections without bond. Anyone with relevant information who would like to speak with a Homicide Unit detective is asked to call (301) 516-2512. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Portland man was found guilty of murder and other charges from a shooting death that occurred during a drum circle event three years ago, authorities said. Wyatt Storm Belcher, 28, was found convicted by a Multnomah County jury on the charges on Thursday, the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office said. How could the big, beautiful bill impact Medicaid in OR? The incident happened on May 8, 2022, at the East Park Esplanade parking lot while a group was dispersing following a drum circle event, court documents say. Multiple witnesses heard a loud bang and saw the victim, Ash Smith, fall to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members told KOIN 6 News she was a mother who had been struggling with homelessness in recent years. Police said Belcher and Smith did not know each other. After the shooting, Portland police quickly found Belcher nearby as he matched a description given by witnesses. During a search, police found a .40 caliber Glock 23 holstered to his waistband, prosecutors say. Back in May 2022, Belcher originally pleaded not guilty to the charges. Then in August of that same year, a judge found him unfit to stand trial and ordered that he be committed to the Oregon Hospital. In 2024, after a psychological evaluation report was created by the Oregon State Hospital, a hearing was held as to whether Belcher was fit to proceed in a trial, with a judge ruling he was, court records show. After a multi-day hearing that began on Monday, a 12-person jury found Belcher guilty of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. He will be sentenced on Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) Kentucky State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Scottsville. Police said the shooting happened around 4:30 p.m. on Friday after Allen County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to a domestic violence call on Shockley Road. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release, when deputies arrived, they found a man with a gun, later identified as 42-year-old Joshua R. Stanka, of Brownsville. Reportedly, a deputy shot and killed Stanka, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The shooting 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. A man has driven a car into a group of people in the southern German city of Passau, police said on Saturday, adding that they have not ruled out that the action was done on purpose. The number of people injured and the severity of their injuries were not immediately known. Passau lies on Germany's border with Austria, some 150 kilometres east of Munich. A man is facing several firearm charges in connection with a fight that happened in Mattapan. According to Boston police, around 12:30 a.m. officers responded to a call in the area of 67 Wildwood Street for a report of a fight. Officers were aware of a large party located at 72 Wildwood Street, and two firearms were recovered thirty minutes prior. Upon arrival, officers observed a large group arguing with individuals on a balcony located at 67 Wildwood Street. Officers were advised that a male suspect brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, later identified as Jarrell Gandy, 40, of Mattapan, was requested to come down and speak with officers, which he refused. Officers entered the apartment building and attempted to speak with Gandy, who continued to refuse to open the door. At this time, the supervisor on scene determined that the situation was now upgraded to a barricaded suspect. Officers were able to safely evacuate the apartment building, and secure a perimeter. Around 1:15 a.m. the Gandy exited the building and was placed into custody. A protective sweep was conducted by police to determine if there were any other individuals inside the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After further investigation, officers located a discarded backpack which contained a firearm inside. Gandy is facing the following charges: Carrying a Firearm Without a License Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card Two Counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon to wit Firearm Improper Storage of a Firearm Threat to Commit a Crime Gandy was placed under arrest and is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District 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 Morocco reaffirmed on Wednesday in Kigali its commitment to African health sovereignty and to the progressive and inclusive implementation of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). Speaking at the 2nd ordinary session of the Conference of the States Parties to the AMA Treaty, held on June 2-4, Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tahraoui hailed the creation of the Agency as a major step towards the continents health sovereignty, enabling better access to safe, effective and quality medicines. To Morocco, this continental momentum is a source of inspiration and an opportunity for regulatory convergence, the Health Minister emphasized, stressing the importance of an approach tailored to the institutional and regulatory realities of each country, based on listening, consultation and respect for national priorities. The official then called for the progressive harmonization of regulatory frameworks, the establishment of regular consultation mechanisms between national authorities and AMA, and the reinforcement of technical and human capacities on a continental scale. He pointed out that by end 2024, the Kingdom had achieved 88% coverage in compulsory health insurance, adding that 11 million people benefited from direct state support. A $4.2 billion health infrastructure modernization program is underway, he stated, adding that the number of university hospital centers will go from 6 to 12, while 79 new hospitals are under construction, and 1,439 primary health centers are being renovated, 70% of them in rural areas. On the industrial front, he said that Morocco is the continents second-largest pharmaceutical producer, with 56 industrial units covering 70% of national needs and exports to over 45 African countries. DENVER (KDVR) A man who was found guilty of producing millions of individual fentanyl pills in a drug manufacturing operation based in Aurora was sentenced to 145.5 years in prison, the Denver District Attorneys Office announced Friday. Tashon Roberts, 33, was convicted on four charges related to the manufacture, possession and distribution of fentanyl. He ran the operation out of two home laboratories in Aurora between January and August 2024, according to the DA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 1, 2024, officers executed a search warrant at a home in the 1800 block of South Olathe Street, where four adults and three children under four years old were inside. At the time, police said one of the children tested positive for fentanyl exposure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The man who was shot and injured by a Multnomah County Sheriffs Deputy fired shots in the neighborhood and pointed a gun at officers leading up to the incident in the Parkrose Neighborhood on Friday, according to the Portland Police Bureau. The man who was shot was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and no police officers or deputies were injured, officials said. Teacher accused of online sex crimes against children Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PPB said the incident happened in the 4600 block of Northeast 116th Avenue. Prior to the shooting, the suspect was briefly contacted and detained by Portland police in the late afternoon after officers investigated a disturbance regarding two men reportedly fighting. However, after no crime victim was found, the man was released to go home and officers cleared the scene just before 5 p.m. Another call from the same block came in and officers responded shortly after 5 p.m.. The man was reportedly back out on the street, holding a gun, and had fired a shot, police said. A Multnomah County Sheriffs Deputy was nearby, heard the call come out, and stopped to help, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As officers were coming into the area, the sounds of additional gunshots were reported. The Deputy worked with PPB Officers to challenge the suspect with the gun in the middle of Northeast 116th Avenue just south of Northeast Sandy Boulevard, and the suspect pointed the handgun at the uniformed law enforcement officers, the Portland Police Bureau said in a press release. At that point, the MCSO deputy fired at the man and the suspect dropped the gun, officials said. Police said they provided post-traumatic first aid to the man until the emergency medical services they had called arrived. A semiautomatic handgun was found at the crime scene and seized as evidence. The investigation also revealed that another area resident fired shots during this incident, police said. The man remained at the scene, is cooperating with the investigation, and no arrests were made, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they documented some property damage from the exchange of the gunfire between the suspect and the neighbor. The identity of the man who was shot is not being released by authorities at this time. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance for serious injuries and his current medical condition is not known, officials said. The investigation had closed down some of the surrounding streets earlier Friday evening. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Portland police. This is a developing story. This article will be updated if 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 KOIN.com. Jun. 6WINONA, Minn. The Winona man involved in a shooting near Winona State University was sentenced to three years in prison. Cole Robert Cameron, 27, was charged with felony counts of first-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and intentional discharge of a firearm. The charges related to a shooting on Oct. 17, 2024, in a Winona apartment complex. He pleaded guilty on April 18 to a lesser charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange for his plea, the remaining charges would be dismissed as well as an assault charge filed in an earlier, separate case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, June 5, Winona County District Judge Dwight Luhmann ordered Cameron to serve the presumptive sentence of 36 months, or three years, at the St. Cloud correctional facility. Cameron received 232 days of credit for time served. According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to an apartment building early in the morning on Oct. 17, 2024. Dispatch was informed that someone had been shot with a gun on the third floor of the building. Officers saw a witness leaning over the man who was shot. "I shot him," Cameron told police, according to the complaint. The witness told police the firearm was in his room and that he overheard Cameron and the man arguing in the hallway before the shooting, according to the complaint. The witness looked out of his apartment door and watched Cameron go back into his apartment. Cameron returned to the hallway with a black Beretta handgun, the criminal complaint said. The witness said Cameron told the man he would "pump him full of lead," according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness heard Cameron tell the man to get away from him. "Do you want to get shot?" Cameron asked the man, the complaint said. According to the complaint, the witness tried to get the man to go back to his apartment, but he was unsuccessful. The witness began recording the audio of the argument on his phone. "It's loaded, hollow points, go back to your apartment now," Cameron said in the audio recording. "Do you want me to pull the trigger?" The man yelled back, "Pull it." A single gunshot was fired, the complaint said. The witness left their apartment and went back into the hallway, where he saw Cameron standing over the man who was shot, the complaint said. The witness told Cameron to put the gun away for law enforcement's safety. The witness then attempted to help the man who was shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, officers obtained camera surveillance footage from the third floor of the building. Cameron can be heard trying to get the man to go back into his apartment. The man who was shot sounded "extremely intoxicated," the complaint said. The video captured Cameron walking backward down the hall with his right arm extended while pointing a dark-colored gun toward the man, the complaint said. "Due to the fact that the Ring camera is motion activated, the video does not capture the actual shooting," the complaint said. After the shooting, the man was seen lying on the floor, "moving slightly and moaning." Cameron was seen running from where the shooting occurred, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint said he was later seen leaving without the gun. According to a search warrant filed on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, officers located a loaded Beretta 9mm handgun on the kitchen counter, three 9mm handgun magazines, boxed and loose ammunition, a gun lock and a black-colored cloth gun case. The complaint said the man who was shot was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. Doctors told the officers he was in severe condition. The man was then airlifted to a La Crosse, Wisconsin, hospital for further treatment. While Cameron was being transported to Winona County Jail, he made "spontaneous statements" about how the man who was shot kept following him and "blocked his way home," the complaint said. Cameron said he told the man to go back into his apartment and that he "did not want to do this." At the jail, Cameron provided a preliminary breath test sample of 0.20% BAC, according to the complaint. GREENBELT, Md. (DC News Now) A man is facing up to life in prison after pleading guilty Friday to the armed robbery of a Clinton convenience store, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland. Zebedee Alexander Johnson, 35, of Clinton, Maryland, pleaded guilty to an armed robbery charge in addition to violating the terms of his supervised release. Abrego Garcia to return to US to face charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, on April 29, 2022, Johnson and four co-conspirators went to a convenience store, pointed a gun at an employee, and ordered him to lie down while they used a circular saw to break open the ATM. The five then proceeded to take approximately $35,020 from the ATM trays. Court documents state that Johnson was on federal supervised release at the time of the armed robbery for a 2018 drug distribution offense, which prohibits him from committing any crimes. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, in addition to five years of supervised release. The USAO adds that he facing an additional two years for violating the terms of his supervised release. Accoridng to the USAO, Johnson is set to be sentenced on September 9 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. MONTOURSVILLE, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Crews have called off the search Sunday for a man in Lycoming County after he reportedly was swept away in Loyalsock Creek. Montoursville Fire Department stated that they resumed the search for the missing kayaker just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning, after his kayak capsized due to running into downed trees. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Media Relations Official Mike Parker says they were looking for a man in his mid-20s whose kayak capsized Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montoursville Fire Chief Jeff Hutchins told 28/22 News at about 10:00 a.m. Saturday, a man and a child in a kayak, along with another man in a separate kayak, tried to enter Loyalsock Creek. Both kayaks immediately struggled to enter the waters due to the heavy currents going downriver, Chief Hutchins explained. The man and child were able to make it to safety, but the lone kayaker went under and never resurfaced, according to Chief Hutchins. Man in custody after fight at baseball tournament Chief Hutchins told 28/22 News that after the other kayakers drew attention to alert authorities, crews were called just after 11:00 a.m. for a water rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several water rescue crews were patrolling the creek, which is often visited by anglers and kayakers, Chief Hutchins added. Chief Hutchins says authorities also deployed drones and helicopters for help in the air while ground crews used chainsaws to clear the bank of debris, such as logs, downed trees, and thick brush. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is heading the investigation for the missing kayaker. An official with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission told 28/22 News on Sunday just before 4:00 p.m. that the search has been called off. Authorities explained that multiple drones and boats with sonar capabilities were deployed Sunday during their search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials added that crews cleared debris near the area where they thought they would find the man, but were unsuccessful in their efforts. This is a developing story, and 28/22 News will provide updates as new information is made available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (WPRI) Police arrested a Glocester man wanted out of Connecticut following a separate domestic incident in Burrillville Thursday night. Robert Connors, 29, has been charged with felony domestic assault, as well as reckless driving and eluding, willful trespass, two counts of threatening a public official, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Officers were called to Munyon Trail just before midnight to find a woman who claimed she was lost in the woods, according to Burrillville Police Col. Stephen Lynch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers searched the woods and eventually found the woman, who told them the man she was with, identified by Lynch as Connors, was too intoxicated to drive. The woman explained that their vehicle got stuck in the woods as the two of them were attempting to drive it back to the main road. Lynch said Connors became confrontational and was taken into custody after threatening the officers and their families. It was later determined that a domestic incident involving the woman had taken place prior to their arrival. The officers also learned that Connors was wanted out of Connecticut on a nationwide, extraditable warrant as a fugitive from justice. Connors was ordered held without bail as a result pending his next court date, which is slated for July 3. He was also ordered not to have any contact with the woman. 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. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower addresses American paratroopers on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The night before, Eisenhower had penciled a note, to be read publicly and placing the blame on himself in the event the invasion failed. (U.S. Army/Library of Congress) With the 81st anniversary of D-Day, my thoughts turn to the experiences of those Americans who fought in that final chapter of World War II and one American in particular: my father, Donald Croston Smith, then a 19-year-old soldier in the U.S. Army. When his troop, the storied 82nd Airborne Division, liberated a concentration camp near the German village of Woebbelin, what they discovered there was beyond anything they had witnessed since landing in Normandy. Not far from Hamburg, the Woebbelin camp imprisoned about 5,000 people in early 1945. By the time the 82nd arrived, only half were alive. The living conditions were so deplorable that the commanding general described the scene as more than a human being could stand. My father and his comrades ordered Germans in neighboring villages to walk past the burial sites. They claimed that they were not aware of the camp. They claimed they were not Nazis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My father found those assertions absurd. He wondered how this could have been allowed to happen and why the rule of law did not prevail over the arbitrary whims of the Nazis. After the war, he went to law school and practiced law in the state of Kansas for 30 years. He then served as a Kansas State District Court Judge for another ten years until 1989. He died in 2002. On several occasions, he told me about his incomprehension that a sophisticated society and country, which Germany certainly was in the 1930s, had become mesmerized with a leader and regime that completely bastardized the concept of rule of law. He was enormously troubled that a governments leadership could use the law, as it defined it, to commit mass murder. In the 1960s, we lived in a small western Kansas town, hardly an epicenter of the civil rights struggle. Nevertheless, my father spoke out repeatedly about the civil rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. He was part of a small group that provided housing for Black students attending the local community college. At one point, I asked whether he thought he might lose clients who disagreed with his stance. He stuck to his guns, insisting he had an obligation to act when he observed something wrong. Whether and to what degree what he had witnessed in Germany the direct result of the destruction of the rule of law influenced his later life is difficult to say. Yet what is abundantly clear is that he had seen with his own eyes what a ruthlessly depraved society had done under the pretense of the law. One of the major reasons Hitler and his henchmen were able to do what they did was their replacement of the rule of law with the rule of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wonder what my father would make of the unending attacks by the Trump administration against the rule of law and the judiciary. During this presidents first months in office, we have witnessed countless examples of lawless and reckless actions that undermine law and order, from firing dozens of experienced federal prosecutors to letting Elon Musk and DOGE access sensitive data about tens of millions of Americans, to confiscating millions of dollars in congressionally appropriated funds from numerous federal agencies. These are all examples of a president disregarding the law and the Constitution. Last month, I joined other sons and daughters of survivors attending the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp near the German village of Woebbelin. I did so out of remembrance for the prisoners and respect for my father and his fellow soldiers. I pondered how he would compare the destruction of the rule of law from 80 years ago to what we are seeing today. My guess is that he would agree with former Federal Appellate Court Judge Michael Luttig, who recently wrote: For the almost 250 years since the founding of this nation, America has been the beacon of freedom to the world because of its democracy and rule of law. Until now, that is. America will never again be that same beacon to the world, because the president of the United States has subverted Americas democracy and corrupted its rule of law. Don C. Smith is an associate professor at the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. He specializes in environmental law, with an emphasis on environmental law and policy of the European Union. Smith formerly worked as a water policy advisor for Kansas Gov. John W. Carlin. After leaving Carlins office, he served as the governors appointee to the Kansas Water Commission. HAMPTON, N.H. (WWLP) A New Bedford man has been arrested in connection with driving in the wrong direction on I-95 in New Hampshire and causing a deadly crash in Massachusetts. New Hampshire State Police shared in a news release that 40-year-old Keoma Duarte of New Bedford, Mass. was arrested last Wednesday following an ongoing investigation into reckless driving and a deadly crash in November of 2024. Sidewalks to close Monday for repairs in Pittsfield Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On November 27, New Hampshire state troopers observed a Tesla driving southbound in the northbound lanes of I-95 in Hampton. Troopers coordinated with members of the Massachusetts State Police as the suspect continued driving into Mass. It was later discovered that Duarte was involved in a two-vehicle crash. The crash resulted in the death of 49-year-old Jeremy Cole of Exeter, New Hampshire. Duarte was also injured during the accident and was brought to a Boston hospital to be treated for serious injuries. New Hampshire troopers investigating the incident determined that Duarte had initially been driving northbound on I-95 before pulling into the NH Liquor & Wine Outlet parking lot. The outlet was closed at the time, and Duarte was seen through surveillance leaving the lot and entering the road in the wrong direction. On May 28, Massachusetts State Police notified New Hampshire troopers that Duarte had been arrested due to his outstanding arrest warrant. On Tuesday, Duarte was brought to New Hampshire and held at the Rockingham County Department of Corrections. (New Hampshire State Police) Duarte was charged with two felony counts of reckless conduct and one misdemeanor count of disobeying an officer. He was arraigned in Hampton District Court on Wednesday. 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. 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 guidelines to regulate Australia's booming cosmetic procedures industry have been called "tough" and "a crackdown" in media reports this week. On Tuesday, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) announced the new guidelinesone for procedures, the other for advertisingand said it put the lucrative industry "on notice." The guidelines stem from AHPRA's 2023 review of non-surgical cosmetic proceduresthink injectables (such as Botox and dermal fillers), laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, hair transplants and more. That review was established only after AHPRA investigated widespread reports about unsafe practices in cosmetic surgery in 2022, exposing risks and deficiencies in both the surgical and non-surgical cosmetics sector. These included the predatory targeting of under-18s, inadequate training for practitioners, and poor screening of patients. For example, 52-second telehealth consultations. So, how tough are these guidelines? And can they be enforced? What do the guidelines say? The new rules aim to put safety before sales and cover many more issues than any previous guidance. They also fill a gap, as they apply to all health practitioners. Previously only doctors had clear guidelines, while nurses and midwives had been guided by a "position statement" published by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. These new rules ban financial incentives, discounts and other financial arrangements, such as "contra deals"where Botox injections might be administered in exchange for restaurant meals, as occurred in one New South Wales case. They also ban perks for social media influencers, who often get free treatments. The guidelines confirm influencers recruited by practitioners should not create unreasonable expectations of benefits for patients (which is already against the law if practitioners do it). If influencers do, the recruiting practitioner will be responsible. Botox is a prescription-only drug subject to strict controls. But several practitioners have been disciplined for administering or procuring it inappropriately, such as in day spas or by arranging "remote" prescriptions by email. Recent cases of unregistered people injecting it at parties, resulting in botulism (a serious condition), also suggest gaps in oversight. The new rules allow only suitably trained practitioners to prescribe these drugs following an in-person or video consultation. Batch prescribingissuing prescriptions for multiple patientsis now clearly unacceptable. The guidelines emphasize skills and training. Registered nurses will now need a year's experience in other fields before giving cosmetic treatments. Enrolled nurses will be expected to first have a year of supervised, relevant experience. There must also be robust protocols to manage any complications after a procedure. Practitioners must provide detailed aftercare instructions, and ensure patients are aware of their right to complain and to whom. Screening for suitability Short and impersonal cosmetic consultations have often not met the legal requirements for informed consent. The guidelines address this by requiring registered nurses and nurse practitioners to thoroughly assess a patient's suitability for a treatment. They must confirm the patient's expectations are realistic, discuss risks and alternatives (including no treatment), be transparent about their own skills and experience, and explain all costs. The guidelines specify that screening assessments must check for underlying conditions, such as body dysmorphic disorder, which is known to be more common in those seeking cosmetic treatments. It is one of several mental health disorders diagnosed in people who experience anxiety and persistent thoughts about perceived flaws in their physical appearance. Patients experiencing this condition would likely be unsuitable. That's because people with body dysmorphic disorder are at higher risk of poor psychosocial outcomes (such as poorer mental health or well-being). If found unsuitable, patients must be refused treatment and referred to another appropriate practitioner, such as a psychologist, for appropriate support. Overall, the new guidelines foster better informed consent processes. They prompt practitioners to screen for and discuss the psychosocial risks known to be associated with cosmetic procedures. What about under 18s? AHPRA says the new rules offer greater protection for young people through new safeguards and special rules for under-18s. The guidelines say prescribing dermal fillers to minors is inappropriate. For other procedures, they require parental or guardian consent where practicable, and a cooling-off period of seven days between obtaining informed consent and the procedure. However, health practitioners will still be able to exercise their clinical judgment for under-18s within the limits of the law. That's because the general law permits "mature minors" to lawfully consent to medical treatments if they have been assessed as having sufficient understanding and intelligence to appreciate fully what is being proposed. So, how are these rules enforced? These guidelines are not parliamentary laws. Instead, they define the standards expected of all registered health practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic proceduresexcept doctors, who have their own guidelines. If a health practitioner does not comply with the guidelines, the board responsible for their registration and accreditationfor example, the Nursing and Midwifery Boardcan take "immediate action" to suspend them or launch disciplinary proceedings for extended sanctions. The guidelines will make it easier for national boards and state complaints organizations to support any allegations of professional wrongdoing against health professionals performing or promoting cosmetic procedures. Before now, there were no specific rules about cosmetic proceduresjust the general (but important) codes of conduct for each profession. The guidelines give real teeth to the bodies that regulate the health profession and will likely enable them to weed out bad actors from the cosmetic workforce. Even so, they cannot compensate or redress patient harms. For that, patients may sue practitioners in court, report unlawful drug advertising to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (where fines can be issued), or take action under Australian consumer law. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. BOSTON (WWLP) Passionate testimony rang out in the State House on Friday from parents, children, and physicians on both sides of the vaccine mandates for school children debate. The State Houses public health committee heard testimony on multiple vaccine bills, including an extremely contentious piece of legislation that would eliminate religious exemptions to vaccine mandates in schools. Proponents of this bill see it as a way to close a loophole and keep kids safe in schools. Will you be able to get a COVID-19 shot? Heres what we know so far Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One doctor told 22News that she wants to work with families to ensure they feel comfortable with vaccines, while still pushing to ensure all children are protected. We know that children need a cocoon of immunity around them, whether theyre infants, or in kindergarten, or in sixth grade, said Dr. Mary Beth Miotto, a pediatrician. For every enthusiastic advocate for getting rid of the religious exemption, there was an equally passionate advocate to keep it. These parents and doctors testified that disallowing parents from choosing to exempt their children from vaccination is a violation of their freedoms, and only serves to keep deserving children out of school. Public health policy should support and empower, not harm and humiliate, said Dr. Sylvia Fogle, a psychiatrist. Those speaking against the bills say the total harm of their passage would far outweigh their speculative benefit. Those who testified pro-vaccine say that claim is based on misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conversation around vaccine exemptions is especially relevant as the federal Secretary of Health and Human Services has voiced consistent support for getting rid of mandates. 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. ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. A 10-foot alligator was caught by sheriff's deputies and "detained" for loitering in eastern North Carolina. The 400-pound gator, which deputies named "Pepe", was spotted hanging out on a road in Onslow County on May 28, the Onslow County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies said they, along with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, helped wrangle the "prehistoric perp" from the road. Deputies sit on Pepe the alligator. "Witnesses say he was just chilling and snapping, clearly ignoring the no loitering or lounging on roadways sign," the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gigantic loiterer was charged with multiple offenses, including: Suspicion of Being a Dinosaur Without Proper Papers, Public Loitering with Intent to Sunbathe and Obstructing Traffic, the sheriff's office said, tongue firmly in cheek. See It: Alligator With Ball Lodged In Its Mouth Spotted On North Carolina Golf Course Massive 10-foot alligator named Pepe shows off his size next to an Onslow Sheriff's Deputy. Photos showed sheriff's deputies reprimanding the gator, encapsulating the reptile's size in comparison to the men next to Pepe. Watch: 'Half An Alligator' Waddles Across Road, Startles Louisiana Drivers Pepe the alligator challenges Onslow Sheriff's deputy. Deputies said no one was injured "unless you count his pride when the gator refused to be cuffed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pepe was safely relocated, the sheriff's office said. "And no, he didnt get to ride shotgun." Original article source: Massive 400 pound alligator 'detained' by North Carolina deputies for 'scaly intentions' Mayor Karen Bass Addresses L.A. Security Concerns After Spate of Antisemitic Attacks originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell joined Mayor Karen Bass for an emergency meeting to discuss an uptick in LAPD presence after several violent attacks targeting Jewish gatherings were witnessed across the nation AP Photo/Jae C. Hong The LAPD has increased its presence near Jewish synagogues, schools, organizations, and neighborhoods and near community gathering spots, among them the Israeli Consulate, the Holocaust Museum, and the Museum of Tolerance, city officials said. The uptick was sparked by what Mayor Karen Bass said was the "horrific antisemitic attacks that happened in Washington, D.C. and Boulder, Colorado over the last two weeks have sent shockwaves across the country." Bass was referencing two anti-Semitic incidents in two weeks. In one, a young Jewish couple were gunned down outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. by a shooter who screeched: "Free Palestine" and "I did it for Gaza," as he was taken into custody. On Sunday, another man - who was in the country illegally - hurled Molotov cocktails at a peaceful gathering in Boulder, Colorado, to recognize Israeli hostages in Gaza while yelling: "Free Palestine." He set fire to several people during the attack, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. But there have been other acts of violence that have raised alarms, including the firebombing of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's home in April, hours after the governor and his family hosted more than two dozen people to celebrate the first night of Passover. The suspected arsonist picked Shapiro because of "what he wants to do to the Palestinian people," according to police records. A report released by the Anti-Defamation League last month notes a startling uptick in violence against Jews since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The 12-month total tally for 2024 averaged more than 25 incidents a day across the nation. Israel's response to the Oct. 7 attacks has also raised international alarms as the world watches the suffering that has come in the form of collateral damage that has been inflicted on the Palestinian people. That topic was being discussed last October when the former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Brian Williams, who was appointed by Bass, called a bomb threat into City Hall, according to federal proseuctors. At the time of the hoax call on Oct. 3, 2024, Williams told Mayor Karen Bass the bogus bomber was "tired of the city support for Israel," and was going to blow up "maybe the rotunda," according to federal prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say that Williams told LAPD officials and Bass that the fake caller was tired of the city support of Israel, and has decided to place a bomb in City Hall. Williams, who quietly retired in April after collecting a paycheck from the time the FBI raided his Pasadena home last winter, is eligible for a city pension despite pleading guilty last month to federal charges related to the threat. As the rhetoric from both sides continues to escalate, Bass met with Jewish leaders alongside LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell on Wednesday to reassure them that the city is taking security seriously. "These heinous acts of violence are reprehensible, and any and all forms of antisemitism will not be tolerated in the City of Los Angeles," her office said in the statement. McDonnell told the Jewish community leaders that the LAPD's Social Media Unit "is actively monitoring digital platforms for any threats," and increasing patrols out of an abundance of caution. "This was not only an act of violence it was an act of hate and it has rightly left many in our community shaken and searching for reassurance, McDonnell said of the Boulder attack. "Our Major Crimes Division continues its work in partnership with the FBI as part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, ensuring that all credible threats are swiftly addressed." This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has reached an agreement with City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to find the money to reverse the cuts to police hiring made last month by the council. On Friday, Bass signed the 2025-26 budget approved by the council, which reworked much of her plan for closing a $1-billion shortfall. Among the council's changes to the mayor's spending plan was a reduction in the number of police officers hired in the coming fiscal year, which would drop from 480 to 240. The following day, as part of her signing announcement, the mayor highlighted the separate deal with Harris-Dawson, saying it would ensure that "council leadership will identify funds for an additional 240 recruits within 90 days." The budget year begins July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money for the additional officers would be allocated within the 90-day deadline, said Bass spokesperson Zach Seidl. "No one got everything they wanted," Harris-Dawson said in a statement. "There is still more work ahead, especially our commitment to work with the Mayor to identify the funds for an additional 240 recruits within 90 days." Restoring the 240 police recruits would require the council to free up an additional $13.3 million for the coming year. In 2026-27, the cost of those officers who would be working their first full year would grow to about $60 million, according to a city estimate. Bass proposed a budget in April that called for laying off about 1,600 civilian city workers, one-fourth of them at the LAPD. The council voted last month to reduce the layoff number to around 700, in part by scaling back the mayor's hiring plans at the LAPD and the Los Angeles Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During their deliberations, council members said a slowdown in the hiring of police officers would protect the jobs of other workers at the LAPD, including civilian specialists who handle DNA rape kits, fingerprint analysis and other investigative tasks. Bass, in her statement, thanked the council for "coming together on this deal as we work together to make Los Angeles safer for all." She said the budget invests in emergency response, homeless services, street repairs, parks, libraries and other programs. "This budget has been delivered under extremely difficult conditions uncertainty from Washington, the explosion of liability payments, unexpected rising costs and lower than expected revenues," she said. During the budget deliberations, Bass voiced dismay about slowing down recruitment at the LAPD. In recent days, she had weighed whether to veto all or a portion of the budget, which could have led to a messy showdown with the council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council voted 12 to 3 to approve the reworked budget proposal last month. Because only 10 votes are needed to override a veto, Bass would have had to secure at least three additional votes in support of her position on police hiring. Whether Harris-Dawson has the support of his colleagues to find the money and then spend it on police hiring is unclear. Unless the city's labor unions make financial concessions, the council would likely need to either tap the city's reserve fund or pull money from other spending obligations, such as legal payouts or existing city programs. "Every dollar has to come from somewhere," said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who serves on the budget committee. "And if push comes to shove, there are very different opinions about what would be cut to pay for this priority." Blumenfield said "it would be great" if the council could find the money to restore some of the Police Academy classes cut during this year's budget deliberations. But he also made clear that, even though he holds the council's No. 2 leadership post, he "was not part of any 90 day promise" on police spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget provides funding for six academy classes with up to 40 recruits each over the coming fiscal year. Bass had originally sought double that number, providing the department with 480 recruits. Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who chairs the council's budget committee, said she too shares the mayor's goal of restoring LAPD recruit classes and looks forward to "working with her to make it happen." "The question has always been how to do it in a way that is fiscally responsible and sustainable," Yaroslavsky said. To increase police hiring and eliminate the remaining 700 layoffs, the council will need to turn to the city's labor unions for additional savings, Yaroslavsky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council's budget provided enough funding to ensure the LAPD has 8,399 officers by June 30, 2026, the end of the next fiscal year. The $13.3 million sought by Bass is expected to bring the number above 8,600. The LAPD had 8,746 officers in mid-May, down from about 10,000 in 2020, according to department figures. 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. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Springs Mayor has been discharged from the hospital following a two-night stay for pneumonia and a blocked artery. According to a press release from the City of Colorado Springs, Mayor Yemi Mobolade was released on Thursday, June 5 from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central after initially being admitted for severe symptoms from a cold. Tests conducted in the hospital then revealed a more concerning issue. What started as a cold quickly escalated to a trip to the ER, where I was diagnosed with double pneumonia, the Mayor said on his Facebook page. That alone would have been enough but then came the real shock: tests revealed a major blockage in my main artery. I had zero symptoms. If not for the pneumonia, we would never have discovered it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mayor said he underwent a minimally invasive procedure Wednesday morning for the blocked artery, and he expressed his gratitude for the medical staff who attended to him during his hospitalization. Im overwhelmed with gratitude for the excellence and compassion of the medical professionals at Memorial Hospital who went above and beyond to get their mayor back on his feet, said Mayor Mobolade. Your skill and care were nothing short of extraordinary. I am walking out of this experience with a deeper appreciation for our healthcare workers and all of the everyday heroes and public servants that keep our city strong. Courtesy: Mayor Yemi Mobolade The Mayor also thanked his city staff for their dedication in keeping the city going during his absence, and reflected on reaching the halfway point of his tenure as Mayor. This experience has deepened my commitment to our incredible city, and the responsibility I carry every day. Im feeling renewed and ready to continue fighting for the things that matter most to YOU, said Mayor Mobolade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JEFFERSON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) Agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jefferson County. Bailey Martin, press secretary for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), said officers responded to a local hospital regarding a woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers gathered information from the victim and went to a residence on Crosby Road. Police report has new details on Mississippi nightclub attack Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they said the unidentified suspect displayed a firearm, which resulted in a shootout between the suspect and the law enforcement officers. Martin said the suspect sustained critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. According to Martin, the shooting involved Jefferson County deputies, Claiborne County deputies, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), and the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP). No officers were injured during the shooting. MBI will share their findings of the investigation with the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office. 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. U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) touring University of Pennsylvanias Marshak Dairy barn in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on June 6, 2025. (John Cole/Capital-Star) KENNETT SQUARE Following his tour of Pennsylvanias only veterinary school, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) spoke to the Capital-Star about the U.S. House narrowly passing the Big Beautiful Bill and U.S. Steels impending merger. But he also had praise for Democratic Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parkers efforts to combat addiction in the states largest city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was very impressed with what the mayor is doing, McCormick said about Parkers initiative to address addiction, following his tour of the University of Pennsylvanias Marshak Dairy barn in Chester County on the outermost fringes of the Philly suburbs. McCormick said he met earlier Friday with Parker to tour Riverview Wellness Village, a substance abuse recovery center in northeast Philadelphia that aims to help people in the final stages of recovery. According to Billy Penn, the facility, which opened in January, has 336 beds and will provide housing, healthcare, job counseling and other services to people who have completed an initial drug treatment program and have moved to the next stage of their recovery and may live there for up to one year. They already have over 100 patients there, McCormick said. He described the campus of the recovery center, which is built in renovated city-owned buildings, and spans approximately 19 acres along the Delaware River, as incredible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a facility that gives people dignity, respect and helps them to the next phase, McCormick said. Its a big project for the mayor. He said he discussed with Parker ways he may be able to support the center and credited her and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethels approach to addiction in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Kensington has been at the forefront of the opioid crisis, garnering international attention for its open-air drug market in recent years. You need to crack down on the law and lawlessness and disorder in Kensington, McCormick said. The mayor has done that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Parkers successful bid to become Philadelphias 100th mayor in 2023, a key focus of her campaign was addressing the issue of drug abuse and quality of life in the Kensington neighborhood. Parker said she would end the open-air drug market for good and stabilize the neighborhood throughout her bid for office, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. I think shes off to a great start on this, he added. But you cant just treat this problem narrowly. You have to have addiction recovery, which is what this program is meant to support. McCormick calls Big, Beautiful Bill a good start The U.S. House narrowly passed a budget reconciliation package on May 22, which President Donald Trump dubbed the Big, Beautiful Bill. The 1,116-page omnibus, combining 11 bills and many of Trumps policy goals, is now being reworked in the U.S. Senate. McCormick, an ally of Trump, described it as a good start, but said he believes the spending package needs more work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the things the bill gets right, McCormick listed the permanent renewal of Trumps first term tax cuts and eliminating tax on tips, Social Security and overtime. He applauded the bills increased funding of border security, border patrol, and national defense. McCormick also highlighted the efforts in the package to bend the curve on costs. Some of these programs are spiraling out of control, McCormick said. Medicaid is the one that has all the controversy. It doesnt cut Medicaid spending. It slows the growth from 5% a year to 3% a year, he said. And it does that by taking people out of the program, particularly working age men without dependents, takes them out of the program, [which] was never designed for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the House version of the bill would lead to 10.9 million more people being uninsured in 2034, with 7.8 million of those due to the bills Medicaid changes and the rest due to changes in the Affordable Care Act, according to FactCheck.org. McCormick said the government needs to reduce spending, saying the current spending rate is not sustainable. Some adjustments hed like to see included a phasing out of a number of subsidies and tax credits, instead of an immediate ending. I think those should be phased out in a way thats not too disruptive to some of the investment in projects thats already been made, McCormick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also made the case the Senate should add a proposal that would add $10 billion towards school vouchers. McCormick very optimistic in U.S. Steel and Nippon reaching deal by deadline Trump broke the news last month that a $14 billion merger deal between Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel and Japans Nippon Steel was nearing a conclusion after 18 months in limbo. Details of the tie-up remain secret and company officials have declined comment. Bloomberg News on Thursday cited sources close to the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because theyre confidential who said the deal is on track to meet a June 18 deadline. McCormick said hes very optimistic that the deal, for which Trump took credit, will ultimately benefit western Pennsylvanias Monongahela Valley, where U.S. Steel operates three plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its $14 billion of investment in the domestic steel industry, $2.4 billion in the Mon Valley, McCormick said on Friday. It guarantees and protects 10,000 jobs in the Mon Valley, but it also promises a new arc furnace, which is going to create 14,000 new jobs building that furnace. McCormick also touted that in addition to remaining Pittsburgh-based, U.S. Steel will have a CEO and majority board from the United States, while the government would have control over the appointments of a couple key board members. McCormick argues that this will protect U.S. interest. McCormick also acknowledged that Trump previously had some real reservations about the deal before the latest adjustments were made, but said the current deal supports working people in that region. My first encounter with these steel workers was in Latrobe at a rally for the president, and theyre out there. They wanted the deal because it protects their livelihoods, McCormick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USW International President David McCall said last week that the union still had concerns about the effects the proposed merger would have on national security, its members and the communities where they work. However, McCormick said he doesnt share those concerns. Im focused on the steel workers in Pennsylvania 4,000 of them in the Mon Valley. Theyre all in, McCormick said. You watch that rally when President Trump came. Those are all steel workers going crazy. This is great for Pennsylvania. Its great for the Mon Valley, he added. Its great for domestic steel production. Its great for national security. I feel very confident in that. As measles cases in the United States continue to mount, neighboring countries Canada and Mexico are also experiencing significant outbreaks all of which have been linked to at least one death. On Thursday, the chief medical officer of health of the Canadian province Ontario announced that an infant who was born prematurely with a measles infection had died. The infant contracted the virus before birth from their mother, who had not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, Dr. Kieran Moore said in a statement. While measles may have been a contributing factor in both the premature birth and death, the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least four people have died from measles in Mexico in 2025, and three people have died in the US: two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico, all of whom were unvaccinated. This years measles outbreaks are the biggest that Canada and Mexico have seen in decades, and the World Health Organization has warned that the overall risk of measles in the Americas Region is considered high. Low vaccination rates are a key driver of this elevated risk assessment, the agency said. Mexico has reported at least 1,520 measles cases as of late May, according to data from the Pan American Health Organization. Canada reached measles elimination status in 1998, meaning that there has not been continuous spread of the virus for more than a year. But there have already been more cases reported so far this year than there were in the previous 27 years combined. At least 2,755 measles cases have been reported in Canada so far this year, according to federal data that was last updated on Monday, the vast majority of those which have been in Ontario residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the US has reported at least 1,168 measles cases so far this year, according to federal data published Friday nearly 80% of which are associated with an outbreak centered in West Texas that has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma and possibly Canada. Its the second highest number of cases that the US has reported since achieving measles elimination status in 2000. Significant shares of the measles outbreaks in the US, Canada and Mexico have been concentrated in Mennonite communities that are closely connected to each other and that have historically had low vaccination rates due largely to minimal interactions with formal health care systems. However, in a recent webinar, experts from the Pan American Health Organization did not formally link outbreaks in the three countries to each other. The outbreak [in Mexico] started in Chihuahua, at the heart of Mennonite communities, who were very close to Texas through the border, but theyre also close to other Mennonite communities in Canada, Dr. Alvaro Whittembury, regional adviser for the Comprehensive Immunization Special Program, said in a presentation on Wednesday. Its important to show that although at first the outbreak starts in Mennonite communities the vast majority of cases are outside of these communities, and they are sustained in the general population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a small share of confirmed cases in the Americas have identified genetic sequences, experts from the Pan American Health Organization said, and there havent been enough identical sequences to explicitly link cases across countries. In April, Mexico issued a warning for people traveling to the US and Canada due to high measles case rates. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also stepped up its guidance for travelers, advising that anyone traveling internationally should be vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk and I urge everyone, but especially those who may become pregnant, to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect both a parent and baby, Moore said in his statement Thursday. This vaccine has been safely used for over 50 years and is highly effective. Two doses provide nearly 100 per cent protection. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A sign is seen outside of Seminole Hospital District offering measles testing, Feb. 21, 2025, in Seminole, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez), File) The U.S. logged 122 more cases of measles this weekbut only four of them in Texaswhile the outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Michigan have officially ended. There are 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health officials in Texas, where the nation's biggest outbreak raged during the late winter and spring, said they'll now post case counts only once a weekyet another sign the outbreak is slowing. There are three other major outbreaks in North America. The longest, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in 2,009 cases from mid-October through June 3. The province logged its first death Thursday in a baby that got congenital measles but also had other preexisting conditions. Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened 761 as of Thursday. And the Mexican state of Chihuahua had 1,940 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry. Other U.S. states with active outbreakswhich the CDC defines as three or more related casesinclude Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio and Tennessee. In the U.S., two elementary school-aged children in the epicenter in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico have died of measles this year. All were unvaccinated. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000. How many measles cases are there in Texas? There are a total of 742 cases across 35 counties, most of them in West Texas, state health officials said Friday. Throughout the outbreak, 94 people have been hospitalized. State health officials estimated less than 1% of casesfewer than 10are actively infectious. Fifty-five percent of Texas' cases are in Gaines County, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 411 cases since late Januaryjust under 2% of the county's residents. The April 3 death in Texas was an 8-year-old child, according to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of "what the child's doctor described as measles pulmonary failure." A unvaccinated child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas in late February; Kennedy said the child was 6. How many measles cases are there in New Mexico? New Mexico added two cases in the past week for a total of 81. Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state's cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Dona Ana County has two. Chaves, Curry and San Juan counties have one each. An unvaccinated adult died of measles-related illness March 6. The person did not seek medical care. How many cases are there in Oklahoma? Oklahoma added one case this week for a total of 15 confirmed and three probable cases. The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases. How many cases are there in Colorado? Colorado has seen a total of 12 measles cases in 2025, which includes one outbreak of seven related cases. The outbreak is linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed at Denver International Airport in mid-May, and includes three cases each in Arapahoe and El Paso counties and one in Denver, plus a person who doesn't live in Colorado. Other counties that have seen measles this year include Archuleta and Pueblo. How many cases are there in Kansas? Kansas has a total of 71 cases across 11 counties in the southwestern part of the state, with three hospitalizations. All but two of the cases are connected, and most are in Gray County. How many cases are there in Montana? Montana has 17 measles cases as of Thursday. Ten are in Gallatin County, which is where the first cases showed upMontana's first in 35 years. Flathead and Yellowstone counties have two cases each, and Hill County has three case. There are outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. How many cases are there in North Dakota? North Dakota, which hadn't seen measles since 2011, is up to 34 cases as of Friday. Two of the people have been hospitalized, and all of the people with confirmed cases were not vaccinated. There are 16 cases in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border. On the eastern side of the state on the Minnesota border, there are 10 cases in Grand Forks County and seven cases in Cass County. Burke County, in northwest North Dakota on the border of Saskatchewan, Canada, has one case. How many cases are there in Ohio? Ohio remained steady for a third week at 34 measles cases and one hospitalization, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That count includes only Ohio residents. The state has two outbreaks: Ashtabula County near Cleveland has 16 cases, and Knox County in east-central Ohio has 2014 among Ohio residents and the rest among visitors. Allen, Cuyahoga, Holmes and Defiance counties have one case each. How many cases are there in Tennessee? Tennessee has had six measles cases since early May, but no change since. Tennessee's outbreak appears to be over, as health officials say there have not been any new cases in six weeks. Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.? Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Earlier outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania were declared over by health officials after six weeks of no new cases. Cases and outbreaks in the U.S. are frequently traced to someone who caught the disease abroad. The CDC said in May that more than twice as many measles have come from outside of the U.S. compared to May of last year, and most of those are in unvaccinated Americans returning home. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles. What do you need to know about the MMR vaccine? The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don't need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from "killed" virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. People who have documentation that they had measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don't need the shots because so many children got measles back then that they have "presumptive immunity." Measles has a harder time spreading through communities with high vaccination ratesabove 95%due to "herd immunity." But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots. What are the symptoms of measles? Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash. The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC. Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death. How can you treat measles? There's no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Prince Harry has been open about the continuing rift between himself and other members of the British royal family, including his father, King Charles, and older brother, Prince William. Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, moved to California in 2020 and issues over visiting the U.K. have arisen in relation to security concerns. This week, a source tells People that the couple has different perspectives on how to move forward. Theyre aware of everything going on in England, but theyre being left out of the detailstheres clearly no trust, said the insider, adding that Meghan is focused on the future, and is very business about it. She remains firmly supportive of her husband, however, despite his own tendency to dwell on the widening gulf. But the Duchess of Sussex wishes her husband could feel less burdened by the past and more present in the life theyve built together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles has been receiving regular cancer treatments and is allegedly struggling with the idea of reconciliation. Its been difficult for him to even get proper updates about his dad, the source explained. Harry has been requesting for years to have automatic police protection applied to his entire family so they can visit the country again, a privilege applied to working members of the royal family. They lost their appeal on the matter in April of this year. Charles and Williams hesitation towards reconciliation is supposedly about trust and the belief that heir interactions with the Sussexes may not remain private. The couple has shared intimate details of their lives in their popular Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan and in Harrys memoir Spare, as well as a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2023 interview with The Daily Telegraph, Harry admitted he actually removed anecdotes from Spare after considering how it might divide him from his father and brother. The first draft was different, he said. It was 800 pages, and now its down to 400 pages. It could have been two books, put it that way. And the hard bit was taking things out. And there were some things he didnt want the world to know. I dont think they would ever forgive me, Harry added. This is not about trying to collapse the monarchy, this is about trying to save them from themselves. You Might Also Like MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) A high school senior in Meriden was detained at an immigration hearing in Hartford, according to a statement Friday from Meriden Public School Superintendent Mark D. Benigni. The statement says that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents did not contact the district, nor any Meriden public school regarding the student. Students, Senators hope to keep Job Corps open Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I can not share details about specific students, I can assure you that students who meet all of the Meriden Public Schools graduation requirements will be issued a diploma from the Meriden Board of Education, Benigni said in the statement. We respect the familys privacy as they deal with this challenging situation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Trump today said he has no intentions to speak with billionaire Elon Musk again soon. Saying he assumes the relationship is over. Former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, shares his insights with Alex Witt on the public falling out between Musk and Trump and more. President Donald Trumps former fixer put Elon Musk on alert about incoming retribution from the president after their bitter break-up. They are going to drop the hammer on him out of nowhere, when he least expects it, lawyer Michael Cohen told MSNBC. Thats the playbook. And, again, this is political guerilla warfare at the highest level. Cohen, who experienced his own fall from Trumps good graces, predicted that the retaliation would take the form of personal smears, the weaponization of the Justice Department, and targeting of Musks companies. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are going through a messy break-upwhich Michael Cohen predicts will end dramatically. / Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Trump has yet to launch a full-faced war on Musk, his former bankroller and adviser, who on Thursday went nuclear on the president. Musk, infuriated by Trumps big, beautiful bill, alleged that he was in the Epstein files and called for his impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Cohen said that because of the size of the two mens egos, a dramatic escalation of the clash was inevitable. Elon Musk has massive power, and heres the problem with that, he said. Trump craves relevance, Elon Musk craves dominance. Very big difference. Youre talking about an immovable force trying to smash into something thats indestructible. this is going to be a war like nobody has seen maybe in all of history. Cohen suggested that Musk was the latest in a long list of men who wanted to influence Trump by whispering in the ear, pointing to former advisers Rudy Giuliani and Jared Kushner. It doesnt end well for anybody, he said. And its not going to end well for Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cohen directed a message to Musk directly: Youre never Elon, youre never more powerful than the president of the Unites States. And youre never richer than the country. So far, Trump has limited himself to insinuating that Musks drug use could be responsible for the blow-up. Im not even thinking about Elon. Hes got a problem. The poor guys got a problem, Trump said Friday. Cohen was Trumps lawyer from 2006 to 2018, when he turned on his boss. / Andrew Kelly/Reuters Musk, meanwhile, has quieted downand deleted several of his most inflammatory posts, such as the bombshell allegation that Trumps ties to Jeffrey Epstein are the reason files on the sex offender havent been released. Cohen was an attorney for Trump from 2006 to 2018. He eventually turned on Trump after he became caught up in an FBI investigation into the 2016 campaigns links to Russia. Cohen wound up serving three years in prison for campaign finance infractions, tax fraud, and bank fraud. David Smick was trying to decide on a title for his new documentary about the division taking place in America. I had a number of clever, abstract titles for the film, he notes. He says it was executive producer Barry Levinson who told him: Dave, have you ever heard of the movie Dangerous Marine Animals on the Cape Cod Coast? No, because they call it Jaws. So, I went with Americas Burning, because I thought: you can picture that. And I had anticipated things were going to get worse. Smick premiered Americas Burning a year ago at the Tribeca Film Festival. Narrated and executive produced by Michael Douglas, the film features interviews from such figures as James Carville and Leon Panetta as it details the discord between people on opposite sides of the political spectrum. It also preaches optimism in urging people and politicians to strive for unity. At the time of its premiere, notes Douglas, It might have been perceived as being over the top. Now its almost underestimating whats happened since then. But still, he says, The message is more important and stronger than ever. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smick, the chairman and CEO of the macroeconomic advisory firm Johnson Smick International as well as a bestselling author and filmmaker, is trying to maintain that positive outlook. Im an optimist by nature, but there are a lot of challenges we didnt have a year ago, he notes. Were discovering were one recession away from a major social upheaval if were not careful. Smick points to so much underlying economic anger over the distribution of wealth in the country despite our economic system being the envy of the world. Smick adds, Were doing terrific, except weve got this underlying potential cancer that could spread, and all we need is a stiff recession, and then were going to see the anger come out of the woodwork, and people are going to be shocked, I think. Despite how much the world has changed since the films premiere, Smick says he didnt see any need to add an epilogue or a coda for its streaming release. I didnt think it needed to be updated, he notes. Though he is open to exploring the topic further, perhaps in a longer form. You go to these screenings, and I watch the audience. I wish I had two hours because theres so many issues you could get into, but youre limited. Im thinking if we ever did expand it, it would be because someone came along and wanted to do a series. Bringing on the man who intoned the famous greed is good line in his Oscar-winning performance in Wall Street was a stroke of genius, but Smick also got a welcome collaborator with Douglas. The actor came aboard when the director sent him an early cut of the film, in which Smick had provided his own narration. It had his excellent voiceover. They didnt need me, he notes. Disagrees Smick, I have a very soft voice, not very distinctive. I said to my producer, Ian Michaels, We should see if theres a celebrity that can dominate this. He hired a casting director to work with. I said, Id like to have someone whos center, but left to center, who is troubled by the fact that the country is so divided. I think theres a part of the country we could never agree with, but someone who [people] could get behind a movie that may be represented about 70% of the country or 80% of the country. And first was on the list was Michael. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas was instantly taken. It resonated with me, with all the concerns that I had, which was the loss of our middle class was having, the tremendous amount of money that the Supreme Court allowed into our elections and our lack of bipartisanship. I thought it was a good message, if I could help support it. And Smick wants everyone to know that Douglas EP credit was earned he didnt just read a script and do some promos. His contributions were enormous, Smick says, adding that Douglas had suggestions about moving chapters around and rearranging some things. I would say, minimum, his changes injected 55% more energy into the film. Douglas says he was happy to lend his name to the film to attract attention. But the interesting and frustrating point was how difficult it was to get distribution, he reveals. There were a lot of companies that, when we initially showed this, I think were a little afraid of it. Even though the attempt was to really be bipartisan, not picking on one party or the other. He adds, So kudos to Amazon, and Im happy they came around. And kudos to David, in terms of [how] he foresaw what was coming. Despite having portrayed one of cinemas greatest presidents in Rob Reiners 1995 film The American President, Douglas says he has no interest in aspiring to the White House in real life. No, no, Im 80, he demurs. Thats the magic turn-off age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smick, for his part, says people constantly come up to Douglas to repeat the lines from the film. That must happen like 10 times a month, he says. Douglas responds, In American President, I knew how the script ended. Thats the big difference. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Michelin restaurant guide is racist, Eurocentric and elitist, academics are claiming. The famous guide, first published by the French tyre company in 1900, now covers more than 30 countries and has racked up sales of more than 30 million copies. Its rating system of stars one star for high quality cooking, two for excellence, and the celebrated three stars for exceptional cuisine are coveted by restaurateurs across the world. Many cooks regard it as the ultimate honour and starred chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, have often become celebrities in their own right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the most recent version of the Great Britain and Ireland guide, which contains 1,147 restaurants, 220 are starred, including the first Greek restaurant to be awarded one, an AngloThai eatery and a Korean restaurant. Two West African restaurants in Londons Fitzrovia were awarded stars in 2024. But despite some variety within the guides, critics argue that Michelins approach is generally parochial and that it ignores huge swathes of the world. Michelin three-star chef Cesar Troisgros preparing food at his restaurant in Ouches, France, in 2023 - JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP These omissions may be down to racism, suggests Tulasi Srinivas, a professor of anthropology, religion and transnational studies at Emerson College, in Boston. There is no Michelin Guide in India, one of the worlds greatest and oldest cuisines, or in Africa with its multiplicity of cultural flavours. Perhaps a side of racism with the boeuf bourguignon? she wrote in a blog on the website The Conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of promoting restaurants in other parts of the world, she criticises the inherently elitist guide for celebrating obscure European gastronomic processes such as fire cooking in Stockholm and molecular gastronomy in Spain. Despite a movement to decolonise food by rethinking colonial legacies of power and extractive ways of eating, Michelin has derived its stellar reputation primarily from reviewing metropolitan European cuisine, she said. Michelin Guide expansion into new regions is often funded by local tourism boards or governments, with Thailand, for example, paying more than 3 million for the guide to rank restaurants in Bangkok. The professor said this arrangement amounts to a shakedown - stars in return for cash. Other academics describe the Michelin Guide as the gatekeeper of fine dining, focusing on white, Eurocentric restaurants and controlling the styles of cuisine that are worth paying a premium for. A chef prepares beef tacos at Taqueria El Califa de Leon in Mexico City, which was awarded a star in 2024 - LightRocket Zeena Feldman, a professor of digital culture at Kings College London, compared food influencers reviews on social media to the Michelin Guide and concluded that the former gave a voice to under-represented cuisines from different parts of the world. Culturally and economically, Instagram food criticism is a lot more inclusive than Michelin, she said in a separate blog on The Conversation website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But supporters of the guide hit back. Chris Watson, a former Michelin Guide inspector who runs an HR consultancy, dismissed claims of racism and said there will always be an element of exclusivity to dining guides that rate restaurants. Michelin has introduced a Bib Gourmand award representing value for money experiences in dining, and there are currently over 3,200 of these across Michelin Guides globally, he said. It also introduced the green star, in 2020, to celebrate restaurants which utilise 100 per cent local ingredients - so far from elitist. And there are a multitude of Indian restaurants across the globe which have been awarded the star accolades. Hardly, racist. A Michelin Guide spokeswoman said: The Michelin Guide evaluates all cuisines according to five universal criteria, without quotas or Eurocentric favouritism. Its expansion beyond Europe has led it to be present today in more than 60 destinations worldwide, from Mexico to Thailand, via Brazil and Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Guide celebrates the richness and diversity of culinary cultures by highlighting more than 200 styles of cuisine, the result of rigorous inspections carried out by inspectors from over 30 nationalities. Tresind Studio, the first Indian restaurant in Dubai awarded three Michelin stars, El Califa de Leon, a Michelin-starred Taqueria in Mexico, the famous hawker centres of Singapore, and the kebab shops of Istanbul are all examples that perfectly illustrate this ambition: to celebrate universal culinary excellence, without borders. This diversity is also reflected in the wide range of price points among Michelin-selected restaurants. For example, some starred establishments in France offer three-course menus for less than 40 euros (34), while some starred restaurants in Asia serve dishes for under 10 dollars (7.40). 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 Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at June 6, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from June 6 drawing Midday: 8-4-5 Evening: 6-5-3 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from June 6 drawing Midday: 5-6-5-8 Evening: 5-0-2-6 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from June 6 drawing 10-15-38-41-45, Lucky Ball: 18 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from June 6 drawing KC-JH-QH-4H-10S Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from June 6 drawing 19-24-25-29-30 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12-27-34-36-38 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from June 6 drawing 05-06-07-08-17-18-27-28-33-41-51-56-57-58-59-60-62-63-64-70-74-79 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for June 6, 2025 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: RDNE Stock project from Pexels A new Penn Nursing Center for Health Outcomes & Policy Research (CHOPR) study sheds light on the critical factors that help or hinder hospital nurses in providing quality care to socially disadvantaged populations. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, offer vital insights to inform hospital strategies for advancing high-quality, equitable care. The study, which analyzed open-text responses from 1,084 direct care hospital nurses across 58 New York and Illinois hospitals, identified six key themes impacting care delivery: Profits over patients: A systemic challenge where financial incentives are misaligned with equitable patient care. A systemic challenge where financial incentives are misaligned with equitable patient care. Care continuity and hospital-community partnerships: The crucial role of social workers and community resources in connecting patients with needed support. The crucial role of social workers and community resources in connecting patients with needed support. Insufficient staffing and time constraints: High workloads and inadequate staffing levels as major impediments to quality care. High workloads and inadequate staffing levels as major impediments to quality care. Technology to address language barriers: The importance of language access technology and in-person interpreters for patients with limited English proficiency. The importance of language access technology and in-person interpreters for patients with limited English proficiency. Patients' determinants of health: Factors like health literacy, family support, and patient trust impacting care. Factors like health literacy, family support, and patient trust impacting care. Individual nurses' beliefs and backgrounds: How personal experiences and biases, as well as the need for increased cultural competency training and workforce diversity, influence care. "Our research highlights that nurses, as frontline care providers, possess invaluable perspectives on the systemic, institutional, community, and individual factors that shape high quality care," says lead-author J. Margo Brooks Carthon, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, the Tyson Family Endowed Term Chair for Gerontological Research; Professor of Nursing in the Department of Family and Community Health; Director of the Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing; and Associate Director of CHOPR; "Their experiences underscore the urgent need for hospitals to prioritize patient-centered approaches, invest in adequate staffing, strengthen community partnerships, and foster a diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce. By listening to and acting on these insights, we can significantly improve health outcomes for all patients, including those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds." Nurses proposed several solutions to improve care, including improving language technology support, strengthening community resources for patients, and advancing tailored cultural competency education. This study complements a recent study conducted by the same team that emphasized the need for improving nursing resourcesincluding nurse staffing levels and work environmentsparticularly in hospitals that serve socially vulnerable communities. Co-authors from Penn Nursing include K. Jane Muir, Ph.D., MSHP, RN; Daniela Golinelli, Ph.D.; and Ann Kutney-Lee, Ph.D., RN; Lee Ang from the University of Pennsylvania Mixed Methods Lab; and Kelvin Amenyedor, MD, MPH and Shelli Feder, Ph.D., APRN, both from Yale University. More information: J. Margo Brooks Carthon et al, Hospital Nurse Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators to Caring for Socially Disadvantaged Patients, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.12397 Journal information: JAMA Network Open Jun. 6PAWNEE COUNTY Barring additional moisture, area wheat stands are approaching what is expected to be a mid-June start to harvest. Kim Barnes, of Pawnee County Co-op Association in Larned, said this week that if the weather cooperates, harvest could begin by June 15 in the county. "My prediction was around June 15, but that really depends upon the weather," Barnes said. "The recent rain really did help to boost expected yields by about 10 bushels per acre. But what we really need is a succession of really warm days to get things dried out." Others weren't as optimistic, but were leaning toward getting started by the first week in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we get more rain, and it is kind of looking like we will, we could be looking at cutting wheat on the July 4 holiday," noted local Pawnee County farmer, realtor and appraiser Tyson Steffen. "We've done that plenty of times before." Results from May's 2025 Kansas Wheat tour sponsored by the Kansas Wheat Quality Council predicted that the winter wheat crop statewide yield could surpass 345 million bushels, up from 307.5 million bushels harvest in 2024. Average yield for the state was estimated at 50 bushels per acre, with higher yields in the eastern part of the state and areas receiving more rain, with lower averages expected in western portions still feeling the effects of multi-year drought. Fall planting was a mixed bag, with some producers dusting in their crops. Others got moisture for planting and setting root structure in November, but then the water tap shut off until April. With rains in late spring, nearly half the Kansas harvest is being considered in good-to-excellent condition, with only 7% receiving the lowest very poor rating. In May, the crop production report released by USDA-NASS was somewhat positive, with an increase of about 2% in total production over last year. As is expected, the crop is variable in terms of crop conditions and disease and pest pressures. Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is being reported in Kansas stands. VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) A Middletown man was arrested by Manchester Police for an alleged assault involving a hatchet in a hotel parking lot Friday. According to Manchester Police, at approximately 1:06 p.m. officers responded to a report of an assault at the Travelodge by Wyndham located at 51 Hartford Turnpike. When officers arrived, they were informed that a male suspect had allegedly assaulted a female victim in the parking lot and fled the scene on foot. The victim was transported to an area hospital after sustaining injuries that were not life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchester Police, using a K9 unit and with assistance from Vernon Police, searched the area. They eventually located the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Jose Perez near the Hockanum River Trail. He was taken into custody without incident. Perez has been charged with: Second-degree assault First-degree reckless endangerment First-degree unlawful restraint Second-degree breach of peace Carrying a dangerous weapon Perez is being held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court 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 WTNH.com. (WAVY) Wildlife officials are keeping a close eye on the spread of avian influenza after nearly 300 birds were found dead along the North Carolina coast earlier this year most of them brown pelicans. The outbreak has since been linked to the H5N1 strain of bird flu, a virus that continues to mutate and occasionally jump to other species, raising concern among experts. Miranda Turner, a wildlife health biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said the area is a prime wintering ground for birds making it easier for disease to spread. When you bring a lot of animals together and you have them traveling from different locations, its a really good way to transmit diseases, Turner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hampton Roads, bird flu outbreaks arent new. Lisa Barlow, president of Tidewater Rehabilitation and Environmental Education, recalls treating sick and dying Canada geese during a 2021 outbreak on the Lafayette River. We dealt with about three to four dozen Canada geese that came in sick and dying, Barlow said. Only six survived the flu, and even those had to be euthanized due to severe neurological symptoms. Barlow described birds arriving unable to hold their heads up, their beaks caked in mud. Many died within 24 hours. As the virus continues to affect wildlife, its not just birds at risk. The virus has jumped to mammals, including seals, cats and even cattle. Experts say its mutated at least several times since it was first identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, anything that can do that its kind of frightening, but amazing, Barlow said. Despite the concerning spread, health officials emphasize the risk to humans remains low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70 human cases have been reported nationwide, including one death. Most infections have been among people with repeated exposure to infected animals, such as poultry or dairy farm workers. Theres really low risk, Turner said. Still, its a good idea to clean bird feeders regularly and wear gloves or a mask if you handle injured wildlife. Barlow also urges caution for those who come across sick birds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you do want to help, wear gloves, protect yourself, she said. Common sense goes a long way. Meanwhile, as migratory birds continue to interact and spread the virus, some are developing natural antibodies, according to Turner. Theyre bouncing back and creating herd immunity, she said. Last week, the Associated Press reported the Trump administration canceled $766 million in funding meant to support Modernas development of a bird flu vaccine. The vaccine, which uses mRNA technology similar to the COVID-19 vaccine, had shown early promise in clinical trials. For now, wildlife officials say they expect to see more outbreaks in the years ahead, especially during peak migration periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because this virus is so common in migratory birds, it is likely that we will continue to see cases here and there every winter, Turner said. As of right now, there have been no confirmed human cases of H5N1 in Virginia and although the risk remains low for humans, for birds it can be extremely deadly leading to large die-off events like the ones we saw near Cape Hatteras. Unfortunately, this was the first kind of major large scale mortality event while it looks really bad at that small scale of seeing 300 brown pelicans die its not impacting their population as a whole or the species as a whole, adds Turner. Turner also explains that the surviving pelicans are still there, The brown pelicans that did survive that event were still nesting on that island successfully and are doing well. So really, its a short scale kind of scary looking event, but nothing that raises alarm for biologists in the long term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Argentina's President Javier Milei held his first official audience with Pope Leo at the Vatican on Saturday where he confirmed that the pontiff will visit the South American country, according to the presidential spokesman. No further details of the planned visit were disclosed on Saturday. Milei had a tense relationship with Pope Francis, the late Argentine pope who never returned to his native country during his 12-year papacy, potentially signaling the start of a new diplomatic chapter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Pope confirmed to the President during our recent meeting that he will visit Argentina," Manuel Adorni, the presidential spokesperson wrote via social media. The papal visit could take place as soon as next year, according to Argentina's daily newspaper La Nacion, as part of a tour that would include stops in Uruguay and Peru, where Leo, the first U.S. pope, resided for nearly 20 years. Milei, a libertarian and ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was not present at the inauguration ceremony of the new head of the Catholic Church due to local legislative elections he was required to attend. Discussions between the two parties on Saturday were described as "cordial" and addressed issues of "common interest such as socioeconomic progress, the fight against poverty, and the commitment to social cohesion, in addition to addressing ongoing conflicts," the Vatican later said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milei met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday in Rome as part of his visit, where an agreement between Italian energy group Eni and Argentina's state-owned energy firm YPF was signed. (Reporting by Lucila Sigal in Buenos Aires. Writing by Lucinda Elliott. Editing by Louise Heavens) MILFORD Milford Food Bank, a vital resource in the fight against hunger in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, marked a significant step forward in its mission with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility on Thursday. Volunteers, staff, board members, community members and supporting business representatives gathered Thursday to celebrate the organizations milestone. Board President Joe Shetler opened the ceremony with some of his favorite moments from the last year when he felt God was moving and he got chills. He shared about the plans for the building and what companies have stepped up to donate their time and materials to make the project a success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pastor Marcus Miller prayed a blessing over the project and the people involved. Following the blessing, Milford Food Bank staff and board members officially broke ground with their gold shovels signifying the beginning of the expansion project. The project represents crucial growth for the Food Bank, promising to profoundly impact food distribution efforts within the region. The new 14,000 square foot facility will provide a substantial increase in food storage capacity and packaging capabilities, organizers said. Furthermore, the new facilitys location and features will lead to enhanced operational efficiency, allowing Milford Food Bank to serve exponentially more food organization partners across the region. This expansion will directly translate into more food reaching more individuals and families in need. Milford Food Banks capital campaign to raise $1 million for the project is about 80 percent to its goal. We have been meeting with individuals, local businesses and our partner organizations to ask for their support in this campaign, said Angie Deak, MFB development manager. With donations big and small, we can build a facility that will not only serve our immediate needs but also position us to continue serving Michiana for decades to come. God has been faithful to us, and we feel blessed to be at this stage in the project. We are excited to see what else He has in store for MFB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milford Food Banks services extend across Kosciusko and Elkhart counties, and 22 other counties in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, reaching over 125,000 people each month. By partnering with over 200 food pantries, recovery homes, churches, backpack programs and community kitchens, Milford Food Bank distributes over 350,000 pounds of food each month, providing a lifeline to those in need. More information: milford foodbank.org/newbuilding or Deak at angie@milfordfood bank.org. NEED TO KNOW On Friday, June 6, Maxwell Anderson was found guilty on all counts for the killing and dismemberment of Sade Carleena Robinson Robinson, a 19-year-old college student, was killed after going to Anderson's apartment on their first date Anderson, 34, faces life in prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 15 A Milwaukee man has been found guilty of killing and dismembering a 19-year-old college student on their first date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, June 6, Maxwell Anderson, 34, was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, dismembering a corpse, arson and hiding a corpse in connection with the April 2024 death of Sade Carleena Robinson, the Associated Press and local outlet TMJ4 News reported. Investigators alleged that Anderson was on a first date with Robinson when he killed her and spread her remains around Milwaukee County. He is also believed to have burned her car to destroy evidence, per AP. I want to express our deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones who knew Sade Robinson, an official said during a press conference held by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. "We are hopeful that this verdict brings some amount of solace to them. Angela Peterson / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Maxwell Anderson, Friday, June 6, 2025 Maxwell Anderson, Friday, June 6, 2025 During closing arguments on Thursday, June 5, Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan said Anderson, who was 33 years old at the time, met with Robinson at a bar a week before she went missing, AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance-Curzan told jurors that surveillance video and cell phone records put Anderson and Robinson together during the late afternoon and early evening of April 1. The pair drank at two different bars before going back to his apartment. According to the assistant district attorney, per AP, authorities recovered photos from Andersons phone that showed him groping Robinson as she lay face down on his couch. The prosecutor described the victim as incapacitated, saying she was not able to resist. Video footage showed her vehicle leave his apartment during the early hours of April 2 and arrive at a park near the shores of Lake Michigan. Milwaukee Police Department Sade Carleena Robinson Sade Carleena Robinson Vance-Curzan alleged that Anderson used the darkness to cut her body up without being seen, according to AP. He then took a bus back to his apartment. 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. An informant previously told Milwaukee authorities that Anderson had allegedly shown him the murder location and tools about a month before the killing, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson allegedly gave the individual a detailed plan of how he intended to carry out the killing of Robinson, telling the informant he had recently met the teen, according to unsealed warrants. The informant claimed that when visiting Andersons apartment, a tarp was covering the windows and walls from the floor to the ceiling. Jovanny Hernandez/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK Maxwell Anderson, April 2024 Maxwell Anderson, April 2024 However, during Thursdays closing arguments, Andersons attorney, Tony Cotton, said prosecutors never showed his client had any intent to kill Robinson. Additionally, Cotton claimed none of Andersons neighbors reported hearing a struggle at his residence. He also said his client made no attempts to conceal his identity when taking the bus, nor did he have muddy or blood-stained clothing in surveillance footage. Anderson will face a mandatory life sentence in prison when he's sentenced on Aug. 15. Cotton did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Read the original article on People As tourists head to airports this summer, American travelers are likely to see groups of young people in matching T-shirts awaiting flights to Latin America or further afield. Their T-shirts sport biblical verses or phrases like Here I am, send me or Called to serve, and the teens may gather for prayer before boarding. These young people are heading off to be short-term missionaries: an experience that has become a rite of passage in some corners of Protestant Christianity as overseas travel has become more affordable for Americans. According to some estimates, as many as 2 million youth and adults per year participated in Christian mission trips before the pandemic, including overseas trips and trips to poor communities at home. While it is difficult to confirm these numbers, mission trips are now especially commonplace within evangelical churches, with larger and more affluent churches offering multiple trips throughout the year. Some congregations plan their mission trips in-house. Others enlist the services of mission companies with names like World Race, He Said Go and World Gospel Mission. Typically, these companies combine humanitarian service, development projects and faith. They promise participants adventure, spiritual growth and an opportunity to serve as Jesus hands and feet in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have been studying short-term missionaries for the past six years. I have interviewed dozens of pastors, trip leaders and young missionaries, and I have had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip in Central America. Through this research, I have learned about why so many young Christians want to go on mission trips and have been struck by their desire to serve. Yet, as a geographer, I am concerned by their lack of knowledge about the people and places they visit. White mans burden The missionary impulse within Christianity comes from the Great Commission, a Gospel verse in which Jesus instructs his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The spirit of evangelism thrived among European and American Christians in the 19th century, fueled by frontier expansion and colonization. Protestant missionaries spread throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific, seeking to win souls for Christ. Also important, in many of these mens and womens eyes, was something often referred to as the white mans burden: the imperialist idea that they had a duty to introduce Western civilization to supposedly backward people. Missionaries had mixed success in converting so-called natives to Christianity. But they left lasting impacts through the many institutions they established around the world, including schools, universities and hospitals. A teacher and students at a Christian missionary school in Shanghai around 1855. William Jocelyn/Getty Images Missions 2.0 Contemporary missionaries are the inheritors of these earlier waves. Yet they also have some distinctive characteristics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, mission work was a lifelong calling and profession, one that often meant never coming home. Career missionaries continue to have a role in missions today, sometimes financially supported by denominational organizations like the Southern Baptist Conventions International Missions Board or by donations from individual churches. But the movement is now dominated by short-termers who are in the mission field for a couple of weeks or months. Some trips go to destinations where Christians are a minority, such as the Middle East, India or Southeast Asia. More commonly, they take place in countries with a sizable Christian population and partner with local evangelical organizations and churches planted by long-term missionaries. Trip organizers I interviewed emphasized that the mission teams are there to serve and to take direction from their local partners. Another distinctive feature of short-term missions is their approach to faith. Rather than push conversion as a goal, todays mission leaders emphasize relationship building in hopes that connections will gradually lead people closer to Christian beliefs. Trips are oriented not just around the spiritual transformation of the local community but also the spiritual transformation of missionaries themselves. Pastors and organizers say that trips are meant to teach young American Christians what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus, to share the gospel and to love people who are not like them. Organizers talk about young people learning to live missionally and to see opportunities to build Gods kingdom in their ordinary lives. Sacred and secular Short-term missions, however, also appeal to young peoples desire to see the world and to be adventurous. The language used to describe and promote trips is remarkably similar to secular overseas volunteering or voluntourism, as well as gap-year programs before college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both experiences are built around the idea of getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing cultural differences in the name of self-improvement, preparing for life in a globalized, diverse world. Another similarity is that both Christian and secular programs usually involve some kind of service project: building a house, digging a well or leading recreational activities for children. Such activities are meant to give young people confidence in their ability to make a difference in the world, while developing resilience and gratitude. Walk with the poor Not all evangelicals see the value of mission trips. Critics have argued that American short-term mission teams dump unwanted goods on host communities, are culturally insensitive and commonly assume that locals need American expertise. Construction projects push out local workers and often result in shoddily built structures suggesting the enormous sums of money spent on mission trips might be better spent if donated directly to local organizations. Books like When Helping Hurts, by evangelical authors Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett, aim to explain how leaders can make mission trips more effective, both in terms of alleviating poverty and in terms of evangelism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warning against a white savior attitude, they suggest that the purpose of short-term missions is to walk with the poor and build lasting relationships that will lead people to Christ. Beyond the bubble In my research, I have met mission trip leaders who are trying to put these ideas into practice without harming the communities they visit. But troubling elements persist. Trip organizers want to open American Christians eyes to realities of the world outside of their bubbles. Yet their messages tends to imply the effects of poverty can be overcome through personal faith in Christ. Short-term missionaries I interviewed did not blame people for being poor but were reluctant to describe the hardship they witnessed in terms of social injustice. The mission teams I studied learned almost nothing about the impacts of corruption, violence and social inequality on the communities they believed they were there to help. Trip leaders felt that such information would bore participants and detract from the spiritual aims of the trip. In effect, what mattered to the volunteers and organizers was simply that places were poor and foreign rather than the reasons poverty was so entrenched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the short-term missionaries I interviewed described feeling changed by their trip and becoming more aware of their own privilege. But the focus on spiritual fulfillment means that these young people may be missing out on opportunities to deepen their understandings of the world and to build solidarity with the communities they visit. 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: Caroline R. Nagel, University of South Carolina Read more: Caroline R. Nagel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. 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: Matthias Zomer from Pexels The Coroners Court of Victoria is undertaking an inquest into the deaths of eight aged care residents across six facilities, over a nine-month period in 2021. Each death occurred after an interaction between residents, known as resident-to-resident aggression. If your loved one is living in aged care, it's natural to be distressed and concerned for their safety after hearing about these deaths. Here's what we know about when and where it's more likely to happen, how relatives can safeguard their loved ones, and what's happening across the system to reduce the risk of it occurring. What does it look like? Resident-to-resident aggression refers to aggressive and intrusive interactions between long-term care residents that would likely be unwelcome and potentially cause the recipient physical or psychological distress or harm. It includes physical, sexual and verbal aggression. However, the term "aggression" is potentially misleading. In most cases, the residents involved are not consciously intending to cause harm. The prevalence of resident-to-resident aggression in aged care has been estimated at 20%, but is likely under-reported. This means that over a month, 20% of aged care residents are likely to experience an incident of resident-to-resident aggression. This is usually verbal abuse or an invasion of privacy. The variation in reported prevalence rates makes it hard to know if the rate is increasing. The consequences of resident-to-resident aggression range in seriousness from functional decline, to psychological or physical injury, to death. In 2017, we published a national study of deaths from resident-to-resident aggression in nursing home residents in Australia. Over 14 years, we identified 28 deaths. Almost 90% of residents involvedeither as an "exhibitor" (often referred to as the aggressor) or a targethad dementia. Three-quarters of those diagnosed with dementia had a history of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, including wandering and physical aggression. Exhibitors of aggressive behavior were mostly male (85.7%), often younger, and more recently admitted to the aged care facility than the target. Resident-to-resident aggression leading to death was most likely to occur between two male residents. Half of all incidents leading to death involved a resident pushing and the target falling, leading to injuries such as hip fracture and head injury. This underscores the vulnerabilities posed by physical frailty among aged care residents. Incidents resulting in death occurred mostly in communal areas, reflecting the ongoing challenges of an aged care system that relies on residents living together. Learning from past incidents Resident-to-resident aggression was previously brought to national attention by the death of a resident at the Oakden facility in South Australia. This led to a coronial inquest and the facility closed in 2017. The case raised issues including the need for residents exhibiting potentially aggressive behavior to have regular clinical reviews, accurate and detailed documentation, and adequate escalation and reporting of any incidents of aggression. Since 2021, facilities have been required to report incidents of "unreasonable use of force." The Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission monitors these events through the Serious Incident Response Scheme. The last report, from March 2023, provides a series of case studies and highlights the need for better approaches to behavior support and risk assessment. However, prevention requires a broader systems-based approach to better understand the problem, and generate and evaluate interventions. This should include reviewing trends at the facility, provider and national level. Approaching individual situations Resident-to-resident aggression is expected to become more common as more people are diagnosed with dementia. Cognitive impairment in both the exhibitor of aggressive behavior and targets makes this more complex, as a resident could become either one, depending on the precipitating circumstances. In one-third of the cases we analyzed, the exhibitor of aggressive behavior and the target had been involved in an earlier incident together in the past 12 months. This suggests there are opportunities for intervention. Are police involved? When serious injury or death occurs, it is the role of police to investigate the incident and refer to the Office of Public Prosecutions, if appropriate. Attributing legal responsibility is problematic and criminal charges are rarely filed. This may be because the residents involved are unfit for police interview or unfit to stand trial. Alternatively, prosecution may not be deemed in the public interest. Managing symptoms of dementia Dementia may impair a person's ability to reason, express their needs and manage their emotions. It can also impair their ability to respond, in a socially acceptable way, to interpersonal conflict. Behavior-management strategies to support the person with dementia include having a calm environment with a familiar routine and clear communication. Over the past decade, more formal services have become available to help manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Dementia Support Australia operates a Severe Behavior Response Team which is available 24/7, responding to referrals from health professionals within 48 hours. Specialist dementia care units also operate across Australia, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety final report. Managing dementia symptoms requires multidisciplinary expertise spanning the aged care, disability and mental health sectors. Yet integrating these services remains a challenge. The federal government has committed to addressing the sub-optimal management of residents living with dementia. Supporting your loved one If you're worried about your loved one, the first step is to express these concerns directly to the facility staff, as you would with any other matter. Open communication helps the facility staff to get to know your loved one and provide more tailored support. Being better informed about the subject can help you to advocate for your loved one. The Older Persons Advocacy Network is available to residents for free, independent and confidential support. They can advocate for you if you feel your concerns aren't being heard or your loved one's care is compromised. What happens next with the inquest? The Coroners Court will investigate this important and distressing issue and aims to reduce the number of preventable deaths. The coroner will hear the evidence, and may make formal recommendations about how to improve resident safety. Government agencies are required to consider and respond to these recommendations. It's clear we have a long way to go to safeguard the rights of older people living in residential care. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. ST. LOUIS Starting next week, the Missouri Attorney Generals Office is setting up a satellite office at Chaifetz Arena to help people avoid storm-related scams. The disaster assistance center will be open on select dates in June, beginning Monday. Investigators from the attorney generals office will help provide guidance on selecting reputable contractors, avoiding price gouging and protecting personal information from identity theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disaster assistance center will be open at the Chaifetz Center, located at 1 South Compton Avenue, on the following dates and times: June 9th-11th (9 a.m.- 8 p.m.) June 16th-18th (9 a.m.-8 p.m.) June 23rd-26th (9 a.m.-8 p.m.) My office will always protect storm victims from scammers looking to take advantage of Missourians in crisis, said Attorney General Andrew Bailey via a news release. We are on the ground to ensure families get the help they need and ensure bad actors are held accountable. Consumers who may have fallen victim to a scam or wish to report a fraudulent business are encouraged to speak with one of the investigators on site, file a complaint online on the Missouri Attorney Generals website, or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ohio House Republicans have unveiled a plan to address concerns over property tax. State representative David Thomas, who represents southern Ashtabula County, has been working with the House Ways and Means Committee on the legislation. Property tax has become a bigger issue for residents through the state as property values rise significantly, and peoples incomes do not, Thomas said in a recent press conference, detailing legislation introduced earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio has a crisis, Thomas said in a press conference. He is new to the State House, but spent six years as Ashtabula County Auditor. Thomas and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Roemer said they are seeking to put multiple tax reduction ideas into one bill. Thomas said it will be the most significant tax changes since 1976. Thomas said property tax has become too dominant in the funding structure for services at the local level, and he hopes to create ways to reduce property taxes by January. The legislation includes the elimination of inside millage, which would cost Ashtabula County $5.7 million per year, and the city of Ashtabula $700,000 per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside millage has been seen as a guaranteed base funding and is not voted on by voters. Thomas said he hopes local governments go to the voters if they need additional funds and reduce the burden on property owners, who have seen up to 30% increased value in their property. The legislation would tweak the Homestead Act to provide more assistance to senior citizens. Another goal of Thomas and other House Republicans is to put teeth in the county budget commission, which would have the power to review the financial need of different government entities. Thomas said the commission has been active in Ashtabula County, but not in many counties across the state. The group, which consists of the county auditor, treasurer and prosecutor would be another tax watchdog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas said the proposed legislation would cut an average of $850 from property tax bills statewide. Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said he is not in favor of the bill. He said the loss of $5.7 million would be very difficult for the county to deal with. I believe this is pushing the burden on local governments, he said. The legislation came without input from local governments, and no fair solution can come without local interaction, Kozlowski said. We are providing a lot of these services on behalf of the state, he said. He said state-funded mandates have increased without funding required to provide the services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He suggested the state taking over certain aspects of government such as courts through the Ohio Supreme Court public defenders and the Board of Elections, might be a way to go. Kozlowski said he believes in property tax reform, but not this particular plan. Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere said the proposal is absurd, forcing local governments to bear the brunt of the reductions. He said the city would lose about $700,000 of inside millage. The budget process and property tax reform unfolding at the same time has been a challenge, Timonere said. Nobody knows what is coming, he said. Another interesting part of the state financial picture is a proposed income tax reduction in the Senate budget proposal, which is presently being debated. Thomas said some sort of compromise on the income tax proposal is likely. The deadline for the state budget to be approved is June 30. NEED TO KNOW Kanisha Collins, 24, alleges her doctors didn't test a mass on her pancreas, telling her she was too young for pancreatic cancer The mom of a toddler was in the midst of planning her wedding when she was told that she had stage four pancreatic cancer that was "incurable" PEOPLE has reached out to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Weston Park Hospital for comment A mom who alleges she was told shes too young for pancreatic cancer has been given a bleak, "incurable" diagnosis and now shes trying to make memories with her toddler and husband before she dies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kanisha Collins, 24, sought care at the UKs Chesterfield Royal Hospital in December, she told Daily Mail in an article published on Thursday, June 5. her medical team was communicating with cancer specialists at Weston Park Hospital, and the consensus was that she had pancreatitis an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. PEOPLE has reached out to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Weston Park Hospital for comment. A representative for the hospital told The Daily Mail that internal reviews are "already underway." Getty Stock image of a woman in a hospital gown. Stock image of a woman in a hospital gown. Kanisha told the outlet that this past February, May 30, a scan showed a mass on her pancreas and a blood clot, but her medical team still said she had pancreatitis. They wouldn't test the mass on my pancreas, because they didn't think somebody my age would have pancreatic cancer, Kanisha alleged, claiming she was told the mass was benign. But as she explains, the pain got worse and she was rushed back to the hospital for more tests; On May 19, she was given the heartbreaking news that she had stage four pancreatic cancer that had spread to her liver and was incurable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pancreatic cancer is one of the most devastating cancers because it usually doesnt exhibit symptoms until its too far advanced for effective treatment. As Pancreatic Cancer Action Network explains, even when its discovered only in the pancreas, the five-year survival rate is 44%. For all types of pancreatic cancer, including if it has spread, the five-year survival rate is 13%. I felt discriminated against because I was so young, Kanisha told the outlet. Shed been in the midst of planning her wedding and celebrating her daughter Amayas second birthday, but now she says "I feel heartbroken. I have a 2-year-old daughter at home," she said. "I get married on Saturday and I had all that to look forward to in the future. Her father, Dean, has started a GoFundMe to support Amaya in the future and help Kanisha and her husband Mason build memories all while paying for cancer treatment. 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, she said. Getty Stock image of a woman holding a child's hand. Stock image of a woman holding a child's hand. We're all staying positive about it and hoping that treatment will shrink my tumors enough to give me a few years. But as Dean bleakly wrote in the GoFundMe, "Amaya will grow up without her mummy by her side through her childhood, teenage years, and adult life. The pain of this loss is unimaginable for our family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Dean told Daily Mail, 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 people just don't seem to be wanting to to push it further forward, to do further tests, purely because she was young. 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. Read the original article on People MEMPHIS, Tenn. The mother of a rising rapper who was gunned down in Memphis wants to know why he was killed and wants police to catch all the people responsible. Toya Redwing is talking for the first time about her sons death on March 22 near the FedEx Forum. 1 dead, 1 injured in shooting downtown Letorian Hunt, 27, also known as Sayso P, was shot and killed outside the Westin Hotel. Houston Rapper Sauce Walka, whose real name is Albert Walker Mondane, was also wounded when at least three people jumped out of a white Charger and opened fire. Latorian Hunt aka Sayso P. Courtesy: Toya Redwing Toya and Latorian. Courtesy: Toya Redwing Rapper Sayso P. Courtesy: Toya Redwing Toya and Latorian. Courtesy: Toya Redwing Toya and Latorian. Courtesy: Toya Redwing Courtesy: Toya Redwing Toya and Latorian. Courtesy: Toya Redwing Toya and Latorian. Courtesy: Toya Redwing Redwing said her son was born and raised in Memphis but lived in Miami. He was in town to visit a sick relative and had been looking forward to coming home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had only been at the hotel a couple of days before the shooting. I want to know who did this. I want to know who sent them. This is what I told the detectives. These boys didnt do this on their own, at least I dont think so, said Redwing. I dont think he was the intended target. Shortly after the shooting, the 2021 Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack was recovered, and police issued a warrant for Jayden Dandridge, 21, for first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. Last week, Dandridge was found dead in Houston. His death was ruled a homicide. Jayden Dandridge can be seen in a video released by MPD exiting this white Dodge with what appears to be a weapon. I was pretty much numb. I didnt cry or grieve for him. He killed my son, and I still want answers, Redwing said. I cant get to the bottom of it if they are all dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redwing said her son wanted to leave Memphis because of the violence. She said he had opened a recording studio in Miami and recently signed a distribution deal with Sauce Walkas record label. Suspect in downtown Memphis shooting found dead in Houston: MPD She said Hunt was kind and generous, always had a smile on his face, and was finally realizing his dreams. Redwing said her son was her best friend, and the pain of his loss has been unlike anything she has experienced before. The fact that he wont ever have children. I wont know what my grandkids look like. I wont know if he will have beautiful little daughters or little boys, said Redwing. Watching his growth from a young boy to the man he had become was amazing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redwing said Memphis police are currently outmanned and outgunned. She hopes the FBI will step in, as promised, to help, but believes people in the community also need to get involved to stop the crime. The rappers mom said she would like to start a foundation to help other mothers dealing with the same kind of grief. She also wants to provide resources to young people who are falling through the cracks and committing these acts of violence. Ive heard, why do you care about them. Screw them. Those people killed your kid, said Redwing. I cant say that with a straight face and be me. They need to be held accountable, but I do know a lot of these kids want a way out. Redwing said she wants to do something to keep her sons memory alive and show that his life mattered. Hunt was buried at sea in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than a month after Pastor William Schonemann died in New River, a suspect connected to his murder has been arrested, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. While details remain limited, the Sheriffs Office said the suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges in an undisclosed jurisdiction. Coordination between agencies is ongoing as we work to move the investigation forward, said Sergeant Joaquin Enriquez, a spokesman for the Sheriffs Office. He said the development marks a significant step toward bringing justice for the victim and his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office responded to a call about a deceased man at his home on the evening of April 28. Schonemann, 76, known as Pastor Bill locally, worked at the nondenominational New River Bible Chapel in the unincorporated community of about 17,000 people on the northern edge of metro Phoenix. His death was labelled a homicide May 1. Enriquez said the Sheriffs Office expects to release more information in the coming weeks but urged anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the Sheriffs Office tip line at 602-876-TIPS. Reach the writer at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: New River pastor murder suspect in custody on unrelated charges State officials announced they found nearly $400 million in potential savings, much of which would come from moving state employees out of state-owned and maintained buildings like the decaying State Center complex in Baltimore. (File photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters.) State officials Friday announced a series of budget cuts they said could reduce spending by nearly $400 million in coming years. Included in the reductions are $50 million in cuts that are part of the fiscal 2026 budget. The bulk of the savings $326 million would come over as many as 25 years as part of an effort to shift employees out of state-owned buildings and into commercial office space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the federal government recklessly slashes budgets and lays off public servants, we are using data to save taxpayers money and modernize government in a targeted way, Gov. Wes Moore Moore (D) said in a statement. This announcement is only the beginning of our efforts. Together, we will continue to prioritize fiscal discipline and ensure we deliver essential services to all Marylanders, efficiently and effectively. Moore, in announcing his proposed 2026 budget in January, promised to find $50 million in savings. The effort was a small part of attacking what was then a projected $3.3 billion structural budget deficit. Moore set up a work group to look for savings within state agencies. The group was tasked with looking for efficiencies in procurement, real estate and fleet management. Officials who briefed reporters Friday said they hit their target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The largest portion of the savings about $30 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1 will come from changes in state technology. Officials said underutilized mobile and land phone lines will be eliminated. The state will also standardize laptop purchases and keep equipment longer before buying replacements. Another $14 million of the proposed savings will come from standardizing shipping and delivery options. Officials said the savings will come from ensuring state employees are aware of and use contracts that offer the best rates. The final $6 million comes from consolidation of the states vehicle fleet. Departments will purchase fewer vehicles and spend less on fuel and maintenance. All that is in addition to $16 million the state Department of Information Technology had planned on saving from centralizing the programs it uses for employee access to computer systems as well as cybersecurity tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our data-driven approach to modernizing state government operations is saving taxpayer dollars, Chief Performance Officer Asma Mirza said in a statement. The bulk of the savings $326 million is expected to come from moving state employees out of nine buildings in Baltimore City that are owned and maintained by the state. Those employees will move to commercial space in the citys central business district. The total amount of savings would come over a 20- to 25-year period, officials said. One state official told reporters that the state hopes to take advantage of the large amount of available commercial office space and negotiate very aggressive lease rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state was already moving out of the decaying State Center property. At one point, the plan was to partner with the private sector to redevelop the 25-acre state office complex, which sits on a Metro stop and is adjacent to the light rail. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US The plan, which was approved in 2009, fell apart, and then-Gov. Larry Hogan (R) filed a lawsuit to terminate the $1.5 billion project. The developer countersued. The Board of Public Works, led by Moore, voted unanimously in November to settle with developer State Center LLC for $58.5 million. At the time of that settlement, there were fewer than 5,000 employees from seven state agencies at the center. The state plans to move all remaining employees to other locations by the end of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A final plan for the property has yet to be determined. It is unclear if the property will be taken over by the city or sold to a developer. The state also plans on moving employees out of two other buildings the William Donald Schaefer Tower on St. Paul Street and the Nancy Grasmick building at 200 W. Baltimore Street. Officials told reporters that relocating those employees could take up to three years. The goal, they said, was to open the properties up for redevelopment and put them back on city tax rolls. Like Kurt Russell in his 1981 classic, a notable number of city dwellers have been trying to Escape from New York in recent years. Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) data gathered by New York Post suggests that over 125,000 residents have left the Big Apple for Florida since 2020. These expats took an estimated $13.8 billion aggregate income along with them. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Florida isnt the only state attracting New Yorkers in recent years. City residents have also moved to nearby states like New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and distant states like California and Texas. This level of out-migration could have a significant impact on the citys economy. Heres why the CBC report believes New York City is at an inflection point and the trend could reverse. Lost tax revenue A city that loses residents also loses tax revenue. This problem is particularly acute in New York, which taxes its residents higher than most other parts of the country. On a per capita basis, the state of New York collected $12,751 in 2022, 79% higher than the national average and the highest among all 50 states, according to the CBC report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out-migration in recent years could create a shortfall in tax revenue in the years ahead. The citys budget could see a gap ranging from $7.8 billion to $10.1 billion, according to the CBCs estimates. Faced with a gap in its coffers, city officials might have to make difficult decisions about how much they borrow or spend to manage city services. However, there are signs that the citys population and aggregate income is growing, which could mitigate some of this gap. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it New Yorks population is growing New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced that the citys population decline was over and that the number of residents was on an upswing. The citys population grew in 2023 and 2024 and stands at 8,478,000 people as of March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International migration is a key reason for this reversal. While the city is losing some residents to other states, its gaining residents from other countries in recent years, according to the CBC report. The growth in job opportunities has helped too. Since 2020, the number of healthcare and social assistance jobs in the city has increased by 27%, while jobs in financial activities, securities and transportation and warehousing also saw modest growth. The pushback on remote work in recent years could have pulled more employees back to the city as well. If these trends continue, New Yorks future may not be as gloomy as it once seemed. "The numbers do not lie. Our city's best days still lie ahead of us," Mayor Adams said in the press release. "Jobs are at their highest levels in city history, crime is down across the five boroughs and people are coming back to the greatest city on the globe. New York City has emerged from the darkest days of the pandemic and continues to take leaps towards a brighter future. Believe the hype: New York City is back." What to read next Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Officials announced Friday that two more minors were identified as victims in a child porn case against Joseph Seiders, drummer for the Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers. Seiders, a 44-year-old Palm Desert resident, was arrested on April 9 after allegedly recording multiple boys using the restroom at a Chick-fil-A. According to the Riverside County Sheriffs Office, charges involving the two new victims were filed against Seiders on June 5 and were unrelated to the April incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These additional charges against Seiders include committing lewd acts with a minor by force or fear, using or coercing a minor to produce child pornography, possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child and invasion of privacy, according to the sheriffs office. Officials did not reveal the ages or genders of the two new victims. Joseph Seiders is shown in an undated photo provided by the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. Seiders has been in custody since his April 9 arrest, which happened two days after an 11-year-old boy told deputies that an adult man recorded him as he was using the bathroom in the fast food restaurant located in the 73000 block of Dinah Shore Drive. After obtaining a search warrant, police searched the drummers home, vehicle and cell phone and said they found evidence was located implicating him in the two reported incidents, along with additional crimes, including possessing child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 44-year-old was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio for possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy. Seiders band, The New Pornographers, issued a statement on April 17 via Instagram. Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by the news of the charges of Joe Seiders- we have immediately severed all ties with him, the statement said. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions. The sheriffs office said this is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call Investigator Iniguez at 760-836-1600. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christine Samra contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. June is Pride Month, a time when we dust off our rainbow flags and don our regalia in celebration of decades of triumph over adversity. We commune with our siblings and allies to mark progress and honor those who came before us in brave elegance and hearty aspiration. There are moments of great joy and celebration, but also times of marked solemnity. Pride is a time of family and remembrance, but also a time to regroup and map the work that still needs to be done. When news broke that Morro Bay planned its final Pride flag raising, we shared a message on our business website encouraging folks to attend the proclamation earlier this week. Almost immediately, someone left a crude and loathsome response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past calendar year in San Luis Obispo County, we have witnessed an alleged anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime death, along with several assaults and acts of vandalism rooted in queer hate. In the Southern U.S., weve heard preachers openly calling for the execution of LGBTQ+ individuals. And now, the current president has re-centered focus on making LGBTQ+ people once again targets of scorn and contempt. This is the backdrop that makes it clear: The decision to rescind Morro Bays Pride flag ordinance did not happen in a vacuum. When City Councilmember Jeff Eckles publicly called for the removal of the ordinance that allows the Pride flag to fly, he offered scant and misleading justifications. Those justifications rang hollow as speaker after speaker faced the dais and systematically dismantled every point. Attempting to persuade the audience that his actions were rooted in the rosy ideal of neutrality, the council members words failed to resonate with the packed room of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. It was a shameful insult to recast the rainbow Pride flag a symbol that has stood for inclusion, affirmation and acceptance for nearly 50 years as something divisive or exclusionary. Calling it a step toward tribalism is disingenuous at best. It is intellectually dishonest to argue that allowing three council members to decide whether a symbol of unity and inclusion may fly is somehow a gross overreach of government. If so, wouldnt removing it by that same process also constitute overreach? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is the point of representative government if not to represent all the people? While cities across the state and country are expanding Pride visibility, how is it that our small town of 10,000 cannot find the courage to take a principled stand in support of roughly 10% of its population? The Pride flag pushes back against the long history of violence, exclusion and discrimination that LGBTQ+ people have endured and still endure. The claim that this decision affects all commemorative flags, not just the Pride flag, falls apart under scrutiny. No other flag has been requested to fly. And weve heard the same tired false dilemmas: What if someone wants to fly the Nazi or Confederate flag? Well, there is a process, and the council votes on each request. If the council cannot distinguish between a flag that honors inclusion and one that glorifies violence and genocide, we have a much deeper problem than flag policy. We are not asking for rainbow crosswalks or high-dollar lighting displays. We are simply asking that the Pride flag continue to fly for one month out of the year to show that our town supports and represents all of its residents and visitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council has now rescinded the ordinance and chosen to limit flags to the Morro Bay flag, the state flag and the American flag. Some who spoke in favor of the decision said they wanted to return to unity under the American flag. But here is the rub: the Stars and Stripes have not always symbolized unity. For many, they have represented prejudice, bullying and violence. Now, more than ever, the U.S. flag divides in new ways. Over the past decade, it has increasingly come to represent one political party. Often, it flies alongside banners promoting a leader who has actively worked to strip away protections and freedoms from the LGBTQ+ community freedoms that should be guaranteed under that very flag. Unity under one banner sounds like a noble idea. But until we have a shared definition of liberty and equality, the Rainbow Pride flag must continue to fly. It is not a substitute for the American flag, it is a bridge that spans the divide between our countrys promises and the lived reality of many of its people. Until the Stars and Stripes can fulfill their promise for everyone, the rainbow must remain. Aimee Brantley is a resident and business owner in Morro Bay. 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: Forest plot showing adjusted hazard ratios for referral to secondary cardiology/cardiac surgery services and aortic valve intervention where the reference group for ethnic groups is the white group, males for females and Index of multiple deprivation (IMD) is level 1 (most affluent group). Credit: British Heart Foundation Women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those from the most deprived communities are less likely to receive treatment after a diagnosis of the heart valve disease aortic stenosis, according to research presented Tuesday at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester. In one of the largest and most detailed studies of its kind, researchers identified nearly 155,000 people diagnosed with aortic stenosis between 2000 and 2022 in a database of anonymized GP records from practices in England. Analysis, led by a team from the University of Leicester, found that women were 11% less likely than men to be referred to secondary care (such as a hospital specialist) after their diagnosis. Women were also 39% less likely to have a procedure to replace their aortic valve. Dr. Anvesha Singh, associate professor at the University of Leicester and consultant cardiologist, who was involved in the research, said, "Previous studies have shown lower rates of valve replacement in women, and clinicians had assumed that women were less likely to be diagnosed with aortic stenosis. This analysis using large, real-world data clearly shows that this is not the case, giving us the clearest picture yet of what is happening in day-to-day clinical practice. "Our study highlights potential inequities in management and care of this common and serious condition. More research is needed to understand the reasons for this and the true prevalence of aortic stenosis in different groups." Aortic stenosis is the most common type of heart valve disease in the U.K. It develops when the heart's aortic valve becomes thickened, restricting blood flow out of the heart. Treatment involves replacing the valve through surgery or a keyhole procedure. While some people won't experience symptoms, prompt treatment is vital for people diagnosed with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, as around 50% will die within two years of symptoms beginning. The analysis also showed that the patients living in the most deprived areas were 7% less likely to be referred for secondary care after their diagnosis compared to patients in the least deprived areas, and 4% less likely to undergo a procedure to replace their aortic valve. South Asian and Black patients were also less likely to undergo a procedure to replace their aortic valve than white patients (27% and 48%, respectively). They were more likely to be referred to secondary care, though researchers say that this could reflect referrals for other heart issues not related to their aortic stenosis. Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundationwhich supported the researchand consultant cardiologist, said, "This study of more than 150 thousand GP records has unveiled disparities in access to aortic valve treatment for women, South Asian and Black people, and people living in more deprived communities. "We don't yet have the full picture, but these findings are concerning, and we need more research to understand what is driving the differences seen. This will be crucial to enable action to address any underlying causes are stopping some people from having access to the heart valve treatment and care they need when they need it." Provided by British Heart Foundation (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said the motorcycle rider killed in a crash in May has been identified as 28-year-old Elvin Jose Irizarry Iglesias by the El Paso County Coroners Office. According to CSPD, on Friday, May 16, at around 10 p.m., officers responded to a crash at Hancock Expressway approaching the Circle Drive underpass in southeast Colorado Springs. When police arrived, they found the rider of the motorcycle, Iglesias, dead on the scene. PRIOR REPORTING: Motorcyclist dies in crash vs. car in Southeast Springs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Major Crash Team responded and took over the crash investigation. According to CSPD, the motorcycle was traveling north on Hancock Expressway, and as the bike navigated a right-hand curve of the roadway, it crossed over the double yellow center dividing line and hit a southbound vehicle. Iglesias was ejected and died on the scene. The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. On May 16, the El Paso County Coroners Office conducted an autopsy and identified the motorcycle rider as Iglesias. CSPD said this is the 14th traffic fatality in Colorado Springs this year. At this time last year, there were 19 fatalities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jan Beutel was half-watching a live stream of Kleines Nesthorn, a mountain peak in the Swiss Alps, when he realized its cacophony of creaks and rumbles was getting louder. He dropped his work, turned up the sound and found himself unable to look away. The whole screen exploded, he said. Beutel, a computer engineer specializing in mountain monitoring, had just witnessed a glacier collapse. On May 28, an avalanche of millions of tons of ice and rock barreled down the slope, burying Blatten, a centuries-old village nestled in the valley below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local authorities had already evacuated the village after parts of the mountain had crumbled onto the glacier; a 64-year old man believed to have stayed remains missing. But no one expected an event of this magnitude. Successive rock avalanches onto the glacier increased the pressure on the ice, causing it to melt faster and the glacier to accelerate, eventually destabilizing it and pushing it from its bed. The collapse was sudden, violent and catastrophic. This one just left no moment to catch a breath, Beutel said. The underlying causes will take time to unravel. A collapse of this magnitude would have been set in motion by geological factors going back decades at least, said Matthias Huss, a glaciologist at the Swiss university ETH Zurich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its likely climate change is involved, he said, as warming temperatures melt the ice that holds mountains together. Its a problem affecting mountains across the planet. People have long been fascinated with mountains for their dramatic beauty. Some make their homes beneath them around 1 billion live in mountain communities others are drawn by adventure, the challenge of conquering peaks. These majestic landscapes have always been dangerous, but as the world warms, they are becoming much more unpredictable and much deadlier. We do not fully understand the hazard at the moment, nor how the dangers are changing with climate change, said David Petley, an Earth scientist at the University of Hull in England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snowy and icy mountains are inherently sensitive to climate change. Very high mountains are etched with fractures filled with ice called permafrost which glues them together. As the permafrost thaws, mountains can become destabilized. We are seeing more large rock slope collapses in many mountains as a result, Petley told CNN. Glaciers are also melting at a terrifyingly rapid rate, especially in regions such as the Alps and the Andes, which face the possibility of a glacier-free future. As these rivers of ancient ice disappear, they expose mountain faces, causing more rocks to fall. There have been several big collapses in the Alps in recent years as ice melts and permafrost thaws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2022, about 64,000 tons of water, rock and ice broke off from the Marmolada Glacier in northern Italy after unusually hot weather caused massive melting. The subsequent ice avalanche killed 11 people hiking a popular trail. In 2023, the peak of Fluchthorn, a mountain on the border between Switzerland and Austria, collapsed as permafrost thawed, sending more than 100,000 cubic meters of rock into the valley below. This really seems to be something new. There seems to be a trend in such big events in high mountain areas, Huss said. Partially collapsed Fluchthorn mountain (middle peak, grey) stands above a swath of rock and gravel deposited by its rockslide into the valley below on June 22, 2023 near Galtur, Austria. - Sean Gallup/Getty Images Melting glaciers can also form lakes, which can become so full that they burst their banks, sending water and debris cascading down mountainsides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, a permafrost landslide caused a large glacial lake in Sikkim, India, to break its banks, causing a catastrophic deluge that killed at least 55 people. Last year, a glacial lake outburst caused destructive flooding in Juneau, Alaska a now regular occurrence for the city. After two years in a row of destructive glacial flooding, Juneau is scrambling to erect temporary flood barriers ahead of the next melting season, the Anchorage Daily News reported this week. As well as melting ice, theres another hazard destabilizing mountains: rain. Extreme precipitation is increasingly falling on mountains as rain instead of snow, said Mohammed Ombadi, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. His research shows every 1 degree Celsius of global warming increases extreme rainfall events by 15%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This pushes up the risks of flooding, landslides and soil erosion. Northern Hemisphere mountains will become hotspots for extreme rain, Ombadi said. Heavy rainfall this month in Sikkim, a Himalayan state in northern India, triggered a series of landslides, killing at least three people. Images show deep muddy scars carved into the mountain, with buildings and trees obliterated. Scientists do have tools to monitor mountains and warn communities. There are fantastic instruments that can predict quite accurately when a rock mass (or) ice mass is going to come down, Huss said. The difficulty is knowing where to look when a landscape is constantly changing in unpredictable ways. This is what climate change actually does there are more new and previously unrecognized situations, Huss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are particularly hard to deal with in developing countries, which dont have the resources for extensive monitoring. A landslide after a large, rain-drenched slope gave way, killing one person, injuring three others and leaving dozens of homes damaged, in Ketchikan, Alaska, August 26, 2024. - Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities via Reuters Scientists say the only way to reduce the impact of the climate crisis on mountains is to bring down global temperatures, but some changes are already locked in. Even if we manage to stabilize the climate right now, (glaciers) will continue to retreat significantly, Huss said. Almost 40% of the worlds glaciers are already doomed, according to a new study. We could have maybe avoided most of (the negative impacts) if we had acted 50 years ago and brought down CO2 emissions. But we failed, Huss added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consequences are hitting as the numbers of people living in and visiting mountains increases. Were just more exposed than we used to be, he said. Ludovic Ravanel, an Alpine climber and geomorphologist who focuses on mountains response to global warming, has a front line view of the increasing dangers of these landscapes. Mountains are the most convincing hotspots of climate change, he told CNN. When hes focused on the science, he keeps his emotions at arms length. But as a father, and a mountaineer, it hits him. I see just how critical the situation is. And even then, were only at the very beginning. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) The Missouri State Highway Patrol released the results of its 2025 school bus inspections. Most the school districts received high ratings. The patrol listed individual school districts by number of buses inspected, the percentage of those buses that were approved, the percentage that were defective, and those that were out of service. St. Joseph School District, with the largest fleet of buses in northwest Missouri, had 83 buses inspected and 95.2 percent (79 buses) were approved by MHP inspectors. Four buses were found to have defects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savannah R-III district had 33 vehicles inspected and 90.9 percent were approved with 9.1 percent found defective. Mid-Buchanan School District was the only district in our area to receive a perfect score. Inspectors looked at 14 buses and approved all 14. Ratings for other districts included: * North Platte, 14 inspected, 78.6 percent approved. * East Buchanan, 11 inspected, 72.7 approved. * Buchanan Co. R-IV (Dekalb), five buses inspected, 80 percent approved. * Stewartsville, five buses inspected, 80 percent approved. LIVONIA A 31-year-old Livonia man behaving erratically was shot by a police officer here, leaving him seriously injured on June 6 and causing an investigation by state troopers. Police officers were dispatched to Middlebelt and Five Mile roads around 2:10 p.m. because of a man "behaving erratically while brandishing a gun, the Livonia Police Department said in a release posted on its Facebook page. Michigan State Police's Second District X post said the gunman was inside a business in the 15000 block of Middlebelt Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Preliminary investigation indicates that officers contacted the 31-year-old man inside a business at 15080 Middlebelt, Livonia," MSP's X post said. "The man produced a pistol, pointed it at the officer and did not follow lawful orders. A Livonia Police Officer fired his weapon striking the man." According to Livonia police, "the subject pointed the weapon at the officer, and "the officer fired his weapon striking the subject. The Livonia man is being treated at a local unnamed hospital for his gunshot wounds, LPD and MSP said. "He was transported to a local hospital for serious injuries," MSP's post said. "The officer was not injured." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSP said its report will be turned over to prosecutors for their review. Contact editor Susan Vela at svela@lsj.com or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela. This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: MSP: Suspicious gunman shot, wounded by Livonia police officer WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A coordinated effort with the Walton County Sheriffs Office Intelligence Unit, patrol deputies and surrounding agencies led to the arrest of a wanted fugitive on Thursday, June 5. According to a news release, at around 3:45 p.m., the Walton County Sheriffs Office received a BOLO alert for Bay County for 34-year-old Derron Lanell Skinner. Deputies said he was believed to be driving towards Walton County. Skinner was wanted on multiple charges, including a federal warrant for ATM bank burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WCSO Intelligence Unit quickly identified the suspects vehicle as a black Range Rover with Texas plates. Deputies were able to quickly locate the vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 20. Deputies intercepted the vehicle at the intersection of Highway 331 and Highway 20 in Freeport. After confirming the Texas license plate and vehicle description, WCSO deputies executed a felony stop and took Skinner into custody without incident. Skinner was transported and booked into the Walton County Jail, where he remains in custody pending extradition by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Amid President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's bitter online war of words, key posts have been deleted from social media. The most divisive post from Musk alleged that Trump is listed in the files related to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and that this is why they have not been fully released to the public. He did not provide evidence pertaining to this. Musk made the allegation on Thursday, in a post shared on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as of early Saturday morning, Musk's Epstein-related post was no longer showing, with X users instead receiving a notice that reads: "Sorry, that post has been deleted." And its not the only post of Musks that has been deleted. Another inflammatory post from Thursday, which saw Musk respond yes, endorsing a message that said Trump should be impeached and that Vance should replace him, is also no longer viewable on X. The deleted posts suggest that the explosive feud between Trump and his one-time ally could be thawing. Read More: Where Things Stand With the Epstein Files Following Musk's Allegation Against Trump Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks original posts came as Trump also lobbed insults and threatened to take away government funding and contracts related to billionaire Musks Space X company. The row started when Musk aired his grievances with Trumps "Big, Beautiful Bill," which is being considered by the Senate. The Tesla CEO branded the bill a disgusting abomination and told his millions of followers to call your Senator, call your Congressman kill the bill. Although things appear, for now, to be simmering down, Trump has made it clear he does not have plans to reconcile with Musk. When asked on Friday night by reporters if he intends to speak with Muskwho until recently served as the lead of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)the President gave a clear response. No I dont have plans Im not even thinking about it, Trump said on Air Force One. I'm not really interested in that, I'm really interested in the country, and solving problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when asked if he plans to take back the symbolic White House key that he gifted to Musk, Trump said that he has no intention of doing that. "I don't take things back, I gave him a key, he tried very hard, the President told reporters, praising the efforts of DOGE. Read More: J.D. Vance Speaks Out After Hes Dragged Into Explosive Row Between Trump and Musk Trump also appeared to defend Musk against the New York Times reported allegations that the Tesla CEO regularly consumed ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms when traveling with Trump on the campaign trail in 2024. I dont want to comment on his drug use. I dont know what his status is, Trump said, when asked by reporters if he had concerns. I read an article in the New York Times. I thought it was, frankly, it sounded very unfair to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Air Force One remarks, issued late on Friday, came hours after he told ABC News that Musk had lost his mind. Meanwhile, although Musk's Epstein-related allegation against Trump has since been deleted, the impact of the initial post continues to be felt. The allegation spurred Democrats to chase the full unsealing of the Epstein files, prompting prominent lawmakers to sign a letter, accompanied by a press release titled Is Trump Suppressing The Epstein Files? Trump's connection to Epstein dates back decades. In a 2002 interview with New York magazine, he famously said that Epstein was a lot of fun to be with. In July 2019, NBC News TODAY released unearthed video footage believed to be from 1992, which showed Trump hosting Epstein at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after Epsteins 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: I had a falling out with him [Epstein]. I havent spoken to him in 15 years. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you. Contact us at letters@time.com. The Elon Musk era of the Trump administrations fiscal sturm und drang is over. But his much more understated and savvy counterpart, Russ Vought, is just hitting his stride. Vought, the two-time director of the Office of Management and Budget, is the most strategic player in executing the Trump administrations effort to slash the federal government. Just this week, Vought has been everywhere from doing TV hits at the White House and on the Sunday shows to sitting in Speaker Mike Johnsons office to sell the big beautiful bill and lay the groundwork for codifying the DOGE cuts. His omnipresence highlights how Voughts work is taking on a more public profile after months of behind-the-scenes planning as Musk captured the spotlight and that far from slowing down, his agenda to fundamentally remake government from the ground up remains in high gear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whereas Musk bulldozed through bureaucracy and largely ignored Capitol Hill, Vought relies on a different playbook: pushing change through institutional channels, backroom conversations, and contingency planning. That sort of meticulousness and deep understanding of government has inspired fear among federal workers as he strengthens presidential authority to dismantle large parts of the federal bureaucracy, underscoring that unlike Musk, Vought actually knows how to get things done. His ultimate goal is to bend or break the bureaucracy to the presidential will, and use it to send power from Washington and back to Americas families, churches, local governments and states, he wrote in Project 2025. It wasnt actually Musk holding a chainsaw. Musk was a chainsaw in Russ Voughts hands, said a senior government employee with a front row seat to Trumps remaking of government, who, like others in this story, was granted anonymity to describe it. The contrast between the two men is stark, and increasingly consequential. While Musk operated with a kind of maniacal urgency, Vought has proven hes willing to slow down before speeding up. While Musk staffed DOGE with tech loyalists barely old enough to rent cars, Voughts team at OMB is a veteran-heavy group with deep roots in government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon is an owner. Russ has, for his entire career, been an exceptional staffer, said Paul Winfree, who held various policy roles in the first Trump administration. Russ knows how to manage both up and down, and he also knows how to use the levers of government, whether or not theyre at OMB, and how to think more broadly about legislative strategy and working with Congress, basically the way that things get done in this town, Winfree added. He is a master at this. And it takes a mastery of government and near-endless patience to achieve what Vought really wants: stripping down what he has long seen as a bloated federal budget, bringing an unwieldy federal bureaucracy to heel and drastically transforming the foundation of the U.S. government. Musk arrived with grand plans to slash $2 trillion from the federal budget but left his role having cut less than 10 percent of that figure, forced to admit that the sprawling federal bureaucracy was not as easy to wrap his arms around as he originally thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone thinks they can come to D.C. and fix it, said one former Trump administration official. But you have to have a really good understanding of this town, how the policies are cooked and baked. At OMB, thats the team. These are seasoned policy guys. Theyve been working on their issue areas forever. Vought has spent more than two decades in Washington, including stints as executive director of the Republican Study Committee, a group of conservative House members; and vice president of Heritage Action, the conservative Heritage Foundations advocacy arm. At his core, Vought is both a fiery conservative ideologue and a budget wonk, allies say. Hes known for spending free time poring over budget documents even on weekends but also has been one of the administrations sharpest messengers on traditional cable news networks and conservative shows.The distinction between Vought and Musk is apparent in the rescissions package, a $9 billion bundle of cuts originally slated to be sent to Congress in April. When internal GOP whip counts showed the White House wouldnt have enough Senate votes to pass it, Vought pulled back, recalibrated, and started working the phones. Why the delay? Because the House actually wants to pass it and put pressure on the Senate, Vought said on longtime Trump adviser Steve Bannons WarRoom show late last month. I dont want to send a rescissions bill out there that goes nowhere. Trump allies on the Hill have welcomed his engagement.Im glad he comes over here. We need that, said Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). We cant have an administration where you never hear from them, never see them, except when they want to spend a ton of money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assisting Vought is a team of allies from his first OMB stint, including deputy chief of staff Hugh Fike, general counsel Mark Paoletta and communications director Rachel Cauley. Unlike Musk, Vought isnt an act-first, come-up-with-the-legal-theory-later type. If his recissions package fails to pass Congress, Vought has a plan B and if that fails, a plan C, which hes started to outline publicly in recent days. Vought has long been a proponent of the idea that the executive can legally impound, or withhold, spending that has been approved by Congress. Critics say only Congress has the power of the purse. Though an OMB memo from the early days of the administration suggested it was poised to wage that fight by abruptly freezing all federal financial assistance the office quickly pulled the order back. Voughts allies say hes being deliberate about which fights he picks over impoundment and is waiting to build a solid legal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another interim strategy if Congress declines to approve the package is pocket rescissions, a process in which the White House would send the rescissions package at the end of the fiscal year and then run out the clock on Congress's ability to act on the proposal, leading to the automatic cancellation of funds when the fiscal year ends. Ive worked closely with him for 15 years, and one of the things that he has always done a pretty good job at doing is thinking out into the future, Winfree said. With this recissions package that hes moving on the Hill right now it isnt just about the recissions. Hes thinking about, how do the moves on this package set up the next move that sets up the next move? Former administration officials say that Vought learned from the failed recissions fight of 2018 spearheaded by then-Trump budget director Mick Mulvaney by building relationships on the Hill that he hopes will get the package across the finish line this year. Now, I think theyre more attuned to the push and pull here, and the need to find the center of gravity with the Hill, a second former Trump administration official said, even if that means making small tweaks to the recissions package to get it across the finish line in the Senate. Give them a win, and then it should be fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others are less optimistic about the totality of the administrations legislative agenda, including the presidents one big beautiful bill, which Vought also is playing a key role in shepherding. Russ is going to have to get in there with some hand-to-hand combat and get these guys to yes, a third former administration official said. If this bill passes, Trumps going to have everything. Hell have [deregulation] on steroids with Russ. Hell have tariffs as a negotiating tool and tactic for China and hell have [the] cost of living going down for all Americans. And thats the midterms. Like, the end. If one of those things falters, the person added, I think Republicans lose the midterms. Elon Musk appeared to jokingly reconsider his stance on the Big Beautiful Bill after a California Democrat came to his defense. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., wrote on X that "I can't believe I'm saying this but [Elon Musk] is right." However, that seems to be the last point on which the two agree. They both object to the Big Beautiful Bill, viewing it as full of pork. Musk opposes the bill because he believes it raises government spending too much, while Schiff objects to what he calls its "far-right" content, which he describes as "dangerous." Republican Lawmakers Stand Firm Against Musk's 'Kill The Bill' Assault On Trump's Agenda Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk fired off a response rejecting Schiffs alleged praise of the tech billionaires position on the bill. "Hmm, few things could convince me to reconsider my position more than Adam Schiff agreeing with me!" On May 30, Musks time with the administration came to an end, and he seemed to leave things on good terms. President Donald Trump thanked Musk for his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and gave him a symbolic "key to the White House" as a parting gift. Read On The Fox News App Following his departure from the White House, Musk said he was looking forward "to continuing to be a friend and adviser to the president." However, things took a sharp turn as a feud between Trump and Musk quickly heated up after the Tesla founder began publicly criticizing the Big Beautiful Bill. President Donald Trump, joined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Inside The Musk-trump Fallout Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the legislation passed the House, Musk said that the "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." Musks criticisms received mixed reactions from Republicans, with some such as Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. agreeing with him. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was "surprised" by Musks reaction and claimed the two of them had a good discussion about the bill. Trump and Musk then began slugging it out on their respective social media platforms X and Truth Social as well as TV. The president told reporters in the Oval Office that he was "very disappointed" with Musk and claimed that the former DOGE head knew what was in the bill, something that Musk denied. Elon Musk arrives for US President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 4, 2025. Trump Not Interested In Talking To Musk: 'Elon's Totally Lost It' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The heated exchange led to two explosive tweets, both of which were later deleted. In one post, Musk claimed Trump was mentioned in files relating to Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased sex offender and disgraced financier. In his other post, Musk endorsed a message that called for Trumps impeachment and said that Vice President J.D. Vance should take over. While its unclear whether Trump and Musk will reconcile, for now it seems unlikely. Trump told Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier that he was not interested in talking to Musk and that "Elons totally lost it." Original article source: Musk jokes about reconsidering stance on Big Beautiful Bill after Schiff's praise Elon Musks X profile is like a window into his psyche: an inescapable stream of consciousness where impulsive tweets reveal his unfiltered thoughts and shifting moods. Musk harnessed his social media platform to propel Donald Trump to the White House, feeding anti-Democrat content and election conspiracy theories to his followers. Now Musk is turning that same platform home to nearly 600 million monthly users against him. After posting earlier in the week that Trumps signature budget policy was a disgusting abomination that will drive America into debt slavery, the billionaire is openly taunting Trump on X, even calling for his impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An analysis of Musks tweets by The Independent shows that Musk has undergone a dramatic shift in both the tone and volume of his posts since his initial support of Trump in mid-2024 to when he began distancing himself from his governmental duties earlier this year weeks before the White House announced his Washington tenure had finished. And now the platform has chronicled the rise and fall of the worlds most powerful bromance. (AFP/Getty) Musk began tweeting incessantly after he publicly endorsed Trump in July last year following the first attempt on the presidents life in Butler, Pennsylvania. Then, once Musk was tapped in November to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, he emerged as Trumps tweeter-in-chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his new White House commitments, not to mention running six companies including SpaceX, Tesla, and X itself Musk appeared more glued to his keyboard than ever, using the platform as his primary news source, and place to share his views and stir up controversy. The first 50 days of the Trump administration arguably marked Musks most fervent display of support for the president, both in terms of tweet content and frequency. On February 7, he mused that, I love @realDonaldTrump as much as a straight man can love another man. Take Presidents Day, February 17, his most prolific 24-hour posting spell to date. Elon Musk was gushing in his love for the president just a few months ago (X/@elonmusk) Musk posted 262 times, according to The Independents analysis, with messages ranging from single emojis to lengthy missives attacking Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All told, the posting spree equated to one message every five-and-a-half minutes, with no breaks. Musk had a busy Q1 between January 20 and March 10, he posted 6,778 times averaging more than 135 X posts per day. Elon Musk (R), besides Alphabets CEO Sundar Pichai, at Donald Trumps inauguration in Janaury (AFP/Getty) And he stayed on message, tweeting about his government-slashing force DOGE more than any other topic in that period, quickly followed by Trump and president. Social media analytics firms like Social Blade were forced to stop tracking tweets after X said these businesses had to pay for an Enterprise subscription, at $42,000 to $210,000 a month. The resulting gap has made transparency on X murkier than ever; and is also why The Independent could only analyze Musks posts until mid-March. The Independent pulled together the phrases most commonly used by Musk between January 20 and March 10 (Liam James/The Independent) In early spring, Musks public pledges of MAGA allegiance and trollish squibs began to slow down, and the subjects of his posts moved from Trump administration duties to his own commercial interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buyers of his electric vehicles protested against his shift to right-wing politics and efforts to dismantle federal departments, with Teslas stock price plummeting, and a Rome dealership set ablaze. In April, Musk announced plans to significantly reduce his involvement with DOGE, opting to work remotely and allocate more time to Tesla. A month later, Musks X daily posts at points reached single figures. In hindsight, it might be considered the calm before the storm. By the end of May, Musk came off the platform to deliver a gut punch to the Trump administration. He told NBC News that Trumps showpiece tax bill undermines the work done by DOGE, without directly mentioning the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk landed a heavy blow on Tuesday, blasting the presidents Big, Beautiful Bill as an outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination. But it was after a press conference with the German Chancellor where Trump said he was disappointed with Musks comments, that Musk went on his most destructive X rampage yet calling Trump ungrateful, calling for his impeachment and saying hes linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Elon Musk accuses Donald Trump of being linked to Jeffrey Epstein (X@elonmusk) And these claims get read and spread by a wide audience: his Thursday post declaring Trump would have lost the election if it weren't for his support garnered nearly 15 million views in a single day. This is more than just a playground spat between the two rich powerful men, because Musks ownership of X allows him to reach a vast audience, some of whom are skeptical of mainstream media, and control a narrative and his posts have been known to set off market reactions, media cycles, and political waves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who have stuck with X, whether they are one of Musks 220 million followers or not, have been inundated with his musings and attacks morning, noon, and night. Musk is believed to selectively issue suspensions and use algorithms to throttle foes that are critical of both him and his ventures. According to the tech news site Platformer, the self-styled free speech absolutist directed a team of 80 engineers to amplify his own tweets over others, ensuring they reach vast audiences (he allegedly did the same for Trump in November). Musk has subsequently blurred the line between platform owner, political provocateur and propagandist. How will he next use X to punish the social media-reliant, legacy media-averse president? SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) With measles cases increasing in the U.S., including two recent brushes with the disease in Utah, health officials want to remind the public that the safest protection against it is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Earlier this week, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services announced they are monitoring a potential measles exposure in southwestern Utah after an unvaccinated individual from out of state visited the area while infectious with the disease. Health officials monitoring potential measles exposure in southwestern Utah Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, health officials said a passenger with measles traveled through the Salt Lake City International Airport in May. This incident was determined to be low risk, as the passenger was vaccinated. Although there are no recorded cases in Utah yet, with some in neighboring states, health officials want residents to know that there could be some soon and to be prepared. It is the time to go and check what your vaccine status is, what your kids vaccine status is, and make sure everybody has the right vaccine, so you dont have to worry about this. Theres a great way to prevent it, you can take it, its a good safe, effective way to not have measles get into your family, said Dr. Leisha Nolen, the state epidemiologist. Measles information Health officials report that measles is one of the most contagious diseases. Measles signs and symptoms generally appear about 10-14 days after exposure, with common symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and white spots in the mouth known as Kopliks spots. In addition, a rash with small red spots may appear after 3-5 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC reports that measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, which is described as an absence of the continuous spread of disease for more than 12 months. But, there have been more cases in recent years. Currently the CDC says there are 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the United States. There have been three confirmed deaths from measles in the U.S. in 2025. Passenger with measles travels through SLC airport, determined low risk for spread ABC4.com met with Dr. Andrew Pavia, professor of pediatric infectious diseases and chief of hospital epidemiology at Primary Childrens Hospital, to learn more about the vaccine and its effectiveness, as well as break down some myths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen an unprecedented amount of measles in the country this year, so weve just been waiting for it to arrive in Utah, he said. Weve been preparing for it. Now, with this exposure in Saint George, its likely that there will be more cases. Many people have never seen measles, even their parents may not have seen it. Its a pretty bad disease and when we say childhood illness, we think of something like chickenpox, where kids are uncomfortable for two or three days, and thats it. Measles is miserable in its average form, but can be dangerous, or even deadly. Thats why we really care about it, and thats why we really, really want everyone to help protect their children. Myth: The vaccine doesnt work The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and that it protects you from measles, mumps, rubella, and other serious diseases. According to the CDC, almost everyone who has not had the MMR vaccine will get sick if they are exposed to those viruses. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that numerous studies have been conducted over the year, confirming its safety and efficacy. Minimal risks, such as swelling in cheeks or neck and allergic reactions can occur, the AAP said, but the protecton it provides far outweighs the risks and more serious outcomes that can come from measles itself. Dr. Pavia said that the vaccine has low rates of potential side effects and protects you against measles for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This vaccine has been extremely carefully studied. It has been studied in placebo-controlled trials, and every time its been tweaked or improved slightly, the new version has been compared to the old one, Dr. Pavia said. Its very, very safe by the standards of any medicine you want to look at. Thats not to say there arent some side effects. Kids, not uncommonly, can get a fever after the MMR vaccine. They can also get a rash 1 to 2 weeks out, or some joint aches. Its a little bit more common in adults who get it, but serious complications of this vaccine are extraordinarily rare and rarer than with most other vaccines. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective, according to the CDC. The CDC says that although some vaccinated people may still get measles, mumps, or rubella if exposed to the viruses, their symptoms will generally be milder, and they will be less likely to spread the disease. Myth: Vaccines cause autism or other long-term effects The CDC said that the MMR vaccine has been thoroughly studied in the United States and other countries and no link between autism and the MMR vaccine has been found. Although the vaccine, like medicine, can have side effects, these are typically mild and go away on their own. There are no long-term consequences of the MMR vaccine and its been incredibly well-studied because of the concerns people have raised, Dr Pavia. said. There are over 20 studies looking at whether or not theres any connection to autism. Thats a common thing thats brought up, and these studies done in many different countries have showed absolutely no link. With a serious disease and a very good vaccine, if youre going to pick one vaccine to get this summer, it should be the one. Myth: Naturally acquired immunity is better than vaccines Some may believe getting measles and developing natural immunity is safer than getting the vaccine, however, health officials say otherwise, as natural infection comes with more risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Pavia explained getting the disease from natural infection is more dangerous with serious cases leading to the hospital, death, or brain damage. If none of those things happen, youre going to be miserable, or your childs going to be miserable for four to eight days, Dr. Pavia said. If I had a good vaccine to offer for rattlesnake bites, would you say its better to get bitten by a rattlesnake and develop some immunity to the venom or to get a vaccine? What to know heading into travel season Both recent brushes with measles in Utah were related to travel, which we will be seeing more of this summer. Dr. Pavia said now is a good time to think about getting your kids vaccinated and protected. Utahns are going to be traveling with their kids this summer, going to places where theres even more measles. Of course, Utahs an important destination for people during the summer, so we can expect more importations, more people showing up in Utah with measles. Its really important that we and our kids have the best protection possible, he said. Learning more Dr. Pavia also emphasized the importance of seeking out reputable resources to learn more and educate yourself on MMR vaccine information, such as speaking to your own family practitioner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its really important for people to educate themselves. We say that a lot, but then you go to social media or talk to friends, and theres just so much misinformation out there. Educate yourself, but look for reliable sources. Go to the Utah State Department of Health. Look at the University of Utah or Intermountain websites. Go to Medscape. There are lots of good sources of information where you can learn more, but just be careful in what you consume, he said. I hope you and your kids have a great summer, but please be safe and be healthy out there. 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. HAMPTON, N.H. (WPRI) The New Hampshire Department of State Police said a New Bedford man, accused of driving the wrong way on I-95 and later involved in a deadly crash that killed an Endicott College police sergeant, was arrested and extradited to New Hampshire. Investigators say said they obtained an extraditable arrest warrant in December, charging 40-year-old Keoma Duarte, a New Bedford resident, with two felony counts of reckless conduct and one misdemeanor count of disobeying an officer. Officials in New Hampshire said Duarte allegedly drove his Tesla on the wrong side of the highway in Hampton, before crashing into officer Jeremy Coles car early Thanksgiving morning in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cole later died of his injuries. Last week, the New Hampshire State Police learned Duarte was being held at the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction on the outstanding warrant. Duarte was then taken into custody and transported back to New Hampshire, where he was arraigned in Hampton District Court on June 4. 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. NASA and Pentagon officials moved swiftly this past week to urge competitors to Elon Musks SpaceX to more quickly develop alternative rockets and spacecraft after President Donald Trump threatened to cancel Space Xs contracts and Musks defiant response. Government officials were especially stunned after Musk responded to Trump with a salvo of his own: SpaceX would stop flying its Dragon spacecraft, a move that would leave the space agency with no way to transport its astronauts to the International Space Station. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk later recanted his threat. But it alarmed officials at NASA, which entrusts SpaceX with the lives of its astronauts, and at the Pentagon, which relies heavily on the company to launch its most sensitive satellites. The worried reaction within space and national security agencies highlights the risks of the governments heavy dependence on SpaceX for crucial tasks, including classified missions. SpaceX, with billions of dollars in government contracts, flies people and cargo to the ISS, launches satellites for the Pentagon and develops satellites used by intelligence agencies. The concerns are compounded by the fact that its competitors have been slow to catch up, leaving SpaceXs dominance largely unchallenged and the government with few options. This account is based on interviews with a dozen people in industry and government who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about internal deliberations. One NASA official said that watching the feud between Trump and Musk play out on social media Thursday at first was entertaining. But once Musk called for decommissioning Dragon, it turned really terrifying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a similar reaction in the Pentagon, where a person said staff officers looked at each other and said, oh, its not funny anymore. There was a realization that were not watching TV. This is a real issue. Musks behavior has worried NASA officials before. In 2018, NASA ordered an investigation into SpaceXs safety culture after Musk appeared to take a small hit of marijuana on the Joe Rogan podcast. But his sudden threat on social media to cut off NASAs access to the orbiting space station, which has cost NASA some $100 billion over its lifespan, crossed a line, one former space agency official said. When you realize that hes willing to shut everything down just on an impulse, that kind of behavior and the dependence on him is dangerous. I can tell you there is deep concern within NASA. The rift between Musk and Trump was also fueled by the White Houses withdrawal of Jared Isaacmans nomination to be NASA administrator. Isaacman had flown to space twice with SpaceX and was seen as closely aligned with Musk. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Thursdays exchange, at least three commercial space companies, RocketLab, Stoke Space and Jeff Bezoss Blue Origin, have been contacted by government officials about the status of their rockets and when they might be available for government missions, according to four people familiar with the inquiries. (Bezos owns The Washington Post.) Officials at Sierra Space, which is developing a Dream Chaser spaceplane that could deliver cargo to the space station, were in a meeting with NASA officials on Thursday as the Trump-Musk feud was getting underway. Sierra Space stands ready to ensure uninterrupted support for the International Space Station, Fatih Ozmen, the companys CEO, said in a statement to The Post. He added that NASA mentioned to us that they want diversity and do not want to rely on a single provider. Dream Chaser is in final testing and integration at Kennedy Space Center, Ozmen said. We are working closely with NASA leadership to fly the vehicle later this year. The company is also working on a variant of Dream Chaser to carry astronauts, he said, which NASA is studying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks declaration also rattled staffers on Capitol Hill. A key congressional committee asked about the status of Boeings Starliner space capsule vehicle, according to a person with knowledge of the inquiry. NASA intends to use Starliner to fly crews to the space station along with SpaceXs Dragon capsule. The spacecraft is years behind schedule, however, and during its first human spaceflight mission to the ISS last summer, it ran into so many problems that NASA decided it was unsafe to return to the crew with Boeing. But with Musk threatening to end Dragon, the congressional aide wanted to know when Starliner would be ready to fly again. In recent months, NASA has said little about the status of Starliner. But in response to reporters questions, the agency issued a statement late Friday saying that it is planning for a Starliner flight to the space station in early 2026, pending system certification and resolution of Starliners technical issues. NASA is still evaluating whether the capsule would fly with astronauts on board or with cargo only. Even though he later recanted, Musks threat to curtail NASAs use of Dragon could be damaging to a company that has been one of the governments most trusted partners, said Todd Harrison, a defense analyst at the American Enterprise Institute. Its almost like an embargo of the space station, he said. Musk was saying he is going to cut NASA off from its own laboratory in space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrison said the threat was reminiscent of Musks refusal to activate the Starlink Internet system so that Ukraine could carry out an attack on Russian forces in 2022. That decision also prompted an outcry that the nations defenses should not be in the hands of a single person or company. Given that SpaceX has experience operating its Starlink Internet satellite constellation, it had been considered to be a natural choice for Trumps proposed Golden Dome missile defense shield, which would rely on swarms of satellites in orbit. But Musks threat was so impulsive that it will undoubtedly rattle defense officials, Harrison said, who would not look favorably on the idea that the nations missile defenses could be held hostage to the twittering whims of Elon Musk. For NASAs astronauts, Musks social media post got very personal because it could impact their ability to fly, said Garrett Reisman, a former NASA astronaut who previously worked at SpaceX. We shouldnt overreact to a fit of pique on social media. But when your hopes and dreams are tied up in this, you cant help but think, Oh my goodness am I going to fly in space? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon has recently made an effort to broaden the military and space industrial base, allowing for competition to drive down cost and increase innovation. The Space Force last year released a strategy that said the service would seek to avoid overreliance on any single provider or solution. To allow more companies to vie for lucrative space contracts, the Pentagon recently created two lanes of launch competitions. Lane 1 allows new entrants to bid on individual contracts to launch satellites that are smaller and not as vital; Lane 2 would be reserved for more powerful and proven rockets that would hoist satellites that cannot risk failure. SpaceX, however, has continued to dominate those missions. Its Falcon 9 rocket launches at an unprecedented cadence, while those of its competitors, including the United Launch Alliances Vulcan, Blue Origins New Glenn and RocketLabs Neutron, are still largely unproven. New Glenn has launched just once; Vulcan twice; Neutron not at all. And even before Musks social media posting, the Pentagon publicly expressed worry about the pace of Vulcans development even though it has won certification to fly national security missions. In a statement to the House Armed Services Committee last month, U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy said that contractors like ULA must establish a culture of accountability, and repair trust deficit to prove to the [Service Acquisition Executive for Space] that they are adopting the acquisition principles necessary to deliver capabilities at speed, on cost and on schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From a legal and practical standpoint, the threats by the president and Musk would be difficult to carry out, said procurement specialists. If either the government or the company opted out, they would face major financial penalties, government procurement experts said. And if the contractor pulled out, it could affect its ability to win future contracts. Still, some had warned about Musks foray into politics and the consequences for his companies. In an interview last year, Peter Beck, the CEO of RocketLab, which is seeking to compete for national security launch contracts, predicted that Musks acquisition of Twitter, now X, and time at Trumps side could end up hurting his businesses. It certainly makes people uncomfortable, he said at the time. At the end of the day, if youre delivering important national security missions, the buck stops with the CEO. Related Content Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enough is enough. Why Los Angeles is still protesting, despite fear. Hes waging a war on us: As Trump escalates, Angelenos defend their city To save rhinos, conservationists are removing their horns NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell isnt budging on the citys response to recent ICE raids. Amid growing pressure from state leaders, OConnell stated he does not have plans to rescind Executive Order 30, which requires Metro Police and Metro Council to document and publish interactions with federal immigration authorities. This comes after House Speaker Cameron Sexton demanded OConnell remove the order on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: TN House Speaker demands Nashville mayor rescind executive order tied to ICE interactions Our focus is on participating in conversations, having discourse directly with our community, and frequently, at a staff level, with people in state and federal government, said OConnell on Friday. We dont spend as much energy on statements, and so I havent even fully reviewed the statement yet. We believe that the transparency that is in that executive order helps everybody, he continued. It helps make sure that nobody can accuse local, state, or federal entities of activity that did or did not occur. It also represents to the community that nobody is trying to hide anything here. With that all said, OConnell called it appropriate to maintain the executive order, for now. He said he and his office are more focused on the citys 2026 budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our department of law leads everything that we need to do to make sure we are compliant with state and federal law. We are going to respond appropriately to any formal requests for documents or investigation, OConnell explained. But our office, our team are focused on the business of the city. We are working on our budget and we are working on doing whats right for Nashvillians. Highlights from Mayor OConnells State of Metro Address and proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 Key components of the proposed budget, according to OConnell, are public safety and housing. With public safety, OConnell detailed an expansion of resources for Nashville Fire, the addition of more SROs in schools, plus new police precincts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for housing, the Mayor said Nashville is in a crisis, which is why the budget would include the largest single-year investment into housing in the citys history. OConnell referenced the stark contrast between Nashvilles budget plan, and President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, specifically when it relates to health care and services for the lower/middle class. Overall, OConnell said they feel very good about their 2026 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 WKRN News 2. TUPELO The National Park Service on Monday is closing a section of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Choctaw and Webster counties through the summer. The roadway will be closed starting at 2 p.m. to all traffic, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, as construction crews work to repair failing areas of the parkway. Jeff Busby Campground is included in the closure. The stretch on the Parkway starts at Mississippi Highway 413 and extends to U.S. Highway 82 in Choctaw and Webster counties in Mississippi. The last night to camp at Jeff Busby campground is Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A signed detour will be in place between milepost 181 and milepost 204 to navigate around the closure. Travelers can expect about 15 minutes (10 miles) added to their drive. The closure is necessary to provide for safety of workers and visitors while the parkway undergoes full removal of failed sections of pavement and culverts. Additionally, Jeff Busby campground and day use area will remain closed while construction is underway. The last night for campers to stay overnight is Sunday, June 8. All campers and day users must vacate the Jeff Busby site by noon on Monday, June 9. Check the parkway website at nps.gov/natr for updates or information. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Dubbed Americas largest cultural celebration with an estimated one million attendees, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade returns to New York City for its 68th year on Sunday. This years parade follows the theme of Plantando Bandera (Planting Roots), which focuses on recognizing how Puerto Rican communities have established deep roots and positively contributed to their communities. Things To Do Around NYC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years celebration will pay tribute to the long legacy of Puerto Rican artists in urban and contemporary art. Event organizers also partnered with New York-native Lin-Manuel Miranda and his company TeeRico, to create merchandise featuring this years theme. The design combines the Puerto Rican flag with a ceiba tree with its roots stretched around the image of a globe, symbolizing the deep roots and worldwide influence of Puerto Rican identity. The artwork was created by Puerto Rican artist Jorge Rafael Calderon. The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is preceded by the 40th-annual 116th Street Festival in East Harlem on Saturday. More than 500,000 people will celebrate Puerto Rican culture, music, food and more during the 20-block festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Local News Below is everything you need to know about the parade and how to enjoy New York Citys biggest celebration of culture. Where and when is the National Puerto Rican Day Parade? The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday and runs along Fifth Avenue from 43rd Street to 79th Street. Celebrations are expected to last through 5 p.m. Who are this years honorees? The honorees in this years National Puerto Rican Day Parade include six-time Grammy-winner Olga Tanon as the Queen of the celebration, film and television actor Luis Guzman as the King, Golden Globe Award-winning actress Gina Rodriguez as the Madrina (Godmother), and Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning artist Elvis Crespo as the Padrino (Godfather?). Is there merch? Where can I buy it? Merchandise designed by Puerto Rican artist Jorge Rafael Calderon and through collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda can be purchased online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proceeds from all sales go towards the NPRDP Scholarship Fund to support the next generation of Puerto Rican leaders. Can I attend the parade for free? Where can I watch it? The parade is free for all to attend and can be viewed along the Fifth Avenue parade route between 43rd Street to 79th Street. Are there street closures? The following streets will be closed in Manhattan for the parade. Formation: Fifth Avenue between 51st Street and 52nd Street West/East 44th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue West/East 45th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue West/East 46th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue West/East 47th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue West/East 48th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue Route: Fifth Avenue between 42nd Street and 79th Street Dispersal: Fifth Avenue between 79th Street and 86th Street East 79th Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue East 80th Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue East 81st Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue East 82nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue East 83rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue East 84th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue East 85th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue Miscellaneous: Madison Avenue between East 42nd Street and East 86th Street Sixth Avenue between West 42nd Street and West 49th Street West/East 43rd Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue West/East 42nd Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue West 51st Street between Rockefeller Plaza and Fifth Avenue West 58th Street between Grand Army Plaza and Fifth Avenue East 60th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue East 62nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue East 63rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue East 64th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue East 66th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue East 68th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue East 69th Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue East 70th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue East 72nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue East 74th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. HONOLULU (KHON2) Umeke Laau Culture Medicine, an art piece made this year by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, will move to Kapolei Hale following its four-month residency at Honolulu Hale. The piece is a 22-foot sculpture was presented as a part of the Hawaii Triennial 2025 and eventually became a gathering space which hosted educational institutions, Tibetan monks and many more. A US territorys colonial history emerges in state disputes over voting and citizenship Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mayors Office of Culture and the Arts said the relocation of the sculpture will make the art piece more accessible to communities on the west side of the island. By relocating this installation to Kapolei Hale, were ensuring that more of our community members have the opportunity to experience its healing presence, Mayor Rick Blangiardi said. We are beyond grateful to Meleanna and her team for sharing their vision and their incredible work with out communities. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Umeke Laau Culture Medicine, saw a closing event on the night of June 6 at Honolulu Hale, with the sculpture engulfed in an immersive array of sound, light, moving image and mele. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be an opening event at Kapolei Hale on June 12 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., which will officially unveil the art piece at its new home. Groups are invited to use the space for prayer, meditation and productive conversations. The sculpture is accompanied with audio of the names of tens of thousands of Hawaiians who protested the illegal annexation of the islands by signing the Kue Petitions in 1897. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) The outfit he wore as a kid should have been a dead giveaway. See this, see this kid right here? Thats you? Thats me, Len Deemer said, pointing to a tattered picture from his childhood, showing him wearing a sailors uniform. How to deal with potholes in Colorado He was destined for a life at sea. Deemer spent 33 years in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean, Vietnam and Cold Wars. Deemer was assigned to aircraft carriers and a slew of other ships and planes, serving as a nuclear weapons bombardier navigator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was the naval flight officer, and I sat next to the pilot, Deemer told FOX31. Ships and aircraft have always been his life. He was awarded the Air Medal in Vietnam for meritorious achievement in aerial flight and was even assigned for a while to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Deemer retired from the Navy as a commander, and if not for his age hes 88 and his health hes battled some chronic issues related to his service hed probably still be in the Navy, if theyd have him. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it, Deemer said. His service to the community and country continued when he worked for the city of Lakewood and helped with the Sea Cadet Program at what was then Buckley Air Force Base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navy League has a program for kids from 11 to 17, he said. For Deemer, theres no greater calling than giving back. You know, nothing (else) really matters. I mean, you accept everything. Yeah, its just the job. Its just a job, Deemer said. Denver bar announces final day of business after nearly 30 years For a guy whos been giving his whole life, we wanted to give something. Thats why weve named Len Deemer the FOX31 Hero of the Month for June 2025. The initiative is sponsored by American Furniture Warehouse, Plumbline Services and the Leo Hill Charitable Trust. To nominate a veteran or active-duty service member for our Hero of the Month honors, visit the nomination page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A court battle broke out this week after a Nazarene congregation voted to spiritually disaffiliate from the Nazarene denomination. The Oklahoman first reported that the congregation of what was Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene is now called OKC First. The church is located near 4400 NW Expressway. The report detailed that 98% of the congregation that was there during an April special meeting voted to spiritually disaffiliate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason for that disaffiliation, according to members, was that the denomination was pressuring them to be less welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Cleveland County Sheriff says no layoffs needed despite lower budget approval The OKC First Reverand Jon Middendorf posted a letter after the vote that read in part: As you may know, OKC First has been spiritually aligned with the Church of the Nazarene for many years. We have enjoyed a shared fellowship and collaborated in ministry, and each of us has benefited from the others wisdom and friendship. Recently, however, things have changed. In particular, our insistence that Gods love is inclusive and welcomes all who seek His grace, and the Church of the Nazarenes opposition to our position, has made it abundantly clear that we must part ways. We were not willing to sacrifice any part of our community to retain a relationship with the denomination, said Eric Jergensen, Secretary of the Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jergensen said that it wasnt an easy decision, but they discussed with just about everyone within the church and outside the church and felt it was the right thing to do. People just have a sense of home in that building, and we would not like to lose that, said Jergensen. The last week of May, the Oklahoma District, Church of the Nazarene, filed a lawsuit against OKC First that claimed the district should get possession of the churchs building and property. Its a 196-page suit that includes the Nazarene manual/guidelines in which the district explains it gets ownership of all church properties in the event of disaffiliation. However, OKC First filed an objection this week, including the deed to the actual property. In court documents, they argued, ..the deed makes no mention of or reference to any entity other than OKC First. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jergensen said that they dont necessarily need the physical building in order to conduct worship, but that its needed for them to stay in the community. We have connections to that neighborhood, said Jergensen. They work alongside other non-profits in that area that feed the hungry, help find housing for the homeless, and perform many other services. We have relationships with those people. We have relationships with the children in that community who come to our after-school program. Those things would be really hard to keep if we werent in that building, said Jergensen. News 4 reached out to the district and asked for a response to why the lawsuit is needed. It is with a measure of sadness and deep reflection that we acknowledge the expressed desire of First Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City, to disaffiliate from the Church of the Nazarene denomination. For eighty-eight (88) years, First Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City, has been a valued part of our denominational family, sharing in our common mission, theological heritage, and commitment to serving God and neighbor. We honor the faithful ministry and dedicated members who have made significant contributions to both the local community and the broader denomination. As a denomination, our polity and trust clauses regarding church property are foundational to our collective work and mission. These provisions, established through a democratic and prayerful process over many years, ensure that church properties are held in trust for the furtherance of the denominations mission objectives. This structure safeguards the long-term ministry of the church, extending beyond any single congregation or generation, ensuring that resources remain dedicated to the kingdom of God as understood by our shared covenant. We understand that discussions around disaffiliation can be complex and emotionally challenging. Our primary concern remains the spiritual well-being of all members, both within First Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City and across our entire denominational family. We are committed to an orderly and transparent process, guided by our established denominational policies and procedures, which are designed to address such matters with fairness and integrity for all parties involved. We extend an invitation for continued dialogue with the leadership of First Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City as we seek to navigate this period. Our hope is always for reconciliation and for the flourishing of Christs church in all its expressions. We pray for wisdom, grace, and discernment for everyone involved during this time of transition. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our calling: to make Christlike disciples in the nation and around the world. We will continue to support and nurture our congregations across Oklahoma as they faithfully live out our shared Christian witness. Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene Assistant District Superintendent Rev. Dorothy Whipp Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WNCN) As the weather begins to warm up in June, alligators are becoming even more active at the North Carolina coast. In Brunswick County, a far southeastern county that borders South Carolina, one town had another week with record numbers of discovered and relocated alligators. In mid-May, Southport officials had nine calls in a week for alligators needing relocation in the town, which is near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, south of Wilmington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, to end the first week of June, officials in Southport said they set a new record for gators needing relocation. While the Southport Police Department did not say exactly how many alligators were involved, at least 10 alligators would exceed the previous record. PREVIOUS: NC coastal town captures 9 alligators in a week Officers and our Animal Protective Services Officer Marshall have been busy again this week, the largest, a 6-footer, Southport Police said Friday. Photo courtesy: Southport Police Dept. Nine photos of gators were released on Friday when police announced a new weekly record. Officers at NC coast forced to remove large alligator from backyard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The busy week appeared to begin on May 31 when police announced a gator was found in a swimming pool in the 700 block of East Moore Street. Another gator appeared to be captured from a brush-covered area in town. Another photo Friday showed yet another alligator in a swimming pool with a different decking from the one to kick off the week Sunday. Photo courtesy: Southport Police Dept. Photo courtesy: Southport Police Dept. Photo courtesy: Southport Police Dept. Photo courtesy: Southport Police Dept. All gators safely captured and relocated, police said. We have been in contact with North Carolina Wildlife for their advice and recommendations on relocating. Police always remind people to stay away from alligators, keep pets away from them, call 911, and never feed alligators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) In his first visit to Northeast North Carolina since being elected the states 76th Governor, Josh Stein delivered a box of gun locks to local police as part of N.C. S.A.F.E. Week of Action. The week long campaign focuses on safe gun ownership and management, to try and prevent tragedies that Stein, (D-N.C.), said have become far too common. Firearms are the leading cause of death of our children age 1 to 17, Stein said. Its not car accidents, its gun violence. And from 2019 to 2021, the rate of firearm deaths among children more than doubled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizabeth City looks for solutions to gun violence Specifically, the governor was focusing on accidental deaths that have occurred when guns found their way into the hands of children. Dr. Eric Toschlog, chief trauma surgeon for ECU Health, named several examples of cases he had experiences with. 14-year-old male gunshot wound to the brain, inflicted by his brother with a unsafely stored weapon. Five-year-old male gunshot wound to the brain by his brother, unsecured weapon. 13-year-old female gun shot wound to the arm at a family party, unsecured weapon. 18-month-old male, gunshot wound to the heart by family member cleaning gun, Toschlog said. Unfortunately I could consume the remainder of our time with more cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fon Dockery however knows one of the cases all too well. His daughter, Jenesis Dockery, was eight when she was shot and killed in 2023 while at a babysitters house in Fayetteville. The adults responsible for securing these firearms for being present and having these conversations and ensuring that in a house filled with children that any firearm here is secure, effective and that just wasnt done, Dockery said. We we absolutely decided as a family that for the life of Jenesis in the light that she brought to this world. This is a preventable issue and were going to advocate and were going to push all across the state of North Carolina all the way to Washington, DC. That we can change the problem that we have in our country and secure our firearms. FBI data says that the rate of gun theft from vehicles is three times as high as it was 10 years ago. To help reduce gun violence and needless tragedies, Governor Stein proposed more than $2.2 million for safe storage in his budget proposal. Recently appointed Elizabeth City Police Chief Eddie Graham Jr, accepted a box of gun locks from Stein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The locks use a cable threaded through the barrel or action to prevent someone else from firing the gun. We must use every tool at our disposal to keep children safe and promote responsible gun ownership we need folks locking up their guns, using a gun safe, and talking about the risks of loose firearms, Stein said. The gun locks are free and anyone looking to obtain one can contact your local police department of sheriffs office, according to the governors office. You can also visit https://www.ncsafe.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 WAVY.com. One of my favorite Star-Telegram editors kept a slender paperback book at his desk titled Who Was Hulen? An Attempt to find the Origin of Street Names in Fort Worth. Exactly who was the namesake of Hulen Street, the 11-mile thoroughfare that begins at Crestline Road and travels south, then east, toward the Tarrant County line? He was Maj. Gen. John Augustus Hulen (1871-1941). He supervised the training of doughboys at Camp Bowie which is how Camp Bowie Boulevard, the popular street partly paved with red bricks, got its name. The World War I military camp, which covered 2,100 acres west of the Trinity River, was named after Jim Bowie, a hero who fell at the Alamo. Lancaster Avenue was named for John L. Lancaster (1869-1962), president of the Texas & Pacific Railway, which built the tracks that still parallel the roadway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University Drive, originally a dirt road with trolley tracks, leads to Texas Christian University. Nearby Bellaire Drive was named after the developers wife, Clarabelle. Throughout Fort Worth, streets with feminine monikers are rumored to be named for builders girlfriends and paramours. Nearly a century ago, attorney Uriah Myer Simon, namesake of Simondale Drive in Fort Worth, bought 136 wooded acres on a gentle slope below the TCU campus. The story behind Fort Worths Simondale Drive Every street sign tells a tale. Take Simondale Drive, a hidden, half-mile slope nestled below the TCU campus. According to Tarrant County Courthouse records, it was initially part of 136 wooded acres that an ambitious attorney, Uriah Myer Simon (1879-1954), purchased in 1926 for $65,200 roughly $475 an acre. Today, most houses on the street are appraised at $1 million or more. Uriah Myer Simon (1879-1954). Because Simon owned all the platted tracts, the city permitted him to name the road ... and it became Simondale Drive, writes his grandson, James F. Jim Simon, an 86-year-old attorney whose new memoir published by the Briscoe Center of the University of Texas is titled Courting History. The grandson, a former New York Law School dean and author of 10 books, subtitled his memoir, A Supreme Court Historian Reflects on his Life and Career. Courting History: A Supreme Court Historian Reflects on his Life and Career, by Fort Worth native James F. Simon, was published recently by the Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin. The 304 page hardback is available on Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim Simons grandfather routinely bought, sold and flipped land for a hefty profit. Uncharacteristically, he held onto Simondale Drive. His family enjoyed the cachet of a street named for them. He ultimately gave his sons, attorneys Richard Sr. and Henry Sr., residential lots on Simondale, where their children grew up across the street from one another. To ensure that the value of homes on Simondale Drive appreciated, the grandfather drew up deed restrictions requiring that only single-family houses be constructed, each at least 20 feet from the street. Property covenants stipulated that residents, except ... servants, could not be Black or of African descent. It was a lifestyle reminiscent of the Old South, writes Jim Simon, who grew up within walking distance of the TCU stadium, where he watched the Horned Frogs afternoon practices. Though he grew up amid a racist culture, he would later question and oppose those practices. Simons mother delivered the familys laundry to a Black washer woman named Mary, who lived on an unpaved block of crumbling shanties on the west side of town ... I never asked why the city did not pave her street, he recalled, although he later realized that Black citizens had no political voice or clout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the Supreme Court in 1948 struck down racial covenants in housing and in 1954 ruled segregated schools unconstitutional, the public schools Jim Simon attended Alice E. Carlson Elementary, McLean Junior High and Paschal High were not integrated until years after he left Fort Worth for Yale University. For Simon, the injustice of racial inequality crystallized the summer he worked at a meatpacking house on the North Side. (T)he highlight of every day was watching two huge Black men seize great slabs of beef hung from hooks ... (W)ielding large knives, (they) furiously and expertly cut the slabs into manageable chunks. The chunks were then thrown onto a conveyor belt where white men and women cut the beef into marketable sizes. The spectacle, which I so enjoyed observing, came to a halt one day, he writes. The two Black men had demanded that they be paid the higher wages earned by the white men and women. It seemed more than fair to me because their skills were indispensable ... After a three-day standoff, the two Black men prevailed and were back at their jobs, presumably at higher wages. I imagined a switch of the skin colors ... and was outraged. What if the two Black men had been white and the men and women on either side of the conveyor belt Black? Was it conceivable .. that Black men and women .. would have been paid more than two white men expertly slashing slabs of beef? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time Simon, the future New York Law School dean, graduated Paschal in 1957, he was challenging the racist assumptions he grew up with on Simondale Drive. I was convinced that facts and the law were on my side. The rest of his meaningful memoir develops from there. In this 1958 photo looking east toward TCU campus and Amon G. Carter Stadium, Simondale Drive is seen in the bottom left where it meets Westcliff Road North. On the far right in the photo, Bellaire Drive North is seen running along what was the southern edge of campus at the time. Hollace Weiner, an author, archivist and director of the Fort Worth Jewish Archives, was a full-time Star-Telegram reporter from 1986 to 1997. WINNEBAGO, Neb. (KCAU) A Winnebago, Nebraska, woman has been sentenced in federal court after being found guilty of 2nd degree murder. A district judge sentenced 50-year-old Michelle Marr to 25 years in prison for the murder and 20 years for tampering with evidence. The sentences will run at the same time. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following her incarceration, Marr will serve five years of supervised release. On March 12, 2022, Marr called 1st responders to her home concerning a man not waking up. He was taken to a Winnebago hospital, then flown to one in Sioux City. Authorities say nurses noted excessive makeup covering up bruising on the mans face. An autopsy determined the mans cause of death was blunt force trauma and a homicide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trumps campaign against two of the planets best-known universities is laying bare just how unprepared academia was to confront a hostile White House. Schools never imagined facing an administration so willing to exercise government power so quickly targeting the research funding, tax-exempt status, foreign student enrollment and financial aid eligibility schools need to function. Thats left them right where the president wants them. Even as Ivy League schools, research institutions, and college trade associations try to resist Trumps attacks in court, campus leaders are starting to accept they face only difficult choices: negotiate with the government, mount a painful legal and political fight or simply try to stay out of sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groundbreaking scientific research, financial aid for lower-income students and soft power as an economic engine once shielded schools access to federal funds. Trump has now transformed those financial lifelines into leverage. And the diversity and independence of U.S. colleges and universities something theyve seen as a source of strength and competition is straining efforts to form a singular response to the president. Perhaps its a failure of imagination on the part of universities, said Lee Bollinger, the former president of Columbia University. It feels now like there has been a naivete on the part of universities. Theres been no planning for this kind of thing. Schools are accustomed to tension with their faculty, governing boards, legislatures and governors. But punishments for resisting the Trump administration plumbed untested levels of severity this week when the president issued an executive order to bar foreign students from entering the country to study at Harvard University as his administration threatened Columbias academic accreditation. Even though Project 2025 The Heritage Foundations roadmap for a second Trump administration previewed some of the tactics the administration would use, many school leaders may have underestimated the presidents determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just seemed inconceivable that we would be in this position of having massive amounts of federal funding withheld, threats to have legislation that attacks your tax status, and now these new issues with international students, Bollinger said. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Thursday night that blocked Trumps directive to restrict Harvards access to international students. But the administration is brandishing its response to Harvards resistance as a warning to other schools who might resist, as federal officials pressure schools to negotiate the terms of a truce over the administrations complaints about campus antisemitism, foreign government influence and its opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. "Weve held back funding from Columbia, weve also done the same thing with Harvard, Education Secretary Linda McMahon told House lawmakers this past week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are asking, as Columbia has done, to come to the table for negotiations," she said, just hours before telling the school's accreditor it was violating federal anti-discrimination laws. "Weve also asked Harvard. Their answer was a lawsuit. A Harvard spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. What weve seen so far when it comes to Harvard is the playbook for holding these radical schools accountable is way deeper than anyone anticipated or expected, a senior White House official told POLITICO. Youre starting to get to the bone, so to speak, of holding these people accountable, said the official, who was granted anonymity to freely discuss White House strategy. Harvard knows they cannot endure this for long, they just cant. Theyre going to have to come to the table, and well always be there to meet them. But this was a test case of what to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university described Trumps latest foreign student order this week as yet another illegal retaliatory step. A federal judge in May blocked a separate administration attempt to prevent Harvard from enrolling international students. Harvard is still locked in a legal fight over more than $2 billion in federal grants the White House blocked after the school refused to comply with demands to overhaul its admissions and disciplinary policies. Trump announced plans to cancel Harvards tax-exempt status in early May, then later floated redistributing billions of dollars in university grants to trade schools. It is not our desire to bring these schools to their knees. The president reveres our higher educational facilities. Hes a product of one, the White House official said. But in order to hold these people accountable, we will be unrelenting in our enforcement of the law and hitting them where it hurts, which is their pocketbook. Many institutions have chosen a more muted response following months of conflict, including major public institutions in states that have also grown reliant on the full-freight tuition paid by international students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universities dont have as many degrees of freedom, at least in the public sector, as you might think they do, said Teresa Sullivan, the former president of the University of Virginia. One reason they seem to be relatively slow to act is theres a certain disbelief can this really be happening? We seem to be in uncharted territory, at least in my experience, Sullivan said. All of a sudden, the rules dont seem to apply. I think thats disconcerting. It shakes the ground beneath you, and you dont necessarily know what to do next. Still, some higher education leaders are trying to confront the government. More than 650 campus officials have so far signed onto a joint statement that opposes the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education. Sullivan and a group of other former presidents used an op-ed in The Washington Post to argue the Trump administrations offensive wont be confined to Harvard University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trade associations including the American Council on Education, Association of American Universities, and Association of Public and Land-grant Universities have joined schools in a lawsuit to block some of Trumps research funding cuts. The Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a collective of school leaders, has also sued to challenge the Trump administrations attempts to target the legal status of thousands of foreign students. Your first obligation as president is you dont want to hurt the institution you represent, Sullivan said of the relative silence coming from non-Ivy League institutions. These days its hard to tell what hurts and what doesnt. I think thats the motive. The motive is not cowardice. Schools still face a choice between negotiating with the government and risk compromising on their principles or inviting Trumps rage by putting up a fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every school has had an option to correct course and work with the administration, or stand firm in their violations of the law, the administration official said. They have an option, they know very well what to do. The real question, according to Bollinger, the former Columbia president, is how far the White House will go and how much resistance the schools are willing to put up. The power of government is so immense that if they want to destroy institutions, they can, he said. What you do in that kind of environment is you stand on principle." MIAMI, Okla. Heavy rainfall from recent severe storms has caused the Neosho River in northeast Oklahoma to rise well above flood stage. Moderate flooding is occurring along the Neosho River in Ottawa County. The river is currently sitting at 19 feet and is expected to crest at 20 feet on Sunday (6/8). That has prompted a flood warning for Ottawa County until 9:00 a.m. Monday. However, any rain we get this weekend could cause flood waters to rise above what forecasters are predicting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flooding around Miami has made it difficult for drivers Friday (6/6), closing Highway 125 near the fairgrounds, along with several other roads throughout Ottawa County. If you see a road covered with water, or barricades blocking a flooded road, Miami Police say its best to just turn around. The fine for driving around a barricade is $560, so just be smart, be safe. Were already going to be strapped as it is with all the flooding thats going on. We have localized flooding throughout the city of Miami right now and other than South Main Street being blocked, Highway 125 being blocked, we have other areas throughout the city that are also blocked that were dealing with. So, help us out by staying safe. Dont drive around the barricades, said Miami Police Chief, Stephen Sigmon. Despite the flooding, the OReilly Auto Parts Outlaw Nationals Monster Truck Show will take place this weekend (6/6 6/7) at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To get to the monster truck show, a detour on 69 Highway will take you around Highway 125, which is closed due to rising flood waters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editors note: A version of this story appeared in CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. As scientists search for worlds that may be habitable for life, theyve discovered a type that is common in the universe but doesnt exist in our own solar system. These enigmatic planets are called sub-Neptunes, which are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An April study catapulted one such world, named K2-18b, into the spotlight. Astronomers at the University of Cambridge claimed they detected molecules in the planets atmosphere that might be biosignatures markers of biological activity that could hint at past or present life. Now, other groups of astronomers have looked at the same data and disagree with the findings, saying there is more to the story. The twists and turns in the ongoing conversation around planet K2-18b showcase why the search for evidence of life beyond Earth is so difficult. Lunar update A screenshot from video posted to social media on Tuesday shows Ispace's Resilience lunar lander orbiting the moon. - ispace Indeed, persistence is everything when it comes to space investigation. Never quit the lunar quest was the motto underpinning a high-stakes mission that aimed to touch down on the moon Thursday. But Tokyo-based Ispace lost contact with its vehicle at the time it should have landed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Resilience spacecraft was Ispaces second bid at a soft lunar landing. The companys previous try with the Hakuto-R lunar lander crashed into the moon in April 2023. This is our second failure, and about these results, we have to really take it seriously, said Ispace CEO Takeshi Hakamada of the nail-biting attempt. Ispace has its work cut out for it, but it isnt giving up. A long time ago New research combining artificial intelligence with radiocarbon dating is changing the way scholars think about the Dead Sea Scrolls. Bedouin shepherds first spotted the scrolls in 1947 within a cave in the Judaean Desert. Archaeologists then recovered thousands of scroll fragments, including the oldest copies of the Hebrew Bible, from 11 caves near the site of Khirbat Qumran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They completely changed the way we think about ancient Judaism and early Christianity, said lead study author Mladen Popovic, a dean at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Scholars thought the roughly 1,000 manuscripts, written mostly on parchment and papyrus, ranged from the third century BC to the second century AD. But some of the scrolls, which serve as a crucial intellectual time capsule, could be much older, the new analysis suggests. Ocean secrets A World War I-era submarine was lost at sea off Californias coast nearly 108 years ago, killing 19 crew members. Now, researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have captured never-before-seen deep-sea imagery of the wreckage. Curiosities The plague pandemic known as the Black Death killed at least 25 million people across medieval Europe over five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The culprit behind the disease is a bacterium called Yersinia pestis, which has led to three major plague outbreaks since the first century AD and it still exists today. How has the plague persisted for centuries? Changes to one gene in the bacterium created new, less deadly strains that kept hosts alive longer so it could keep spreading. The weaker strains have since gone extinct, according to new research. But the findings could yield key clues to help scientists manage the current bacteriums dominant lineage, which is of the deadlier variety. Fantastic creatures If youve ever walked through a fruit orchard, you might have been steps away from a living tower of worms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the University of Konstanz in Germany found when they inspected rotten pears and apples. Hundreds of the microscopic worms, called nematodes, climbed on top of one another to form structures 10 times their size even making a twisting arm to sense the environment leading scientists to question whats driving the behavior. What we got was more than just some worms standing on top of each other, said senior study author Serena Ding, a Max Planck research group leader of genes and behavior. Its a coordinated superorganism, acting and moving as a whole. Discoveries These stories will pique your curiosity: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For over a century, astronomers thought the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies would collide in 4.5 billion years, but new telescope observations may change that. However, another galaxy could entangle with ours sooner. Archaeologists who uncovered the remains of an ancient Mayan complex in Guatemala named the site after two humanlike rock figures that are believed to represent an ancestral couple, according to the countrys Ministry of Culture and Sport. A fossil of the earliest known bird that was kept in a private collection for decades has provided scientists with one Wow! after another, including the first flight feathers seen in an Archaeopteryx specimen, said Dr. Jingmai OConnor, associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum. Like what youve read? Oh, but theres more. Sign up here to receive in your inbox the next edition of Wonder Theory, brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt and Jackie Wattles. They find wonder in planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Government has cut funding for nursing courses in a move that risks undermining its pledge to end the NHSs reliance on foreign workers. Ministers have quietly frozen grants that are paid to universities to help them cover the higher costs of training medical workers. Critics reacted by warning that the move, which represents a real-terms cut, would worsen an already difficult situation in the sector and leave us more reliant on imported labour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also prompt fears of further cuts down the line, with education set to be one of the losers in Rachel Reevess spending review this week. Universities are already struggling to keep nursing courses afloat, with research showing that many are cutting lecturer jobs to save cash. In last years manifesto, Labour pledged to end the long-term reliance on overseas workers with a workforce and training plan for the NHS. However, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has now frozen grants which are paid to universities to cover the extra costs of running medical courses. Those include courses for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals such as paramedics, radiographers and occupational therapists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to the Office for Students, she said the per-student funding levels should be kept the same as last year, representing a real-terms cut. That is part of an overall reduction of 108 million in the cash that has been made available for the Strategic Priorities Grant this year. Patricia Marquis, the executive director for the Royal College of Nursing in England, said nursing courses were already under threat from the financial crisis at universities. A freeze in per student funding, effectively a real-terms cut, could make a bad situation worse, resulting in not only more job losses, but impacting the very financial viability of nursing courses, she warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University courses are the single biggest route into the profession, and this would be a disaster. Additional funding should be released to protect nursing courses in response to rising costs. A detrimental impact on training Vivienne Stern, the chief executive of Universities UK, also warned that the cuts to the grant risked worsening an already difficult situation. She said that the move, combined with a recent decision to slash cash for apprenticeships, would have a detrimental impact on training our healthcare workforce. Universities are committed to delivering what this country needs, including a strong and sustainable NHS workforce, and are crucial to training talent, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant create a future-proof NHS workforce without long-term, sustained investment from the government. Ms Phillipson said in her letter to the OfS that universities should prioritise funding for nursing courses as a strategically important subject. She targeted grants for other courses and in particular media studies and journalism, which have been derided by some as Mickey Mouse degrees. But despite that, it appears there was still only enough money in the pot for her to restrict the hit to medical courses to a real-terms cut. Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, said the move was yet more evidence that Labour arent serious about cutting immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when we should be training more British people to become nurses, theyve cut teaching grants for universities and scrapped almost all higher-level apprenticeships, leaving an 11,000 shortfall in the NHS workforce plan, she said. These decisions will leave us more reliant on foreign labour, when we should be training British people for British jobs. The Department for Education is facing steep real-terms cuts to its budget when the Chancellor unveils her spending review on Wednesday. She will set out the annual funding totals that all Whitehall departments receive from next year until almost the end of the decade. Most are expecting to see their budgets squeezed to free up more cash for health and defence, which will be the two big winners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within education, the schools budget is ring-fenced, meaning it cannot be cut. Early years provision, meanwhile, is a flagship Labour policy with the party pledging to fund the creation of 100,000 new nursery places. That means that higher education, including universities and apprenticeships, is expected to bear the brunt of the cuts imposed on the department. A Government spokesman said: We hugely value the work of talented nurses and midwives which is why we have prioritised Strategic Priorities Grant funding for important, high-cost courses, including nursing and midwifery, that are vital for economic growth and our Plan for Change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dire situation we inherited has meant this Government must take tough decisions to put universities on a firmer financial footing and were continuing to support them, including by increasing the amount they can charge in tuition fees. We are rebuilding the NHS for the benefit of patient and staff, and ensuring nursing remains an attractive career choice, including by unveiling a refreshed workforce plan to ensure we have the right staff in the right place so the NHS can be there for everyone. 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. Food insecurity has increased in Niagara, Erie, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties in the past year, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and meal programs. The latest results of the annual Map the Meal Gap study show that Niagara Countys overall food insecurity rate has reached 13.3%, up from 12.6% in 2022. Among Niagara Countys children, 19% face a lack of sufficient food, compared to 17.9% in 2022. When you tell me its 19% for children most school districts now are providing free meals, said Major Tom Duperree of the Salvation Army of Lockport, which operates a food pantry and soup kitchen with groceries from FeedMore WNY and other donors. So its evening time for the children because theyre being fed in the daytime hours. Its alarming to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duperree, who stocked shelves in the Salvation Armys food pantry Wednesday, has seen demand for the organizations meals and pantry items increase. But theres a new dimension to hunger developing with children. Late last year, I remember a high school teacher coming here, and there were two students, he said. The parents had said to both of these children, Because you have a part-time job after school, youre no longer getting fed here. One of the teachers took the lead in bringing the students down here to learn to navigate the food pantry. According to Denyel Beiter, spokesperson for the Lockport City School District, all district students receive free breakfast and lunch through the US Department of Agricultures Community Eligibility Provision. Beiter said the district was approved for the program because its poverty rate is over 60%. Mark Laurrie, superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District, said the studys findings of a 6% increase in food insecurity was not a surprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think thats conservative. He said 82% of Niagara Falls students use the districts free breakfast and lunch program. Laurrie said announcing a snow day on a Friday is one of the hardest decisions he makes because he knows children will go without food all weekend. Abate Elementary has 650 kids, and does 86 backpacks for each weekend, he said of filling bags with food for children. In every one of our elementary schools, we have a backpack program for the weekend, Laurrie said. In our middle schools and high school, we have a food pantry and our social workers are taking kids to that pantry. Since 2021, the number of people relying on FeedMore WNY, a hunger relief organization, increased by 46%. The need for supplemental food is driven by high grocery store prices, job loss, and increases in other costs, FeedMore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are community members of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances, including families working multiple jobs trying to make ends meet, older adults surviving on fixed incomes, people living with disabilities, and children, Collin Bishop, chief communications officer for FeedMore WNY. Nationally, more than 2 out of 5 people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP benefits due to income limits. In FeedMore WNYs service area, 34% of people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP and 26% of children facing hunger may not qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Duperree said Salvation Army clients frequently describe how their budgets are too tight to meet all their living expenses. Their rents have gone up so high, in such a short period of time, that by the time they pay their rent, the resources they have left over is barely enough, he said. A recurring story at Salvation Army is that if it werent for the meal I get here if it werent for the food pantry, I wouldnt be able to make ends meet. Its tough enough for the adults, but the childhood factor is just very concerning, Duperree said. Two days after quitting after a very public dispute with one of the partys five MPs, former Reform chairman Zia Yusuf is returning to the party to take up a new role, with his exact job title yet to be settled on. On Thursday, helping Nigel Farages party continue its remarkable rise was no longer a good use of Mr Yusufs time; today, it once again appears to be his primary objective. This will be welcome news for Mr Farage, who was reported to have felt dejected by Mr Yusufs sudden departure. It is a positive sign, too, that the personality clashes within the party appear to have been put to one side for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peace has broken out over the spat that led to his departure, with Mr Yusuf attributing his decision to a combination of exhaustion and feeling blindsided by the sudden raising of a potential burka ban as a policy issue in Parliament. The last two days of drama point, however, to a wider issue: Reform is not yet a professional operation on par with the established rivals it seeks to displace. While the party has made considerable electoral progress in the past year, Reforms institutional structures have lagged behind with repeated embarrassing stories over previous statements made by candidates highlighting in sharp and unforgiving fashion the importance of building back office capabilities to identify, screen and vet candidates to a satisfactory standard. There is, however, only so much staff can do. The concern for Reform will be that the sudden changes in personnel that have unfolded over the last year the departure of Rupert Lowe MP, the resignation and return of Mr Yusuf are mirroring a pattern observed in previous episodes in Mr Farages political career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former UKIP and Brexit party leader is no stranger to clashes with colleagues, and while apparently not directly at fault in this instance there will still be concerns that some elements of the drama around Reform may be integral to his leadership style. This, rather than the political skill of Sir Keir Starmer or Kemi Badenoch, may prove the greatest obstacle to Reforms ambitions in the years ahead. While Mr Farage has succeeded in capturing the votes of a large proportion of this country disaffected with Westminster and the traditional parties of government, there is little appetite to return to the squabbling and briefing that marked the dying years of the last Conservative government, or the worst days of New Labour. It is now for Reform to prove it can steer a calmer course. 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. Jared Leto has been hit with a number of sexual misconduct allegations, including flirting with underage women. The accusations come from nine women who claimed to have met the actor and musician at some point over the last two decades. In the wake of the allegations, a rep for Leto has "expressly denied" all of the claims made by the women. At the moment, it appears none of the women has brought forward a civil suit against Jared Leto with regard to the accusations. The Actor Allegedly 'Traumatized' And 'Assaulted' One Of His Accusers At A 2012 Event MEGA In a new report released by Air Mail recently, Jared Leto stands accused of impropriety by nine women, with some of the incidents said to have occurred over the last two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the women, Allie Teliz, who kick-started the influx of accusations against the actor, claimed that he "assaulted and traumatized" her when she met him at an event in 2012. "Youre [sic] not really in L.A. until Jared Leto tries to force himself on you backstage In a kilt.. And a snow hat," said Teliz in a 2012 Facebook post, which she recently reshared. The 31-year-old American DJ, music producer, and model, who claims she was 17 at the time, also captioned the post with a statement to double down on her allegations. "Throwback to 2012, Jared Leto was a creep then still a creep now, going on 15+ years of being Hollywood's most persistent predator in a kilt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Teliz, Leto didn't care that she was a minor, even when she made it known to him. She also described his actions as "predatory, terrifying, and unacceptable." Another Accuser Claimed She Had Lewd Conversations With Jared Leto When She Was 16 MEGA A second accuser shared that she met Leto at the Los Angeles Urth Caffe in 2006 when she was 16. Recalling the incident, she claimed that the actor accosted her when she was on her way to the bathroom. There, they had a quick conversation, which eventually led to her giving him her number. After a few days, he reached out to her, and from then on, he engaged her in late-night conversations. These conversations, with time, saw Leto allegedly making inappropriate advances toward her. And, at some point, he began asking her lewd questions to test her knowledge of sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He'd ask things like, 'Have you ever had a boyfriend? Have you ever sucked a d-ck?'" Leto's accuser claimed. Another Accuser Claimed She Told The Actor She Was A Minor, But That Didn't Stop Him From 'Flirting' MEGA Leto's alleged encounter with the second accuser also shared many similarities with his interactions with model Laura La Rue. She met the actor when she was 16, and he collected her number despite her informing him she was a minor. La Rue went on to claim that when she eventually visited Leto, he spent the "whole time" "flirting" with her and "teasing" her. Jared Leto Allegedly Had Weird Sexual Behaviors MEGA Two additional accusers, who recounted their experiences, alluded to the actor's pattern of unsettling and unusual sexual conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One claimed that after meeting Leto at an 18-plus club when she was 20, they "ended up hooking up a little." They also "hung out a few times at his house," but he displayed a "kind of kink" that just "didn't feel right." The other accuser, who also met the "Dallas Buyers Club" star when she was underage, gave a more graphic detail about one of her weird sexual experiences with Leto. "[He] pulled his p-nis out and started m-sturbating," the anonymous woman recalled an incident that happened during one of her visits to his home. She added, "Then he walked over, grabbed my hand, and put it on him. He leaned in and said, 'I want you to spit on it.'" The Actor Has 'Expressly Denied' The Accusations Amid Backlash From Netizens MEGA Although Leto is yet to comment on the accusations, a rep for the actor "expressly denied" all of the claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That hasn't stopped Leto from being slammed by netizens who are shocked by his alleged interactions with these women. A user commented, "OK, now can we get on cancelling Jared Leto?!" "I'm glad it's getting some renewed awareness, but this has been common knowledge for quite some time. That's why he does not get work like he used to," another user remarked. NEW JERSEY (PIX11) A man has been found guilty of strangling his pregnant wife in front of her daughter in Newark, N.J., the prosecutors office of Essex County announced Friday. Milton Chogllo, a 31-year-old from Newark, was found guilty by a jury of second- and third-degree aggravated assault, according to court documents. More Local News According to an investigation on March 5, 2023, Chogllo strangled and beat his 32-year-old wife outside their home on Bergen Street. At the time of the assault, the victim was six months pregnant, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The womans 14-year-old daughter witnessed the assault, police said. Justice for victims of domestic violence is not just about punishment its about protection, dignity, and the unwavering message that abuse will never be tolerated, said Assistant Prosecutor Ventola. Chogllo is scheduled for sentencing on July 18, 2025. The victims daughter provided crucial testimony during the trial against Chogllo, officials said. Domestic and family health violence are common problems estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States every year. Anyone looking for help can find resources here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A month and a half after Rio Arriba County Sheriff Billy Merrifield died from a fatal combination of alcohol and fentanyl, those investigating his death still dont know how he consumed the drug. An initial batch of reports released by New Mexico State Police this week indicate the agencys investigators have not yet determined how Merrifield ingested the fatal dose of fentanyl that caused his death, along with alcohol, according to toxicology reports. Following the sheriffs death, investigators collected evidence from the scene, including several cellphones, and interviewed the last people who had seen him alive and some of his close friends, the reports show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the reports indicate investigators did not recover any drugs or drug paraphernalia from the scene of the sheriffs death. Although witnesses noted Merrifield was drinking alcohol the night before he died, several who were close to the sheriff have noted to the police and to The New Mexican they had never known him to use drugs. Merrifield was found dead in his sheriffs office vehicle on Easter Sunday, April 20, after being involved in what police described as a minor crash early that morning down the street from his home near Abiquiu Lake. A close friend told officers and dispatchers he had come to Merrifields aid sometime before 4 a.m., just after the crash, in which Merrifield, apparently driving his sheriffs office vehicle while intoxicated, had run over a street sign. The sheriff had been with a woman he had met a week before, his friend told police. The two had been drinking together at Merrifields home, and Merrifield crashed into the sign just after leaving his home to take the woman back to a house where she was living in Espanola. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman who told police she was from Chihuahua, Mexico, and had been staying in Espanola for about eight months with family friends while acting as a caregiver for an older relative had met Merrifield at the bar at the Ohkay Hotel Casino the previous Saturday night, April 12. Merrifield was there with friends, including the man who came to the couples aid the morning Merrifield died, she said. The woman and Merrifield remained in contact throughout that week, developing a romantic relationship, according to the report. She told police Merrifield had been drinking liquor mixed into a Sprite bottle through the night of April 19 and into the following morning, but he was not displaying obvious signs of impairment, such as stumbling, and he told her he was good to drive her home. After he swerved off the road and struck a road sign on N.M. 96, about 50 yards from the entrance of his driveway, the woman became scared, she said, and she took the wheel and steered the vehicle back onto the road, according to the report. She looked over and saw that Merrifield was snoring, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police asked the woman if she or Merrifield had used any drugs, and she said she didnt, but she didnt know if Billy used, police wrote in a report. Investigators interviewed the woman twice, once a few hours after Merrifield was found dead and again May 2. Officers indicated the woman asked if she could return home to Mexico sometime after the second interview. After Merrifields friend arrived at the scene of the crash early the morning of April 20, he drove back to Merrifields home and the woman followed him, driving Merrifields vehicle, sitting on the sheriffs lap because he was in and out of consciousness and could not be moved from the seat, she told police. The friend then took the woman back to Espanola, leaving Merrifield sitting in the drivers seat of his vehicle, parked in his driveway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merrifields friend told police he was going to help Merrifield into his home, but he feared the sheriffs dogs which were inside the home might bite him if he did so, investigators wrote. He said Merrifield told him he was okay, and the friend believed Merrifield was going to get out of the car and walk into his house shortly. The woman told officers Merrifield was asleep and snoring in his vehicle when she left with his friend. After trying to call Merrifield 26 times later that day, his friend returned to his home to find him sitting in the vehicle where he had left him that morning, and he was dead, police wrote. Investigators downloaded the contents of the two witnesses phones and found texts and phone calls that appeared to corroborate the timeline of their testimony about Merrifields final hours. Reports indicate investigators had not gained access to two phones that apparently belong to the sheriff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Friday, state police had not determined whether Merrifield ingested fentanyl knowingly or where he might have obtained it, the agencys spokesperson, Lt. Ricardo Breceda, confirmed in an email, writing, investigators are hopeful this information will be learned as the investigation continues. There was no evidence to suggest any other staff of the Rio Arriba County Sheriffs Office were implicated, or that the sheriff obtained any drugs in his official capacity, Breceda wrote. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with Merrifields death, but investigators are working to determine if any charges need to be filed, he added. Dozens of protests are scheduled across the country on June 14 to coincide with a pricey military parade in Washington, D.C. The No Kings Day protests will take place on Donald Trumps birthday as he throws a military parade with an estimated cost of $25 to $40 million, according to Politico. The protests against Trump are part of a national movement that has been gathering steam since his January 20 inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is bigger than political disagreement, notes a statement by organizers on their No Kings toolkit page. Theyve defied our courts, deported American citizens, disappeared people off the streets, and slashed our servicesall while orchestrating a massive giveaway to their billionaire allies. Why a military parade in D.C.? The June 14 military parade has been framed as a celebration of the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary of its founding. It is also Trumps 79th birthday. A festival at the National Mall will follow. Flights into Washington, D.C. will be halted during the event, according to multiple media reports. There have been multiple other events and celebrations for the Army so far this year, but nothing is advertised beyond June 14. Reactions to the parade have been very mixed, with some criticizing the optics, given the timing with Trumps birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior presidents have used military regalia to celebrate or mark other moments, noted historian Joshua Zeitz, contributing editor at Politico Magazine in an interview with NPR. There are obviously military ceremonies that happen, for instance, at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. Theres a military presence at inaugurations. But thats very different from what were doing here. This is something that you would expect to see in countries like North Korea or the old Soviet Union or todays Russia. What is No Kings Day? The No Kings event that is also on June 14 is a direct response to the parade in D.C. Organized by grassroots organizations Indivisible, 50501 and Stand Up America, there are about 1,500 protest rallies planned across the U.S. Join us to reject Trumps authoritarian vision and to show the wanna-be king what democracy looks like, note Indivisible organizers on their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no telling how many people will attend, but similar anti-Trump protests on April 19 under the 5051 banner drew 3 million people by Newsweeks estimate. WA No Kings protests Washington state has over six dozen No Kings protests scheduled for June 14. You can search locations in this interactive map. Here are the protest locations in Tri-Cities and eastern Washington at large: Tri-Cities No Kings protest 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick So far this term, other protests against Trump and his actions have yielded crowds of over 1,000 in Tri-Cities. Other eastern Washington locations: He wants to be New Yorks next governor, but Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has been all but a no-show since getting his $220,000-a-year post three years ago, according to records and Albany insiders. Since being sworn in as Gov. Kathy Hochuls No. 2 on May 25, 2022, the lefty pol has racked up at least 411 days in which he took off or had easy shifts with only one scheduled event or meeting or none at all, public schedules The Post obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request show. Thats a whopping 41% of his first 1,011 days on the job, through Feb. 28. Since being sworn in on May 25, 2022, NY Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has racked up at least 411 days in which he took off or had easy shifts with one or no scheduled events or meetings, records show. Paul Martinka And his schedule has gotten only lighter since he publicly broke from Hochul in late February and announced he wont be seeking re-election, insiders said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delgados schedules dont document vacations, but over the nearly three-year period, he racked up a whopping 135 weekdays with no reported work. That translates into 27 weeks of vacation for an average working stiff. If you include weekends and many statewide pols attend public events on weekends he reported blank work schedules for 318 days, or nearly 32% of the time. On dozens of other occasions, his shifts included one workday activity: a half-hour or hour-long call with staff. The former two-term Hudson County congressman has since been plotting his campaign, which he announced Monday, to challenge Hochul in next years Democratic primary, while still collecting a paycheck as lieutenant governor. Delgado declined to provide information about his daily work schedules since he broke away from Gov. Kathy Hochul in February, fueling questions about what hes done since to justify his $220,000 yearly salary. Tam Nguyen/NYPost Design Its no secret that the lieutenant governor rarely showed up for a full day of work, and there were plenty of times he didnt show up at all even for the few initiatives he claimed were his big accomplishments, said an Albany source familiar with Delgados work habits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to the last few months, its hard to know if hes been doing his day job at all. The states Executive Chamber stopped providing administrative support to Delgado on Feb. 28, and the governors office said its our understanding that since that time, Delgado has been utilizing state Senate systems for his calendar, email, and other [work] purposes. However, Mike Murphy, a spokesman for the Senates Democratic majority, told The Post the upper house has nothing to do with Delgados schedule, adding the lieutenant governor has not attended a Senate session since parting ways with Hochul in February. Delgado listens to Hochul present her 2026 executive state budget on Jan. 21 at the state Capitol. Hans Pennink New Yorks lieutenant governor, by law, also serves as the Senate president, a largely ceremonial title that carries little weight beyond casting the tie-breaking vote in the rare case its needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delgados campaign fliers boast hes traveled over 60,000 miles to over 1,000 events as lieutenant governor to hear from New Yorkers a claim that reads more like fiction based on his available public schedules and insider accounts. His campaign website also touts that his job duties include chairing New Yorks Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, the states 10 regional economic development councils, and its Council on Community Justice and that he oversaw the creation of the states very first Office of Civic and Service Engagement. However, his public schedule shows only 31 instances where Delgado attended meetings or conducted business via phone or in person related to the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit; 19 times for the regional economic development councils; 10 for the OSCE, and five for the COCJ. Hochul and Delgado in friendlier times after capturing Democratic nominations during the June 2022 primary. Stephen Yang Much of Delgados time was spent attending parades, ribbon cuttings, and heritage events. He sporadically met with top state government leaders and various elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By comparison, Hochul earned a reputation as a workhorse during her nearly seven years as lieutenant governor under then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Her re-election campaign declined to comment. Robert Duffy, who served as lieutenant governor from 2011 through 2014 under Cuomo, said he was flabbergasted by Delgados work ethic and The Posts findings. You cant be in one corner for a couple of days here and there, and then call it a week, said Duffy, adding the job is not part-time. Former Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy said he found The Posts findings about Delgados work schedules shocking. David McGlynn Its at a minimum, five full days a week, but probably closerto seven days a week to fulfill your responsibilities. But then, even at that schedule, you still feel like youre not accomplishing what you should. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the thought of having that many days off and for that length of time is shocking to me, added Duffy. Duffy, for example, said he averaged attending about 20 regional economic development council meetings a month. As co-chair of the Finger Lakes REDC the past decade, Duffy said he knows first-hand Delgado never attended any of its meetings since becoming Hochuls No. 2. Hes a very nice man, very smart, but I have to question his heart about wanting to take on a job like governor with a track record like that as lieutenant governor, added Duffy. Delgado greets a guest after giving a speech during the NYREC Emerging Leaders and Markets Conference at the Victoria Renaissance Hotel on Friday in New York City. Getty Images Delgados campaign declined to provide The Post copies of his work schedules since the February break-up with Hochul, but it provided a link to one of his social media accounts that appears to show him attending at least 85 public events from March through May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaign also doubled down on its claim that Delgado has attended more than 1,000 events and traveled over 60,000 miles as lieutenant governor. Antonio is proud to serve the people of New York, Delgado campaign spokesman Steven Ileka said. Ileka also pointed out that Hochul publicly praised Antonio for doing a phenomenal job as recently as July adding the only thing thats changed since then was Delgado calling on then-President Joe Biden a week later to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee even as Hochul continued to campaign for Biden. We understand that challenging the status quo can be hard for some to handle, but New Yorkers deserve better leadership, Ileka said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, longtime Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf said he believes Delgado has no shot at unseating Hochul mostly because too many New Yorkers dont even know Delgados alive. They have no idea what he does, who he is, and where is! Sheinkopf said. He has no presence. The idea that he could be governor is ridiculous. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A Norfolk General District Court judge granted bond to the Harris Teeter security guard accused of beating a man inside the store. Kharel White-Jones is facing one charge of malicious wounding related to the incident. He was working as an armed, uniformed security guard on the evening of June 2. Several family members and Harris Teeter employees, as well as a man who said he was White-Jones boss at the security company, were in court to testify and show support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPD: Man seriously injured after assault at W Ocean View Ave. Harris Teeter A witness in the case testified that White-Jones and the victim entered the store at the same time that night. A short time later, the witness said, White-Jones approached him and told him there was an issue with the man. The victim kept going at [White-Jones], the store employee told the court, describing antagonizing behavior. Then, a physical altercation broke out between the two men. The witness told the court that White-Jones had the man in a headlock. Then, the man attempted to grab White-Jones holstered handgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White-Jones then stepped away to hand the gun to an employee, according to the witness. At some point, the victim began attempting to hit or stab White-Jones with a gold object, according to the witness and the defense attorney. The witness said the victim was trying to strike back during the entire incident. The commonwealths attorney on the case opposed the bond motion, arguing that White-Jones had exercised excessive force, breaking the victims eye socket and spilling a substantial amount of blood. The prosecutor said that video, which was not shown in court, captured the incident and showed White-Jones using OC spray before straddling the victim and punching him in the eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This looks like that scene from No Country for Old Men,' the judge remarked, when shown images from the security video. White-Jones attorney said that he followed DCJS (Department of Criminal Justice Services) protocol. The judge ultimately released White-Jones on a $7,500 personal recognizance bond. Hes prohibited from contacting the victim. A preliminary hearing date was set for August 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 WAVY.com. PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A North Adams man pleaded guilty to five charges involving assaulting a child in Berkshire Superior Court on Thursday. Springfield man sentenced to life for 2021 Chicopee murder Berkshire District Attorneys Office Chief of Operations Julia Sabourin shared in a news release that in 2022, 37-year-old Jesriel Morales of North Adams allegedly assaulted a six-year-old child. Morales reportedly slammed the child into a window and wall, hit them with a belt, slapped them, and forced them to kneel on dried rice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Morales pleaded guilty to three counts of Aggravated Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon on a Child and two counts of Assault and Battery. He was sentenced to two and a half years in the Berkshire House of Corrections, followed by two years of probation. Morales was also ordered by the judge to have no contact with the victim and to participate in the Fatherhood program. I am pleased with the guilty plea, said Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. Jesriel Morales preyed on the most innocent member of society. Today, my thoughts are with the very young victim. I hope this conclusion provides them some peace and feeling of safety and security. 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. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) A North Dakota man is accused of threatening to kill former President Barack Obama, breaking into a National Park Service historic site and threatening other people. A federal grand jury indictment filed Wednesday levies felony charges of burglary, damage to property of the U.S., terrorizing, malicious mischief, threatening to kill a former U.S. president and three counts of threatening interstate communications against Ian Patrick Stewart of Williston. The indictment said Stewart did knowingly and willfully threaten to kill and inflict bodily harm upon Obama between April 20 and May 13. The document doesn't detail the alleged threat. Stewart also is accused of threatening to injure three Williston residents in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court papers say Stewart entered Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on May 13 when it wasn't open to the public, caused a building to evacuate and threatened a Park Service employee and Williams County law enforcement. He was armed, according to the indictment. Several law enforcement agencies responded, and the historic site and the road to it were closed during the barricaded subject situation, the Williams County Sheriff's Office previously said. Stewart is held at the Ward County Detention Center in Minot. He is scheduled to appear Monday in court. No attorney is listed for him in court records. The Associated Press left him a voicemail. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is along the Missouri River at the Montana-North Dakota border. The site focuses on the history of the fur trade and the post that operated there for decades in the 19th century. NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) A 53-year-old North Haven man was sentenced Friday to 40 years in prison, suspended after eight years for child sexual assault charges, according to the division of criminal justice. $32M lawsuit awarded to juvenile allegedly sexually-abused in Southbury Ronald Iannucci, jr. repeatedly sexually abused a boy when he was 14 and 15 years old, according to evidence revealed in court. He was charged with four counts of sexual assault in the second degree and three counts of risk of injury to a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iannucci will also serve 20 years of probation after his sentence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. By Josh Smith and Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea's internet was hit by a major outage that lasted several hours on Saturday, knocking off connection to government web sites and official news services online and severing the reclusive country from cyberspace. It was not clear what caused the outage but it may have been internal rather than a cyberattack, as connections via China and Russia were affected, said researchers who monitor North Korea's internet and technology infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea's main official news services, its Foreign Ministry, and the Air Koryo national airline were among websites inaccessible on Saturday, before they started coming back slowly around midday according to checks by Reuters. North Korea's entire internet infrastructure was not showing up on systems that can monitor internet activities, and email services were also affected, Junade Ali, a U.K.-based researcher who monitors the North Korean internet, said earlier. "Hard to say if this is intentional or accidental - but seems like this is internal rather than an attack." Officials at South Korea's cyber terror response centre, a police division that monitors North Korea's cyber activities, could not be reached for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martyn Williams, who specializes in North Korea's technology and infrastructure at the Washington-based Stimson Center, also said the cause appeared to be internal as the Chinese and Russian connections were not working. North Korea has one of the world's most strictly controlled internet systems, including access to any form of online communication. The general public has access only to an intranet set up by the government and that is not connected to the wider global network. An elite few in the government and leadership are allowed open internet access, and government and news websites often serve up propaganda for outside audiences. North Korea has in previous years experienced large internet outages suspected as being caused by cyberattacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country operates elite teams of hackers, including a group known as Lazarus run by the government intelligence apparatus, that are blamed for attacks against foreign institutions and companies and more recently for theft and the laundering of cryptocurrencies. North Korea denies involvement in hacking, crypto thefts and other cybercrime. (Reporting by Jack Kim and Josh Smith; Editing by Sandra Maler, Edwina Gibbs and Tom Hogue) Chinese authorities in the northeastern city of Shenyang reportedly arrested a North Korean IT specialist in late April 2025, accusing him of stealing drone technology secrets. The suspect, apparently linked to North Koreas main missile development agency, was part of a wider network operating in China, according to the story, which first appeared in South Koreas Yonhap News Agency. In response, Pyongyang was said to have recalled IT personnel in China. The story was later circulated by several Chinese online outlets. Given the tight censorship in China, this implies a degree of tacit editorial approval from Beijing although some sites later deleted the story. In a response to Yonhap over the alleged incident, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that North Korea and China were friendly neighbors that maintained normal personnel exchanges, without denying the details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident suggests a rare semipublic spat between the two neighboring communist countries, contradicting the image of China and North Korea as brothers in arms. As a scholar of Northeast Asian security, I see the arrest which has gotten little attention in English-language media as representative of a wider, more nuanced picture of the two countries current relations. There are signs that Beijing is growing frustrated with Pyongyang not least over North Koreas increasing closeness with Moscow. Such a development challenges Chinas traditional role as North Koreas primary patron. In short, the arrest could be a symptom of worsening ties between the two countries. Beijings dilemma over North Korea North Korea has long been seen by Beijing as both a strategic security buffer and within its natural sphere of influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Chinas perspective, allowing a hostile force to gain control of the peninsula and especially the north could open the door to future military threats. This fear partly explained why China intervened during the Korean War of 1950-1953. Beyond security, North Korea also serves as an ideological ally. Both countries are run by communist parties the Chinese Communist Party and the Workers Party of Korea although the former operates as a Leninist party-state system with a partial embrace of market capitalism, while the latter remains a rigid socialist state characterized by a strong personality cult. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on Jan. 8, 2019. Xinhua/Li Xueren via Getty Images Even today, Chinese state media continues to highlight the bonds of comradeship with Pyongyang. However, Pyongyangs nuclear ambitions have long troubled Beijing. North Korea has conducted multiple nuclear tests since 2006 and is now believed to possess nuclear weapons capable of targeting South Korea, Japan and U.S. bases in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China supports a denuclearized and stable Korean peninsula both for regional peace and economic growth. Like the U.S., Japan and South Korea, China opposes nuclear proliferation, fearing North Koreas periodic tests could provoke U.S. military action or trigger an arms race in the region. Meanwhile, Washington and its allies continue to pressure Beijing to do more to rein in a neighbor it often views as a vassal state of China. Given Chinas economic ties with the U.S. and Washingtons East Asian allies mainly South Korea and Japan it has every reason to avoid further instability from Pyongyang. Yet to North Koreas isolationist rulers, nuclear weapons are vital for the regimes survival and independence. Whats more, nuclear weapons can also limit Beijings influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korean leader Kim Jong Un worries that without nuclear leverage, China could try to interfere in the internal affairs of his country. After the death if Kims father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011, Beijing was thought to favor Kim Jong Uns elder half-brother Kim Jong Nam as successor possibly prompting Kim Jong Un to have him assassinated in 2017. But despite ongoing tensions over the nuclear issue, China has continued to support the North Korean regime for strategic reasons. For decades, China has been Pyongyangs top trading partner, providing crucial economic aid. In 2023, China accounted for about 98% of North Koreas official trade and continued to supply food and fuel to keep the regime afloat. Pyongyang pals up with Putin Yet over the past few years, more of North Koreas imports, notably oil, have come from another source: Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea and Russia had been close allies during the Cold War, but ties cooled after the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s. More recently, a shared hostility toward the U.S. and the West in general has brought the two nations closer. Moscows international isolation following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and its deteriorating ties with South Korea in particular have pushed it toward Pyongyang. North Korea has reportedly supplied large quantities of ammunition to Russia, becoming a critical munitions supplier in the Ukraine war. Though both governments deny the arms trade banned under United Nations sanctions North Korea is thought to have received fuel, food and access to Russian military and space technology in return. On March 8, 2025, North Korea unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine that experts believe may involve Russian technological assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 2024, Russian forces were using around 10,000 shells per day in Ukraine, with half sourced from North Korea. Some front-line units were reportedly using North Korean ammunition for up to 60% of their firepower. High-level visits have also increased. In July 2023, Russias defense minister, Andrey Belousov, visited Pyongyang for the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, followed by Kim Jong Uns visit to Russia in September for a summit with President Vladimir Putin. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un share a toast during a reception in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024. Vladmir Smirnov/AFP via Getty Images In June 2024, Putin visited Pyongyang, where the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement, including a pledge that each would come to the others aid if attacked. Soon after, North Korea began sending troops to support Russia. Intelligence from the U.S., South Korea and Ukraine indicates that Pyongyang deployed 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers in late 2023, marking its first involvement in a major conflict since the Korean War. North Korean soldiers reportedly receive at least US$2,000 per month plus a bonus. For Pyongyang, this move not only provides financial gain but also combat experience should war ever reignite on the Korean Peninsula. Why China is worried China, too, has remained on friendly terms with Russia since the war in Ukraine began. So why would it feel uneasy about the growing closeness between Pyongyang and Moscow? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For starters, China views Pyongyangs outreach to Moscow as a challenge to its traditional role as North Koreas main patron. While still dependent on Chinese aid, North Korea appears to be seeking greater autonomy. The strengthening of RussiaNorth Korea ties also fuels Western fears of an axis of upheaval involving all three countries. Unlike North Koreas confrontational stance toward the West and its neighbor to the south, Beijing has offered limited support to Moscow during the Ukraine war and is cautious not to appear part of a trilateral alliance. Behind this strategy is a desire on behalf of China to maintain stable relations with the U.S., Europe and key Asian neighbors like Japan and South Korea. Doing so may be the best way for Beijing to protect its economic and diplomatic interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is also concerned that with Russian support in nuclear and missile technologies, Pyongyang may act more provocatively through renewed nuclear tests or military clashes with South Korea. And this would only destabilize the region and strain Chinas ties with the West. A defiant and provocative Pyongyang The timing of the alleged spy drama may offer further clues regarding the state of relations. It came just a day after North Korea officially confirmed it had deployed troops to aid the Russian war effort. It also announced plans to erect a monument in Pyongyang honoring its soldiers who died in the Ukraine war. The last spy case like this was in June 2016 when Chinese authorities arrested a North Korean citizen in the border city of Dandong. It reportedly followed Pyongyang informing China that it would permanently pursue its nuclear weapons program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The China-North Korea relationship deteriorated further when North Korea successfully tested a hydrogen bomb in September 2016, prompting Beijing to back U.N. Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang. Again, this time North Korea shows little sign of bending to Chinas will. On April 30, Kim oversaw missile launches from North Koreas first 5,000-ton destroyer, touted as its most heavily armed warship. None of which will help ease Beijings concerns. While China still sees Pyongyang as a critical buffer against U.S. influence in Northeast Asia, an increasingly provocative North Korea, fueled by a growing relationship with Russia, is starting to look less like a strategic asset and more like a liability. 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: Linggong Kong, Auburn University Read more: Linggong Kong does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. In the 45 years since graduating from Harvard University, Laura Hastings has never been to a reunion. Ive always felt that Harvard didnt need me, Hastings said. However, like many of her classmates, when she saw the escalating battle between her alma mater and the Trump administration, she realized this year was the moment for her to show up. The alumni day had a record of 9,000 attendees this year, a speaker said. A sea of maroon Harvard regalia coated the Cambridge streets as some men walked around with tophats and suits, and others waved reunion flags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shrieks bounced off the brick buildings as classmates saw each other and young children in oversized Harvard merch clung to their parents. The event comes only a few hours after the institution amended one of its lawsuits against the federal government on Thursday evening and asked for a temporary restraining order. Those actions were in response to President Donald Trumps issuance of a proclamation this week declaring that the schools foreign students would not be allowed into the country. Harvard has been a leader in resisting through multiple lawsuits the Trump administration as it attempts to cut billions of dollars from the university in addition to research funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the cuts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it was due to continued failure to address anti-Semitic harassment and race discrimination. In the Trump Administration, discrimination will not be tolerated on campus. Federal funds must support institutions that protect all students, the department said. Hastings said she has had some embarrassment about going to Harvard as an elite institution. Elite universities, by their very definition, suggest exclusion, she said, adding that she had a privileged upbringing. While higher education can be the thing that can help people advance to higher-paying and more prestigious careers, the federal government has tapped into a segment of the population who feels excluded by higher education, said Hastings, who is a professor at Georgia State University. Taking risks to come to alumni day One Harvard alum who spoke with MassLive on Friday traveled across the United States border to come to the reunion, despite his fears of being let in or out of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MassLive isnt using his name because he isnt a citizen of the United States and fears retaliation from the federal government. As a non-citizen and non-[permanent resident] you have no procedural rights at the border, meaning that they could ask to see my phone, my messages, my WhatsApp history, anything that they would take that is politically not congruent with what they want they could use that as a basis to deny me entry, he said. I was worried that that would happen. So I scraped my phone of messages that would indicate a political leaning that was contrary to what the administration would be putting out there, he said. We are not just fighting for Harvard: Alums organize As Harvard fights against the federal government, alumni are doing the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Crimson Courage, a community of Harvard alumni whose mission is to stand up for academic freedom, urged alumni to wear stickers of support and sign on to a legal document, also known as an amicus brief, in support of Harvards second lawsuit against the Trump administration focused on international students. Its just absolutely incredible. Ive never seen this type of mobilization, said Evelyn Kim, a Harvard alum and Crimson Courage organizer. Kim said the backing of Crimson Courage is helpful for Harvard to know that their community supports them. We are not just fighting for Harvard, Kim said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are fighting for every higher education institutions right to be able to pursue the research they want to do, teach what they want to teach, admit the students that they want to admit. This isnt just about Harvard, its about all higher education, she said. Crimson Courage is aiming to have other campuses create their own chapters to back their institutions in the face of cuts or other actions from the federal government. Lisa Paige, an alum and organizer with Crimson Courage, said the organization has around 300 volunteers and has continued to grow. Hastings, who handed out Crimson Courage stickers on Friday to alums, said that while there is overwhelming support, resistance from alums is also apparent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said many people said they didnt want to talk about the Trump administrations actions against Harvard instead wanting to enjoy their reunion. One alum who told her he stopped giving money to Harvard because it has become too liberal. Are Trumps critiques against Harvard warranted? Much of what the Trump administration has critiqued about Harvard has focused on campus antisemitism, race discrimination and a lack of political diversity. All of the alums MassLive spoke with on Friday said they dont believe these explanations are why the federal government is going after Harvard. Hastings, for instance, said she thought Harvard leaned too conservative in its beliefs when she was a student on campus. And, as a Jew, she thinks the claim of antisemitism is ultimately being used as a scapegoat for the administration to go after Harvard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government going after universities is a red flag for a democracy which could harm freedom of thought and speech, according to Olumide Adebo, a Harvard graduate school alum. At the same time, Adebo, along with many other alumni, has criticisms of how Harvard has reacted since the Trump administration shined a light on Harvard. One is the cancellation of affinity graduations which was something he enjoyed when he graduated from Harvard. Whatever criticisms I can offer to Harvard are fairly similar to what I offer to our society in terms of how we embrace diversity and equity in general, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adebo pointed to the university not backing former president Claudine Gay, who stepped down in early 2024 after about six months on the job, and defending her against the attacks claiming that she had plagiarized scholarly work. That seems to me to be a very short leash for anybody in leadership. Frankly, regardless of the missteps. Especially since she was fully vetted before being hired for the role, he said. To the alum who is not a U.S. citizen, the debate about the future of higher education, funding between public and private higher education and research funding are all welcomed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are valid critiques about the historical injustices of who is allowed into an institution like Harvard and who isnt even if the university has been working to address those issues, the alum said. However, the efforts to dismantle Harvard and higher education by the federal government go beyond what is necessary into something that is dangerous, the alum said. Fight fight fight As the senior grant manager at Mass General Brigham, a Harvard affiliate, Mary Anne Fox, said she has seen firsthand the attempts at dismantling her alma mater and the consequences of that. It has been a shock as the attacks against Harvard have emanated into research which wont just hurt the institution but the international research infrastructure, she said. She said she came today to show her support for the institution. Now Im really proud to be from Harvard, she said. I didnt know people hated Harvard so much in the country, she said. Fox prominently wore a keffiyeh, a traditional headdress worn by people in the Middle East that has taken on a greater symbol of resistance in the United States in support of Palestinians. She said she wore it on that day because many students at Harvard cant and there is little the university can do against her in response. What are they going to do? Suck the degree back out of my head? she said. Peter Coccoluto, joined by his wife, said he came on Friday to Harvard for his 70th reunion in part due to the actions taken toward the university. I feel we are being besieged by an ignorant man who also has the bad quality of seeking revenge on anyone who crosses his path, Coccoluto said. I am here to support Harvard and to urge them to fight, fight, fight, because we fight not only for Harvard, but for all of the other free institutions of learning, higher learning, he said. Casey Wenz stood outside the Harvard Yard on Friday morning with a finger brace holding up a wooden sign that read Harvard Thank You For Your Courage. While she doesnt have an affiliation with the university, as a Cambridge resident, she said she wanted to show her gratitude to the university for standing up for themselves and ultimately standing up for all of us. She said she has friends who are international students and work at Harvard and that the federal governments actions against Harvard are hurting the countrys economy. Hes knee-capping innovation. And I think undoing that will take years possibly decades, she said. We might be losing a week or a month for every day that we lose in the research lab, she said. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. (WBRE/WYOU) The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Warning until 12:15 p.m. for part of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The NWS has issued a Flash Flood Warning for part of southern Lackawanna County and Northeastern Luzerne County. The NWS Doppler Radar indicated thunderstorms that were capable of producing rainfall of up to two inches in the affected areas. Those areas include Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Dunmore, Old Forge, Moosic, Edwardsville, Luzerne, West Wyoming, Moscow, Sugar Notch, Elmhurst, Bear Creek Village, Glendale, Penobscot, Fairview Heights, Mountain Top, Kingston, Plains and Plymouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NWS encourages drivers to turn around when encountering flooded roads. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Students in New York Citys largest school district are so bored by the DOEs dumbed-down math curriculum they read novels in class, parents say. Families are forced to shell out thousands of dollars for tutors or flee in search of more challenging programs, parents say. Parents in District 2, which covers most of Midtown, Lower Manhattan and the Upper East Side, are demanding accelerated math classes in elementary school and geometry starting in middle school to keep kids on par with their peers elsewhere in the city and country. Children in District 2 elementary and middle schools are bored and unchallenged in math class. sakkmesterke stock.adobe.com Kids are reading novels in math class because they are bored, Danyela Egorov, a member of District 2s Community Education Council, told Superintendent Kelly McGuire during a recent board meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egorov said parents have told her they are considering moving to Brooklyns District 20 because it will offer geometry in some middle schools next year, setting kids up to take Algebra II in ninth grade. Other districts in Brooklyn and Queens already offer the accelerated option. Its the only chance they have of getting geometry in middle school since they cannot pay for private school, Egorov said. Kids in middle schools that offer accelerated math end up a full year ahead of those in District 2, which is one of highest-performing in the city, argued Manpreet Boparai, another CEC 2 member. For kids graduating the Lower Lab School, which offers a gifted and talented program and sixth-grade-level math in fifth grade, its even worse, Boparai noted. Community Education Council member Maud Maron says the situation is urgent. J.C. Rice D2 middle schools hold them back and make them repeat sixth-grade math, taking them off track to finish geometry in eighth grade, she told The Post. They dont need more puzzles. They need to be accommodated to stay on the track theyre already on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CEC 2 members Allyson Bowen and Maud Maron told McGuire in a letter last week there is an urgent need for math reforms in District 2 and demanded a meeting to discuss establishing a math path pilot program, and a task force to monitor its success. Parents are leaving the system due to a lack of rigorous academic offerings, they wrote, citing the city Department of Educations annual school survey. Meanwhile, other parents are turning to pricey math tutors and after-school programs like the Russian School of Mathematics, or RSM. Allyson Bowen and Maron told McGuire in a letter last week there is an urgent need for math reforms in the district. William C Lopez/New York Post A West Village mom and her husband with three children in District 2 schools pay a total $6,400 to send all three to supplemental math programs at RSM, which starts teaching algebra concepts in first grade, she told The Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure that our kids are well set for a successful future, having math ahead of what the public schools are currently offering. Because thats not enough to be competitive. After the regular school day, her kids spend two to two-and-a-half hours weekly in RSM, and take on additional homework. So its a commitment, and not a fun one. Other kids are playing ball, and my kids have to do some brain work. In affluent neighborhoods, such programs are apparently growing in popularity. Danyela Egorov says children are reading novels in math class because theyre bored. William C Lopez/New York Post I live on the same block as Russian School of Mathematics and I see parents lined up, Leonard Silverman, the boards vice president, told McGuire during last months meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even Superintendent McGuire admitted that his son is taking math classes this summer to catch him up for pre-calculus, because his middle school did not provide accelerated options. Despite continued requests and repeated meetings, McGuire said there are currently no plans to bring geometry to middle schools in the district next year. He is waiting to hear interest from principals, he said, and maintained that the pilot proposals would require a heavy lift of resources. Egorov argued that principals dont promote accelerated learning out of fear of protests from critics who say its inequitable. Sir David Attenborough has told Prince William he is "appalled" by the damage certain fishing methods are wreaking on the world's oceans. The Prince of Wales interviewed the TV naturalist ahead of a key UN Oceans conference which kicks off on Monday. The world's countries are gathering for the first time in three years to discuss how to better protect the oceans, which are facing growing threats from plastic pollution, climate change and over-exploitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN's key aim is to get the High Seas Treaty - an agreement signed two years ago to put 30% of the ocean into protected areas - ratified by 60 countries to bring it into force. "What we have done to the deep ocean floor is just unspeakably awful," said Sir David. "If you did anything remotely like it on land, everybody would be up in arms," he said in the interview released on Saturday. It was conducted at the premiere of his new documentary, Ocean, last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documentary draws attention to the potential damage from some fishing practices, like bottom trawling, for marine life and the ability of the ocean to lock up planet-warming carbon. Governments, charities and scientists will come together at the UN Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice to try and agree how to accelerate action on the issues most affecting the world's seas. Sir David said he hopes the leaders gathering for the UN conference will "realise how much the oceans matter to all of us, the citizens of the world". Planetary life support system The ocean is crucial for the survival of all organisms on the planet - it is the largest ecosystem, is estimated to contribute $2.5 trillion to world economies and provides up to 80% of the oxygen we breath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key aim for the UN is to galvanise enough support to bring the High Seas Treaty into force - including commitment from the UK. Three years ago countries agreed to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, across national and international waters. International waters - or high seas - are a common resource with no ruling country so nations signed the High Seas Treaty in 2023 agreeing to work together to put a third of them into Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Since then only 32 countries have ratified the treaty - 60 are needed to bring it into force. But many scientists and NGOs are worried MPAs will not be effective whilst practices like bottom trawling are still allowed within them. Environmental charities and MPs warn that bottom trawling can accidentally kill larger marine animals [Getty Images] "Our ocean is 99% of our living space on the globe, we have huge dependency on the ocean in every possible way, but bottom trawling does a lot of damage," Dr Amanda Vincent, Professor in Marine Conservation at The University of British Columbia told BBC's Inside Science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottom trawling or dredging is currently allowed in 90% of the UK's MPAs, according to environmental campaigners Oceana, and the Environment Audit Committee (EAC) has called for a ban on it within them. But some fishing communities have pushed back on the assertion that certain fishing practices need to be banned in these areas. "Bottom trawling is only a destructive process if it's taking place in the wrong place, otherwise, it is an efficient way to produce food from our seas," Elspeth Macdonald, CEO of Scottish Fisherman's Association told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists point to evidence that restricting the practice in some areas allows fish stocks to recover and be better in the long term for the industry. [BBC] The conference had been called after concern by the UN that oceans were facing irreparable damage, particularly from climate change. The oceans are a crucial buffer against the worst impacts of a warming planet, absorbing excess heat and greenhouse gases, said Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Exeter. "If the sea had not absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat that has been added to the planet as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, then the world wouldn't just be one and a half degrees warmer it would be about 36 degrees warmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Those of us who were left would be struggling with Death Valley temperatures everywhere," he said. This excess heat is having significant impacts on marine life, warn scientists. ClimaClam is one of a number of projects being undertaken by scientists to study the impact of rising heat on ocean species [Stephane Lesbats] "Coral reefs, for the past 20 years, have been subject to mass bleaching and mass mortality and that is due to extreme temperatures," said Dr Jean-Pierre Gattuso, senior research scientist at Laboratoire d'Oceanographie de Villefranche and co-chair of the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC). "This really is the first marine ecosystem and perhaps the first ecosystem which is potentially subject to disappearance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OOSC is a gathering of 2,000 of the world's scientists, prior to the UN conference, where the latest data on ocean health is assessed and recommendations put forward to governments. Alongside efforts on climate change the scientists recommended an end to deep sea activities. The most controversial issue to be discussed is perhaps deep sea mining. For more than a decade countries have been trying to agree how deep sea mining in international waters could work - how resources could be shared and environmental damage could be minimised. But in April President Trump bypassed those discussions and signed an executive order saying he would permit mining within international waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and France called it a breach of international law, although no formal legal proceedings have yet been started. Scientists have warned that too little is understood about the ecosystems in the deep sea and therefore no commercial activities should go forward without more research. "Deep sea biology is the most threatened of global biology, and of what we know the least. We must act with precaution where we don't have the science," said Prof Peter Haugan, Co-chair of the International Science Council Expert Group on the Ocean. [BBC] Sign up for our Future Earth newsletter to keep up with the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC's Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK? Sign up to our international newsletter here. Related internet links The Guardian reported news of hopes for more bear sightings following a new feasibility report. The study focuses on the possible return of California's state animal: the grizzly bear. Have you noticed the grizzly bear on the California state flag? The massive animal was once abundant in the state and a mascot of resilience during the revolt against Mexico before disappearing from the area. As many as 10,000 of these bears roamed the state during the gold-rush years, only to be reduced to a lone sighting at Sequoia National Park in 1924. The grizzly has played a pivotal role in Native American culture and lore. As Octavio Escobedo III, chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, said in the foreword of the Recovering Grizzly Bears in California study: "Our Native cultures, stories, and history remain interwoven with the grizzly, allowing us to remember and imagine what once was." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With careful human behavior (for example, not feeding them human food or approaching them for selfies), reintroducing the grizzly to the state can be beneficial. Per the Guardian, pro-grizzly experts proclaim the bear has plenty of California land to return and is a big help to biodiversity. "We've got the largest acreage of protected areas of any state," Peter Alagona, an environmental historian at the University of California at Santa Barbara, told the Guardian. Regarding the ecological pros, the grizzly balances prey populations, such as herbivores that may overgraze areas. Soil health blooms as they distribute plant species by digging and dispersing seeds through their feces. When these salmon-loving bears eat their catch and leave the carcasses, it fertilizes the soil. Melissa Wilder, a wildlife program coordinator with the Los Padres ForestWatch, is excited about a new brown bear dawn. She told the Guardian: "If we bring it back, it reminds us of a new future, and I think we need hope right now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, convincing local residents may not be easy, despite a positive survey response to the study, but education about grizzly behavior may help. Facing a grizzly bear with large claws and weighing up to 700 pounds, per the National Wildlife Federation, will rightfully scare someone. However, the reality is they tend to shy away from human contact unless provoked, surprised, guarding food, or protecting cubs. Remember to stay still or slowly back away if you encounter one, rather than running, which may cause it to chase. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Officials have sparked backlash after unveiling a new master plan for Montreal airport that severely reduces the amount of green space surrounding the site, the Montreal Gazette reported. Under the plan, only about 10% of the previously planned green space would remain. What's happening? Conservationists and locals fought back after the release of the long-awaited 20-year master development plan for the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, per the Gazette. While multiple local municipalities, including the City of Montreal, have passed resolutions supporting the creation of a 230-hectare (568-acre) green space surrounding the airport, the new master plan, released by Aeroports de Montreal, calls for preserving only 25 hectares (62 acres) of wetland space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What we see is worse than we could have imagined," Katherine Collin of TechnoparcOiseaux, a group advocating for the conservation of green space around the Montreal airport, told the Gazette. "Development is planned over vital habitat for endangered and threatened species." The diminished green space appeared to be at odds with ADM's promises of environmental stewardship. In the master plan, ADM asserted that its sustainability goals included promoting "a healthy, high-quality environment in its communities." ADM president and director general Yves Beauchamp argued at a public meeting that green spaces around airports are unsafe for passengers due to the risk of bird strikes. However, opponents pointed out that other airports, including those in Canada, can operate safely with large green spaces nearby. Despite the opposition, ADM claimed that the developed areas would be better for the environment than green space, as they would be used for solar panels and to store cleaner fuels for aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have accused Beauchamp and ADM of engaging in the corporate practice of greenwashing, or promoting supposedly pro-environment practices that are more about publicity and appearances than actual impact. Why is green space important? Green spaces provide crucial health, economic, and environmental benefits, particularly in urban settings. According to the Natural History Museum in London, green space significantly reduces air pollution while also limiting the urban heat island effect. Because of the prevalence of paved ground and tightly packed buildings, cities can be 3 to 4 degrees Celsius (5.4 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than the surrounding countryside. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Green vegetation combats this effect by limiting the amount of heat-radiating concrete, absorbing sunlight, and creating shade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even within human-made environments, green spaces will develop ecosystems that become self-sustaining, which ultimately saves money, said Cecil Konijnendijk, a professor of urban forestry at the University of British Columbia. What's being done about green space? In Montreal and around the world, conservationists are fighting to preserve existing green spaces and reestablish green spaces where they have been lost. If you'd like to make a difference in your own community, you can join a conservation group or even create your own green spaces that can conserve water and help pollinators and other local species. 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. Jun. 6For now, the Ohio Senate is going along on an Ohio House plan to make county coroners appointed by county commissioners instead of being elected by county voters. But, while the Senate didn't change the House's proposal in its initial draft of the state's two-year operating budget, Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, told reporters that there's still a chance the Senate could eliminate the House's proposal when it amends the budget next week. McColley said he put a request out for those in his caucus with strong feelings on the matter to weigh in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If members feel strongly that it should go back to the way that it is under current law, then there's a possibility to see an amendment here in the omnibus," McColley told this news outlet. "We didn't see a lot of members we saw some but we didn't see a lot of members asking for it to be changed back." The Senate is expected to make those amendments on Wednesday or Thursday of next week. The change could be consequential in counties where county commissioners and the coroner are different political parties. In Montgomery County, for example, the elected coroner is a Republican while Democrats hold two of the three seats on the county commission. The House's primary advocate for the change, county commissioner-turned-lawmaker Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, has framed the change as necessary to solve a scarcity issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's really hard to find folks that want to serve as a coroner at all, it's even harder to find folks who are willing to be the coroner and want to run a political campaign to do so," Stewart said in April. But the proposed change is opposed by Ohio State Coroners Association, whose Executive Director David Corey told this outlet that he's still hopeful that former coroners in the Ohio Senate, like Sen. Matt Huffman, R-Tipp City, will help the Senate reverse course. "Commissioners already have the authority to appoint a physician to be coroner if no one runs," Corey said. "So they already have this authority so why subject this as a blanket on everyone?" Corey noted that commissioners also already have the authority to contract out with different county coroner offices if there's no elected coroner and the commission cannot find an in-county physician that wants to be appointed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't really know what (problem) the House is trying and the Senate are trying to fix ... other than chipping away at other elected officials," Corey said. Corey said the idea is "wrought with potential problems," and speculated that coroners appointed by commissioners might be more beholden to those officials than they are to the public. He said appointees could also be fired at will, which would make it harder for a coroner to stand up to the commission in budget negotiations or other high-stakes situations. "We just think it's a horrible precedent," Corey said. Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, whose home county of Cuyahoga is one of two counties in the state where the position is already appointed following a local vote, told this outlet that she didn't like the sound of applying the idea to every coroner in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You want the coroner to feel like they can have a lot of pressure on them," Antonio said. "If they're appointed, then it's almost like they have an affiliation to the person that appointed them." She said this could lead to undue influence. "I think we, probably in the long run, would be better off continuing to have them be elected," Antonio said. ------ 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... MORGANTOWN East Fairmont Middle School teacher Michael Leshko squats down at eye level with a contraption that contains boiling green mouthwash. The mouthwash boils off some gases, which travel down a coil encased in glass. Leshko holds a bag of water over the piping, which cools the gas until it condenses again and drips out into a small plastic cup. Leshko joked it was West Virginias grand tradition of making moonshine, but in the case of the oil and gas teachers workshop he took part in Thursday, the tradition took on an entirely different significance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were doing is boiling and collecting the alcohol that is boiled off, Leshko said. This is exactly the same way gasoline or other products are made from crude oil or from the liquid form of natural gas that is pumped out of the ground in West Virginia. The Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia held its 7th annual Science Teacher Workshop in Morgantown on Thursday. More than 40 teachers from across the state received curriculum materials and hands-on experience with eight training units that are related to the states natural gas and oil industry. Charlie Burd, president of the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia, said the workshop gives teachers the latest details and information on the industry so they can take that information back to their students and incorporate it in class. Burd said todays students will someday be candidates for jobs within the oil and gas industry. Anytime we can get children or students more engaged in our industry at an earlier time, the better, he said. The better off we are to having a willing and waiting workforce. Waiting till high school, when theyre ready to graduate, isnt as good as trying to catch them early on in their late middle school or early high school stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burd said teachers learn all aspects of the industry at the workshop, from distribution, to drilling, well construction, environmental safety, storage, transmission and other essential parts of the field. Teachers also learn how natural gas is fractured and processed, and how heavier hydrocarbons such as propane, butane and isobutane are separated out and how those elements are used to create the synthetics that appear in everyday life. Theres also a geopolitical aspect to the education teachers bring back to their classrooms. We take natural gas, and we produce so much of it here in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania area that we produce six times more than we use, Burd said. What we dont use here, we ship out to other parts of the country or from a geopolitical standpoint, we liquefy and send it to other allies across the globe. Craig Whitaker, one of the education specialists at the event, said the ultimate goal of the workshop was to get children to understand how oil and gas reflect on the everyday objects they use and things they do, and how that connects back to careers. Whitaker added the oil and gas industry has openings across the educational spectrum, a degree in engineering isnt necessary for a job in the field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the workforce of the future, kids need to know what jobs are out there and available for them that dont necessarily require a four-year degree or even a technical degree, Whitaker said. Being able to make those connections in the classroom to get them to springboard them into careers within this industry, because Pennsylvania, parts of Kentucky youre looking at one of the largest oil and natural gas reserves in the entire world right now. So, these are up-and-coming jobs that could be sustained for a lifetime. Whitaker said the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics aspect is important because the industry is trying to get kids to apply the problem solving skills they learn in the classroom and take it to the field on their own. Maureen Miller, a middle school teacher in Putnam County Schools, said the timing of the workshop is perfect because it happens at the end of the school year, and gives teachers plenty of time to develop lesson plans from the material they learn at the workshop. Shes been to the workshop seven years in a row, and regularly incorporates what she learns at the workshop into her classroom. I created an entire project based upon all the activities that are done in this, she said. They have to build a pipeline themselves. They have to work together to develop ways, if they were an oil and gas company. So, so they have to develop their company logo, their business cards. They have to research all the different types of jobs in there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final project has students build a simulated pipeline that goes across Putnam County, which is the pipeline that exists now. A sample of oil or gas has to travel through the pipeline for students to be successful. Miller said mastering these skills is important in order to create productive members of society, and it is important to make students aware of what opportunities the field provides. First of all, preventing brain drain from our state, Miller said. These wonderful students, so they stay here in our state and contribute to our West Virginia society and be a productive citizen. That is ideally what we want to see happen. SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) A motorcyclist was killed Friday evening when he reportedly lost control of his vehicle. According to Spartanburg Police Department, at around 9:15 p.m. officers were called to W.O. Ezell Boulevard regarding a wreck. Police said the motorcyclist, identified by the Spartanburg County Coroners Office as 23-year-old David Holguin, had been traveling on W.O. Ezell Boulevard toward downtown Spartanburg when he attempted to switch lanes and lost control of the motorcycle. Witnesses told police the motorcycle went off the side of the road and hit a tree in the median. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Holguin was pronounced dead at the scene. The wreck 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 WSPA 7NEWS. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) It is now day six of search for ZyJae St. Pierre the five-year-old who fell into the Genesee River Sunday afternoon. ZyJaes family and friends joined together Friday evening for a balloon release in his memory. The family ensured each balloon was red, ZyJaes favorite color. Those who gathered took time to reflect on the impact ZyJae had on each of their lives, including his uncle Isaiah Funderburk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was definitely a special kid. Hes very special, and he loved love, Funderburk said. ZyJaes former teachers at Sunshine Village Daycare in Rochester shared their memories of him and say he always knew how to brighten up the room. They remember his smile, hugs and genuine kindness. Funderburk shared some of the things his nephew loved. He loves Spunky, Paw Patrol, and general tsos chicken just like his dad, Funderburk said. Theres so much that I could share, but just know he is a special kid. He added that for much of his family, this has been the most difficult week of their lives. No one wants to experience a loss, especially something like this. So, we just take it day by day, give grace to the creator and just pray that we find him, Funderburk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rochester Police assisted in lowering the water levels Friday morning, draining the river to where the Scuba Team was able to walk on the riverbed and check the surface. So far, Rochester Police have worked with Rochester Gas and Electric, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and many others to help with the search, but have found nothing so far. This leads police to believe Pierre could be in a deep and uneven area under the falls. Sonar technology has also been used to rule out certain areas. Rochester Police add they do have video evidence that ZyJae did in fact fall into the river. Funderburk says the family has created a petition, urging city leaders to install taller railings on bridges across the city. They say the petitioned has garnered strong support with more than 400 signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check back with News 8 WROC as we will continue to update 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 RochesterFirst. JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark. Officials with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said that a person is dead following a Friday evening plane crash. Personnel with the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Association received a call at 6:18 p.m. about a crop duster crashing in the area of Swan Lake, Arkansas. Officials said that the pilot of the aircraft was also reported to be dead. Deputies with the JCSO along with troopers from the Arkansas State Police alongside firefighters and medical personnel responded to the call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson County, Lincoln County deputies respond to plane crash Officials said that deputies located the pilot and confirmed they were dead, their identity has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. The release said that there were no other occupants of the aircraft, and no one was injured on the ground. Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration will be 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 KARK. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A 28-year-old man from Mount Vernon has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. According to information presented in court, Zachary Arzola met the victim through social media in September 2022 when she was 14 and eventually traveled to Ohio to meet her in December 2022. Beyond the headlines: Who was the East Texas mom of 3 that was murdered in 2006 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While in Ohio, Arzola provided the victims family with a falsified drivers license that presented him as a 16-year-old. Arzola later returned to Ohio in 2023, where he picked up the victim from her home and took her back to Texas with him. After returning to Texas with the victim, Mount Vernon Police discovered Arzola and the victim at his house. Arzola later admitted in court documents that he persuaded the victim to have a sexual relationship with him. Disturbance call at Cascades subdivision leads to officer-involved shooting in Tyler After pleading guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, he was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs spoke about the case and how it should make parents aware of the kinds of dangers their children could be facing while on social media. The sentence he received should serve as a warning to other online predators that they will get caught, and they will face justice, Combs said. Parents around our country should take note of the ease with which Arzola was able to exploit technology to lure an innocent child into danger. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OPELOUSAS, la. (KLFY) More and more questions have circulated from Opelousas residents regarding city spending, projects, and other various concerns, Mayor Julius Alsandor launched the Opelousas Dashboard website in an effort to boost transparency. A lot of our work has been done is visible to the eye, but supporting it with documentation. And thats the purpose with the dashboard. This dashboard is to bring people up to date, keep them informed as we continue to move forward. Alsandor said. The up-to-date information provided on the dashboard includes City budget information laid out on spreadsheets, answers to frequently asked questions, reports on the latest city projects, even a place for residents to submit questions and comments directly to city staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can go look each and every day and follow our progress in the city of Opelousas. Alsandor said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Alsandor said the inspiration for this improved website comes after residents complained that not enough information was being put out. Alsandor wants to highlight the information discussed at council meetings so people can be informed and keep track of where their tax dollars are being spent. With the website planned to be updated constantly, Alsandor said he has high hopes for future conversations with the people of the city. That there are questions that they have answered. That they are aware of the steps that were taking, why are we taking them and what the outcome of that will be. Be more informed. If youre more informed, less questions that you have. And thats the purpose of this dashboard. Alsandor said Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about the Opelousas Dashboard click here. Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Ukraines drone attack on Russian airfields on 1 June probably damaged about 10% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet, German Major General Christian Freuding has said. Source: Freuding in a podcast, as reported by European Pravda, citing Reuters Quote: "According to our assessment, more than a dozen aircraft were damaged, TU-95 and TU-22 strategic bombers as well as A-50 surveillance planes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: According to the general, who coordinates Berlin's military assistance to Kyiv and works closely with the Ukrainian Defence Ministry, the A-50s, which have a similar function to NATO's AWACS aircraft in providing air surveillance, were probably not in working order. "We believe that they can no longer be used for spare parts. This is a loss, as only a handful of these aircraft exist," he said. "As for the long-range bomber fleet, 10% of it has been damaged in the attack according to our assessment," Freuding added. The United States estimates that the daring Ukrainian drone attack hit up to 20 Russian warplanes, destroying about 10 of them, two US officials told Reuters. Experts say it will take Moscow years to replace the affected aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the losses, Freuding sees no immediate reduction in Russian strikes on Ukraine, noting that Moscow still retains 90% of its strategic bombers, which can launch ballistic and cruise missiles in addition to dropping bombs. "But there is, of course, an indirect effect as the remaining planes will need to fly more sorties, meaning they will be worn out faster, and, most importantly, there is a huge psychological impact," he said. Freuding said that Russia felt secure in its vast territory, which also explains why the aircraft were not well protected. "After this successful operation, this no longer holds true. Russia will need to ramp up the security measures," the general said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 1 June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) carried out a special operation codenamed Pavutyna ("Spiders Web"), hitting Russian strategic jets at four airfields. SSU head Vasyl Maliuk stated that 34% of strategic cruise missile carriers at Russias main airfields had been destroyed. The SSU said the estimated cost of the equipment destroyed as a result of Operation Spiders Web is over US$7 billion. A senior NATO official called the operation the most successful one yet. The Alliance estimated that at least 40 aircraft were damaged. Between 10 and 13 aircraft were completely destroyed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised that the security services used exclusively Ukrainian weapons in this operation and did not use equipment from allied warehouses. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has released a video from Operation Pavutyna ("Spiders Web"), showcasing the full flight path of one of the FPV drones from its launch from the roof of the mobile wooden cabin used to transport it to the UAVs strike on a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber at Belaya airfield in Irkutsk Oblast (Russia). Source: Security Service of Ukraine "": FPV- https://t.co/jI4mlF9IUh pic.twitter.com/YrY9xSvqXA (@ServiceSsu) June 7, 2025 Dearils: The SSU reported that the video captures the drone travelling a significant distance, entering the airfields territory unimpeded, where smoke was already rising from another aircraft that had already been struck. Background: On 1 June 2025, the SSU conducted strikes on four Russian military airfields: Olenya in Murmansk Oblast, Ivanovo Severny in Ivanovo Oblast, Dyagilevo in Ryazan Oblast and Belaya in Irkutsk Oblast. These airfields housed Russian strategic aviation used to attack Ukrainian cities. Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, reported that the operation, codenamed Pavutyna ("Spiders Web"), caused over US$7 billion in damage, destroying or damaging 41 aircraft, including A-50 early warning planes, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, Tu-160 bombers, An-12 transport planes and Il-78 refuelling tankers. The North Atlantic Alliance hailed Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web targeting Russian strategic aircraft as highly successful. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on operation Spider's Web, stated that the special services used exclusively Ukrainian weapons and did not use equipment from an allys arsenal. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! U.S. President Donald Trump on June 6 appeared to justify Russia's large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities launched the night before, in response to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb. They gave (Russian President Vladimir) Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "That's the thing I don't like about it. When I saw it I said 'here we go now it's going to be a strike,' Trump added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia launched a mass missile and drone attack against Ukraine overnight on June 6, targeting the capital, major cities, and the country's far-western regions. A total of 80 people were injured and four people killed, including first responders, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The attack comes a day after Putin promised to retaliate against Ukraine for its drone strike against Russian air bases during Operation Spiderweb, in a phone call with Trump. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump warned on June 5 that Russia's response to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb is likely "not going to be pretty." "I don't like it, I said don't do it, you shouldn't do it, you should stop it," Trump added. Despite Trump's repeated calls for hostilities between Russia and Ukraine to end, Trump has continued to delay additional pressures on Moscow through sanctions. Trump on June 5 sidestepped questions as to when he can be expected to impose additional sanctions on Russia, as the Kremlin continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine. 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 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. As Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue to intensify, Trump previously admitted to sheltering Russia from additional pressures. "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean really bad. He's playing with fire," he wrote on Truth Social on May 27, following three days of intense attacks on various regions of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bipartisan sanctions bill is already awaiting approval in Congress, with provisions for sweeping financial penalties and tariffs on nations buying Russian oil or uranium. Read also: Ukraine hopes for Trump-Zelensky meeting in Canada during G7 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEW YORK The world's richest man could lose billions in his fight with world's most powerful politician. The feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump could mean Tesla's plans for self-driving cars hit a roadblock, SpaceX flies fewer missions for NASA, Starlink gets fewer overseas satellite contracts and the social media platform X loses advertisers. It all depends on Trump's appetite for revenge and how the dispute unfolds. Joked Telemetry Insight auto analyst Sam Abuelsamid, "Since Trump has no history of retaliating against perceived adversaries, he'll probably just let this pass." Turning serious, he sees trouble ahead for Musk. "For someone that rants so much about government pork, all of Elon's businesses are extremely dependent on government largesse," he said, "which makes him vulnerable." Trump and the federal government also stand to lose from a long-running dispute, but not as much as Musk. Tesla robotaxis The dispute came just a week before a planned test of Tesla's driverless taxis in Austin, Texas, a major event for the company because sales of its EVs are lagging in many markets, and Musk needs a win. Trump could encourage federal safety regulators to step in at any sign of trouble for the robotaxis. Even before Thursday's spat, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration requested data on how Musk's driverless, autonomous taxis will perform in low-visibility conditions. That request followed an investigation last year into 2.4 million Teslas equipped with full self-driving software after several accidents, including one that killed a pedestrian. A spokesman for NHTSA said the probe was ongoing and the agency "will take any necessary actions to protect road safety." The Department of Justice also probed the safety of Tesla cars, but the status of that investigation is unclear. The DOJ did not respond immediately to requests for comment. The promise of a self-driving future led by Tesla inspired shareholders to boost the stock by 50% in the weeks after Musk confirmed the Austin rollout. But on Thursday, the stock plunged more than 14% amid the Trump-Musk standoff. On Friday, it recovered a bit, bouncing back nearly 4%. "Tesla's recent rise was almost entirely driven by robotaxi enthusiasm," Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein said. "Elon's feud with Trump could be a negative." Carbon credits business One often-overlooked but important part of Tesla's business that could take a hit is its sales of carbon credits. Republican senators inserted new language into Trump's budget bill that would eliminate fines for gas-powered cars that fall short of fuel economy standards. Tesla has a thriving side business selling "regulatory credits" to other automakers to make up for their shortfalls. Credit sales jumped by a third to $595 million in the first three months of the year even as total revenue slumped. Reviving sales Musk's foray into right-wing politics cost Tesla sales among the environmentally minded consumers who embraced electric cars and led to boycotts of Tesla showrooms. Those buyers could come back if Musk's close association with Trump ends, but that's far from certain. Meanwhile, one analyst speculated this year that Trump voters in so-called red counties could buy Teslas "in a meaningful way." He's now less hopeful. "There are more questions than answers following Thursday developments," TD Cowen's Itay Michaeli wrote in his latest report, "and it's still too early to determine any lasting impacts." Michaeli's stock target for Tesla earlier this year was $388. He since lowered it to $330. Tesla was trading Friday at $300. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. SpaceX's work with NASA Trump said Thursday that he could cut government contracts to Musk's rocket company, SpaceX, a massive threat to a company that received billions of federal dollars. The privately held company that is reportedly worth $350 billion sends astronauts into space for NASA and has a contract to send a team from the space agency to the moon next year. SpaceX is the only U.S. company capable of transporting crews to and from the space station, using its four-person Dragon capsules. The other alternative is politically dicey: depending wholly on Russia's Soyuz capsules. Starlink could be affected A subsidiary of SpaceX, the satellite internet company Starlink, appears to also have benefited from Musk's once-close relationship with the president. Musk announced that Saudi Arabia approved Starlink for some services during a trip with Trump in the Middle East last month. The company also won a string of other recent deals in Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and elsewhere as Trump threatened tariffs. It's not clear how much politics played a role, and how much is pure business. Ad revival interrupted? Big advertisers fled X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, after Musk welcomed all manner of conspiracy theories. They started to trickle back in recent months, possibly out of fear of a conservative backlash. Musk called their decision to leave an "illegal boycott" and sued them, and the Trump administration recently weighed in with a Federal Trade Commission probe into possible coordination among them. If Trump sours on X, "there's a risk that it could again become politically radioactive for major brands," said Sarah Kreps, a political scientist at Cornell University. She added, though, that an "exodus isn't obvious, and it would depend heavily on how the conflict escalates, how long it lasts and how it ends." This article was originally published in The Conversation. Five years after the pandemic forced children into remote instruction, two-thirds of U.S. fourth graders still cannot read at grade level. Reading scores lag 2 percentage points below 2022 levels and 4 percentage points below 2019 levels. This data from the 2024 report of National Assessment of Educational Progress, a state-based ranking sometimes called Americas report card, has concerned educators scrambling to boost reading skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many school districts have adopted an evidence-based literacy curriculum called the science of reading that features phonics as a critical component. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Phonics strategies begin by teaching children to recognize letters and make their corresponding sounds. Then they advance to manipulating and blending first-letter sounds to read and write simple, consonant-vowel-consonant words such as combining b or c with -at to make bat and cat. Eventually, students learn to merge more complex word families and to read them in short stories to improve fluency and comprehension. Proponents of the curriculum celebrate its grounding in brain science, and the science of reading has been credited with helping Louisiana students outperform their pre-pandemic reading scores last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In practice, Louisiana used a variety of science of reading approaches beyond phonics. Thats because different students have different learning needs, for a variety of reasons. Yet as a scholar of reading and language who has studied literacy in diverse student populations, I see many schools across the U.S. placing a heavy emphasis on the phonics components of the science of reading. If schools want across-the-board gains in reading achievement, using one reading curriculum to teach every child isnt the best way. Teachers need the flexibility and autonomy to use various, developmentally appropriate literacy strategies as needed. Related Why Steubenville, Ohio, Might Be the Best School District in America Phonics fails some students Phonics programs often require memorizing word families in word lists. This works well for some children: Research shows that decoding strategies such as phonics can support low-achieving readers and learners with dyslexia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some students may struggle with explicit phonics instruction, particularly the growing population of neurodivergent learners with autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These students learn and interact differently than their mainstream peers in school and in society. And they tend to have different strengths and challenges when it comes to word recognition, reading fluency and comprehension. This was the case with my own child. He had been a proficient reader from an early age, but struggles emerged when his school adopted a phonics program to balance out its regular curriculum, a flexible literature-based curriculum called Daily 5 that prioritizes reading fluency and comprehension. I worked with his first grade teacher to mitigate these challenges. But I realized that his real reading proficiency would likely not have been detected if the school had taught almost exclusively phonics-based reading lessons. Another weakness of phonics, in my experience, is that it teaches reading in a way that is disconnected from authentic reading experiences. Phonics often directs children to identify short vowel sounds in word lists, rather than encounter them in colorful stories. Evidence shows that exposing children to fun, interesting literature promotes deep comprehension. Balanced literacy To support different learning styles, educators can teach reading in multiple ways. This is called balanced literacy, and for decades it was a mainstay in teacher preparation and in classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balanced literacy prompts children to learn words encountered in authentic literature during guided, teacher-led read-alouds versus learning how to decode words in word lists. Teachers use multiple strategies to promote reading acquisition, such as blending the letter sounds in words to support decoding while reading. Another balanced literacy strategy that teachers can apply in phonics-based strategies while reading aloud is called rhyming word recognition. The rhyming word strategy is especially effective with stories whose rhymes contribute to the deeper meaning of the story, such as Marc Browns Arthur in a Pickle. After reading, teachers may have learners arrange letter cards to form words, then tap the letter cards while saying and blending each sound to form the word. Similar phonics strategies include tracing and writing letters to form words that were encountered during reading. There is no one right way to teach literacy in a developmentally appropriate, balanced literacy framework. There are as many ways as there are students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Which School Districts Do the Best Job of Teaching Kids to Read? What a truly balanced curriculum looks like The push for the phonics-based component of the science of reading is a response to the discrediting of the Lucy Calkins Reading Project, a balanced literacy approach that uses whats called cueing to teach young readers. Teachers cue students to recognize words with corresponding pictures and promote guessing unfamiliar words while reading based on context clues. A 2024 class action lawsuit filed by Massachusetts families claimed that this faulty curriculum and another cueing-based approach called Fountas & Pinnell had failed readers for four decades, in part because they neglect scientifically backed phonics instruction. But this allegation overlooks evidence that the Calkins curriculum worked for children who were taught basic reading skills at home. And a 2021 study in Georgia found modest student achievement gains of 2% in English Language Arts test scores among fourth graders taught with the Lucy Calkins method. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Review: Why You Should Buy into the Sold a Story Podcast Nor is the method unscientific. Using picture cues with corresponding words is supported by the predictable language theory of literacy. This approach is evident in Eric Carles popular childrens books. Stories such as the Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you See? have vibrant illustrations of animals and colors that correspond with the text. The pictures support children in learning whole words and repetitive phrases, suchg as, But he was still hungry. The intention here is for learners to acquire words in the context of engaging literature. But critics of Calkins contend that cueing during reading is a guessing game. They say readers are not learning the fundamentals necessary to identify sounds and word families on their way to decoding entire words and sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, schools across the country are replacing traditional learn-to-read activities tied to balanced literacy approaches with the science of reading. Since its inception in 2013, the phonics-based curriculum has been adopted by 40 states and the Disctrict of Columbia. Recommendations for parents, educators and policymakers The most scientific way to teach reading, in my opinion, is by not applying the same rigid rules to every child. The best instruction meets students where they are, not where they should be. Here are five evidence-based tips to promote reading for all readers that combine phonics, balanced literacy and other methods. 1. Maintain the home-school connection. When schools send kids home with developmentally appropriate books and strategies, it encourages parents to practice reading at home with their kids and develop their oral reading fluency. Ideally, reading materials include features that support a diversity of learning strategies, including text, pictures with corresponding words and predictable language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. Embrace all reading. Academic texts arent the only kind of reading parents and teachers should encourage. Children who see menus, magazines and other print materials at home also acquire new literacy skills. 3. Make phonics fun. Phonics instruction can teach kids to decode words, but the content is not particularly memorable. I encourage teachers to teach phonics on words that are embedded in stories and texts that children absolutely love. 4. Pick a series. High-quality childrens literature promotes early literacy achievement. Texts that become increasingly more complex as readers advance, such as the Arthur step-into-reading series, are especially helpful in developing reading comprehension. As readers progress through more complex picture books, caregivers and teachers should read aloud the Arthur novels until children can read them independently. Additional popular series that grow with readers include Otis, Olivia, Fancy Nancy and Berenstain Bears. 5. Tutoring works. Some readers will struggle despite teachers and parents best efforts. In these cases, intensive, high-impact tutoring can help. Sending students to one session a week of at least 30 minutes is well documented to help readers whove fallen behind catch up to their peers. Many nonprofit organizations, community centers and colleges offer high-impact tutoring. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Before he secured the Republican nomination for president in 2016, Donald Trump announced that he would seek a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States. Reaction, including from human rights organizations and fellow Republicans, was swift, and, for the most part, was characterized by astonishment, outrage and condemnation. Marco Rubio posted online, I disagree with Donald Trumps latest proposal. His habit of making offensive and outlandish statements will not bring Americans together. At that time, Trump was an unknown entity in politics, and many believed he would never actually seek to implement the outrageous things he said. Unfortunately, one of Trumps first actions as a newly inaugurated president in January 2017 was to sign an executive order banning nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. This was immediately met with lawsuits and protests. The order was amended two different times in response to court challenges; eventually, a scaled-back version was upheld by the Supreme Court. To their credit, many leaders and members of the presidents party were dismayed by this ban at the time. They saw it for what it was a threat to the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. They could see it as a clear attack on the pluralism that has long guaranteed that our nation a nation of immigrants remains a haven for people seeking to practice their religion according to their conscience while also contributing to society. When candidate Trump first voiced his pledge to prevent Muslims from entering the U.S. in 2015, Utah Governor Herbert spoke out strongly against this idea: I am the governor of a state that was settled by religious exiles who withstood persecution after persecution, including an extermination order from another states governor. In Utah, the First Amendment still matters. That will not change so long as I remain governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We remember both the early rhetoric of candidate Trump and the later actions of President Trump well. It was shocking and disorienting to watch his efforts to discriminate against others. It was disheartening to watch a political party descend into unchristian and uncharitable legalese, all with the aim to exclude others based solely on their faith or nationality. Mormon Women for Ethical Government was born in response to these efforts. At the outset, MWEGs founders envisioned a small group of women working together through peaceful, faithful, nonpartisan and proactive ways to counteract the unbelievable turn the government was making. But these women were not alone in their desire to take action. They were quickly joined by thousands of other women of faith who were ready to work for a more peaceful, just and ethical world. Over time, MWEG has become a strong voice in advocating for compassionate and moderating forces in government. The organization continues to attract women who want to proactively and peacefully support systems rooted in constitutional principles and the rule of law. We now have women in all 50 states engaging in the political arena as informed and principled citizens. Though much has changed since the formation of MWEG eight years ago, immigration remains a central and divisive issue. Immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, have been victims of dehumanizing language and unfair stereotyping. The current administration has invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport people without due process. It has detained students without cause, deported a man by mistake, attempted to end birthright citizenship, revoked student visas, ended temporary protected status for many and suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, President Trump signed another proclamation that bans citizens from 12 countries from entering the U.S. In comparison to eight years ago, the large-scale response has been muted or even resigned. An Afghan man passes in front of an air travel agency in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, June 5, 2025. | Ebrahim Noroozi As the world has changed and political rhetoric has become ever more extreme, have we changed with it? Do things that were once the source of personal outrage and deep concern still concern us? Has our once-strong commitment to love our neighbor as ourself weakened? And, if we cannot love them, are we at least as committed to maintaining their claim to Constitutional protections as we were eight years ago? As an organization, MWEG is committed to amplifying the best aspects of our Christian faith. That faith is rooted in a gospel of generosity. We are also committed to preserving the Constitution that, among other things, protects our ability, as members of a minority faith, to participate freely in civic life, to express our views and to practice our religion without fear of repercussions. Actions like this ban seem directed at a particular group, but they actually undermine the constitutional rights that protect all of us from government overreach. As citizens of a free nation, we can and should speak out when we see those rights being violated. In 2017, the threat was widely recognized by leaders and citizens from both parties. It is worth contemplating why this is no longer the case. Democrats are trying to make TACO or Trump always chickens out a new political slogan to get under the presidents skin. But it is not as clever a quip as they think it is, and it creates a perverse incentive for Trump to push the red buttons they dont want him to push. Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong coined the term "TACO" trade last month to describe how the president, in the face of market pressure, constantly backs off the biggest tariffs he slaps on other countries. But the term really took off last week after Trump responded angrily to a question from a reporter about what he thought of the term. Dont ever say what you said, he warned the reporter, after a rambling explanation of why he believes he does not, in fact, chicken out. Thats a nasty question. To me, thats the nastiest question. Since then Democratic lawmakers and staffers have been trying to make TACO a thing. The Democratic National Committee handed out free tacos from a truck emblazoned with the term and an image of Trump in a chicken suit near the Republican National Committees headquarters in Washington this week. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., posted a photo of an unappetizing taco lunch on BlueSky and wrote, Its TACO Tuesday on Capitol Hill! I hear the White House celebrates every day. And in a foolishly hawkish spin on the quip, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently condemned TACO Trump for negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran after his tough talk toward the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TACO has its merits as an analytic lens its broadly true that Trump has backed down from many tariffs in response to pressure from corporate America and the markets. And its not hard to see why its tempting to pounce on any opportunity to needle Trump with a put-down that appears to bruise his ego. Think about the instant virality of the weird insult in the summer of 2024. But Democrats would do better to drop this one as a major talking point. First, TACO is not entirely accurate. Even with Trump backing off his biggest tariffs, he is still maintaining hugely consequential 10% baseline tariffs on imports from every country around the world and far larger tariffs on specific industries such as steel and aluminum, and specific countries including China, Canada and Mexico. Even after Trumps chickening out, his tariffs are creating an extraordinarily volatile business and investment climate, pushing us toward higher prices and generating conditions for a potentially severe downturn in economic growth. Democrats ought not to obscure that as the economy stands on the brink. Second, it is straightforwardly wrongheaded as a political slogan. Why on Earth would Democrats dare Trump to follow through on his most extreme tariff threats? If this slogan were to really work, if it really did burrow its way into the deepest parts of Trumps brain, then it would nudge him and his allies to cling more tightly to the most extreme versions of Trumps bad economic policies. Weve been fortunate to have been spared from such extremes so far. But trade negotiations are still ongoing, and goading him to ignore potentially economy-saving pressure campaigns is foolish. Consider how Armstrong, the columnist who coined TACO, reflected on the explosion of the term in a recent podcast episode: Let us state clearly, chickening out is good and something to be celebrated. Bad policy chickening out, hooray. So this is an unintended consequences thing if, as I think is quite unlikely by the way, given that I am an unimportant person and the president is an important person, if this gets into his head and he digs in his heels about some of this stuff. That is really a disaster for which I am very, very sorry. That the Democrats appear to be playing chicken with Trump and seeing who will blink first is not particularly mature, and seems to make a mockery of the stakes before us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Third, TACO threatens to undermine Democrats messaging that Trump poses an existential threat to democracy. If Trump really is, as Democrats say, an aspiring autocrat willing to shred the Constitution through his assault on the freedoms of civil society, its a bit odd to simultaneously argue that Trump is all talk and no action. As we all know, Trump often does the opposite of chicken out: Hes not holding back in his promises to pursue an aggressive mass deportation regime, hes doggedly pursuing a bill that will gift the rich with favorable tax codes and throw millions off of their health insurance, and hes trying to quash freedom of expression. Its tonally awkward to point to all these things as perilous and at the same time call the man a coward who doesnt follow through. Is Trump chaotic and bad at executing policy? Yes. But he does try and succeed at getting some consequential stuff done. Dems shouldnt be encouraging him to do more of it or casting the decline of a republic as a game. On top of all that: TACO just sounds corny. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com (WBRE/WYOU) The opioid epidemic was declared a public health emergency back in 2017. The addictive drug is responsible for about 70% of the 170,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in the past year. See more stories from Paolas Parenting Playbook Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist Cammie Anderson in the Tunkhannock Area School District spoke with 28/22 News about the steps officials are taking to address the deadly crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Orange County deputy sheriff shot a man who attacked him Saturday morning while he was checking on a suspicious person behind a Pine Hills discount store, according to Sheriff John Mina. Mina, who declined to identify the man or the deputy who shot him, said he will be charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer plus additional charges related to the firearms he had. First aid was provided on scene for the mans gunshot wounds until paramedics arrived to transport him to a hospital where he was last reported in stable condition, the sheriff said during a news conference a few hours after the altercation. The deputy was also taken to a hospital to be checked for a head injury and is currently in good condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case just illustrates how dangerous it is for our deputies, Mina said. One minute our deputys helping this guy over the fence to find out what hes doing and within seconds hes being punched in the face in a fight for his life. Im extremely proud of the deputy and the training that we put our deputies through because it showed in this fight. The sheriff said the incident began around 8 a.m. when the deputy approached a man in a fenced-in area behind the Save Discount store on North Hiawassee Road to ask what he was doing there. The man jumped the fence as if he was going to speak to the deputy but instead grabbed a bag off the ground and tried to flee. The deputy grabbed the man to detain him but he started punching him in the face repeatedly. He punched him in the face probably 10 times. Our deputy was in this struggle (and) fight with this man for a minute and 16 seconds, he said. This is an extremely long time to be in a fight, especially when youre being punched in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the altercation the deputy fell onto his back and the man punched him in the head at least 10 more times, Mina said. As the struggle continued two objects, later determined to be handguns, fell out of the mans bag. The man ran toward those firearms, picked those firearms up, and thats when our deputy used his service weapon and struck the man several times. he said. Mina said the man has an extensive criminal history of just doing bad guy stuff from robbery to larceny to a slew of other charges. Video of the altercation obtained from the deputys body-worn cameras will be released as soon as possible, he said, adding there is also footage from the stores surveillance camera. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the incident, as is standard in officer-involved shootings, and turn its findings over to the State Attorneys Office. Once that review is complete the Sheriffs Office will do an internal investigation. The deputy is being put on paid administrative leave also standard procedure. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Following criticism of Oregons Bottle Bill, officials have approved changes to the long-standing program. Gov. Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 992 on Tuesday, allowing Oregon retailers to temporarily refuse bottle drops outside of the hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The measure also calls on state leaders to establish Alternative Access Redemption Centers. Crater Lake superintendent steps down amid staffing cuts under Trump admin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents currently pay a 10-cent deposit for the beverage containers they purchase at retailers statewide. The Oregon Beverage Container Act was first passed in 1971 in an attempt to mitigate litter by giving people refunds for the beverages they return, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. But more recently, community members have claimed the program attracts addicts who want to quickly obtain cash to purchase drugs. Store owners have additionally alleged it poses a threat to staff members who work later hours. Just last spring, Southwest 11th Avenue and Jefferson Streets Plaid Pantry and a nearby Safeway paused their bottle drop programs. Plaid Pantry President and CEO Jonathan Polonsky told KOIN 6 that employees would often quit due to safety concerns at the store that is open 24-7. Now that SB 992 has taken effect, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission is working to ensure residents can still access their deposits at participating retailers. The agency has also expanded the program to include wine and cider bottles with an ABV of more than 8.5%, along with sake and mead starting on July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon board rejects another attempt to block Portlands first Live Nation venue For over 50 years, Oregons Bottle Bill has helped keep our state green and litter-free, Chair Dennis Doherty said during Thursdays commission meeting. The OLCC is proud of the role we play in making the Bottle Bill work. With todays significant changes, we will ensure that our pioneering system will continue to serve communities across our state for years to come. The temporary rules established by the new legislation are set to expire on Dec. 2. Regulators plan to hear the publics feedback on the changes before permanently enforcing them later this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) A heads up for cattle producers, theres a deadly tick in the United States, and researchers at Oklahoma State University are concerned. Last year, a case was found in the Eastern part of the state. These ticks can be so high on a single cow that they can actually result in so much blood loss that the animal can die from that, said Dr. Jonathan Cammack, Assistant Professor at OSU and State Extension Specialist for Livestock, Entomology, and Parasitology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Jonathan Cammack said the Asian Longhorned Tick, also known ALT is native to East Asia. It was first seen in the U.S. a decade ago, and in Oklahoma last year when it was discovered on cattle in Craig County. LOCAL NEWS: Neighbors blame school construction for ongoing drainage crisis Its not going to have that bright white spot on it like a lone star. And theyre also going to be very small, about half the size of the normal tick that were usually expecting to see at this time of year, said Dr. Cammack. Theyre also concerned with how fast the ticks can reproduce. They can reproduce asexually so they dont have that added challenge of locating a mate in the environment, said Dr. Cammack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which means a female can lay up to 2,500 eggs on one animal and that can consume enough blood to be deadly. Researching the Asian Longhorned Tick at OSU (Photo by Mitchell Alcala/OSU Agriculture) Now, theyre hoping research can help with ideas to slow or stop the spread. Theres a project going on at the vet school where theyre collecting ticks that are suspected to be Asian Longhorned Ticks, and then theyre testing them for the presence of this pathogen, said Dr. Cammack. The pathogen theyre testing for is the Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype. This year, the team is looking for new cases of the tick, and they hope ranchers will help them with surveillance. LOCAL NEWS: He just stabbed me: New video shows Edmond officer stabbed during traffic stop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just kind of, you know, being in tune with your animals, checking on them regularly, you know, not like youre saying every day, but you know, not also once a year either, said Dr. Cammack. While they havent seen any new cases in our state so far this year, the tick and pathogen are present in Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas. If you see it on your cattle, call your local veterinarian or a local OSU Extension office so they can collect the ticks and get them tested. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Deysi Vargass 4-year-old daughter was fussy on Wednesday as she carried her into their Bakersfield, California, home after a dental procedure. In a few hours, Vargas would have to prepare the girls next feeding - washing her hands thoroughly, measuring formula and flushing her daughters gastric tube. It was a routine Vargas had perfected through fear. Missing even one step could mean disaster, she said. But for the first time in months, she felt like she could finally breathe. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vargas and her family, who hail from Mexico, could stay in the United States, the only country where her daughter can receive the complex and specialized treatment that keeps her alive. The girl has short bowel syndrome, a condition where the body cannot absorb enough nutrients from food. The relief that washed over Vargas had come after nearly two excruciating months, she said. In April, the government had abruptly revoked the familys humanitarian parole without giving them a reason. The move triggered swift international outrage and prompted 38 Democratic members of Congress to send a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem urging her to reverse the decision. Then on Tuesday, Vargas received a notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: The family had been granted another year of parole. I felt more than tranquility - peace, Vargas, 28, told The Washington Post. These moments of not knowing whether wed be deported or allowed to stay were beyond overwhelming. It was horrible knowing that my daughters ability to stay alive depended on this humanitarian parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Friday, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the family was approved to stay in the United States. The agency did not respond to questions about why their parole had been revoked after initially being granted until July. Vargass attorney, Gina Amato Lough, said the family fit into two categories of people who have seen their status canceled amid the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration: people with parole and those who entered the country through the Biden administrations CBP One app. The Trump administration has also rolled back humanitarian protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants. The girl, whom the familys lawyers identify by the pseudonym Sofia, was born in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in fragile health. She had her first surgery at four days old for a malformation in her intestine. Four more surgeries followed, Vargas said, and left the girl with short bowel syndrome. Soon, the girl was transferred to a hospital nearly 800 miles away in Mexico City. Vargas and her husband uprooted their lives to move close to the facility, which their daughter did not leave for two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After two more surgeries and a near-death experience, doctors told Vargas they were running out of options. The only thing left to try was an intestine transplant, which had never been done in that hospital before, Vargas recalled being told. They told me my child was most likely going to die, she said. Vargas refused to give up hope. She started researching transplants and alternative treatments in Spain and the United States, and contacting hospitals. At the same time, she prepared an application for humanitarian parole, which allows people to temporarily live in the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons. In 2023, the family boarded a flight to Tijuana from Mexico City. They carried the girl - still connected to nutrition bags - to the border and legally entered the United States through an appointment secured through the CBP One app, Vargas said. They were granted humanitarian parole until July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl arrived in California as an emaciated toddler and was transported to a childrens hospital in San Diego. She soon began to thrive under specialized care, Vargas said, including hours tethered to an intravenous feeding system - a machine that pumps nutrients into her through a tube. Little by little, the child reached milestones - like sitting up and taking her first steps - that to Vargas had once seemed impossibly out of reach. She was transferred to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles after a year. In September, the girl was discharged and allowed to live something close to a normal life: playing in the park, painting with her father and attending day care while Vargas works in a buffet-style restaurant. She loves dancing, especially to Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega. She feels the rhythm and starts moving her body, Vargas said, laughing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a while, it felt like the family was moving forward. Then came the April 11 letter from DHS, giving them just seven days before their legal status would be revoked. Do not attempt to remain in the United States - the federal government will find you. Please depart the United States immediately, read the email, which was reviewed by The Post. The family received two more such notices. The last one, from May 13, warned Vargas that her work authorization had also been canceled. I cant explain the fear, she said. Feeling like any time we were out on the streets someone was going to take us away and deport us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to her anxiety, Vargas said, was the fact that her daughters medical team had said the equipment that keeps the girl alive cant leave the country - and patients on this treatment arent allowed to travel. DHS denied in its statement that the family was actively being deported. Though the family hadnt been placed in removal proceedings or received a final deportation order, Amato Lough said the revocation of their status effectively left them undocumented. The letter the family received from DHS warned: If you do not depart the United States immediately you will be subject to potential law enforcement actions that will result in your removal. On May 14, Vargas and her family filed another application for humanitarian parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks went by without an answer. Then, after the Los Angeles Times reported on the familys situation, USCIS contacted the family to begin scheduling biometrics appointments - a standard, early step in many immigration benefit applications. Days later, the family was told they would have status for a year. While we celebrate this victory, we cannot ignore the systemic challenges that brought [the girl] to the brink, Amato Lough and her co-counsel, Rebecca Brown, said in a statement. Her parole was terminated without warning, and for weeks there was no functional avenue to alert USCIS that a childs life was in danger. It took an international outcry and pressure from elected officials to get a response - something that used to take a single phone call. In Bakersfield, Vargas rocked her daughter gently this week and whispered reassurances. Shes so groggy, she said, as the girl whined. But shes going to be okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time, she believed it. Related Content Enough is enough. Why Los Angeles is still protesting, despite fear. Hes waging a war on us: As Trump escalates, Angelenos defend their city To save rhinos, conservationists are removing their horns Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony blasted the State Attorneys Office for charging three corrections deputies who are accused of battering a woman they booked into jail almost three years ago. Tony said the deputies never should have been charged, that the woman theyre accused of beating attacked and injured them and he is reinstating them. So, were moving forward from an internal-affairs standpoint. Our investigation has been completed. All three deputies will be reinstated to full capacity, and theyve been either exonerated of these false allegations or its been unfounded, he said at a press briefing Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BSO Sgt. Zakiyya Polk, Deputy Cleopatra Johnnie and Deputy Denia Walker surrendered to BSO last week on aggravated-battery charges stemming from an Oct. 4, 2022, incident involving a woman being booked into jail on a charge of driving under the influence. Each faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the second-degree felony charge. Eric Schwartzreich, Polks attorney, said she and the other detention deputies have not committed any crimes, or any policy violations. As a criminal defense attorney that represents those that find themselves thrust into the criminal justice system, which at times includes deputies, this is the first time that the Sheriff and I have stood in solidarity and both of us agree that these deputies should not be charged with any crimes, Schwartzreich said in an email to the Miami Herald. This is an important case for all of law enforcement. I applaud the Sheriff on his response and for standing up for the men and women who keep us safe. According to the deputies arrest warrant, the woman, 38-year-old Samantha Caputo, became argumentative when the deputies told her to remove her bra as she was changing from her personal clothes to her jail uniform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polk pushed Caputo, and then Johnnie and Walker punched and kicked her several times, the warrant states. Walker and Polk also pepper-sprayed Caputo, and Polk shot prongs into her with her Taser stun gun, according to the warrant. After the struggle, Caputo had a hematoma under her right eye, bruises and a scar from the Taser prongs, the warrant states. The jail nurse treated her for her injuries, and she was hospitalized days later because the Taser wound became infected, according to the warrant. Tony stressed that security-camera footage shows the deputies used an appropriate amount of force in controlling Caputo. He said Caputo struck, scratched and bit one of the deputies, puncturing the skin and fracturing her finger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video is crystal clear that [the deputies] had demonstrated only the level of force necessary to get this individual back into compliance, Tony said. Our standard is reasonable, necessary force in proportion to the threat to that which we face. Tony struck out at Broward State Attorney Harold Pryors office for pursuing charges against the deputies yet declining to charge in many cases against deputies and other public employees whom the sheriffs office recommends for prosecution. Referring to Polk, Johnnie and Walker as the select three, Tony questioned why Pryors office pursued them while ignoring other public-corruption leads from the sheriffs office. This is most certainly a miscarriage of justice and exhibits symptoms of public corruption in itself, Tony said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tony said that in his two terms he has taken deputy misconduct so seriously that he has fired 141 of them. He said he holds his deputies to strict standards when they use force. Pryor responded in a statement that the State Attorneys Office charged the deputies almost three years after the incident because prosecutors didnt begin looking at the case until Caputos attorneys filed a motion to dismiss a charge of battery on a law-enforcement officer. Public Corruption Unit prosecutors then viewed the security-camera footage and decided to charge the deputies, Pryor said. They also dropped the battery charge against Caputo, according to court documents. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. At no time were the detention deputies placed in front of the national media in handcuffs, they were allowed to surrender to the jail at a time that was arranged with their defense attorneys in advance, and they were released from the jail on agreed bonds of $7,500 without going through magistrate court, Pryor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tony said he was outraged the charge against Caputo was dropped. You dont get a free pass to strike, injure or harm any of my God damn deputies in this agency, he said. None of them! Walkers attorney, Jeremy Kroll, told the Herald that he is thankful to Tony for sticking up for the deputies, and that his client is innocent. For 10 years, Deputy Walker has been a faithful and honest public servant. We are grateful to the Broward Sheriffs Office for their intellectual honesty in assessing her involvement in the use of force and for clearing her and putting her back to work, Kroll said. We look forward to defending her case in court, and believe there is no legal or factual merit to the charge against her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information about Johnnies legal representation was not immediately available. All three deputies were released from jail on May 29, the same day they surrendered. Tony brought up the case of former Broward Sheriffs Office Deputy Ronald Thurston and other examples of what he said were mishandled cases by Pryors office. READ MORE: Broward school security specialist is accused of abusing student Thurston was fired for excessive force in 2022. The sheriffs office recommended the State Attorneys Office charge him with battery the previous year, but prosecutors declined. He was arrested three years later on charges of aggravated child abuse and aggravated battery after being hired by Broward County Public Schools to work security at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pryor defended his offices handling of both cases against Thurston. Thurston was criminally charged in February of this year on an unrelated matter and is currently facing criminal prosecution by our agency, Pryor said. As with all cases, we will file criminal charges when we have facts and evidence to support them. This story has been updated to reflect that the deputies surrendered to the Broward Sheriffs Office and were not arrested by the State Attorneys Office, which charged them. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Agents with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force seized drugs, cash, and a loaded gun after a drug investigation in Dyer County, Tennessee, on Wednesday. On June 4, agents with the 29th District in Dyer County, Tennessee, conducted a narcotics search warrant in a drug investigation in the 2500 block of Welch Road. Courtesy of West Tennessee Drug Task Force Courtesy of West Tennessee Drug Task Force Courtesy of West Tennessee Drug Task Force Courtesy of West Tennessee Drug Task Force Courtesy of West Tennessee Drug Task Force Courtesy of West Tennessee Drug Task Force Agents said they seized nearly a quarter pound of crack cocaine, liquid codeine, a loaded handgun, nearly half a pound of marijuana, and a shoe box containing $5,546 in cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say one man, a previously convicted felon, was taken into custody and charged with numerous weapon violations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. DENVER (KDVR) A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day is issued for Friday as thunderstorms and hail make their way to the Denver metro area and are expected to affect travelers. As of 5:25 p.m. on Friday, over 800 flights at the Denver International Airport have been delayed. Pothole that formed in under 30 minutes causes backups on I-70: CDOT The online flight tracker FlightAware reported that 839 flights in and out of DIA were delayed, and a total of 24 were canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airlines that had the most delayed flights included: Southwest: 304 Skywest: 206 United: 204 Frontier: 40 Delta: 22 American: 20 The following airlines had cancellations on Friday: Southwest: 16 Frontier: 5 Delta: 2 United: 1 Denver, Colorado weather resources Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information: The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Communities around the world gathered for the March for Jesus event on Saturday, including the Mahoning Valley. Locally, the march was held at South High School in Youngstown. Over a dozen local churches participated, sharing their praise and growing the community. Organizers say this event is focused on bringing different people together to focus on their united faith. All churches, all denominations coming together just to celebrate Jesus, put aside any differences we may have and focus on our one common factor, and thats the love of Jesus and sharing that with our community, said Stephanie McKelvey, regional coordinator of March for Jesus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March for Jesus is a national event to bring church communities together. Tino DiCenso 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. Jun. 6By Jed Nelson There are moments in history that are so important, so joyful or tragic that we remember exactly where we were or what we were doing when the news was broken to us. The moment the TV turned on or hearing the static of the radio will forever be ingrained in our memory. For the students and staff at Pacelli Catholic Schools, the election of Pope Leo XIV was one of those moments, but certainly one they did not see coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "About a half hour before the white smoke I told students it was not going to happen," Pacelli Social Studies teacher Nicholas McGrath said regarding the election of American Cardinal Robert Prevost. "The reason being, the global community has somewhat wrongly accepted that having an American pope would concentrate too much power within the United States," McGrath added. "With what I knew of the American Cardinals, I said 'probably not', and figured it would be somebody from Africa or Asia." But nonetheless, Chicago born Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected in the 2025 papal conclave as the successor to Pope Francis who passed away April 21 2025. Prevost is the first-ever American pope to be elected in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. "I thought it was really cool because I hadn't witnessed it before," Pacelli student Mallory Lamers said. "It was cool to experience the white smoke and him (Pope Leo XIV) coming out for the first time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the staff at Pacelli, being able to experience the conclave a true watershed moment was what made the day so special. "Seeing it with the students, for me, was the coolest thing," McGrath said. "We got the white smoke between the third and fourth period we were glued to TVs." After the fourth period, students and staff ditched the TVs in the classrooms and flocked to the auditorium where they watched the announcement of Pope Leo XIV on the big screen. "It was convocation at this time and the whole school met for 20, 25 minutes and watched the livestream," McGrath said. "The Cardinal comes out and announces the name Prevost the whole room was electric." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a student like Lamers who did not know what a conclave was before attending Pacelli, it was quite a sight to see. "Watching the whole process of the conclave and seeing everyone at the Vatican, I thought it was really cool. As soon as I saw the white smoke I wanted to call my grandma," Lamers added. During the conclave, students were given the opportunity to adopt one of the many Cardinals up for election and give campaign speeches on behalf of them to highlight why they should be the one elected. This allowed for students to become familiar with the different Cardinals and to broaden their sense of what the conclave process is like. McGrath also offered each student who gave a speech extra credit in one class of the student's choosing. This was an opportunity that Pacelli senior Kirsten Koopal took advantage of, which led to her picking Prevost at the last minute. "We had gotten an email from McGrath about giving speeches and I didn't really think anything of it," Koopal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fearing for her physics grade at the time, Koopal ran to McGrath's room 10 minutes before the speeches were due to figure out which Cardinals had not been picked by the other students. "He showed me where to find the list of Cardinals and I saw the name "Robert" and I was like 'I can say that,'" Koopal said. "So, I wrote a quick speech about him, then didn't think anything of it again." It wasn't until the students and staff settled into the auditorium that Koopal began to think about Prevost being elected. "When we got white smoke, I said to myself 'What if it's him?' I picked him randomly there was just something in me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sure enough, as the announcements were happening, it was becoming more and more clear who it was. "As things were being said, I could just tell it was going to be him," she added. "And then it was and I was seriously shook." But why Prevost? For some, the process of how a cardinal gets elected as pope can be foreign. Father Andrew Beerman, pastor of St. Augustine's and St. Edward's churches of Austin, said it's more than just a popularity contest. "A lot of the cardinals give talks beforehand to try and get to know them," Beerman said. "They talk about what's needed in the church, what's most important." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beerman was another one who simply did not believe an American would be elected as pope. "It's always been the common thought that an American would not be elected as pope," he said. "There's America as a country, versus the church in America which are two different things. Foreign countries tend to lump it all together and have this picture of the country where everyone has the same views, but that's just not the case." Beerman, who spent five years of his life living in Italy, was able to get a sense of how foreign countries pictured America. "In some areas they love the United States and want to imitate them. Then there's the view that the United States is not favorable in the sense to guide us in the church." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite many of the differing viewpoints, there was still an allure to Prevost. Some described him as being "American, but not too American," due to him spending most of his priesthood outside of the United States in Peru and Rome. "He's equipped with a number of valuable skills," Beerman said. "He's a gentle soul with a great intellect." Another favorable draw that led to the election of Prevost was that he spoke English. Father Beerman detailed how this is a growing value within the church. "All the Cardinals from Asia and Africa probably don't know Italian, but they would know English as a second language. So Prevost was able to speak with all of them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time will tell as to what Pope Leo XIV will do in his time as the newly elected pope. But there's a history that comes with the name "Leo." This chosen name could very well be a look into what's to come. "We've had so many Leo's throughout history that it brings a renewed interest to the last Leo, Leo XIII," McGrath said. "We say the St. Michael the Archangel prayer every mass, and that was a prayer written by Pope Leo XIII." The last Pope Leo died in 1903. Throughout his papacy, he worked to bring Christian life to all people, especially the leaders of other countries. Also part of his agenda was to bring a union amongst all Christians due to the division within Christianity for the last five-hundred years. "If Pope Leo XIV is choosing that name, then there probably is some indication that he looks up to Pope Leo XIII and wants to duplicate his goals," Beerman added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because most people today have a phone in their pocket, news comes at them fast. With the world at their fingertips, any question they have can be answered. Anything they want to see, they can see with the click of a button. And on May 8, almost everyone who has access to a screen saw Robert Prevost, an American, elected as pope. "Ever since Pope Leo XIV was elected there's been a renewed interest in the Catholic faith," Beerman said. "Someone cited that the Google search for 'How do I become Catholic?' has gone up 370 percent." Beerman stated how this is providing an openness to being Catholic, and that it's not something to be ashamed of. "Because of the modern age, I told one of my classes that everyone in the world knows what the pope looks like," McGrath added. "The conclave itself shows the global nature of the church." With all the excitement surrounding Pope Leo XIV, both McGrath and Beerman see a need for a clear teaching of the Catholic faith. "We have to be united if we're going to move forward in bringing the message of the gospel to the world," Beerman said. "The teaching of the faith has not been as clear in previous times." Because Pope Leo XIV has a Canon Law degree, that is a clear indication to Beerman that he is very particular in his thinking and teaching. "It's a joyful time in the church when there's a new pope elected," Beerman said. "It shows the continuity that Jesus has not left us without a shepherd to guide the church. Because I lived in Rome, seeing all the things that were shown on TV during the election, that I have been to and seen, it was very moving." DERA BAJWA, Pakistan (AP) It was supposed to be the final leg of Amir Ali's monthslong journey to Europe. But he was nowhere near his destination, with only death in sight. The 21-year-old Pakistani had been promised a visa and a flight to Spain. Yet six months, four countries and $17,000 later, he found himself crammed in a fishing boat in the Atlantic Ocean alongside 85 others, screaming for their lives as seawater sloshed over the gunwales. Forty-four fellow Pakistani migrants perished during the 10-day failed crossing in January from Mauritania's coast toward Spain's Canary Islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deadly journey cast a spotlight on how globalized and sophisticated smuggling networks on the West African coast and specifically Mauritania have become. Interviews with survivors and relatives of migrants who died revealed how smugglers have adapted to tighter border controls and anti-migration policies across the Mediterranean and North Africa, resorting to lengthier, more dangerous routes. A journey that began 5,000 miles away Alis odyssey began last July. After making an initial deposit of 600,000 Pakistani rupees ($2,127), he went to Karachi airport, where he was told to wait for a shift change before approaching the immigration counter. The smugglers had inside help, he said. He and other migrants were swiftly put on a flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From there Ali boarded a second flight to Dakar, Senegal, where he was told someone would be waiting for him. Instead, when he arrived he was told to go to the Senegal River bordering Mauritania, a seven-hour taxi ride north. He joined other Pakistanis traveling to the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott. In each country he passed through, bribes were demanded for visas, Ali said. Imran Iqbal, 42, took a similar journey. Like Ali, he flew from Karachi to Senegal via Ethiopia before reaching Mauritania. Other Pakistanis Iqbal met, he said, traveled through Kenya or Zimbabwe enroute to Mauritania. A monthslong waiting game Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once in Mauritania, the migrants were taken to cramped safe houses where smugglers took their belongings and deprived them of food. Our passports, our money everything, Iqbal said. I was essentially held captive, Ali said. During the six months Iqbal and Ali were in Mauritania, smugglers moved them repeatedly, beating them to extract more money. While he managed to get some money sent from Pakistan, Iqbal did not tell his family of his dire situation. Our parents, children, siblings ... they would've been devastated," he said. Ali said the smugglers lied to their families in Pakistan, who asked about their whereabouts and questioned why they hadn't called from Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, on Jan. 2, Iqbal, Ali and the other Pakistani migrants were transferred to an overcrowded boat that set course for Spain's Canary Islands. On the day of departure, 64 Pakistanis from various safe houses were brought to the port, Ali recalled. The Mauritanian police and port officials, who were complicit, facilitated our transfer to the boats. What followed were the hardest 15 days of my life," Iqbal said. Mauritanian authorities have launched several investigations into smuggling networks and, in the past two months, heightened surveillance at the countrys borders and ports, according to a Mauritanian embassy official in Madrid who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to comment publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The world's deadliest migration route is only growing While migration to Europe has been falling steadily, the Atlantic Ocean crossing from West Africa to Spains Canary Islands has reemerged since 2020. Nearly 47,000 people disembarked in the Canaries in 2024, an increase from the nearly 40,000 in 2023, according to Spanish Interior Ministry figures. Until recently, the route was mostly used by migrants from West African nations fleeing poverty or violence. But since last year, migrants from far-flung countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan have increasingly embarked on the fishing boats used to reach the European archipelago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smugglers connect with migrants locally in Pakistan and elsewhere, as well as on social media. Migrants post videos of their voyages on TikTok. Although some warn of the dangers, they also share idyllic videos of life in Europe, from Canary Island beaches to the bustling streets of Barcelona and Madrid. For many, Spain is just an entry point for continuing to France, Italy and elsewhere. Chris Borowski, spokesperson for the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex, believes smuggling networks bringing Pakistanis and other South Asian migrants through the Canaries are still testing the waters to see how profitable it is. However, experts at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Crime warn the route is here to stay. With the conflict landscape showing no sign of improvement, movement on the Canary Islands route looks set to increase, the group warned. Because it remains the deadliest migration route in the world, this has severe humanitarian implications." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Atlantic Ocean crossing can take days or weeks. Dozens of boats have vanished. Exact figures don't exist, but the International Organization for Migrations Missing Migrants Project recorded at least 1,142 deaths and disappearances last year, a number it calls a vast understatement. Spanish rights group Walking Borders reported nearly 9,800 victims on the Canaries route last year which would make it the world's deadliest migration route. Only a tiny fraction of bodies are ever recovered. Some shipwrecked vessels have appeared hundreds of thousands of miles away, in the Caribbean and South America. The boat Ali and Iqbal boarded had a 40-person capacity but was packed with more than double that. Immediately, there were fights between the Pakistanis and the Africans on board, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press wasnt able to locate non-Pakistani survivors to verify the accusations, but reports of violence on the Canaries journey are frequent even among those of the same nationality and ethnicity. Dehydration can cause hallucinations, exacerbating tensions. The weather was terrible, Ali said. As water entered the boat, the crew threw our belongings and food into the sea to keep the boat afloat. On the fifth day, a man died of a heart attack, Ali and Iqbal said. More people perished every day, their bodies thrown overboard; while some died from hunger and thirst, the majority were killed. The crew attacked us with hammers, killing 15 in one night, Ali said. Both men showed photos of injuries others sustained, although AP couldn't verify what caused them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beatings were mostly to the head so brutal that people started losing their sanity, Iqbal said. They prayed for a merciful death, convinced they had little chance of survival. On the 10th night, after dozens had died, lights appeared on the horizon. They shouted for help. At daybreak, a fishing vessel approached, handing them food and water before eventually towing them to the West African coast two days later. Forty-four Pakistanis had died. Only twelve bodies returned to Pakistan," Ali said. "The rest were lost at sea. Back at square one News of the failed journey made international headlines, prompting a pledge by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to go after smugglers. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency has arrested dozens of people suspected of arranging the journey or connections to the smugglers. A nationwide crackdown was already underway, but smugglers change locations to evade capture. In Europe and Pakistan, smugglers who are caught are primarily low-level operatives, resulting in limited impact on the overall business. Staring at the mansions being built around his modest brick home in the Pakistani village of Dera Bajwa, Ali reflected on his wasted journey. These are the houses of those who made it abroad," Ali said. People like me see them and dream without thinking." ___ Brito reported from Barcelona, Spain. Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 60 people since early Saturday morning, Palestinian medical sources said. Dozens more have been injured, the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry said. The Israeli army initially provided no information, and the figures could not be independently verified. According to the reports, the death toll is rising by the hour as the Israeli military continues to attack various locations in the sealed-off territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian news agency WAFA previously reported deaths in the areas around Khan Younis and Rafah in the south of the embattled strip, as well as in Gaza City further north. There was no initial comment from the Israeli military. Israel has been fighting the Palestinian Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the militia led its unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Three weeks ago, Israel launched a major new offensive in the coastal strip. Its stated goal is to completely destroy Hamas and free the hostages still being held by the extremists. Israel's actions have been met with international criticism, including from close allies. Palestinians mourn loved ones killed in an Israeli attack on tents and makeshift shelters in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Yunis, after the bodies are brought to Nasser Hospital. Doaa El-Baz/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa HONOLULU (KHON2) We are officially in summer and there are always great events that are taking place throughout the hot months. We are so excited that next weekend, beginning on June 13 throughout the weekend is the return and the 42nd annual Pan Pacific Festival, bringing in cultures from across the Pacific here on Oahu to celebrate. And to find out more, because there will be so many different events, we are here with both Shuji Komagata of Hawaii Matsuri Taiko and Somei Taiko, and Alan Kinuhata who is the spokesperson for the Festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alan, what are we expecting for the 42nd annual Pan Pacific Festival? Yes. Once again, we are very excited. We had a long hiatus because of the pandemic, but it started back again last year, says Kinuhata. This year, we are celebrating the 42nd annual. We are considered one of the longest running festivals here in Hawaii Nei so very excited about that. But as you have mentioned, we are going to kick off the festivities with a hoolaulea. We are going to block off Kalakaua Ave and we have a total of 4 performing areas throughout Kalakaua Ave. And then throughout the weekend, we have performances at International Marketplace, Ala Moana Center and then we will wrap up everything on Kalakaua once again on Sunday evening. What are some of the things that will be presented at each of these locations? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, you had mentioned earlier about the melting pot of cultures and Hawaii, says Kinuhata. That is all about us, so we are inviting all of the various cultures throughout the Pacific Rim area to perform or share their performing arts and culture with us. One of the most exciting cultures that I like personally is the taiko. Whenever I hear the taiko, it gets my blood all boiling and excited. We actually have one of the groups who is locally here that has been joining with the festivities for quite sometime now. You mentioned the taiko drum which Shuji, we are very stoked for you to be here because I am familiar with you being a part of this festival for many decades. How long have you been a part of this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, we have been playing a part of this Pan Pacific Festival since the mid-1990s, says Komagata. Our group Hawaii Matsuri Taiko was started in 1984 by my mother, Faye Komagata. And in 2005, my wife Jaymie and I started Somei Taiko, so together we are part of this annual event and are excited to be a part of it once again this year. For those who may be unfamiliar with the significance of taiko, what is taiko all about? Well, taiko simply means Japanese drum, says Komagata. You see the drum made out of wood with cowhide, you pair that with really good performers and good music and you have a nice festivity for an entertaining show. Taiko is used in the past for good luck, to bring good luck in, chase out the bad luck, but also for festivals so it is a very fitting time to use this taiko in the Pan Pacific Festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, this is going to be the 42nd annual Pan Pacific Festival kicking off next week Friday, June 13 and lasting throughout the weekend. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. UPDATE: BOLO canceled, she has returned, authorities said. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) The Panama City Police Department is seeking the publics help in locating a missing runaway juvenile. According to a news release, 16-year-old Zoarys Vazquez was last seen on June 7, 2025, at approximately midnight in the area of the 200 block of West 15th Street in Panama City. Zoarys is 51, 110 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes, authorities wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with any information on this case is urged to call the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100 or report their tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 850-785-TIPS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. PANAMA CITY (AP) Panamas Jose Raul Mulino appealed to a higher power on Friday, calling in an archbishop and a rabbi to deliver a message to striking banana workers after nearly two months of social protest that have roiled the country. Mulino has said he wont reverse controversial changes to Panamas social security system, courts have deemed the strike illegal and top banana Chiquita Brands fired nearly 5,000 striking workers last month in Panamas western Bocas del Toro province. But nothing has stopped the protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So at his weekly news briefing Friday, Mulino said he had met with Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa and one of Panamas leading Jewish figures, Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik, to enlist them as intermediaries. He gave Ulloa a personal letter to bring to Francisco Smith, leader of the striking banana workers union. In the letter, Mulino said, he committed to send proposed legislation to the Congress that would be favorable for the countrys banana sector, above all its workers. But he conditioned the proposal on former workers lifting their protest. There was precedent for the maneuver. In 2022, Ulloa brokered a dialogue that eased protests over the high cost of fuel and food. In 2018, Ulloa mediated a dispute between parts of the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith, secretary general of the Banana Industry Workers Union, had said earlier Friday before Mulinos announcement that he was open to dialogue. Union leaders planned to travel to the capital Monday to meet with the president of the National Assembly and present a list of demands. He insisted, however, that changes be made to the social security reform. Smith, who has led the protest in western Bocas del Toro province, has said the social security reform passed in March threatens the special privileges laid out for banana workers in another law, covering things like subsidies and labor protections. The impact has been acute. Chiquita Brands said last month they had lost at least $75 million before announcing a temporary halt to their operations in Panama. Demonstrations have not been limited to the banana workers, to Bocas del Toro or even to the social security changes. At various times teachers, construction workers and students have protested as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have said theyll withhold the pay of 15,000 treachers for their strike. On Thursday, border police clashed with protesters who had blocked a highway in eastern Darien province, leaving injured on both sides. In addition to the social security changes, demonstrators have protested a security agreement giving U.S. troops access to some Panamanian facilities and efforts to reopen a massive copper mine. FLORIDA (WMBB) The owners of a Panhandle medical business are facing charges involving false insurance billings. The U.S. attorney for North Florida has filed a complaint accusing Ruben and Lorrie Laurel of billing the federal government for services they did not provide to patients. Ruben and Lorrie Laurel own and operate Chipley Physical Therapy in Chipley and Bonifay. Lorrie Laurel also owns and operates Absolute Physical & Aquatic Therapy in Marianna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bay County man faces sexual assault charges despite prison release Investigators say Lorrie Laurel, a physical therapist, was out of the country and on cruises in Mexico, Jamaica, Aruba and the Bahamas between July 2019 and March 2024. At the same time, they say that Laurel submitted 613 claims for payment to the federal government for services that she allegedly performed while she was abroad. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The Brief The scene was reported on Park Row Boulevard near Price Plaza Drive. Authorities say a man shot and killed his wife and young son. The man died after he was flown to a hospital. KATY, Texas - Harris County authorities are investigating a possible murder-suicide that killed three people in the Katy area. Three dead in Katy, Texas What we know According to the sheriff, the shooting happened at 20110 Park Row Drive. He shared preliminary information on X at about 10:40 a.m. Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When deputies arrived at the scene, they reportedly found a woman and a child deceased in an apartment. An adult male was flown to a hospital. In an update, the sheriff said the man was pronounced deceased when he arrived at the hospital. Sheriff Gonzalez posted a second update at about 12:30 p.m. According to him, it's believed the man shot and killed his wife and child. A pistol was recovered at the scene. Another family member allegedly told officials that the man was suffering from depression due to issues such as unemployment. The couple's 19-year-old daughter and her boyfriend were in a separate room at the time of the incident. They were not injured. What we don't know Authorities believe this may have been a double murder-suicide, but that has not been confirmed at this time. No one involved has been identified. Sheriff Gonzalez says the husband was 42 years old, the wife was 43, and their son was seven years old. Update 2: scene investigation is underway. It appears the male (42) shot and killed his wife (43) and son (7). Pistol recovered on-scene. According to a family member, the male had been depressed lately due to unemployment and other issues. https://t.co/JgGL2fceah Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) June 7, 2025 The Source X posts from Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. DENVER (KDVR) The man accused of throwing incendiary devices at people on Boulders Pearl Street Mall appeared before a federal judge on Friday afternoon on a federal hate crime charge. The hearing took place on the heels of another state hearing that took place in Boulder on Thursday. Denver bar announces final day of business after nearly 30 years Mohamed Soliman sat in a jury box at the federal courthouse in downtown Denver for the entire hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was told about the hate crime charge. Soliman said yes in Arabic through a translator when he was asked if he understood the court process and why he was there. He was wearing a green jail uniform, and his hands and ankles were handcuffed. A United States Marshall sat behind him. The 45-year-old Egyptian national sat still and did not look at the full courtroom during the initial hearing. One of the first questions the judge asked was if he had a copy of the criminal complaint that detailed the crime he was accused of. Federal prosecutors outlined their case against Soliman in that complaint. The court record detailed why investigators believe the attack was a hate crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5 people and a dog were hurt in that attack. The incident happened on Sunday, when the Egyptian national allegedly threw makeshift incendiary devices at a group of demonstrators, were calling for the release of Hamas hostages. An FBI agent said, in the complaint, Soliman threw two lit Molotov cocktails at individuals participating in a pro-Israel gathering. That agent went on to say, Soliman yelled Free Palestine! and the Molotov cocktails ignited. In the complaint, the agent also said, He (Soliman) stated that he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead. Soliman stated he would do it again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soliman stated that he hated the Zionist group and did this because he needed to stop them from taking over our land, which he explained to be Palestine. FOX31 Legal Analyst Christopher Decker said prosecutors will have to dig deep into what motivated Solimans alleged actions. Pothole that formed in under 30 minutes causes backups on I-70: CDOT Federal prosecutors in this case are going to be looking to uncover and present evidence of the motive and bias behind this criminal act and to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that it was based on his bias against the race, religion, or national origin of the victims involved, Decker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a day before, 118 charges were filed in state court in connection with this case. Those charges include attempted murder and assault charges. Solimans next hearing is set for 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 FOX31 Denver. 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. Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 him that he 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? Zhengshun Tang / Getty Images 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. MATTHEW HATCHER / AFP via Getty Images Related: "We Don't Import Food": 31 Americans Who Are Just So, So Confused About Tariffs And US Trade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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? Douglas Rissing / Getty Images 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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? Related: AOC's Viral Response About A Potential Presidential Run Has Everyone Watching, And I'm Honestly Living For It VICTOR ROJAS via Getty Images 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Could whats happening in the U.S. now with immigrants be considered enforced disappearances? KENA BETANCUR / AFP via Getty Images 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. Alex Pena via Getty Images 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. What can regular citizens do in response to enforced disappearances? Pacific Press / Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images 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. 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 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.This article originally appeared on HuffPost. 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: JD Vance Shared The Most Bizarre Tweet Of Him Serving "Food" As Donald Trump's Housewife Also in In the News: A NSFW Float Depicting Donald Trump's "MAGA" Penis Was Just Paraded Around Germany, And It's...Something TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The FBI Tampa Field Office is searching for a passenger who seemingly wrote a bomb threat on an Allegiant flight at Floridas St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Investigators said the threat was found on Allegiant Airlines Flight #2006s lavatory door on April 25. The flight was departing St. Pete-Clearwater Airport and headed to Cincinnati. The crew discovered the threat while the plane was taxiing from the gate before departure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person wrote, Bomb on flight check cargo. All Allegiant flight. (FBI Tampa) The plane was evacuated but no device was found after an extensive search. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the FBIs Tampa Field Office at (813) 253-1000. You can also submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has filed a federal lawsuit against Utah Attorney General Derek Brown and Utah Insurance Commissioner Jon Pike over a recent law that is intended to allow more pharmacies to have access to drug discount programs. In a lawsuit filed May 23, AstraZeneca alleges that Utah SB 69 is unconstitutional. The law was introduced and passed in the 2025 state legislative session, and it went into effect on May 7. The law prohibits drug manufacturers from restricting pharmacies from working with 340B entities, which help pharmacies and patients access medications at a discounted price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Lee responds to the Trump-Musk feud The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program that enables covered entities to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website. It means that drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid agree to provide outpatient drugs to covered entities at significantly reduced prices. All organizations need to be registered and enrolled in the 340B program in order to purchase discounted medications. The law that established the 340B Program, Section 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act, specified certain types of organizations that are eligible for the program, such as medical centers that serve rural and other underserved communities and clinics that specialize in particular diseases like HIV/AIDS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 69 expands the scope, requiring drug manufacturers to provide the discounts to third-party pharmacies that are contracting with 340B entities, and this is what AstraZeneca is claiming is unconstitutional in its lawsuit. Utah House Republicans elect new leadership members The lawsuit states that because price controls disincentivize innovation and destabilize markets, Congress chose to specifically limit the types of organizations that are eligible in Section 340B. The suit notes that for-profit pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS were not included as eligible, and there have already been several federal court cases ruling that block efforts to require drug manufacturers to provide discounts to contracted pharmacies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AstraZeneca claims in its suit that SB 69 requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer 340B-discounted pricing for sales at an unlimited number of contract pharmacies, expanding 340B discounts to an entirely new category of transactions not covered by Section 340B itself. The suit alleges that SB 69 directly conflicts with federal law requirements, and therefore, it cannot be enforced against Astrazeneca or other drug manufacturers. AstraZeneca is asking the court to declare SB 69 unconstitutional and to order that Utah AG Derek Brown and Insurance Commissioner Jon Pike not enforce the law against AstraZeneca. 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. Renee Williams was very much alive and living in West Philadelphia when she discovered a serious problem. Her bank accounts, health insurance and retirement benefits had all been cut off. The reason? Shed been placed in the "Death Master File" maintained by the Social Security Administration. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams has spent more than six months trying to ensure everything is restored and lives in fear she'll lose it all again due to a clerical error. "I go to sleep at night and think about if they're going to cut me off again, not knowing day-to-day what's going to happen to my benefits," Williams told CBS News Philadelphia. Its a reasonable concern. Her benefit payments are still inconsistent, credit and banking issues remain and the whole experience has been a pain in the behind. Worse still, shes not the only American in this situation. Sadly, such problems may only get worse as the Trump administration culls government jobs and overhauls agencies with the Social Security Administration (SSA) a top target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, an estimated 2,500 SSA workers accepted buyouts as part of the governments efforts to eliminate 7,000 jobs in the agency, AARP reports. How many Americans are wrongfully declared dead? According to the Social Security Administration, less than 1% of the three million deaths the SSA records annually are incorrect. That works out to about 10,000 people a year whom the SSA deems dead, but who are actually alive. Thats not good. But Elon Musk has inadvertently made the problem worse. Ironically, thats because hes more concerned about benefits going out to people who are dead, claiming rampant fraud. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it Thats one reason he overhauled the Social Security Administration database as part of the Department of Government Efficiency DOGE to eliminate such errors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, as the Daily Beast reports, that overhaul is now cutting off benefits to a growing number of people who, like Williams, are alive and well but who are declared dead. According to ABC News, experts believe Musk may have misread the records by reading the wrong databases. Rennie Glasgow, a Social Security claims technical analyst who has worked in the Social Security Administrations Schenectady field office for 15 years, told the Daily Beast that 4 million people have been marked dead on the database as a result of the DOGE overhaul even though many are alive. We have people who did not receive benefits come in every day with their ID and say, Im not dead, Im alive! he said, noting it can take three to four days to resurrect them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When they mark someone dead on the Social Security record, it stops their life, Glasgow said. It stops their car payments, it stops their credit, it stops their ability to do anything. Class-action lawsuit in the works One Philadelphia consumer protection attorney, Jim Francis, is helping these victims fight back. "These are all people who are going about their normal lives, and all of the sudden, they lose access to all of their benefits, their pension, their medical insurance and they become financially paralyzed," Jim Francis told CBS News. Francis is representing a Baltimore family in Baltimore that is trying to initiate a class action against Social Security after their relative, Joyce Evans, was improperly reported dead in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family claims the mistake caused financial and health problems, leading Joyce Evans to actually die months after the error occurred. "It's a really serious problem and in the world of data being misreported, this is almost as bad as it gets, if not the worst, Francis said. What to do if you're wrongfully declared dead If you have been improperly marked as being deceased, make an appointment with your local Social Security Administration field office as soon as possible. You'll need to bring valid ID with you, which can include one of the following documents: Passport Driver's license Employee ID Military record School ID Marriage, divorce or adoption record Health insurance card or medical record Life insurance policy Court order for name change Church membership Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original documents, or copies certified by the issuing agency, must be presented to the Social Security Administration. No photocopies are accepted. Once Social Security corrects your record, they will provide an Erroneous Death Case - Third Party Contact" Notice that you can show to banks, doctors and others to get your accounts back and your life restored. Hopefully, field offices will be responsive in preparing this document, despite staff shortages and a growing number of the undead fighting to restore their lives. What to read next Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Pictures have revealed the interior of a former Cold War radar station believed to be the country's longest occupied. RAF Neatishead in Norfolk was downgraded from an RAF station 20 years ago but is still a military air defence radar site. Part of the remaining site, including a nuclear bunker, was sold off to tech entrepreneur William Sachiti, who opened its doors to the media. "I've owned this place for about three years, and no, I've actually not explored a lot of it," he admitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think there's about 40% of the bunker I haven't seen yet but what I have done is made sure I've got in touch with people that used to work here to make sure the place is kept alive enough as we slowly refurbish it and bring it back to life." Originally a World War II base, the site was an important part of Britain's air defences during the Cold War. The former RAF Neatishead site is close to the Broads National Park [Shaun Whitmore/BBC] Mr Sachiti said he was using the site to develop technology aimed at covering mobile "notspots" - areas with poor or non-existent phone or data signals. However, it has emerged that last month the defence secretary issued a High Court writ against Mr Sachiti and his company, Academy of Robotics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further details are not currently available, but Mr Sachiti said: "This is unrelated to any of our current or previous with the MOD, and unrelated to any radar tech which was recently announced. "There was a minor dispute which was resolved but I cannot comment on the details." The Ministry of Defence said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings." Switchgear inside a power control unit appear as if the operator has just stepped away [Shaun Whitmore/BBC] Even basic equipment has been left in situ, gathering dust [Shaun Whitmore/BBC] [Shaun Whitmore/BBC] [Shaun Whitmore/BBC] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bunks in the bunker: beds for emergency use in the event of a nuclear attack [Shaun Whitmore/BBC] A turnstile-controlled entry to a facility built in the 1970s, which controlled the electrical supply to the radar station and pneumatic systems on site [Shaun Whitmore/BBC] Warning signals and signs display the risks of non-ionising radiation when the radar was in operation [Andrew Turner/BBC] Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More related stories A Pierce County man described as a high-volume drug redistributor for the leader of a drug distribution ring tied to white supremacist prison gangs was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma. Gregory Beers, 32, of Edgewood, received a total of 12.5 years in prison from U.S. District Court Judge David G. Estudillo. This is a very serious crime, said at sentencing, according to a news release from the Acting U.S. Attorneys Office. It involved thousands and thousands of fentanyl pills, which wreak havoc on our community. There are people literally dying from these drugs and it leaves a wake of destruction for those who survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to federal prosecutors, Beers was a high-volume drug redistributor for Jesse James Bailey, the leader of one of three branches of the drug distribution organizations tied to two Aryan prison gangs. On March 22, 2023, law enforcement made two dozen arrests on federal charges. Law enforcement seized 177 firearms, more than 10 kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and over $330,000 in cash from 18 locations in Washington and Arizona. Earlier in the investigation, law enforcement seized 830,000 fentanyl pills, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of heroin, 5 pounds of cocaine, $388,000 in cash, and 48 firearms, the release noted. Prosecutors say Beers fled his residence on March 23, leaving behind drugs, cash, body armor and firearms. Law enforcement said that the residence contained heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and detailed drug ledgers. Police also found guns as well as bullet-proof vests in two of the bedrooms, digital scales, ammunition and nearly $5,000 in cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside Beers Mercedes, agents found more weapons and ammunition, as well as two Kevlar ballistic vests, and small bags of heroin and fentanyl powder. The trunk held another handgun and a bag of bullets, law enforcement said. Beers was arrested on April 11, 2023, after being found living in an RV parked at a Tacoma home and dealing narcotics, according to prosecutors. Even after seeing that his co-conspirators were arrested and knowing that he too was sought by police, Gregory Beers continued his drug trafficking, arming himself with guns, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller said in a statement. He was arrested with two firearms, $7,000 in cash and some $36,000 worth of jewelry that he would wear around his neck all proceeds of drug trafficking. Last June, Beers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In asking the court for the 12.5-year prison term, prosecutors noted that Beers was blatant about his drug dealing. Beers flaunted his drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession, sending videos of his firearms and drug proceeds to (Department of Corrections) inmates, prosecutors wrote to the court. All of this was done for the purpose of his own personal enrichment, including his purchase of expensive jewelry. According to Fridays release, three connected drug rings in the case were identified over an 18-month wiretap investigation. The three distribution rings were working together as the Aryan Family/Omerta Drug Trafficking Organization, the release stated, one of which was led by Beers co-defendant Jesse Bailey. Bailey has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on July 2, the release added. A Largo man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of his parents, the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office reported on Saturday. Deputies found Elizabeth Lee Kirchner, 53, and Steven Eric Kirchner, 64, dead in their home at 29 Saunders Ave. in the Largo area on Friday afternoon. Deputies went to the home for a welfare check and found the couple in the living room with apparent gunshot wounds. The couples son, Nicholas Steven Kirchner, 37, was later found in Sumter County, South Carolina, where he was involved in a separate incident in which he stated: Ive already killed two people - Ill kill some more, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholas Kirchner was later taken into custody in Taliaferro County, Georgia, where he admitted that he killed his parents and described it as a righteous kill, the sheriffs office said. He was booked on two counts of first-degree murder. No other details were immediately available. A passenger plane from Heathrow to Detroit had to return to the London airport due to a cracked windscreen. Delta Air Lines flight 017 was carrying 188 passengers and 12 crew on board when the pilot reported the fault shortly after taking off at 11:44 BST on Saturday morning. The crew followed procedure by returning to London Heathrow, where the plane landed safely a short time later, the airline said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some customers were re-booked onto flights later today and those who could not be offered flights until tomorrow were offered meals and hotel rooms, Delta Air Lines said. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, is being assessed and maintenance is being carried out, according to the airline. No other flights were disrupted as a result of the incident, Heathrow Airport said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Related internet links JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) The Alabama Department of Transportation announced it will close the left two lanes of U.S. Highway 280 eastbound and westbound Sunday. At 7 p.m., with weather permitting, the ALDOT will close the left lane of Highway 280 eastbound, and at 9 p.m., the left two lanes will close for milling between milepost 1.39 and milepost 4.51. All lanes are expected to re-open at 6 a.m. Monday, and the same process is set to repeat itself Monday night into Tuesday morning. Planned I-65 ramp closures in Blount County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The left lane of Highway 280 westbound from milepost 1.39 and milepost 4.51 will also close at 7 p.m., with the left two lanes closing at 9 p.m. These lanes are also expected to re-open at 6 a.m. Monday. The lane closures are scheduled to continue from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday. The ALDOT stated it encourages drivers to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival and departure times, observe work zone signs and use caution in these 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 CBS 42. Russia said Sunday that trains carrying more bodies of Ukrainian soldiers were due to depart toward the Ukrainian border, escalating a spat with Kyiv over a prisoner of war swap. I can tell you that in just an hour, repatriation trains carrying the bodies of military personnel will also begin to move, Russias Lieutenant General Alexander Zorin said on Sunday, according to Russian state news agency TASS. The transfer of more than 6,000 bodies was agreed earlier this week during peace talks in Istanbul, Zorin said, blaming Ukraine for failing to confirm receipt of other bodies of Ukrainian soldiers which Russia claims it moved to an exchange area near Novaya Guta, Belarus on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv firmly rejected the accusations, with Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, saying that his country was strictly adhering to the agreements reached at peace talks in Istanbul. Budanov said that the start of repatriation measures was scheduled to take place next week, which he claims the Russian side was told on Tuesday. Everything is going according to plan, he said. A planned exchange of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war failed to take place on Saturday, with Moscow accusing Kyiv of postponing the swap at the last minute, something Ukrainian officials dismissed as dirty information games from the Kremlin. Despite three years of fighting such exchanges have been commonplace throughout the conflict and the swap was the only concrete outcome of the talks in Istanbul this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia said Ukraine unexpectedly postponed a transfer involving prisoners of war and the bodies of dead soldiers on Saturday, leaving hundreds of Ukrainian bodies waiting in refrigerated trucks at an exchange point with no one to collect them. Ukraine rejected Russias account of the events, saying that the two sides had agreed to exchange seriously wounded and young troops on Saturday but a date had not yet been set for the repatriation of soldiers bodies. During a second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange more prisoners this weekend. Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russias delegation for peace talks with Ukraine, said this week that the exchange would be the largest since the start of the three-year war. In strict accordance with the Istanbul agreements, the Russian side began a humanitarian operation to transfer more than 6,000 bodies of killed Ukrainian servicemen, as well as badly wounded soldiers under the age of 25, Medinsky said Saturday afternoon on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claimed that 1,212 bodies of killed Ukrainian soldiers were at the exchange point, with the rest on their way. He also said that Russia gave Ukraine the first list of 640 prisoners of war for exchange, listed as wounded, seriously ill and young people, in order to start the swap. In a video posted by Russias Defense Ministry on Telegram, two men wearing hazmat suits are seen opening the doors to the back of a truck parked on the side of a road. Inside the truck were dozens of sealed white bags, which the ministry said contained the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers. Medinsky said Russias Defense Ministry contact group was waiting at the border with Ukraine, but alleged that Kyiv had unexpectedly postponed the transfer of bodies and the exchange of prisoners of war for an indefinite period and had given pretty weird reasons for doing so. Ukraine swiftly rejected the accusations, saying Medinskys claims do not correspond to reality. It said the exchange of prisoners of war and soldiers bodies were separate processes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, instead of constructive dialogue, we are again faced with manipulations and attempts to use sensitive humanitarian issues for informational purposes, Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War wrote on Telegram. We call on the Russian side to stop playing dirty games, it added. On Saturday, Yevgeny Balitsky, the Moscow-installed governor of the Russian-controlled parts of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region, published a list of 97 names of Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen whose bodies were supposed to part of the transfer. We will begin to make public the lists of identified bodies so that relatives can find their dead, Balitsky said on Telegram. CNNs Catherine Nicholls and Mariya Knight contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Thomas Holdstock GDANSK, Poland (Reuters) -Thousands of Poles took part in a Pride march in the northern port city of Gdansk on Saturday, showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community amid fears for its future after nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki won a presidential election. Participants waved rainbow flags and the blue, pink, and white banners representing the transgender community. Many carried placards bearing messages such as "Love is love" and "12 years together - when civil partnership?". A parallel Pride event was also held in the western city of Wroclaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nawrocki, supported by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, has raised alarm among LGBTQ+ advocates. During its time in power from 2015 to 2023, PiS made opposition to what it termed "LGBTQ+ ideology" a central part of its platform, framing it as a threat to traditional values in the predominantly Catholic country. "I was devastated to be honest," 23-year-old student Agata said when asked about Nawrocki's victory. "I am scared. I don't know what our future looks like." Although LGBTQ+ issues were less prominent in Nawrocki's campaign than in that of his PiS-backed predecessor Andrzej Duda in 2020, his platform included commitments to resist "ideology in schools" and to oppose adoption by same-sex couples. He has stated that marriage should remain between a man and a woman and, while rejecting civil partnerships, expressed a willingness to discuss legal recognition for a "close person", regardless of sexual orientation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, a pro-European coalition that came to power in 2023 introduced a draft bill to legalise civil partnerships. However, with the presidency holding veto power, the bills future remains uncertain. Agata said that she hoped a law on civil partnerships could come into effect, but that it was unlikely during Nawrocki's presidency. "I want more equality in our society, in our country," she said. (Reporting by Thomas Holdstock, writing by Alan Charlish, editing by Louise Heavens) SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) The Scranton Police Department say they need help identifying a child found Friday night. Police say the non-verbal child was found in the area of Sheetz at the 500 block of Mount Pleasant and is believed to be five years old. 24-hour fundraising marathon NEPA Gives wraps up with over $1M raised Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Scranton Police Patrol Officer Dippre via email at ldippre@scrantonpa.gov or by calling the Scranton Police Department Desk at (570)348-4134. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents can also submit an anonymous tip online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Call data from University and Fayetteville police show a steady rise in incidents near the 19th Street unhoused encampment area. A letter to those camping on the land, issued the week of June 2, states the University of Arkansas will clear and clean its property, and all personal items left behind will be discarded. Citing unauthorized residency, the university urged individuals to seek help from shelters like 7hills and the Salvation Army. Police responses in 2025 Since February 2024, the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) has responded nearly 60 times to the 19th Street property40 of those calls occurring within the past six months alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that figure may underrepresent the true scale of FPDs activity in the area. It does not necessarily include responses to the adjacent Town Branch Trail, where other encampments are known to exist. Fayetteville police also confirmed that the attempted murder case involving Jadyn Leming originated from the 19th Street camp. Meanwhile, the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD), which also has jurisdiction in parts of the area, has seen an even more dramatic increase in calls for service. Broader data from UAPD reveals a sharp escalation in both police activity and criminal enforcement across 19th Street, the Town Branch Trail, and an adjoining area referred to as Zone 8, which includes University of Arkansas property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first three months of the year, UAPD recorded 86 calls for service. That number soared to 642 in the most recent three-month spana more than 7.5-fold increase. The surge in calls was accompanied by a spike in criminal charges. Outside the core 19th Street location, primarily around the Engineering Resource Center area, only two cases resulted in charges from February through April. From March through May, officers filed charges in ten separate cases, including drug possession, battery, outstanding warrants and driving on a suspended license. University of Arkansas to sweep unhoused encampment on university land Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That marks a 400% increase in enforcement actions in the surrounding area. Within the 19th Street zone itself, charges climbed from six in the first quarter to 27 in the most recent an increase of 267%. The nature of crimes also shifted, escalating from warrants and public intoxication to more serious offenses such as: Aggravated assault and battery Robbery and arson in a single incident Harassment and terroristic threatening Multiple felony drug charges Battery against a person in a wheelchair Additionally, UAPD officers responded to a theft report connected to Fayetteville Police and made multiple arrests on outstanding warrants. Anonymous source speaks Am anonymous source who works closely with Fayettevilles unhoused population said conditions at a longtime encampment off 19th Street have deteriorated to dangerous levels, prompting concern from advocates and local shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 30 to 40 people are currently living on the property, the source said, disputing recent claims that as many as 300 individuals reside there. The advocacy group Fayettevilles Forgotten has previously estimated more than 300 unhoused people are associated with the camp, but the source called that figure inaccurate, noting that about 80 people lived there at its peak. Its become a hub for human trafficking, violence, drugs and what essentially amounts to gang activity, the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The city gave notice on May 13 for individuals to vacate the property, according to the source nearly two years after the last major camp clearing. Some shelters and service providers are reportedly supporting the move, fearing for the safety of those still living there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our unhoused neighbors are the victims of these crimes in far greater numbers than they are ever the perpetrators, the source said. They also said a proposed 90-day extension for the camps closure would only allow conditions to worsen. They cited concerns about individuals living with HIV improperly discarding used needles around the site, creating additional public health risks. I also want to emphasize that this is not a reflection of our unhoused community as a whole they are mostly just good people struggling to make their way through a difficult situation, the anonymous source said. This is the result of a few bad actors preying on our unhoused neighbors and taking advantage of an already difficult situation. Orbeez gun leads to aggravated assault arrest in Siloam Springs Next steps Mayor Molly Rawn will hold a community conversation on Sunday, June 8, to discuss homelessness and housing insecurity in Fayetteville. The event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 224 N. East Ave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting aims to provide opportunity for the community to come to the table with ideas, feedback and a shared commitment to move forward, according to a news release. While the city does not control the University of Arkansas property where an upcoming encampment sweep is planned, the mayors office acknowledged the need for coordination and support in response to the situation. The city has offered to send Fayetteville Police Department social workers to support the sweep. Safe, accessible and affordable housing for all our residents is my top priority, Rawn said in the release. The University of Arkansas officials also said they are working closely with the City of Fayetteville to ensure a safe relocation of the numerous encampments at 19th Street. The university provided the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This area has become a safety concern over the last few months with frequent reports of criminal activity. Individuals in the encampments have been receiving notices to vacate for the last two weeks and given information of local support resources. We understand that moving can be difficult, but we want to be respectful of all individuals and their belongings and to provide help where we can. Resources for the unhoused in Fayetteville Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Police are asking the public for help in the investigation into a deadly 2024 shooting at a nightclub in Aurora. The Aurora Police Department said in a press release Friday that its investigators have exhausted all leads to date. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The shooting happened on Sunday, Aug. 11, around 1:35 a.m. outside of a nightclub in the 11200 block of East Colfax Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrived on the scene and found a man with apparent gunshot wounds, and despite lifesaving efforts, the man died at the scene. The Adams County Coroners Office identified the victim as 25-year-old Rafael Rivera-Velez of Roma, Texas. There is no suspect description, but police were tipped about a potential suspect vehicle but witnesses. Witnesses at the scene told investigators a blue sedan drove into the nightclub parking lot and opened fire on a crowd of people standing outside, the police department said. One other man was shot and self-transported to the hospital and survived. Investigators believe that the crowd of people was randomly targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is ongoing, and detectives want to speak with anyone who may have information related to the shooting. Tipsters are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters are eligible for a reward up to $2,000 and can remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Two people are dead, and four others are injured following two shootings just minutes apart on West Hampton Avenue on Milwaukee's north side on June 6, according to the police. It's unclear if the shootings are connected. The Milwaukee Police Department didn't immediately respond to questions but issued separate statements, saying the shootings occurred within six minutes. The first Hampton Avenue shooting is near North 46th Street at the Stark Food convenience store and the other is near North 69th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the department responded at about 4:10 p.m. to the 4600 block of West Hampton Avenue for a shooting. An unidentified person died at the scene, police said. Three other people, ages 16, 33 and 46, suffered nonfatal gunshot wounds. All three were transported to a hospital. Joseph T., who asked his last name not be used, was parking his car near his daughter's residence when he heard at least seven or eight shots ring out before about eight to 10 people began scrambling from the doorway of the Stark Foods II store, which is part of a chain of convenience stores on the citys north side. Milwaukee police investigate fatal shooting near North 46th Street and West Hampton Avenue on June 6, 2025. One person ran to me, where I was standing at, because she had a little girl, the 45-year-old said. (A victim) had a flesh wound in her leg, through and through." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the people that was shot, ended up dying," he added. Six minutes later, at 4:16 p.m., and about 1.4 miles west on the same street, officers responded to a shooting in the 6900 block of West Hampton Avenue. A 23-year-old died at the scene, according to police, and a 22-year-old suffered nonfatal gunshot wounds and was transported to a hospital. Anyone with any information about either incident can call police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or use the P3 Tips app. Milwaukee police investigate fatal shooting near North 69th Street and West Hampton Avenue on June 6, 2025. Mayor Cavalier Johnson said in a statement June 6 that he hopes "those responsible will be brought to justice," adding "your actions will land you in prison." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am appalled by the senseless use of firearms to settle disagreements," he said. "There is no situation in which that is appropriate. To anyone inclined to shamelessly shoot at another human being, your actions will land you in prison. To everyone in our city, I ask that you take all possible steps that you can to reduce gun violence." This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2 dead, 4 injured in two shootings in Milwaukee just minutes apart WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that left a man hospitalized overnight in Southeast D.C. Minutes after midnight on Saturday, MPD responded to the 300 block of Parkland Place SE for the report of a shooting. There, they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Man seriously hurt after potential collision in Southeast DC, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. At the time, he was conscious and breathing. MPD said he was shot in the stomach during a drive-by in the area, according to a police report. As of 1 a.m., MPD did not have any lookout information available and no witnesses were identified. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) Police have arrested a Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) employee accused of filing false documents to open bank accounts and obtain a vehicle loan, 12 News has learned. Ryan Garnetto, 45, of Johnston, has been charged with identity fraud, filing a false statement to obtain a loan, passing a fraudulent check over $1,500 and obtaining money under false pretenses. The investigation began back in February, when the Rhode Island State Police received a complaint from Westerly Community Credit Union regarding a fraudulent account and vehicle loan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bank told investigators that someone had filed an online application with the bank in December to open a savings account, a checking account, a credit card and an automobile loan totaling $51,000. Westerly Community Credit Union opened the accounts and approved the loan after being provided a drivers license, pay stub, vehicle bill of sale, vehicle title and insurance documents. The bank also wrote a $51,000 check made payable to a car dealer in Georgia for the purchase of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz, according to police. Westerly Community Credit Union first became suspicious in January, when a man walked into the Coventry branch and deposited a $5,265 check into the account. Police said that check was later determined to be fraudulent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bank also flagged the accounts after discovering that no payments had been made on the credit card or the vehicle loan, according to police. Investigators eventually discovered that, except for the vehicle bill of sale, the documents provided to the bank to open the accounts and take out the loan were also fraudulent. Detectives were able to identify Garnetto as the account holder by reviewing the Coventry banks surveillance footage, which showed that he was driving a marked RIDOT vehicle, according to police. Police said Garnetto used a different name to open the accounts and take out the loan. But the name of the person he used to do so has been incarcerated at the ACI since 2019 and does not have access to a computer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garnetto, who works for RIDOT as an engineer, was taken into custody on Tuesday and has since been released on $25,000 personal recognizance. 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. CHICAGO Police are searching for a driver who allegedly fled the scene after crashing into a man who was chasing his dog in the Loop on Friday night. Chicago police say a search is underway for the driver of a white sedan who crashed into a man in the 100 block of South Michigan Avenue, in the Loop, just after 9:30 p.m. Friday. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said the victim, a 66-year-old man, had walked into the road while attempting to grab his dog when was hit by the sedan, leaving him injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the crash, officers said the driver involved allegedly did not stop and continued driving. The victim suffered a head injury in the crash and was later hospitalized in critical condition. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland No arrests have been made in connection with the crash and an investigation is now underway. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to 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. PALMER TOWNSHIP, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) The Palmer Township Police Department say their search for a missing man in Northampton County has ended. Police ask for help to ID child found in Scranton On Friday, police announced they were searching for 89-year-old Gene Brocious, who has since been found. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A critically missing 34-year-old man has been located and is safe, the Milwaukee Police Department said. He had last been seen on June 7 at about 3:55 a.m. Police sent an update around 7:24 p.m. confirming he had been found. "Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police located critically missing 34-year-old man Parents were shocked to discover pornography was shown during an online class for high school students. Police have launched an investigation. This is serious. Serious. And we need to get to the bottom of it, parent Yolanda Pressley told Channel 2s Tom Jones. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Parents were stunned to hear Union Grove High students in a summer school online class received a lesson inappropriate for their young eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not something that should be in schools. More and more stuff happens like this everyday, parent Derek Lofton said. The Henry County School System sent parents a message saying it is working with police to identify the individual who shared an inappropriate video in an online class. A spokesperson stated that technical information has been provided to the police to assist in the investigation, and the responsible person will be handled accordingly. Well they should take it as a serious matter, because it is, Lofton said. Lofton said one of his daughters, who attends Union Grove High, informed him and his wife that pornography was shown. He hopes it wasnt a child who shared it as a prank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it was a child we definitely have to raise them better than that. I dont know what to say. Thats just a shame, he said. Another parent said that pornography was displayed during his sons virtual math class at Union Grove High. Pressley, a longtime PTA volunteer, said the inappropriate video can be traumatizing to students. She said the school system needs to get to the bottom of how this happened. If someone got into the system we need a solution. How can we prevent that, she said. The school system has reminded the school of best practices to prevent unknown or unauthorized users from entering virtual meetings. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said a man who had an explosive device is in custody. Meanwhile, the bomb squad and federal authorities are working with the sheriffs office to ensure the roadway is safe and determine charges. He emphasized that it is an isolated incident involving a man angry over employment issues. It is not an act of terrorism. Ivey said the device was found after deputies stopped a suspicious vehicle on County Road 5A between Interstate 95 and U.S. 1 Friday evening. They found what appeared to be a pipe bomb in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff said the target appeared to be a state radio tower. That section of County Road 5A will likely be closed until early Saturday, Ivey said. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Jodie Ostoich, the president and CEO of the Interfaith Housing Alliance, said its hard to say how much of the organizations funding is in jeopardy due to possible federal funding cuts for fiscal year 2026. About 30% of the alliances funding comes directly from the federal government, but the nonprofit also gets state pass-through grants with federal money. We have deep concern about the proposed federal budget cuts to housing programs, which will have devastating effects on families across the nation, Ostoich wrote in an email in May to community members asking for donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent budget proposal includes significant reductions to essential housing assistance programs, which are critical for the well-being of millions of Americans. The federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1. President Donald Trumps proposed budget was submitted to the U.S. Senates Appropriations Committee on May 2. The administration released an appendix to the proposed budget on May 30. The Senate Appropriations Committee is still reviewing Trumps proposal, with several subcommittee hearings scheduled for next week. The recommended funding levels result from a rigorous, line-by-line review of FY 2025 spending, which was found to be laden with spending contrary to the needs of ordinary working Americans and tilted toward funding niche non-governmental organizations and institutions of higher education committed to radical gender and climate ideologies antithetical to the American way of life, Russell Vought, director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, wrote in a letter to Appropriations Committee Chair Sen. Susan Collins introducing the budget proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA), founded in 1990, develops affordable housing and offers educational programs and social services in parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania to low- and moderate-income communities. Some educational programs include the organizations Credit Cafe, through which people can better understand their credit and credit reports, and a financial freedom bootcamp. The IHA also offers a purchase-repair homeownership program, with free technical assistance to participants in Frederick, Carroll and Washington counties throughout the homeownership process. The organization also manages affordable rental communities throughout central and western Maryland, as well as southcentral Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ostoich said in an interview that in 2024, over 200 people participated in IHA workshops. At the end of last year, 15 people were in the homeownership program. Additionally, she said, about 270 households are living in the properties IHA manages. CUTS AND IMPACTS In her May email asking for donations, Ostoich outlined possible reductions to housing assistance programs proposed in the federal budget that would impact the IHA or were used by the organization to develop housing. Those cuts include: * A reduction of $26.7 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments State Rental Assistance Block Grant. Rental assistance programs will be restructured into a block grant system with capped financial support for able-bodied adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Eliminating $3.3 billion in flexible funding through the Community Development Block Grant that supports housing rehabilitation, infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization * Cutting $1.25 billion from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which supports building and preserving affordable housing * A reduction of $721 million in rural development housing programs, pulling back federal engagement with housing in underserved rural areas In an interview Wednesday, Ostoich said that if the cuts are approved, the IHA would have to shrink, and it would have to reassess what other programs it could offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It certainly would open the door to many more collaborations, I think, that potentially hadnt happened before, she said. ... Obviously, I dont have a crystal ball of what could happen. Ostoich wrote in her email that the IHA has used Community Development Block Grant money to fund repairs and deliver supportive services throughout Frederick County and has used HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding to partially finance four tax credit projects with a total of 129 housing units. Additionally, the IHA has used the State Rental Assistance Block Grant at an apartment community it manages on North Market Street. Ostoich said that every two years, the IHA has received a rural development grant, and the organization usually states how many housing units it will complete in that two-year grant period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What that relies on is those mortgages that [the USDAs] Rural Development makes available to low- and moderate-income households. They are special mortgages that make the mortgage affordable, so theres no other product quite like them, she said. These mortgages are made more affordable through things like extended payment terms. Theres more leniency, and these mortgages help people who want to buy homes begin to build generational wealth for their families. Ostoich said there isnt money for these Rural Development mortgages in the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. She said getting this mortgage funding has been an issue since February 2024. The IHA is working on a new homeownership program that isnt limited to rural areas and would open up more homeownership opportunities to people in urban areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That way, the program wouldnt have to depend on funding from Rural Development and could get money from other sources. Since last year, the IHA has felt more urgency to develop this new program, Ostoich said. The reduction of the IHAs programs and workshops would impact other local nonprofits, such as the United Way of Frederick County, that collaborate with the organization. United Way serves individuals who are ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. People who are ALICE make above the federal poverty line but still struggle to afford basic necessities, including housing. Ken Oldham, United Ways CEO, said that his organization frequently partners with the IHA to help financially struggling families begin the journey to homeownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said United Way pairs people with the IHAs purchase-repair homeownership program. It also uses the Credit Cafe workshops in its own Pathway to Homeownership program to effectively educate people and help them repair their credit. Pairing with other programs like the IHAs homeownership program really opens the door for ALICE households to make a generational-changing financial move on behalf of themselves and their families, Oldham said. If the IHA has to shrink its program offerings, that could exacerbate the challenges ALICE households face trying to buy homes, such as poor credit and expensive mortgages. It would put United Way in a position where we would have to figure out that credit piece [of Pathway to Homeownership] on our own. ... The IHA does such a great job with it. That would be painful. That would be very difficult, Oldham said. The lack of that rural purchase program would take a very significant tool out of the toolbox for ALICE households to purchase a home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ostoich said shes still looking for projects for the IHA to do at the direction of the nonprofits Board of Directors. I am still pounding that pavement and trying to move forward in ways that will deliver on the mission were committed to, she said. ... Theres a lot of concern about being able to serve people and knowing that nonprofits often fill the gaps for government programming, really wondering what is going to happen to people if nonprofits cannot continue to serve the number of people they do. New Prague man gets 72 years in prison for sexually assaulting two children originally appeared on Bring Me The News. A New Prague man faces more than 70 years in prison after he was found guilty of 15 counts of sexual assault against two children. The Scott County Attorneys Office has announced that Jeffrey William Boysen, 45, was sentenced to 72 years in prison following his conviction. Boysen was charged after two young adults came forward with allegations that he had sexually assaulted them during childhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the victims was 13 when the assaults began. Scott County Attorneys Office I am extremely proud of and grateful to the two young adults who came forward and courageously testified to the terrible acts committed upon them by Mr. Boysen in their childhood," Scott County Attorney Hocevar said in a statement. And I want to thank the outstanding work of the New Prague Police Department in conducting the investigation into this matter. Justice has prevailed, and the public is substantially safer as a result of this conviction. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Nineteen-year-old U.S. Army Pvt. David Lewis set out from Fort Dix on a 50-mile hike with his unit on Feb. 5, 1976. On that bitter cold day, he collapsed and died. Autopsy specimens unexpectedly tested positive for an H1N1 swine influenza virus. Virus disease surveillance at Fort Dix found another 13 cases among recruits who had been hospitalized for respiratory illness. Additional serum antibody testing revealed that over 200 recruits had been infected but not hospitalized with the novel swine H1N1 strain. Officials worried about a repeat of something like the 1918 flu pandemic, which took hold in soldiers and spread globally. PhotoQuest/Getty Images Alarm bells instantly went off within the epidemiology community: Could Pvt. Lewis death from an H1N1 swine flu be a harbinger of another global pandemic like the terrible 1918 H1N1 swine flu pandemic that killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government acted quickly. On March 24, 1976, President Gerald Ford announced a plan to inoculate every man, woman, and child in the United States. On Oct. 1, 1976, the mass immunization campaign began. Meanwhile, the initial small outbreak at Fort Dix had rapidly fizzled, with no new cases on the base after February. As Army Col. Frank Top, who headed the Fort Dix virus investigation, later told me, We had shown pretty clearly that (the virus) didnt go anywhere but Fort Dix it disappeared. Nonetheless, concerned by that outbreak and witnessing the massive crash vaccine program in the U.S., biomedical scientists worldwide began H1N1 swine influenza vaccine research and development programs in their own countries. Going into the 1976-77 winter season, the world waited and prepared for an H1N1 swine influenza pandemic that never came. By September 1976, New York State Health Department workers were unloading cartons of swine flu vaccine for distribution. AP Photo/Jim McKnight But that wasnt the end of the story. As an experienced infectious disease epidemiologist, I make the case that there were unintended consequences of those seemingly prudent but ultimately unnecessary preparations. What was odd about H1N1 Russian flu pandemic In an epidemiological twist, a new pandemic influenza virus did emerge, but it was not the anticipated H1N1 swine virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 1977, health officials in Russia reported that a human not swine H1N1 influenza strain had been detected in Moscow. By months end, it was reported across the entire USSR and soon throughout the world. Compared with other influenzas, this pandemic was peculiar. First, the mortality rate was low, about a third that of most influenza strains. Second, only those younger than 26 were regularly attacked. And finally, unlike other newly emerged pandemic influenza viruses in the past, it failed to displace the existing prevalent H3N2 subtype that was that years seasonal flu. Instead, the two flu strains the new H1N1 and the long-standing H3N2 circulated side by side. Here the story takes yet another turn. Microbiologist Peter Palese applied what was then a novel technique called RNA oligonucleotide mapping to study the genetic makeup of the new H1N1 Russian flu virus. He and his colleagues grew the virus in the lab, then used RNA-cutting enzymes to chop the viral genome into hundreds of pieces. By spreading the chopped RNA in two dimensions based on size and electrical charge, the RNA fragments created a unique fingerprint-like map of spots. Researchers were surprised to see the genetic fingerprint for the 1977 H1N1 Russian flu strain closely matched that of an extinct influenza virus. Peter Palese Much to Paleses surprise, when they compared the spot pattern of the 1977 H1N1 Russian flu with a variety of other influenza viruses, this new virus was essentially identical to older human influenza H1N1 strains that had gone extinct in the early 1950s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, the 1977 Russian flu virus was actually a strain that had disappeared from the planet a quarter century early, then was somehow resurrected back into circulation. This explained why it attacked only younger people older people had already been infected and become immune when the virus circulated decades ago in its earlier incarnation. But how did the older strain come back from extinction? Though called the Russian flu, the virus appears to have been circulating elsewhere before being identified in the Soviet population. Gilbert UZAN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Refining the timeline of a resurrected virus Despite its name, the Russian flu probably didnt really start in Russia. The first published reports of the virus were from Russia, but subsequent reports from China provided evidence that it had first been detected months earlier, in May and June of 1977, in the Chinese port city of Tientsin. In 2010, scientists used detailed genetic studies of several samples of the 1977 virus to pinpoint the date of their earliest common ancestor. This molecular clock data suggested the virus initially infected people a full year earlier, in April or May of 1976. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, the best evidence is that the 1977 Russian flu actually emerged or more properly re-emerged in or near Tientsin, China, in the spring of 1976. A frozen lab virus Was it simply a coincidence that within months of Pvt. Lewis death from H1N1 swine flu, a heretofore extinct H1N1 influenza strain suddenly reentered the human population? Influenza virologists around the world had for years been using freezers to store influenza virus strains, including some that had gone extinct in the wild. Fears of a new H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 1976 in the United States had prompted a worldwide surge in research on H1N1 viruses and vaccines. An accidental release of one of these stored viruses was certainly possible in any of the countries where H1N1 research was taking place, including China, Russia, the U.S., the U.K. and probably others. Years after the reemergence, Palese, the microbiologist, reflected on personal conversations he had at the time with Chi-Ming Chu, the leading Chinese expert on influenza. Palese wrote in 2004 that the introduction of the 1977 H1N1 virus is now thought to be the result of vaccine trials in the Far East involving the challenge of several thousand military recruits with live H1N1 virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although exactly how such an accidental release may have occurred during a vaccine trial is unknown, there are two leading possibilities. First, scientists could have used the resurrected H1N1 virus as their starting material for development of a live, attenuated H1N1 vaccine. If the virus in the vaccine wasnt adequately weakened, it could have become transmissible person to person. Another possibility is that researchers used the live, resurrected virus to test the immunity provided by conventional H1N1 vaccines, and it accidentally escaped from the research setting. Whatever the specific mechanism of the release, the combination of the detailed location and timing of the pandemics origins and the stature of Chu and Palese as highly credible sources combine to make a strong case for an accidental release in China as the source of the Russian flu pandemic virus. The H1N1 influenza virus identified at Fort Dix wasnt the one that ended up causing a pandemic. CDC/Dr. E. Palmer, R.E. Bates, 1976 via Getty Images A sobering history lesson The resurrection of an extinct but dangerous human-adapted H1N1 virus came about as the world was scrambling to prevent what was perceived to be the imminent emergence of a swine H1N1 influenza pandemic. People were so concerned about the possibility of a new pandemic that they inadvertently caused one. It was a self-fulfilling-prophecy pandemic. I have no intent to lay blame here; indeed, my main point is that in the epidemiological fog of the moment in 1976, with anxiety mounting worldwide about a looming pandemic, a research unit in any country could have accidentally released the resurrected virus that came to be called the Russian flu. In the global rush to head off a possible new pandemic of H1N1 swine flu from Fort Dix through research and vaccination, accidents could have happened anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, biocontainment facilities and policies have improved dramatically over the past half-century. But at the same time, there has been an equally dramatic proliferation of high-containment labs around the world. Across the globe, researchers work on dangerous pathogens in labs that are part of biocontainment facilities. AP Photo/Michael Probst Overreaction. Unintended consequences. Making matters worse. Self-fulfilling prophecy. There is a rich variety of terms to describe how the best intentions can go awry. Still reeling from COVID-19, the world now faces new threats from cross-species jumps of avian flu viruses, mpox viruses and others. Its critical that we be quick to respond to these emerging threats to prevent yet another global disease conflagration. Quick, but not too quick, history suggests. 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: Donald S. Burke, University of Pittsburgh Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald S. Burke does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Labor leader David Huerta was detained while observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids taking place in Los Angeles. The Service Employees International Union California (SEIU) says that its president was injured during the ICE raids and is calling for his release, NBC4 Los Angeles reports. SEIU California members call for the immediate release of our President, David Huerta, who was injured and detained at the site of one of today's ICE raids in Los Angeles. He is now receiving medical attention while in custody, Tia Orr, Executive Director of SEIU California, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Karen Bass told NBC4 that Huerta had been pepper-sprayed during the incident. "He is doing ok physically, but I know what really impacted him the most was the emotional trauma of watching parents and kids being separated," Bass said. "He's going into ICE custody and we hope to get him out very soon." Police take positions as they clash with protesters gathered around the Los Angeles Federal Building following multiple detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in downtown Los Angeles, California (REUTERS/Daniel Cole) The mayor said she does not know why Huerta is being detained. The SEIU issued a statement supporting Huerta, insisting that he was "exercising his First Amendment right to observe and document law enforcement activity." We are proud of President Huertas righteous participation as a community observer, in keeping with his long history of advocating for immigrant workers and with the highest values of our movement: standing up to injustice, regardless of personal risk or the power of those perpetrating it," the union said. Labor leader David Huerta arrested observing ICE raids in LA (White House) Orr also condemned the ICE raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We call for an end to the cruel, destructive, and indiscriminate ICE raids that are tearing apart our communities, disrupting our economy, and hurting all working people. Immigrant workers are essential to our society: feeding our nation, caring for our elders, cleaning our workplaces, and building our homes, she said. Angelenos opposing the raids took to the streets early on Friday evening, but their protest was quickly met by officers in riot gear. The LAPD declared the protests an unlawful assembly after 7pm. Bass said she is going to meet with immigrant support groups to discuss plans for responding to situations like the mass ICE raids in the future. "My message to them is that we are going to fight for all Angelenos regardless of when they got here, whether they have papers or not," she said. "We are a city of immigrants, and this impacts hundreds of thousands of Angelenos." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE arrested approximately 44 people in Friday's raid, according to Homeland Security Investigations. Today, ICE officers and agents alongside partner law enforcement agencies, executed four federal search warrants at three location in central Los Angeles. Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested and one arrest for obstruction. The investigation remains ongoing, updates will follow as appropriate," HSI spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe said in a statement. WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNCT) N.C. Senator Ted Budd, a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applaud President Trump executive order to repeal the prohibition on overland supersonic flight. According to a press release, it would establish an interim noise-based certification standard, and repeal other regulations that hinder supersonic flight. The executive order follows Senator Budd and Representative Troy Nehls introduction of the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act, which would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to issue regulations to legalize civil supersonic flight in the United States. President Trumps executive order directly aligns with the goals of this legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps swift leadership to unleash supersonic flight will boost Americas ability to compete with China in the race for next-generation aircraft and revolutionize commercial air travel. For too long, outdated restrictions on civil supersonic flight have stifled innovation. I am grateful that President Trump has leaned in to legalize this vital technology in the United States and promote international engagement for international operations. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington, like my friend Rep. Nehls, to advance policies that unleash cutting-edge technologies like supersonic aviation, said Senator Budd. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Recent news about the British Royal family paints a very complicated picture of the dynamics. King Charles is very sick, and there are reports that succession plans are already underway. He and Prince Harry are reportedly not on speaking terms. Neither are Prince Harry and Prince William. And recent reports indicate Kate Middleton might be trying to fix the rift, after Harry said he wanted a reconciliation in a recent interview. Prince Harry wanting more of a connection with his family might be a new development, but its certainly not a surprising one. Recent reports indicate that though Harry is living in a beautiful home with his wife and children, he is still desperately lonely, according to friends. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Did William really cheat on Kate? Newsnation went deep into this, explaining the dynamics of Harrys friend circle, and how that makes him similar to the infamous Prince Edward. 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 told the outlet. 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. Prince Harry reportedly has one foot in the past, People magazine reported, which the outlet said translates to how Its harder to forge deep friendships with people when youre older, especially if youre wary they may speak to the press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some, this is very familiar. Its like history is repeating itself, the friend also told NewsNation, referencing Edward VIII, later known as the Duke of Windsor, after he gave up being king to marry Wallis Simpson. After he abdicated, he reportedly had very little contact with the royal family and spent most of his time with his wife in Paris. The two were considered outcasts, and Edward VII only met with his brother King George a few times after his abdication, briefly and without his wife. This comes after reports that Harrys relationship with William is irrevocably broken. Fox News reported that sources 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 outlet said. I cant imagine William would invite Harry to his coronation. According to People, Meghan wishes her husband could feel less burdened by the past and more present in the life theyve built together. But Newsnations source disputed that. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This explains Harrys recent interview, where he said, I would love reconciliation with my family. Theres no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious. Now, whether a reconciliation is truly in the cards or not, remains to be seen. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEED TO KNOW Prince William joins Sir David Attenborough for a candid conversation about their shared passion for ocean conservation Attenborough, 99, spotlights the beauty and fragility of marine life in his new documentary Ocean, debuting June 8 on World Oceans Day The release coincides with Prince Williams upcoming trip to Monaco, where hell speak at a major summit on protecting the worlds oceans On the eve of World Oceans Day, Prince William is stepping into the role of TV host interviewing none other than beloved naturalist Sir David Attenborough in a new short film highlighting the beauty and fragility of the worlds oceans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-minute conversation, released ahead of Attenboroughs upcoming documentary Ocean, sees the two passionate conservationists delve into their shared fascination with the sea and their deep concern for its future. [The damage done] to the ocean floor is unspeakably awful, Attenborough says in the clip. Something must be done before we destroy this great treasure. Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Palace Prince William (left) and David Attenborough (right). Prince William (left) and David Attenborough (right). But like William, 42, Attenborough remains optimistic about what can be achieved through greater knowledge of the seas and how to protect them. Some of that comes with the awareness raised by his film. We have an entree into peoples front rooms, he says. The veteran broadcaster, who turned 99 last month (and received birthday wishes from William), also shares lighthearted memories from his early days of underwater filming including struggling to use an old-fashioned diving helmet before turning to the urgent message of his new film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocean with David Attenborough premieres June 7 on National Geographic and begins streaming June 8 on Hulu and Disney+, coinciding with World Oceans Day. William will also mark the occasion by speaking at a high-level conference on ocean preservation in Monaco. The release of William and Attenboroughs conversation follows a new installment in the Prince of Wales Guardians docuseries on BBC Earths YouTube channel. The latest episode spotlights Captain Jose Luis Cesena Calderon, a former illegal fisherman turned conservationist who now protects Mexicos Sea of Cortez from poachers targeting vulnerable species like parrotfish, lobster and octopus. Both projects are part of a growing push by William, 42, to spotlight individuals and communities making a real difference for the planet. Its also central to his environmental legacy project, the Earthshot Prize where Attenborough sits on the council. One of the Prizes five categories, Revive Our Oceans, has helped fund and scale efforts that have restored over 20,000 square kilometers of marine ecosystems and saved or recycled 2.5 million tonnes of water since 2021, Williams office at Kensington Palace says. Their partnership is personal, too. William and Attenborough, who also was close to the princes grandmother Queen Elizabeth, share a warm bond that stretches back years including a memorable moment in 2020 when Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, interviewed Attenborough in a charming video from Kensington Palace. The young royals grilled the nature icon with questions like, What animal do you think will go extinct next? 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! Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Palace Prince William (left) and David Attenborough (right). Prince William (left) and David Attenborough (right). In a statement to PEOPLE, Attenborough reflected on the magnitude of what we still dont know and whats at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery," he said. "Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations, and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man. In this film, we share some of those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored to health," he added. Ocean with David Attenborough premieres June 7 on National Geographic and will be available to stream on Hulu on Disney+ on June 8, World Ocean Day. Read the original article on People The Maryland Department of the Environment has made a final determination to approve permits for Baltimore-based US Wind Inc. to build the first large-scale offshore wind project near Ocean City. According to MDE, The proposed construction and commissioning of the offshore wind project would not cause violations of any applicable air pollution control regulations. The decision, issued Friday, is the latest move in a multi-year, controversial effort to bring the plan to fruition. U.S. Wind has proposed 114 turbines that would be about 11 miles from shore at their closest, according to documents filed by the company with the Maryland Public Service Commission. The project would deliver 1,710 megawatts with turbines about 10 miles from Ocean City, according to its Maryland PSC application. The build-out would occur in several phases, with the first turbines intended for operation in 2028, according to the commission document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of the project, who include Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan, argue that the wind farms could harm the environment and wildlife, degrade air quality and damage the regions tourism economy by marring the beach view. It is unconscionable to believe that the Maryland Department of Environment is ignoring pre-established permitting deadlines and fundamentally ignoring every shred of feedback offered by those who will be directly involved if this poorly conceived and potentially disastrous offshore wind project is allowed to move forward, Meehan said in a statement Friday, following the MDE decision. The entire economy of our coastal resort town is dependent on tourism, our eco system, and commercial fishing, all of which will be significantly impacted if hundreds of these giant eyesores are constructed 10 miles from our beaches. In October, the town of Ocean City filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the wind farm that is closest to beginning construction along its shoreline. The ongoing suit alleges that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management violated federal law when it approved the construction plan for US Winds project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are several groups circulating petitions against the wind farms, including nonprofit Save Ocean City and Indian River High School Engineering Students Class Of 2025 & 2026. Ocean City resident Spencer Rowe said he is concerned about the environmental impact of the wind farms. In my experience, more and more people are starting to question the proposed wind farms, although many of them are not motivated enough to sign [petitions], Rowe said in an email to The Baltimore Sun. Traveling [around] town, one sees a lot of bumper stickers and restaurant signs displaying opposition messages. I talk to a lot of people about this, and nearly everyone is opposed now that they are learning more about all the detrimental impacts, both to the offshore environment and to our priceless viewshed. Maryland has made significant investments in wind energy in recent years. The US Wind project is projected to create 13,000 jobs and net more than $6 billion in economic benefits. For fiscal year 2025 alone, $5 million was allocated to build a wind energy workforce and supply chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under state law, Maryland must reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. The state also aims to develop up to 8,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2031. Despite some expressing environmental and economic concerns, others continue to support the development of offshore wind farms. In a letter to The Sun, Berlin resident Larry Austin Ryan outlined 10 reasons why people should not sign a petition recently sponsored by the Town of Ocean City to push wind turbines more than 26 miles off Marylands coast. Wind power is the fastest growing energy industry in the world! Jobs in wind turbine technology are also one of the fastest growing areas of employment in living wage jobs, Ryan wrote. The Ocean City area is guaranteed 60 jobs and there will be many more jobs in Salisbury and Baltimore in the manufacture and distribution of wind turbines and their components. With the addition of this many jobs, more visitors will have more discretionary income allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor in Ocean City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electricity produced by offshore wind will supply more than 750,000 homes and businesses on the Eastern shore, Ryan added. It will ensure a large-scale improvement of our already inadequate electrical grid here on the shore and avoid a surcharge to Maryland ratepayers for having to import electricity from out of state. This will allow continued economic growth for all the shore in the 21 st century. A petition to review MDEs decision must be filed by July 14 in the circuit court for the county where the permit application indicates the proposed activity will occur. The permits were issued after a thorough review of US Winds application and following a public process, an MDE spokesperson said in an email Saturday. Due to significant public interest, the Department of the Environment extended the time for the public to provide input. All feedback was carefully reviewed. Aside from public debate, US Winds project is facing legal and political hurdles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 5, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown sued President Donald Trumps administration for freezing the development of offshore wind energy projects. Brown and a coalition of 17 attorneys general allege that the executive order threatens states abilities to secure affordable energy sources, meet the increasing electricity demand, meet climate goals and disrupt billions of dollars in infrastructure and supply chain investments, according to the lawsuit. The presidents actions violate federal law and will make it harder for us to help Marylanders keep the money they make. One of the best strategies for driving down utility costs is ramping up clean energy production through wind power, Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement at the time. At a moment when families are feeling the strain of high energy bills, we should focus on cutting red tape, not halting critical infrastructure projects. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A piece of Mississippis complex past is on display at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson. At first glance, its just an elegant 19th century carriage. But behind the artifact lies a story of rebellion, freedom and a family torn between continents. This is a carriage that was owned by Isaac Ross Wade, who lived at Prospect Hill, said Nan Prince, with the Two Mississippi Museums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prospect Hill was a massive cotton plantation in Jefferson County. It was founded in 1808 by Isaac Ross, a Revolutionary War veteran who brought enslaved people with him to Mississippi. As part of his will, he stipulated that any slave who wanted to be freed could be freed, and any slave that wanted to stay at Prospect Hill would be sold with the plantation, said Prince. Freedom came at a cost. Those who chose it were to be sent to Liberia, a place they had never known. It was founded by the American Colonization Society as a way to send freed slaves, Back to Africa, even though they had never actually lived there in the first place, Prince explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosss grandson, Isaac Ross Wade, inherited the plantation and fought to keep it and the people enslaved there. The will was held up in court. That same year, there was a slave uprising at Prospect Hill, and the house was burned and a small child was killed. Several of the slaves who were suspected were lynched, said Prince. Eventually, the court upheld the will. About 300 people were sent to Liberia. Isaac Wade purchased the property back and built a house to replace the one that burned down in 1854. And that house is still standing on the property, stated Prince. Prospect Hill is now owned by the Archaeological Conservancy, which has helped connect descendants from all sides of this history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have brought descendants from the Ross family, and the slaves that moved to Liberia, and the slaves that stayed in Jefferson County. Cousins get to know each other. Its really interesting to watch, said Prince. She said while Ross will did offer freedom, it came with limits and reflected a troubling mindset of the time. It wasnt strictly a compassionate move. It was an underline[d] racist move. It wasnt an option to just be free in America. Youre either going to be free in Africa, or youre going to be enslaved in America, Prince said. Artifacts like the carriage help paint the picture of who held power and what it cost. From tools made by enslaved hands to reunions brining descendants back together, Prospect Hills legacy continues to unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a cotton scraper made by an enslaved individual. It would have been over probably 500 enslaved individuals on Prospect Hill, said Prince. 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. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) On Saturday, more than 100 individuals assembled along War Memorial Drive in front of Peoria Stadium to participate in a protest organized by the Peoria chapter of 50501. Participants carried signs and chanted slogans expressing their views on the Trump administration. The date of the rally comes one day after the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Normandy Beach in France by Allied troops in World War II. For the organizers, this moment harkens back to that time when democracy triumphed over autocracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers described the current moment in American history as a pivotal one, likening it to the turning point of World War II. That connection inspired the events name: D-Day for Democracy. Of course, yesterday we all honored the veterans with the remembrance of the battle in 1944, when our veterans fought fascism in Europe. And so were riding kind of on the heels of that. So today were saying ordinary citizens are coming out and declaring their allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and to the rule of law, Theresa Kuhlmann, the spokeswoman for Peoria 50501, said. The rally also included a mock court trial for President Trump, staged by the organizers. Organizers with the Peoria chapter of 50501 said their goal is to build a movement that cannot be ignored by elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Peoria 50501 chapter hopes the event will encourage ongoing civic engagement among community members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. Hundreds of California National Guard troops converged on Los Angeles on Sunday after President Donald Trump deployed them to help address violent clashes that have erupted between demonstrators and authorities over immigration enforcement operations there. The National Guard troops began arriving in Los Angeles early Sunday morning as the city braced for violence to continue over raids the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted in the second-largest city in the nation on Friday. "We are not intimidated or apprehensive," FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said on Sunday morning in a post on X. "Illegal immigration operations will continue, and anyone using violence to obstruct or impede these operations will be investigated and prosecuted." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Saturday authorizing the deployment of "2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness" in Los Angeles stemming from protests over the ICE operations. Spencer Platt/Getty Images - PHOTO: National Guard troops stand outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles. California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office told ABC News on Sunday that about 300 National Guard troops are on the ground in Los Angeles, far fewer than the 2,000 troops the Trump administration said had been activated. The U.S. Northern Command confirmed on Sunday that National Guard troops are on the ground in Los Angeles, posting on X that the California National Guard 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) "has deployed approximately 300 soldiers to 3 separate locations in the greater Los Angeles area." "They are conducting safety and protection of federal property & personnel," the post added. Barbara Davidson/Reuters - PHOTO: A man waves a Mexican flag as smoke rises from a burning car during a standoff by protesters and law enforcement, following multiple detentions by ICE in the Los Angeles County city of Paramount, Calif. June 7, 2025. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Saturday threatened to send in active duty Marines to address what he described in a post on X as a "huge national security risk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles Police Department said eleven people were arrested during protests on Saturday. At least 22 demonstrators were arrested in New York City during protests outside the Manhattan federal courthouse, according to the New York Police Department. Daniel Cole/Reuters - PHOTO: A car burns in flames following multiple detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Los Angeles County city of Paramount, Calif., June 7, 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he is not concerned at all over President Donald Trump's order to send 2,000 National Guard troops to respond to immigration protests in Los Angeles. I think the president did exactly what he needed to do, Johnson told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl on Sunday. That is real leadership and he has the authority and the responsibility to do it. ICE agents rounded up more than 40 people across Los Angeles who allegedly violated immigration laws, federal authorities said. As word of the raids filtered into the community, protesters gathered outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles, demanding their release. Police declared an unlawful assembly, warning protesters they risked being arrested if they remained in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers in riot gear, according to witnesses, tossed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. The LAPD said a "small group of violent individuals" responded by throwing large pieces of concrete at police. Violence continued at a protest on Saturday that was centered in the city of Paramount in Los Angeles County, following false reports of an immigration raid occurring at that location. The protest came after federal agents on Friday raided multiple workplaces in the Los Angeles fashion district and other areas, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, leading to multiple people, including children, being detained by ICE agents at the Edward Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles, the ACLU said. Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons said during a news conference that ICE agents were staging in her city on Saturday, not conducting a raid, when violence broke out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the clashes between protesters and police, multiple people were seen looting a gas station store in Paramount. Violence over the ICE activity also spread to Compton on Saturday, where more protesters gathered and a car burst into flames on a street. The fire department put the blaze out. It was unclear how the fire started. I think the president did exactly what he needed to do," House Speaker Mike Johnson told ABC News' "This Week" on Sunday, referring to Trump's deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles. That is real leadership and he has the authority and the responsibility to do it. In a statement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard, saying, "In the wake of this violence, Californias feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens." Daniel Cole/Reuters - PHOTO: A protester holds a placard as they gather around the Los Angeles Federal Building following multiple detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in downtown Los Angeles, June 6, 2025. Videos of the protests on Saturday showed Border Patrol agents posted up with many protesters across the street, yelling at them. Footage appears to show some smoke projectiles being deployed as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on social media, United States Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks said several arrests had been made Saturday for alleged assaults on federal agents. On Saturday, Gov. Newsom said the federal government was moving to "take over the California National Guard," calling the move "purposefully inflammatory" and saying it will "only escalate tensions." Allison Dinner/EPA-EFE/Shuttersterstock - PHOTO: Protesters and federal agents clash after ICE raid in Paramount, USA - 07 Jun 2025 Newsom said local California authorities don't need the help. "LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moments notice," Newsom said in a post on X. "We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said its personnel responded to Paramount Boulevard in Paramount on Saturday due to a large crowd blocking the street. "As deputies arrived, it appeared that federal law enforcement officers were in the area, and that members of the public were gathering to protest. The Sheriff's Department was not involved in any federal law enforcement operations or actions and responded solely for traffic and crowd control management," the sheriff's department said in a statement Saturday. Eric Thayer/AP - PHOTO: Smoke fills the street as protesters confront Border Patrol personnel during a demonstration in the Paramount section of Los Angeles, June 7, 2025. FBI Deputy Director Bongino said authorities were seeking to identify people who threw rocks at law enforcement vehicles. We are currently seeking information regarding the identity of the person(s) throwing rocks at vehicles conducting critical law enforcement operations. One of the perpetrators in this video is wearing a helmet, and we're going to use our investigative tools to locate the Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) June 7, 2025 U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said federal law enforcement operations would proceed as planned in Los Angeles County this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I urge the public to refrain from interfering with these lawful actions. Anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution," he said. Daniel Cole/Reuters - PHOTO: Police detains a protester blocking the garage entrance of the Los Angeles Federal Building following multiple detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in downtown Los Angeles, June 6, 2025. The LA County Sheriff's Department said its personnel responded to Paramount Boulevard Saturday, where a large crowd was blocking the street. "As deputies arrived, it appeared that federal law enforcement officers were in the area, and that members of the public were gathering to protest. The Sheriff's Department was not involved in any federal law enforcement operations or actions and responded solely for traffic and crowd control management," the sheriff's department said in a statement Saturday. Eric Thayer/AP - PHOTO: Border Patrol personnel deploy tear gas during a demonstration over the dozens detained in an operation by federal immigration authorities a day earlier in Paramount section of Los Angeles, June 7, 2025. The sheriff's department said it does not participate in any civil immigration enforcement activities or mass deportation sweeps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We remind the public to exercise their right to protest peacefully, with respect for the safety of all community members. Our primary responsibility is to ensure public safety for all individuals presentboth demonstrators, residents, and bystandersby addressing potential safety concerns while supporting the safe and lawful expression of First Amendment rights," the sheriff's department said. Local, federal officials point fingers Daniel Cole/Reuters - PHOTO: A police officer uses stun grenades as they approach the protesters gathered around the Los Angeles Federal Building following multiple detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in downtown Los Angeles, June 6, 2025. The response to the two days of protests has local and federal officials pointing fingers. In a statement Saturday, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons faulted local officials, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, and police for their response to the situation on Friday evening. "What took place in Los Angeles yesterday was appalling," Lyons said. "As rioters attacked federal ICE and law enforcement officers on the LA streets, Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyons' statement went on to say: "Our brave officers were vastly outnumbered, as over 1,000 rioters surrounded and attacked a federal building. It took over two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond, despite being called multiple times. The brave men and women of ICE were in Los Angeles arresting criminal illegal aliens including gang members, drug traffickers and those with a history of assault, cruelty to children, domestic violence, robbery, and smuggling. The LAPD issued a statement later on Saturday denying the ICE director's claims, saying its response was delayed, in part, because federal authorities had deployed chemical irritants into the crowd of protesters. "Contrary to the claim that LAPD delayed its response for over two hours, our personnel mobilized and acted as swiftly as conditions safely allowed," the statement said. "Our response time was impacted by significant traffic congestion, the presence of demonstrators, and, notably, by the fact that federal agents had deployed irritants into the crowd prior to LAPDs arrival. This created a hazardous environment for responding officers. Within 55 minutes of receiving the call, we began to disperse the hostile and riotous crowd." Large crowds first began gathering near the federal detention center in Downtown LA Friday afternoon, protesting the immigration raids and leading to some reported clashes with authorities. Some protesters could be seen throwing objects at vehicles, and others tried to block vans from leaving on Friday, KABC reported. Shortly after 7 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly, warning protesters they risked being arrested if they remained in the area. LAPD officers were seen lining the streets near the federal building, KABC reported. The LAPD said in a social media post late Friday that officers had reported a "small group of violent individuals" throwing large pieces of concrete. "Once again, an UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY has been declared. You must leave the area. The use of less lethal munitions has been authorized by the Incident Commander," the LAPD said in the post. Jae C. Hong/AP - PHOTO: People react as a Department of Homeland Security officer shoots pepper balls during a protest after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation, on June 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. Bass has condemned the ICE operations in her city. "As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. My Office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this," Bass said. Bass told ABC Los Angeles station KABC that neither she nor the Los Angeles Police Department was aware that the ICE raids were going to happen. On Saturday, protests in the city of LA itself remained peaceful and ended without incident, the LAPD said in a statement. In a statement posted to social media later Saturday, Bass said many in the city are feeling fear following the immigration enforcement operations, but she also decried violence. "Reports of unrest outside the city, including in Paramount, are deeply concerning. Weve been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward. Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable." -ABC News' Luis Martinez, Michelle Stoddart, Luke Barr and Vanessa Navarrete contributed to this report. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued a blanket pardon to more than 1,500 people charged in the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection. But it still wasnt enough. Now, five Proud Boys leaders are suing the Department of Justice (DOJ) over their prosecutions and asking the government to pay millions in compensation. The lawsuit, filed by Dominic Pezzola, Henry Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joe Biggs, and Zachary Rehl, demands $100 million in restitution, despite the fact that the latter four were found guilty of engaging in a seditious 2021 conspiracy to keep Trump in power. Stewart Rhodes, Enrique Tarrio, Joe Biggs, and Zach Rehl, members of the far-right group the Proud Boys, rally outside the Capitol in February 2025. All were pardoned by Trump after the Jan. 6 insurrection. / Chip Somodevilla / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Two years after the riot, Tarrio, Nordean, Biggs and Rehl were found guilty of plotting to oppose Congress election certification by force. Pezzola was the only one who was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but was still found guilty of assaulting police, stealing a riot shield, smashing a window breached by rioters, conspiring to impede lawmakers and police, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five men filed the lawsuit Friday in Florida, putting the ball in Trumps court to either defend the prosecutions or leave taxpayers to foot an exorbitant bill. The Proud Boys is a far-right militant organization that promotes political violence and embraces misogynistic, xenophobic, and anti-LGBTQ+ ideologies. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who was involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, is filing a lawsuit against the DOJ with four other members of the Proud Boys members. / BRYAN DOZIER / Bryan Dozier/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty If the DOJ decides to pay the Proud Boys members, many Democrats worry that it could symbolize the presidents willingness to outwardly sanction political violence and empower extremists. In the pardon proclamation announced on Jan. 20, Trump noted that the controversial mercy ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation. Proud Boys member Joe Biggs joined Dominic Pezzola, Henry Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, and Zachary Rehl to sue the DOJ. / BRYAN DOZIER / Bryan Dozier/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Prior to the pardons, Tarrio, Nordean, Biggs, Rehl, and Pezzola were each sentenced to 22, 18, 17, 15, and 10 years in prison, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Proud Boys members claim there was an egregious and systemic abuse of the legal system and the United States Constitution to punish and oppress political allies of President Trump, by any and all means necessary, legal, or illegal. President Donald Trump issued a mass pardon for 1,500 people involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection. / Kent Nishimura / Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images A settlement would suggest that the violence of January 6 was entirely justified, Matthew Dallek, a political historian at The George Washington University, told The Washington Post. It would say to the country that these Proud Boys who were convicted in a court of law, in a fair trial, were wrongfully prosecuted and victims. It just turns the entire day on its head. The insurrection interrupted Congress attempt to certify former President Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election. After a mob stormed the Capitol, five people died in or immediately after the violence and 140 officers were assaulted. The Daily Beast has reached out to the Trump administration for comment. Purdue University announced it will no longer help distribute its student newspaper on campus one of a handful decisions distancing itself from the independent student publication. Student journalists working at the The Purdue Exponent, First Amendment advocacy organizations and community members say the decision is likely to suppress student journalism and readers' ability to access information drawing concern over the freedom of the press enshrined in the First Amendment. "This goes back to Purdue trying to sideline the Exponent and control that source of information," former Exponent editor Seth Nelson said. "The more you separate the student newspaper from the campus ecosystem and from the Purdue brand, the easier it is for you to control the message." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purdues Office of Legal Counsel told the Exponent's publisher and editor in an email sent May 30 that it would no longer help distribute the biweekly paper on campus, citing an expired facilities contract. Previously, the Exponent worked with university employees to deliver papers to racks during early morning hours when many campus buildings are locked. The letter said the Exponent still could deliver the papers to stands "on a non-exclusive, first-come, space-available basis." Purdue also told the 135-year-old publication, which is trademarked as "The Purdue Exponent" through 2029, that it should omit the university's name moving forward. It also pulled Exponent staff's ability to purchase parking passes at a campus garage. The university stood by its decision in a June 5 statement, saying the Exponent is a private business and Purdue doesn't provide such support to other media organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the email, Purdue said the basis for its decision is a contract that expired in 2014. The parties had still honored the terms of the agreement for the last 11 years. The Exponent said in its statement it had attempted to renew the contract for years, while the university email said it has no intention to enter into a new contract. The day after the Exponent's June 5 public statement critiquing the decision, publisher Kyle Charters said the Exponent and Purdue have had "quality conversations" on the matter. The university's decision drew ire from many in the local community who say the publication, which is staffed by about 125 students during the school year, is one of the best outlets for in-depth Purdue coverage. Many local news outlets have experienced reductions in resources and staff needed to inform the area of about 110,000. Charters said this decision impact students who opt to write for the Exponent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though independent, the student publication is lab for students to learn journalistic skills regardless of their major. The publication's work has often been recognized for excellence by the state chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists. Purdue's action also caught the attention of First Amendment watchdog organizations such as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. "Purdue's actions reflect a betrayal of the press freedom our Constitution requires it to uphold," said Dominic Coletti, a program officer on FIRE's campus advocacy team. "The university's commitment to institutional neutrality does not require it to abandon its relationship with the Exponent." Nelson, the former editor who will be a senior at Purdue this fall, said the university's move isn't an act of overt censorship but demonstrates the university is attempting to hinder the independent publication's ability to do its job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's not one news item he can point to that would have inspired this decision, but Nelson said it's rather the school's uneasiness with an independent news source so close to campus. "It's a larger multi-billion dollar organization that is leveraging its weight and power to suppress the voice of a student newspaper," he said. "Of course, that's a First Amendment issue." Despite the changes, the Exponent is planning for business as usual. The distribution plan has been shifted to address the new challenges in the interim, and the smaller team of student journalists will continue producing news over the summer. "We're going to continue to do what we do and that is cover the news," Charters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com or message her on Signal at @cate.charron.28. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue distances itself from student newspaper, wants school name removed President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected U.S. President Donald Trumps comparison of Russias war against Ukraine to children fighting in a park during his interview with ABC News published on June 6. "We are not kids with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin at the playground in the park," Zelensky said, as quoted by the TV network. "He is a murderer who came to this park to kill the kids." The U.S. president, who has repeatedly claimed he alone can bring an end to the war, said on June 5 that it might be best not to intervene in Russias war against Ukraine for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy, Trump said at a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House. 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." Trump's statement came amid stalled negotiations, rising casualties from Russian drone strikes, and Russia's refusal to make any concessions. Kyiv has repeatedly urged Russia to accept a Western-backed 30-day ceasefire as the first step toward a broader peace deal a move that Moscow again rejected during the latest round of negotiations in Istanbul on June 2. In the interview with ABC News, Zelensky also spoke of the "limitless" pain endured by a Ukrainian father who lost his wife and three children in a missile strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky added that Trump "could not feel fully and understand this pain." "And its not about President Trump, its about any person who is not here in the country, who is some thousands of miles away (they) cannot feel fully and understand this pain," Zelensky said, as quoted by ABC News. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in preemptive strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A serial rapist who preyed on children has been sentenced to 34 years in prison for violently sexually assaulting at least two victims, the Queens District Attorneys Office announced this week. Viando Ricketts, a barber from St. Albans, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl, plus another 12 years for raping a 16-year-old girl, with both incidents occurring in 2022, according to court documents. This sexual predator targeted unsuspecting children, brought them to a hotel near his place of employment, and raped them, Queens D.A. Melinda Katz said in a statement. We thank the brave victims for coming forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ricketts, now 31, met his first victim, a 16-year-old girl, when she started working a summer job at a store next door to his barbershop in June 2022. After buying her food in an attempt to gain her friendship, he took her to the Belmont Motel on Hempstead Ave. in Queens Village, where he raped her while she struggled to get away, according to court documents. Afterward he repeatedly apologized to the victim and convinced her to enter into a relationship with him, during which time he continued to sexually and physically abuse her, including an incident in October 2022 in which he repeatedly punched her in the face during an argument. A year later, after they had broken up, Ricketts convinced the victim to get into his car to talk about their relationship and raped her inside the vehicle, according to court documents. While in a relationship with the first victim, Ricketts met a 12-year-old girl who had recently run away from a group home, gave her food and alcohol and took her to the Belmont Motel, where he threw her onto the bed and raped her as she struggled to get away, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several days later, while at the hospital for a different issue, the 12-year-old girl disclosed the rape, which hospital workers reported to the police. The 16-year-old victim also took out a restraining order against Ricketts, which he violated by continuing to text and call her until being arrested in May 2024. After serving his sentence, Ricketts will have an additional 10 years probation and have to register as a sex offender. RIDGEWOOD, Queens (PIX11) A second high school student at a New York City public school has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to New York State Senator Mike Gianaris and State Assemblymember Claire Valdez. The elected officials shared word of the students detainment in social media posts on Friday. The 11th-grade student from Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood, Queens was said to have been apprehended in a courthouse after a routine immigration hearing, Sen. Gianaris shared. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A high schooler in my neighborhood has been taken into custody by ICE at an immigration court check-in. His family has not heard from him in days, and has no idea where he is being held, said Valdez. Sen. Gianaris, Assemblymember Valdez, and Councilmember Jen Gutierrez have called for the students immediate release and for him to be reunited with his family. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State News of a Grover Cleveland junior who was recently detained after attending their court ordered hearing is infuriating, Gutierrez said in a statement posted to social media. Apprehending anyone let alone minors in courthouses, when they are following our laws, our protocols, is unjustifiable, the statement continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 11th grader marks the second NYC public school student to be detained by ICE in the last two weeks. The agency previously took a 20-year-old student named Dylan into custody on May 21. The Venezuelan native was a Bronx high school student who was going through the legal process of seeking asylum. Immigrant advocates and elected officials have also reported that more than a dozen other people have been detained by ICE agents while attending immigration hearings at 201 Varick Street. PIX11 News reached out to NYC Public Schools and ICE for a statement but did not hear back at the time of publishing. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Los Angeles took a huge step toward linking airplanes to trains on Friday, as the nation's fifth busiest hub joined the modern travel world and offered car-loving Southern Californians an off-ramp from traffic-clogged freeways. The first trains from LAX/Metro Transit Center rolled out during the early evening rush, connecting travelers to the K or C rail lines, which can then whisk them north in the direction of central Los Angeles, south toward beach cities or east along Interstate 105. The breakthrough is an absolute necessity for organizers of the 2028 Olympics if they're going to fulfill their vow of making it a "no car Games." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a big day for L.A.," County Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement shortly after a ceremonial ride at the new station. Hahn, the MTA chair, used good humor and invoked the memory of an arch conservative to toast this new rail option. "President Reagan once said the nine most terrifying words were, 'Im from the government, and Im here to help.' But here in L.A., we know they have always been: 'Hey, can you give me a ride to LAX?'" quipped Hahn, the daughter of late political titan Kenneth Hahn who played a key role in bringing the Brooklyn Dodgers west in 1957. "Well now for the first time ever you can say: 'No way. Just take Metro.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This option still isn't a 100% tire-free experience. Arriving LAX passengers still have to take a bus shuttle, which is set to run every 10 minutes, from the airport to the new station, which is about two miles east of Terminal 1. The LAX People Mover is being built and targeted for completion by year's end. Once the People Mover is rolling, LAX will have rail service that its peers have offered for decades. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has been rolling passengers in and out of America's busiest airport, HartsfieldJackson, since 1988. And travelers going through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (2014), Denver International Airport (2016), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (1984) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (2003) have had rail options for decades. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com RAPID CITY, SD (KELO) A federal judge on Friday sentenced a Rapid City man, tied to a Mexican drug cartel, to 25-years in prison. 38-year-old Guillermo Calderon pleaded guilty in March to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Prosecutors say Calderon was the leader of the conspiracy that trafficked significant amounts of methamphetamine to Rapid City and Pine Ridge from Mexican cartel operatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in Iowa arrested Calderon in January 2024, while he was allegedly driving 20-pounds of meth into South Dakota. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Across the pond, the lefts leader veers right Edinburgh, Scotland: It was only a matter of time before U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer went down the predictable Tony Blair route of mistaking himself for a latter-day military messiah. Peace through strength (Starmer at a Dublin steel factory, backed by unimpressed workers) is word-waffle, mind-bending nonsense, up there with Blairs weapons of mass destruction as a motive for diverting significant tax income from helping people to hurting people. Recent shameful figures show that Starmers refusal to move the two-child benefit cap has plunged even more children into poverty. Add to that the betrayal of the elderly, women done out of pension entitlement, the young (Starmer abandoned a previous pledge by the Labour Party to ease student debt) and Labours shocking role in the slaughter of Gaza Starmers ridiculous saber-rattling is clearly a WMD moment. Whereas the lunatic drunkard woman-abuser U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is touting China as the existential threat, Starmer has Vladimir Putin as the main bogeyman already under our beds. That would be the same Putin who has entirely failed to overrun Ukraine, despite thinking hed have it all done and dusted in a couple of months. Instead, he has yes killed many thousands of innocent people, but also decimated Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should all worry, but not because of Starmers fear-mongering. We should remember just how far weak leaders are prepared to go to cover their failures. Amanda Baker Your home is here Bronx: Voicer Tal Barzilai thinks Zionists shouldnt be criticized for their reprehensible behavior, but their genocide speaks for itself, and the efforts to starve Gazans is further cruelty. This has been the terrorist Zionist plan all along. Tal then makes specious claims about Jews being the so-called true indigenous people of the region. By that reasoning, since I have Celtic heritage, I should be given free rein to kick a Jewish family out of a European home simply because Celts occupied that area 3,000 years ago. Tal, for 2,000 years it wasnt your land. Time moves on. Please stay relatively safe and secure in New York, the real promised land. You are the unreasonable one. Nick Smith Talk is cheap Bronx: To Voicer Jessica Balter: You got it all right on actions speak louder than Mayor Avarice Adams rhetoric. He runs as an Independent to give folks like me a bad name, skip debates that might show the truth of his corrupt administration and disinvite media events where he cant direct the narrative. It is so telling that as he runs NYC as if it is his private taxpayer public zoo, Greta Thunberg, recognizing the intersection of social issues, braves the open spaces with an international group of do-gooders sailing forward with donated aid for Palestinians under the threat of being blown out of the water with them. It is so telling that other N.Y. officials are also speaking the ills of Adams while operating in his same contaminated, incandescent, yet camouflaged dark space. Dale Benjamin Drakeford Against affordability Howard Beach: If New York truly wants to keep the city more affordable, why dont they stop increasing property taxes twice a year? Victoria Costanza Shared air Manhattan: Though we still think Canada and the Midwest are far away and not part of our lives here in New York, thank you, Daily News, for continuing to confront us with our reality (City girds for bad air from Canada fires, June 4). Twenty-five thousand Canadians fleeing their homes, air rated as very unhealthy in Minneapolis Eh, tough! Wait a minute! City girds. Is that New York City? Is that us? You mean our air could be turning orange again because of Canadian fires ignited in too-dry underbrush? Too dry from carbon dioxide emissions bouncing the Earths heat back to itself? Same old oil and gas at fault? Wait a minute! Our legislators better not return home from Albany without first passing the NY HEAT Act and convincing Gov. Hochul to unleash the Cap-and-Invest program. Thomas A. Caffrey Undeclared import Brooklyn: Does anybody know what the tariff rate is for the smog Canada is exporting to the U.S.? Damo Baliga Protect pigeons Wappingers Falls, N.Y.: I am appalled that Direct TVs charming chatty pigeons TV ads were followed by an ad from Dish Network featuring a child gleefully throwing stones at representations of pigeons while an adult urged her on. Indeed, this companys website features targets on the same pigeons. Pigeons were hailed as heroes who played an important role in World War I, relaying vital messages, saving lives and contributing to the Allied war effort. An award for bravery was bestowed on 32 pigeons for their wartime service. Unfortunately, due to ignorance, prejudice and wrong information, pigeons, like many animals, subsequently became subjects of derision and mocking. Think what Dish did is allowable because they only use statues? If Dish showed ads of kids throwing stones at statues of any ethnic group, itd be shut down immediately. Please boycott Dish for wanting to capitalize on teaching cruelty. Yliana Franco Petty Pete Merion Station, Pa.: Now that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has chosen Pride Month to remove the name of Harvey Milk, a gay Navy veteran, from a ship, will he also remove the names Kosciuszko and Pulaski from military assets during Octobers Polish American Heritage Month? Will he dare erase African-American names during Februarys Black History Month, womens names during Marchs Womens Heritage Month, or those of Asian/Pacific Islanders during Mays Asian Pacific American Heritage Month? Native Americans should beat Hegseth at his own game and demand that the Defense Department stop using tribal names and symbols on its weaponry. Gone would be helicopters named for Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook, Lakota, Kiowa, Comanche, Creek, Cheyenne, Little Bird and Arapaho tribes as well as Tomahawk missiles. Paul L. Newman So he says Milford, Pa.: I was sorry to read about Voicer Mahatma Kane Jeevess problems running his business in the current economic climate. I just watched President Trump on Fox News, and he let everyone know the American economy is booming. So hang in there, Voicer Jeeves. The Trump economic boom should be heading your way soon. Trump, the businessman with so many successful business ventures on his resume, surely knows what he is talking about. He would never mislead or lie to the American people. John Hirt Explain the claim Linden, N.J.: Different news sources and S.E. Cupp (Trump just cant deliver on any of his promises, column, June 5) keep stating that the Big Beautiful Bill is loaded with pork. How about illuminating these frivolities and their contributors so that we uninformed taxpayers can remember them when its time for reelection? C. Olbrys Trump-obsessed Hammonton, N.J.: S.E. Cupp forgot that Trump did fulfill his promise to secure our border and deport illegals. No bill will reduce our deficit because nobody in Congress wants to risk their jobs to save our nation. We need term limits for that. The Ukraine war will only end if Vladimir Putin withdraws or the Russian army is destroyed. Presidents not keeping promises is not our biggest problem; the impotent, self-serving Congress is. Cupps hatred for Trump really is an unhealthy obsession that undermines her credibility. I have never liked any presidents in my lifetime and certainly have never trusted Congress, but I dont obsess over it. I just work and try to live a productive life. William Cook Unhand that fan Whitsett, N.C.: Handheld fans are a newly banned item on ships. If you cruise and plan to line dance with a handheld fan, its now banned from use in the club on Carnival ships, and Im sure that if one ship brand does a ban, then others will follow. So no Boots on the Ground: Where Them Fans At? song line dance with a fan in your hand will be allowed. Perhaps the company has either discovered or suffered a liability when someone gets hurts by someone using the fans on the dance floor, which I can imagine if one accidentally hits someone in their eyes, for example. It can cause a lot of potential damage for someone, indeed. Dee Neveu Convicted killer and recaptured prison escapee Grant Hardin, known as the Devil in the Ozarks, has been transferred to the Varner SuperMax prison southeast of Little Rock, Arkansas prison authorities announced Saturday. After a nearly two-week search in the rugged mountains of northern Arkansas, authorities recaptured Hardin on Friday 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) northwest of the prison from which he escaped. Hardin briefly attempted to run from officers when he saw them approach, but he was quickly tackled to the ground, said Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas prison system. Authorities tried to track Hardin using drones, bloodhounds and a helicopter, but high water from heavy rains during the search raised the water level in creeks and streams around the prison. That likely limited his abilities and also those of the searchers -- to move through the rugged terrain, Champion said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The direction he went, specifically around Moccasin Creek, saw high water due to the abundance of rain the last few weeks, which more than likely limited his options to get around the area, Champion said. Search teams had looked through this area before, but the high water previously limited their ability to fully investigate. Residents of the nearby town of Calico Rock, like Roger Simons, said they were surprised to learn that Hardin had stayed so close to the prison. None of us really thought he was still in the area, said Simons, a local bartender. We thought he was long gone that's what I would have bet my money on." Hardin had been held at the Calico Rock prison since 2017 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in a fatal shooting. He escaped by impersonating a corrections officer in dress and manner, according to a court document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A prison officer in one of the guard towers opened a secure gate, allowing him to walk out of the facility. Authorities say they are investigating why Hardin's identity was not checked before he was allowed to leave. Benton County Prosecutor Bryan Sexton, who oversaw Hardins convictions for murder and rape, said he had been in close contact with law enforcement officials who were consistent with their belief that Hardin remained in the northern Arkansas region. Hardin is a former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border whose notoriety led to a TV documentary called Devil in the Ozarks. Sexton said his escape had significantly disrupted the lives of trial witnesses and Hardin's victims, whom he kept updated on the pursuit for the fugitive. Every one of them to a person informed me that they had to make changes in their lives because they had had concerns for their safety, Sexton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Hardin's recapture, they could get closure in their lives and secondly go back to their normal lives, which had been disrupted the whole time he was out, Sexton said. Cheryl Tillman, the sister of a man shot by Hardin in 2017, told The Associated Press that Hardins capture was a big sigh of relief for her whole family. We dont have to walk around, turning around all the time, thinking somebodys on our back, Tillman said, emphasizing her appreciation for the officers who helped capture Hardin. Sexton said he was more assured now that Hardin was being sent to a more secure facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Varner Unit, established in 1987, has the capacity to house 1,714 inmates. It is the site where former President Bill Clintons gubernatorial chief of staff, a death penalty opponent, faced charges for trying to smuggle a knife and tattoo needles into death row. Within Varner, a special supermax unit houses the most high-risk prisoners such as a man who fatally shot a soldier at a military recruiting station and death row inmates such as convicted child rapist and murderer Zachary Holly. Damien Wayne Echols of the West Memphis Three was also incarcerated there prior to his release. By reputation, Varner is the most secure prison in the Arkansas system, Sexton said. "I think that all things considering, putting him (Hardin) in the most secure facility we can is probably a wise thing to do." GOSHEN The Elkhart County Recorders Office is offering a free service that alerts property owners and homeowners to potential fraud. Property Fraud Alert offers: Ability to sign up online or via phone Spanish support for website and alerts Receive alerts via text, email or phone Property Fraud Alert (PFA) is an online subscription service offered to the public that allows individuals to have their name monitored within the County Recorders Office in order to track possible fraudulent recordings that affects their property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Recorders Office has been offering this service for several years, there have been some recent updates and additions to the program, Elkhart County Recorder Kaala Baker said. Property Fraud Alert is now available in both English and Spanish, making it usable to a wider audience and susceptible group to fraud. In addition, the phone alerts now include specific details regarding the document with both language options. Subscribers can also now choose to receive a text message alert when a document is recorded in their name. This will ensure that they never miss an update and can continue getting the most out of PFA. The revamped website is even easier for subscribers to use, and contains all the same information about the service laid out in an intuitive manner. And as always, this is free service to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Participants enter their personal and/or business name, and they will be notified when a document is recorded with your name match. While PFA does not prevent fraud from happening, it provides an early warning system for property owners to take appropriate actions should they determine possible fraudulent activity has taken place, Baker said. Property Fraud Alert is available by subscription on the web at www.property fraudalert.com, or by calling 800-728-3858. The PFA link is also available from the Elkhart County Recorders website. https://elkhartcounty.com/en/all -departments/recorder/. Jun. 6RED WING, Minn. A Red Wing man accused of criminal sexual conduct involving a 15-year-old was sentenced on Friday, June 6, in the Goodhue County Justice Center. Jeffrey David Nelsen, 44, was charged in June 2024 with seven counts of criminal sexual conduct, all felonies. Nelsen pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in February. Goodhue County District Judge Patrick Biren sentenced Nelsen to 12 years in the St. Cloud correctional facility. The prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of probation. Nelsen is also required to register as a predatory offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exchange for Nelsen's guilty plea, all other charges were dismissed. He received 315 days of credit for time served. A school resource officer for the Red Wing Police Department received a report on April 30, 2024, from a mandated reporter who was concerned that an adult man was engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old. The mandated reporter said Nelsen was seen walking to school with the girl, holding her hand and kissing her, according to the criminal complaint. Goodhue County Health and Human Services conducted a forensic interview with the girl. During the interview, she said she had a "bond" with Nelsen. In addition to going on walks and hanging out together, the girl said she and Nelsen talk on the phone nearly every day, court documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl alleged Nelsen engaged in sexual acts five to 10 times since the holidays in 2023, court documents said. A school resource officer obtained a search warrant for the girl's phone and observed affectionate messages between Nelsen and the girl. According to court documents, Nelsen denied engaging in sexual contact with the child. Those experiencing sexual exploitation can call a 24-hour crisis line at 507-289-0636 to speak to someone who can direct you towards help. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) As Senator Jack Reed continues a tour around Rhode Island to warn of the proposed effects of President Donald Trumps big beautiful bill, a fight is unfolding between Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, just days after Musk left the White House. I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, Musk told CBS Sunday Mornings David Pogue last week. But I dont know if it can be both. My personal opinion. Republicans in the House passed $1.5 trillion in spending cuts to offset trillions more in tax cuts, which President Trump said would provide financial relief for Americans. But with the bill moving to the Senate, Democrats need three Republicans to stop the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will it help? It certainly wont hurt to have Musk suddenly being [Trumps] chief critic, Reed said. In the long run, its still too soon to say that people will break with the president. At a news conference at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank on Friday, Reed warned Rhode Islanders to prepare for cuts to food assistance programs like SNAP, should the big beautiful bill pass. Its a lifeline to more than 144,000 Rhode Islanders, he said. Particularly low-income families, particularly children and seniors. Under the proposed bill, the Congressional Budget Office estimates, the federal government would spend $267 billion less on SNAP between 2026 and 2034. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reed said that cut could mean 17,000 Rhode Islanders losing SNAP benefits, adding that state leaders would have to decide how to cover $85 million in federal funds. Lisa Roth Blackman, the chief philanthropy officer for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, said nonprofits wont be able to fill that gap either. The charitable system is not equipped to fill in that size of a hole, she said. Blackman said the food bank is also facing a state budget cut of roughly 30%. She is asking the General Assembly to instead pass a bill that would raise the food banks allocation from the $800,000 it received last year up to $1 million. 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 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. Religious rights are sparking both unanimity and deep divisions on the Supreme Court this term, with one major decision still to come. On Thursday, all nine justices sided with Catholic Charities Bureau in its tax fight with Wisconsin. But weeks earlier, the courts 4-4 deadlock handed those same religious interests a loss by refusing to greenlight the nations first religious charter school. Now, advocates are turning their attention to the other major religion case still pending this term, which concerns whether parents have the First Amendment right to opt-out their children from instruction including books with LGBTQ themes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court has been using its Religion Clause cases over the past few years to send the message that everything doesnt have to be quite so polarized and quite so everybody at each others throats, said Mark Rienzi, the president and CEO of Becket, a religious legal group that represents both the parents and Catholic Charities. The trio of cases reflect a new burst of activity on the Supreme Courts religion docket, a major legacy of Chief Justice John Roberts tenure. Research by Lee Epstein, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, found the Roberts Court has ruled in favor of religious organizations over 83 percent of the time, a significant jump from previous eras. The decisions have oftentimes protected Christian traditions, a development that critics view as a rightward shift away from a focus on protecting non-mainstream religions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Thursday, the court emerged unanimous. The nine justices all agreed that Wisconsin violated the First Amendment in denying Catholic Charities a religious exemption from paying state unemployment taxes. Wisconsins top court denied the exemption by finding the charity wasnt primarily religious, saying it could only qualify if it was trying to proselytize people. Catholic Charities stressed that the Catholic faith forbids misusing works of charity for proselytism. Justice Sonia Sotomayor authored Thursdays majority opinion finding Wisconsin unconstitutionally established a government preference for some religious denominations over others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There may be hard calls to make in policing that rule, but this is not one, Sotomayor wrote. The fact that Sotomayor, one of the courts three Democratic-appointed justices, wrote the opinion heightened the sense of unity. Shes voted with us in several other cases, too, and I think it just shows that it is not the partisan issue that people sometimes try to make it out to be, said Rienzi. However, Sotomayors opinion notably did not address Catholic Charities other arguments, including those related to church autonomy that Justice Clarence Thomas, one the courts leading conservatives, endorsed in a solo, separate opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Gardner, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, which filed a brief backing Catholic Charities, similarly called the unanimity an encouraging sign. If they can find a way to do that, they want to do that. And thats why I think you have the opinion written the way that it was. It was written that way so that every justice could feel comfortable signing off on it, said Gardner. Supporters and critics of the courts decision agree it still poses repercussions on cases well beyond the tax context and even into the culture wars. Perhaps most immediately, the battle at the Supreme Court will shift from unemployment taxes to abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justices have a pending request from religious groups, also represented by Becket, to review New Yorks mandate that employers health care plans cover abortions. The regulation exempts religious organizations only if they inculcate religious values, meaning many faith-based charities must still follow the mandate. And for the First Liberty Institute, it believes Thursdays decision bolsters its legal fights in the lower courts. It represents an Ohio church that serves the homeless and an Arizona church that provides food distribution, both embroiled in legal battles with local municipalities that implicate whether the ministries are religious enough. Thursdays decision is not the first time the Supreme Court has unanimously handed a win to religious rights advocates. In 2023, the First Liberty Institute successfully represented a Christian U.S. Postal Service worker who requested a religious accommodation to not work on Sundays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And two years earlier, the court in a unanimous judgment ruled Philadelphia violated the Free Exercise Clause by refusing to refer children to a Catholic adoption agency because it would not certify same-sex couples to be foster parents. People thought that was a very narrow decision at the time, but the way it has sort of been applied since then, it has really reshaped a lot of the way that we think about Free Exercise cases, said Gardner. Its not always kumbaya, however. Last month, the Supreme Court split evenly on a highly anticipated religious case that concerned whether Oklahoma could establish the nations first publicly funded religious charter school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 4-4 deadlock meant the effort fizzled. Released just three weeks after the justices initial vote behind closed doors, the decision spanned one sentence. The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court, it reads. Though the deadlock means supporters of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School are left without a green light, they are hoping they will prevail soon enough. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, President Trumps third appointee to the court, recused from the St. Isidore case, which many court watchers believe stemmed from her friendship with a professor at Notre Dame, whose religious liberty clinic represented St. Isidore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Barrett could participate in a future case providing the crucial fifth vote that presents the same legal question, which poses consequential implications for public education. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court still has one major religion case left this term. The justices are reviewing whether Montgomery County, Md., must provide parents an option to opt-out their elementary-aged children from instruction with books that include LGBTQ themes. The group of Muslim, Roman Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox parents suing say it substantially burdens their First Amendment rights under the Free Exercise Clause. At oral arguments, the conservative majority appeared sympathetic with the parents plea as the courts three liberal justices raised concerns about where to draw the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Probably, it will be a split decision, said Gardner, whose group has filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of parents in California. But he cautioned, you never know where some of the justices will line up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Eighty-one years ago on Friday, allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, to try and liberate western Europe from Germany during World War II. A local historian has made the trip to Normandy a few times to remember the South Dakotans who played a role in the historical invasion known as D-Day. Recess program gets dogs out of the shelter for a day The landings at Normandy involved a massive amphibious assault, with nearly 160,000 troops who were under heavy fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to believe that anybody would have been able to step out into that, local historian Rick Tupper said. Tupper has traveled to Normandy three times. His most recent trip was last year. Its very moving and emotional especially when you get on the cemetery. I wish every American could go there because it is an experience, Tupper said. Tupper says the invasion was a turning point in the war, as it allowed the Allies to gain a foothold on the Continent and eventually defeat Nazi Germany. Tupper says South Dakotans can be proud of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. While I was there I had the opportunity to research some of the South Dakotans who are buried in the Normandy cemetery. One of them was 19-year-old Glenn Dow of Sioux Falls,. So 50 minutes after the invasion started he landed on Omaha Beach. Unfortunately he stepped on a landmine and was killed, so hes buried at the Normandy American Cemetery, said Tupper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still 51 South Dakotans buried in the Normandy Cemetery, but some were brought home and laid to rest here. Like soldier, Harvey Henle, who is buried in the St. Michaels Cemetery. Harvey was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, so probably in the early morning hours on June 6th, he jumped into Normandy, unfortunately on June 7th he was killed, Tupper said. So, as Americans commemorate the 81st anniversary, Tupper is reminded of the three times he traveled to the hallowed grounds where so many Americans lost their lives. So to stand there and know what went on there 81 years ago, its meaningful and I think we as Americans its important that we remember that, Tupper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are more than 9,000 Americans still buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Renee Ferguson, a trailblazing television reporter in Chicago, is dead at 75. How did Ferguson die? Ferguson's cause of death was not released. Tributes flowed in for the investigative journalist. NBC 5, her former television station, confirmed her death with her family on June 6, 2025. "Renee Ferguson left an incredible echo in our newsroom that still rings through the DNA of our investigative journalism, and that legacy will continue," said Kevin Cross, president and general manager of NBCU Local Chicago, to that station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to that station, Ferguson was the first Black woman to work as an investigative journalist for a Chicago television station. She worked for NBC Chicago from 1987 through 2008, the station wrote. Indiana University honored Ferguson in an alumni tribute before her death. She was the co-founder of the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, the university wrote. Renee Ferguson, the first African American woman to work as an investigative reporter in Chicago television and a long-time journalist for NBC 5, has died. Click here for more: https://t.co/mOvG9WOhID#reneeferguson #journalism #nbcchicago #nbc5 #wmaq #makinghistory pic.twitter.com/cVNc4ZkDA9 NBC Chicago (@nbcchicago) June 6, 2025 "A television journalist and investigative reporter, Fergusons writing roots trace back to her adolescence, even before she attended IU," the university bio says. "Her junior high school named her Most Likely to be a Journalist. Ferguson always wanted to be a writer, and living up to her middle school superlative, she has told countless stories over her career," the bio says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Chicago Tribune, Ferguson's career spanned 25 years at two television stations in that city. Ferguson's husband, Ken Smikle, died before her, according to a 2018 article in the Chicago Sun-Times. It says that he died after his wife made a public plea for a donor heart for him. He was described as a "well-known" journalist who ran a marketing firm. He was 66 when he died after suffering from congestive heart failure, The Sun-Times reported. Related: 'King of the Hill' Creators Break Silence on Voice Actor's Shooting Death Renee Ferguson Dead at 75 After Trailblazing Journalism Career first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 7, 2025 NEED TO KNOW Rep. Sarah McBride tells PEOPLE that AOC is "a friend and someone who I have turned to for advice" during her first term in the House In a powerful conversation with AOC featured in the State of Firsts documentary about her run for Congress, McBride discusses the pressures she faces as the first openly trans congresswoman State of Firsts premieres June 7 at the Tribeca Festival and screens through June11 Rep. Sarah McBride has a strong ally in Congress in one of the House's most visible figures: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McBride, 34, tells PEOPLE that AOC, 35, has been a source of support since she began her first term in Congress in January. McBride, who made history when she became the first openly transgender person to be elected to the House in November 2024, is the subject of the new State of Firsts documentary from director Chase Joynt, which follows her campaign for Congress. In one scene from the documentary filmed after she won her seat as a U.S. representative from Delaware, McBride and AOC sit down in her office for a chat about "firsts." While speaking to PEOPLE ahead of State of First's Saturday June 7 premiere at the Tribeca Festival, McBride detailed her important bond with the lawmaker. "She's definitely become a friend and someone who I have turned to for advice. She entered Congress with a profile that exceeds mine with a lot of attention," McBride says. "And you know, it wasn't always easy for her." Melissa Langer Rep. Sarah McBride in 'State of Firsts' Rep. Sarah McBride in 'State of Firsts' AOC made history in 2018 as the youngest women ever elected to Congress and currently represents New York's 14th congressional district. But in her first term, she said she faced backlash for her outfits and was treated like an intern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McBride says AOC's struggles in her first term have strengthened their connection. "I have often gone to her as one of the few people who knows what it's like coming in as a new member, as a freshman and having a spotlight on you that exceeds what most freshmen have," McBride says, noting, "The challenge of navigating a new place, a new workplace with that spotlight, with those attacks, there are very few people who have that experience." During the meeting between the two congresswomen featured in State of Firsts, the Delaware lawmaker tells AOC she's "struggling with protecting my voice and my ability to be seen and heard authentically for who I am and what I am here to focus on, and the inevitable pool that others are trying to pull me in." Ocasio-Cortez nods as she replies, "What people don't see and what they don't really experience is that being the first means being the only." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continues, "The immense amount of expectation placed on anyone who's a first, in my experience, that is not something that goes away." She then becomes heated over critics who have attacked McBride for her gender identity, telling her, "What they go after is your essential dignity as a human being. And, to be frank, that's what really pisses me off about this." "I want to respect your autonomy and I want to respect your story and how you want to handle this for yourself, but I also want to clock these motherf------," she exclaims. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a moment also included in State of Firsts, AOC hits back after the House bans trans people from using the Capitol's single-sex bathrooms that match their gender identity, calling the proposal "disgusting" in an interview that first aired on Spectrum News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All it does is allow these Republicans to go around and bully any woman who isnt wearing a skirt because they think she might not look woman enough, she says in the interview. While speaking with PEOPLE, McBride says AOC is someone she has "come to rely on for advice," adding, "She certainly has become a friend and I really deeply respect her." State of Firsts premieres at Tribeca Festival on June 7. Read the original article on People BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) For months, KGET has followed the EBT fraud crisis in Kern County. What started out as calls to our newsroom led to the revelation of dozens of victims and thousands of dollars in benefits stolen. The investigation shed light on millions of stolen dollars and a sophisticated Romanian crime ring operating across the county. After countless attempts of asking elected officials for answers, change may be coming from Capitol Hill. Skimming Scheme: The Romanian crime ring stealing EBT benefits in Kern County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) introduced the Stopping Klepto-card and Identity Misuse Act or SKIM Act. This legislative effort is specifically designed to crack down EBT theft, that is Electronic Benefit Transfer, known as CalFresh and CalWorks in California. Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) is a co-sponsor of the bill. Through 17 News investigation, we uncovered that the California Department of Social Services has lost more than $439 million in EBT benefits since 2021. In the last seven months, more than $2 million in Kern County taxpayer money has been stolen. Ex-Arvin teacher accused of sex with underage student set for hearing next week Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SKIM Act directs the U.S. Attorney to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts to fight EBT fraud. It also asks sentencing guidelines to be much harder on EBT thieves. The bill also asks the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report to Congress on their efforts to prevent, investigate, prosecute, and sentence convicted EBT thieves. You can read the SKIM Act in full 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 KGET 17 News. Search and rescue operations in the city of Lutsk, in Ukraine's northwest, have been completed following Russia's attack on the night of 5-6 June. The bodies of two people have been found under the rubble of the destroyed nine-storey building. A total of 30 people have been injured. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Details: Rescue workers have finished clearing the debris of the nine-storey residential building in Lutsk, which was damaged in the Russian strike on the night of 5-6 June. The body of a girl was found under the rubble of the collapsed entrance section this morning. Earlier, the body of a man had been recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 30 people have been injured in the attack. Five residents have been evacuated, as well as several pets. Quote: "Five people and several pets have been evacuated. Residential buildings, office buildings, a furniture workshop, industrial premises and cars were significantly damaged." Background: On the night of 5-6 June, Russian troops conducted a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine and Lutsk in particular. Part of a nine-storey residential building collapsed after the strike. On 6 June, information was received that there had been one fatality. Rescue workers had retrieved the body of a young man from under the rubble. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A research fellow from the Center for Community Solutions is reaching out to Ashtabula Countys LGBTQ+ population to understand what issues theyre facing. Andrew Snyder is running the Greater Mahoning Valley LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment, which is focusing on Ohio counties bordering Pennsylvania. Snyder said the assessment is part of his Ph.D dissertation at Kent State Universitys College of Public Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCS is partnering with Equality Ohio, a nonprofit that researches policy issues, to do outreach, Snyder said. [Equality Ohio] recently hired a Mahoning Valley organizer whose goals align closely with ours: to connect with the community, understand its needs and raise awareness about policies that impact LGBTQ+ Ohioans, Snyder said. Part of the community needs assessment consists of a confidential 30-40 minute survey for members of or people with a meaningful connection to the LGBTQ+ community. Children 12 and older can also do the survey with a parent or guardians permission. Allies to the LGBTQ+ community can also take the survey, but will be asked a different set of questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Survey questions focus on issues like housing, education, safety and health, and can be skipped if participants do not want to answer, Snyder said. Snyder is seeking at least 700 responses to the survey, from across all four counties, he said. This is our big call to action, he said. People can find the survey at lgbtqohio.org. Participants can enter a raffle to win a $75 Visa gift card. Winners will be chosen in January 2026. The community needs assessment will have a table at the Ashtabula Pride Festival June 21 at Walnut Beach. Alongside the surveys, it will have confidential focus groups. They will consist of a 90-minute listening session, where participants will be asked questions relating to their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People can sign up for focus groups at the community needs assessment website. Snyder said there will be a confidential focus group from 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 20. There are a total of ten spots open. Its us listening to the communities, he said. Focus group participants will receive a $30 gift card. CCS has done similar assessments in the Cleveland and Akron areas. Eventually, we would like to do it state wide, Snyder said. ST. LOUIS People across the St. Louis area commemorated the 81st anniversary of D-Day on Friday. We really tell it through St. Louis voices. So St. Louis people who participated in the liberation and also who were liberated, Helen Turner said. Turner is the Holocaust Museum Director of Education. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News D-day really marks the turn in the war of the allies being able to push through into France and so really it is going to be the start of liberation. Certainly not the end, but the start liberation, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some people spent time at the museum learning about the liberation, others spent time at the Veterans Memorial Walk in OFallon. We come over to this memorial because it feels like a place we should be and we do come here regularly, Pat McCrady said. He and his wife, Paddy, wanted to pay their respects at the memorial. McCrady served in the U.S. Air Force and his wife is in the auxiliary. What I want people to know is to remember the folks that were participating in it and didnt come home. Its the reason that were here today, McCrady said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. CALIENTE, Nevada (ABC4) A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the area of Caliente, Nevada around 1 a.m. Friday morning. It was a light earthquake 25 miles south southwest of Caliente according to reports, but residents were still able to feel it. I was in the kitchen cooking cookies for our yard sale this weekend, all of a sudden there was a rumbling! one resident told ABC4.com. The earthquake had a depth of three miles, and it could be felt for almost 60 miles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were so used to the trains coming in and out, that thats not Its almost, Id say, soothing for somebody that was born here, but that was definitely not like that. You could feel it shake the house, another resident said. A map of the earthquake in Caliente. Courtesy: USGS She also said that she has a dog that gets scared by thunderstorms and other loud noises, so she was waiting for it to stop. We have a lot of sonic booms, you know, a lot of, I guess, Nellis Air Force activity, so they do a lot of training and stuff, so I thought it was something like that, but it just went a lot longer, she continued. Joseph DeGolyer contributed to the reporting of this story. 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. DIAMOND HEAD, Hawaii (KHON2) The issue of homelessness around Diamond Head continues to frustrate neighbors and beachgoers, even after a major sweep in April. Over 100 cleared from Diamond Head during homeless sweep KHON2 checked it out and found some troubling signs that the problem has not gone away. Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park looks like any other scenic spot on Oahu at first glance, but this corner of paradise was also home to a large and messy homeless encampment until June 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Ive been writing letters and and sending in photos and I mean, I think people from all over the world come here. They shouldnt have to see that, said Ann, a Diamond Head beachgoer. Ann and others who visit the beach said they have been pleading for help for weeks, but it was not until KHON2 reached out to HPD and the Department of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday that action was taken the encampment was cleared out on Friday. Neither agency would say who made it happen HPD told KHON2 that it was DLNR responsibility and DLNR said to ask HPD. There is concern that someone cooking dinner could provide the spark that lights up the whole mountainside with the summer heat drying out the slopes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news City officials said at Mayor Rick Blangiardis Town Hall meeting on Thursday that they were aware of the risks, especially from campfires and open flames. A joint sweep with the State removed most of the homeless living around Diamond Head in April. There were as many reported 120, 140 people on the Hill. Theres 12 there now, seven on top, five below. Were going to zero. Were going to zero because of the fire safety issues that are posed there, said Department of Community Services director Anton Krucky. Diamond Head Beach is still troubled even though some areas are mostly cleared. Folks are still living in the cliffs and along the shoreline neighbors said it simply is not safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a very dangerous place for anybody really, alone. Male or female, theres a lot of people on drugs here. You can tell. And, theres no police presence here, said Arleen Velasco, Diamond Head Neighborhood Board vice chair. Velasco said the solution is not just clearing tents, it is sustained enforcement. If people knew there was a police presence and they were going to get tickets and fines. I think theyd go somewhere else, said Velasco. You know, I used to come to Diamond Head all the time, for many years, and walk the beach, but now I go somewhere else because I dont like to walk past it. Its. Its a safety issue for me, Ann said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii Jurisdiction over enforcement is split between City police and State DLNR officers, and for now, this scenic part of the south shore is still caught between gorgeous views and serious problems. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) The Rhode Island Department of Education hosted a statewide job fair Saturday at the Warwick Crowne Plaza. The event began at 9 a.m. and people could browse the hundreds of job opportunities in education that are open around the state. Open positions include jobs like teachers, bus drivers, social workers and nurses, among others. The following school organizations are taking part in the job fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Achievement First Barrington Public Schools Blackstone Valley Prep Brown University Master of Arts in Teaching Program Central Falls School District Charette Charter High School Chariho Regional School District College Unbound Cumberland School District Dattco East Greenwich School District East Providence School Department Excel Academy Charter School The ExcEL Leadership Academy Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District Highlander Charter School International Charter School Johnson & Wales University Johnston Public Schools Meeting Street School North Kingstown School Department Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School University of Rhode Island Paul Cuffee School Pawtucket School District Portsmouth School Department Providence Public Schools PVD Prep Rhode Island School for Progressive Education RISE Prep Academies Roger Williams University The UCAP School The event runs until 12 p.m. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) State lawmakers are proceeding with caution after Gov. Dan McKee announced that it will cost $427 million and take until at least November 2028 to rebuild the westbound Washington Bridge Friday. McKee said the state has hired Walsh Construction Co. of Chicago to rebuild the heavily traveled bridge that abruptly closed to traffic in December 2023 after a structural failure. SEE ALSO: Washington Bridge rebuild will cost $427 million and take until 2028 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to 12 News, R.I. House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi said lawmakers will be reviewing McKees cost estimates and will evaluate the impact on the budget that the House Finance Committee is preparing. Rhode Islanders who rely on the Washington Bridge have had their daily lives disrupted for nearly 18 months, Shekarchi said. As the bridge project moves forward, [the House] will continue its work ensuring the [McKee] administration is accountable. R.I. Senate President Valarie Lawsons reaction to McKees cost estimates was similar. Lawson, who represents East Providence, said the Senate Finance Committee will also be taking a closer look at the cost estimates to rebuild the bridge, but all Rhode Islanders deserve safe and reliable transportation infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebuilding the Washington Bridge as expeditiously as possible remains a top priority for me and my constituents, Lawson said in a statement. No one has felt the impact of the bridges closure more than the residents and small businesses I represent in East Providence. State officials initially estimated in early 2024 the bridge would cost between $250 million and $300 million, though they cautioned at the time those figures were highly preliminary. A later, more concrete estimate put the price tag at $368 million, making the new $427 million estimate a 16% increase. The new timeline is also considerably longer than state officials earlier goal of having the new westbound bridge open by August 2026. Asked by a reporter if he took accountability for the inaccurate early estimates, McKee replied, I think that we got it right. He said they had tried to do the project faster but changed course when experts told them it wasnt possible. The rebuild contract is only one part of the overall cost of the Washington Bridge crisis. When demolition and emergency costs are added to the overall total, taxpayers are currently expected to pay $571 million for the infrastructure failure, according to a Target 12 analysis of state documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 96,000 vehicles drove over the westbound I-195 bridge each day before the closure, according to the R.I. Department of Transportation. The state has since rerouted traffic on the eastbound Washington Bridge, a newer span, to go in both directions with additional lanes. TARGET 12: How RI will spend $571M on the Washington Bridge RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said the new bridge that is slated to open in 2028 has been designed to carry 80,000 vehicles every day for 100 years. (Alviti said he expected daily traffic to be lower than pre-closure levels because of the reopening of the Henderson Bridge, another connection between Providence and East Providence.) It will have five lanes instead of four, and I-195 West in East Providence will be widened by removing a lane on the approach to the bridge. There will be a new on-ramp from Gano Street and a new off-ramp to Waterfront Drive. The new bridge will also be shorter than the old one, requiring fewer piers, and will be made to look similar to its predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walsh is eligible for up to $10 million in incentive payments if the company can get the bridge done sooner than planned. On the flip-side, the company would face $25,000 a day in penalties if it fails to meet the timeline. Advance work will begin next month. Ted Nesi and Eli Sherman contributed to this report. 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. An international dressage rider left seriously injured after a pack of dogs spooked her horse has won 500,000 in damages. Melissa Smith was left with multiple fractures when her horse reared up and threw her to the ground after being chased by two loose dogs taken off the lead by a professional dog walker. Ms Smith was airlifted to St Georges Hospital in Tooting, south-London, with life-threatening injuries including a broken pelvis, broken back and a head injury after the accident on a bridlepath in Surrey, in December 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former international grand prix rider, who spent months in a wheelchair and required multiple surgeries following the accident, has since learnt to walk again and managed to get back in the saddle. She is now hoping to return to dressage competition as a para rider. Following the accident, Ms Smith sued dog walker Diane Worth for damages for negligence. The case went to court in 2023 after the dog walkers insurance company contested the case. Judge Jonathan Simpkiss found in Ms Smiths favour and the case was finally settled out of court last month. The judgment is thought to have important implications in laying out the responsibilities for dog walkers exercising their animals on public rights of way. Melissa Smith was riding her horse Lorentina, when the dogs scared her mount, leading to a devastating fall, The accident happened when Ms Smith, who ran a livery yard and trained dressage horses, was riding her eight-year-old mare Lorentina, known as Loti, and met Ms Worth walking four dogs on Crooksbury Common, Surrey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High Court heard that Ms Smith called out a warning to Ms Worth, who managed to put two of the dogs back on their leads. But the court heard that she was unable to catch black cockapoo Buddy and Harley, a white cavapoochon. Ignoring Ms Worths calls, Buddy and Harley ran around, prompting Ms Smith to call out that although her horse was good with dogs, their walker should not let them get behind her horse in case it kicked out. In court, Ms Worth agreed she had lost control of the two dogs. As the dogs raced around, Lorentina became spooked and suddenly reared up, throwing Ms Smith to the ground. Melissa Smith spent months in a wheelchair awaiting multiple surgeries following the accident Speaking to The Telegraph this week, Ms Smith told of the devastating impact of the accident: The horse I was riding was badly frightened by the loose dogs and she fell on top of me, crushing me, becoming stuck with her legs up in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She managed to get up but I knew I was very seriously injured. I was taken by air ambulance to St Georges where I was told I had life-threatening injuries, needed emergency surgery and would need two years rehabilitation to recover. In his ruling, Judge Simpkiss said: Something out of the ordinary must have happened to cause Loti to rear and this can only have been the dogs behaviour. With the benefit of hindsight, one can easily see that if all four dogs had been on leads, this accident would probably not have happened. Harleys owners had filled in a form for Ms Worth saying that he would walk off the lead but may chase other wildlife and this, said the judge, must include horses unless they had indicated it was used to horses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Simpkiss found that it was foreseeable that if any of the dogs ran out of control near a horse, it might spook the animal. He added that there was a significant risk of the horse responding in a way which might cause horse and rider to fall and for the rider to be seriously injured. Judge Simpkiss ruled that Ms Worth knew horses were ridden on the common and should have anticipated she might come into contact with a horse and rider while walking dogs, with an out-of-control dog causing a horse to respond violently by kicking, rearing or bolting. He found Ms Worth liable for the accident, and ruled that her breach of duty of care in failing to take reasonable steps to prevent the risk caused the accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Worths solicitors had argued that Ms Smith was partly to blame for the accident, saying she had failed to control her horse, which was pawing the ground and snorting. An allegation that she should not have been riding in an area where dogs walked although she was on a bridlepath was withdrawn. Melissa is a former international grand prix dressage rider Judge Simpkiss found that Ms Smith was an experienced and highly competent rider, who was in control of the horse until she reared, and the allegation that she negligently fell off the horse could not be taken seriously. Mary Ann Charles, Ms Smiths solicitor of Shaw & Co, who is herself a rider and specialises in equestrian personal injury claims, said: Its not an accident that should have happened. Theres a lack of understanding that this risk exists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person on the horse usually understands but the person with the dog doesnt necessarily. Theyre concerned about the welfare of the dog, not really thinking about the welfare of the people theyre encountering. Following her accident, Ms Smith endured a painful road to recovery, but she remained determined throughout to fight compensation and for dog walkers to be made aware of their responsibility to remain in control of their animals at all times. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Riverside County inmate sentenced to death was allegedly murdered in a state prison by another inmate, which led to a large mob attack on Friday morning, officials say. It happened around 10:30 a.m. at Kern Valley State Prison, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. At that time, homicide investigators say inmate Mario Renteria, 36, from Riverside County, allegedly began attacking the death row inmate, identified as Julian Mendez, 46. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details on this initial altercation are limited; officials did not specify Renterias actions other than that he was striking Mendez, nor did they say whether Mendez fought back. CDCR said staff ordered the men to get down, but the inmates did not comply. Chemical agents initially stopped the attack, but more than 30 additional incarcerated people rushed Renteria and began striking him, stated CDCRs release. Orders to stop were ignored and staff used multiple blast grenades to quell the violence. As the mob was cleared, officials found Mendez with what was only described as multiple wounds, and attempted life-saving measures. An improvised weapon was also found at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mendez was then taken to the prisons triage and treatment area, where a doctor pronounced him dead at 11:05 a.m. Julian Mendez (left) is seen in a mugshot dated May 14, 2024, and Mario Renteria (right) is seen in a mugshot dated April 14, 2025. (CDCR) Officials said Mendez was received from Riverside County on Dec. 2, 2004, after he received a death sentence in 2002 for the first-degree murder of two teenagers. According to the Death Sentences Today site curated by a Drake University Law School professor, Mendez committed the crime on Feb. 4, 2000, when he was 22 years old. The site says that, according to the defense in his trial, Mendez was a gang member when he beat a 15-year-old boy and shot him twice, including once in the head, before ordering another gang member to shoot a 14-year-old girl because she was a witness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other gang member refused to shoot [the girl], so Mendez ultimately shot her, stated the sites summary. In mitigation, the defense argued Mendez had spent most of his life in a gang, and his father spent half of his life in prison because of drug usage. Following Mendezs death, CDCR said Renteria remains in restricted housing pending investigation into this case, and that officials have limited population movement to facilitate the investigation being conducted. The release noted that Renteria was received from Riverside County on April 27, 2022, after he was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder (a third strike offense) and arson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLCHESTER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) To regular readers of our website, this may sound familiar Interstate 89s Exit 17 will again be closed in the northbound direction during nights next week. From Sunday, June 8 through Friday, June 13 between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., northbound travelers heading for Milton or Grand Isle will have to detour via Exit 18 in Georgia, or use the Roosevelt Highway (U.S. Route 2/U.S. Route 7). Building damaged by heavy water flow, broken sprinkler pipe found Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vermonts Agency of Transportation warns that there is also potential for delays on U.S. 2 west of the exit heading towards South Hero which will have alternating one-way traffic and lane closures, as well as on U.S. 7 near the junction with U.S. 2. Interested readers can follow progress on the I-89 Exit 17 construction project on the VTrans website. Closures are expected to continue intermittently through late this fall, and then resume in the spring and summer of 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 ABC22 & FOX44. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A memorial service has been planned for Steve Cloyd, a Rockford native who died in Hurricane Helene. His celebration of life will be held at the Beloit Eclipse Center on July 27, from noon until 2:30 p.m. Cloyds remains were found along the Nolichucky River on May 1st. We are heartbroken, but we now have the closure we waited for so long and our family can start to heal and mend the broken pieces along the way as we walk the journey of life guided by God and Steve, Cloyds wife, Keli, wrote on Facebook. Steve is coming home to us and for that I am grateful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keli, 55, and Cloyd, 60, were born and raised in Rockford. The couple moved from Rockford to Tennessee three years ago. Family members said he was known for loving the Minnesota Vikings, NASCAR and his quick sense of humor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WTNH) Its strawberry season, and Rocky Hill has opened a first-of-its-kind pick-your-own experience at the local community farm. Everybody likes the taste of the native strawberries, said Andrew Collins of Fair Weather Growers. A lot of people like native-grown, and they only get this chance once a year to have that. Strawberry season has begun in Connecticut The Rocky Hill community farm is launching a new agro-tourism initiative designed to celebrate and preserve local agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its pretty exciting, Collins said. Put a lot of work into it, so to have with all of our help and putting this together took a lot to do, and its exciting to see it all go so well to start. Local growers are coming together in an open space to produce produce with each other for the first time. The property here has been open for a long time, but not used to not open to the public, said strawberry picker Amy Forcier. The towns vision is to give neighbors a place to support Connecticut farmers and participate in family-friendly activities, like strawberry picking. I think its a brilliant idea, Forcier said. I think the town, we all voted to buy the farm and then have it be leased to farmers, and I think its an amazing thing to have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This idea has been in the works for more than six years as part of a redevelopment plan. It finally coming to fruition with the launch of strawberry season. Even though its the first year, we publicized it quite a bit, Collins said. And then the town publicized it as well, so its, for the past few days, weve been really pushing it. A sweet treat for everyone, just in time for summer. I tried it and it was delightful, Forcier said. Strawberry picking is open every day from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Rocky Hill Community Farm, weather and field conditions permitting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For the second consecutive year, Rogers County raised the most money in a six-county drive to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northeast Oklahoma. CASA, an organization of volunteers who advocate in court for kids in difficult situations, gathers donations each spring from its Paper Doll Project. Individuals or groups in Rogers, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Ottawa and Washington counties give anywhere from $100 to $1,000 to receive child-sized wooden dolls to dress, name and display. Marketing Coordinator Mark Ogle came to the Rogers County Commissioners' meeting Monday to present a trophy to Rogers County for financing the most dolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ogle said in addition to funding CASA's operations, the dolls help foster kids because the kids will now receive the clothes donors bought for their dolls to wear. "It is a collaboration among the communities and all the counties," Ogle said. "It does get competitive, so you all won and for a second year over, so that's quite an accomplishment, and a lot of credit to Rogers County and all the businesses and organizations that joined in." Donors funded about 200 dolls this year, Ogle said. Also at Monday's meeting, the commissioners put out to bid a project to build a storage facility for Rogers County Emergency Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 2 Commissioner and Chairman Steve Hendrix said the project is part of an American Rescue Plan Act award that also funded a command center trailer for Emergency Management. Bid documents call for a 5,500-square-foot, one-story structure adjacent to the Rogers County 911 Center on State Highway 88. "Finally," Hendrix said after the commissioners voted to approve letting the bid. "Emergency Management has equipment strung out everywhere. We're going to finally get a place to put it." Anyone interested in submitting a bid should contact Samantha Sherman, purchasing clerk for the Rogers County Clerk's Office, at 918-923-4429 or purchasing@rogerscounty.org. Developers may purchase or view a set of the building plans at the Rogers County Clerk's office, 200 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd. in Claremore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners also chose Burgess Co. to replace a malfunctioning accordion fire door on the fourth floor of the Rogers County Courthouse. The county had previously let this project but received no bid offers. Doug Presley, director of the Rogers County Maintenance Department, instead sought phone bids and received three. Burgess' $49,412 offer was the low bid. Three Rose-Hulman Institute faculty and staff have been recognized for their efforts in fulfilling hallmarks of the institute's educational mission: personal attention, dedication to student success and quality service, according to a campus news release. Daniel Chang, associate professor of electrical & computer engineering, received the dean's Outstanding Teacher Award, while Tim Grose, associate professor of China Studies, was presented with the Board of Trustees' Outstanding Scholar Award. Dale Long, director of media relations and executive editor of Echoes, earned the President's Outstanding Service Award. Employed at Rose-Hulman for 37 years, he is retiring at the end of June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trio were recognized at this year's pre-commencement awards May 29 in Hatfield Hall and again Saturday during Rose-Hulman's 147th commencement. Each award winner consistently has received accolades and appreciation from campus community members, and their respective presenters acknowledged their contributions in making Rose-Hulman "a remarkable place for the worlds best undergraduate science, engineering, and mathematics education in an atmosphere of individual attention and support," according to the news release. Chang, who teaches a range of courses from Introduction to Digital Systems to Advanced Computer Architecture, has been praised by students for his ability to clearly explain complex technical material through engaging storytelling, humor, and an inclusive classroom environment. Known for his never off-topic policy that encourages genuine curiosity, Chang structures his courses with intention, clarity, and enthusiasm. Students consistently describe his teaching style as incredibly enthusiastic, genuine, and fun, often noting that his own passion for teaching helps them find joy in learning even the most challenging concepts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grose was recognized for his consistent and high-impact scholarship in the field of China Studies, with a particular focus on the Uyghur ethnic minority and issues of identity, policy, and repression within China. His widely cited 2019 book, Negotiating Inseparability in China: The Xinjiang Class and the Dynamics of Uyghur Ethno-National Identity, received the Central Eurasian Studies Society Book Prize in the Social Sciences. A second book, Settling Xinjiang: Chinas Colonial Project, is currently under review by University of Washington Press. For 37 years, Long has celebrated the people and progress of Rose-Hulman, documenting student triumphs, faculty achievements, and alumni legacies on campus and across the country. State Rep. Derrick Jackson, a Tyrone Democrat, has become the latest candidate to launch a bid for governor. The 2026 elections are more than a year away, but campaign announcement season in Georgia is in full swing, as candidates seek to secure a position under the Peach States iconic Gold Dome. State Rep. Derrick Jackson and his wife, former state Rep. CaMia Jackson. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (2022 file photo) State Rep. Derrick Jackson, a Tyrone Democrat, has become the latest candidate to launch a bid for governor, unveiling a campaign Friday that highlighted his military service, business experience and focus on advocating for Georgia residents civil rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I see something thats not right, thats not fair, thats unjust, I have a moral obligation as an elected official, he said in an interview with the Georgia Recorder, citing a conversation he had with the late civil rights icon and long-time Georgia Congressman John Lewis that inspired him to run for governor. I realized we are in a political season right now where I need to do more. He said he hopes to implement policies that would benefit working families in Georgia, including a $20 minimum wage and eliminating state taxes for teachers, nurses, military veterans and senior citizens. A lot of citizens are looking at this American dream, and they see it fading away because of some of the laws and policies that we put in place in Georgia, he said. And so as governor, I would be in the pivotal place to stop some of these harmful pieces of legislation that are negatively impacting families in urban, suburban, rural and underserved areas in Georgia. Jackson, a General Electric marketing executive, began his first term in the state House in 2017, but emphasized his 42 years of leadership experience throughout his time in the U.S. Navy, the Legislature and in his private sector work. He joins fellow legislator Sen. Jason Esteves of Atlanta and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on the Democratic ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Republican side, Attorney General Chris Carr is the only announced candidate, but with Gov. Brian Kemp term-limited from running again, there will likely be a long list of GOP primary candidates. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is widely expected to mount a run for governor. This also isnt Jacksons first bid for higher office. In 2022 he ran for lieutenant governor, but finished sixth in the Democratic primary. He returned to the State Legislature in 2023 after winning a special election to replace Rep. Tish Naghise, a Fayetteville Democrat who died during her first term. Most recently, he ran for House Minority Leader in 2024 but lost to Rep. Carolyn Hugley, a Columbus Democrat. A crowded field The gubernatorial race isnt the only statewide contest thats getting competitive. Among the candidates who launched campaigns this week are state Sen. Brian Strickland, a McDonough Republican who is entering the race for attorney general, and President Pro Tem John F. Kennedy, a Macon Republican hoping to become Georgias next lieutenant governor. State Sen. Brian Strickland, right, is joined by his wife Lindsay Tuesday outside the state Capitol where he announced his campaign for attorney general in the 2026 election. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Democratic state Rep. Jasmine Clark of Lilburn also launched a bid for Congress this week, vying to unseat incumbent Rep. David Scott to represent Georgias 13th congressional district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of this years Aug. 26 special election, candidates are vying for a chance to replace outgoing state Sen. Brandon Beach, an Alpharetta Republican who President Donald Trump appointed to serve as U.S. Treasurer earlier this year. A total of seven candidates six Republicans and one Democrat are hoping to fill his shoes. A familiar face resurfaces Farooq Mughal, the former Democratic state representative from Dacula, is seeking reelection after losing his seat in one of Georgias narrowest state legislative races of the 2024 season. Rep. Farooq Mughal. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (2023 file photo) Mughal made history as the first Pakistani-American in the Legislature when he was elected in 2022. However, after the 2023 redistricting cycle drew more conservative voters into his district, he became the target of a governor-backed effort to flip some of the most competitive House districts red, losing to Republican challenger Sandy Donatucci in 2024 by only 80 votes. Now, hes hoping to return to the legislature with an agenda focused on supporting public schools, securing tax relief for families and addressing gun violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the honor of my life to serve the people of District 105, Mughal said in a statement announcing his candidacy. Im running to return to the State House because theres still critical work to be done for Gwinnett families. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russia attacked the city of Kharkiv with KAB guided bombs the evening of June 7, killing a woman and a man and injuring at least 18 people. The bombing follows a night of deadly Russian strikes against the city. Russia launched drones, missiles, and guided bombs at Kharkiv overnight on June 7, killing at least three people and injuring 19, including two children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescuers were still searching for the bodies of six victims believed to be trapped under the rubble on the afternoon of June 7, according to the regional prosecutor's office. At around 5:30 p.m. local time, Mayor Ihor Terekhov warned that Kharkiv was again under attack from guided aerial bombs. Russia launched four KAB bombs at central Kharkiv, targeting the city's Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported after the attack. One of the bombs hit the Children's Railway, a popular gathering place for families. A 30-year-old woman was killed in the attack, Syniehubov said. Another 19 people were injured, with three in serious condition. Ten victims have been hospitalized. Emergency medics treat a victim who was injured after a Russian bombing in Kharkiv on June 7, 2025. (Ukraine's State Emergency Service / Telegram) The woman who as killed was an employee of Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia), according to Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, board chair of Ukrzaliznytsia. Four other railway employees were among the injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Children's Railway in Kharkiv was closed at the time of the attack, Pertsovskyi said. The opening had been canceled because of security risks. "(T)he opening was canceled, so there were no students or visitors on site and they are safe! It's scary to imagine what would have happened otherwise," he wrote. The attacks damaged two buildings and four cars at the Children's Railway, two homes, and a farm building, according to Syniehubov. Emergency responders are still at work on the scene. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the bombing a "brutal" attack and offered his condolences to the victims, noting that Russian strikes "have been hitting our city of Kharkiv all day long." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky rejected the idea that Russia's bombardments are a "response" to Operation Spiderweb, Ukraine's daring mass drone strike that struck military aircraft at four Russian air bases on June 1. Russia's only aim is destruction, the president said. "In more than 11 years of Russias war against Ukraine, they have brought only one new thing to our land, and this is really the most widespread Russian product ruins and death." The previous night, Russia struck civilian targets across Kharkiv, including an apartment building. The attack killed three and injured 19, including a 1-month-old baby. Extensive search-and-rescue operations were underway following the strike. The attack on Kharkiv came the night after Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack across Ukraine on June 6. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strike was a response to Operation Spiderweb despite Russia's history of mass aerial attacks on civilian targets throughout the full-scale war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump echoed the narrative the day after the attack, saying the attack on military aircraft gave Russian President Vladimir Putin "a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them." Kharkiv Oblast in northeastern Ukraine suffers frequent Russian assaults due to its vulnerable front-line position. The city of Kharkiv has regularly come under fire, with Russian drones and missiles targeting residential buildings in densely populated neighborhoods. Read also: Operation Spiderweb gave Putin a reason to bomb the hell out of them, Trump says, following large-scale attacks on Ukrainian cities Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia launched another wave of drone and airstrikes on Ukraine early Saturday, hitting the Kharkiv region and killing at least three people, according to officials, The latest attack comes as peace talks between the two nations to end the more than three-year-long war remain in limbo. Moscow overnight launched 215 missiles and drones toward the northeastern city, according to Ukraines Air Force. The air defenses downed 87 drones and seven missiles, including one short-range Iskander missile, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the attack on Kharkiv the nations second largest city a minimum of three people were killed and 21 were injured, Ukraines foreign ministry said. Among the wounded individuals were a baby just over a month old and a 14-year-old girl. At least 43 buildings were damaged, including 23 apartment blocks and 15 houses. Hundreds of windows were shattered, roofs torn, and a civilian enterprise severely damaged, the foreign ministry said early Saturday on social platform X. Apart from Kharkiv, Russia also attacked other regions, including Donetsk, Dnipro, Ternopil, Odesa, and others, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it was targeting repair stations for weapons and ammunition depots. Earlier this week, Russia launched retaliatory drone strikes toward Ukraine, killing five people, after Kyiv attacked Russian airfields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strikes followed Russian President Vladimir Putins phone call with President Trump who has aired frustration with the Kremlin leader as the U.S. seeks to broker a ceasefire deal in Eastern Europe. While Trump said the conversation was good, he acknowledged it would not result in immediate peace on the battlefield. Russian attacks, the president said, were in response to Ukraines so-called Operation Spider Web, a complex aerial operation, which was carried out last Sunday, where Ukraine destroyed or damaged dozens of Russian warplanes. Trump has in some ways backed away from his ceasefire push in the region, instead pressuring the two sides to work together to permanently end the conflict. So far, Ukrainian and Russian officials have met twice in Turkey for diplomatic discussions. While no breakthrough came out of the meetings, the nations agreed to swap hundreds of prisoners. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Russia attacked Ukraine with 206 Shahed combat drones and decoys, as well as nine missiles, overnight on June 7, Ukraines Air Force reported. Ukrainian air defenses shot down six Kh-59/69 cruise missiles launched by Russian tactical aircraft from the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and one Iskander-K cruise missile launched from Russias Rostov region, according to the Air Force. Ukraine also downed 87 Russian combat drones, while 80 drones were neutralized by electronic warfare systems or disappeared from radar, the Air Force said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian airstrikes hit 10 undisclosed locations, while wreckage from downed aerial targets landed in seven more, the Air Force said. Earlier in the day, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that Russian forces attacked the city with drones, missiles, and KAB guided bombs overnight, killing at least three people and injuring 19. Located along the front line, Kharkiv Oblast in Ukraine's northeast is a regular target of Russian missile, drone, and glide bomb attacks from across the border. According to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak, six missiles and 27 drones were also downed in his oblast, leaving two people injured in the regional capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack took place just a day after Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, launching 452 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drones and 45 missiles of various types. It killed four people, including first responders, and injured 80 across the country. "A cynical Russian strike on ordinary cities. More than 400 drones, more than 40 missiles. ... We need to put pressure on Russia to (accept a ceasefire) and to stop the strikes," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in preemptive strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russians launched 215 aerial attack assets to strike Ukraine on the night of 6-7 June, with 174 of them failing to reach their targets. Source: Ukraine's Air Forces Details: The Air Forces wrote that the Russians had attacked with 206 drones, two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, six Kh-59/69 air-to-surface missiles and one Iskander-K cruise missile. The Air Forces reported 87 Russian Shahed drones had been destroyed and another 80 disappeared from radar or suppressed by electronic warfare. In addition, six Kh-59/69 and Iskander-K missiles were either downed or disappeared from radar due to electronic warfare. Strikes were recorded at ten locations, with debris falling in seven more. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine -- the only concrete outcome of peace talks -- was thrown into doubt Saturday after Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of delaying and thwarting the swap. The hold-up to an exchange that both sides said would take place this weekend came as Moscow's army launched a barrage of missiles, drones and bombs across Ukraine overnight and throughout Saturday, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens. At talks in Istanbul on Monday, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to release all wounded soldiers and those aged under 25 who had been captured -- more than 1,000 people on each side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia said it would also hand back the remains of 6,000 killed Ukrainian soldiers. Moscow on Saturday accused Ukraine of not turning up to collect the bodies and not agreeing a date to swap the captured soldiers, while Kyiv said Russia was playing "dirty games" by not sticking to the agreed parameters for the exchange. "The Ukrainian side has unexpectedly postponed for an indefinite period both the acceptance of the bodies and the exchange of prisoners of war," Russia's top negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said on social media. A defence ministry spokesman said "the Ukrainian side is still refraining from setting a date" for the first stage of the prisoner swap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'Dirty games' - The exchange was set to be the largest of the war, topping last month's 1,000-for-1,000 swap that was agreed at a first round of talks in Istanbul. After the Istanbul talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it would take place this weekend, while Russia said it was ready for Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Responding to Russia's accusations, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said no date had been agreed for the return of bodies. It also said a list of names Russia said would be released did not match the terms of the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, instead of constructive dialogue, we are again faced with manipulations," it said in a statement on social media. "We call on the Russian side to stop playing dirty games and return to constructive work to bring people back to both sides and to clearly implement the agreement in the coming days," it added. The spat came as Russia launched a massive aerial attack across Ukraine, heavily targeting the city of Kharkiv overnight and throughout Saturday. Zelensky urged Kyiv's Western backers to heap more "pressure" on Russia, with at least 10 people killed in the barrage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'Powerful attack' - Kharkiv came under "the most powerful attack since the beginning of the full-scale war", Mayor Igor Terekhov said. Four people were killed and more than 50 wounded as homes and apartment blocks were pummelled overnight and guided bombs were dropped on the city on Saturday afternoon. Three people were also killed in the frontline Donetsk region, which has seen the most intense fighting of the war, and three more in the Kherson region, also partially occupied by Moscow's forces. Since Russia invaded in February 2022, tens of thousands have been killed, with millions forced to flee their homes as cities and villages across eastern Ukraine have been destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian air force said Russia had fired 206 drones and nine missiles in the overnight barrage. Russia's defence ministry said it had launched a "group strike" against "military-industrial" facilities in Ukraine. Despite talks, the two sides have made no progress towards halting the fighting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a host of sweeping demands on Ukraine as preconditions to a truce. They include completely pulling troops out of four regions claimed by Russia, but which its army does not fully control, an end to Western military support and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky has rejected them as "old ultimatums" and on Saturday repeated his call for sanctions on Moscow. "The Russians are preparing to continue the war, ignoring all peace proposals. They must be held accountable for this," he said in his evening address. "Pressure forced Russia to enter the negotiation process. Pressure can force Russia to become realistic in the negotiation process," he added. bur-jc/phz Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has stated that Moscow will not allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to "use any pause to rest and regroup" without "eliminating the root causes of the conflict". Source: Ryabkov in an interview with Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency TASS Details: Ryabkov emphasised that US President Donald Trump's return to the White House has become a "reason for cautious optimism" in Russia regarding the normalisation of relations with the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin during phone conversations with Trump "confirmed the basic directive on the necessity to eliminate the root causes of the conflict within the framework of political and diplomatic efforts". Ryabkov noted that if the Kremlin's conditions are not met, Russia will act to prevent the Armed Forces of Ukraine from taking advantage of "any pause to rest and regroup". According to him, the Kremlin's position is well known to Washington and threats of sanctions will not change it. "It is strange that hotheads in the US Senate, who have lost their last remnants of common sense, are ignoring this reality. We will continue efforts to achieve the objectives of the special military operation [Russian propaganda term for the war in Ukraine ed.]. Thus, the decision and the choice are up to Washington, up to Trump," Ryabkov concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 3 June, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council and former president of the Russian Federation, declared that the true purpose of the so-called peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul is to ensure Russia's swift and complete victory. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian troops killed two and injured nine people in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, Donetsk Oblast, on 6 June. Source: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration Details: In particular, one person was injured in Pokrovsk. It is specified that besides the deceased, five people were injured, and 13 buildings were damaged in Myrnohrad. One person was injured and a car was damaged in Novyi Donbas of the Dobropillia hromada. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Aftermath of Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration Another person was injured in Siversk. In addition, one person was injured in Kostiantynivka and 13 buildings and cars were damaged. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russian forces attacked Kharkiv with drones, missiles, and KAB guided bombs overnight on June 7, killing at least three people and injuring 19, officials said. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said that drones had struck civilian targets across the city, including a 9-story residential building, local enterprise, a home, and other facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency crews are currently on-scene, searching for additional victims stuck underneath the rubble. Two children were injured in the attack, including a 1-month-old baby, Syniehubov said. At least 40 explosions were recorded across the city amid the attack, local media reported. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that the Osnovyanskyi and Kyiv districts of the city suffered strikes. According to Terekhov, 48 Shahed drones, two missiles, and four guided aerial bombs were launched toward the city. The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear, and no information was provided on the status of the injured victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located along the front line, Kharkiv Oblast in Ukraine's northeast is a regular target of Russian missile, drone, and glide bomb attacks from across the border. Overnight on June 5, Russian missile and drone attacks on Kharkiv injured 17 people, including four children. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in preemptive strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. KYIV (Reuters) -Russia attacked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv at night and in the evening with drones, missiles and guided bombs, killing at least four people and injuring more than 60, including a baby, local officials said on Saturday. One of Ukraine's largest cities, Kharkiv is located just a few dozen kilometres from the Russian border and has been under constant Russian shelling during more than three years of war. "Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war," city mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said on the Telegram messenger early on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of explosions were heard in the city through the night and Russian troops were striking simultaneously with missiles, drones and guided aerial bombs, he said. Multi-storey and private residential buildings, educational and infrastructure facilities were attacked, Terekhov noted. Photos by local authorities and Reuters showed burnt and partially destroyed houses and vehicles, and of rescuers carrying those injured to safety and removing debris. Kharkiv governor Oleh Syniehubov said that one of the city's civilian industrial facilities was attacked by 40 drones, one missile and four bombs, causing a fire, adding there may still be people under the rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the evening, Russian aircraft once again attacked Kharkiv with guided bombs, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called "another brutal murder". "It was a brutal blow to the city in broad daylight, and in fact, they have been attacking our city of Kharkiv for the entire day," Zelenskiy said in his evening statement. "Last night, there was a massive drone strike on Kharkiv, and now there are aerial bombs. Dozens of people have been injured in the past 24 hours." he said. The Ukrainian military said Russia launched 206 drones, two ballistic and seven other missiles against Ukraine overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said its air defence units shot down 87 drones while another 80 drones were lost - in reference to the Ukrainian military using electronic warfare to redirect them - or they were drone simulators that did not carry warheads. Ten locations were hit, the military said. (Reporting by Pavel PolityukEditing by Bernadette Baum and Mark Potter) KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russian attacks targeting the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed at least four people and wounded more than two dozen others on Saturday, officials said, as hopes for peace dimmed further. The first wave on Ukraine's second-largest city was a large Russian drone-and-missile attack in the early hours. It killed at least three people and wounded 21 others, according to local officials. In the afternoon, Russia dropped aerial bombs on the city center, killing at least one person and wounding five more, Kharkiv's mayor said. The warring sides also accused each other of trying to sabotage a planned prisoner exchange, nearly a week after Kyiv embarrassed the Kremlin with a surprising drone attack on military airfields deep inside Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday's barrage the latest in near daily widescale attacks on Ukraine included aerial glide bombs that have become part of a fierce Russian onslaught in the all-out war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022. Kharkiv residents describe fiery trap As firefighters and emergency workers bustled around attack sites in Kharkiv, residents described the strikes that damaged their homes and nearly took their lives on Saturday morning. Alina Belous said that she had tried to extinguish flames with buckets of water to rescue a young girl trapped inside a burning building who had called out for help. We were trying to put it out ourselves with our buckets, together with our neighbors. Then the rescuers arrived and started helping us put out the fire, but there was smoke and they worried that we couldnt stay there. When the ceiling started falling off, they took us out, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local resident Vadym Ihnachenko said that he thought at first that it was a neighboring building going up in flames. But when we saw sparks coming from the top, we realized it was our building, he said. More pressure on Moscow is required Ukraines air force said that Russia struck with 215 missiles and drones overnight, and Ukrainian air defenses shot down 87 drones and seven missiles. Several other areas in Ukraine were also hit, including the regions of Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and the city of Ternopil, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in an X post. To put an end to Russias killing and destruction, more pressure on Moscow is required, as are more steps to strengthen Ukraine, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday said that its forces carried out a nighttime strike on Ukrainian military targets, including ammunition depots, drone assembly workshops, and weaponry repair stations. There was no comment from Moscow on the reports of casualties in Kharkiv. Kharkivs mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said that the strikes also damaged 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes. Terekhov said that it was the most powerful attack on the city since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Children among the wounded Kharkivs regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said the morning's attacks saw two districts in the city struck with three missiles, five aerial glide bombs and 48 drones. Among the wounded were two children, a baby boy and a 14-year-old girl, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of an industrial facility in Kharkivs Kyiv district, The Kharkiv prosecutor's office said in a statement on Telegram. Contact with those trapped was lost and rescue attempts have been ongoing since early afternoon, it said, without naming the facility. On Saturday afternoon, Russian aerial bombs struck Kharkiv again, killing at least one person and wounding five others, the mayor said. The morning strikes also wounded two people in the Dnipropetrovsk province further south, according to local Gov. Serhii Lysak. Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry said that its forces shot down 36 Ukrainian drones overnight, over the country's south and west, including near the capital. Drone debris wounded two civilians in the suburbs of Moscow, local Gov. Andrei Vorobyov reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No breakthrough on a peace deal On Friday, Russia struck six Ukrainian territories, killing at least six people and wounding about 80. Among the dead were three emergency responders in Kyiv, one person in Lutsk and two people in Chernihiv. A U.S.-led diplomatic push for a settlement has brought two rounds of direct peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine, though the negotiations delivered no significant breakthroughs. But both sides remain far apart on their terms for an end to the fighting. Prisoner swap called into question Later on Saturday, Russia and Ukraine each accused the other of endangering plans to swap 6,000 bodies of soldiers killed in action, agreed upon during direct talks in Istanbul on Monday that otherwise made no progress towards ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vladimir Medinsky, a Putin aide who led the Russian delegation, said that Kyiv called a last-minute halt to an imminent swap. In a Telegram post, Medinsky said that refrigerated trucks carrying more than 1,200 bodies of Ukrainian troops from Russia had already reached the agreed exchange site at the border when the news came. In response, Ukraine said Russia was playing dirty games and manipulating facts. According to the main Ukrainian authority dealing with such swaps, no date had been set for repatriating the bodies. In a statement Saturday, the agency also accused Russia of submitting lists of prisoners of war for repatriation that didn't correspond to agreements reached on Monday. It wasn't immediately possible to reconcile the conflicting claims. New video of airfield drone attack Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines Security Service on Saturday released a video said to show its audacious attack on Russian air fields Sunday in which Kyiv said that 41 Russian military aircraft was destroyed. The video shows the flight path of one explosive-laden first person view, or FPV, drone from takeoff from the roof of a modular building to the Belaya air field where it appears to strike a Russian strategic bomber. Other aircraft are seen engulfed in flames, apparently from previous hits in Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb. A previous round of negotiations in Istanbul, the first time Russian and Ukrainian negotiators sat at the same table since the early weeks of the full-scale invasion, led to 1,000 prisoners on both sides being exchanged. ___ Joanna Kozlowska contributed to this report from London. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Russian forces launched a large-scale strike on the city of Kharkiv on the night of 6-7 June using kamikaze drones, guided aerial bombs and missiles. Two people have been killed and another 17 injured in the attack, including two children. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration; Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov Details: Syniehubov said the Russians had attacked the city with 53 Shahed UAVs, four guided aerial bombs and one missile. The Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts of Kharkiv were affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russians hit civilian business premises in the Kyivskyi district. Quote from Syniehubov: "Early reports indicate that a fire broke out over an area of 10,000 sq m as a result of a strike by 40 UAVs, four guided aerial bombs and one missile on the territory of a civilian business. Hits were recorded on four workshop buildings. People may be trapped under the rubble." Details: A UAV hit a nine-storey residential building in the Osnovianskyi district. Fire engulfed 12 apartments on the sixth, seventh and eighth floors, with the total fire area covering 600 sq m. Rescue workers pulled a woman from under the rubble and she is receiving medical treatment. In addition, two cars were burned out. Damaged high-rise building Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration Rescue worker on an affected balcony Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration Damaged high-rise building. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration Terekhov said three people had been killed and another 17 injured in the Russian attack on the Osnovianskyi district. Quote from Terekhov: "Early reports indicate that so far, damage to 18 high-rise buildings (three of which have structural damage) and 13 private properties has been reported as a result of the terrorist attack on Kharkiv." In addition, a fire broke out after three Shahed drones attacked an abandoned cowshed and five UAVs hit open territory on the outskirts of Kharkiv. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! At least seven people were killed and 41 others were injured in massive Russian strikes across Ukraine overnight, which targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, Ukrainian authorities said Saturday morning. "Russia continues its terror against civilians," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a social media post on Saturday morning. "Hundreds of drones and missiles rained down on Ukraine overnight. Kharkiv had a particularly terrible night." In the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Russian strikes killed three people and injured another 21. Among those injured was an infant and a 14-year-old girl, according to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov. An additional person was injured in the city of Kupyansk, southeast of Kharkiv, in the surrounding region, according to Kharkiv Oblast Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. Watch Martha Raddatz's full interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy airing Sunday on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." Russia attacked Kharkiv with 48 drones, five guided aerial bombs, four MLRS and three missiles, targeting homes and civilian infrastructure facilities in the citys Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, according to Syniehubov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Russian strikes killed two people -- a married couple, aged 56 and 54 -- in the southern Ukrainian port city of Kherson and injured another 10 people in the surrounding region, according to Kherson Oblast Gov. Olexandr Prokudin. PHOTO: Aftermath of a Russian drone attack in Kharkiv (Sofiia Gatilova/Reuters) In eastern Ukraines Donetsk Oblast, two people were killed and eight others were injured in Russian strikes, according to Gov. Vadym Filashkin. And in northeastern Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, Russian strikes injured one person, according to the regional administration. Across Ukraine overnight, Russia launched a total of 215 projectiles -- 206 drones, two ballistic missiles, six guided aircraft missiles and one cruise missile -- of which 174 were neutralized, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There were strikes throughout Ukraine -- in the Donetsk, Dnipro, Ternopil, Odesa, and other regions," the foreign minister said. "People were injured and killed, and the energy infrastructure was also damaged." Sybiha added: "To put an end to Russia's killing and destruction, more pressure on Moscow is required, as are more steps to strengthen Ukraine. Russia is a terrorist state, and it must be called such. It has already done more than enough to earn this title." Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight kill 7 and injure at least 41 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Colorado wildlife officials are raising the alarm after an aggressive invasive species was discovered in the West Fork Little Thompson River, the Cool Down reported. The culprit? The rusty crayfisha voracious, fast-spreading species thats now officially been confirmed east of the Continental Divide for just the second time. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the crayfish was first reported April 7 by a member of the public using a species ID app. By April 18, CPW biologists had verified the sighting and launched additional surveys to assess the population. These invaders have been found elsewhere in Colorado in five bodies of water including in Lake Granby in August 2023. The rusty crawfish lives in both pooled water or fast water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Native to the Ohio River basin, the rusty crayfish likely ended up in Colorado when anglers used them as bait and dumped the leftovers into nearby water. While they may look harmless, the crustaceans are anything but. "Rusty crayfish are much more aggressive than our native crayfish species and are not an ideal food source for our sportfish," said Robert Walters, CPWs Invasive Species Program Manager. "They also eat aquatic vegetation, which native fish rely on for spawning, cover and food." He added that they destroy aquatic vegetation, which is vital for native fish to spawn, hide and feed. That disruption has broader consequences. It could alter food chains, reduce biodiversity and potentially spread disease throughout the river. All of it spells trouble for local anglers, conservationists, and the ecosystem at large. Colorado is calling on the public to help. Especially as people are more active outdoors this summer, boaters are urged to clean, drain and dry all watercraft after use. Trailered and motorized boats must be inspected at state parks and wildlife offices, especially if theyve been in out-of-state waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As with zebra mussels and giant snails before them, rusty crayfish remind us that invasive species are more than just biological curiosities. Theyre an environmental emergency. Rusty Crayfish Threatens Colorados RiversAnd Its Worse Than You Think first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 6, 2025 What does America mean to you? Two Sacramento-area students won a national competition for their answers to that question as part of the build-up to next years celebrations of the nations 250th anniversary. Melanie Gole, who just finished fourth grade in Rancho Cordova, and Evelyn Bravo, who completed tenth grade in Sacramento, were among the 75 first-place winners of the Americas Field Trip contest, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, known as America250, announced on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of the contest participants who numbered in the thousands, according to the commission submitted art or writing in the spring. Now, each winner will travel to one place on a menu of national landmarks, ranging from Mount Rushmore to the Angel Island Immigration Station in Marin County. Gole, who attends Riverview STEM Academy, painted the Statue of Liberty standing atop two layers a foundation of Americans in different professions and historical figures including Ruth Bader Ginsburg and George Washington. I chose the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of our country and its freedom because it was a gift from France to the United States, Melanie said. So it also shows friendship and our strength working with other countries. Her father is from France, and her mother, Sabrina Abbott, explained that the family maintains dual American and French citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melanie said she used paint, oil pastel, marker and colored pencil for the composition. She worked on it for a long time, Abbott said. She would have to walk away, come back another day, work on it. Evelyn Bravo, who attends Las Flores High Schools virtual study, submitted an essay for the contest after her older sister, Aiyana, was one of last years winners. The contest will also be held next year before July 4, 2026, 250 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Evelyn said she wrote about her multiracial identity her mother being Black and white, her father Mexican to illustrate that you can be from a different place and still be part of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also wrote about her passion for crocheting, which she is trying to turn into a business. Since America thrives off of business owners, I want to be a business owner myself, she said. This year, California has the most first-place winners of any state, with 11 four more than the next state, New Jersey. More information about the celebration and contest can be found at america250.org. (FOX40.COM) The Sacramento Fire Department is responding to a wildfire that broke out near Cal Expo Friday afternoon. Video Above: Most destructive fires in California history Around 3:15 p.m., firefighters said the grass near Carlson Drive and Cal Expo caught fire. Its located on the north side of the river. Crews said that forward progress has been stopped. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. As a former Sacramento City council member and a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, Ive seen how Pride Month transforms our city each June. Its a celebration of resilience and identity but its also a test of our values. Three years ago, I witnessed something unforgettable at Pride events in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There, in spaces often surrounded by tension, I saw Israelis, Palestinians, Christians, Jews and Muslims marching side by side. Many of them were people who could not safely be out or open about their sexuality or gender identity in their own communities or countries of origin. Pride, in those moments, erased the artificial walls that hold back peace. It became a sanctuary for truth, vulnerability and shared dignity. That vision of solidarity in the face of difference is exactly what we must protect. Yet, this year, as Sacramento prepares to celebrate Pride, I write with deep concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, queer Jews have faced growing exclusion from Pride events across the country. Participants have been asked to hide Jewish symbols or avoid acknowledging their identities altogether. These arent isolated misunderstandings theyre symptoms of a growing, troubling erosion of inclusion, even within our own community. And the consequences are real: Two weeks ago, two Israeli embassy staff members were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., following a peace-focused diplomatic event. That site a symbol of both Jewish and LGBTQ+identity was targeted in an act of hate. And now, a man in Boulder, Colo. is facing a federal hate crime charge after injuring 12 people using a makeshift flamethrower at a Jewish community event earlier this week. These violent acts are devastating reminders of whats at stake when fear and exclusion replace solidarity. Pride should never require anyone to hide who they are not their sexuality, gender, religion or ethnicity. Inclusion that censors identity isnt inclusion, its discrimination. True Pride embraces complexity and affirms that diversity is not a liability, but a strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear: Criticism of any government, including Israels, is entirely legitimate. But demanding that LGBTQ+ Jews disavow their identities or their right to express them as a condition of inclusion is not activism, its bigotry. It undermines the very foundation of Pride and the LGBTQ+ movement itself. Sacramento must lead differently. During my time on the city council, we worked hard to ensure that Sacramento remained inclusive and just. Sacramento Pride has long reflected those values uplifting communities, celebrating intersectionality and advocating for everyone pushed to the margins. We must not let that commitment waver. Thats why Im proud to partner with A Wider Bridge, an organization building solidarity between LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities, while creating space for Palestinians, Muslims and people of all backgrounds to engage in authentic dialogue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This work is a reminder that Pride can hold all of us if we let it. To the organizers of Sacramento Pride: Your leadership matters. Please reaffirm that everyone, including queer Jews, are welcome to fully express who they are. Allow all participants to wave their flags, wear their symbols and share their truths proudly and safely. Listen to the concerns being raised. Vet speakers with care. Build programming that reflects dignity, not division. And to Sacramentos LGBTQ+ community: This is a time for clarity and compassion. We must stand firmly against antisemitism, just as we stand against all forms of hate. Solidarity means standing together, even when its difficult. Let Sacramento Pride this year be more than a celebration. Let it be a recommitment to each other, to safety and to the radical promise that no one should ever be asked to hide who they are. Steve Hansen is a former Sacramento City council member and a longtime advocate for LGBTQ equality, social justice and inclusive public policy. Video: Historic Old River Bridge returns to Saline County, nears reopening SALINE COUNTY, Ark. A long-time project in Saline County will receive its formal opening with a June ribbon-cutting. Officials with the county announced that the Old River Bridge is scheduled for a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 24. Standing on the banks of the Saline River, the bridge is at the end of Airline Drive in Benton, near the 2215 address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historic Old River Bridge returns to Saline County, nears reopening The Old River Bridge first opened on July 15, 1891, and served for decades before being taken out of commission on April 12, 1974, when a truck hauling concrete bricks fell through its floor. In 2021, the bridge was disassembled and relocated from its original location to Lansing, Michigan, to a bridge restoration specialist. The bridge returned to Saline County in 2022, and construction began at its original location in the county. The ribbon cutting will mark the end of the bridges restoration project, which according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, began with a grassroots group formed in 2008. The 260-foot-long iron and wood bridge is believed to be the oldest in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saline County Judge Matt Brumley said the bridges opening is more than a celebration of history; it is also a monument that brings the community together. Historic Saline County bridge expected to return to original location by May With its opening, the bridge is now part of the 65-mile Southwest Trail, a greenway project that connects Hot Springs to Little Rock through Pulaski, Saline, and Garland 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 KARK. San Diego lawmakers demand federal investigation into ICE raid at local restaurants Video above: San Diego leaders speak out against the ICE raids at two popular South Park restaurants, which occurred on May 30, 2025. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Local and state lawmakers are calling for a federal investigation into a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that took place at two popular San Diego restaurants. The operation, which occurred on May 30 at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta, has sparked outrage over what critics describe as excessive and theatrical enforcement tactics. In a formal letter sent to ICEs Office of Professional Responsibility, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), along with Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50) and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), demanded an investigation into the use of force, legal compliance, and community impact of the raid. The lawmakers cited reports that approximately 20 ICE agents in military-style gear entered the restaurants during peak dining hours, deploying flash-bang grenades and detaining four employees. Witnesses say the raid caused panic among patrons and staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Outrage and solidarity after ICE raid shakes South Park restaurant This troubling incident is not an isolated case, the lawmakers wrote. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country. The lawmakers pointed to other recent ICE actions including a raid at a Los Angeles nightclub and an arrest in Massachusetts where agents smashed in a car window to detain a Guatemalan man as part of what they describe as a disturbing trend of high-profile, aggressive tactics targeting immigrant communities. The raid has drawn strong criticism from local leaders, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who condemned its impact on public trust, safety and the local economy. Community advocates also expressed concern about the effect the operation could have on immigrants willingness to report crimes or engage with law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter outlines several questions for ICE, including what threat assessments justified the use of flash-bang devices in a civilian dining environment, whether legal protocols were followed, and whether local authorities were consulted beforehand. RELATED: California senator slams ICE raid at South Park restaurants: weaponized hate Padilla, Schiff, Peters, and Vargas also raised concerns about broader immigration enforcement practices under the Trump Administration, linking the San Diego operation to what they called a misuse of federal power aimed at instilling fear rather than ensuring public safety. Along with their call for an investigation, the lawmakers also sent a separate letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing alarm over ICE agents targeting immigrants at courthouses, including the San Diego Immigration Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICE raid has become a flashpoint in Californias ongoing struggle with federal immigration enforcement, especially in sanctuary cities where officials have sought to create a more welcoming environment for immigrant communities. The lawmakers have requested a detailed report from ICEs Office of Professional Responsibility by July 7. As of now, ICE has not publicly responded to the demands. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (KRON) Following recent arrests in San Jose carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a city councilman declared that local undocumented residents are under attack. Councilmember Peter Ortiz described increased federal immigration enforcement as disturbing. Ortiz sent a memo Friday calling on the city to allocate $1 million in emergency funding to support and protect immigrant and undocumented communities. The councilman said he is making the request in the midst of increased ICE apprehensions and the recent opening of a new ICE office in South San Jose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our community is under attack. ICE has begun to increase its presence in our neighborhoods, and families are being torn apart. These are not abstract headlines these are our neighbors, our friends, our coworkers. The people of San Jose deserve to feel safe in their own city, Ortiz said. The memo calls on the City Council to approve the funding during a final budget hearing on Tuesday, June 10th, as a moral response to the crisis. The requested $1 million will provide legal assistance, rapid response services, and community outreach to ensure undocumented residents know their rights and have access to help. ICE agents made arrests in San Jose Wednesday. On Tuesday, ICE agents were seen conducting an operation in the area of Snell Avenue and Blossom Hill Road. An immigrant is detained by ICE agents as he exits an immigration courtroom hearing on June 6, 2025 in New York City. Federal agents are arresting immigrants outside of immigration court hearings as ICE ramps up enforcement. (Photo by Stephanie Keith /Getty Images) We know the federal government is ramping up enforcement efforts and expanding their capacity to detain and deport. What weve seen here in San Jose is likely just the beginning, Ortiz said. We cannot allow members of our community to be hunted and captured like animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told KRON4 on Friday that ICEs Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program and Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) exist to ensure compliance. An immigrant is detained by ICE agents outside of an immigration courtroom hearing on June 4, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Keith /Getty Images) The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said, All illegal aliens are afforded due process. Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order. If you are in the country illegally and a judge has ordered you to be removed, that is precisely what will happen. During the Biden administration, thousands of illegal aliens including violent criminals with final orders of removal were on ATD and allowed to roam our communities. This should never have been the case. Thanks to the leadership of Secretary Noem and President Trump, the proper policy is back in place. Ortizs memo said immigrants serve a critical role in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of San Jose. The San Jose City Budget Hearing will take place June 10 at City Hall. Public comment will be open, and residents are encouraged to attend and speak out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal immigration agents raided several locations in downtown Los Angeles Friday. Agents reportedly detained dozens of people while encountering protesters. Officers wearing vests emblazoned with HSI an acronym for Homeland Security Investigations were seen taking people into custody, KTLA reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has urged the US administration to swiftly implement tougher sanctions against Russia to compel Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations. Source: Yle, as reported by European Pravda Details: "I hope that the United States will do this as soon as possible and in full," Orpo said. He described the sanctions package proposed by US Senator Lindsey Graham as "very strong" and urged its prompt adoption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to find a solution now," he added. Orpo expressed hope that the United States would decide on the sanctions without delay, stating: "We must force Putin to sit at the negotiating table." He noted that the European Union is doing everything possible to support this effort. Background: On 1 April 2025, US Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat), supported by 82 co-sponsors, introduced the bill to impose economic sanctions on Russia for obstructing ceasefire efforts in its war of aggression against Ukraine, particularly by imposing a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that purchase Russian oil. The bill also received bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, where a companion bill has 33 co-sponsors. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the final decision on any potential tightening of sanctions against Russia would be made by Trump. Media reports suggest that the Trump administration urged Graham to soften the sanctions against Russia in the bill, which has overwhelming support in the Senate. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The sanitation fee resolution, which caused many conversations and criticisms within Lebanon, was passed by the City Council in a 4-2 vote during Tuesdays meeting. The structure of the fee will be $20 for residential customers and $40 for business customers. The citys sanitation department does not pick up dumpsters used by businesses, only bins specifically used for the city service. Geri Ashley and Camille Burdine, Councilors for Ward 2 and 3 respectively, stuck to their votes against the fee for the second reading. Both raised concerns of how residents at or below the poverty line or seniors on fixed incomes may be impacted by the $20 per month fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions regarding how the sanitation department is funded were asked as confusion rippled through the community. This was an unadvertised discussion in a work session. It was a 15-minute discussion, Ashley said. I still dont have all my questions answered. I dont feel like I have the economic information. I think that we should, as a City Council, have spent more time talking about it and seeing if we could come up with any other solutions, Ashley added. If in fact we are paying for garbage in our citys taxes, and now were incorporating a fee, then what happens next year when we get our taxes? Are our taxes going to be reduced at that point, because that is a double dip. On Wednesday, Burdine reiterated her thoughts that the city should be more proactive in studying the impact on the citizens before a fee was implemented. She said the response to rising costs caused the city to be reactive instead of proactive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burdine said she is not opposed to a sanitation fee, but feels that more time should have been spent researching it. Also on Wednesday, Ashley called the fee a knee-jerk reaction and likewise felt that not enough research was done. She also said instead of a flat fee, a property tax increase would take into account the property values and Wards 1, 2 and 3 would not have to deal with a monthly fee which might be a burden. Ashley said she wants to see if the sanitation fee will disappear from the property taxes. Ward 1 Councilor Joey Carmack said he supported the fee because its a flat fee that all residents pay, which doesnt fluctuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not feel its fair for the sanitation fee to be a property tax, Carmack said. A property tax would be unfair, because for example, person one has a $1 million house, and [may] only have one can of trash. They would pay more taxes than person two [who has] a $350,000 home. We dump the trash from the city at Walter Hill (in Murfreesboro), which has been in the news about closing soon, Carmack added. When that does happen, we will be paying even more to dump trash. Middle Point Landfill has been working with Rutherford County to increase fees for out-of-county tipping fees, as well as downsizing the number of counties allowed to dump there. During a meeting earlier this year, it was proposed to double the fees for non-Rutherford County clients from $1.20 per ton to $2.50 per ton to generate more revenue for that county. The town meeting hall had more residents in attendance than usual, which was commented on by the Councilors, who expressed gratitude for the increased attendance. Burdine, Chris Crowell, Councilor for Ward 4 and Phil Morehead, Councilor for Ward 6, particularly welcomed the attendance and interest in city business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the public comment period, nearly a dozen people spoke to the City Council. One resident, Stephen Lawson, said he and others should have the option to opt out of the fee, and that he would rather pay a private company $30 to support that business than give the city $20. He also asked if there were other landfills which could be used. I thought there was a landfill in Wilson County. Is that one full? Lawson asked. Thats owned by the Wilson County government, and its just open to construction materials, Mayor Bell responded. Its not open to us. Alex Buhler, former Ward 1 Councilor who stepped-down in 2012, also spoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They should have that option to opt out, Buhler said. If a thousand people opt out, thats a thousand houses you dont have to go to. Bell responded by saying that wouldnt save as much money as people think because the sanitation trucks will still be driving by those houses anyway. Some of the Councilors said they dont know if private companies would have the same quality of work that the city does, as officials believe sanitation is a public health matter which the Council takes seriously. Another resident wondered if the sanitation fee would lead to the start of nickel and diming the residents of the city. Glenn Denton, County Commissioner for District 20, which covers the downtown Lebanon region of the county, criticized the growth of the city, which he thinks sparked the need for growing services and the fees to pay for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enough is enough. We have overbuilt in our city beyond what our infrastructure can handle, Denton said. When do we stop building to where we cannot service and when we cannot pay for the infrastructure around it? Nearly an hour and a half was spent discussing the sanitation fee and budget for the next year. With the passing of the resolution, the sanitation fee goes into effect July 1. SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) Everything from national parks to education is facing significant cuts in federal funding, which includes a New Mexico college that claims these cuts could lead to its closure. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 63 years, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe has been supporting Native American artists and creatives. The institute currently has around 1,000 students and about 140 staff members. However, the president of the college, Robert Martin, stated that President Trump is attempting to erase six decades of progress. It is a little disconcerting and stressful, especially for our faculty, staff, and students, to hear that the president of the United States has proposed eliminating our budget, Martin said. Martin explained that President Trumps 2026 budget proposal suggests cutting all federal funding for IAIA starting in October. Our funding is typically between $17 million and $18 million a year, with about $13.5 million coming from core operational funding provided by the federal government. This means that approximately 75% of our budget relies on federal support, he said. So far, Martin said they have not received an explanation for the proposed cuts, stating, They just said they are eliminating funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts, with no justification whatsoever. He added that if the cuts go through, it could force the institute to shut down. Currently, the institute is seeking support from New Mexicos Congressional delegation. Were trying to be strategic and coordinate our efforts in advocating for our budget, Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about the Institute of American Indian Arts and how you can help, you can follow the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Fayette school board chairman Tyler Murphy on Friday defended the school district in the face of a threatened state audit, lawmakers criticism and a Kentucky attorney generals opinion of unlawfulness. FCPS is not the problem. In fact, weve stepped up time and again to fill the gap left by misplaced priorities at the state and federal levels, recognizing that our public schools remain the bedrock of our community and our local economy, Murphy said in a Facebook post. Republican Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman ruled Wednesday the school board failed to provide the legally required notice to the public before its May 27 meeting and vote to ask the fiscal court to raise the occupational license tax for schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said the school board will hold a second vote on June 23. The school board will also a public hearing on a yet to be announced day on raising the tax. Parents and other people in the community, Democrats and Republicans, have expressed concerns about a lack of transparency in how the school board handled the vote. Notice of a May 27 vote was made known to the public only when it was attached to an online meeting agenda on the Memorial Day weekend before. Some have raised concerns about the school boards process, others about the possibility of a tax rate increase, and many others about the districts budget shortfall. Republican Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball said Thursday she is considering a financial examination or audit of the school district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, and Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville are among those criticizing the district for a lack of transparency. Bledsoe asked for the AG opinion and talked to Ball about conducting a state audit. That drew a rebuke from Murphy. We dont need lectures from those pushing policies that harm working families and children, he said. Our community rejected voucher schemes at the ballot box, and our community will continue to defend public education from political theatrics designed to distract and divide, he said. While we always welcome dialogue and feedback that help us improve, its important that the conversation begins with facts and reflects the reality of the work happening in our schools each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the attorney generals opinion, the school boards 3-2 vote to ask the Fayette Fiscal Court to increase school tax rates on residents and businesses net income from 0.5% to 0.75% was improper. Thats because, under state law, school boards must notify the public and hold a formal hearing before voting on new or increased taxes. Fayette school district officials argue the vote was legal and the tax increase was needed to cover a $16 million budget shortfall. The district recently approved an $848 million tentative budget for 2025-2026. The reality is that FCPS is a district with real momentum, he said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district has received five consecutive perfect financial audits from independent, outside auditors, demonstrating responsible fiscal stewardship. Not a single FCPS school is labeled underperforming. Though FCPS educates 6% of Kentuckys students, Fayette students account for 34% of the states highest academic performers. The district continues to narrow opportunity gaps for student groups who have historically been underserved, improving outcomes in academic achievement, access to advanced coursework and readiness for college, careers, and life. FCPS maintains a financial transparency dashboard where anyone can track the districts expenses and budget. He said FCPS is on budget and in the black for FY2025. https://www.fcps.net/about/transparency/financial-report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we are proud of the progress being made, we are equally committed to transparency and continuous improvement. We know we must keep raising the bar for ourselves, in how we communicate, how we govern, and how we deliver on the promise of public education, Murphy said That said, its hard to ignore the broader political landscape. At a time when Washington and Frankfort are plagued by division, and decisions are too often made to benefit the powerful few, public schools have become a convenient target. SCRANTON Pupils at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in South Side who helped design the transformation of a parking lot there into a vibrant schoolyard with a modern playground also helped cut the ribbon Friday during a grand opening. In the works for the past three years, a former asphalt lot at the rear of the school now has become an oasis for play, as well as a community park space for the 2,500 residents who live within a 10-minute walk of the school fronting on Prospect Avenue. A collaboration of the Scranton School District, the city of Scranton, the local nonprofit Valley in Motion and the nationwide Trust for Public Land, the project two years ago called upon third-graders to give input on what they would like to see in a playground replacing the parking lot along Winfield Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is even better than I pictured. You guys did such an incredible job, Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said to pupils who helped design the new schoolyard and attended the grand opening Friday. Tess Lewis, 11, a fifth grader at the South Scranton Intermediate School, was one of the pupils of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton who as a third-grader helped design the new schoolyard at the JFK school and attended the ribbon cutting with classmates. She said she is very happy with the transformation of the space. We wanted all the playground parts to be on softer ground, because the surface previously was all paved. The $775,000 cost of the JFK Elementary School project is funded with $500,000 from the city, from its federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, Scranton Area Community Foundation, The Robert H. Spitz Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation also contributed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenting on the numerous entities and sponsors involved, Cognetti said, Everybody put the team together, to put the puzzle pieces in there to make this happen. The most important thing was that you guys got to be involved and were so proud of the work that you did. School officials spoke of playtime as a key component of education. These are the kinds of things that make coming to school more enjoyable and have that small fraction of the day where you step away from traditional learning to be able to learn in a whole new environment, Scranton School District Superintendent Erin Keating, Ed.D. said. The poured-in place rubbery surface will need a few days to cure before children can use the playground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Play is really the work of childhood, JFK school Principal Nora Phillips said. Our children at JFK are now able to get to work at play in the revamped schoolyard. Gus Fahey of Valley in Motion noted how the schoolyard is no longer an old-school kind of space. We were used to just sort of flat, asphalt playgrounds. Now were not going to accept that anymore. This is the new standard that we are going to give to the children of the next generation, Fahey said. Owen Franklin of The Trust for Public Land described the schoolyard as an asset for community development and strengthening connections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a model for partnership and impact, Franklin said. Fahey also referenced two similar schoolyard playground transformations ahead, at the Whitter and Willard schools. The city has federal American Rescue Plan Act money earmarked for the Whittier project, he said. A $350,000 federal Environmental Protection Agency grant for the Willard school project was awarded via a nationwide competition, but that funding recently was eliminated, Fahey said, noting he was announcing that loss. That money that we won was taken away from us on a national level, Fahey told the crowd. So what are we going to do? Are we not going to build the next playground? Several people in the crowd responded No, meaning that project will get done somehow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to figure it out, Cognetti replied. * Gus Fahey, president of Valley in Motion, makes remarks at the opening of a new community schoolyard June 6, 2025, at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in South Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) * John F. Kennedy Elementary School students listen to speakers talk about a newly build playground at the school. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) * Children who two years ago while in third grade helped design a new community schoolyard playground at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton participated in a ribbon-cutting during a grand-opening celebration of the schoolyard on Friday, June 6, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The new community schoolyard playground at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton during a ribbon-cutting and grand-opening celebration on Friday, June 6, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) * Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti listens to remarks at the opening of a new community schoolyard June 6, 2025, at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in South Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) * Owen Franklin of Trust for Public Land discusses the dedication of a new playground at at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in South Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) * Gus Fahey, president of Valley in Motion, makes remarks as Trust for Public Land, Scranton School District and Mayor Paige Cognetti open a new community schoolyard June 6, 2025, at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in South Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, at podium, introduces and shakes hands with Gus Fahey of Valley in Motion during a ribbon-cutting and grand-opening celebration of the new community schoolyard playground, in background, at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton on Friday, June 6, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) * The new community schoolyard playground at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton during a ribbon-cutting and grand-opening celebration on Friday, June 6, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) * The new community schoolyard playground at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton during a ribbon-cutting and grand-opening celebration on Friday, June 6, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Tess Lewis, 11, a fifth grader at the South Scranton Intermediate School, was one of the pupils of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton two years ago while in third grade there helped design a new community schoolyard playground at the Kennedy school. Tess and former Kennedy school classmates participated Friday, June 6, 2025 in a ribbon-cutting during a grand-opening celebration of the new schoolyard. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 11 Gus Fahey, president of Valley in Motion, makes remarks at the opening of a new community schoolyard June 6, 2025, at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in South Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Credit: BBC Arnold Schwarzenegger has urged environmentalists to stop whining about Donald Trumps approach to climate change and instead get to work. The veteran actor, 77, said Mr Trump was not a barrier to change and activists should stop using him as an excuse not to act. Ive noticed people always said to me: Well, what is the point of fighting the environmental issue here and to reduce pollution, with Trump in the White House? the activist told the BBC after appearing on stage at a climate conference in Vienna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump and his administration have repeatedly called climate change a hoax, despite the scientific evidence. I tell them: Hey, stop whining, he continued. We all have a responsibility. What do you think that action comes only for the whole world out of Washington, the White House? No. You have to be aware of your obstacles, but you should not go and use them as an excuse. The former Republican governor of California, who focused on environmental issues during his time in office, has continued campaigning globally on climate change since leaving politics. The former body builder has continued campaigning globally on climate change since leaving politics - Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Be the mayor that makes buses electric; be the CEO who ends fossil fuel dependence; be the school that puts [up] solar roofs, he said at the Austrian World Summit, a climate event in Vienna he helped to organise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant just sit around and make excuses because one guy in a very nice White House on Pennsylvania Avenue doesnt agree with you, said Schwarzenegger. I know that the people are sick and tired of the whining and the complaining and the doom and gloom, he said. The only way we win the peoples hearts and minds is by showing them action that makes their lives better. On his first day in office, Mr Trump fulfilled his energy campaign promises by ending the Democrats war on fossil fuels. He issued executive orders promoting oil and gas production and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. The president also withdrew from other commitments in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump has pledged to open hundreds more coal-fired power plants and to halt closures driven by environmental regulations in an effort to compete with China, the worlds largest source of carbon emissions. Donald Trump and his administration have repeatedly called climate change a hoax - Alex Brandon/AP However, Beijing has embarked on its own ambitious clean energy plans, including rolling out affordable electric vehicles domestically and internationally that compete fiercely with Tesla. Much of that has been driven by an interest in boosting the Chinese economy, and to clear the blanket of thick black smoke and smog that has covered China for decades and upset the countrys residents. Coal is the most polluting form of energy, and has contributed to significant health risks and even fatalities in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the worlds most populous nation with more than 1.4 billion people more than four times that of the US China has extremely high energy demands to keep the country running. While the US also has energy demands to meet, the country was previously seen as a leader in climate change, particularly under Barack Obama, and in bringing the world together to lower global emissions. However, Mr Trump has reversed his predecessors energy agenda on net zero and incentives for wind and solar, going against what many other countries are doing. The UK, for instance, became the first G7 country to end the use of coal power when it shut down its last coal-fired power station last September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has also banned all new fossil fuel extraction in a bid to accelerate the move toward renewable energy sources. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A new study has discovered evidence that the presence of microplastics in river water could influence microbial communities, leading to more pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes. What's happening? The research team collected water samples from the Oder River, which flows over 522 miles through Czechia, Germany, and Poland, putting them in sanitized containers and adding pre-drained sediment and microplastic particles. Compared to a control group, which did not contain microplastics, the test samples showed a higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio spp., Escherichia coli, and Salmonella. The microplastic-contaminated samples also showed higher levels of antibiotic resistance genes, per the study published in Scientific Reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The presence of microplastics in [a] water environment and their bioavailability may contribute to, or alter the pattern of, the spreading of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes," the researchers stated, adding that this could be due to microbial competition and their use of microplastics to create biofilms, which makes these particles an environmentally favorable niche for some bacteria species. Why is this study concerning? "This represents an emerging public health concern, particularly in the context of the One Health framework, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health," researchers said. Antimicrobial resistance genes are problematic because they help bacteria resist the drugs meant to treat them. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global health threats, according to the World Health Organization, which says it makes infections harder to treat and other medical procedures and treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, much riskier. Meanwhile, this is not the first time scientists have sounded the alarm about microplastics, which are small plastic particles that break off of larger plastics as they degrade. These plastics are everywhere, including in water, soil, air, clothing, seafood, and salt. For instance, one study found microplastics in nearly every protein source tested, including chicken, tofu, and beef. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While researchers and experts still don't understand the health impacts of microplastics, they've been linked to health problems such as cancer, dementia, and impaired blood flow in the brain. These tiny plastic particles could also be harming some of the world's most important archaeological sites. Researchers in England called attention to this issue following the discovery of microplastics in the soil at two historic sites. What's being done about microplastics? While it's difficult to remove microplastics from the environment, it's not impossible. For instance, one group of scientists has discovered a way to rid water of microplastics by using egg whites. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Plus, some cities and countries are tackling plastic pollution, which is the source of microplastics. For one, England and France banned plastic cutlery for most fast food and takeout meals, while Los Angeles has banned Styrofoam takeout containers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can cut down on your own plastic use at home by investing in reusable items like metal razors and non-plastic sandwich bags. 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. For World Oceans Day, SeaWorld Orlando celebrates the second anniversary of its Coral Rescue Center, highlighting significant coral conservation efforts, including a record coral spawning event. Since its 2023 opening, the Coral Rescue Center has housed 390 colonies of 18 protected coral species, including three threatened and one endangered species. The facility offers visitors a close look at the tireless work of coral experts and spreads greater awareness of marine conservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC), in its fifth year, safeguards over 500 coral colonies from stony coral tissue loss disease, threatening 22 species. The FCRC has notched several historic milestones, including being the first to grow Mycetophyllia ferox (rough cactus coral) in an aquarium. In 2024, it produced over 1 million coral larvae for reef restoration and research. In May 2025, the center achieved a landmark by generating over 1 million Diploria labyrinthiformis larvae, of which more than 500,000 were returned to Floridas Coral Reef. Were deeply committed to protecting coral species and restoring reefs, a SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson said. These milestones show how collaboration and dedication can make a real impact on our oceans. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. DENISON, Iowa (KCAU) A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction to stop the Trump Administration from eliminating the Job Corps, a training program for low-income people. This comes after a couple hundred students at the Denison Job Corps were told their facility was shutting down nearly a week ago. Ryan Dunker has attended the Denison Job Corps for nearly a year, working on becoming a pharmacy technician, saying the program was a second chance for him and many others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One day out of the blue, one of my classmates walked up to me and, you know, told me, Hey, your Job Corps is getting shut down. And Im like, Dude, what are you talking about? No way; they would have told us. And then he pulled up an article from, like, Fox News and showed me, and I was kind of in disbelief, like, Okay, thats crazy,' said Ryan Dunker, a student at Denison Job Corps. Not long after reading the article, more than 200 Job Corps students were brought together to be told the program was shutting down. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That meeting had people running out of the auditorium, crying. People, like, everyones heart just sunk. You could feel it in the room, said Dunker. Since the announcement, students have been packing up and leaving Job Corps. Some have a home to go back to while others are left wondering where theyll go. Ryan said hes one of the lucky ones. Ive completed my trade. Ive completed my high school. Ive got a drivers license. Ive got a place to go. Ive got an interview lined up, but I know so, so many people that dont have those things ready to go like some people just got here, and there is no chance of them completing trade in time, said Dunker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job Corps was established by congress in 1964, providing education and vocational training to those who missed the opportunity earlier in life. Ryan said hes come to realize how important the Denison Job Corps is, not only for his fellow classmates, but for the community. It is so important to keep these kinds of programs around to offer benefits to people that dont have many in life. You know, like this is a second chance for people. Sometimes, its their only chance, and I really, really emphasize how great this place can be, said Dunker. It gave me a lot of structure. It gave me a chance to really excel, and I joined student government as soon as I could. I got to prove to myself that I had more skills than I gave myself credit for. The Denison Job Corps is expected to be closed by the end of this month, depending on the temporary restraining order issued by the federal Judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 24-year-old man seeking asylum in the United States was detained by immigration agents on Thursday following his asylum hearing at Portland Immigration Courthouse, according to court documents. Now, his attorneys at the Innovation Law Lab are filing a habeas corpus petition, challenging his arrest. This is the second time this week that ILL has filed this type of petition after another courthouse arrest of an asylum seeker earlier in the week, ILL said. The latest case involves a man identified in court documents as YZLH to protect his identity amid safety concerns. According to court documents, he fled Mexico in 2023 after a cartel threatened to kill him, leading him to apply for asylum in the United States almost one year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillamook opens first owned-and-operated facility outside of Oregon (YZLH) appeared for his immigration court hearing on June 5, but instead of allowing him to proceed with his asylum application, (authorities) moved to dismiss the case, court documents say, noting ICE agents arresting him after the hearing in the courthouse lobby. According to the Innovation Law Lab, YZLH previously complied with ICE check-ins, received work authorization and appeared for all of his scheduled court hearings prior to his arrest, adding hes been living in Newport for almost two years with no criminal history. This arrest comes as the Innovation Law Lab is challenging another Portland courthouse arrest of a person seeking asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilsonville woman admits to stealing $211K from employee health benefit trust account On Monday, a 24-year-old transgender woman, identified in court documents as OJM, was the first reported ICE courthouse arrest in Portland, ILL said. OJM fled Mexico after facing sexual assault and death threats from a cartel, according to court documents. Innovation Law Lab said ICE transferred her to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington within hours of her arrest and just before a federal judge issued an order banning her from being transferred out of state. Innovation Law Lab claims OJMs attorneys were unable to speak to her until late Thursday and filed a motion for bail on Friday, requesting her release from ICE detention. According to her attorneys, OJM is being held in solitary confinement for her safety at her request. In Fridays court filing, OJM told the court she came to the United States to be safe and free, ILL said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest When I arrived to Oregon, it was the first time that I have felt that I belonged anywhere. Especially after moving to the Portland area, I saw people from different places walking freely and unafraid. I also saw how people embraced persons from all gender expressions and identities; here, trans people are respected and recognized. I want to go back to that, to where I felt safe to be myself for the first time in my life, OJM said. The Innovation Law Lab says both cases follow a systemic pattern of ICE detentions across the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Portland arrests follow an identical pattern now being rolled out nationwide: ICE attorneys move to dismiss asylum cases without warning, then plainclothes agents arrest the asylum seekers in courthouse lobbies immediately after their cases have been dismissed by immigration judges, Innovation Law Lab said. Retired football star Jason Kelce gives shoutout to incredible Oregon restaurant This is a systematic campaign to gut the asylum system, said Innovation Law Lab Legal Director Jordan Cunnings, who represents both asylum seekers. We cannot allow ICE to circumvent constitutional protections and fast-track deportations of people who have every right to seek safety. According to the Innovation Law Lab, OJM and YZLH both properly filed their asylum applications and were entitled to full hearings before immigration judges and had the right to appeal an adverse decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ILL argues that by dismissing their cases, immigration authorities are trying to fast-track the deportation process, claiming ICE has effectively stripped them of fundamental constitutional safeguards. Oregon board rejects another attempt to block Portlands first Live Nation venue The timing is deliberate and defiant, Cunnings added. While a federal judge ordered a prompt explanation for Mondays courthouse ambush, ICE is already employing the same unconstitutional tactics against another asylum seeker, showing complete disregard for judicial authority and the rule of law. These courthouse ambushes are an assault on the rule of law, Cunnings furthered. For generations, the United States has offered protection to those fleeing persecution. ICE is deliberately deceiving judges and tricking asylum seekers, then using that deception to detain and punish people for seeking safety here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Geographic names Oregon Coast train ride among dreamiest for stargazing Attorneys for OJM and YZLH are asking that federal courts issue immediate orders to stop the transfer of asylum seekers out of Oregon, the restoration of their asylum applications and a declaration that ICEs tactics are unlawful, the legal organization said. Oregon has always been a place where people fleeing persecution can find safety and rebuild their lives, said Isa Pena, director of strategy at Innovation Law Lab. When the federal government targets the most vulnerable members of our community, theyre attacking the values that make Oregon strong. KOIN 6 News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Attorney Generals Office. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges announced for teen accused of planning mass shooting at Washington mall Following OJMs arrest, DHS provided the following statement to KOIN 6 News: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A second inmate who escaped from a minimum security facility in Franklin County has been arrested. Michael Norton, 31, was taken into custody on Friday and faces a felony escape charge, according to Franklin County Jail booking records. On May 22, Norton escaped from the Franklin County Community-Based Correctional Facility on the 1700 block of Alum Creek Drive alongside three other inmates. The four men escaped by breaking a window. Another inmate who fled from the facility, Jeremy Bowen, was arrested on May 25. The two other escapees, Nikko Burton and Mark Long, have not yet been apprehended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman says manager sexually assaulted her after company banquet at Columbus hotel Norton was serving six month sentence for a 2022 breaking and entering conviction, followed by two years of community control. Bowen previously pleaded guilty to burglary charges in three separate incidents in 2014, 2015, and 2016 and was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by an undetermined amount of community control time. Burton was serving a three-year sentence of community control for receiving stolen property. However, in September 2024, he was charged with absconding from the facility, and an additional six months were added to his sentence in February. Long pleaded guilty to theft in 2024 and was sentenced to three years of community control, but, like Burton, he absconded from the jurisdiction of the court in August 2024. His probation was revoked in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Franklin County correctional facility is a minimum security prison diversion program for adult male offenders, according to its website. A spokesperson with the facility previously told NBC4 the escape is being investigated by the sheriffs office and the facilitys internal administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Court documents have uncovered more details about the case involving a Gresham teacher suspected of online sex crimes against children. The Portland Police Bureau arrested Oscar Armando Ramirez on Friday afternoon, later revealing the 36-year-old Gresham High School teacher had been charged with three counts of luring a minor and one count of second-degree online sexual corruption of a child. Washington National Guard deployed in search for father accused of killing daughters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secret indictment filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Thursday accuses the suspect of engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a Bothell Police Department officer posing as a 13-year-old girl from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, 2024. The document alleges Ramirez offered to physically meet with who he thought was a teenager on Nov. 14, when he believed her parents wouldnt be home. BPD notified Portland police of the investigation on Dec. 5. According to PPB, Ramirez told the undercover officer he taught 9th and 11th grade students. Authorities said they notified Gresham-Barlow School District after learning the suspect was a teacher. He was soon placed on leave. Seattle man charged with string of burglaries at the homes of NFL and MLB stars Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirez is now being held in the Multnomah County Detention Center. The Gresham-Barlow School District has issued a statement, saying Ramirez was hired as a social studies teacher in 2021 and his background check didnt reveal any criminal record. Police told the district it doesnt appear that any GHS students were involved in his crimes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TAOS, N.M. (KRQE) Four decades in the making, a New Mexico mystery has finally come to a close. Two paintings that were ripped off the walls and stolen from a northern New Mexico museum in the 80s returned home Friday. Its amazing to have these paintings back in Taos. Its something that we never imagined would happen. To see them here is surreal. Were pleased that theyre back, said Juniper Leherissey, executive director of the Hardwood Museum of Art. The oil paintings Aspens by Victor Higgins and Oklahoma Cheyenne by Joseph Henry Sharp were hung back inside the museum on Friday, forty years after they were taken from the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a blow to me, personally. On the other hand, these things happen, said David Witt, who was the museum curator when the paintings vanished in 1985. So, how did they go missing? Rita and Jerry Alter, who are now dead, are believed to have stolen the art after creating a distraction and fleeing with the paintings. The Alters were never caught or charged with a crime; however, the paintings spent decades in their home near Silver City. Part of the reason they werent discovered is that they were hanging, literally hanging, in the living room of Rita and Jerry Alters home, explained Leherissey. After Rita Alter died in 2017, an antique dealer unknowingly bought another stolen art piece from the Alters estate sale: Willem De Koonings Woman-Ocher, which was taken from the University of Arizona Museum of Art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until the estate was disband that they even were in the public eye, Leherissey said. The two missing paintings returned home in part thanks to writer Lou Schachter, who linked the Harwood Heist to the De Kooning theft after watching news stories and a documentary on the case. Its a wonderful feeling to be part of this celebration where things that were stolen 40 years ago are back home where they belong, said Schachter. Past and present museum staff were thankful to see the works of art return home to their rightful place for everyone to see. It all has a good ending in the end. An unexpected one for me, Witt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paintings will remain on public display through Sept. 7. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) hit back at President Donald Trumps administration Friday after the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia the Maryland father mistakenly deported to a prison in El Salvador to U.S. soil. Van Hollen, who met with Abrego Garcia in April as the Trump administration refused to abide by a Supreme Court order to facilitate his return to the States, responded to a White House statement that asked him and others who defended this illegal criminal abuser to immediately apologize to the mans victims. You know, I will never apologize for defending the Constitution, he told CNNs Anderson Cooper, who read part of the White House statement to Van Hollen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, its the Trump administration and all his cronies who should apologize to the country for putting us through this unnecessary situation and to Abrego Garcia for putting him through this situation and his family, Van Hollen added. Abrego Garcia, perinitial reports later confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi in a press conference, landed back in the U.S. to face federal criminal charges that accuse him of transporting unauthorized migrants into the country. The move to charge Abrego Garcia reportedly led to the resignation of a top federal prosecutor in Tennessee, where the two-count indictment was filed in May and unsealed Friday. In the lead-up to the charges, Trump officials repeatedly stressed that Garcia was never coming back from El Salvador, shifting the responsibility of facilitating such a move to that country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also pushed claims that Abrego Garcia is a known member of the MS-13 gang, allegations that his family and his attorneys have rejected. Van Hollen said the federal prosecutors resignation raises questions about the move to charge Abrego Garcia, but the focus should be on his return, adding that its a good news story for due process rights in America. The Trump administration should respect the rule of law and the Constitution of the United States. So really, its President Trump who should apologize to the country for violating his oath to the Constitution, he said. Im glad in this moment, they are finally, finally doing what the Supreme Court said but they continue, Anderson, to violate the Constitution in many, many other [deportation] cases. Senator Van Hollen: I will never apologize for defending the constitution. In fact, it's the Trump administration and all his cronies who should apologize to the country for putting us through this unnecessary situation, and to Abrego Garcia for putting him through this situation pic.twitter.com/ZknOUXmseo Acyn (@Acyn) June 7, 2025 Related... There are no talks planned between Germany's coalition parties on reintroducing compulsory military service despite the moves to strengthen the armed forces, according to a senior member of parliament. "The coalition agreement clearly states that we are in favour of voluntary service," Matthias Miersch, the leader of the Social Democrats (SPD) parliamentary group - the junior partner in the conservative-led government - told the Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung newspaper. "We can negotiate compulsory military service in the next legislative period if necessary, but not in this one," he added in remarks published on Saturday, referring to the tenure of the current parliament which is due to run until 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miersch said the goal of 60,000 additional soldiers, cited by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, is achievable only in the medium term: "At the moment, there is not nearly enough training capacity available." Military service was mandatory for Germany men from 1956 to 2011, with the possibility of doing civilian service instead on grounds of conscientious objection. However, due to the Ukraine war and the perceived increased Russian threat to Europe, there has been discussion of reintroducing the draft as in some EU states, such as Lithuania in 2015 and Croatia which is planning to do so this year. It comes amid a broader rearmament effort among European nations. Pistorius, also from the SPD, has said that another 60,000 troops would be needed in Germany's active forces for NATO's planning targets for increased defence capability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, Henning Otte, who like Chancellor Friedrich Merz comes from the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), has floated the idea of renewed conscription to prevent the Bundeswehr Germany's military - from being overstretched. As the new commissioner, Otte told reporters that he intended to "put this on my agenda again this year." HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) Two dozen international students will spend their summer working at Serengeti Springs in Hattiesburg. More than 20 students from Thailand, Mexico, Jamaica and Colombia are participating in the parks J1 International Student Program. They will work as lifeguards, in ticketing and in food and retail services. The Hattiesburg Convention Commission has planned a full itinerary, including trips to New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The program offers students a chance to experience the American culture while gaining valuable work experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USM rises in rankings for Best Education Schools in US We want to give them a great work experience and definitely the training, the hospitality, learning, things from the retail sector, from the food and beverage sector, from the aquatics world. And we hope that our staff, as well, get to embrace them, learn some things from them, and then they get some awesome things from us, said Demetric Kelly, director of Guest Services and Retail with the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. This program has really helped me to open my mind and gave me understanding of different perspectives, said Shenane Goodwin, a student from Jamaica. The students also received new wheels to explore the Hub City thanks to Moores Bicycle Shop, which helped collect donated bikes from the community. They will call Hattiesburg home through the end of September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Loved ones are grieving for a woman who was stabbed and killed in her apartment in the east Las Vegas valley. She was an amazing person, Kimberly said. Bubbly and loving, kind and caring. Kimberly, who didnt want to share her last name, spoke with 8 News Now about 59-year-old Jodi Grotts, known to many as Jodi Conner. Grotts was stabbed to death Saturday inside her home on Dunsbach Way, near Lake Mead and Hollywood boulevards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends and family, including Kimberly, told 8 News Now they are now dealing with overwhelming grief they never expected. They described Grotts as a fairy-like soul who was the glue that kept her whole family together. This could have all been avoided, I believe, she said. 34-year-old Mason Mireles faces a murder and assault charge in Grotts death. Mireles was visiting with his mother, Grotts roommate, on Saturday evening, according to police documents. Grotts arrived home, and Mireles started attacking her like a raging lunatic, documents stated. Jodi was a beautiful person, Kimberly said. It should have never happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Mireles has a violent criminal history dating back to 2011. In April, police issued a warrant for his arrest after they said he attacked a different woman. Mireles punched her, grabbed her by the hair, and pinned her to the floor, according to police documents. The woman was treated at the hospital for multiple injuries, according to officers. Mireles now faces four charges of battery in that case. Kimberly told 8 News Now as she and everyone else who loved Jodi are trying to come to terms with what happened to her, theyre calling on the community for help with funeral expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was like my sister, she said. She was like the other half of my soul. Its all in an effort to honor a life that meant the world to so many. It should have been prevented, Kimberly concluded. Grotts family has started a GoFundMe account. Mireles is being held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing 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 KLAS. NEED TO KNOW Corinne Perry, 17, disappeared in 1983; her body was found over a year later Despite eyewitness accounts, no arrests have been made in the case Her sister Letitia still seeks justice, urging anyone with information to come forward On an April evening in 1983, 17-year-old Corinne Perry left home to do laundry in Creston, Iowa. She never returned. Her neatly-folded clothes were found in her car; her body was discovered over a year later. The case remains unsolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a quiet Sunday when Corinne, a high school senior known for her bright smile and passion for theater, walked out the door for a routine chore. She was headed to the Highlander Laundromat just a few blocks away, a familiar errand in the small southwest Iowa town where she lived with her mother and sister. But what began as an ordinary evening would soon become one of the region's most haunting cold cases. According to reporting by NBC News, Corinne's car was found the next day outside the laundromat, her clothes clean and folded inside. But the teen was gone. Police initially suspected that she had run away, an assumption that delayed what would later become a full-scale investigation. Witnesses later told authorities that Corinne left between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. and that a man walked out behind her. They described seeing her talking to a man with glasses and brown hair, believed to be in his 20s or 30s. But that man was never identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her sister, Letitia Perry, has spent decades urging authorities and the public not to forget about Corinne. 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. "I know something was wrong immediately," she told NBC News. "My sister wouldn't just leave." Two weeks after Corinne vanished, her purse was found miles away on a bridge, undisturbed, with her glasses, makeup and personal belongings still inside. For more than a year, the Perry family waited in agony for answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on November 3, 1984, hunters stumbled upon a shallow grave, roughly six miles from Creston and near where Corinne's purse had been recovered. Inside were human remains later confirmed to be Corinne's The remains, just bones, had to be identified using dental records, per the Associated Press. Due to the condition of the body, a cause of death could not be determined. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) reopened the case in 2009, hoping that advancements in forensic technology might finally lead to a break in the case. But so far, no suspects have ever been named publicly, and no arrests have been made. Letitia believes someone in the community knows what happened -- and may have even spoken with Corinne that night. Now in her 50s, Letitia says she won't give up until there are answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the 30-year mark of her death, I sort of quit having expectations, Letitia told NBC. But I cant give up. She was my little sister and Im not going to give up. The case remains open. The Iowa DCI encourages anyone with information to call (515) 725-6010 or submit an anonymous tip through their website. Read the original article on People Jun. 6Call it the case of the missing $450,000. There's plenty of finger pointing, a purported piece of evidence, and lots of questions that remained unanswered Friday. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen issued a blistering news release Friday, denouncing a Santa Fe newspaper's decision to publish a story about a newly filed federal lawsuit. The lawsuit filed May 10 alleges sheriff's deputies stopped a Freightliner truck on Interstate 40 in September, seized $450,000 found in three backpacks, and kept the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the sheriff's office has stonewalled inquiries asking for the cash to be returned and says it has no record of the seizure, states the lawsuit. But the plot thickens. When interviewed by the Journal, the attorney who filed the lawsuit, George Siddell of San Diego, wouldn't say much about his client Joe Anthony Gomez. He declined to say why Gomez was carrying the cash, where his client works, what else the truck was carrying or where his client lives. "It doesn't matter," said Siddell, who said Gomez was never arrested or charged in connection with the seizure in Albuquerque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen in his news release linked the $450,000 to a "high level" ongoing law enforcement operation "in close collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration to combat the fentanyl epidemic." "Informants, undercover agents, and civilians are now at risk because of this publication." The story Thursday in the Santa Fe New Mexican quoted Undersheriff Aaron Williamson as saying that there never was a seizure of $450,000, nor was there a traffic stop. "We did this to keep two individuals from being murdered by the cartel when they got back with no money, so we staged a traffic stop to try and keep them alive," he was quoted as saying. Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Phaedra Haywood had no comment about the sheriff's news release Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many questions, few answers The lawsuit states that during Siddell and his paralegal's attempts last fall to ask the sheriff's office for a case number or records about the stop, they found there weren't any. "They never claimed a drug investigation," Siddell told the Journal. According to the lawsuit, Gomez's complaint about the money appears to have been investigated by BCSO Internal Affairs, with the results turned over to Allen in early May. The U.S. Attorney's Office typically files forfeiture proceedings in federal court when suspected drug money is confiscated during traffic stops or as part of an investigation. But that hasn't happened in the case of the $450,000, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After issuing the news release, the sheriff's office wouldn't respond to Journal questions about the lawsuit, the newspaper report, or the sheriff's statement. "As mentioned in the press release, we are not providing any further details or statements," stated a BCSO spokeswoman in an email. "All questions regarding the investigation will have to be filtered through the appropriate agency, the DEA or (U.S. Attorney's Office)." A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office told the Journal, "This office is not involved in this matter and cannot comment on the activities of the BCSO or the DEA." The DEA had no immediate response to a Journal inquiry about the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit included as an exhibit what appears to be a blurry search warrant inventory form showing three backpacks were taken, with an undetermined amount of cash inside. But there's no official sheriff's office letterhead, only the words "SEARCH WARRANT INVENTORY." There's a date of Sept. 6, 2024, the time of the search, and the words, "Unknown amount of U.S. currency," and an indecipherable computer-aided dispatch number. Two other exhibits show grainy photos of the side mirror of a semi-truck; one with a law enforcement officer walking back to a dark patrol car. The lawsuit states that a sheriff's deputy, Rosemarie Cordova "conducted the traffic stop, search, and seizure at issue." When reached Friday by the Journal, Cordova said she isn't a deputy. She is assigned to work as the BCSO's Internal Affairs coordinator, records show. Cordova wouldn't comment about the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siddell maintained that his client's constitutional rights have been violated by a warrantless search and seizure. The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages, including $450,000. Asked why he would believe his client had $450,000 inside the backpacks, Siddell said, "I don't have to believe my client. The jury has to believe, by the preponderance of the evidence, that the sheriff's department seized the money." PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Following a dramatic increase in search and rescue missions on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, a local sheriff has proposed charging a fee to those in need of saving. Skamania County Sheriff Summer Scheyer said their search and rescue missions have spiked 400% compared to this time last year, putting a drain on their limited resources. Teen charged in mass shooting attempt: CCSO Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ninety-nine point nine percent of them are out-of-county residents. So its our county residents who are footing this bill, said Sheriff Scheyer, whose jurisdiction includes the massive wilderness of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and a large portion of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in Washington. Scheyer said she only wants to go after people if they have been negligent or reckless, causing them to need help from her rescue team. Somebody with a collapsed lung who decides to go in the worst weather conditions weve seen in many, many years, and the person wasnt supposed to go above 1,500 feet and decided to go to an area where it was 35,00 feet, Scheyer said. In May, 70% of their missions were a result of a hiker or boater putting themselves in unsafe conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We see people hiking areas that are extremely steep, and rocky, wear flip-flops. I mean, I could go on and on and on, it would probably take three hours for me to explain how negligent, reckless people can be, Scheyer said. KOIN 6 News asked hikers in Skamania County for the day their thoughts on the proposal. You dont want to be charging people thousands of dollar if they get in trouble. But there is a certain amount of responsibility associated with coming out to the woods, said Dan Hafley of Portland. Another hiker from Hillsboro said they agreed with the idea of charging a fee for a rescue if the person got into the situation out of negligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longview OKs zero-tolerance policy for camping The cost of this potential citation has not been determined. However, across the Columbia River, in Oregon, a statute allows agencies to charge a fee of no more than $500 if people did not exercise reasonable care or if laws were violated and theyre in need of saving. Scheyer said she wants her proposed ordinance to have a little more teeth. The sheriff is writing a county ordinance now, which she plans to present to the Skamania County Board of Commissioners. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. You probably wont find a shipwreckbut its possible. A fisherman recently found a one-hundred-year-old tugboat near Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and in 2023, an 8 year old with a metal detector found a 19th-century schooner off the coast of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. And there are more like it out there to be foundthere could be up to 10,000 shipwrecks scattered among the waters of North America, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You might be wondering: What should you do if you find a shipwreck? I was also curious, so I did some digging on the legality, safety, and ethics of discovering a historic shipwreck. In short, dont touch anything and report the wreck to your state or local government. Note that this article focuses on the USthe specific regulations will differ in other countries. What not to do You might be tempted, after finding a shipwreck, to claim itor even just grab something from it. Dont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, its almost certainly not legal to take items from a shipwreck. In the United States, the Abandoned Shipwreck act of 1987 states that all shipwrecks legally belong to the state in which theyre found. The only major exceptions are sunken U.S. military vessels, which belong to the military; wrecks found on federal land, which belong to the federal government; and wrecks found on Native American reservations, which belong to the specific tribe. This is true for wrecks found on land, on beaches, and in the water. Put simply, discovering a shipwreck in the United States doesnt give you any kind of legal right to salvage the wreck. Attempting to disturb a shipwreck could result in stiff penalties, including jail time and fines. Within Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary lie the remains of nearly 100 shipwrecks that represent a microcosm of maritime commerce and travel on the Great Lakes. The D.M. Wilson, a wooden bulk freighter, sank in 1894 after springing a leak. Image: NOAA But thats not the only reason to stay away. Shipwrecks are also dangerous. Any ship powered by fossil fuels probably had many gallons of fuel on board at the time of its wreck, according to NOAA. Tampering with the wreck could start a leak (if its not leaking already), which would be dangerous for both you and the body of water its immersed in, as well as its inhabitants. The natural corrosion of the ship itself releases pollutants into the water that youd rather not encounter. The ship may also have been stowing dangerous materials, which in some cases could damage scuba gear or otherwise create dangerous conditions for you and your community. Military wrecks have their own obvious dangers, such as ammunition or explosives. Put simply, shipwrecks are best left to the professionals, who have training in dealing with these and other potential dangers. Shipwrecks are also the final resting places of the people who were on board during the wreck. In most cultures on Earth, including the United States, its considered distasteful to disturb the deceased. This means shipwrecks need to be treated with respect, the same way that a graveyard or a tomb should be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, if you find a shipwreck that you think hasnt been discovered, dont touch anything. Dont try to take anything. Leave the wreck alone and contact the proper authorities. Who to get in touch with Having said that, who are the proper authorities to get in touch with? As previously mentioned, state governments are responsible for wrecks within their borders under U.S. law. Your first point of contact should be the historic preservation office in the state where you found the shipwreck. The National Park Service has a list of State Historic Preservation Offices, complete with links to department websites. Some states have dedicated forms for reporting shipwrecks; all have email addresses and phone numbers you can use to get in touch. Its a good idea to record the GPS coordinates where you found the wreck and to provide photos if you canthis should help the agency find the wreck and determine whether its been previously documented. The state agency will, generally, take it from there, combining historic research with on-site investigations to determine the ships origins and ultimately work out a plan to preserve the site. The specifics vary, but generally theres a collaboration with local archaeologists, universities, and other appropriate agencies. So, if you happen to find a shipwreck, do not disturb it or attempt to salvage anything from itits illegal, unsafe, and potentially disrespectful to the deceased. Instead, you should contact the historic preservation office in your state. Six Palestinians have been killed and several others wounded by Israeli gunfire in the latest deadly incident close to an aid distribution centre in southern Gaza, the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency says. People had gathered to collect food supplies on Saturday morning when the shooting started, a spokesman for the agency said. Reports quoting an eyewitness said the Israelis opened fire when people tried to advance towards the site. The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at suspects who approached them in a threatening manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured trying to get to the distribution centre this week. The US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) which runs the centre says it has paused its operations to deal with overcrowding and improve safety. But people have gathered nearly every day at a roundabout on the edge of an Israeli military zone, through which they have to pass to reach the aid site. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had told Gazans the area was an active combat zone during nighttime hours. GHF said it had not been able to distribute food on Saturday because of direct threats from Hamas - something the group has denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever the case, the new incident will almost certainly strengthen international criticism of the new distribution model. The United Nations insists it puts Palestinians in danger and does not provide enough food and medicine to deal with Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal said at least 15 people had also been killed by Israeli air strikes on a residential home in Gaza city, with reports that some of the casualties remained trapped in the rubble. The Israeli army said the strikes had eliminated the head of a Palestinian militant group known as the Mujahideen Brigades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israelis have accused the group of killing and kidnapping some of the victims of the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October, including a Thai national named Nattapong Pinta. His body was recovered in the Rafah area of southern Gaza in a special operation on Friday. Israel recently began to allow limited aid into Gaza after a three-month blockade, prioritising distribution through the GHF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the foundation has been mired in controversy. Medics and local health authorities reported more than 60 Palestinians were killed by gunfire over three days shortly after it started operating. Multiple witnesses blamed Israeli soldiers for the killings. The Israeli military said it had fired warning shots on the first two days and shot near Palestinian suspects advancing towards their positions on the third, adding that it is investigating the incidents. The distribution centre is one of four operated in Gaza by the GHF. It is part of a new aid system - widely condemned by humanitarian groups - aimed at circumventing the UN which Israel has accused of failing to prevent Hamas from diverting supplies to its fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN has denied these allegations, stating that it can account for all the aid it hands out and that the GHF's system is unworkable and unethical. It is almost 20 months since Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led cross-border attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 54,677 people have been killed in Gaza during the war, according to the territory's health ministry. Six people are most likely trapped under the rubble of an industrial facility in Kharkiv that was hit by a Russian attack earlier in the day, the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported on June 7. The rescue operation was ongoing as of 1:45 p.m. on June 7, reads the report. Contact with those trapped has been lost, the prosecutors added. Russian forces attacked Kharkiv with drones, missiles, and KAB guided bombs overnight on June 7, killing at least three people and injuring 22, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syniehubov said that drones had struck civilian targets across the city, including a 9-story residential building, a local enterprise, a home, and other facilities. Two children were injured in the attack, including a 1-month-old baby, Syniehubov said. At least 40 explosions were recorded across the city amid the attack, local media reported. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that the Osnovyanskyi and Kyiv districts of the city suffered strikes. According to Terekhov, 48 Shahed drones, two missiles, and four guided aerial bombs were launched toward the city. Located along the front line, Kharkiv Oblast in Ukraine's northeast is a regular target of Russian missile, drone, and glide bomb attacks from across the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in preemptive strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. SKYWAY, Wash. - An arson investigation is underway after a fire at a Skyway apartment complex. What we know Skyway Fire said early Saturday morning the fire was reported off South 125th Street. Upon arrival, firefighters from Renton, Skyway and Puget Sound found the fire contained in a single room within the apartment complex's rental office. One person in an attached apartment escaped without injury before firefighters arrived on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Red Cross Northwest is assisting residents affected by the incident. An apartment building fire in Skyways has been determined as arson. (Skyway Fire) The King County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident as arson. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call 1-800-55-ARSON (27766). There were also two separate fires in western Washington. Seattle fire crews responded to a fire Saturday morning at a home off South Delappe Place near the Mount Baker and Columbia City neighborhoods. 2600 block of S. Delappe Pl: majority of the fire has been knocked down. Crews are extinguishing hot spots. A unit will remain on scene for fire watch. Incident is under investigation. Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) June 7, 2025 No injuries were reported, but the investigation remains ongoing. Before 1 a.m. Saturday, crews responded to a duplex fire near 71st Ave Ct SW and Phillips Rd SW in Lakewood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire displaced three people and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Source Information in this story came from Skyway, Seattle and West Pierce fire departments. MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE Travis Decker manhunt: 'Remote' areas of 5 WA counties told to lock doors Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle Key figures from Bryan Kohberger's youth summoned to Idaho for student murders trial Rochester dog training facility owner accused of killing employee during video shoot To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news. Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7: Redwing, a leading provider of drone-based instant logistics solutions from India, today announced the strategic acquisition of the assets of Aerit, a Swedish drone delivery startup recognized for its advanced autonomous delivery technology for suburban homes. This asset acquisition significantly strengthens Redwing's position in Europe, accelerating its expansion efforts in one of the world's fastest-growing drone logistics markets. Aerit had successfully collaborated with Foodora in 2024, with EASA's SAIL II permits for Sweden operations for delivering food from retailers to consumers. Built by a talented team of engineers from Spotify, Scania Group & PhDs, it was the 1st company to complete commercial food drone delivery in Sweden. The integration of Aerit's state-of-the-art autonomous flight technology "Stewie" and operational know-how significantly enhances Redwing's technological portfolio. This move allows Redwing to rapidly develop and deploy advanced drones tailored specifically to the complex and evolving needs of the logistics sector. Aerit's drone systems are acclaimed for their safety, reliability, and operational efficiency, attributes critical to achieving scalable drone operations and commercial viability. This acquisition underscores Redwing's commitment to driving innovation and achieving leadership in the BVLOS drone logistics industry. With a proven track record of more than 300,000 kilometers of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, Redwing has consistently demonstrated the capability and readiness of its autonomous drone platform in demanding scenarios such as drone logistics in rain, hilly terrains & coastal winds. By integrating Aerit's expertise, Redwing further solidifies its ability to deliver comprehensive, highly reliable drone-based solutions that meet stringent European regulatory requirements. "The acquisition of Aerit is a pivotal step for Redwing, expanding the BVLOS portfolio & improving ML-based flight routing capabilities alongside EASA regulatory headway," said Anshul Sharma, co-founder of Redwing. "By combining Aerit's innovative technology and European market presence with Redwing's deep expertise in scalable, autonomous drone logistics, we are excited to complete this acquisition process." (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) LEE, Mass. (WWLP) The town of Lee has been selected to host the Smithsonian Institutions Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition, opening this Saturday. Non-profit organization Mass Humanities selected Lee as the exhibits host site last summer. This traveling exhibition, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, details the history of the U.S. government over the past nearly 250 years, examining how each generation has contributed to forming a more perfect union in the country. Agawam community breaks ground on $230 million high school project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visitors will get the opportunity to view historical and contemporary American photos and videos, participate in games and multimedia activities, and learn about historical objects collected across two centuries. Lee, Massachusetts, with its rich historical roots and vibrant community spirit, stands as an ideal location to host an exhibit on the history of democracy, said Town Administrator Chris Brittain. Lees charming downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its deep connection to American heritage make it a perfect backdrop for exploring the evolution of democratic ideals. The exhibit opens on Saturday, June 7, at the Lee Premium Outlets and will be available for viewing until July 18. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Lee is among six towns in Massachusetts to display Voices and Votes across six weeks, alongside Buckland, Ashby, Douglas, Holbrook, and East Sandwich. Courtesy of Mass Humanities. The traveling exhibition is based on American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, which is currently on display at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History. Free community events will also be hosted in Lee for residents to consider how the towns history is connected to democracy, freedom for citizens, and government participation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about Voices and Votes and additional Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit museumonmainstreet.org. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced backlash on social media Friday, including from members of the Trump administration, for pushing back on Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting illegal immigrants in her city. "This morning, we received reports of federal immigration enforcement actions in multiple locations in Los Angeles," Bass said in a statement on Friday. "As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. My Office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors statement, which garnered over two million impressions on X, drew immediate pushback from conservatives, with many pointing out criticisms of her leadership, preparedness, and response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year that killed 30 people. Ice Sweeps Through La Businesses As Local Democrats Cry Foul Over Trump Administration's Enforcement Actions LA Mayor Karen Bass was blasted on social media for her reaction to ICE raids in her city. "You have no say in this at all," White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller posted on X . "Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its amazing the number of elected officials who dont grasp the basics of federalism, or federal sovereignty over immigration issues, or the First Amendment," Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice Harmeet Dhillon posted on X. "Theyre Illegals," Deputy Assistant to the President Sebastian Gorka posted on X . "Not immigrants. One just tried to burn Americans alive in Boulder. If youre aiding and abetting them youre a criminal too. Are you ready to be treated as a criminal? Because we are ready to treat you as one if you commit a crime." "Cant get permits for people to rebuild their homes after a wildfire, but focused like a laser beam on stopping immigration enforcement," Red State writer Bonchie posted on X. Ice Breaks Arrest Record Two Days In A Row Under Trump's New Immigration Directives Mayor Karen Bass has fielded tough questions on Los Angeles' response to the wildfires during January press conferences. "Communist sympathizer Karen Bass takes the side of illegal alien criminals vs. American citizens," conservative communicator Steve Guest posted on X . "To think, she was almost Bidens VP pick." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "LA Mayor Karen Bass promises to protect illegals in her city," conservative influencer account LibsofTikTok posted on X . "Obstructing or impeding ICE operations is a crime." "If only Karen Bass fought against the Los Angeles fires like she fights for illegal aliens," GOP Rep. Darrell Issa posted on X. The Associated Press reported that immigration advocates confirmed at least 45 people had been arrested across seven locations. The locations included two Home Depot stores, a store in the fashion district and a doughnut shop, according to Angelica Salas, the executive director of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), who spoke at an afternoon news conference to denounce the actions. Videos of the operations taken by bystanders and TV news crews showed people being escorted across a Home Depot parking lot by federal agents. The videos also captured clashes between protesters and federal agents at detention sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Bass's Former Deputy Mayor Of Public Safety Admits Bomb Threat Hoax Targeting Los Angeles City Hall U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. As the protests grew on Friday evening, and law enforcement in riot gear had to be brought in to calm the crowds, Bass drew even more criticism online from users accusing her of stirring up protesters. "Karen Bass whipped all of this up," Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Ric Grenell posted on X . "She attacked the rule of law. She undermined democracy. The @MayorOfLA is creating chaos in LA." Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor's office for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to the controversy, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement that it was not getting involved with deportations or immigration enforcement. "Today the LAPD became aware that federal law enforcement agencies conducted activities in the City of Los Angeles. Im aware that these actions cause anxiety for many Angelenos, so I want to make it clear: the LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement posted on X. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, left, and her disaster-recovery czar Steve Soboroff, right, arrive at a press conference at Palisades Recreation Center on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, CA. "While the LAPD will continue to have a visible presence in all our communities to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individuals immigration status." That position drew criticism on social media, including from Assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Assaulting ICE enforcement officers, slashing tires, defacing buildings," she posted. "800 protestors have surrounded and breached the first layer of a federal law enforcement building in LA. @LAPD has not responded. This violence against @ICEgov must stop." "We will not stand for THIS," McLaughlin said in a Saturday morning post that included photos of graffiti from rioters at the scene with messages like "KILL ICE" and "F*** ICE." Guest added in another post: "The fact the LAPD has not responded is a MAJOR scandal. As this violence against federal law enforcement rages, Democrat LA Mayor Karen Bass has so far refused to restore law and order. She should step up or step asideLA deserves a leader who defends the rule of law." Fox News Digitals Greg Wehner contributed to this report Original article source: Social media, Trump admin erupts over LA mayor's reaction to ICE raids: 'You're a criminal too' A labeling blunder has prompted a recall of 19,000 cases of Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar. The 12 oz aluminum cans distributed out of Pepsis Jacksonville, Florida facility contain full sugar, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The recalled products were shipped to locations in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, the FDA said. The affected cans were packaged to be sold as 12 packs and 24 packs and have a best by date of February 16, 2026 and product code XXXXRS05165. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [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. 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. Updated at 10 a.m. ET on June 9, 2025 President Donald Trump has gotten his way and will oversee a military parade in Washington, D.C., this summer on the Armys birthday, which also happens to be his own. Plans call for nearly 7,000 troops to march through the streets as 50 helicopters buzz overhead and tanks chew up the pavement. One option has the president presiding from a viewing stand on Constitution Avenue as the Armys parachute team lands to present him with an American flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prospect of all this martial pomp, scheduled for June 14, has elicited criticism from many quarters. Some of it is fairthis president does not shy away from celebrating himself or flexing executive power, and the parade could be seen as an example of bothbut some of it is misguided. Trump has a genius for showmanship, and showcasing the American military can be, and should be, a patriotic celebration. The president wanted just such a tribute during his first term, after seeing Frances impressive Bastille Day celebrations. ThenSecretary of Defense James Mattis reportedly refused, effectively threatening to resign by telling the president to ask his next secretary of defense. Three secretaries of defense later, Trump has gotten enthusiastic agreement from current Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Criticism of the display begins with its price tag, estimated as high as $45 million. The projected outlay comes at a time of draconian budget cuts elsewhere: Cutting cancer research while wasting money on this? Shameful, Republicans Against Trump posted on X. Peanuts compared to the value of doing it, Trump replied when asked about the expense. We have the greatest missiles in the world. We have the greatest submarines in the world. We have the greatest army tanks in the world. We have the greatest weapons in the world. And were going to celebrate it. [Read: The case for a big, beautiful military parade] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other prominent critics of the Trump administration have expressed concern that the parades real purpose is to use the military to intimidate the presidents critics. The historian Heather Cox Richardson wrote on her Substack, Trumps aspirations to authoritarianism are showing today in the announcement that there will be a military parade on Trumps 79th birthday. Ron Filipkowski, the editor in chief of the progressive media company MeidasTouch, posted, The Fuhrer wants a Nuremberg style parade on his birthday. Experts on civil-military relations in the United States also expressed consternation. Having tanks rolling down streets of the capital doesnt look like something consistent with the tradition of a professional, highly capable military, the scholar Risa Brooks told The New York Times. It looks instead like a military that is politicized and turning inwardly, focusing on domestic-oriented adversaries instead of external ones. Even the military leadership has been chary. During Trumps first term, thenJoint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Paul Selva reflected that military parades are what dictators do. But these critics may well be projecting more general concerns about Trump onto a parade. Not everything the Trump administration does is destructive to democracyand the French example suggests that dictatorships are not the only governments to hold military displays. The U.S. itself has been known to mount victory parades after successful military campaigns. In todays climate, a military parade could offer an opportunity to counter misperceptions about the armed forces. It could bring Americans closer to service members and juice military recruitmentall of which is sorely needed. The American military is shrinking, not due to a policy determination about the size of the force needed, but because the services cannot recruit enough Americans to defend the country. In 2022, 77 percent of American youth did not qualify for military service, for reasons that included physical or mental-health problems, misconduct, inaptitude, being overweight, abuse of drugs or alcohol, or being a dependent. Just 9 percent of Americans ages of 16 to 24 (a prime recruitment window) are even interested in signing up. In 2023, only the Marine Corps and Space Force met their recruiting goals; the Army and Navy recruited less than 70 percent of their goals and fell 41,000 recruits short of sustaining their current force. Recruiting picked up dramatically in 2024 but remains cause for concern. One possible reason for this is that most Americans have little exposure to men and women in uniform. Less than 0.5 percent of Americans are currently serving in the militaryand many who do so live, shop, and worship on cordoned military bases. Misperceptions about military service are therefore rife. One is that the U.S. military primarily recruits from minority groups and the poor. In fact, 17 percent of the military comes from the poorest quintile of Americans, as do 12 percent from the richest quintile. The rest of the military is from middle-income families. Those who live near military bases and come from military families are disproportionately represented. The Armys polling indicates that concerns about being injured, killed, or suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are major impediments to recruitment. Women worry that they will be sexually harassed or assaulted (the known figures on this in the U.S. military are 6.2 percent of women and 0.7 percent of men). Additionally, a Wall Street JournalNORC poll found that far fewer American adults considered patriotism important in 2023 (23 percent) than did in 1998 (70 percent)another possible reason that enthusiasm for joining up has dampened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: The all-volunteer force is in crisis] A celebratory parade could be helpful here, and it does not have to set the country on edge. Americans seem comfortable with thanking military men and women for their service, having them pre-board airplanes, applauding them at sporting events, and admiring military-aircraft flybys. None of those practices is suspected of corroding Americas democracy or militarizing its society. Surely the nation can bear up under a military parade once every decade or two, especially if the parade serves to reconnect veterans of recent wars, who oftenrightlygrumble that the country tends to disown its wars as matters of concern to only those who serve in them. The risk, of course, is that Trump will use the occasion not to celebrate the troops but to corrode their professionalism by proclaiming them his military and his generals. This is, after all, the president who claimed that Dan Caine, his nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wore a MAGA hat and attested his willingness to kill for Trump, all of which Caine denies. This is also a president known to mix politics with honoring the military, as he did in Michigan, at Arlington National Cemetery, at West Points commencement, and in a Memorial Day post on Truth Social calling his opponents scum. Even so, the commander in chief has a right to engage with the military that Americans elected him to lead. The responsibility of the militaryand of the countryis to look past the presidents hollow solipsism and embrace the men and women who defend the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being from a military family or living near a military base has been shown to predispose people toward military service. This suggests that the more exposure people have to the military, the likelier they are to serve in it. A big celebration of the countrys armed forceswith static displays on the National Mall afterward, and opportunities for soldiers to mix with civilianscould familiarize civilians with their armed forces and, in doing so, draw talented young Americans to serve. This article originally stated that 17 percent of the poorest quintile of Americans serve, as do 12 percent of the richest quintile. It has been changed to reflect the fact that 17 percent of the military is drawn from the poorest quintile, and 12 percent from the richest quintile. A version of this essay originally appeared on AEIdeas from the American Enterprise Institute. Article originally published at The Atlantic Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics. IRS runaround My federal tax forms were filed on Feb. 6, and I was told the refund would take a few weeks. Today is June 6, and still no refund. After repeatedly calling the 800 number, I personally drove to the local IRS office on Old Highway 49 in Gulfport. A security guard made me empty all my pockets and he frisked me. Then he sent me to the desk. The woman at the desk told me I had to call an 800 number to make an appointment. Is this any way to treat honest taxpayers? Lawbreakers Orders and actions by the Trump Administration have been thwarted and obstructed by separate U.S. District Court judges around the country seven times in the past week alone. This was a publicly stated goal of left wing organizations during the election when it became clear that Trump would likely be elected. Out of control The American people are outraged by the blatant judicial overreach displayed by certain courts, issuing rulings far beyond their constitutional authority. This reckless abuse of power undermines the very foundation of our system of checks and balances and signals that parts of the judiciary have gone completely off the rails. If this continues unchecked, either the Supreme Court must intervene to restore order, or the people themselves will lose all confidence in the judiciary. Without accountability, even legitimate rulings on real crimes will be viewed with skepticism, threatening the rule of law itself. Judges It matters not whether a judge is at the city level or a Supreme Court justice. Their job is to interpret the law and, ultimately, the constitution. Whether you, I or the president breaks the law, we are still subject to it and the ultimate law of the country, the constitution. Automatic weapons I was wanting to give some information to the uninformed person who thinks law abiding citizens should be able to get full automatic weapons, since they say criminals have them. Law-abiding citizens already can get fully automatic weapons. They are just heavily regulated, limited in number, and very expensive. Criminals do not have them, and that is why we dont see them used in crimes. I apologize in advance for any harm caused by introducing facts and reality into your liberal echo chamber. No surprise The CDC says guns are the number one killer of children. Christians who claim to be pro-life need to really examine their position on gun safety regulations. President Taco How much money have you made betting on President Trump to flip-flop on tariffs? And if the answer is nothing, its time to get on the train. Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com. Loved ones are rallying together to help a Southern California father who was detained by immigration officials, leaving his pregnant wife and two children alone. Moe Rahman, 38, lives in Orange County and has been married to his wife for 10 years. He was born in Bangladesh and his family moved to the U.S. when he was 4 years old. His family arrived on a visitors visa, and they were also seeking asylum from their home country due to political turmoil. In 1997, his family was ordered to be deported. They filed an appeal, but were unsuccessful, and in 2008, they were detained by officials. Moe Rahman is seen with his wife, Ashanti Minor, and their children. (Ashanti Minor) Moe Rahman is seen with his wife and their daughter. (Ashanti Minor) Moe Rahman, (second from right), is seen with friends in a personal photo. The Adelanto ICE processing center in Adelanto, San Bernardino County, California. (KTLA) Moe Rahman, (third from left), is seen with friends in a personal photo. Moe Rahman, (third from left), is seen with friends in a personal photo. After fighting to stay in the U.S., they were released under supervision with required routine check-ins with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, Rahman has attended every check-in appointment. He had been working with a lawyer for years to obtain legal status. On May 7, Rahman had a routine check-in appointment in Santa Ana. However, instead of receiving an update on his immigration case, he was detained by ICE and transferred to a facility in Adelanto. That was probably the worst day of my life, Ashanti Minor, Rahmans wife, told KTLAs Shelby Nelson. I felt so helpless. We thought it was a very small possibility that he would be detained because he has no criminal record and we were actively trying to adjust his status. Now, the young father is facing possible deportation. Friends and community members are rallying together to find a solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont have any life there, Rahman said of his birth country. Theres no home for me, no family. I dont speak the language. I dont read it or write it, so Id be going back to nothing. Rahmans friend, Juan Atachagua, said the young father was reportedly never notified of his rights when they handcuffed him and took his cellphone and personal belongings away. The treatment, unfortunately, is that were looked at as criminals, which is unfortunate because immigrants arent criminals, Rahman said. Were just here to adjust our status. Hes dependable, lovable and hes a family guy, said Sahar Ghaemi, Rahmans childhood friend. To see him go through something like this is devastating and frustrating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Rahmans family members were able to obtain legal status, so Rahman is hopeful he can get his case sorted out without facing deportation. Minor, who is pregnant and has been left caring for her two children since her husbands detainment, said shes frustrated and scared about the future. Having to uproot her entire family to a foreign country that they know nothing about is her biggest fear. This is just as much my country as it is his, Minor said. Weve been here the same amount of time. Rahmans lawyer said they have filed a request for an emergency stay and are awaiting a response from the Board of Immigration Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KTLA reached out to ICE officials for details or comment on Rahmans case, but was told they have no updates to share 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 KTLA. A Southern California man was arrested and charged with the alleged sex trafficking of a 15-year-old girl. The suspect was identified as Placied Vercher, 37, of Long Beach, according to the Orange County District Attorneys Office. On May 29, officers with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force received information about a 15-year-old girl who was being exploited for commercial sex in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Placied Vercher, 37, of Long Beach, is seen in a booking photo from the Orange County District Attorneys Office. Within hours of receiving the tip, investigators located the girl in Anaheim. The suspect was located driving on the 91 Freeway, where officers pulled him over and took him into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details remain limited and authorities did not release information on how the victim met the suspect or how long the alleged sex trafficking had been occurring. On June 2, prosecutors from the DAs Office charged Vercher with pimping for a prostitute under 16 years old, pandering with a minor under 16 years old, and human trafficking of a minor. Vercher remains in custody and is being held on $200,000 bail. Authorities ask anyone who may be a victim or is aware of a victim of human trafficking to call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-373-7888 or contact your local law enforcement agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: SpaceX SpaceX is already gearing up for the next flight of its Starship megarocket, just a week and a half after the most recent one left the ground. The company performed a long-duration "static fire" test with Super Heavy, Starship's huge first-stage booster, at its Starbase site in South Texas on Friday (June 6). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 33 of Super Heavy's Raptor engines lit up during the trial, SpaceX said in a Friday X post that shared a photo and two short videos of the action. SpaceX conducts a static-fire test with the Flight 10 Starship Super Heavy first-stage booster at its Starbase site in South Texas on June 6, 2025. | Credit: SpaceX The test was part of the preparations for Starship's next launch, according to the X post. That flight will be the 10th to date of a fully stacked Starship a Super Heavy topped with an upper stage known as Starship, or Ship for short. Starship Flight 9 lifted off from Starbase just last week, on May 27. It was a landmark launch the first ever that featured a used Super Heavy. That booster first flew on Flight 7 in January; on that mission, it came back to Starbase for a dramatic catch by the launch tower's "chopstick" arms. There was no such attempt on Flight 9; SpaceX performed a variety of experiments with Super Heavy on May 27 and decided to bring it down for a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico for safety's sake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The booster didn't quite make it, however, breaking apart about 6.5 minutes after launch, just after beginning its landing burn. Related stories: SpaceX reached space with Starship Flight 9 launch, then lost control of its giant spaceship (video) Starship and Super Heavy explained Will 2025 be the year of Starship? SpaceX's megarocket is growing up. Ship didn't stay together on Flight 9, either. The upper stage reached space on a suborbital trajectory but began tumbling about 30 minutes after liftoff. As a result, the vehicle couldn't come in for a soft splashdown off the coast of Western Australia as planned. SpaceX lost contact with Ship about 46 minutes into flight; its pieces likely now rest on the Indian Ocean seafloor. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is requiring an investigation into what happened on Flight 9. Flight 10 cannot lift off until that inquiry is concluded to the agency's satisfaction. PRNewswire Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 7: In a landmark achievement for environmental research and academic collaboration, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur, has become the first academic institution in Chhattisgarh to partner with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USA, and establish a NASA-AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) Atmospheric Monitoring Station on its campus. This initiative places Amity University Chhattisgarh on the global research map as part of NASA's prestigious AERONET program, which comprises over 600 stations across 80+ countries. This also makes Amity University Chhattisgarh the second Amity campus in India, after Amity University Haryana, Gurugram, to join this elite international network. Installed at coordinates 21.396N, 81.891E at an altitude of 298 meters, the 'Amity_Univ_Raipur' station operates under the latest AERONET Version 3 DS and SDA Version 4.1 protocols. It provides real-time, high-resolution aerosol data critical for climate change research, air quality monitoring, satellite data validation, and environmental policymaking. All data collected is automatically uploaded to NASA's central database and made publicly accessible, contributing to global open-science initiatives. This development is enabled by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the Amity Education Group, reinforcing Amity University Chhattisgarh's commitment to cutting-edge research and international cooperation. "This collaboration marks a proud moment not just for Amity University Chhattisgarh but for the entire state. This facility will empower students, researchers, and policymakers with accurate data to drive informed decisions on air quality, climate action, and sustainable development," said Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh, and the local Principal Investigator of the project. The project is a result of close cooperation between Indian and international scientists. Alongside Prof. Pandey, Prof. Roshan Mathew (Co-Principal Investigator) and Dr. C.S. Devara from Amity University Haryana have played key roles, working with NASA scientists Dr. Brent Holben, AERONET Project Scientist, and Dr. Alexander Smirnov, Lead SDA Scientist. This initiative reflects the visionary leadership of Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Dr. Aseem Chauhan, Chairman, and Dr. W. Selvamurthy, Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh, whose continued focus on academic excellence and innovation made this partnership possible. The facility will serve as a live learning and research hub, opening avenues for joint research with national bodies like ISRO, CPCB, IMD, and the Ministry of Environment, while contributing to global climate intelligence. About Amity University Chhattisgarh Amity University Chhattisgarh is part of Amity Education Group, India's leading private education group, known for pioneering innovation in higher education. Spread over 50-acres, with 150+ distinguished faculty and scientists, the university provides a range of industry-oriented undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the real world. With a commitment to research, international collaboration, and academic excellence, Amity University Chhattisgarh continues to empower students and scholars to contribute meaningfully to society and science. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2705129/Amity_University_Chhattisgarh.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2705128/Amity_University_Chhattisgarh_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) Another SpaceX rocket is due to launch over the weekend from Southern California, but Arizonans will most likely have to wake up pretty early to see it. The commercial spaceflight company's Falcon 9 rocket is due to get off the ground as early as Sunday, June 8, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. And according to SpaceX and Vandenberg, the rocket launch is targeted for early in the morning. The two-stage 230-foot-tall rocket, one of the world's most active, has become crucial in regularly deploying batches of internet-beaming Starlink satellites into what's called low-Earth orbit an altitude that allows for things like satellites to circle Earth fairly quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it's important to keep in mind that rocket launches can be and often are scrubbed or delayed due to any number of factors, including poor weather conditions or unexpected issues with spacecraft. Check back with azcentral for any updates on the impending rocket launch. Early bird Arizona residents across a large swath of the state may be able to witness the rocket soaring overhead once it gets off the ground from the neighboring state. Here's what to know about the launch, as well as when and where to watch it: Is there a rocket launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, liftoff schedule from Vandenberg, California What time is the SpaceX rocket launch from California? The SpaceX launch could happen as early as Sunday, June 8, with backup opportunities available Monday, June 9, according to a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A four-hour launch window opens at 6:34 a.m. PT Sunday,, according to a launch alert from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to deliver 26 Starlink satellites, will take place from Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Following the delivery and deployment of the satellites, the Falcon 9 rocket's booster will aim to land on a SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean. This allows for SpaceX personnel to recover the booster so it can be reused in future spaceflights. How to watch SpaceX Starlink launch livestream SpaceX provides a livestream of the launch on its website beginning about five minutes before liftoff, along with updates on social media site X. California rocket launch could be visible in Arizona: Where to watch Because of Arizona's proximity to the launch site, there's a good chance people there can see the spacecraft streak across the sky, especially at night or very early morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a list of some possible viewing locations compiled by The Arizona Republic, a USA TODAY Network publication. What is SpaceX? Elon Musk, the world's richest man, founded SpaceX in 2002. The commercial spaceflight company is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. The site, which is where SpaceX has been conducting routine flight tests of its 400-foot megarocket known as Starship, was recently voted by residents to become its own city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX conducts many of its own rocket launches, most using the Falcon 9 rocket, from both California and Florida. That includes a regular cadence of deliveries of Starlink internet satellites into orbit, and occasional privately funded commercial crewed missions on the Dragon. The most recent of SpaceX's private human spaceflights, a mission known as Fram2, took place in April. SpaceX was also famously involved in funding and operating the headline-grabbing Polaris Dawn crewed commercial mission in September 2024. SpaceX also benefits from billions of dollars in contracts from NASA and the Department of Defense by providing launch services for classified satellites and other payloads. What is Starlink? Owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, Starlink is a constellation of more than 6,700 satellites that provide internet service to customers around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX, a commercial spaceflight company, has spent more than six years delivering the satellites to orbit with a regular cadence of rocket launches from Florida and California. While most satellite internet services operate from single geostationary satellites orbiting Earth at about 22,236 miles, Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that operate from a low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles up. That allows Starlink's satellites to have lower latency and data time between user and the satellite, improving performance of things like streaming, online gaming and video calls. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: SpaceX rocket launch: Where to see California liftoff in Arizona SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The city of Springfield held its fourth annual Pride Parade in its downtown region. Loud and proud pride celebrations come from a history rooted in oppression. Back in the early 1900s, same-sex acts were illegal in every state except Illinois, and businesses were shut down for employing or serving gay people. Springfield Pride Parade annual You Ball benefits LGBTQ+ youth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June of 1969, there were a series of riots, protests, and police raids in New York City, particularly outside the Stonewall Inn. Years later, it caught the attention of U.S. presidents to make this month official to support LGBTQ+ rights. It means support, it means love, it means being loud, it means get your message out there and tell the world who you are and be unapologetic about it, said Taurean Bethea, Executive Director of the Springfield Pride Parade Organization. Its still a work in progress, and we still have a long way to go, but I think it starts with things like this. That is why the Springfield Pride Parade Committee used its annual pride parade to raise money for local programs serving the youth. The Safe Space program is currently in six Springfield Public Schools as an after-school program. In the next year, the committee hopes to expand it to the everyday curriculum in more schools. We have to shape our next generation of leaders and make sure they know that they have the support, Bethea said. That they can get out there and take risks, and just go big, to really change the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade kicked off at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). Our middle name is community, and pride is community, said Traci Wolfe, Assistant Vice President of Advancement at STCC. The rain didnt stop anyone from marching down State Street and into Stearns Square. There were nearly 40 organizations present, and people from across the Pioneer Valley stopped by to show their support. Pride means to me just everyone getting together, staying true to oneself, and just being out and being proud about it, said Taylor Scannapieco of Chicopee. Pride events are set to continue across western Mass. throughout the month of June. A full list of upcoming local parades and activities can be found here. 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 new partnership between St. Ambrose University (SAU) and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) will make it easier for SAU online nursing students to complete their degrees, a news release says. This agreement builds on an existing joint enrollment agreement that allows EICC students to take pre-approved courses offered by SAU that count when they transfer to complete their degrees. Through this new guest enrollment agreement, students enrolled in SAUs Nano Nagle Online Nursing Program can now take approved EICC courses that count toward their SAU degree. The program was created by both institutions to help students, especially in more rural areas, access courses they need, where theyre at. EICC has three main campus locations in Iowa: Bettendorf, Clinton, and Muscatine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a big win for students who want flexibility, affordability, and quality education in the Quad Cities region, said Amy Novak, president of St. Ambrose University. Our online nursing students now have more ways to learn with fewer limits. Its proof that when universities and community colleges work together, we can truly expand access to quality education. This collaborative partnership is a smart solution to support the nursing students, said Liang Chee Wee, PhD, chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. We embrace this opportunity to meet the needs of todays learners whose successful completion will fill the workforce needed in the health care sector. The new guest enrollment agreement is now in effect. For more information, visit 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. St. Paul Corner Drug will be hosting a retirement party for its old-fashioned soda fountain from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The fountains final ice cream scoops will be served at the event. Owner John Hoeschen said the fountain is closing due to financial pressure in the pharmacy industry and a lack of physical space in the building at the corner of Snelling and St. Clair avenues. The fountain has been out of service since October 2020, when the independent pharmacy needed room to provide vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. After removing the fountain, the drug store will rearrange to maximize its 1,200-square-foot space for vaccination services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It (the fountain) wasnt a profit center, it was more of a community builder, Hoeschen said. We had to ask, If we reopen the fountain, can we generate enough revenue to justify its space being there? And the math just didnt add up. Hoeschen said the soda fountains closure represents the tough decisions community pharmacies must make to stay in business amid rising costs and low reimbursement rates. According to the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, 61% of independently owned and 39% of chain pharmacies have closed since 2013. In St. Paul, the West Seventh Pharmacy will be closing June 30 as the owners retire without finding a buyer for their business. At the farewell party, community members will share memories and stories of the soda fountain, which has been a community gathering place since the pharmacy opened in 1922. Hoeschen said his neighbors met at the fountain, got married and raised their children two blocks away from the pharmacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its touched million of lives. It was a great thing, I loved it, Hoeschen said. But unfortunately, the times are changing, and we have to retool and focus on trying to keep this pharmacy open. Related Articles Jun. 6A partisan standoff over whether to hold a public hearing on a citizen-initiated red flag referendum is likely to stretch into next week's legislative sessions and could wind up in court. Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, R-Presque Isle, tried late Thursday to force Democrats to schedule a public hearing on the referendum, proposing a series of floor motions in the Senate, all of which were rejected. He said Friday that he intends to introduce additional motions next week if Democrats still haven't agreed to hold a hearing on the initiative. "I don't think this thing is over yet," Stewart said. "If I had to wager a bet, there are some other motions I'm intending to make when we get back next week, assuming they still haven't done the right thing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The red flag proposal, if passed by voters, would make it easier to confiscate the guns of a person in crisis by allowing family members to initiate the process and by removing a required mental health evaluation. The proposal came forward in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston in October 2023 and is certain to generate intense debate over gun rights and restrictions ahead of the November vote. Meanwhile, the impasse over a public hearing on the proposal has added to tensions at the State House as lawmakers are in the busy final days of the legislative session. Republicans point to a 2019 law that requires public hearings for citizen initiatives that are headed toward statewide referendum votes, unless lawmakers formally vote to waive the requirement. Such hearings have been held on other citizen proposals, but not all: A 2021 citizen initiative never received a hearing or the required waiver and was still sent to referendum and passed by voters. Democrats have so far not backed down, arguing in part that the Maine Constitution does not require the hearing and also citing legislative rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun rights supporters who are opposed to the referendum proposal are pointing to the state law and threatening legal action against Democratic leaders, with one top advocate saying Friday that they have attorneys drafting a lawsuit. "When there's a state law on the books the Legislature can't just ignore it, so that will be the basis for the challenge," said David Trahan, executive director of the Sportsmen's Alliance of Maine, an advocacy group for gun owners and sportsmen that is working on the lawsuit. Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, which initiated the citizen's referendum, said in a written statement Friday that the group is "happy to debate this issue any time" and accused Republicans of playing "political tricks" by waiting until the end of the session to raise questions. "Now the National Rifle Association has joined them, parachuting into our state to muddy our Democratic process," Palmer said. "While they are doing that, we are focusing on the next five months, where we will be having this conversation publicly, talking to voters throughout the state, and in November every Maine voter will have the chance to make their voices heard." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citizens initiatives are brought forward by voters though a signature-gathering and application process. While the Legislature can choose to enact the proposals, they typically send them to statewide referendum votes. Maine's Legislature held a public hearing last month on the only other citizen initiative currently pending. That proposal would require photo identification prior to voting in Maine and put new restrictions on absentee voting. It also is headed for a fall referendum vote. Lawmakers also held a public hearing last year on the only citizen-initiated referendum they received in 2024, LD 2232, to limit contributions to political action committees that make independent expenditures. All four citizen initiatives in 2023 also received hearings. Legislative records, however, show that no public hearing or vote to waive the hearing was held for an initiative in 2021 that was aimed at stopping the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line through western Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a committee work session on that initiative, a legislative analyst did not address whether lawmakers needed to hold a public hearing but did note some unique circumstances. Two weeks after the initiative was handed to the Legislature, lawmakers adjourned and the bill was carried over to a special session. Sen. Dick Bradstreet, R-Vassalboro, the sponsor of the 2019 law to require public hearings, said Friday that the circumstances of the 2021 case were different because lawmakers are supposed to hold the hearing in the same session in which they receive it and in that case they had just received the proposal when they ended up adjourning. He said the reason no hearing was held in 2021 was "kind of a technicality." LD 1378, the bill resulting from the red flag citizen initiative, was transmitted to the Legislature on March 27, during the current session that's scheduled to end June 18. "You really can't compare the two because in this case they're choosing not to have the hearing, even though the legal requirements are there," Bradstreet said. "Before, they could say they weren't in the same session. ... Now they're kind of flouting the law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradstreet said he didn't recall any outcry over the lack of a public hearing on the 2021 measure, but said there was less knowledge of the relatively new law at the time. He said he put forward the bill in 2019 because of a handful of initiatives that had been put forward around that time that were generating a lot of advertising. DISCERNING FACT FROM FICTION "I thought, 'How can people discern fact from fiction?'" Bradstreet said. "The only way to do that would be some type of hearing where people could question what the initiative does and what some repercussions would be, and where both sides would have a chance to present their arguments without the propaganda." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a late-night session Thursday, Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, rejected a proposal from Stewart to consider a formal waiver of the public hearing requirement to comply with state law, saying that his proposal was "not properly before the body." Daughtry said the Legislature's rules take precedence over statutes passed by prior groups of lawmakers regarding legislative proceedings and that Stewart's motion was asking for lawmakers to take an "unnecessary vote" on the citizens initiative. Daughtry also noted that the initiative was still before the Judiciary Committee, where she said it could have further action. A spokesperson for Daughtry and Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, the Senate chair of the committee, said Friday that they would not comment on the calls for a public hearing. Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, the House chair of the committee, did not respond to a voicemail message or email. Trahan, from the Sportsmen's Alliance of Maine, said his group in conjunction with Gun Owners of Maine and the National Rifle Association will focus their lawsuit on the 2019 law and argue that lawmakers need to either hold the hearing or vote by a two-thirds majority to waive it. The group is also fundraising to support the effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trahan said that just because lawmakers "got away with" not holding a hearing on the 2021 initiative, it does not mean it's not required in the law. "Why don't they just make this easy and hold the public hearing?" he said. "There's nothing to hide. Good public discourse adds to the debate." Copy the Story Link BOSTON (WWLP) This week at the State House in Boston, lawmakers duties spanned from regulating weed to creating more housing to learning more about ICE operations. The House of Representatives passed a major marijuana bill, changing the structure of the Cannabis Control Commission, regulating and taxing convenience store hemp products, and more. Should Massachusetts keep religious exemptions to vaccine mandates? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a new housing initiative this week, turning unused state land into 3,500 new housing units. If you are a city or town thats had state properties languishing for years, underutilized, now youre going to have a chance to do something about that, said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Not only providing new housing thats going to serve your community and serve the commonwealth, but also create new tax revenues. ICE announced that it made nearly 1,500 arrests during May. They say their focus is on illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes and drug offenses. These are defendants who didnt simply cross a border, they crossed a line and jeopardized the safety of Massachusetts communities, said U.S. Attorney Leah Foley. This announcement comes just days after a Milford high schooler with no criminal record was detained. He has since been released on bail. The governor once again spoke out against the Trump Administration. This week, they decided to shutter Job Corps centers that provide job training and housing to at-risk youth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In western Massachusetts, over 300 students and 170 employees would be affected by the Job Corps closure, which has been temporarily delayed by a New York judge. 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. LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) There is a new statue in the city of Lancaster honoring Scipio Smith, the man who became the citys first Black business owner in the 1800s. The statue is along Main Street, not far from where Smiths tinsmith shop was located. The statue shows Smith holding an open shackle with the day he was emancipated inscribed on it. He was enslaved in Virginia before being brought to Ohio. That was his way of showing you cant stop me, even this chain didnt hold me down, said Michael Johnson, a local historian and the marketing director for the Fairfield County Heritage Association. You cant get much more of an underdog than being born a slave and losing your leg as a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson found a brief entry about Smith in a history book. He said hed never seen an entry quite like it, so he dug deeper. Eventually he learned about Smiths history as a slave. Four years after Smith was freed, he founded the AME church in town, which is now Allen Chapel. Italian eatery from Columbus couple behind Chapmans, Ginger Rabbit to open Friday To know he was right here, to know he was responsible for this church, said Evan Saunders, Pastor of Allen Chapel. You dont even know the lives hes touched but yet here 2025 we realize hes touching a whole community with that so his legacy still continues to live on. About two years after opening the church, Smith opened a tinsmith shop in Lancaster. That made him the citys first Black business owner, according to Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was pretty quick to act once he got his freedom. He knew what he wanted, Johnson said. Opened door for other Black business owners. Johnson wrote about Smiths story. But he wanted to do more to honor the local legend. About two years ago he started fundraising for a statue. Its now completed, full of symbols and Smiths story. For me I think statues are celebrations, they are people we should be looking up to, the ideals they represent, and Scipio, you cant beat his work ethic, his faith, his tenacity, the ability to overcome unbelievable obstacles. You cant beat that story, 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon seized an opportunity to air his grievances with Elon Musk amid the SpaceX founders blowup with President Donald Trump. In a Friday interview with NPR, Bannon was asked about prior comments that Trump should cancel all government contracts with Musk. The tech moguls companies, which include Tesla, SpaceX and artificial intelligence startup xAI, have been given billions in federal dollars over the years, according to The New York Times. I think we have as a country a national security issue here, Bannon said Friday, adding that Musk has a reportedly massive drug problem and a deep financial and business relationship with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MAGA podcaster continued, And we know hes asked for private briefings of top secret information. Steve Bannon, left, said that Elon Musk has become a "national security issue." Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images and AP Photo/Evan Vucci The Wall Street Journal reported in March that Musk had requested a Pentagon briefing on plans for a potential war with China. Trump told reporters at the time that Musk would not see the plans, citing his business ties to China as a conflict of interest. The formerly Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, a team tasked with rooting out supposed fraud and waste within the federal government, has drawn scrutiny over its access to classified materials and the personal information of U.S. citizens. Bannon then doubled down on his call to investigate Musks immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have someone whose legal status is in question, he told NPR, adding that you cant deport people from all over the world and leave a white South African, who may be here illegally, here. Bannon, who pleaded guilty this year to scamming people who donated money towards building a wall at the U.S. Southern border, added, Its just not right. The South African-born Musk is a naturalized U.S. citizen. Last year, The Washington Post reported that Musk was working illegally in the U.S. at the beginning of his career in the 1990s, though Musk denied the allegation. Bannon has never been Musks biggest fan, previously calling him a parasitic illegal immigrant and a truly evil guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to NPR on Friday, Bannon theorized about the root of Musks falling out with Trump and added one more insult to the roster: an 11-year-old child. He hasnt turned up any fraud, Bannon said, criticizing Musks efforts at DOGE. So theres been a lot of tension. And Elon Musk, like the 11-year-old child he is, didnt take it very well. Related... SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The Downtown San Diego Partnership and the San Diego Padres-affiliated Ballpark District Community Partnership have announced the formation of a new daily clean-up crew to tackle street maintenance in and around Petco Park. The new team, called the Cleanup Crew, will focus on the 22 city blocks surrounding the stadium and other civic buildings like the San Diego Central Library an area now incorporated as a subdistrict under the banner of the Ballpark District. The newly-formed subdistrict is bounded by Sixth Avenue in the west, Commercial Avenue in the south, Interstate 5 in the east, and Island Avenue and Market Street in the north. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was created as part of the Downtown Partnerships decennial renewal of its Property and Business Improvement District (PBID), an entity that allows property fees collected in the area to be put towards improvements that go beyond the level of service provided by the city. New Hillcrest restoration fund established after recent vandalism As we sought feedback from property owners during the PBID renewal process, we heard from property owners that an area with unique needs is the neighborhood around the ballpark, Downtown Partnership Chief Operations Officer Justin Apger said in a statement. We work every day to provide the best services at the best value to property owners within the Downtown PBID, and we are excited to work with the Ballpark District Community Partnership, a partner who understands this area as one of the largest contributors to the cultural vitality of downtown, and who understands the high level of service PBID ratepayers expect, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the nonprofits, the Cleanup Crew will have scheduled routes that focus on things like picking up litter, power-washing sidewalks, removing graffiti and maintaining dog waste stations, among other things. The crew will also have the ability to respond to urgent or unexpected needs like dumped items and overturned trash. These activities, which will supplement citys normal sanitation services, will begin on July 1. It will also replace the Downtown Partnerships Clean & Safe program teams as a caretaker of the area. San Diego Padres Chief Operating Officer Caroline Perry, who is the chair of the Ballpark District Community Partnership board, hopes the new team will help enhance the experience of people headed to events at the stadium and improve the quality of life of the areas residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration bans travel from 19 countries as San Diego prepares for peak tourism season The Padres care deeply about this neighborhood and the people who live, work, and enjoy world class events, including Padres games here, Perry said in a statement. We value our collaboration with the Downtown San Diego Partnership and look forward to working closely with them to continue improving the area in meaningful ways. The Downtown Partnership adds further specialized services for the other neighborhoods inside the PBID are in the works. As for residents and business owners in the Ballpark District, the nonprofits plan to host an open house event for people to get to know the Cleanup Crew and share feedback. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], June 7: The La French Tech India AI Summit 2025, held in Bangalore, brought together leaders from government, industry, startups, and academia across India and France to advance a shared approach to artificial intelligence. Organised by La French Tech India in partnership with IFCCI, Business France, the Consulate General of France in Bangalore, and CCEF, the summit reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership between the two countries, especially in the lead-up to the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The summit focused on aligning efforts in inclusive AI innovation, public interest-driven technology, and international cooperation. It opened with a video message from Ms. Clara Chappaz, France's Minister of State for Digital Affairs, followed by remarks from Mr. Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru and Ajay Krishnan, Vice President, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM). Together, they set the tone for a day of open and constructive dialogue on how AI can be shaped to serve broader societal goals. The summit served as a pivotal platform to showcase how France's strengths in deeptech, cutting-edge research, and ethical regulation can complement India's scale, digital public infrastructure, and world-class talent, shaping a new global model for AI. Mr. Sharad Sharma, Co-founder of iSPIRT, delivered the keynote address and called for India and France to lead a model of AI development that balances technological advancement with local and global responsibilities. This was followed by a panel discussion with leaders including Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal of Jio Reliance, Mr.Partha Rao Co-founder & CEO, Prints.AI, Mr. Amit Pingle of Michelin Innovation Lab, and Mr. Umakant Soni of AI Foundry moderated by Ms. Madhusha Mishra of Link. They shared perspectives on how both countries can collaborate on scalable AI applications that serve real-world needs. The second half of the summit turned to the ethical challenges surrounding AI. Mr. Hari Subramanian, Fellow at NitiAI and iSPIRT, presented guiding principles for public trust in emerging technologies, followed by a keynote from Ms. Mehak Kasbekar of Brut India on media's responsibility in shaping technology narratives. A panel moderated by Mr. Rajesh Desai of Lyra India brought together Mr. Olivier Flous of Thales, Ms. Astha Kapoor of Aapti Institute, Mr. Shiv Kumar DVS of OVH, and Mr. Sachin Kumar, VP of AI Solutions, QpiAi, who discussed frameworks for building AI systems that respect human values and protect societal interests. Souad Tenfiche, CEO of Link Innovations and Co-Chair of La French Tech India, said, "AI will define the future. The real question is: who defines AI? France and India are stepping forward together to offer a new answer, one not based on surveillance or monopoly, but on openness, trust, and the common good. This summit builds on our joint declaration to develop AI that respects human rights, protects fundamental freedoms, and addresses global priorities. For French companies aiming to build impactful, scalable AI solutions, India is more than a market, it's a strategic growth partner." Charlotte de Beauregard, Director at Capgemini and Co-Chair of La French Tech India, said, "Technology leadership today is not just about creating new solutions, but about guiding their use responsibly. What we saw at this summit was a clear and shared vision from India and France to build AI systems that reflect shared values and practical needs. With La French Tech, our aim is to help build bridges between the French and Indian tech ecosystems, so this vision translates into joined projects that enable people, support businesses, and help AI evolve in a way that benefits society." The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to deepening India-France cooperation in technology and innovation. With AI shaping the next phase of digital transformation globally, the La French Tech India AI Summit underscored the urgency of developing shared frameworks that are both practical and people-first. The partnerships and exchanges initiated at this platform are expected to continue shaping bilateral projects and policy dialogues in the months to come. France currently ranks third in the world for AI research and training, with over 1,000 AI startups and global leaders such as Mistral AI, Hugging Face, and Dataiku anchoring their European operations there. This summit further positions India and France as architects of a third, credible model of AI that promotes openness, ethics, and scalability. La French Tech India is the official French Tech community in India, established in 2019 to bridge the French and Indian startup ecosystems. Connecting over 600 members, including startups, investors, and tech professionals, through events, advocacy, and cross-border collaboration, it is part of the La French Tech International Communities, volunteer-led groups of French or Francophile entrepreneurs based around the world. As integral members of the French Tech network, these communities promote France's innovation ecosystem globally, support the international expansion of French startups, and foster connections between local and French tech stakeholders. In close collaboration with the French embassy, the consulates, and institutional partners, La French Tech India organizes high-impact events like the French Tech India AI Summit, catalyzing partnerships in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. (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) It's OK for Christians to make mistakes I read Alton Fisher's letter in last Sunday's Free Press. ("What does it mean to be a 'good Christian'?" Detroit Free Press, June 1.) As a person who says that he is "not very religious," your preconceived notions appear to me to lump Christians into either "fully successful" or miserable failures. "Truly sweet" people can stay away from people and activities they don't agree with because they have a right to think and do what their conscience tells them to do. A look to the north in Hamtramck includes a view of St. Florian Catholic Church surrounded by rows of houses on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Unless they're being loudly vocal they are not "spreading hate and unacceptance," they are exercising their right to not participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe they're struggling (yes, Christians struggle) and trying to reconcile biases they were taught with how we are challenged to "hate the sin, love the sinner." When a person does what you would consider a "bad" thing, does that negate anything good they are or have done? I believe not. This isn't a situation where one failure undoes all the good a person has done or will do. Christ accepts us as we are, sins and all. He invites us to accept others as they are and to encourage them to grow in all the virtues that point to an authentic Christian life. Churches that teach anything less than this are misguided at best. More: Detroit mayoral candidates battle for a spot in Mike Duggan's shadow | Opinion Please don't be so hasty as to think that the "sweet people" you reference are bad. Is there anything you have done that is bad? Would you want people to be so harshly critical? I pray not. Mary Robbins St. Clair Shores Christians give a welcoming message In response to a letter about so-called Christians. ("What does it mean to be a 'good Christian'?" Detroit Free Press, June 1.) While there is sadly much truth in what he wrote, please know that many Christian churches do welcome all, from every walk of life and certainly including those in the LGBTQ+ community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No matter who you are or where you are on your life's journey, you are welcome right here." So starts the pastor's welcome announcement. More: I'm a gay man in Detroit. Celebrating Pride feels more important than ever. | Opinion All are invited to partake in communion as well. We are all God's children and God loves us all. No exceptions. It is not our job to judge. We welcome the stranger and enjoy fellowshipping together. God appreciates when our activities help others, strengthen our communities and help take care of this beautiful Earth that God entrusted to us. This for me is a very fulfilling worship experience. God has already taken care of the details. Elsa Copa Watersmeet, Michigan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response. Like what you're reading? Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access with a Detroit Free Press subscription. We depend on readers like you. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Being a good Christian doesn't mean you don't struggle | Letters HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Friday was the move-out date set for students in New Havens Job Corps program. Hartford students have a looming deadline to be out of their dorms by June 13. This comes after the Department of Labor announced a federal pause on all Job Corps programs nationwide. In the week since the announcement, Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal (D) and Chris Murphy (D) joined the fight to keep both centers open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut Job Corps centers to pause operations in June In a press conference outside of the Hartford center, Sen. Murphy said, Why shut these doors, why throw these kids all out onto the street, why shutter a program thats changing lives? Theres no answer. The Department of Labor released a transparency report citing the reasoning for pausing the program. One of the main factors is the financial deficit, specifically the cost per graduate. Nationwide the cost is about $155,000 per graduate, in Hartford its more than a quarter million dollars and in New Haven its below the national average at $149,000 per graduate. However on Friday, Sen. Blumenthal argued, The amount of money spent on this program, is like a pittance, its money falling out of your pocket, its the money in your sofa at home which is not a lot. Its a minuscule amount that has an enormous impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To continue in the fight to keep the doors of the centers open, a court order was filed to reverse the pause on the program in Connecticut. Sen. Murphy said what the administration is trying to do is illegal. We believe these doors will stay open if the courts do what theyre supposed to do and uphold the constitution and repeatedly say that the president cannot shutter a program that congress has authorized and appropriated, Murphy said. The next court hearing is set for June 17 and theyre hoping to see the current temporary restraining order converted into an injunction so both campuses can bring students back and continue operating as normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 8 talked with Hartford Job Corps student Tylher Jamieson, who told us shes been in the program since November. To be completely honest with you, I thought I had no chance, Jamieson said. I thought I was going to be useless and a failure for the rest of my life. But seven months ago, that all changed after she joined Job Corps. Im still proud of who I was seven months ago for being able to deal with everything I dealt with, but right now Ive shown Im a hard worker, I have an amazing work ethic and I am smart and I am able to do this stuff and this program is what helped me realize that, Jamieson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamieson is currently on track to becoming a licensed practicing nurse. She is set to take some board exam over the next few weeks. However, if this program shuts down she said her life will look totally different. (I will) obtain my diploma, get my drivers license and get a part-time job because thats all Ill be able to do. On June 17, Job Corps Centers in Connecticut will find out their fate and if the court decides on an injunction the directors say students will be welcomed back and operations will go on as normal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Russian Su-35 fighter jet was shot down as a result of a successful operation by Ukraines Air Force on the Kursk front on the morning of Saturday 7 June. Source: Air Force Details: The Air Force has not provided any details about the downed Su-35. Background: On 1 June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine carried out a special operation codenamed Pavutyna (Spiders Web) and hit Russian strategic jets at four airfields. Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, stated that 34% of strategic carriers of cruise missiles at the main airfields of the Russian Federation had been destroyed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musks feud spilled out in public on Thursday, with the worlds richest man and the worlds most powerful leader trading barbs that engulfed news cycles in Washington and abroad. Musk, a Trump ally, was vocal about his disappointment with Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill currently sitting in the Senate. Musk, who spent millions during the 2024 presidential campaign to help elect Trump, called the massive piece of legislation a disgusting abomination. Trump then weighed in on Thursday at the White House during German Chancellor Friedrich Merzs visit, saying, Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore. The spat intensified, with Musk floating the prospects of creating a third party, claiming that without his political contributions, Trump would not be victorious against ex-Vice President Harris in November and accusing the president of having ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump threatened to cut off federal contracts awarded to Musks companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later on Thursday, Musk signaled he might be open to brokering a truce with the commander-in-chief. After speaking with several news outlets Friday morning, Trump suggested he is ready to move on and indicated that he will not be speaking with Musk for a while. Trump told CNN Friday morning that he is not even thinking about Elon and added that the SpaceX and Tesla CEO has got a problem. The poor guys got a problem. In the Senate, Trumps agenda bill, which passed the House chamber last month, has sparked concerns and criticism from GOP senators. The first group of GOP Sens., which consists of Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), are arguing they could vote against the bill if it slashes Medicaid benefits. Others, including Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have previously said they would not back the legislation if it retains the current debt and spending levels. The GOP can have three defections total if all Democrats vote against the legislation. Sen. Johnson will be on CNNs State of the Union where he will likely discuss if any of his concerns regarding the Big, Beautiful Bill have been addressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of a push to root out waste, fraud and abuse within Medicare, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said this week that a bill sponsored by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), that would crack down on Medicare Advantage overpayments known as upcoding, could be inserted into Trumps massive legislation. Cassidy will be on NewsNations The Hill Sunday, where he will likely discuss the latest on the reconciliation package along with his recent visit to the White House. NewsNations The Hill Sunday: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.); Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Ma); U.S. Chamber of Commerce chief policy officer Neil Bradley. ABCs This Week: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). NBCs Meet the Press: Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNNs State of the Union: Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.); Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.). CBS Face the Nation: National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett; Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas); Save the Children U.S. President and CEO Janti Soeripto. Fox News Sunday: Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought; Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.); Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas). Fox News Sunday Morning Futures: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt; Secretary Of Interior Doug Burgum, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.); House Ways And Means Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.); Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Mostly sunny skies are in the forecast however wildfire smoke will still be lingering across most of the area. Today will most likely be the pick of the weekend as high pressure remains in control of our weather. Skies start mostly sunny, with the smoke and haze from the Canadian wildfires, temperatures will be in the upper 70s. Eventually, clouds increase this afternoon and evening ahead of our next weather system. It looks like this system stays to our south but might clip close to the Stateline, Jackson and Hillsdale could see a shower or two late tonight into Sunday morning. Partly to mostly cloudy skies continue for most if not all of Sunday, temperatures remain warm into the mid 70s area wide. A cold front moves in late Sunday into Monday, this will be the best chance for most of Mid-Michigan to see widespread showers and even rumbles of thunder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scattered showers and storms continue into Monday and even Tuesday as this low pressure system moves out of the Great Lakes. Temperatures warm back up by the middle of the week into the upper 70s to low 80s. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. The Sun is the angriest it's been in a while and it's taking out that rage on the thousands of tiny satellites that make up SpaceX's Starlink fleet. A new analysis of Starlink satellites falling from the sky has revealed a distinct pattern: as the Sun escalated towards the peak of its activity cycle between 2020 and 2024, so too did the number of satellite falls as a direct result of that activity. A team of scientists, led by space physicist Denny Oliveira of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, studied 523 Starlink satellites that fell back down towards Earth during that time, and found a clear link with the Sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We clearly show that the intense solar activity of the current solar cycle has already had significant impacts on Starlink reentries," they write in their paper. "This is a very exciting time in satellite orbital drag research, since the number of satellites in low-Earth orbit and solar activity are the highest ever observed in human history." An artist's rendering of a Starlink satellite in low-Earth orbit. ( Wikideas1/Wikimedia Commons , CC BY 4.0) The solar cycle is an 11-year cycle of fluctuations in the Sun's activity that centers around a periodic magnetic reversal of the solar poles. It primarily manifests as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections that steadily increase towards solar maximum (when the poles flip), and then wanes to a minimum before inching back up again. It's just the Sun's normal way to be, and we're currently at the peak of the 25th cycle since we started keeping track of them. It's actually been a pretty strong cycle; not the strongest on record, but still displaying much more solar activity than scientists predicted at its beginning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means that its effects on Earth have been pretty strong. You may have noticed a lot of aurora activity; that's the effect of solar particles pummeling Earth's atmosphere, borne by coronal mass ejections and the solar wind. But the increase in solar activity has another, less noticeable effect: the increase in solar ejections buffeting the upper atmosphere heats it up significantly. YouTube Thumbnail We don't notice it here on the surface. But the increased energy puffs up the atmosphere enough to increase the amount of drag on spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. This means they cannot hold course at their current trajectory, and need to make adjustments to remain in the sky. To be clear, all satellites in low-Earth orbit are vulnerable to the increase in drag associated with solar activity. To date, however, SpaceX has launched 8,873 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, of which 7,669 remain operational. These sheer numbers provide an excellent laboratory for studying the effect of solar maximum on satellites in low-Earth orbit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Here, we use Starlink orbital data to perform a superposed epoch analysis of orbital altitudes and velocities in order to identify impacts caused by storms with different intensities," the researchers write. "The Starlink reentries coincide with the rising phase of solar cycle 25, a period with increasing solar activity." SpaceX first started launching Starlink satellites in 2019, and the first atmospheric reentries began in 2020. Initially these figures stayed relatively low. There were just two in 2020. In 2021, 78 satellites fell; 99 in 2022, and 88 in 2023. But then 2024 saw a whopping increase a total of 316 Starlink satellites fell out of the sky. YouTube Thumbnail The researchers grouped these reentries according to the geomagnetic conditions at the time that is, how powerfully solar activity was affecting Earth. Oddly, some 72 percent of all reentries occurred during weak geomagnetic conditions, not the powerful geomagnetic storms. This, the researchers found, was because of the cumulative effect of drag over the rising period of the solar cycle. Rather than being taken down in one fell swoop, the orbits of these satellites degraded subtly over time. Meanwhile, the satellites that did fall during strong geomagnetic conditions fell faster than those that fell in weaker conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's fascinating stuff, actually. We don't have a lot of data on this phenomenon; the work of Oliveira and his colleagues may help design strategies to mitigate the orbital decay induced by solar activity, keeping satellites in low-Earth orbit where they should be (and not, for example, smacking into other satellites and triggering a nasty Kessler cascade). "Our results are promising because they point in the direction of using short-cadence Starlink data (precise orbit determination, neutral mass density, ram direction area, drag coefficient) for the improvement of orbital drag models during geomagnetic storms, particularly during extreme events," the researchers write. The paper has been accepted for publication in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Science, and is available on arXiv. Related News June 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court is allowing members of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency to access personal Social Security Administration data. On Friday, the Court's six conservatives granted an emergency application filed by the Trump administration to lift an injunction issued by a federal judge in Maryland. Opposing the injunction were the three liberal justices: Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. There are 69 million retirees, disabled workers, dependents and survivors who receive Social Security benefits, representing 28.75% of the U.S. population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate two-page order issued Friday, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration for now to shield DOGE from freedom of information requests seeking thousands of pages of material. This vote also was 6-3 with no written dissenting opinions. In the two-page unsigned order on access, the court said: "We conclude that, under the present circumstances, SSA may proceed to afford members of the SSA DOGE Team access to the agency records in question in order for those members to do their work." The conservatives are Chief Justice John Roberts, and Associate Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Three of them were nominated by President Donald Trump during his first term. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander, appointed by President Barack Obama, had ruled that DOGE staffers had no need to access the specific data. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Virginia, declined to block Hollander's decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was filed by progressive group Democracy Forward on behalf of two unions, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the American Federation of Teachers, as well as the Alliance for Retired Americans. They alleged broader access to personal information would violate a federal law, the Privacy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. "This is a sad day for our democracy and a scary day for millions of people," the groups said in a statement. "This ruling will enable President Trump and DOGE's affiliates to steal Americans' private and personal data. Elon Musk may have left Washington, D.C., but his impact continues to harm millions of people. We will continue to use every legal tool at our disposal to keep unelected bureaucrats from misusing the public's most sensitive data as this case moves forward." Social Security Works posted on X: "No one in history -- no commissioner, no president, no one -- has ever had the access that these DOGE minions have." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Liz Huston after the ruling told NBC News that "the Supreme Court allowing the Trump Administration to carry out commonsense efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse and modernize government information systems is a huge victory for the rule of law." Brown Jackson wrote a nine-page dissenting opinion that the "Government fails to substantiate its stay request by showing that it or the public will suffer irreparable harm absent this Court's intervention. In essence, the 'urgency' underlying the government's stay application is the mere fact that it cannot be bothered to wait for the litigation process to play out before proceeding as it wishes." She concluded her dissent by writing: "The Court opts instead to relieve the Government of the standard obligations, jettisoning careful judicial decisionmaking and creates grave privacy risks for millions of Americans in the process." Kathleen Romig, who worked as a senior adviser at the agency during the Biden administration, told CNN that Americans should be concerned about how DOGE has handled highly sensitive data so far. She said the personal data runs "from cradle to grave." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While the appeals court considers whether DOGE is violating the law, its operatives will have 'God-level' access to Social Security numbers, earnings records, bank routing numbers, mental and reproductive health records and much more," Romig, who now is director of Social Security and disability policy at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. When Trump became president again on Jan. 20, he signed an executive order establishing DOGE with the goal of "modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity." Nearly a dozen DOGE members have been installed at the agency, according to court filings. In all, there are about 90 DOGE workers. DOGE, which was run by billionaire Elon Musk until he left the White House one week ago, wants to modernize systems and detect waste and fraud at the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These teams have a business need to access the data at their assigned agency and subject the government's records to much-needed scrutiny," Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in the court motion. The data includes Social Security numbers, date and place of birth, gender, addresses, marital and parental status, parents' names, lifetime earnings, bank account information, immigration and work authorization status, health conditions for disability benefits and use of Medicare. SSA also has data-sharing agreements with the IRS and the Department of Health and Human Services. The plaintiffs wrote: "The agency is obligated by the Privacy Act and its own regulations, practices, and procedures to keep that information secure -- and not to share it beyond the circle of those who truly need it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano, who was sworn in to the post on May 7, said in a statement: that"The Supreme Court's ruling is a major victory for American taxpayers. The Social Security Administration will continue driving forward modernization efforts, streamlining government systems, and ensuring improved service and outcomes for our beneficiaries." On May 23, Roberts temporarily put lower court decisions on hold while the Supreme Court considered what next steps to take. Musk called Social Security "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time" during an interview with Joe Rogan on Feb. 28. The Social Security system, which started in 1935, transfers current workers' payroll tax payments to people who are already retired. The payroll tax is a mandatory tax paid by employees and employers. The total current tax rate is 12.4%. There is a separate 2.9% tax for Medicare. The Supreme Court on Friday handed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) two major victories in its expanding legal battle over drastic efforts to reshape the federal bureaucracy. In two separate emergency rulings issued simultaneously, the court lifted a block on DOGE personnel accessing sensitive Social Security Administration (SSA) systems and wiped a ruling forcing DOGE to turn over discovery in a records lawsuit. Both rulings appeared to be along the Supreme Courts ideological lines, with the courts three Democrat-appointed justices publicly dissenting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decisions come as President Trumps relationship with billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, the face of DOGE for months, publicly imploded Thursday. His administration continues to defend DOGEs work in the courts. Social Security In the Social Security case, the justices lifted a Maryland-based federal judges order blocking DOGE from snooping around the SSAs systems that contain personally identifiable information, including Social Security numbers, medical and mental health records, bank data, and earnings history. The majority did not explain the reasoning, only saying that the SSA may proceed to afford members of the SSA DOGE Team access to the agency record under the present circumstances. In dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, said the Trump administration hadnt met the courts high bar for emergency relief, accusing her colleagues of jettisoning careful judicial decisionmaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court is thereby, unfortunately, suggesting that what would be an extraordinary request for everyone else is nothing more than an ordinary day on the docket for this Administration, Jackson wrote. I would proceed without fear or favor to require DOGE and the Government to do what all other litigants must do to secure a stay from this Court, she continued. Justice Elena Kagan also dissented, but she did not join the duos opinion. The challenge to DOGEs ability to poke around in the SSAs systems came from a coalition of government unions, backed by the left-leaning legal group Democracy Forward, that claimed DOGEs unfettered access to the sensitive data ran afoul of privacy laws and the SSAs own rules and regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollanders order allowed the SSA to provide DOGE with access to redacted or anonymized data and records, but it required DOGE agents to receive the necessary training for those systems. She wrote that DOGEs efforts to slim down the federal bureaucracy werent the problem at hand, but rather how they want to do the work. Hollander is an appointee of former President Obama. Solicitor General D. John Sauer had argued that her preliminary injunction undermined DOGEs mission to streamline and modernize the government while rooting out waste and fraud. He criticized the nationwide relief as a now-familiar theme, alluding to several Justice Department emergency appeals challenging universal injunctions a practice the justices heard arguments about last month in the administrations appeal of an order blocking Trumps bid to narrow birthright citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government cannot eliminate waste and fraud if district courts bar the very agency personnel with expertise and the designated mission of curtailing such waste and fraud from performing their jobs, Sauer wrote in the governments emergency application. Records lawsuit The Supreme Courts second emergency decision stems from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against DOGE. The government had asked the justices to overturn a judges order allowing limited discovery into whether DOGE is an agency, which would dictate whether its subject to FOIA requests. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, an appointee of Obama, directed the release of all recommendations DOGE made to various federal agencies, in addition to other internal documents. He also ordered a deposition of acting DOGE Administrator Amy Gleason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By agreeing to wipe that order, the Supreme Courts decision marks a major victory for the Trump administrations efforts to keep DOGEs inner workings behind the veil. The majority said Coopers order was not appropriately tailored to whether DOGE was an agency. Furthermore, separation of powers concerns counsel judicial deference and restraint in the context of discovery regarding internal Executive Branch communications, the court wrote in its unsigned ruling. The three Democratic-appointed justices again publicly dissented, but they didnt offer an explanation. Sauer argued that DOGE is a presidential advisory body housed within the Executive Office of the President not an agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that Coopers order would significantly distract from DOGEs mission to identify and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within the federal government, calling the discovery ordered extraordinarily overbroad and intrusive. That order turns FOIA on its head, Sauer claimed, effectively giving respondent a win on the merits of its FOIA suit under the guise of figuring out whether FOIA even applies. The legal challenge was mounted by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which argued that the public has a right to know about DOGEs secretive operations. It is one of many designed to test whether DOGE must respond to FOIA requests. Several legal battles linked to DOGE have reached the Supreme Court, but these two cases are the first where DOGE is a respondent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 5:19 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. The Supreme Court on Friday turned away the Republican National Committees (RNC) bid to block Pennsylvania voters in-person, do-over option when they return a defective mail ballot. The announcement was intended for Monday morning, but the court mistakenly released it early due to what a court spokesperson called an apparent software malfunction. The order leaves in place a 4-3 ruling from Pennsylvanias top court that voters can still cast a vote at their polling place on Election Day if their mail-in ballot was rejected for technical reasons, despite a state law saying such votes shall not be counted if the mail-in ballot was timely received. The additional option impacts thousands of voters each election cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal battle gained attention just ahead of the 2024 election, when President Trump narrowly beat former Vice President Kamala Harris in the key swing state and went on to retake the White House. Just before the election, the Supreme Court declined the RNCs request to intervene on an emergency basis. Now returning to the high court on its normal docket, the RNC urged the Supreme Court to use its case as a vehicle to more broadly restrict state courts power over elections. Two years ago, the high court declined to endorse the maximalist version of the independent state legislature theory, which would give state legislatures near-total control over setting federal election rules by preventing state courts from restraining their actions. However, the justices in that decision warned that courts may not arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures. The justices have yet to adopt a specific test to measure when a court crosses that constitutional line, and the RNC cast its petition as a prime opportunity to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Failure to correct the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts indefensible distortion of the General Assemblys laws would effectively do just that by sending a strong message that judicial review under the Elections and Electors Clauses is illusory. The result would directly contravene the Constitution, the RNCs attorneys at Jones Day wrote in the petition. The justices refusal to take up the case comes months after the justices turned away a petition arising from Montana asking them to take up similar issues. The Pennsylvania case arose after Faith Genser and Frank Matis attempted to vote in the states 2024 Democratic primary. Initially, the duo planned to vote by mail. But they mistakenly returned naked ballots, meaning they didnt include a required secrecy envelope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With their votes invalid, Genser and Matis went to their polling place on the day of the primary election to cast provisional ballots. They sued after the Butler County elections board refused to count those ballots. The RNCs petition was joined by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and the Butler County Board of Elections. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) / New Delhi [India], June 7: Avaada Group, India's leading integrated clean energy company, has unveiled the grand finale of its flagship environmental initiative, Mission Possible with Avaada, on the occasion of World Environment Day. This month-long campaign, aimed at igniting awareness and ownership of our planet's future, concludes with a stirring film that calls for meaningful, collective action--from individuals to institutions. Conceived by Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, the campaign initially launched as Mission Impossible, challenging societal apathy toward environmental degradation. Over time, it evolved into a powerful statement of optimism and accountability: transforming Mission Impossible into Mission Possible. Mr. Vineet Mittal shared,"When hope is paired with purpose, it becomes possibility. This campaign isn't just about awareness--it' is about awakening. If we face the consequences together, we must also create solutions together. 'Mission Possible with Avaada' is not just a campaign; it is a mindset. When each of us acts--step by step, action by action--'Impossible' transforms into 'I'm Possible'." The newly released film reflects the urgency of environmental action by illustrating the visible consequences of ecological decline, while offering hope through real, actionable solutions--ranging from afforestation and renewable energy to sustainable consumption and conscious living. It highlights Avaada's own commitment to sustainability through initiatives like water conservation, green belt development, renewable infrastructure, and future-ready practices--proving that transformation begins from within. Leveraging powerful storytelling and expansive digital outreach, Mission Possible with Avaada has grown into a national movement, mobilizing individuals, businesses, and institutions to take ownership of the planet's future. Avaada now calls upon every citizen--not out of obligation, but out of belief--to step forward and be part of the solution. Because a more sustainable future isn't just possible. It is happening. It is I'M Possible. #MissionPossibleWithAvaada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctWT8ySSJ0g About Avaada Group Avaada Group is a global leader in the clean energy transition, with expertise in solar module manufacturing, renewable power generation, and green hydrogen, green ammonia, and sustainable fuel production. Under the leadership of Mr. Vineet Mittal, the group is committed to driving India's energy goals, including a target of 11 GWp renewable capacity by 2026. Avaada's growth has been bolstered by a $1.3 billion investment in 2023 from Brookfield's Energy Transition Fund and GPSC (a subsidiary of PTT Group, Thailand). (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) Germany is now considered the most hostile country towards Russia, a survey conducted by the independent Moscow-based polling institute Levada showed. The survey found that 55% of respondents named Germany as the most unfriendly state - a 40 percentage point increase since May 2020. In contrast, the United States, which held the top position for two decades, was named by only 40% of respondents, compared to 76% last year. This shift is attributed to the revival of Russian-American relations under US President Donald Trump, the institute said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany, however, has faced increasing criticism from the Russian leadership, particularly due to its arms deliveries to Ukraine, which has been under attack by Russia. The tone has notably hardened since Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office last month. The United Kingdom ranked second among countries perceived as hostile to Russia, with 49% of respondents, followed by Ukraine at 43%. Best Friends: Belarus and China The representative survey also asked Russians to name the five countries they associate as having the closest and friendliest relations with Russia. Belarus topped the list with 80% of respondents, followed by China with two-thirds. Kazakhstan ranked third with 36%, followed by India with 32% and North Korea at 30%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results reflect the Kremlin's official policy of dividing the world into friendly and unfriendly states since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Germany, which was long one of the main buyers of Russian gas in the European Union, has faced criticism in Moscow for its military support for Ukraine. The representative survey was conducted between May 22 and May 28, with 1,613 people aged 18 and older participating, Levada said. Police apprehended the suspect in the robbery of a credit union a short time after the holdup Thursday afternoon in Spring Township. Officers quickly set up a perimeter and canvassed the Lincoln Park neighborhood following the 4:45 p.m. holdup of nearby First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union at Route 724 and Cloister Court. They spotted the suspect, later identified as Omar J. Dickens, 53, of Philadelphia, but he ran off, Deputy Police Chief Stephen Brock said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found him a short time later hiding under a camper in a backyard and took him into custody, he said. All of the missing funds were accounted for at the time of arrest. An amount was not provided. Dickens was charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. He was committed to Berks County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail following arraignment Friday morning before District Judge Ann L. Young in Wernersville. Sir Sadiq Khan is under pressure to tackle car-spreading by hitting bigger vehicles in London with even higher taxes and parking fees. In a motion passed by the London Assembly, the Mayor has been urged to write to the Government to demand higher vehicle excise duty for heavier vehicles and tighter restrictions on car sizes. Assembly members, 11 of 25 of whom are the Mayors Labour allies, also urged him to write to councils across the capital to ask them to adopt higher parking fees for bigger cars a policy some have embraced already. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion blamed larger cars for clogging up Londons streets, putting pedestrians at greater risk of injury or death and causing road surfaces to wear down more quickly. Elly Baker, the Labour assembly member who proposed it, said the capitals streets werent designed for larger vehicles like SUVs. She said: Their greater size, weight, and higher bonnets put vulnerable road users at greater risk, reduce available parking spaces, and cause more wear and tear on our roads. Its time we took sensible steps to manage the impact of oversized cars and ensure our streets remain safe and accessible for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the Mayor said on Friday: The Mayor, Transport for London and borough partners are working to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads, by expanding the cycle network, making road crossings and junctions safer, reducing speed limits on our roads, and making larger vehicles like HGVs and buses safer. This year the Mayor will be refreshing his Vision Zero Action Plan, to restate his commitment to reducing road danger and responding to new and emerging risks on our roads. The assemblys call comes after several English local authorities have proposed higher charges for larger or heavier vehicles, amid complaints they occupy more space, produce higher levels of pollution and take a bigger toll on road surfaces. Such charges have been proposed in Haringey, Bath, Oxford and Bristol, among other places, with many councillors taking a lead from Paris, where Left-wing French politicians have launched their own crackdown on SUVs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Sadiq currently lacks the formal powers to introduce such charges himself but has said he is watching developments in the French capital closely. SUVs take up more space and we know theres issues around road safety, we know theres issues around carbon emissions and so forth, he said in February. We know some councils in London are taking bold policies in relation to parking fees, in relation to your tickets and so forth. Its really good to work with those councils. Car-spreading SUVs have grown in popularity in recent years, with many drivers favouring their higher seating position. They accounted for a third of all new car registrations in the UK last year, compared with just 12pc a decade earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUVs are generally taller, wider and heavier than traditional cars, and less fuel-efficient. The increase in the size of cars has been described as car-spreading. However, Edmund King, the president of the AA, said it should be up to Londoners to choose the type of vehicle that best fulfils their needs. He said: It is not really the role of the London Assembly to dictate what cars individuals should drive. Some larger families may well need bigger vehicles with more passenger seats, whereas a driver conducting most trips alone may well choose a city car. Londons streets were developed around the horse and cart, so of course our infrastructure needs modernising to keep up with change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent study found that pedestrians and cyclists are 44pc more likely to die if they are hit by an SUV or similar-sized vehicle rather than a traditional car. The analysis produced by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London stated that the figure rises to 82pc for children. Meanwhile, research by the campaign group Transport & Environment has previously found the average width of cars in the UK was growing by about half a centimetre per year. A typical car was 180.3cm wide in 2023, up from 177.8cm just five years earlier. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Tacoma man is among a group of men convicted of serious crimes that President Donald Trumps administration is trying to send to South Sudan as part of Trumps ongoing effort to deport undocumented immigrants. Lawyers for 43-year-old Tuan Phan learned this week that he and eight other men are being held in a converted shipping container in leg shackles at a United States Naval base in Djibouti in East Africa. The men were routed there following a May 20 deportation flight from Texas after a federal judge in Boston intervened. Judge Brian Murphy found that the Department of Homeland Security had violated a court order by failing to provide the men a meaningful opportunity to assert any fears they had about being deported to a country not listed on their removal orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy said the U.S. Department of State has a do not travel advisory for South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping and armed conflict. Conditions at the U.S. military base in Djibouti are also dangerous. In a sworn declaration filed Thursday, a DHS official said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were warned when they arrived of the imminent danger of rocket attacks from terrorist groups in Yemen. Officers and detainees have felt ill, the official said, noting that smog clouds from nearby burn pits disposing of trash and human waste made it difficult to breathe. In news releases about the deportations, DHS said the flights to South Sudan were to remove some of the most barbaric, violent individuals illegally in the United States. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Murphys ruling that halted their removal was deranged. Unlike the deportations of more than a hundred Venezuelans to El Salvador earlier this year, who according to the New York Times, mostly had no criminal records, each of the eight men in this case have been convicted of violent crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney for Phan with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Glenda Aldana Madrid, said Phan and his wife, Ngoc, had been preparing for his deportation, but they had been planning for him to be removed to Vietnam, where he emigrated from as a child in 1991. The two met in Tacoma as neighbors. Phan had legal permanent status, but his legal status was revoked after he was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree assault in 2001. According to Pierce County court records, Phan, then 18, fatally shot 19-year-old Michael Holtmeyer and wounded his friend near Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way. Holtmeyer was an innocent passerby, and prosecutors said Phan shot into a crowd because he was angry that rival gang members were harassing his friends. Phan pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 22 years in prison. According to the DHS, he was issued a final order of removal in 2009. Some countries dont accept deportation flights. Vietnam has previously accepted deportations for immigrants who entered the United States before 1995, according to the Asian Law Caucus. Tuan Phan (right) and Ngoc Phan are shown in a 2009 photo. The two were married that year while Tuan Phan was incarcerated. Ngoc Phan was able to talk with her husband for a few minutes Wednesday after not hearing from him for two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a relief to know that he is safe and alive, but it was extremely upsetting to know that hes chained by the feet like an animal, living in a shipping container, and without proper medication, Ngoc Phan said in a written statement. The U.S. government has the authority to deport people to a third country one other than the country designated by an immigration judge according to Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance. But Realmuto said the courts order was that if thats going to happen, attorneys have to be given sufficient time to investigate whether their clients have a fear of being deported there. In this case, Realmuto told The News Tribune on Friday, there was less than 16 hours notice before the men were brought to an airport facility in Texas and put on a plane. Realmutos organization is part of the ongoing lawsuit over the mens deportations. She said she thinks the effort to send them to South Sudan is fear mongering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort is punitive, but it is meant to incite fear in the United States, Realmuto said. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also Trumps chief foreign affairs advisor, wrote in a declaration in the case that Murphys court order had interfered with quiet efforts to rebuild a working relationship with the government in South Sudans capital, Juda. Before the courts intervention, the government in South Sudan, which previously refused to accept the return of one of its own nationals, had taken steps to work more cooperatively with the U.S. government, Rubio said. Rubio added that cooperation between South Sudan and the U.S. was critical both in terms of removals and to advance the U.S. governments humanitarian efforts in the country. The Taliban has urged Afghan citizens hoping to emigrate to the US to return home after Donald Trump banned Afghans from entering. This week, the US president signed a sweeping travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, to stop foreign terrorists. Responding to the ban on Saturday, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Afghan prime minister, urged his citizens to return, saying they would be protected even if they had worked with US-led forces in the two-decade fight against the Taliban insurgency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: For those who are worried that America has closed its doors to Afghans... I want to tell them: Return to your country, even if you have served the Americans for 20 or 30 years for their ends, and ruined the Islamic system. Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace, he added, in a speech broadcast by state media. The Talibans return to power in 2021, after the withdrawal of US and UK troops and a chaotic evacuation effort, forced millions to flee amid fears of reprisal for working with Washington. Although Taliban authorities declared a general amnesty for those who worked with the Western-backed forces, the UN has since recorded hundreds of reports of extrajudicial killings, detentions and abuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation by the international body last year found that the authorities were responsible for 218 extrajudicial killings of former government officials and Afghan troops, 14 enforced disappearances, over 144 instances of torture and ill treatment, and 424 arbitrary arrests and detentions between Aug 15 2021 and June 30 2023. Over the past four years, the Taliban government has also imposed harsh restrictions on women and girls, which the UN says amount to gender apartheid. In most provinces, women have been banned from travelling or leaving their houses without a man and prohibited from working, while girls are no longer allowed to attend secondary school or higher education. The UN says gender apartheid exists throughout Afghanistan - AP/Ebrahim Noroozi The US has not had a working embassy in Afghanistan since 2021 and Afghans must apply for visas in third countries, principally Pakistan, which has recently ramped-up campaigns to expel Afghans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration said the measure was meant to protect US 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 move, which comes into effect on Monday, follows a terror attack in Colorado that authorities blamed on a man they said was 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, Mr Trump said in a video message from the Oval Office posted on X. We dont want them. Credit: The White House Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His administration added that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents, and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It claimed that Afghans who visit the US have a high visa-overstay rate. In January, Mr Trump suspended a core refugee programme, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the US, and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. On Saturday, Hibatullah Akhundzada, a leading Taliban figure, weighed in, calling Mr Trump an oppressor. He blamed the US for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza and linked this allegation to the travel ban. You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US president also barred nationals from Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country. The ban is the latest move in Mr Trumps 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. 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. PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) Already over puppy capacity yet still willing to nurse several dogs back to health after being dropped off at their front door. Tazwell Animal Protective Society, or TAPS in Pekin, is asking for your support as they stretch their resources thin. On Friday, the executive director of TAPS said the person who bred the dogs that were dropped off was doing it unlawfully. At first, PCAPS was informed about receiving 27 dogs. Of those, 11 were transferred from PCAPS to TAPS on Friday, according to TAPS Executive Director Tori Menke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menke said theres not enough space for them, but shes willing to make it work for their shot at a better life. Some breeders are not good breeders, theyre not ethical breeders, is what I would say, Menke said. They breed for profit and thats all they care about. So when you get some of these dogs from these houses, they have never seen a vet, theyve never seen another human, theyve never been outside the house. Something like grass is completely new to these dogs. TAPS is collaborating with other local shelters in Fulton County, Peoria, and more to give these dogs proper care. When it comes to fostering, Pet Pack Rescue Initiative said theres always a need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of dogs that are currently looking for rescue throughout the central Illinois area, and there are not enough foster homes currently available to take all of the dogs that need assistance, Alyssa Emanuelson, board president of Pet Pack Rescue Initiative said. It doesnt matter which rescue or animal control you are talking about. We are all foster-based and we need more fosters to be able to pull dogs. More information on how to donate to TAPS is available here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) A major waterline replacement project in Taylorsville just received major funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) announced Friday that the Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District will receive $1.6 million from the EPA for the Meadowbrook Waterline Replacement Project. Utahs Westwater community celebrates access to clean drinking water Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award from the EPA will support the replacement of aging waterlines in the Meadowbrook area, a critical upgrade to prevent service disruptions and improve the long-term sustainability of the communitys water supply system. This historic investment is a win for Taylorsville and a major step toward building safer, stronger infrastructure across Utahs Fourth District, said Rep. Owens in a press release. I was proud to fight for this project, which will ensure families have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water for generations to come. Im thankful for the partnership of the Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District and look forward to continuing to be a top advocate for the needs of our community. This project is one of over 1,000 water structure improvements being funded nationwide through EPA Community Grants. This critical infrastructure initiative will significantly enhance the reliability and sustainability of our water supply system, added Mark Chalk, Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District General Manager. The replacement of the aging waterline is essential to prevent potential disruptions in service and to ensure the continued delivery of clean, safe, and sufficient drinking water to our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Dacula, Georgia At a Burger King in Dacula, Georgia, 18-year-old Mykale Baker is known for his whopper of a work ethic. He shows up early, stays late, and looks at every shift like a privilege. "I like helping people and not expecting anything back from it," Baker told CBS News. "That's just me." That work ethic created some good karma for Baker. "I knew that all the good I put out there is going to come back to me somehow," Baker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker's high school graduation night arrived in May. He left the ceremony and dropped by Burger King for a late meal. That is when he noticed his colleagues were absolutely swamped with orders. At this point, most teens would have just been glad they had the night off and been on their way. But instead, Baker did what Baker does. "I wasn't even clocked in," Baker said. "I just put gloves on and said, 'What do you all need help with?'" So, with his graduation sash and medals still draped around his neck, Baker hopped on the line. The whole thing was caught on camera by customer Maria Mendoza, who just could not believe her eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's not a lot of people who are like that," Mendoza said. "Thirteen years of school, you graduate. The last thing I would think is somebody would go to work!" Mendoza was so impressed, that she posted the video online and started a crowdfunding campaign to reward Baker for his integrity and dedication. The campaign has raised more than $200,000. Baker plans to use that money to go trade school become a master auto mechanic and eventually open his own shop. The Burger King Foundation later surprised Baker with $10,000. The foundation also gave Mendoza $10,000 for her daughter, Daizie, who also just graduated high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker said his mother, Demeshiah Scott, always taught him to work hard, even if you think no one is watching, because you never know when someone is. Musk alleges Trump's name appeared in Epstein files as feud escalates What to know about President Trump's travel ban on nationals from 12 countries Trump says he's disappointed by Musk criticism of budget bill, Musk says he got Trump elected BUCHAREST (Reuters) -Tens of thousands of Romanians joined an LGBTQ Pride march in Bucharest on Saturday, demanding civil union partnership legislation and equal rights after a highly-contested presidential election last month buoyed the far right. The European Union state has so far ignored a 2023 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which found Romania had failed to enforce the rights of same-sex couples by refusing to recognise their relationships. Socially conservative Romania decriminalised homosexuality in 2001, decades later than other parts of the EU, but still bars marriage and civil partnerships for same-sex couples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want legal protection for same-sex couples, an easy legal procedure for transitioning, protection against hate speech and prejudice-based crimes," said Teodora Roseti, president of Romanian LGBTQ rights organisation ACCEPT and Pride's organiser. In Bucharest, marchers danced and carried the rainbow flag 20 years after the first Pride parade was held, carrying banners such as "Love is the worst feeling you could hate", "Equality in love, equality in inheritance. Civil partnership for all". Roughly 30,000 people attended the parade, ACCEPT estimated. The march comes at a fraught moment in Central and Eastern Europe, where far right parties have gained ground. Poles held a similar parade on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours before the Romanian march, a smaller anti-Pride protest took place, with participants demanding an Orthodox Christian nation and waving flags carrying the Celtic cross, a known far-right symbol. In Romania, centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan ultimately won the presidential election against hard-right opposition leader George Simion, a strong opponent of LGBTQ rights. ACCEPT and LGBTQ rights group Mozaiq warned of a rise in hate speech against the community during the election campaign, and their headquarters were defaced. In neighbouring Hungary, parliament passed legislation earlier this year that de facto bans holding Pride marches. (Reporting by Luiza Ilie. Additional reporting by Endre Hermann. Editing by Mark Potter) As part of the MoU signed between both the sides, the tech giant will privide support to the state in preparing curriculum and training over next two years. In a post on X, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said, "Andhra Pradesh is welcoming bold initiatives to lead India's AI revolution. Under the leadership of Hon'ble IT Minister @naralokesh Garu, we have entered into an MoU with @nvidia to build a strong and inclusive AI ecosystem in the state." "With support from NVIDIA for curriculum and training, 10,000 engineering students will receive skill training over the next two years, while 500 AI startups from AP will gain access to its Inception Program for global exposure and key resources," CM added. CM Naidu further added that plans are underway to establish India's first AI University in collaboration with NVIDIA to shape the infrastructure and research capabilities. "From education and skilling to research and innovation, this initiative is laying the foundation for a Swarna Andhra Pradesh," he added. Andhra Pradesh is actively working towards developing the state's AI ecosystem. The state government has announced the development of India's first Quantum Computing Village. The 50-acre facility in Amaravati, which the state government previously announced, is envisioned as a pioneering ecosystem for quantum computing research and collaboration. The facility is envisioned as a collaborative ecosystem where institutions and companies can access and share advanced quantum computing resources. It will also include a dedicated on-site data centre to support high-performance computing needs. IBM and TCS will jointly finalise the infrastructure specifications, with the initial setup set to host the IBM Quantum System Two. (ANI) Tensions are surfacing within Germany's conservative-led coalition government over migration, after a court ruling last week appeared to prohibit rejecting asylum seekers at the country's borders. The Berlin Administrative Court ruled on Monday that the summary rejection of three Somalis during a check on the border with Poland was unlawful. The urgent ruling meant that "there can no longer be blanket rejections because the courts will stop them," said Matthias Miersch, head of the parliamentary group of the Social Democrats (SPD), which is the junior member of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without clarification as to which EU state is responsible for the asylum application of those affected, they should not be turned away, according to the ruling. The court also said the government lacked evidence for its argument that it could reject asylum seekers on the grounds of public safety. The three Somalis are now back in Berlin. Miersch told the weekend edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper that the court's decision raised fundamental questions that the government should address. "The chancellor also stated this very clearly when he said that the practice must be reviewed again in light of this court decision," said Miersch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And I expect this to happen now," he said, pointing to the possibility otherwise of more legal problems in the near future. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt introduced the more intensive border controls on May 7. He defended the policy again on Saturday, in remarks to the Funke media group of newspapers. "This is an individual judgement," said Dobrindt, referring to the court ruling. "We will provide sufficient justification, but the European Court of Justice should decide on this." The head of the Berlin Administrative Court, Erna Viktoria Xalter, said however that this would not prove successful. Speaking to news portal Zeit Online, she said: "How is this supposed to go through to the ECJ? The urgent decision is incontestable." Merz, who belongs to the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), recently said he would continue to refuse asylum seekers at the border even after the administrative court ruling. AUSTIN (KXAN) In less than a week, people might see Tesla robotaxis riding around Austin. The company reportedly planned to launch its autonomous vehicle ride hailing service Thursday, June 12. Still, a federal agency has several questions about the safety of the vehicles. Last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk discussed plans with CNBC to launch the service in Austin. How is Austin working with Tesla on its robotaxi rollout? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to deliberately take it slow, Musk said. I mean, we could start with 1,000 [robotaxis] 10,000 on day one, but I dont think that would be prudent. So we will start with probably 10 for a week, then increase it to 20, 30, 40. Musk himself mentioned testing already started. Just last week, he posted on X that, for the past several days, Tesla has been testing self-driving Model Y cars (no one in drivers seat) on Austin public streets with no incidents. The service is reportedly already available for some employees. In April, Teslas AI account posted a video on X claiming that supervised ride hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin and [the] San Francisco Bay Area. US agency asks questions about robotaxi plan Still, some questions remain unanswered. In a letter sent to Tesla in May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asked the company to explain how it plans to operate safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions focused on things like: Crash reporting Complying with traffic safey laws Automated responses to emergencies NHTSA asked how the robotaxis will safely operate in low-visibility, like sun glare, fog, rain or snow. Those conditions are tied to previous accidents involving the companys driver-assistance software. KXAN reached out to see if NHTSA heard back. The agency told us its investigation remains open and that Teslas response must be submitted by June 19. NHTSA said any updates will be posted in the investigation file online. The letter said Tesla may be fined up to $27,874 per day if the agency does not receive a prompt response, with a maximum fine of $139,356,994. City of Austins Autonomous Vehicle Task Force Back in December 2024, KXAN confirmed Tesla was in talks with the city of Austin over its autonomous vehicle technology. A spokesperson for the Transportation and Public Works Department said Tesla reached out to the citys autonomous vehicle task force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City treats each AV company that expresses interest in Austin the same, offering training opportunities and providing uniform information, the transportation spokesperson said in an email to KXAN. KXAN received an updated statement from the department regarding those discussions. We are working with Tesla, as we work with all AV companies looking to deploy in Austin. The city treats each AV company that expresses interest in Austin the same, offering training opportunities and providing information about City right-of-way and procedures. Additionally, Austin Police recently participated in a training with Tesla vehicles that was hosted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. City of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department KXAN reached out to Tesla directly for comment. Well update this story if we get a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dale Prax, owner Freight Validate, a company that monitors the trucking industry for fraud and identity theft, is sounding the alarm on a rising number of companies registered to false addresses. A recent investigation by Dallas news station WFAA into the practice of registering trucking companies to virtual addresses and P.O. boxes found that hundreds of companies across the country were using addresses other than their real headquarters as the location of their business when registering with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Prax says the practice is illegal. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a company registers with the FMCSA, the address it gives must be a physical location. Inspectors from the administration must be able to inspect the location, and be able to review safety and driver records there. The WFAA investigation found that in many cases, no one from the registered businesses were on-site at their listed addresses. These companies allegedly operating outside the law may seem shady, but you may be wondering what it has to do with you. The truth is that while not all companies that use a virtual address are fraudulent, Prax and other experts say that its a red flag as many bad actors access the system in this way. As WFAA reports, federal data shows that fraudulent carriers have crash rates 80% higher than those who follow the rules. When you're driving down the road with your kids in your car, and there's some guy next to you that maybe got his authority illegally ... are you really safe next to that guy? Prax told WFAA. Why trucking businesses dodge FMCSA rules Prax told WFAA that these carriers often use virtual addresses or P.O. boxes to avoid regulators scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He detailed his companys investigation into one address in California that had nearly 700 trucking companies registered to that location. Prax said theres a sign out front that says, No Trucks Allowed. Federal records also show that about 500 of the companies listed at this address use the same phone number and email. When WFAA reporters phoned, they found the number always went to a voicemail system that asked for a code, and they were unable to leave a message at all. Prax said that he flagged this to federal regulators two years ago, but nothing appears to have happened since then. The FMCSA said in a statement to the news station that it was familiar with complaints related to the Signal Hill ... address. If we all know about it, and we reported it, why is something not being done? Prax said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Agency has confirmed that the address is a legitimate business address for a motor carrier consultant who represents many small motor carriers based in California, the FMCSA statement said. However, this is in contradiction to their own rules: A motor carrier may not designate the office of a consultant ... as the motor carrier's principal place of business if the motor carrier is not engaged in operations related to the transportation of persons or property at that location. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it The scope of the problem Prax told WFFA that in 2023, he caught a massive surge in carriers registering with either a virtual address or P.O. box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We built the robot to kind of find those, and we would notify FMCSA that says, hey, this guy should not be issued his authority, he said. Prax found as many as 200 registrants per month with these types of illegal addresses, and reported them to the FMCSA. Prax said the agency did flag those applications and issue warning letters, but he feels it wasnt enough. The issue is certainly on the minds of the leadership within the FMCSA, however. WFFA reports that on an industry podcast last year, Director of FMCSA Registration Ken Riddle said, How do we prevent bad actors from getting into the system? ... How do we prevent them from falsifying registration? The current solution is facial recognition technology, designed to verify new applicants to the FMCSA. However, its only a requirement for new applicants right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From a registration perspective, we want to be able to verify the identity of the individual registering, Riddle said. Prax says its not enough. We don't need to know who's behind the webcam. We need to know who's behind the operation of that company. A growing industry Praxs regulatory concerns may just be the tip of the iceberg for an industry that requires federal oversight. The FMCSA is responsible for a number of safety and licensing programs for commercial drivers. These include a program to record all drug and alcohol violations by drivers, so that new employers can screen potential employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also offer hazardous materials regulation training to ensure the safe transport of dangerous products, and have established national standards for testing, licensing and disqualifying commercial drivers who fail to meet the required training and licensing protocols. Companies unwilling to comply with business practices like registering a proper address with the FMCSA may also be lax about maintaining standards and education for drivers. With the FMCSA reporting a 43% projected increase in truck freight in the country between 2012 and 2040, on top of the existing 5 million commercial drivers already registered, strict protocols for the industry helps to keep American roads safe. The National Safety Council reports that in 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash. This represents an 8.4% decrease from 2022 but is part of a larger trend of increasing fatalities, with a 43% increase reported in the last 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If driver and safety records arent properly checked, the consequences may lead to worse outcomes for drivers and their families. What to read next Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Texas authorities arrested 44 fugitives in a West Texas sweep targeting violent parole violators and gang members, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced. The operation focused on the Lubbock and Abilene areas. The arrests mark a significant law enforcement push in a region grappling with gang activity and repeat offenders. All those detained had violent felony convictions or criminal histories. One arrestee faced a sex offense warrant. Twelve had immigration issues and were reported to ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting these dangerous criminals off our streets will help make our state safer, said Attorney General Ken Paxton. Im proud of the dedicated law enforcement officers in our Fugitive Unit as well as the professionalism and bravery of every law enforcement agency that contributed to the success of this operation. The operation involved multiple agencies working together. The Attorney Generals office partnered with the Abilene Police Department Street Crimes Unit, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The Fugitive Apprehension Unit employs investigators, criminal analysts, administrative staff, and command personnel. Its mission extends beyond capturing violent fugitives. The unit tracks down convicted child sex offenders who violate parole conditions. It also arrests sex offenders who fail to comply with state registration requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, their work isnt limited to adult criminals. The unit assists in locating missing and endangered runaway children reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. West Texas has seen increased focus on fugitive operations as authorities work to reduce repeat offenses. The multi-agency approach allows law enforcement to cast a wider net in tracking parole violators. AUSTIN (KXAN) A group of Texas lawmakers called on higher education leaders in the state to protect undocumented students access to in-state tuition, after the state agreed to end the practice earlier this week. On Wednesday, the Justice Department sued the state over the 2001 Texas Dream Act, which allowed those students to receive in-state tuition if they met certain qualifications. The lawsuit alleged this act violated federal law, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton quickly responded that his office would not contest the suitcausing the law to be repealed through a default judgment. RELATED | Justice Department sues Texas over in-state tuition for undocumented students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter sent on Friday, more than a dozen Democratic state representatives called on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a provisional classification that could allow students who previously qualified under the law to enroll this fall at the rate they reasonably expected. The letter later said, in part, It is especially cruel and short-sighted to apply this policy change retroactively just weeks before the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. These students made plans, accepted offers, and committed to their futures in good faith. The lawmakers urged the board to use its rulemaking authority to create this classification for example, first-generation resident tuition at least temporarily. They called for the board to release guidance to institutions that would preserve tuition equity for students during the transition period. The lawmakers also noted the move would not override statute but would provide a critical bridge until the Legislature could address the matter during the next legislative session in two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, during the most recent legislative session, lawmakers considered bills to repeal the Dream Act and heard hours of testimony on it, but it was left pending and failed to pass. In 2001, the Dream Act had bipartisan support and was signed into law by Republican former Governor Rick Perry. RELATED | Texas undocumented college students no longer qualify for in-state tuition In its lawsuit, the DOJ argues that a 1996 federal law, known as the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), preempts the Dream Act. Attorney General Pam Bondi called it a blatant violation of the federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under federal law, schools cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens, Bondi said. 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. Legal experts talked to KXAN this week about whether the move by the Trump administration and Paxtons quick agreement allowed for any way for opponents of the change to challenge the decision. Josh Blackman, associate professor of law at South Texas College of Law, said the decision appears effectively final. Barbara Hines, an immigration law professor who helped craft the initial Texas Dream Act, did not share Blackmans assessment that it was the end of the road for the law. She said that in previous lawsuits related to the Dream Act or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, other parties have been allowed to intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED | Law professors react: Texas will no longer provide in-state tuition to undocumented students According to the Texas Higher Education Commissioner, around 19,000 students will be affected by the change. The lawmakers letter argued that the state stands to lose talent, which could affect the workforce and the economy. It said, This is not just a moral failure, its a strategic and economic blunder that will be felt for generations to come. Economic factors proved to be a driving force behind the Dream Acts passage in 2001. According to a 2015 report by The Texas Tribune, former Governor Perry said at the time, [Texas] had a choice to make economically: Are you going to put these people in a position of having to rely upon government to take care of themselves, or are you going to let them be educated and be contributing members of society, obviously working towards their citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TYLER, Texas (KETK) A Texas State Senator is joining several other Texas officials to voice his concerns about a pending permit that would authorize the drilling of 21 new groundwater wells in Anderson County. East Texas officials express opposition to new high-capacity wells State Senator Robert Nichols of District 3 sent a letter to the Neches and Trinity Valleys Ground Water Conservation District stating his concerns about the authorization of the drilling and how it could impact residents and livestock in Anderson County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This kind of large-scale withdrawal poses serious risks to existing water users, particularly rural landowners, farmers and municipalities who rely on stable aquifer conditions to support homes, crops and livestock, Nichols said. Nichols went on to urge the board to consider the long-term implications this permit would have on the district and the impact it would have on their groundwater resources going forward. Denying this permit would be consistent with the Districts responsibility to prevent waste and ensure the conservation of groundwater for all stakeholders, Nichols said. The groundwater production permit application was submitted by Redtown Ranch Holdings LLC for 21 high-capacity groundwater wells that Nichols said could extract 10 billion gallons of water a year from the Carrizo and Wilcox aquifers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed wells would reportedly authorize the extraction of over 10 billion gallons of water annually from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, Nichols said. Further, 11 additional proposed wells in neighboring Houston County, outside of the Districts jurisdiction, could raise the total volume to 15 billion gallons annually. This is a staggering figure, especially considering that none of the water appears to be designated for use by the communities from which it would be drawn. State Rep. Trent Ashby also expressed his concerns about the potential permit earlier this month, stating the negative impact it could have on private and municipal wells. As a lifelong resident of East Texas and a member of the Texas House of Representatives, I have consistently supported responsible groundwater management and local control over water resources, Ashby said. This proposed project is deeply troubling. The sheer volume of water involved, equivalent to the annual usage of more than two million Texans, raises serious concerns about aquifer depletion, potential impacts on surrounding private and municipal wells, and the long-term sustainability of our regions water supply. Cody Harris, the Chair of the Texas House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, also expressed his concerns with the permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we are working rigorously at the state level to propose and enact significant legislation that will help ease the ongoing burdens across the state, I will not stand by while attempts are made to drain my own district, Harris said. To hear from more public officials and the company behind the application, click here for KETKs previous coverage of the proposed wells. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Devjyot Ghoshal BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia, following an increase in troops on the other side, Thailand's defence minister said on Saturday. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have been simmering since a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 in a brief conflict in an undemarcated border area. For days, the two Southeast Asian governments have been exchanging carefully worded statements committing to dialogue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Thailand's deputy prime minister, said Cambodia had rejected proposals in bilateral talks held on Thursday that could have led to a de-escalation. "Furthermore, there has been a reinforcement of military presence, which has exacerbated tensions along the border," Phumtham said in a statement. "Consequently, the Royal Thai Government has deemed it necessary to implement additional measures and to reinforce our military posture accordingly." He did not provide details on the extent of reinforcements by either side. In a separate statement on Saturday, the Thai army said Cambodian soldiers and civilians had repeatedly made incursions into Thailand's territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These provocations, and the build-up of military forces, indicate a clear intent to use force," the Thai army said, adding that it would take control of all Thai checkpoints along the border with Cambodia. Although border checkpoints between the two countries remain open, they may gradually become more restrictive, ranging from earlier closing times to complete closures, depending on security assessments in each area, Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said. Thailand currently operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817-km (508 miles) frontier, government data shows. A spokesperson for Cambodia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters on the Thai army's announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is our stance, not to initiate conflict, but to defend ourselves," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in speech earlier on Saturday. "Our guiding principles are ... respect for international legal frameworks. These grounded strategies are key to safeguarding our nations sovereignty," he said, adding that its armed forces were ready to defend against aggression. Thailand remains committed to pursuing bilateral dialogue as a means to restore stability, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday. "The Thai side reaffirms its readiness to engage through established bilateral mechanisms, particularly the upcoming meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), scheduled for June 14," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We sincerely hope that the negotiations will proceed in good faith", he added. The military reinforcements come despite efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the current chair of the Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc, and China to reduce tensions. Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. Tension escalated in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a week-long exchange of artillery in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current governments in both countries, however, have enjoyed warm ties. Former leaders Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand and Cambodia's Hun Sen have had a close relationship, and Thaksin's daughter and Hun Sen's son are now the incumbent prime ministers of their countries. Still, nationalist sentiment has risen in Thailand and the Thai military said on Friday it is ready to launch a "high-level operation" to counter any violation of its sovereignty. Cambodia said this week it would refer disputes over four parts of the border to the International Court of Justice and asked Thailand to cooperate. Phumtham reiterated in his Saturday statement that Thailand does not recognise the jurisdiction of the court and proposed that all boundary-related issues be resolved through bilateral negotiations. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Devjyot Ghoshal and Chayut Setboonsarng in Bangkok and Lach Chantha in Phnom Penh; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, Tom Hogue and Louise Heavens) WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Washington, D.C.s iconic parade kicks off Saturday afternoon in the midst of this years historic WorldPride celebrations. As such, the Capital Pride Parade is transforming into the WorldPride Parade, honoring the history of the Pride movement and acknowledging the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the District. After the parade, stick around for the post-parade concert, featuring Cynthia Erivo on Saturday and Doechii on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what you need to know before you go. Significant road closures for WorldPride Parade, Block Party Parade route The WorldPride Parade is transforming Pennsylvania Avenue into a corridor of joy, organizers said, starting in the Logan Circle neighborhood at 2 p.m. Start: 1844 14th St. NW Proceeding south on 14th Street to Thomas Circle NW Continuing south on 14th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue NW East on Pennsylvania Avenue to 9th Street NW South on 9th Street to Constitution Avenue NW Dispersal on Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 14th Streets (919 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) Throughout the route, there will be accessibility zones, a family area, block party and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grammy Award-winning artist Doechii to close out WorldPride DC What to bring The Capital Pride Alliance has a list of permitted and prohibited items. Allowed: Sunscreen Water bottles Medication Portable phone chargers Other personal items Prohibited: Backpacks and large bags Any weapons Alcoholic beverages Drones or other aerial devices Glass containers Pets (with the exception of service animals) Bikes, scooters and/or skateboards within the parade area Illegal substances Accessibility There are a few accessible seating locations on the parade route. Location: 14th and T Streets NW (near Room & Board) Admission is free, but registration is required Folding chairs and space for wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis American Sign Language interpreters are available Entry begins at 1 p.m., but the area will close at the conclusion of the parade Location: 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (south of Freedom Plaza) Admission is free, but registration is required Bleacher seating and space for wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis Entry begins at 1 p.m., but the area will close at the conclusion of the parade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 95 houses participating in Capitol Hill Yard Sale Extravaganza Viewing areas The Grand Stand Bleachers (must have a pre-purchased ticket): Freedom Plaza, located at 1400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Parade VIP Viewing Area (must have a pre-purchased ticket: Franklin Park West Lawn, located at 1331 I St. NW Road closures A full list of road closures can be found here. Its highly encouraged that parade-goers use public transportation. Dupont Circle, U Street and McPherson Square are closest to the parade route. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NewsVoir Gurugram (Haryana) [India], June 7: Mobis India, the Global Strategic Partner for Hyundai Genuine Parts & Accessories, has launched a nationwide customer awareness initiative titled "Ask for Genuine, Ask for Hyundai Mobis". The campaign aims to educate Hyundai car owners about the importance of using only certified genuine parts manufactured and/or distributed by Mobis India Limited. Originally introduced in June 2024, the campaign had received an overwhelming engagement and positive response from customers and service professionals. Building on that success, this year's campaign is more interactive and far more expansive, with a focus on deeper engagement across digital platforms, service networks, and customer touchpoints. The goal is to ensure every Hyundai owner is aware of the importance of genuine parts and can confidently make the right choice during service and repairs. The campaign highlights that while counterfeit parts may seem cheaper upfront, they lead to long-term costs such as vehicle breakdowns, poor performance, safety risks, and lower resale value. In contrast, Hyundai Genuine Parts by Mobis India are engineered and certified by Hyundai Motor Group to meet original manufacturing standards, offering Safety, Quality, Reliability, Durability, and a Guaranteed Fit. Speaking about this campaign, Mr. Lee Myeong Jae, Head of After Sales Parts Business Division at Mobis India Limited, said, "At Mobis India, customer safety and trust are at the core of our values. With the launch of the 'Ask for Genuine, Ask for Hyundai Mobis' campaign, we aim to raise awareness among Hyundai car owners about the risk of using counterfeit parts and the long-term benefit of using only Hyundai Genuine Parts by Mobis India. These parts are tested to ensure optimal quality, durability, and a perfect fit. We strongly urge all the Hyundai car owners to verify their purchases to ensure peace of mind and reliable performance." Mobis India Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd. based in South Korea. Mobis India focuses on autonomous driving, connectivity and electrification to be a leader in the era of smart mobility. Based on three modular auto components (i.e. chassis, cockpit and front-end), we work to make driving safer and easier and also offer service parts that can best serve the purpose. Mobis India supplies After-sales parts and accessories, through a network of its own and Hyundai Authorized Dealers/Mobis Authorized Distributors across PAN India. Mobis India's strength in the After-Sales Parts business lies in the strong bond between its fully integrated (forward & backward) supply chain solutions, vendor base, Pan-India Dealers & Distributors Network and its end customers. With its global expertise, Mobis India has upgraded the Dealers & Distributors network to a highly efficient and sustainable network, with the aim to provide World-class Service quality to the Hyundai Customers. For further information, please visit hyundaimobisin.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) ROME (AP) Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Rome on Saturday against the war in Gaza in a protest called by Italy's main opposition parties, who accuse the right-wing government of being too silent. Protesters held a banner reading Stop the massacre, stop complicity! at the start of the march, which moved peacefully through the center of Rome amid a massive display of rainbow, Palestinian and political party flags. The protest attracted a diverse crowd from across the country, including many families with children. According to organizers, up to 300,000 people participated in the rally organized by the leftist opposition to ask the government for a clear position on the conflict in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an an enormous popular response to say enough to the massacre of Palestinians and the crimes of (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahus government, the leader of Italys center-left Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, told reporters at the march. There is another Italy that doesnt remain silent as the Meloni government does," she said, referring to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni was recently pushed by the opposition to publicly condemn Netanyahus offensive in Gaza, but many observers considered her criticism too timid. (The Italian government) is not reacting despite an abnormal massacre, despite an absolutely cruel and inappropriate reaction. The (Italian) government remains silent, said Nadin Unali, a Tunisian demonstrator at the march. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, the Italian premier urged Israel to immediately halt its military campaign in Gaza, saying its attacks had grown disproportionately and should be brought to an end to protect civilians. Israel faces mounting international criticism for its offensive and pressure to let aid into Gaza during a humanitarian crisis. Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for nearly three months, with experts warning that many of its 2 million residents are at high risk of famine. The war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 hostages. They are still holding 56 hostages, around a third of them believed to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Israel has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians in its military campaign, primarily women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its figures. ___ Associated Press journalists Paolo Lucariello and Francesco Sportelli contributed to this report. Three civilians were injured in a Russian drone attack on the Chuhuiv district of Kharkiv Oblast on 7 June 2025. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office on Telegram Details: The incident occurred at around 13:00 in the village of Staryi Saltiv. Preliminary reports indicate that a Lancet kamikaze drone struck the ground between a shop and a church, damaging several cars. The explosion injured two women, aged 46 and 52, and one man. The victims were taken to hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutors office has classified the incident as a war crime under Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. A pre-trial investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors and the police documenting the crimes committed by Russian forces. Background: On the night of 6-7 June 2025, Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Kharkiv using kamikaze drones, guided bombs and missiles, killing three people and injuring 22, including a one-and-a-half-month-old baby. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Pavel Polityuk (Reuters) -Ukraine denied Russian allegations on Saturday that it had indefinitely postponed prisoner swaps, accusing Moscow of "playing dirty games" after overnight Russian missile and bomb strikes on Kharkiv left three people dead and 22 injured. Later on Saturday, Russian aircraft carried out another bombing raid on Kharkiv, killing one civilian and injuring more than 40, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called "another brutal murder". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, Russian officials said a Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region wounded two people. At a second round of peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, the two sides agreed to swap more prisoners and return the bodies of 12,000 dead soldiers. However, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky said on Saturday Kyiv had unexpectedly postponed the exchanges indefinitely. This was denied by Andriy Kovalenko, an official with Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, who said Moscow should stop "playing dirty games" and return to constructive work. "Today's statements by the Russian side do not correspond to reality or to previous agreements on either the exchange of prisoners or the repatriation of bodies," he said on the Telegram app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overnight, Russian forces used high-precision long-range weapons and drones to attack military targets in Ukraine, hitting all of them, according to Russia's Defence Ministry. The northeastern city of Kharkiv, one of Ukraine's largest, is just a few dozen kilometres (miles) from the Russian border and has been under frequent Russian shelling during more than three years of war triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion. "Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war," Mayor Ihor Terekhov said in a post on Telegram earlier on Saturday. Residential buildings, educational and infrastructure facilities were attacked, he said, and photos showed buildings burnt and reduced partially to rubble, as rescuers carried the wounded away for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said there could still be people buried under the rubble after one civilian industrial facility was hit by 40 drones and several bombs. In the Moscow region, two people were injured after a drone attack by Ukraine overnight and on Friday, Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Telegram, with nine drones shot down. Russia's aviation watchdog said operations had resumed at the Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky airports in the Moscow region after being suspended temporarily for flight safety reasons. The Defence Ministry said that since midnight, air defence units had intercepted and destroyed 36 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, including the Moscow region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's air forces also shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet on Saturday morning, its military said without providing further details. Russian forces have not yet commented on the matter while Reuters could not independently verify the report. Zelenskiy said that Ukrainian forces recently destroyed three Iskander missile systems and damaged Russian military helicopters. "There have also been new blows to Russian military logistics and airfields. This helps our defence every complication for Russia is important for us," Zelenskiy said in his evening statement. A Ukrainian drone attack deep inside Russian territory last weekend likely damaged around 10% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet and hit some of the aircraft as they were being prepared for strikes on Ukraine, a senior German military official said in a YouTube podcast set for broadcast later on Saturday. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk. Writing by Bernadette Baum and Mark Potter. Editing by Mark Heinrich and Tomasz Janowski) The escalating war of words this week between President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk marked the most contentious chapter in a yearslong and at times rocky relationship between two of the most influential figures in business and politics. Musk, a former Democrat, has criticized Trump in the past, but over the past year forged a strong relationship with the president that positioned him to wield significant power in the early months of Trumps second administration. President Donald Trump greets Elon Musk as he arrives at a viewing of a SpaceX Starship rocket launch in Brownsville, Texas, on Nov. 19. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images file) Those close ties, though, came after years of ups and downs stretching back to 2016, when Musk accepted a spot on several of Trumps business advisory councils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some of the highlights of Trump and Musks volatile relationship from the past few years. July 2022: Musk suggests Trump should forgo White House bid Musk, who would ultimately emerge as one of the most loyal contributors to Trumps 2024 campaign, was initially a vocal opponent. Despite a solid working relationship with Trump during his first term, the tech leader called on Trump to skip the 2024 race. I dont hate the man, but its time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset, Musk wrote on X. Trump would be 82 at end of term, which is too old to be chief executive of anything, let alone the United States of America. The post was not without provocation: Days earlier at a campaign rally in Alaska, Trump bashed Musk for his effort to purchase X, then known as Twitter, and for saying in an interview that he never voted for a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told me he voted for me, Trump said at the rally. Hes another bulls--- artist. Musk in response threw his support behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. If DeSantis runs against Biden in 2024, then DeSantis will easily win he doesnt even need to campaign, he wrote on X. November 2022: Musk reinstates Trump's Twitter account Weeks after officially taking control of X, Musk extended an olive branch to Trump by reinstating his account on the social media platform once his favorite online megaphone after it was banned following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Musk reinstated the account on Nov. 19, four days after Trump formally launched his 2024 campaign. August 2023: Musk defends Trump as prosecutions pile up By the summer of 2023, Trump had been indicted in three separate criminal cases. Musk, who months earlier predicted Trump would win the 2024 election if arrested, condemned the prosecutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did not vote for him last election, but such aggressive legal action against a former president is not right, Musk wrote. The post marked a shift for Musk, who soon afterward began posting more sympathetic messages about Trump. March 2024: Trump, desperate for cash, meets Musk in Palm Beach In the first few months of 2024, Trumps campaign found itself in a cash crunch after allocating upward of $50 million toward his legal defense. So when Trump met with Musk alongside several other wealthy Republican donors in Palm Beach, Florida, most political observers were quick to connect the dots. Musk, the worlds richest man, has insisted that the meeting was unplanned and maintains that Trump never explicitly requested funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not paying his legal bills in any way, shape or form and he did not ask me for money, Musk said in an interview after the meeting, though he did say afterward that he was at least leaning away from President Joe Biden. When asked about their meeting, Trump said hed helped Musk in the past, without providing details. May 2024: Musk establishes a pro-Trump super PAC According to campaign finance documents, Musk created America PAC, a pro-Trump super PAC, on May 22. Soon afterward, reports emerged that Trump and Musk had discussed a possible advisory role for the Tesla CEO in a second Trump administration, an effort to ensure Musk would hold a key position in the White House. July 2024: Musk endorses Trump Less than an hour after an assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, Musk officially threw his support behind Trumps candidacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery, Musk wrote on X. Trump responded by touting reports that Musk planned to contribute $45 million a month to his re-election effort and promising to make life good for the businessman. We have to make life good for our smart people. You know, we have some smart people. We have to make life good for our smart people, and hes as smart as you get, Trump said at his first campaign event after the assassination attempt. August 2024: Trump and Musk hold campaign event on X In an event billed by Trumps campaign as the interview of the century, Trump joined Musk for an online rally on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was repeatedly delayed due to tech issues, but saw the pair bond over their shared disdain for Bidens immigration policies. It also saw Musk unsuccessfully try to prod Trump into prioritizing renewable energy over fossil fuels. October 2024: Musk joins Trump at Pennsylvania rally after spending millions When Trump returned to the site of the first assassination attempt, he shared the rally stage with Musk, who accused Democrats of seeking to take away voters freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. Musk emphatically encouraged Trump supporters to vote, vote, vote. By October, Musk had already given nearly $75 million to the super PAC he created to support Trump, according to campaign finance filings. That money was used in part to fund sprawling get-out-the-vote drives in battleground states, including door-knocking programs in deep-red, traditionally low-turnout areas. Elon Musk jumps as he joins President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., in October. (Jim Watson / AFP / Getty Images file) November 2024: Trump wins the election after Musk spends $250 million on the race Trumps striking victory, in which he won all seven battleground states and the popular vote for the first time, came as Musks spending for the effort surpassed a quarter billion dollars, according to campaign finance reports. Of that total, $120 million came in the final weeks of the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his election-night speech, Trump praised Musk, saying, A star is born. One week after the election, Trump appointed Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head up a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, fulfilling a campaign promise to allow Musk to oversee cuts to government spending. Ramaswamy later left to pursue a gubernatorial bid in Ohio. Toward the end of the month, Trump traveled to Texas to watch the launch of Musks SpaceX Starship rocket, despite previously ridiculing the company. January 2025: Musk speaks at Trump's inauguration rally Musk spoke at Trumps inauguration rally at Capital One Arena, emphatically lauding Trumps victory, jubilantly raising the prospect of taking DOGE to Mars and thanking the crowd for voting to guarantee the future of civilization is assured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My heart goes out to you, Musk said before forcefully touching his heart and raising his hand in a gesture some critics likened to a Nazi salute. Musk has denied that assertion. Among the first executive orders Trump signed on Jan. 20 was one that formalized the creation of the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. The White House officially announced Musks role in early February, clearing way for him to oversee a wide-ranging effort to reduce to the size of the federal government through mass job cuts, the cancellation of research programs and grants and the dismantling a federal agencies. March 2025: Trump publicly limits Musk's authority amid clashes with Cabinet In an early sign of tensions between Musk and several Cabinet members, Trump placed limits on his adviser, making clear in a Truth Social post that staffing decisions across the federal government will be determined by agency heads, not Musk. The Tesla CEO had been exercising authority over rank-and-file federal workers, including a threat to fire them if they didnt respond to inquiries regarding their work output. The new publicly established guardrails appeared to do little to hurt the pairs relationship, with Trump a week later turning the South Lawn of the White House into a Tesla showroom to demonstrate support for Musk amid slumping sales for his electric vehicle company. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump in a Tesla Model S vehicle on the South Lawn of the White House on March 11. (Samuel Corum / Bloomberg / Getty Images) May 2025: Musk exits the White House amid simmering tensions On the first day of May, Musk told reporters at the White House that he would soon step back from DOGE to focus on his companies, comparing the shift to going from full-time to part-time work. The announcement came after Tesla reported a drop in its first-quarter profit and revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of the month, Musks exit was formalized. The White House on May 28 confirmed that Musks tenure as a special government employee, a temporary role that he would soon legally have to exit anyway, had come to an end. Musk thanked Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending, and the president said at a news conference with Musk days later, Elons service to America has been without comparison in modern history. Trump presented Musk with a gold-colored key at the event. But underneath the polite exchanges hid simmering tension: Musk days earlier appeared on CBS Sunday Morning and bashed a massive Republican bill designed to fund much of Trumps domestic agenda, condemning the expected impact of the legislation on the national debt. Trump soon after pulled the nomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman, an associate of Musks, to be NASA administrator. June 2025: Tensions boil over and spill into public Days after formally departing the White House, Musk launched a scathing attack on the Trump-backed bill making its way through Congress. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore, Musk wrote in a post 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. Asked about those criticisms, Trump expressed disappointment. Elon knew the inner workings of this bill, Trump told reporters, before suggesting Musks opposition to the bill was personal. Elon is upset because we took the EV mandate, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles. Theyre having a hard time, the electric vehicles, and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy, Trump said. The attacks quickly grew more personal. Musk called out Trumps ingratitude, arguing that Republicans would have lost the 2024 election without his support. Trump in response said Musk went crazy after being asked to leave his White House role, and he toyed with the idea of severing government ties with Musks companies. Musk replied by claiming Trump was in what are known as the Epstein Files, and said Trumps tariff policy would cause a recession. He also amplified a post calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced by Vice President JD Vance. A day after the barrage of attacks, Trump told reporters hes no longer thinking of Musk. Honestly, Ive been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran, working on so many Im not thinking about Elon. You know, I just wish him well, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Immigration agents arrested 12 employees at a Marietta nail salon on Wednesday, forcing the business to close. The Luxx Nail Lounge on Chastain Meadows Parkway is now locked up and closed. Channel 2s Bryan Mims spoke with the regional special agent in charge of Homeland Security investigations, Steve Shrank, on Friday, who said agents are making about a hundred arrests every day in the Atlanta region alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video showed agents leading 12 employees out of Luxx Nail Lounge on Wednesday. Except for one employee, that was the whole staff on duty. This business rode on that illegal labor force. As you can see, they are closed today because they have no employees to do that work, Shrank said. He told Mims that his agents have been considerably busier since President Donald Trump took office. TRENDING STORIES: Over the past few years, weve had significant restrictions on enforcing immigration activity. All of our enforcement efforts had to be focused on certain priority areas. But we have broadly opened the aperture, Shrank said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has clamped down on undocumented immigrants, signing an executive order to expedite their removal. Shrank said his agencys priority is to apprehend those who threaten public safety. But he said that when his investigators learn of those who overstay their visas or who illegally cross the border, they will take action. It is our job, outside of politics, outside of the administration, to enforce the laws of the United States, and were going to do that, Shrank said. Its unclear whether the owners of Luxx Nail Lounge will face penalties, but Shrank said any employer knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants could be charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said employers will be held accountable for hiring people who are not allowed to work in the U.S. As for what led to the investigation into the salon, Shrank said they got a tip. They looked into it and took action. Heres a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 7, according to the Tribunes archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) High temperature: 100 degrees (1933) Low temperature: 44 degrees (1913) Precipitation: 2.29 inches (1916) Snowfall: Trace (1906) 1917: Lions International was founded at the LaSalle Hotel. Members of 42 business clubs assembled there at the invitation of Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago salesman. Jones sought to create an international association dedicated to service beyond what the individual organizations were doing locally in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the Association of Lions Clubs. Jones approved of the name since it stood for fidelity through the ages; he has only one mate. Within three years, Lions became an international organization. 1942: Stanley Johnston was an Australian American journalist who, as a correspondent during World War II, wrote a story for the Tribune that inadvertently revealed the extent of American code-breaking activities against the Imperial Japanese Navy, or IJN. The story resulted in efforts by the United States government to prosecute Johnston and other Tribune journalists, an effort what remains the only time the Espionage Act was used against journalists in the United States. 1976: Five people were injured two seriously after bombs planted by the FALN (a Spanish acronym for the Armed Forces of National Liberation) went off about 11 p.m. at Chicago police headquarters at 11th and State streets, the First National Bank at Dearborn and Madison streets, the John Hancock Center and a bank across from City Hall. The victims had just emerged from Sherlock Holmes at the Shubert Theater. Further injuries were avoided during a shift change at the police station, the Tribune reported, through the actions of an officer who noticed a suspicious package after hearing reports of the other blasts and helped clear the area. A history of bomb attacks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next four years, the FALN carried out 16 more bombings, including at a Holiday Inn, the Merchandise Mart, two armed forces recruiting offices, the County Building and the Great Lakes Naval training base outside North Chicago. Nobody was injured in any of those overnight attacks. Also in 1976: The Great Ape House, which included six indoor habitats and a nursery plus an outdoor habitat, opened at Lincoln Park Zoo. The biggest improvement: no bars between animals and people. Just large, glass windows. And, it rained at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to replicate the apes natural environment and keep foliage in the habitat watered. The moving of animals from the old Primate House to the new Great Ape House was recorded by filmmaker Dugan Rosalini, who compiled the footage into the one-hour documentary Otto: Zoo Gorilla. This project and the zoos hospital were part of the zoos $20 million building project, which was completed in 1982. Want more vintage Chicago? Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicagos past. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com On June 7, 1911, the name H.W. Ross appeared for just the second day in a row of a short stint as managing editor of the Marysville Appeal. Not only was one of the youngest editors of the Marysville Appeal. He was one of the most famous privates of World War I. And he created one of the world's most enduring magazines after convincing a poker buddy, whose family made a fortune in yeast, that it would be a good investment. Harold Ross, or H.W. Ross as he was known in his one and only byline story in Marysville, was the founder and first editor of The New Yorker magazine, a weekly periodical published continuously since 1925, and considered one of the top political and literary magazines in the world. Even today, it remains one of the rare magazines that earns more from subscriptions than advertising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A native of Aspen, Colorado, who left home at an early age, Harold Ross, then 18, convinced 62-year-old Marysville Appeal editor John H. Miller, to hire him in early 1911. Although Ross would later work for newspapers in San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Pasadena, Panama, New Orleans, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and Hoboken, New Jersey, one of his most significant assignments turned out to be his first, at the Marysville Appeal, according to Thomas Kunkel, author of "Genius in Disguise: Harold Ross of The New Yorker." In his biography of Ross, Kunkel begins chapter 2, entitled "Tramp"Ross was among the last of the tramp journalists who roamed from newspaper to newspaper and whose numbers included Mark Twain and Bret Hartewith this story: "On a clear Sunday morning in March 1911, some three dozen anxious people crowded onto a smallish gasoline-powered freighter, the Sioux, which was docked on the Feather River in tiny Nicolaus, California, just north of Sacramento. The short trip they were about to make, upriver to Marysville, would take only a few hours, but there was a great deal more at stake than a diverting excursion. The passengers were rivermen, engineers, business leaders, the merely curious, and a handful of newspaper reporters. Representing the Marysville Appeal was H.W. Ross, as his byline had it, a gangly, gawky man-child of eighteen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Marysville had a problem: it was a river town whose river had silted up, useless, from years of unrestrained hydraulic mining. This had the effect of marooning Marysville from Sacramento (and therefore San Francisco), and put its future directly into the unwelcome hands of the railroads. With the mining finally shut down, there was new cause to think the Feather might again accommodate big steamers, but it all depended on whether the Siouxwhich, though small, had a deep draftcould make it all the way upriver without getting stuck. As Ross summed it up in the Appeal two days later, 'The renavigating of the Feather is one of the most important moves in the history of Marysvilleprobably the most importantWhen boats are again running shippers will not be at the mercy of the railroads.' And beyond the obvious business ramifications, Ross reminded his readers, there were 'unbounded' social possibilities: 'The excursion of the future will not be made in a small launch with a dozen or so passengers, nor in a fifty-or sixty-foot pleasure craftbut it will be possible for excursion boats carrying hundreds of passengers to ply between this city and Sacramentoyes, even to {San Francisco] bay.' "The news that day, as duly reported by H.W. Ross, was good: the Sioux had been unimpeded. The Appeal signaled the importance of the story not only in big headlines and top-of-the-page treatment, but by attaching Ross's byline to it. At this time in American journalism, a bylinethe writer's name at the beginning of a storywas rare, for the most part reserved for articles of real significance or distinction. This is just one of the reasons it is difficult to follow the zigzag, vaporous trajectory of Ross's newspaper career." Miller took a strong liking to his young reporter, and taught him the newspaper arts. "Ross, for his part, was a quick study. He had to be, merely to survive the grueling regimen. The Appeal published six days a week, eight pages a day. Since it specialized in local news (said one headline: 'Beggars Have Come To Town') and competed with the evening paper for readers, exhausting hours were required to report and write enough material to mill that maw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Five weeks after Ross wrote that story, Miller took ill. He was hospitalized in Sacramento but died on May 31. Out of respect (if not out of printer's inertia), Miller's name remained on the newspaper's masthead until June 3. Then, on June 6, it is replaced with this: 'H.W. Ross, Editor.' Still learning the finer points of eluding railroad Pinkertons and scarcely old enough to shave, Ross suddenly found himself in charge of a daily newspaper. Almost certainly he gave himself the battlefield promotion, but he had little choice: when Miller died, the Appeal's owner, Colonel E.A. Forbes, adjutant general of the state of California, was traveling on military business. At the time it all must have been a little terrifying, but two decades later Ross recalled the episode with the newspaperman's sangfroid: 'Someone had to edit the paper. The only part I couldn't do was write the editorialswe got a man for that and I did the rest.'" Two months later, Ross's name disappeared from the mast without explanation. Whether he was fired or just moved on, we'll never know. In 1917, Ross was in the military as World War I erupted. His newspaper skills landed him a position with a brand new adventure: the military wanted a publication that spoke to the soldiers. During his time as as a contributor, and ultimately an editor of the brand new Stars and Stripes newspaper, Ross passed up every opportunity for a promotion and met several of the writers, including his first wife, who would later be critical to the successful launch of The New Yorker. He was praised by the military brass and President Wilson for his contributions. In New York, he launched a magazine called Home Front modeled on Stars and Stripes, and was editor of two other magazines, before he convinced Raoul Flesichman, whose family had gotten reach selling yeast, to go in with him on creating a new magazine focuses on life in New York, in 1925. The magazine struggled, but survived, during the Depression, but it came of age during and after World War II. The magazine is known for its cartoonish covers and brilliant writing and editing, a tradition started by a man who cut his teeth writing about, and editing stories about, activities on, and around, the Feather River. Shaare Zedek Medical Center gets permission to double its capacity with a new facility and integration with Kfar Shaul Mental Health Center. The competition for patients and prestige between Hadassah-University Medical Centers and Shaare Zedek Medical Center has been an ongoing rivalry for decades. But the race is no longer really necessary, as both medical facilities are brimming with patients as the surrounding population grows. To meet the burgeoning health demands, the government has decided to expand the existing medical centers and dismissed plans to construct any new general hospitals in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end, Shaare Zedek has received permission from the state to double its capacity, with a 20-story tower to be built over its existing outdoor parking lot; Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem has been busily refurbishing its original round building. On its two campuses, Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus, Hadassahs medical centers have more than 1,300 beds, 31 operating rooms, and nine special intensive care units, in addition to the five schools for medical professions. Shaare Zedek is the largest multidisciplinary medical center in the city, offering advanced services in a wide array of specialties, treating over a million patients annually in its 30 inpatient departments and 70 outpatient clinics and units. Its obstetrics department delivers 21,000 babies annually, making it the busiest in the world. Margolin Bros. project at Shaare Zedek Medical Center (photo credit: EYAL TAGAR) You cant fit a pin in all the hospitals, said Prof. Jonathan Halevy, Shaare Zedeks president, implying that these medical institutions are running at full capacity. How will Shaare Zedek expand? The new building will cover 120,000 square meters and will cost about NIS 2.5 billion, added Halevy, who served as Shaare Zedeks director-general from 1988, when there were 300 beds, to over 1,000 in 2019. We are working hard to raise money from donations, but the government has committed itself to match funds, perhaps close to 50% of what we raise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, it was decided that Shaare Zedek would integrate the Kfar Shaul Mental Health Center into its facilities. The public psychiatric hospital was established in 1951 between the Givat Shaul and Har Nof neighborhoods, on the grounds of the former Deir Yassin Arab village. Kfar Shaul could have been taken over by the nearby Herzog Medical Center, a psychiatric, chronic care, and rehabilitation facility. Dr. Yaalov Haviv, director-general of Herzog, commented that he would have been happy to have incorporated Kfar Shaul into his medical institution. However, the government now has a policy of integrating psychiatric institutions with general hospitals. THE SHAARE ZEDEK tower, which will not obstruct Bayit Vagan residents view, will be built in two phases. The first will open in about six and a half years, with the lowest nine stories functional. The facade of the whole tower will be built, and the 11 upper floors will function several years later. A helicopter pad on the roof will receive emergency patients. Halevy noted that the current departments, which already offer all medical services, will be expanded and upgraded with the new tower. We will have an entirely new emergency department with all the newest equipment. We expect we will deliver 30,000 babies a year when the building is complete, he predicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaare Zedek will be one of the three largest medical centers in Israel quite a long way for the 20-bed hospital that opened at the western entrance to the city in 1902. Although there is currently a significant shortage of physicians and nurses in Israel, Halevy said they will be replaced as new physicians will graduate and specialize. The decision to allow colleges, and not just universities, to open nursing schools will also increase the pool of nurses. Halevy is in a position to know: He was the chairman of the team of the Planning and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education, which examined the readiness of three new medical schools: Reichman University, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and the University of Haifa. THE GOVERNMENTS decision to approve the tower was announced, appropriately, on Jerusalem Day by Health Minister Uriel Busso and Jerusalem Affairs and Jerusalem Affairs Minister Meir Porush. They said the step is being taken to strengthen the hospitalization system and ensure that physical and mental treatment will be provided at the same hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision is a major milestone in the development of the medical center, which is a central medical anchor for Jerusalem and the entire central region, Shaare Zedek director-general Prof. Ofer Merin told In Jerusalem. The doubling of capacity will significantly improve the quality of treatment and provide advanced and humane medicine to hundreds of thousands of additional patients from Jerusalem and all over the country. Physical and psychological health are linked. One affects the other. Today, we have only ambulatory psychiatry care, but with the new tower we will have inpatient beds as well, he said. The population of Jerusalem is expected to double by 2045, so if medical centers in the capital dont expand, many patients will not be treated. We thought of building the tower about five years ago. People live longer, and that means they need more medical treatment. We also perform surgery and other treatments on people in their 90s that [we] were fearful of doing before. Bosso said that the tower will serve as a lever to improve medical services for the citys residents and strengthen the health infrastructure in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porush added: This significant decision reflects the strategic importance of Jerusalem in the areas of health and services for residents. It is very good news for the millions of residents of greater Jerusalem; it will improve the quality of life here and deepen health equity in Israel. Sign up for the Health & Wellness newsletter >> VMPL New Delhi [India], June 7: In a significant step toward strengthening international space-tech partnerships, Vaanam Space-Tech Accelerator, in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Puducherry and Chennai, recently hosted a dynamic Indo-French space-tech networking evening in Chennai. The event united a visiting delegation of top French space companies with several emerging space startups from Tamil Nadu, all actively driving innovation in the space sector. The session commenced with an introduction to Vaanam's work, highlighting its efforts in identifying, nurturing, and scaling deep-tech startups within the space ecosystem. Vaanam's efforts were recognized as a crucial link in connecting startups with mentors, operational support, and global stakeholders. Scientific & Academic Attache (Chennai), Consulat general de France a Pondichery Mr. L. Hugues Asso, in his opening remarks, emphasized the strong and evolving relationship between India and France in space cooperation: "The space sector has been a key pillar of long-standing Franco-Indian cooperation. Today, we are working to build on this legacy in the context of the emerging 'New Space' movement. To this end, we are facilitating connections between companies at the forefront of innovation in our two countries, as well as 'Academy-Industry' synergies through student mobility and training, and scientific and academic cooperation in the aerospace field. The creation of the new position of Scientific and Academic Attache in Chennai is a testament to this commitment. I was therefore very pleased to participate for the first time in the stimulating discussions and meetings with key French and Indian stakeholders during the second edition of French Space Days in Chennai." The event featured a powerful panel conversation between Dr. Nambi Narayanan, Padma Bhushan awardee and former ISRO scientist; Mr. Sameer Bharat Ram, Founder of Vaanam Space-tech Accelerator; and Mr. Gautier Champion, Deputy General Manager, CNES Liaison Office India. The panel explored the role of France in Dr. Narayanan's early career, the legacy of Indo-French collaboration, and the immense opportunity presented by private space ventures today. "Vaanam aims to empower young space tech founders by connecting them with mentors and key organisations to gain knowledge and access vital resources," said Mr. Sabarisan Vedamurthy, Mentor at Vaanam Space-tech Accelerator. "I'm delighted that this initiative -- the 'Indo-French Space Tech Meet' -- has brought together promising Indian startups and leading French space stakeholders, in the esteemed presence of Padma Bhushan Shri Nambi Narayanan. We are committed to continuing such forums to foster global collaboration and innovation for young Indian startup founders." "India and France have shared a long-standing relationship in the space sector. The potential today is even greater, especially with the rise of private space initiatives and startups. I believe this is just the beginning of a deeper and more dynamic partnership that will benefit both nations," shared Dr. Nambi Narayanan during the panel. Prominent French companies such as Transvalor, Coriolis Composites, Plug In, TimeLink, and GIFAS, among others, participated in the dialogue, exploring synergies and partnership models with Indian startups. "It was a really good event, where we had the chance to discover growing startups from the New Space of India. Thanks to the discussions, we understood better the needs of the market and created links to potentially collaborate with the Indian space industry," said Alban, Sales and Marketing Manager at Transvalor. From the Indian side, early-stage space-tech companies based in Tamil Nadu were enthusiastic about the exchange. "It was an honor for us to engage with pioneering French companies and fellow space startups at the event. Collaborations like these are vital to building a globally integrated space ecosystem. This initiative is a strong step toward positioning Tamil Nadu as the next emerging space hub, and we're excited about the possibilities ahead," said Naveen, Co-Founder of Cosmicport. "It was an awesome event -- the first of its kind in Chennai. It's exciting to see a new platform emerging for local space talent," added Rifath, Co-Founder and CEO of Catalyx. The event concluded with a high-energy networking reception, paving the way for formal engagements, potential joint projects, and deeper cooperation in technology development and knowledge transfer. The gathering set the tone for continued Indo-French collaboration in building a globally connected space-tech ecosystem. About Vaanam Space-Tech Accelerator Vaanam, being a sector-focused accelerator dedicated to space technology, works to scout, support, and scale startups operating across the space value chain--from satellite technology and propulsion systems to data applications and downstream services. Through mentorship, program support, and industry linkages, Vaanam is fostering the growth and development of India's deep-tech space startups, laying a strong foundation for future innovation. (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) Have you heard that taking a short walk after dinner can help with digestion? Apparently, this tradition is not exclusive to humans. Scientists caught a keystone species taking an evening walk to flatulate. "The beaver breaking wind gave the team a good giggle in the office and has continued to do so ever since," Lauren Jasper, beaver officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, told BBC's Discover Wildlife. The scientists' important work included setting up trail cameras to learn about the beaver population in the area. Beavers are a keystone species, which means that their contribution to the ecosystem is great enough to disrupt the food chain if removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trail cameras are powerful tools to help experts gauge population, behaviors, and overall health. Especially when it comes to endangered and keystone species, this research can make a massive difference in the health of a larger ecosystem. In England, beavers were hunted to extinction over 400 years ago. Many efforts across the country have been made to restore the biodiversity that beavers encourage. "When you bring beavers back, other wildlife follows," Cheryl Marriott, director of nature & people at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, told Discover Wildlife. Since reintroducing just two beavers to a wooded acreage with a stream in Cornwall in 2017, they have built eight new dams. Along with the dams came new ponds, which are now home to double the number of brown trout, 11 species of bats, 10 new species of birds recorded for the first time ever, 17 species of dragonflies, three species of mammals recorded for the first time ever, three new streams and 1,790 new square meters (1,927 square feet) of water surface, according to the Cornwall Beaver Project. Beavers are master architects of rich biodiversity, even if they are a little smelly. "There is actually a good reason for this activity," Jasper said of the farting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The beaver might have been scent marking they produce an oily substance from a gland near their tail to mark territory," reported Melissa Hobson for Discover Wildlife. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A rare Tien Shan brown bear has been spotted in Kazakhstan's Kolsai Lakes National Park, thanks to a motion-activated trail camera, according to El.kz. A hopeful sign for conservation and local communities alike. These endangered bears, a subspecies of the Himalayan brown bear, are notoriously elusive. However, sightings like this one provide critical insight for park officials tracking population health and species behavior, and they help underscore that smart conservation can restore balance to fragile ecosystems. Photo Credit: CAMCA Once nearly all driven out of the region, the Tien Shan bear population in Kazakhstan has steadily rebounded, climbing from fewer than 260 bears in 1999 to over 550 by 2015. That growth has been made possible partly by declining human activity in remote areas; as small villages emptied, bears regained access to key food sources such as wild fruit and nuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in neighboring countries such as Tajikistan, where warming climates have increased bear-human conflicts, Kazakhstan's approach has helped protect communities and reduce pressure on local agriculture and livestock, according to the CAMCA project. With continued management, experts hope this recovery can serve as a model for other regions where changing climates are driving more wildlife into human spaces. Brown bears aren't just honey-loving hibernators, they're ecosystem engineers. As apex predators, they help regulate other species' populations and clean up natural waste. Their scat even helps fertilize forests. A single bear dropping can contain thousands of seeds, which rodents later spread even further. This promotes healthy reforestation, improves biodiversity, and enhances climate resilience for everyone. Remote cameras like the one that caught this recent bear are proving to be essential tools in conservation. According to Kolsai National Park staff, they're helping track population trends, monitor species' movements, and assess the overall health of these alpine ecosystems. Efforts like these echo similar recovery stories from across the globe, from Oregon's gray wolves to Portugal and Spain's Iberian lynx. As we've seen again and again, protecting one critical species can bring entire habitats and nearby communities back to life. 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. Jun. 71/17 Swipe or click to see more The Campbell House (Submitted photo) 2/17 Swipe or click to see more A crowd bows their heads in prayer at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at the Campbell House in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 3/17 Swipe or click to see more Dr. Andrew Feight, director of research and outreach for the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative at Shawnee State University, at the unveiling of an historic marker at the Campbell House in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4/17 Swipe or click to see more Nicole Cox, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society, unveils an Appalachian Freedom Initiative marker at the Campbell House in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 5/17 Swipe or click to see more Marty Conley, director of commerce and tourism for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at the Campbell House in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 6/17 Swipe or click to see more Susan Taylor sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the unveiling at the Campbell House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7/17 Swipe or click to see more An Appalachian Freedom Heritage historic marker was unveiled on Wednesday at the Campbell House in Ironton. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 8/17 Swipe or click to see more Quinn Chapel AME (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 9/17 Swipe or click to see more Kristen Martin and Susan Taylor sing at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 10/17 Swipe or click to see more Marty Conley, director of commerce and tourism for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the unveiling. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11/17 Swipe or click to see more A crowd gathers at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 12/17 Swipe or click to see more The Rev. LaCreta Rutledge Clark, presiding elder of the Cincinnati District, gives the invocation and sings the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 13/17 Swipe or click to see more A crowd, including Lawrence County Economic Development executive director Bill Dingus, bows their heads in prayer. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 14/17 Swipe or click to see more Chris Saunders, local historian, watches the unveiling. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 15/17 Swipe or click to see more Ironton Mayor Samuel Cramblit II speaks at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) 16/17 Swipe or click to see more Nicole Cox, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society, shakes hands with Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, presiding prelate of the Third Episcopal District, at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 17/17 Swipe or click to see more An Appalachian Freedom Heritage historic marker was unveiled on Wednesday at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton. (The Ironton Tribune Heath Harrison) Appalachian Freedom Heritage markers unveiled in Ironton Two dedication ceremonies took place on Wednesday in Ironton, as Appalachian Freedom Heritage markers were unveiled at Quinn Chapel AME and the Campbell House. The markers, which document the history of the Underground Railroad in the region, "span nine counties across three states," Marty Conley, tourism director for the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a Tri-State effort in the truest sense," he said, noting that, altogether, there will be 27 markers placed across Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. "It reflects what we achieve we come together." The sites are being added the National Park Service's Network to Freedom, and were paid for through a POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The 27 markers in the Tri-State will comprise the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tour, designed to preserve historically significant locations and promote economic development through cultural tourism in the Appalachian region. The first ceremony took place at the Campbell House, located at 305 N. Fifth St., which currently serves as the home of the Ironton Lawrence County Community Organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The home was built in 1850 by John Campbell, an abolitionist and the founder of Ironton, and his wife, Elizabeth. Dr. Andrew Feight, of Shawnee State University, the director of Research and Outreach for the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative, said Campbell's work opposing slavery began in the 1850, and intensified on his move to Ironton in 1851. The home served as a station on the Underground Railroad, providing shelter those escaping slavery in Kentucky and Virginia (now West Virginia) to the Hanging Rock district of Ohio, where some settled and others followed a network north to Canada. "People risked everything for lives and freedom and stood on side of justice," Conley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironton Municipal Judge Kevin Waldo led the Pledge of Allegiance in character as Campbell and introducing Susan Taylor, who sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." The marker at the Campbell House, as well as the one at Quinn Chapel, was unveiled by Nicole Cox, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society. Dozens turned out for both ceremonies, with the larger of the two taking place at Quinn Chapel, located on South Eighth Street, where speakers included the Rev. LaCreta Rutledge Clark, the presiding elder of the Cincinnati District and Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, the presiding prelate of the Third Episcopal District. Also speaking was local historian Chris Saunders, who Conley praised for his extensive research on the Underground Railroad in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He has uncovered so many stories," Conley said. The history of Quinn Chapel began in 1856, when it was founded as African Methodist Church of Ironton by Retta and Gabe N. Johnson. The first and oldest Black church in Ironton, it also served as a stop for those escaping slavery and making their way through Ohio. The current church building was constructed in 1909 and served the congregation until 2024, when it closed, concluding its 150 active years of history. The Campbells and those at Quinn Chapel were part of a larger network of abolitionists throughout the region, Wicker said, using a piano as a metaphor for the effort. "And it takes black and white keys to make beautiful music," he said. "We are here today because of a group of courageous people." Further unveilings are planned for coming months, such one on Aug. 14, in Greenup, Kentucky, marking a site where 58 enslaved people revolted in 1829, during a forced march to Mississippi. Sixteen of the group escaped, but were later recaptured. Portsmouth is receiving two markers, with one at Pleasant Green Baptist Church, the city's oldest active Black Baptist congregation. It was founded by formerly enslaved individuals and allies and also has deep connections to Underground Railroad history. The second will be at Allen Chapel AME Church, a historic African American church with roots tracing back to the pre-Civil War era. The church's members, including John J. Minor and his wife, Martha Minor, Joseph Love, John Q. Weaver and his wife, Mary Weaver, actively participated in the Underground Railroad. Conley said the hope is that the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tour will serve as "educational trail and moral compass." "These are trailheads of remembrance," he said. "Future generations can learn from the past and be inspired by it. We want to make sure the history that happened here is never forgotten." He said they hope to "tell the full story of our region and the legacy of the Underground Railroad for future generations." "This is not the end, but the beginning of a larger story that we are proudly preserving and sharing with the world," he said. For more information, visit www. appalachianfreedom.com. You Might Like News Withrow chosen for council seat News IPD Allison promoted to sergeant News Area students named to OU's Spring 2025 President's List News DeWine, mental health leaders unveil 988 license plate The UK's only judge to ever publicly say they are transgender has told the BBC she is concerned the Supreme Court's ruling on biological sex puts lives at risk and fears "someone's going to get killed" because of it. Dr Victoria McCloud is planning to take the government to the European Court of Human Rights over the April ruling, which said a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. That led to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issuing new interim guidance to services and businesses on access to public facilities, such as toilets and changing rooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maya Forstater, of campaign group Sex Matters, said Dr McCloud's comments were "alarmism". Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg on Newscast, the BBC's daily news podcast, Dr McCloud said: "This incident is putting lives at risk. I can't go out to the pub now, for example. It might not be the be all and end all of life but I am a lawyer. "I've got to use the men's loos in a south London pub with a bunch of blokes who are drunk. I mean, come on. That's now government policy. Someone's going to get killed." Dr McCloud said she agreed with an argument put forward by "the gender critical ideological movement" that it is "risky" or "at least rather intimidating" to have a space designated for women, such as a changing room, that is occupied by men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But that applies to me too," she added. "That danger is all the more if it is not going to be me and a bunch of women and one man, instead it's me - one woman - in an entirely male space in a drunk pub. "That's absolutely clearly dangerous." Ms Forstater said: "Women have already been assaulted and many, many are self-excluding because of the policy Dr McCloud endorses of allowing men to self-identify into women's toilets, showers and changing rooms. "Where's the concern for the female half of the population who need privacy, safety and dignity? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If McCloud isn't comfortable using male-only spaces, then there are usually gender-neutral options available. This is irresponsible alarmism." In the wake of the unanimous Supreme Court judgement, Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson, speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme in April, stopped short of explicitly saying trans women should use the men's toilets. She said: "The ruling was clear that provisions and services should be accessed on the basis of biological sex." Pushed further for clarification on whether a trans woman should use the men's or women's toilets, she repeated: "The ruling is clear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EHRC has already suggested trans people should use their "powers of advocacy" to campaign for so-called third spaces that are gender-neutral to avoid these sorts of dilemmas. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in April the ruling gave "much-needed clarity" for those drawing up guidance. "We need to move and make sure that we now ensure that all guidance is in the right place according to that judgement. "A woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear." Dr McCloud moved to Ireland after leaving her job as a judge last year and says she visits the UK only on essential trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she is going to challenge the Supreme Court judgement at the ECHR, arguing the court did not hear from trans people before its ruling, and therefore breached her human rights. The Supreme Court did consider arguments on trans issues from the human rights campaign group Amnesty International, but not from exclusively trans activists. MANSFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) State polices Troop C in Mansfield is searching for the suspect who stole a handful of merchandise from a clothing store on Tuesday evening. 2 arrested for allegedly stealing $500 worth of merchandise from Target in South Windsor Just before 6:30 p.m. at the Old Navy located on 95 Storrs Road, a woman left the store with items she did not pay for. Before state police arrived, the female suspect left the store in a black Honda Accord with a Florida license plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information must contact Trooper Martinez at 860-896-3200, ext. 8054. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Trump celebrated a big win Friday as a federal appeals court ruled that his administration can ban the Associated Press from entering the Oval Office and other restricted areas amid its ongoing legal spat with the outlet over the Gulf of America. The White House can now restrict the wire service from the Oval Office, Mar-a-Lago and Air Force One, per a split 2-1 ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Big WIN over AP today, Trump posted on Truth Social. President Trump celebrated a court victory over the Associated Press on Friday. ZUMAPRESS.com The media organization has refused to refer to the Gulf of America in its widely used Stylebook. REUTERS They refused to state the facts or the Truth on the GULF OF AMERICA. FAKE NEWS!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court ruled Friday that certain White House spaces arent open to the public or large press pools effectively giving officials the power to decide which journalists and outlets get access, CNN reported. The decision comes after a lower court judge blocked the administration from restricting the AP from privileged areas where the press is typically allowed. The court has allowed the Trump administration to bar the AP from certain spaces. AP We are disappointed in the courts decision and are reviewing our options, a spokesperson for the Associated Press told the outlet. The legal dispute erupted in February when the White House barred the outlet from the Oval Office in response to the agencys refusal to update its style guide to reflect Trumps executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AP, which manages the medias go-to style guide Associated Press Stylebook, argued the large ocean basin has been called the Gulf of Mexico for more than 400 years and other international groups have not acknowledged the change. VICTORY! As weve said all along, the Associated Press is not guaranteed special access to cover President Trump in the Oval Office, aboard Air Force One, and in other sensitive locations, White House press secretary Karoline Levitt posted to X following the ruling. Thousands of other journalists have never been afforded the opportunity to cover the President in these privileged spaces. Moving forward, we will continue to expand access to new media so that more people can cover the most transparent President in American history rather than just the failing legacy media. And by the way @AP, its still the Gulf of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of reporters have a so-called hard pass which allows access to the White House briefing room and press working area. A second, more limited group of journalists referred to as the pool is granted access to more intimate or restricted events with greater opportunity to ask the president face-to-face questions. The pool used to be decided by the White House Correspondents Association, until the Trump administration took it over to hand-pick which journalists they could add to or remove from the pool. The AP previously had access to the presidents limited events every day alongside fellow wires Reuters and Bloomberg. Now only one wire service is allowed in the pool each day. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the federal government will win its case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran immigrant who has returned to the United States for criminal prosecution after being mistakenly deported and sent to a maximum security prison in El Salvador. It should be a very easy case, Trump told NBC News on Saturday. The president also said it wasnt his decision to bring back Abrego Garcia, who lived in Maryland with his American citizen wife and children prior to his arrest in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, said Trump, the Department of Justice decided to do it that way, and thats fine. Donald Trump holds a document with notes about Kilmar Abrego Garcia as he speaks with reporters in the White House on April 18. AP Photo/Alex Brandon Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday that Abrego Garcia had landed back in the U.S., months after he was sent to the notorious CECOT facility in what the Trump administration called an administrative error. The Justice Department brought Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. only to prosecute him on charges related to alleged involvement in a human smuggling operation that transported people in the country illegally. The indictment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. AP Photo/Jon Elswick His attorneys said the charges were baseless and that there was no way a jury would be convinced of his guilt, per the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the admission that deporting Abrego Garcia was a mistake, the Trump administration defended the action, repeatedly characterizing Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 gang member something his lawyers and wife have denied. Related... PNN New Delhi [India], June 7: In a year where placement challenges have cast shadows over many reputed institutions, Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Jhanjeri, Mohali has not only weathered the storm--it has surged ahead, redefining what success looks like in higher education. As national trends reflect an overall decline in placement outcomes across numerous engineering and management colleges, CGC Mohali (Jhanjeri) has delivered a placement season that's nothing short of phenomenal. The institution's 2025 placement statistics are not just better--they're benchmark-setting. Compared to its already impressive performance in 2024, CGC Mohali (Jhanjeri) has demonstrated exponential growth. The highest package offered catapulted from Rs45.5 LPA to an astounding Rs1 Crore, signalling unprecedented industry confidence in the talent CGC Mohali (Jhanjeri) nurtures. The average package also experienced a substantial leap, rising to Rs6.34 LPA--a reflection of CGC Mohali's growing relevance in today's competitive job market. Total job offers more than doubled, shooting up from 872 to a staggering 1,960. This explosive increase showcases CGC Mohali's ability to create opportunities for a wider student base. The recruiter base also expanded significantly, jumping from more than 650 to over 1,133 companies. These weren't just numbers; they included some of the world's most recognisable names--Microsoft, Amazon, Servicenow, Infosys, Deloitte, Capgemini, HCL, and many more. Equally remarkable was the growth in internship opportunities. The highest stipend offered tripled, rising from Rs0.5 LPA in 2024 to Rs1.5 LPA in 2025, proving that CGC Mohali's commitment to real-world, experiential learning is resonating with industry leaders. While many private institutions saw a slump in placements due to economic shifts and global market corrections, CGC Mohali (Jhanjeri) bucked the trend with an 18% growth in overall placements. This stands in sharp contrast to reports from other top-tier colleges where placement rates dipped. CGC Mohali's forward-thinking approach, emphasis on emerging technologies, and hands-on training modules clearly set it apart. This exceptional rise is no accident. It is the result of focused strategies, industry-aligned curricula, dynamic leadership, and a strong ecosystem of mentorship, innovation, and student-centric support. CGC Mohali's flourishing Department of Career Planning and Development continues to be a cornerstone of this success--providing students with rigorous training, aptitude development, and soft skills enhancement that go beyond textbooks. As CGC Mohali (Jhanjeri) looks ahead, it does so with a renewed commitment: to not only continue this momentum but to push boundaries further. From pioneering research programs in AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Science to a robust network of global academic partnerships, CGC Mohali (Jhanjeri) is building a future where its graduates don't just fit into industries--they lead them. In 2025, CGC Mohali ( Jhanjeri) didn't just raise the bar--it redefined it. (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) This week, president Donald Trump and Elon Musk's bad blood burst into public view but apparently, it had been brewing behind the scenes for some time. In a massive expose looking behind the curtain of the year's biggest breakup, the New York Times revealed that the pair was already squabbling immediately after Musk's now-infamous farewell party yes, the one that Musk showed up to with a mysterious black eye and a bizarre excuse. According to White House insiders who requested that the NYT keep them anonymous, Trump learned just ahead of Musk's now-infamous final Oval Office meeting last week that aviator Jared Isaacman, the billionaire's pick to lead NASA, had in recent years been a big-time donor to Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though many donations are public and easily accessible on databases like OpenSecrets, the information in that file was apparently news to the president. After playing nice during Musk's televised farewell, Trump apparently made his displeasure with the situation known. During the confrontation, Trump read the names out loud which names, we don't know, because the NYT didn't reveal them while reportingly shaking his head. This wasn't good, he told Musk. Attempting to defend his pick, Musk insisted that Isaacman's donations could be spun positively as proof that Trump, himself a former registered Democrat, was willing to hire people from different political backgrounds. The president, however, wasn't buying it, and suggested it showed only that the well-heeled SpaceX customer was a turncoat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isaacman's nomination was ultimately rescinded after that tense exchange at the end of May. And according to the NYT's unnamed insiders, that debacle was the tipping point that took his increasing frustrations with the president to nuclear levels. Within just a few days, Musk began posting about the "abomination" that he consider's Trump's 2025 budget and tax proposal to be and added in an apparent pedophilia allegation for good measure. The president, to his end, responded publicly to Musk's barbs the only way he knows how: with cruelty and aplomb. Along with threatening to cancel SpaceX's NASA contracts, Trump allegedly, per more reporting from the New York Times, decided to sell the cherry-red Tesla he purchased in March "as a show of support and confidence" for Musk. More on the Musk-Trump drama: Elon and Trumps Breakup Results In Hilarious Consequences For Dogecoin US President Donald Trump has stated that he may impose additional sanctions against Russia if necessary. Source: Trump in a conversation with a journalist on board Air Force One, as reported by European Pravda Details: Trump indicated that, if he determines Russia is unwilling to negotiate or halt the bloodshed, he will apply further sanctions. He noted that senators, many of whom supported a bill to strengthen sanctions against Russia, have left the decision to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I havent spoken about it. They have a bill its going to be up to me; its my option. They made it that way, and they would save a lot of time if that happens. So Im okay with it. I havent decided to use it. Its a very strong bill," Trump said. Background: Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat), supported by 82 co-sponsors, introduced the bill to impose economic sanctions on Russia for obstructing ceasefire efforts in its war of aggression against Ukraine, particularly by imposing a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that purchase Russian oil. The bill also has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, where a companion bill has 33 co-sponsors. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump would make the final decision on any potential tightening of sanctions against Russia. Media reports suggest that the Trump administration urged Graham to soften the sanctions against Russia in the bill, which enjoys overwhelming support in the Senate. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Its been a huge week for President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. The Trump administration released a flurry of executive orders and instituted mass arrests across the country that changed the immigration landscape, sometimes in a single day. Thousands of immigrants, through one mechanism or another, have lost the ability to reside legally in the U.S. or have been blocked from getting the chance. Its the kind of blitz the White House has described as operating on Trump speed and it was on full blast this week, even as Trumps public blowup with his one-time ally Elon Musk grabbed all the headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported a wave of arrests, with the agency on Wednesday detaining over 2,200 people which a senior DHS official, who was granted anonymity to disclose the data, said was the largest single-day arrest total in agency history, only to be topped by over 2,300 on Thursday in a cross-country spree. ICE has also re-arrested immigrants already in the removal process but not actively in detention and has gone after immigrants at their courtroom hearings and check-ins, a departure from the first Trump administration. Those two taken together are a complete sea change we have never seen in the history of immigration enforcement in the United States, said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, a pro-immigration organization that has opposed much of Trumps second-term actions. The new high comes days after White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller started reportedly calling for at least 3,000 apprehensions a day a goal that triples what the agency was hitting when Trump took office and one they have yet to reach. The push for bigger deportation sweeps also builds on Trump framing illegal immigration as an invasion threatening the country. We cannot allow the previous administration's invasion of our country of illegal immigrants to continue, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday. We just can't have it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All signs point to ICE ramping up its officers to get to that number, as more immigration agents are spotted staking out immigration courthouses across the country and as the White House lobbies Congress to pass a mega funding bill that would invest millions more in ICE enforcement . The administration has also pushed its crackdown beyond arrests. A federal District Court in Texas quickly blessed an agreement between the Department of Justice and the state government that undocumented students across the state will be ineligible for in-state tuition at public universities , clawing back a decades-old standard for Texas residents but issuing a major win for the Trump administration, which filed a suit just hours before to get that very practice suspended. And the administration didnt stop with undocumented immigrants. Late Wednesday evening, Trump released his sweeping new travel ban fully restricting immigrants from 12 countries from receiving visas to enter the U.S. An additional seven countries were partially limited and restricted from entry. Trump said the countries were blocked following an assessment of their national security risks. Its a plan thats been months in the making and could have been bigger. And this latest iteration of the multiple travel bans from Trumps first term which faced setbacks in federal court is more likely to withstand legal challenges, POLITICO previously reported . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were seeing the executive branch exploring how far it can go, said Julia Gelatt, associate director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. Even the Trump administration expected to lose a lot of cases, but they're testing the boundaries of their authority. And Trump issued an executive order blocking international students from enrolling at Harvard University , another decision based on national security that could affect thousands of prospective students and many who have already enrolled. All in just the last week its a massive escalation of enforcement, Reichlin-Melnick said. All of which send the message to immigrants, not just the undocumented, that they are not wanted in this country, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since his time on the campaign trail, Trump has made enacting the largest mass deportation in history and securing the border one of the staples of his second term. His flood-the-zone strategy has carried through his first several months back in office, while drawing widespread criticism from Democrats and legal experts who have accused the administration of randomly deporting people without due process and stoking fear in immigrant communities. It all comes on the heels of the Supreme Court giving the Trump administration the green light to end parole programs for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela , leaving over half a million immigrants vulnerable to deportation as they begin to lose their work permits and legal status. The high court had already allowed the Trump administration to move forward with a cancellation of temporary protected status for Venezuelan immigrants last month. For Cubans, Haitians and Venezuelans in particular, the administration has now blocked thousands from getting TPS, parole status or entering the country with a visa, to varying degrees of severity. In the last Trump administration, there was a much smaller number of people who were on some kind of temporary status like temporary protected status or DACA, there were not very many people who had humanitarian parole but they tried to end TPS for some of the groups, but were never successful, Gelatt said. The fact that they have successfully ended protections for hundreds of thousands of people feels very, very different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everything is going Trumps way. Trumps executive order against Harvard was temporarily shut down almost as soon as it was announced, with Harvard filing suit and a federal judge granting a temporary restraining order on Thursday . The administration is also taking heat for its expedited removals, with judges across the country emphasizing the importance of due process rights. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg who has repeatedly clashed with the Trump administration over his immigration orders went as far as to demand the administration provide a plan for returning and providing hearings for all the deported Venezuelan men in El Salvador on Wednesday. But if comments from Miller, Trumps senior adviser, are any indication, the administration is undeterred. The Supreme Court stripped him of jurisdiction weeks ago. He just doesnt care, Miller wrote on X responding to Boasberg. Its a judicial coup, he wrote in other posts . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if the White House has their way, this weeks blitz of arrests will become next weeks normal. President Trump is doing exactly what he promised the American people securing the Southern Border and deporting illegal aliens, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told POLITICO. ICE arrests during President Trumps second term have topped 100,000. Under President Trumps America First leadership, its a bad day to be an illegal alien and a great day to be an American. President Trump on Saturday said tech billionaire Elon Musk will face serious consequences if he moves to support Democratic political candidates in any upcoming elections, following a public rift between the two in recent days. In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said Musk will have to pay the consequences if he backs opponents to GOP lawmakers who support the GOPs big, beautiful bill. Hell have to pay very serious consequences if he does that, he told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents remarks comes after he signaled his bromance with Musk is over as a tiff about the GOP megabill spiraled into an all-out brawl on social media. Musk went so far as to allege that Trump is named in the Jeffrey Epstein files, backed a call for impeachment and suggested he would have lost the presidential election without his support. Trump in response threatened to cancel federal government contracts for Musks companies while calling the Tesla and SpaceX CEO crazy. Prior to the implosion of the duos relationship, the tech mogul indicated he would roll back his political spending in upcoming elections. In terms of political spending, Im going to do a lot less in the future, Musk said last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it, he added. I do not currently see a reason. The billionaire became one of the most powerful forces in U.S. politics after he threw his support behind Trumps reelection bid last summer, spending at least $250 million. He soon became a central figure in the White House as he advised the Department of Government Efficiency and the administrations efforts to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. Musk left the administration late last month as he voiced opposition to the House-crafted GOP spending bill over its potential impact on the national debt. When asked by NBC on Saturday if the president intends to reconcile with Musk, Trump replied in the negative. But he reiterated his confidence in his budget bill despite some GOP concerns in the upper chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican Party has never been united like this before. Its never been. Its actually more so than it was three days ago, Trump said, stating Musks outburst benefited his push to get the bill passed before July 4. I think, actually, Elon brought out the strengths of the bill because people that werent as focused started focusing on it, and they see how good it is, the president added. So in that sense, there was a big favor. But I think Elon, really, I think its a shame that hes so depressed and so heartbroken. Some of Musks social media posts that intensified the feud on Thursday have since been deleted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (NewsNation) A White House official said President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have not spoken and have no plans to speak since their public feud started. Trump is now planning to sell the Tesla he bought in March to support Musk, whose business was suffering backlash from his White House affiliation. The feud between the two stems from Musks criticism of the big, beautiful bill, which he called it a disgusting abomination that will only add to the countrys deficit. During his time in the White House, Musk headed the Department of Government Efficiency, which was supposed to cut wasteful spending in the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supreme Court hands DOGE big wins in Social Security, records cases Matt Schlapp, the chairman of the Conservative Political Action Committee, told NewsNations Connell McShane that the feud between Trump and Musk was painful because conservatives have built a coalition and have worked hard to pull people together to support the Republican Party. It was kind of problematic for all of us to see that split, Schlapp said. He added that he was not surprised by the split between the two, because he believes Elon Musk didnt really fit into the political world and did not understand the importance of getting the budget bill passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. (NewsNation) The Trump administrations about-face in returning Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia to face charges of human trafficking in the U.S. is simply the latest strategy to get political mileage from the deportation saga, Chris Cuomo says. Trump wants this issue because it works for him, he 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 NewsNation. President Donald Trump says he has no desire to repair his relationship with Elon Musk. He also said Musk would face "serious consequences" if he funds Democrats. Meanwhile, Musk deleted some of his most incendiary X posts on Saturday. It seems Elon Musk won't be President Donald Trump's "first buddy" again anytime soon. Trump told NBC News on Saturday that he has no plans to repair his relationship with Musk after it imploded this week. When asked if their relationship is done, Trump said, simply, "I would assume so, yeah." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he doesn't intend to speak with Musk and said the tech billionaire was "disrespectful to the office of the President." "I think it's a very bad thing, because he's very disrespectful. You could not disrespect the office of the President," Trump said. The epic and very public fallout began after Musk criticized Trump's tax bill, which the president calls his "One Big Beautiful Bill." During Thursday's dramatic exchange, which took place mostly on the social media networks each billionaire owns, Trump threatened to terminate Musk's government contracts and subsidies. Musk shot back that Trump was in the so-called "Epstein files" in a now-deleted post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the NBC interview on Saturday, Trump warned Musk against funding Democratic candidates running against GOP members voting in favor of the bill, saying there will be "serious consequences." "If he does, he'll have to pay the consequences for that," Trump said. "He'll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that." Last month, Musk said he would spend "a lot less" on political campaigns in the future. He spent hundreds of millions in support of Trump in 2024. "If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it," Musk said at the Qatar Economic Forum last month. "I do not currently see a reason." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's remarks on Saturday came after Musk deleted some X posts from his account. He deleted the post referencing the Epstein files and a video he re-posted that appeared to show Trump partying with Epstein in the 1990s. Musk also deleted an X post in which he called a Trump comment an "obvious lie" and another post saying SpaceX would decommission its Dragon spacecraft "immediately." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Business Insider that passing the tax bill is the president's priority. "President Trump and the entire Administration will continue the important mission of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse from our federal government on behalf of taxpayers, and the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill is critical to helping accomplish that mission," Leavitt said in a statement. Representatives for Musk did not respond to a request for comment from BI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The repercussions from Musk and Trump's dispute were swift, affecting the price of Tesla stock and Dogecoin. A senior White House official told BI that Trump is now considering selling his Tesla. On Saturday, Vice President JD Vance said it was a "huge mistake" for Musk to "go after the president" during the newest episode of "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von." "I'm not saying he has to agree with the bill or agree with everything that I'm saying," Vance said. "I just think it's a huge mistake for the world's wealthiest man, I think one of the most transformational entrepreneurs ever that's Elon to be at this war with the world's most powerful man." During the interview, Vance said he thinks everything will be fine between the pair if Musk "chills out a little bit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hopefully Elon figures it out and comes back into the fold," Vance said, adding that Trump had been a "little frustrated" with Musk's recent criticisms. "But I think he's been very restrained because the president doesn't think that he needs to be in a blood feud with Elon Musk, and I actually think if Elon chilled out a little bit, everything would be fine," Vance said. Musk responded to Vance's comment on X on Saturday, writing, simply, "Cool." Read the original article on Business Insider The feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk appears to have caused irreparable damage as the president told NBC News that he has no desire to repair their relationship and assumes it is over. The comments came after Musk appeared to make attempts at de-escalating a feud that exploded in public on Thursday over Trumps budget bill. President Donald Trump is seemingly done with Tesla CEO Elon Musk after they engaged in a feud on Thursday that unfolded publicly and escalated stunningly. In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump was asked if he has any desire to mend his relationship with Musk, and the president replied, No. And when asked if he thinks his relationship with Musk is over, Trump said, I would assume so, yeah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that he has no intention of speaking to Musk anytime soon, saying: Im too busy doing other things, and accused Musk of disrespecting the presidency. I think its a very bad thing, because hes very disrespectful. You could not disrespect the office of the president, Trump said. The comments came after Musk, who once embraced the moniker first buddy to Trump, appeared to make attempts at de-escalating their feud. On Saturday, he deleted his X posts about Trumps association with the infamous Jeffrey Epstein. On Thursday night, Musk replied to a post from Pershing Square CEO Bill Ackman calling for peace between the tech billionaire and Trump, saying, Youre not wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Thursday, Musk backtracked on a threat to decommission SpaceX Dragon vehicles, which have become workhorse capsules that the Pentagon and NASA rely on to access Earth orbit. But the damage was already done. Musk had suggested Trump should be impeached, took credit for Trumps election victory, and said his tariffs would cause a recession later this year. Thats after trashing Trumps tax and spending bill in the days leading up to their meltdown. Trumps signal that Musk is now persona non grata dashes hopes from top Republicans like Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson who said they hoped the two men would reconcile. Meanwhile, Trump also warned Muskwho was the top GOP donor last year with nearly $300 million in campaign contributionsagainst backing Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he does, hell have to pay the consequences for that, Trump told NBC News, without elaborating. Hell have to pay very serious consequences if he does that. For his part, Musk asked X users on Thursday if its time to form a new political party that actually represents the 80% in the middle, drawing support from 80% of respondents. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com President Donald Trump on Saturday said that it wasnt his decision to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, back to the U.S. to face federal charges, saying the Department of Justice decided to do it that way, and thats fine. That wasnt my decision, Trump said of Abrego Garcias return in a phone call with NBC News on Saturday. It should be a very easy case for federal prosecutors, the president added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump added that he did not speak with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele about Abrego Garcias return, even though the two men spoke about Abrego Garcia during an April meeting in the Oval Office. His remarks came after Abrego Garcia arrived back in the U.S. on Friday and was charged in an indictment alleging he transported people who were not legally in the country. Kilmar Abrego Garcia. (via Facebook) The indictment came amid a protracted legal battle over whether to bring him back from El Salvador that escalated all the way up to the Supreme Court. Abrego Garcias family and lawyers have called him a family man, while Trump and his administration have alleged that he is a member of the gang MS-13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case drew national attention amid the Trump administrations broader push for mass deportations. After Abrego Garcias deportation, lawyers for the Trump administration said he was deported in an administrative error, as Abrego Garcia had previous legal protection from deportation to El Salvador. Still, the Trump administration did not attempt to bring Abrego Garcia back, even as the Supreme Court ruled that it had to facilitate his return to the U.S. Democrats, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., had for weeks said that Abrego Garcia was denied due process when he was detained and deported, arguing that he should have been allowed to defend himself from deportation before he was sent to El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Saturday called Van Hollen, who went to visit Abrego Garcia in jail in El Salvador in April, a loser for defending the mans right to due process. Hes a loser. The guys a loser. Theyre going to lose because of that same thing. Thats not what people want to hear, the president said about Van Hollen. Hes trying to defend a man whos got a horrible record of abuse, abuse of women in particular. No, hes a total loser, this guy. On Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged that Abrego Garcia was a smuggler of humans and children and women. He made over 100 trips, the grand jury found, smuggling people throughout our country. In a statement Friday, Abrego Garcias lawyer called Bondis move an abuse of power, not justice. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com US President Donald Trump said Chinese leader Xi Jinping has agreed to restart the flow of crucial rare earth materials, after announcing a new round of US-China trade talks will be held in London on Monday. Trump made the comments a day after holding his long-awaited phone call with Xi, during which the two leaders agreed to resume negotiations stalled over mutual accusations of violating the truce reached in Geneva last month. For Washington, a major sticking point has been Chinas export restrictions on rare earth minerals and magnets, which are essential for everything from cars to fighter jets, and critical to American industries and defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks since the fragile detente, Washington has accused Beijing of slow-walking approvals for rare earth exports and reneging on its promise made in Geneva, with Trump expressing increasing urgency to speak to his Chinese counterpart to iron things out. After a 90-minute call on Thursday, Trump said he and Xi had straightened out some points related to rare earth magnets, describing it as very complex stuff. But he did not specify what exactly had been agreed upon. Asked Friday if Xi had agreed to restart the flow of rare earth minerals and magnets, Trump told reporters abroad Air Force One: Yes, he did. He did not further elaborate on how fast that would happen, or the volume of the materials that would be released. The Chinese readout of the call did not mention rare earths. Instead, it quoted Xi as saying that China had seriously and earnestly complied with the trade truce agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about it at the Chinese foreign ministrys daily briefing on Friday, a spokesperson sidestepped the question, saying it was a matter for other agencies to address. China, which controls 90% of the global processing of rare earths, imposed export restrictions on some minerals and magnets on April 4 at the height of the tariff war, after Trump slapped reciprocal levies on Chinese goods. The new system does not ban exports outright, but requires government approval for each shipment. Chinese scholars who advise the government suggested on Thursday that Beijing is not ready to give up the powerful leverage bestowed by its dominance on the rare earth supply chain and may seek to use it to get Washington to ease its own export controls aimed at blocking Chinas access to advanced US semiconductors and technologies. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, on June 6, 2025. - Nathan Howard/Reuters While American businesses are likely to see more shipments approved in the next couple of weeks, the export licensing regime is here to stay, said Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that, according to official rules set by Chinas Commerce Ministry, applications for export licenses can take up to 45 working days to be approved. In principle, I can agree to export to you, but I can speed things up or slow them down. In reality, on a technical level, it also depends on the overall bilateral trade and economic atmosphere, he said. If the bilateral relationship is good, then Ill go a bit faster; if not, Ill slow down. But you cant say Im violating the agreement Im still following the standard procedures. Some Chinese suppliers of US companies have recently received six-month export licenses, the American Chamber of Commerce in China said Friday, but it noted that uncertainty remains amid a large backlog of license applications. Jin Canrong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing, said the importance Trump attaches to rare earths shows how effective Chinas rare earth card is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hadnt realized just how important this rare earth card was before. Now the US side is clearly anxious and eager to resolve this issue, he said in a video on social media on Thursday. But of course, well link this issue to others the US is restricting China on chips and jet engines, then China certainly has every reason to make use of this card. As for whether China will change its rare earth export control policy, that probably still needs to be negotiated in more detail Jin added. Some Chinese scholars have expressed hope that US technology restrictions on China may now be up for negotiation, after Trump announced that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick whose department overseas US export controls will join Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in the next round of trade talks. The issue of US export controls may no longer be an area that is completely non-negotiable in the future, Cui Fan, an economics professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing and advisor to the Chinese Commerce Ministry, wrote in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has insisted that its export controls are in line with international practices, non-discriminatory and not targeted at any specific country. Hours before the two leaders jumped on the phone on Thursday, a spokesperson for Chinas commerce ministry reiterated that stance at a regular news conference, citing the clear dual-use attributes of rare earth materials. Dual-use items refer to those with both civilian and military applications. The Chinese government reviews export license applications for dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations, and for applications that meet the requirements, China will grant approval to promote and facilitate compliant trade, spokesperson He Yongqian said. The strict licensing system has significantly disrupted the global supplies of these materials and triggered production turmoil across industries in America and Europe, raising alarms among officials and businesses alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A survey of member companies conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China late week found that, among those affected by rare earth export controls, 75% say their stock would run out within three months. Following a meeting in Paris this week, the European Unions trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said he informed Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao about the alarming situation in the European car industry as a result of Chinas rare earth throttlehold. In a statement Saturday, Chinas commerce ministry said that during his visit to Europe, Wang pledged to address the EUs concerns and establish a green channel for eligible applications to expedite approvals. CNNs Kit Maher contributed to reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NewsVoir Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 7: APM is India's first company to build smart IoT products through Artificial Intelligence. APM's journey is about keeping simple values with smart new technology. While many companies focus on just selling products, APM builds complete solutions from scratch. They have their own teams for both software and hardware, which means they don't depend on anyone else to bring their ideas to life. Everything from designing to developing, testing, and finally manufacturing is done within the sample. This gives them full control to make sure every product is reliable, strong, and smart. Using advanced technology, APM's IoT modules help improve safety, efficiency, and performance across many industries. APM provides a range of additional IoT-enabled modules designed to enhance vehicle intelligence and safety. The 4G WiFi Module enables high-speed wireless connectivity in vehicles. The Load Sensor is built to measure axle load or suspension pressure in real-time. The Auto Dipper automatically adjusts headlight intensity based on ambient light and oncoming traffic. APM systems integrate features like speed monitoring, engine diagnostics, predictive alerts, and accident prevention mechanisms, enhancing road safety for drivers, passengers, and cargo. The company's AI-powered solutions provide real-time insights into vehicle health, fuel consumption, engine performance, and driver behavior helping fleet owners make data-driven decisions for smoother operations. APM systems also enable real-time tracking of machine health, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance, which reduces downtime and maximizes productivity across industries like logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing. Their smart solutions are trusted by top automobile companies across India for helping to reduce costs, prevent breakdowns, and improve safety. Today, APM's smart technology is used in over 1.2 million vehicles across 28 states and 2 union territories in India. Their growing network of 1,600+ trusted dealers ensures nationwide support. APM is also expanding into international markets, including Asia, the Middle East, and Africa--proving that Indian innovation is making a global mark.APM caters to a diverse range of industries like Automobile, Agriculture, Logistics, Healthcare, Retail, Aerospace, Construction, Energy & Utilities, Pharmaceuticals, FMCG & much more. APM also builds user-friendly apps and interfaces so you can easily check everything about your vehicle from your phone. APM believes in building a safer, smarter, and more connected world not limited to the automobile industry alone, but also across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and more. Their goal is to continue improving technology that benefits everyday users and businesses, making transport safer, more reliable, and more eco-friendly, with ongoing research and development. The leadership team of APM is headed by Mr. Mohamed Kaja, CEO of APM Group who guides the company with a clear vision for the future. Mr. Ramesh leads the production team. He makes sure that products are made efficiently and at a high quality. Mr. Satham Hussain is the head of software development. He specializes in creating mobile apps, and custom solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT). Mr. Nazrudeen handles marketing and works on building the company's brand and reaching more customers. Mr. Jegurudeen, is in charge of Human Resources (HR) and Administration. He ensures smooth management of people and company processes. APM is committed to leading in technology while also caring for nature. One example of this commitment is its partnership with the Plant a Billion Trees (PABT) initiative. Plant a Billion Trees (PABT) is a large-scale environmental initiative dedicated to combating climate change, restoring ecosystems, and improving air quality by planting a large number of trees. At APM, for every product sold, a portion of the proceeds directly supports the Plant a Billion Trees Green Movement. The PABT initiative was founded by Mr. Shailendra Shivakumar and Mr. Velraj Murugan, who have joined hands with Mr. Mohamed Kaja to drive this revolutionary movement forward. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved PABT for appreciated driving this revolutionary moment This inspiring story has been published by Birth Marque, Chennai's leading marketing agency. As the tech force behind the rebranding, Birth Marque marketing agency stands out not only for its creativity and ideation but digital marketing services also for its execution--setting benchmarks beyond the standards of other branding firms. (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) President Trump on Saturday said the Justice Departments (DOJ) latest case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia the man mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year amid Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration should be very easy for prosecutors. The comment comes after news broke Friday that Abrego Garcia would return to the U.S. to face smuggling charges stemming from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee. Asked about the administrations seeming reversal in bringing the man home, the president gave full credit to DOJ. The Department of Justice decided to do it that way, and thats fine, Trump told NBC News in a phone call Saturday, adding, that wasnt my decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, he told the outlet, It should be a very easy case. The unsealed indictment charges Abrego Garcia with the unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens and a related conspiracy charge. According to the court filing, prosecutors allege that he made more than 100 trips between Texas and other areas in the U.S. over the course of several years to transport illegal immigrants in exchange for money. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday took a victory lap over the case. Our government presented El Salvador with an arrest warrant, and they agreed to return him to our country, she told reporters during a news conference. The grand jury found that over the past nine years, Abrego Garcia has played a significant role in an alien smuggling ring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They found this was his full-time job, not a contractor. He was a smuggler of humans and children and women, Bondi added. The DOJ chief also noted that once a trial is complete, Abrego Garcio once again be deported to El Salvador. His return to the U.S. comes after the White House fought numerous court rulings for months that ordered the administration to facilitate his return, including one from the Supreme Court. Trump, officials and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele alike rejected the order, arguing the man who had been living in Maryland under a protective order was linked to MS-13 gang activity. Asked if he had spoken to Bukele in recent days, the president told the outlet that he had not. The two met at the White House earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who faced scrutiny earlier this year over his meeting with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, called his return to the U.S. a victory for due process, despite the charges. This is a victory for due process. Its a victory for the Constitution. It should not have taken this long. I mean the Trump administration dragged its feet for a very long time and ignored a 9 to 0 order from the Supreme Court, he told MSNBC in an interview Friday. But its important that Abrego Garcia now come home and have his due process rights upheld in a court of law. Trump responded to the comments by calling Van Hollen a loser. Hes a loser. The guys a loser. Theyre going to lose because of that same thing. Thats not what people want to hear, he told NBC on Saturday. Hes trying to defend a man whos got a horrible record of abuse, abuse of women in particular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, hes a total loser, this guy, the president added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Trump administration sowed confusion and fear among physicians with its move this past week to rescind Biden-era guidelines to hospitals that provide life-saving abortions. While the move doesnt change the law, doctors and reproductive-rights advocates fear it will have a chilling effect on health care workers in states with abortion bans, ultimately harming pregnant women. Earlier this past week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced they would rescind guidance issued during the Biden administration, which reinforced to hospitals that under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA,) abortions qualify as stabilizing care in medical emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency rooms in states with abortion bans have been struggling since the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade to understand when they can legally provide emergency abortions. After President Trump pulled the Biden-era guidance seeking to clarify that question, emergency room doctors will experience more confusion and more fear, according to health and legal experts who spoke with The Hill. Clinicians are scared to provide basic medical care, and this care is clearly in line with medical ethics medical standards of care, and theyre being put in this situation where they cant win, said Payal Shah, director of research, legal and advocacy at Physicians for Human Rights. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, at least 13 states have enacted near-total abortion bans, according to data from the Guttmacher Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are exceptions in these states when continuing a pregnancy poses a threat to the health or life of the mother. However, most of the language in state laws is unclear on how that determination is made, resulting in instances of emergency rooms denying care. Doctors in states like Idaho, Texas and Tennessee have filed lawsuits requesting that lawmakers clarify when an abortion is allowed to save the life of a pregnant person. The doctors and patients involved in the lawsuits argue that state laws do not adequately protect pregnant patients in emergencies. Many of these states have severe punishments for doctors who violate abortion bans, like steep fines and prison time. For clinicians, there is actually no safe way to navigate this in this moment, and ultimately, thats how these laws are designed, Shah said. Theyre designed to cause chaos and confusion. Theyre often written in ways that dont use medical terminology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without clear guidance, pregnant women suffer and sometimes die, as ProPublica has reported. One striking example of this is the 2023 case of Kyleigh Thurman, a Texas woman who was repeatedly denied care for a nonviable pregnancy after days of experiencing bleeding and pain. Health care workers discovered that she had an ectopic pregnancy, which is when a fertilized egg implants and begins to grow outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are never viable and are life-threatening if not treated properly. It wasnt until her OB/GYN pleaded to hospital staff that she be given care, that the hospital administered a shot ending her pregnancy, according to a complaint filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights on behalf of Thurman. The shot came too late, and the ectopic pregnancy ruptured Thurmans right fallopian tube, which was then removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a patient is actively hemorrhaging or experiencing an ectopic pregnancy which is also life-threatening, doctors need that clear guidance that yes, EMTALA applied, said Autumn Katz, associate director of U.S. litigation at the Center for Reproductive Rights. A federal investigation into Thurmans case found that the Texas hospital violated EMTALA, according to a recent letter from the CMS. I finally got some justice, Thurman said in a statement. I hope this decision will do some good in encouraging hospitals to help women in situations like mine. Hospitals that violate EMTALA are subject to heavy fines and, in some extreme cases, risk losing a portion of their Medicare and Medicaid hospital funding, according to the National Institutes of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Biden leaned on the law to preserve access to emergency abortion across the country, leading to a legal fight with Idaho, which has a strict abortion ban. The Supreme Court last year dismissed the case, declining to rule on the merits of a politically charged case. The rescinding of these guidelines also means hospitals that violate the law will likely not be investigated as often as they were under previous administrations, according to Shah. That lack of punitive risk means that hospitals could be incentivized to deny life-saving care for patients. The standard of EMTALA is pretty high, said Katherine Hempstead, senior policy adviser at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This kind of takes that layer of reassurance away, and it will make a lot of providers feel very vulnerable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MSNBC's Ali Velshi is joined by Pennsylvania Democrat Rep. Madeleine Dean, to discuss the House Appropriations Cmte. testimony by Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and why he struggled to explain the administration placing tariffs on bananas which can only be grown in a few places inside the United States. US President Donald Trump threatened his former advisor Elon Musk with "serious consequences" Saturday if the tech billionaire seeks to punish Republicans who vote for a controversial spending bill. The comments by Trump to NBC News come after the relationship between the world's most powerful person and the world's richest imploded in bitter and spectacular fashion this week. The blistering break-up -- largely carried out on social media before a riveted public on Thursday -- was ignited by Musk's harsh criticism of Trump's so-called "big, beautiful" spending bill, which is currently before Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lawmakers who were against the bill had called on Musk -- one of the Republican Party's biggest financial backers in last year's presidential election -- to fund primary challenges against Republicans who voted for the legislation. "He'll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that," Trump, who also branded Musk "disrespectful," told NBC News on Saturday, without specifying what those consequences would be. He also said he had "no" desire to repair his relationship with the South African-born Tesla and SpaceX chief, and that he has "no intention of speaking to him." Just last week, Trump gave Musk a glowing send-off as he left his cost-cutting role at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But their relationship cracked within days as Musk described as an "abomination" the spending bill that, if passed by Congress, could define Trump's second term in office. Trump hit back in an Oval Office diatribe and from, there the row detonated, leaving Washington stunned. With real political and economic risks to their falling out, both had appeared to inch back from the brink on Friday, with Trump telling reporters "I just wish him well," and Musk responding on X: "Likewise." - 'Old news' - Trump spoke to NBC Saturday after Musk deleted one of the explosive allegations he had made during their fallout, linking the president with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk had alleged that the Republican leader is featured in unreleased government files on former associates of Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while he faced sex trafficking charges. The Trump administration has acknowledged it is reviewing tens of thousands of documents, videos and investigative material that his "MAGA" movement says will unmask public figures complicit in Epstein's crimes. Trump was named in a trove of deposition and statements linked to Epstein that were unsealed by a New York judge in early 2024. The president has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the case. "Time to drop the really big bomb: (Trump) is in the Epstein files," Musk posted on his social media platform, X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is the real reason they have not been made public." Musk did not reveal which files he was talking about and offered no evidence for his claim. He initially doubled down on the claim, writing in a follow-up message: "Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out." However, he appeared to have deleted both tweets by Saturday morning. Trump dismissed the claim as "old news" in his comments to NBC on Saturday, adding: "Even Epstein's lawyer said I had nothing to do with it." Supporters on the conspiratorial end of Trump's "Make America Great Again" base allege that Epstein's associates had their roles in his crimes covered up by government officials and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They point the finger at Democrats and Hollywood celebrities, although not at Trump himself. No official source has ever confirmed that the president appears in any of the as yet unreleased material. Trump knew and socialized with Epstein but has denied spending time on Little Saint James, the private redoubt in the US Virgin Islands where prosecutors alleged Epstein trafficked underage girls for sex. "Terrific guy," Trump, who was Epstein's neighbor in both Florida and New York, said in an early 2000s profile of the financier. "He's 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." bur-st/sst Nayib Bukele, El Salvadors authoritarian president, brands himself the "worlds coolest dictator." But he oversees an increasingly dismal economy. He seems to think that a strong relationship with Donald Trump, a loan from the International Monetary Fund, and the resumption of mining in his gold-rich nation will help him turn things around. But his priorities are misaligned and shortsighted. To make lasting economic improvements for 6.3 million Salvadorans, Bukele must first clean up the countrys polluted water supply. Bukeles close relationship with Trump has produced short-term financial perks. Shortly after Trump won reelection, El Salvador struck a $1.4 billion loan deal with the IMF without fully reversing Bukeles decision to adopt bitcoin as legal tender. The fund, which previously required a complete about-face on bitcoin during loan negotiations, likely changed its tune due to Trumps support of both bitcoin and Bukele. The loan will help El Salvador manage its public debt, which peaked at 84.9% of GDP in 2023. But if Bukele wants to reverse his countrys worsening poverty rate, further expand the job market, and attract foreign investment, he needs to do more than woo friends in Washington and secure loans. His country needs a diversified economy, workforce education, and more efficient labor markets. These are ambitious aims in their own right. Dirty water could drown them altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to contamination, less than 12% of the countrys rivers can be used for human consumption, irrigation, or animal life. Over 90% of surface water is contaminated by untreated sewage and agricultural and industrial waste. Nearly half of urban households lack access to running water in their homes, and rural water infrastructure is virtually nonexistent. Many Salvadorans rely on water sources outside their homes, such as rivers or community taps. In the past, these public water sources were war zones where gangs fought to control the countrys limited fresh water supply. Bukeles harsh crackdown on crime, which has left 2% of the nations adult population incarcerated, has vastly improved security, though many prisoners are not afforded a fair trial. Waning gang influence has made it safer for Salvadorans to approach rivers, wash their laundry, and collect drinking water. But dangerous pollution persists. To prevent excrement contamination in rivers and lakes, the government needs to invest in more sewage treatment plants and water piping, especially beyond the capital, San Salvador. Additionally, the government should invest in equipment and personnel to monitor agricultural and industrial runoff. El Salvadors General Water Resources Law, enacted in 2021, does little to reach these aims. Historically, mining has been a major source of water pollution throughout the country, so much so that in 2017, the government banned metal mining, the first such ban in the world. But Bukeles government reversed the ban in December. The move will mostly benefit foreign extraction companies eager to access El Salvadors gold reserves (which Bukele says are valued at $3 trillion), while only a small portion of the earnings will likely stay in-country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metal mining will further contaminate the countrys largest river, the Lempa, and other water sources with toxins like cyanide, a chemical used for gold extraction. Lifting the mining ban may produce quick cash but will likely thwart El Salvadors future economic stability and the health of its citizens. Bukele is a fan of quick fixes, though. His unconstitutional mass arrest tactics have swiftly brought security to a country once known as the murder capital of the world. His popularity among Salvadorans has soared, but the root causes of El Salvadors violent past have not been resolved. If water security worsens, Bukele may learn, like so many others, how quickly Trump can end a bromance. Though Trump typically praises Bukele for being "very tough on crime" (as he did after Bukele recently offered to jail deportees from the U.S. in El Salvadors mega-prisons), he has also criticized Bukele. During his speech at the Republican National Convention last July, Trump said Bukele is "sending all of his criminals, his drug dealers, his people that are in jails" to the U.S. "Hes trying to convince everybody what a wonderful job he does in running the country. Well, he doesnt do a wonderful job." If low wages and polluted waters send a wave of Salvadoran migrants to the U.S., a frustrated Trump could turn on Bukele in short order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the "worlds coolest dictator," who has watched poverty rise during his presidency, cannot afford the political cost of a spiraling economy and an unlivable environment. A recent pat on the back from Trump, a loan from the IMF, and revenues from gold mining wont fix Bukeles problems. Eventually, safe streets will be a small consolation to thirsty Salvadorans. Until Bukele gets serious about water, his countrys economy will continue to falter. Before long, his popularity - at home and abroad - could falter with it. Addison Graham is global affairs correspondent for RealClearPolitics. President Donald Trumps top spiritual advisor visited a southwest Miami-Dade County megachurch to outline a vision of a Christian-dominated world and urge believers, particularly Evangelicals, to help make it a reality. In a two-hour sermon on Thursday, Florida Pastor Paula White-Cain a prominent televangelist and senior advisor to Trump in the newly established White House Faith Office told a packed church at King Jesus Ministry, one of the largest megachurches in South Florida, that she was not merely preaching but prophesying. Can one person make a difference? You didnt come to fit in, you came to take over. You came to move in your Kingdom calling, she said. That threatens people who dont understand the word of God because their language, their understanding is not like yours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blending Biblical scripture and personal stories, White-Cain spoke about God using ordinary people to spread the Gospel, save lost souls, and achieve Christian dominion by transforming society. God wants to use you to reposition society, your community, this nation, the world, White-Cain said. Get ready because youre going to reap the greatest harvest mankind has ever known. A translator echoed her every word in real time for the mostly Spanish-speaking audience sprinkled with visitors from South and Central America. Apostle Guillermo Maldonado, the churchs founder, has a large international following, including many congregants with strongly conservative political and social values. Nationally, evangelical congregations ranked among the Republican presidents most enthusiastic supporters voting clout that has made White-Cain a powerful political influence in the White House. White-Cain appeared at King Jesus for a three-day spiritual conference called the Supernatural School of the Spirit, where she headlined a string of local and visiting Christian leaders who preached, performed supernatural healings, and instructed crowds of followers and local pastors about how to walk in the supernatural a term used in some Christian circles referring to direct encounters with God and the Holy Spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evangelism is the responsibility of every single christian. As a believer you cannot choose to ignore it. No way you can have an encounter with God and not care about the lost, said White-Cain during a session that was aired live on the churchs Facebook page. White-Cain who is based in Apopka and married to Jonathan Cain, who played guitar and keyboard for the band Journey and is now part of the Christian music scene is aligned with a movement of Christianity religious scholars call Independent Charismatic Christians, a part of the New Apostolic Reformation. It blends Pentecostal practices with modern-day Evangelicalism, and its followers believe some leaders like White-Cain and Maldonado are apostles or prophets. Pastor Paula White preaches at King Jesus Ministry in Miami, Florida. The idea of achieving dominion over the world and society is not uncommon in charismatic Christian theology, according to religious scholar Matthew Taylor, who studies Christian Nationalism. It holds that because God gave human beings dominion over creation (Gen. 1:28), God must intend for human beings today to be active partners in ruling over the earth, writes Taylor in his book The Violent Take it By Force. Many charismatics, he writes, came to understand this as a present-day mandate to take over human societies so as to govern them according to Gods reign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White-Cain, a longtime supporter of Trump, has been credited for her skill at bringing views long considered extreme into the mainstream of conservative Christianity. Her Miami appearance echoed many familiar themes, preaching about Gods dominion and transforming American values and culture. Were responsible to create culture. And that culture is a kingdom culture where you bring the heart of God into herding humanity, White-Cain said during her sermon in Miami. Humble beginnings to the White House White-Cains personal story moved some in the church to tears as she shared tales of her tumultuous childhood and unlikely path to ministry. White, who grew up in Mississippi but eventually landed in Florida, emphasized that she didnt attend church until she was 18 years old and that she never imagined that shed make it out of her abusive situation let alone into the White House. White-Cain has often spoken about her chaotic childhood her father who had a gambling and drinking problem, died by suicide when she was just five-years-old, she says. In the fallout of her fathers death, her mother struggled with alcoholism and before the age of thirteen, she endured years of sexual and physical abuse from babysitters and neighbors, according to a chapter on White-Cain in Taylors book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her Miami sermon, White-Cain talked about her journey from the trailer park as an 18-year-old single mother to preaching on television and ultimately, serving as a close spiritual advisor to President Trump. My story has nothing but brokenness, has nothing but ashes, but a great God can take what everyone else will give up on and say look what I can do, she said. White-Cain also spoke at length about financial abundance and preparing for a great harvest, connecting the idea of giving financially to a spiritual revival. A key part of her message: in order to reap the rewards and feel Gods glory, believers must first plant the seed and make a covenant with God. It was an appeal echoed in almost every church on Sunday to take out a checkbook or wallet but she urged congregants to dig deep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gods giving me revelation right now. Remember, glory only came when there was extravagant giving, White-Cain said as QR codes flashed on the screens of the worship center, prompting people on how to donate. Stop holding yourselves back Let God touch your heart for the harvest Watch God extravagantly bless you What you sow you grow. Obedience opens overflow. This is not historic. This is prophetic. God is getting ready to increase you. White-Cain said she was moved to plant her own seed at King Jesus Ministries, pledging $12,000. She fetched her checkbook and wrote the donation live in front of thousands watching in person and at home. A viral prayer for Trump White-Cain didnt discuss specific issues like the administrations controversial crackdown on immigrants, many of them Hispanic. But she mentioned Trump a few times in her sermon on Thursday, telling the audience that her work was bigger than politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about Democrat or Republican or Independent. This is a moment that God opened up to be harvested, she said. White-Cain said she has been close friends with the president for over 24 years. The relationship started when Trump called her one day out of the blue, she said, after he saw her preaching on TV and told her she had the it factor. But, even before Trump called her, she said she had been praying for the president, and that she had added him to a list of ten people that she wanted the Lord to save. President Donald Trump participates in a prayer with Paula White (left) at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in Washington DC, on Thursday, February 6th 2025. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA) When President Trump got back in, I knew that it was for America, but the Lord spoke to me and said it was for the nations, White-Cain told the crowd. And the Lord has divinely aligned his people. Thats you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, she first gained broad national fame when one of her sermons at her church in Tampa went viral online. In it, she prayed forcefully, imploring God to give victory to Trump just one day after the presidential election was called for Joe Biden. During the prayers in the now-viral video, White was speaking in tongues, a practice that is commonly used by charismatic Christians who evoke ecstatic sounds that believers find to be a heavenly language. For every enemy that is aligned against you, let there be that we would strike the ground, for you will give us victory, God. I hear a sound of victory. The Lord says, It is done, she said in that sermon.We break and divide every demonic confederacy against the election, against America, against who you [God] have declared to be in the White House. Her stance also drew criticism. As clips of Whites intonations spread across the internet, people mocked the Florida pastor arguing that Trumps Christian base was appearing more extreme, more unhinged by the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Religious extremists like this is why we need to strengthen the separation between church and state! wrote one online critic. Following Trumps latest victory, White-Cain became the first female clergy member to pray at a presidential inauguration and now serves as the first female primary spiritual adviser to a U.S. president. This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work. A Trump administration travel ban that severely restricts the entry of nationals from Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela into the United States starts Monday, and its yet unclear about how the policy will affect operations at Miami International Airport. There are still questions about who will be allowed into the U.S. under the ban the State Department has said that travelers from the three affected nations will be able to keep their valid, current visas, but its up to the Department of Homeland Security to decide whether to let people in at ports of entry. Confusion and frustration: Trump travel ban is unclear on who can visit the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MIA is a major point of transit between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean. It receives hundreds of flights from the region daily, including flights directly from Haiti and Cuba. On Friday, at least 14 commercial and charter flights were landing in Miami from Havana, according to flight information from the airport. A charter flight landed from Cap Haitien, a city on Haitis northern coast. And while there are no direct flights between Venezuela and the U.S., many Venezuelans travel to Miami through third countries that offer non-stop flights to South Florida, including Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The new Trump travel policy is raising questions about what will happen at the major hub on Monday, including as to whether border agents will turn around tourists and travelers when they arrive in Miami on Monday despite having valid visas. Its also unclear whether airlines have received any guidance on the matter. The Miami Herald reached out to several major airlines that service MIA. A Delta Air Lines spokesperson referred the Herald to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in response to questions about whether Haitians, Cubans, and Venezuelans on tourist and business visas will be allowed into the United States. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday that fully restricts and limits the entry of Haitian nationals and partially restricts and limits the entry of Cuban and Venezuelan nationals, as well as citizens of over a dozen other countries. The travel ban is the latest federal government move targeting legal immigration from Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela, all large sources of immigration into the U.S. US President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukraine itself provoked the Russian strikes by conducting Operation Spider's Web. Source: Trump speaking to journalists on board Air Force One Details: Responding to a journalist's question about whether Operation Spider's Web had changed his view of what advantages Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds, Trump said it had given Russian leader Vladimir Putin a reason to bomb Ukrainian cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "They gave Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night. That's the thing I didn't like about it. When I saw it I said 'Here we go, now it's going to be a strike'." Background: On 1 June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine carried out a special operation codenamed Pavutyna (Spider's Web) and hit Russian strategic jets at four airfields. Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, stated that 34% of strategic carriers of cruise missiles at the main airfields of the Russian Federation had been destroyed. The Security Service of Ukraine officially stated that 41 Russian strategic aircraft had been destroyed by FPV drone strikes, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22 M3 and Tu-160 aircraft. The estimated cost of the strategic aircraft destroyed is over US$7 billion. Colonel Ants Kiviselg, Head of the Estonian Defence Forces' Intelligence Centre, reported that the Russian Tu-95 bombers targeted during Operation Spider's Web had been preparing to launch missile strikes on Ukraine. In response to these actions, Russia launched large-scale strikes on Ukraine on the night of 5-6 June, using over 400 drones and 40 cruise and ballistic missiles. The attack resulted in numerous civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trumps previously long-standing relationship with New York financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been brought under sharp scrutiny following the presidents spectacular fallout with Elon Musk. During the once-tight pairs highly public bust-up on Thursday, Musk alleged on X that the reason the Epstein files have not been released as promised is because Trump is in them, describing it as the really big bomb. In the first direct response to the allegation, Trump shared a post to Truth Social on Friday to reiterate his claim that there is nothing salacious about him in Epsteins law enforcement records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can say authoritatively, unequivocally, and definitively that [Epstein] had no information to hurt President Trump. I specifically asked him! wrote attorney David Schoen, who was hired to lead Epsteins defense shortly before his death in 2019. Trump shared the message to his followers on Truth Social. Trump shares the words of Epsteins attorney David Schoen / Truth Social The White House has already responded to Musks incendiary statement, describing the outburst as an unfortunate episode for Elon and attributing the sudden vitriol to a clash over the policies contained within Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill. The Trump administration has previously said that records relating to Epstein, including flight logs and other information, would be declassified, but that has yet to happen. Trump had a long, documented relationship with Epstein through the late 1980s to the early 2000s and appears in numerous photographs alongside him and his convicted partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. In a 2002 interview, Trump even praised Epstein as a terrific guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, Epstein described himself to author Michael Wolff as Trumps closest friend for 10 years, although the pair appear to have had a falling out in the early 2000s. Hes a horrible human being, Epstein later said of the president in the same interview. Musk made his outrageous claim against Trump without providing any evidence to back it up. / Screenshot/Elon Musk/X When asked in 2024 if he would release a number of classified records relating to 9/11, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and Epstein, Trump quickly agreed, before hedging over the Epstein files. I guess I would. I think that less so because, you dont know, you dont want to affect peoples lives if its phony stuff in there, because its a lot of phony stuff with that whole world. But I think I would, Trump said in a Fox News interview, this section of which was cut from the broadcast. Off the back of Musks outburst, Democrats are now calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi to clarify the accusation and provide a timeline in which to declassify and release all records relating to Epstein. Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. President Donald Trump vowed his former friend Elon Musk will face very serious consequences should he choose to support the Democratic party following their very public feud. Trump delivered the warning in an interview with NBC News, during which he also said he had no intention of speaking to the tech billionaire any time in the near future, citing the online threats and insults he hurled in recent days. Im too busy doing other things, Trump said Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its a very bad thing, because hes very disrespectful, he added. You could not disrespect the office of the president. Asked directly whether he believes their relationship to be permanently over, Trump replied: I would assume so, yeah. The worlds richest man backed Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the 2024 election, shelling out nearly $300 million in a bid to land them in the White House. In the months following their win, Musk cemented himself by Trumps side, appearing at press conferences, parties and public events, while professing his love for the president. But relations ruptured between the pair on Tuesday, when Musk ripped into the Republicans Big, Beautiful budget bill aimed at enacting much of Trumps agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore, Musk wrote on his X social media platform. 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 the bill would undermine much of his efforts to trim federal spending during his brief period with Trumps Department of Government Efficiency. On Thursday, he then blasted the president and accused him of being an ingrate, saying, Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Mere hours later, the SpaceX founder dropped the really big bomb when he alleged Trump appeared in the Epstein files, referring to a trove of documents related to Jeffrey Epsteins alleged sex trafficking crimes, including those who were involved. That post was deleted Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats called old news, thats been old news, that has been talked about for years, Trump said Saturday when asked about his reaction to Musks allegation. Even Epsteins lawyer said I had nothing to do with it. Its old news. The president also fired back in a series of press appearances and social media posts. He threatened to not only terminate Musks government contracts, but to get rid of his Tesla as well. Sources told NBC News the electronic vehicle is still parked outside of the White House. 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, referring to federal contracts with SpaceX. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! As for his budget bill, Trump believes his feud with Musk has actually been positive, telling NBC the Tesla CEO helped bring it to the publics attention. I think, actually, Elon brought out the strengths of the bill because people that werent as focused started focusing on it, and they see how good it is, Trump said. So in that sense, there was a big favor. But I think Elon, really, I think its a shame that hes so depressed and so heartbroken. VMPL New Delhi [India], June 7: Aayush Wellness Limited, a trailblazer in India's preventive healthcare sector, seamlessly integrates the time-honored principles of Ayurveda with contemporary scientific advancements. Their product line exemplifies this fusion, offering holistic solutions tailored to modern lifestyles. Aayush Wellness Embracing Ayurveda: The Science of Life & Healthy Living. At the heart of Aayush Wellness's philosophy lies Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda advocates for a holistic approach to health, focusing on preventive care and the maintenance of well-being through natural means. Aayush Wellness harnesses this wisdom by formulating products that align with Ayurvedic principles, ensuring that each offering not only addresses specific health concerns but also contributes to overall vitality. By doing so, they provide consumers with tools to lead balanced, healthful lives rooted in time-tested traditions. Aayush Range of Product Highlights: 1. Aayush Herbal Masala: Positioned as a natural alternative to traditional pan masala, this herbal blend is crafted to provide a refreshing experience without the adverse effects associated with tobacco-based products. It caters to individuals seeking healthier lifestyle choices. 2. Aayush Herbal Masala Savings Pack: This value pack offers the same benefits as the standard Herbal Masala, making it an economical choice for regular consumers committed to wellness. 3. Beauty Vitamin Gummies: These gummies are formulated to support radiant skin, strong nails, and healthy hair. Enriched with essential vitamins and antioxidants, they aim to enhance natural beauty from within. 4. Dreamy Sleep Gummies: Addressing the prevalent issue of sleep disturbances, these gummies combine melatonin, L-tryptophan, chamomile, tagar, and brahmi. This blend is designed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, offering a natural remedy for restful nights. 5. Aayush Herbal Pan Masala: Similar in intent to the Herbal Masala, this product provides a tobacco-free alternative for those seeking to transition away from conventional pan masala, aligning with healthier consumption habits. Each product reflects Aayush Wellness's commitment to delivering natural, effective solutions that resonate with the needs of contemporary consumers. Aayush Wellness Limited [BSE:539528], India's preventive healthcare company, is taking a significant step toward accessible and proactive healthcare by launching its first healthcare centre in Virar (Mumbai), Maharashtra. Inspired by the E Sanjeevani National Telemedicine Service of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Aayush Wellness has installed a health ATM that shall conduct a wide range of diagnostics tests, in 2-3 minutes, maintain digital health records, and also facilitate Telemedicine to address health deficiencies before they become critical. Aayush Wellness unveils its first Smart Health ATM in Virar, Mumbai, India, bringing fast diagnostics and telemedicine access to local communities. The Company plans to invest up to 3 Million $ in the first phase and shall review further investments based on business requirements. This expansion will increase the company's physical presence across geographies all over India, improve the offline distribution network for our products and provide complete preventive healthcare solutions under one roof. The company envisions a future where preventive healthcare becomes a cornerstone of everyday life, reducing dependency on reactive treatments. With this initiative, Aayush Wellness Limited continues to strengthen its presence in the $372 billion Indian healthcare market, offering solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers. Mr. Naveena Kumar, Managing Director of Aayush Wellness Limited said "The Cloud Clinic model through this Health ATM is unique as it will deliver affordable yet high quality healthcare services to under privileged population of India. Our solution not only promotes early detection and prevention but also empowers individuals, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas, to take charge of their health in an accessible, cost-effective manner." The health ATM shall be able to conduct a up to 59 test including blood test, sugar test, Urine test, Haemoglobin test, skin test, eye test, cancer risk test, Lipid Profile test, and other basic health checkups, at a very affordable price. Further, the health ATM shall also facilitate Telemedicine, maintain Digital Health Records, Cloud connectivity generates smart reports and integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to benefit majority of the Indian Population." At Our Health and Medical Support centres, we shall also be able to promote and integrate with health programs and initiatives announced by the Government. Summary: Aayush Wellness stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, delivering products that honor the rich heritage of Ayurveda while meeting the demands of modern health-conscious individuals. Through their diverse offerings, they empower consumers to make informed choices that support holistic well-being. Aayush Wellness Limited (Formerly known as Aayush Food and Herbs Limited)CIN: L01122DL1984PLC018307Registered Office: 275, Ground Floor, West End Marg, Near Saket Metro Station Exit: 2, New Delhi-110030 Media Contact: Organization: Synergy Global Enterprise LLC Name: Gopi Divecha Contact Number: +6586940671 Address: 111 North Bridge Road #21-01, Singapore 179098 Website: https://pixelproduction.com/ Email: gopi@pixelprodction.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) President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that there would be "serious consequences" for Elon Musk if he were to fund Democratic candidates. The president made the remark during a phone interview with NBC News. "If he does, hell have to pay the consequences for that," Trump told NBC News. However, according to the outlet, Trump did not detail what the consequences would be. President Donald Trump said he was "disappointed" with Elon Musk after the billionaire criticized the Big Beautiful Bill. Timeline: Inside The Evolving Relationship Between Trump And Musk From First Term To This Week's Fallout Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also told the outlet that he has no interest in repairing his relationship with the Tesla founder and CEO. When asked if he thought his relationship with Musk was over, Trump reportedly told NBC News, "I would assume so, yeah." Trump also apparently has "no intention" of speaking with Musk which is what he told Fox News Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier. Trump and Musk have been engaged in a heated feud that has rapidly escalated in a matter of days. The spat began when Musk criticized the Trump-backed "Big Beautiful Bill" after his time with the administration ended. Read On The Fox News App 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 said in a Tuesday post on X. "Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it." U.S. President Donald Trump is joined by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, and his son, X Musk, during an executive order signing in the Oval Office at the White House on February 11, 2025. Jd Vance Says It Was A 'Huge Mistake' For Musk To Go After Trump With Epstein Accusation Musk later had two explosive posts on X, both of which are now deleted. In one, Musk accused Trump of being in files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Then, he agreed with a post calling for Trump's impeachment and suggested that Vice President JD Vance take charge. In one of his posts criticizing the bill, Musk argued that the bill "more than defeats all the cost savings achieved by the DOGE team at great personal cost and risk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Trump spoke with Baier and told him that "Elons totally lost it." That same day Trump posted on Truth Social that Musk should have turned on him "months 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. "This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Musk endorsed Trump after the then-candidate was nearly assassinated in Butler, Pa., during a campaign rally. The two seemed to become fast friends, with Musk eventually agreeing to join the Trump administration and lead DOGE. Original article source: Trump warns of 'serious consequences' if Elon Musk funds Democrats Top Trump officials are meeting Chinese negotiators in London on Monday. This would be the first official US-China talk since a temporary tariff truce on May 12. International trade experts have said that Trump could be under pressure to strike a deal. Three top Trump administration economic officials will face off against Chinese negotiators in a renewed effort to break the US-China trade deadlock. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will be meeting China's delegation in London on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The meeting should go very well," President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post announcing the talks. This coming meeting will be the first official talk between the two countries since they mutually lowered tariffs in a temporary truce on May 12, after talks in Geneva. The renewed talks follow a 90-minute phone call between Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping on Thursday, a rare direct conversation that Trump later described as "very good." According to Trump, the two leaders also agreed to visit each other in person, without providing more details in terms of a timeline. The Chinese Embassy of Washington did not respond to a request for who would be attending this negotiation from its side. The team they sent to Geneva consisted of Vice Premier He Lifeng, Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang, and Vice Finance Minister Liao Min. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, Li has a Master of Laws from the University of Hamburg in Germany and has been part of China's delegation to the World Trade Organization since 2021. International trade experts previously told Business Insider that much is at stake for both China and the US to strike a deal, or at the very least, continue the truce beyond August 12 when the 90-day tariff pause will expire. "The Trump administration made their job harder because the tariff policies they've implemented are costly to Americans and American companies, and therefore, the market doesn't like it," said Philip Luck, director of the CSIS Economics Program. "They are under a lot of pressure to do things fast." Meanwhile, a lawsuit that threatens to undo all of Trump's tariffs enacted under the IEEPA also looms over negotiations with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drew DeLong, lead in geopolitical dynamics practice at Kearney, a global strategy and management consulting firm, told BI that if the court strikes down tariffs before trade deals could come to pass, other routes of imposing tariffs could be more complicated and time-consuming. The White House did not provide Business Insider with any additional comment beyond Trump's Truth Social post. Read the original article on Business Insider NEED TO KNOW The TSA warned travelers that Costco cards do not count as REAL IDs in a lighthearted Facebook post on June 4 The government agency shared the message to dispel rumors that travelers can use their Costco cards at airports REAL IDS became mandatory to fly domestically and enter federal buildings in most states on May 7 The Transportation Security Administration has warned travelers that a Costco card is not a valid form of travel ID to fly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TSA shared a message on Facebook on Wednesday, June 4, to dispel rumors that travelers can use their Costco cards at airports. We love hotdogs and rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not, the government agency wrote. The post prompted a chorus of amusing responses from commenters. So, youre saying we should bring you a chicken? one person replied, while another Facebook user commented, Im pretty sure that the Costco card is stronger than some passports. Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty A TSA worker and travelers A TSA worker and travelers The need for REAL IDs rolled out nationwide on May 7, and the majority of states now require them for domestic airline travel and access to federal buildings although Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington accept Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDL) as an alternative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The REAL ID is a form of identification that meets higher security standards set by the federal government. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and it finally became a reality after a number of delays and pushbacks. 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. REAL IDs can be obtained through the DMV, though they do require you to provide more detailed documentation as compared to previous licenses and IDs. Because of this, it's wise to check your local DMVs website to ensure you have all the required paperwork before applying for one. Generally speaking, applicants will need to bring: One proof of identity (like a U.S. birth certificate or passport), one proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2), two proofs of state residency (like a utility bill or rental agreement) and proof of name change if applicable. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty A sign for REAL IDs at an aiport A sign for REAL IDs at an aiport Applicants will need to bring originals or certified copies of all documentation photocopies will not be accepted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if you dont have a REAL ID yet but still need to fly domestically? You will be notified of your non-compliance, and may be directed to a separate area of the airport to receive additional screening. The same goes for federal buildings that require identification. For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security website. Read the original article on People PINE BLUFF, Ark. Juvenile violence is on the decline in Pine Bluff. The Pine Bluff School District (PBSD) shared on Friday that office discipline referrals have nearly halved over the past two school years. Pine Bluff puts park curfews into effect, enforcing zero-tolerance policy Officials said that if one thing could be pointed to as a cause, it would be the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) movement. Jennifer Barbaree became PBSD superintendent shortly before the implementation of GVI in area schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When GVI first started, we had lost nine students to murder in that school year, Barbaree said. In July, it will be a year and a half since a juvenile homicide in Pine Bluff. PBSD office discipline referrals decreased by 30% this past school year. In elementary schools, discipline referrals have dropped by an average of 50%, with 34th Elementary seeing the most significant decline at 75%. Arkansas Stop the Violence speaks on recent string of homicides in Little Rock On Friday, during the last day of school, GVI hosted a community celebration in the Pine Bluff Convention Center. PBSD Assistant Superintendant Anthony Carlock said students were able to get excused absences for attending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a celebration, so when we think about, we are not counting youth homicides; were celebrating how much life we still have in Pine Bluff, and how much life we can impact for our future, Carlock said. Carlock said GVI helps students through mentoring, outreach, connecting people with resources, and rewarding those who invest in safety throughout the year. Director Kevin Crumpton explained that it also trains police and juvenile justice officers for their role. You got to be able to work together to make change in your particular city, Crumpton said. Jasmine Jones has two children in the district. She just learned of GVI Friday, but shes noticed the effect its had much sooner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes me feel better about my kids growing up in this community like we can turn it around, Jones said. Jefferson County budget vetoed by judge, county remains without 2025 budget A state grant helped fund the formation of GVI. PBSD officials stated a program like this has the potential to improve communities 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 KARK. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Two people were hospitalized after a shooting in southwest Franklin County on Saturday morning. Franklin County deputies were called to the 3300 block of Urban Hollow Court in the village of Urbancrest just before 5 a.m. on the report of a shooting. Columbus couple accused of attempting to induce miscarriage Two people were transported to a local hospital in stable condition, according to the sheriffs office. One person was arrested in relation to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officials have not yet released further information on what led up to the shooting. The sheriffs office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation were still on the scene investigating as of 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. GLENWOOD, Iowa Two people were killed and four were injured following a two-vehicle crash in Mills County on Friday afternoon. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash happened Friday around 4:20 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 34 and 195th Street, southwest of Glenwood. The ISP report states a school bus was heading eastbound on Highway 34 when an SUV entered the roadway from a stop sign at 195th Street for an unknown reason. The bus then struck the SUV in the roadway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Des Moines woman dies from injuries sustained in Wednesday night crash Both occupants of the SUV, 62-year-old Ralph Schultz and 66-year-old Perla Schultz from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, died from injuries sustained during the collision. The driver of the school bus, 63-year-old Jeanette Henderson, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Three passengers on the bus also sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital. A post on Facebook reports that the school bus was carrying the Council Bluffs St. Albert Softball team. Friday nights softball games between St. Albert and Fremont-Mills were canceled due to the accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Mills 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 who13.com. CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Two men are now facing state-level alcohol, weapons, and narcotics charges in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal activity at an unsanctioned nightclub in Charleston County. Multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies carried out a targeted sting operation at the Alamo club on Highway 78 around 3 a.m. on June 1, which resulted in the arrests of 80 people, including two alleged high-level cartel members and one person wanted in an international murder investigation. Warrants provided June 6 by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) indicate that further investigation in the aftermath of what has been called Operation Last Stand has resulted in additional charges against two individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin Reyna Flores, 59, was charged with Sale of Alcohol by an Unlicensed Person, Unlawful Storage of Alcoholic Liquors, Unlawful Sale of Liquor and Unlawful Sale of Beer. Terone Lavince Lawson, 44, was charged with Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine and two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Crimes. The warrants state that Lawson was working as a security guard at the nightclub at the time of the raid, and that drugs and weapons were found in his vehicle. Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie said during a June 2 press conference that the agency had been monitoring the unlicensed club since November 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration advocates say Charleston County sting operation unfairly targeted Latinos and Hispanics Authorities said seven people believed to be victims of human trafficking were discovered inside the club during the raid, as well as a missing juvenile. More than 70 people who were taken into custody were believed to be in the country illegally, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The agency also claimed the club was run by a suspected member of Los Zetas, a Mexican drug cartel. But few details surrounding who exactly was swept up in the operation have raised concerns of racial profiling among some in the Hispanic and Latino communities, with immigration advocates calling for more transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of us are too afraid to speak up not because were guilty, but because we fear retaliation, Alejandar Delaveea said in a June 6 press conference. Because we dont have legal status. Just being in the wrong place at the wrong time is treated like a crime even if its your first offense. If living life is a crime, then I guess Im guilty but one thing I wont be is silent. The 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 WCBD News 2. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for several people believed to be involved in a stabbing that happened early Saturday morning in Northwest D.C. Shortly after 1 a.m., MPD responded to Carroll Square in the 900 block of F Street NW. There, they found two men had been stabbed one of whom was hurt in his leg and abdomen, and the other who was stabbed in the shoulder. Scooter battery catches fire in Silver Spring apartment, firefighters say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. MPD said police were looking for five males and one female who might have been involved. All of them were wearing baggy clothing and one of the males was described as having curly hair and wearing a red shirt and jeans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. bramwell Voters will decide two town elections next week in Mercer County. The elections are set for Tuesday, June 10, in Bramwell and Athens. They are among 77 towns and cities across the Mountain State that hold an election Tuesday. In the town of Athens, the races are uncontested with two candidates vying for two seats on town council, according to Athens Town Clerk Debra Shorter. The candidates are incumbent council member Travis Pace and candidate James Blankenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incumbent Athens Mayor Timothy Peak also is running unopposed for re-election. The situation is different in Bramwell where the races for mayor, recorder and town council are all contested. Grant Bennett, the current mayor of Bramwell, is being challenged by former Mayor Louise Stoker and candidate Rodney Holcomb. Susan Lance Troutner, a current town council member, and Lathe Ellis are running for town recorder. Eight candidates are vying for four seats on the Bramwell Town Council, according to Bennett, who was answering the phone Friday at town hall. They include incumbents Jackie Shahan, Dennis Marcello, Charles Hawthorne and Kelley Murphy Eller and candidates Don Thompson, Perry Love, Elizabeth Brown Tillery and Sharon Workman, according to a legal advertisement copy of the ballot published in the Daily Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, 77 towns across West Virginia will hold an election Tuesday, according to West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner. Warner said some municipalities with contested races will receive a compliance visit on Election Day from an authorized representative of the Secretary of States Office. My office will have more than a dozen individuals visiting municipal elections throughout the state on Election Day, June 10th, Warner said in a statement Friday. These compliance visits are intended to ensure that polling locations are safe, secure and following the protocols in place to help every interested and eligible voter cast a ballot. Warner said the visits are educational in nature to assist the clerks or recorders in charge of the elections, as well as the poll workers at each location. Trained members of the Elections Division, the WVSOS Field Team, or the Investigations Division will conduct the compliance visits, according to the Secretary of States office. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com Two prep schools have become the latest victims of Labours VAT raid by announcing their closures as a result of the levy. Park Hill School in Kingston, Surrey, said the introduction of the 20pc tax on fees in January had led to a decline in pupil numbers meaning it was no longer financially viable to operate. Falcons School, a neighbouring school in Putney, south-west London, said a raft of tax changes including the VAT levy and increases to National Insurance alongside a higher minimum wage had intensified a decline in pupil enrolment forcing it to close at the end of the academic year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes after figures this week revealed private school pupil numbers had fallen by more than 11,000 in England following the VAT raid on fees four times more than government forecasts. There were around 582,500 pupils at English private schools in January compared to 593,500 at the same point last year, according to the Department for Education. Parents at Park Hill were told this week the 75-year-old school would be forced to close with children offered the opportunity to move to a nearby sister school. The decision came as a shock to many, with the schools website this week still advertising a recent open day for prospective pupils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school had also written to parents in March to thank them for continued loyalty and support in spite of the introduction of VAT and offered a 5pc discount to families who paid the following years school fees early. However, on Wednesday, in a letter seen by The Telegraph, Amit Mehta, chief executive of Inspired Learning Group, which owns the school, said: Following careful reflection, we have made the strategic decision to relocate pupils from Park Hill to join our sister school, Westbury House, from January 2026. We are incredibly proud of everything Park Hill has achieved over the years. However, like many schools, it also faces challenges, and this evolution offers fresh opportunities for all our pupils. Park Hill, which has 84 pupils aged between two and 11, will transition into a fully-fledged nursery which is exempt from VAT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justin Spanswick, chief operating officer at Inspired Learning Group, said: The decision was made because of the downward trend in pupil numbers at Park Hill, due in part to the introduction of VAT on school fees. He added the decision would also strengthen Westbury House in the current climate, with pupils moving to the school helping to shield it from the Governments tax rises. Falcons School decided to absorb the 20pc VAT levy in January and kept fees frozen at 6,270 per term in a bid to arrest a decline in pupil numbers. In March the school told the families of its 126 pupils that it was considering the future viability of the school and that it was likely to close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school was taken over by Inspired Education Group in 2023 and made the decision to admit boys for the first time in an attempt to increase pupil numbers. A spokesman for the school said: As a result of the thorough consultation process, we have taken the difficult decision to close the school at the end of the academic year. The consultation took place as the school has been loss-making since we acquired it, with enrolment under 50pc over the last two years. THis has been intensified by the recent government changes such as VAT. Ministers have admitted the Government expects 100 private schools to close as a result of its VAT raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysis by the Independent Schools Council suggests this will lead to 40,000 pupils being displaced and 11,000 jobs being lost. 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. PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7: As India and its neighbours continue to confront the double threat of increasing natural disasters and unpredictable man-made crises--including the recent cross-border tensions in northern districts--CBDM India 2025 emerges as a timely national response mechanism rooted in community resilience and emergency health preparedness. The International Conference on 'Disaster Resilience: Community-Based Systems to Save Lives and Preserve Health' will be held on June 20-21 at the JN Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, with a Pre-Conference Workshop on June 19 at the Indian Railways Institute of Disaster Management (IRIDM). -Against the backdrop of natural disasters and the recent border conflict, CBDM India on June 20-21 will showcase people-centric disaster management systems to protect lives & preserve health - A Pre-Conference Workshop on June 19 will provide practical training in rapid response, triage, community mobilization, and emergency communications at IRIDM, Bengaluru Organised by JeevaRaksha Trust, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Science, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Government of Karnataka, Indian Medical Association (IMA) Saragur, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, IRIDM, and premier national agencies including NDMA, ISRO, and NIMHANS, this global platform reflects India's growing commitment to proactive, inclusive disaster readiness. From flash floods and heatwaves to border hostilities and civil emergencies, the call for empowered, prepared communities has never been louder. The conference will feature keynote insights from Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), PVSM, Member, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India. His unique civil-military perspective--especially in conflict-prone zones like Kashmir--will add strategic depth to discussions on disaster coordination in high-risk border and rural areas. Dr. (Flt Lt) M.A. Balasubramanya, Managing Trustee of JeevaRaksha and Chairman of the Organising Committee, said, "In disaster situations--whether caused by nature or conflict--every life saved is a victory of preparedness. The recent Indo-Pak flare-ups in border areas are a reminder that India must be ready not just with diplomacy or arms, but also with health, speed, and compassion. We must train our people, strengthen our health systems, and localise our response." CBDM India 2025 will tackle urgent priorities such as local risk mapping, public health intervention strategies, disaster psychology, digital alert systems, and inter-sectoral coordination. Sessions will explore how community-based models can be integrated with national response systems to create a more agile, informed, and resilient India. The conference will also offer hands-on workshops and case studies from India and the Global South, making it a knowledge hub for low-resource but high-impact solutions. "This is not just a technical event. It is a convergence of policy, science, public health, and lived realities. We are gathering voices from the field--doctors, emergency workers, village leaders, and military medics--to build a framework that saves lives when seconds matter. Whether it's a landslide, flash flood, or border shelling, it's the community that responds first," added Dr. Ram K Nair, Technical Director of JeevaRaksha and Organising Secretary, CBDM 2025. The conference expects participation from over 800 delegates, including officials from disaster management authorities, armed forces, healthcare institutions, academia, civil society, and youth networks. Institutions such as Armed Forces Medical Services, IISc, ISRO, Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority, and NIMHANS will lend technical support and vision. Adding a public health lens, Dr. Prakash K H, CEO of JeevaRaksha, said, "The idea that only governments or uniformed forces handle disasters is outdated. It's time to put people at the centre. This conference will show how villages, wards, hospitals, and schools can become strongholds of resilience. A JeevaRaksha-trained teacher or a connected ASHA can make the difference between life and loss in those first critical moments." CBDM India 2025 also opens the floor to innovation, inviting paper and poster submissions showcasing real-world solutions, best practices, and policy recommendations. The Pre-Conference Workshop on June 19 will provide practical training in rapid response, triage, community mobilisation, and emergency communications at IRIDM, Bengaluru. In a time of compounded crises--raging rivers and restless borders--CBDM India 2025 is India's declaration of readiness, rooted not just in policy, but in people. About JeevaRaksha JeevaRaksha Trust (JR), a special-purpose vehicle established by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, and Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, offers skill courses in Emergency Care. These unique, comprehensive university-certified courses equip doctors, nurses, paramedics, and the public with essential skills to enhance the emergency care response system and save lives. JR has three verticals to strengthen its mission, namely, Emergency Skills Education, Research & Development, and Relief & Rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and innovative disaster management solutions. For Registration Ms. Sabitha: +91 7338614842 | Email: sabita@maplejourneys.com, Dr. Haripriya M: +91 9738037489 | Email: cbdmindia2025@jeevaraksha.org can be approached. (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) Jun. 7JAMESTOWN Two people were sentenced recently on felony charges in Southeast District Court in Jamestown. Lexys Jo Griffith, 22, Buchanan, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in jail/correctional facility, a Class A felony, possession of a controlled substance in jail/correctional facility and theft of property, Class B felonies, prohibited acts A/controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C felony, and criminal trespass and carrying a concealed firearm or weapon, Class A misdemeanors. Griffith was accused of possessing and delivering methamphetamine while in custody in the Stutsman County Correctional Center from April 9-14; possessing methamphetamine and items used with methamphetamine with previous convictions in 2021, entering a garage when not licensed or privileged to do so and concealing a switchblade knife on April 9 and taking and/or illegitimately keeping a vehicle valued at more than $10,000 but less than $50,000 from Oct. 12-13, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge James Shockman sentenced Griffith to 68 days in the Stutsman County Correctional Center with credit for 49 days served. Shockman placed Griffith on 18 months supervised probation and ordered her to submit to fingerprints. Griffith was also ordered to pay a $35 indigent defense application fee, $25 victim-witness fee and $440 restitution. A Class A felony is punishable by 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. A Class B felony is punishable by 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. A Class C felony is punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by 360 days in prison and $3,000 fine. Roceal Blanton Houston, 41, Moorhead, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of personal identifying information, a Class B felony. Houston was accused of using without authorization or consent someone's personal identifying information to obtain a credit card to make or attempt to make one or more purchases with a value of more than $1,000 on May 21, 2017. Shockman sentenced Houston to 60 days in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with credit for 60 days served. Shockman also ordered Houston to pay $2,077 restitution. The Russians launched a missile and drone attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the night of 6-7 June, injuring women aged 45 and 88. Source: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration Details: Infrastructure, premises belonging to a business, an educational institution and several dozen garages were damaged in the city of Dnipro. A car caught fire, three others were damaged and windows were shattered in high-rise buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Pavlohrad came under the Russian attack too. Premises belonging to a business and high-rise buildings were wrecked there. Cars caught fire, with nine of them destroyed. The Russians resumed strikes on the Nikopol district in the morning, targeting the city of Nikopol and the Marganets hromada with FPV drones and heavy artillery. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] A nine-storey building was damaged in Nikopol. Six Russian missiles and 27 drones were downed over the oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ARKANSAS In light of recent rainfall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun spillway releases at Beaver Dam near Eureka Springs to evacuate flood storage. Photo courtesy of the Little Rock District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The spillway release combined with hydropower is around 7,200 cubic feet per second, according to a Corps social media post. Carrying a rich history, Beaver was one of the first Corps of Engineers reservoirs in the United States to provide for municipal and industrial water supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was charged with knowingly possessing one or more items that contained visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said Friday. Anthony John Crowley 52, of Minnetonka, made his first appearance in U.S. District Court on Friday, authorities said. In recent months, we have seen a rash of agents, officers, and public officials engaging in crimes against children, Thompson said in a news release. Let there be no misunderstanding: the U.S. Attorneys Office has zero tolerance for people in positions of trust and authority who abuse children. Zero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A special agent with Homeland Security, Timothy Ryan Gregg, 51, of Eagan, was charged Monday in U.S. District Court with producing child sexual abuse material of a 17-year-old girl after federal authorities say images and videos of the two engaged in sexual activity were found on her cellphone on May 29. When those who take an oath to uphold the law become the ones who break it in the most egregious way, it erodes the publics faith in our institutions, said Special Agent in Charge Alvin Winston of the FBIs Minneapolis office. We are seeing a troubling pattern multiple arrests in recent months involving individuals in positions of authority charged with exploiting children. Let one thing be clear: position and power will not shield you from accountability. If you harm a child, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will find you. And no matter who you are, we will bring you to justice. Crowley was ordered Friday to remain in custody pending further proceedings. Related Articles A U.S. soldier died during a training incident in Hungary, the Army said Saturday in a news release. Sgt. Aaron Cox, 24, of Mabank, Texas, died Thursday near Camp Croft, Hungary. / Credit: U.S. Army Sgt. Aaron Cox, 24, of Mabank, Texas, died Thursday near Camp Croft, Hungary, during preparations for the upcoming Exercise Saber Guardian 25. The Army said Cox died as a result of wounds from a vehicle accident, but didn't provide further details. Cox joined the Army in 2021, and this was his second deployment. He previously deployed to Poland in 2022. He was an Infantryman assigned to the "Strike" 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The loss of Sgt. Cox is a tragedy for all of us on the Strike team," said, Col. Duke Reim, commander, 2MBCT, 101st Airborne Div. "He was a strong Soldier and leader, who quickly rose through the ranks while serving." He also thanked the Hungarian allies for their assistance and support to the soldiers. Reim said an investigation into the accident is ongoing. A similar tragedy occurred a few months prior when four U.S. soldiers died in March in Lithuania after they went missing while conducting a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle. The soldiers were on a training exercise at the massive General Silvestras Zukauskas training ground in the town of Pabrade. Their vehicle was reported missing the following morning, the U.S. Army said, and was then found the next day by the Army and Lithuanian authorities. It took more than a week to remove their submerged armored recovery vehicle from a peat bog. Thick mud and soft ground around the site made it a complicated recovery effort, the Army said. It required specialized equipment to drain water from the side and "stabilize the ground," to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of service members from the Army, Navy and the militaries of Lithuania and Poland helped in the effort to bring the 63-ton M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle to the surface, the command said. Dad says son "may never be the same" after alleged hazing Saturday Sessions: Turnpike Troubadours perform "On The Red River" Saturday Sessions: Turnpike Troubadours perform "Heaven Passing Through" SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) For the second time this year, students and faculty at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) staged a protest outside Geisel Library, demanding the federal government reverse deep education funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration cuts they say are threatening research, jobs and the future of scientific innovation. Dozens of protesters gathered on campus, holding signs and sharing personal stories about how the loss of federal research grants is impacting their work and well-being. Dozens possibly detained by federal officials amid immigration raids in Los Angeles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year has been filled with many moments of insecurity, said Eleanor Ketterer-Sykes, a first-year Ph.D. student in the neuroscience program. UCSD is one of the best science schools in the country because of its renowned research labs, you have access to labs at the Salk Institute, Sanford and Scripps as well as the VA Hospital but that future is in jeopardy. The Trump administration has canceled hundreds of research grants in recent months, citing concerns over ideologically driven science. The cuts have targeted studies ranging from HIV prevention to violence prevention in children. UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla warned in an April letter that the university stands to lose between $75 million and $500 million annually as a result. As of May 30, there have been more than 150 federal grants terminated, resulting in a loss of $30 million, said Lisa Eyler, a UCSD psychiatry professor. These cuts are already leading to layoffs among instructors, staff scientists, and support personnel like librarians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Kings Day protests planned across California on June 14 The ripple effects could be felt beyond UCSD. Stanley Maloy, emeritus professor of microbiology at San Diego State University, said the cuts threaten the pipeline of future scientists and engineers. Reduced positions mean talented students are left behind, Maloy said. As this innovation workforce dries up, our economy is going to suffer. Eyler echoed those concerns, warning of a generational loss in scientific progress. There will be a gaping hole in the pipeline of future scientists, engineers and healthcare providers, which could result in the potential loss of an entire generation of great scientific thinkers, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands in San Diego protest cuts to federal education funds For Ketterer-Sykes, the issue is personal. She entered the neuroscience program hoping to make life-saving breakthroughs. So many people rely on scientific innovation whether it be to find cures for diseases like tuberculosis or Alzheimers disease, she said. It really is vital to humanity. While the exact financial toll remains uncertain, university leaders say the impact is already being felt and may only get worse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) The Trump administrations emphasis on drones is a step in the right direction that could help shed light on the broader issue of UFOs, a former Pentagon insider says. The White House on Friday announced new initiatives that include the creation of a federal task force to evaluate threats posed by rogue drones. Unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, have been in the news in recent months after mysterious sightings over New Jersey were attributed to drone activity. The bottom line is, we dont know whats in our skies, and drones continue to be an issue, Luis Elizondo told CUOMO. Its fantastic that this administration is taking this quite seriously. We have been calling for the creation of a task force for some time. And I think that its great news that government is finally listening to the demands of the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizondo is a former Defense Department employee who has become known as a whistleblower on UFOs. He praised Jon Kosloski, the director of the Pentagons All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office, for being open-minded about the potential existence of extraterrestrial technology. Hes not like the previous AARO director that was really just trying to obfuscate and push the narrative in one direction, Elizondo said. Kosloski is very well trained, he has incredible experience in the intelligence community and hes very well respected. President Trump signed three executive orders dealing with drone regulations and encouraging the development of flying vehicles and supersonic flights. Besides targeting rogue drones, the orders also will help clear the way for companies to use drones beyond operators line of sight. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. HONOLULU (KHON2) A study by researchers at University of Hawaii at Manoas Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology found that coral reefs are less frequent in the tropics due to warming oceans. The research found that the reefs are unable to beat the heat and effects of climate change, which rings the emergency alarm for conservationists. 8 takeaways from Hawaiis top ranking for school lunches However, there is still hope, as the research showed that immediate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can improve the future of these iconic ocean scenes across the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the ocean warms, species tend to move poleward, said lead author Noam Vogt-Vincent, lead author of the study. We know from the fossil record that coral reefs have previously expanded their ranges in response to past climate change, but we didnt know whether this was a matter of decades or millennia. In order to predict changes in the distribution of these reefs, the research team used complex simulation models running on UHs high-performance computing cluster. The team created a global model including approximately 50,000 coral reef sites to research. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Using the model, the researches tested three future emissions scenarios: one with low warming, around two degrees Celsius, a moderate warming scenario, around three degrees Celsius and a high warming model, which is greater than four degrees Celsius. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By modeling coral reefs globally and incorporating evolution and connectivity, this study provides an unprecedented long-term view of how these complex ecosystems will respond to climate change, said research professor Lisa McManus. Provided the current condition of the climate on coral reefs, the researchers found both good news and bad news. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Unfortunately, while weve confirmed that coral reef range expansion will indeed eventually occur, the biggest coral losses are expected in the next 60 years, meaning these new, higher-latitude reefs wont form fast enough to save most tropical coral species, Vogt-Vincent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While northern Florida, southern Australia and southern Japan may see new reefs in the future, they will not be in existence soon enough to help corals survive through the century, UH said. While the future seems bleak, there is still hope, with significant cuts in emissions, such as those outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement, could dramatically reduce the loss of coral. Alii Drive to revert to a two-way street Currently, coral reduction is on track to lose up to 86% of coral reefs; but with lower emissions, losses could be reduced to only around 33% of coral reefs. Our study suggests that reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will not just improve coral reef futures this century, but for hundreds to thousands of years into the future, Vogt-Vincent said. Our actions over the next few decades will therefore have incredibly long-lasting consequences for coral reefs globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers will continue to monitor reef levels with their supercomputer power to try to better understand both threats and solutions surrounding the worlds coral reefs. For more information, visit the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biologys website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. By Krishna N. Das NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Britain and India on Saturday discussed expanding their "counter-terrorism" collaboration following recent fighting between India and Pakistan, Britain's foreign minister told Reuters after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. British foreign minister David Lammy is the highest-profile Western official to have visited both New Delhi and Islamabad since the South Asian neighbours agreed to a ceasefire last month after their worst fighting in nearly three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest tensions began in April after the killing of 26 men in Indian Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on "terrorists" backed by Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denied. India then attacked what it called "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan, leading to escalation from both sides until a May 10 ceasefire. "We want the situation to be maintained, but of course we recognise fragility, particularly in the backdrop of terrorism, terrorism designed to destabilise India," Lammy said in an interview at the residence of the British High Commissioner in New Delhi. "We are keen to continue to work with our Indian partners on counter-terrorism measures." He said he discussed the next steps with both Modi and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, but gave no specifics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, India and Britain discussed combating the financing of terrorism, cooperation between law enforcement and judicial bodies and information sharing. Lammy said he also discussed boosting trade between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies. The countries concluded talks for a free trade deal early last month. "I know that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is very much looking forward to coming to India very soon to sign the free trade agreement," Lammy said. "There is so much that our two nations can continue to do together." (Reporting by Krishna N. Das in New Delhi. Editing by Mark Potter) LONDON (AP) Lawyers have cited fake cases generated by artificial intelligence in court proceedings in England, a judge has said warning that attorneys could be prosecuted if they dont check the accuracy of their research. High Court justice Victoria Sharp said the misuse of AI has serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system. In the latest example of how judicial systems around the world are grappling with how to handle the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in court, Sharp and fellow judge Jeremy Johnson chastised lawyers in two recent cases in a ruling on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were asked to rule after lower court judges raised concerns about suspected use by lawyers of generative artificial intelligence tools to produce written legal arguments or witness statements which are not then checked, leading to false information being put before the court. In a ruling written by Sharp, the judges said that in a 90 million pound ($120 million) lawsuit over an alleged breach of a financing agreement involving the Qatar National Bank, a lawyer cited 18 cases that did not exist. The client in the case, Hamad Al-Haroun, apologized for unintentionally misleading the court with false information produced by publicly available AI tools, and said he was responsible, rather than his solicitor Abid Hussain. But Sharp said it was extraordinary that the lawyer was relying on the client for the accuracy of their legal research, rather than the other way around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the other incident, a lawyer cited five fake cases in a tenants housing claim against the London Borough of Haringey. Barrister Sarah Forey denied using AI, but Sharp said she had not provided to the court a coherent explanation for what happened. The judges referred the lawyers in both cases to their professional regulators, but did not take more serious action. Sharp said providing false material as if it were genuine could be considered contempt of court or, in the most egregious cases, perverting the course of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. She said in the judgment that AI is a powerful technology and a useful tool for the law. Artificial intelligence is a tool that carries with it risks as well as opportunities, the judge said. Its use must take place therefore with an appropriate degree of oversight, and within a regulatory framework that ensures compliance with well-established professional and ethical standards if public confidence in the administration of justice is to be maintained. T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as a part-time Member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission on Saturday. The appointment of Sankar is consequent to the resignation of one of the full-time Members of the XVIFC, Ajay Narayan Jha, on personal grounds. The Department of Economic Affairs of the Finance Ministry in a notification said, "In pursuance of clause (1) of article 280 of the Constitution read with the provisions of the Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951 (33 of 1951), the President is pleased to appoint T Rabi Sankar as a part-time Member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission." He will be a part-time Member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission from the date of appointment to the date the Commission submits its report or 31 October 2025, whichever is earlier. Sankar is currently overseeing the key portfolios of the FinTech Department, the Financial Markets Operations Department, and the Financial Markets Regulation Department at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Sankar has played a pivotal role in the launch of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). In April, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved T. Rabi Sankar's reappointment as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for one year. Sankar was Executive Director of the Reserve Bank before being elevated to the post of Deputy Governor in 2021. T. Rabi Sankar, a seasoned central banker, joined the Bank in 1990 and has held various positions at the Reserve Bank of India. As Executive Director, he oversaw the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems, the Department of Information Technology, Fintech, and the Risk Monitoring Department at the RBI. The government appointed Arvind Panagariya as the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission in 2023. The commission makes recommendations about the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States. The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves. Two distinctive features of the Commission's work involve redressing the vertical imbalances between the taxation powers and expenditure responsibilities of the centre and the States, respectively, and equalisation of all public services across the States. (ANI) The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has refuted Russian claims that Ukraine postponed a planned weekend prisoner exchange and the repatriation of bodies. Source: Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War Details: The Coordination Headquarters stated that Ukraine provided lists for the exchange, adhering to categories agreed in Istanbul: seriously wounded, seriously ill and young soldiers in an all-for-all format. However, Russia submitted lists that did not comply with these agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has provided relevant feedback and awaits Russias next steps. Quote: "Regarding the repatriation of bodies an agreement was indeed reached. However, no date was agreed. Instead of following the agreed process, the Russian side resorted to unilateral actions that were not coordinated within the joint framework." Background On 7 June 2025, Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian negotiating group in Istanbul, claimed Ukraine had indefinitely postponed the prisoner exchange and body repatriation. He stated that 1,212 bodies had been delivered to the exchange site in refrigerated units and that a list of 640 Ukrainian prisoners of war, meeting the agreed categories, had been submitted. Russia accused Ukraine of unexpectedly delaying the exchange, alleging the Ukrainian delegation failed to arrive at the designated location. On 6 June 2025, Russia claimed that repatriation efforts had begun, later asserting that "Ukraine refused to retrieve the bodies of its citizens". Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War emphasised that Russia is manipulating a sensitive issue, adding that preparations for the exchange are ongoing. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet in Russia's Kursk Oblast on the morning of June 7, the Air Force reported. Although no details of the operation were disclosed, the downing brings the total number of Russian aircraft destroyed since the start of the full-scale invasion to 414, according to Ukraine's General Staff. Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024, marking the first large-scale invasion of Russian territory by foreign forces since World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reinforced by North Korean troops, Russia launched a push to recapture the region in early March, with Ukraine being forced to pull back from much of the initially taken territory, including the town of Sudzha. The downing of the Su-35 fighter jet also adds to the losses Ukraine has inflicted on the Russian Air Force over the past week. On June 1, Ukraine launched its Operation Spiderweb, conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), reportedly hitting 41 Russian bomber planes and other aircraft. According to Kyiv, Ukraine inflicted $7 billion in damage and disabled over a third of Russia's strategic bomber fleet. The Kyiv Independent could not independently confirm the number of planes allegedly damaged and destroyed by the SBU. At least 21 planes were damaged or destroyed, according to open-source intelligence analysts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The targeted air bases reportedly housed Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, essential carriers of long-range cruise missiles used in Moscow's air strikes on Ukrainian cities. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in preemptive strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine should be prepared for a further increase in the number of Russian drones during attacks, in particular, up to 1,000 Russian drones in a single attack. Source: Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, on the air during the national joint 24/7 newscast "We need to be ready for an increase [in the number of drones during attack - ed.] because this is the tendency," Yurii Ihnat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Ihnat said that Russia is already using up to 500 drones per night and that thousands of drones at once are likely. Quote from Ihnat: "It is possible to talk about 1,000 [Russian drones ed.], but for now we have what I mentioned regarding these dates [previous large-scale attacks - ed.]. The enemy is already deploying up to 500 [drones per night ed.]." Background: The Russians launched 215 aerial attack assets to strike Ukraine on the night of 6-7 June, with 174 of them failing to reach their targets. On the night of 31 May1 June, Russia attacked Ukraine with a record 479 aerial weapons. Air defences destroyed three Russian cruise missiles and 210 drones, while 172 UAVs disappeared from radar. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect comments made by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine has denied Russian claims that it had delayed a planned exchange of prisoners of war (POWs) and the bodies of fallen soldiers, reportedly scheduled for June 7-8. Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed to conduct a major swap, which would include severely injured prisoners and young people aged 18 to 25, during their second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on June 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the talks, Russia also pledged to transfer 6,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers and officers to Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that preparations for exchanging the bodies would begin after the POW swap. On June 7, however, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation in peace talks, claimed that the contact group of the Russian Defense Ministry was reportedly stationed at the border with Ukraine, but the Ukrainian side "unexpectedly postponed both the transfer of bodies and the POW exchange indefinitely." Ukraine's Defense Ministry dismissed the claim as false, saying it was an attempt by Russia to avoid returning Ukrainian POWs from captivity and take their POWs back to Russia. "Unfortunately, the Ukrainian side is once again facing attempts to retroactively revise agreements. If the Russian side is now backing away from what was promised in Istanbul, it raises serious questions about the reliability and capability of their negotiating team," the ministry wrote on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of POWs also refuted Russia's claim, saying that "instead of constructive dialogue, Ukraine once again faced manipulations and attempts to exploit sensitive humanitarian issues for information purposes." In his evening address on June 8, President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "as always, in its spirit, (Russia) is trying to play some kind of dirty political and information game with these issues," adding that Kyiv has not received a full list from Moscow of the POWs planned to be exchanged According to the headquarters, Ukraine submitted lists of POWs "formed according to clearly defined categories agreed upon during the negotiations in Istanbul," while the Russian side "provided different lists that do not correspond to the agreed approach." The headquarters also added that an agreement on the repatriation of bodies of fallen soldiers was made, but the date was not set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Instead of consistently implementing the agreed procedure, the Russian side took unilateral actions that were not coordinated within the joint process," the statement reads. "Unfortunately, instead of constructive dialogue, we are once again faced with manipulations and attempts to exploit sensitive humanitarian issues for information purposes. We remain committed to a real outcome the return of our prisoners and the bodies of the fallen and are ready to continue working within the agreed framework." The latest direct Russia-Ukraine talks, hosted by Turkish officials, followed the first round of negotiations on May 16. The initial meeting ended with an agreement on the largest prisoner exchange of the war, but without any tangible progress toward a peace deal. Ukraine has returned over 5,000 prisoners via exchanges with Russia since March 2022, according to officials. Kyiv has repeatedly pressed Moscow to agree to an "all-for-all" prisoner exchange, but Russia has rejected the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Its okay, Mom, Im home Ukraine, Russia hold largest prisoner swap of the war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has refuted Russian claims that Ukraine postponed a planned prisoner exchange and body repatriation, stating that a Russian propaganda video showing refrigerated units with bodies was filmed in Russia, not at the designated exchange site. Source: Andrii Yusov, Deputy Head of Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda Quote: "The video released by the enemy was filmed today in Russia, not at the exchange site. The video is overtly propagandistic and part of a deliberate disinformation campaign and PsyOp by Russian special services to discredit Ukraine and pressure the negotiating group ahead of the upcoming exchange and repatriation activities. Screenshot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the timing for repatriation activities was agreed on Tuesday [3 June ed.] with authorised representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defence and is scheduled to begin next week as planned. What is being presented today is merely another performance by enemy special services. Despite such overt provocations, preparations for the exchange continue, and we expect results in the near future." The Coordination Headquarters previously stated that Ukraine provided lists for the exchange, adhering to categories agreed in Istanbul: seriously wounded, seriously ill and young soldiers exchanged in an all-for-all format. However, Russia submitted lists that did not comply with these agreements. Ukraine has provided feedback and awaits Russias next steps. Background: On 7 June 2025, Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian negotiating group in Istanbul, claimed Ukraine had indefinitely postponed the prisoner exchange and body repatriation. He stated that 1,212 bodies had been delivered to the exchange site in refrigerated units and that a list of 640 Ukrainian prisoners of war, meeting the agreed categories, had been submitted. Russia accused Ukraine of unexpectedly delaying the exchange, alleging the Ukrainian delegation failed to arrive at the designated location. On 6 June 2025, Russia claimed that repatriation efforts had begun, later asserting that "Ukraine refused to retrieve the bodies of its citizens". Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War emphasised that Russia is manipulating a sensitive issue, adding that preparations for the exchange are ongoing. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's air forces shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet on Saturday morning, the Ukrainian military said. "This morning, on June 7, 2025, as a result of a successful Air Force operation in the Kursk direction, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet was shot down," the military said on the Telegram messenger. It gave no more details. Russian forces have not yet commented on the matter while Reuters could not independently verify the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's security agency, the SBU, conducted a large drone attack on over 40 Russian military aircraft last week, damaging or destroying tens of Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers, which Russia uses to fire long-range missiles at Ukraine. (Reporting by Pavel PolityukEditing by Tomasz Janowski) Ukraines Security Service (SBU) used exclusively domestically produced drones and did not deploy any equipment from allied stockpiles in its recent attack on Russian heavy bombers, President Volodymyr Zelensky told ABC News in an interview published on June 7. "I wanted very much to use only what we produce and to have the separation (be) very clear," Zelensky said, as quoted by the TV network. On June 1, Ukraine launched a game-changing drone attack on four Russian military airfields, damaging 41 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes, now largely known as Operation Spiderweb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent could not independently confirm the number of planes allegedly damaged and destroyed by the SBU. At least 21 planes were damaged or destroyed, according to open-source intelligence analysts. 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. To do so, Ukraine used one of the cheapest weapons already used on the battlefield first-person-view (FPV) drones. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been developing and deploying technological innovations and cutting-edge unmanned systems. Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly relied on drone warfare, using aerial, naval, and ground-based drones for reconnaissance and combat missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late March, presidential advisor Alexander Kamyshin said in an interview with Radio Khartia that Ukrainian manufacturers have the capacity to produce over 5 million FPV drones per year. A year-and-a-half in the planning, and reportedly personally overseen by SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk and Zelensky, Operation Spiderweb was an "absolutely unique operation," according to the president. According to the SBU, the drones were smuggled into Russia, where they were then hidden on the roofs of wooden cabins, which were then transported by truck to the air bases being targeted. When they reached their destinations, the roofs were retracted remotely, and the drones simply flew off towards the Russian bombers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interview with ABC News released on June 7, Zelesnky said truck drivers who transported the drones did not know anything about their role in the attack. "They didn't know anything," Zelensky said. "They just did their job." Read also: Operation Spiderweb everything we know about Ukraines audacious attack on Russias heavy bombers Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Foreign Minister AndriI Sybiha has instructed the Ukrainian Embassy in Belgium to closely monitor the investigation into the deaths of two Ukrainian citizens a mother, 46, and her 6-year-old daughter in the Belgian town of Haasrode. Source: press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, writes Interfax-Ukraine Details: Consular officers are already in contact with the victims relatives, as well as local police and prosecutors. The bodies of the two victims were discovered during a fire at a residential building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The circumstances of the deaths and the causes of the incident are being established. The Leuven prosecutors office has opened criminal proceedings, and investigative actions are ongoing. Ukrainian diplomats will continue to provide necessary consular assistance and keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation." As reported, two Ukrainians a 46-year-old woman and her six-year-old daughter have been found dead in a residential building in the Belgian town of Haasrode. Both victims had stab wounds and the crime scene had been deliberately set on fire. Background In April 2024, two Ukrainian servicemen aged 38 and 24, were killed in Murnau, Germany, while recovering from injuries in Bavaria. The prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the double homicide. The husband of the deceased woman is presently fighting in Ukraine. A 58-year-old Russian man who murdered two Ukrainian soldiers in Germany was sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Munich. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Soldiers of the 6th Ranger Regiment of the Special Operations Forces have killed a Russian group and captured one soldier on the Kursk front near the state border of Ukraine. Source: Special Operations Forces Details: It is reported that six soldiers of the Ranger Regiment raided a Russian group that was attempting to storm the positions of the Ukrainian defence forces in Sumy Oblast. Special Operations Forces soldiers emphasise that they offered the Russian troops to surrender, guaranteeing them safety, medical assistance, food and water. After they refused, the Ranger Regiment killed four Russian soldiers and forced another to surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: The State Border Service of Ukraine reported earlier that Russian forces continue to press with small infantry groups in Sumy Oblast, expanding the territory for the advance of their troops. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Air Force of Ukraine has released a video showing the downing of a Russian Su-35 fighter jet in Russias Kursk Oblast on 7 June. Source: Air Force of Ukraine on social media Details: The video shows the Russian fighter jet on fire. It is also stated that the Russians confirmed the loss of the fighter jet on a specialised Telegram channel, although they claim that the crew managed to survive. Background: On 7 June, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet was shot down in a successful operation by the Ukrainian Air Force in Russias Kursk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! VMPL New Delhi [India], June 7: In today's fast-evolving data landscape, especially in vibrant tech hubs like Chennai, choosing the right data science course in Chennai can make all the difference. Technical skills alone won't cut it anymore. As companies harness vast amounts of data to power decisions and innovation, the spotlight is shifting toward the human side of data science. The ability to clearly communicate insights, foster collaboration, and adapt to ever-changing challenges is now just as critical as coding or modeling. Soft skills are becoming the secret weapon that transforms raw numbers into compelling stories and actionable business strategies. This transformation marks a new era for data professionals, one where emotional intelligence, leadership, and strategic thinking take center stage. Data scientists are no longer working in isolation; they are influencers, problem-solvers, and connectors who drive real impact across organizations. We explore why mastering these soft skills is essential for building a thriving data science career in 2025 and beyond, shaping the future of the industry itself. Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever As data becomes more abundant and intricate, the work environment is also evolving. Data projects today often span multiple teams and departments, requiring seamless collaboration across diverse stakeholders from product managers and marketers to legal experts and executives. In a fast-changing setting like this, effective communication is crucial. The best data insights mean nothing if they can't be shared clearly and persuasively to inspire action. Beyond communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence have taken on new importance. The fast-paced nature of data science means priorities shift quickly, technologies evolve rapidly, and unexpected challenges arise frequently. Data professionals who can stay calm under pressure, pivot strategies when needed, and empathize with colleagues and customers alike are the ones who thrive. Leadership skills, too, are critical not just for those in formal management roles but for anyone who wants to guide projects, influence decisions, and foster collaboration. Essential Soft Skills for Data Science Professionals In data science, technical know-how alone isn't enough to guarantee success. Soft skills play a crucial role in transforming raw data into actionable insights and making sure your work truly impacts the organization. Here are some of the key soft skills that complement your technical expertise and help you stand out as a data professional: 1.Effective Communication Data scientists regularly convert complex technical results into clear and understandable language for those without a technical background. Whether you're presenting results, writing reports, or crafting compelling data-driven stories, strong communication skills ensure your insights lead to informed business decisions. 2.Critical Thinking and Problem Solving A sharp analytical mind is fundamental in data science. Being able to identify the right questions, assess data quality, select suitable models, and interpret outcomes with care allows you to solve problems thoughtfully and effectively. 3.Collaboration and Teamwork Rarely do data projects happen in isolation. Successful data scientists collaborate closely with business leaders, data engineers, developers, and domain experts to gather requirements, exchange knowledge, and deliver valuable solutions. 4.Adaptability and Curiosity The data science industry keeps evolving, bringing in new technologies, approaches, and algorithms on a regular basis. Staying curious and adaptable helps you keep pace with change and embrace innovative approaches to problem-solving. 5.Time Management and OrganizationJuggling multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines, and managing complex data workflows all demand strong organizational skills and effective time management to keep everything running smoothly. Why These Soft Skills Matter Building these soft skills alongside your technical capabilities dramatically boosts your effectiveness as a data scientist. Employers today want professionals who can not only analyze data but also communicate clearly, think strategically, and collaborate across teams to solve complex challenges. Mastering these skills ensures your data work drives real-world impact and supports meaningful decision-making at every level of the organization. The Growing Role of Soft Skills in Industry Trends The rise of artificial intelligence and automation makes soft skills more valuable than ever. As machines take over routine tasks like data cleaning and basic analysis, the uniquely human abilities to connect, empathize, and think strategically become the differentiators. Data scientists are expected not only to manage models and infrastructure but also to drive business impact through cross-functional leadership. The boundaries between technical, analytical, and business functions are becoming less distinct. Data professionals must understand market dynamics, customer behavior, and ethical considerations alongside their technical work. This comprehensive approach demands a combination of skills that extend well beyond conventional data science education. From Knowing to Doing: How 360DigiTMG Makes You Industry-Ready in Chennai Skill-Building with Purpose For those seeking the best data science courses in Chennai, 360DigiTMG bridges the gap between learning and doing. Its industry-aligned curriculum spans Python, ML, AI ethics, and tools like Power BI, SQL, and TensorFlow. Hands-On & Career-Focused Learners engage in real-world projects churn prediction and fraud detection, culminating in portfolio-ready capstones reviewed by experts. AI Design Studio, quizzes, and animated explainers boost clarity. Human Support System One-on-one mentorship, resume optimization, LinkedIn branding, and mock interviews help learners grow in both confidence and communication. Flexible & Inclusive Choose from online, hybrid, or weekend formats with unlimited access to recorded sessions, digital libraries, and a centralized LMS. Beyond the Classroom Industry visits, alumni networks, expert talks, and globally recognized certifications ensure exposure and recognition. Built to Launch Careers 360DigiTMG's job placement team, hiring partner network, and responsive support keep your journey smooth from admission to employment. It's this fusion of technical mastery and people-focused learning that truly defines success in today's data science world. At 360DigiTMG Chennai, learners don't just become technically capable they become business-ready, team-ready, and change-ready for whatever the future holds. For anyone looking for comprehensive data science training in Chennai, this program offers the perfect blend of skills, support, and real-world experience. The future of data science isn't just about mastering technology; it's about mastering people skills too. As we approach 2025, success in this field means combining deep technical knowledge with strong communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities. Soft skills are no longer optional extras; they are the foundation for driving real impact with data. For aspiring and current data professionals in Chennai, investing in these skills is essential. Training programs like those offered by 360DigiTMG provide the ideal platform to build this blend of expertise, equipping learners to thrive in a rapidly changing, data-driven world. By embracing both the technical and human sides of data science, professionals can unlock new opportunities and lead the next wave of innovation. For more information 360DigiTMG - Data Analytics, Data Science Course Training in Chennai Address - 1st Floor, Santi Ram Centre, Tirumurthy Nagar, Opposite to Indian Oil Bhavan, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600006 Contact number - 1800-212-654321 Get directions - Data Science Certification In Chennai (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The 20th K-2 Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Kyrylo Veres, has released a new video highlighting the use of ground-based robotic systems in rescuing soldiers. In the video, Veres says his regiment's robotic ground platforms have successfully evacuated four wounded soldiers in four days. Source: 20th K-2 Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment Quote: "Soon you will witness changes that will significantly increase the chances of survival for an ordinary infantryman. I'm not just talking about our unit, but about all the units in the defence forces. After all, K-2s job is to work in the interests of neighbouring brigades and save the lives of their men on the ground." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Veres added that following the successful use of drones in the air and at sea, the military is moving on to automate ground operations. One success story where a wounded soldier was evacuated with a ground drone was reported by the 13th Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. The brigade successfully evacuated a wounded man using the Tarhan ("Cockroach") ground robotic system. The drone was able to deliver the wounded man to the evacuation team along a 12-km-long route. "The soldier in need of medical assistance was loaded onto the ground robotic system and successfully delivered to the evacuation team, from where he was taken to doctors," the team noted. This is further proof that the use of ground robotic systems is becoming increasingly common in the evacuation of wounded soldiers. More information about the use of ground drones in the Khartiia Brigade, including for the evacuation of military personnel, can be found in this article by Oboronka. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the latest information. A 46-year-old Ukrainian woman and her 6-year-old daughter were found murdered on June 6 in the city of Leuven, Belgium, authorities reported. The woman and her daughter were found after first responders were called to the scene of the fire in the community of Haasrode. Both victims were found in the fire and had previously suffered stab wounds, Belgian media outlet VRT reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Belgian newspaper De Standaard, the 16-year-old son of a Ukrainian woman has confessed to fatally injuring his family and setting their home on fire. The Leven prosecutor's office said the boy admitted to the crimes after five hours of questioning. The Ukrainian family, which was not named, had been living in Belgium for three years. VRT reported that the father of the murdered girl is a Ukrainian soldier currently serving on the front line. No additional details were released as the investigation into the double homicide is ongoing. A number of Ukrainian citizens have been killed or injured in attacks in multiple European cities, including in hate-motivated attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2024, a 15-year-old Ukrainian boy received severe head injuries and was taken to the hospital after his attacker allegedly made xenophobic remarks before the attack. Read also: Russian attack on Kharkiv kills 3, injures 19, including 2 children Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Two Ukrainians a 46-year-old woman and her six-year-old daughter have been found dead in a residential building in the Belgian town of Haasrode. Both victims had stab wounds and the crime scene was deliberately set on fire. Source: Belgian public broadcaster VRT Details: According to the report, the tragedy occurred on Friday morning in the house of a priest on Milsestraat in Haasrode, near Oud-Heverlee. The fire service received a call about a fire in the house at about 09:30. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the windows of the apartment on the ground floor. The fire was successfully contained at approximately 10:20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bodies of the woman and her daughter were found during the inspection of the apartment. The mother was already dead when the firefighters arrived. The child was resuscitated but later died from her injuries. The investigators reported that both deceased had stab wounds. Early findings by the fire expert indicated that the fire was deliberate. "This is a Ukrainian family who have lived in our country for three years. The girl's father is fighting on the line of contact in Ukraine. The woman also had a 16-year-old son, who was at school at the time of the fire. He is currently being looked after," the report stated. The prosecution has classified the incident as a double murder. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BROADDUS, Texas (KETK) While school is out for the summer, Broaddus ISD had an unexpected guest appear at one of their campuses earlier this week. Its absolutely deceptive Farmers markets see trend of new stands not locally grown Broaddus ISD posted on Facebook Thursday afternoon that a 13-foot gator named Gloria was spotted near their campus. The district stated that Gloria was safely removed and has been asked to find a new school. Courtesy of Broaddus ISD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We appreciate her coming to school but she is not allowed back, Broaddus ISD said. Thank you for everyone that was involved. Texas State Senator voices concerns over groundwater well permit This was not the first gator spotted in East Texas recently, as a little less than a week ago a 9-foot gator was found Downton Gladewater and was safely taken back to their natural habitat. East Texans maybe seeing more alligators recently since the species just finished their breeding season on May 30, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. A group of national Hispanic leaders met in Kansas City this week for a listening session with city legislators and local business leaders. Theres a lot for this community to be worried about lately news stories paint an anxious picture of changing immigration policies. Still, the tone was surprisingly upbeat. When asked what word they would use to describe how they felt Thursday morning at the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center, words such as hopeful, proud and gratitude were spoken. Only one uncertain surfaced among the rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps its because this is a community that supports and uplifts each other because in these times it feels like thats all you can do. UnidosUS seeks to do more. The nations largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization has planned several of these listening sessions around the country with the goal of understanding concerns facing local residents. Headed by Kansas City, Kansas, native Janet Murguia, the organization seeks to close gaps and barriers facing Latinos. Murguia As we hear from our community, as we understand the challenges that our community is facing, it informs us even further with a level of authenticity that will give us strength to advance solutions, she said. KC wasnt the first stop on this multicity listening tour, but in some ways, it was the most important. The UnidosUS national convention is in Kansas City this year, and Thursdays event was another opportunity to shine a spotlight on Murguias hometown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After coffee, breakfast and the positive start, Murguia and Unidos/US Senior vice president for policy Eric Rodriguez offered some sober realities: To be honest, theres a shifting political landscape right now, and were facing some tough headwinds. Weve made it very clear that we are going to do everything we can to protect and defend our community, Murguia said. The fears are real. Just this week, Kansas Citys migrants, like others around the country, have found ICE officers waiting after court appointments. And in Massachusetts, a student on his way to volleyball practice was arrested by ICE and later released. Murguia and UnidosUS representatives spent two hours meeting with Kansas City leaders. Among the city, community and business representatives were John Fierro, President and CEO of the Mattie Rhodes Center, Kansas City Councilman Crispin Rea, Jaime Guillen, who leads KCs Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department and Raytown Alderman Theresa Garza, among many others. The Beacons of Change annual conference comes to Kansas City August 5-7. After a day of contention and little information about the nature of an immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles, the Department of Homeland Security has finally released details about the joint operation conducted Friday morning. HSI confirmed that it served four federal search warrants at three locations in L.A., alongside partner agencies, including the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration. KTLA has confirmed the locations were two clothing stores in downtown L.A. and a Home Depot in the Westlake District. Federal agents load detainees into a vehicle following an immigration enforcement operation in downtown Los Angeles on June 6, 2025. (KTLA) Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested and one arrest for obstruction. The investigation remains ongoing, updates will follow as appropriate, an HSI spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That single obstruction arrest was confirmed by US Attorney Bill Essayli as David Huerta, president of the California branch of the Service Employees International Union. Federal agents were executing a lawful judicial warrant at a LA worksite this morning when David Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle, Essayli said on social media. He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment in federal court on Monday. Essayli posted an image of the union leader handcuffed and placed in the back of a vehicle. Video of the purported incident that led to his arrest was also posted. It showed Huerta briefly standing near the front of an unmarked white SUV that was used in the operation before being pushed out of the way by a federal agent. He is seen falling to the ground with several agents around him before he is presumably taken into custody while protesters and agents exchange shoves. David Huerta, President of SEIU California, is seen following an arrest by federal agents in downtown Los Angeles on June 6, 2025. (US Attorney Bill Essayli) The arrest of Huerta, who union members said was also injured, was condemned by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called Huerta a respected leader, a patriot, and an advocate for working people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one should ever be harmed for witnessing government action, Newsom added. In a news release issued Friday evening, SEIU California said Huerta was treated at a local hospital for injuries he suffered during his arrest, but currently remains in federal custody. He made the following statement through the union: What happened to me is not about me; This is about something much bigger. This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice thats happening. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice. This is injustice. And we all have to stand on the right side of justice. SEIU President David Huerta is pushed by a federal agent to move away from an SUV that was used in an immigration enforcement operation in downtown L.A. (US Attorney Bill Essayli) SEIU is a union that represents social workers, nurses, state workers, janitors, doctors and security officers, among other positions. Boasting a membership of more than 750,000 members, the union promised to push back against ICE and the federal agencies that took Huerta into custody for peacefully observing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, SEIU California wrote: ICE picked the wrong side. The wrong state. The wrong person. and the wrong union. David Huerta stood up. And 750,000 SEIU workers are standing with him. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Jun. 6The union that represents about 56,000 mostly grocery and health workers across Washington, North Idaho and northeastern Oregon voted Thursday night to authorize a strike of employees working at grocery stores owned by Albertsons and Kroger. However, the vote simply authorizes a strike and does not immediately call for one. And, it does not involve workers of Rosauers, Safeway, Albertsons and Fred Meyer in the Spokane area because they authorized a contract that does not expire until next year. Safeway is owned by Albertsons and Fred Meyer is owned by Kroger. Tom Geiger, special projects director for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, or UFCW, said the vote Thursday night mostly involves workers Albertsons and Kroger stores in Western Washington . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We authorized a strike to fight for better wages, better staffing, and a fully funded healthcare plan so that we can deliver the kind of service our customers deserve," Vickie Logerstedt, a cashier at Redmond Ridge QFC, said in a news release. "We have been more than patient for months, but these companies have offered nothing but crumbs and mealy language. Time has run out." Efforts to reach the corporate offices of Albertsons, which is based in Boise, and Kroger, based in Cincinnati, were not immediately successful on Friday. The strike-authorization vote follows two major events: The UFCW launched major opposition to the now failed merger attempt between Albertsons and Kroger, and ongoing contract negotiations for workers in Western Washington, Colorado and California, Geiger said. A federal judge in Oregon and a Washington state judge ruled against the merger in December 2024, The proposal would have been the largest merger of grocery store giants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the merger gone through, it would have led to the loss of Safeway stores on the South Hill and Spokane Valley, based on a previously released list of store sales. The two grocery companies first announced in 2022 merger plans to get bigger to take on retail competitors Amazon and Walmart. That proposed merger spawned lawsuits from the attorneys general of Washington and Colorado, and the Federal Trade Commission filed a federal suit in Oregon. All sought to block the deal over concerns that it would reduce customer choices and bargaining positions of employees across the country. Then in January , the UFCW began negotiating new contracts for workers of stores in Western Washington for a contract that eventually expired in the first week of May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geiger said both parties, the union and grocery stores, agreed to extend the terms of the former contract during negotiations. But talks stalled after the company's offer, said Rich Smith, communications director for the UFCW. "The wages were insulting, staffing is a core issue and right now they are underfunding the health care," Smith said. Based on that offer, the union put two questions to its membership, Geiger said. It asked workers whether they approve the offer, and, secondly, do you authorize a strike. Some "97% rejected the offer and voted to authorize the strike," Geiger said. "We feel it is a pretty clear message. Often, they have boiler-plate statements that say 'We believe the best way to reach a good agreement is at the bargaining table.' We agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But, we've been at the bargaining table for five months telling the employers what is needed," he continued, "and they haven't been good listeners." Despite the vote to authorize a strike, the extension of the former contract calls for a 72-hour notice before the workers can begin a strike, Geiger said. The parties are scheduled to resume talks on a potential new contract on June 12, 13. "Hopefully, we'll see something change up next week," Geiger said. Fred Meyer president Todd Kammeyer said in a news release that his company is committed to reaching a balanced and fair agreement with his workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A strike at this stage is an unnecessary and disruptive action especially given the meaningful wage increases and industry-leading healthcare we're offering at the bargaining table," Kammeyer said in the release. "We remain committed to continuing negotiations in good faith and urge union leadership to do the same." While the negotiations are separate, Albertsons workers in Colorado voted on Thursday night to authorize a strike. And California worker votes for the strike are continuing. All told, if all the UFCW workers do decide to walk out, it could affect up to 100,000 workers across the western U.S. Joe Mizrahi, secretary-treasurer of UFCW local 3000, the largest private-sector union in Washington, said the support of the strike-authorization votes should serve as a wake-up call. America's conflict with the Houthis gave the US Navy a taste of high-tempo air defense operations. The Navy is using the conflict to inform planning for future maritime wars, like a clash with China. One warship captain said a fight in the Pacific would be vastly different from the Red Sea battle. The US Navy's exhausting shootout with the Iran-backed Houthis has given American military planners a clearer view into the complexities of high-tempo air defense operations. The Red Sea conflict, now in the second month of a cease-fire, has been a heavy strain on the Navy, stressing warship crews and draining critical munitions. Though this fight has been a challenge, leaders within the service believe that it is but a taste of what a future war against China, which has far more sophisticated missiles than the Yemeni rebels, would look like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it's not just the missiles. Rather, it's a range of factors that would make a China confrontation significantly more difficult, but the Navy is learning key lessons from the Red Sea that it could apply to a future fight. "In a lot of ways, the Red Sea it's a knife fight in a phone booth," Cdr. Cameron Ingram, the commanding officer of the USS Thomas Hudner, told Business Insider aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer during a recent underway in the English Channel. "The geography is extremely tight, and that geography operating that close off of China-controlled territory would be very, very challenging," he said. "That would be a much more long-distance fight," Ingram said. "Also, their long-range surveillance and tracking is much more advanced. Their intelligence community is much more advanced. And so there are still a lot more complexities and challenges that would make it very difficult in a China fight." USS Thomas Hudner is one of many American warships that battled the Houthis. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye Since October 2023, the Houthis have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel and international shipping lanes off the coast of Yemen, specifically in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navy warships and aircraft operating in the region have shot down many of the Houthi weapons, from drones to anti-ship missiles, in self-defense and in defense of Israel and merchant vessels. Thomas Hudner is one of America's ships with confirmed kills. These interceptions sometimes leveraging multimillion-dollar missiles to take down drones worth only thousands of dollars have strained US stockpiles and raised concerns about readiness for potential future armed conflicts. In the case of China, which has been described as America's "pacing threat," naval air defense capacity is a priority; a potential conflict between the two would likely unfold primarily at sea. China maintains a formidable arsenal of anti-ship weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles, that are vastly more capable than what the Houthis have been employing, making it imperative that the Navy has enough interceptor missiles on hand; however, it has already expended hundreds of these battling the rebels. Ingram said a China war would be challenging and complex for the Navy because of Beijing's advanced weaponry, long-range surveillance and tracking, and intelligence operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That environment will have to be fought at a different level," he explained, adding that it would see engagements at longer distances than what the Navy experienced in the Red Sea. Lessons learned Five Navy aircraft carriers have been deployed to the counter-Houthi fight. Official US Navy photo The Navy has learned a great deal about air defense from the Red Sea conflict and tested by unprecedented engagements against dangerous threats such as anti-ship ballistic missiles. Ingram spoke highly of the Aegis Combat System, which uses computers and radars to help warships track targets and intercept them. He said it has "operated probably better than most of us expected it to, as far as success rates of engagements." The Red Sea conflict has also informed the Navy about its magazine capacity, reloading capabilities, and munitions inventory. The sea service has changed its firing policy and reconsidered the amount of ordnance warships ought to expend in attempts to neutralize a threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A big focus area is trying to drive down the cost ratio for air defense missions. Using a $2.1 million Standard Missile-2 to intercept a $20,000 drone isn't on the right side of that curve, but Ingram argues that it can be worth it to protect a $2 billion warship and hundreds of lives. The challenge, however, is sustainability. The US and its NATO allies have demonstrated in the Red Sea that they can use cheaper air defense alternatives to take down the Houthi threats. American fighter jets, for instance, used guided rockets. Ingram said the Navy is working to bring the cost difference between threat and interceptor "a little bit closer to parity." Ingram added that there is increased attention being directed at warships' five-inch deck guns, which have a much deeper magazine capacity than a destroyer's missile-launching tubes and have served as viable means of air defense in the Red Sea. "If I can stay in the fight longer by shooting five-inch rounds, especially at a drone, maybe I should do that and save my higher-capacity weapons systems for larger threats," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rearming is another consideration. US warships have to travel to a friendly port with the necessary supplies to get more missiles, which takes up valuable time and keeps vessels off-station for extended periods. This could be a major issue in a high-tempo Pacific conflict. However, the Navy is looking to close the gap with its reloading-at-sea capabilities. Ingram credited the Red Sea fight as being a resounding air defense success story that could affect China's calculus and military planning. On the home front, the conflict has given the Navy more confidence in its weapons systems and accelerated the development of its tactics, techniques, and procedures. Ingram said it's difficult to predict what the future will look like, "but I think there are a lot of things that everyone has to consider based on what the Red Sea has been over the last 18-plus months." Read the original article on Business Insider WHITTIER, Alaska (AP) Squeezed between glacier-packed mountains and Alaska's Prince William Sound, the cruise-ship stop of Whittier is isolated enough that it's reachable by just a single road, through a long, one-lane tunnel that vehicles share with trains. It's so small that nearly all its 260 residents live in the same 14-story condo building. But Whittier also is the unlikely crossroads of two major currents in American politics: fighting over what it means to be born on U.S. soil and false claims by President Donald Trump and others that noncitizen voter fraud is widespread. In what experts describe as an unprecedented case, Alaska prosecutors are pursuing felony charges against 11 residents of Whittier, most of them related to one another, saying they falsely claimed U.S. citizenship when registering or trying to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants were all born in American Samoa, an island cluster in the South Pacific roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It's the only U.S. territory where residents are not automatically granted citizenship by virtue of having been born on American soil, as the Constitution dictates. Instead, by a quirk of geopolitical history, they are considered U.S. nationals a distinction that gives them certain rights and obligations while denying them others. American Samoans are entitled to U.S. passports and can serve in the military. Men must register for the Selective Service. They can vote in local elections in American Samoa but cannot hold public office in the U.S. or participate in most U.S. elections. Those who wish to become citizens can do so, but the process costs hundreds of dollars and can be cumbersome. To me, Im an American. I was born an American on U.S. soil, said firefighter Michael Pese, one of those charged in Whittier. American Samoa has been U.S. soil, U.S. jurisdiction, for 125 years. According to the supreme law of the land, thats my birthright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Confusion over voting is not just an Alaska problem The status has created confusion in other states, as well. In Oregon, officials inadvertently registered nearly 200 American Samoan residents to vote when they got their driver's licenses under the state's motor-voter law. Of those, 10 cast ballots in an election, according to the Oregon Secretary of State's office. Officials there determined the residents had not intended to break the law and no crime was committed. In Hawaii, one resident who was born in American Samoa, Sai Timoteo, ran for the state Legislature in 2018 before learning she wasn't allowed to hold public office or vote. She had always considered it her civic duty to vote, and the form on the voting materials had one box to check: U.S. Citizen/U.S. National. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I checked that box my entire life, she said. She also avoided charges, and Hawaii subsequently changed its form to make it more clear. Is U.S. citizenship a birthright? Amid the storm of executive orders issued by Trump in the early days of his second term was one that sought to redefine birthright citizenship by barring it for children of parents who are in the U.S. unlawfully. Another would overhaul how federal elections are run, among other changes requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship. Courts so far have blocked both orders. The Constitution says that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States. It also leaves the administration of elections to the states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case in Whittier began with Pese's wife, Tupe Smith. After the couple moved to Whittier in 2018, Smith began volunteering at the Whittier Community School, where nearly half of the 55 students were American Samoan many of them her nieces and nephews. She would help the kids with their English, tutor them in reading and cook them Samoan dishes. In 2023, a seat on the regional school board came open and she ran for it. She was the only candidate and won with about 95% of the vote. One morning a few weeks later, as she was making her two children breakfast, state troopers came knocking. They asked about her voting history. She explained that she knew she wasn't allowed to vote in U.S. presidential elections, but thought she could vote in local or state races. She said she checked a box affirming that she was a U.S. citizen at the instruction of elections workers because there was no option to identify herself as a U.S. national, court records say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The troopers arrested her and drove her to a women's prison near Anchorage. She was released that day after her husband paid bail. When they put me in cuffs, my son started crying," Smith told The Associated Press. "He told their dad that he dont want the cops to take me or to lock me up. A question of intent About 10 months later, troopers returned to Whittier and issued court summonses to Pese, eight other relatives and one man who was not related but came from the same American Samoa village as Pese. One of Smith's attorneys, Neil Weare, grew up in another U.S. territory, Guam, and is the co-founder of the Washington-based Right to Democracy Project, whose mission is confronting and dismantling the undemocratic colonial framework governing people in U.S. territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He suggested the prosecutions are aimed at low-hanging fruit in the absence of evidence that illegal immigrants frequently cast ballots in U.S. elections. Even state-level investigations have found voting by noncitizens to be exceptionally rare. There is no question that Ms. Smith lacked an intent to mislead or deceive a public official in order to vote unlawfully when she checked U.S. citizen on voter registration materials, he wrote in a brief to the Alaska Court of Appeals last week, after a lower court judge declined to dismiss the charges. Prosecutors say her false claim of citizenship was intentional, and her claim to the contrary was undercut by the clear language on the voter application forms she filled out in 2020 and 2022. The forms said that if the applicant did not answer yes to being over 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, do not complete this form, as you are not eligible to vote. A dispute entangled with a colonial past Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unique situation of American Samoans dates to the 19th century, when the U.S. and European powers were seeking to expand their colonial and economic interests in the South Pacific. The U.S. Navy secured the use of Pago Pago Harbor in eastern Samoa as a coal-refueling station for military and commercial vessels, while Germany sought to protect its coconut plantations in western Samoa. Eventually the archipelago was divided, with the western islands becoming the independent nation of Samoa and the eastern ones becoming American Samoa, overseen by the Navy. The leaders of American Samoa spent much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries arguing that its people should be U.S. citizens. Birthright citizenship was eventually afforded to residents of other U.S. territories Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Congress considered it for American Samoa in the 1930s, but declined. Some lawmakers cited financial concerns during the Great Depression while others expressed patently racist objections, according to a 2020 article in the American Journal of Legal History. Supporters of automatic citizenship say it would particularly benefit the estimated 150,000 to 160,000 nationals who live in the states, many of them in California, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Utah and Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We pay taxes, we do exactly the same as everybody else that are U.S. citizens, Smith said. It would be nice for us to have the same rights as everybody here in the states. Legal questions over status to be tested anew But many in American Samoa eventually soured on the idea, fearing that extending birthright citizenship would jeopardize its customs including the territorys communal land laws. Island residents could be dispossessed by land privatization, not unlike what happened in Hawaii, said Siniva Bennett, board chair of the Samoa Pacific Development Corporation, a Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been able to maintain our culture, and we havent been divested from our land like a lot of other indigenous people in the U.S., Bennett said. In 2021, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to extend automatic citizenship to those born in American Samoa, saying it would be wrong to force citizenship on those who don't want it. The Supreme Court declined to review the decision. Several jurisdictions across the country, including San Francisco and the District of Columbia, allow people who are not citizens to vote in certain local elections. Tafilisaunoa Toleafoa, with the Pacific Community of Alaska, said the situation has been so confusing that her organization reached out to the Alaska Division of Elections in 2021 and 2022 to ask whether American Samoans could vote in state and local elections. Neither time did it receive a direct answer, she said. People were telling our community that they can vote as long as you have your voter registration card and it was issued by the state, she said. Finally, last year, Carol Beecher, the head of the state Division of Elections, sent Toleafoas group a letter saying American Samoans are not eligible to vote in Alaska elections. But by then, the voting forms had been signed. It is my hope that this is a lesson learned, that the state of Alaska agrees that this could be something that we can administratively correct, Toleafoa said. I would say that the state could have done that instead of prosecuting community members. ___ Bohrer reported from Juneau, Alaska, and Johnson from Seattle. Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, and Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu contributed to this report. Lebanon High School hosted the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon in a special performance as part of the USMCs 250th anniversary. The platoon, known for choreographed marching and percussive rhythm using specialized M1 rifles, made a special trip to Lebanon as part of Marine Week Nashville. Nashville was one of six cities the USMC visited as part of the military branchs 250th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff Sergeant Anthony Havens said hours upon hours of training, repetition and preparation go into each performance the Silent Drill Platoon holds across the country. The hardest thing to overcome is yourself, Sgt. Havens said. You have 39 other individuals who are all on the same page. Driven, focused, tenacious, it makes it a lot easier. I would say to those who are thinking about joining, its a challenge. If youre up for it, I encourage you to accept it. Its like the cliche goes, nothing worth having comes easy. Veterans sat in attendance to watch as the Marines, using ceremonial rifles designed specifically for performances like the Silent Drill Platoons, spun them around, passed them back and forth and used the butt of the stock as a loud thud to accent certain beats of the performance, which is not unlike a drum line. Lance Corporal Jalen Jones, a Tennessee native, joined the Marine Corps to look for a purpose, to keep from just sitting around. For the Wilson County community to experience the Silent Drill Platoon, it gives an opportunity for them to see the magic of what the Marines do, Joseph Padilla, Wilson County Schools board member and veteran, said. PNN New Delhi [India], June 7: Many people think that occult science is something negative or related to black magic. But this is not true. The word "occult" only means something hidden or mysterious. Occult science is the study of invisible energies and forces that affect our life. It includes Astrology, Numerology, Vastu Shastra, Tarot Reading, Palmistry, Reiki Healing, and Graphology. These are very old Indian subjects that help people understand themselves, improve their life, and find peace. They are not superstitions- they are useful systems that have helped people for centuries. A Trusted Institute Since 2004 To remove the wrong beliefs about occult science and share the real knowledge, the All India Institute of Occult Science was started in 2004 by Gurudev Shrie Kashyap ji. This institute is registered by the government, and till now, lakhs of students have completed their courses here. People from India and many countries around the world have learned these subjects from All India Institute of Occult Science and seen real changes in their life. The institute teaches: - Astrology Course - Numerology Course - Vastu Course - Palmistry Course - Tarot Course - Reiki Course - Graphology Learning Made Simple and Flexible The institute gives online live classes that are easy to attend from anywhere. Students can talk to teachers directly and ask their doubts. If any class is missed, students can watch the recording. Also, before joining, anyone can take a free demo class to understand how the classes work. Students can also choose weekday or weekend batches as per their comfort. There is also lifetime support for doubts, even after completing the course. Why Lakhs of People Trust This Institute Here are the main reasons why All India Institute of Occult Science is trusted by many: - It is a government-registered and trusted name - It gives certificates accepted in India and abroad - 100% placement after course completion - TV and media coverage of students - Flexible timing and small batch size - Lifetime support even after course ends - Certificates given in front of ministers during convocation events Helping People Grow with Real Knowledge All India Institute of Occult Science does not only give certificates--it gives real learning that students can use in their daily life or even start their own career. Many students have now become successful astrologers, vastu experts, numerologists, and healers. All the notes and teachings are based on Vedas and Shastras. The aim is to keep India's ancient wisdom alive and help people understand how useful it still is in today's time. In today's fast world, where people are stressed and confused, ancient knowledge is helping many find peace and direction. The All India Institute of Occult Science is bringing back the lost wisdom in a simple and modern way, making it useful for everyone. (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) NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) After an 8-month deployment, USS Gettysburg, part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, has returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. Bittersweet homecoming for USS Harry S. Truman The Ticonderoga class cruiser departed in September 2024, traveling to Europe and the Middle East to conduct combat operations in the Red Sea, as well as exercises with NATO allies. It was amazing in a lot of ways. We learned a lot. We have a lot to share with the fleet based off our experience in the Red Sea in particular, but the feeling to be home as well, its amazing, said Captain John Lucas, Commanding Officer of USS Gettysburg. WAVY photo WAVY photo Retired naval aviator shares insight on friendly fire incident in the Red Sea Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship was in headlines back in December following an instance of friendly fire, shooting down a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet over the Red Sea. Its under investigation, those results have not been revealed yet to the public. I can tell you again, we took on a lot of lessons from that event, said Captain Lucas. After the deployment was extended twice, families of the roughly 330 returning sailors gathered along the pier at Naval Station Norfolk to welcome their loved ones home. Its a very long time. Were kind of used to it. We have another child in the military, so weve been down this road. But this is her first time having been gone so this long, so it was tough. Were going to take her home and whatever she wants to do is what she wants to do. Its her break, with us along for the ride, said Carrie Ayd, mother of returning sailor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain Lucas said while the Navy is retiring certain cruisers, hes not certain what the future holds for USS Gettysburg, but said he and his crew will be ready when called upon. I think were all ready for a nice long winter nap in the summer. All I can tell you is my job and this crews job is going to be to be ready to go again when called upon, whenever that might be. Im excited to maintain and be a part of the team for as long as theyll have me, 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 WAVY.com. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A convicted killer in Utah who developed dementia while on death row for 37 years is competent enough to be executed, a state judge ruled late Friday. Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, was sentenced to die in 1988 for killing Utah mother of three Maurine Hunsaker. Despite his recent cognitive decline, Menzies consistently and rationally understands" what is happening and why he is facing execution, Judge Matthew Bates wrote in a court order. Menzies has not shown by a preponderance of the evidence that his understanding of his specific crime and punishment has fluctuated or declined in a way that offends the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishments, Bates said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menzies had previously selected a firing squad as his method of execution. He would become only the sixth U.S. prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977. The Utah Attorney Generals Office is expected to file a death warrant soon. Menzies lawyers, who had argued his dementia was so severe that he could not understand why he was being put to death, said they plan to appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court. Ralph Menzies is a severely brain-damaged, wheelchair-bound, 67-year-old man with dementia and significant memory problems, his attorney, Lindsey Layer, said in a statement. It is deeply troubling that Utah plans to remove Mr. Menzies from his wheelchair and oxygen tank to strap him into an execution chair and shoot him to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court has spared others prisoners with dementia from execution, including an Alabama man in 2019 who had killed a police officer. Over nearly four decades, attorneys for Menzies filed multiple appeals that delayed his death sentence, which had been scheduled at least twice before it was pushed back. Hunsaker, a 26-year-old married mother of three, was abducted by Menzies from the convenience store where she worked. She was later found strangled and her throat cut at a picnic area in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah. Menzies had Hunsakers wallet and several other belongings when he was jailed on unrelated matters. He was convicted of first-degree murder and other crimes. Matt Hunsaker, who was 10 years old when his mother was killed, said Friday that the family was overwhelmed with emotion to know that justice would finally be served. Presidents Circle on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City is pictured on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) The Utah Board of Higher Education approved the reallocation plans submitted by all public universities in the state, one of the first steps delineated by recently approved legislation requiring schools to cut 10% of their budgets for courses. Overall, the plans include layoffs and the elimination of programs with low enrollment and graduation rates in order to receive an eventual boost to budgets for programs related to engineering, artificial intelligence, nursing and behavioral health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats in line with a legislative audit that advised lawmakers to look into cutting inefficient programs and expanding those with waitlists to keep universities relevant. Also, with a mandate triggered by HB265, a 2025 bill that codified the guidelines for that effort. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In total, universities have to cut $60 million, which will sit in a strategic reinvestment account until they implement the reallocation plans in three years. While the new law requires institutions to reallocate 30% of the full $60 million, on Friday they presented plans to the board that would surpass that and cut about 50% of the $60 million. Were glad to be able to just finally have the opportunity for you, as a board, to see the culmination of what has been exceptionally difficult work on the part of the institutions, and the leadership of the institutions, Geoffrey Landward, commissioner of higher education, told the board on Friday. Faculty and staff and students are all impacted by this work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he described the process as exceptionally important, arguing that it would give higher education institutions the tools to the challenges they will face in the future. Overall, 43.6% of the cuts will come from the instructional budgets, 20% from academic support areas, 2.4% from student services, 31.6% from institutional support, 1.7% from research and 0.6% from public service, data from the Utah System of Higher Education shows. Over 60% will go to other instructional efforts after the three-year process, 20% to an instruction/research category, 8% to academic support, 5.3% to student services, 3.7% to institutional support and 2.4% to research The Friday presentations also offered a glimpse into plans previously kept under wraps including those from Utahs flagship university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the largest university in the state, the University of Utah had to cut the most from its budget $19.5 million. The institution is planning to cut $7.5 million in 2026, $6.2 million more by 2027 and an additional $5.8 million by 2028 to reallocate to engineering, AI, clinical training for nursing students, biotechnology, civic engagement with an emphasis on American federalism and behavioral health, University of Utah President Taylor Randall told the board. The U. received a conditional approval, since its leaders asked for additional time to decide how some elements during the second and third year will play out in the schools research space while Congress reviews its spending package. We, on a daily basis, are staring at tens of millions of dollars of grants that are moving back and forth, Randall said. Those actually affect staffing decisions and faculty decisions, and so we are just grateful that youve allowed us some time to let some of those things settle down. Currently the plans are to make cuts in the schools administration and staff, and 484 courses, including 81 in the College of Humanities, 62 in the College of Fine Arts, 62 in the College of Social and Behavioral Science, and 61 in the College of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of them come from not revising the list too often, Randall said. Over time, you dont clean things up, and thats clearly what we did. This tells you, by college, the courses that had been fallow for a little bit too long or had very, very low enrollment. Some others overlapped too much with other courses that were already filling market needs. Let us know what you think... Meanwhile, other schools showed different areas in which they intend to innovate in the process. Utah State University, for example, is allocating a good chunk of the funds retained from staff and course cuts for what their leaders call technologies and careers for the future. That includes a new school of computing, a new chemical engineering program, an AI Center for Excellence, and an expansion of its aviation program, along with new schools for design, construction and manufacturing, and technical education. Southern Utah University is planning on a big push to place students in internships, while eliminating programs on languages, arts, ethnic studies, women and gender studies, and construction technology, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salt Lake Community College is eliminating or streamlining programs due to low enrollment and completion rates in the Provosts Office, in the School of Arts, Communication and Digital Media, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and in its business school, among others. But the college is also pursuing expanding its hospitality and film programs, which are in high demand. Snow College is proposing to expand its prison education programs, as well as other courses on automation technology, respiratory therapy, and strategic communications and public relations. But, at the same time, it is eliminating programs on languages and media studies, alongside The Snowdrift, its campus newspaper, and the schools radio and television stations. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A building in the vacant Riverside Terrace Apartments complex was extremely damaged in a major fire on Saturday morning. According to the Dayton Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the area of Ridge Avenue and N. Main Street for a possible structure fire at 4:53 a.m. Crews found heavy fire conditions in a two-story vacant apartment building at the 1900 block of Riverside Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All fire suppression operations were from a defensive position on the exterior of the structure because of the advanced fire conditions and the possibility of collapse. The DFD said there were no injuries on the scene. The structure is considered a total loss. The Incident Commander has called for an emergency demolition. The cause of the fire is currently under active investigation by the DFD Fire Investigations Unit. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Fire Investigators at 937-333-TIPS (8477) or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP (7867). DFD crews spent approximately four hours working on 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 WDTN.com. JD Vance has slammed Elon Musk for launching an all-out campaign of hate against President Donald Trump following the Tesla CEOs social media meltdown earlier this week. I just think its a huge mistake for the worlds wealthiest man, I think one of the most transformational entrepreneurs ever, to be at war with the worlds most powerful man, who I think is doing more to save our country than anybody in my lifetime, the vice president said. I just think youve got to have some respect for him and say, yeah, we dont have to agree on every issue, he went on. But is this war actually in the interest of the country? I dont think so. Vice President Vance thinks it was a Vances comments, made during a sit-down with podcaster Theo Von released Saturday, follow Musk lighting a match to his already fraying relationship with Trump on Tuesday, and then proceeding to pour several gallons of kerosene over the resulting blaze in the days since. The feud first kicked off after Musk described the presidents Big Beautiful Bill, which contains spending proposals for many of the Trump administrations flagship policies, as a massive, outrageous, pork-filled[,] disgusting abomination that threatens to defeat all of the cost savings achieved by DOGE. Trump for his part has attempted to shrug off the vitriol from the man who was at one time his closest confidant since taking the presidency for the second time. / Win McNamee/Getty Images Musk had led the White House government efficiency drive, taking an axe to federal programs and government departments as well as scything away an estimated two million federal jobs, until stepping down last week after reaching the 130 day limit granted to special government employees. Vance appears to think there's still hope for the Tesla CEO to find his way back into the president's good graces. / Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things escalated drastically after Trump said Thursday he was very disappointed by the tech broligarchs criticism of his administrations spending proposals, adding that Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore. Musk responded later that night on X later that night, publishing a series of posts in which he lamented Trumps ingratitude and claimed the president would have lost the election were in not for the estimated quarter of a billion dollars the Tesla CEO invested in his campaign. He later proposed the formation of a new political party, at one point appearing to position himself as a prospective leader of that movement, and even accused Trump in a now-deleted tweet of refusing to publish the full Epstein Files for fear of revealing the alleged extent of his relationship with the deceased financier and convicted pedophile sex trafficker. Musks increasingly erratic behavior also follows after a bombshell report by The New York Times on his alleged drug habits, which include reportedly abusing ketamine with such regularity as to have given him issues with his bladder, a common symptom of chronic use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite suffering perhaps one of the most spectacular public meltdowns in U.S. political history, vice president Vance appears to think there may still be scope for the SpaceX founder to eventually find his way back into Trumps good graces. Hopefully, Elon figures it out, comes back into the fold. I know the president was getting a little frustrated, feeling like some of the criticisms were unfair coming from Elon. But I think it has been very restrained, because the president doesnt think that he needs to be in a blood feud with Elon Musk, Vance told Von on Saturday. I actually think that if Elon chilled out a little bit everything would be fine, he added. BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) President Donald Trump is not backing off his battle with Elon Musk, saying Saturday that he has no desire to repair their relationship and warning that his former ally and campaign benefactor could face serious consequences if he tries to help Democrats in upcoming elections. Trump told NBCs Kristen Welker in a phone interview that he has no plans to make up with Musk. Asked specifically if he thought his relationship with the mega-billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is over, Trump responded, I would assume so, yeah. Im too busy doing other things, Trump continued. You know, I won an election in a landslide. I gave him a lot of breaks, long before this happened, I gave him breaks in my first administration, and saved his life in my first administration, I have no intention of speaking to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also issued a warning amid chatter that Musk could back Democratic lawmakers and candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. If he does, hell have to pay the consequences for that, Trump told NBC, though he declined to share what those consequences would be. Musks businesses have many lucrative federal contracts. The president's latest comments suggest Musk is moving from close ally to a potential new target for Trump, who has aggressively wielded the powers of his office to crack down on critics and punish perceived enemies. As a major government contractor, Musks businesses could be particularly vulnerable to retribution. Trump has already threatened to cut Musk's contracts, calling it an easy way to save money. The dramatic rupture between the president and the world's richest man began this week with Musk's public criticism of Trump's big beautiful bill pending on Capitol Hill. Musk has warned that the bill will increase the federal deficit and called it a disgusting abomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump criticized Musk in the Oval Office, and before long, he and Musk began trading bitterly personal attacks on social media, sending the White House and GOP congressional leaders scrambling to assess the fallout. As the back-and-forth intensified, Musk suggested Trump should be impeached and claimed without evidence that the government was concealing information about the presidents association with infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Musk appeared by Saturday morning to have deleted his posts about Epstein. Vice President JD Vance in an interview tried to downplay the feud. He said Musk was making a huge mistake going after Trump, but called him an emotional guy getting frustrated. I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe thats not possible now because hes gone so nuclear, Vance said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance called Musk an incredible entrepreneur, and said that Musks Department of Government Efficiency, which sought to cut government spending and laid off or pushed out thousands of workers, was really good. Vance made the comments in an interview with manosphere comedian Theo Von, who last month joked about snorting drugs off a mixed-race baby and the sexuality of men in the U.S. Navy when he opened for Trump at a military base in Qatar. The Vance interview was taped Thursday as Musks posts were unfurling on X, the social media network the billionaire owns. During the interview, Von showed the vice president Musks claim that Trumps administration hasnt released all the records related to Epstein because Trump is mentioned in them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance responded to that, saying, Absolutely not. Donald Trump didnt do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein. This stuff is just not helpful, Vance said in response to another post shared by Musk calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced with Vance. Its totally insane. The president is doing a good job. Vance also defended the bill that has drawn Musk's ire, and said its central goal was not to cut spending but to extend the 2017 tax cuts approved in Trump's first term. The bill would slash spending and taxes but also leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance and spike deficits by $2.4 trillion over the decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. It's a good bill," Vance said. "It's not a perfect bill. The interview was taped in Nashville at a restaurant owned by musician Kid Rock, a Trump ally. ___ Jun. 6A Vandalia man will spend at least three years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges last month. Scott A. Miles, 56, was sentenced to three to four and a half years earlier this week, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office. On May 8, Miles pleaded guilty to 72 counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. Fifty counts were dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation began on Oct. 6, 2023, after the Connecticut State Police contacted Vandalia police about an investigation, the prosecutor's office said. During the investigation it was discovered Miles may have child pornography on his computer. Child sex abuse images and videos were found on his computer and other data storage devices, according to the prosecutor's office. Staff writer Jen Balduf contributed to this report. The Vermont Attorney General's Office has reached a settlement with Unified Parking Partners, a Maine-based company, over allegations of misleading consumers, according to a community announcement. Unified Parking Partners, which operates 27 private parking facilities in Vermont, allegedly issued misleading "citations" to consumers between 2020 and 2024. These citations suggested that failure to pay could impact a consumer's credit rating, vehicle registration, license renewal or ability to rent a vehicle, despite the company having no authority to enforce such consequences. The settlement requires Unified Parking Partners to change its parking notices and pay $150,000 to the state. The company must cease using terms like "citation" or "fine" and refrain from using language that implies governmental authority or threatens consequences it cannot lawfully impose. Unified Parking Partners, which operates 27 private parking facilities in Vermont, has settled with the state's Attorney General's office for allegedly issuing "citations" to consumers between 2020 and 2024. 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, Attorney General Charity Clark said in the announcement. 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 Consumers who wish to dispute charges or provide proof of payment can contact Unified Parking Partners by emailing support@uppglobal.com or calling 207-747-4230 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Vermonters with consumer complaints can reach out to the Attorney Generals Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424 or email ago.cap@vermont.gov. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Parking company fined for misleading Vermont drivers with fake threats SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Veterans gathered at the edge of the UC San Diego Campus on D-Day to call on the Trump administration to fully fund the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in La Jolla and all VAs across the nation. The Trump administration plans to fire 80,000 staff, further exacerbating a looming health care disaster, said Karisa May, a former Marine reservist from the 4th Medical Battalion San Diego. Widows of military vets are warning of the pending cuts to services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those treatments that he received that extended his life may no longer be available to other vets at this facility and throughout the nation, said Misty OHealy, a surviving spouse of a Vietnam Vet. Veterans marched through the UC San Diego campus receiving support from drivers and calling on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to leave the glorious military achievements of minorities untouched. Veterans also called on the administration to bring back veterans who have been detained by Immigration and Customs officials. When it comes to military naturalization, we all count. Whether you were born here or not, when you raised your hand, you count, said James Smith, 2nd Former Marine. Veterans groups say their next protest, No Kings Day, will be scheduled for June 14 at 10 a.m. at Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Diego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Community members met with Georgia Power about plans to build a substation in their Vine City neighborhood. This week, protestors rallied outside the proposed substation site at Foundry and Magnolia streets in Northwest Atlanta. When they say get back, we say fight back! the protestors chanted. Shame, shame, shame! Money over people should never be what you want. Profit over people, said one protester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is another substation, a school, homes, and businesses. Georgia Powers said the substation would boost power to the entire power grid and provide reliability and efficiency for the areas growing energy demands, like the new Centennial Yards project in downtown. TRENDING STORIES: But protestors said that because the substation will be built in a predominantly Black neighborhood, they believe the project is a form of environmental injustice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We, being a disadvantaged, underprivileged neighborhood, they feel they can come in and set up a power station and there wouldnt be any outcry from the community, but thats not the case, resident Steven Muhammad told Channel 2s Audrey Washington. What do you say to folks who say this is a form of environmental injustice? Washington asked Georgia Power Regional Director Misty Fernandez. We would never compromise public health or safety, and we are confident these facilities do not create a health risk for the community, Fernandez said. Georgia Power expects to break ground on the project this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington asked with all the opposition why the utility company needs to build in Vine City. The investment that Georgia Power is making in this substation and transmission line in this neighborhood will benefit all of the downtown area and the westside of Atlanta, Regional Director of Georgia Power Misty Fernandez said. Delhi police have lodged an FIR against anti-social elements involved in spreading misinformation about the demolition drive on the basis of a complaint filed by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), a release said. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had earlier issued an order to take strict legal action against those spreading misinformation about the demolition drive. The complaint highlights that a list of 675 JJ Bastis, which is publicly available on the DUSIB website for informational and administrative purposes, is being falsely circulated as the list of slums slated for demolition. This misinformation is creating panic, fear, and unrest among residents of vulnerable areas, the release added. The DUSIB has categorically clarified that no such demolition action has been taken so far by the department. Only those JJ bastis have been identified for rehabilitation under Policy, against which directions has been passed by Court, the release added. "The misinformation being spread is baseless, unverified, and malicious, and could lead to law-and-order issues. In light of the same, Station House Officer is requested to take action against those anti-social elements who are spreading such baseless rumours and file an FIR accordingly," as per the complaint. The CM has directed officials to maintain open communication with JJ residents and also urged citizens not to fall prey to such fabricated claims and to verify all information through official channels. CM Rekha Gupta reaffirmed her government's commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of slum dwellers. She emphasized that Delhi belongs to all its citizens, and every effort is being made to build an inclusive and secure city. Chief Minister assured that no slum will be demolished without providing them Pakka Makan. As per the release, CM Rekha Gupta further said, "Our government believes in inclusive governance. Spreading fear among poor families by misusing public information is not just irresponsible but criminal. We will not tolerate any attempts to incite unrest. The Delhi Police has been asked to take swift and strict action against such anti-social elements." (ANI) Virginia Beach teen missing since May: Police VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) is looking for a teen that was last seen on May 8. Tyler Swanson, 16, was last seen by family at his home on the 300 block of Taldan Ave. Police says he is known to run away from home and frequents the Lake Edward area. Swanson is 53, weighs 110 pounds, and has blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing all black clothing and black shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those with information on Swansons whereabouts are encouraged to contact VBPD at 757-385-4101. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CULPEPER, Va. (AP) Democratic politics in rural Virginia are not of a bygone era, according to Abigail Spanberger. The former congressional representative, now the Democratic nominee in the race to be Virginias next governor, posts videos online of herself sitting in a car on an interstate highway that goes up and down the Appalachian Mountains. She has toured a small, family-owned oyster shucking and packaging operation along a quiet boat haven on the northern neck of Virginia. And last month, the nominee held a news conference at a small pharmacy in an agrarian hamlet outside of Richmond. In 2020, Spanberger narrowly ran ahead of former President Joe Biden in her congressional district, and she posted her best results by comparison in rural counties that heavily favored President Donald Trump, including Nottoway, Powhatan, Amelia and Louisa, according to an Associated Press analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a challenge that might be growing more formidable with each passing election cycle. Trump made gains in those counties in 2024, data show, and Republicans think they have solidified a shift in their direction in rural areas. In Virginia, rural residents made up about 2 in 10 voters last November, according to AP VoteCast. About 6 in 10 small-town or rural voters voted for the Republican candidate in the last two presidential elections and the last two midterm congressional elections. Spanberger became the nominee when no other Democrats ran for governor. Her opponent in the general election, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, was the only Republican who gathered enough signatures to qualify for the top of the GOP ticket, leaving both parties with no contested race at the top of their June 17 primary ballots. A spokesperson for Earle-Sears said in an email that Spanberger's efforts to portray herself as an advocate for small-town Virginians would fall short. Rural voters see right through the rhetoric, said press secretary Peyton Vogel. Democrats consistently push policies that hurt energy jobs, raise costs, and grow Washington DCs overreach. Thats not a winning message in communities that value freedom, faith, and hard work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Spanberger seems determined to campaign beyond known Democratic strongholds, vying to winnow down conservative votes in ruby-red parts of Virginia. From the rolling hills of the Piedmont, where Trump won last year by some 20 points, to the Roanoke valley out west, Spanberger is seeking voters in the districts where Democrats once were competitive but Republicans now rule. We have to show how we govern, Spanberger said in explaining her messaging. And the governing isnt just standing up to Donald Trump. It is clear and consequential, right? Last month, Spanberger sat in a booth by the window of Frost Cafe in downtown Culpeper, Virginia, in the Piedmont region between Washington and Charlottesville. As she drank her coffee in the small town that was once part of her congressional district, constituents tapped on the window, pressing their noses to the glass and making hearts with their hands. A young boy hid behind a newspaper stand, peeking up at Spanberger as if she were a celebrity. When his family began to walk away, he knocked on the window and waved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanberger's presence in Trump territory comes as Democrats have nationally shown renewed interest in small-town America, launching listening tours in Kentucky, courting Minnesota farmers and looking for other ways to connect. In some ways, rural Virginia feels like Spanbergers home turf. Once a member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, she has built a legacy tethered to touring farms and strolling through small towns where everybody knows everybody. She focused on low-profile, bucolic-minded bills such as expanding broadband, which was incorporated into the bipartisan infrastructure law passed by Congress in 2021. She helped pass another law making it easier for farmers and forestry professionals to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Some analysts say Trump's pillaging of federal contracts and volatile tariffs have given Spanberger and the Democrats an opening. If you look at the trade, if you look at Trumps tariffs, those have a huge impact on the price of agricultural products, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. The potential reduction in Medicaid, thats another area where theres going to be a disproportionate impact on rural areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cue Spanbergers eight-point plan to make healthcare coverage more affordable in Southwest Virginia, which was published just as Congress weighs a budget bill that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates could reduce the number of people with health care by 8.6 million over a decade. Neal Osborne, a Bristol councilman representing the nearly 18,000-person city along the border with Tennessee, said Medicaid expansion and healthcare are top of mind for many people there. He pointed out that 150 people showed up when Spanberger visited Bristol back in January. We are a Republican stronghold, said Osborne, who already has endorsed the Democrat. "But if you do 2% better with southwest Virginia, that could be your margin of victory in a statewide. ... I am willing to go on a limb to say she will be back in southwest between now and before the election. It's a strategy Spanberger has tapped before. After winning a tea party district in 2018, which had been represented by Republicans for decades, the moderate Democrat made a point of working on behalf of conservative strongholds in her district. Her ability to connect with farmers, fishermen and agricultural interests helped her keep her seat for three terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Carter Jr., of Carter Farms, said he was one of those rural constituents. A Black farmer in Orange County, he said that while Spanberger was in office, there was a continual back-and-forth between her staff and his family, which has owned their farm since 1910. He and his father would see her staff at community events. Spanberger's office asked for his feedback on legislation, he said. It was a meaningful relationship he had with a politician, and that meant something to him. "Its not always the case that small farmers or even African Americans really feel like we get our voices heard, Carter said. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia Diaz 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. ___ The Associated Press women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org As the whole world knows by now, former besties Donald Trump and Elon Musk have beef. Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images This week, their bromance turned into an online feud after a string of chaotic posts slamming each other went viral, all because of differing views on Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill." Trump's Vice President JD Vance quickly took Trump's side on X, saying he's "proud to stand beside him." President Trump has done more than any person in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads. I'm proud to stand beside him. JD Vance (@JDVance) June 6, 2025 Twitter: @JDVance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And followed it up with another, vouching for Trump's character. There are many lies the corporate media tells about President Trump. One of the most glaring is that he's impulsive or short-tempered. Anyone who has seen him operate under pressure knows that's ridiculous. JD Vance (@JDVance) June 6, 2025 Twitter: @JDVance Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon had a much more dramatic response, immediately calling for Elon Musk's deportation. "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 with the New York Times. Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Related: "We Don't Import Food": 31 Americans Who Are Just So, So Confused About Tariffs And US Trade Well, conservative voters (many who claim to have supported Trump) are not holding back their reactions to the Trump vs. Elon feud, and many, surprisingly, are team Elon. Here's what they're saying over on the r/LeopardsAteMyFace and r/Conservative subreddits: This person told Elon to "Burn it down." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This MAGA voter took Elon's side, accusing Trump of being immature. Related: AOC's Viral Response About A Potential Presidential Run Has Everyone Watching, And I'm Honestly Living For It "I'm with Elon." "We all know Trump isn't that mature, unfortunately." This user said Trump and Elon need to check their "crazy big egos." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This person compared Trump and Elon to "petty immature teenagers." This user claimed the feud won't be a big deal in the long run, and called it "business as usual." This user questioned if the feud was a performance. And finally, "This is how a Democrat gets elected in 2028." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are your thoughts on the Trump vs. Elon feud? Let us know in the comments below. 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: JD Vance Shared The Most Bizarre Tweet Of Him Serving "Food" As Donald Trump's Housewife Also in In the News: A NSFW Float Depicting Donald Trump's "MAGA" Penis Was Just Paraded Around Germany, And It's...Something The Wagner mercenary group announced on June 6 that it was withdrawing its presence from Mali, ending its fight with rebel groups. "Mission accomplished. Private Military Company Wagner returns home," the group, founded by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced on social media. Wagner mercenaries have been fighting alongside Malian government forces since 2021, in attempts to fend off Islamic insurgents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group said that it was ending its presence as "all regional capitals have returned to the control of the legitimate government," providing little rationale for the group's exit from the war-torn nation. Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers have reportedly suffered heavy losses in their engagements with Tuareg-led rebels. The Russian mercenary group, known for its deployment in Ukraine and short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in 2023, has a strong presence across the African continent, backing Russian business interests and Moscow-friendly regimes. The mercenaries have been particularly active in Mali since late 2021 and has been accused of perpetrating war crimes and widespread looting. In December 2024, Human Rights Watch accused Wagner mercenaries and Malian government forces of deliberately killing 32 civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The so-called "Africa Corps," under the command of Russia's Defense Ministry, who fought alongside Wagner mercenaries, will continue to have an active presence in Mali. Mali broke diplomatic ties with Ukraine over its alleged support of Tuareg-led rebels without providing any evidence of direct cooperation. The step was taken after comments by Andrii Yusov, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) spokesperson, about the rebels receiving "useful information, and not just that, which allowed them to carry out a successful military operation against Russian war criminals." Ukraine's Foreign Ministry later denied the country's involved with rebel groups. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in preemptive strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Jun. 6WAGNER, S.D. An 18-year-old Wagner resident has been charged with aggravated assault, a Class 3 felony, following an alleged knife attack that took place on April 26. According to police, Wagner resident Kenneth Thaler reported hearing noises outside his home that evening. When he went outside to investigate, he discovered a young male sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle belonging to his neighbor, Tamera Luetke. Thaler began recording the individual with his phone. Thaler stated that the male exited the vehicle, demanded the phone and brandished a knife. During the encounter, Thaler was slashed in the stomach before the suspect fled the scene. Thaler then notified Luetke, who had been unaware of the incident. She later reported damage to her vehicle, including the driver's side lock, steering column and starter. Officers advised her to disconnect the car's battery due to the extent of the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wagner Police Department released the video footage to its Facebook page, requesting the public's assistance in identifying the suspect. On May 3, a North Sioux City police officer recognized the individual in the video and identified him as Michael Green. An anonymous tip also named Green as the suspect. While an initial warrant was requested for aggravated assault and first-degree robbery, Green is currently charged only with the assault. In South Dakota, that is a Class 3 felony and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. Green has not yet made his initial court appearance in Charles Mix County due to being in custody in Davison County on separate charges. Those charges include alcohol consumption by a minor and consuming alcoholic beverages in public, both Class 2 misdemeanors, as well as grand theft involving an amount between $2,500 and $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance, both Class 5 felonies. WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) In 2024, Governor DeSantis signed a bill that designates June 6 as a day to bring attention to drug overdoses and the tools used to save lives. Local officials, health professionals and overdose survivors gathered at the North Walton Doctors Hospital to celebrate their first Revive Awareness Day. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a young person die from a drug overdose because that is 100% preventable, North Walton Doctors Hospital Chief Executive Dr. Guy Nguyen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Nguyen said he has spent most of his career amid the opioid epidemic. Hes seen firsthand how naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can reverse overdoses from substances like fentanyl, can save users from certain death. Sometimes they jump out of the bed and they want to hit you because you just took away their high, Dr. Nguyen continued. It worked for Samara Bailey, whose overdose began her long road to recovery. The only thing I remember is waking up in an emergency room similar to this, and the nurse telling me, honey, you just died,' overdose survivor Samara Bailey said. Because of her drug use, Bailey found herself in the Okaloosa County Jail, a circumstance law enforcement officials are all too familiar with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people come to jail and they are addicted, and that could very well be one of the reasons that they are in jail to begin with, and a lot of cases it is, said WCSO Chief of Emergency Services Tracey Vause. But through hard work, dedication and community support, Bailey completed her road to recovery. Bailey, like many other former addicts, are making the best out of their second chance. Im very, very blessed to be able to say that I get to show up as a loving husband, a father and a grandfather now, which Im very happy about, overdose survivor Chris Hockman said. To contact the Walton County Overdose Prevention Task Force, call (850) 401-6338. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) SWAT deputies arrested a wanted fugitive on Wednesday after he was found mowing the lawn in Centennial. The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said Patrick Quinteros, 43, was arrested on June 4 for violating his parole. The sheriffs office said Quinteros has a criminal history of kidnapping, sexual assault on a child, weapons violations and motor vehicle theft. SWAT deputies spotted Quinteros, who was wanted by the Colorado Department of Corrections for a parole violation, on the 16000 block of E. Prentice Circle in Centennial mowing the lawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Body camera footage of the arrest was posted on the sheriffs offices X account, where deputies chased Quinteros on foot after he took off running. The sheriffs office said they found drug paraphernalia on him as well. Fugitive found mowing the lawn (Courtesy of the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office) The sheriffs office said he was booked into the Arapahoe County Jail and is being held without bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has deployed the states National Guard in the manhunt for a father accused of killing his three daughters. In a statement issued on Friday, the governor said he is utilizing emergency funds in the now days-long search for 32-year-old Travis Decker. The Chelan County Sheriffs Office has also asked the state to provide helicopter transportation for the law enforcement officers searching in remote areas. Bethany residents displaced after 2-alarm fire at apartment building Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deckers daughters 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn and 9-year-old Paityn were found dead near the Rock Island campground on Monday, the Wenatchee Police Department said. The agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found their fathers truck in the same area, but were unable to locate him. Authorities said the girls mother first called emergency responders on Friday, May 30, when they didnt return from their custodial visit with Decker. As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivias mom, Whitney, and all those who love them, Gov. Ferguson said in his statement. The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state. Im committed to supporting law enforcement as they seek justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia. This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker who the police are asking the public for help in locating the Washington state father who is wanted for murder after his three young daughters were reported missing and then found dead. (Wenatchee Police Department via AP) Police are searching for Travis Decker after the bodies of his three daughters were found in Washington (Wenatchee Police Department) Last sighting of father Travis Decker before 3 girls found dead in Washington (Chelan County Sheriffs Office) Officials have released photos of Decker to assist with the manhunt. According to investigators, the suspect is 58 and a former Army soldier. It is unknown whether he could be armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Court documents reveal grim details as search for father accused of killing daughters continues The man is facing three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. I want to remind Washingtonians to be aware of safety directives from law enforcement as the search continues. If you live in the area, keep your doors and windows locked. Avoid closed areas, which currently include the Enchantments and the Icicle River area. If you see Travis Decker, do not approach call 911, Ferguson 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 KOIN.com. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Friday lauded the inauguration of the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and said that it sends out a strong message to the world that India is committed to combating terrorism while steadfastly advancing its development works. Tiwari also said that Prime Minister Modi hoisting the national flag atop the Chenab rail bridge was a moment of pride.. Speaking to ANI, Manish Tiwari said, "Today we all felt very proud when we saw Prime Minister Modi hoisting the tricolour over the Chenab Bridge. The construction of the bridge sends out the message to the world that India will give a befitting reply to terrorism while continuing development works. People can now directly commute to Srinagar after the construction of the Chenab Bridge." After inaugurating the much-awaited and world's highest railway arch bridge over the river Chenab during his day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the development works will enhance the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir. In a post on X, PM Modi said, " A journey to remember and a big boost to connectivity! Travelled from the Chenab Rail Bridge to Anji Bridge and thereon to Katra for the public meeting. Today's development works will enhance the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir." The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated 359 metres above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge will take just about three hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing the existing travel time by two to three hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting the Jammu division with Kashmir. This marks a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity. Before flagging off the trains, Prime Minister Modi interacted with school children onboard and also spoke with railway staff members present on the train. The new Vande Bharat Express service will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar from the current 6-7 hours by road to just about 3 hours. The trains aim to provide a fast, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims. The train will run through the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world. These trains have been specially designed to operate in the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab Railway Bridge' and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present during the inauguration. Before the inauguration of the bridge on the Chenab, the Prime Minister inspected the railway arch bridge. These bridges are part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir. The iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, is part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, connecting New Delhi directly with Kashmir via Katra. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is an engineering marvel standing at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed. It will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history. The project faced numerous engineering and logistical challenges due to the region's difficult terrain and seismic sensitivity. Yet, after years of meticulous work, the bridge now stands as a testament to India's technological prowess and commitment to inclusive development. It marks a transformative chapter in India's infrastructural landscape, promising greater connectivity, economic growth, and social integration in the region. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is a 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration. (ANI) CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team has found it took hours to get Cleveland police to a massive party spilling into the streets even in the middle of the night as calls poured into 911. People called 911 wondering why they didnt see police. If you dont get somebody out here pretty soon, somebodys going to get killed, one caller said. I dont want to go out there, another said. I dont know if theres going to be shooting next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its massive, another added. Like people racing down the street. Kids in the yards screaming. $80K beauty heist: Video shows serial shoplifter in Mayfield Heights Video obtained by the I-Team showed why people in the neighborhood were scared and unable to sleep. After midnight on May 17, big crowds of people filled the streets and yards off West 143rd Street. Cars lined up bumper-to-bumper with no way for anyone to get through. Yet, there was no sign of the Cleveland police. OK, were sending officers out there, dispatch told one caller. I called 30 minutes ago. You all still aint send a car, the caller responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been going on for like two hours, another 911 caller said. Were going to try to get officers over there. Its really, really, really busy, another dispatcher tried to explain to a caller. At a meeting, city councilman Brian Kazy confronted the safety director. Someone had rented a house and it was used for a huge party. I finally called the chief at one in the morning, the councilman said. This terrorized a whole neighborhood. Calls started coming in at 10:30. It took a call from the councilman to the chief to finally get cars down there. It shouldnt have to take you calling the chief of police to get cars there, safety director Wayne Drummond said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what happened? We listened to two dozen 911 calls. Again and again, we heard police were trying to get officers out there or they would be there soon. How were there no officers free to break up a massive neighborhood disturbance for hours? Now theyre out here doing doughnuts in the intersection with people hanging out of the cars, one more caller told dispatch. Ohio woman accused of trying to exit plane during flight; what happened next Weve reported for years on Cleveland police delays in answering your calls often due to chronic short-staffing. In this case, Cleveland City Hall released a statement, saying, the Department of Public Safety and Division of Police are investigating at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleveland police always tell the public, see something, say something. Here, taxpayers called for help after what they saw, but they were left waiting. Called about 15 to 20 minutes ago. They were going to send somebody. They need to send somebody over here now, another caller complained. Kazy is also dealing with the landlord about renting out the house and allowing someone to bring in hundreds of people. This comes just as city council has been taking steps to crack down on short-term rentals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is holding a series of advocacy sessions dedicated to the words residents know so well: Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health. The series, which runs monthly through September, started with a session on water. It was held June 5 at the State Theatre downtown. Trish Christensen, president and CEO of the chamber, said she wanted to team up its economic development committee and government relations council to bring conference-room discussions out into the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were really wanting to bring some of the key specialists in these different realms and wanted to lean into the city motto: water, wealth, contentment, health. Michael Gaffney, divisions operations specialist for Pacific Gas & Electric, kicked off the event by highlighting the work of people who were responsible for restoring the Modesto Arch, which crosses H Street at Ninth Street downtown. Standing proudly since 1912, the Modesto Arch has long symbolized our communitys values and aspirations, he said. Back then, and even today, the arch is illuminated at night, drawing our attention to the four words that tell a story of the condition of Stanislaus County since the Sierras began irrigating our land. Dorene DAdamo, vice chair of the California Water Resources Control Board, was the events keynote speaker. She provided a more sobering picture of water challenges, access and opportunities for sustainable solutions to the Central Valleys ongoing water crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year, theres another record thats been broken of some kind, she said, describing the chaotic shifts, or weather whiplash, between drought and heavy rainfall. Its not just droughts that need to be planned for, she said, but also the alarmingly wet conditions that threaten floods. Use the water when you have it, DAdamo said. In years of plenty, use surface water. And then in years were challenged by dry conditions, thats when you turn on those pumps and draw water out from the ground. Audience member Marcus Haney challenged DAdamo about why farmers are being hit with restrictions on drilling wells. You know, back in my day, when those wells were developed, they dug until they hit water. Looks good, lets sink this well, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to say he believes the issue isnt about water availability, but storage. DAdamo replied that digging too many deep wells in the area will lead to a depletion of groundwater. In the end, were going to see restrictions, were going to see land being fallowed its really unfortunate, she said. This is a beautiful area, and as you say, the agricultural productivity is second to none but districts or groundwater sustainability agencies are going to look at how to manage this. Another question from the audience was about where funds for the Proposition 1 bond measure from 2014 which focused on infrastructure for water resilience in the state, went. DAdamo mentioned the Sites Reservoir as being a recipient of those funds but also said there are funds still available. Money allocated for projects that didnt go through is returned for use on other projects, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another person was concerned that one of the water storage projects mentioned might impact her access to spring water from Del Puerto Canyon. DAdamo lives in Turlock and said she sees improvements in water use efficiency, but not as much as when she visits her sister in Santa Cruz. Theyre way ahead of us, she said. Christensen said shes not an ag person and does not work in water by trade, so she learned a lot about the value of water in the Valley during the session. That tie to water, the people in our community, unless they are in ag, they dont necessarily understand how important being part of this is, she said. Tracking it, supporting it, conserving it, being part of the solution we all need to be part of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DAdamo opened her keynote address by thanking the chamber for inviting her. I think the chambers focus on water, wealth, contentment, health is apt at a time when communities all across the state are really challenged by some of the things were seeing with climate change, she said. The next session in the series will be held July 25 and focus on wealth and is open to the public but costs $35 to attend. Registration can be found on the Modesto Chamber of Commerce website. Panelists will be Stanislaus County Supervisor Mani Grewal, City Councilmember Nick Bavaro and the director of Modestos Engineering Department, Toby Wells. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: TWiT On Episode 164 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss these concerning times for NASA with Casey Dreier, the Chief of Space Policy for The Planetary Society.. What a wild week it's been for NASA. With drastic budget cuts looming pending any action by Congress then comes the sudden and unexpected pulling of Jared Isaacman for the role of NASA Administrator, with no replacement named. Then came the very public split between President Trump and Elon Musk, and a flurry of furious Twitter/X and Truth Social postings, aimed at each other with razor-sharp edges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And finally, the proposed and drastic cuts to NASA outreach and education budgets, slimming them to nearly nothing. These are strange and concerning times for America's space agency, a premier global brand and icon of peaceful American prowess. We turned to Dreier, who has been quite vocal in his concern, for context. These are critical times for spaceflight, so you won't want to miss this episode! Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Space news of the week Model Falcon 9! TOP TELESCOPE PICK: A Celestron telescope on a white background Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com. About This Week In Space This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars? Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A family in Wesley Chapel is traumatized after their rescue dog was attacked by an alligator in their backyard. A video shows Zeus, a German Shepherd, standing on a leash with a gator lurking just beyond the fence, a chilling moment the family now views as a warning. We have a doggy door, and Zeus will go in and out of it whenever he wants, said Susan Alkhatib. We have it covered right now because of what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 dolphins from Florida park involved in criminal investigation moved to Clearwater Marine Aquarium Earlier this week, Zeus stepped outside like any other night, only this time, an alligator was waiting. All of a sudden, I couldnt hear him anymore, one family member recalled. My dad came in frantic. Id never seen him like that. He said, The alligator just took Zeus. Alkhatib and her family ran outside with flashlights and caught a glimpse of Zeus struggling in the pond with the gator still latched onto him. The alligator had just let go of Zeus, Alkhatib said. We started yelling at him to come toward us. When he got closer, he got tired. So we had to kind of go into the pond a little bit to get him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While News Channel 8 was interviewing the family, a gator emerged from the water again before slipping back in. I have a 7-year-old sister, said one family member. And I just think, if she was at the fence, would he have done the same thing to her? Zeus miraculously survived the attack. He suffered a fractured and displaced jaw, along with multiple puncture wounds around his neck. The vet said it looked like his whole head was in the gators mouth, said Alkhatib. Even he said, I dont know how he survived. I honestly cant believe he is alive, Alkhatib said. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has sent out trappers, but so far, they have not been able to capture the gator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zeus is now recovering from several surgeries. The family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for his veterinary bills. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. A man from West Plains faces a felony after sending his coworker multiple letters asking her out and even sending her boyfriend a letter pretending to be her. According to court dockets, Corby Redburn, born 1999, is charged with first-degree harassment. The probable cause statement says the victim reported the harassment to law enforcement in March of 2025, telling them she had received 11 anonymous letters delivered through the United States Postal Service to her West Plains home since November of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters were romantic in nature, asking the victim go on dates. One letter offered her $150,000 to attend an event, the statement says. The victim said she was worried she was being stalked in other ways. During the investigation, Redburn, a coworker, was identified as a suspect. The victim stated Redburn approached her for a date in November of 2024, but she turned him down, telling him that she had a boyfriend. In an interview with law enforcement, Redburn confessed to sending the letters. Redburn told police he felt that he had a relationship with the victim, that she had broken up with him, and that the letters were an attempt to get her back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the investigation revealed that the victim and Redburn had never had a personal relationship at any point, and Redburn had manufactured the belief they had been dating. Additionally, Redburn confessed to sending a letter to the victims boyfriend, pretending to be her and telling him that she wanted to break up. Redburn also admitted to tampering with the victims computer login at work to force her to contact him. Furthermore, Redburn admitted to driving by her house almost every day, the statement says. The criminal complaint says Redburn was a police dispatcher and obtained information from Omnigo a criminal justice information sharing system that contains individually identifiable information by searching to see if the victim had filed any reports against him in early March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also says Redburn used Omnigo to obtain the address of the victims boyfriend. The case was docketed on Friday, June 6. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. WEST PLAINS, Mo. Police officers from the West Plains Police Department (WPPD) responded to a disturbance at Holiday Inn Express on Preacher Roe Blvd. early Saturday morning, June 7, where they discovered a woman had been shot. According to a WPPD news release, officers were dispatched to the hotel at 5:46 a.m. after a caller stated a person was on the premises and refusing to leave. Another person called shortly thereafter and reported a firearm had been discharged, the release says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, WPPD officers spoke with a witness who said they watched the suspect fire several rounds into a vehicle as it fled the parking lot. At 5:58 a.m., a 23-year-old man from Little Rock, Arkansas, was identified as a suspect and placed into custody on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges. Officers determined a woman who was inside the fleeing vehicle had received a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. She was located several hours later in Arkansas. It was also determined the vehicle had multiple occupants, with one being an infant child. The suspects name is not being released at this time until charges are formally filed, according to West Plains Police Chief Brian Bunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those charges will include first-degree assault with intent; armed criminal action; unlawful use of a weapon; and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A top White House aide nursing a grudge against Elon Musk is being partly blamed for igniting President Donald Trumps war with the Tesla CEO. Sergio Gor, the White House director of presidential personnel, urged Trump to rescind his nomination for Musks personal friend Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, sparking a rift between the president and the worlds richest man that erupted in public Thursday, the New York Post reported. The NASA guy was the straw that broke the camels back, a White House source told the Post, suggesting that Gor wanted to bury the knife in [Musks] back. One White House source said Sergio Gor would go around showing Tesla stock prices going down and laugh about it. / Paul Morigi/Getty Images Four sources inside or close to the White House told the outlet that Gor, 38, has been holding a grudge against Musk, 53, ever since the billionaire humiliated him in front of the Trump Cabinet for not moving fast enough on staffing the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergio was upset about Elon dressing him down at the meeting and said he was going to get him, another source said. [Pulling Isaacmans nomination] was the modern-day equivalent of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. Sure, Sergio got a scalp, but what did POTUS get? Sergio Gor sits to the left of President Donald Trump during a meeting with ambassador nominees in the Cabinet Room. Musk reportedly slammed Gor for the slow hiring pace in front of the cabinet. / John McDonnell/Getty Images Gor reportedly developed a deep personal dislike of Musk while the tech mogul was still on friendly terms with Trump, and gleefully celebrated dips in Musks wealth when Tesla stock plunged, according to three of the sources. Hed go around showing Tesla stock prices going down and laugh about it, one White House source told the Post. The outlet said Gor denied taking pleasure in Teslas falling stock or ever seeking revenge against Musk. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon backed up Gor, saying the Trump-Musk feud had been simmering for months over issues like Musks opposition to Trumps tariff strategy. During their explosive clash Thursday, Musk wrote that it was Time to drop the really big bomb. He claimed Trump is in the Epstein files and that is the real reason they have not been made public. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Did Elon have a problem with Sergio? Bannon, a longtime Musk antagonist told the Post. Yes, the fact that we are not hiring enoughguess whatliberal f---ing progressive Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued Trump engaged in the bitter spat because hes upset over Musks failure to deliver significant savings at DOGE and his reported drug use. Yet, Trump and Musk heaped praise on each other at a congenial send-off last Friday, following the conclusion of Musks term as a special adviser. It wasnt until Trump withdrew Isaacmans nomination shortly after Muskhis biggest financial backer in 2024left the White House, that the billionaire launched a sharp attack on the presidents cherished Big, Beautiful Bill, calling it a disgusting abomination in an X post on Tuesday. The Trump administration has cited Isaacmans past donations to Democrats as the reason for Trump rescinding his nomination just days before his Senate confirmation. But Isaacman, another billionaire in Trumpworld, questioned that explanation, noting his donations have long been public knowledge. I dont blame an influential adviser coming in and saying, Look, heres the facts, and I think we should kill this guy, Isaacman said on the All-In podcast Wednesday. And the presidents got to make a call and move on. Jared Isaacman, a billionaire, testifies at a confirmation hearing in April. Trump rescinded his nomination Saturday. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images For now, it seems the administration is sticking with Gor. The Post said that White House Communications Director Steven Cheung called Gor a vital member of the team and he has helped President Trump put together an administration that is second to none. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One source close to the White House speculated, however, that Gor could become the fall guy and help mend the Trump-Musk relationshipif Musk can be convinced that the president was merely being played by Gor. NEED TO KNOW Buster Murdaugh was born to parents Alex and Maggie Murdaugh Buster was thrust into the spotlight when his dad was convicted of murdering Maggie and their other son, Paul Buster has also dealt with his own legal troubles, including a 2019 wrongful death lawsuit concerning Mallory Beach Buster Murdaugh and his family were prominent members of their South Carolina community but the Murdaughs gained national notoriety in the summer of 2021, after the murders of Busters mother, Margaret Maggie Murdaugh, and brother, Paul Murdaugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maggie, 52, and Paul, 22, were shot and killed on June 7, 2021, at Moselle, their familys 1,770-acre property in the low country of South Carolina. At the time of their deaths, Paul was awaiting trial in connection with the 2019 boating death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach. The double murder sent shockwaves through their small South Carolina town of Hampton, where the powerful Murdaugh family had been practicing law since 1910. Adding to the local drama was the fact that Busters father, South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, found himself at the epicenter of the shocking slayings. Alexs attorney, Jim Griffin, revealed that the grieving husband and father was considered a person of interest from the onset of the authorities investigation into the murders. The charges against Alex continued to mount throughout early 2022, but he wasnt officially linked to the killings of his wife and son until July 2022 when a South Carolina grand jury indicted the disgraced attorney in the double murder. Prosecutors alleged that, on the evening of June 7, 2021, Alex lured his estranged wife Maggie from their familys beach house (where she had been staying) to their hunting estate, where he then shot and killed her and Paul execution style near the dog kennels on the property. Despite the mountain of evidence presented against Alex during his 2023 murder trial, Buster stood by his fathers side, maintaining his innocence and testifying in his defense. But the fallout from the deaths of his mother and brother and his fathers March 2023 double murder conviction was devastating for Buster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buster is collateral damage to his fathers situation, a childhood friend of Busters told PEOPLE in 2022. I think hes developed this attitude of Im gonna shut people out before they shut me out. His circle of friends got really small really fast. So where is Buster Murdaugh today? Here is a look at Busters life before, during and after the tragic deaths of his mother and brother and his fathers conviction. Who is Buster Murdaugh? Maggie Murdaugh/Facebook The Murdaugh Family. Richard Alexander Murdaugh Jr., otherwise known as Buster, was the eldest son of Alex Murdaugh and his wife, Margaret Maggie Murdaugh. Buster and his younger brother Paul were born into one of the most prominent families in Hampton County, South Carolina. They earned recognition from the family law firm, Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick (or PMPED), which was founded in 1910 by Busters great-great-grandfather, Randolph Murdaugh Sr., The Greenville News reported. Over the next century, the law firm grew into a multimillion-dollar practice that employed several generations of Murdaughs including Busters father, Alex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Randolph Sr. was also the first member of the family to serve as Solicitor in the 14th Judicial Circuit, where he prosecuted criminal cases in four South Carolina counties, according to its website. The Murdaugh family would go on to hold the office continuously from 1920 to 2006. For over a century, the Murdaughs were law and order here in the 14th circuit, The Hampton County Guardian reporter Michael Dewitt said in the Netflix docuseries Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal. They ran both sides of the legal ledger, from civil cases to criminal cases. Dewitt continued, They were the law in this area and, at times, they were above the law. What is Buster Murdaugh known for? Joshua Boucher/The State via AP Buster Murdaugh during Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial on February 16, 2023, in Walterboro, S.C. Buster and his family first made national news after his mother, Maggie, and younger brother Paul were found shot to death at Moselle, the familys 1,770-acre hunting estate in South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The headlines following their murders primarily centered on Busters father, Alex. The once-wealthy and powerful attorney quickly became disgraced in the months following the murders, as a result of his alleged involvement in illegal drug distribution, money laundering, theft, embezzlement and perjury, PEOPLE previously confirmed. In addition to the almost 90 charges brought against Alex, he was also charged with murdering Maggie and Paul after a grand jury indictment in July 2022. Buster found his name entangled in his fathers legal turmoil in September 2021, when Alex was reportedly shot in the head while changing a tire in Hampton County, South Carolina. However, less than two weeks later, South Carolina law enforcement revealed that Alex allegedly arranged the shooting himself hiring Curtis Edward Smith to shoot him in the head so that Buster could receive $10 million in a life insurance payout after his death. Buster also made headlines when he testified for the defense at his fathers double murder trial. Buster told the jury he knew a little bit about his fathers drug use (which at one point had Alex allegedly spending $50,000 a week on opioids and taking up to 60 pills a day). Buster also claimed on the stand that his father was heartbroken following the deaths of Maggie and Paul. What was Busters father Alex convicted of? Joshua Boucher/AP/Shutterstock Alex Murdaugh sits with his legal team during his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse, in Walterboro, S.C. After a highly publicized six-week trial in early 2023, Busters father, Alex, was found guilty of murdering his wife and son. Buster, Alexs only surviving child, was in the courtroom as the verdicts were read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexs defense team moved for a mistrial after the guilty verdicts were handed down, but the motion was quickly denied by the judge. The evidence of guilt is overwhelming, and I deny the motion, state Circuit Judge Clifton Newman said, per Good Morning America. The following day, Alex was sentenced to two life sentences for the murders of Maggie and Paul. Alex, however, maintained his innocence when he addressed the judge at his sentencing hearing. Im innocent. I would never hurt my wife Maggie. And I would never hurt my son Paul Paul, he told Judge Newman. Does Buster Murdaugh believe his dad? Buster has stood by his father, maintaining his innocence during and after his trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Fox Nation in August 2023, Buster doubled down on his stance that his father was innocent and did not belong in prison. I do not think that he could be affiliated with endangering my mother and brother, Buster said in Fox Nation's The Fall of the House of Murdaugh. We have been here for a while now and thats been my stance. Buster added that he believed his fathers trial was not fair and that pretrial publicity led the jury to form predetermined opinions about the former South Carolina attorney. I think that I hold a very unique perspective that nobody else in that courtroom ever held. And I know the love that I have witnessed, Buster said, referencing his fathers loving relationship with his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buster also told Fox Nation that he believes the killer is still on the loose and that his safety is at risk as a result. I think I set myself up to be safe but yes, when I go to bed at night I have a fear that there is somebody that is still out there, he shared. Did Buster Murdaugh get charged with anything? The Murdaugh Family. Though Buster faced no charges in relation to the deaths of his mother and brother, he was not without his own legal troubles. Busters name was mentioned more than 40 times during the investigation into the mysterious 2015 death of 19-year-old nursing student Stephen Smith. Smith who was a classmate of Busters was found dead on a dark Hampton County road not far from the Murdaugh family estate during the early morning hours of July 8, 2015. Authorities initially ruled Smiths death a hit-and-run before reopening the case in June 2021, following the murders of Maggie and Paul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities revealed that, while investigating the murders of Maggie and Paul, new evidence connected to Smiths death surfaced, which led to them reopening the case. Shortly after Alexs conviction in March 2023, Smiths death was officially ruled a homicide. Buster has never been charged or even questioned in connection with Smiths death, however. He vehemently denied any involvement in a public statement released shortly after his fathers conviction in March 2023. I have tried my best to ignore the vicious rumors about my involvement in Stephen Smith's tragic death that continue to be published in the media as I grieve over the brutal murders of my mother and brother, the statement read. I haven't spoken up until now because I want to live in private while I cope with their deaths and my father's incarceration ... This has gone on far too long. It continued, These baseless rumors of my involvement with Stephen and his death are false. I unequivocally deny any involvement in his death, and my heart goes out to the Smith family. I am requesting that the media immediately stop publishing these defamatory comments and rumors about me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buster was also named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in 2019 by the mother of Mallory Beach, a 19-year-old who was killed in February 2019 after a boat driven by an allegedly intoxicated Paul crashed into a bridge. Alex, Maggie and Buster were all named in the lawsuit, as Alex was the owner of the boat and Maggies credit card and Busters ID were allegedly used by Paul to illegally purchase alcohol prior to the crash, Fox News reports. Beachs family and three of the other boat crash victims settled with Buster and the estate of Maggie in January 2023 for an undisclosed but significant amount, an ABC affiliate station in South Carolina reported. Where is Buster Murdaugh now? Joshua Boucher/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Buster Murdaugh at the Colleton County Courthouse on March 2, 2023, in Walterboro, South Carolina. Buster Murdaugh at the Colleton County Courthouse on March 2, 2023, in Walterboro, South Carolina. Buster went from being a member of one of South Carolinas most well-known families to living a life in near isolation cutting off contact from most of his social circle following his mother and brothers deaths. He really withdrew after everything happened, a former college classmate told PEOPLE in 2022. He has really closed off and built walls around himself. Buster has never returned to Moselle, his familys estate where his mother and brother were murdered, or his familys beach house on Edisto Island, S.C., where his mother was staying before her death. He also avoids his hometown of Hampton, where his family went from revered to reviled. I get stopped and yelled at all the time. I got cussed at in the gas station the other day, Buster told his father in a taped jailhouse phone call, according to the University of South Carolinas newspaper The State. To escape, Buster moved into his girlfriend, Brooklynn Whites, Hilton Head Island, S.C. condo, FITS News reported. The longtime couple went on to purchase a home together in Bluffton, S.C., in May 2023. They also share a golden retriever named Miller. White is currently an attorney at Olivetti McCray & Withrow, an all-female law firm in Hilton Head. She graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law the same law school Buster attended before he was kicked out in 2019 for low grades and alleged plagiarism, according to The State. Jailhouse recordings revealed that Alex paid $60,000 to prominent lawyer Butch Bowers to help get Buster back into law school. Buster was reportedly readmitted and due to resume classes in January 2022, but it was mutually agreed that delaying readmission to law school would be best for him and for the law school, Alexs attorney Jim Griffin told The State. Buster has yet to return to law school. It is not known whether he is currently employed. Read the original article on People By Omar Younis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration said it would deploy 2,000 National Guard troops on Saturday as federal agents in Los Angeles faced off against a few hundred demonstrators during a second day of protests following immigration raids. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the Pentagon was prepared to mobilize active-duty troops "if violence continues" in Los Angeles, saying the Marines at nearby Camp Pendleton were "on high alert." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal security agents on Saturday confronted protesters in the Paramount area in southeast Los Angeles, where some demonstrators displayed Mexican flags. A second protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night attracted some 60 people, who chanted slogans including "ICE out of L.A.!" Trump signed a presidential memorandum to deploy the National Guard troops to "address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester," the White House said in a statement. Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, told Fox News that the National Guard would be deployed in Los Angeles on Saturday. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the decision "purposefully inflammatory." He posted on X that Trump was deploying the National Guard "not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle," adding: "Don't give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully." Newsom said it was "deranged behavior" for Hegseth to be "threatening to deploy active-duty Marines on American soil against its own citizens." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that if Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass can't do their jobs "then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!" The protests pit Democratic-run Los Angeles, where census data suggests a significant portion of the population is Hispanic and foreign-born, against Trump's Republican White House, which has made cracking down on immigration a hallmark of his second term. 'VIOLENT INSURRECTION' "Insurrectionists carrying foreign flags are attacking immigration enforcement officers, while one half of America's political leadership has decided that border enforcement is evil," Vice President JD Vance posted on X late on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior White House aide Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner, described the protests as a "violent insurrection." The administration has not invoked the Insurrection Act, two U.S. officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity. One said that National Guard troops can deploy quickly, within 24 hours in some cases, and that the military was working to source the 2,000 troops. The 1807 law empowers a president to deploy the U.S. military to enforce the law and suppress events like civil disorder. The last time it was invoked was during the 1992 Los Angeles riots at the request of the California governor. Video footage of the Paramount protest showed dozens of green-uniformed security personnel with gas masks at the Paramount protest, lined up on a road strewn with overturned shopping carts as small canisters exploded into gas clouds. Authorities began detaining some protesters, according to Reuters witnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles police posted on X that "multiple people have been detained for failing to disperse after multiple warnings were issued." It did not give further details. There was no official information of any arrests. "Now they know that they cannot go to anywhere in this country where our people are, and try to kidnap our workers, our people - they cannot do that without an organized and fierce resistance," said protester Ron Gochez, 44. A first round of protests kicked off on Friday night after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted enforcement operations in the city and arrested at least 44 people on alleged immigration violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that there were about "1,000 rioters" at the protests on Friday. Reuters could not verify DHS's account. Angelica Salas, executive director of immigrants' rights organization Chirla, said lawyers had not had access to those detained on Friday, which she called "very worrying." TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN Trump has pledged to deport record numbers of people in the country illegally and lock down the U.S.-Mexico border, with the White House setting a goal for ICE to arrest at least 3,000 migrants per day. But the sweeping immigration crackdown has also caught up people legally residing in the country, including some with permanent residence, and has led to legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Los Angeles Police Department did not respond to requests for comment on the protests or whether there had been any immigration raids on Saturday. Television news footage on Friday showed unmarked vehicles resembling military transport and vans loaded with uniformed federal agents streaming through Los Angeles streets as part of the immigration enforcement operation. Raids occurred around Home Depot stores, where street vendors and day laborers were picked up, as well as at a garment factory and a warehouse, Salas of Chirla said. Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, condemned the immigration raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am deeply angered by what has taken place," Bass said in a statement. "These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this." (Reporting by Sandra Stojanovic and Omar Younis; Additional reporting by Lucia Mutikani, Alexandra Ulmer, Michael Martina and Idrees Ali; Writing by Alexandra Ulmer and Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Diane Craft, Deepa Babington, Michelle Nichols and William Mallard) Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that the "government of the day is handicapped" as it can't register a first information report and said that the three-decades-old judicial order provides a "virtually impregnable cover". The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, "The Government of the day is handicapped. It can't register an FIR. Because there is a judicial order. And that judicial order is more than three decades old. It provides virtually impregnable cover. Unless permission is accorded by a functionary at the highest level in the judiciary, an FIR can't be registered. So I pose a question to myself, in deep pain, worried, concerned, in anguish -- why was that permission not given? That was the minimum that could have been done on the earliest occasion.", according to an official statement issued by the Vice President's Secretariat. He further said, "I have raised the issue. Ultimately, if a motion is brought to remove a judge, is that the answer? If there has been a crime, a culpable act shaking the foundations of democracy -- the rule of law, why wasn't it punished? We have lost more than three months, and the investigation has not even been initiated. Whenever you go to court, they ask why the FIR was delayed." Dhankhar further stated, "Does the committee of judges have a constitutional sanction? Does it have statutory sanction? Can this report result in any outcome? Can this report, by itself, be actionable? If a judge removal mechanism is there, the Constitution says this removal mechanism can be initiated either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. This is the only way. Then this committee cannot substitute for an FIR investigation. Now, the separation of powers. Penal thing has to follow it. If we have to lay claim on democracy, on the rule of law, equality before law, let me tell you -- even the President of India and the Governors -- they have immunity from prosecution only till they are in office. No other body has it. No other in the country, no other constitutional office has this immunity, and that too while in office. Now, how can we have a mechanism that such a crime -- a culpable act -- revealed from a document revealed by the Supreme Court, that there was a cash haul." The Vice-President said, "I find it very soothing and must congratulate you that the bar associations in the country are active on it. I hope an FIR is filed. One, that permission could have been given on the very first day. It should have been. A compulsive, expedient situation should have been there, because the mechanism evolved is the same. Second, it could have been given at least after the report. Could it have been given on the judicial side? What happened on the judicial side -- it is there. I gather from the public domain -- money spending." Dhankhar further said, "While I have appreciated the former Chief Justice for putting those documents in the public domain, so what we say, there was a cash haul, because the report says -- the report was put in the public domain by the Supreme Court. Let us not destroy the idea of democracy. Let us not dilute our ethical standards so low. Let us not decimate integrity." Interacting with members of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association in Chandigarh on Friday, the Vice-President said, "Judicial system at the moment, because of a very painful incident that happened mid-March in Delhi at the residence of a sitting judge, there was a cash haul, obviously tainted, unaccounted, illegal. And unexplained! The intervention is very significant. One, it appeared in the public domain after 6-7 days. Imagine if it had not appeared. So, we don't know whether it is isolated or if there are other instances. Now, whenever tainted, unaccounted, unexplained cash haul is there, the system has to move to find out whose money is this? And what is the money trail? Where did this loose cash come from? Are there big sharks? Has the money influenced the Judiciary in judicial work? All these issues are agitating not only the minds of lawyers but also people on the street. But let the lid be blown off the can of worms. Let these skeletons in the cupboards come out. Why was there no FIR? Why has there been no investigation at all?" Dhankhar stated, "I'm so happy that our Bar associations are picking up the issue. But the confidence of the people is very fundamental in all institutions. All I am saying is, the thought that it will die down, that it will not get media attention, that people have short memories, and those actors, sharks who are culpable, postures that indicate the highest criminality. We must not be sparing them. The people's confidence, I'm sure, will be restored -- I don't know to what extent -- but only by very thorough investigation, proper investigation, scientific investigation -- the investigation that will expose, to public satisfaction, the original source of money, the money trail, the people involved, the beneficiaries, and the purpose." The Vice-President recollected, "If you know a famous case -- Sarwan Singh v. State of Punjab, 1957 -- the gap between establishing the truth is sometimes very thin. The distance between 'may be true' and 'must be true' is very thin. But this thin distance has to be negotiated by evidence of unimpeachable veracity. So I put innocence at a very high level. I am not aware of who is guilty. But one thing is for sure -- a crime of great enormity, shaking the foundations of the Judiciary and democracy, has taken place. I hope it will be addressed" Dhankhar stated, "As a former President of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association, probably this is the first time this happened -- that we got together. So lawyers in such bodies are watchdogs of democracy. And in democracy, nothing matters more than proper investigation, proper findings, getting to the source, the original source of the tainted, unaccounted, illegal cash. Surely the cash will not come without a purpose. And the purpose can't be legitimate. Lord Denning, a great judge, quoted Fuller. Fuller is from 350 years from now: "Be ye never so high, the law is above you." Now, those who have to enforce the law are also subject to the law." Highlighting that courts are a temple of justice, Dhankhar said, "For lawyers, nothing is more important than the purity of the system where you work. That is why we call it the temple of justice. Now, if the temple of justice is so sacrileged, so tainted, so besmirched that people come very close to losing faith, then where would people go for justice? Before we inflict more injuries on the soul of Bharat -- it's written in a sense of democracy -- I hope things will take shape. He further said, "All I'm saying is that our judges need protection. Because judges make tough decisions. Judges decide against the Executive. The Executive in any democracy is a mighty power. So judges have to be fearless and independent. They cannot be subjected in a routine way. But now what has happened is -- even judges' premises are sacrosanct. Any crime happening therein is not subject to investigation unless a sanction is given." The Vice-President said, "Now, if this institution is clouded, smoked, then one gets an idea. We don't know how many skeletons are in the cupboard. Then another worry -- stories are going around. Names are floating on whose money is it? Maybe it is not their money. So, proper investigation will also save the reputation of many, many who are being doubted. Because a criminal investigation must nab only the accused and prove the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Because people can't put pressure. Bar associations can. We have a role to play in this society. You are stakeholders. Ultimately, you'll be the sufferers. You help people access courts. Members of the bar, you do your utmost to secure the dispensation of justice in the right way. If faith in what you are assisting with is shaken, there will be no way." Signifying the importance of the Bar Association, the Vice-President said, "The Body of Lawyers and Bar Associations is, in a sense, custodians of the rule of law. They are watchdogs of democracy, and when the system is challenged, there is an obligation on members of the Bar. There have been times when lawyers play a key role, and that is why in our democracy, we have a separation of powers, which means the Executive will do its role, the Legislature will do its role, and the Judiciary will do its role. The critical issue is, judgments have to be given by judges. They can't be scripted by the Legislature. I am Chairman, Rajya Sabha, you can't script a judgment. Am I right? Similarly, the job that we do can't be done by the Executive or the Judiciary." Dhankhar further said, "The Bar Association of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is unique in the entire country. Two States, One Union Territory, very, very important Bar Association. The same is about the Bar Council. I had the good fortune to be the President of my association in Rajasthan, but that was the presidency of the bench at Jaipur. You are the president in the complete right. Whenever I have appeared in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, it has always been a pleasure to come to this place because the Bar has a long tradition. Members of the Bar have been instrumental in getting us freedom. During the freedom struggle, top lawyers ignored their real practice in fiscal terms and devoted themselves to the nation." Highlighting the importance of a democratic society, Dhankhar said, "In a democratic society, the rule of law and equality in law are compromised -- seriously, severely, if some people are above the law, beyond scrutiny, beyond investigation. Secondly, yours is a very important High Court, covering a huge jurisdictional area of two states and a Union Territory. The Chief Justice of the High Court, apart from judicial work, also has to do administrative work. And the administrative work is very large. Same about Haryana." The Vice-President said, "I believe the greatest power of Indian citizens is to be treated as innocent till proven guilty. So I don't want to suggest someone is guilty. But let the investigation be there. It should be proved. Definitely. We don't know how many people will be there once we break the curtain." He further added, "Purpose is equally important because if it is related to judicial work, if judgment can be influenced by money bags, that day at least, I do not wish to see. And no Member of Parliament would love to see it--unless one is part of it." In conclusion, Dhankhar said, "Let me tell you, I have travelled all over the world. On intelligence, our judges are the best. In hard work, our judges are the best. When they lose confidence in everybody -- the executive, and I would say even in organizations to which I belong, but they trust the Judiciary. Because they know, a judge is a reincarnation of God. He will do justice. And there also, they draw a distinction. A sitting judge, in public perception, I don't subscribe to it, carries greater weightage than a judge under oath will certainly do justice." (ANI) WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) Police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred in Whitehall on Friday night. Officers were called to the pool hall Players Family Billiards, located at 4380 E. Main St., on the report of a shooting at about 11:50 p.m. Once they arrived, they found 35-year-old Corey Divers suffering from a gunshot wound. Divers was transported to Mount Carmel East, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violence like this will not be tolerated in Whitehall, said Lieutenant Tanner Williams of the Whitehall Division of Police. We are aggressively pursuing every lead and using every available resource to find the person responsible. On Saturday, Whitehall police charged David Tobias Walker III for the murder. Police have not yet arrested Walker and continue to investigate the homicide. The department asked anyone with information to contact Detective McKittrick at 614-237-6333 ext. 1263. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ousted presidential adviser Steve Bannon may be using President Donald Trumps falling out with Elon Musk as an attempt to get back in the fray, by saying exactly what Trump wants to hear. Appearing on an emergency episode of The Daily Beast podcast, journalist and biographer Michael Wolff spoke to Joanna Coles about Bannons decision to weigh in on the spat between the president and the Tesla CEO. According to Wolff, Bannon is likely looking for ways to get back in the fray, particularly as he likely sees Musk as having usurped him. Bannon, who was the chief executive officer for Trumps 2016 presidential campaign and chief strategist and senior counselor to the president once Trump took office, was fired in August 2017 after months of clashes with others in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolff argues that Bannon has continued to feel, against all of the evidence, that he would be called back to the White House, called back to Trumps side, and now sees in Musks departure the perfect opportunity to make that happen. As to whether Trump wants Bannon back? Wolff isnt so sure, telling Coles that for Trump, out of sight is out of mind and he likely hasnt thought about Bannon anywhere near as much as Bannon has thought about him. In attacking Musksoon after Musk began attacking Trump on X, Bannon called for his immigration status to be investigated because he suspected Musk was an illegal alienBannon is relying on the fact that, in Wolffs words, if you say what Trump wants to hear, then youre in like Flynn. This is an opportunity that he is seizing, Wolff added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to calling for Musk to be deported, Bannon has also demanded that Musks alleged drug use and links to China be investigated, and said that Musks SpaceX should be seized by the government. Musks response to Bannons tirade was to call him a r----d and a criminal. Bannon responded to that insult by telling Politicos Playbook, Youre going to tell me we should allow some f-----g punk to sit there and say he should be impeached and J.D. [Vance] should step in? F--k you, dude. Were going to go to f-----g war, and Im going to rip your f-----g face off. Wolff also explained how the Trump-Musk breakup was practically a foregone conclusion, telling Coles that everyone who works for Trump eventually falls out with him, because he screws them. Interestingly, however, Elon is the first person who has the resources and the temerity and the audacity to not accept being screwed by Donald Trump, Wolff continued, with his status as the worlds richest man affording him a measure of protection against Trumps usual M.O. That isnt likely to stop Trumpor Bannon, for that matterfrom trying his hardest, though. The West Bank was never taken from the Palestinians. When Israel conquered the territory in 1967 it was from the Jordanians, who had occupied it since 1948 before trying their luck at a genocide of the Jews. Regardless, if Jerusalem gave up the land in return for peace, it would make Israel just nine miles wide at its centre. Known as the Hadera-Gadera rectangle, that narrow waist holds half the population and much of the countrys vital infrastructure, including Tel Aviv. A new Palestinian state would lie just over the border. After October 7, would you do it? The Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, is famously incompetent, and is currently enjoying the 20th year of the four-year term to which he was elected in 2005. He presides over a system of corruption and brutality; he holds a PhD in Holocaust revisionism from a Moscow university; and he offers cash incentives to those convicted of terror offences, with higher payments awarded for more serious crimes. Fancy the odds? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Israel pulled out of Gaza in 2005, it was in the naive belief that, from then on, even a single rocket from the Strip would meet with international condemnation, since the settlements and occupation were no more. So that worked out well. A two-state solution would see the same policy applied on the West Bank. What could possibly go wrong? Sir Keir Starmer presumably thinks its a great idea, because in nine days time, Britain will join France and the Saudis in New York in talks about recognising a state of Palestine. Far easier to gamble with the lives of someone elses children than your own, I suppose. This would form the natural culmination of Britains escalating hostility towards our ally, as it battles to defeat the jihadi group that carried out that orgy of butchery, mutilation and rape two years ago and has vowed to do the same again. Hostages are still in the catacombs. Yet Sir Keir dreams of a state of Palestine. War is hell. Israel which neither wanted it nor started it evacuates civilians before attacks and provides them with aid. Yet in Parliament last week, amid nods from MPs who have never known the inside of a bomb shelter, the Prime Minister branded Israel appalling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As ever, Starmers petty politicking blinds him to his own moral bankruptcy. Unilaterally recognising a state of Palestine is a contemptuous proposal. Dismissing Israels existential security concerns is insult enough, but providing a reward for October 7 creates awful incentives for the future. Worse still, perhaps, is the narrative it would create. Britains official policy would be to blame Israel for the lack of a Palestinian state, when the historical truth is the opposite. The Palestinians were first offered self-determination in 1947, but rejected it in favour of attempted genocide. They were offered it again during the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, but derailed it with a spate of suicide bombs that claimed the lives of many Israelis. In 2000, at Camp David, they were offered 96 per cent of the West Bank but turned it down. In 2008, prime minister Ehud Olmert offered 94 per cent of the territory with land swaps for the remainder, East Jerusalem as a Palestinian capital, and the Old City turned over to international control. Again, Abbas rejected it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? Because the true problem is the very existence of a Jewish country, which is seen as a rebuke by some to Arab honour. The Palestinians dont want a state alongside Israel. They want a state instead of it. This is what Britain would be supporting. 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 article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Casablanca is well versed in transformation. Anfa, the Amazigh settlement that once stood here, was obliterated by the Portuguese in 1468. When they returned to rebuild the town half a century later, they renamed it Casa Branca (White House). An earthquake then levelled the region in 1755, prompting Moroccan ruler Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah to build the whitewashed Medina. Earning itself the local name Dar al-Baida literally House of the White it came to be known as Casablanca among the Spanish, who added touches of their own, including the 19th-century Church of San Buenaventura. Art nouveau and neo-Moorish buildings were then erected by the French, who established Casablanca as a business hub after their arrival in 1907. It went on to become a French protectorate in 1912 and remained so until 1956, with Assunna Mosque and Rue dAgadir Market futuristic constructions designed by Franco-Moroccan architect Jean-Francois Zevaco marking a new era of independence. Visitors now flock to the city to explore its varied architecture. Neo-Moorish buildings merging Islamic and art deco elements can be found around Boulevard Rachidi, with highlights including La Poste Centrale, the Palais de Justice and LEglise du Sacre Coeur, an ivory-white cathedral built in 1930. Further east, a few historic art deco establishments have been transformed in the citys Petit Paris district, including Cinema Rialto, which offers a window into the citys fabled cinematic history. Guided tours of many of these sites can be organised through Casamemoire, a non-profit thats been working to preserve the citys 20th-century architecture since 1995. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Quartier Habbous is equally charming. Constructed predominantly between the 1920s and 30s to accommodate an influx of Moroccan merchants, the southern district has an artisanal edge, with plenty of craft and leather stalls. Keep an eye out for the ornate wooden doorway leading to Patisserie Bennis Habous, which serves almond-filled kaab el ghazal (gazelle horns) and other delectable Moroccan pastries. Young locals tend to gather on the clipped lawns of Arab League Park and Anfa Park. The latter is often used to host Casablancas annual summer music festivals: Jazzablanca and Alif Festival both draw in large crowds, while LBoulevard, held at the nearby Stade RUC, is well known for hosting artists from Moroccos blossoming rap scene. Contemporary dance styles are also a big draw; onlookers often gather along the palm-shaded steps of the Villa des Arts gallery to watch breakdancers from the local BIM Breaking association. Casablancas creative spirit seeps into its street art, too, with avant-garde designs depicting extraterrestrial life forms lining the Corniche promenade. Nevada Skatepark, one of the biggest in Africa, also has a number of bold pieces, including A Glitch In The Skatepark by local artist Abidwane. A little quieter than those of Fez or Marrakech, the medinas snaking, cobbled streets are full of vendors serving fresh fish sandwiches and syrup-coated sweets stuffed with dates. Plastic tables and chairs fill the larger squares, where visitors while away the hours sipping coffee from miniature glass cups. Dar DaDa, a courtyard restaurant, offers more substantial meals, including hearty chicken tagine. Typical Moroccan dishes are also available from Saveurs du Palais, an intimate restaurant further west in the Maarif district, where guests settle on low cushioned seating to enjoy chicken pastilla and slow-cooked lamb tagine. If youd like to learn how to make Moroccan dishes yourself, Taste of Casablanca hosts a tour of the citys markets, where youll roam in search of ingredients for your guided cookery class. Three highlights 1. Hassan II Mosque Opened in 1993, this mosque with a green minaret is one of the largest in Africa. Outside prayer hours, non-Muslims are able to admire the Moroccan craftsmanship on display. The pink granite comes from Agadir and the carved cedar wood from the Atlas Mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. Royal Mansour Casablanca Spa You dont have to have a room booked at Royal Mansour Casablanca to enjoy its spa. The hotel has its own traditional Moroccan hammam, a marble bathhouse where guests are scrubbed, washed and massaged into a state of bliss. 3. Cine-theatre Lutetia First opened in 1953, Cine-theatre Lutetia hosted grand premieres and international film stars before falling into disrepair. Its original art deco features have since been restored, and it now runs an extensive programme of regional films. Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). NEW YORK Mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos Friday joined a string of unions, interest groups and elected officials lining up to endorse former Gov. Andrew Cuomos bid for mayor despite previously demanding his removal from office in 2021 amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment. Ramos, who slammed Cuomo over the allegations as recently as Wednesday, has said it took tremendous courage for the accusers to come forward publicly. But she said the former governors potential to stand up to President Donald Trump largely outweighs her concerns about the allegations. The explosive claims that rocked Albany just four years ago appear to be playing little role amid Cuomos political comeback run and his current status as the front-runner heading into the Democratic mayoral primary. Polls consistently show Cuomo coming out on top, even as his unfavorability ratings remain high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a remarkable and rapid turnaround for Cuomo, who stepped down from his post as governor after an investigation found he had sexually harassed nearly a dozen women, accusations he denies, and amid an imminent threat of impeachment from state lawmakers. Two key factors have helped fuel Cuomos run: Shifting attitudes about sexual harassment and the #MeToo movement and the demand for a strong leader to navigate a fraught political landscape marked by the chaos of Trumps second stint in the White House. This today is not about forgiveness or about forgetting anything, Ramos, who in 2021 was among the first to call for Cuomos resignation, said Friday. This is a very sober take on where we are in this race and the type of leadership that is required at a time when I need workers and I need immigrants protected. A changing climate At the time of Cuomos resignation, public outrage at the sexual misconduct and harassment carried out by men in power was running high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leak of Trumps infamous Access Hollywood tape shortly before his election in 2016 and the revelations about Harvey Weinstein in the New York Times and the New Yorker in 2017 touched off a powerful movement that spread to Hollywood, sports, business and politics. Over the past couple of years, though, many see the movement as having lost some momentum, especially with Trumps election to a second term. The people who are going to vote for him have clearly made a decision that whatever he was accused of doing, its forgivable, to a point, Basil Smikle, a Democratic strategist told the Daily News. They are willing to look past what he is accused of, because whatever they feel is happening in the city now, is more important to their immediate lives. Both the upcoming mayoral election and last Novembers presidential contest unfolded against a national backlash to not only #MeToo, but to Black Lives Matter and the broader concept of wokeness, which became a key talking point for Trump during the 2024 campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those national sentiments may be trickling into New Yorks mayoral race. Trump himself has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women and was found civilly liable for sexually assaulting E Jean Carroll in 2023. Cuomos ability to mount a comeback is a feature of the Trump era, Smikle said. Cuomos steady lead in the race has held despite his opponents attempts to resurface the scandals and stir public outrage, especially right after Cuomo entered the race. During a radio appearance earlier this month on 97.9 La Mega, for example, Cuomo flirted with a radio host half his age. As music played in the studio, host Excarlet Molina, 29, asked Cuomo if he would dance merengue with the Dominicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are you asking me to go dancing with you? Cuomo responded. After the music stopped, he followed up: I want to know if we have a date? Cuomos camp maintained that the interaction was a joke. The incident generated backlash on social media, with users calling him a sex pest and gross. Regardless, it barely made a dent in the campaign. And at Wednesdays debate, where Cuomo faced attacks on all manner of issues, the allegations werent a major line of attack. Brad Lander said that having sexually harassed 13 women should disqualify Cuomo from being mayor. And Michael Blake, a former state assemblymember whos polling poorly, said that the people who dont feel safe are the young women, mothers and grandmothers around Andrew Cuomo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the debate, Cuomo pointed out that he was never charged in connection with the allegations. I said at the time that if I offended anyone, it was unintentional, but I apologize, and I say that today, he said. His team declined to comment for this story. Cuomos seeming ability to brush past the allegations doesnt sit well with some. He has been welcomed back into the political class with open arms as opposed to being required to take responsibility for his actions, Erica Vladimer, co-founder of the Sexual Harassment Working Group, said. He continues to harass and retaliate against the women he already sexually harassed and retaliated against and theres no indication that hes going to change his ways. Vladmier was referencing to Cuomos circle of lawyers and aides efforts since the accusers went public to discredit them, challenging their credibility including in court proceedings. The former governors legal expenses, have cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, according to the state comptroller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Hinton, who claims Cuomo acted sexually inappropriately towards her in 2000, when she worked for him as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, said she was disappointed about his bounce back into the limelight. Its shocking in many ways and sad that New Yorkers are not standing behind these women, Hinton said. Its just not an issue for people, she continued. People dont care. People voted for Trump even though he sexually assaulted a woman in a department store in New York. People dont care, so maybe its not that big a deal. Hinton also noted state lawmakers disdain for Cuomos often retaliatory style of governance leaving him without allies he needed when the allegations came out. Stepping down from office also shot down the possibility of impeachment in the State Assembly, giving him a clearer path to mount a political comeback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think many of those members, and theyre mostly men, didnt care about the sexual harassment claims, Hinton, who also worked under Mayor Bill de Blasio, said. They just cared to get rid of him because hes nasty and mean and spiteful, and if you cross his path and do something that he doesnt want you to do, hes coming after you. Craving leadership With White House policies sowing uncertainty and fear in New York City amid threats of slashing federal support for critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP, many see a need for a strong leader to stand up to the president. Mayor Eric Adams is no longer a factor in the Democratic primary. He announced hed run as an independent in November following widespread criticism for being overly acquiescent to Trump after the presidents DOJ dismissed the mayors corruption case. The rest of the mayoral field mostly leans further left than either Cuomo or Adams, with no strong center-left candidate, so far, posing a significant challenge to the former governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His closest rival is Zohran Mamdani, a socialist campaigning on free buses and freezing rent for stabilized tenants. Mamdani risks alienating moderates, especially pro-Israel voters for his characterization of the countrys military campaign in Gaza as a genocide. Cuomo has made his support of Israel a central facet of his campaign and has called rhetoric like Mamdanis a cancer. For many voters, Cuomo appears to be the best option. Even as Cuomo stepped down in 2021, he still had a base of support. His name recognition, in part tied to his father, Mario, and the perception during the COVID pandemic that his leadership was a foil to Trumps chaos, continued to appeal to some voters. A Quinnipiac poll from just days before his resignation showed that he had a 28% approval rating, with 25% of poll takers saying he should not step down. During his time away from the spotlight, Cuomo loosely engaged that base, laying the groundwork for a potential run as he made stops at Black churches and met with political power players. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was still a good chunk of the city that remembered that, and especially now that Trump is in office, they want someone whos gonna fight for them, but also protect them and also make sure that they have a good quality of life, Smikle said. Not everyone is convinced. Vladimer, with the Sexual Harassment Working Group, said that she doubts that Cuomo will truly be able to effectively confront Trump. The perception of Cuomo standing up for New Yorkers thats all it really is a perception, Vladimer said. It is not reality. Cuomo has only shown us through his actions that he can only and will only punch down and that includes on young women government staffers. But power players, politicians and union leaders have largely coalesced behind the former governor, even though some had pressed for his removal in 2021. Super PACs in his support have collected millions in donations, including a $1 million donation from Doordash and $2.5 million by the Housing for All PAC, which is funded by the New York Apartment Association. Manny Pastreich, the president of Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and 32BJ, said in April the union was endorsing the former governor in part because Cuomo would be able to fight back against Trumps attacks. Others, like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., have not outright supported Cuomo but have stayed silent as he makes his comeback a sharp contrast to her condemnation of him in 2021. Andrew Cuomo is equipped to stand up to attacks on our city that threaten our finances, our jobs, our public transportation, our health care, our Social Security and our rights, Pastreich said in announcing his unions endorsement. BANGKOK (AP) Israel says it has retrieved the body of a 35-year-old Thai hostage who was abducted into Gaza during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war. Nattapong Pinta was among 31 Thais taken by the Hamas militant group. Thailands foreign ministry in a statement Saturday confirmed that Pinta, the last Thai hostage in Gaza, was confirmed dead. It said the bodies of two others have yet to be retrieved. The ministry has said 46 Thais have been killed during the war. Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive by Hamas. They were among tens of thousands of Thai workers in Israel. Heres a look at what they were doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why are there so many Thais in Israel? Israel once relied heavily on Palestinian workers, but it started bringing in large numbers of migrant workers after the 1987-93 Palestinian revolt, known as the first Intifada. Most came from Thailand, and Thais remain the largest group of foreign agricultural laborers in Israel today, earning considerably more than they can at home. Thailand and Israel implemented a bilateral agreement a decade ago to ease the way for workers in the agriculture sector. Israel has come under criticism for the conditions under which the Thai farm laborers work. A Human Rights Watch report in 2015 said they often were housed in makeshift and inadequate accommodation and were paid salaries significantly below the legal minimum wage, forced to work long hours in excess of the legal maximum, subjected to unsafe working conditions and denied their right to change employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A watchdog group found more recently that most were still paid below the legal minimum wage. How many Thai nationals work in Israel? There were about 30,000 Thai workers, primarily working on farms, in Israel prior to the attack by Hamas. In the wake of the attack, some 7,000 returned home, primarily on government evacuation flights, but higher wages than those available at home have continued to attract new arrivals. The Thai ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, recently said there are now more than 38,000 Thai workers in the country. What happened after some left? Faced with a labor shortage in the wake of the exodus, Israels Agriculture Ministry announced incentives to try to attract foreign workers back to evacuated areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other things, it offered to extend work visas and to pay bonuses of about $500 a month. Thailands Labor Ministry granted 3,966 Thai workers permission to work in Israel in 2024, keeping Israel in the top four destinations for Thais working abroad last year. Thai migrant workers generally come from poorer regions of the country, especially the northeast, and even before the bonuses, the jobs in Israel paid many times what they could make at home. When Prince William paused to greet three-year-old Willow during a visit to the Royal Cornwall Show, her family never expected a gift to exchange hands. They were taken aback when Willow reached up with a single Quaver - and even more surprised when the prince popped the savoury snack into his jacket pocket. "I don't think I've ever been offered a Quaver before," the prince said. "I'm going to save this and put it in my pocket for later." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grandmother Sharon Hart, who captured the moment on video, told the BBC: "It was a lovely genuine moment and a memory that we will never forget." Ms Hart, from Luxulyan, from Cornwall, said: "I guess he gets some very expensive presents and this was a first. "Willow always wants to be a princess, so the fact she met a real live prince - she thought that was incredible." The Prince of Wales visited the Royal Cornwall Show on Friday, where he toured the exhibits, spoke to visitors and sampled local produce, including Cornish Rattler cider. Prince William, the Duke of Cornwall, is a patron of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, the charity which organises the three-day show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willow was attending with her family, including brothers Jude, six, and Noah, eight. 'Tight with her Quavers' Ms Hart, 65, said: "He was leaving the Duchy tent when he passed us. "We were just watching and hoping we'd get a glimpse when there was a commotion in front of us and before we knew it Willow was handing out a Quaver. "She's usually quite tight with her Quavers so it obviously meant a lot to her. "He was a real gent, he thanked her and told her he'd never been given a Quaver as a gift." Jodie Hart, Willow's mother, said: "She's had another packet of crisps today and said she wanted to share them with Prince William. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We told her he was probably a little busy." Ms Hart added: "What a lovely man he is and what a gentleman - our grandchildren were thrilled to see him, never mind talk to him. "He just made it so important, it was lovely. His humanity shone through." Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links In preparation for Eid al-Adha celebrations, Moradabad Police increased foot patrols across the city to maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful atmosphere. Security arrangements were reinforced in key areas on Friday, and coordination meetings were held with various departments and community representatives. Speaking to ANI, Moradabad Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Ranvijay Singh said, "There have been meetings in all departments. Meetings were also organised with all the stakeholders. During the meetings, everyone was informed that there would not be any sacrifices in the open, and the garbage should also be disposed of systematically. Sentiments of others' faith should be respected. If anyone uploads any objectionable video on social media, then strict action will be taken." Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Police deployed five companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Response Force (RRF) in Sambhal to strengthen security and maintain law and order, officials said. Speaking to ANI about the preparations, Sambhal SP KK Bishnoi said, "Five companies of PAC and RRF have been deployed. Peace committee meetings have been held in all police stations and districts. All muftis, maulanas, and mutwallis were present. They have been asked to complete the sacrifice and related formalities within the stipulated time and place." Police held peace committee meetings in every police station and district, involving religious leaders and community members. The police advised them to ensure sacrifices take place only at designated places and within the allowed time. SP Bishnoi also warned against misinformation and hate speech during the festival and said, "We have asked people to refrain from spreading rumours and making provocative statements. The police will monitor social media." Authorities increased vigilance and directed local police to stay alert, as large gatherings are expected during Eid al-Adha. The district administration worked with clerics and community heads to ensure that celebrations remain peaceful and follow the law. Uttar Pradesh Police also kept a close watch on online platforms to prevent any attempts to stir communal tension during the festival. Officials assured citizens that law and order are under control and urged the public to cooperate for a peaceful and respectful Eid al-Adha celebration. This year, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on June 7 in India. The holy festival, also known as the 'festival of sacrifice,' is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha is the second Islamic festival of the year and follows Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The date changes yearly, based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for God. (ANI) PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The former chief financial officer of Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission has pleaded guilty to stealing money from the organizations health benefit trust account. Pamela J. Kahut, 67, previously had access to the account which was used to pay benefits to the organizations employees. Investigators found that she stole roughly $211,083 from the account between October 2014 and September 2020. Oregon lawmakers hold hearing on Medicaid cuts under Trumps big, beautiful bill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials found that Kahut used the funds to pay for her spouses premiums for the insurance program along with her pension loans and credit card bills. On Sept. 21, 2020, she wrote a check for $2,812. The guilty plea is punishable with up to 10 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. She may also face a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of money that resulted from the theft. Her sentencing is set for Sept. 3. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Police, Shin Bet, and court security are investigating to identify the suspects, the police stated. Security footage from the Supreme Court revealed that around 9:00 p.m. on Friday, during a protest outside the building, one of the courts large panoramic windows was damaged, Israel Police announced on Saturday. Security forces believe the window was shattered by a non-lethal weapon, such as an air gun or slingshot, Israel police confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police, Shin Bet, and court security are investigating to identify the suspects, the police stated. The damage was discovered following a large and heated right-wing demonstration held outside the court on Friday, which drew an estimated 10,000 participants. Protesters voiced strong criticism of the judicial system and the government's legal advisor. MK Yair Lapid seen at a protest against the judicial overhaul, outside the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem. February 13, 2023. (photo credit: ARIE LEIB ABRAMS/FLASH 90) 'The instigators sit in the government' Regarding the incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Saturday night: I strongly condemn any manifestation of violence of any kind, certainly against any of the authorities. I call on public leaders and law enforcement agencies to condemn and act firmly against any expressions of violence and incitement, without exception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the incident, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid stated, "The government organized the demonstration during which the Supreme Court window was smashed. This incident is a direct result of their incitement. I warned over a month agoif the prime minister doesn't stop this, it will end in political murder." Democrats Party Chairman Yair Golan added that a justice minister "who does not recognize the authority of the Supreme Court President, and a prime minister under criminal indictment who attacks the rule of law," have paved the way for violence against the judicial system. "The shooting at the Supreme Court is a grave and unprecedented act, driven by a campaign of incitement. The instigators sit in the government. The responsibility lies with them. The duty to fix it lies with us." MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) A high-speed pursuit in Manitowoc County that reached speeds of over 100 mph ended after the erratic driver crashed into a Shell gas station sign and fled on foot. Deputies with the Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office say they were warned of an erratic driver on I-43 northbound near Fischer Creek Road on the evening of June 6. The SUV was reportedly seen slowing down, accelerating rapidly, and swerving between lanes. Two teens arrested after early morning burglary in Fond du Lac Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a deputy spotted the SUV near Manitowoc, a traffic stop was attempted, but the driver fled away at speeds between 90 and 110 mph. After exiting I-43 at Highway V and Hillcrest Road, the SUV suddenly crashed into the support poles of the Shell gas station sign on Highway V. Wisconsin deputy hospitalized after exposure to meth smoke during search warrant The driver, later identified as a 23-year-old man from Milwaukee, fled the crash on foot. A short time later, he was apprehended and taken to a local hospital for treatment before being booked into the Manitowoc County Jail. Deputies say the man did not have a valid drivers license and was arrested on two active warrants out of Milwaukee County and now faces the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fleeing an officer Two counts of bail jumping No additional information was 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. MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) A 49-year-old Wisconsin man was sentenced to over seven years in prison on Friday for selling fentanyl pills to an undercover police officer. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, Arminius D. Jones of Madison was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution. Wisconsin man crashes into Manitowoc County Shell gas station sign after high-speed pursuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between May 15 and July 1, 2024, Jones sold fentanyl pills to an undercover officer in Madison on three occasions. On July 9, authorities searched his home and found approximately 7,000 fentanyl pills, money from the undercover sales, more than $2,000 in cash, and multiple digital scales and drug ledgers. Police also found a handgun, a loaded extended magazine, and several boxes of ammunition within arms reach of the drugs. Wisconsin motorcyclist found 75 feet from road, extensive life-saving efforts unsuccessful At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson said Jones drug dealing went beyond supporting a substance abuse habit and highlighted concerns about the dangers of fentanyl, its overdose potential, and Jones exploitation of addiction. Peterson also cited the presence of the firearm as an aggravating factor in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) A Wolfe County man was arrested on Friday on multiple charges in connection with a child abuse investigation. According to court records, Jonathan King, 33, was charged with: Two counts of first-degree criminal abuse of a child under age 12 Two counts of first-degree strangulation First-degree rape First-degree unlawful imprisonment Third-degree terroristic threatening. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King was lodged at the Scott County Detention Center on Friday. He is due in court on Wednesday, June 11. The criminal abuse 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. NEED TO KNOW A woman and a toddler died after an SUV crashed into a retention pond in Ohio on June 7 Five individuals, including three adults and two children, were trapped inside the vehicle at the time of the crash An investigation into the cause of the incident is currently being conducted by the West Jefferson Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol A woman and a toddler have died after an SUV crashed into a retention pond in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, June 5, police responded to reports of a vehicle submerged in the water by U.S. Route 40 and Park West Drive in West Jefferson, the West Jefferson Police Department (WJPD) said in a news release shared on Facebook. Authorities then initiated a water rescue to try and save those trapped inside the car, per the WJPD. Three adults and two children were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). The driver, Chineda Valcin, 29, was able to escape the vehicle, and another adult, Medgine Louis, 24, and a 5-year-old child were rescued before the car sank. However, a 27-year-old woman, identified as Kelita Alfred, and a 3-year-old child were pulled from the vehicle and sent to a Columbus hospital, where they were later pronounced dead, the OSHP said. Per the OSHP, Valcin was driving a 2016 Jeep Cherokee when "she traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a ditch and coming to rest in a retention pond" around 6:30 p.m. local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage released by WSYX shows police officers running across a field to rescue the individuals trapped in the vehicle in the pond. Screams can be heard in the background, while one person shouted, I need another life jacket! Multiple fire departments, along with A2B Towing and Recovery, also responded to the scene to help with the rescue and assist the individuals recovered, the WJPD said. The two surviving adults were not injured, while the 5-year-old child suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Nationwide Childrens Hospital for care, according to the OSHP. 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. Brandon Smith, the WJPD's Chief of Police said, Today was a powerful reminder of what it means to serve and the true meaning of teamwork." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From law enforcement to fire and rescue, towing recovery services, and medical personnel, it was an all-hands-on-deck response united by a common goal: saving lives," he continued, highlighting how one of the police officers involved "is currently in the final weeks of field training." Getty Police tape Police tape "Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers remain with all those affected. Incidents like this impact us all deeply, and we stand together as a community," added Smith. An investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing. The WJPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, June 7. Read the original article on People An 80-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a moped in Chinatown during an attempted police traffic stop Friday afternoon, authorities said. At about 2 :20 p.m., an on-duty Honolulu Police Department officer near the intersection of North Hotel Street and Maunakea Street saw an unidentified moped operator commit multiple traffic violations (and ) attempted to initiate a traffic stop, according to a HPD Traffic Division report. Police said the moped operator failed to stop and turned onto North Hotel from Smith Street, going westbound, and struck an 80-year-old trying to cross North Hotel Street in a marked crosswalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moped then also hit a vehicle driven by a 47-year-old woman traveling south on Maunakea Street. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services officials said paramedics responded to the scene at Maunakea and North Hotel streets, and treated the 80-year-old woman, who was taken to the hospital in serious condition. The 47-year-old woman and her passengers stayed at the scene and were not injured. Police said the moped rider fled and has not yet been identified. Anyone with information about the crash should call the Traffic Division at (808 ) 723-3413. See more : 23 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 ? . (COLORADO SPRINGS) A woman has been arrested after staff at a local charter school suspected a child may have been abused and alerted authorities. According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), staff members at the school contacted police around 10:35 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, with their concerns. Officers responded to conduct an initial investigation, and the Crimes Against Children and Forensic Interview Units then responded. CSPD said detectives established probable cause to arrest 29-year-old Lizbeth Salinas Mijangos for felony child abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Human Services responded to the home on South Chelton Road to ensure the safety of children in the home. CSPD would like to express appreciation for the staff members who noticed that something was wrong and who were diligent enough to report it, CSPD said. Anyone with concerns for a childs welfare should report suspected child abuse to CSPD at (719) 444-7000, or the Child Abuse Hotline at 844-CO-4-KIDS (844-264-5437). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A woman has been charged with vehicular homicide in connection with an April crash that left another woman dead in Madison County, according to media reports. Elizabeth Fox, 48, is charged with vehicular homicide and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, according to the Madison County Detention Centers website. She is charged in connection with the April 9 collision that left Victoria McQueary dead, LEX 18 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox was arrested by the Berea Police Department on Thursday and was being held on $100,000 cash bond, according to the jail website. The Berea Citizen reported that she was arrested at a home in Jackson County. Berea police said they were called to the scene of the fatal two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Richmond Road and the Berea Bypass at 8:48 a.m. April 9. The collision reconstruction unit of the Richmond Police Department investigated the crash, Berea police said in a Facebook post at the time. McQueary, 27, was an Eastern Kentucky University graduate who had a career as CHI Practice Manager at Primary Care at Kingston, Richmond, and Berea Family Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Berea, according to her obituary. She was a talented model, an avid learner of the Japanese language, and a globetrotter whose heart was set on exploring every corner of the world, the obituary stated.. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A woman attending a banquet Downtown was allegedly sexually assaulted by her manager, who police said gained access to her hotel room after she was rendered unconscious from intoxication. According to court documents, a woman filed a sexual assault report the morning of May 20 after she, two co-workers and her manager attended a banquet the previous night. Big Lots reopening final wave of revived Ohio stores on Thursday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A criminal complaint stated that the four spent the night at the Holiday Inn in the 100 block of East Town Street on May 19, and each of them stayed in rooms registered under Ryan Campbell, the manager attending the conference. Police said that the woman was intoxicated that night and was assisted by her two colleagues to her room, helped her in bed, fully clothed and on top of the comforter. Her co-workers said she passed out at 11:47 p.m. Hotel video surveillance showed Campbell, 42, of North Royalton, Ohio, obtained a third key to the womans room, entered it at 12:03 a.m. and locked the deadbolt. A security guard and the two co-workers entered the room at 12:46 a.m. with an emergency key card to override the deadbolt and witnessed Campbell attempting to hide on the floor between the bed and the wall. The victim, who told police she has no memory of the incident, was lying in the same position but without clothes on. Her colleagues positively identified Campbell as he reportedly fled the room and down the hotel stairwell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell was arrested on Wednesday and charged with sexual battery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Scores of devotees thronged the historic Jama Masjid on Saturday morning to offer prayers and celebrate Eid al-Adha. Dressed in traditional attire, worshippers came together in a spirit of devotion, unity, and celebration, marking one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. As the first light of dawn broke over old Delhi, the mosque''s grand courtyard was brimming with people offering prayers and exchanging greetings of peace and goodwill. The air echoed with chants of "Eid Mubarak," as families, young and old, embraced and celebrated the spirit of sacrifice and compassion that the festival symbolises. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The day is marked by prayers, charitable acts, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with a message of sharing and empathy at its core. Security was heightened at the Jama Masjid as thousands of worshippers gathered to offer namaz. Heavy police presence and crowd management measures have been kept in place for a peaceful celebration. Security forces were deployed around the mosque and adjoining areas to ensure smooth entry and exit for devotees. Earlier, Delhi police conducted vehicle checks in parts of the city to create a sense of security among people and appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony on Eid al-Adha. Intensified checks were conducted in the Kartavya Path area, where police personnel were seen stopping and inspecting vehicles during routine patrols. Similarly, the police carried out security checks at the Yusuf Sarai area, the Ranjit Singh flyover, and the Nelson Mandela Marg. The holy festival of Eid al-Adha, also known as the ''festival of sacrifice'' or Greater Eid, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. Eid al-Adha is the second Islamic festival of the year and follows Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The date changes every year, as it''s based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham''s willingness to sacrifice everything for God. Eid al-Adha is called Id-ul-Adha in Arabic and Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent, because of the tradition of sacrificing a goat or ''bakri''. It is a festival that is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India. (ANI) LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) A woman convicted of setting a fire at an apartment in Salem was sentenced Friday. Alicia Craig, 34, of Salem, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Craig was found guilty Tuesday, following a two-day trial in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court, on two counts of aggravated arson in connection with a fire May 2, 2024 at an apartment on Sixth Street. Investigators said the fire put several people at risk, including firefighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig was secretly indicted in October 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. Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a growing debate has emerged over the cultural and political legacy of Russian literature particularly the global reverence for classic Russian authors, which critics argue has long served to promote the imperial narratives embedded in their work. As Ukrainian author Oksana Zabuzhko wrote in the Times Literary Supplement in 2022, their works of literature are the camouflage net for Russian tanks in Ukraine. Among the most famous classic Russian authors is 19th-century Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky (18211881). More than a century after his death, Dostoevsky remains a dominant figure in the world literary canon, his name recognized even by those who have never read his work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This April, Penguin Books reissued an English-language edition of his The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, while his White Nights continues to enjoy popularity among online literary communities. Defenders of Dostoevsky maintain that his writing transcends politics, focusing on existential and psychological themes. They argue that interpreting his work through a nationalist or imperialist lens oversimplifies the complexity of his ideas. But many scholars and commentators point to Dostoevskys spiritual vision of Russias destiny a vision that portrays the country as a moral, unifying force against a decaying West that was, at the time, heading toward the Gilded Age. They draw parallels between this worldview and that of contemporary Russian ideologues like Alexander Dugin, who frame Russian aggression in near-religious terms. As the war continues, it remains to be seen whether Russias literary past can be disentangled from its politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than calling for a boycott of Russian authors, the Kyiv Independent wants to raise a more illuminating question: Why do so few English-language readers know the Ukrainian authors who were the contemporaries of Dostoevsky? The lack of global recognition for Ukraines classic writers is not coincidental. It reflects a legacy of imperial domination, during which the Russian Empire frequently suppressed the Ukrainian language and culture, the same empire that Dostoevsky often praised in his writings. Some of the most influential voices in the history of Ukrainian literature were active during the same period as Dostoevsky. Others who came just before him, like Mykola Gogol, are known worldwide but have long been misclassified as Russian. Literary figures such as Lesia Ukrainka and Ivan Franko, who came to the literary scene just after Dostoevskys time, are now reemerging in English translation their essential works poised to resonate with a global audience, just as they once did across the European intellectual landscape. Although there is no evidence that Dostoevsky knew his Ukrainian contemporaries, they did interact with some other famous Russian authors. Below is a brief overview of three Ukrainian authors of the 19th century and the themes that shaped their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of this list is not to outright dismiss Russian literature, but rather to remind people of the selective nature of the global literary canon, and to draw attention to the Ukrainian voices that have long been overlooked or marginalized. Taras Shevchenko (1814 - 1861) Born a serf, Ukrainian national icon Taras Shevchenko gained his freedom thanks to his artistic talent. But liberation did not end his struggle instead, it sharpened his focus on the plight of his people under Russian imperial rule. A pioneer of ethnographic art and literature, Shevchenko used both pen and brush to document the everyday lives of Ukrainians, casting a critical eye on their subjugation and the erasure of their culture. Published in 1840, Kobzar is widely regarded as Taras Shevchenkos defining work. The collection takes its name from traditional Ukrainian musicians who sang of Cossack heroism while playing the kobza, a stringed instrument. Taras Shevchenko (18141861) was the foremost Ukrainian poet, writer, artist, public and political figure, folklorist, and ethnographer of the 19th century. Self-portrait (1843). (Wikimedia) The poems reflect on the cultural and political struggles of Ukraine under Russian rule. In To Kvitka-Osnovianenko, Shevchenko pays tribute to the writer Hryhorii Kvitka-Osnovianenko, an early advocate of Ukrainian as a literary language, and mourns the destruction of the Zaporizhzhian Sich, the Cossacks last stronghold, in the 18th century. Another poem, Kateryna, tells the story of a young Ukrainian woman seduced and abandoned by a Russian imperial soldier, highlighting the personal toll of imperial domination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shevchenko was deeply influenced by ideas of national identity, language, and self-determination views that drew the ire of the tsarist authorities. He was arrested in 1847 and exiled to military service in a remote part of Kazakhstan. According to historical accounts, Tsar Nicholas I reportedly ordered that Shevchenko be restricted from writing or painting. However, Shevchenko still managed to create art and later returned briefly to Ukraine before his death. Read also: Looking to read Ukraine-related books? We picked the best of 2024 Panteleimon Kulish (1819 - 1897) Kulishs politics were somewhat complex, perhaps even contradictory to some. In his early years, he was affiliated with the Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a short-lived secret political society that existed between 1845 and 1847. The group championed the federalization of the Russian Empire, a Ukrainian language and culture revival, and the abolition of serfdom, among other initiatives. Over time, however, Kulish's stance diverged from mainstream Ukrainian thought, particularly as he advocated for the preservation of a distinct Ukrainian culture while simultaneously supporting a political union with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This position ultimately led to his marginalization in many Ukrainian intellectual circles, both in Russian-controlled Ukraine and the parts of Ukraine under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Despite this, Kulish continues to be respected and read by many Ukrainians today for his literary achievements. Panteleimon Kulish (18191897), a prominent Ukrainian writer, poet, critic, folklorist, historian, ethnographer, and translator. (Wikimedia) His novel The Black Council (1857) is considered the first historical novel in Ukrainian literature. Set against the backdrop of the Ruin the tumultuous period following the death of Cossack Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi in 1657 it delves into the power struggles that ensued. The novel draws inspiration from the Black Council of 1663, a pivotal gathering in Nizhyn in modern-day Chernihiv Oblast, where nobles and commoners alike converged to elect a new hetman for left-bank Ukraine. The novel not only captures the fierce internal conflicts among Cossack leaders but also explores the deep social rifts that defined one of Ukraines most fractured and tragic eras. Excerpts of the novel have been translated online. However, a full publication of the book in English translation has yet to materialize. Marko Vovchock (1833 - 1907) Among Ukraines most talented female writers was Marko Vovchok, whose Folk Stories was published in 1857, shortly after the ascension of Tsar Alexander II, initially seen as a reform-minded ruler compared to his father, Nicholas I. However, while the serfs were liberated under his rule in 1861, it could be argued that the liberal period of his rule, at least for Ukrainians, was short-lived: a decree in 1863 banned Ukrainian-language publications, followed by the stricter Ems Ukaz of 1876. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vovchoks collection gained even greater significance in this repressive climate. Focused on the suffering of Ukrainian peasants especially women under serfdom, the stories were informed by her early work assisting her husbands ethnographic research. She gathered material directly from villagers, preserving oral traditions. Marko Vovchok (18331907), a notable 19th-century Ukrainian writer. Wikimedia) Russian writer Ivan Turgenev translated the stories into Russian, sparking additional debate in literary circles over the realities of serfdom. Shevchenko is said to have recommended her work to Turgenev, declaring her the most powerful in our language. In the short story The Cossack Girl from the collection, Olesia, a free woman, falls in love with a serf and chooses to marry him, ultimately sacrificing her freedom. Her family warns her that marrying a serf will disgrace their village and its Cossack heritage, even suggesting that she might as well drown herself. Olesia insists that love is more important than social status. The marriage, however, proves disastrous, with Olesia, her husband, and their children enduring significant hardship. Under empire, happy endings are a rarity if they exist at all. Note from the author: Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, thank you for reading this article. Here at the Kyiv Independent, we dont put stories behind a paywall, because we believe the world needs to know the truth of Russias war. To fund our reporting, we rely on our community of over 18,000 members from around the world, most of whom give just $5 a month. Were aiming to reach 20,000 soon join our community and help us reach this goal. Read also: 10 authors shaping contemporary Ukrainian literature Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) World Oceans Day is on June 8, and the community can celebrate with a beach cleanup on Folly Beach. Toby & Friends World Oceans Day Sweep brings awareness of how valuable the ocean plays in our community. This Toby event is also registered with the United Nations as one of the Beach Communities throughout the world participating in a global community cleanup, said Vanessa Oltmann, chair of the Folly Beach Association of Business Litter Committee. Toby and Friends, along with the City of Folly Beach and in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium, will host the event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cleanup will take place on the beach in front of the Tides Folly Beach hotel, the area between the 5E and 5W beach accesses, and the roadsides within the business district. All supplies and instructions will be provided for volunteers who participate. Interested volunteers can sign up here. To kick off the event, seven organizations will present their conservation efforts aimed at keeping the ocean clean. After the beach cleanup, volunteers are invited to an exclusive afterparty at the Tides Folly Beach hotel starting at 7 p.m. That event will include live music, a special World Oceans Day cocktail, and discounted beverages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Folly Beach Association of Business Litter Committee provides these tips to help eliminate litter: Take your trash to the provided areas Pick up litter when you see it Use reusable products whenever able Carry a litter bag in your car Set an example for others by not littering Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Daniel Trotta WASHINGTON (Reuters) -LGBTQ+ people and supporters from around the world marched through the streets of Washington on Saturday with a mixture of joyful celebration and a show of defiance in the face of President Donald Trump's rollback of queer rights. The parade route passed within one block of the White House grounds in one of the final main events of the weeks-long WorldPride celebration, as revelers waved rainbow flags, including one stretching several blocks long, and danced to pulsating beats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday a more political event, dubbed a rally and march, will convene at the Lincoln Memorial, a revered space in the U.S. civil rights movement as the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Since returning to office in January, Trump has issued executive orders limiting transgender rights, banning transgender people from serving in the armed forces, and rescinding anti-discrimination policies for LGBTQ+ people as part of a campaign to repeal diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Thousands lined the parade route, marched or gathered for a festival on Pennsylvania Avenue with the U.S. Capitol in the background. Neither parade organizers nor police in the District of Columbia estimated the size of the crowd. Parade-goers pledged to preserve remaining rights and fight the Republican president's agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going backwards," said Patricia Johnson, 70, who works for a nonprofit group supporting seniors in Washington. "But never give up hope." As the Pride Month of June began, the U.S. Navy took steps to rename an oil tanker that had been named after slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk, in the Pentagon's latest measure against diversity, equity and inclusion programs. "That pissed me off more than anything. Harvey Milk is one of our heroes," said Mike Brubaker, a retired business analyst from Long Beach, California. While proponents of DEI consider it necessary to correct historic inequities, the White House has described it as a form of discrimination based on race or gender, and said its transgender policy protects women by keeping transgender women out of shared spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, the White House said it has appointed a number of openly gay people to cabinet posts or judgeships, and noted that the Trump administration took steps to decriminalize homosexuality globally, and that its 2019 initiative "Ending the HIV Epidemic" aimed to cut HIV infections by 90% by 2030. "The President is honored to serve all Americans," White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement. 'LET THEM SERVE' Parade organizers gave prominent space near the head of the parade to displays of patriotism including military veterans with the banner "Operation Resist" and a group carrying flags for each branch of the armed forces with signs reading, "Let them serve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington's Metropolitan Police Department had its own contingent marching in the parade, as did the district's fire department, carrying a sign that said, "Fire doesn't discriminate. Neither do we." The parade route was lined with members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies like Carrie Blanton, a 58-year-old school teacher from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, who was attending her first event for LGBTQ+ rights, saying her religious beliefs previously kept her from showing support. "I wanted to grow as a Christian and realized my own hard-heartedness. This is a way to give back to the community for having been so cold-hearted in the past. God is here for everyone," said Blanton, who voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election and for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in 2020. Lisa Tusick, 62, an accounting clerk from Delaware, said she feared how far Trump may go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He started with trans kids and he's going to keep going until he gets rid of gay marriage," Tusick said. "We don't want to think about it too much. We just want to enjoy the day." (Reporting by Daniel Trotta; editing by Donna Bryson and Paul Simao) The Trump administrations freezing in April of $790 million in federal research funding for Northwestern University has left concerned lab directors without key grant money from the National Institutes of Health and forced the university to spend millions to keep vital research afloat and to continue to pay graduate workers and scientists. Carole LaBonne, a professor of molecular biosciences at Northwestern, said the situation at the prominent research institution can only be described as bleak as the halt in federal funds continues to send shockwaves across the Evanston campus. Youre at risk of losing an entire next generation of scientists, and these are the researchers who are going to be driving tomorrows discoveries and cures, LaBonne told the Tribune. It has short-term impacts, it has long-term impacts its terrifying; its completely senseless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northwestern officials did not confirm how much the university is spending to keep research going there, but LaBonne said that is widely known among the science faculty, who were recently notified by the dean of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences in a meeting that it is costing Northwestern more than $10 million a week. The university is working very hard to advocate on behalf of research and our researchers, a Northwestern spokesperson said in a statement. Our lifesaving research improves our society and has a multibillion-dollar impact on our economy. In recent letters to the campus community, Northwestern President Michael Schill and other administrators said the university has received about 100 stop-work orders, mostly Department of Defense-funded research projects, and about 50 grant terminations. In addition, officials said Northwestern researchers have not received payments for National Institutes of Health grants since March, signaling that those funds have been frozen, despite no official word from the Trump administration. They also wrote that the university would continue to fund research affected by stop-work orders and the federal funding freeze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This support is intended to keep these projects going until we have a better understanding of the funding landscape, the officials wrote. We expect and hope to recoup the costs of this research once federal funding is restored. However, this commitment places significant financial stress on the University and is not a permanent solution. LaBonne said the scientific community at Northwestern is living in existential dread as the question of how the university can continue to sustain big-budget research without grant reimbursements looms large. Financially, youre going to cripple universities. And when you cripple universities, youre going to cripple not only our health and scientific discoveries in this country, but also our economy, she said. The federal government depends on universities to conduct the research that keeps our nation healthy, safe and economically competitive. Part of LaBonnes lab work at Northwestern touches on pediatric cancers, and NIH funding has historically fueled breakthroughs in cancer treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forty years ago, more than 60% of children that were diagnosed with cancer would have died within five years of the diagnosis. Today, theres a 90% survival rate, she said. For years, work in LaBonnes lab has centered on understanding the normal development of the neural crest a stem cell population central to the evolution of the vertebrates and understanding how cancer can result from the aberrant development of this cell type. Such research never ends, LaBonne said, adding that she fears that some long-standing research programs wont be sustainable for much longer with federal funding in limbo. Sadie Wignall, a molecular biosciences professor at Northwestern, agrees. There is a lot of anxiety and apprehension because of the uncertainty of the situation, and that uncertainty is what is very difficult to navigate, said Wignall. Many research labs here have NIH funding. I run my lab entirely off NIH funding. Am I going to be able to continue to pay the staff in my lab? Am I going to be able to continue to take graduate students into my lab? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two NIH grants pay the salaries of four doctoral students and two research scientists in the Wignall Lab, which is investigating the dynamics and mechanics of how reproductive cells divide. Wignall also directs the Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, which trains graduate students to get postdoctorates in biomedical science on the Evanston campus. The funding freeze affects those early-career scientists, she said, explaining that students go through three 10-week lab rotations culminating in a match system. But uncertain funding means labs cant take new doctoral students to train them, which means fewer students get the opportunity to study and work at Northwesterns myriad research facilities. Were right at that point of the year for our first-year class where theyve been rotating through different research labs to try to decide where they want to do their Ph.D. research, but with the funding freeze and canceled grants, there are now a lot of labs that thought they wanted to recruit a student this year and now cant, Wignall said. If current first-years cant find a lab to join, theyll likely have to exit the Ph.D. program. How federal funding works At the beginning of every grant year, the NIH or the National Science Foundation sends a Notice of Award detailing approval for a certain amount of spending in the next grant year, but a check isnt sent to Northwestern. Its essentially an IOU, explained Wignall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So as I make purchases on my grant and as I pay salaries, Northwestern sends an invoice to the NIH that says, Professor Wignall has charged these approved funds, please reimburse us,' she said. That usually happens about every two weeks an invoice is sent for every NIH grant to the NIH, then they send a check to cover that spending. And then at the end of the year, just like you do in a bank account, you have your balance. You try to spend down to zero on approved funds. Northwestern recently has been submitting those requests to the NIH, hoping that the money will flow again, but nothing has been reimbursed since late March. All of the labs that are doing research are basically accumulating debt because were spending money that we were promised, but its not being sent, and the university is the one on the hook for that money right now, Wignall said. The Trump administrations decision to freeze nearly all of Northwesterns annual federal research funding stems from federal investigations into allegations of antisemitism and civil rights violations at the university amid the schools handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. The Trump administration also froze $1 billion in federal funds for Cornell University and stripped more than $2 billion in federal grants from Harvard University and blocked its international student enrollment. The administration also has ordered U.S. embassies and consular sections to stop scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LaBonne and other academics are highly skeptical of the Trump administrations reasoning, particularly the claims of widespread antisemitism on campus. Just about everything theyre doing was clearly laid out in the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 and that happened before Oct. 7 before the encampments on campus, LaBonne said. None of this has to do with any of that. Its about hurting universities, and why you would want to do that when theyre so centrally important to our scientific research enterprise and the economics of the U.S. is mind-blowing. Wignall, like LaBonne and other lab directors, said shes extremely grateful to the board of trustees and the administration for helping to support their research. LaBonne said support is crucial, not just for the research itself but also because research labs train scientists, and science majors at top research universities expect hands-on training in faculty labs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But all of us researchers understand that the university cant support us forever and at some point theyre going to have to shut down some labs. Its very uncertain if my lab will be fine a month from now or two months from now, Wignall added. A tiny pacemaker fit for newborn babies At Northwesterns Efimov Lab in Chicago, research associate Eric Rytkin is working with a team of graduate students on several projects, including the worlds smallest pacemaker. Their study, published in the journal Nature, demonstrates that the device, which is smaller than a grain of rice, can be non-invasively placed in the body. And although it is suitable for hearts of all sizes, researchers say the pacemaker is particularly beneficial to the tiny, fragile hearts of newborn babies with congenital heart defects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project was made possible through an NIH grant, Rytkin said, and a new grant was issued recently, but the award has yet to be distributed. Still the pacemaker project remains secure, Rytkin said, thanks to Northwestern and interest from the national scientific community. But another project a device aimed at delivering painless shocks to defibrillate the heart is being tabled. I can say that everything here boils down to the quality of life of patients. Of course there are lifesaving therapies, but whether these lifesaving therapies will be well tolerated by this person, and whether it will affect their physical or moral well-being of that person is equally as important as the years of life, Rytkin said. Rytkin said while its common in the industry to prioritize certain research projects over others, it isnt ideal to have to put ideas on the back burner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As researchers we would like to have academic freedom to explore other ideas which are not aimed at immediate gain or immediate profit, but may have and may result in wonderful spinoffs and technological models at a later date, Rytkin said. And if the devices are getting translated, its the most likely path that theyre going to be acquired by some big corporation like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott theyre all American companies. Lichao James Tang, a joint Ph.D. student who earned a masters in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University, performed surgeries on lab animals during the pacemaker development. Tang said the hope is for the pacemaker to be clinically tested in humans in five years, but that might now hinge on federal funding. NIH spending also supports Tangs salary. The freeze affects our overall lab budget, because we have a lot of money to spend, either to purchase research animals, or to purchase materials, to fabricate devices, Tang said. We can only buy the things that are super necessary right now. Like many of his colleagues involved in research labs, Tang has concerns about the future of science and research. Ive been in the U.S. for a very long time, but prospective students will definitely have (to think about their choices). Without all the issues with federal funding and student visas, I think America would definitely be their top choice, said Tang, who is from China. Its getting harder to even get a student visa right now. And even if you come here, say for a Ph.D. program where you have at least a five-year commitment, the current uncertainty would make students think, If I come here, what if my funding is not guaranteed? Attracting top talent from other countries The halt in student visa interviews and the funding freeze will make it much more difficult for the U.S. to attract top minds from around the world, experts say. The reality is that there is a race for global talent around the world, said Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The truth of the matter is, international students are going into fields like STEM that are in very high demand, but where theres a massive skill gap that exists in this country. These students are playing a very critical role in filling this gap that were seeing. A recent NAFSA breakdown looks at the national and state benefits from international students and how much money theyve contributed to universities and colleges. According to the data, international students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have contributed $567.5 million to the local economy and supported 6,158 jobs; at the University of Chicago, $428.1 million and 4,965 jobs; at Northwestern, $323.7 million and 3,573 jobs; and the University of Illinois Chicago, $184.9 million and 1,886 jobs. LaBonne said the cuts are detrimental to many sectors of the U.S. The government doesnt fund university labs to help universities bottom line it funds the best ideas and people to meet national priorities, she said. The resulting discoveries spill over to benefit all of society: new medicines, new companies, new military capabilities. This has been called one of the most productive partnerships in American history. Academics have long argued that federally funded technologies like the revolutionary-gene editing tool CRISPR, CAR-T Therapy for cancer, vaccines and research unlocking treatments for diseases such as ALS and Alzheimers are solid arguments for why Congress and the White House should ensure consistent and robust funding for science. LaBonne said the funding decreases touch virtually every area of science and goes far beyond the diversity, equity and inclusion programs the Trump administration wants to cut. An April executive order from the Trump administration mandated the elimination of DEI-related programs in federal agencies, resulting in the NSF canceling hundreds of project grants at universities. In February, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz published a list identifying more than a third of the NSF grants that were being terminated, of which a handful were Northwestern grants. In a statement, the NSF said it has undertaken a review of its award portfolio. The agency has determined that termination of certain awards is necessary because they are not in alignment with current NSF priorities, NSF officials said. On its website, the NSF said it is canceling awards that are not in line with its priorities, including those focused on DEI, environmental justice and misinformation/disinformation. According to Grant Watch a website that tracks the termination of scientific research grants under the Trump administration more than 20 NIH grants related to research into HIV/AIDS, child development, substance use, vaccine hesitancy in Black communities, family planning and more were canceled at Northwestern. Lab directors at Northwestern noted theres a rigorous process for procuring federal grants each submission cycle. After a proposal is submitted, 20 to 30 scientists from across the country with subject matter expertise review the proposal and give them scores. Months later, another advisory council approves the recommendations and greenlights a federal grant. This is not easy money; this is highly competitive for the best ideas and the best processes, LaBonne added. Wignall, whos said shes trying to stay positive despite the chaos, said the cost of stripping resources away from scientific research is insurmountable and will have an impact far beyond the current political situation. I think this is going to have a really chilling effect on future generations of students, because people will look at this career and say that science is not a safe career its too dependent on political whims, Wignall said. Traditionally, science has been science. Support for science has been very bipartisan, and we really hope that we can turn this around otherwise were really going to lose our excellence as a nation. Growing up, writer Reniqua Allen-Lamphere worried about gun violence. But as an adult, she's realized that the biggest danger to her childhood was invisible but no less dangerous. What's happening? Allen-Lamphere shared her story in The Guardian. Growing up in a peaceful community in Englewood, New Jersey, she spent most afternoons playing in a local park, where she would splash in the brook and enjoy the sunshine. But just beyond, the threat lurked. "We lived in the shadow of factories bordering our beloved park," she explained. "Companies such as the LeDoux Corporation, a chemical testing company that had worked on everything from the Manhattan Project to the moon landing, were just steps from the swings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as more people began to suffer from seemingly unrelated, mysterious health issues from endometriosis to diabetes people began to wonder if those factories had something to do with them. One family friend of Allen-Lamphere's shared: "As kids, we always played in the brook and thought it was fun when the water changed colors and stained our hands. Our neighborhood smelled like rotten eggs every day when we came home from school, which I now know was the smell of sulfur. I can only imagine the toxins we were exposed to." Why are these contaminants so concerning? Nowadays, scientists have a better idea of the links between environmental pollution and health. Air pollution is now known to be linked with a plethora of issues, from respiratory illness to dementia, certain cancers, and cardiovascular issues, per the National Institute of Environmental Health. But Allen-Lamphere had personally suffered from severe menstrual pain and endometriosis, and a recent study from Human Rights Watch found that this, too, may have been exacerbated by the pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers found links between air pollution and gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and fibroids. And other common toxins and contaminants, including heavy metals and industrial chemicals, have been linked with infertility and endocrine disruption, leading to pregnancy complications. And unfortunately, people of color are disproportionately affected by this. Black people are 75% more likely to live within close range of industrial facilities, meaning that the air they breathe is, on average, 38% more polluted than the air in majority-white communities, per the Climate Reality Project. What's being done to protect people now? Researchers are looking into ways to reduce air pollution while simultaneously contributing to a greener future. From a team looking to convert methane into airplane fuel to another team reverse-engineering real dairy butter out of air-based carbon molecules, the potential solutions are vast and varied. But at its root, reducing air pollution means reducing it at the source and decreasing the amount of toxins and emissions generated in the first place. Both governmental regulations such as the EPA's recent closing of loopholes on highly polluting steel plants and initiatives by corporations, like transitioning shipping fleets to clean fuels, will be necessary for this. And as a citizen and a consumer, you can use your voting power and your money to contribute your own power to this effort. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. bluefield Officials broke ground Thursday for a new $25 million health care campus that will serve behavioral health and emergency medical needs across a 10-county region encompassing parts of West Virginia and Virginia. Supporters gathered outside the Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias off Route 460 in Bluefield for the ceremony which marks the start of the sites transformation. Its a great event today and Im super excited to talk about our $25 million project, Princeton Community Hospital president and CEO Karen Bowling said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its important for us to acknowledge how we got here today and how this project came about, she said. It is important for us to invest in Mercer County. Theres a great need here and we are so fortunate to have a great board of directors who have vision and saw the need for this project, but more importantly we have a great system board. And Albert Wright, who leads that system board, they were able to believe in us and know this is a great investment in Mercer County. Bowling said the Bluefield and Bluefield, Va. area is important to the hospital. And its not just about the location, but really it is to express to the Bluefield community that were invested in state-of-the-art health care in this part of Mercer County, she said. We believe thats key for everyone to know and understand we are here to serve a 10-county region and this part of the county actually borders on several counties that we serve; and we want to make sure as we think about comprehensive care across our region that were able to do that through the types of projects youre about to see. Scheduled to be completed in late 2027, the Bluefield Campus project includes a 24,000-square-foot addition and an 18,000-square-foot renovation to the existing facility now housing Princeton Communitys 64-bed behavioral health hospital. In this project, the expansion will consolidate Princeton Community Hospitals services into a single facility that will be visible from Route 460, one of Mercer Countys main highways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospitals behavioral health facility serves patients not only from Mercer County, but also the West Virginia counties of Raleigh, McDowell, Monroe, Summers and Wyoming as well as the Southwest Virginia counties of Tazewell, Bland, Giles and Wythe. While the facility is currently called the Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias, its getting a new name. Im very excited to announce that our new name for our behavioral health service is WVU Medicine PCH Behavioral Health Center, Bowling said. The campuss new emergency department will include 20 exam rooms, including two rooms designed for psychiatric intake; two resuscitation rooms and two triage rooms; obstetrics-ready and trauma rooms; centralized care team support stations; and dedicated patient and ambulance entrances. Adjacent to the emergency department, there will be a new 10-bed observation unit providing flexible capabilities for extended monitoring, Bowling said. Each observation room will include an in-room bathroom, and the unit will feature an Individual of Size room to ensure inclusive care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowling also described features for outpatient and diagnostic services, including lab services for both walk-in and inpatient care as well as respiratory therapy services. The facilitys imaging suite will have diagnostic radiology; a computed tomography scanner; a magnetic resonance imaging scanner and two ultrasound rooms. The MRI and ultrasound rooms will be new services for Bluefield. The Bluefield Campus will also have a Safe Haven Baby Box, the fifth one in West Virginia and the first in southern West Virginia, Bowling said. This climate-controlled, padded device allows parents in crisis to safely and anonymously surrender a newborn up to 30 days old, as permitted under West Virginias Safe Haven Law. Once a baby is placed inside, a silent alarm immediately alerts hospital staff to respond and provide care. Mayor Ron Martin of Bluefield, W.Va. said the new emergency department will be more than another building. Its a promise that our families will have quicker access to lifesaving care, that our seniors, our children and our neighbors can count on world-class treatment right here at home, he said. This ER means faster response times and outcomes and a renewed commitment to Bluefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-five million dollars is a huge investment that the Princeton Community could not have made as a stand-alone hospital, said Rusty Sarver, Princeton Community Hospital Association Board Chair. This is definitely a pinnacle, Sarver said to the audience. We do support Bluefield. We do support this side of the county. Everything that we do is for the people and at the end of the day, thats why were here. Albert Wright, WVU Health System president and CEO, said groundbreaking ceremonies like the one conducted Thursday remind him how the Legislature started the West Virginia University Health System in 1996. It was created by the merging of WVU Hospitals in Morgantown and United Hospital Center in Bridgeport. At that time in the mid to late nineties, a lot of health care organizations around the country including West Virginia were being bought up by out-of-state, for-profit entities, Wright said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a concern that if there was not a West Virginia-based hospital system, at some point all of the decisions about the states health care would be made out of state. He said the new Bluefield campus will reinforce WVU Medicines commitment to health outcomes in West Virginia. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com ASHLAND To mark the 81st anniversary of the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare, hundreds of attendees gathered to witness the unveiling of a monument honoring the thousands of Boyd Countians who served in WWII. Though the skies above were overcast, the rain held off for Fridays ceremony, painting a symbolic nod to D-Days Operation Overlord where Allied forces began the eventual liberation of Western Europe upon the beaches of France, despite the loss of more than 4,000 allied soldiers. The anniversary of the Normandy invasion is often recognized as the beginning of the end, of the atrocities committed overseas during WWII and invoke remembrance of those brave fathers, brothers and sons at least once a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, with the instillation of eight panels depicting the thousands of local names who witnessed the cost of the conflict firsthand, local organizers have ensured their sacrifices will be remembered in Boyd County beyond a calendar date. Members of Ashland Paul G. Blazer High Schools JROTC marked the beginning of the ceremony by raising the flags of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. JROTC member Rilee Layman Bohanon was among them, raising a flag mere steps away from the panel that would reveal the name of his great grandfather. This stands not only as a tribute, but also as what a community can do together, Stephen Harris, president elect of Ashland Rotary Club, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris said when he attended a Rotary meeting welcoming its newest members 10 years ago, project spearhead Cheryl Spriggs was organizing the eventual construction of the memorial wall, even before securing a location, design or financial support. As Spriggss plans continued throughout her term as Ashland City Commissioner, former Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins said the piece of property at the intersection of 17th Street and Carter Avenue was eventually secured. This piece of property represents grit and determination, Perkins said, explaining a list of WWII veterans used to be displayed at the local post office but was eventually removed, sparking Spriggs and community members commitment to restore a tribute to the greatest generation. Current Ashland Mayor Chuck Charles said the wall ensures recognition of the human cost of conflict ... serv(ing) as a tangible way to see the impact of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles said the wall allows the community to remember, reflect and respect. For Spriggss determination, Charles presented the former commissioner with a key to the city. Spriggs said it has been 10 years since she brought the idea to her fellow Rotarians and she has spent the last 7 years working alongside numerous community members and organizations to gather every name deployed from Ashland or Boyd County for their spot on the wall, secure financial donations and collaborated with Kim Jenkins, Highlands Museum & Discovery Center director, and VisitAKYs Brandy Clark on the overall design of the panels and site layout. Spriggs said Clark was the brain child behind fitting more than 6,000 names on the four panels, both sides depicting iconic WWII imagery from a distance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virtually everybody in this town was touched by WWII, Spriggs said, sharing the story of Griffith Street roughly the size of two blocks from where 30 men were drafted. Spriggs also recognized the Henderson family, who sent all four sons overseas and would go years without knowing their location or if they were still alive. Spriggs said though D-Day was not the end of the war, eventually thousands of servicemen would return from the Pacific, Europe, Africa and beyond, back home to Boyd County. There were heroes walking among us everywhere, Spriggs said, recognizing that some families were not so lucky, as hundreds of local men were killed in action, taken prisoner or are described only as missing in action, each of them now bare a golden star alongside their name on the wall. As the population of WWII Veterans continues to dwindle, community members on Friday hope the monument in the heart of Ashland will serve as a reminder of those that sacrificed for a future they would never see. SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) For longtime Rhode Island resident and World War II veteran Maury Boulais, this Friday was meaningful for a number of reasons. Boulais celebrated his 100th birthday at Smithfield Woods Senior Living, surrounded by friends and family on the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings. Hes the best father, hes a gentle man, said Suzanne Andrews, Boulais daughter. Hes just a fantastic dad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A veteran of the Atlantic Theater during World War II, Boulais was stationed in Trinidad for nearly two years, where he served on an anti-submarine aircraft. World War II veteran Maury Boulais is photographed in his Navy uniform. (Courtesy Beckley Andrews) World War II veteran Maury Boulais is photographed in his Navy uniform. (Courtesy Beckley Andrews) World War II veteran Maury Boulais is photographed in his Navy uniform. (Courtesy Beckley Andrews) When Boulais enlisted, there was no uncertainty when it came to the outcome of the war. I think we were overwhelmingly confident that we would win, he said. We never had any doubt about it. The way the country geared up, homefront, warfront, we all got together and made victory. On June 6, 1944 Boulais 19th birthday the Allied forces carried out the largest amphibious landing in history during their invasion of Normandy. Even after 81 years, he remembers it like it was yesterday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were thinking of the casualties more than anything else. It was a very formidable defense the Germans had made on the various beaches that our boys landed on. Of course, that was number one, I hoped everything would be successful, Boulais added. Following his time in the service, Boulais married his late wife, Nancy. The two were together for 77 years and raised three children together. World War II veteran Maury Boulais and his late wife, Nancy, were married for 77 years. (Courtesy Beckley Andrews) In the Smithfield community, Boulais was a strong advocate for children with special needs, which led him to petition the Smithfield School Board to hire its first Director of Special Education. Hes waited for this birthday for a long time, Andrews told 12 News. It was his goal, and he made it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the key to living for 100 years? Beyond exercise and genes, youve got to marry the right person, Boulais said. ALSO READ: RI veteran recalls landing at Normandy on D-Day 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 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Thunderstorms will return to the ArkLaTex this weekend. Futurecast indicates two main waves of storms. One on Saturday night & Sunday morning, and a second Sunday night into Monday. Sunday nights storms could be the strongest. Futurecast outlook for the next 36 hours After a dry day over most of the ArkLatex on Saturday. Scattered storms will move across mainly the northeast half of the area Saturday night. While SPC indicates that we have a slight severe weather risk, hi-res models indicate that we could see the storms remain slightly below severe limits with wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph. Some hail will also be possible. Tornadoes are looking doubtful Saturday night. These storms will likely weaken as they move across NW Louisiana late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several hi-res models are indicating that we will see a complex of storms develop over NW Texas Saturday afternoon. These storms will likely move into the ArkLaTex sometime late Sunday night. Futurecast indicates that this wave of storms could be stronger and could bring a damaging wind threat as they move across mainly E & NE Texas and NW Louisiana late Sunday night into Monday morning. SPC again has our areas severe storm risk at level 2 or slight. That means any severe weather issues should be somewhat scattered. Based on current information, Id put my level of worry for Saturday nights storms at 3 out of 10 and 4 out of 10 for the possibly stronger storms late Sunday night into Monday. The threat of scattered storms will likely continue through at least next Friday. The latest run of the Blend of Models shows a big variation in rainfall potential with amounts ranging from around 1.5 over the southern part of the area to over 5 over the NW part of the ArkLaTex. Any Tropical worries? The National Hurricane Center indicates that we will likely not see any tropical development in the Atlantic Basin during the next week. Long-range models show that the tropics could stay quiet for the next two weeks. You might notice a bit of a haze in the air this weekend as some dust from the Saharan Desert moves over the ArklaTex. Get daily forecasts and exclusive severe weather details on storms as they approach your area by downloading the Your Weather Authority app now available in the App Store and Google Play Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two juveniles have been apprehended in connection with the stabbing death of a 16-year-old boy in Delhi's Anand Parbat area, police said on Saturday. On June 2, police received information about a grievously injured and unconscious boy lying near Durga Mandir in Taliwalan Basti. A police team reached the spot immediately. As per the statement, an eyewitness informed the police that while he was returning home with the victim, two unidentified boys approached from behind and stabbed the 16-year-old before fleeing. The victim was rushed to RML Hospital, where he was declared brought dead, police said. Following the incident, an FIR (No. 275/25) was registered under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code at Police Station Anand Parbat, and the investigation began. According to DCP Nidhin Valsan's statement, the police team analysed CCTV footage from the surrounding areas and developed local intelligence. On June 5, based on credible secret information, two juveniles were apprehended. During questioning, the juveniles admitted to their involvement in the incident, as per the police. Based on their disclosure, a blood-stained knife, believed to be the weapon of offence, was recovered from a park near Jeewan Mala Hospital. The case is under further investigation, and the Juvenile Justice Act is processing the accused. In a separate incident, the Delhi Police solved a sensational murder case reported from the Bindapur area and arrested a 24-year-old man, Nitish Dass. The arrest was made by a joint team comprising personnel from the Anti-Narcotics Cell and the Bindapur police station, operating under the Dwarka district. The case came to light on May 9, 2025, when the Bindapur police station received a PCR call in the evening. The caller, Baleshwar Dass, informed police that his son, Akhilesh, had been strangled and his body had been left outside their rented home in Phase-2, JJ Colony, Sector 3, Dwarka. A case was registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and an investigation was launched without delay. Given the gravity of the offence, a special investigation team was formed under the supervision of Inspector Subhash Chand of the Anti-Narcotics Cell and Inspector Darshan Lal, SHO of Bindapur police station. The police analysed CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas and reviewed the activities of known local criminals. During this process, a suspect--later identified as Nitish Dass--was seen near the crime scene in CCTV footage. On May 11, a head constable from the Anti-Narcotics Cell received a key tip-off through secret informers that confirmed Dass's identity and involvement. After several days of surveillance, the police tracked the accused to Nawada in Bihar. On May 14, a police team apprehended Nitish Dass in Nawada with support from local authorities and brought him back to Delhi for further legal action. (ANI) CHEYENNE Beginning July 1, Wyoming voters will be required to provide proof of state residency and U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, something Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray has been advocating for years. The move comes after the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 156 in February, a piece of legislation Gov. Mark Gordon let go into law without his signature. The public comment period for rules related to the change began May 5 and lasts until June 20. Wednesday afternoon, Grays office held an in-person and virtual meeting to allow people to voice their opinions about the proposed rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All attendees who spoke during the meeting expressed support for the new law, and made some minor recommendations for the Secretary of State to consider before a final version of the law is published. Wyoming voters will be required to be a state resident for at least 30 days before casting their ballots, and must present proof of residency and citizenship when registering to vote. Last year, a similar piece of legislation was approved by the Wyoming Legislature, but vetoed by Gordon on the grounds that the regulations exceeded Grays legal authority. The 2025 legislation grants the Secretary of State that authority. Providing proof of United States citizenship and proof of residency has been a key priority of our administration, Gray said Wednesday, and this rulemaking marks over a year-and-a-half-long standoff with Gov. Mark Gordon and myself concerning the need for documentary proof of citizenship and residency to ensure a reasonable means to follow our constitutional obligations of ensuring only U.S. citizens and only Wyomingites are voting in Wyoming elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gray said the veto last year was very troubling, and there were a lot of inaccurate statements made by the governor. We didnt give up. We went to the Legislature, and the people won, weighing the governor back down, and the bill became law without his signature, he said. Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, and the former chairman of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, a hardline group of Republican lawmakers, was the primary sponsor of the bill. He spoke during Wednesdays public hearing, saying this bill will build confidence in Wyoming elections. Prior to introducing this bill, we conducted a poll of likely voters in the state of Wyoming. It was a very scientific poll, and this particular issue had over 74% support, and we saw that as we traveled the state, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter Meeting From left, Elena Campbell speaks on Zoom, while C.J. Young, Election Division director; Jesse Naiman, deputy secretary of state; and Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray listen during a public comment meeting about voter identification rules in the Capitol Extension on Wednesday. Platte County Clerk Malcolm Ervin, who also serves as chairman of the Wyoming County Clerks Association, weighed in Wednesday, as well, with a few minor suggested changes. One recommendation concerned the use of Wyoming student identification cards as a document to prove residency for voter registration. He suggested the ID cards be required to display the voters legal name, not a chosen name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said most of his concerns regarding the 2025 legislation were quelled by the fact that there is a last-ditch effort that allows people to show proof of residency or citizenship if they dont have the required documentation to vote outlined in the new law. If someone doesnt have valid identification forms or lacks a Wyoming drivers license and a Social Security number to prove residency, they can provide other documentation, such as a utility bill, bank statement or a pay stub under the proposed rules. To prove U.S. citizenship, one must produce a document already outlined in law, including a Wyoming drivers license, Wyoming ID card, a valid U.S. passport, a certificate of U.S. citizenship, a certificate of naturalization, a U.S. military draft record or a Selective Service registration acknowledgement card, a consular report of birth abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State, or an original or certified copy of a birth certificate in the U.S. bearing an official seal. I want to be clear that we see that adaptation as a last-ditch effort, if weve exhausted all other options. Its our last option on the table, specifically to ensure nobody is disenfranchised from voting, Ervin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other concern he had that was addressed in the new legislation is that post office boxes in Wyoming will only count as proof of residency if the person lists their residential address on their voter registration application form. Another virtual attendee spoke in favor of the new law. Mark Koep, chairman of the Crook County Republican Party, echoed Rep. Bears statements of statewide support. Overwhelmingly, the voters of Wyoming and I talk to a lot of people support these rules that you have in place, he said. And so, I just want to make that heard on this chat to the media in the room: the people of Wyoming want these rules. Since 2000, there have been four convictions of voter fraud in Wyoming, according to The Heritage Foundation, all involving U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the public comment period closes on June 20, it will once again be up to Gordon to accept or reject the proposed rules. Under Grays proposed rules, a valid Wyoming drivers license will be adequate proof of identity, residency and U.S. citizenship, so long as it lists a Wyoming address. Tribal identification cards issued by either the Eastern Shoshone or Northern Arapaho tribes, or other federally recognized tribes, will also count as proof of residency if a Wyoming address is listed. If the applicant doesnt have the forms of identification present at the time of registration, they must provide on the voter registration application form their Wyoming drivers license number and one of any of the following documents: U.S. passport; a drivers license or ID card issued by the federal government, any state or outlying possession of the United States; a photo ID card issued by the University of Wyoming, a Wyoming community college, or a Wyoming public school; an ID card issued to a dependent of a member of the United States Armed Forces; or a tribal identification card issued by the governing body of the Eastern Shoshone tribe of Wyoming, the Northern Arapaho tribe of Wyoming or other federally recognized Indian tribe. These documents would also need to list a Wyoming address to prove state residency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a person seeking to register to vote doesnt have a valid drivers license, they must provide the last four digits of their Social Security number, along with one of the previously mentioned documents in the proposed rules. None of the documents will suffice if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen. Online comments on the proposed rules can continue to be submitted by email to the Secretary of States chief policy officer and general counsel, Joe Rubino, at Joe.Rubino1@wyo.gov until June 20. The leader of al-Qaedas Yemen branch has targeted US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk over United States backing for Israels ongoing war on the Gaza Strip and its besieged Palestinian population. There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza, said Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki in a half-hour video message that was spread online Saturday by supporters of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Yemeni branch of the armed group. Reciprocity is legitimate, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Awlakis video message also included calls for so-called lone wolves to assassinate leaders in Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf Arab states over the war, which has decimated Gaza, killing at least 54,772 Palestinians over the past 20 months. The message featured images of Trump and Musk, US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, as well as logos of Musks businesses including electric carmaker Tesla. Born in 2009 from the merger of al-Qaedas Yemeni and Saudi factions, AQAP is completely distinct from Yemens Houthi rebel group, which controls most of the country and agreed to a ceasefire with the US earlier this month. AQAP grew and developed amid the chaos of Yemens war, which has pitted the Houthis against a Saudi-led coalition backing the government since 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Awlaki became the groups leader in 2024, replacing predecessor Khalid Batarfi, who died that year. He already has a $6m US bounty on his head, having, as Washington puts it, publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies. Though believed to be weakened in recent years due to infighting and suspected US drone strikes killing its leaders, the group had been considered the most dangerous branch of al-Qaeda still operating since the US killing of founder Osama bin Laden in 2011. United Nations experts estimate AQAP has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and passive members, claiming that it raises money by robbing banks and money exchange shops, as well as by smuggling weapons, counterfeiting currencies and conducting ransom operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have previously denied working with AQAP, though the latters targeting of the Houthis has dropped in recent years, while its fighters keep attacking the Saudi-led coalition forces. Now, with its focus on Israels war on Gaza, AQAP appears to be following the lead of the Houthi group, which has launched missile attacks on Israel and targeted commercial vessels moving through the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli fire. As the Houthis gain popularity as leaders of the Arab and Muslim worlds resistance against Israel, al-Awlaki seeks to challenge their dominance by presenting himself as equally concerned about the situation in Gaza, said Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen expert with the Basha Report risk advisory firm. For a national security and foreign policy community increasingly disengaged from Yemen, this video is a clear reminder: Yemen still matters, he said. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The leader of al-Qaida's Yemen branch has threatened both U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip in his first video message since taking over the group last year. The half-hour video message by Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, which spread online early Saturday via supporters of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, also included calls for lone-wolf militants to assassinate leaders in Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf Arab states over the war, which has decimated Gaza. The video of al-Awlaki's speech showed images of Trump and Musk, as well as U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. It also included images of logos of Musk's businesses, including the electric carmaker Tesla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza," al-Awlaki said. "Reciprocity is legitimate. Yemen's al-Qaida branch long thought to be most dangerous Though believed to be weakened in recent years due to infighting and suspected U.S. drone strikes killing its leaders, the group known by the acronym AQAP had been considered the most dangerous branch of al-Qaida still operating after the 2011 killing by U.S. Navy SEALs of founder Osama bin Laden, who masterminded the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. In 2022, a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan killed bin Laden's successor, Ayman al-Zawahri, who also helped plot 9/11. The Sept. 11 attacks then began decades of war by the U.S. in Afghanistan and Iraq, and fomented the rise of the Islamic State group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Awlaki already has a $6 million U.S. bounty on his head, as Washington says al-Awlaki has publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies. He replaced AQAP leader Khalid al-Batarfi, whose death was announced by the group in 2024. Israel-Hamas war a focus of the Houthis as well AQAP seizing onto the Israel-Hamas war follows the efforts of Yemen's Houthi rebels to do the same. The Iranian-backed group has launched missile attacks on Israel and targeted commercial vessels moving through the Red Sea corridor, as well as American warships. The U.S. Navy has described their campaign against the Houthis as the most intense combat it has faced since World War II. The Trump administration also launched its own intense campaign of strikes on the Houthis, which only ended before the president's recent trip to the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis' international profile rose as the group remains mired in Yemen's long-stalemated war. Al-Awlaki may be betting on the same for his group, which U.N. experts have estimated has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and passive members. The group raises money by robbing banks and money exchange shops, as well as smuggling weapons, counterfeiting currencies and ransom operations, according to the U.N. The Shiite Zaydi Houthis have previously denied working with AQAP, a Sunni extremist group. However, AQAP targeting of the Houthis has dropped in recent years, while the militants keep attacking Saudi-led coalition forces who have battled the Houthis. As the Houthis gain popularity as leaders of the Arab and Muslim worlds resistance against Israel, al-Awlaki seeks to challenge their dominance by presenting himself as equally concerned about the situation in Gaza, said Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen expert of the Basha Report risk advisory firm. For a national security and foreign policy community increasingly disengaged from Yemen, this video is a clear reminder: Yemen still matters. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) The YMCA pool project, over a year in the making, now has tentative dates the community can look forward to. After receiving the green light from the city to move forward with the project, YMCA CEO Tammy Killin looks ahead. Right now we're working on contracts and then behind the scenes the (final) renderings are still being developed," Killin said. "We're hoping to have that done by June, July...probably July." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unofficial renderings include a 10-lane, 50-meter lap pool as well as a recreational/therapeutic pool. The projected 35,000-square-foot facility includes spectator seats, locker rooms, offices and on-site food and concessions. The 50-meter lap pool will have a floating bulkhead to allow it to have 'two pools' in one. Killin said they are working with E L Crawford Construction, Inc., Ellison-Auxier Architects and an out of town aquatic design group. "We're trying to utilize local and throughout this whole build, we will be doing local," Killin said. With renderings expected to be finalized by July, Killin has an optimistic goal to break ground in September. If this goal is met, the 18-month project will wrap up in the spring of 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The YMCA will remain open during construction. When the facility is finished, the plan is to have it open during the same hours as the YMCA. YMCA members will have access to the pool using their membership and day passes will be $8. St. Joseph residents will receive a $2 discount and children under 3-years-old will get in for free. "We have financial aid here at the YMCA, which we are going to extend this into the public facility so that's no problem for us," Killin said. "If there is a financial burden for any families, the paperwork's pretty simple, they can still utilize the service for a reduced cost or for free." In the contract with the City of St. Joseph, one of the requests from the city was for a council member to join the YMCA board. That person is unknown at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All of us coming together, we're investing at a fraction of what it would cost us to build on our own," Killin said. "It is saving money for each individual entity that's involved as opposed to them doing it separately and that's what this partnership is all about. Fundraising will continue as the YMCA looks to add a gymnasium in phase II of the project. This addition would serve as a crash area for swim meets. A young couple who were planning to get married were killed in a Russian attack on the city of Lutsk, Volyn Oblast, on the night of 5-6 June. Source: Roman Kravchuk, a member of the Lutsk City Council, and Lutsk Mayor Ihor Polishchuk on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast Details: Mykola and Ivanna lived on the seventh floor of the building that was hit. "Their car is parked next to the building, but they are not answering their phones. We were hoping for a miracle... But, sadly, they were killed by Russian terrorists" Kravchuk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple had been planning to get married soon. Mykola and Ivanna Photo: Roma Kravchuk on Facebook "After the strike, their apartment, bedroom, and all the floors collapsed, and their bodies ended up in the basement of the building," reported Volodymyr Mykolaichuk, a journalist for the newscast, from the scene. Mykola's body was found on 6 June. Ivanna's body was found only at 04:15 on 7 June. Lutsk Mayor Ihor Polishchuk also showed what was left of the building's entrance after the Russian attack. Background: On 6 June, Russians struck Lutsk with drones and missiles. A residential building was hit and partially destroyed. As a result of the attack, 30 people were injured. Emergency workers from the neighbouring Rivne Oblast arrived to help clear the rubble. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Days after Youngstown City Council members agreed to settle a wrongful death lawsuit against the police department, detectives are defending their work on the case. I can never get in her shoes and I never want to be in her shoes, but the Youngstown Police Department did everything we can, Lt. Mohammad Awad said. Hes referring to LaJena Solomon the mother of 14-year-old Landon Lockhart, who was shot to death in November 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landon Lockhart ran away from home and was picked up by a stolen car by three other juveniles. Less than four hours later, Landon was shot and killed, Awad said. Although the victims body wasnt recovered for another two months, his mother sued, claiming police didnt do enough to find her son. More He dont care: Family reacts to sentencing in murder case of 14-year-old Detectives say he had already been dead two days before Solomon filed a missing persons report. The allegations that were made were all fabricated and false, Awad said. Still, that wasnt enough for some on council to question the investigation during Wednesdays finance committee meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What did they do and how do we make sure this doesnt happen again in the future? Councilman Julius Oliver said. More Mother of teen homicide victim discusses heartbreak As part of the settlement, Lockharts mother will receive $40,000, with half of that being reimbursed by the citys insurance carrier. We are agreeing to the fact that, no admission of liability on the part of the city, said Atty. Jason Small, Assistant Youngstown Law Director. Awad says his detectives would have wanted to pursue the case to defend themselves but admits the settlement was ultimately a business decision. Still, he insists city police officers are doing their jobs. There have only been six homicides so far this year five of them solved and 21 shootings, which is less than half as many as there were during the same period in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last five years, since 2021, homicides are down and shootings are down, Awad said. Homicides and Shootings in Youngstown Over the Last Five Years Year Homicides Shootings 2025 (to date) 6 (5 solved) 21 2024 20 (9 solved) 27 2023 21 (11 solved) 25 2022 24 (18 solved) 39 2021 31 (15 solved) 45 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 7 that Russian forces continued to brutally bomb Kharkiv, targeting the city "throughout the day" with both drones and guided aerial bombs. Two people were killed and at least 18 injured following what Zelensky called "a brutal strike on the city in broad daylight." "These Russian strikes are not 'retaliation' but acts of destruction," the president added. On June 6, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to justify Russia's large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities launched the night before, in response to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb. He said earlier that Russia's response to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb is likely "not going to be pretty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They gave (Russian President Vladimir) Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Zelensky stressed that Russias goal is the complete erasure of life in Ukraine and reiterated that in all occupied territories, Russia has shown its true intent building only military infrastructure and looting anything of value. "In more than 11 years of war, Russia has brought only one new thing to our land ruins and death," he said. Zelensky highlighted Ukraines urgent need for air defense and appealed specifically to the United States: "We still await a response to our proposal to purchase systems that can help. We need concrete signals, not words." He thanked European countries for their support and underlined the need for joint production of air defense systems and missiles, noting this is essential not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe. He also renewed calls for increased international pressure, saying that "no form of pressure on Russia can be eased." Zelensky warned that Moscow continues to prepare for war and ignores every peace proposal: "They must be held accountable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporting on recent military updates, Zelensky said Ukrainian forces destroyed three Russian Iskander missile launchers used to strike Ukrainian communities. He also confirmed the downing of a Su-35 fighter jet, damage to Russian helicopters, and new strikes against Russian military logistics and airfields. "Every complication for Russia matters for our defense," he said. Read also: Ukraine refutes Russias claims of disrupting POW exchange Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. One woman was killed and more than 40 were injured in a Russian attack on Kharkiv with guided aerial bombs on Saturday 7 June. Source: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram and in the evening address Quote: "As of now, more than 40 people were reportedly injured and one killed in Kharkiv as a result of a Russian guided aerial bomb attack. Another brutal murder. Aerial bombs on civilians in the city even near a children's railway. This makes no strategic sense. It is pure terrorism. And it has been going on for more than three years of full-scale war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This cannot be ignored. We cannot turn a blind eye to it. And this is not a game. Every day we lose our people only because Russia feels it has impunity. We need to force Russia to make peace." Updated: In his evening address, Zelenskyy said that "no matter what anyone says, these are not retaliatory Russian strikes, but strikes aimed at destruction, the complete destruction of life." Zelenskyy stressed that no form of pressure on Russia should be weakened neither the measures that have already been applied nor the methods of pressure that are being prepared. "We are working to increase Ukrainian air defence. We need positive signals from the US, specific signals on air defence. We are still waiting for a response to the offer to buy systems that can help," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: At around 17:35, Russia attacked the Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts of Kharkiv with four guided aerial bombs. A 30-year-old employee of Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) was killed and at least 18 other people were injured. Four of the victims are employees of Ukrzaliznytsia. The attack damaged two buildings of a children's railway and four railway carriages, as well as houses and an outbuilding. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to US President Donald Trumps comparison of Russia and Ukraine to "children fighting in a park". Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with ABC Details: Zelenskyy was asked whether he thought Trump understood the scale of suffering in Ukraine, given his comments in the Oval Office. "We are not kids with Putin at the playground in the park. He is a murderer who came to this park to kill the kids," Zelenskyy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian president stressed that Trump cannot fully feel or understand the pain that Ukrainians are going through. "And it's not about President Trump, it's about any person who is not here in the country, who is some thousands of miles away [they] cannot feel fully and understand this pain," he said. Zelenskyy emphasised that 631 children have been killed in Ukraine since the start of Russias full-scale invasion. Background: Trump recently shared details of his conversation with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin the day before, including his idea that Ukraine and Russia should be allowed to "fight for a while" because it would be easier to stop them later. He also compared the Russo-Ukrainian war to two children fighting like crazy. "Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy. They hate each other and are fighting in the park, and you try to pull them apart; they dont want to be pulled. Sometimes its better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart," he said. In addition, the US president said on 6 June that the Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airfields gave Moscow a reason to launch new large-scale attacks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Support Local News Reporting Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work. Senior Congress leader and former Union Education Minister Karan Singh has praised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government for the inauguration of several historic railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including Chenab Railway Bridge, Anji Bridge, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Singh described the inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar train service as a truly historic moment in the region's history. In a statement issued on Friday, the former Member of Parliament said, "Today marks a truly historic moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The inauguration of the train from Katra to Srinagar is an astounding technical achievement, and everyone involved deserves our heartfelt gratitude." He further stated, "The idea of a railway line was first envisioned by Maharaja Pratap Singh several decades ago. In fact, three project reports were prepared by international engineers at the time, one of which closely resembles the present route. On March 1, 1892, Maharaja Pratap Singh even laid the foundation stone of a railway project to link Jammu and Kashmir. However, the technology and finances required for such a massive undertaking were not available back then." The Senior Congress leader also congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the inauguration of USBRL project and flagging off of two Vande Bharat trains from Katra to Srinagar. Singh said, "It was only during the tenures of Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Indira Gandhi that the project began to take shape. I extend my congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for seeing the project through to completion and inaugurating it today." Singh hoped that this train service will usher in a new era of growth in tourism, trade, and commerce in Jammu and Kashmir. "I am confident that this train service will usher in a new era of growth in tourism, trade, and commerce in both the Valley and Jammu. I look forward to taking this train journey myself soon to witness the marvelous bridges and tunnels that have been constructed," he concluded. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting the Jammu division with Kashmir. He also inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab Railway Bridge' and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. This marks a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity. The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated 359 metres above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The new Vande Bharat Express train will take just about three hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing the existing travel time by two to three hours. The train will run through the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway arch bridge in the world. These trains have been specially designed to operate in the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley. These all projects are part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. USBRL project is 272 kilometres long, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration. (ANI) Steve Grove, the chief executive and publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune, is the author of the forthcoming book How I Found Myself in the Midwest: A Memoir of Reinvention. A quiet yet impactful transformation is underway in the rural stretches of Manipur, where the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has successfully brought safe and adequate drinking water directly to village households through individual tap connections. Launched in August 2019, the centrally sponsored JJM scheme is implemented in partnership with states, where state authorities plan, design, and execute drinking water projects with technical and financial support from the Government of India. In an ANI ground report, visuals captured from various villages like K. Thenjang, Maichammun, and Leinom showcase households now equipped with tap water connections. Women and children are seen using tap water in their residential compounds, washing clothes, filling containers, and performing daily chores with ease, a sign of changing times in these once water-deprived villages. Before JJM's intervention, accessing drinking water was a daily struggle. With the introduction of household tap connections, anxiety around water availability has significantly diminished. Speaking to ANI, Paulungmuan, Assistant Engineer (AE) at the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), highlighted that under JJM, 430 water supply schemes were sanctioned in the state. Of these, 26 have been fully completed, while 108 schemes are yet to provide functional household tap connections. He expressed hope that these would be completed in the coming months. He also mentioned that under funding from the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral bank, there are 51 schemes, 50 catering to individual villages and one under a multi-village scheme. Work under both JJM and NDB funding had been stalled due to the conflict that broke out on May 3, 2023. However, implementation has now resumed, with ongoing work progressing steadily. With the continued efforts of engineers, local workers, and community involvement, the Jal Jeevan Mission is proving to be a lifeline for rural Manipur, bringing not just water but dignity and ease to everyday life. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that his goal is to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of the people of Telangana and make the state a "One Trillion US dollar" economy. CM Reddy was speaking at an event on Friday, where he laid the foundation stones for development works worth Rs 1051.45 crores in Alair Assembly Constituency. The Chief Minister maintained that everyone is equal before the law. Big leaders have appeared in the courts and deposed before the commissions. He came down heavily on BRS leaders for criticising the government for giving the leader a single notice. He demanded KCR answer the questions raised by his daughter. Reiterating that the government is committed to making one crore women millionaires, the CM said the opposition was making a hue and cry without any reason. "Is it not true that the Rs 2 lakh loan was waived and farmers are relieved from mounting debt burdens? The Chief Minister lambasted the opposition for making allegations against the government on the Paddy procurement. The government enacted a law to provide 42 cent reservation to the BCs by conducting a caste census and made it inevitable for the central government to conduct the caste census across the country. We also fulfilled the dream of decades of struggle on SC subcategorisation," Reddy said. Listing out the welfare and development programs launched by the Congress government, CM Revanth Reddy said that the Young India Skills University is providing skill development to unemployed youth. Further, the CM said that free RTC bus travel is provided to women and cooking gas cylinders at only Rs 500. "Is it not true that Rs. 21,000 crores of bank linkage loans were given to women Self Help Groups? Is it not true that women's groups are given the responsibility of the management of Amma Adarsha schools?" the CM questioned. The CM took a swipe at the opposition for questioning the government on water supply. It was the Congress government that constructed the SRSP and Mid Manair dams. " We are aware of how to supply water to Gandamalla". The Chief Minister affirmed that the People's Government was formed with the blessings of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in Yadagirigutta, and the government decided to constitute the Yadagirigutta Temple Development Board on the lines of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam ( TTD). Announcing that a medical college will be developed on par with a university under the auspices of Yadagirigutta temple, the CM said that he had made the promise of cleansing the Musi river during his Padayatra on November 8. He reiterated that the Government is committed to rejuvenating Musi despite facing obstacles. PM Modi can clean the Sabarmati and Ganga rivers, but shouldn't we clean the Musi? Do our Nalgonda children have to live in the filth of Musi?. The CM said the government will move forward against all odds and revive the Musi river. The land of Nalgonda is synonymous with consciousness and it has a history of fighting against the Nizam's tyranny. Revanth Reddy warned that Nalgonda people will not sit calmly if anyone spreads false propaganda against the government. The Nalgonda district got a raw deal in the previous BRS government. Not a single project, including the SLBC, was taken up for the last 10 years. The Chief Minister recounted the incidents that happened during KCR's visit to Vasalamarri village. One old woman was hospitalised after consuming a fruit offered by KCR, and also demolished the houses in the village. He instructed the officials to take up development works in the abandoned village. The CM also recalled his statement that he would dethrone the BRS government and made it in the assembly elections. " I knocked down the previous government and assumed the CM office, he said, adding that he has no more desires and ambitions and his only goal remains to make Telangana a role model for the country. (ANI) SSC GD Constable Result 2025: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is expected to announce the SSC GD Constable Result 2025 soon. Candidates can check the result on the official website i.e ssc.gov.in. Following the declaration of results, candidates will also be able to view the SSC GD cut-off marks. The computer-based examination was conducted across multiple centres in India from February 4 to 25, 2025. The answer key was released on March 4, 2025. Those who clear this written exam (CBT 1) will proceed to the next phase the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The SSC GD Constable exam was held in a computer-based format at various centres nationwide between February 4 and 25, 2025. The Staff Selection Commission released the SSC GD answer key 2025 online on March 4. Candidates who pass the SSC GD CBT 1 will be eligible to appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The SSC GD 2025 selection process comprises a written examination, followed by PET/PST, and a medical test. SSC GD Constable 2025: Important dates Event Dates SSC GD Exam Date 2025 February 4 25, 2025 SSC GD Answer Key Release Date March 4, 2025 SSC GD Answer Key Challenge Window March 4 to 9, 2025 SSC GD Result 2025 Date To be announced SSC GD Constable Result 2025: Steps to download here Step 1: Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in. Step 2: Alternatively, access your respective SSC regional website. Step 3: Look for the SSC GD Constable Result 2025 link under the Constable-GD section and click on it. Step 4: A PDF file will appear, showing the names of shortlisted candidates along with the cut-off marks. Step 5: Press Ctrl + F and enter your roll number to locate your result in the list. Step 6: Download the PDF and keep it saved for future reference. SSC GD Constable Result 2025: Selection process Computer-Based Test (CBT) Physical Efficiency Test/Physical Standard Test (PET/PST) Medical Examination SSC GD, short for Staff Selection Commission General Duty, is a national-level recruitment examination conducted by the SSC to select candidates for General Duty Constable positions. These roles are offered in various central government paramilitary forces and police organisations. TOSS SSC, Inter Results 2025: The Telangana Open School Society (TOSS) has officially released the SSC and Inter results for the April/May 2025 session. The results were announced on June 7, 2025, at 10:40 am. Students who took the exams can now check their scores online at the official website telanganaopenschool.org. Both SSC (10th class) and Inter (12th class) students can access their results by entering their admission or roll number. This result declaration is an important achievement for open school students across Telangana. The April/May 2025 SSC and Inter exams were held from April 20 to April 26, 2025, in two shifts: morning (9 am to 12 pm) and afternoon (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm). The Telangana Open School Society (TOSS) strives to provide a seamless exam experience for open school students. Results for the October 2025 SSC and Inter sessions will be announced soon. Students are encouraged to regularly visit the official website for the latest updates and notifications about upcoming exams and schedules. TOSS SSC, Inter Results 2025: Steps to download here Go to the official website: telanganaopenschool.org. On the homepage, select the link for TOSS SSC Results 2025 or TOSS Inter Results 2025. Enter your admission number or roll number accurately in the provided field. Click the submit button to see your result. Save or print your result for future use. The online result sheet displays detailed marks for each subject, total scores, and the students qualification status. This allows students to clearly assess their performance in every subject. TOSS has also announced that the October 2025 session results will be released soon. Students should regularly check the official website for updates on exam schedules, notifications, and important announcements. New Delhi: Days after Kyiv had carried out Operation Spiderweb targeting the country's strategic cruise missile carriers, Russia, in a response, launched a massive attack on Ukraine, firing over 400 drones and 40 missiles across the country, in what appears to be one of the largest attacks in the three-year war. The attack targeted almost all of Ukraine, with nine regions affected, including Kyiv, Lviv, and Sumy. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that 80 people were injured, and some may still be under debris. Unfortunately, the attack also resulted in at least six deaths, including three firefighters in Kyiv, two civilians in Lutsk, and one person in Chernihiv. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a post on X said, Today, rescue and emergency operations continued all day across various regions and cities of our country. Over 400 drones, more than 40 missiles were launched by the Russians. 80 people were injured, and some may still be under the debris. He added, Unfortunately, not everyone in the world condemns such attacks. This is exactly what Putin exploits. He is buying himself time to keep waging war. Today, rescue and emergency operations continued all day across various regions and cities of our country. Over 400 drones, more than 40 missiles were launched by the Russians. 80 people were injured, and some may still be under the debris. And unfortunately, not everyone in the pic.twitter.com/NaKk8B8AZO Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 6, 2025 After the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had used more than 400 drones and 40 missiles in the overnight attack, making it among the war's largest. He said Moscow's attack injured 80 and targeted "almost all" of Ukraine, listing nine regions, from Lviv in the west to Sumy in the northeast. Citing CNN, news agency ANI reported that although Russia has pummeled Ukraine almost daily over three years of full-scale war, Ukrainians had been bracing for retaliation since last Sunday, when Kyiv launched an audacious operation that struck more than a third of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers. During the telephonic conversation with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would have to respond to Kyiv's assault. Russia's Ministry of Defence said its strikes were in response to what it called Kyiv's "terrorist acts." It was not immediately clear if the attack was the extent of Russia's pledged retaliation or if Putin intends to escalate further. After the embarrassment of Kyiv's operation, there was a chorus of bellicose calls from pro-Kremlin pundits for a severe - potentially nuclear - response. Although Ukrainians had been buoyed last weekend by the news of Kyiv's successful operation, many were wary of how Russia might strike back. But after Friday's strikes, Kyiv residents told CNN they supported Ukraine's strikes against the aircraft Moscow has used to bomb Ukraine for more than three years. "It didn't break us at all. The morale is as high as it was. We strongly believe in our armed forces," said Olha, a 39-year-old from the capital who did not wish to give her last name. She said the apparent "retaliation" from Russia was not so different to countless other nights of the war. "Maybe (this was the retaliation), but maybe the retaliation is yet to come. Either way, it doesn't change our attitude towards the enemy or towards our country." (with inputs from ANI) New Delhi: Two Maoists were reportedly neutralised on Saturday in the ongoing anti-Naxal operation in Bijapur's Indravati National Park, which has entered its third day, with security forces intensifying their efforts against insurgents in the dense forest region. However, official confirmation of their identity is awaited. Automatic weapons were recovered from the slain militants, further underscoring the intensity of the battle, sources said. In the past two days, security forces successfully eliminated Sudhakar, a Central Committee Member of the CPI (Maoist), who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head. His death marks a significant blow to the Naxal leadership. Alongside him, Bhaskar, a senior Maoist cadre with a cumulative bounty of Rs 45 lakh, was also killed. Bhaskar was also known as Mailarapu Adellu. He was a Special Zonal Committee member of the Telangana State Committee and served as the Secretary of the Mancherial-Komarambheem division. His elimination is considered a major success in the ongoing crackdown against Maoist insurgency. Mailarapu Adelu, known by his aliases Bhaskar, Jangu Dada, and Mahesh, was a prominent figure within the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation. Holding a pivotal role in the Telangana State Committee, he also served as the secretary of the MancherialKumuram Bheem-Asifabad (MKB) divisional committee, an area of strategic importance for Maoist activities in the region. Bhaskar (53) hailed from Pochera village in Boath mandal, located in Telangana's Adilabad district. His influence extended beyond regional operations, as he was instrumental in shaping the Maoist movement's outreach and organisational structure within Telangana. The operation, which has seen fierce exchanges of gunfire, remains active, with security forces maintaining their positions in the area. Reports indicate that the encounter has been ongoing since Friday night, with intermittent firing from both sides. Meanwhile, in Dantewada, seven Maoists, including two with bounties on their heads, have surrendered to authorities. Among them are Juglu alias Sundum Kowasi and Dasha alias Burku Podiyam, each carrying a reward of Rs 50,000. Their surrender is seen as a positive development in the broader effort to dismantle Naxal influence in the region. The battle in Bijapurs Indravati National Park continues, with security forces determined to root out remaining insurgents. The operation has already resulted in the deaths of four Maoists, including two top commanders, and authorities remain vigilant as they push forward in their mission to restore stability in the region. New Delhi: In a shocking turn of events, a man issued a death threat to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, sparking a swift response from law enforcement agencies. The accused, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, made the threatening call to the Ghaziabad police control room late Thursday night. Delhi Police's North West District team, in collaboration with Ghaziabad police, launched a joint investigation and successfully apprehended the accused from Ghaziabad. The police said, "The person who threatened to kill Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has been apprehended from Ghaziabad by the team of Special Staff of Delhi Police North West District." The person who threatened to kill Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has been apprehended from Ghaziabad by the team of Special Staff of Delhi Police North West District. The accused had made the call under the influence of alcohol: Delhi Police https://t.co/lzIrHGM2Uj ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2025 Earlier, on Friday, the Delhi Police informed about the incident and said, "Last night, a person called the PCR of Ghaziabad Police and issued a death threat to Delhi CM Rekha Gupta. North West District Police received this information from Ghaziabad Police late at night. Currently, Ghaziabad and Delhi Police are searching for the accused." Following the threat, Rekha Gupta's security was enhanced. This incident comes after recent email threats about bomb attacks on government buildings, which were later found to be false. New Delhi: India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a major Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise scheduled to take place near the southern sector of the India-Pakistan International Border in Rajasthan from Saturday, June 7, to Sunday, June 8. The exercise is part of the IAF's regular operational preparedness and will be conducted in airspace near the border. According to the NOTAM, the aerial drill will commence at 3:30 p.m. on June 7 and conclude at 9:30 p.m. the following day. During this period, airspace over the designated region will be restricted to ensure the safe and seamless execution of air operations. An official from the Indian Air Force confirmed that the combat exercises will feature a range of advanced air assets, including frontline fighter jets such as Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30, in addition to surveillance platforms and other support systems. Although the Ministry of Defence has not officially connected the exercise to ongoing geopolitical tensions, the timing and location of the drill carry notable implications. This sector has become a focal point amid rising tensions following a deadly cross-border terror attack in Pahalgam. That incident triggered reciprocal airspace restrictions by both India and Pakistan, significantly straining bilateral relations. India recently closed its airspace to all Pakistani-registered and military aircraft from April 30 to May 23. This action followed Pakistan's earlier decision to bar Indian flights from its airspace, marking an escalation in diplomatic and military frictions. The situation remains tense along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, where frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops have prompted firm retaliatory responses from Indian forces. This comes against the backdrop of India's 'Operation Sindoor', which was launched on May 7, in retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists killed 26 innocent people. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday (local time) said that G7 countries will hold discussions on important issues, including security and energy, in their upcoming summit, adding that India's presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. Carney said that India being the fifth largest economy and the most populous country in the world must be at the seat. "Let's put the two aspects in context- first is, we are in the role- Canada's in the role of the G7 chair and in those discussions as agreed with our G7 colleagues, include important discussions on energy, security, on digital future, critical minerals amongst others and partnerships actually in building infrastructure in the emerging and developing world," he said. Carney said that India is central to a number of supply chains, which makes its presence pertinent at the G7 chair consultation. "There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions, and in my capacity as G7 chair, I will consult with some others to make those determinations. India is the fifth largest economy in the world, effectively the most populous country in the world, central to a number of those supply chains at the heart of a number of those supply chains, so it makes sense," he said. Carney said that India and Canada are acting on law enforcement, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted his invitation. "In addition, bilaterally we have now agreed importantly to continued law enforcement to law enforcement dialogue so there's been some progress on that recognizes issues of accountability I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi for in in that context and he has accepted it," he said. PM Modi on Friday confirmed he would attend the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit in Canada after an invitation from newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. "Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J Carney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," he said in a post on X. The announcement comes after a period of severely strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar--a Canadian citizen and prominent pro-Khalistan activist--outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver, as per DW News. India strongly denied the claims, and both nations expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation, DW News reported. A total of 1300 kg of relief material was airlifted to Chaten on Saturday morning as part of the ongoing rescue and relief operations in North Sikkim, following recent disasters in the region, an official statement from the Sikkim Government said. The first helicopter sortie of the day took off from Pakyong Greenfield Airport, carrying essential supplies and five officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, the statement added. "Marking an important step in the ongoing relief efforts, in the first sortie of the day, IAF's MI-17 helicopter departed from Pakyong Greenfield Airport, transporting essential supplies to Chaten," said the Information and Public Relations Department of Sikkim, adding, "The helicopter is carrying 1300 kg of relief materials and five officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department." Further, the department stated that the same aircraft would also transport army personnel from Chaten to Pakyong Greenfield Airport. Earlier on Friday, in a major relief operation, all stranded tourists were successfully evacuated from Chaten, one of the worst-hit areas in North Sikkim, following recent landslides and flash floods. Mangan District Collector Anant Jain confirmed the evacuation. DC Anant Jain praised the joint efforts of the district administration, military, paramilitary forces, and local communities for their swift and coordinated response. "Our priority was to ensure the safety of every stranded individual. We thank the Indian Air Force and all ground teams for their relentless service," Jain said. The final phase of the operation involved Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters airlifting the remaining 63 tourists from Chaten on Thursday, with follow-up sorties resuming on Friday morning as weather conditions improved. The operation was carried out in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local administration. Earlier in the week, more than 1,600 tourists were rescued by road from Lachung and Lachen valleys in a massive ground operation led by DC Jain. The tourists, including several elderly individuals and children, were safely escorted through challenging terrain and intermittent weather disturbances. Several days of heavy rainfall have triggered landslides, mudslides, flash floods, and rockfalls in many parts of the state. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and leader of the all-party delegation Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday criticized the United Nations Security Council for appointing Pakistan as the vice chair of the counter-terrorism panel. She pointed out that Pakistan was given the role despite 52 designated terrorists residing within its borders. Addressing the Indian community at a community event in Berlin, Chaturvedi described the UN Security Council's decision to appoint Pakistan as vice-chairman of its counter-terrorism panel as akin to nominating Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed for the Nobel Peace Prize. She added that such a decision should be criticised. Notably, both Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed are designated as international terrorists by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Pakistan has become a part of the UN Security Council. You all are aware that 52 terrorists reside in Pakistan. But they have been given the vice chairmanship of counter-terrorism. It is just like nominating Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed for the Nobel Peace Prize. It needs to be called out. The whole world is suffering due to this," ANI quoted Chaturvedi as saying. Chaturvedi also reaffirmed India's firm stance against terrorism, saying that the country will fight against terrorists without any hesitation. "We are often told that India is a tolerant nation; yes, India is a tolerant nation. We are a land of Mahatma and Buddha, but we are also the land of Krishna. Whenever there is injustice and we have to fight against terrorists to serve justice, we will do that without any hesitation, ANI quoted Chaturvedi as saying. Pakistan, serving as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-26 term, will chair the Councils Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025 and will hold the position of vice-chair on the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the 15-nation UN body. Priyanka Chaturvedi is part of an all-party delegation to Europe to convey India's resolute and united stand against terrorism following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 innocent civilians. The delegation arrived in Germany after concluding their visit to Belgium. The delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Congress MP Amar Singh and Gulam Ali Khatana, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, AIADMK MP M Thambidurai, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and retired diplomat Pankaj Saran. New Delhi: In the bustling northern outskirts of Jakarta, homes that once stood tall are now almost knee-deep in the earth. Over the past two decades, buildings have gradually sunk, streets have become flood-prone and landmarks have disappeared beneath rising waters. Residents remember mosques and ports that no longer exist swallowed by the sea as land gives way. This disturbing reality is not only Jakartas story. It is emerging as a silent catastrophe across many of the worlds rapidly growing cities including several in India. A recent international study conducted by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore highlights an alarming trend: 48 major coastal cities around the world, including Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Surat, are gradually sinking. The primary driver is not only rising sea levels due to climate change, but something more local and human-made the overextraction of groundwater. India's Sinking Cities Kolkata is experiencing land subsidence at rates ranging from 0.01 cm to 2.8 cm per year. Nearly 9 million people live in the affected areas. In places like Bhatpara, the land is sinking as much as 2.6 cm annually. Experts attribute this to the rampant withdrawal of groundwater a common practice in overpopulated urban zones with limited water infrastructure. The threat is not limited to erosion or flooding. Subsiding land also increases the citys vulnerability to earthquakes and severe weather events, making disaster management a growing concern. In Chennai, the situation is similar, with some parts of the city, particularly areas like Tharamani, sinking up to 3.7 cm annually. Here, around 1.4 million people live in regions facing gradual land loss. The cause, again, is excessive groundwater use, particularly for agriculture and industry, compounded by poor water management. The most concerning figures come from Ahmedabad, where land in some neighborhoods like Piplaj is sinking at a rate of 4.2 cm per year, with some areas reporting up to 5.1 cm annually. Over 5 million residents are affected. The local government has initiated a Climate Resilient City Action Plan to mitigate the impact, focusing on solutions such as rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge of groundwater. A Widening Global Crisis The NTU study, supported by United Nations data, reveals that 160 million people across the globe are living in areas that are gradually subsiding many of them in Asian cities built on river deltas or soft sediment. These locations are especially vulnerable due to high population density and intense urban development. Jakarta is now so low-lying that nearly half the city is below sea level. Thirteen rivers run through it, and worsening rainfall patterns are causing increasingly frequent floods. Land in some parts of the city has sunk by up to four meters since the 1970s. The situation is so critical that Indonesia is now developing a new capital, Nusantara, to escape the environmental collapse. Solutions and Warnings Some cities have responded with visible defences building sea walls, dikes and flood barriers. But these measures, while helpful, can sometimes backfire. When natural drainage is blocked, rainwater and river flows get trapped behind man-made structures creating what experts call a "bowl effect", worsening floods instead of preventing them. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Alexandria and Jakarta have already built such barriers. However, the real long-term solution lies deeper in managing groundwater responsibly. Japans capital, Tokyo, faced a similar crisis in the 20th century. But by the 1970s, the city imposed strict regulations on groundwater extraction and implemented a robust water supply system. This drastically slowed land subsidence, turning Tokyo into a global model for how science-based policy can reverse environmental damage. New Delhi: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's return to Mumbai from Jalgaon was hit by a double delay on Friday. His aircraft initially faced technical issues, causing a nearly two-and-a-half-hour delay in arrival. Scheduled to land at 3:45 pm, Shinde reached Jalgaon late. He then attended the Palkhi Yatra of Sant Muktai in Muktainagar alongside ministers Girish Mahajan and Gulabrao Patil. After completing the visit and returning to Jalgaon airport around 9:15 pm, another delay occurred when the pilot refused to fly due to duty hour limitations and ill health, requiring fresh clearance. According to NDTV, the pilot had cited exhaustion and duty hour restrictions as reasons for his refusal. A 45-minute discussion ensued between the pilot and officials, including Mahajan and Patil, to resolve the issue. A doctor was also called to examine the pilot's condition before he eventually agreed to operate the flight. During the return flight, Shinde's team assisted a woman, Sheetal Patil, who urgently needed to travel to Mumbai for a kidney surgery. She and her husband had missed their scheduled flight, and Mahajan arranged for them to board Shinde's aircraft. Ambulance services were kept ready at Mumbai airport to immediately transfer the woman for surgery. This act showcases Shinde's sensitivity towards the common man, as per Gulabrao Patil. Shiv Sena took to their social media to inform about the act of the Dy CM and wrote, "Shiv Sena chief leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknathji Shinde Saheb had come to Muktainagar on Friday to attend the Sant Muktabai Palkhi Prasthan ceremony. While returning to Mumbai from there, his flight was slightly delayed after reaching the airport. However, this delay has proved to be life-saving for a mother-sister." "Sheetaltai Borde, a sister suffering from kidney disease from Jalgaon district, had left for Mumbai by plane with her husband for a kidney transplant surgery. However, their plane missed. Minister Girish Mahajan brought this matter to the attention of Shinde Saheb. Shinde Saheb immediately agreed and brought his sister and her husband to Mumbai in his chartered plane. During this journey, Shinde Saheb also questioned her with interest. Not only this, when she reached Mumbai, he also arranged a special ambulance for her and admitted her to the hospital. She also thanked him at this time. If Shinde Saheb had not rushed to help, her surgery would not have been possible on time. Just as a brother rushes to help his sister, Shinde Saheb rushed to help his sister and became an angel for her," the post further marked. As per News18 Marathi, the pilot had already been flying for 12 consecutive hours and was not in a position to continue, both due to his condition and technical regulations. Speaking to reporters, Girish Mahajan said, The pilot had a health-related concern and an issue with the timing. There were some technical difficulties, too. We spoke to the airline company, and they explained the situation to the pilot in their own way. It was a minor issue," a report by News18 quoted. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav narrowly escaped injury after a speeding truck collided with two vehicles in his convoy on the Patna-Muzaffarpur national highway in Bihars Vaishali district early Saturday. Three security personnel were injured in the incident but are reported to be stable. Accident During Tea Break The incident occurred around 12:30 AM near Goraul, when Yadav's convoy, returning from Madhepura to Patna, stopped for a tea break. According to Yadav, a speeding truck rammed into two escort vehicles, missing his car by just five feet. "I immediately alerted the district police and administration," Yadav said, emphasizing the need for action against traffic rule violators. VIDEO | Vaishali: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) visited hospital to meet the three personnel from his convoy who were injured when their vehicle met with an accident. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/g8g9P0eat0 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 7, 2025 Injuries And Response A top police officer confirmed that Yadav's car was intact, but three security officials were injured. They were rushed to a government hospital nearby where their condition is stable. Yadav went to the hospital to inquire about the injured officials, the officer said. Police Action The driver of the truck was detained and the vehicle impounded, police said. The authorities are looking into the matter with a view to implementing stricter traffic laws to avoid such accidents. Call For Accountability Yadav called for action against those who are disobeying traffic rules, citing the risks involved in rash driving. The accident has initiated debates on road safety for high-profile convoys in the state of Bihar. Social media influencer Jasbir Singh, who was arrested by Punjab Police on charges of espionage, has been sent to two days of police remand by a Mohali court on Saturday. "The police had asked for 7 days remand... We asked the police through the court what they did in 3 days. Today, he has been sent to a 2-day police remand," ANI quoted Jasbirs lawyer as saying. Jasbir, who runs a YouTube channel "JaanMahal Video" with over 11 lakh subscribers, was arrested by the Punjab Police's State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on June 4 on espionage charges. According to the Police, Jasbir is allegedly linked to a terror-backed espionage network involving Pakistani intelligence operative Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa. The YouTuber is said to have maintained close contact with Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested last month for spying, and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani national and expelled Pakistan High Commission official, ANI quoted police as saying. The police reportedly discovered more than 100 Pakistani phone numbers during searches of Singhs digital devices. Following Jyoti Malhotras arrest, Singh allegedly tried to delete incriminating chats and contacts linked to ISI handlers. According to the police, Singh visited Pakistan three times in 2020, 2021 and 2024. He even attended "Pakistan Day" event at the countrys embassy in Delhi, where he met with Pakistani military officers and vloggers. On May 26, a court had sent YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra to judicial custody for fourteen days in connection an espionage case. The YouTuber was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen. She allegedly met a Pakistani officer, Ahsan-ur-Rahim, in Delhi, travelled to Pakistan twice, and shared sensitive information. So far, seven people have been taken into custody in connection with an 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. New Delhi: Actor Sunny Kaushal is embracing a bold new musical identity, and hes doing it 30,000 feet in the air. The actor, known for his performances in films like Shiddat and Gold, has made an unexpected but striking debut in the Punjabi rap scene with his latest single, Mid Air Freeverse. What sets this track apart is not just its high-octane vibebut where and how it was written. In an interview with Esquire, Sunny shared that he wrote the entire song mid-flight, scribbling lyrics with pen and pad while flying from Delhi to Mumbai. Its a Punjabi track that blends my musical loves hip-hop, rap, Punjabi folk, poetry. Even though its hip-hop at heart, it carries a bhangra vibe. I wrote it mid-flight, literally Delhi to Bombay, pen and pad in hand. Naming it was tricky, since theres no hook or catchy chorus just 64 bars of rap. So Mid Air Freeverse felt right it captured the rawness of writing in mid-air and the free-form style. The track showcases an unfiltered side of Sunny rarely seen on screen. He explained, The song doesnt zero in on a single story its a snapshot of me, my day-to-day, my essence. Theres the public Sunny Kaushal, but then theres Sunsunnykhez my artist alias, my truest self. This song is a window into that. Performing under his artist persona Sunsunnykhez, Sunny brings powerful flow, emotional grit, and cultural texture to the performancedressed in a sleek suit and delivering the track with confidence and passion. Fans have responded with enthusiasm to this new side of the actor, praising his lyrical depth and musical shift. With the Punjabi rap space expanding rapidly, Mid Air Freeverse stands out not just for its origin story, but for its authenticity and energy. For Sunny Kaushal, this may just be the start of an entirely new creative journeyone where hes not just acting, but rapping his truth. Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Bollywood actor Dino Morea and asked him to appear next week. He has been summoned in connection with the Rs 65 crore Mithi river desilting case, ED officials said. On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at fifteen locations in the Mithi river desilting case, including at actor Dino Morea's home in Mumbai. The raid comes days after the actor appeared before the Mumbai Police for questioning in a corruption case. His brother was also questioned by the officials.The raids were carried out across Mumbai and Kochi under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locations linked to contractors and officials suspected of embezzlement in the desilting operations of the Mithi River. The case involves accusations of alleged inflated bills, fake work logs, and systematic diversion of public funds sanctioned for flood prevention and drainage maintenance in Mumbai. Also Read | Dino Morea's Mumbai House Raided By ED In Mithi River Desilting Scam Probe The Mithi River, a critical drainage artery in Mumbai, drew national attention after the catastrophic 2005 floods. In response, the BMC and other civic agencies initiated regular desilting and cleaning operations to prevent future flooding. However, audits and investigations by agencies in recent years exposed glaring discrepancies in the actual versus reported desilting work, raising serious concerns about corruption. Earlier inquiries by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had flagged possible financial misconduct. The ED stepped in after taking cognizance of these reports and registered a money laundering case to trace the proceeds of crime. The ED suspects that a network of contractors and middlemen submitted fraudulent work completion reports and siphoned off funds meant for critical infrastructure development. New Delhi: Filmmaker Manish Gupta, known for directing films such as Rahasya and The Stoneman Murders, has been booked by the Versova Police for allegedly stabbing his driver with a kitchen knife after an argument over unpaid salary. According to a report by Free Press Journal, the Versova Police have registered an FIR against the director and producer in connection with the incident. As per the FIR, the victim, Mohammad Lashkar, had worked with Gupta for the past three years and earned a monthly salary of 23,000. Lashkar alleged that Gupta frequently delayed salary payments, leading to repeated arguments between them. The situation reportedly escalated when Gupta failed to pay Lashkars salary for the previous month and subsequently terminated his employment on May 30. The report states that on June 3, when Lashkar contacted Gupta to ask for his pending salary, the filmmaker allegedly told him he would be paid only if he rejoined work. When Lashkar returned to duty the following day, the dues were still not cleared. On June 5, around 8:30 PM, while both were at Gupta's office in Versova, Lashkar brought up the issue again, which led to a verbal argument. Enraged, Gupta allegedly stabbed Lashkar on the right side of his torso with a kitchen knife. The incident reportedly took place at Guptas residence in the Sagar Sanjog building, according to a Versova police station official. Following the attack, Lashkar managed to escape, alerted the watchman and a nearby driver, and was rushed to Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle West. After receiving medical treatment, a complaint was filed against Gupta at the Versova police station. Gupta has been booked under sections 118(2), 115(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by a dangerous weapon, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, and other related offences. However, no arrest has been made as the case is currently under investigation. Guptas most recent work was his directorial venture One Friday Night, featuring Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman. He previously worked as a screenwriter in Ram Gopal Varmas team, contributing to films such as D and Sarkar. Mumbai: Lyricist Javed Akhtar was honoured with the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award for his remarkable influence on cultural heritage and literary dialogue on Friday. Taking to her Instagram handle, Shabana Azmi, wife of Javed Akhtar, shared the snaps from the award ceremony, featuring the renowned lyricist accepting the award from the dignitaries from the Russian House. While sharing the photos, the actress wrote, "Another big honour for Javed Akhtar as he receives the Dostoevsky Star Award! This year, the Russian House is deeply honoured to present the Dostoevsky Star Award to the renowned poet, lyricist, and public intellectual Mr. Javed Akhtar, to recognise his remarkable influence on cultural dialogue and literary heritage." Javed Akhtar, considered the legendary screenwriter for the Indian cinema industry, has won numerous awards during his decades-long career. These include the National Award for Best Lyrics, the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1999, and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. Earlier this year, Javed Akhtar was conferred the Lifetime Achievement award at the convocation ceremony of Whistling Woods International, a renowned film institute. The Whistling Woods International was founded by director Subhash Ghai in 2006. After receiving the awards, Javed Akhtar and Pankaj Kapur imparted some words of wisdom to the students who attended the ceremony. Akhtar , who is known for writing the screenplays of blockbuster films like Zanjeer and Sholay, talked about the importance of self-esteem in achieving excellence in life in his gratitude speech. He said, "The only reason that can make you excellent is your self-esteem. Maybe the world doesn't have to be, and maybe your friends are saying that you are very rude, but I know that I can be better, and it has to be better because I am doing it. If you have high self-esteem then you can reach excellence. Self-esteem demands only yourself and nothing else." Javed Akhtar has written the screenplay for superhit movies like 'Sholay', 'Deewar', 'Zanjeer' and others. New Delhi: In wake of revelations that a female employee of ICICI Bank illegally withdrew crores of rupees from more than 100 customer accounts, including fixed deposits (FDs), financial experts have called on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to take stricter measures to address such loopholes in the banking system. Experts have suggested that the RBI should introduce systems like tokenisation for fixed deposits, which would ensure that sensitive FD information is accessible only to the account holder, preventing misuse by bank staff. They also emphasised the need for the central bank to strengthen its supervisory mechanisms to detect such frauds early and effectively. The fraud took place at ICICI Banks Shriramnagar branch in the Udyog Nagar area of Rajasthan's Kota. According to reports, the employee, identified as Sakshi Gupta, allegedly misused internal banking systems to siphon off approximately Rs 4.58 crore from 110 accounts, most of which belonged to senior citizens. She is accused of investing the funds in the stock market. Gupta reportedly carried out the fraud over a span of three years, from 2020 to 2023. She allegedly prematurely closed fixed deposits without the account holders consent, activated overdraft facilities, and used digital banking platforms to transfer funds into accounts held by her family members. The fraud came to light only when one of the affected customers visited the branch to inquire about his fixed deposit. ICICI Bank filed a formal police complaint at the Udyog Nagar police station in February 2025, after conducting an internal investigation. In a statement, ICICI Bank clarified that all legitimate customer claims have been resolved and that no customer has suffered any financial loss as a result of the incident. However, the case has raised serious concerns about internal controls and oversight within banks. Experts are urging the RBI to implement advanced technological safeguards and a more robust monitoring framework to prevent similar incidents in the future. President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday extended greetings on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. On the occasion, the President urged the countrymen to take a pledge to work with a spirit of dedication for the society and the country. In a social media post on X, the President wrote, "On the auspicious occasion of Eid-uz-Zuha, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all my countrymen, especially my Muslim brothers and sisters. This festival explains the importance of sacrifice, faith and many noble ideals. On this auspicious occasion, let us all take a pledge to work with a spirit of dedication for the society and the country." https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1931190337109696914 Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha, and called for the occasion to "inspire harmony and strengthen the fabric of peace in our society." "Best wishes on Eid ul-Adha. May this occasion inspire harmony and strengthen the fabric of peace in our society. Wishing everyone good health and prosperity," his post on X read. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also wished people on the occasion, posting his greetings in Urdu, he said, "Happy Eid al-Adha! Heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid al-Adha." Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also wished people, calling on them to unite and foster a stronger bond to work towards a peaceful, harmonious, and just society. "Eid al-Adha celebrates the noble values of selfless sacrifice, trust, and forgiveness. As we celebrate this joyous occasion, may we all unite to foster stronger fraternity and work towards a peaceful, harmonious, and just society. Eid Mubarak!" Kharge's post said. As people across the country celebrate Eid, multiple dargahs and mosques were filled with people offering prayers early in the morning. In Mumbai, people offered Namaz at the Jama Masjid Mahim Dargah, while in Delhi, at the first light of dawn, people turned to the Jama masjid to offer their prayers. The air echoed with chants of "Eid Mubarak," as families, young and old, embraced and celebrated the spirit of sacrifice and compassion that the festival symbolises. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The day is marked by prayers, charitable acts, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with a message of sharing and empathy at its core. The date changes every year, as it's based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar. Eid al-Adha is called Id-ul-Adha in Arabic and Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent, because of the tradition of sacrificing a goat or 'bakri'. It is a festival that is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India. (ANI) New Delhi: Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, presented a vision for the company's future at the recent Bloomberg Tech Summit. He highlights that artificial intelligence will not only revolutionise Google's products but also increase the company's technical workforce and societal effect. Google's staggering 75 billion dollars capital expenditure commitment to AI infrastructure was disclosed by Pichai in an interview with Emily Chang. Pichai showed confidence in Google's ability to expand, despite worries that AI and personalized chatbots could threaten the company's conventional search business. As proof of Google's dedication to remaining at the lead of AI innovation, he quoted the introduction of Google AI Pro and the premium Google AI Ultra membership, which provide additional capabilities and early access to experimental features. These services make use of the most recent Gemini models, which now enable new types of virtual agents that may help users with a variety of activities and provide recommendations of higher quality. He also denied that AI will result in widespread layoffs at Google. Pichai argued that by automating repetitive jobs, AI is increasing engineers' productivity and allowing them to concentrate on creativity and challenging problem-solving. He said that, in contrast to industry trends of downsizing, this productivity improvement will actually drive the expansion of Google's technical base well into the future. Google, invests more than 50 billion dollar a year in research and development,and is in a strong position to influence how people engage with AI. The company a time when AI will be a true companion that is intricately woven into everyday life. According to Pichai, the company's future CEO needs to be aware of both the technical aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) and the significant social impact of the products Google develops in order to maintain innovation's responsibility and inclusivity. Moto Edge 60 India Launch: Motorola, a Lenovo sub-brand, has officially announced the launch date of the Moto Edge 60 smartphone in India. The company is set to launch the Moto Edge 60 phone on June 10, nearly a month after it was first announced alongside the Edge 60 Pro. The upcoming smartphone will be the second phone from the company launched in 30 days. The Moto Edge 60 smartphone is likely to offered in Pantone Gibraltar Sea and Pantone Shamrock colour options in the country. The phone will be offered in a single 12GB RAM + 256GB storage option. The device is expected to run on Motorola's own UI based on Android 15 with a promise three years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches. Moto Edge 60 Specifications (Expected) The upcoming smartphone is expected to feature a stunning 6.7-inch 1.5K Quad Curved pOLED display with HDR10+ support and 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, promising vibrant visuals and immersive viewing. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, a notable upgrade over last years Dimensity 7300 SoC found in mid-range devices like the CMF Phone 1, Infinix Note 50s, and Lava Agni 3. In terms of battery, the phone is likely to house a large 5,500mAh unit with support for 68W wired fast charging. On the photography front, the smartphone comes with a 50MP Sony LYT700C primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide camera offering 3X optical zoom, and a high-resolution 50MP front camera for selfies and video calls. The phone features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for immersive audio and supports USB Type-C for wired sound output. The smartphone boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance along with MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability. Despite its rugged build, the Edge 60 remains sleek and lightweight at just 181 grams and 8.25mm in thickness. On the connectivity front, it offers 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4. Moto Edge 60 Price In India And Availability (Expected) The Edge 60 Pro is priced at Rs 29,999, so you can expect the upcoming phone to be priced similarly or slightly lower. It will be available for purchase on Flipkart. Islamabad/New Delhi: In a sensational revelation that tears the mask off Pakistans counter-terror claims, Talha Saeed, son of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, has declared in a new video that his father is safe, protected by the Pakistani government and will not be handed over to India ever. As speculation mounted over the fate of the Lashkar-e-Toiba founder, Talha broke his silence in an interview, dispelling rumours about his fathers deteriorating health or imprisonment. Instead, he painted the image of a man who is peacefully spending his time writing Quranic commentary and offering prayers not languishing in any prison cell, as Pakistan would have the world believe. He is absolutely safe, well and living a peaceful life. The idea of handing him over to India is out of the question, Talha said defiantly. The statement comes amid rising demands from India for Hafiz Saeeds extradition, especially with the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks approaching. The UN-designated terrorist, Saeed is accused of orchestrating the bloodbath that left 166 people dead and scores wounded. Yet, his sons words suggest that Pakistans house arrest may just be a smokescreen for international optics. The New Face of Anti-India Rhetoric? Talha Saeed has been increasingly active in Pakistans public and media space, frequently spewing venom against India and rallying Islamist sympathisers. Many analysts believe that with Hafiz Saeed aging and reportedly unwell, Talha is now being groomed to take over his father's ideological and operational mantle within the Lashkar-e-Toiba. His interviews are being seen as a calculated PR move not only to reassure LeTs rank and file but also to send a message to India and the global community: Hafiz Saeed is not going anywhere. Talhas confession is damning for a country that publicly claims to fight terrorism but is safeguarding its most notorious terrorist. Despite assurances given to global watchdogs like FATF, Pakistan appears to be offering VIP treatment to a man responsible for one of the worst terror attacks on Indian soil. India has repeatedly presented evidence of Saeeds involvement in the Mumbai attacks, demanding his extradition. But as Talhas statements now make clear, Islamabad never intended to act on those demands a stance that undermines its credibility on the world stage. With Talha's open admission now in the public domain, Indian intelligence and diplomatic channels are closely monitoring the developments. The revelations strengthen India's position that Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists under state protection, even while demanding legitimacy and aid from international allies. New Delhi: In a moment that may go down as a masterstroke in Indias strategic playbook, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 unveiled the worlds tallest railway bridge the Chenab Bridge along with a series of infrastructure marvels in Jammu & Kashmir. While hailed as engineering triumphs, these structures hide within them a fierce geopolitical message India is silently fortifying its Himalayan frontier, and Pakistan and China are not happy. At 359 metres tall, taller than the Eiffel Tower, the steel-arched Chenab Bridge is part of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL) and connects the Kashmir Valley to the Indian rail grid for the first time. But beyond the awe and applause, it is the military and counter-terror implications that have sent shockwaves across the border. Why Pakistan, China Should Be Worried The bridge sits near the treacherous Pir Panjal Range, a mountainous region that has for decades acted as a gateway for Pakistani infiltrators, including ISI-backed terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed. From Poonch and Rajouri to the lush forests near Pahalgam, this route has seen some of the most notorious attacks in Indias history. Now, with the Chenab and Anji bridges completed and the valley more accessible to Indias armed forces year-round, this infiltration corridor is on the verge of collapse. This is not just a bridge. Its a steel-fisted message to our enemies, said a top defence expert, requesting anonymity. The bridge does not only deter Pakistan. It tightens Indias grip over the Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh axis, critical to countering Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Troops, weapons and surveillance units can now move seamlessly no more seasonal delays or logistical gaps. Hidden Checkmate This Chenab Chakravyuh as called by military strategists is a geo-strategic snare apart from being about connectivity. With 24/7 surveillance cameras, anti-corrosion technologies and blast-resistant materials, the bridge is built to withstand earthquakes of 8.0 magnitude and even terrorist bombing attempts. They tried to divide us by using religion and terror. We are responding with steel, resolve and railways, said a senior Indian Army official deployed in the region. Built with inputs from Indian Institute of Technology and the Defence Research, the Development Organisation (DRDO) and global experts, the Chenab Bridge uses high-tensile steel and advanced cable-crane systems. It is designed to last 120 years even under wind speeds of 260 kmph. And with two Vande Bharat trains flagged off from Katra to Srinagar, civilian integration of the region is now irreversible. What rattles Rawalpindi most is that this is blocking terrorists and rendering their long-game obsolete. For years, Pakistan has exploited difficult terrain and porous routes to fuel unrest in the valley. That door just slammed shut. Even Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir must now contend with the fact that Pir Panjal no longer favours infiltration, it favours India. Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) has asked Punjab Police to prohibit the Ahmadiyya community from carrying out Eid al-Adha rituals, such as namaz and animal sacrifice, calling them specifically for Muslims. Offenders will be imposed fines of PKR 5 lakh (1.5 lakh) or legal proceedings, heightening tensions leading up to Eid al-Adha (June 6-10). LHCBA's Directive And Legal Context The LHCBA's letter to the Punjab Police Chief categorises Ahmadis as a non-Muslim minority under Pakistan's Constitution, invoking the Penal Code and Supreme Court decisions that exclude them from employing Islamic symbols or practices. The association accuses Ahmadis of hosting Eid functions in the pattern of Islamic practices, contravening legal prohibitions. Ahmadis have been compelled into signing affidavits swearing they would not conduct Bakrid rituals in Punjab, in continuation of a 2023 ruling barring them from calling themselves Muslims. Rising Violence And Threats At least three Ahmadis have been killed since April, and numerous others are harassed, says DAWN. In cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot, authorities have issued directives, including detention, to stop Ahmadis from celebrating Eid 2025. Amnesty International has criticised these actions, and Deputy Regional Director Isabelle Lassee has condemned Pakistan for its inability to safeguard Ahmadis' religious freedom, labeling the restrictions discriminatory. Ahmadi Identity Debate Ahmadis consider themselves to be Muslims, following mainstream Islamic principles but regarding Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as a Messiah and prophet, something rejected by traditional Muslims who see Muhammad as the last prophet. Ahmadis are also prohibited from making Hajj or Umrah and traveling to Saudi Arabia. Human Rights Concerns Amnesty International has demanded a stop to the "harassment and violence" faced by Ahmadis, calling upon Pakistani authorities to protect their right to religious freedom. The organization's survey of police orders in five districts documents a concerted attempt to suppress Ahmadi practice, sparking international concern about religious persecution in Pakistan. New details have emerged in the espionage case against Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, with investigative agencies uncovering her direct link to retired Pakistani police Sub-Inspector Nasir Dhillon, who is now under the scanner for alleged Intelligence operations against India. According to Intelligence sources, Malhotra was in personal contact with Dhillon and had even appeared alongside him in a podcast episode. Their meeting reportedly took place during one of Malhotras earlier visits to Pakistan. Dhillon, who launched his own YouTube channel after retiring from the Pakistani police, initially projected himself as a promoter of peace and cultural dialogue between India and Pakistan. However, investigators now believe that behind the public persona lay a covert mission orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and military. Officials allege that Dhillon operated as a conduit for Pakistani Intelligence, using his channel to reach out to Indian YouTubers. After establishing friendly ties with them, he would allegedly introduce them to ISI operatives and gradually assign them tasks aimed at gathering sensitive information about the Indian Army and security establishments. Malhotra, 36, is believed to be one such individual who was manipulated through this network. Sources further confirm that Dhillons connections extended to Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani High Commission staffer in New Delhi who was expelled by Indian authorities on May 13 for suspected espionage. Investigators have found credible evidence linking Dhillon and Danish, indicating a broader and more organised spy ring operating under diplomatic cover. Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on May 16 under the Official Secrets Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She has since undergone multiple rounds of interrogation by both local police and central Intelligence agencies. She is among 12 individuals detained so far in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh as part of a wider crackdown on an alleged spy network attempting to exploit Indian digital influencers for Intelligence-gathering. As the probe deepens, security agencies are now expanding their focus to identify more potential infiltrators connected to this network, raising serious concerns over the use of social media as a new front for espionage. A week-long preparation by Delhi Police ensured peaceful Eid-al-Adha celebrations in West Delhi on Saturday, with heavy deployment of security personnel, area domination exercises, and coordination with mosque and peace committees across 29 mosques, as prayers were offered in shifts at key locations expecting large gatherings, said Delhi Police official. West Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vichitra Veer told ANI, "We have been preparing for about a week. We held meetings with the peace committee and the masjid committee and conveyed to them the standard procedures. They have been cooperating well. We are ensuring everyone celebrates the festival peacefully, keeping in mind the religious feelings of others as well." He added, "People have queued up here and are waiting for their turn to be able to offer namaz in the mosque. There are 29 mosques in the West District, and we have made adequate arrangements. 4-5 places will see big gatherings, and namaz is being offered in shifts. The situation is peaceful, and police are deployed in adequate numbers. Security personnel have been called from outside as well, and we have carried out area domination exercises just to give a message that we are pretty serious and it should be a peaceful festival." Earlier in the day, scores of devotees dressed in traditional attire thronged at Delhi's historic Jama Masjid to offer prayers. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The day is marked by prayers, charitable acts, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with a message of sharing and empathy at its core. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted an accused arrested earlier in the Chhattisgarh Indian Army personnel's targeted killing case of February 2024, according to an official statement from the agency. Ashu Korsa of Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) has been chargesheeted under section 302 read with 120B of IPC, 1860 and sections 16, 18, 20, 38 & 39 of UA (P) Act before the NIA Special Court at Jagdalpur. NIA investigations in the case had revealed that the accused was involved in the criminal conspiracy of the CPI (Maoist), a proscribed terrorist organisation, to kill Motiram Achala. The victim was shot dead by an armed cadre of CPI (Maoist) during a visit to the Useli village fair in Amabeda area of Kanker district of the state with his family members on 25th February last year. NIA had taken over the case, originally registered by the local police, on February 29, 2024, and had found during the investigation that the accused Ashu Korsa was an active armed cadre of the Kuyemari Area Committee of the North Bastar Division operating under the CPI (Maoist). Korsa, along with another senior Maoist leader, had identified Motiram Achala and killed him in the local bazaar. He was arrested by the NIA in December last year in connection with the conspiracy, which was aimed at striking terror in the minds of the people of that area. NIA is continuing with its investigation into the case. (ANI) BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, while extending Eid-al-Adha greetings and urging citizens to uphold harmony and follow government guidelines, also remarked on the completion of one month of Operation Sindoor, stating that Pakistan, a 'territory of terrorism', must eliminate the executioners of oppression and crime who, he said, are a threat to both humanity and Islam. Speaking to reporters after offering Namaz at Imamia Hall, Shia Jama Masjid, Naqvi said that everyone should respect the government's guidelines and ensure that the spirit of unity and brotherhood is maintained across the country. "Everyone should respect the government guidelines and we should all take care that the thread of harmony and brotherhood does not weaken from anywhere. Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Eid al Adha..." Naqvi said. Speaking on Operation Sindoor, which has completed one month, the BJP leader said, "Pakistan, which is the territory of terrorism, will have to sacrifice the executioners of oppression and crime. It will have to be completely wiped out because these people are a threat not only to humanity but also to Islam. The country will never accept those who are playing the role of stooges of Pakistan..." Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended Eid greetings to the people. In his X post, PM Modi said, "Best wishes on Eid ul-Adha. May this occasion inspire harmony and strengthen the fabric of peace in our society. Wishing everyone good health and prosperity." Union Minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed his wishes, posting his greeting in Urdu. "Happy Eid al-Adha! Heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid al-Adha," he wrote. As people across the country celebrate Eid, multiple dargahs and mosques were filled with people offering prayers early in the morning. In Mumbai, people offered Namaz at the Jama Masjid Mahim Dargah, while in Delhi, at the first light of dawn, people turned to the Jama masjid to offer their prayers. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday requested his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K Sangma to order a fair and impartial inquiry into a tragic road accident that took place near Nongpoh Police Station in Meghalaya, in which a young woman from Assam died. In a post on X, Sarma said a vehicle with an Assam registration number met with an accident in the early hours of June 4, leading to the death of Namrata Bora and causing minor injuries to four other passengers. "I request Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri @SangmaConrad, to kindly look into a tragic incident that occurred near Nongpoh Police Station in the early hours of Wednesday, June 4. A vehicle bearing Assam registration number AS 01 EV 9578 met with an accident, resulting in the unfortunate death of a young woman, Namrata Bora. At the same time, four other co-passengers sustained only minor injuries," Sarma wrote. He also mentioned that a case had already been registered at the Nongpoh Police Station but called for further investigation due to concerns raised by the victim's family and well-wishers. "A case has been registered at Nongpoh Police Station. However, in view of the concerns raised by the bereaved family and well-wishers, I request that a fair and impartial enquiry be conducted by a senior police officer to ensure that all facts surrounding the incident are brought to light," he added in his post. Earlier on June 6, the Assam CM, on his visit to flood-hit Barak valley, visited Hailakandi and Sribhumi districts reviewed the prevailing flood condition with district administrations and other line departments, and assured the affected people of all government help to quickly restore normalcy once the flood water recedes. During his day-long visit, the Chief Minister first visited several flood-hit areas in the Hailakandi district. He also visited relief camps set up at Kalinagar and Panch Gram and interacted with the camp inmates. While talking to them, he assured them that the government would provide complete support to assuage their sufferings. The Chief Minister also visited several flood-hit areas of the Sribhumi district and inspected the victims' problems on the ground. (ANI) Malayalam actor Chacko was admitted to the hospital after he met with a road accident in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Chacko and his family were in a car accident, in which the actor lost his father. South India International Movies Awards (SIIMA) took to X and extended condolences to Chacko and his family. SIIMA wrote, "Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko was injured in a tragic car accident near Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. The accident claimed the life of his father, CP Chacko, who died on the spot. The family was en route to Bengaluru when their car collided with a stationary lorry. Shine, along with his mother, brother, and driver, sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. SIIMA extends its heartfelt condolences to Shine Tom Chacko and his family during this time of grief." Chacko was recently arrested in a narcotics case and was later released on bail. Malayalam actors Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi appeared before excise officials in Alappuzha in April, as part of an ongoing investigation into the seizure of hybrid ganja worth approximately Rs 2 crore earlier that month. The drugs were discovered in the possession of a woman, who allegedly told the excise authorities that she had consumed drugs alongside both Chacko and Bhasi. Based on her statement, the excise department issued notices to the actors, prompting their appearance for questioning. Chacko has previously also faced allegations of drug use and misconduct. On April 22, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) issued a final warning to the actor, urging him to refrain from any further drug use or disruptive behaviour on film sets. (ANI) A case under the ND&PS Act (The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985) has been registered at Police Station West, Shimla, the statement from Shimla Police said. During routine patrolling near Shoghi, the Special Cell team recovered 21.07 grams of Chitta/Heroin from the possession of the following individuals: Anuj Kumar Duggal, son of Late Shri Arun Kumar Duggal, PO, Puneet Pal, son of Jaswinder Singh, Agand Sawrawal, son of Late Shri Lalit Kumar Sawrawal, the statement added. "Shimla Police remains firm in its resolve to combat drug trafficking and appeals to the public to actively support the efforts to make society drug-free," the statement also noted. Meanwhile, further investigation is still underway. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Police arrested four youths and recovered over 1 kg of hashish and a loaded pistol from a taxi at Charlane Baloh Toll Plaza on June 1. "More than 1 kg of hashish and a loaded pistol recovered! Big success of Himachal Police dated 01.06.2025. Charlane Baloh Toll Plaza. 1 kg 63.7 gm Charas and a loaded pistol (with 3 rounds) recovered. 4 youths travelling in a taxi coming from Mandi were arrested. The case was registered at the Ghumarvi police station," the Himachal Pradesh police in a X post said. (ANI) As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government completes 11 years of governance, India's agricultural sector has undergone a profound transformation over the years which is rooted in the philosophy of Beej Se Bazaar Tak (seed to market), while also championing inclusivity, supporting small farmers, women-led groups, and allied sectors, while making India a global agricultural leader, said a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW). PM Modi also highlighted today about ensuring prosperity of farmers and also focussing on issues like soil health and irrigation. "It's our privilege to serve our hardworking farmers. For the past 11 years, our various initiatives have boosted prosperity for farmers and also ensured an overall transformation of the agriculture sector. We have focussed on issues like soil health and irrigation, which have been greatly beneficial. Our efforts towards farmer welfare will continue with greater vigour in the times to come," PM Modi said in a post on X earlier today. Meanwhile, MoAFW's statement read, "Above all, the mindset has shifted, Farmers are now recognised as key stakeholders and drivers of India's growth. As India enters Amrit Kaal, its empowered farmers stand ready to lead the nation from food security to global food leadership." Highlighting the work done by the Modi-led government over 11 years of governance (since 2014), the Centre's achievements have been shown under the campaign of '11 years of Kisan Samman' and 'Viksit Bharat ka Amrit Kaal, Seva Sushasan, Garib Kalyan ke 11 saal' A statement from MoAFW has highlighted that over the 11 years, the agri sector has seen enhanced budget allocation, including increased Food Grain Production, increase in MSP and Support for Farmers, Wheat, Paddy, MSP Growth and Record Procurement, financial security among other things. "From modern irrigation and credit access to digital marketplaces and agri-tech innovations, India is embracing smart farming and reviving traditional practices like millet cultivation and natural farming. Allied sectors such as dairy and fisheries are also flourishing, driving rural prosperity and climate-smart agriculture," the ministry said. Regarding Budget allocation, the ministry said, "Agriculture serves as the backbone of India's economy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, providing employment, and contributing to overall economic development. It supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population and remains vital to India's socio-economic fabric." The Budget Estimates for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare have seen growth, rising from Rs 27,663 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,37,664.35 crore in 2024-25, an increase of nearly five times over the period, the ministry said. The country's grain production has also grown steadily from 265.05 million tonnes in 2014-15 to an estimated 347.44 million tonnes in 2024-25. "The major crops include rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, barley, gram, tur, pulses, groundnut, soybean, rapeseed & mustard, oilseeds, sugarcane, cotton, and jute & mesta," the statement read. During the period 2014-15 to 2024-25, procurement of 14 Kharif crops was 7871 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT), while during the period 2004-05 to 2013-14, procurement was 4679 LMT. Earlier in May, the Centre hiked Minimum Support Price (MSP) for certain Kharif crops for Marketing Season 2025-26, with over 16 crops seeing more than an 80 per cent of a jump in MSP since 2013-14. According to the ministry, Paddy (Common) has seen an 81 pc jump, being at Rs 2369/quintal for 2025-25, up from Rs 1310/quintal in 2013-14. Paddy (Grade A) was increased by 78 pc, fixed at Rs 2389 per quintal for 2025, up from Rs 1345/quintal in 2013-14. The MSP for wheat rose from Rs 1,400 per quintal in 2013-14 to Rs 2,425 per quintal in 2024-25 Jowar (Hybrid) and Jowar (Maldandi) has seen an increase of 147 per cent, being fixed at Rs 3699/quintal and Rs 3749/quintal respectively. Bajra has seen a jump of 122 pc in MSP; Ragi 226 pc, Maize 83 pc, Tur/Arhar 86 pc, Moong 95%, Urad 81 pc, Groundnut 82 pc, Sunflower Seed 109 pc, Soybean (Yellow) 108 pc, Sesamum 119 pc, Nigerseed 172 pc, Cotton (Medium Staple) 108 pc, Cotton (Long Staple) 103 pc. "A total of Rs6.04 lakh crore has been disbursed as MSP payments for wheat during 2014-2024, a substantial rise compared to Rs2.2 lakh crore paid during 2004-2014," the ministry said. Similarly for Paddy, the procurement has increased, at 7608 LMT during the 2014-15 to 2024-25, while during the period 2004-05 to 2013-14, procurement of paddy was 4590 LMT. The government has also brought a turnaround in the pulses sector. Previously marked by low cultivation, limited procurement, high import dependence, and elevated consumer prices, the sector now exhibits increased cultivation, substantial procurement driven by higher MSPs, reduced import reliance, and improved price stability for consumers, the ministry said. Procurement of pulses at Minimum Support Price (MSP) witnessed an increase of 7,350 pc, rising from 1.52 LMT during 2009-2014 to 82.98 LMT during 2020-2025. Highlighting the steps taken for financial security, the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has transferred over Rs 3.7 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers, with a farmer-centric digital infrastructure ensures the transparent & direct delivery of benefits to farmers nationwide, eliminating middlemen. The PM-KISAN scheme, a central sector scheme launched in February 2019, aims to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. It provides Rs6,000 per year in three equal instalments directly into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Similarly, the Kisan Credit Card Scheme (KCC) which aims to provide a hassle-free and affordable credit to farmers for short- and long-term cultivation, post-harvest expenses, and consumption needs by giving easy access to credit for agriculture and allied sectors has provided Rs 10 lakh crore of credit to 7.71 crore farmers. On reducing risk in the sector and increasing resilience, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, aims to provide a simple, affordable, and comprehensive crop insurance product to Indian farmers. This scheme covers all non-preventable. Over 63 crore farmer applications enrolled under the scheme and Over 19.91 crore farmers (provisional) have received insurance claims and Rs 1.75 lakh crore have been paid out in (provisional) claims. The ministry also highlighted various other schemes which have been launched, like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Soil Health cards. Whereas on modern infrastructure of agriculture, the ministry mentioned Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, e-NAM & Market Reform and Mega Food Parks and how they have grown over the years. On innovation and entrepreneurship, the ministry mentioned its various initiatives such as NAMO Drone Didi, AgriSURE, Diversifying Farmer Incomes and how food processing sector has become a key driver in farmers income growth. Moreover, achievements in various agricultural sectors, such as the blue revolution, which has made India as the second largest fish producing country with around 8 pc share in global fish production; Sweet Revolution and the Dairy sector were also highlighted. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Saturday that he discussed the Bodhghat and river interlinking projects with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi. Explaining the benefits of the two major infrastructure initiatives, CM Sai said the projects will not only boost irrigation in the state but also contribute to electricity generation and fish production. "I met PM Modi and told him about the Chhattisgarh changing landscapes. We discussed two things with him (PM Narendra Modi) -- the Bodhghat project, and the river interlink project. With the construction of the Bodhghat project, approximately 4 lakh hectares will be irrigated, and through river interlinking, 3 lakh hectares will be irrigated. Thus, a total of 7 lakh hectares will be irrigated. With the construction of the Bodhghat project, 125 megawatts of electricity will be generated, and 4000 tonnes of fish will also be produced. I discussed these things with PM Modi," the Chief Minister told reporters here. On Friday, Chief Minister Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. During the meeting, he presented the changing face of Bastar, highlighting peace and development initiatives, and also briefed the Prime Minister about the recently held Su-Shasan Tihar (Good Governance Festival) in Chhattisgarh. Sharing about their meeting, CM Sai in a social media post on X, wrote, "The leadership of the successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a symbol of the strength and self-reliance of the new India. Our country is fortunate that its reins are in the hands of a visionary leader like Modi Ji, who has brought glory to Mother India on the global stage many times. During your tenure, the country has witnessed unprecedented change and progress in every field." https://x.com/vishnudsai/status/1931037725647306938 The Chief Minister also congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the completion of 11 years of the BJP-led Central government. "During my stay in Delhi today, I had a cordial meeting with the successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi and congratulated him on the completion of 11 successful years of the Central Government. During the meeting, the Prime Minister was informed that our government in Chhattisgarh is fulfilling every guarantee given by him with full sincerity, the positive results of which are clearly visible on the ground in accordance with the wishes of the Prime Minister," the post reads. CM Sai also briefed PM Modi about action against Naxalism. He wrote, "I informed the Prime Minister about the ongoing action against Naxalism, the strategy and the success being achieved by our security forces. I informed him that peace and security are being established in Bastar and new doors of development are opening. Prime Minister appreciated the development work being done in Chhattisgarh and provided guidance, his presence provides a new energy to realise the resolve of developed Chhattisgarh and developed India." (ANI) Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, has emphasised the urgent need to address extreme heat as a global crisis, echoing the call from the UN Secretary-General. Delivering the keynote address during the Special Session on Extreme Heat Risk Governance at Geneva on Friday, he underlined that rising temperatures pose a systemic risk to public health, economic stability, and ecological resilience, according to a PMO statement. India welcomes the UNDRR's initiative to advance the Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance as a platform for shared learning, guidance, and collaboration. Mishra emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has taken a proactive and forward-thinking approach to extreme heat risk management. He pointed out that India has moved beyond disaster response toward integrated preparedness and mitigation strategies. Since 2016, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has developed comprehensive national guidelines on heatwave management, revised in 2019, which laid the foundation for decentralised Heat Action Plans (HAPs). He acknowledged the pioneering Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, which demonstrated how early warnings, inter-agency coordination, and community outreach can save lives. "Over 250 cities and districts across 23 heat-prone states have operational Heat Action Plans, supported by NDMA's advisory, technical, and institutional mechanisms", stressed the Principal Secretary, underscoring that strengthened surveillance, hospital readiness, and awareness campaigns have significantly reduced heatwave-related mortality. Mishra highlighted that India's approach is whole-of-government and whole-of-society, engaging ministries from health, agriculture, urban development, labour, power, water, education, and infrastructure. He noted that public health institutes, research groups, civil society organisations, and universities are playing a crucial role in supporting local governments in improving heat action plans. "Extreme heat deeply impacts communities, and India has actively incorporated traditional wisdom and local experiences into its response", stressed Dr Mishra. He noted that schools have become catalysts for behavioural change, educating children about climate resilience. He also emphasised that hospitals and primary health centres must be strengthened to ensure swift and effective emergency responses. Outlining India's transition from a preparedness-only approach to long-term heatwave mitigation, including cool roof technologies, passive cooling centres, urban greening, and the revival of traditional water bodies, Shri Mishra affirmed that India is integrating Urban Heat Island (UHI) assessments into city planning. Mishra announced a major policy shift, stating that National and State Disaster Mitigation Funds (SDMF) can now be used for heatwave mitigation. This allows local governments, private sector entities, NGOs, and individuals to co-finance prevention and mitigation projects, fostering shared responsibility. Mishra acknowledged key challenges that remain and called for a global focus on developing a localized heat-humidity index based on real-time data to enhance early warning systems, advancing affordable and culturally appropriate building technologies and passive cooling innovations, and addressing equity concerns, as extreme heat disproportionately affects women, outdoor workers, the elderly, and children. "Heatwaves are transboundary and systemic risks, particularly for densely populated urban areas", stressed Dr Mishra, urging the international community to enhance technological collaboration, data sharing, and joint research on heat resilience. He called for the Common Framework to provide accessible knowledge, research, and practical solutions, alongside institutional and financial support mechanisms. As per the statement, Mishra affirmed India's full commitment to sharing its expertise, technical capacities, and institutional strengths with global partners, ensuring a resilient, coordinated, and proactive global response to extreme heat.(ANI) Rajasthan is likely to experience a severe heatwave in the next few days, with temperatures predicted to rise significantly, an IMD official said on Saturday. As per the IMD official, a new round of heat waves will begin in the western parts of Rajasthan. "During the next week, the weather will remain dry in most parts of the state, while the temperature will increase by two to four degrees Celsius in most places. Especially in the border divisions, some parts of the Bikaner division will record maximum temperatures between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius on 8-9 and 10 June. A new round of heat waves will begin in western Rajasthan and surrounding areas in the next 24 hours. Apart from this, strong, dusty winds will blow at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour in the Bikaner division of western Rajasthan and the adjoining Shekhawati region during the next three to four days," said Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Department, Jaipur. "Bikaner is expected to experience strong winds and rising temperatures. Jaipur is currently expecting partly cloudy skies with highs around 38-40 C. However, no rain is expected in Rajasthan for the next 7 days. Strong winds will prevail, potentially leading to thunderstorms. Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions," he added. Meanwhile, fresh snowfall on Thursday caused a sharp drop in temperature in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges in Himachal Pradesh. Snowfall on the higher reaches is very rare in June. The minimum temperature in Dharamshala was recorded at 16 degrees Celsius, whereas the maximum temperature was 21 degrees Celsius. It has been raining every day for a week in Dharamshala. Tourism industry people are delighted with such weather conditions, as they will attract tourists to the Kangra valley. (ANI) Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 7 (ANI): A quiet yet impactful transformation is underway in the rural stretches of Manipur, where the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has successfully brought safe and adequate drinking water directly to village households through individual tap connections. Launched in August 2019, the centrally sponsored JJM scheme is implemented in partnership with states, where state authorities plan, design, and execute drinking water projects with technical and financial support from the Government of India. In an ANI ground report, visuals captured from various villages like K. Thenjang, Maichammun, and Leinom showcase households now equipped with tap water connections. Women and children are seen using tap water in their residential compounds, washing clothes, filling containers, and performing daily chores with ease, a sign of changing times in these once water-deprived villages. Before JJM''s intervention, accessing drinking water was a daily struggle. With the introduction of household tap connections, anxiety around water availability has significantly diminished. Speaking to ANI, Paulungmuan, Assistant Engineer (AE) at the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), highlighted that under JJM, 430 water supply schemes were sanctioned in the state. Of these, 286 have been fully completed, while 108 schemes are yet to provide functional household tap connections. He expressed hope that these would be completed in the coming months. He also mentioned that under funding from the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral bank, there are 51 schemes, 50 catering to individual villages and one under a multi-village scheme. Work under both JJM and NDB funding had been stalled due to the conflict that broke out on May 3, 2023. However, implementation has now resumed, with ongoing work progressing steadily. With the continued efforts of engineers, local workers, and community involvement, the Jal Jeevan Mission is proving to be a lifeline for rural Manipur, bringing not just water but dignity and ease to everyday life.(ANI) With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to attend the G7 summit in Canada, former diplomat KP Fabian said on Saturday that without India's presence, the summit which discusses various issues pertaining to the economy, security, and terrorism could not have been "effective". "The G7 meeting, which is effective on having conversations about what is happening to global economy, security issues, war and peace, as well as terrorism and necessary counter-terrorism measures, cannot be effective without India's presence," Fabian told ANI here. He further said that Canadian PM Mark Carney "has done the right thing," by sending an invite to PM Modi, even if some might say there was a "slight delay." He further said that he thinks that PM Modi will raise the issue of terrorism post Operation Sindoor. "So, I take it that Prime Minister Modi will raise the issue of terrorism apart from other issues, climate change, everything will be raised but there should be more focus on terrorism. Even after Pahalgam that the rest of the world, especially the west have not really woken up," he said. Earlier in the day, PM Carney said that G7 countries will hold discussions on important issues, including security and energy, in their upcoming summit, adding that India's presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. The effort seems a bid to thaw the frozen ties between the nations. The Canadian PM said that India, being the fifth largest economy and the most populous country in the world, must be at the seat. "Let's put the two aspects in context- first is, we are in the role- Canada's in the role of the G7 chair and in those discussions as agreed with our G7 colleagues, include important discussions on energy, security, on digital future, critical minerals amongst others and partnerships actually in building infrastructure in the emerging and developing world," he said. Underlining how India is central to a number of supply chains, which makes its presence pertinent at the G7 chair consultation. The announcement comes after a period of severely strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar--a Canadian citizen and prominent pro-Khalistan activist--outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver, as per DW News. India strongly denied the claims, and both nations expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation, DW News reported. (ANI) Educator and YouTuber Khan Sir on Saturday expressed concern over an incident in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, where a minor girl was allegedly raped, and later succumbed to her injuries, saying such incidents should be treated as acts of "treason." He also urged the legal fraternity to unite in denying representation to those accused of heinous crimes. Khan Sir further stated that he spoke to State Governor Arif Mohammad Khan over this matter, and he also expressed deep concern. "I spoke to the Governor about this... Such people should be boycotted. What do you expect in a country where even rapists get good lawyers? I request the lawyers of our country that if all the lawyers unite so that if someone has committed rape, acid attack, burnt a woman to death, kidnapping then they will not get a good lawyer. Such incidents should be brought under the category of treason... The Governor was also very concerned about this matter," he said. On June 4, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan expressed sympathies with the family of the Muzaffarpur rape-murder victim and urged the people not to politicise the matter. Speaking to the media after visiting the family of the victim, Khan said that this is not a political matter, but a matter of humanity. "I first want to ensure that I am fully informed about the actions taken in this matter. My deepest sympathies are with the family. I met with some people today and requested them not to politicise this issue. This is not a political matter -- it is purely a matter of humanity. What does the dignity of women mean? Without ensuring the dignity of women, can there be any dignity for society at all?" the Bihar Governor said. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has assured that strict action will be taken against those who failed in their duties. "As soon as the matter came to the government's attention, swift action was initiated. I will be visiting the site tomorrow to review the situation in detail. Strict action will be taken against those who failed in their duties, and against those enemies of humanity who have brought shame to Bihar. Such individuals will not be spared under any circumstances," Sinha said. Earlier, stressing that the Muzaffarpur rape-murder case exposes the "deep failure" of state's law and order system, Union Minister Chirag Paswan has written a letter to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, calling for a strictest punishment for the accused involved in the incident. In his letter, Union Minister Paswan also highlighted the negligence at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where, he said that the victim was kept waiting in the ambulance for six hours without any prior treatment. Muzaffarpur SSP Sushil Kumar on Monday said that the accused had been arrested and sent to judicial custody. (ANI) Imam and Samajwadi MP Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi extended his greetings on Saturday on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Speaking to ANI, Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi highlighted the significance of sacrifice in life. "On this auspicious occasion of Eid Al Adha, we extend our greetings to all our countrymen... There are people among us who are less fortunate, and we advocate peace, love and justice for them. Let us sacrifice for their benefit by sharing our wealth and expressing our compassion; this is the essence of sacrifice. This message of sacrifice unites all our countrymen..." he said. People offered namaz in several cities in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The festival is celebrated peacefully in Ayodhya on Saturday, with people offering namaz. Ayodhya IG Range Praveen Kumar said, "Namaz is peacefully being offered in all districts of the range... Police and administration are fully alert. We are ensuring necessary action and working in coordination with everyone." Ayodhya DM Nikhil Tikaram Funde noted that the festival is being celebrated peacefully while appealing not to try to take the law into their hands. "Namaz is being offered across the district, mainly in Eidgahs and mosques... There is information of any incident anywhere. The festival is being celebrated peacefully... I appeal to everyone to celebrate the festival like a festival and do not try to take the law into your hands," the Ayodhya DM said. On arrangements for Eid Al-Adha, Sambhal, SDM Vandana Mishra said, "For Eid prayers, the entire Tehsil was divided into sectors and zones... Magistrates and the police force were deployed throughout the area. Additionally, our field staff are also engaged at the local level. Sanitation was assured, and the guidelines prohibiting animal sacrifices were discussed in the Peace Committee meeting, in which all the members agreed. The festival is being conducted in line with these measures... People can contact the control room if they experience any inconvenience or have any relevant information. If any such issue arises, legal action will be taken accordingly." People in Lucknow also celebrated the festival in a peaceful manner. On security arrangements for Eid al-Adha in the city, DCP West Lucknow, Vishwajeet Srivastava, said, "Adequate force has been deployed. We have been provided with five PAC companies, and an additional 2 SP and 5 DSP-level officers have been sent from the Police Headquarters. Additional forces have been sent from the Commissionerate as well...The arrangements will be in place for three days, till the time sacrifice rituals continue... Adequate arrangements have been made so that people do not have to offer namaz on the streets, and they make it to the mosques." Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The day is marked by prayers, charitable acts, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with a message of sharing and empathy at its core. (ANI) Congress leader Jignesh Mevani on Saturday questioned the government over the ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, alleging foreign pressure and demanding clarity on its terms. Mevani accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of backing down under US influence and asked why the remaining terrorists haven't been caught. "It's been a month since the government launched Operation Sindoor and claimed to have caught a terrorist. The Prime Minister boasts of a 56-inch chest, says India is a Vishwa Guru, and speaks of vermilion running through our veins. Then why haven't the remaining four terrorists been captured yet? Why doesn't Modi tell the nation under what conditions the ceasefire was agreed upon?" Mevani told ANI. Mevani further alleged, "There was a moment when India had the upper hand. But then the US stepped in, pressured Pakistan, and our government surrendered. Why did the ceasefire happen? What were the terms? Let Modi explain that to the people." Challenging the Prime Minister directly, Mevani said, "Instead of distributing Sindoor from door to door, I challenge Modi: capture the remaining four terrorists before August 15." Criticising foreign influence, he added, "America is constantly tweeting about the situation. They claim that trade would have stopped if they had asked for it. These are official statements. So why is India silent? Why is America the one dictating terms on a matter between India and Pakistan?" Earlier Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP-led government over his allegations of mediation by the United States in Operation Sindoor, alleging 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. This came after U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims of stopping hostilities between India and Pakistan after New Delhi's effective response to Islamabad's aggression following precision strikes on terror infrastructure. India had conducted Operation Sindoor early on May 7 and hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India effectively responded to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. India and Pakistan agreed to stop military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart. (ANI) The Delhi government is planning to set up UMTA (Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority) to improve public transport in the state. The aim is to have better coordination among public transport agencies. It further aims to improve public transport coordination and project implementation, to streamline the public transport system by facilitating better communication and cooperation between different transport agencies. The Transport Department may present a Cabinet proposal regarding this plan by the end of this month, said top sources. The Transport Department is currently working on the entire plan. In addition, consultations are being held with the Pollution Control Board, Traffic Police, the Finance Department, and the Urban Development Department. The UMTA would act as a coordinating body which would manage and improve the public transport in the state. If the plan gets approval, it would facilitate communication and collaboration between various transport agencies to ensure a more integrated and efficient system. To enhance the public transport infrastructure, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) had previously issued a new SOP. Under this, the faulty buses will be removed within 15 minutes. Cranes and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at 30 key locations across Delhi have been deployed by DTC that monitor function to remove the faulty buses. Also, DTC has started with a new project where it aims to generate Rs 2600 crores after its depots become commercial hubs. The decision came in a bid to rescue the continuously loss-making Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Approvals have been granted for the redevelopment of Banda Bahadur Marg and Sukhdev Vihar depots, a top source to ANI. New electric buses DEVi, Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector, have also been launched by the government. A fleet of 200 new buses was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi in the national capital on 5th June on the occasion of World Environment Day. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi on Saturday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. "I extend greetings to all Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha...Everyone offered prayers peacefully and prayed for peace and prosperity. This is very important for our Jammu and Kashmir...", Andrabi told ANI. Earlier in the day, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter Iltija Mufti offered Namaz in Srinagar on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. Pointing out that the gates of the Jama Masjid have been "locked again", PDP leader Iltija Mufti said, "Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been put under house arrest again. I want to ask the NC government and the LG why Mirwaiz is still being placed under house arrest when you claim everything is normal. As India's only and the largest Muslim majority state, we Kashmiris have the right to worship... More than infrastructure, we need dignity and security of life." After offering prayers, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said she also offered prayers for the people of Palestine. "We pray that Palestine is soon free from the atrocities being committed by Israel. Unfortunately, the government, on this pious day, has denied permission to offer namaz in the Jama Masjid, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been put under house arrest... I protest against the state government also, which is just watching everything and doing nothing," the former J-K Chief Minister said. "Unfortunately, the government, on this pious day, has denied permission to offer namaz in the Jama Masjid and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been put under house arrest... I protest against the state government also, which is just watching everything and doing nothing," she added. Meanwhile, Jammu Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah extended greetings on the festival across the country, calling the festival a time for peace and strengthening brotherhood. Speaking to media persons, CM Abdullah said, "I hope this Eid brings better days ahead for the Muslims of India and the world. I hope it brings peace and strengthens brotherhood. While we are celebrating Eid, unfortunately, once again, permission was denied to offer namaz in Srinagar's iconic Jama Masjid. I dont know the basis of these decisions, but we need to learn to trust our people. These are the same people who came out to protest against the Pahalgam terrorist attack...The government should think about allowing namaz in the historic Jama Masjid." (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, on Saturday met and congratulated the officers responsible for the anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, which led to the killing of top Naxal leaders. Shah also said that he would be visiting Chhattisgarh soon to meet the soldiers who played a key role in the successful operations. "Recently met the officers who played an important role in the operations conducted against Naxalism and congratulated them on the historic success of these operations. I am also eager to meet the soldiers who made these operations successful with their bravery and will soon visit Chhattisgarh and meet them," Shah said in a post on X. https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1931257976821579934 He further reiterated the resolve of the PM Modi-led government to free India from the "scourge of Naxalism." On June 6, Chief Minister Sai arrived in Delhi to brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the successful operations aimed at ending Naxalism, the way forward, and also to discuss the state's development. During his visit, CM Sai also met with Home Minister Shah and the officers responsible for the operations. In just over a month, two anti-Naxal operations have neutralised two top commanders of the banned CPI (Maoist). On June 5, officials confirmed that the body of Sudhakar (alias Gautam), a top Naxal leader, was found. On May 21, just over three weeks earlier, the body of Basava Raju was recovered. Raju was a Central Committee Politburo member and the General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist), widely known as the "backbone of the Naxal movement." According to officials, Gautam was a senior Maoist leader responsible for various violent incidents that resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent tribal civilians and of security personnel. His death marks a major success for the security forces and is a significant blow to the Maoist leadership, particularly in the Dandakaranya region. His neutralisation is expected to cause a considerable setback to the already weakening strength of the banned and outlawed Maoist organisation. Earlier, CM Sai saluted the jawans for their bravery in carrying out such operations. "Operations are going on continuously, and we are achieving success. Yesterday, as well, we had a success. One Central Committee Member (CCM) was neutralised by our jawans yesterday. We salute their bravery," he told reporters. So far in 2025, 186 Maoist cadres have been killed in counter-insurgency operations across the Bastar Range. Between 2024 and 2025, more than 403 Maoist cadres have been neutralised and their bodies recovered in the Bastar Range, following multiple encounters between Maoists and security forces, according to officials. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development works worth Rs 430 Cr in Jamnagar. These projects mark the 20 years of the first 'Urban Development Year' initiated by the then Chief Minister, Narendra Modi. CM Bhupendra Patel, in a post on X, shared that the Gujarat government is celebrating 2025 as 'Urban Development Year'. He also stated that the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation has prepared a development roadmap for the next five years, aiming to improve the 'ease of living' in the city. The CM wrote, "The state government is celebrating the year 2025 as 'Urban Development Year', under which today, development projects worth more than Rs. 430 crore were inaugurated in Jamnagar city and district. Development projects like community health centres, flyovers, smart schools and Anganwadis, and upgradation of the Government Dental College will inject new vitality into development in Jamnagar. In addition, the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation has prepared a development roadmap for the next 5 years, the implementation of which will increase the 'ease of living' of the citizens." The Gujarat CM added, "Respected Modi Saheb had declared the year 2005 as "Urban Development Year" in Gujarat and started the work of world-class development of cities. Today, it has been 20 years since that. And in these two decades, Jamnagar has shown exemplary development by taking a huge leap in development. A booklet depicting the development story of Jamnagar city in the last 20 years was released today." CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurated 13 development projects worth Rs 343.39 crore and laid the foundation stones for 28 new projects worth Rs 213.79 crore on Friday, bringing development initiatives worth Rs 557.18 crore to Rajkot. According to a release, addressing the event at the Pramukh Swami Auditorium in Rajkot, the Chief Minister stated that under the 'Urban Development Year' initiative, Rajkot city and district are witnessing significant development. (ANI) The Economic Offences Wing, Delhi Police, has arrested the accused Angad Pal Singh in a cheating and forgery case of Rs 30.47 crores. The accused Angad Pal Singh, along with his father Surinder Singh and brother Harsahib Singh, was holding ownership of five firms, namely Kumar Trading Company, National Trader, Trident Overseas India, HSC Exim India and AHC Auto Spares. As per the Delhi Police, the accused, Angad Pal Singh, used to manage the affairs of these companies along with his father and brother. They have created forged Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates and obtained benefits of Duty Credit Scrips worth Rs. 30.47 Crores and sold it in the open market. The remittance was shown to have been received by the Corporation Bank. They opened bank accounts in ICICI Bank Ltd. and processed the documents in conspiracy with bank employees. When the complaint was filed, they fled out of the country. The accused had been deported from the USA and arrested by CBI in another case of fraud. He was arrested by EOW on Friday. The ICICI Bank Ltd filed a complainant and reported that 467 fake Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRCs) were submitted to the bank (ICICI Bank, Naraina) by their 18 account holders (17 firms) during processing of their export documents. The FIRC were for the period from September 26, 2013 to October 21, 2015. On receipt of the FIRCs, ICICI issued Bank Realisation Certificates (BRCs) to the account holders, who availed trade (export) benefits from the office of DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade) under the foreign trade policy. All these FIRCs, which ran into Crores of rupees, were purportedly issued from Corporation Bank, Bhikaji Cama Place, Delhi. During the investigation of the case, it was found that as per the Foreign Trade Policy, two kinds of benefits used to be given to the exporters: (i) Duty Drawback and (ii) Scrips /License/letter/Hundi. The goods which were to be exported outside India used to pass through Customs, and the Duty Drawback was directly credited into the account of the exporter by Customs once a consignment was exported. Whereas, the second benefit was extended by the office of DGFT and this could be used at the time of import of goods for exemption of duties. Duty Credit Scrips (DCS) used to be the credits given to the exporters as incentives. These licenses/scrips used to be issued when payment against the export was received in the account of exporter. It was found that after receiving payment against the export, the trader/proprietor of the firm used to submit the export documents to the AD Bank (Authorized Dealer Bank) and after processing documents, the bank used to issue BRC (Bank Realization Certificate) to the exporter. The exporter thereafter used to produce the same to the DGFT and apply for the benefits. After going through the documents, the DGFT used to issue licenses/scrips. These incentives used to be given to the exporters in the form of Import duty credit and not as direct cash benefits. These credits could be used for the payment of Basic Customs Duties & Cess, and these Scrips are transferable. The accused is in judicial custody and is involved in one more criminal case registered with the EOW, as per the police. (ANI) The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra attend the G7 summit in Canada was due and "had to come" with India being a big geopolitical power, Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said on Saturday. "Invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit was due, it had to come. India is too big a power now, geopolitically, economically, and with our common sense in this world which is in the middle of a conflict. India had to be a participant at the table there," Sachdev told ANI here. Talking about the "gossip" about Canada not inviting India to the summit, the foreign affairs expert said that "in diplomacy we have to play games," while also saying that sometimes "it is better to keep the other side waiting. "There was some gossip going around that maybe Canada is not inviting India. We have to remember that in diplomacy, we have to play games. Even if we got an invitation, we don't need to confirm immediately. It's better to keep the other side waiting sometimes," he said. His remark was in reference to PM Modi only announcing his G7 visit only after Canadian PM Mark Carney called him, calling it a "classic case of Indian diplomacy." "This was a classic case of Indian diplomacy when the Canadian Prime Minister had to make a call after which PM Modi confirmed the invitation," he said. Earlier today, former diplomat KP Fabian said that without India's presence, the summit which discusses various issues pertaining to the economy, security, and terrorism could not have been "effective". "The G7 meeting, which is effective on having conversations about what is happening to global economy, security issues, war and peace, as well as terrorism and necessary counter-terrorism measures, cannot be effective without India's presence," Fabian told ANI. Earlier in the day, PM Carney said that G7 countries will hold discussions on important issues, including security and energy, in their upcoming summit, adding that India's presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. The effort seems a bid to thaw the frozen ties between the nations. The invitation to PM Modi comes after a period of severely strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar--a Canadian citizen and prominent pro-Khalistan activist--outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver, as per DW News. India strongly denied the claims, and both nations expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation, DW News reported. (ANI) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G7 summit to be held later this month in Canada, former diplomat Anil Trigunayat highlighted significance of the visit, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will talk with top leaders in the summit, especially after the hostilities by Pakistan post Operation Sindoor. Trigunayat said that as India looks to play a bigger role on the world stage and act as a "bridge builder" East and West, the country has also emerged as a "sane voice" in international discourse. "PM Modi has been consistently invited and has attended the G7 Summit, especially as India seeks to play a bigger role as a bridge builder between the East and West. We have seen the role PM Narendra Modi played in the Russia-Ukraine crisis and other crises. India has also emerged as a sane voice in the international discourse," he said in a self-made video. Underlining the importance of the summit, he added, "G7 is a significant grouping, and India's voice counts there, especially in situations like this, where we have just come out of a limited war against Pakistan. PM Modi will be able to speak to all top G7 leaders." Commenting on the relationship between India and Canada, he said that while earlier it was on a downturn due to former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. However, he added that the current Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who was sworn in just two months ago, has understood that terrorism cannot be condoned. "Our relationship with Canada took a downturn because of the previous Canadian government, particularly the Prime Minister, who made it his mission to align Canada with terrorist and extremist countries and groups. Fortunately, the new Prime Minister and dispensation understand that terrorism cannot be condoned under any circumstances," he said. India-Canada relations had been strained under the leadership of Trudeau following allegations regarding the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Nijjar. However, Carney has publicly called for improving ties with India. Earlier today, Chandra Arya, the CEO of the Canada India Public Affairs Council said that he would be happy to welcome PM Modi to Canada for the summit. "It would be my pleasure to welcome Narendra Modi to Canada for the G7 meeting during June 15-17. When I met Narendra Modi last July, I emphasised that Canada and India are united by shared values--democracy, pluralism, and a rules-based international order," he said. A Canadian lawmaker, Dallas Brodie highlighted how the invitation to the summit was a "fantastic development." In an interview with ANI, Dallas Brodie, a Canadian lawyer and MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena in British Columbia, also expressed concern at the Khalistani extremism, saying it is "a significant problem" and most Hindus and Sikhs are not happy with the situation. In a veiled reference to the previous government in Canada led by Justin Trudeau, Dallas Brodie said that ties between India and Canada had seen a downslide and PM Mark Carney reaching out to India signals that "they want to fix this dynamic" and "is a very positive development". The G7 summit will be held in Kananaskis, Canada from June 15-17. PM Modi received a call from Mark J Carney, inviting him to attend the upcoming summit. (ANI) Senior CPC official meets Vietnam's chief justice Xinhua) 09:58, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chen Wenqing, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Friday met with Le Minh Tri, chief justice of Vietnam's Supreme People's Court. Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, said the leaders of the two countries have reached important consensus on deepening the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. It is hoped that both sides earnestly implement the important consensus reached between the top leaders of the two countries and parties, improve their communication mechanism, broaden cooperation channels, strengthen judicial assistance, improve the quality and efficiency of combating transnational crime, and promote the efficient resolution of cross-border disputes, Chen said. Le Minh Tri said that Vietnam is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in the judicial field. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) According to officials, the accused, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time, first called to speak to his estranged wife, and later issued a threat to the Chief Minister. He is a law graduate and was reportedly upset after his wife left him. During the investigation, the man allegedly tried to mislead the police. Fake identity cards were also recovered from his possession. Officials said that they were further interrogating him. Delhi Police launched a probe on June 6 after receiving an alert from Ghaziabad Police about the threat. Late on June 5, Ghaziabad Police had received a call from an unidentified individual threatening to kill the Delhi Chief Minister, they said. Ritesh Tripathi, ACP Ghaziabad, said, "On the night of June 5, 2025, the Ghaziabad Commissionerate's Kotwali police station received a call from an unknown person who threatened to kill the Chief Minister of Delhi. The Ghaziabad control room immediately informed the Delhi control room." "Delhi's local police force promptly responded and reached the spot. However, the caller could not be contacted thereafter," he added. The police were further looking into the matter. (ANI) Shikha Rastogi, a passenger aboard the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, expressed her joy and gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, recalling her past interactions with the Prime Minister and praising the transformative infrastructure developments in India. Speaking to ANI on the train, Rastogi said, "I have been blessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ma'am. I have been allotted a shop in the Kashi Vishwanath corridor. I am happy to be able to travel in this train and I have come to Kashmir especially to travel in this train." She added that witnessing the inauguration ceremony live was an emotional moment for her. "I witnessed the inaugural ceremony live yesterday, and it felt surreal. PM Modi has done so much work for the country and even this train is for the country's people. Travel to and from Kashmir has become easy. The experience of travelling on the world's highest bridge was amazing," she told ANI. Recalling her past meetings with the Prime Minister, Rastogi said, "I have met PM Modi 2-3 times. This picture is from the time when the Kashi Vishwanath corridor was being inaugurated. He touched my feet and said that the government is with me and motivated me to aim higher." Visuals from inside Kashmir's first Vande Bharat Express showed scenic views as the train crossed the Anji Khad Bridge, which Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated on Thursday. The train's launch marked a major milestone in improving connectivity to the Union Territory, offering passengers faster and more comfortable travel between Katra and Srinagar. Earlier on Saturday, the inaugural ride of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Katra drew praise from passengers, many of whom described the new service as offering "unmatched convenience," making travel "much easier, possible, and comfortable," while hailing it as a "great move by the government" to connect Kashmir with the rest of India. Tourists and locals hailed the launch as a historic moment, saying it would cut down travel time, boost tourism, and make Kashmir more accessible. Speaking to ANI, Ashok Kumar Khajanchi, a tourist from Bikaner in Rajasthan, shared his experience, "We came from Bikaner to Mumbai and then to Srinagar. We've visited places like Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Many had tried to scare us into cancelling our trip, but we were determined. When we heard Vande Bharat was running, we cancelled our taxi to Jammu Tawi, even though we lost Rs 6,000. We booked Vande Bharat tickets at 7 PM and reached Srinagar by 8 PM. With my health problems, the train made travel much easier." Khajanchi, who is recovering from a foot fracture, added, "The convenience offered by Vande Bharat is unmatched. I had two fractures, so we had to cancel our earlier car and train bookings. But this train made the journey possible and comfortable." On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, officially connecting the Jammu division with Kashmir via rail. This marks a major milestone in strengthening railway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. During his visit, PM Modi also inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge over Chenab River. Speaking on the occasion, he said the development projects will further boost Jammu and Kashmir's growth journey. The train passes through two engineering marvels: the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world. (ANI) The Rajasthan government, in collaboration with the Centre, is set to organise livestock fairs at the divisional level and in 11 other districts to promote animal husbandry. Alongside, the state is implementing the 'Sex-Sorted Semen' scheme aimed at reducing the number of bulls and improving cattle productivity, officials said on Saturday. "Livestock fairs will be organised at the divisional level and in 11 districts to promote animal husbandry. Brazilian Gir cattle semen, which can yield 40-50 litres of milk per day, will be made available to breeders in Rajasthan at subsidised rates," said Joraram Kumat, Minister for Devasthan and Animal Husbandry. He added, "The Sex-Sorted Semen scheme and breed improvement programs will benefit cattle owners and farmers. The scheme offers a 90 per cent probability of female calf births, helping reduce the number of bulls while boosting productivity. We are committed to enhancing livestock productivity and supporting our farmers." Rajasthan is home to over 4,000 Gaushalas and Nandishalas, with substantial financial support provided by the state government. However, the high number of bulls remains a challenge, prompting new initiatives to address the issue. "The government plans to expand livestock fairs across all districts, increasing the number from 7 to 44. This will give cattle owners better access to high-quality breeds and information on breed improvement programs," Kumat said. He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, saying, "I extend my sincere thanks to the Honourable Chief Minister for his visionary initiatives to support livestock owners and farmers. These steps will significantly improve livelihoods and mark a new beginning for the sector." With these initiatives, Rajasthan aims to strengthen the livestock sector, an essential pillar of the state's rural economy, through focused interventions on breeding, productivity, and farmer support. (ANI) A Mohali court on Saturday remanded YouTuber Jasbir Singh, arrested on June 4 on espionage charges, to two days of police custody. The arrested accused, identified as Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (41), a resident of Village Mahlan in Rupnagar, has been operating a YouTube channel "JaanMahal Video" with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs. On Jasbir's remand, his lawyer said, "The police had asked for 7 days remand... We asked the police through the court what they did in 3 days. Today, he has been sent to a 2-day police remand." Jasbir Singh, who runs the YouTube channel "Jaan Mahal," is allegedly linked to a terror-backed espionage network involving Pakistani intelligence operative Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, as per police sources. He is also said to have maintained close contact with Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, previously arrested for spying, and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani national and expelled Pakistan High Commission official, said the police. On Wednesday, Punjab Police's State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar has arrested a YouTube influencer for spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab, in an official statement. Earlier, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the accused, Jasbir Singh, has been found associated with Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, part of a terror-backed espionage network. He also maintained close contact with Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra-- arrested for spying by Haryana Police-- and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani national and expelled Pak High Commission official, as per the statement. He said that investigations have revealed that Jasbir attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danish's invitation, where he met Pakistani Army officials and vloggers. The accused has also travelled to Pakistan on three occasions, including in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and came into direct contact with ISI officers, who subsequently cultivated and recruited him to carry out espionage activities within India, he added earlier. The DGP said that after Jyoti Malhotra's arrest, the accused, Jasbir, had attempted to erase all traces of his communications with these PIOs to avoid detection. Further investigations are underway to dismantle the broader espionage-terror network and identify all collaborators, he added. (ANI) Seven Naxalites, including two high-ranking leaders, were killed in a major anti-Naxal operation conducted by security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district between June 5 and 7, officials said on Saturday. According to officials, the operation, led jointly by the Special Task Force (STF), District Reserve Guard (DRG), and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) in the dense forest region of the National Park area, also resulted in the seizure of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and communication equipment. Inspector General (IG) of Police, Bastar Range, P Sundarraj, said that so far, a total of 7 bodies of Naxal cadres have been recovered by security forces during the ongoing anti-Naxal operations in the National Park area of Bijapur district. These include the bodies of Central Committee Member Gautam @ Sudhakar and Bhaskar, a Telangana State Committee Member. "It is worth mentioning that, as part of the continued anti-Naxal operations in the National Park area of Bijapur district, a total of 7 Naxal bodies have been recovered following multiple encounters that took place on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of June 2025," he added. The security forces conducted multiple encounters with Maoists in the dense forest terrain of the National Park area over three consecutive days. During the combing and search operations that followed the encounters, they recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and communication devices from the encounter sites. Efforts are underway to ascertain the identity of the five remaining deceased Naxals. "Search and area domination operations are still ongoing in the surrounding forested terrain. A few of the security personnel suffered injuries due to snake bites, honey bee stings, dehydration and other operational injuries. They are being provided with appropriate medical attention. Right now, their condition is normal and out of danger," added the IG. According to official data, 186 Maoists have been killed in counter-insurgency operations across the Bastar Range in 2025 so far. Between 2024 and 2025, over 403 Maoists have been neutralised in the region following sustained anti-Naxal efforts. Commenting on the recent success, Chhattisgarh Speaker Raman Singh referred to the deadline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for eliminating naxalism and said, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also set a deadline that naxalism will be eliminated from India by 2026. The police are also working with full force, and we will get 100 per cent success." (ANI). As a month has gone by since 'Operation Sindoor', residents in Samba expressed faith in the Indian Army and said that the situation was peaceful at present and people have returned to work. A resident in Samba said, "We are living 2 km away from the border. We have faced severe losses, and parts of drone entered our kitchen. Our windows were shattered. Now there is peace. Earlier, we were extremely frightened. PM Modi has provided a lot of benefits. He has announced the formation of new border battalions for Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, there was continuous shelling. We will be extremely relieved once PM Modi provides us with bunkers." He further said that they had full confidence in the Indian Army and all the drones were neutralised. "Now the people have started working in the fields again. There is no fear," he added. Another resident living 3 km away from the border said that the situation is now very peaceful. "The Indian Army and BSF had destroyed the drones in the air. Now, development work is in progress. People have started working in fields," he added. Another resident said that the terrorists' launch pad should also be dismantled in future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Pakistan "saw its doomsday" on the night of May 6 during Operation Sindoor, a deep strike mission that he said left the Pakistan Army and terrorists stunned. Addressing a public gathering in J-K's Reasi, PM Modi said, "Remember, exactly one month ago, on the night of May 6, Pakistan saw its doomsday. Now, whenever Pakistan hears the name of Operation Sindoor, it will remember its shameful defeat. The Pakistani Army and terrorists had never thought that India would attack terrorists hundreds of kilometres inside Pakistan in such a way." He said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the strength of Aatmnirbhar Bharat and praised the armed forces for their trust in 'Make in India.' "You have seen how Operation Sindoor has shown the power of Aatmnirbhar Bharat. Today, the world is discussing India's defence ecosystem. There is only one reason behind this. Our army's trust in Make in India. Every Indian has to repeat what the army has done," he said. He also urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in Mission Manufacturing, announced in this year's Budget. "I want to ask the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to join this mission. Your ideas and skills will take India's economy and security to new heights," he said. The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance for families affected by border shelling. He said houses fully damaged by cross-border shelling would receive Rs 2 lakh, while partially damaged houses would be given Rs 1 lakh. "The suffering of more than 2,000 families affected by shelling is also our own suffering. Now, those houses which have suffered heavy damage will be given Rs 2 lakh, and those partially damaged will receive Rs 1 lakh more," he said. (ANI) Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various development works worth crores of rupees in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said in a release. As per the release, on this occasion, Chouhan said that for the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), Madhya Pradesh will receive approximately Rs 6,262 crore this year. Chouhan called upon everyone to actively participate in development initiatives and said, "We will leave no stone unturned to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The development of villages and the nation is only possible with the support and cooperation of the people. The development of the country depends on the development of its villages." Chouhan added that consistent work is being done to bring Narmada water to Sehore, and the people can expect the waters of Narmada to reach the region soon. Efforts are also underway to supply Narmada water to farmers' fields in Ashta and Ichhawar. Speaking on urban development, Chouhan noted that Bhopal is being designated as a metropolitan city, and this will significantly benefit Sehore as the two cities grow closer and progress together. Regarding housing for the poor, Chouhan shared that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 14 lakh homes were approved for the poor as per the 2018+ list. He announced the approval of the remaining 7,85,356 houses. He also mentioned that the survey work for the scheme is underway, and after verification, new eligible applicants will also be approved to ensure that every deserving poor family gets a home. The Minister proudly stated that 1.48 crore women across the country have become 'Lakhpati Didis' (women earning Rs 1 lakh or more annually), and the government continues to strive to ensure no woman remains poor. Efforts are also being made to increase this number further. Chouhan further discussed the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, stating, "I have asked 16,000 scientists to step out of laboratories and go into villages. These scientists are now visiting rural areas, sharing their research directly with the farmers. I urge farmers to listen carefully to the scientists and adopt their recommendations to increase productivity. It is our resolve to achieve Viksit Krishi (developed agriculture) for a Viksit Bharat." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, also addressing the gathering on this occasion, assured that irrigation facilities will be extended to every farm and that, wherever necessary, full water support will be provided to ensure complete irrigation, the release added. (ANI) Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah met officers in Delhi who played a key role in recent anti-Naxal operations carried out in Chhattisgarh and congratulated them on their historic success. Shah said that the Modi government is committed to freeing India from the menace of Naxalism. In a post on X on Saturday, Union Home Minister said, "Met the officers who played a crucial role in the recent anti-Naxal operations and congratulated them on the historic success of these operations. I am eager to meet the brave jawans who made these operations successful with their courage, and will soon visit Chhattisgarh to meet them. The Modi government is committed to freeing India from the menace of Naxalism." It is noteworthy that, under the guidance of the Union Home Minister, security forces have been conducting anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh. As part of these efforts, the Chhattisgarh Police (including DRG units from Narayanpur, Dantewada, Kondagaon, and Bijapur districts) carried out an operation in the interior areas of Abujhmad from May 18 to May 21. On May 21, an encounter in the forests of Boter village resulted in the elimination of 27 Naxals, including CPI (Maoist) General Secretary and Polit Bureau member Basavaraju alias Gaganna, along with the recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammunition. The officers involved in this operation, including Chhattisgarh Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations/SIB/STF) Vivekanand, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj, Superintendent of Police (Narayanpur) Prabhat Kumar, Superintendent of Police (Bijapur) Jitendra Yadav, and Superintendent of Police (Naxal-free Bastar District) Shalabh Singh, were honored by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The event was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sharma, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, and several other senior officials. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government to reconsider the cancellation of the remission granted to a life convict, stressing the need to follow principles of natural justice. The remission was revoked following the convict's arrest in an attempted murder case. "The liberty of a person cannot be curtailed through administrative fiat without affording procedural safeguards. Since the cancellation of remission results in the convict's re-committal to custody, the consequence is serious enough to require strict adherence to natural justice," the High Court referred to the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Mafabhai Motibhai Sagar case. Justice Sanjeev Narula, while directing reconsideration, asked the authorities to issue a show cause notice to the Convict and give him an opportunity before passing an order. Petitioner Sonu Sonkar has approached the High Court challenging the cancellation on the grounds that he was not given an opportunity to be heard before the order cancelling his remission was passed. The High Court noted that the Supreme Court has categorically held that any decision to revoke remission must comply with due process and must be preceded by the issuance of a show cause notice, disclosing the grounds for cancellation and granting the convict an opportunity to respond and be heard. The record does not reflect that such an opportunity was extended to the petitioner before the cancellation of remission," the High Court said in the order passed on May 20. "While the order was passed in accordance with the Delhi Prison (DP) Rules, 2018, which at the relevant time did not mandate a prior show-cause notice to be issued, the binding precedent of the Supreme Court now requires that such safeguard be read into the process," Justice Narula said. The High Court ordered, "Accordingly, and in the interest of fairness, the Court deems it appropriate to direct reconsideration of the cancellation through a procedurally sound and time-bound exercise." The High Court directed the Delhi government shall within a period of 10 days from today issue a show cause notice detailing the specific grounds on which cancellation of remission is proposed. The Petitioner shall submit a written response within seven days and shall also be afforded an opportunity of personal hearing, the bench said. The competent authority shall thereafter pass a reasoned order, after due consideration of the petitioner's response, within a period of four (4) weeks from today, Justice Narula ordered. Petitioner Sonu Sonkar moved a petition through advocate Arpit Batra challenging the order of September 24, 2022, passed by the Dy. Secretary (Home), GNCTD, affirmed by the Lt. Governor, Delhi. The sentence remission was revoked, directing him to serve the remainder of his original sentence. Sonkar was convicted and sentenced to a life sentence in a murder case from 2004. After completing fifteen years of incarceration, he applied for premature release on the grounds of sustained good conduct while in custody. The Sentence Review Board (SRB), after considering his case, recommended his premature release, which was duly accepted by the competent authority. On September 9, 2019, the Petitioner was released from custody upon furnishing a personal bond. However, while on remission, in 2021, he was named in an FIR of Police Station Subzi Mandi under Sections 307 and 34 of IPC as well as Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act 1959. He was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on November 30, 2021, and lodged in Central Jail, Tihar. The authorities construed the initiation of fresh criminal proceedings against the petitioner as a breach of the undertakings embodied in the personal bond executed at the time of his premature release. Advocate Arpit Batra, counsel for the petitioner, submitted that the mere pendency of a fresh FIR, particularly one in which the allegations are yet to be tested through trial, cannot constitute a sufficient basis to revoke a remission. It was also submitted that the petitioner was neither issued a show cause notice nor given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the order was passed. It is a violation of the Principles of Natural Justice. (ANI) The Congress Chairperson has been brought in for a routine health check-up due to some minor health issues, according to Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister. The doctors are examining her health condition, and currently, she is in stable condition, said Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister. In February, Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. She was admitted earlier due to stomach-related issues, the hospital said in a statement. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday during his visit to Delhi and had a detailed discussion with the PM regarding the construction of the multipurpose Bodhghat dam project and the Indravati-Mahanadi interlinking project as national projects. During their discussion, the Chief Minister highlighted that the Bastar division has long been affected by Naxalism, which has hindered the development of irrigation facilities in the region. The Government of Chhattisgarh is working on the Multipurpose Bodhghat Dam Project and the Indravati-Mahanadi Link Project to overcome these challenges and promote inclusive development. He stated that the Bodhghat Multipurpose Dam Project will prove to be a transformative initiative for the comprehensive development of the Bastar region. Proposed on the Indravati River, a major tributary of the Godavari, the project has been included in the 1980 award of the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal. While other states have implemented their respective projects under the same award, the Bodhghat project remained stalled due to its remote location and the Naxal problem. The Bodhghat Project is expected to expand irrigation infrastructure and significantly accelerate the development of Bastar. The project will generate 125 MW of hydroelectric power, produce 4,824 tonnes of fish annually, ensure irrigation across 3,78,475 hectares during Kharif and Rabi seasons, and provide 49 MCM of drinking water. The Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Project will additionally enable irrigation of more than 3 lakh hectares, including 50,000 hectares in the Kanker district. Together, both projects represent a crucial step toward a prosperous and self-reliant Bastar. The Multipurpose Bodhghat Dam Project is proposed on the Indravati River, a major tributary of the Godavari. In Chhattisgarh, the Indravati flows for 264 km. The project site is located about 8 km from Barsur village in Geedam block of Dantewada district and approximately 100 km from Jagdalpur city. The Bodhghat Project will benefit 269 villages across the districts of Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma. The Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Project will expand irrigation facilities to numerous villages in Kanker district. Together, both projects will serve as a major step in transforming the Bastar division into a developed, self-reliant, and empowered region. (ANI) Emphasising the need for stringent regulation of food quality, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, Karnataka Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood urged both state and central food and drug authorities to closely monitor and regulate the standards of street and hotel food. Speaking at the World Food Safety Day programme organised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at NIMHANS on Saturday, Dr Patil highlighted the serious health risks posed by unhygienic and adulterated food. "Children and the elderly are often the worst affected by low-quality food sold in public spaces. Strict enforcement by government agencies is essential to ensure safety," he said, addressing the gathering that included Union Health Minister J P Nadda and department secretary Punya Salila Srivastava. A medical professional himself, Dr Patil pointed out that vendors frequently use banned colours and chemicals to enhance the taste and appearance of food, which can lead to severe health complications, sometimes even proving fatal. He encouraged youth and children to choose home-cooked meals over street food. "Our ancestors have handed down healthy food habits. It's time we return to those practices. Eating right is a sign of a progressive nation," he said. On the occasion, the minister launched the 'Eat Right Activity Book' by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), aimed at raising awareness on food safety, hygiene, and nutrition among schoolchildren and communities. He also flagged off 'Food Safety on Wheels', a mobile unit for training, testing and creating public awareness on healthy food practices. The event concluded with the Institute Body (IB) and Governing Body (GB) meetings of NIMHANS, chaired by Union Minister J P Nadda. MPs P C Mohan and Lehar Singh, and NIMHANS Director Dr Pratima Murthy were also present. Earlier Union Health Minister JP Nadda on June 3 said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the focus of India's national health policy is to develop a "holistic health care system", which not only focuses curative part in health care but also emphasises on the preventive care, palliative care, rehabilitative care, geriatric care and promotional health care. Nadda was addressing the newly passed out students from several branches of healthcare education at 15th Convocation of KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), held at JNMC Campus in Belagavi, Karnataka. (ANI) BJP leader Amit Malviya on Saturday hit out at Kolkata Mayor and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Firhad Hakim for making what he called a "vile and disgraceful attack" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Operation Sindoor. He accused Hakim of calling the PM a "coward" and dismissing his role in the operation. In a post on X, Malviya shared a video in which Hakim could be seen allegedly stating, "There is nothing big about the Prime Minister here... But, for fear of a bigger country, he has locked up the Armed Forces as cowards." Malviya further accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of instructing Hakim to say such things to the Prime Minister. He noted that the rhetoric was similar to what a "Pakistani politician" would say to belittle India and its government, and that such remarks expose the mindset of such leaders who spread hate above the national interest. "Listen carefully to what Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim is saying -- the same man who once infamously called parts of Kolkata "Mini Pakistan" and openly harbours dreams of turning India into an Islamic state. Now, under clear instructions from his leader, Mamata Banerjee, he has launched a vile and disgraceful attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 1. He shamelessly claimed that PM Modi had no role in giving Pakistan a befitting reply through Operation Sindoor. 2. He went a step further and labelled the Prime Minister a "coward" for observing a ceasefire and not extending Operation Sindoor further. Frankly, this rhetoric sounds less like an Indian leader and more like a Pakistani politician trying to belittle the Indian government and its leadership. Such statements expose the mindset of those who put partisan hate above national interest. The people of India will see through this," the BJP leader stated in the post. Meanwhile, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar further accused the Kolkata Mayor of raising questions against the Indian Army and BSF, stating that he was "incapable" of understanding the work that PM Modi had done. "People like Firhad Hakim, they are incapable of understanding the work that PM has done... During the UPA government, when the TMC was a part of it, it tied the hands of the army... PM Modi gave a free hand to the army, and we destroyed the terrorist sites in Pakistan... Firhad Hakim and his party always raise questions on the Indian Army and BSF," Majumder stated. (ANI) The Election Commission had written a detailed letter to Congress in December last year rejecting its "misleading" claims about voter turnout data in Maharashtra polls and, instead of writing to the poll panel directly, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi keeps speaking and writing to media seeking answers to his "same unfounded doubts again and again", ECI sources said on Saturday. They said it is not clear as to why Rahul Gandhi is shying away from writing to EC in person himself and get a reply. ECI sources said that the poll panel had extended an invitation to the Indian National Congress (INC) for interaction, which was scheduled for May 15. However, the meeting was later cancelled at the request of INC itself. ECI has been conducting training sessions for Booth Level Agents (BLAs) nominated by political parties. Several BLAs from the Congress party have already undergone training at IIIDEM.The sources said the Commission remains open to extending similar training on the electoral process to senior leaders of the INC. Such training may help dispel any self-created doubts regarding the integrity of the electoral process, they said. Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, wrote an article in English daily, on Saturday alleging "rigging" in Maharashtra assembly polls, and following a response to his allegations, alleged that the poll panel was "releasing unsigned, evasive notes" in response to his queries. He demanded that EC should publish consolidated, digital, machine-readable voter rolls for the most recent elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas of all states including Maharashtra. Earlier in the day, ECI had described as "unsubstantiated" the allegations made by Rahul Gandhi in his newspaper article. "Unsubstantiated allegations raised against the Electoral Rolls of Maharashtra are affront to the rule of law. The Election Commission had brought out all these facts in its reply to the INC on December 24, 2024 itself, which is available on ECI's website. It appears that all these facts are completely being ignored while raising such issues again and again," ECI said. "Any misinformation being spread, by anyone, is not only a sign of disrespect towards the Law, but also brings disrepute to the thousands of representatives appointed by their own political party and demotivates lakhs of election staff who work untiringly and transparently during elections. After any unfavourable verdict by the voters, trying to defame the Election Commission by saying that it is compromised, is completely absurd," it added. (ANI) Empowering Assam's research scholars, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday launched Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme at a function held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati. The scheme aims to provide one-time financial assistance to research scholars, focusing on divyang scholars, to usher in a new era of research and development in Assam. The scheme is the first of its kind. It will provide Rs 25,000 for full-time research scholars and Rs 40,000 for Divyang research scholars. The scheme is open to permanent residents of Assam studying in public institutions (State and central universities). Moreover, at the same platform, making the transfer process simpler, time-bound and fully transparent, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma also presented transfer orders affected via Swagata Satirtha Portal, benefitting 9004 Grade III and IV employees of the State government. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, "Today marks a milestone for Assam as the government kicks off two important schemes for the people of the state: Swagata Satirtha for hassle-free mutual transfer and Jiban Anuprerana scheme for our research scholars." He said, "Gone are those days when a government transfer meant long queues at Janata Bhawan. With the Swagata Satirtha portal, the government has made the transfer process simpler, time-bound and fully transparent. Today, with just a click, over 9004 candidates have been mutually transferred. Our commitment is to bring transparency and accountability to every facet of government service." The Chief Minister also said that the mutual transfer system through the Swagata Satirtha portal is a revolutionary government step that will give people mental satisfaction and lead to increased productivity. Expressing the State government's commitment to the welfare of the government employees, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that Assam is one of the six states that gives dearness allowance and dearness relief at par with the Central government. "Many states have huge differences with the Centre regarding their allowances and other perks. In giving government appointments, the State government has successfully weeded out corrupt practices and brought transparency. Now every government department is giving government appointments following a merit-based, rigorous and transparent procedure," he said. Stating his government's employee-friendly policies, he said that around 40,000 government employees took advantage of the housing loan 'Apun Ghar', which amounts to Rs 15 lakh each. However, he said the government has granted the employees' plea to increase the loan amount to Rs. 30 lakh. He also talked about the reformation that the present state government has brought in, providing compassionate employment, and highlighted the convenience that the government has introduced in Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana. Moreover, speaking about the Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme, the Chief Minister said that the scheme would greatly help empower students to carry out their research and development work without financial constraints. The scheme will also help the students complete their research in time and gain employment in educational institutions. He also spoke about the Nijut Moina scheme, which entitles an HS student Rs 1000, a degree student Rs 1,250 and a PG student Rs 2,500 monthly. The Chief Minister added that the scheme has transformed girls' education in the state. (ANI) The event brought together prominent industry representatives to discuss manufacturing opportunities under India's recently launched Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme. According to an official statement, the draft policy represents a comprehensive framework intended to stimulate investment, develop specialised infrastructure, and cultivate expertise throughout the electronics component manufacturing sector. The policy aligns with national objectives for expanding domestic electronics production capabilities. Union IT and Electronics Joint Secretary Sushil Pal and Andhra Pradesh IT Secretary K Bhaskar, among other officials and industry participants, attended the roadshow. The state government designed the policy to attract investment through various financial incentives, including early adoption benefits, matching incentive structures, interim support measures, and ready-to-use manufacturing facilities within dedicated component production clusters. During the event, Dixon Technologies announced plans to create 5,000 additional employment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh over the next two years as part of its regional expansion strategy. Similarly, Neolync, which operates with backing from Reliance, committed to generating 5,000 jobs within the state as part of its growth plans. The policy launch reflects broader national efforts to strengthen India's position in global electronics manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported components through domestic production capabilities. Speaking about the policy, TDP leader Pattabhi Ram said, "In a joint workshop organised by the Govt of Andhra Pradesh, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, and India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), the Govt has announced a draft policy for Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy 4.0. "This is to drive investment in the state, which was badly affected by the misgovernance of Jagan Reddy's rule. Now, the NDA Govt is trying to bring back the brand image of the state as a favourable investment destination. Companies like Dixon have immediately committed to bringing investment into the state," he added. (ANI) As per the release, eight individuals have been arrested so far in the case. Using a bottom-to-top investigative approach, the source of the substance has been identified, and an illegal pharmaceutical manufacturing unit located in Sidcul, Haridwar (Uttarakhand) was busted on June 6, 2025. The operation, which spanned across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, also revealed suspected international linkages. The operation commenced with an interception on January 9, 2025, at a courier facility in Delhi, which led to the seizure of 3.6 kg of Codeine Phosphate tablets in loose form. From January to June 2025, follow-up searches in Delhi and Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, recovered 9.144 kg of Alprazolam and 2.360 kg of Codeine Phosphate, approximately 10,000 multiple-brand NRx tablets in strips, 1.383 kg of Pseudoephedrine, and 130.440 kg of raw material /tablets in loose form. Subsequent investigations uncovered that a clandestine lab in Haridwar was operating without a valid drug manufacturing license. It was revealed that psychotropic substances were being manufactured in bulk for illegal trafficking. Further investigation is ongoing to trace and apprehend other individuals and entities associated with this syndicate. Earlier in May 2025, NCB Amritsar zonal unit axed a drug diversion cartel through a four-month-long operation across Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi and seized drugs worth 547 crore and arrested 15 persons. These seizures exemplify the NCB's commitment to successfully disrupting transnational and interstate drug networks to achieve the vision of a drug-free India. To fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks the support of the citizens. Any person can share information related to the sale of narcotics by calling the MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number- 1933. The identity of the caller is kept confidential. (ANI) After sustaining grievous injuries, he battled valiantly during treatment at Command Hospital and passed away on June 6. "GOC and all ranks of WhiteKnightCorps pay heartfelt tribute to #Braveheart Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during OpSindoor. After sustaining grievous injuries, he battled valiantly during treatment at Command Hospital and passed away on 06 Jun 2025," White Knight Corps said in a post on X. https://x.com/Whiteknight_IA/status/1931246100863766961 "His unwavering courage, sense of duty, and sacrifice will forever remain etched in our hearts. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of profound grief," the post added. The Indian Armed Forces' on May 7 launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor and dismantled nine major terror camps associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). Five of the nine terror camps were located in PoJK, and the other four in Pakistan. The strikes came in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Among the destroyed camps in Pakistan, Muridke and Bhawalpur stand out as they not only serve as residences for major commanders but also serve as epicentres for radicalisation and various training courses on intelligence and arms handling for Laskar as well as Jaish-e-Mohammad. Among the key terror operatives eliminated in the operation was Rauf Azhar, the brother-in-law of Maulana Masood Azhar, the Jaish Chief. Rauf Azhar, a proscribed terrorist, is wanted for his part in the conspiracy to hijack IC-814. (ANI) Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, who has been on a personal visit to Himachal Pradesh's Shimla since June 2, underwent a routine medical check-up at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) on Saturday evening. According to the hospital administration, Sonia Gandhi arrived at IGMC around 5:00 pm. She was accompanied by a limited entourage, and the visit was kept discreet. The check-up was part of her regular health care routine. Dr. Aman Chauhan, Deputy Medical Superintendent at IGMC, confirmed the visit, and said, "She had come for a routine check-up and left after it was completed. Her blood pressure was slightly on the higher side, but there is nothing serious." "No additional tests were conducted; only routine investigations were carried out. She was not given any special medical advice because everything was perfectly fine," Dr. Chauhan said. Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Colonel (Retd.) Dhani Ram Shandil spoke to the media regarding her health and assured that there was no cause for concern. "Sonia Gandhi is in very good health. It is common for anyone to undergo routine check-ups as part of maintaining good health. That is exactly what happened today. There is nothing to worry about," he said. A press note issued by Dr. Rahul Rao, Medical Superintendent of IGMC and Hospital, also confirmed it. "Sonia Gandhi visited Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, today for a routine medical check-up. As part of preventive and diagnostic care, a few medical tests were conducted under the supervision of a team of specialised doctors at IGMC. All necessary protocols were followed, and the visit was smoothly coordinated by the medical team. After routine investigations, she left the hospital." Sonia Gandhi is currently staying at Chharabra, a picturesque hilltop on the outskirts of Shimla, at the residence of her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Officials have said she will be leaving Shimla on Sunday morning. Her visit to IGMC was coordinated with minimum security arrangements to avoid disrupting the hospital's functioning, and the hospital staff ensured that the visit remained smooth and efficient. This marks another instance of Sonia Gandhi choosing Shimla as a place for both rest and wellness, a destination that the Gandhi family has often frequented for private retreats. (ANI) BSF and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) conducted a well-coordinated, precise intelligence-based joint operation that led to the significant apprehension of three outlaws and the seizure of six pistols near an area adjacent to Khalsa College in Amritsar on Friday evening. The operation was planned, based on specific input regarding an arms deal being conducted in an area near Khalsa College. Intelligent surveillance, strategic positioning and discreet movement tracking by the joint team of BSF and ANTF resulted in the successful apprehension of three criminals along with six pistols, six magazines, one scooty, one motorcycle and four mobile phones, according to the press release. All the pistols were wrapped with yellow adhesive tape with iron rings attached to each. The apprehended delinquents are residents of Gate Hakima and Chehharta area of Amritsar. Further, the investigation is underway to ascertain the links of the apprehended criminals and their motives. The swift and flawlessly coordinated action by BSF and ANTF Amritsar highlights the resolute of security forces in decimating any nefarious plans of anti-national elements to spread terror among the law-abiding residents. Earlier, the Border Security Force (BSF) recovered a drone and a heroin packet from the Amritsar border in two separate recoveries, the BSF said in a press release on Friday. "On Thursday, in the evening hours, a search operation by BSF troops led to the recovery of one DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone in damaged condition from a farming field adjacent to Rattankhurd village. This morning, acting on a specific input, the BSF troops successfully recovered one packet of suspected heroin with a gross weight of 531 grams from a farming field adjacent to Balve Dariya village in Amritsar," the BSF said in a press release. The narcotics were wrapped with yellow adhesive tape, and an iron ring was also found attached to the packet. The BSF said that keen observation and swift action of BSF troops successfully seized this narcotics packet and rogue drone launched by Pakistani smugglers from across the border. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called upon the Election Commission to publish consolidated, digital, machine-readable voter rolls for the most recent elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas of all states, including Maharashtra, saying that "telling the truth" will protect poll panel's credibility. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, referred to the ECI's response to his allegations concerning Maharashtra polls and said "releasing unsigned, evasive notes to intermediaries is not the way to respond to serious questions". "Dear EC, You are a Constitutional body. Releasing unsigned, evasive notes to intermediaries is not the way to respond to serious questions. If you have nothing to hide, answer the questions in my article and prove it by: * Publishing consolidated, digital, machine-readable voter rolls for the most recent elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas of all states, including Maharashtra * Releasing all post-5 pm CCTV footage from Maharashtra polling booths. Evasion won't protect your credibility. Telling the truth will," he said in a post on X. In response, ECI described Rahul Gandhi's Maharashtra election poll rigging as "unsubstantiated allegations." "Unsubstantiated allegations raised against the Electoral Rolls of Maharashtra are affront to the rule of law. The Election Commission had brought out all these facts in its reply to the INC on 24th December 2024 itself, which is available on ECI's website. It appears that all these facts are completely being ignored while raising such issues again and again," it said. "Any misinformation being spread, by anyone, is not only a sign of disrespect towards the Law, but also brings disrepute to the thousands of representatives appointed by their own political party and demotivates lakhs of election staff who work untiringly and transparently during elections. After any unfavourable verdict by the voters, trying to defame the Election Commission by saying that it is compromised, is completely absurd," it added. (ANI) In a coordinated effort to tackle the flood situation, various departments--including the Minor Irrigation Department, Water Resources Department, Manipur Fire Service, and District Administration--are working together to address waterlogging across several locations in Manipur, according to a press release from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). On June 6, 2025, the Minor Irrigation Department initiated dewatering efforts at key flood-affected locations such as the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), using 25 HP pumps. Meanwhile, the Water Resource Department initiated de-clogging streams such as Pemikhong and Takhelkhong by removing debris and vegetation from these streams and the surrounding areas. Water logging at JNIMS and its surrounding areas, i.e. Porompat Soibam Leikai, Porompat Thawan Thaba Leikai, and Kongpal Mutum Leikai, has significantly subsided due to the de-clogging of Pemikhong. Similarly, de-clogging of Takhelkhong has led to subsiding in waterlogging at the Govindajee Temple and its surrounding areas, i.e. Andro-parking and Konung-Mamang. Working alongside is the Manipur Fire Service, who came on their own on 5th June, surveyed the JNIMS hospital complex and prepared an elaborate plan to clean up the premises. Once flood waters receded enough below the ground floor plinth levels, 90 (Ninety) Fire Service personnel were mobilised and a massive cleaning work commenced on 6th June, along with 3 (three) water browsers, a submersible portable pump, an LED lighting system, brooms and wipers. They were joined by the JNIMS employees--officers, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, administrative staff, and support staff--in the clean-up operations of the huge 56-acre complex. The clean-up operations were continuing at the time of filing this report on 7 June. Similarly, another Manipur Fire Service Personnel team has been deployed at Govindajee Temple, and cleaning activities are underway. Thus, various stakeholders are taking a well-coordinated approach to a speedy return to pre-flood conditions in the state. It is encouraging to learn that despite severe staff constraints, the State Minor Irrigation Department has deployed manpower on a round-the-clock roster to dewater waterlogged areas in various locations. When the Department tried to dewater Govindajee Temple, there was initial resistance from the public residing in and around the discharge points, as their own localities were already under inundation, and the flood waters were receding too slowly for public satisfaction. The additional water being freshly pumped into their localities was not a welcome proposition. After intense negotiation, the officials resumed the dewatering process by carrying the pumped-out water far from the pumping site using long pipes. This involved diversion of vehicles and an additional public inconvenience, which the public was willing to accept and bear. The dewatering task was completed on 7th June, 2025. Other areas where flood waters were similarly pumped out successfully include the Raj Bhawan, Sanjenthong, New Checkon, Bamon Leikai and Singjamei Beigyapati Leikai. The Water Resource Department has successfully cleared debris and vegetation choking the Nambul River at Samurou Upokpi. The department has also carried out de-clogging of streams, drains, water channels, etc., and removal of debris at various densely populated areas of Thongju, Yaishkul, Ayangpalli, Ningthempukhri, Nongmeibung, etc., to ensure smoother water drainage. After successfully plugging and reinforcing river bank breaches along the Imphal and Kongba Rivers, the Water Resource Department has investigated the soil crack at Mayang Imphal Chabung Company with the help of a geotechnical expert from Manipur Institute of Technology, Manipur. The phenomenon was attributed to drawdown effects, and remedial measures are being formulated. It is worth mentioning that JNIMS Hospital, the State's Premier Medical Institute, was severely inundated on 1st June after flood water from a breach of the Imphal river at Khurai Heigrumakhong entered the ground floors of almost all buildings in the hospital complex, impacting critical services, including wards, the ICU, and the labour room. Emergency evacuations were carried out, relocating 272 (Two Hundred and Seventy-two) patients to RIMS and 91 (Ninety-one) patients to Private Hospitals, including critical neurosurgery cases. The evacuation was carried out by the Manipur Fire Service, SDRF, and Manipur Police with the assistance of NDRF, Central Security Forces, Civil Organisations, local volunteers, Red Cross, NHM, CMO/Imphal East, District Administration, students' organisations, etc. Now, restoration works are in full swing. Plastic and debris have been cleared from hospital drains. MSPCL and MSPDCL have restored power supply to essential medical equipment. Sanitisation and water removal from reservoirs are ongoing. The coordinated effort made by various Departments and Agencies of the State Government, with active participation from the general public, CSOs, students' organisations, and volunteers to tackle the recent devastating flood is a glaring example that no crisis is too big to face if it is faced together in a coordinated manner. The Government of Manipur remains committed to ensuring public safety, timely relief, mitigating the risk of further flooding, and sustainable and speedy recovery. The Government is also thankful to all those who have come forward to help the affected people in different ways. (ANI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a scathing attack on the Punjab Government today, alleging that the AAP government in Punjab has been built on a foundation of lies. He said the government "has neither undertaken any meaningful work for public welfare nor does it have the will to do so". Speaking to reporters in Sangrur, Punjab, CM Nayab Singh Saini alleged that the Punjab government has completely failed to fulfill the promises it made during the elections. He said that their "deception has already been exposed in Delhi, as lies cannot survive for long". Saini said that in Punjab, too, "public support for the AAP government has eroded, and people are ready to show them the door". According to a release, the Chief Minister said that for the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, public welfare schemes are being effectively implemented in Haryana. The trust of the people in the government's policies and working style has only grown stronger. Referring to the Ludhiana by-election, he said that people there have made up their minds that Punjab too should move ahead swiftly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The Chief Minister alleged that the Punjab Government is not implementing the Central Government's welfare schemes, depriving the public of their benefits. In contrast, the Haryana Government is procuring all crops from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He urged the Punjab Government to show concern for its farmers and ensure they receive fair prices for their produce. He said that the Haryana Government has provided over Rs. 15,500 crore as compensation to farmers for crop damage due to natural disasters over the past 10 years. Additionally, vegetable farmers are receiving compensation under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana. People in Haryana are also benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat scheme, whereas the people of Punjab remain deprived of its benefits, said the Chief Minister. (ANI) Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's allegations that Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar stated that he should visit West Bengal to see democracy under the Mamata Banerjee government. Sukanta Majumdar said, "The problem with our Opposition is that wherever they win, they say EVMs are right, and where they lose, they say EVMs are faulty and there is match-fixing. Some kids do not know how to play the match then they blame the pitch and umpire. Rahul Gandhi does not know how to play. I wish that his prediction that the states in which there is no BJP government will have a BJP rule should come true. In Bengal, also BJP government should be formed according to his prediction." He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi should visit West Bengal to understand democracy under the TMC rule. "Rahul Gandhi never visits Bengal. He should come to Bengal to see how the match is played here. He should see how Congress workers are beaten here often. Rahul Gandhi should visit West Bengal to see democracy under the Mamata Banerjee government," he added. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the Maharashtra Assembly election held in November 2024 was "rigged", and claimed that the same will be repeated in Bihar Assembly polls due later this year. In a post on X, Gandhi shared his article published in a newspaper, explaining the "rigging" in the Maharashtra assembly polls." Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. My article shows how this happened, step by step," Gandhi said on X. The former Congress President explained a five-point process. He said that step one includes rigging the panel that appoints the Election Commission, followed by adding fake voters to the electoral roll. He further claimed that the next steps include inflating the voter turnout, targeting the bogus voting exactly where the BJP needs to win and hiding the evidence. "Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission; Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll; Step 3: Inflate voter turnout; Step 4: Target the bogus voting exactly where the BJP needs to win; Step 5: Hide the evidence," Gandhi said. (ANI) As Operation Sindoor, launched by Indian armed forces in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, marks one month on Sunday, people living near the Indo-Pakistan border in Poonch district said that life is slowly returning to normal after the ceasefire with schools opening and people getting back to their routine. "Uss bhayanak khwab ko bhule toh nahi hain, lekin bhoolne ki koshish kar rahe hain. (We haven't forgotten that terrible dream, but are trying to forget it)," said Pradeep Khanna, a local resident in Poonch. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Khanna said, "Operation Sindoor was launched to avenge the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 people. Prime Minister Narendera Modi said that the terrorists would be given a befitting reply, which they received. On intervening May 6-7, nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan were destroyed. After that firing took place here in Poonch, which is also called the battlefield of Jammu and Kashmir." "After the ceasefire, life is slowly returning to normal. Schools have reopened, and people are returning to their works. We haven't forgotten that terrible dream, but are trying to forget it. We celebrated Eid al-Adha together with all the people here in unity. Operation Sindoor is not over yet. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are united in the fight against terrorism," said Khanna. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in response to a ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam last month in which 26 people were killed. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. (ANI) https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/1931379828659265896 "An IAF An-32 aircraft successfully airlifted a critically ill IA personnel from Kargil to CH Chandimandir this morning.High altitude and extreme temperatures make Kargil a formidable challenge for transport operations during summers. This mission was executed at first light, using the aircraft at the edge of its performance envelope," posted IAF on X a day earlier. On June 4, In the wake of heavy rains and devastating landslides in North Sikkim, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday carried out urgent rescue and relief operations in the remote region of Chaten and evacuated 33 stranded people, including two US nationals, from the remote and rain-battered Chaten region of North Sikkim. In a statement, the Indian Air Force earlier said, "In response to the devastating landslides in Sikkim, Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters rapidly launched Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Ops -- dropping relief supplies, inserting NDRF teams, and evacuating 33 stranded individuals, including two US nationals, from the remote Chaten region." However, a prior operation to evacuate 113 stranded tourists from Lachen during the early hours had to be called off due to bad weather. An Mi-17 helicopter carrying nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel took off from Pakyong Airport , but was forced to return mid-air because of poor visibility near Mangan and Chaten. (ANI) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday described his meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy as 'fruitful' as they discussed avenues to deepen bilateral trade and strengthen collaboration across various sectors to "unlock" the full potential of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1931405191758389633 "Had a fruitful meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy today. We both expressed our appreciation towards the work done in finalising the historic India-UK FTA, which is poised to give further boost to our growing ties. We further discussed avenues to deepen bilateral trade and strengthen collaboration across various sectors to unlock the full potential of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," posted Goyal on X. A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and said his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in comprehensive strategic partnership is appreciative. "Pleased to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Appreciate his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further strengthened by the recently concluded FTA. Value UK's support for India's fight against cross-border terrorism," posted PM Modi on X. David Lammy posted on X, "Thank you Prime Minister@narendramodifor your warm welcome to India. Building on the free trade agreement between our great countries, we will continue working together to deepen our partnership, celebrate our unique living bridge, and deliver growth and security." Earlier on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the UK Foreign Secretary also held bilateral discussions. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Glad to meet UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today in Delhi. Appreciate UK's strong condemnation of the terrorist attack on Pahalgam and support in combatting terrorism. Our conversation focused on the significant strides being made by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Agreed that as our collaboration continues to grow, new opportunities emerge. Also discussed global and regional issues as also cooperation in multilateral fora." The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and posted on X, "Great to see my friend S Jaishankar in Delhi today. We are advancing a new era in UK-India relations -- boosting trade and technology, tackling the climate crisis and providing greater security for our people." During the meeting, UK FS Lammy expressed condolences over the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated the UK's support in combating terrorism. Lammy also spoke about the recent progress in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring growing education and trade cooperation. Offering condolences on the terrror attack, Lammy said, "It is obviously also sadly the case that there has been a horrific terrorist attack since we last met and my Prime Minister wishes me to convey once again the deep condolences of the UK and a hand of friendship with India and support as we deal with the terrorism threat in a comprehensive manner." (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that US and Chinese representatives will meet in London on June 9 for talks to resolve trade dispute, a day after calling his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. The meeting aims to discuss the trade deal between the two countries. Sharing a post on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote, "I am pleased to announce that Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, will be meeting in London on Monday, June 9, 2025, with Representatives of China, with reference to the Trade Deal." "The meeting should go very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added. On Thursday, Trump said he had a "good conversation" with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, and they straightened out any complexity. He stated that the 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), Trump stated that Xi Jinping invited him to China and that he had accepted the invitation. He also mentioned that he had invited Xi to the US. Trump stated that the 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." 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." 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. (ANI) Russia launched a massive strike on Ukraine, firing over 400 drones and 40 missiles across the country, killing at least six people and injuring dozens more, CNN reported, citing a Ukrainian official's statement. The attack targeted almost all Ukraine, with nine regions affected, including Kyiv, Lviv, and Sumy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the largest attacks since the war began. Three firefighters were killed in Kyiv, two civilians were killed in Lutsk, and another person was killed in Chernihiv, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service, as per CNN. After the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had used more than 400 drones and 40 missiles in the overnight attack, making it among the war's largest. He said Moscow's attack injured 80 and targeted "almost all" of Ukraine, listing nine regions, from Lviv in the west to Sumy in the northeast. According to CNN, although Russia has pummeled Ukraine almost daily over three years of full-scale war, Ukrainians had been bracing for retaliation since last Sunday, when Kyiv launched an audacious operation that struck more than a third of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers. During the telephonic conversation with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would have to respond to Kyiv's assault. Russia's Ministry of Defence said its strikes were in response to what it called Kyiv's "terrorist acts." It was not immediately clear if the attack was the extent of Russia's pledged retaliation, or if Putin intends to escalate further. After the embarrassment of Kyiv's operation, there was a chorus of bellicose calls from pro-Kremlin pundits for a severe - potentially nuclear - response. Although Ukrainians had been buoyed last weekend by the news of Kyiv's successful operation, many were wary of how Russia might strike back. But after Friday's strikes, Kyiv residents told CNN they supported Ukraine's strikes against the aircraft Moscow has used to bomb Ukraine for more than three years. "It didn't break us at all. The morale is as high as it was. We strongly believe in our armed forces," said Olha, a 39-year-old from the capital who did not wish to give her last name. She said the apparent "retaliation" from Russia was not so different to countless other nights of the war. "Maybe (this was the retaliation), but maybe the retaliation is yet to come. Either way, it doesn't change our attitude towards the enemy or towards our country." (ANI) (ANI/WAM): The UAE continues to cement its status as a global role model in developing a peaceful nuclear energy programme that adheres to the highest standards of safety, transparency, and international cooperation. This comes at a time when the world is increasingly turning to reliable energy sources that can support the transition to climate neutrality. From the outset, the UAE adopted a collaborative and open approach, forging robust international partnerships, most notably with the Republic of Korea and the United States, to drive forward its nuclear ambitions. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), highlighted the international stature of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy programme. He highlighted the country's success in developing a global model for integrating nuclear power into a diverse and innovative energy portfolio. Al Hammadi noted that this achievement is rooted in the visionary leadership of the UAE, a clearly defined roadmap, and a firm commitment to the highest standards of safety and transparency, underpinned by strong international cooperation. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Hammadi added that the UAE has been a pioneer in international cooperation and coordination within the nuclear energy sector. He pointed to the country's significant efforts in this vital field, which culminated during the COP28 with over 30 nations pledging to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of the drive toward climate neutrality. Additionally, nearly 120 companies and banks worldwide committed to supporting this ambitious goal. He also highlighted the innovative model of international cooperation between the UAE and the U.S, which addresses the demands of the modern era and its rapid technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and data centres. Al Hammadi emphasised that securing clean and reliable energy sources, such as nuclear power, is essential to support initiatives like the ''Stargate UAE'' project. Launched by a consortium of tech companies, the initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global AI revolution. For their part, key UAE entities, led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), play a central role in advancing the UAE's nuclear programme. Through a robust network of strategic and technical international partnerships, these institutions have facilitated knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and the development of specialised human capital. Cooperation with the Republic of Korea has served as the cornerstone for the successful development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Over time, this partnership has expanded to include new investment opportunities in international ventures, including the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). On the regulatory front, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) maintains agreements with its Korean counterpart covering joint inspections and capacity building. These ties are further strengthened through regular meetings to monitor technological advancements and regulatory developments. With the United States, the UAE has signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at advancing nuclear innovation and sustainability. These include a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop solutions for producing hydrogen, water, and steam at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The UAE has also partnered with TerraPower to support the development of advanced reactors, and signed an MoU with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company, to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply. Most recently, a partnership was announced with GE Vernova to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology internationally. As part of its efforts to expand its network of strategic partnerships, the UAE is actively exploring avenues of cooperation with China in the development and operation of nuclear power plants, both domestically and in third countries. Areas of collaboration include the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities, the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply chains, and investment opportunities. In parallel, FANR has strengthened its ties with counterpart agencies through agreements that enhance cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building, further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global nuclear governance. In a move that underscores the expanding international footprint of the UAE's nuclear programme, ENEC has signed a cooperation agreement with Romania. As part of the agreement, the UAE will support the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Romania, backed by an investment of $275 million. The UAE continues to affirm its leadership as a regional model for countries pursuing nuclear energy as a strategic option. UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded the first bilateral cooperation initiative in the nuclear regulatory industry. The cooperation follows the 2019 agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between the two nations. This was followed by regulatory partnerships focused on exchanging expertise, enhancing legislative frameworks, and strengthening emergency preparedness. Further expanding its regional outreach, the UAE and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP28. The MoU sets the framework to explore opportunities for cooperation in advancing the use of peaceful nuclear energy and knowledge exchange. (ANI/WAM) Tel Aviv [Israel], June 7 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called for international help to stop Iran completing its nuclear program, after the publication of a damning report. Speaking at a press conference today in Berlin, Germany, Saar urged for action after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) detailed how Iran has been carrying out nuclear tests in secret, despite warnings not to from countries around the globe. The paper, published on Saturday, shows that Iran's uranium levels are now at 90 per cent of those needed for weapons grade, and if it keeps growing at the rate it currently is, will soon be enough for nine nuclear bombs. Additionally, investigators at the IAEA found that at three out of four sites inspected, secret tests had been carried out. The evidence contradicts Iran's claims that the materials are for peaceful purposes, and Iran has not yet provided an explanation for the tests. Standing beside the Foreign Minister of Germany Johann Wadephul, Saar stated: "The serious report by the IAEA on Iran's nuclear program paints a clear picture; Iran is determined to complete its plan to obtain nuclear weapons. "The report reinforces what Israel has been saying for years - Iran's nuclear program is not for peaceful purposes. "Such a level of uranium enrichment exists only in countries that are working to acquire nuclear weapons... "Despite countless warnings from the international community - Iran is determined to complete its nuclear weapons program. "It reinforces what Israel has been saying for years - Iran's nuclear program is not for peaceful purposes. The level of uranium enrichment described in the report is alarming. "Such levels exist only in countries pursuing nuclear weapons. There is no civilian justification for it. "This clearly indicates; Iran continues to violate its basic obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and continues to deny cooperation with IAEA inspectors. "In light of this report - I call on the international community to act now to stop Iran." The report writes: "The Agency concludes that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran, specifically, Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad." The tests referred to were carried out between 2003 and 2018. It went on to state that Iran's production of nuclear material was of "serious concern". The findings come at a delicate moment in US-Iran talks, where American diplomats are hoping to dissuade Iran from continuing its nuclear enrichment. It could mean that Iran may be referred to the UN Security Council, which would further disrupt talks and may push Iran to take inflammatory measures such as increasing it's uranium supply even more, as it has done previously. With negotiations currently underway, US President Donald Trump recently instructed Netanyahu to hold off striking nuclear sites. Saar's comments echo that of a statement put out by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the weekend, where he said: "The international community must act now to stop Iran," adding that Iran's uranium levels "exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever." (ANI/TPS) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday (local time) said that G7 countries will hold discussions on important issues, including security and energy, in their upcoming summit, adding that India's presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. Carney said that India being the fifth largest economy and the most populous country in the world must be at the seat. "Let's put the two aspects in context- first is, we are in the role- Canada's in the role of the G7 chair and in those discussions as agreed with our G7 colleagues, include important discussions on energy, security, on digital future, critical minerals amongst others and partnerships actually in building infrastructure in the emerging and developing world," he said. Carney said that India is central to a number of supply chains, which makes its presence pertinent at the G7 chair consultation. "There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions, and in my capacity as G7 chair, I will consult with some others to make those determinations. India is the fifth largest economy in the world, effectively the most populous country in the world, central to a number of those supply chains at the heart of a number of those supply chains, so it makes sense," he said. Carney said that India and Canada are acting on law enforcement, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted his invitation. "In addition, bilaterally we have now agreed importantly to continued law enforcement to law enforcement dialogue so there's been some progress on that recognizes issues of accountability I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi for in in that context and he has accepted it," he said. PM Modi on Friday confirmed he would attend the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit in Canada after an invitation from newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1930972984782844146 "Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J Carney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," he said in a post on X. The announcement comes after a period of severely strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar--a Canadian citizen and prominent pro-Khalistan activist--outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver, as per DW News. India strongly denied the claims, and both nations expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation, DW News reported. (ANI) Eid al-Adha, one of the two major festivals in Islam, is being celebrated across Nepal on Saturday with mass prayers, feast and exchange of greetings. Eid al-Adha is traditionally celebrated on the 70th day after Ramadan. Muslims begin the day with a ritual bath and then proceed to the nearest mosque or Idgah to offer prayers. Following the prayers, it is customary to exchange greetings with one another. In Nepal's capital, people gathered at the Kashmiri Mosque and took part in the mass Namaz ceremony. Upon completion of the Namaz ceremony, the attendees exchanged greetings of "Eid Mubarak" to each other. Eid al-Adha is the second Islamic festival of the year and follows Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The date changes every year, as it's based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for God. Eid al-Adha is called Id-ul-Adha in Arabic. There is a tradition of sacrificing a goat or 'bakri' on the occasion. It is a festival that is celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety. Many Muslims wear new clothes and attend an open-air prayer meeting during Id-ul-Zuha. They may sacrifice a sheep or goat and share the meat with family members, neighbours and the poor. Many Muslims feel that they have a duty to ensure that all Muslims can enjoy a meat-based meal during this holiday. "In the morning, we completed Namaz. After this, we went back home and sacrificed a goat and invited friends and relatives to the feast. The sacrifice continues for three days, till Monday, starting from today. Various delicacies are made from the sacrificed goat and offered to friends and relatives, and we visit them," Mohammad Javed, an attendee of the mass Namaz ceremony, told ANI. On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Muslims who are financially capable travel to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. Since Islamic festivals follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, the dates shift approximately 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. As a result, the timing of Eid al-Adha changes annually and completes a full cycle every 36 years. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) again claimed credit for brokering a cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, adding that he used trade as a weapon, leading to both countries stopping the war immediately. Trump pointed out that a war between India and Pakistan could have gone nuclear if the US had not intervened between the two countries. "You know, I did something that people don't talk about, and I don't talk about very much, but we solved a big problem, a nuclear problem potentially with India and with Pakistan. I spoke to Pakistan, I spoke to India, they have really great leaders, but they were going at it, and they could have gone at it nuclear," Trump told reporters on Air Force One. Lauding the leadership of India and Pakistan, Trump said, "Both nuclear countries, strong nuclear countries, and I talked about trade and said, 'We're not doing trade if you guys are going to be throwing bombs at each other." They both stopped, and I stopped that war immediately. It was going much further, and hopefully, it would not go to nuclear, but it might have gone to nuclear. In fact, it might have gone to nuclear in the next round, but we stopped it, and I'd like to commend the leaders of both countries, Pakistan and India." The issue stands as a bone of contention between the US and India, as on Friday, Aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yury Ushakov, endorsed US President Donald Trump's claim of having brokered a cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. Ushakov said that the India-Pakistan conflict was resolved with 'personal' involvement of US President Donald Trump, as was discussed in a telephonic conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "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," he said. Earlier, All-Party Delegation Leader and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the delegation, during their meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, cleared the air around US President Donald Trump's claim of mediating between the India-Pakistan crisis. "The meeting with Vice President Vance was outstanding, very good, very clear. I think we made our position amply clear on this question of mediation, and Vice President Vance fully understood our points," he said. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for stopping hostilities between India and Pakistan after New Delhi's effective response to Islamabad's aggression following precision strikes on terror infrastructure. India had conducted Operation Sindoor early on May 7 and hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India effectively responded to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. India and Pakistan agreed to stop military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart. (ANI) UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his second visit to India to discuss ongoing economic and migration partnership. British High Commission said talks are on between the UK and the Indian Government to deepen and diversify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries to deliver for working people in the UK. The Foreign Secretary will meet with Prime Minister Modi on his second visit to India to discuss the ongoing economic and migration partnership. Bolstering economic and migration ties and delivering further growth opportunities for British businesses are set to be at the top of the UK Foreign Secretary's visit to India today, the High Commission said. The visit follows the historic Free Trade Agreement agreed between the two countries and will deliver on this government's commitment to boost jobs and prosperity. The new deal with India is expected to increase bilateral trade by over 25 billion every year, UK GDP by 4.8 billion, and wages by 2.2 billion each year in the long run, putting money back in the pockets of working people. The Foreign Secretary will also welcome progress in our migration partnership, including ongoing work on safeguarding citizens and securing borders in both countries. Addressing migration remains a top priority for the government - the Foreign Secretary is focused on working internationally with global partners to secure the UK's borders at home, High commission said. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, "India was one of my first visits as Foreign Secretary, and since then has been a key partner in the delivery of our Plan for Change. Our relationship has gone from strength to strength - securing our future technologies, adding over 25bn in trade every year between our countries and deepening the strong links between our cultures and people." "Signing a free trade agreement is just the start of our ambitions - we're building a modern partnership with India for a new global era. We want to go even further to foster an even closer relationship and cooperate when it comes to delivering growth, fostering innovative technology, tackling the climate crisis, delivering our migration priorities, and providing greater security for our people," he added. The Foreign Secretary will also meet with leading figures in Indian business to discuss how we can unlock even greater investment by Indian business in the UK. "Our investment relationship supports over 600,000 jobs across both countries, with over 950 Indian-owned companies in the UK and over 650 UK companies in India. In 2023-24, India was the UK's second-largest source of investments in terms of a number of projects for the fifth consecutive year," the release mentioned. Talks will also take stock of progress, following a commitment by the UK and Indian Prime Ministers to take forward an ambitious UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The trade deal is a key example of the progress being made since the last meeting between the Foreign Secretary and his Indian counterpart. It follows the signing of the UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation Agreement in May and 400m of trade and investment wins, boosting the British and the Indian economy at the Economic and Financial Dialogue in April, the British High Commission said. The Foreign Secretary Lammy is also expected to address the recent escalation in tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and how the welcomed sustained period of peace can be best supported in the interests of stability in the region. The visit comes as some of India's top business leaders endorsed the trade deal, which will increase opportunities for trade and investment between the UK and India. It also comes ahead of the launch of the UK's modern Industrial Strategy, which will make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, it added. (ANI) The bodies of four men were found dumped along Sanjawi Road in the Harnai district of Balochistan on Thursday, in what Pakistani security forces claimed was the result of an intelligence-based operation against "armed militants." According to The Balochistan Post, the bodies were recovered from the Thor Khan area. Among the deceased was Saeed Marri, a previously forcibly disappeared individual, who had reportedly been abducted along with his two sons. His elder son, Abdul Nabi Marri, was found dead on April 18 in Dukki, while his younger son, Waris Marri, was also killed, with his body recovered from Sanjawi on May 1. Authorities previously claimed both sons died in armed encounters, claims widely rejected by rights activists who insist the three were in custody at the time of their deaths. Another victim identified on Thursday was Eid Muhammad Marri, who had allegedly been missing for three months after being arrested by security forces in Harnai. His family maintains he was held incommunicado and later executed. The recovery of these bodies, all bearing bullet wounds, has intensified suspicions of a recurring pattern in Balochistan, where forcibly disappeared individuals are killed and later presented as insurgents neutralised in encounters. Families and activists accuse the state of staging "fake encounters" to cover up custodial killings. In a related incident, Sayed Manzoor Shah of Mastung held a press conference at Sarawan Press Club, alleging that his son, Sayed Ihsan Shah, was shot dead by Frontier Corps personnel near Lakpass while visiting Quetta for Eid shopping. Initially informed it was a road accident, but Shah later discovered his son had been shot. These incidents come amid heightened scrutiny of Pakistan's newly amended Anti-Terrorism Act in Balochistan, which grants sweeping powers to security forces. Critics argue the law facilitates impunity, further enabling extrajudicial practices under the guise of counter-insurgency. Human rights organisations have urged independent investigations and accountability, warning that without reform, Balochistan's cycle of violence will persist. (ANI) The Baloch human rights organisation Paank has strongly condemned the latest incident of enforced disappearance involving Naeem Baloch, a resident of Singanisar, Turbat, and reiterated the urgent need for his immediate and unconditional release. According to local reports, on June 2, Naeem Baloch, a Zamyad driver by profession and the son of Ismail Baloch, was abducted by personnel of military intelligence and armed men in plain clothes from Turbat. He has since remained missing, with no information provided to his family regarding his whereabouts or legal status. "This is yet another example of systematic oppression in Balochistan, where state forces routinely abduct civilians without warrants, trials, or due process," Paank said in a statement issued on Friday. In a separate incident, Paank also condemned the enforced disappearance of Suwali, son of Abdul Aziz, a mentally disabled man from Jahoo Dolajee in Awaran. According to eyewitnesses, Pakistani forces opened fire on Suwali before detaining him. Despite surviving the shooting, he was taken into custody and transferred to an undisclosed location. "This act constitutes a grave violation of both Pakistani law and international human rights norms," the organisation added, pointing specifically to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which mandates protection from arbitrary detention and violence. Paank emphasised that the ongoing cycle of abductions, extrajudicial actions, and blanket impunity has fostered an atmosphere of fear and despair across Balochistan. Families of the disappeared continue to protest and seek justice, but their voices remain unheard by authorities. "The international community must not turn a blind eye to these escalating abuses. We demand the immediate release of Naeem Baloch and Suwali, and call on Pakistan to end its unlawful policy of enforced disappearances," Paank said. (ANI) The new law grants Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies sweeping authority to detain individuals, primarily targeting Baloch citizens, for up to 90 days without charge, based solely on suspicion. Legal experts and human rights defenders warn that the amendment bypasses judicial safeguards and effectively legalises practices previously carried out in the shadows. Under the amended Act, Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) can now operate with expanded powers, including the issuance of detention orders and the conduct of ideological profiling of suspects. Military officials will now sit on oversight panels, further eroding civilian control over law enforcement and blurring the line between policing and military operations. Law enforcement agencies are also granted increased authority to search, arrest, and seize property without prior judicial approval, a move critics say paves the way for widespread abuse and mass surveillance. Enforced disappearances have long scarred Balochistan, where families have waited decades for news of missing loved ones. Rights groups document routine abductions by state security forces, with some victims unaccounted for after 15 to 20 years. The new law, according to activists, effectively codifies these practices, placing entire communities under constant fear of state violence. "This Act transforms Balochistan into a legalised detention zone," stated the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), condemning the legislation as a step toward full militarisation of civilian life. The group likened the tactics enabled by the Act to those used in internment systems throughout history, including Nazi Germany and modern-day Xinjiang. The law also violates Article 10 of Pakistan's Constitution, as well as Pakistan's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The BYC is calling on the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and global civil society to intervene and pressure Islamabad to repeal the law. "Silence now is complicity," the group warned. (ANI) All-Party Delegation Leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday (local time) said the session in which he took part at the National Press Club in Washington spanned a wide range of issues related to Operation Sindoor and India's actions against terrorism. "A lively session with Washington-based media at the National Press Club, moderated by its Indian-American Treasurer Poonam Sharma, spanned a wide range of issues related to Operation Sindoor and India's actions against terrorism," his post on X said. https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1931167748115271793 Tharoor also held a telephone conversation with Senator Cory Booker, Member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and and briefed him on the monstrous terror attack in Pahalgam. In a post on X, he said, "Enjoyed a warm & productive telephone conversation with Senator Cory Booker, Member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, last night. and briefed him on the monstrous terror attack in Pahalgam. Outlined the repeated provocations of terrorism emanating from across the border, laid out the details of Operation Sindoor, and emphasized India's firm resolve in countering any future acts of terrorism. Senator Booker unequivocally condemned terrorism and expressed sympathies with the victims. The conversation also touched upon broader themes in the strategic partnership, which enjoys robust support. Next time in person, Booker!" he stated. https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1931110544213234017 The delegation also held a conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in the US said, "The All Party Parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor had a warm and candid conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State today. The Indian Delegation briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor." https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1931092234016899516 They also met Chris Van Hollen, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1931088016161804734 In a post on X, the Embassy said, "The Indian parliamentary delegation led by Dr Shashi Tharoor had a productive meeting with Senator Chris Van Hollen, member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. The Senator sympathized with the victims of repeated terror attacks in India, said that the US stands with India in the fight against terrorism, and expressed support for India's right to defend itself." https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1931088016161804734 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. (ANI) National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu warned that Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang are actively coordinating to undermine the international rules-based order during his remarks at the eighth Taiwan Trilateral Forum in Berlin on Wednesday. In a speech delivered during a low-profile visit to Europe, Wu emphasised the urgency of democratic solidarity amid rising authoritarian threats. "These regimes are expanding their influence with the clear intent to sabotage the rules-based international order," Wu said. The forum, hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the US, brought together policymakers and experts to address growing geopolitical tensions. Wu's visit, he noted, aligns with the European Union's increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific. He pointed to Indo-Pacific strategies adopted by Germany, France, the UK, Lithuania, and the EU, as well as naval freedom of navigation operations, as signs that "Europe is waking up" to challenges in the region. According to the Taipei Times, Wu urged European governments to be cautious in referencing Beijing's "one China" policy, which he said is being exploited to justify aggression toward Taiwan. He described the principle as a form of "legal warfare" used by China to delegitimise international support for Taiwan. Wu accused China of distorting UN Resolution 2758 to claim sovereignty over Taiwan, emphasising that the resolution "has no bearing on Taiwan's status." He also warned of China's "gray zone" tactics, including the severing of undersea communication cables, which pose serious regional and global risks. "The war has already begun," Wu said, "not with tanks and missiles, but with algorithms and legalese." He likened Taiwan's current status to Cold War-era Berlin, calling it "an island surrounded not by bricks and barbed wire, but by diplomatic isolation, gray zone coercion, and hybrid warfare." Wu concluded by stressing the need for unity: "When democracies stand together, authoritarian regimes hesitate." (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and appreciated the UK government's "strong condemnation" of the terror attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. Jaishankar reiterated that India practises a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism. "At the outset, let me thank the government of the United Kingdom for the strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and for your solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism. We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it. We will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with their victims," he said. On April 23, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the terrorist attack in Kashmir "utterly devastating" and said that his thoughts were with those affected by the attack and the people of India. "The horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir today is utterly devastating. My thoughts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India," Starmer posted on X. https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1914802897818112327 An All-Party Delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad visited the UK from May 31 to June 3 to brief the officials there on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor. https://x.com/HCI_London/status/1930592492291833956 https://x.com/HCI_London/status/1929962978667049105 The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India concluded the last day of engagements in the UK, meeting with the Speaker of the House of Commons, members of the UK and Indian media, and a detailed interaction with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on India. Discussions centred on India's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and response to cross-border terrorism through Operation Sindoor, an official statement by the Indian High Commission said. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his second visit to India to discuss ongoing economic and migration partnership. British High Commission said talks are on between the UK and the Indian Government to deepen and diversify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries to deliver for working people in the UK. (ANI) UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in Delhi on Friday, where he expressed condolences over the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated the UK's support in combating terrorism. Lammy also spoke about the recent progress in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring growing education and trade cooperation. Offering condolences on the terrror attack, Lammy said, "It is obviously also sadly the case that there has been a horrific terrorist attack since we last met and my prime minister wishes me to convey once again the deep condolences of the UK and a hand of friendship with India and support as we deal with the terrorism threat in a comprehensive manner." Referring to the newly finalised FTA between the two countries, Lammy said, "Since I was last here in India, our country has won a trophy which is that long-held prize of an FTA which I think is the beginning of a new era in relations between our two countries and allows us to move forward with a degree of ambition." He also noted that the agreement is expected to increase bilateral trade by 25.5 billion in the coming period and welcomed the growing interest among UK universities in forging partnerships in India. "I'm very pleased that we are able to talk about our comprehensive strategic partnership to build on the technology security initiative that we launched last year to see more universities desiring of partnership and opening up here in India and of course our new agreement will increase trade by 25.5 billion pounds over this next period which is truly remarkable," he said. Lammy expressed gratitude for his visit and appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting him an audience. "I'm very pleased to be back in India and very grateful to Prime Minister Modi once again giving me an audience and giving me so much of his time at a very very busy and challenging time," he said. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also spoke on the occasion, calling the FTA and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement a "milestone" in bilateral ties. "The recent conclusion of the India-UK FTA and the Double Contribution Convention is truly a milestone. It will not only propel our two-way trade and investment but will also have a positive effect on other strategic aspects of our bilateral ties," Jaishankar said. (ANI) Noting that the recent conclusion of the India-UK FTA and the Double Contribution Convention is truly a milestone, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday it will propel two-way trade and investment and contribute to the strengthening of supply and value chains." In his remarks during a meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Jaishankar said India practices a policy of zero-tolerance against terrorism and expects its partners to understand this. "I am pleased to welcome you back to India. We just had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Modi, and I think your visit at this time gives us an occasion to assess our comprehensive strategic partnership, which I believe has strengthened across all sectors in recent times," he said. "The recent conclusion of the India-UK FTA (Free Trade Agreement) and the Double Contribution Convention is truly a milestone. It will not only propel our two-way trade and investment but will also have a positive effect on other strategic aspects of our bilateral ties. It would also contribute to the strengthening of supply and value chains," he added. Jaishankar said India will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with its victims. "I thank the Government of the United Kingdom for the strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and for your solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism," he said. The minister said that the UK-India infrastructure financial bridge can unlock quality long-term capital flows from the United Kingdom to India. "There's very good collaboration in the education sector with many more universities. I believe planning to establish their campuses in India," he said. Jaishankar said that people-to-people ties are getting stronger. (ANI) In a significant diplomatic development, critical issues affecting the people of Sindh were raised during recent discussions between US Congressman Brad Sherman and a visiting Pakistani delegation. The Congressman, a senior member of the US House of Representatives, voiced strong concerns over water scarcity, enforced disappearances, and systemic repression of the Sindhi people. Congressman Sherman took to social media to share that he had highlighted the urgent need to protect the Indus River -- the lifeline for tens of millions of Sindhis -- during his meeting with the delegation. "Protecting this vital water resource is essential," he stated, underscoring the environmental and humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sindh. He also expressed alarm over recent unrest in Moro, a city in Sindh, where two protesters, Irfan and Zahid Laghari, were reportedly killed while demanding water rights. "For years, Sindhis have faced political repression through enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings," Sherman said, citing Pakistan's Human Rights Commission's documentation of over 8,000 enforced disappearances since 2011 -- many of which have never been properly investigated. https://x.com/BradSherman/status/1931013797784817912 Sherman assured that he had raised the issue of enforced disappearances directly with Pakistani officials and pledged to continue pressing for accountability and justice. The Washington-based Sindhi Foundation welcomed Sherman's intervention and praised his advocacy for the people of Sindh. The organization in a press statement confirmed that it had also written to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, drawing attention to multiple threats to the very survival of Sindh and its people. According to the Foundation, these threats include the illegal construction of canals over the Indus River to enable corporate farming, systematic enforced disappearances of political activists, and alleged manipulation of the 2023 census aimed at altering Karachi's demography -- all part of an effort, they claim, to divide Sindh along linguistic lines. The marginalization of the Sindhi language was also cited as a serious cultural concern. "The Sindhi Foundation will continue to raise these pressing issues in political corridors across the U.S. and the world until the freedom and rights of the Sindhi people are fully realized," the organization stated. This development marks a rare instance of Sindh-related human rights concerns being raised at the highest levels of US policymaking, drawing international attention to the long-standing grievances of the Sindhi population. (ANI) As millions prepare to mark Eid with joy and tradition, Amjad Ayub Mirza, a leading activist from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has declared the occasion hollow for those living under state repression in Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan. Speaking from London, Mirza lamented the ongoing incarceration of key political and human rights activists, including Ehsan Ali Advocate of the Awami Action Committee, Mumtaz Hussain Nagri of the Karakoram National Movement, and young voices like Sakhi Asif and Mahrang Baloch. "Eid is meant to be a celebration of compassion and community, but how can we celebrate when our people are jailed for demanding basic rights?" he said. This year's Eid has been overshadowed by a surge in civil unrest across the occupied regions. In Balochistan, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) held protests even on Eid day, demanding answers for the thousands who have disappeared. In Gilgit, schoolteachers entered the 14th day of a sit-in, demanding fair treatment. Meanwhile, in PoJK, pensioners and non-gazetted government employees continue their struggle for economic justice. "These are not isolated grievances; they are cries of a suppressed population," Mirza said. He criticised the Pakistani elite for celebrating Eid in luxury while ignoring the daily suffering of ordinary citizens. Calling for urgent international intervention, Mirza urged global human rights bodies and independent media to spotlight the realities of the occupied territories. "As long as our voices are silenced and our people remain behind bars, Eid will have no meaning for us," he concluded. His message is a stark reminder that behind the celebrations, countless lives remain shadowed by fear, loss, and injustice. (ANI) India's Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, expressed strong optimism regarding the visit of an all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, calling it a significant step in strengthening ties between the two countries. Speaking to ANI, Ambassador Gupte highlighted the support for India from the highest echelons of German society and the depth of the bilateral partnership. "It has been a privilege for us to receive the delegation led by Ravi Shankar Prasad. We have had a number of meetings today. He met, in the morning, the Vice President of the Bundestag, Omid Nouripour. Then he met a group of MPs, including Armin Laschet, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Ralph Brinkhaus, who has been the Chairman of the India-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group. Later, we had a meeting with the Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul," Gupte said. "In all these meetings, senior representatives reiterated their support for India's fight against terrorism, and they expressed solidarity. Foreign Minister has earlier said that India has the right to defend itself against terrorist attacks and in fact, Mr Nouripour went on to say that no country has suffered as much from terrorism as India has..." he added. Gupte noted that the delegation also held a luncheon interaction with several German MPs representing diverse political ideologies. "Germany has come out very strongly in terms of endorsing India's position on the fight against terrorism, and we are deeply grateful for the solidarity that has been shown by German political leaders across the political mainstream because we met representatives and MPs from different political parties," he said. Highlighting the strength of the Indo-German partnership, Gupte said, "Germany and India are democracies, we share common values. Germany is our valued and trusted partner. Our trade and investment relationship with Germany is very strong, and it should be noted that India-Germany bilateral trade has exceeded 50 billion US Dollars, and this is more than 25% of India's trade with the EU." He also noted that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, established in 2000. "We have a regular format of consultations at the highest level, inter-governmental consultations and there are many mechanisms in place. We are seeking to develop the multi-faceted strategic partnership and explore new areas of cooperation and very shortly after the new government was sworn, headed by Chancellor MeRz, our EAM paid a visit to Germany from 22nd to 24th of May. It was a very successful visit," he said. Later speaking at the interaction event with the diaspora, he said, "Yesterday, we had very constructive meetings with the German leadership, including the Foreign Minister, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee...The leaders across the political spectrum in Germany expressed solidarity with us." There is a desire in India to strengthen its relations with Germany, with whom we share a strategic partnership. This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of this strategic partnership. In the last 8 years, the Indian diaspora has more than tripled in size...In Europe, the Indian diaspora in Germany is the second largest after the UK..." he added. The delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, MJ Akbar, Gulam Ali Khatana, and Samik Bhattacharya; Congress MP Amar Singh, Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT), AIADMK MP M Thambidurai and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. The delegation arrived in Germany after concluding their visit to Belgium. Earlier, Ravi Shankar Prasad 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. 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 and injured several others. 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) Rabbi Alam, Chairman of Joy Bangla Brigade and vice president of Bangladesh Awami League, USA, has condemned the announcement of national election by the interim government of Bangladesh and maintained that Sheikh Hasina "is the duly elected Prime Minister" till 2029. In an interview with ANI, Alam slammed Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh, for announcing that a national election would be held in the first half of April 2026. Sheikh Hasina, president of Awami League, was ousted from power in a student-led uprising in August last year. She fled to India, and an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate, was formed. "As you know, Bangladesh went through turmoil...it was a false flag operation. The protest led by the students was hijacked by (people now in) the interim government headed by Dr Yunus," Rabbi Alam alleged. Rabbi Alam said "many false allegations, many false claims, empty promises" were made. He said the announcement of a national election is "like a lollipop being handed to a young child". Rabbi Alam said Bangladesh is to be run by a democratic form of government. "Our constitution is the core of the fundamentals of the nation and this constitution gives the rights. Sheikh Hasina is democratically elected. We will condemn this so-called election because, according to our constitution, Sheikh Hasina is the Prime Minister until 2029. People are the main powerhouse in a democratic form of government. People voted, elected Sheikh Hasina...," he said. "With a false flag operation, Dr Yunus robbed our democracy," he alleged. He expressed concern over the law and order situation in Bangladesh and blamed Muhammad Yunus. "We know that the country faced a heavy backlash. There are many incidents of rape, killing, arson, burning, fire. Lynching, mob justice is every day matter," he alleged. He also said that Dr Yunus "doesn't understand politics" and "is an economist". Bangladesh's interim government on Friday announced that the national election will be held in the first half of April 2026. "I am announcing to the countrymen today that the next national elections will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026. Based on this announcement, the Election Commission will provide you with a detailed roadmap for the elections in due course", said Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, in an address to the nation through state television, BTV, on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha. Political parties in Bangladesh have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement of the national election. (ANI) BJP MP and all-party delegation leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday described the visit to Germany to convey India's resolute and united stand against terrorism highly successful, noting that Germany has condemned terrorism as well as expressed solidarity with India. Following an interaction at a community event in Berlin, Prasad highlighted the enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora inspired by India's growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and emphasised that the delegation's concerns were heard across six countries, with their mission to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism gaining traction. "There is a lot of enthusiasm among Indians in Berlin. They are very inspired by India's growth story and the action taken by the country against terrorists under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Our visit to Germany has been very good. Germany has also condemned terrorism. We are very satisfied with the visit. We were given a lot of respect in the six countries we visited, and our concerns were heard, and our stance has been made clear," Prasad added. Former Union Minister and part of Prasad's delegation, MJ Akbar, underscored PM Modi's leadership in the global fight against terrorism, particularly along religious pretexts. He further expressed optimism about the mission's success, suggesting a positive outlook for India-Germany bilateral ties. "We hope we have played some part in ensuring that the mission that Prime Minister Modi sent us on has been successful. We have conveyed the message that PM Modi will lead the global fight against barbaric terrorism in the name of religion, and that has risen. The reception in Germany has been the most sympathetic. This also speaks well of the future of our bilateral relations," he added. BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari, who is also part of Prasad's delegation, echoed her sentiment, highlighting the delegation's call for close monitoring of IMF funds availed by Pakistan and emphasising the unified global solidarity with India's position. "We are very happy because we started with a friendly nation, France, and are ending with a friendly nation, Germany. The diaspora has shown a lot of enthusiasm... When we spoke to the governments of different countries, they showed sympathy towards India and are ready to stand with and support us. We emphasised with them that the IMF, which has been availed by Pakistan, needs to be monitored very closely. All the countries have expressed solidarity with India, and they will stand by us," she stated. The delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, also includes BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya, Congress MP Amar Singh and Gulam Ali Khatana, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, AIADMK MP M Thambidurai and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. The delegation arrived in Germany after concluding their visit to Belgium to convey India's resolute and united stand against terrorism. (ANI) PM Modi appreciated the progress made in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and also mentioned the recently concluded FTA between the two countries. He appreciated the UK's support to India in the fight against cross-border terrorism. PM Modi wrote on X, "Pleased to meet UK Foreign Secretary Mr. David Lammy. Appreciate his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further strengthened by the recently concluded FTA. Value UK's support for India's fight against cross-border terrorism." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1931341287476826320 Earlier on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the UK Foreign Secretary also held bilateral discussions. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Glad to meet UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today in Delhi. Appreciate UK's strong condemnation of the terrorist attack on Pahalgam and support in combatting terrorism. Our conversation focused on the significant strides being made by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Agreed that as our collaboration continues to grow, new opportunities emerge. Also discussed global and regional issues as also cooperation in multilateral fora." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1931288544594518280 During the meeting, UK FS Lammy expressed condolences over the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated the UK's support in combating terrorism. Lammy also spoke about the recent progress in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring growing education and trade cooperation. Offering condolences on the terrror attack, Lammy said, "It is obviously also sadly the case that there has been a horrific terrorist attack since we last met and my Prime Minister wishes me to convey once again the deep condolences of the UK and a hand of friendship with India and support as we deal with the terrorism threat in a comprehensive manner." (ANI) As per the MEA, PM Modi expressed satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention and appreciated the constructive engagement by both sides that led to this milestone. PM Modi also welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the deepening of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He welcomed the continued collaboration under the Technology Security Initiative and noted its potential to shape trusted and secure innovation ecosystems. The statement noted that Foreign Secreatary David Lammy conveyed UK's strong interest in further enhancing cooperation across key sectors including trade and investment, defence and security, technology, innovation, and clean energy. He expressed confidence that the FTA will unlock new economic opportunities for both countries. "The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues. UK Foreign Secretary strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed support for India's fight against cross-border terrorism. PM Modi underscored the need for a decisive international action against terrorism and those who support it," the statement said. The statement also noted that PM Modi conveyed his warm greetings to the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and reiterated the invitation to visit India at the earliest mutual convenience. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Saturday and shared the details in a post on X. PM Modi appreciated the progress made in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and also mentioned the recently concluded FTA between the two countries. He appreciated the UK's support to India in the fight against cross-border terrorism. PM Modi wrote on X, "Pleased to meet UK Foreign Secretary Mr. David Lammy. Appreciate his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further strengthened by the recently concluded FTA. Value UK's support for India's fight against cross-border terrorism." (ANI) Former Canadian Member of Parliament, Chandra Arya, has expressed optimism ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 Summit scheduled for June 15-17. In a post on X, Arya highlighted the shared values between India and Canada and underscored how a deep relationship with India is imperative for Canadian interests. Taking to X, Arya said, "We look forward to the visit of @narendramodi to Canada for the G7 meeting during June 15-17.When I met @narendramodi last July, I emphasized that Canada and India are united by shared values--democracy, pluralism, and a rules-based international order." Calling India an "indispensable partner" for Canada, he highlighted its increasing influence as a global actor. "India, an increasingly influential global actor with growing strategic, economic, and demographic weight, is an indispensable partner for Canada--both in the Indo-Pacific region and globally," he wrote. He further added, "It is in Canada's national economic, strategic, and geopolitical interest to forge a deeper, more structured relationship with India--one that spans trade, investment, policy, and civil society." https://x.com/AryaCanada/status/1931345175789391901 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday (local time) that G7 countries will discuss important issues, including security and energy, in their upcoming summit, adding that India's presence at the intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. Carney said that India, being the fifth-largest economy and the most populous country in the world, must be at the seat. "Let's put the two aspects in context- first is, we are in the role- Canada's in the role of the G7 chair and in those discussions as agreed with our G7 colleagues, include important discussions on energy, security, on digital future, critical minerals amongst others and partnerships actually in building infrastructure in the emerging and developing world," he said. PM Modi had received a call from his Canadian counterpart who extended invitation to India for attending the G7 Summit. "Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," PM Modi wrote in his post. The G7 Summit (Group of Seven) is an informal grouping of seven of the world's advanced economies and the European Union. Its members meet annually at the G7 Summit to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues, according to the G7's official website. The members of the G7 are France, the US, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and the UK. (ANI) AIADMK MP M Thambidurai, a member of an all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, on Saturday slammed Pakistan, calling it a "name-sake democracy" and attributing its support for terrorism to repeated military failures. Addressing the Indian Diaspora at a community event in Berlin, the AIADMK MP praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong actions against terrorism, noting India's overall democratic development and its stance against terrorism from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari." "Kashmir to Kanyakumari, it is one India... India moved towards development in a democratic way... These are the achievements of India... However, there is no democracy in Pakistan, just a name-sake democracy... They cannot succeed in wars; therefore, they are using terrorism... India and PM Modi have taken strong steps to destroy the terrorist camps and not the civilian people. Therefore, it is our duty to come and speak to the world to get support... India is taking the lead; every country is saying that terrorism has to stop," Thambidurai said. Congress MP Amar Singh, also part of the delegation, stressed the unity against terrorism. Citing the recent attack in Pahalgam, he said the act was an attempt to divide communities. In a nation, the opposition and the government do not agree with each other. It is a part of democracy. But why did we come together here? Let me tell you, in India, many terrorist attacks have happened till now... The incident of Pahalgam was done to divide the two religions in India. However, after that, all the residents of J&K protested against that incident... The whole of India came together to fight against this incident. So, the political parties also came together... Pahalgam is not the first incident... We are not here to advertise India... We are here to say that it is important to isolate Pakistan on a global level," Singh stated. Meanwhile, another delegation member and Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana highlighted Pakistan's destabilisation efforts in Kashmir, the sacrifices made by Kashmiri Pandits and advocated for peaceful neighbourhood growth but firm retaliation against aggression. "Pakistan wanted to empty the Kashmir that is under their control. We sacrificed a lot. Our Kashmiri Pandits, significant assets of Kashmir, had to leave Kashmir. Pakistan was troubled because of the development in Kashmir. Tourism, G20 events, even yesterday, the Chenab bridge was inaugurated in Kashmir by the PM... We want our neighbours to develop, but if we get a 'goli', we will retaliate with 'gola'," Khatana added. The delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, also includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, former Union Minister MJ Akbar and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. The delegation arrived in Germany after concluding their visit to Belgium to convey India's resolute and united stand against terrorism. (ANI) The all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad to Germany met senior representatives from German Government, Parliament (Bundestag) and Think-Tanks to convey India's principled position of 'Zero-Tolerance against Terrorism' and its strategy to tackle cross-border terrorism, especially in light of the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, the Indian Embassy in Germany said in a statement on Friday. "During its first day of engagements in Berlin, the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon'ble Member of Parliament & former Union Minister, met with senior representatives from German Government, Parliament (Bundestag) and Think-Tanks to convey India's principled position of 'Zero-Tolerance against Terrorism' and its strategy to tackle cross-border terrorism, especially in light of the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The delegation also briefed the German counterparts and interlocutors about Operation Sindoor - India's firm, precise, targeted and non-escalatory response to the terror attack", the statement said. As per the statement, the delegation called on Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of Federal Republic of Germany. Recalling his recent interaction with Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Wadephul reiterated Germany's strong support for India's fight against terrorism and the right of every nation to defend itself from such terror attacks. The statement observed that the delegation deeply appreciated Germany's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and expression of solidarity with India. The delegation also emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators of terrorist acts accountable and called for multi-lateral cooperation in this regard. The delegation called on Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the German Parliament (Bundestag) and outlined the three salient features of India's policy in dealing with terrorism- Zero tolerance, not giving in to nuclear blackmail and resolving the issues with Pakistan bilaterally. The delegation emphasised that terrorism is a global threat and must be met with a unified international response. The delegation also met with Armin Laschet, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of Bundestag, Ralph Brinkhaus, Member of Bundestag (MdB) and Hubertus Heil, MdB. The delegation conveyed their appreciation for prompt expression of condolences for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack by Germany's top political leadership. They highlighted that the attack was designed to disrupt the booming tourism economy of Jammu & Kashmir and to sow seeds of communal tension in India, as per the official statement. It further observed that during their interaction, the delegation emphasised that Operation Sindoor received support from across the spectrum in India and conveyed India's united stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The delegation interacted with senior members of German Parliament (Bundestag) active in the fields of foreign policy and international affairs and a leading think-tank in Germany, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). Ending the day's engagements, the delegation also had an interaction with representatives from leading German think-tanks and eminent personalities at a reception hosted by Ambassador of India to Germany, Ajit Gupte, the statement read. Notably, during the interactions, the delegation highlighted the measured, precise, responsible and non-escalatory nature of the steps taken by India in response to the terrorist attack. They emphasised that nuclear blackmail should not be allowed as a cover for terrorism and discussed India's strategy against cross-border terrorism in future. German interlocutors expressed support for India's stance, with a shared recognition of the urgent need for the international community to come together in the fight against terrorism. Both sides also discussed India-Germany cooperation in the field of Defence, Security and Counter-Terrorism as part of the deepening Strategic Partnership between the two countries. (ANI) Brasilia [Brazil], June 7 (ANI/WAM): Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Committee on Defence, Interior, and Foreign Affairs in the Federal National Council (FNC), met with Senator Davi Alcolumbre, President of the Senate of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held at the National Congress in Brasilia. The meeting was attended by Sara Falaknaz, FNC member, and Saleh Ahmed Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil. Senator Alcolumbre praised the active participation of the UAE parliamentary delegation in the forum and stressed the importance of strengthening parliamentary ties, which serve as a vital channel for broadening avenues of cooperation. He expressed appreciation for the UAE's role in promoting transparency and advancing economic development at both regional and international levels. Dr Al Nuaimi affirmed the depth of bilateral relations between the UAE and Brazil, noting the UAE considers Brazil a strategic partner across various sectors. He emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in development projects that benefit both countries and their peoples. The two sides explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, highlighting promising opportunities in key sectors such as advanced technology, energy and economic investment, all contributing to broader and more sustainable strategic partnerships. During the meeting, Dr Al Nuaimi delivered an official letter from Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, addressed to the President of the Brazilian Senate, extending a formal invitation to visit the UAE. In a separate meeting, Dr Al Nuaimi also held talks with Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission for Foreign Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. Both parties affirmed the strength of UAE-Belarus relations and stressed the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation, maintaining ongoing dialogue and coordination on matters of mutual interest to strengthen shared strategic objectives and mutual interests. During the meeting, attended by FNC member Sara Falkanaz, Dr Al Nuaimi highlighted the rapid growth of UAE-Belarus relations, noting the significant opportunities for further collaboration across sectors, stressing that the current global challenges require the establishment of effective partnerships and the adoption of flexible and innovative models for international cooperation. (ANI/WAM) BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya, a member of the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, on Saturday highlighted the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora across the six countries visited by the delegation, noting their strong hope and belief that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will one day be reunited with India. Following an interaction at a community event in Berlin, Bhattacharya stated that all the nations they visited condemned terrorism and supported India's fight against it. "There is a lot of enthusiasm among the Indian diaspora in the six countries we visited... They hope that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will become a part of India... All the countries we visited condemned terrorism and stand with India in the fight against terrorism," the BJP MP said. Meanwhile, former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran noted the delegation's success in conveying India's message and gaining international support against terrorism, praising the unity and effectiveness of the MPs who were part of the delegation. "Mission accomplished... It has been a hectic tour. Every day was critical. The objectives have been achieved. We visited all the major European capitals... We conveyed our message and got good responses... India's story has been understood. There is no pressure on India... They see India as a clear, emerging major global power... All credit goes to our Members of Parliament; they were fantastic... They were united in the message. I am very proud to be a part of this delegation," Saran stated. Earlier, BJP MP and delegation leader Ravi Shankar Prasad described the visit to Germany to convey India's resolute and united stand against terrorism as highly successful, noting that Germany has condemned terrorism as well as expressed solidarity with India. Following an interaction at a community event in Berlin, Prasad highlighted the enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora inspired by India's growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and emphasised that the delegation's concerns were heard across six countries, with their mission to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism gaining traction. "There is a lot of enthusiasm among Indians in Berlin. They are very inspired by India's growth story and the action taken by the country against terrorists under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Our visit to Germany has been very good. Germany has also condemned terrorism. We are very satisfied with the visit. We were given a lot of respect in the six countries we visited, and our concerns were heard, and our stance has been made clear," Prasad stated. The delegation, led by Prasad, also includes BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari, Congress MP Amar Singh and Gulam Ali Khatana, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, AIADMK MP M Thambidurai and former Union Minister MJ Akbar. The delegation arrived in Germany after concluding their visit to Belgium to convey India's resolute and united stand against terrorism. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has said that India's Armed Forces have given a befitting reply to those who have cast an evil eye on the country and that there will be a firm response to any terror attack. Priyanka Chaturvedi, who is a member of an all-party delegation visiting partner countries to highlight India's zero tolerance policy against terrorism, told members of the Indian diaspora in Germany that India gave a firm response to the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor. "Our armed forces gave a befitting reply to those who have time and again attacked our country . Our response has been mature, responsible," she said. "We are the land of Mahatma, we are the land of Buddha, but we are also the land of Krishna," she added. She said the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was targeted in Operation Sindoor. She said India was, in a way, carrying out the work of the UN, by targeting terror camps. Priyanka Chaturvedi also took a jibe at Pakistan getting a position to serve as vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the United Nations. "Do you know what responsibility they got? They have gotten the vice-chairmanship of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. This is like asking Masood Azhar and Hafeez Saeed to fight for global peace and justice. We have to call this out. Not only India but the entire world is suffering. From Masood Azhar to Osama Bin Laden - all have been found there (Pakistan). They have also gotten chairmanship of the Taliban Sanctions Committee," she said. She said all faiths co-exist peacefully in India. "The Jinnah inside Asim Munir was woken when he delivered the speech saying Hindus and Muslims cannot coexist. Today, India is a shining example of how 200 million Muslims live in harmony and is a befitting reply to Pakistan," she said. Chaturvedi said she belongs to a party which is against talks with Pakistan till it supports cross-border terrorism. "I am proud I come from that party", she said. She gave a call for the diaspora to show support for the Indian armed forces and the diaspora burst into chants praising them. At the start of the community event, the Indian diaspora observed a two-minute silence to pay tributes to people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Priyanka Chaturvedi told ANI later that it is global responsibility to fight against terrorism. "We have seen the strength of our diaspora in the six nations we visited...We met various officials and we kept forward our views in front of them...We told them the problem of terrorism that we have been facing for decades can also reach your doorstep...It is the responsibility of the world to call out terrorism...Germany and the various nations that we visited have extended support to us in the fight against terrorism..." The delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, MJ Akbar, Gulam Ali Khatana, and Samik Bhattacharya; Congress MP Amar Singh, Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT,) AIADMK MP M Thambidurai and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. The delegation arrived in Germany after concluding their visit to Belgium. Earlier, Ravi Shankar Prasad, 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. 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. India repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. (ANI) Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Veena Sikri said that the announcement of elections in the first half of April, next year by Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh is "controversial" and said the decision was taken without consulting the parties. Sikri told ANI a day earlier, "I think this announcement is controversial due to some reasons -- some political parties have opposed it, even BMP themselves wanted it earlier by December. He has taken this decision without consulting the parties. He has talked about reforms, but he is not a constitutional government, so there is no reason for such a government to do reforms" The former envoy said the neighbouring country must have early elections and that the Bangladesh Army has yet to react to the announcement. "They must have early elections, and then the elected government will look at what reforms they want. The Army has not said anything so far about the decision. The most important thing is how the elections will be conducted, as he cannot head the caretaker govt because in his govt there are political party representatives, including representatives of Islami Andolan Bangladesh." On June 6, the Bangladesh interim government announced that the national election would be held in the first half of April 2026. "I am announcing to the countrymen today that the next national elections will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026. Based on this announcement, the Election Commission will provide you with a detailed roadmap for the elections in due course", said Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, in an address to the nation through state television, BTV, on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha. The announcement of the national election is a major development for Bangladesh politics after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024. (ANI) Nelson County officials recently voiced major alarm in a letter to the county department of social services over an inexcusable decline in its level of collaboration and communication with key local partner agencies on several child protective services cases. The May 23 letter from the Nelson County Board of Supervisors sent to the Nelson County Department of Social Services Board states those agencies include members of a multi-disciplinary team, some of which expressed these deep concerns and frustrations at the DSS boards April meeting. As a result, the Board of Supervisors has urgent and significant concerns regarding current leadership performance within the Department of Social Services and its impact on the agencys ability to effectively serve our community, states the letter signed by Ernie Reed, the boards chair. Nelson County Social Services Department leaders were contacted for comment for this article and said they are working on providing a statement, which was not received by press time. Nelson County Commonwealths Attorney Daniel Rutherford in a phone interview said he wants county residents to have assurance all agencies work to ensure the public is safe and children are being protected. We need all agencies to do their job, and one agency has not and that is the Nelson County Department of Social Services, Rutherford said. He said citizens, the sheriffs office, University of Virginia Medical Center staff and court staff personnel are among those with major concerns. It is an entire list, Rutherford said. It is a host of individuals. It is not one agency having a problem. He said Nelson DSS has shown a complete lack of ones ability to do their job in terms of child protective services. It has been a complete failure for the citizens of Nelson County, Rutherford said. Nelson Countys chief prosecutor for the past nine years, Rutherford said the issues with DSS did not spring up overnight and are a result of a gradual degradation over the past few years. He said the decline in tasks performed to ensure children are safe and proper investigations are done affects his offices ability to prosecute cases. The board of supervisors May 23 letter states its concerns are rooted in reports of diminished cooperation with local partner agencies. It also mentions a multi-disciplinary team, an extensive corrective action plan implemented by the Regional Virginia Department of Social Services office and the Office of the Childrens Ombudsmans investigation and report noting lack of transparency and responsiveness. The Office of the Childrens Ombudsman (OCO) within the office of the governor has statutory authority to receive complaints regarding cases involving children who have been alleged to have been abused or neglected, are receiving child protective services, are in foster care or are awaiting adoption, according to its website. Eric Reynolds, director of the OCO, in public comments at the Nelson County Department of Social Services Boards April meeting said OCO is conducting an investigation into actions of Nelson DSS and its involvement with a family for child protective services and foster care services. Reynolds said OCOs findings and recommendations will be outlined in a written report shared with Brad Burdette, director of Nelson DSS; the commission of the Virginia Department of Social Services and relevant VDSS leadership, including Tracie Brewster, director of the Piedmont Regional Office. Reynolds expressed concerns with the lack of transparency and responsiveness from NCDSS that he said he and Brewster experienced in its dealings with the agency. Specifically, he said for OCOs interviews with Nelson DSS staff for the investigation he requested to interview staff individually and expected they would be the only individuals present to ensure confidentiality and allow them to speak freely without fear of retaliations, but he became aware after the virtual interviews other people may have been present off-camera for one or more of the interviews. Reynolds said OCO interviewed Burdette and Nelsons DSS board contracted with an individual to look into matters raised in a letter from the Nelson County Commonwealth Attorneys Office. OCO anticipates making serious findings of practices that were not compliant with state laws and policies that have left children in unsafe circumstances, Reynolds said. The supervisors May 23 letter came two days after it met for more than an hour in closed session with Phil Payne IV, the county attorney. Immediately following that session, the board directed county staff to draft the letter. East District Representative Jesse Rutherford later said, I expect that were going to have a very serious discussion about updates to DSS, in reference to a June 10 board meeting. These concerns related to DSS are being taken very seriously by our board, Rutherford said. To the public, please know that county staff and our board are actively monitoring the situation related to DSS and the various agencies around DSS. The boards directive on May 21 to county staff referenced issues that have arisen related to the Foothills Child Advocacy Center in Charlottesville, the county sheriffs department and county commonwealths attorney office, UVa medical entities and OCOs investigation. The boards directive to county staff on drafting the letter said supervisors would like a response back from DSS no later than its June 10 meeting. Nelson County Sheriff Office Mark Embrey said when reached for comment: Our office has been affected, but were not directly involved in all this. Jesse Rutherford said much of what he can comment on is constrained because of the closed session nature of much of the information. I have received complaints, yes, he said of the matter. The May 23 letter states the decline in collaboration and communication on the part of DSS has manifested in delayed information sharing between members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team on cases, difficulties in coordinating services, and a massive disconnect with these organizations working in the best interest of our children and families. The Board is certain you would agree that effective inter-agency cooperation is vital for providing comprehensive and seamless support to our most vulnerable residents, and its erosion directly impacts the quality and efficiency of the Departments services, supervisors wrote to the county social services board. The board of supervisors correspondence states it is aware a corrective action plan (CAP) was developed by the Regional VDSS Office and VDSS is requiring the countys DSS department to adopt and implement it. The CAP intends to address deficiencies in the child protective services program, in-home services program, family engagement/resources family program and foster care/adoption, according to the letter. While this [is] a positive step towards service delivery improvement, the Board has concerns that this plan may not be sufficiently robust or comprehensive enough to address the root causes of the identified problem areas and ensure a sustainable positive outcome, the letter states. It also appears to lack provisions for ongoing oversight and there is a risk that these critical issues will persist, ultimately undermining the Departments mission and the publics trust. The board of supervisors is deeply troubled by the OCOs investigation into the departments operations that in addition to transparency issues, strongly suggests there are systemic problems that require immediate and thorough attention to address the serious lapses in the agencys internal accountability and adherence to state statues, policy, and best practices, the letter reads. The well-being of our community members, who rely on the Department of Social Services depends on strong, accountable leadership and a commitment to collaborative service delivery, it further states. Supervisors strongly prefer the DSS board to conduct a thorough, independent review of the current leaderships performance through a performance improvement plan that establishes, monitors and documents measures taken by agency leadership to address the concerns, the letter concluded. The board of supervisors asked that the DSS boards strategy for a performance improvement plans implementation be received no later than June 9 for review in closed session during the supervisors June 10 meeting. Under the Overlord Arch of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford a few minutes before noon Friday, two handfuls of World War II veterans slowly walked or were wheeled in front of Gov. Glenn Youngkin to receive a heartfelt greeting of thanks. The veterans, ages 98 to 105, received a standing ovation from hundreds in attendance during the 81st anniversary of the D-Day invasion at the Bedford memorial. Youngkin said June 6 is a day to come together to remember, reflect, pray and pay tribute to the incredibly courageous Americans and Allies who forever altered the course of history by laying down their lives on freedoms alter. Those brave men, many barely old enough to finish high school, had the eyes of the world on them, and hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere on them, Youngkin said. Each passing year, fewer of the 34,000 Americans who went ashore on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, are present to receive thanks and tell their stories of a day that changed the world, tales of valor that need to be heard, he said. Its fitting that we gather here today to honor the Greatest Generation and keep alive the true American spirit of these heroes. It is fitting that we gather at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains here in Bedford, Youngkin said. I know everyone knows Bedford, its a small village, its a small Virginia town that played such an outsized role in one of the greatest callings of mankind, a calling to fight the forces of fascism and ensure that liberty will prevail. The governor praised The Bedford Boys, a group of 37 ordinary men from Company A who descended into the valley of the shadow of death on D-Day. When the guns were silent and smoke-filled skies cleared, the victory was won and the Allied forces suffered more than 10,000 casualties, and Americans lost more than 2,500 of the bravest men to ever wear the countrys uniform, Youngkin said. He told specific stories of The Bedford Boys and its 20 casualties, 19 from Company A and one from Company F, and the sacrifices from a tight-knit community that suffered the most loss per capita than any town in America from D-Day. The Bedford Boys did not want to be heroes they wanted to do their duty. They wanted to come home, Youngkin said, adding they gave their last breath to defend Americas way of life. That is the legacy to which we are all heirs, and it is the legacy we honor today. It is that legacy we must see front and center in each of our lives and our nation. In this story, this American epic, D-Day must always, always be an honored chapter. He said in honoring the heroic soldiers as America nears its 250th anniversary of becoming a nation next year, its citizens must reassert their commitment to confront evil, stand firm against tyranny, hate and antisemitism the Greatest Generation fought to defeat. We honor this important chapter by recommitting ourselves to defend the very principles of freedom and liberty that birthed our nation, Youngkin said. Looking ahead to the next 80 years, he said let us reaffirm the ties that bind us as Americans, renew our commitment to the fierce patriotism of our heritage and pray that we will see a new birth of freedom. Let us redirect ourselves to the cause that the Bedford Boys and so many others in the Greatest Generation died to defend and whenever there is a need for inspiration, we can come here to the National D-Day Memorial and we can remember that freedom is never free, Youngkin said. John Long, director of education for the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, said there are lessons to be gleaned from the legacies of thousands of names of fallen soldiers engraved in the Bedford memorials plaza and the cost of freedom, defending liberty and service to others. He encouraged the crowd of hundreds to embrace their roles as stewards of freedom and to honor the legacy of liberty the D-Day soldiers fought for. Rear Adm. John Elnitsky, chair of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation who served in the U.S. Navy, said the Normandy landings ensured the destruction of Nazi tyranny, and it provided a second front vital to victory, lifting those suffering from years of oppression. D-Day filled the world with hope and continued resolve, Elnitsky said. D-Day signified the strength and determination of the Allied forces and is a reminder to us all of the power of collaboration on a global scale. On June 6, 1944, such cooperation fostered a sense of unity that altered the course of the war, boosting Allied morale and leading to a final push into Germany. Joseph Balkoski, a Maryland historian who has authored eight books on American involvement in the European Theater and World War II, paid tribute to the late Bob Slaughter, a Roanoke D-Day veteran who founded the memorial. Bob had a gleam in his eye when I first met him, dreaming the impossible dream of creating this magnificent memorial in honor of the valor of service from the men of all nations who fought and sometimes died on D-Day, Balkoski said. Part of that dream was to construct a memorial in the beautiful town of Bedford, which tragically lost 20 of its sons on D-Day. It took 12 years for Bobs dream to come true but there is no doubt in my mind that the reason were all here today, everyone, is because of Bob Slaughter. His vision gave a voice to those, who for one reason or another, could not speak and we should be eternally grateful to him for it. Richard Inlow II, a U.S. Navy veteran of Danville, served in the 33rd Seabees as a Carpenters Mate 2nd Class aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa. Inlow participated in the invasion of Peleliu against the Japanese Army in 1944. The 100-year-old said he loves meeting other World War II veterans. Theyre all nice guys, Inlow said. I consider them my friends and try to keep in contact with them if I can. He said when he was growing up everybody loved America and would do anything they could for their country, explaining his mother donated blood every six months, and he doesnt see that same sentiment today. I lived during the optimal time, I think, Inlow said. I was lucky I lived a wonderful life, a lucky life. He said he carried items for U.S. Marines, ammunition and medical supplies. I didnt know what was in the box, didnt care, Inlow recalled. When I got onshore and delivered my box, survival was the main thing. He highly respects the Marines, he said. I followed the Marines and thanks to them, Im here, Inlow said of his wartime experiences. Every time a Marine comes around my eye, Im very respectful. He recalls as a young man almost everyone of his generation being involved in military service. Now I put on my World War II cap and people flock to me, Inlow said. Clarence Bill Wenzel, a 99-year-old World War II veteran from Huddleston, joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. He said he became interested in being a pilot because of his sister, Women Airforce Service Pilot Gertrude Marcia Wenzel Wilner. According to a news release, Wenzel completed 26 weeks of preflight training at the University of North Carolina in 1944. During World War II, Wenzel served as a naval aviator aboard the USS Tarawa in the Pacific Theater. He said one of the many aircrafts he flew during his service included a Navy F8F Bearcat. Wenzel said the toughest part of being drafted in the war was having to learn how to kill another human being. Because I was a pastors kid, I was taught to love everybody, Wenzel said. And now here, Im being trained on how to kill another human being. It was quite a shock. In front of the Bedford County courthouse Friday evening, a Bedford Boys Tribute Center ceremony was held. Family members of those soldiers gathered, and a few laid an ivy wreath in tribute on the courthouses west lawn. April Cheek-Messier, president and CEO of the National D-Day Memorial, spoke of the late Bob Sales, the only survivor of his landing craft on D-Day that suffered 29 casualties. She said he was haunted for the rest of his life by the bloody carnage on Omaha Beach and it showed when he was overcome with emotion and couldnt give his scheduled remarks at the memorials 70th anniversary ceremony in 2014, which his wife did. Cheek-Messier said Sales never forgot the fallen that day and memorialized them at his Madison Heights home, in his photo albums and tearful memories. She never forgot his words expressing hope that June 6 would always be remembered. June 6 hasnt been ordinary for the last 81 years, Cheek-Messier said. It never will be. Our community will never forget. She said Bedford County overall had more than 130 men killed in action in World War II. Bedford did its part at great cost to bring victory, she said. Terrence Sears, husband of Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate for governor in the Nov. 4 election, also spoke in front of the Bedford courthouse Friday evening. He spoke in honor of The Bedford Boys, saying they answered the call and became symbols of American valor and among the first to storm Omaha Beach, not for glory but for love of country and a belief freedom is worth fighting for. Sears said veterans and military families are a priority for his wife in her public service. She knows as I do that while the battlefield may be far from home, the cost of war is always felt closest in the hearts of the families left behind, Sears said. The ceremony culminated with the ringing of the courthouse bell 20 times, one for each Bedford Boy killed on D-Day. The tolling was precisely at 6:44 p.m. to represent June 6, 1944. Harrison Ford agreed to join the cast of Shrinking after admiring Jason Segels private parts. Harrison Ford agreed to join the cast of Shrinking after admiring Jason Segels private parts The Indian Jones star, 82, had never heard of Jason when he was asked to join the hit Apple show, and watched him in Forgetting Sarah Marshall before getting involved which famously features two scenes of Jason going fully-frontal naked. Jason has now opened up about Harrisons decision to sign on to Shrinking after they sent him two of Jasons films to consider The End of the Tour and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The actor, 45, told Variety in an interview: He didnt know anything about me. They sent him The End of the Tour and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Then, apparently, (Shrinking producer) Bill Lawrence got a text that said, Im in. And tell the kid, great d---. Jason's pal Seth Rogen, 43, who was present during the interview, joked: Even if he was out, that would be great. I would take that. Harrison, best known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, joined the Apple TV+ series in 2023 to play therapist Dr Paul Rhoades, starring opposite Jason, who portrays grief-stricken counsellor Jimmy Laird. The Hollywood veteran has previously commented on Jasons full-frontal scenes in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the 2008 comedy in which the younger actors character famously appears nude. In a February 2025 interview with the Wall Street Journal, Harrison was asked what he had taught his co-star. To keep his pants on, he replied, adding: Because he appears two times in Sarah Marshall with his Johnson hanging out. He has also said: I was struck enough to send (Jason) a brief note. It said, nice penis. In an earlier appearance on NBCs Today show in October 2024, Jason described his off-screen dynamic with Harrison as resembling their on-screen relationship. He said: I desperately want his approval. And he doles it out in such small doses, and it just means the world to me. Every time he says good job, kid, Im like, He likes me! Jason also admitted feeling pressure when Harrison accepted the role. He added about the feeling of Harrison coming on set for the first time was: Oh my God, Harrison Fords gonna show up! We better fix the script! Jason also said their collaboration has paid off as he added: I think hes doing some of his best work. Todays global market for technology shows that OPPO is one of the few brands able to draw worldwide attention so readily. The company OPPO was founded in China in 2004 and has since made a name for itself as a very innovative smartphone and electronics producer worldwide. As it works in over 60 countries and has over 600 million customers, the business is well known for smooth designs, leading-edge technology, and social responsibility. Now that the company has launched in Brazil, OPPO is readying itself for another part of its global journey, mixing modern mobile tech, local connections, and the needs of its users. A Philosophy That Goes Beyond Technology Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World explains the brand philosophy at the core of OPPOs business. This is more than an appealing phraseit reflects OPPOs dedication to using innovation for real results. Zhangs philosophy for the company is based on the Chinese principle of Benfen, which means to always act in a positive and ethical way. All of OPPOs steps, no matter if they are product or social responsibility related, feel its impact. Instead of chasing new technology, OPPO concentrates on products that help people live better. When producing cameras for phones or longer-lasting batteries, the brand always puts people first. OPPOs Grand Entry into Brazil In May 2024, OPPO officially entered the Brazilian market, as a key step for a country that ranks high in Latin Americas smartphone market. During the Brazilian debut, the OPPO A58, A79 and Reno11 F were unveiled. These devices are designed for different groups in the market, aiming to be both affordable, effective and innovative. However, OPPO wants to do more than just sell smartphones. Magazine Luiza (Magalu), a major retailer in Brazil, has joined forces with the company to ensure its devices are widely available. By joining forces with Magalu, OPPO wants to be in more than 1,000 stores by the end of 2025. The goal? To ensure that OPPO devices are found simply, bought easily and loved by many. A major deal was also made with Claro, a leading telecom company in Brazil. As a result of this partnership, you can find OPPO smartphones everywhere in Claro stores. Local Manufacturing: Making a Long-Term Commitment OPPO has taken action to set up local production in Brazil to fit into the market better. The company is entering a partnership with Grupo Multi (formerly Multilaser), a major Brazilian electronics producer. With this, OPPO helps the local economy and finds it easier to handle Brazils complicated import rules and logistics. Making phones in the same region as their customers helps OPPO offer lower prices and allow more people to own advanced smartphones. It demonstrates OPPOs belief that Brazil is important both for its success as a market and for its role in OPPOs worldwide strategy. Innovation That Sets OPPO Apart OPPO has rightly earned a reputation for being innovative. All ten of the companys research centers are located in different parts of the world and work on different aspects of the tech industry, like imaging, chips, 5G, and AI. The MariSilicon X imaging NPU from OPPO stands out as an example of their innovative work, helping produce far better photos and videos. With excellent cameras, speedy charging, and amazing display designs, it is clear why OPPO is known for its premium and mid-range phones. OPPO uses ColorOS, its own version of Android, to make everything more user-friendly. Because of its smooth operation, user-friendly interface, and helpful features, ColorOS is an important reason why OPPO phones are enjoyable. Building an Ecosystem of Smart Devices Though OPPO is famous for its phones, it has also launched several other smart products. OPPO is creating a system that joins smartwatches, wireless headphones, tablets and smart TVs to help users stay connected, productive and entertained. OPPO wants to offer users more than just phones by entering the IoT world, as part of its plan to become a complete technology brand. Sustainability: A Tech Company with a Conscience As responsible environmental action becomes more important, OPPO is actively decreasing the impact it has on the planet. The business is aiming to make all its worldwide operations carbon neutral by 2050. Some examples of these initiatives are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using less plastic when making packages, and using biodegradable materials for their items. OPPO also applies this idea of sustainability to its products. Devices are designed for durability, updates are sent out regularly, and OPPO offers programs to make sure old electronics can be recycled or repaired. This isnt just about being seen as environmentally friendlyits about making real changes for the planet. Service That Puts the Customer First Since the customers experience isnt limited to checkout, OPPO is strengthening its customer service in Brazil. The company aims to establish service centers in 20 locations, where customers can get basic repairs, quick service, and software updates. Furthermore, OPPO makes sure that devices in Brazil are updated and maintained with ongoing support. OPPOs focus on after-sales service helps them compete in a tough market. Final Thoughts Since it is a small Chinese electronics manufacturer, OPPO has become a major player in the worlds technology sector. Because OPPO is creative, puts users at the forefront, and cares about the world, it is helping to change the face of smartphone brands today. The opening of markets in Brazil is more than commercial growthit proves that these companies are here to stay. The OPPO company aims to lead the way in innovation rather than just follow whats popular. As OPPO keeps up with new ideas and growth, both in other countries and in Brazil, it is set to win over millions of new users here. Moving to Poland legally means having the right papers. These documents let you live, work, and travel without problems. Poland offers different types of permits for different situations. We will show you the clear path from getting your first visa to becoming a permanent resident. To move to Poland legally, you need the right documents. Gather documents like your visa, proof of income, and a place to live. Submit them to the local government office in Poland. If approved, you get a residence card. Over time, after living in Poland for a few years, you can apply for permanent residency, which gives you more rights, like staying forever. Polish Visa Types Your First Step Poland gives out two main types of visas. Each one serves different purposes and has different rules. National Visa (Type D) A National Visa lets you stay in Poland for more than 90 days. People call it a long-term visa because you can use it to live in Poland for months or years. Who needs it: Students who are going to Polish schools Workers with job offers People joining family members Business owners starting companies Researchers and scientists How long can you stay? This visa usually lasts 6 months to 1 year. You can extend it or use it to apply for a residence permit. When to apply: Apply for this visa when you plan to stay longer than 3 months. You must apply from your home country before traveling to Poland. Schengen Visa (Type C): A Schengen Visa lets you visit Poland and other European countries for short trips. It works like a tourist visa. Countries you can visit: This visa works in 26 European countries. You can travel freely between them during your visit. Time limits: Stay up to 90 days Must leave after 90 days Can visit multiple times within 180 days Cannot work with this visa When to use it: Perfect for tourists, business meetings, visiting friends, or short conferences. Key Differences Between D and C Visas Choosing the wrong visa can ruin your plans to stay in Poland. Many people get confused about which visa they need. The main difference is simple: Type C visas are for short visits, while Type D visas help you build a life in Poland. Understanding these differences saves you time and money and prevents legal problems later. Stay Duration: Type C: Maximum 90 days Type D: 6 months to 1 year Purpose: Type C: Tourism and short visits Type D: Living, working, studying Next Steps: Type C: Must leave or apply for a different visa Type D: Can apply for a residence permit while in Poland Temporary Residence Permit Living in Poland A Temporary Residence Permit lets you live in Poland legally for 1-3 years. You can work, study, and travel in and out of Poland freely. Who can apply: People with a National Visa D Workers with job contracts Students in Polish schools Family members of Polish citizens Business owners People with Polish ancestry How long it lasts: Usually 1-3 years, depending on your reason for staying. You can renew it before it expires. Documents you need: Valid passport Current visa or previous permit Photos (35mm x 45mm) Proof of housing Health insurance Income proof or bank statements Clean criminal record Application form Fee payment (340 PLN) Application process steps: Gather all required documents Fill out the application form Book an appointment at the immigration office Submit documents and pay the fee Wait for decision (1-3 months) Collect your permit card Permanent Residence Permit Making Poland Your Home Getting permanent residence means Poland becomes your real home. You no longer worry about renewing permits or losing your right to stay. This permit gives you almost the same rights as Polish citizens. Many people work toward this goal because it offers true security and freedom. The process takes patience, but the benefits last a lifetime Benefits of permanent residence: Live in Poland forever Work without restrictions Access to social benefits Travel freely in the EU Path to Polish citizenship Bring family members easily Requirements to qualify: Live in Poland for 5 continuous years Have valid temporary permits during this time Speak basic Polish (A2 level) Have a stable income Clean criminal record Health insurance coverage Special cases (shorter waiting time): EU citizens: 5 years Refugees: 5 years Polish ancestry: 2 years Spouses of Polish citizens: 3 years How to apply: Check if you meet all requirements Prepare documents (similar to a temporary permit) Add a Polish language certificate Apply at an immigration office Pay the fee (640 PLN) Wait for decision (6 months) Receive a permanent residence card Timeline And Costs Getting permanent residence takes time and money. You need to plan and save enough money for all the fees. Heres what you will spend and how long you will wait. Processing time: 6 months. The government takes 6 months to check your application. You cannot speed up this process. You wait at home while they review your papers. Sometimes it takes longer if they need more documents. Government fee: 640 PLN.You pay this money to the Polish government. This fee goes with your application. You cannot get this money back, even if they say no to your request. Pay this fee at the immigration office. Language test: 150-300 PLN: You take a Polish language test to prove you can speak basic Polish. The test center charges this money. You register for the test first. Then you take the exam. You get a certificate if you pass. Document translation: 200-500 PLN: You translate your foreign documents into Polish. Only special translators can do this work. They charge money for each document. You need translated copies of your birth certificate, diplomas, and marriage papers. Take Away Getting legal status in Poland follows a clear path. Start with the right visa for your situation. Type C visas work for short visits. Type D visas help you stay longer and apply for residence permits. After arriving with a National Visa, apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. This gives you 1-3 years to build your life in Poland. Work, study, and establish yourself during this time. Finally, after 5 years of legal residence, apply for Permanent Residence. This gives you the right to stay in Poland forever and opens the door to citizenship. Remember to start each application process early. Immigration offices need time to review your case. Having the right legal status protects you and gives you peace of mind while living in Poland. Need professional help? Many foreigners find the application process easier with expert guidance. Professional service for foreigners can help you move through the complex paperwork and avoid common mistakes that delay applications. Frequently Asked Questions 1: Can I work in Poland with a tourist visa? No, you cannot work with a Schengen visa (Type C). This visa is only for visiting. If you work illegally, you can get banned from Poland and other European countries. Get a National visa (Type D) or work permit before you start any job. 2: What happens if my temporary residence permit expires? You become illegal in Poland if your permit expires. Apply for renewal 3 months before it ends. If you forget and it expires, you must leave Poland immediately or face serious problems with future applications. 3: Do I need to speak Polish fluently for permanent residence? No, you only need basic Polish at the A2 level. This means you can have simple conversations about daily life. You can buy food, ask for directions, and talk about your family. You do not need perfect grammar or a big vocabulary. 4: Can my family come with me to Poland? Yes, your spouse and children under 18 can apply for family visas. They get the same type of permit as you. Your family must prove their relationship to you with official documents like marriage certificates and birth certificates. 5: How much money do I need to show for residence permits? You need enough money to live without government help. For one person, this is usually 700-1000 PLN per month. For a family, you need more. Show bank statements, job contracts, or business income as proof. 6: Can I travel to other countries with a Polish residence permit? Yes, you can visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days every 6 months. Your Polish residence permit works like a visa for short trips. You cannot live or work in other countries with just a Polish permit. 7: What if Poland refuses my application? You get a letter explaining why they said no. You can fix the problems and apply again. You can also appeal the decision within 14 days. Get help from a lawyer if you do not understand the reasons for the refusal. 8: How long does the National visa take to get? Usually 15-30 days from your home country. Some countries take longer. Apply early because you cannot enter Poland without this visa. Check the Polish embassy website in your country for exact times. References https://www.gov.pl/web/pakistan-en/d-type-national-visa https://www.flypgs.com/en/visa-information/poland-visa-information https://visaguide.world/europe/poland-visa/ https://www.immigration-poland.com/temporary-residence-permit-poland/ https://mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/informacje/pob-staly_EN/wprowadzenie_EN https://migrant.poznan.uw.gov.pl/en/procedury/legal-stay-poland https://migrant.info.pl/en/Permit_to_settle On the occasion of Eid Al Adha, celebrated Saturday June 7 in Morocco, King Mohammed VI granted pardon to 1526 people, sentenced by the different Moroccan courts, the Justice Ministry said in a statement. The Ministry of Justice unveiled the list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon, who are either detained or serving a suspended sentence. The list includes 15 individuals who had been convicted in cases of extremism and terrorism. The Royal pardon to these 15 persons came after they had officially expressed their commitment to the unwavering and sacred constants of the Nation and national institutions, revised their ideological orientations, and rejected extremism and terrorism, the Ministry of Justice said. The list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon also includes inmates who were granted pardon over their remaining jail terms, convicts who had their prison terms reduced, and prisoners who saw their sentences commuted from life imprisonment to fixed jail terms. Some convicts benefited from pardon over their imprisonment terms but their fines were maintained. Other convicts saw their fines canceled, while others benefited from both a pardon over their prison terms and fines. The King usually grants free pardon to inmates and convicts on religious and national holidays. Morocco was elected on Thursday to the position of vice chair of Interpols Global Cybercrime Expert Group (GCEG), during a session held at the headquarters of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in Lyon. Divisional Commissioner Leila Zouine, head of the cybercrime division at Moroccos General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), was elected to the position. Zouine was appointed to the position during the expert groups first annual meeting, held on June 4-5 at Interpols General Secretariat in Lyon. The session included the election of the leadership of the Group. In her new role, Zouine will serve as vice chair responsible for empowerment, which focuses on developing mechanisms, procedures, and action plans to provide cybercrime victims with legal and technical protection, while equipping police and law enforcement agencies with the necessary skills for investigation and enforcement in technology-related crime. The election reflects the DGSNs commitment to strengthening international multilateral security and police cooperation, and highlights the advanced capabilities of Moroccos cybercrime units at both regional and international levels. Nebraskas major 2023 influx of dollars into the state school aid formula still has yet to benefit North Platte Public Schools. West central Nebraskas largest district will lose 2.6% in net 2025-26 aid for its third straight annual decline, according to certified aid figures from the Nebraska Department of Education. A nearly $500,000 correction due in part to lower-than-expected actual 2024-25 enrollment helped tip the scale between gaining and losing, said Stuart Simpson, North Plattes retiring executive director of finance. Lincoln Countys six K-12 districts saw their total aid edge downward by 0.5% to just under $15.56 million. Changes for individual districts range from a 12% boost in Maxwell to a 20.6% decline in Wallace. Combined aid awards for the 40 school districts in The Telegraphs traditional coverage area remained a healthy 22.8% ahead of where they stood in 2022-23. The 2023 Legislature restored per-student foundation aid to the school-aid formula for the first time since 1990. But the regions total regular school aid of $68.05 million dipped by 0.2% from the 2024-25 year. Twenty-four districts will have to make do with less state help in that category next year. North Platte factors State senators adjourned their 2025 session Monday without tinkering with the aid formula, which aims to steer most aid to districts with more education needs than financial resources. One delayed adjustment, however, will count 60% of districts per-student aid on the resources side instead of 100%. That tweak was programmed to take effect in 2025-26 by the 2023 law that restored foundation aid (Legislative Bill 583). The return of per-student aid drove state payments significantly higher two years ago for many smaller Nebraska school districts. Most of them dont qualify for equalization aid based on their percentages of non-native English speakers and students in poverty. Lexington, North Platte, Cody-Kilgore, Cozad, McCook and the Medicine Valley district in Curtis are the only west central Nebraska districts that will get equalization aid in 2025-26. Twenty-one receive net option aid, including Cozad and McCook but not North Platte, because more students transfer into those schools than leave for other districts. Nebraska schools also receive 2.23% rebates of the state income taxes their patrons pay. Thats all the aid some small districts got prior to 2023 if they couldnt attract enough option students. Finally, aid payments are adjusted up or down after the state Education Department recalculates districts aid from the previous year based on actual enrollments rather than estimates. While such corrections often are minor, North Platte was hit with a $482,949 deduction from what the aid formula otherwise would have sent the district next school year. No other regional district had more than $22,000 subtracted from its gross 2025-26 total. Simpson, a 36-year veteran of western Nebraska K-12 business offices, traced more than one-fourth of North Plattes deduction to a 2024-25 enrollment figure that fell 35 students short. We had started to see an increase in enrollment as the 2023-24 school year ended, he said, and we thought the (local) economy was starting to change around in advance of Sustainable Beef opening. As a result, State Education Department officials estimated North Platte would have 3,531 students in the just-concluded school year. But actual enrollment for state-aid purposes was 3,496, Simpson said. Actual production at Sustainable Beef started May 28. Its expected to employ more than 800 people once it reaches its capacity of 1,500 head per workday. Simpson, who joined the district in 2006, said North Platte also will get less 2025-26 aid because the average cost per pupil for similarly sized districts declined to $10,165 for 2024-25. Next years aid losses would have been even greater, he said, if 2025-26 wasnt when the state will start counting less per-student aid against North Platte under the LB 583 foundation-aid law. Regular state-aid awards dont include reimbursements for special education costs, which leapt to 80% under LB 583. Those payments come in separately because final 2024-25 costs wont be known until the fiscal year ends. That largely makes North Plattes special education costs a wash, Simpson said. But the districts budget will remain challenging with the three-year, $1.37 million drop in regular annual aid and fast-paced growth in taxable values that also counts against aid awards. With state caps on property tax request growth also in place, it has to be a discussion with the board on how much we want to access in property taxes, Simpson said. That discussion will fall to incoming finance director Damon McDonald, who will take over after Simpsons final day at McKinley Education Center June 27. Nebraskas modern state-aid formula traces its roots to LB 1059 in 1990, the year after Simpson began a 17-year run as Alliances finance director. As he leaves, I think first of all the Legislature needs to not tinker with the formula for a while, he said. The formulas robust enough to handle the changes in North Platte. Regional highlights Maxwell and Hershey, which will get $2.09 million and $2.84 million in 2025-26 aid respectively, again will benefit from their proximity to North Platte. Nearly $2 million of Hersheys aid and 80% of Maxwells comes from net option funding. Sutherland will lose $54,904 in aid for an 11% decline, while Wallaces 20.6% drop translates into $78,746 fewer aid dollars in 2025-26. Both districts remain well ahead of their annual aid before per-student aid returned to the formula. Elsewhere in the region, Cody-Kilgore will lose 30.1% of its aid compared with the fiscal year ending Aug. 31. Cozads award fell 29.1% for a net loss of $795,260, while Thedfords will drop by 26.8%. On the flip side, McPherson County recipient of a mere $5,917 of aid three years ago will get $149,276 in 2025-26 for a 43.8% leap. State help will get boosts of 32.5% in Hyannis, 17.3% in Overton and 12.9% at Anselmo-Merna. Lexington, long the regions largest recipient of state aid, will see next years award grow by $1.58 million to fall just short of nearly $27 million. About $22.14 million of that comes from equalization aid. The new 2025-26 year will bring the Dawson County districts second straight sizable state aid boost after it lost $1.11 million the year foundation aid was restored statewide. Nile Rodgers has revealed the loss of three close friends in the 9/11 attacks inspired him to found his charity. Nile Rodgers has revealed the loss of three close friends in the 9/11 attacks inspired him to found his charity The 72-year-old musician runs the We Are Family Foundation and was speaking ahead of a performance at the Soho Sessions in New York when he made the revelation. He told the crowd: Three of my friends were on the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Center. One of them, he said, was photographer Berry Berenson, the widow of Psycho star Anthony Perkins. Nile had lived next door to the couple in Greenwich Village. He added: I wanted to be involved with something that I thought would be effective. Founded in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the We Are Family Foundation was established by Nile and his longtime partner Nancy Hunt. The organisation focuses on supporting and mentoring activists under the age of 30. Since its inception, the charity has funded over a dozen schools across countries including Mali, Malawi, Nicaragua and Nepal. It is also currently supporting a reforestation project in Ireland aimed at offsetting the carbon footprint of Rodgers touring band. Nile, best known for co-founding Chic alongside Bernard Edwards, rose to fame in the late 1970s with a series of chart-topping hits such as Le Freak and Good Times. After Chic disbanded, he became a prolific producer and songwriter, working with high-profile artists including Madonna, Diana Ross, Daft Punk, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Mick Jagger. Despite his wide-reaching collaborations, Nile admitted he holds a particular affection for the late David Bowie, with whom he worked on the 1983 album Lets Dance. He said: David really saved me at a time when the whole industry sort of turned against us. We were making nothing but number one records, one right after the other, and then this whole Disco Sucks thing happened. And because we didnt exist before disco, we were totally associated with disco. Niles performance in New York was to an intimate crowd at the Soho Sessions. Among the attendees were Elvis Costello, Gina Gershon, Steve Buscemi, Don Lemon, Christopher Meloni and Michelle Buteau. The Soho Sessions, founded by Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter, brings musicians together in a small Lower Manhattan venue to perform and raise awareness for causes close to their hearts. Uzbekistans interest in connectivity with Afghanistan is driven by economic opportunity, energy cooperation, security needs, and geopolitical strategy - factors that will help Uzbekistan access new markets and stabilize the region. Ambassador Javlon Vakhabov of the International Institute for Central Asia in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, calls it Stability Through Connectivity. That is, Uzbekistan favors pragmatism over trying to isolate Afghanistan, and a policy that balances humanitarian support and regional security. The Central Asia republics (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Turkmenistan) were on the border of the wars in Afghanistan, i.e., the Afghan civil war (1992-1996, 1996-2001) and the U.S.-led NATO occupation (2001 2021), which they consider lost decades of economic growth and social development. The republics leaders know they and Afghanistan are neighbors forever and do not have the luxury of retreating to North America if things go wrong, so policy must acknowledge geography. Uzbekistans engagement with the Taliban began long before NATO evacuated Afghanistan in August 2021. In 1997, then-Uzbek president Islam Karimov proposed the Six plus Two Group on Afghanistan,which grew from an understanding that dialogue and a political settlement, nor armed force, was the path to peace. The group was unable to persuade the warring sides the Taliban and the United Front (formerly the Northern Alliance) to pursue a dialogue. Related: Central Asia's Resources Spark a New Global Scramble In March 2018, Uzbekistan hosted the Tashkent Conference that urged direct peace talks without preconditions between the Taliban and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the Taliban said it would only negotiate with the United States, the "foreign occupying force, and demanded the departure of foreign troops before the start of negotiations. In July 2022, Tashkent hosted a conference on Afghanistan, attended by representatives of 30 countries. It was an opportunity for the international community to take the measure of Taliban officials and for the Taliban to encourage investment in Afghanistan and seek the release of Afghan assets seized by the West after the fall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The tone of the event was forward-looking, but Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev, reiterated the international communitys conditions for formal diplomatic recognition, namely forming a broad representation of all layers of the Afghan society in state governance, ensuring basic human rights and freedoms, especially of women and all ethnic and confessional groups. Tashkent has consistently called for engaging with Taliban-run Afghanistan, including unfreezing the $9 billion in state assets that were seized by American and European authorities after the ouster of the Kabul government in August 2021 Central Asia is a water-stressed region and Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are in the severe water stress category. The construction of the Qosh Tepa canal in Afghanistan threatened to increase tensions between the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan by reducing the water flow of the Amu Darya River by 15-20% - a disaster for Central Asia agriculture. (In Uzbekistan, agriculture accounts for 25% of GDP and about 26% of the labor force.) In April 2025, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan agreed to cooperate in sharing the water resources in the Amu Darya River Basin. The republics are concerned as a significant reduction in the Amu Daryas flow could lead to ecosystem degradation, increased soil salinity, and deteriorating living conditions for populations downstream[and] could hinder efforts to restore the Aral Sea and further exacerbate the regions environmental challenges. Though Uzbekistan has not recognized the government of Taliban-run Afghanistan, the agreement on transboundary water resources demonstrates bilateral relations are becoming increasingly institutionalized. Tashkent prioritizes its interests to address not just water resources but the threat of terrorist groups, 20 of which may be sheltering in Afghanistan. This effort will require serious diplomacy by all parties and is an opportunity for Uzbekistan (and the U.S.) to provide technical assistance to ensure the canal is built to minimize excessive water loss and soil salinization. Uzbekistan should take the opportunity to substitute crops less thirsty than cotton for the countrys growing textile sector which plans to grow textile exports to $10 billion, and continue to import cotton from Turkey, China, and Bangladesh. (Uzbekistan also imports cotton from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan but should take the opportunity to lead the region away from crops that deplete its water supply.) One step to peacefully resolve the water problem is to make Afghanistan a party to the 1992 Almaty Agreement which regulates water allocations based on the Soviet-era shares of water among the then-Soviet Central Asia republics. The agreement is implemented by the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (ICWC) and making Afghanistan a member of the ICWC is a way to make it part of the solution and not the problem. It will teach the Taliban the rules of the road in Central Asia and ensure the republics officials have a clear understanding of Taliban personalities, motivations, and priorities. Other connectivity initiatives are: The Termez free economic zone which offers a 2-week visa for Afghan visitors and features a customs office, a hotel, storage facilities, and capacity to handle 100,000 trucks and 900,000 tons of goods a year. Trans-Afghan railway, a $7 billion, 765-kilometer link to Pakistans ports that is expected to cut transport costs by 3040%. And Uzbekistan may soon conduct preliminary studies on extending the railway from Hairatan to Herat, a jumping-off point for trade with Iran and Turkmenistan. SurkhanPuli-Khumri Power Line, a 1,000 MW line to support electrification of Afghan transport, and that may potentially link to the CASA-1000 power project, a joint venture between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. (Uzbekistan is already the leading exporter of electricity to Afghanistan, supplying nearly 60% of Afghanistans electricity imports.) Once operational, the line will increase Uzbekistans electricity exports to Afghanistan by 70%, delivering up to 24 million kWh daily or 6 billion kWh annually. The project spans 245.6 kilometers, with 45 kilometers on Uzbek territoryalready completedand 200.6 kilometers in Afghanistan. The capacity of this line will not only enhance power availability but also facilitate the electrification of the HairatanMazar-i-Sharif railroad, reducing transportation costs by replacing diesel-powered trains with cleaner electric locomotives. Uzbekistan sees many opportunities in Afghanistan and in 2024 trade climbed to $1.1 billion, most of that exports from Uzbekistan. There are commercial opportunities to be sure, but Tashkent does not want to contain Afghanistan, but to use it as a regional bridge, and not just for trade. There are concerns Afghanistan is a potential source of future transnational terrorism, though that may be stymied by intelligence sharing between the Taliban and the U.S., who share concerns about the Al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) presence in Afghanistan. More trade will not necessarily make Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State change their policies but more economic opportunity may make it harder for them to find recruits, and efforts like funding madrassas in Afghanistan may help detoxify the educational system. And the Taliban can build legitimacy if they are seen to be putting the peoples welfare first by encouraging trade and business. That wont be favored by the U.S., but after two decades of mayhem in the Hindu Kush, much instigated by America, Washington should encourage action by anyone - that allows Afghanistan to build infrastructure and make money by means other than poppy cultivation. Outside meddling in Afghanistan usually leads to tears, but if Tashkent can work with the moderate, outward-looking Taliban based in Kabul that want to improve the economy, it may subtly tip the balance against the hard-liners in Kandahar. (Yes, Siraj Haqqani and Mullah Omar are the moderates but that is where we are right now.) Uzbekistan may have a role in the future exploitation of critical minerals in Central Asia and can help the U.S. build a secure critical mineral supply chain. According to Visual Capitalist, Out of the 50 minerals deemed critical by the U.S. government, the U.S. is 100% reliant on imports for 12 of them, and over 50% reliant for another 321 critical minerals. Central Asia and Afghanistan are endowed with critical minerals but their isolated location presents a difficult transport problem. Also, mining and processing rare earths requires a lot of water which is in short supply in the region, though a new Chinese technology may triple production speed and reduce pollution, but will put China in a key position, something the U.S. will probably oppose. Andrew Korybko notes that partial completion of the Trans-Afghan railway may still benefit the republics if they can backhaul Afghanistans minerals for processing in the republics or in Russia or China. The republics will need to secure investment for local, sustainable processing of the minerals (with off-take agreements), but Washington and Brussels must make serious offers to keep the stuff out of Russian and Chinese hands. (Exhortations by Washington to do the right thing and not sell to China and Russia, backed by the hint of sanctions, are a tax on Central Asia and only diminish Americas standing in the region.) Uzbekistan, a double-landlocked country, faces hurdles accessing global markets. Connectivity with Afghanistan offers a pathway to South Asia, particularly through Pakistans seaports Karachi and Gwadar, though Uzbekistan is improving trade relations with Iran as its ports Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, and access to the North-South Transport Corridor, are Plan B if the trans-Afghan route is untenable. Over the past decade, Tashkent has sought to make Central Asia a safe neighborhood, and many of Uzbekistans priorities, such as peacefully settling border disputes with the neighboring republics and encouraging a broad-based government in Kabul, are shared by Washington, but the Central Asia republics have a broader definition of the regional security, one that is grounded in diplomacy human development, and trade, and that includes trade and normal political relations with Russia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan. Central Asian is no longer a platform for the NATO campaign against the Taliban, but will it become a platform to engage the Taliban, who probably arent going anywhere despite Washingtons ongoing economic warfare. In April, Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced he is ready to work with the European Union (EU) and other international partners to support Afghanistans development to overcome the current crises, a policy that was welcomed by the Taliban. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, visited Uzbekistan in April with the intent, in von der Leyens words, to take our partnership with Central Asia to the next level. Aside from the standard fare of promoting European foreign direct investment to the region, securing access to critical minerals, and promoting educational exchanges, Central Asias putative European partners should move smartly to work with the republics to ensure Afghanistan a productive member of the region and no longer a source of terrorism and narcotics. The failed NATO mission in Afghanistan, though it included European troops, is seen as an American loss, giving Europe more post-war maneuver room in Central Asia. And Europe will rely more than America on East-West trade from Asia via the Belt and Road and the Middle Corridor, so it may be the right partner right now for Central Asia. But the Central Asian republics arent waiting for the EU and international partners to get to work. In May 2025, shortly after Mirziyoyevs announcement, Tashkent commissioned the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity Between Central and South Asia as a permanent platform for regional connectivity. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan both favor an economy first policy with their neighbors, which the republics call "acceptance of reality" in the wake of the Wests failed nation-building project in Afghanistan. The same week the republics delegates convened in Termez, Uzbekistan to plan to boost Central and South Asian connectivity, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. CPEC has fallen short of the partners expectations, so it remains to be seen if including Afghanistan is a smart move or will just burn more of Chinas money. And on the heels of the Termez meeting, Iran and China launched a railway route from Xian in western China to the Aprin dry port near Irans capital, Tehran. The route will reportedly cut travel time from 30 days via sea to 15 days and will avoid the Strait of Malacca and the Hormuz Strait, chokepoints the U.S. Navy hoped to exploit in future conflicts. The route will not pass through Afghanistan but is Beijings vote of confidence in the region as a connectivity space. Uzbekistan and the other Central Asia republics helped NATO in Afghanistan but it was all for naught, so now its time for get back to basics - economic and social development - via initiatives like the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, and promoting good governance and increasing civic engagement through initiatives like the Center for Progressive Reforms. Washington should focus on how it can assist these sorts of efforts by the republics and not be distracted and agitated by their commonsense wish to not isolate neighboring Afghanistan. By James Durso for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russia launched drone attacks on Kyiv following the meeting between Trump and Merz, highlighting the ongoing conflict despite diplomatic efforts. German Chancellor Merz visited Washington to urge cooperation with the US on supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia to end the war, including discussions about sanctions. US President Trump suggested letting Russia and Ukraine fight for a while before intervening, comparing the conflict to children fighting in a park. US President Donald Trump on June 5 compared Russia's war against Ukraine to children fighting in comments during a visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, telling reporters at the White House that "sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while." Trump downplayed prospects for an immediate peace between the countries despite his diplomatic efforts to push the two sides to negotiate a cease-fire and eventually a peace deal. The US president has become increasingly frustrated over the lack of progress toward either goal. During last year's presidential campaign, Trump vowed to end the worst war in Europe since 1945 soon after taking office. It now appears he has come to a new conclusion, saying stopping the war is difficult because there is there is "a lot of animosity" between the two countries and a lot of hatred between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "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." Hours after Trump met Merz, Russian drones attacked Kyiv, triggering fires in residential buildings in different parts of the city, authorities said. Trump said he still believes that "at some point" there will be peace between Russia and Ukraine as Merz encouraged the US president to pressure Putin. The German chancellor stressed that Berlin and Washington need to work together to support Ukraine and put pressure on Russia. "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," Merz said in the Oval Office. Merz said later in an interview with CNN that when Trump commented that the June 6 anniversary of D-Day wouldn't be a very good day for Germany, he told Trump he viewed the 1944 invasion launched by the United States and its allies as the liberation of Germany from the Nazis. "I used this political and historical analogy just to point out that the Americans are again in a very strong position to end something which is again a terrible war on European soil, not with military actions but this time with pressure on Russia," Merz said on CNN. He said during his visit to Washington he spoke with US senators about sanctions, noting that the European Union is debating another sanctions package -- the 18th since the war began in February 2022 -- and predicted it would pass. "We will do [more sanctions] in Europe. We are asking the American side to do the same in parallel," he said. "This is something we can do together." Trump declined to commit to backing further sanctions on Russia but noted a sanctions bill prepared by Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) is a "very tough" bill. "When I see the moment where it's not going to stopwe'll be very, very, very tough," he said. "And it could be on both countries to be honest. You know, it takes two to tango." By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Omaha community organizations are seeking to find new housing for nearly 130 residents at the troubled City View Apartments by the end of this month. Tamika Mease, executive director of North Omaha Community Partnership, said her organization is offering assistance to the soon-to-be displaced residents after a Chicago-based property management company took over the building. The building had previously been run by Tzadik Management. Its been taken over at the request of an Indianapolis-based bank as a result of foreclosure proceedings. The property management company opted to have residents vacate the building by June 30 after its inspectors saw the deplorable conditions, Mease said. Conditions inside the building, which has more than 10 floors, included bedbugs, flooded apartments, graffiti, and broken doors, walls and windows. Residents previously said the building damage was made worse and tenants were terrorized because of outsiders coming in because of a lack of security. Mease said the conditions at City View are the worst of anything shes seen. Its definitely unlivable conditions, she said. Its even worse than the Yale Park Apartments and worse than anything Ive seen at Legacy Crossing as well. The city shut down Legacy Crossing Apartments in northwest Omaha in 2023 and the Yale Park Apartments in North Omaha in 2018 after inspectors found conditions at both complexes endangered residents well-being. Mease said it didnt come as a surprise the new property management company opted to vacate City View after its representatives saw the buildings state. She added the company plans to gut, renovate and flip the building after residents move out. The company declined to charge rents to residents for this month, Mease said. This is something weve been anticipating for a while, she said. As of Friday, Mease said, 127 people still live at City View and will need to find other places to live. City View resident Deber Hall is one of those residents. Hall credited the new property managers for cleaning up parts of the building. Before they came in, Hall said, it wasnt uncommon to see urine and excrement on the floors and in the stairways and elevators. Since the new people took over, the building is clean, but the elevators are still not working, Hall said. The broken elevators have created headaches for 10th-floor resident Gabbie, who declined to share her last name, as she has to climb up and down the buildings stairs whenever she wants to go somewhere. Gabbie said shes lived at City View for almost five years. It wasnt until the past year or so that conditions really began to fall off and her complaints have gone unaddressed, she said. Gabbie showed a video of an overflowing sink that she said flooded a second-floor apartment on Thursday. The buildings impending vacation comes more than four months after Tzadik Management staved off a vacation order from the city by addressing concerns raised last summer over broken fire alarms and sprinklers. But dozens of other code violations went unaddressed. Omaha City Council member Danny Begley, whose district includes City View, said he has worked to direct his constituents who have lived in the building to file code violation complaints and help them find legal advice from Legal Aid of Nebraska. He noted the broken elevators are also a risk to the citys first responders called to the building. Begley said hes glad the property manager has taken proactive action. It just hasnt been a good situation for anybody, he said. While it is disruptive, Im glad we are transitioning people to safer and better housing. Many organizations in addition to North Omaha Community Partnership have been working to help City View residents find other places to live. A statement from Melissa Sewick, director of Douglas County General Assistance, said the City View Rehousing Event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Representatives from Metro Housing Collaborative and ReImagine will help City View residents explore different housing options and complete rental applications, according to a flyer. Omaha Housing Authority representatives will also be available to help City View residents who already hold vouchers from the housing authority find a new place to live. North Omaha Community Partnership and Douglas County General Assistance will also be at the event to assist residents. City View residents who plan to attend one of the events are asked to bring proof of income, photo identification and any other relevant housing documents. Questions about the event can be directed to Metro Housing Collaboration through email at referrals@metrohousingcollaboration.com. Although Mease acknowledges it will be challenging to rehouse some City View residents especially some residents who have been evicted from previous apartments she emphasized every City View resident will be placed in housing somewhere. Were not going to have anybody out on the streets, she said. Bites by venomous snakes are a serious problem around the world, with about 5 million people bitten each year and as many as 138,000 dying from the encounters, according to the World Health Organization. Bites can be treated with antivenoms, but they generally must be specific to the species and even the region. They have to be kept cold and sterile and are administered intravenously, and may be too far away to provide timely aid in remote areas of Africa, India and other countries where venomous reptiles are most common. The quest for broad-spectrum antidotes, including those that can be given in the field, and improved treatment protocols were among the topics on tap this week at Venom Week, which returned to Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium for its 20th anniversary. Billed as the premier venom science conference in North America, Venom Week is organized by the North American Society of Toxinology Inc. and usually held every two years. But it got its start in Omaha, launched on a smaller scale in 2005 by Dr. James Armitage, a professor of medicine in the University of Nebraska Medical Centers oncology-hematology section, and the late Dr. Steven Seifert, a professor of toxicology at UNMC and inaugural medical director of the Nebraska Regional Poison Center. The two later founded the society. UNMC is a sponsor of this years event, which coincides with Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac calendar. Armitage, better known as a world expert in lymphoma, said he and Seifert both liked venomous snakes. He recalled catching garter snakes with his brother along the Platte River while they were growing up in Kearney. After one escaped in the family home, never to be seen again, their mother tired of worrying about finding the reptile every time she opened a drawer and initiated a move. Today, said Armitage, co-director of the conference, antivenoms are made by administering measured doses of the toxins to animals such as horses and sheep and extracting antibodies from their blood. Humans, however, can prove allergic. But in recent years, scientists have developed new ideas about how to make antidotes, he said. Among the approximately 135 researchers, physicians, herpetologists, veterinarians and others attending the conference were some of the key players in the ongoing search. Weve made a lot of progress and we have a long ways to go, said Dr. Charles Gerardo, professor and chairman of emergency medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. Gerardo has been involved in clinical trials in humans of a drug called varespladib, initiated by a company called Ophirex. The company was founded by Dr. Matthew Lewin, the conferences course director and an expedition physician for the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Gerardo also treats patients bitten by copperheads, which are common in North Carolina. The U.S. tallies about 11,000 snake bites a year in humans, but many more in dogs and cats. Four of the 30 species of snakes found in Nebraska are venomous. None of those are found in the Omaha area, however, said Jessi Krebs, the zoos curator of reptiles and amphibians. During the conference, two veterinarians from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine presented videos documenting the recovery of three dogs who had been bitten by coral snakes and treated with antivenom, the usual treatment, combined with escalating doses of varespladib, the experimental drug. All three were paralyzed and had difficulty breathing initially but got back on their feet in 50 hours or less after treatment began. Typically, said Dr. Michael Schaer, theyre not up and moving that well for four or five days with antivenom alone, if they have managed to avoid being placed on a ventilator. This was kind of magical for everybody and definitely the real deal, he said. Typically, said Dr. Cory Woliver, severely affected dogs are hospitalized for up to eight days, up to three and a half of them on a ventilator. Treatment costs for the dogs in the video were about $3,500, compared to the usual tab of $8,000 to $15,000 for dogs in their condition. While further analysis is needed, he said, the drug appears to be a safe addition to the usual treatment. Lewin noted that he first presented data on the drug at a previous Venom Week. Afterward, he received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense to continue his research. I cant imagine having done this project successfully without meeting people in the field, he said, noting that the idea for the drug came before he had a good grasp of the science. Lewin also noted that snakebite research probably would receive more attention and funding if it were a bigger problem in the U.S. As it is, its a disease of poor people in India, as well as in Africa and Central and South America. The economic impact also can be devasting. In India, for instance, treatment can cost a family four or five years income, he said. So a treatment in the form of a pill that would cost a few dollars would make an incredible difference. Snakes, of course, also do good. Stephen Hall, author of the recently released book Slither: How Natures Most Maligned Creatures Illuminate Our World, outlined how the reptiles went from being seen as healers in antiquity to objects of fear. High blood pressure drugs, for instance, were developed after researchers noticed that people who had been bitten by vipers had low blood pressure. The first such drug, now less commonly used, was derived from peptides in the snakes venom. That paved the way for the development of other versions that are widely used today. Krebs noted that snakes also play important roles in the ecosystems where theyre found. But the reptiles need a rebranding, an effort the society has been working on for 20 years. The zoo, for example, no longer talks about how deadly various types of venom can be, facts that used to be featured on exhibit signs. Researchers, meanwhile, also continue working to figure out how to improve care of snakes. The zoo, which keeps nearly 130 snakes, 36 of them venomous species, is home to the worlds largest indoor rattlesnake exhibit. Haley Beer, a research associate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discussed the work she and her team are doing with the zoo to pilot the use of artificial intelligence to study snake behavior with the aim of optimizing captive care. Captive reptile welfare is under-researched, she said, compared to that of birds and mammals. Lewin said the field offers a lot of opportunities for young scientists and the conference is a place for them to connect. The conference has brought a lot of people together over the years who wouldnt otherwise get to meet in such a small field, he said. By State Senator Dick Anderson June 5, 2025 Senate Bill 974 B is now headed to the Governors desk after clearing both chambers of the Oregon Legislature with strong bipartisan support. The comprehensive bill aims to streamline the homebuilding process for single-family, detached, and middle housing developments within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The bill targets three major bottlenecks in the home building timeline: planning, engineering, and design review. By cutting through red tape in these areas, we are reducing the time it takes to turn raw dirt into homes from 2-3 years to under one year. This landmark legislation was the result of a bipartisan effort led by Senate Housing Chair Khanh Pham (D-Outer SE & NE Portland), Vice-Chair Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City), House Housing Chair Pam Marsh (D-Ashland), and Vice-Chair Vikki Breese Iverson (R-Prineville). In a joint statement, they said: Oregonians are more concerned than ever about the rising cost of housing. Our job in the legislature is to ensure government isnt standing in the way of building more homes in communities across Oregon. Senate Bill 974 B is a great way to show that Democrats and Republicans alike are serious about tackling our housing crisis and using every tool we have to increase production. Dakota Johnson feels she wasn't to blame for 'Madame Web's box-office failure. Dakota Johnson insists she wasn't responsible for the film's failure The 35-year-old actress starred alongside the likes of Sydney Sweeney and Isabela Merced in the S.J. Clarkson-directed superhero film, which was widely panned by fans and critics - but Dakota insists she wasn't responsible for the film's failures. The Hollywood star told the Los Angeles Times newspaper: "It wasnt my fault. "Theres this thing that happens now where a lot of creative decisions are made by committee. Or made by people who dont have a creative bone in their body. And its really hard to make art that way. Or to make something entertaining that way. And I think unfortunately with Madame Web', it started out as something and turned into something else. And I was just sort of along for the ride at that point. But that happens. "Bigger-budget movies fail all the time." Dakota insists she won't dwell on the film's underwhelming box-office performance. She said: "I dont have a Band-Aid over it. Theres no part of me thats like, Oh, Ill never do that again to anything. Ive done even tiny movies that didnt do well. Who cares?" Dakota previously admitted that she's unlikely to make another superhero movie. The actress also questioned the approach to making 'Madame Web'. She told Bustle in 2024: "Its so hard to get movies made, and in these big movies that get made and its even starting to happen with the little ones, which is whats really freaking me out decisions are being made by committees, and art does not do well when its made by committee. "Films are made by a filmmaker and a team of artists around them. You cannot make art based on numbers and algorithms. My feeling has been for a long time that audiences are extremely smart, and executives have started to believe that theyre not. "Audiences will always be able to sniff out bull****. Even if films start to be made with AI, humans arent going to f****** want to see those. "But it was definitely an experience for me to make that movie. I had never done anything like it before. I probably will never do anything like it again because I dont make sense in that world. And I know that now." Dakota didn't enjoy the backlash that came her way after 'Madame Web' was released. But she also considers the movie to be a learning experience for her. The actress reflected: "Sometimes in this industry, you sign on to something, and its one thing and then as youre making it, it becomes a completely different thing, and youre like, Wait, what? But it was a real learning experience, and of course its not nice to be a part of something thats ripped to shreds, but I cant say that I dont understand." 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: Left: Silver Ewer, (collection Rijksmuseum, inv. NG-NM-583). Right: Silver Basin, (collection: Rijksmuseum, inv. NG-NM-582). Credit: van Bennekom et al. 2025 A study by Dr. Joosje van Bennekom and her colleagues aimed to determine the provenance of the famed silver basin supposedly made of Spanish treasure fleet silver captured by the Dutch West India Company (WIC) in 1628. The work is published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage. In 1628, Admiral and Commander Piet Heyn (15771629) was ordered to intercept the returning Spanish treasure fleet laden with silver, gold, pearls, spices, pigments, crucifixes, etc. At the time, the silver onboard was worth 11.5 million guilders, which is comparable to 56.4 billion euros today. Today, the silver basin is part of a set, together with an ewer, both supposedly made from treasure fleet silver, housed in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Upon the ewer are various hallmarks and inscriptions that provide context to its creation, including the hallmark "Fo ENRIQZ," indicating that silversmith Francisco Enrique made the ewer. Additionally, a pictorial hallmark comprised a lowercase "o" and uppercase "M" between two pillars of Hercules. The latter hallmark indicates that the ewer dates to between 1606 and 1628. According to the inscription at the ewer's base in Dutch, "This ewer was derived from the treasure fleet conquered by the gentleman Lieutenant Admiral Pieter Pieters Heyn, on the 16th of September 1628." (Original: "Dese kanne is Gekomen uyt de Siluere Vloot Verouert bijden Heer Luijt Admirael Pieter Pieters Heyn, Den 16den Sept 1628"). The basin, by contrast, was made in a completely different style. Its hallmark refers to the city of "The Hague," while its inscription simply states "Administrators of the patented West Indian Company at the Chamber of the Maze 1684." The Chamber of the Maze was the governing body of the WIC. Despite supposedly being part of a set, the basin is not mentioned in historical records until 1808, in which it is described as "a silver ewer and basin, the first found in the cabin of the Spanish Admiral when overtaking the treasure fleet by Admiral Pieter Pitersz Hein, after which the basin was later done honor." The word "honor" suggests that the basin may have been a later addition, made to honor Heyn and the capture of the Spanish treasure fleet. By 1878, it appeared in a popular magazine stating both the ewer and basin were made from silver captured from the treasure fleet. To determine the veracity of these statements and determine if the enigmatic basin was indeed made of treasure fleet silver, Dr. van Bennekom and her team conducted lead isotope ratio (LIR) analysis on the basin, ewer, and reference silver from the Americas, the Dutch Republic, and various European countries. Silver typically contains lead impurities, which can be used to determine the provenance of the silver. The two largest silver producers between the 16th and 18th centuries were the Potosi mine in Bolivia and a series of mines in Mexico. While in Europe, the main silver mining production centers included the Bohemia/Jachymov (Czech Republic), the Erzgebirge (Germany), the Schwaz in Tyrol (Austria), and the Hungarian Ore Mountains in Neusohl (Slovakia). By the mid-16th century, Spanish-American (SA) silver began replacing European sources. 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. Dutch objects, in particular, played a significant role in tracking this transition as they often mixed various silver sources. Remelting and reusage of silver was done in all eras of Dutch (world) history, it is still done nowadays!" explains van Bennekom. To determine if the silver used in the ewer and basin was pure SA, mixed, or pure European silver, reference artifacts with a known provenance were used. It was determined that while the ewer was indeed made of Mexican silver, it was likely derived from the treasure fleet. The basin, despite legend, was made of mixed silver. "In the end, it seems very logical that some mixing had to take place. Reworking SA silver in the Netherlands somehow should leave traces in the silver of the Dutch workshop," says Dr. Bennekom. The legend that Heyn's basin was crafted from treasure fleet silver probably originated during the 19th century because emerging nation-states cultivated nationalism through common historical narratives and their associated artifacts. Thus, while the ewer authentically embodies the "triumphs" of the Dutch Republic, the myth of the silver basin is a product of its time, rather than being rooted in historical fact. Written for you by our author Sandee Oster, 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: Joosje van Bennekom et al, Historical narratives: Was Dutch admiral Piet Heyn's silver basin made from ''treasure fleet'' silver?, Journal of Cultural Heritage (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.05.002 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Every school around Australia is almost certain to have students who are victim-survivors of family and domestic violence. The 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study found neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children is widespread. Among Australians aged 1665 years, 32% experienced physical abuse, 28.5% experienced sexual abuse, 39% experienced emotional abuse and 9% had been neglected during their childhoods. As the place where children spend the bulk of their time outside home, schools could be an important source of help and support. But are they equipped to do this? Our research, published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues, explores the impact of domestic and family violence on young people's education. Our findings show just how significant the disruption to a young person's education can be, including how safe or supported they feel at school. Our study Our study draws on data from the Adolescent Family Violence in Australia project. This is a national survey of more than 5,000 young Australians aged 1620 years old. We focused on a subset of 1,651 respondents who had experienced domestic and family violence, either by experiencing violence between other family members or being directly subjected to it. The survey asked both structured and open-ended questions to explore the impacts of domestic and family violence. Family violence disrupts school attendance and participation Our study showed family violence has a significant impact on school attendance. Young people told us they missed classes or dropped out of school during their experiences of violence. For some young people, attending school while coping with trauma, fear and instability at home was too overwhelming. A 19-year-old woman shared how she became so anxious in the presence of teachers and other authority figures she could only manage one day of school per week in a secluded setting. Another young woman described missing classes regularly to care for her mother after violent episodes, while a 20-year-old man said he stayed home to protect his mother. Even when young victims did attend school, the emotional toll of family violence often meant they were socially withdrawn. Some spoke about losing friends due to frequent house moves and school shifts, while others withdrew socially because of anxiety and trauma. One 17-year-old explained: "I don't talk a lot to male teachers and don't really have close friendships with girls at my school, so I tend to stay home." Some participants described school as a safe haven away from their abusive home. But even in these cases, learning was often still difficult. One young person commented: "Yes, I wanted to go to school to get away from home, but felt very alone and isolated because no one knew what was happening." 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. Family violence and homework The effects of family violence extend beyond the classroom. Many young people told us how the chaos, fear and emotional exhaustion of life at home made it difficult, if not impossible, to complete homework or study for exams. One young woman remarked: "I can't do any homework at home because it's not a safe environment for me." Another young person described being kept up late listening to fighting or because of police visits, leaving them physically and emotionally exhausted in the morning. In some cases, abusive parents directly prevented their child from attending school or doing homework. Other young people described not having access to the tools they needed, like a working computer or internet connectionsometimes withheld deliberately by a parent. These accounts show how for some children experiencing family violence, learning at home is not just difficult, it is fundamentally unsafe. A missed opportunity It can be difficult for schools to fully understand and appreciate what's happening for students at home. Few of the young people we surveyed proactively disclosed their experiences to school staff, including teachers and counselors. Disclosure rates ranged from just 12% to 17%, depending on the type of violence the young person reported experiencing. For those young people who did disclose, their experiences varied. Some young people described school staff as a lifelinelistening without judgment, offering helpful information and taking action where needed. Others described being ignored, dismissed or harmed further by insensitive responses. As one young person said, the "school counselor told me I needed to understand dad's behavior and keep my head down." The help students received seemed to depend on the individual teacher or school counselor, their knowledge and training. This inconsistency represents a major barrier to effective and early intervention. What needs to change As well as learning, schools can also provide safety, stability and healing. We need schools to be supported to provide more effective and consistent care for students experiencing family violence. As other research has similarly found, responses need to be trauma-informed (recognizing the impact of trauma on students) and student-centered (focusing on individuals' needs). This involves: providing trauma and domestic violence-informed training to all school staff ensuring schools have clear processes to follow if a student discloses domestic violence, including referrals to appropriate external supports adopting flexible attendance and academic policies for young people impacted by domestic violence building collaborative partnerships with community-based domestic violence and mental health services. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Len Wiseman would "love" to establish a 'Ballerina' franchise. Ana de Armas stars in the new action movie The 52-year-old director recently helmed the 'John Wick' spin-off movie, and Len has revealed that he'd love to continue working with Ana de Armas, who plays Eve Macarro, a ballerina who becomes an assassin, in the new film. Asked about the character's long-term future, Len told The Hollywood Reporter: "I wanted this film to be the best that it could possibly be, but its hard not to wonder. "Often, when I am asked that, Ill say, 'No, I want to wait and see what happens.' And thats true to a point, but when youre developing something and you get so immersed in a character, you have to build out what their story is before and after the movie youre making. Thats how you really understand the character, so thats always on my mind. "The movie ends a bit ambiguously on purpose. Whos putting the contract out on her? Id like to hear theories about where it goes. I definitely have my theory. I would love it if it were to continue, and I think it would surprise people where we would go with it. So were just waiting for what the reaction is to this one, but yes, I totally have fantasy plans about where Eve would go." Len has been a fan of Ana for years, and he's admitted to being wowed by her performance in 'No Time to Die', the 2021 James Bond film. The director shared: "I would love to see that character show up again; it was just too brief. "We had already gotten involved with Ana. I had Ana in mind for quite a while before that. I went and saw a private screening of 'No Time to Die', and that confirmed her casting even more." Ana recently revealed that she's loved becoming part of the 'John Wick' franchise. The 37-year-old actress told The Hollywood Reporter: "I love the character and I think we can go anywhere from where we left it." Ana hailed Chad Stahelski, the director of the 'John Wick' movies, and Keanu Reeves - who plays the legendary hitman - for helping to establish the film franchise. And Ana is now excited to see what the future holds. The actress - who worked with Keanu on 2015's 'Knock Knock' and 2016's 'Exposed' - said: "Its really cool. I really like this character and the story and the universe and everything that Chad and Keanu created with the 'John Wick' films, and now to be a part of it, its really special." Ana pushed herself to her physical limits in preparation for her role in 'Ballerina'. She said: "Every day tested my limits, just endurance and the level of discipline and commitment and focus that you have to have to take on a movie like this is something that I had never done before, and especially for a long period of time." While serving in the Vietnam War as a combat search and rescue member, John Marso saved downed pilots in enemy territory as barrages of bullets thundered toward him and fellow U.S. soldiers. Flash forward five decades and Marso was still fulfilling a sense of duty to protect soldiers. Only this time it was on Omaha Street in Rapid City, at a protest hosted by 50501 Veterans Friday, June 6, to speak out against government cuts that negatively impact veterans like him. "I figure it's part of my duty to stand up for my fellow servicemen," shrugged Marso, a Rapid City resident. He held a sign that said ""Don't abandon our veterans"" and was surrounded by roughly 20 other protestors who voiced their displeasure. "Trump betrayed veterans" read one sign. "Support our veterans, protect the VA," read another. Since President Donald Trump's inauguration in January, the administration has faced criticism for a ban on transgender military service members and cuts to the Department of Veteran Affairs, which provides a multitude of medical services for soldiers. According to the Washington Post, "VA Secretary Douglas A. Collins has signaled plans to shrink the agencys workforce by 15% or about 83,000 employees." According to the Military Times, Collins argues the staff cuts are needed to cut down on the bloated VA bureaucracy, which has grown since 2019 while wait times and benefits backlogs haven't improved. The Rapid City protest was among many about VA cuts across the country held on the 81st anniversary of D-Day during World War II. Marso, who utilizes the Rapid City VA, said the system is essential for soldiers because it provides them with affordable medical care so they can receive medication, operations and therapy. These services can lessen the staggeringly high rates of suicide, substance abuse, imprisonment and chronic health difficulties among veterans. Marso said the VA helped him afford a procedure which removed a tumor on his adrenal gland. While it wound up being benign, the procedure could've prevented a life-altering medical emergency. He said he could have covered it without the VA, but the cost would have taken a toll on him financially. He currently utilizes the VA to access medication for his seizures and other ailments. Beyond medical benefits, one reason the VA is a prized resource for veterans is how it's dotted with people who served. While a doctor at a regular hospital may have the best intentions, their lack of service is a barrier toward forming the trust between patient and doctor that leads to superb service. "There is a sense of brotherhood. You go up to the VA, everybody wants to talk and thank each other," Marso said. Marso said the VA isn't perfect and there are still soldiers who may not receive the treatment they need. But that's because of the lack of funding the VA has to keep up with the growing number of veterans, he said. So, if anything, the budget for it should be increased. "There are people who I'm sure have fallen through the cracks," he said. But what angered Marso and other veterans at the protest is the message they said the Trump administration is sending to veterans by issuing the VA cuts. It heightens feelings his time fighting for freedom was merely a transaction for politicians who didn't respect what he went through. Marso said he was particularly upset with Trump in the run-up to the 2016 election when he disparaged John McCain for being a prisoner of war. "Me and my fellow aviators risked our life, saving the pilots that this guy wants to call suckers and losers," Marso said. Marso was enlisted to the Vietnam War in 1971 and became a combat search and rescue member in the Philippines. His efforts included saving downed pilots in long strings of elephant grass in the jungle and open water, too. Sometimes, he said, these efforts were done directly in enemy territory, which meant weathering rounds of bullets while completing the mission. "The only way to get through a situation like that is just do your job and do it the best you can," Marso said when asked how he survived. And now, more than 50 years later, he's hoping the administration can appreciate his and other veterans' service enough to reverse changes. "What I see this government becoming is scary to me. Democracy is going to take a hard hit, and even if these people are taken out of office, the damage they're doing is gonna take a long time to repair," he said. Symposium urges advancement of education campaign to implement conduct-improvement rules Xinhua) 09:59, June 07, 2025 Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and deputy head of the Central Leading Group for Party Building, attends and addresses a symposium on the work of central groups tasked with guiding a study and education campaign to advance the implementation of the Party's eight-point decision on improving conduct, in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A symposium on the work of central groups tasked with guiding a study and education campaign to advance the implementation of the Party's eight-point decision on improving conduct was held in Beijing on Friday. Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and deputy head of the Central Leading Group for Party Building, attended the symposium and made remarks. The symposium stressed the importance of ensuring the study and education campaign achieves more solid and tangible results, and of guiding Party members and officials to maintain a solid basis for their convictions. It also urged efforts to ensure that local authorities effectively rectify prominent problems such as the practice of holding lavish banquets and feasts to improve relevant rules and regulations, address institutional deficiencies, and to enhance accountability and coordination in their work. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) An Indiana woman has been charged after allegedly watching her boyfriend reportedly strangle his 5-year-old daughter to death with a noose over FaceTime, believing at the time that they were just playing, according to police. Police responded to a home in Lebanon, Indiana, on May 19 and found 5-year-old Zara Arnold unresponsive. Her father, 41-year-old Zachary Arnold, was initially charged with neglect but is now facing murder charges following an autopsy that revealed Zara died from asphyxiation caused by a ligature. While on FaceTime with his girlfriend, Andrea Figueroa-Lopez, Arnold allegedly dragged the young girl with a noose, and at one point hung her over his back, according to IndyStar. Figueroa-Lopez allegedly told investigators that she initially thought the pair were "just playing." Although Figueroa-Lopez told investigators she told him to step, police said she did not call 911 or intervene in any way. Investigators later recovered video evidence on Figueroa-Lopez's phone, who reportedly took screenshots during the incident. Figueroa-Lopez was arrested and charged with failure to report child abuse and neglect resulting in death. Arnold, who had initially claimed Zara had a seizure, now faces a formal murder charge. He remains in custody without bond, and both are expected to appear in court later this summer. Originally published on Latin Times In Chesterfield, the current zoning ordinance has been in place since 1989, but the core elements of the ordinance date back to the 1970s. With the ongoing Zoning Ordinance Modernization project, otherwise known as ZOMod, the county is looking to modernize land-use categories, allow for more housing types and make the ordinance more user friendly. Another key reason for updating the zoning ordinance is to align it with the countys comprehensive plan, which serves as a guiding tool for a localitys development. Chesterfield made major changes to the comprehensive plan in 2012 but still needed to bring the zoning ordinance the legal framework up to speed. One of the very first things in that plan we adopted was to relook at the zoning ordinance, because now we had a vision, but we had an old toolbox that could not make that vision happen, said Steve Haasch, assistant planning director with the Chesterfield planning department. The countys last update to the comprehensive plan came in 2019. In the fall of that year, Chesterfield issued a request for proposal seeking professional services to help with the zoning rewrite. National planning firm White & Smith, LLC was selected as the contractor for the project. White & Smith also brought in three subcontractors to assist with the zoning update. In March, Chesterfield released the third draft of ZOMod. A series of community meetings and drop-in office hours were held in April for residents to learn information and ask questions. The county accepted public comments for the current draft through early May. Everything changes Under ZOMod, every property in Chesterfield will have a new zoning district. According to the county, previously approved zoning cases will remain in place, just with a new name. Were trying to match people as closely as we possibly can, ZOMod project manager Rachel Chieppa said. If youre residential today, youre residential tomorrow. One of the ZOMod goals outlined by the county is to minimize the use of Conditional Use Plan of Development or CUPD processes, which allows applicants to seek ordinance exceptions. The CUPD process basically lets me write my own ordinance to make my development fit, Haasch explained. The ZOMod project is seeking to not have people forced into the exception route; it has more flexibility written into it, but it doesnt change the process. ZOMod will also change buffers areas that separate adjoining land uses which has become one of the points of concern among some residents. Chesterfield staff explained that ZOMod would place some buffer responsibilities on residential districts instead of having the commercial districts shoulder the entire burden like they currently do. There may be today in the ordinance a 75-foot buffer between a shopping center and a neighborhood, said Thomas Jenkins, a zoning administrator for the county. If those two uses were being built in 10 years, under ZOMod, 25 feet of that might be on the neighborhood side and 50 feet of it might be on the shopping center side. Some zoning changes will be more complex than others. One of the commercial categories, C-5, is currently zoned for a large mix of commercial and industrial uses. With ZOMod, the C-5 properties would be designated solely as commercial or industrial districts depending on the setup. Greg Allen, who previously worked in the Chesterfield planning department for 30 years, expressed concern that the C-5 properties will lose value under ZOMod. Its just one of those things to me thats unfair, Allen said. You dont do a county-wide rezoning against peoples will and start downzoning them. The planning department explained that the change is needed to fit the comprehensive plans vision for older corridors such as Route 1. The C-5 land owners will also have a five-year grace period to access the uses that are being removed. The (current) uses that you can get do not match what the comprehensive plan wants to do along these corridors, which is to revitalize them and to make them good, attractive, thriving places for the communities that they serve, Haasch said. Concerns about Fairfaxing Chesterfield Lifelong Chesterfield resident Phil Lohr, 77, has reservations about ZOMod, saying that the county doesnt have sufficient infrastructure to support the added development that new zoning might bring. The traffic is going to be horrible, Lohr said. Its going to be Fairfaxing Chesterfield, and most of the citizens dont want to be Fairfax. Lohr, his wife Jean and other residents are reaching out to fellow community members to get them more engaged in the zoning process. Its a difficult thing for the average citizen; its difficult for me to understand, he said. Im still learning and Im still reading and trying to realize additional impacts. Allen said ZOMod reducing the exception process would compromise the county and the residents ability to ask and negotiate for quality proffers, leading to lower-quality developments coming to Chesterfield. Im not against the idea that developments going to happen, Allen said. What ZOMod does is it keeps reducing the quality and standards under which that development occurs and removes the ability for citizens to actively engage with the development process in terms of zoning cases. Asked about the concerns, the county said ZOMod will not increase the maximum density allowed, noting that the comprehensive plan outlines the desired densities. We fully recognize and embrace that we are a suburban county; we recognize that we are also a growing employment center in the region as well through our land-use plan, Haasch said. The density of development in this county is not driven by the zoning ordinance, its driven by the comprehensive plan. While the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors can make zoning decisions outside of the comprehensive plan, the planning staff said those are rare cases that come from unanticipated scenarios. Haasch cited the Retreat at Rivers Bend community in Chester, which the Board of Supervisors recently approved even though the comprehensive plan called for a neighborhood business in that area. The developer proposed rezoning the property to accommodate housing for older adults, which nearby residents preferred over a commercial space. They wanted to see the residential over the commercial that could have happened there and brought a bunch of traffic to the neighborhood, Haasch said. Community input is very meaningful in the zoning process, and we will not lose that. Next steps Chesterfield is sending out postcards this month to county property owners notifying them of the new zoning districts. Residents can also view an online zoning conversion map to learn more about the changes. Next week, a fourth draft of ZOMod will be released in advance of the July 15 Chesterfield Planning Commission meeting. At that meeting, a public hearing will be held regarding ZOMod. The Planning Commission can then make additional changes to the draft if desired before the project heads to the Board of Supervisors. Nothing is ever set in stone, and theres still opportunity for people to weigh in, Chieppa said. We want to encourage people to do that. Over the past several years, state agencies have increasingly been filing inaccurate and late financial reports, the office of Virginias Auditor of Public Accounts says. Now that the office has completed the latest round of its annual reviews, it has found state agencies needed to make $4.1 billion of adjustments to financial reports from last year, up from $2.4 billion the year before, said Zach Borgerding, the offices deputy auditor for human capital and operations. The office has raised concerns before, but adjustments have actually gone up, and so we dont believe this issue has been going anywhere, Borgerding told legislative members of the states watchdog agency, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. Borgerding said the offices repeated findings of material weaknesses in agency financial reports the most serious kind of problem any standard government or corporate audit can uncover revealed misstated reports on how the Department of Health spent its federal grants as well as on how carefully it tracks accounts receivable money for services it has billed for but has not yet received. Auditors found this in multiple and delayed submissions of health department financial information to the department of accounts. As a result, the health department had to make adjustments to that information totaling $456.7 million. The department of health, thats our agency that gets the most press, and its not that good, said Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, JLARCs chair. But this administration assured me that theyve turned it off. Everythings good over there. Now theyve got all their financial, you know, administrative processes in order, but you did not find that. You found that theyre still weak, you know. So theres a disconnect between what Im hearing, between the administration and what youre saying, he said. Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly said the auditors presentation was a retrospective review of previous audits. It does not reflect corrective actions agencies have made since the auditors office completed its reports, she said, adding that the three main credit-rating agencies, which look closely at states financial reporting standards, have recently affirmed Virginias triple-A grade. Multiple agencies affected The health department was not the only agency where auditors found repeated material weakness in financial reporting. At the Department of Human Resource Management, auditors found misstatements of money paid for state employee insurance coverage, as well as for spending on claims, on drug rebates and on accounts receivable monies owed. Adjustments to this departments reports to the Department of Accounts totaled $606 million. At the University of Virginia, where auditors also have reported repeated material weaknesses, their latest examination found the Medical Center did not do a bank reconciliation matching its accounts to its bank statements for nine months. The university had $58.8 million in unrecorded cash, $62.4 million in unrecorded wire transfers and a $34.8 million overpayment. Auditors found the Virginia Department of Social Services did not review how staff members were monitoring how local governments and nonprofit agencies were spending federal funds the department passed on to them. We felt like this finding put the agency at risk of disallowed future expenditure to federal awards, and this was something we pointed out 2018, so we felt like its been a significant amount of time, Borgerding said. Auditors found the social services departments reports on spending of federal funds for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the main welfare program for low-income families with children, had been misstated in 32% of cases reviewed. This was because of an overreliance on third-party providers of support services to TANF recipients, Borgerding said. Risk alerts are among the tools the auditors will use in their reports when we think that theres something that doesnt fit neatly into a finding that the agency really needs to pay attention to, he said. And so we sent that message in this report to say ... that we think that the agency is headed in the wrong direction, he said. He said the good news story is we do feel like the agency heard that message, as they have since hired a consultant that has developed a strategy for how to prioritize and attack these policies. Elsewhere, the office found material weaknesses in the Department of General Services financial reporting on its leases and the Virginia Information Technology Agencys accounting for some assets. The obvious concern here is the inaccurate or untimely financial information put the commonwealths bond rating at risk, which is obviously not something that any of us would want, Borgerding said. So far, we have been able to identify the adjustments needed to fairly present the financial statements and to work with accounts to meet the statutory Dec. 15 deadline. However, as submissions become more untimely, as they have, more inaccuracy ... just increases that risk, he said. Generally, one issue is that many of the financial staff whove handled reporting work have retired or are about to, while some agencies havent been doing succession planning that would make for a smooth transition at a time when agency finances are growing ever more complicated. The office has seen the same trend with local governments, said Auditor of Public Accounts Staci Henshaw. 22 reports still out Her offices annual Comparative Report of Local Government is supposed to track revenue and spending for all of Virginias 133 cities and counties, as well as 37 larger towns. Among other things, its a key signal of when a locality is deemed to be in fiscal distress, which can trigger state help, including funds, a suspension of state mandates and richer or easier access to economic development incentives. But the number of localities that still havent filed for fiscal year 2024 is 22 compared with just one or two in recent years, she said. Her office is monitoring finances in Buena Vista, Clifton Forge, Radford and Hopewell, to see if it should find them to be in fiscal stress. In the case of Hopewell, which has not completed an audit since its just-filed audit for fiscal year 2020, that designation could mean a state-appointed emergency fiscal manager to implement a financial remediation plan, thanks to legislation lawmakers passed last year. So far, the office is not designating any of these cities as being fiscally stressed. But theres one locality, the tiny town of Tangier, on an island in Chesapeake Bay, that Henshaw says might be. Tangier is not required to submit an audited financial report, because it is too small, with fewer than 500 residents. Earlier this year, we started getting notification from some state agencies with concerns about Tangier, Henshaw said. The first came from the Department of Environmental Quality, which gave the town a $2 million grant for shoreline replenishment on the shrinking island. The contractor told DEQ that it had not been paid. The Department of Accounts said the town had not filed a report on COVID-related funds, saying that could force the town to return the money. The Virginia Resources Authority said Tangier missed a debt payment for a loan that the authority made. We also had a town councilmember contact our office with concerns. They had a lot of turnover on their town council, their town manager had left. They were unable to access their financial information ... There were obviously a lot of concerns there, Henshaw told JLARCs legislative members. Her office is working with the town to try to figure out what its financial position really is, she said. Convenience store employee found stabbed to death in Playa del Carmen subdivision Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A convenience store worker was found stabbed to death in Playa del Carmen. Police were called to the scene in Jardines de Ciudad Mayakoba around 6:40 a.m. Friday. According to initial reports, the discovery was made by a coworker of the victim when they arrived to change shifts. The body was found laying on the floor in a pool of blood near a storage area inside the store. The deceased was reported stabbed more than a dozen times. The area was cordoned off by Municipal Police while the body was removed. Police have not released any details surrounding the death. It is not known if the victim is a male or female. A possible motive is also unclear. New C2 security centre in Cancun Hotel Zone in final stages Cancun, Q.R. A new C2 security and command centre being constructed in the Cancun Hotel Zone is expected to soon be finished. According to the Quintana Roo Citizen Security Secretariat, the building is in its final stages. The Secretary of Security, Julio Cesar Gomez Torres, said the new C2 will allow for more direct and focused response to incidents occurring in tourist areas since it will be interconnected with the states main C5 Centre. What were looking for in the tourist areas is to provide more direct attention given the importance of handling any incident in the states tourist zone, he said. All municipal command centers are interconnected with the states C5 Security Complex so that reports received by 911 or 089 are immediately shared with the C2 centers to provide timely response in coordination with the state. The C2s are equipped with a monitoring area, an analysis area, access to the Mexico platform databases and state records for investigation and analysis purposes for police intelligence. The Command and Control Center (C2) is being constructed behind the current Tourist Police facilities at kilometer 12.5 of Kukulcan Boulevard. Gomez Torres said the new building had an initial budget of 12 million pesos, but an additional 3 million pesos is being spent to complete outdoor areas such as parking and other pending details. Construction for the new facility was announced in late February of this year. He says the new C2 in the Cancun Hotel Zone is expected to be operational within four months. Public opinion appears to be shifting in favor of actor Kim Soo-hyun following months of controversy over allegations involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron, sparking renewed interest in the unreleased Disney+ series Knock Off. The allegations, which claimed Kim maintained a six-year relationship with Kim Sae-ron beginning when she was 15, drew heavy backlash earlier this year. The claims originated from Kim Sae-ron's family and the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute. However, the credibility of the whistleblower and supporting evidence has since come under scrutiny. "No concrete evidence has emerged," one user on Korean forum DC Inside wrote. "If he did nothing wrong, he should return." Doubts have grown around the timeline presented by Kim Sae-ron's family, especially after reports surfaced that Kim Soo-hyun was in a relationship with an idol-turned-actress, referred to as "A," during the same period. Multiple letters reportedly exchanged during Kim's military service supported that claim. Further damaging to the original allegations was the discrediting of a photo said to prove an underage relationship. The image was found to have been taken with an iPhone 11, a device released after Kim Sae-ron reached adulthood. Another widely circulated element of the case an alleged assault involving a whistleblower in New Jersey was questioned after inconsistencies in medical records and a denial from the Korean consulate in New York. The revelation of these details has led to growing online support for Kim. Hashtags such as "#KimSooHyunCleared" and "#IsKnockOffFinallyAiring" have trended across Korean social media platforms. Hi @DisneyPlusKR when are we getting #KnockOff with Kim Soo Hyun? We need it ASAP!!! The drama's going to be a hit cant wait to see Kim Seong jun's journey from an ordinary office employee to the Knock Off KING!#KimSooHyun THE QUIET QUAKE#ShiftedWithSoohyun pic.twitter.com/6vbyhVIZH3 (@HyuniHyuniKim) May 12, 2025 One netizen commented, "They nearly finished filming once a verdict is out, it'll probably get released." Despite the increasing support, Knock Off, the Disney+ original series starring Kim and actress Jo Bo-ah, remains shelved. Hi @DisneyPlus Im an avid fan of The Mandalorian, Ahsoka and The Book of Boba Fett. So far, I havent watched any Korean drama on Disney. But Knock Off might just be my first. As the truth begins to surface and the injustice surrounding Kim Soo Hyun becomes clearer, I believe pic.twitter.com/6EdwiIxSq2 E.Y.E (@BeeZeebub) June 5, 2025 The series was absent from Walt Disney Company Korea's 2025 content lineup announcement. "There are no updates beyond our previously announced decision to postpone the release pending internal review," Choi Yeon-woo, head of local content at Walt Disney Company Korea, said in a statement. Jo Bo-ah, who postponed her honeymoon to film the series, also expressed continued hope for its future. "We all put a lot of heart into the project. I believe the effort will eventually be recognized," she said. Internationally, Kim's reputation appears to be recovering. His 2013 hit series My Love from the Star was recently broadcast in Brazil and Taiwan. [NEWS] Actor #KimSoohyuns hit drama #MyLoveFromTheStar will be broadcast in Brazil for the first time. Recently, SBT, the largest private TV network in Brazil, announced that it will air the Korean drama, My Love from the Star, on June 9 (local time) for the first time. The pic.twitter.com/Yv0ejPHrUn soohyunupdates (@soohyunupdates) June 4, 2025 Meanwhile, he has filed lawsuits against Garo Sero Institute and Kim Sae-ron's family, citing defamation, violation of the Information and Communications Network Act, stalking, and seeking 12 billion (approximately USD 8.8 million) in damages. The final verdict remains pending, but public sentiment has clearly shifted. "Season 2 sounds promising," another online commenter wrote. As legal proceedings continue, the fate of Knock Off and Kim Soo-hyun's public image may soon be decided not just by court rulings, but by growing public support. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Ill shove a cucumber up my ass! It was a light bulb moment. Newton had his apple. I went with the gourd family. I was 18, new to New York, and drunk on the D train. Drunker than usual. I had been embarrassed that night. There was this comedy group at NYU, and I was its sound guy. It was my job to press the play button on a cassette boom box so that, after the punch line of a sketch, R.E.M. or Fine Young Cannibals would kick in. It was 1989. In rehearsal that night, Id fucked up a cue. Id played The Humpty Dance after a sketch meant to end with Back in Black. One of the group members said, Kevin, you dont know this cue by now? Then he had started singing, If you dont know it by now, like Harold Melvin, and the whole group chimed in like the Blue Notes: You will never, ever, ever know it, ooo-wooo! It was silly to be so embarrassed. I was too sensitive. Id grown up knowing I was gay and not knowing I had ADHD, but always in this tug-of-war between being proud and mortified to be so different. So when the group members went out drinking after rehearsal, I drank deep. Then they all hooked up with various folks of the opposite sex on their dorm room floors, and I, still hiding from them that I was gay, headed home to the hole-in-the-wall I shared with my older brother in Brooklyn. What could I do to feel better? Id recently found out about prostate stimulation, and how it supposedly took orgasms to a whole new level. Like, not just turning the volume knob up but also the bass, the treble, and the wah-wah on the guitar. Id never tried it. I didnt have a penis on hand to help me out, so I went for the next best thing: a penis-shaped salad topping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the perfect plan. Id get my mind off my embarrassment from the show rehearsal and pound some of this closeted sexual tension out of my system with a cuke up the ole wazoo. Two birds, one stone. Then I remembered that my brother and I lived on dollar slices and Guinness. The last thing wed have in the fridge were nutrients. And I lived in this quiet Hasidic neighborhood. Surely no grocery would be open at 4 a.m. As the train reached the station, all hope was lost. Then, for the first time ever, I noticed the sign on the Waldbaums grocery by the station: Open 24 Hours. I rushed in as if I had a life to save. The whole place was silent. Just flickering fluorescent lights. And the only other soul I saw was this half-asleep stoner dude at the cash register. He watched me sprint to the produce. Advertisement There was a nice selection of cukes. I took a moment, like Goldilocks, thinking, Not too big and not too small, and when I found the one that was just right, I rushed to the register. Thats when it occurred to me: Might this look a bit odd? Rushing in at 4 a.m. for nothing but one cucumber? But Id spent all my money on Guinness and Jagermeister shots and had only a few coins to spare. Would this be another embarrassment? What might the stoner dude think? As nonchalantly as I could, I placed my item on the counter for checkout. He looked at it. He looked back at me. But he remained expressionless. He wearily took my change and punched some numbers into the register. As he was bagging the gourd, I thought, I got away with this! He doesnt suspect a thing! Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Yep, Trader Joes Cashiers Are Up To Exactly What You Suspected Read More But when he handed me the bag, he raised an eyebrow. He said, Enjoy your salad. I know we both found it hilarious, even though we both kept a straight face. About 20 minutes later, I had my first anal orgasm. To say that I enjoyed my salad would be an understatement. The thing is, I more or less knew I was gay well before kindergarten. Id been masturbating to imaginary versions of fellas I knew from school since I was 9. But the actual mechanics of male-to-male erotic activities were still mysteries to me at 18. As it turned out, the cucumber adventure was one of the first of my lifetime of trials, errors, and triumphs around sex. Im in my mid-50s now, and one of the things Im most thrilled about is that, especially in the realm of kink, I continue even these days to discover new ways to have intimate fun in the bedroom. And to this day, I sound like the entire choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus when I climax from prostate stimulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think of that cashier when people judge me, poke fun at me, or try to shame me for being me. Hes a reminder that I dont have to wallow in shame and hurt when that happens. I share stories about my sex life on my podcast RISK! and on my social media quite freely now. People constantly say things to me like, What a relief to hear you being honest about that stuff. It makes me feel like I have nothing to be ashamed of either. Like its OK to be different and I can just laugh it off if people judge me for it. I couldnt agree more. Just laugh it off. And enjoy your salad. Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this weeks edition of the Surge, a counseling newsletter about how to move on after breaking up with your best friend. We had a bunch of policy disputes between senators in mind for this weeks list, but then the big fun thing happened and this edition became more of a detailed recap of a pro wrestling feud. Beyond that, we take a look at the 2026 Senate map and track some exBiden staff infighting for old times sake. All of that, plus the weather, coming up next. Anyway: The main event! 1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump If even these two cant make it This week, nuclear fission was achieved in Washington as Donald Trump and Elon Musk finally broke up in one big, beautiful cloud of destruction. Just a week after leaving the government, Musk called on the GOP to KILL the disgusting abomination of the megabill Congress is working on. After Trumpgently, to be honestsaid he was very disappointed in Musk, and suggested Musk was mad because the bill would put an abrupt end to electric vehicle tax credits, Musk really began to unload. Without me, he posted, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. He added: Such ingratitude. Things continued to escalate as Trump suggested hed eliminate Musks Government Subsidies and Contracts. Then Musk claimed that Trump was in the Epstein files, which is the real reason they have not been made public. Musk also suggested creating a new political party, replied yes to a tweet saying Trump should be impeached and replaced with Vice President J.D. Vance, and predicted that Trumps tariffs would cause a recession later this year. Steve Bannon, an OG MAGA figure whos long resented the recent entry of the techies into the tent, suggested that Trump should deport Musk. Advertisement What do we make of this? Primarily that its all delightful. But how about a fresh entry 2. Elon Musk Shoo! Here weve got two world-historical narcissists whove already done so much work, together and separately, to destroy basic functions of the federal government, the American information ecosystem, and international alliances, enriching themselves with crypto schemes and through pressure to foreign countries along the way. So if we had to pick one getting the best of the other? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to see Trump embarrass this guy, of course. Git im Donny!! Dont let the worlds ultimate oligarch, who has purchased a major communications platform to disseminate his personal propaganda, bully an elected official. Musk, in any of his involvements in public affairs, has never understood public sentiment or why theres a system of government that prevents him, an unelected private citizen, from eliminating agencies that he has read conspiracy theories about. He has an even more vacant understanding of the legislative process than Trump and, unlike Trump, thinks the OBBBA would be more popular if the spending cuts went deeper. Musk has the gall to threaten to take out politicians for the next 40+ years if they dont do as he says. Worst of all, hes not funny. And hes had way too much power for any one unfunny person to have. OK, one more Advertisement 3. Donald Trump Pull yourself together, man. Alas, Trump has been reserved throughout this process, refusing to go blow-for-blow, saying hes disappointed in Elon and otherwise trying to change the subject. Sure, he tossed out a threat to cancel Musks federal contracts. But you could tell his heart wasnt really in it. Wheres the fire? Guy over here says that Trump wouldve lost if not for him and suggests hes a kiddie diddler, and all we get is a Maybe Ill cancel the contracts, I dunno? Huh? Is there not an Adderall laying around the floor of Elons old office to give to Our President? A couple of factors appear to be at play. First, Trumps staff seems to have gotten to him and convinced him that further escalation isnt in his interest as hes trying to move this bill through the Senate. Never good adviceyouve gotta let the big dog eat. Second, Trump is reportedly despondent after the split. People close to Trump have described him as more sad than angry at Musk, ABC News reported Friday morning. One adviser who was with Trump on Thursday night said he seemed bummed about the breakup. Ah, yeah. Weve all been there. But youve got to pick yourself up. A good friendStephen Miller, Steve Witkoff, Liddle Marco Rubioneeds to let him know that theres plenty of fish in the sea, and hes still a catch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4. Senate Democrats Whats the path to a Senate majority in 2026? The answer to the question posed in the subhead of this entry is most likely: There isnt one. But a couple of developments this week got us theorizing. Heres the map, if youd like to follow along. To retake the majority, Democrats would need a four-seat net pickup. Senate Democrats would need to retain all of their current seats, including those decided by competitive races in Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire. They would need to flip Thom Tillis seat in North Carolina and Susan Collins seat in Maine. Neither of these is easy by any stretchand ousting Collins, even though shes in a much bluer state, is the harder of these two tasks. What would be the next two flips? Well, weve been watching closely as Joni Ernst spent a couple of days last week making fun of her constituents for being worried that GOP policy changes might result in more deaths. It calls into question her baseline political skills. Democrats have already lined up a gruff white-guy mechanic with tattoos to play the part of spoiler there, which is an improvement from the partys prosecutor/CIA analyst archetype of cycles past. The next opportunity would be Texas, where normal GOP Sen. John Cornyn, according to early polling, is at serious risk of losing his primary to a notorious ding-dong, state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Were Paxton to be nominated, it might give Democrats a sliver of hope that the state could be competitive. Overall, wed still say the odds are higher that Republicans lose net zero Senate seats this cycle than that they lose even one. But we can at least see the outlines of a path under perfect conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5. Marjorie Taylor Greene They had plenty of time to read the bill. The Georgia congresswoman made an interesting admission this week. She posted, in full transparency, that she didnt know about the OBBBAs 10-year ban on state and local regulation of artificial intelligence when she voted for the bill, and had she known, she would have voted against it. This leaves us torn between wanting to make jokes about her for not knowing this was in the bill or commending her for owning up to it and appropriately criticizing it. (Ban all A.I., by the way.) She wasnt the first to come clean like this. Nebraska Rep. Michael Flood admitted at a town hall that he was unaware of a provision gutting judges ability to hold administration officials in contempt for disobeying court orders when he voted for the bill. Advertisement We think Greene, especially, is using this as a means of getting some leverage in the final negotiations between House and Senate. Which is fine, people do that. But these admissions give some legs to a line of complaint we find tedious: Big bills are too big, and voted on so quickly that members dont have time to read them! Please. The A.I. regulation ban had been kicked around for a while and was in the original draft of the bill. Members should have staff who can brief them about important provisions in bills of any page lengthand there was plenty of reporting around this particular provision, too. When a last-minute amendment with a handful of changes comes out, a staffer should be able to digest whats important about it in five minutes and brief their bosses. Complaints about page length are for sissies, but if you need more time, withhold your vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6. David Richardson Is hurricane the one with all the water, or is that a fire thing? We confess that we just had to google this guys name after hed been sitting in our notes all week as FEMA idiot. Richardson, the acting FEMA administrator, is a Marine who served overseas until he retired to paint and write; then he gave up on that to have very important jobs in the Trump administration. After beginning the administration in the Department of Homeland Security at the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD, pronounced KWAMMED! in our head), he moved over to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in May after the last guy couldnt stand it. In his first all-hands meeting at FEMA, Richardson famously told employees Dont get in my way because I will run right over you, adding that he doesnt stop at yield signs, and that I, and I alone in FEMA, speak for FEMA. Wed bet it all that he talks to his waiter at Chilis like this, too. Advertisement This week, Richardson returned to the news after telling staff during a briefing, in Reuters words, that he had not been aware the country has a hurricane season. A DHS spokesperson described the leak as a meanspirited spin on a joke. But speaking of hurricane season, it started June 1, and because of the Trump administrations various cuts across government, at both FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, its looking like a fair amount of guesswork may be involved this year in destruction predictions. 7. Karine Jean-Pierre Those knives came out quickly. To the Surges eye, President Joe Bidens former press secretary was someone who had an incredibly difficult jobarguing that the visibly declining president was actually in perfect shape 100 percent of the timeand was also really bad at it. That seems to have been the internal opinion at the Biden White House, too, because when her book deal was announced this week, her former colleagues let loose. A key thing about the book is that its premise is ridiculous. In the promotion for her book, she announces that shethe most recent spokesperson for a Democratic presidentis an independent, and her book 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. This is a clear case of the book-deal interest coming first and the gimmick second. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement served as a catalyzing event for exBiden staffers years of frustration with Jean-Pierre. The amount of time that was spent coddling [Jean-Pierre] and appeasing her was astronomical compared to our attention on actual matters of substance, one ex-official told Axios. Another told Politico that everyone thinks this is a grift, while a former assistant press secretary tweeted lol. This is the way things should work. You are free to do a cash grab after being bad at your White House job, but you will have to endure everyone making fun of you for it. 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 On Thursday, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the government of Mexico may not continue its lawsuit seeking to hold firearms manufacturers and a firearms distributor civilly accountable for their role in causing cartel-driven gun violence in Mexico. Having taken the case at an unusually early stage in the litigation, and so working from an undeveloped factual record, all nine justices agreed that Mexicos current complaint does not even satisfactorily allege that the defendants have aided and abetted U.S. dealers who illegally sell guns to traffickers who then get them to the cartels in Mexico. Whats worse, Justices Clarence Thomas and Ketanji Brown Jackson each wrote separate concurrences in which they wade into the substantive law of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, offering unprecedented interpretations that would make it harder for victims of gun violence to try to hold firearms-makers and sellers responsible for their part in the harms they cause. All in all, Thursdays intervention from the Supreme Court means expanded impunity for the firearms industryand thus the likelihood of more death and injury due to gun violence. PLCAA is a complex federal statute that specifies only a limited number of circumstances when victims of gun violence may bring a lawsuit against the maker or seller of a gun. Apart from these circumstances, PLCAA bans civil suits against industry members for harms arising from the criminal use of firearms. One ground for a civil action permitted by PLCAA arises when a firearms industry actor knowingly violates a statute applicable to the sale and marketing of firearms. When this happens, victims of a criminal shooting may sue the maker or seller of the firearms used, advancing any cause of action supported by facts of the case. Advertisement Mexicos complaint alleged that the named firearms manufacturers and the named distributor aid and abet rogue dealers in the U.S. who illegally sell firearms to straw purchasers. These purchasers work with traffickers to illegally convey the arms to criminal cartels in Mexico. Aiding and abetting the sale of firearms to straw purchasers is itself a violation of the same statutes the rogue dealers are breaking. According to Mexicos complaint, the defendants participation in breaking these law opens them to the full panoply of civil liability for the ensuing gun violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the full court, Justice Elena Kagan announced that Mexico had not succeeded in stating a sufficiently plausible aiding-and-abetting claim. The court reversed the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which had held that Mexico had properly pleaded aiding and abetting, opening the door to discovery and trial on the merits. Advertisement The courts reversal is odd, because it interrupts the normal flow of civil litigation. Kagan criticized Mexico for its failure to specify precisely which rogue dealers the defendants supply and what exactly the defendants know about the dealers illegal sales. But the ordinary way for a plaintiff to attain such precision is by conducting discovery, thus uncovering the facts necessary to proving their case to a jury. The court today preemptively shut down this process, in essence requiring plaintiffs bringing aiding-and-abetting claims to somehow know information that they would typically learn through pretrial discovery. It remains open to Mexico to revise its complaint to address the full courts criteria for properly pleading aiding and abetting, if Mexico can obtain the required information outside the legal process. Regardless, we know from Thursdays opinions that at least two justicesand quite possibly moreare poised to radically revise the body of PLCAA law lower federal courts have been developing. Advertisement Advertisement Thomas and Jackson both went beyond the issue of aiding and abetting to make pronouncements about the sorts of conduct and kinds of legal violations that trigger PLCAAs permission to bring civil actions against the firearms industry. Thomas wrote to cast doubt on whether PLCAAs reference to knowing violations of federal or state statutes includes violations that have not been formally found by a court or other regulatory body. No lower court that I know of has adopted this position. Indeed, no lower court opinions have even discussed the question. Yet Thomas took the opportunity to alert the firearms industry that it seems to [him] that the PLCAA at least arguably requires not only a plausible allegation that a defendant has committed a predicate violation, but also an earlier finding of guilt or liability in an adjudication regarding the violation. He doesnt provide even a hint of an argument that the words of PLCAA support his impression. Thomas instead vaguely gestures to serious constitutional considerations that would support his view. Advertisement Advertisement Jacksons concurrence is just peculiar. She argued that Mexicos complaint should be dismissed because Mexico did not identify particular statutory violations committed by the defendants. But the complaint notes several specific statutes it alleges the defendants have violated, including the U.S. Gun Control Act of 1968. The Gun Control Act expressly forbids selling guns to straw purchasers, buyers who purchase guns for somebody else who cannot lawfully by them. This is exactly what people who buy guns for traffickers do. The complaint also names state statutes it alleges the defendants have violated: the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (which applies to defendant Colt) and the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (which applies to Smith & Wesson). These statutes require the responsible sale and marketing of consumer goods, including firearms. Stocking rogue dealers with guns the manufacturers and the distributor know the dealer will sell to straw purchasers who will then supply them to traffickers breaks these laws. Ignoring the complaints discussion of how the defendants conduct violates the Gun Control Act, CUTPA, and MCPA, Jackson writes, Mexico merely faults the industry writ large for engaging in practices that legislatures and voters have declined to prohibit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacksons disregard for what the complaint actually says is baffling. She claims to be concerned for PLCAAs purpose of establishing the primacy of the political branchesboth state and federalin deciding which duties to impose on the firearms industry. But federal gun control laws and state consumer protection statutes like the ones Mexico pinpoints do just that: They codify legislatures decisions as to the duties firearms manufacturers and sellers have. Perhaps Jackson regards the complaint as conclusory because it does not itemize occasions when rogue dealers, intentionally supplied with firearms by the defendants, violated the Gun Control Act. Nor does the complaint itemize specific instances of when the defendants violated CUTPA or MCPA. But again, even if PLCAA calls for this, the necessary facts would ordinarily be gathered by the plaintiff through discovery. By demanding more specifics on the statutory violations alleged, Jacksons position comes close to Thomas: Only formally adjudicated violations can secure a complaint against a motion to dismiss. Advertisement Advertisement Writing from the right and left wings of the Supreme Court, Thomas and Jackson have emboldened Second Amendment absolutists to attack cases brought under the rubric of PLCAA. They invite lower court judges to grant early motions to dismiss. This is contrary to rule of law in an appellate system like ours. Our civil justice system permits plaintiffs to initially plead their cases comparatively generally and then to refine them in light of discovery. Quick dismissals of properly pleaded, if general, claims undermine the proper evolution of individual lawsuits. Worse, it strips all courts of the chance to identify and analyze relevant issues of law. Even if Thomas and Jackson have rightly detected questions raised by PLCAAwhat constitutes a statutory violation and what does a plaintiff have to plead to preliminarily identify onetheir concurrences foreclose usual judicial processes for answering them. Advertisement Advertisement The court as a whole and the two concurrences hurtle pell-mell toward making it virtually impossible for plaintiffs like Mexico to successfully plead their claims. Beyond that, the decision short-circuits the careful development of the law of PLCAA. The statute is a particularly intricate one, which already gave an industry that produces, markets, and sells exceptionally lethal products a large measure of impunity from any civil accountability for its harm-causing conduct. The opinions handed down by the Supreme Court in Smith & Wesson v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos thwart case-by-case determination of PLCAAs applicability, a process that promotes careful explication of the law. This is a very poor ruling. It will put more firearms in the hands of criminals who will use them to wreak havoc. It will prevent victims of this havoc from seeking justice in court. Home > 2025 > Cracks in Operation Sindur | Radhakanta Barik Modi as the Prime Minister is scared of educated people and he cracks jokes " Hard work vs Harvard" This creates problems for managing the conflict areas of Indian economy politics and foreign policy. He dismantled the Planning Commission which used to bring the best economists to think boldly and searched a way out of crisis. It was a place of consultation among the chief ministers of states which affects the federal structure of political system. Niti Ayog cannot replace the old Planning Commission which required data and analysis. Today no data of economy and poverty are available no planning is done. Foreign policy requires thinking minds but he depends on a civil servant to handle the foreign relation. He visited around ninety countries which required a huge investment but no availability of total expenditure incurred for foreign visits. Under the RTI no information is available but somehow pole have collected the information regarding his visit to Brazil where his three days journey incurred thirty lakhs of rupees. But in the end he did not have any friend who could stand with India. Permanent friend like Russia has been alienated from India. In war situation with Pakistan he squandered resources from friends and stood alone without any friend country. Pahalgam and operation Sindur are the two sides of the same coin. Pahalgam incident killed many tourists which demanded action against the Home Minister Shah for failure in maintaining the law and order as it is the responsibility of the Central government but this did not happen and then to push the matter for creating war psychosis among people of South Asia they started Operation Sindur which turned into fiasco. There was no preparation as the required fighter planes have not reached the Air force which is handicapped. Old Raffale planes got shot down by the Pakistan fighter planes equipped with advance technology. After twenty four hours Modi realised the folly and then like Duryodhan after losing all his heroes in the battle like Vshma and Karna etc went to mother Kunti to take advice and Modi here went to take advice from Trump who played his cards to keep his imperialist design over the South Asia and went for a Ceasefire. Proper planning and strength could have saved us from a fiasco today. POSDCORB is an acronym in public administration and management theory, coined by Luther Gulick and Lyndall Urwick, that stands for Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting, and Budgeting. These are seven principles of public administration. Planning of the defiance preparation was done by Modi as he did not consult the experts and went ahead with the Raffale while he went on foreign trip to Paris with some industrialists and renewed the deal and handed over to the private players who are his friends. Here planning is done without proper thinking as he went ahead with privatisation policy without looking into seven principles of public administration. He did not allow the industrialists with some expertise but on friendly terms with Anil Ambani a bankrupt industrialist who had nothing to invest and the public sector industries were not allowed to function as before specifically the HAL a public sector industry was involved in assembling the parts of fighter plane. The way they organised the defence activities without proper staffing and without proper direction from the top management. The most important failure is the coordination with military establishment which is raised by the Air Marshal A P Singh that there was hardly any coordination with the air force chief. He raised very often the points regarding the fulfillment of contracts but they ignored. This happened because of their familial relationship with the political executive. As Air Marshal raised the issue the private management ignored to report back. This is what he raised in his meeting with industrialists. He is not opposing the privatisation but it needs to be done in a professional way. Furthermore the low budget for defiance affected the production system which is being underlined by the Air Marshal. Image of operation Sindur is slowly looking mystic and the contours of the war are getting exposed by the generals. A General told to press people in Singapore regarding the shot down of fighter planes in the operation. Air Marshall AP SIngh raises a critical point that no project is complete they waiting for delivery. This is a question regarding privatization policy of Modi government by allowing the private players to produce the arms and ammunition but nothing is yet delivered . The fighter planes are not yet ready which he has warned before but today he questioned the whole policy of privatization and its lack of commitment of delivery of fighter planes. Under Modi all wars not fought on the Western frontier of Indian Sub continent but it entered into election politics of India. Phulwama to Pahalgam he went to different places and campaigned in the name of war vicitims and telling people to vote for the soldiers who died in the war. After the operation Sindur he went to BIhar and told "Chur Chur ho jayega" and Now in Rajasthan he spoke that operation Sindur is in his blood. It is true that war and jingoism both are part of right wing Hinduva politics. He is sending the opposition leaders to speak to public in different parts of the world about the Operation Sindur but it is getting spoiled in the bud by Modi himself. Is Modis India a Hindu Rashtra, this needs some explanations? A leading news paper like Financial Times equates Pakistan and India some level. Pakistan was declared as a Islamic state whereas India a secular and democratic state. Over a decade Modi is ruling with his anti Muslim rhetoric but sometimes it it looking like real. After the Pahalgam incident more Muslims in BJP ruled states are getting attacked by the supporters of Hindutva and Modi bhakta. The war exposed the way symbols of Hinduism have been used in Operation Sindur. Sindur is being used by married women in Hindu society as being used in the last war. The Defence Minister went to France to get Raffale planes with Nimbu and mirichi are ingredients of Hindu worship rituals. Defence is a secular organisation but the Modi government wanted not to allow women as officers which is another sign of Hinduism. That Women are for the homes not for working in factory and fields or schools and colleges. All these are fearful prospects for the future. As Modi is turning into a King and the military officers have been touching his feet which another sign of hierarchy as practiced in everyday Hinduism I have seen in the Sanskrit Department of Utkal University students touch the feet of teachers every day which explains the disaster in our university system. Are we on the verge of Hindu rastra? Jaishankar defines nationalism which is against smaller economy not a strong and bigger economy It is an opportunitic view of nations and nationalism. Vijay Shah, the cabinet minister of Madhya Pradesh spoke in a public meeting against two spokespersons of the Army and one of them is an officer belonging to the Muslim community. does not represent one person but the ugly face of Hindutva and after Pahalgam incident they have created 184 incidents related to attacks on Muslims. This is the saddest part of the Hindutva politics. It is slowly taking the shape of terrorism. We welcome Justice Sridharan and Justice Shukla of Jabalpur bench of High court of MP allowed the police to file the criminal case against Shah and a strong action needs to be taken against him to teach a lesson that Hindutva uses abusive language against Muslims Dalits and women. Prof Ali Khan from Ashoka University was arrested without the knowledge of various agents working in the area. Haryana State Women Commission Chairman Mrs Bhattia does not know what is anti woman in a statement of Professor and she ddi not know what was anti national in Khans statement then the police administration of the state arrested him on her suggestion which creates a problem for senior IPS officers who do not apply their minds in taking actions or they work as the nominee of the BJP government. After Modi came to power he recruited some young bald headed cow vigilantes who got training in Teen Murti a place for scholars and they came for a training which got provided by the IPS lady officer belonging to Haryana which raises a critical question that Police is able to replace the work of the Sangh parivaar in some states which is going to harm the secular state in India. (Author: Prof Radhakanta Barik was a former faculty member at the Indian Institute of Public Administration) Franck Chosson made his driving debut a winning one in the final race of the day for amateur drivers at Hippodrome 3R on Friday, June 6. The 54-year-old Vercheres, Que. resident celebrated his first career driving win with pacing mare Summer Lovin in the $3,250 ninth race. The three favourites charged off the gate with Summer Lovin and Chosson to the outside from post six and parked through a :28.3 quarter before working their way to the top ahead of 2-1 shot Delco Dynamo (Roxanne Viau) and 1-2 favourite CL Big Beach (Nancy Auger), who made a first-over move with a lap to go. After splits of :57.2 and 1:27.3, Delco Dynamo shot through inside of Summer Lovin to reclaim the lead and draw clear in the final turn, but Chosson urged his mare home for the comeback, scoring in 1:57.4 by 1-1/4 lengths. Silken Sweet (Allain Pelletier) closed off the cover of CL Big Beach and edged ahead in a show photo. A driver's objection against the winner from Auger was overruled by the racing officials. A back-to-back winner this month at 3R since joining the Marc-Andre Simoneau stable, Summer Lovin was the 5-1 third choice on the toteboard and paid $13.50 to win. Chosson co-owns the four-year-old daughter of Source Of Pride out of Majortempertantrum with Jean-Francois Reid. To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Hippodrome 3R. (Standardbred Canada) Five divisions featuring 41 three-year-old colt pacers will take to the MGM Northfield Park track on Sunday, June 8 followed by five divisions featuring 37 three-year-old colt trotters on Monday, June 9 in search of a win in the second leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series (BSS). A total of $200,000 USD is on the line, with each division carrying a purse of $20,000 USD. Six of the 10 divisions will feature winners from the first leg at Eldorado Scioto Downs on May 23-24. The first division of colt pacers features opening-leg winners South Sea and Woodrow Blue Chip leaving side by side from posts four and five, respectively. At 2-1, Woodrow Blue Chip enters as the slight favourite over second choice South Sea (3-1). Driven by Dan Noble for trainer Ryan Miller, Woodrow Blue Chip has hit the board in four of five starts in 2025 and is seeking his second seasonal win. His lifetime best of 1:52.3 came in the opening leg of the BSS. The Lather Up gelding is owned by Miller Racing Stable, Redracer LLC, Roger Miller Jeff Bankey, and William Rufenacht. The Beau Brown-trained South Sea will be driven by Chris Page. The gelded son of Downbytheseaside has hit the board in four of five starts this season, posting two victories. Owned by David Wills and Robert Conley, his lifetime best of 1:52.1 came in the opening leg of the BSS. First-leg winner Accuracy By Volume is the 5-2 second choice behind 2-1 favourite Believe In Tom in the second division. Believe In Tom has two wins in three starts this season. Trained by Steve Novak, the gelded son of Long Tom will be driven by Marc St. Louis Jr. He is owned by Gerald Mijal. After recording a lifetime-best 1:54.1 in the opening leg, Accuracy By Volume will leave from the rail on Sunday seeking his second win in three seasonal starts. Driven by Page for trainer Scott Betts, the Lost In Time gelding is owned by Timothy Betts. In the third division, Fabio Hanover is leaving from the far outside as the 2-1 favourite. The Virgil Morgan Jr. trainee has two seconds and one third in three seasonal starts and will be driven by Noble. The Downbytheseaside gelding is owned by Douglas Overhiser, FAC Racing and John Schwarz Jr. At 5-2, Go Accordingly and Derby Up share the same morning line odds for second choice. Twin B High Tide is the 7-5 favourite in the fourth division with 5-2 second choice Johnny Smash. Driven by Austin Hanners for trainer Alicia Hanners, Twin B High Tide finished third in his lone prior start this season. The Downbytheseaside colt is owned by Hanners Racing. At 3-1, House Of Brix enters as the favourite in the fifth division seeking his second seasonal victory after winning in a lifetime-best 1:52 in the opening leg of the BSS. Driven by Trevor Smith, the Jeff Smith trainee will leave from the far outside. The gelded son of Catch The Fire is owned by James Everhart and Kathy Smith. My First Fire (7-2) is the second choice. First-leg winners Sippinonsearoc, Harrisburg Heist, Ohohoh Im On Fire and Swingtown are not entered in the second leg. Sippinonsearoc and Swingtown will be among the 23 three-year-old pacers competing in the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup elimination races at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday. Ohohoh Im On Fire is entered in Saturdays second leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes at Northfield Park. In the first of the five divisions of colt trotters, Smoke One For Me is the even-money favourite and will leave from post three alongside second choice Born To Trot (5-2) in post four. Dan Noble is driving the Christi Noble-trained Smoke One For Me. The gelded son of Long Tom is seeking his second victory in seven starts this season. He is owned by Norman Rae Racing. Born To Trot won in the opening leg of the BSS in a lifetime-best 1:56 and is seeking his second victory in six seasonal starts. Chris Lems is tabbed to drive the Uncle Peter gelding for trainer Deborah Swartz, who co-owns the horse with Thomas Michael Adams. Along Came Tom will leave from the rail as the 9-5 favourite in the second division. Noble is scheduled to drive the Swartz trainee, who has one win and one second in nine starts this year. The Long Tom gelding is owned by Swartz and Gail Impson. Tiny Tom is the 3-1 second choice. In the third division, first-leg winner Rose Run Ari will leave from the far outside as the 2-1 second choice to 9-5 favourite Uncle Moneybags. Aaron Merriman will drive Uncle Moneybags for trainer Chris Beaver. The gelded son of Uncle Peter is seeking his first win in seven starts this season. He is owned by Beaver, Barry Carter, VIP Internet Stable, and Tim Homan. Driven by Austin Hanners for trainer Todd Luther, Rose Run Ari has two wins in five starts this season and posted a lifetime-best 1:55.1 in the opening leg. The Triumphant Caviar gelding is owned by Greg Luther Racing. Power Hill enters as the 2-1 favourite with second choice Tom Cruiser (5-2) in the fourth division. Merriman is tabbed to drive the Mike Sowers-trained Power Hill, who is seeking his first win in four starts in 2025. The gelded son of What The Hill is owned by Michael Sowers. In the fifth division, 8-5 favourite Divine Will leaves from the rail next to 3-1 second choice Full Moon Howl. Hanners will drive Divine Will for trainer Daren Harvey. The Enterprise gelding has two wins in six starts this season and is owned by Michael Soehnlen. First-leg winner Tommy Count is the 7-1 fourth choice with Sugg in the sulky for the Carter trainee. His win in the opening leg in a lifetime-best 1:56 is his lone victory in four starts this season. The Long Tom gelding is owned by Jeff Fought Racing, Adam Friedland and Brian Carsey. First-leg winners Jet Wings, I Stand Alone AS and Vandy Lane are not entered in the second leg. The Buckeye Stallion Series races are part of a 15-race card and 16-race card at Northfield Park on Sunday and Monday, respectively. The first race post time for both days is 6 p.m. (Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association) Korean rock band Rolling Quartz is closing out their 2025 America tour and stopped by San Francisco as part of it. The Great American Music Hall, in the heart of the Tenderloin, played host. When it comes to South Korean music, many of us might think of groups like New Jeans, BTS, Stray Kids, Blackpink, Twice, and many others. Not so many rock acts make it internationally but tonight we have a stellar example of one. Unfortunately for me, today there was no pit and while the Great American Music Hall has an upper floor, no access to that either. I'm going to have to remember to bring a stool with me to this venue because I'm getting the feeling that more often than not there has been no pit which, as a photographer, makes things challenging if you didn't get there for hours ahead of time to wait in line (and given that I was coming straight from work, technically in the middle of a shift, that was an impossibility). Anyway, I digress. Rolling Quartz was formed in 2020 as the product of two separate bands, Rolling Girlz and Rose Quartz, hence, "Rolling Quartz." They really began to branch out online during the pandemic which led to multiple US tours and even appearances at conventions like Otakon in 2022. The quintet consists of a Vo-Gt-Gt-Ba-Dr setup. Vocalist Ja Young is fluent in both English and Korean which allows her to interact with the crowd, something that is sadly missing by a lot of international acts when they visit America. The blue-highlighted Hyun Jung and red-haired Iree are on guitar with bassist Arem rounding out the trio, and all three were at the forefront of the stage throughout the show, trading off time in the spotlight. Last but not least, drummer Yeong Eun shines brightly even tucked behind the drum set to the rear of the stage. Motley Crue's "Kickstart My Heart" was the lead-off song for the night and Rolling Quartz's rendition did it justice. Much like the name of the song, this got the night started off fast. This particular cover was released right before the US and Canada tour began so this tour is the first time anyone has seen it live. The band followed this with a few of their original songs including "Higher" and "Rock'n'roll Paradise" from their 2021 EP, Fighting, and their debut single "Blaze" from 2020. Fellow South Korean musician Maya got a shout out with the band's cover of her hit song "Azalea." The band then returned to Fighting with the songs "Holler" and "Delight." The set list for the night was a combination of the band's own songs as well as a heavy dose of covers (approximately half the set's worth). Even if you may have not heard much of the band before this point, the covers guaranteed that you would still have something you recognized. After all, covers posted on media sites like YouTube was a large part of why Rolling Quartz grew to be so popular across the world. That's a task easier said than done for many a band out there, and for a band this young to have gained such a global fanbase means they are doing something right. Rolling Quartz shows they have a penchant for transforming songs and putting their spin on it, and this was evident as they went through multiple genres like Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" to South Korean punk band Crying Nut's "Sing Your Heart Out." The band's most recent EP is 2024's Victory and they played the titular track along with "Stand Up." Their most recent original release from January of this year, "RE.BOLD," made an appearance towards the end of the set. For one last burst the band returned to some of the covers that helped bring them to popularity, namely Nickelback's "Burn It to the Ground," a Blackpink/BTS mashup of "Pink Venom" and "MIC Drop," and Crying Nut's "Sing Your Heart Out." After a short break, the encore song for the night was a cover of My Chemical Romance's "Helena" (and who will also be going on tour later this year, for those of you who want to relive your early 2000s). And thus, back to work for me. I had ducked out for a couple of hours just for the show. All in all, quite a fun night. If there's one thing you'll notice throughout my photos, it's that there is a smile on every member's face. They're really having fun out there. This is a band you should keep your eye on and ears open for. I've seen a lot of bands over the years and right now, Rolling Quartz are at the top of their game. They're a lot less heavy compared to a lot of the music I listen to, but sometimes music is about pure enjoyment for the sake of it, and that's what I think Rolling Quartz really does well at. Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) in collaboration with the MeitY Nasscom Center of Excellence (CoE), convened an industry-academia roundtable Ignition Bridge Innovation at the Nasscoms CoE facility in Bengaluru. The strategic dialogue platform brought together senior leaders from industry, academia, and startups to discuss the co-creation of the future of smart residential living spaces in India. The initiative is part of Panasonics broader vision to catalyse innovation with a focus on energy efficiency, automation, health, wellness, and safety. Mr. Manish Misra, Chief Innovation Officer, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said, At Panasonic, we believe the future of smart living lies at the intersection of technology, collaboration, and purpose-driven innovation. With that in mind, wed initiated the Ignition Challenge i.e., a corporate accelerator programme aimed at improving the lives of Indian consumers through tech breakthroughs. The Ignition Bridge Roundtable is an extension of this initiative that further bolsters our mission. Here, in association with Nasscom CoE, Panasonic is fostering innovation through collaborations with high-potential startups, academic institutions, and public-private partnerships to advance air quality, energy solutions, and smart residential initiatives. These efforts include research partnerships, smart home cluster deployments, and scalable community pilots to drive sustainable living. Our goal is to translate these innovations into accessible, affordable, and scalable experiences for Indian consumers. The roundtable featured insightful discussions on a wide range of themes, including smart surveillance, air quality monitoring, AI-based home automation, predictive safety systems, and sustainable energy management. Senior leadership from Panasonic, institutions such as IIT Madras, IIT Tirupati, IIT Hyderabad, IISc Bangalore, and BITS Pilani, along with deeptech startups from the Nasscom CoE network, explored collaborative models to co-develop and pilot smart home solutions that are scalable and tailored for the Indian market. Startups such as Bolt.Earth, Charzer, Biomoneta, The Energy Company, Devic Earth, and Inxense showcased innovations ranging from AI-powered security cameras and air purification systems to intelligent battery management and EV charging infrastructure. Top Breaking News Of The Day Shri. Sanjeev Malhotra, CEO, Nasscom CoE, said, At Nasscom CoE, we believe that the future of smart living will be shaped by collaborative innovation that bridges industry, startups, and academia. Our partnership with Panasonic is a powerful step toward this vision bringing together cutting-edge technology, domain expertise, and entrepreneurial agility to address critical needs in residential energy, automation, and wellness. Over the years, Panasonic Indias Innovation Centre (IIC) has been instrumental in shaping the companys India-led innovation strategy. Flagship initiatives include the Miraie platformPanasonics connected living ecosystem that integrates smart appliances via a unified app interface; the launch of Indias first Matter-enabled air conditioner, showcasing interoperability and smart home readiness; and the Ignition corporate innovation program that fosters partnerships with high-potential startups in collaboration with T-Hub and Beyond Next Ventures (BNV). The IIC also led the commercialisation of Nessum, a next-generation wired communication technology that enhances device connectivity within homes. Through these initiatives, PLSIND is committed to building a robust innovation ecosystem that not only delivers seamless and sustainable smart living experiences for Indian households but also contributes meaningfully to the countrys digital and energy transition goals. Home > 2025 > From Watchdog to Echo Chambers: Media Bias and the Erosion of Democratic (...) At a time, when the world was grappling with the harrowing 9/11 terrorist attack in the United States of America, a small country in East Africa was set to undergo a radical transformation that was going to alter the nations social and political landscape for years to come. On the fateful day of 18 September 2001, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki announced the shutdown of all independent and private media houses in the state. Large number of journalists and government officials who were critical of those in power were detained, imprisoned and many subsequently died in custody. Gross human rights violations started engulfing the newly independent nation of Eritrea and soon turned it into a land without journalists. Only the state-owned media was allowed to operate, which served as a mere mouthpiece of Ministry of Information. The lack of internet penetration in the country zeroed down the scope of alternative sources of information. Over the years, the country witnessed targeted violence by security forces, absence of freedom of speech, expression and religion as well as economic turmoil which pushed Eritrea into a full blown political and humanitarian crisis. Paradoxically, President Isaias Afwerki who belongs to the countrys only legal political party called, Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice has been responsible for turning the Eritrean state into an information blackhole. No wonder Eritrea is the worst ranked country in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index [1]. Eritreas case makes us understand what former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud meant when he said, The press must remain free if a country is to remain a democracy [2]. Absence of independent media, on the one hand, and biased reporting of events by the state-controlled media on the other hand, has deprived the people of Eritrea the taste of liberty, equality, freedom and democracy. With the help of this essay, we will try to explore the intricate relationship between media and democracy in general, and how biased media can become a grave threat to the principles of democracy in particular. If we go back in time to the days when India was a colonial state, we will notice the prominent role played by press in making us citizens of what is today known as the worlds largest democracy. The journey of media and democracy in India has however not been easy. Right from the time when Indias first newspaper, the Bengal Gazette was launched by James Augustus Hickey, attempts were made by the British government to suppress the independent voice which was critical of the colonial regime. Consequently, Hickey was arrested and the free voice of the press was curtailed. The caravan of curtailment and resistance didnt stop here. A number of Indian social reformers and political activists made use of print media in order to raise awareness and also as a means of outreach. But the colonial government responded by banning newspapers such as the Kesari, confiscating properties of press offices and deporting people like S. Ramakrishna Pillai for their journalistic endeavors. The colonial regime even enacted the Vernacular Press Act, popularly known as the Gagging Act to suppress the rise of democratic voices within Indian society. The control of information, suppression of free voice and circulation of biased information via media coerced India into remaining a colonial state for more than 200 years. Journalism, as a noble profession, is essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy. The vibrancy of democracy is compromised when the press is prevented from performing its primary role speaking truth to power. This is exactly what happened in the year 1975 when a state of National Emergency was declared in the entire country by then ruling government. The subsequent censorship on media, arrests of opposition leaders and journalists posed a grave threat to the democratic principles of our country. In a recent incident, the Supreme Court of India, while lifting the telecast ban on Malayalam channel Media One, reiterated the fact that, independent press is vital for the robust functioning of the democratic republic [3]. Another important factor which is responsible for creation of a biased-approach in media is the strong nexus that exists between big corporate houses and media organizations. Philosophers like Antonio Gramsci and Louis Althusser point out how the ruling elite creates a cultural hegemony over the spread of information via mass media, which ultimately favors their interests. The corporate houses exert significant influence over media organizations through ownership or advertising revenue. A prime example of this would be the ease with which the Ambani wedding made it to the mainstream media. This is in stark contrast to stories of hundreds of nameless manual scavengers in India, which find it hard to make their voices heard. This is a reflection of how large business firms focus on furthering their corporate agenda, thereby compromising journalistic integrity. In todays digital age, with the rise of social media and information technology, new types of challenges have also emerged. It has become even more challenging for journalists to penetrate the echo chambers that social media has created and foster a conducive environment for debates and discussions. Globally, the misuse of artificial intelligence and spread of misinformation via fake news is responsible for creating an environment of hostility and animosity. The incidents of communal tensions which broke out in Haryanas Nuh district in the year 2023 is a case in point. Unchecked circulation of fake news is a grave threat to our countrys fraternal and democratic principles. Additionally, there is a need to keep the sensationalization aspect of the news in check. Media houses often nowadays present a sensationalized version of news in order to level up their TRP game. This can be understood from the coverage of late actor Sushant Singh Rajputs suicide case, where several media outlets went way beyond presenting true facts to conducting a full-blown media trial. Such a biased conduct by media threatens not just the case in investigation but also sends out a wrong message in society by setting narratives which might not turn out to be true. This can have long-lasting repercussions on the life of affected individuals, as well as on due process of law. Media which plays a crucial role in shaping the course of current events is often accused of overlooking discussions around subjects related to environmental damage caused in the name of developmental activities. The collapse of Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand or 21 days fast by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk in Ladakh hardly found space in primetime discussions. A vigilant media is therefore necessary to hold the government and people accountable and to ensure furtherance of sustainable development in the country. Had the media been hawk-eyed, we wouldnt have witnessed the kind of healthcare infrastructure collapse that we unfortunately had to experience during the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. As the fourth pillar of democracy, mainstream media lacks representation of all communities. Several studies have highlighted the lack of representation of people from marginalized sections of society, particularly, Dalits, Adivasis, Persons with Disabilities and LGBTQIA+ communities in large media organizations. Their absence often results in silencing of some issues that affect the social-cultural milieu of our society. Their unheard voices lead to the persistence of dominant and biased narratives which often makes it difficult to build an inclusive society. Therefore, it is essential for the media to provide a complete picture of events, rather than presenting a one-sided view. However, there are several journalists and media outlets which work really hard to bring to the forefront the stories of the least heard. In India, for example, Khabar Lahariya, a newspaper run by all women journalists coming from marginalized sections of society is a testament to the fact that in a democracy, a powerful and independent media is essential for enforcing robust grassroot development and fixing accountability. R K Laxman, the famous cartoonist, known for his incisive and witty commentaries was another well-known figure who firmly stood by the journalistic principles by holding a mirror up to power through his art. The penetration of internet and growth of a number of online media platforms have led to democratization of Indian media. The stories which would otherwise have found it extremely difficult to make it to the mainstream media, have now been able to find space through alternative social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). The discussions and debates sparked off on various media forums is the first step towards action. The media coverage of Nirbhaya case, for example, led to widespread protests and later on, reforms in criminal laws. An unbiased media thus acts as a powerful watchdog. We must remember that besides media, the other three pillars of democracy also play a critical role in furthering liberal and egalitarian values in society. Passing of bills in the Parliament without proper discussion, suppressing of oppositions voice by the executive and attempting to control the functioning of the judiciary (the landmark press conference held by the Supreme Court judges in 2018 is a case in point), are several other examples that can erode the culture of democracy in our society. It is important for us to strike a balance between all four pillars of democracy. This shows how biased media can prove detrimental to Indian democracy by undermining the principles of pluralism, equality, transparency and accountability. Therefore, steps must be taken by all stakeholders to strengthen press freedom and media integrity. In order to attain what Nelson Mandela calls as lifeblood of any democracy, we must strive to create a robust, critical, independent and investigative press. (Author: Apoorva Pandey, a passionate researcher and writer with a keen interest in socio-political issues, Apoorva holds a masters degree in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University) For close to three decades, the Foundation for Heritage Preservation and Legacy Creation has been dedicated to preserving Indigenous heritage, promoting eco-cultural education, and fostering sustainable community development focusing on areas including environment and wildlife, education, community support, and animal care and rescue. However, the Foundation is facing its biggest challenge, as it needs consistent funding to support its programmes. Added to that, further setbacks emerged when the Foundations co-founder, Aleeyah Amanda Ali, was stricken with health issues. 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. Over here, if you know where to look, you might find a well-worn, leather-bound Bible translated out of the original tongues and published in 1831. Over there is a first-edition copy of Yes Is Better Than No, written by the late Tucsonan Byrd Baylor in 1972. Current bestsellers? Check. Childrens books, audiobooks and vintage vinyls? Check. Check. Check. Every trip to a used-book bookstore is an adventure, but few offer as many possibilities as the Friends Book Barn at 2230 N. Country Club Road. It is definitely fun to see what comes in every day, Executive Director Libby Stone said this week, laughing. You just never know. Two or three years ago, we sold a set of Japanese prints on eBay for $11,000. Now theyre in a gallery in Paris! Managed by the Friends of the Pima County Public Library and staffed by some 300 local volunteers, the Book Barn is hardly the best-known bookstore in town thousands of Tucsonans drive past it every day without even knowing its there but regulars have come to appreciate the treasures they so often find on its shelves. One of them is Sharon Alexander, a retired Sunnyside schoolteacher who has been frequenting the Book Barn for more than 20 years. This is the best place to find books I know, she said. They always have a great selection, and the volunteers know exactly where everything is. It can be a little overwhelming when you first walk in, but when you tell a volunteer what kind of books you read, they always know right where to find them. The real fun, though, is finding a book you didnt even know you were looking for. Like most Book Barn customers, Alexanders relationship with the store is one of take and give. When were done reading their books, well eventually bring them back, she said. We just sort of borrow them for a while. Friends of the Pima County Public Library have been gathering and selling used books since 1969, when Charles and Alice Washburn invited a group of friends to help with a book drive to raise money for the library. Those early sales were held on the Washburns patio. As more and more friends began collecting more and more books, sales moved to our local malls. When I moved to Tucson in the late-1980s, I remember seeing rows and rows of tables in the El Con Mall, all of them loaded with books, Stone said. They would do book sales at Park Place and Foothills, too. Volunteers would work out of storage units or donated office space, then bring boxes of books to the mall on Saturday mornings. Somehow, they made it all work. The group did not have a central location until it purchased this one, formerly Bobs Bargain Barn, in 1999. Bob sold outdoor equipment to hunters and fishermen. The only hunters who stop by today are the ones hunting for just the right book. The thing that sets the Book Barn apart from many used-book bookstores is the sheer number of items that come through the door. In addition to the main Donation Center on Country Club Road, there are donation stations at most of the countys 27 branch libraries. On one recent morning, a trunk-load of books were delivered by a family preparing to move. On another, volunteers said thank you for a collection from a family estate sale. With such a steady infusion of books and other items, the Book Barn can completely turn over its inventory every 6-8 weeks. We stay busy, Stone confessed. We sell about 80 books a day online, so its a pretty steady stream of books coming in and going out. Book Barn stores can be found on eBay, Amazon, AbeBooks, Alibris and Valore. Local customers can purchase books for pickup at FriendsBookBarn.com. Then there is the Book Barn itself, a full-on bookshop across Bray Road from the Donation Center. Despite the fact it is open only two weekends a month, 10 months a year, it accounts for half of all total sales. Usually, were open the two middle weekends of the month, Stone said. The first is for members only and the second for everyone who would like to come. Her advice: Become a member, and you get the first look at what we have every month. There will be two more weekend sales before volunteers take their annual summer break. A 50%-off sale for members will be next weekend, June 14-15. A 50-% off community sale will be June 20-23. Some shoppers may be lucky enough to find a surprise within a surprise that copy of Yes Is Better Than No came with a card pocket and a 1970s checkout card from the Dalton Regional Library in Dalton, Georgia but all of us will be making a difference in Tucson. Stone said the Friends of the Pima County Public Library will be donating $260,000 to the library this year to underwrite programs such as the Summer Reading Program for kids that began last week. Dont you just love stories with a happy ending? Footnotes After 34 years at the Pima County Public Library, the last eight as the director, Amber Mathewson retired Saturday, June 7. Mathewson has written a farewell column that will be in the Star in next Sundays Home + Life section. The library hopes to name a successor this summer. The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen will be the focus of the next Solutions Focused Book Club this coming Wednesday, June 11, at the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. To learn more, visit cfsaz.com. The UA Poetry Centers first Summer Social will Summon the Monsoon Sunday afternoon, July 13, in the Hotel Congress Century Room. Attendees will be invited to read their favorite poems about the rain. For additional information, visit poetry.arizona.edu/calendar. Stacks Book Club in Oro Valley will welcome bestselling author Megan Miranda with a meet-and-greet and book-signing on Wednesday evening, Aug. 6. Miranda will bring her latest mystery, You Belong Here, which is scheduled for release July 29. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit stacksbookclub.com/events. Tucsons older neighborhoods could soon look very different as the city complies with a new state law that relaxes zoning rules to allow homeowners to build up to four small dwellings or casitas on their property. Or some homeowners may choose to cash in on the new laws by selling their backyards to developers to build and rent the tiny homes. Under the new state law, Arizona cities with a population of 75,000 or more must easily allow for the development of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes on all lots zoned for single-family use within one mile of the citys central business district. In Tucson, those boundaries are roughly Prince Road on the north, Silverlake Road on the south, Country Club Road on the east and Silverbell Road on the west. Newer home subdivisions with established homeowner associations in that area are not subject to the new state law. Known as middle housing, city officials say only about 15 percent of housing in Tucson falls under that definition. We do well with single-family homes and big apartment complexes, but not the middle, Dan Bursuck, planning administrator with Tucsons Planning and Development Services Department, said at a public outreach meeting. The department has hosted outreach meetings to inform residents of the changes and get feedback. At a recent meeting, several residents participated and shared their thoughts. Some asked if the city could limit the development of luxury units and mandate affordable housing. The state law prohibits cities from dictating the type of unit built or mandating affordable housing. Others asked about parking. The state law requires no more than one off-street parking space per unit. And asked why the plan isnt implemented across Tucson, officials said they will start with the determined boundaries for now. While splitting a lot and selling surplus land has always been an option for Tucson homeowners, the new law might broaden the appeal to those with big lots who are not interested in becoming landlords. Thats because the market makes it easier to sell yard space to developers for such projects. Among the requirements of the new state law, cities are prohibited from: Restricting middle housing to less than two stories Setting permitting rules that are more restrictive than for single-family homes Requiring owner-occupancy of any structure on the lot The Pew Charitable Trust commended the states actions. We applaud this evidence-based approach to ensure that all Arizonans have access to a variety of housing options, Alex Horowitz, director of Pews housing policy initiative, said in a statement. Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature are lowering the barriers to housing access and improving the lives of Arizonans. All affected cities in Arizona must be ready for compliance by Jan. 1. If a city does not adopt its personalized regulations by then, middle housing will be allowed on all lots zoned for single-family residential use without any limitations. The city council is expected to review Tucsons regulations this fall. A squadron of javelinas browses across a dusty patch of dried grass in trail-camera footage captured at sunset on Jan. 20. If you turn up the volume and listen closely, you can hear the hum of traffic passing directly beneath the unruffled animals as they nose their way through the brush. Since 2016, thousands of desert creatures large and small have safely crossed this six-lane stretch of North Oracle Road between Oro Valley and Catalina, thanks to the Sonoran Deserts only dedicated highway overpass for wildlife. The Ann Day Memorial Wildlife Crossing and its companion tunnel beneath Oracle, roughly three-quarters of a mile to the south, were built with $9 million in sales-tax revenue approved by voters in 2006 as part of the Regional Transportation Authoritys 20-year, $2 billion construction plan. The crossings were designed to keep animals off the road, also known as Arizona Highway 77, while strengthening an important wildlife linkage between the Catalina and Tortolita mountains. The structures have worked so well that state wildlife officials recently decided they dont need to monitor them anymore. Arizona Game and Fish Department research biologist Colin Beach said the agency has removed all of its motion-activated trail cameras from the bridge and the tunnel. On Thursday, he offered up a final tally after almost nine years of data collection: 27,297 individual crossings by more than 20 different animal species through the end of last year, divided almost equally between the overpass and underpass. Theyve been very successful, Beach said of the structures. They pass a lot of wildlife. Now plans are in motion for an even more ambitious engineering feat: a wildlife bridge that could cost tens of millions of dollars and someday rank as the worlds longest, as it arches safely above six lanes of Interstate 10, two frontage roads and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks near the Avra Valley Road exit. Thats the next big project, said Jessica Moreno, conservation science director for the local nonprofit Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. Its vitally important to have connected open spaces if we want to have wildlife. Ramping up The first small piece of the project will soon be finished, courtesy of the Pima County Regional Flood Control District. The Santa Cruz River Wildlife Ramp provides a gentle slope for animals that might otherwise be blocked by the steep levee wall on the rivers northeastern bank. The bowl-shaped opening in the levee is engineered to let wildlife more easily cross the river from the Town of Maranas nearby El Rio Preserve while still providing protection from a 100-year flood on the Santa Cruz. A pedestrian bridge carries the Chuck Huckelberry Loop over the entrance to the ramp. Design work began in 2022, and construction got underway last fall. Nanda Srinivasamurthy, an engineer with the Flood Control District, said he doesnt know of another ramp quite like it anywhere in the country. As far as I know, this is the only one that is integrated into a levee and keeps all of the levee function while providing wildlife connectivity, he said. The roughly $3 million project, paid for by the Flood Control District, is currently under budget and on track for completion before the end of the month, Srinivasamurthy said. Once the ramp is done, animal activity on and around the structure will be monitored with trail cameras operated by the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection as part of its mission to preserve wildlife corridors. There is a lot at stake along the stretch of land between Twin Peaks Road and Avra Valley Road, according to coalition co-executive director Kate Hotten. It is the only wildlife corridor left between the Tucson Mountains and the Tortolitas, she said. If an I-10 crossing for desert bighorn sheep, deer and other animals is going to be built anywhere, it has to be there. But it certainly wont be easy. Hotten said the planning process alone for a wildlife crossing of such scale and complexity could last up to 5 years. Realistically, she said, a project like this might take 15 to 20 years to complete. In the meantime, Hotten and others hope to see a temporary route for wildlife across I-10 using an abandoned railroad tunnel under the highway less than half a mile southwest of the Avra Valley Road exit. The old underpass would allow relatively safe passage from the new Santa Cruz River ramp to the frontage road and railroad tracks east of I-10 at least until the Arizona Department of Transportation makes good on its plans to demolish the tunnel and bring the highway back down to ground level. For the moment, though, the wildlife ramp is a pathway to nowhere. Any animals that use it will find themselves in a patch of brush and dirt surrounded by a fence that keeps them from continuing in the direction of the interstate. Bridge toll Money will also be a major hurdle. Moreno said no detailed plans or cost estimates have been produced, but a wildlife bridge over the entire I-10 corridor, including the frontage roads and train tracks, would need to span a minimum of 570 feet. By comparison, the wildlife bridge now being built across the 101 Freeway near Los Angeles will span 210 feet at a total cost of about $92 million. Advocates for the I-10 crossing hope to convince voters to approve a sizable share of the necessary funding as part of RTA Next, the sales-tax-driven ballot initiative currently in development for future road projects in Pima County. The sell is, its the only chance we have, Hotten said. We have to try. We dont have a choice. But the effort has already run into trouble. In the authoritys draft version of RTA Next, released in February, the budget for wildlife linkages and other environmental work was set at $25 million, half the amount recommended by the RTAs Citizen Advisory Committee. The coalition has been fighting to get the full $50 million restored ever since. We would have to make some really hard choices without it, Hotten said. Just as our roadway budgets incorporate landscaping and artwork, they should also include a budget for wildlife crossings, Moreno added. The Sonoran Desert cant wait another 20 years. Now, a leadership shakeup at the authority is threatening to disrupt the RTA Next process and delay getting it on the ballot before March of 2026. On Thursday, a panel of regional officials voted to fire the RTAs long-time executive director, Farhad Moghimi, over his administration of the authoritys previous 20-year construction plan and the development of the new plan. Wildlife bridge supporters also hope to tap funding sources beyond the local half-cent sales tax, including the Federal Highway Administrations Wildlife Crossings Program and a new public-private fundraising effort launched by backers of the 101 Freeway wildlife bridge. Hotten said the costs associated with projects like these dont end with design and construction. They also require money for long-term maintenance that might not be covered by state and local transportation departments. Crossing over The Oracle Road crossings will likely serve as a model for whatever gets built across I-10. Animals started crossing the dirt-covered overpass over Arizona 77 on the day it was finished, Moreno said, and we had a tortoise trying to use it during construction. Beach from Arizona Game and Fish said the bridge saw 13,951 crossings and the tunnel saw 13,346 crossings during the first 8 years they were in use. Mule deer, coyotes, javelinas and bobcats are the most common commuters, though rabbits, quail, roadrunners, foxes, skunks, badgers and white-nosed coatis have also been documented. A black bear was photographed on the overpass in 2023, and a mountain lion was recorded using the underpass in 2021 and 2022. Beach said the crossings have also benefited plenty of smaller, slower animals that didnt always trigger the trail cameras things like tortoises and Gila monsters, whose size and pace make it almost impossible for them to safely cross a busy highway. These roads are hard barriers for some of these species, he said. Elsewhere along the wildlife linkage between the Catalinas and the Tortolitas, eight flood culverts have been upgraded with RTA funding to serve as animal underpasses five beneath Tangerine Road between La Cholla Boulevard and Twin Peaks Road and three beneath La Cholla between Overton Road and Tangerine. Its just a well-planned corridor, Beach said. And it got even better in 2023, when the last remaining gaps were closed in the fencing that keeps animals off of Oracle and funnels them to the two crossings there. We have hardly seen any roadkill since then, Moreno said. Late last month, Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield joined members of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection at the towns Big Wash Trailhead to unveil a new interpretive sign highlighting the movement of desert wildlife and the road crossings that help make it possible. We know the Oracle Road crossings reduced animal-vehicle collisions and re-connected two mountain ranges divided by a six-lane highway, Moreno said in honor of the occasion. We are delighted to show people that the project continues to be a resounding success. The University of Arizona will not, as previously expected, make certain classes including diversity and equity courses be graduation requirements for undergraduates as part of its new general education curriculum set to start next year. UA committee members who worked on the upcoming general education requirements say this outcome was being discussed long before President Donald Trump ordered in January that universities eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. In February, however, university officials had said the new general education curriculum set to begin in fall 2026 would have an undergraduate requirement for students to choose courses, titled Exploring Perspectives and Building Connections, to fulfill the following topical area requirements: diversity and equity; quantitative reasoning; world cultures and societies; and writing. UA spokesperson Mitch Zak had told the Arizona Daily Star then that he was uncertain whether the federal orders on DEI would affect the curriculum. Then, on May 22, Zak said, University faculty and academic leaders have agreed to continue the current practice that does not require specific attribute-related courses. We will keep tracking these attributes to strengthen the general education program as needed, but they are not required for graduation. This decision acknowledges longstanding faculty concerns, unrelated to recent federal developments, and reflects our shared commitment to supporting student success through a strong, well-rounded undergraduate experience, Zak said. Members of the University-Wide General Education Committee, known as UWGEC, working on the curriculum, made similar comments. As of now, while the four attributes listed above will not be graduation requirements, students will still be able to choose them as part of the general education courses they take. Jeremy Vetter, UWGEC chair, said the committee had been discussing whether or not to make the attributes graduation requirements for the past few years. It gathered data in a fall 2024 study, along with significant feedback from academic advisors. The data showed many students were already taking the attributes and that making them a graduation requirement would lead to complications, he said. The graduation requirement will not be in place for any of the attributes, not just D&E (diversity and equity). And, in fact, this is not a change from the current practice, since what is being removed is a provision that would have started requiring them to be tracked as graduation requirements in fall 2026, said Vetter, an associate professor of history. One thing we discovered, he said, is that the added complication of having to track (the four) attributes is an undesirable complication for students and we have heard this often from academic advisors especially. The decision to remove the graduation requirement came after back-and-forth discussions between the UWGEC and the UA administration, which this year had suggested a language change to the diversity and equity attribute. The changed language, if it had been approved, would have changed the title of the diversity and equity attribute to Understanding and Valuing Differences and its description would have read: Classes focus on recognizing and valuing different human experiences and viewpoints, understanding interpersonal and intergroup dynamics through awareness of social positions, and exercising flexible habits of mind when exposed to new ideas, different opinions, and complex societal problems. By contrast, the current wording of the diversity and equity attribute is: Classes with the Diversity and Equity Attribute will focus on issues such as racism, classism, sexism, ableism, imperialism, colonialism, transphobia, xenophobia, and other structured inequities. It is our responsibility as Wildcats to promote greater social equity. Since the language change was not approved by the committee, the compromise reached was that the graduation requirements should be removed instead. Vetter said there are a lot of different course options with the diversity and equity attribute. For example, a D&E course could focus on African American literature, or the experiences of people with hearing disabilities, or ethnic diversity in China, just to name a few of the dozens and dozens of examples, said Vetter. There are also a similarly large number of options of courses with the other (three) attributes, which students may choose even as they arent required to take them in any particular configuration. Making the four attributes, including the gender and equity attribute, a graduation requirement was initially set to go into effect in 2022 but was postponed to fall 2024, Mark Stegeman, a UA associate professor of economics and a UWGEC member, previously told the Star. The change was first approved in December 2020, and later approved by the undergraduate council, the UA Faculty Senate and the Arizona Board of Regents in 2021. Vetter said, after the attributes were put into the curriculum, the general education committee wanted to provide time to evaluate how students were navigating the curriculum. By the time last fall rolled around, I think the feedback we were getting, especially from academic advisors, were really, really strongly against implementing them (the four attributes) as graduation requirements, Vetter said. A proposed massive complex of 8 to 10 data centers is coming up for a Pima County board vote as soon as June 17, two county supervisors told the Star, but they and the public have been denied key information, including how much water and electricity it would use. The details of the complex are currently shielded from the public by a nondisclosure agreement between the county and the still undisclosed company that would buy and develop the site. Local officials have simply referred to this planned development as Project Blue. But the two supervisors who said it would be 8 to 10 data centers, Republican Steve Christy and Democrat Matt Heinz, and Democratic Supervisor Jennifer Allen said they wont vote to approve measures needed to advance the project until they receive full details about key items including the project developer, and at least some information about its water and energy use. County officials said theyll send some pieces of information to the five-member Board of Supervisors this coming week. They have said the project will create good-paying jobs and generate significant tax revenues. The project is planned for a 290-acre site, now owned by Pima County, that lies on the far southeast side near the Pima County Fairgrounds. The property is north of Brekke Road, bounded by Harrison Road on the west and Houghton Road on the east. Nationally, data centers are often controversial for using large amounts of water and energy. By some estimates, a mid-sized data center uses the same amount of water as 1,000 households, the Associated Press has reported. Tucson and Pima County officials have said Project Blue would phase in the use of reclaimed water that would be delivered to the fairgrounds-area site by an 18-mile-long pipeline in which the company would invest. The company will also invest in building additional recharge and water recovery capacity for the system, the city said in a news release. But officials have not only refused to say how much water the project will use, but also how long it will take to get the reclaimed pipeline online or what its total size and capacity will be. There is an expectation of some potable use before the reclaimed line is operating, meaning some drinking water will be used, Deputy County Administrator Carmine DeBonis said. In its news release, Tucson said it has worked with the project developer on strategies to offset the water use by making investments in Tucsons water security by making the project water positive. Water positive means a business returns more water to the environment or community than it uses across its operations, supporting long-term water sustainability and resilience. But officials havent said how that will happen. Tucson Water officials said the reclaimed line could also be tapped into by residents and other businesses along it, but also havent provided details. This investment by the developer will speed up the extension of reclaimed water to this area by a decade, saving local water rate payers millions of dollars in the process, the citys news release said. City officials say they plan to annex the land into Tucson city limits once the land sale is consummated and development plans are approved. Electricity use is also a potential issue, as Tucson Electric Power has said increases in rates and bills have been driven in part by its need to keep upgrading its grids due to growing electricity demand and increasing summer peak demand loads on its systems. TEPs 10-year outlook reflects increasing interest from data center developers and others proposing projects with significant energy needs, TEP said in 2024, saying it had engaged in preliminary discussions of potential projects that could trigger a steeper boost in energy demand. The utilitys total electricity use since 2019 has risen about 2.7%, but for the next decade, it forecast last year that its total customer electricity demand will rise more than 5% a year. TEP spokespeople did not respond Friday to Star requests for information on Project Blue. Secret negotiations Supervisors Christy, Heinz and Allen told the Star they are generally uncomfortable with nondisclosure agreements. They said full details of the project need to be disclosed for them to feel they can vote wisely. DeBonis acknowledged the validity of these concerns in an interview with the Star. County officials are working with what DeBonis called the business prospect to develop the site to assemble information to send to the board ahead of the scheduled vote, he said. The board will be asked to vote separately on selling the land to a private buyer and to adopt both a comprehensive plan amendment and a specific plan to allow the project to happen. The 290-acre sites appraised value is $20.8 million. Both the county and the prospective purchaser have agreed to that price, Debonis said. Late Friday, Heinz told the Star his understanding is that the county will soon provide the board three pieces of information this coming week. They include the proposed sales contract with the project developer, an economic impact analysis of the project, and a series of responses by County Administrator Jan Lesher to frequently asked questions about the project. Friday evening, DeBonis confirmed that information would be released this week. General information on water and energy use but not specifics will be available in the fact sheet, he said. He said earlier in the week he expects county staff will also disclose the type of land use planned for the site when it releases other details to the board. There are multiple buildings proposed on this site, and a single user all with the same use, DeBonis said. What I will say within confines of the nondisclosure agreement, it is a multi-building site in the advanced emerging technology segment. The site developer seeking to purchase it, they will build out the site and will lease it to an end user. The site infrastructure and building infrastructure will be constructed by the site development group, he said. A board vote will likely be held on June 17, although the actual date for voting wont be confirmed until Tuesday, June 10, he said. If the vote doesnt happen on June 17 it likely will happen on July 1. The projects exact water use may not be disclosed because the company may consider it proprietary, Heinz said. Knowing the exact number of molecules of water delivered could help competitors know more about the projects technology and even what company is operating the centers, Heinz said. People familiar with the technology can (then) reverse engineer the type of cooling and server the company will use, Heinz said. They can back their way into figuring out which exact servers, the computer guts and network the company will use. Heinz previously told the Star the project developer planned to pay for building a reclaimed water line to the project site. After the Star reported that, the city issued a news release containing that information. Christy, who otherwise supports the project, said If the entire package isnt fully disclosed (when it comes to the board), I will vote to continue it but not vote to approve it. Before I vote on something, Id like to know all the details. I dont have all of them. Id particularly like to know who s buying the property. Allen said the lack of disclosure is not transparent, and the other thing about these NDAs is that the advantage is obviously in the hands of the company, Allen said. If local governments allow companies to negotiate the best deal with different entities in secret all the time, it gives them all the cards, she said. It is inherently set up so they win and we lose, by virtue of the fact they can simultaneously negotiate with other communities and see who is willing to give the most. Two outside observers with longstanding ties to growth and water issues also took swings at the non-disclosure agreement. As a member of the public, that pisses me off, said Tucsonan David Wegner, a National Academy of Sciences board member and a retired longtime federal water official. Were screaming bloody murder that we have to have data to make good decisions, but with NDAs I have a big concern about it. They will build a pipeline, but we need to know how much reclaimed water they will use. Do we have enough reclaimed water to do that plus all the others on reclaimed water to meet all the demands? asked Wegner, a former U.S. Bureau of Reclamation official and congressional staffer. If we dont have information were not informed. It builds distress to the process if you cant see it. Longtime Tucson environmental activist Christina McVie said the nondisclosure agreement raises very serious questions about transparency in government. The board represents the voting members of this community. The constituents elect those board members to act in their interest, said McVie. People have a right to know whats going on and a right to express their voice. Thats dependent on accurate information. But Board of Supervisors Chairman Rex Scott said hes confident the information the board needs to make decisions will be forthcoming by the time of its vote on the projects plan and land sale. Thats because of the information that has already been shared, some of which Im able to talk about, some of which I cant talk about because of the NDA, Scott, a Democrat, told the Star. Our agendas come out several days before a board meeting. Since 2021 when I joined the board, its always been posted in time not only for the board to do its deliberations before the vote but with plenty of time for the public to have a sense of whats being discussed. The office of Supervisor Andres Cano, also a Democrat, cited the nondisclosure agreement in an email on Wednesday in which he declined to discuss the project at all. When asked afterward to comment specifically on the nondisclosure agreement, he didnt respond. Company asked for the NDA In the economic development attraction, expansion and retention world, nondisclosure agreements between prospective large employers and local governments are used regularly, Debonis said. Theyve been used rarely in Pima County, said Debonis, who has worked in county government for 34 years. This agreement was requested of the county by the business prospect, DeBonis said. It was signed by both parties on June 18, 2024, has an 18-month term and can be extended by the agreement of both parties. Attracting and retaining companies is highly competitive across the nation, and entering into an NDA is necessary to be considered for opportunities like Project Blue that generate employment and capital investment in our community, DeBonis told the Star. City of Tucson officials have signed a nondisclosure agreement with the same company, and the NDA is in force for the foreseeable future, City Manager Tim Thomure told the Star in an email. These are pretty standard in the industry. (Companies) may not want to disclose to a current community where they located, about potentially relocating or expanding elsewhere, he said. They may not want to make it known to potential competitors, what their plans are for location and placements. He added, I understand the need for openness and transparency in government operations. There are circumstances in which there is an NDA. They are rare. We try to balance information that we think the board needs to make a decision with the desires of the business prospect not to disclose. Project Blue is expected to create 180 jobs by the projects third year, in 2029, County Administrator Jan Lesher told the board in a May 21 memo. Salaries will average $64,000, significantly higher than current average local salaries, she said. Tucsons median wage for all occupations was $46,450 in 2024, the University of Arizona has said. During construction, the project will generate 1,024 direct construction jobs and 2,049 additional indirect jobs, Lesher said. She said the company will make $1.2 billion in capital investments over three years, starting in 2026. It will generate nearly $250 million in total tax revenues for the city and county over 10 years, starting in 2026, she said. Because of the nondisclosure agreement, all county officials have been willing to say about the project is to cite a specific plan for the property, which lists data centers as one of three possible land uses for the site. Under that plan, it would be set aside for light industrial uses, DeBonis said. The plan was drawn up in April by county staff, the law office of Keri Silvyn, who represents the prospective land buyer, and Kimley Horn, a national planning and design consulting firm with Tucson offices. Silvyn hasnt returned two calls from the Star seeking information or her comments on the project. Besides data centers, the other possible uses identified in the plan are light manufacturing and campus industrial park development and some sort of logistic distribution type uses, DeBonis said. The latter includes warehousing, transfer and distribution services, according to the specific plan. When the comprehensive plan amendment and the specific plan go before the board, a representative of the land purchaser and development firm will be present and will be able to speak to the projects details and respond to supervisors questions, he said. Kevin Canfield Tulsa World Reporter Follow Kevin Canfield 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 Attorney General Gentner Drummonds call for Gov. Stitt to remove all Afghan refugees who entered the state through a Biden administration humanitarian resettlement program was met in Tulsa with disbelief, confusion and a few choice words not fit for print. Clearly the statement was made for political purposes, and it was not made for any legitimate ask for the governor to do anything about removing Afghans from Oklahoma, because legally, he doesnt have the authority to do that, said Robin Sherman, director of legal services for YWCA Tulsa. The organization is one of four local nonprofits that have partnered with the federal government to resettle refugees in the Tulsa area. In late 2021 and 2022, the city accepted about 850 Afghans under Operation Allies Welcome, an effort to provide safety and a potential place to live for Afghans after the U.S. militarys chaotic withdrawal from the country. Molly Bryant, the senior director of immigrant and refugee services for the YWCA, said Drummonds remarks came at a particularly difficult time for the local Afghan community, which recently lost a member to a fatal hit-and-run accident. Unfortunately, theyre all too familiar with being the target of xenophobia, Bryant said. Many of them saw it for what it was, which is a political stunt. Drummond, a Republican candidate for governor, is demanding that Stitt reject the approval he gave the Biden administration to send Afghans to the state so all Afghan refugees can be removed from Oklahoma. At great risk to public safety, Gov. Stitt partnered with the Biden Administration to import thousands of poorly vetted Afghan refugees to our state, Drummond said in a press release. Adding insult to injury, Gov. Stitt illegally directed millions of our tax dollars to pay for resettlement expenses. In a prepared statement, Stitt criticized Bidens handling of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan but noted that many of the Afghans who were resettled in Oklahoma aided U.S. troops during dangerous combat missions. It is unconscionable that anyone would suggest that we should have left them at the mercy of the Taliban, Stitt said. Individuals using their official platform to campaign for a higher office are using prejudice and fear tactics to sow discord. If the attorney general can identify laws being broken, he should use his existing authority to prosecute criminal activity. Oklahomans see through the political rhetoric. Drummonds demand came the day after President Trump issued a travel ban blocking citizens from a dozen nations, including Afghanistan, from entering the United States. In January, Trump directed his staff to identify countries for which vetting and screening information is so deficient that restrictions are warranted. President Trump is absolutely right about the threat that is posed by foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, which absolutely includes the thousands of Afghan refugees now living in Oklahoma, Drummond said. The attorney general cited multiple incidents from across the country of Afghan nationals accused of committing violent crimes, including two in Oklahoma who were arrested last year for plotting a mass ISIS shooting in Oklahoma City on Election Day. He also referenced the recent attack on a group gathered in Boulder, Colorado, to bring attention to the hostages held in Gaza. The suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, is from Egypt, which is not included in Trumps travel ban. Asked how Gov. Stitt could rescind the states participation in the Afghan resettlement program, Drummonds spokesman, Phil Bacharach, noted that Oklahoma was one of a limited number of states to participate in the program. The governor can certainly rescind what he wrongheadedly approved, Bacharach said. Its worth noting that the governor went through an involved process to participate in the program. Bacharach said he did not know how many Afghan nationals would be affected by such a move and could not provide numbers to support Drummonds concern that they pose a threat to Oklahomans. The high-profile incidents and admissions on a national level of poor vetting federal studies have borne that out are significant enough for the governor to take action, Bacharach said. The attorney general does not compromise on public safety. Miller and Sherman with Tulsa YWCA dont share Drummonds fears about the Afghan population. They note that study after study has shown that immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than the general public. And they say Afghan refugees who entered the country as part of Operation Allies Welcome were vetted by multiple national security agencies before they entered the country, after they arrived and ever since. This is true for almost any immigration process, but its been even more intense for our Afghan clients, Sherman said. And then once coming to the United States, anytime they apply for any type of relief, whether its re-parole, whether its asylum, whether its their green card based on a special immigrant visa, they are completely rescreened, and their entire immigration file is reviewed. They have to do biometrics again. They have to go through an entire history of where theyve been, where theyve lived, criminal history, all of those types of things. Krystal Reyes, Tulsas deputy mayor, said the city firmly stands by its immigrant community and accused Drummond of targeting members of the community for political expediency. Tulsa has long benefited from the many contributions of new Tulsans, and we remain committed to being a welcoming and inclusive place for all, Reyes said. The unnecessary targeting of members of the Tulsa community in the name of political expediency is disappointing and sad. This is a community who supported our military and our country during conflict and (the Afghan citizens) who came to the U.S. through a process that included strict security screening. Principal Rabbi Daniel Kaiman of Congregation Bnai Emunah, meanwhile, didnt quite know what to make of Drummonds remarks. Kaiman has been part of the local refugee resettlement program for years. Im just actually kind of confused by all of the messaging, Kaiman said. It is hard to comment too specifically because of the layers of confusion that seem to be presented all at one time. 2021 video: Afghanistan war vets help refugees resettle in U.S. Sophie Monk lands Love Island USA Aftersun More US exposure for Sophie Monk as host of reality companion show. Sophie Monk will host Love Island USA Aftersun for NBC streaming platform Peacock. A companion show to Love Island USA, it sees the host interviewing dumped Islanders as they exit the villa as well as feature guests to talk about all the drama. She replaces former host Maura Higgins, a Love Island UK fan-favourite who entered the US series, on the weekly show. Ariana Madix hosts Love Island USA filmed in Fiji with comedian Ian Stirling narrating the show. Sophie Monk has hosted all six seasons of Love Island Australia for Nine. A seventh season is expected later this year. Source: Deadline The Survivors The water looks inviting, but family history and a rising toll of dark mysteries raise red flags in a new Netflix drama. When Kieran Elliott (Charlie Vickers) returns to Evelyn Bay in coastal Tasmania after a 15 year absence, he lands with considerable baggage, figuratively speaking, in the new Netflix drama The Survivors. The incident that locals with long memories remember well was the death of two young men in a boating accident whilst attempting to rescue him from drowning in stormy seas. One of those was his brother. It was also the same time when a young woman, Gabby, vanished without trace. Now he returns with wife Mia (Yerin Ha) and newborn baby to the awkward home welcoming from mother Verity (Robyn Malcolm) who is caring for her husband Brian (Damien Garvey) who is suffering dementia. But Kierans parents still have not forgiven him for the loss of his brother and thats just for starters. Resentment ripples through the town where publican Julian (Martin Sacks) also blames Kieran for the death of his own son that fateful day. His surviving sons are Sean (Thom Green) and Liam (Julian Weeks). Meanwhile young filmmaker Bronte (Shannon Berry) is busily making a documentary on the disappearance of Gabby when another body washes up on the beach. Both Kieran and Mias pasts are also tied up with Olivia (Jessica de Gouw), sister of Gabby, her boyfriend Ash (George Mason) and angst-ridden mother Trish (Catherine McClements) who holds fast to her theories on Gabbys fate. Then there is the police force led by Det. Snr Sgt Pendlebury (Miriam Smith), Det. Dan (Johnny Carr) and Sgt. Renn (Benedict Hardie). Don Hany also features as a local author. Evelyn Bay sure is top-heavy in characters, set against ita scenic backdrop which belies its dark secrets, hostilities and pain. The moment anything happens in this town you all just turn on each other -Kieran. While this is Kierans story, it arguably falls to seasoned performers Robyn Malcolm and Damien Garvey as the nexus of emotional and procedural plots, anchoring the story based on Jane Harpers book. Malcolm, who was devastating in the recent After the Party, is fiercely protective of husband Brian whilst yet to reconcile her anger with her surviving son. Damien Garvey is similarly moving as the fragile Brian. The series by showrunner Tony Ayres really sings in the fractured relationship between mother, father and son. Swirling around all that are past and present procedural crimes -I found the fresh case of a dead body more involving than a unsolved case from the past, even though both take up similar screen time. The series requires investment in both, but there are plenty of intriguing threads for one or more to reel you in. Indeed, there are many balls to keep in the air and directors Ben C. Lewis and Cherie Nowlan are adept at doing just that. Ultimately Evelyn Bay is full of loss in both its foreground and background but I suspect resolution for all will not come easily. Come for the scenery, stay for the emotional ties. The Survivors is now screening on Netflix. Faced with the widespread problem of counterfeit goods infiltrating various sectors from food and pharmaceuticals to consumer products, traceability plays a key role in ensuring transparency, protecting consumers, preserving brand name reputation and enhancing the effectiveness of State management. It is a crucial tool for identifying, preventing and thoroughly addressing acts of commercial fraud, contributing to a healthier and more transparent business environment. The spread of counterfeit and substandard goods has become increasingly sophisticated, systematic and large-scale, say experts. Notably, counterfeiting no longer stops at copying designs, but now includes falsifying information, data and traceability codes. As a result, traditional methods such as simple labels and barcodes are no longer sufficient to counter these complex tactics and are showing weakness in terms of confirming origins and legitimacy. Pham Van Tho, chairman of the board of directors of Viet Nam Anti-Counterfeiting Technology JSC (ACTIV), said that applying digital technology to product and goods traceability was one of the essential factors that would help businesses enhance competitiveness and meet integration and export standards. For Viet Nam, in order to maintain the position of its goods and expand to new markets, implementing traceability was extremely important, he said. Therefore, businesses must meet strict market demands. Only when they could bring their products transparently to consumers would customers continue to support them. Beyond traceability, criteria such as 'green', 'sustainable', and the ability to respond swiftly to media crises are increasingly becoming key indicators for evaluating a brand. Even a minor incident, if not promptly addressed within a few hours, can escalate into a major crisis. According to experts, when fake products are discovered, many businesses no longer wait for authorities to act but proactively implement authentication measures, ranging from anti-counterfeit labels integrated with blockchain technology to personalised QR codes for each product batch. These tools not only enable consumers to verify product origins, but also provide transparent data throughout the entire supply chain. However, technology can only be effective when consumers actively engage with it, say experts. Therefore, businesses can not stop at merely 'sticking on a label', they must also strengthen communication efforts, guiding customers to understand and embrace this as an essential part of the modern shopping experience. At the same time, companies must be transparent about their raw materials and production processes to build greater trust in the traceability system. Fighting fake goods cannot be a solitary battle. Representatives from many companies emphasised during a recent discussion the importance of collaboration between regulatory agencies, businesses and consumers in protecting Vietnamese brands. "A national brand is not merely an external symbol, but a crystallisation of the country's economic strength, culture, history, and people," said Le Xuan Ba, former director of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM). For a national brand to be truly trusted and to gain momentum in the market place, a comprehensive strategy was required, one that ensures product quality, reasonable pricing policies, effective marketing and, most importantly, investment in people - the core of sustainable development. Sharing his views on the role of brand security amid todays increasingly fierce competition, Nguyen Quoc Thinh, PhD, lecturer at the Thuongmai University (TMU) and member of the expert panel of the National Brand Programme, said that a brand was not merely a companys image, impression or reputation, but a crucial identifier for customers to recognise products. Customer trust is built on access to accurate and reliable information from the business. Therefore, providing and verifying information becomes a key factor in protecting brand image, he said. "In a competitive market, a brand lives and grows in the minds of consumers, requiring businesses to create a distinct identity and deeply understand their customers," he said. "This is an essential foundation for building a successful and sustainable strategy." Thinh pointed out that the immediate challenge was counterfeit goods, but the bigger issue was intellectual property infringement. He introduced the concept of brand security, which consists of three critical elements: stability, sustainability and risk control. The three essential activities to ensure brand security are: intellectual property protection, defending the brand from external infringements and preventing brand deterioration. A brand must not only be attractive but also be safeguarded through transparent information and a solid security strategy. This, he said, was the decisive competitive edge to win the hearts of consumers. Taking strong action The Government had a full focus in the fight against fake goods, smuggling and commercial fraud, said Tran Huu Linh, director of the Viet Nam Directorate of Market Surveillance, Ministry of Industry and Trade, at a recent working session with Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, deputy minister of Industry and Trade. Linh urged the relevant forces to take real actions, focusing on three main areas of violation including fake goods, intellectual property infringement and violations in e-commerce. Notably, peak times required strong and decisive action, said Linh. Recently, the police force has handled and arrested many KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) and celebrities involved in selling counterfeit goods on e-commerce platforms. This determination and strict approach have contributed to preventing and deterring further violations. Linh also urged the relevant forces, including customs, market management, the police and health authorities, to enhance their cooperation and ensure that no area would be left uncontrolled, even during the process of merging and streamlining public agencies. Additionally, he recommended that these forces develop specific inspection plans and focus on hot spots, key products and important areas. To rectify and ultimately eliminate the production and trade of counterfeit goods and smuggled products, Deputy Minister Tan suggested that, during this peak period, relevant authorities in the city must act quickly, decisively, accurately and strictly, targeting smuggling and counterfeit goods warehouses to clean up the market. He directed the relevant forces to closely follow and rigorously implement the instructions from the Government and the Prime Minister in the fight against counterfeit goods. Tan said that the fight against smuggling, commercial fraud and counterfeit goods "will not stop here, but will be carried out regularly, continuously and with more flexible, proactive and creative solutions", and a "long-term discipline in market management and the fight against counterfeit products should be established". VNS TALLINN Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with leaders of several major Estonian corporations on June 6 to boost investment and business cooperation in Viet Nam. At the meetings, PM Chinh introduced the current situation in Viet Nam, saying that the country is implementing breakthrough strategies to shift its development model and usher in a new era. He noted that along with reforms to streamline administrative and local administration structures, Viet Nam is carrying four key resolutions, collectively referred to as the "four pillars" for national advancement in the new era. The PM emphasised that Viet Nam is striving for GDP growth of 8 per cent or more in 2025 and double-digit growth in the following years, pursuing rapid and sustainable development based on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Viet Nam is focusing on developing the private sector, improving the business and investment climate, and facilitating stable, long-term investment by foreign enterprises, he said. Viet Nam guarantees political stability, firmly safeguards its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, and continues to improve institutions, infrastructure, and human resources, ensuring a "transparent legal framework, seamless infrastructure, and intelligent workforce" to support businesses, he noted. The Vietnamese Government, PM Chinh said, will provide all necessary support in accordance with the law to ensure effective and sustainable operations by foreign investors, including those from Estonia. He called for a results-oriented approach from businesses, stating that "commitments must lead to concrete outcomes," thereby deepening the Viet NamEstonia relationship in a practical and effective manner. At the meeting with leaders of Bolt Group, including its President Jevgeni Kabanov, and Vice President Eirini Zaferiatou, they shared that Bolt is currently operating in 55 countries, with 4.5 million drivers serving over 200 million customers. Bolt has started operations in Viet Nam, offering car-hailing, scooter, and motorbike services, as well as food and grocery delivery. The group requested support from the PM to expedite the licensing process for Bolt's activities in the country. PM Chinh commended Bolts business performance and welcomed its role in promoting digital transformation in transport and logistics. He praised the company's planned investments to enhance service quality, create jobs, and contribute to Viet Nam's growing sharing economy. Given the potential of Bolts services in a country of 100 million people with rising demand, the government leader noted that he had instructed relevant authorities to streamline administrative procedures and accelerate investment licensing processes as proposed by Bolt. He expressed his confidence in the companys success in Viet Nam and its ability to deliver practical benefits to the Vietnamese people. The PM encouraged Bolt to adopt a gradual investment approach, starting in major cities and later expanding to other provinces, while enhancing service quality to ensure healthy competition. He also urged the company to explore new business areas, develop digital transformation models, integrate advanced technologies like AI, and share operational experience with Vietnamese agencies and businesses to foster sustainable cooperation and development. Welcoming the Vietnamese PM to the 5.0 Robotics, the firm's CEO and co-founder Carlo Lustrissimi and Sales and Partnerships Development Specialist Ilaria Perla introduced the firm as a young Estonian tech company specialising in compact, affordable, and user-friendly industrial robots, suitable for businesses of all sizes. The company, which has already deployed its solutions in the UK, Ireland, Australia and other markets, expressed interest in investing in Viet Nam, mainly in smart manufacturing, industrial automation, and digital skills development. Notably, 5.0 Robotics aims to launch a project titled "100 robots for 100 talents", which will see 100 advanced CNC machines provided for 100 Vietnamese SMEs, accompanied by training for 100 local robot technicians. PM Chinh welcomed the companys approach, highlighting the alignment between its products and the growing demand among SMEs, particularly in developing countries like Viet Nam, for cost-effective, easy-to-integrate industrial automation. He noted that Viet Nam is prioritising science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and robotics development. The PM endorsed the companys investment plan and called on 5.0 Robotics to transfer technology to Viet Nam and contribute to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem, particularly in fields such as AI and smart factories. He encouraged the company to support Vietnamese startups in accessing new technologies and training high-quality human resources. The Government leader also urged 5.0 Robotics to partner with Vietnamese tech corporations to jointly develop markets, especially in Europe and ASEAN. Leveraging its strengths and potential, he said the company can "catch up and lead" in key areas and affirm its regional and global presence. Earlier, PM Chinh visited Cybernetica - one of the symbols of Estonia's digital economy and a global pioneer in e-government solutions, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure - a major partner of the E-Estonia Centre that the Vietnamese leader visited in the morning of the same day. Established in 1997 and a successor to the applied research unit of the Institute of Cybernetics under the Estonian Academy of Sciences, Cybernetica is recognised as one of the main architects of e-Estonia, developing the core parts of the e-Estonia ecosystem. Currently, Estonia is the only country in the world that widely uses Internet voting for legally valid national elections, with a software system developed by Cybernetica. X-Road is a secure and efficient data exchange platform that enables public agencies and the private sector to exchange information seamlessly and securely - the backbone of Estonian e-government, significantly reducing administrative time and costs. Today, Cybernetica stands as one of the symbols of Estonias digital economy and a global pioneer in e-government solutions, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. The company has implemented e-government solutions in 35 countries, including Japan, Malaysia, Kenya, Benin, and Ukraine. Notably, in Benin, more than 50 government agencies use Cyberneticas solutions to provide nearly 270 digital public services to people. At the working session, PM Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation held discussions with Cybernetica on the viability and potential for success in applying such solutions in a country of over 100 million people like Viet Nam. The discussions covered topics such as institutional reforms, regulatory frameworks, and legal corridors required for successful implementation; the balance between digitalisation and citizen data protection; public-private partnerships; and investment in digital infrastructure such as cloud services, high-speed internet, and cybersecurity. The Vietnamese leader noted that he had reached an agreement with the Estonian PM on the establishment of a joint task force between the two countries to continue discussions and support Viet Nam in digital transformation, building a digital government, and developing a digital society and digital citizens. He also proposed that Cybernetica share its experience and cooperate with Viet Nam, contributing to the implementation of agreements between the two governments. VNS HA NOI State-run energy group Petrovietnam on Friday signed an engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the O Mon 4 thermal power plant, marking a significant step in the development of the flagship gas-to-power Block B O Mon project. The EPC contract was signed with joint venture between South Koreas Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd and Viet Nams Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 2. Located in Can Tho City, the project plays a strategic role in securing energy supply and accelerating the transition toward clean energy. The plant will use combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology with a designed capacity of 1,155 MW and is expected to go operational in December 2028. O Mon 4 Thermal Power Plant will bring Petrovietnams total installed capacity to over 9,3000 MW, accounting for around 10 per cent of the countrys total power capacity. Once completed, the plan will provide clean and stable power to the national grid and contribute to promoting the economic growth. Block B O Mon project includes offshore gas extraction at Block B, gas pipeline and thermal power complex in the Mekong Delta, including O Mon 4 seen as a important downstream component. The project faced delays for nearly two decades. In 2023, the Prime Minister assigned Petrovietnam to lead the O Mon 3 and O Mon 4 thermal power plants to synchronise the construction of downstream infrastructure with upstream gas supply. VNS HCM CITY The 2025 Green Consumption Campaign, themed Green Brands Rich in Vietnamese Identity, launched in Ho Chi Minh City on June 7. A joint initiative of Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper and Saigon Co.op, the campaign is more than a communications effort; it is a long-term commitment to helping businesses build a competitive edge and elevate Vietnamese products through green values. According to data from the General Statistics Office and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, green product lines have seen an average annual growth rate of over 15 per cent since 2021. Remarkably, 72 per cent of consumers surveyed stated they are willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products. Yet, a paradox persists. Organisers note that while many businesses have started to green their products and processes, most still struggle to communicate their brand story to consumers in a way that is effective, clear, and emotionally resonant. The campaign seeks to bridge this gap by connecting green brands with green awareness in the community, leveraging a wide range of communication platforms and an extensive nationwide retail network. This year's campaign is centered on the "Green Brands Rich in Vietnamese Identity" programme, which is designed to help businessesespecially suppliers within the Saigon Co.op distribution chainbuild a brand identity rooted in sustainability. More than just promotion, the initiative focuses on helping companies tell the authentic stories of their green transformation, encompassing everything from production processes and raw materials to environmental standards and social responsibility. According to Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Deputy General Director of Saigon Co.op, the Green Consumption Campaign, first launched in 2010, has consistently aimed to help consumers identify products from businesses genuinely committed to environmental protection. He noted that it also empowers shoppers to prioritise products from these responsible companies. This, in turn, helps foster a fairer and more competitive marketplace, especially for businesses investing in green production and pursuing sustainable development for the community's well-being. Over the past 15 years, the campaign has evolved into a unique, large-scale initiative with significant influence and widespread participation from communities nationwide. Thang explained that with a network of over 800 retail locations, Saigon Co.op sees its role as not just selling products but also guiding sustainable consumer behaviour. He added that for years, Saigon Co.op has prioritised environmentally friendly products by supporting green-focused businesses through dedicated display zones, eco-friendly promotions, green brand marketing, and transparent communication. These efforts are designed to strengthen consumer trust and inspire the wider community to adopt a green lifestyle. VNS WASHINGTON DC A major step has just been made in Viet NamUS trade relations, as Vietnamese businesses signed 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to import agricultural products from the US, with a total estimated value of up to US$3 billion. The agreements were signed as part of a working visit by a delegation from Viet Nam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to the states of Iowa, Ohio, and Maryland, and Washington D.C., from June 2 to 6. The delegation, led by Minister o uc Duy, included representatives from nearly 50 Vietnamese agencies, agricultural businesses, and associations. The visit aimed to boost two-way trade and open up new opportunities for Viet Nam to increase imports of US agricultural and wood products. In addition, the delegation sought access to new technologies to enhance the competitiveness of Viet Nam's agricultural value chain. The signed MoUs reflect a strong commitment and goodwill from both the Vietnamese business community and government to promote balanced trade with the US. Businesses are hopeful that a trade agreement between the two countries will soon be reached, helping lower tariffs on agricultural products and consolidate shared supply chains, while contributing to the prosperity of both countries under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. As part of the visit, the Vietnamese ministry also signed an MoU with the US Grains Council (USGC). According to USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri, the two sides have enjoyed a long-standing relationship, and the signing of this MoU further reinforces the councils commitment to working with Vietnam and facilitating agricultural trade. At a roundtable between the delegation and the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) on June 6, USABC President and CEO Ted Osius expressed strong support for Viet Nam's agricultural development. Rapid changes in US tariff policies have created a challenging trade environment, he said, expressing his appreciation that Viet Nam is considering increasing imports of US agricultural products as a way to help narrow the trade deficit with the US. He pledged that the USABC and its member companies will continue to support the growth of Vietnams food and agriculture sector. In response, Duy affirmed the Vietnamese Governments strong commitment to continuing institutional reforms, improving administrative efficiency, upgrading infrastructure, and creating the most favourable conditions for foreign businesses, including US companies, to expand their investment and operation in Vietnam in a long-term and effective manner. In an interview on the sidelines of the roundtable, Ted Osius emphasised that the signed MoUs represent not only good business, but also good politics, as many of the exports will come from rural US states such as Ohio and Iowa, both of which had just signed major agreements. According to Minister Duy, through forums and meetings, the delegation has clearly demonstrated to US government officials, state authorities, the business community, and the American public that Viet Nam places great importance on its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US. Trade and investment are key pillars of this relationship, and Viet Nam remains committed to further strengthening the partnership, aiming to elevate it to a new level in the current period and in the years ahead, he said. VNA/VNS Nearly 40 years after major economic reforms opened the national economy, Viet Nam is charting a new and ambitious course towards becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045. Facing internal and external headwinds - slowing growth, low labour productivity and mounting geopolitical uncertainty - the Communist Partys Politburo has issued four landmark resolutions that General Secretary To Lam has described as the 'Four Pillars' that will drive the country forward in the new era, the era of Viet Nam on the rise. "These important resolutions will provide a strong institutional foundation, unleashing powerful momentum to turn our vision of a developed, high-income Viet Nam by 2045 into reality," he said on May 18. Heres a breakdown of what the pillars entail, why they were created and what they mean for the country. Resolution 68: Private sector Adopted on May 4, 2025, Resolution 68 repositions the private sector as one of the most important driving forces of the national economy and the vanguard in developing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The resolution sets ambitious benchmarks: By 2030, Viet Nam targets two million businesses operating nationwide, with at least 20 large enterprises participating in global value chains. The private sector contributes between 55 and 58 per cent of GDP, employing about 85 per cent of the workforce. Labour productivity growth in the private sector is set to reach between 8.5 and 9.5 per cent annually. Technology and innovation capacity is expected to rank among the top three in Southeast Asia and the top five in Asia. By 2045, Viet Nam aims to have three million active businesses, contributing over 60 per cent of GDP and demonstrating strong regional and global competitiveness. To realise these goals, the resolution outlines seven key approaches: Institutional reform: Eliminate the 'ask-give' mechanism, ensure freedom to operate in all sectors not prohibited by law and cut at least 30 per cent of administrative procedures; Legal protection for businesses: End overlapping inspections and shift to remote audits based on digital data. Uphold the 'presumption of innocence' and avoid criminalising civil and commercial disputes; Resource access: Develop a national land database, reduce land rental by at least 30 per cent for high-tech and start-up firms and promote green credit, funds for unsecured lending and credit guarantee funds; Entrepreneurship and talent development: Train 10,000 CEOs, integrate business ethics and entrepreneurship into education and allow training costs to be tax-deductible; Innovation and digital transformation: Allow up to 20 per cent of taxable income to fund innovation, and allow 200 per cent of R&D spending to be tax-deductible. Provide tax incentives to start-ups, venture capital and innovation experts; Supply chain integration: Encourage large firms to lead domestic supply chains and require major FDI projects to use local suppliers; and Enterprise expansion: Launch the '1,000 Exemplary Enterprises' initiative and 'Go Global' programme to support overseas expansion. Abolish lump-sum taxation for household businesses in 2026 and support their formalisation into enterprises. "Resolution 68 lays the foundation for a complete shift in private sector policy: from acknowledging to protecting, encouraging and promoting; and from supporting to leading development. This is a strategic, urgent and long-term choice," General Secretary Lam said. Resolution 57: Science Adopted on December 22, 2024, Resolution 57 calls for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to become the top breakthrough and the main engine for rapid development of modern productive forces. The resolution sets ambitious targets: By 2030, Viet Nam aims to reach the top three in Southeast Asia and the top 50 globally in digital competitiveness and e-government, with over 80 per cent of public services offered online. Total factor productivity contributes over 55 per cent to GDP, while the digital economy comprises more than 30 per cent of GDP The country has at least five globally competitive digital tech companies, with mastery of strategic technologies such as AI, blockchain, semiconductors and quantum tech. R&D spending reaches 2 per cent of GDP, of which more than 60 per cent comes from non-state sources By 2045, Viet Nam aims to become a high-income, developed nation with a digital economy contributing more than half of GDP. The country positions itself among the worlds top 30 in innovation and digital transformation, home to at least 10 international-standard tech firms and five global tech leaders. Priority areas include legal reform for innovation (including liability waivers for tech pilots), national data infrastructure, talent attraction policies for global and overseas Vietnamese experts, public-private partnerships in digital education and full digitisation of government operations. "We must move faster and act more decisively to turn science, technology and innovation into the key foundation and engine for Viet Nams rise," said the Party leader. Resolution 66: Legal reform Issued on April 30, 2025, Resolution 66 frames legal reform as 'the breakthrough of breakthroughs' in building a modern institutional system for national development. The resolution sets key goals: By 2030, Viet Nam aims to have a transparent, unified and feasible legal system that supports streamlined governance, completing a full legal reform for the three-tier government by 2027 The country also aims to improve its business legal framework to secure a position in the top three ASEAN investment destinations by 2028 By 2045, Viet Nam aims to have a high-quality legal system in line with global standards, with law-abiding behaviour becoming the norm of society. Several measures are highlighted to turn the goals into reality, including: shifting legal philosophy from control to service; strengthening Viet Nams presence in international legal bodies and training experts in international law; investing in digital legal infrastructure and legal AI; and allocating no less than 0.5 per cent of the total state budget for lawmaking, and creating a legal development fund with state and private contributions. "Resolution 66 represents a call for deep institutional reform to create a modern, substantive legal system that serves the people and drives sustainable national development," said General Secretary Lam. Resolution 59: Int'l integration Approved on January 24, 2025, Resolution 59 defines international integration as a comprehensive, strategic endeavour that requires initiative and resilience. It targets integration across economic, political, scientific and social domains. Priorities include strengthening strategic partnerships while preserving independence and sovereignty; enhancing national competitiveness through global scientific collaboration; and training a cadre of internationally skilled, politically firm officials to manage complex global interactions effectively. General Secretary Lam emphasised that integration was a national mission. "We must deeply understand that integration is not only the task of foreign affairs agencies, but a comprehensive process requiring active, creative participation from the entire political system, every citizen, business and sector," he said. A unified strategy While each resolution has a different focus, experts stress they form an integrated framework. "All four resolutions are closely linked and interdependent. One supports and enables the other. However, it can be said that Resolution 68 has a large impact and influence compared to the others," said Nguyen Hong Hai, PhD, senior lecturer at Vin University Hanoi and Fulbright visiting scholar in residence at American University. "The reason Resolution 68 is so significant is because of the leading role of the private economy in national development over the coming decades," Hai added. The resolutions reinforce one another: institutional transparency supports innovation and entrepreneurship, innovation empowers private firms, private firms boost competitiveness and integration connects Viet Nam to global markets. Urgent actions in 2025 As a gateway year to the 2045 goal, 2025 will focus on several tasks to implement the 'Four Pillars', including: Issuing action plans for each resolution, with clear targets and tracking metrics; Reviewing and amending laws that impede innovation, property rights and entrepreneurship; Launching major national programmes for R&D, innovation hubs and digital government; Advancing various trade pacts and a potential free trade agreement with the US; Improving the business climate by cutting administrative procedures by at least 30 per cent; Creating specialised implementation task forces from central to provincial levels; Training legal, tech and business leaders to drive reform; and Expanding public outreach and consensus-building through nationwide communications campaigns. "All Vietnamese - officials, citizens and businesses - must become pioneers in national development," General Secretary Lam urged. "Leaders must be bold, accountable and ready to sacrifice personal interests for the common good." VNS GENEVA More than 4,500 experts from around the world gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025). The five-day event, ended on Friday, was co-organised by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Government of Switzerland. It came with just five years left to meet the commitments set out in the Sendai Framework 20152030. With the theme Every day counts, act for resilience today, GP2025 highlights the urgency to accelerate action to reduce disaster risks and strengthen community resilience, while promoting the commitments realisation set out in the Sendai Framework. Through four high-level dialogues, two special sessions, three plenary sessions, three ministerial roundtables and 15 thematic sessions, the platform focused on assessing the progress of the Sendai Framework and identifying current challenges as well as immediate and long-term solutions. In her opening remarks, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed stressed the importance of accelerating action to prevent and reduce disaster risks. Every day counted, and action today was key to building a sustainable and resilient future against the challenges of natural disasters, she said. She confirmed that we could not wait. Action must be taken now to protect communities and the environment from inevitable disasters. The UN Deputy Secretary-General believes that risks and disasters do not stop at the borders of any country. Implementing the Sendai Framework and promoting disaster risk reduction initiatives requires the active participation of all stakeholders, especially countries and communities vulnerable to natural disasters. At the ministerial roundtable, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam, Nguyen Hoang Hiep, said, Viet Nam has been severely affected by natural disasters in recent years, especially the Typhoon Yagi in 2024, which caused damage of up to 0.7 per cent of GDP. Given that reality, dispersing the financial burden and ensuring resources for post-disaster reconstruction work became an urgent priority. Deputy Minister Hiep made two important proposals for action. They are to promote investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure and to push up stronger international cooperation, especially in sharing resources and experiences, to help vulnerable countries enhance their response capacity. This year's forum also featured many in-depth discussions on new and emerging topics, including pre-disaster and post-disaster data, disaster recovery and financial initiatives for the sector. At the discussion session Data and finance and the impact on migration due to natural disasters, the lesson of people proactively preparing and actively participating in overcoming the super typhoon Yagis consequences last year in Viet Nam attracted attention of many international delegates. Hoang Phuong Thao, Head of ActionAid International in Viet Nam, said about the initiatives that ActionAid had conducted to support people in disaster-affected areas through technology. The use of technology, especially smartphones, helped vulnerable communities not only receive early warnings but also sent accurate data on the damage caused by natural disasters, thereby supporting the Government and concerned parties to provide timely and targeted financial support, ensuring that no one is left behind, said Thao. Along with Viet Nam, sharing from Fiji, the Philippines and Colombia at the discussion session received much attention. Cantol Pondja, Secretary General of the Mozambique Association of People with Disabilities affirmed, Your experience showed us that data collection and management is not just a technical process. It must be done fairly as well as respect the rights and coping capacity of vulnerable groups. VNS TALLINN Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had talks with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna in Tallinn on June 6, part of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visit to the European country. Both host and guest expressed their delight at the progress in the two countries relations, especially since the two ministers meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in September 2023. Son affirmed that Viet Nam wishes to strengthen cooperation in all fields with Estonia, especially in e-government, digital transformation, data centre building, and information technology application to state management and socio-economic development. Highlighting the significance of PM Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Estonia, Tsahkna described this as an important milestone contributing to bilateral relations. He emphasised that Estonia attaches importance to strengthening relations with the Asia-Pacific region, including Viet Nam, and affirmed his country will persuade the remaining EU member states to soon ratify the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). The host official also shared Estonia's hope to further promote ties with Viet Nam in the fields of trade, investment, and digital transformation, among others. The two ministers agreed to step up mutual visits at all levels while applauding their foreign ministries signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation during this visit. They underlined the need to soon launch a political consultation mechanism between the ministries, carry out policy dialogue, and boost cooperation in information technology so as to develop modern digital diplomacy. The ministers also agreed to enhance the two foreign ministries leading role in promoting the effective implementation of the outcomes of the Vietnamese PMs visit to Estonia. During the meeting, the two sides discussed some international and regional issues of mutual concern. Regarding the sea-related matters, they concurred in maintaining consultation at multilateral forums, especially the UN, to help maintain peace, stability, and sustainable development in the regions and the world. They also voiced support for the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, through dialogue on the basis of international law and the UN Charter, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). On this occasion, Son invited Tsahkna to visit Viet Nam in the near future. The Estonian minister accepted the invitation with pleasure. VNS TALLINN Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse embarked on a cultural journey through the Arvo Part Centre, a standout cultural symbol of Estonia, on late June 7 (local time) as part of his official trip to the Baltic country. His visit was guided by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The centre, named after Estonia's world-renowned composer, serves as both a repository and research hub dedicated to preserving and introducing the legacy of Arvo Part, widely regarded as one of the most influential contemporary composers. The facility, established in 2010, regularly hosts concerts, workshops, educational programmes, and other cultural events while also acting as a venue for the Estonian Governments cultural exchanges. PM Chinh expressed his impression of the harmonious design of the centre, which integrates nature and human presence while combining modern architecture with minimalist design principles that reflect the essence of Part's music. Writing in the commemorative book, PM Chinh recorded his deep respect and admiration for the talented music composer who devoted his whole life to music and his beautiful Estonia. Foreign Minister Tshkna praised the significance of the Vietnamese PMs official visit to Estonia, describing it as a milestone that heralds a new chapter for bilateral cooperation. Estonia, he said, always attaches much importance to developing its ties with Viet Nam a potential partner with an increasingly significant position in Asia-Pacific, adding Estonia stands ready to accompany the Southeast Asian country in the latter's green transition and digital transformation processes. PM Chinh also expressed his admiration for Estonias 7,000-year history and its steadfast tradition of safeguarding national identity. He highlighted the shared values between the two nations love for peace, yearning for freedom, and unyielding spirit. He highlighted Viet Nams rich and diverse cultural heritage and its ongoing efforts to globalise Vietnamese cultural values while acquiring global cultural quintessence. Commending Estonias effective public-private partnership (PPP) model, especially in the fields of education, cultural creation, and digital transformation the areas in which the Arvo Part Centre stands as a shining example, the PM held that the model could offer valuable lessons for development in Viet Nam. VNS BEIJING A high-ranking delegation of the Supreme People's Court of Viet Nam, led by its Chief Justice Le Minh Tri, paid a working visit to China from June 3-7 at the invitation of President and Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court of China Zhang Jun. During their stay, the Vietnamese guests paid a courtesy call to Politburo member, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Secretary of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee Chen Wenqing; held talks with Zhang Jun; and had a working session with Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China Ying Yong. In his meeting with Chen, Tri briefed the host on strong reforms in Viet Nam in various fields, and the results of cooperation between the People's Courts of Viet Nam and their Chinese counterparts in recent times. The Vietnamese official stressed that the trip aims to contribute to realising the common perceptions between the top leaders of the two Parties and countries stated in the Viet Nam-China Joint Statement during the state visit to Viet Nam by Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping in April 2025, in which judicial cooperation is identified as an important pillar of the bilateral ties. Chen highlighted close and growing cooperation across fields between Viet Nam and China, saying that strengthening cooperation between their court systems is of great significance. In their talks earlier, Tri and Zhang agreed to continue to enhance professional cooperation, focusing on sharing information and experiences in establishing specialised courts under international financial centres; resolving disputes in the fields of intellectual property, trade, and bankruptcy; and applying artificial intelligence in judicial proceedings, digital transformation, and building e-courts. The two sides will coordinate to organise the conference of People's Courts of bordering provinces in November. Also within the framework of the visit, the Vietnamese delegation had a working session with representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in China, during which Tri hoped the embassy will serve as an "extended arm" to help domestic agencies, ministries, and localities cooperate effectively with the Chinese side. The Vietnamese delegations trip is expected to contribute positively to promoting and deepening the Viet Nam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance; and elevating the bilateral relations to a new height. VNS NICE Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation landed in Nice City on June 7 afternoon (local time), beginning his working trip to France, where the leader will attend the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) and hold bilateral activities. The five-day trip is made at the invitation of UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron. The delegation was welcomed at Cote dAzur Airport by representatives from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese Ambassador inh Toan Thang, the embassy staff, and representatives from the Vietnamese community in the country. This marks the first time a Vietnamese Prime Minister has participated in a UNOC. It is also PM Chinhs first official visit to France since the two countries upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024. As a special guest of the French President at the UNOC 3, PM Chinh will attend multiple sessions and related events, including forums on green finance and green economy, and a marine science exhibition. The Vietnamese Government leader is scheduled to co-chair a summit on delta regions, and deliver a keynote address at the plenary session of the UNOC 3. PM Chinhs attendance at the UNOC 3 affirms Viet Nams commitment to being a trustworthy partner in international cooperation frameworks. Besides, it reflects Viet Nam's readiness to share knowledge and experience with other nations while contributing to collective efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals. On the occasion, PM Chinh is set to have bilateral meetings with leaders from participating countries and organisations to review and bolster collaboration between Viet Nam and international partners. On the bilateral front with France, he will conduct talks and meetings with high-ranking French leaders, attend the Viet Nam-France Business Forum, and engage with executives from major French corporations. The itinerary also includes meetings with experts, intellectuals, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in France. These bilateral activities aim at translating the major orientations of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries into concrete actions, and implementing the joint statement issued during President Macron's state visit to Viet Nam in May, heralding a new chapter in the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man has urged the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) to promote the application of science and high technology, especially information technology and artificial intelligence, to auditing activities to create a breakthrough in audit quality and efficiency. Addressing the SAV's 8th Party Congress, for the 20252030 tenure, in Ha Noi on Saturday, the top legislator asked the SAV to press on with building a clean, comprehensively strong, and united Party organisation. Special attention must be paid to improving the leadership capacity and combat strength of the Party organisation, promoting the vanguard and exemplary role of officials and Party members, especially leaders, and stepping up examination and monitoring to sustain the Party's discipline. Man requested the sector to improve the quality of auditing to better serve the NA's performance of supreme supervision; increase auditing the areas prone to negative phenomena, corruption, and wastefulness, as well as pressing issues of public concern; and promote thematic auditing, operational auditing, financial and public asset auditing, and information technology auditing. He also underlined the need to focus on developing cadres with high professional capacity, professional ethics, and strong political will. The Chairman told the SAVs Party organisation to lead the institutional and legal perfection regarding audit organisation and activities; coordinate well with agencies of the NA, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, socio-political organisations, and audited units to properly perform audit functions; and improve the implementation effectiveness of audit conclusions and requests. He also asked the SAV to audit the implementation of the four "pillar" resolutions that will pave the way for Viet Nam to flourish, namely Resolution 57-NQ/TW on making breakthroughs in science - technology development, innovation and national digital transformation, Resolution 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context, Resolution 66-NQ/TW on reforming law building and enforcement to meet national development demand in the new era, and Resolution 68-NQ/TW on private economic sector development. The top legislator expressed his belief that the SAV's Party organisation will stay steadfast in leading and directing the continued innovation of its organisation and operating mechanism, thus affirming its role as the key and useful tool of the Party and State in inspecting and controlling the management and use of public finance and assets, and in preventing and combating corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena. That, he continued, will greatly contribute to the countrys fast and sustainable development, as well as the successful implementation of the 13th National Party Congresss resolution. During the congress, delegates reviewed the achievements, pointed out problems and shortcomings, drew lessons, and adopted a resolution on orientations, targets, tasks, and measures for the 20252030 tenure. For the new tenure, the SAV's Party Committee comprises 32 members while its Standing Board gathers 10 members. Ngo Van Tuan, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Standing Board of the NA's Party Committee, and Auditor General, serves as Secretary of the SAV's Party Committee. VNS HA NOI The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) has won one first prize and two encouragement prizes at the inaugural National Press Award on Buddhism 2024, recognising outstanding journalism in Buddhist themes. The award ceremony took place on Friday afternoon in Ha Noi, celebrating contributions that highlight the cultural, spiritual, and humanitarian aspects of Buddhism. Cao Thi Thuy Giang, from the Vietnam+ e-newspaper under VNA, secured first prize for her work, Buddhism Accompanies the Community to Create Miracles of Life. Meanwhile, Le Phan Que Anh and Nguyen Quyet Thang, from Vnews under VNA, received an encouragement prize for their piece, Foreigners Doing Volunteer Work in Pagodas. Additionally, Vu Minh uc, a VNA photographer, won an encouragement prize for his photo essay, Ngoa Van Pagoda: A Special National Historical Relic, the Origin of Truc Lam Zen Sect. Speaking at the award ceremony, Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Deputy President of the Executive Council and Head of the Information and Communications Department of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha Central Committee, emphasised the profound significance of the event. He noted that it followed the great success of the Vesak 2025 Festival and coincided with the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Viet Nam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 June 21, 2025). The award reflects Vietnamese Buddhisms spirit of engagement, harmony, and development in the modern era, recognising journalistic contributions that highlight the role of Buddhism in contemporary society. Launched on June 18, 2024, the National Press Award on Buddhism attracted 534 submissions across various categories, including: 288 print and e-newspaper articles, 228 radio and television productions, and 18 photo sets A total of 39 awards were presented, honouring 95 authors and groups of authors, including 17 individual recipients and 19 collaborative groups. Second national award Also on Friday afternoon, the second National Press Award on Buddhism 2025 was kicked off. Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang said that the award was organised to honour, recognise and encourage journalists to continue to strive, overcome difficulties and produce quality journalistic works, bring positive values to society, contribute to spread Buddhist lifestyle. The press will be a bridge connecting Buddhism and life, applying the Buddha's teachings in all areas of social life. The award has great significance in affirming that "Vietnamese Buddhism always accompanies the nation". Vietnamese Buddhism has been and will forever be closely associated with the people in the cause of building, defending and developing the country. The award focuses on reflecting truthfully and deeply Buddhist life, Buddhist activities, the values and role of Buddhism in building social ethics, protecting the environment, educating people and caring for community life. The press works should introduce positive models in studying Buddhism and building a mindful lifestyle. They should also promote a healthy and peaceful Buddhism lifestyle, promoting the Fatherland protection and construction together with a healthy religious life, and strengthening national solidarity. Topics may include stories about the lives and work of monks, nuns, and Buddhists, lessons from Buddhist scriptures, or charitable and community support activities organised by monks, nuns and Buddhists. Entries must be published from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Each author or group of authors can submit up to five works. Deadline for receiving works is from June 6, 2025 to January 5, 2026. The entries should be sent to Quan Su Pagoda at No 73 Quan Su Street in Ha Noi, or email giaibaochiphatgiao2025@gmail.com. More information is available at https://giaibaochipg.tapchinghiencuuphathoc.vn. The second National Press Award on Buddhism 2025 is scheduled to be held in June next year. VNS HCM CITY The Department of Health in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Vinh Long on Thursday launched an electronic medical record system with an aim to accelerate healthcare digitalisation and build smart healthcare. The launch of an electronic medical record system is part of the long-term strategy for digital transformation in the healthcare sector in an attempt to provide locals lifelong electronic health records and develop a high-quality health system, said Lu Quang Ngoi, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee. Electronic medical records will be an important foundation in managing patients health information accurately and confidentially, Ngoi said. Medical staff can quickly access patients' medical history, medications and other health information, he said. He requested that the department focus on efforts to train human resources, standardise usage procedures and strengthen coordination with other departments in connecting data to ensure smooth operation. The department will also strengthen the application of information technology in health management, while updating the population information system and electronic health records, he added. The province has established a steering committee to step up the implementation of electronic medical records at public medical facilities. To date, around 93 per cent of public medical facilities in the province have adopted electronic medical records. It strives to complete electronic medical records at Vinh Long General Hospital by the end of this month to fulfill the target that all public medical examination and treatment facilities deploy electronic medical records according to regulations. In addition, the Department of Finance and the Department of Science and Technology continue to coordinate to ensure funding for implementing electronic medical records and the digital transformation tasks of the health sector. The provincial Social IInurance Office supports medical facilities in health insurance payment for electronic medical records in accordance with regulations. VNS HA NOI Viet Nams tourism sector is continuing to thrive, welcoming over 9.2 million international visitors in the first five months of 2025, up 21.3 per cent from the same period last year, according to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism. May 2025 marked a significant milestone, with a record 1.53 million foreign arrivals the highest May figure in the past decade. While still down by about 7 per cent compared to April as the traditional peak season for international tourism lasts between October and March, the new record signals Viet Nams growing appeal as a year-round destination. Air travel remained the dominant mode of entry, accounting for 85.2 per cent of international arrivals, followed by road (12.9 per cent). The low proportion of cruise passengers at 1.9 per cent highlights untapped potential in maritime tourism. In terms of market, China retained its position as Viet Nams largest source market with 2.36 million visitors (25.7 per cent), buoyed by restored flight routes and border reopening. South Korea followed with over 1.9 million (20.7 per cent). Other top markets included Taiwan (China), the United States, Japan, Cambodia, India, Australia, Malaysia, and notably Russia which entered the top 10 with a 121.1 per cent surge, making it the leading European source market. The boost from Russia is attributed to favourable visa policies and targeted promotion campaigns. Strong growth recorded from Japan (+18.3 per cent) and China (+47.2 per cent) underscored the success of Viet Nams efforts to revive flights and ease entry procedures. Unilateral visa exemptions have also fuelled growth from European markets, including the UK (up by 19.5 per cent), France (up by 19.8 per cent), Germany (16.1 per cent), Italy (24.7 per cent), Spain (10.3 per cent), Denmark (10.9 per cent), Sweden (15.1 per cent), and Norway (14.3 per cent). Domestically, May saw 14 million local travellers, including 9 million overnight guests. For the five-month period, domestic tourism reached 61.5 million. Tourism revenue from January to May is estimated at VN38.4 trillion (US$1.47 billion), a 24.7 per cent increase year-on-year. Cities and provinces showing robust gains include HCM City (increasing by 30.4 per cent), ong Nai (29.1 per cent), Lao Cai (24.4 per cent), and Ha Noi (22.0 per cent), and a Nang (19.9 per cent). In addition to strong arrival numbers, Viet Nam has also secured a spot among the top five most-searched Asian destinations for summer 2025 on Agoda, based on accommodation searches in April for holidays in JulyAugust. It follows Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. Agoda Viet Nam representatives credit the countrys growing appeal to its diverse natural landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and increased direct flight connectivity with Europe. France, the UK, Germany, Russia, and Norway led search volumes among European travellers. Russia and Norway notably displaced the Netherlands and Spain from the top 5, thanks to direct flights and Viet Nams visa exemptions. Emerging European markets also showed promising growth, including Hungary (+320 per cent), Turkey (+288 per cent), and Poland (+153 per cent). Key destinations attracting international visitors include a Nang, HCM City, and Ha Noi, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and bustling urban life. Officials cite streamlined visa procedures, dynamic promotional campaigns, and tourism-linked events as contributing factors. Looking ahead, Viet Nams tourism authority plans promotional roadshows in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany later this June, aiming to expand its European visitor base and meet its 2025 target of welcoming 2223 million international travellers. VNS ONG NAI Two construction workers were killed after an 8-meter-high scaffold collapsed at a tourist site in southern Viet Nam earlier this week, as local authorities investigate the cause of the accident. The incident occurred around 7am on June 5 at a construction site within the Son Tien Tourist Area in Bien Hoa City, ong Nai Province. The workers were building a dome structure more than 15m high when the scaffolding suddenly gave way. The two men, identified as N.V.H., 50, and B.V.M., 63, were critically injured and rushed to the hospital, but later succumbed to their injuries. The construction project where the accident occurred has not yet been formally identified, as the investor has not submitted a building permit or related legal documents. Authorities in ong Nai are now investigating the cause of the collapse and the responsibility of the parties involved. The Son Tien Tourist Area is developed by Son Tien Ecotourism City JSC. Spanning 380ha, the project includes 200ha for tourism facilities and the remainder for an ecological urban zone. It officially began operations in 2022 with an initial investment of approximately VN15 trillion (US$590 million). VNS HA NOI The National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a forum in Ha Noi on Saturday to commemorate World Food Safety Day under the theme Food Safety: Science in Action. The event underscored the essential role of science in ensuring food safety across the entire supply chain, from farm to table. It called for stronger collaboration between governments, producers, researchers, and consumers to implement science-based solutions that protect public health, strengthen food systems, and enhance Viet Nams access to domestic and international markets. Food safety remains a critical public health challenge in Viet Nam, with persistent risks, including microbiological contamination, pesticide residues, and the use of unauthorised additives, continuing to threaten consumer health and hinder the global competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products. More than 200 students from Ha Noi Law University and the Viet Nam Womens Academy attended the forum, participating in debates and discussions that showcased growing youth engagement in food safety and evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Pawin Padungtod, Senior Technical Coordinator at the FAOs Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases in Viet Nam, emphasised the importance of scientific solutions in ensuring food safety, stating: "Science gives us the tools to prevent foodborne diseaseswe already know what works." The forum provided a platform for future policymakers and professionals to exchange ideas, explore scientific approaches to food safety, and advocate for stronger regulations that protect public health. The challenge is turning knowledge into coordinated, consistent action. This means strengthening standards, hygiene practices, training for food handlers, and robust monitoring systems. Dr Sangjun Moon, WHOs Health Security and Emergencies Team Coordinator in Viet Nam, stressed the need for community education. Food safety can be achieved through practical measures such as WHOs Five Keys to Safer Food: keep clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook thoroughly, store at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials. Youth involvement was another key focus. Safe food should be the norm, not the exception, said Nguyen Hoang Phuong, Secretary of the Youth Union at the Viet Nam Womens Academy. Young people have a critical role to play in building a healthier, more sustainable food future. ILRI Asia Regional Representative Dr Fred Unger highlighted the importance of grassroots implementation. We need to co-develop practical tools and training with government and research partners so farmers and food handlers can adopt safer practices. Science must be applied where it matters most. This years World Food Safety Day in Viet Nam delivered a unified message that food safety is a shared responsibility and that science must be actively applied to ensure food systems are transparent, resilient and trusted by all. VNS TALLINN Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on the Vietnamese community in Estonia to uphold solidarity, preserve cultural traditions, and help promote trade and investment ties between the two countries to contribute to bilateral relations. He made the remark while meeting with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Estonia and Finland and representatives of the Vietnamese people in Estonia on June 7, part of his official trip to the Baltic country. Conveying greetings and best wishes from the Party and State leaders to the overseas Vietnamese (OVs), PM Chinh expressed his pride in the community, which, though small in number, remains united, makes contributions to the homeland, complies with local laws, and nurtures the Viet NamEstonia friendship. With the principle of leaving no one behind and considering OVs as an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation, the Government leader affirmed that even if there is only one Vietnamese citizen abroad, the Party and State will find every appropriate and effective way to care for that persons life. Briefing the community of the homeland's development as well as strategic orientations and solutions being put in place, PM Chinh stated that after nearly four decades of oi Moi (Renewal), Viet Nam has never had such a fortune, potential, position, and international prestige as it does today, and it stands ready to step into a new development period that of the nations rise. He stressed that the Party and State always value the insights and proposals of OVs, which have been incorporated into several draft laws such as the laws on identity, housing and land. The Government is proposing that the National Assembly revise the Law on Nationality. The PM noted that during his historic visit, he and Estonian leaders engaged in open, frank, and substantive discussions. Both sides gained better mutual understanding and shared experiences in national construction, protection, and development, particularly in building digital society, digital government, digital citizens, and digital economy which form Estonia's soft power. With strong commitment to bolstering political diplomatic cooperation, high-level mutual visits, and cooperation in science technology and innovation, the two sides inked several memoranda of understanding on the areas, he said, adding that leaders of both countries also concurred in promoting collaboration across economy, trade and investment, strengthening two economies connectivity, boosting people-to-people exchanges, and capitalising on the complementary strengths and advantages. Lauding the Vietnamese Embassy in Finland and Estonia for its contributions to the Viet NamEstonia relations and care for the Vietnamese community in Estonia, PM Chinh requested the embassy to firmly grasp the situation and make proposals to the Party and State while helping to further promote bilateral relations. The embassy should effectively implement the agreements reached by the countries' leaders and work to connect businesses and peoples of both countries. According to Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh, the Vietnamese community in Estonia is small with around 50 people, primarily intellectuals, students, and traders. Viet Nam has over 200 e-residents and 45 e-businesses registered in Estonia. Earlier the same morning, PM Chinh and his spouse visited the family of Nguyen Viet Thang, owner of Pho Bar a popular Vietnamese restaurant in Tallinn. Now in its third generation in Estonia, the family maintains a strong Vietnamese identity. The children and grandchildren are fluent in Vietnamese and frequently travel to Viet Nam. The restaurant features chefs from Viet Nam and is expanding to Finland. PM Chinh said he hopes that Thang will continue expanding his business and supporting young immigrants with legal knowledge, culture, and life and business experience, helping to popularise the Vietnamese culture and strengthen the Viet NamEstonia relations. In the afternoon, PM Chinh and the delegation left Tallinn for France to attend the 3rd UN Ocean Conference and bilateral activities there from June 7 to 11 at the invitation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron. VNS At an online conference on June 5, the Board of Directors (BoD) convened with representatives of its local-level BoD to review performance results. As of the end of May, the total capital for policy credit programmes approximated $16.4 billion, marking a 9.2 per cent increase on-year. Outstanding loans across policy credit programmes amounted to $15.6 billion, up 5.9 per cent on-year. Credit quality remained stable, with overdue and frozen debts maintained at 0.54 per cent of total outstanding loans. Several key programmes have delivered strong results, notably those supporting job creation, social housing, and housing for poor families, significantly contributing to the implementation of national target programmes. These efforts also align with the governments objectives on social housing development and the elimination of makeshift and substandard housing. In the first five months of 2025 alone, social policy credit enabled production and business investments that created jobs for over 404,000 people, including more than 4,500 workers placed in temporary employment overseas and nearly 2,600 rehabilitated former inmates. The bank also supported nearly 13,400 disadvantaged students with education loans and funded the construction of over 751,000 rural clean water and sanitation facilities. VBSP chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hong giving remarks at the meeting To achieve the 2025 credit growth target set by the prime minister, Nguyen Thi Hong, governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and chairwoman of VBSPs BoD, urged the executive board to continue implementing key tasks and solutions outlined in the BoDs resolutions. She emphasised the importance of proactive capital mobilisation to meet growing demand for policy lending and to ensure the disbursement aligns with the assigned credit growth plans. Governor Hong also called on the bank to advise the government, central agencies, and local authorities at all levels in the effective implementation of Directive No. 39-CT/TW dated October 30, 2024, issued by the Party Central Committees Secretariat. The directive aims to enhance the effectiveness of social policy credit in the new period. Additionally, she highlighted the need to adhere to the prime ministers strategy for VBSPs development through 2030, and a National Assembly resolution on policies to implement national target programmes. VBSP must continue to closely coordinate with ministries and relevant agencies in refining credit mechanisms and operational regulations, said Hong. She also called for reviews and proposals for adjusting policies in line with changes in administrative structures and delegation of authority. In the words of Governor Hong, VBSPs organisational model is unique. Unlike commercial banks, it incorporates participation from the entire political system. Since its establishment, VBSP has received close guidance from BoD members and leadership at provincial and district-level BoD representative offices. These local representatives serve as the extended arm of the central BoD, ensuring that policy credit reaches the right beneficiaries, for the right purposes, and achieves tangible impacts on the ground. 2025 marks a pivotal year as we accelerate efforts to meet the goals of the socioeconomic development plan, the governor said. We are also undergoing a sweeping reorganisation of our administrative and institutional structures to drive reform and national progress. In this context, the role of VBSPs BoD and its representatives at all levels is more critical than ever in implementing preferential credit policies for the poor and other vulnerable groups. Their responsibility, dedication, and closeness to the people are essential in ensuring effective service delivery. VBSP CEO Duong Quyet Thang giving remarks at the meeting The importance of local BoD representatives was also highlighted in a report presented by Duong Quyet Thang, a BoD member and CEO of VBSP. Local BoD representatives have already advised party committees and local governments to transfer budgetary capital to VBSP for entrusted lending. As a result, the volume of locally entrusted state budget capital to VBSP has increased by $2.3 billion, up $430 million on-year. This brings the total entrusted capital from local budgets to $2.46 billion as of May 31. The dedication and commitment of local BoD representatives over the years have been a cornerstone in building the credibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of social policy credit operations, Hong concluded. Their contribution is vital to our shared goal: to ensure that no one is left behind. Policy credit a boon to Yen Bai residents in the wake of Typhoon Yagi Yen Bai province suffered some of the most significant damage from Typhoon Yagi in September, with heavy rainfall and floods. In response, Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) has stepped up the pace of policy credit allocation to affected areas in the locality. Improving the effectiveness of social policy credit Following a decade of implementation, social policy credit is expected to enter a new phase of development to achieve higher efficiency for the sake of society and the community. WASHINGTON Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador became a political flashpoint in the Trump administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement, was returned to the United States on Friday to face criminal charges related to what the Trump administration claims was a large human smuggling operation that brought immigrants into the country illegally. His abrupt release from El Salvador closes one chapter and opens another in a saga that yielded a remarkable, monthslong standoff between Trump officials and the courts over a deportation that officials initially acknowledged was done in error but then continued to stand behind in apparent defiance of orders by judges to facilitate his return to the U.S. The development occurred after U.S. officials presented El Salvador President Nayib Bukele with an arrest warrant for federal charges in Tennessee accusing Abrego Garcia of playing a key role in smuggling immigrants into the country for money. He is expected to be prosecuted in the U.S. and, if convicted, will be returned to his home country of El Salvador at the conclusion of the case, officials said Friday. This is what American justice looks like, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in announcing Abrego Garcia's return and the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. Abrego Garcia's attorneys called the case baseless." Theres no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy, attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Federal Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville, Tennessee, determined that Abrego Garcia will be held in custody until at least next Friday, when there will be an arraignment and detention hearing. Abrego Garcia appeared in court wearing a short-sleeved, white, button-down shirt. When asked if he understood the charges, he told the judge: Si. Lo entiendo. An interpreter then said: Yes. I understand. Democrats and immigrant rights group had pressed for Abrego Garcias release, with several lawmakers including Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, where Abrego Garcia had lived for years even traveling to El Salvador to visit him. A federal judge ordered him to be returned in April and the Supreme Court rejected an emergency appeal by directing the government to work to bring him back. The news that Abrego Garcia, who had an immigration court order preventing his deportation to his native country over fears he would face persecution from gangs there, was being brought back for the purpose of prosecution was greeted with dismay by his lawyers. The case also prompted the resignation of a top supervisor in the U.S. attorneys office in Nashville, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel matter. Ben Schrader, who was chief of the offices criminal division, did not explain the reason for his resignation but posted to social media around the time the indictment was being handed down, saying: It has been an incredible privilege to serve as a prosecutor with the Department of Justice, where the only job description Ive ever known is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons. He declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press on Friday. Abrego Garcia's lawyer calls charges preposterous This administration instead of simply admitting their mistake, theyll stop at nothing at all, including some of the most preposterous charges imageable," Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Ama Frimpong, legal director with the group CASA, said Abrego Garcia's family has mixed emotions about his return to the U.S. Let him talk to his wife. Let him talk to his children," she said. "This family has suffered enough." Sandoval-Moshenberg said Abrego Garcia is one of the first, if not the first, person released from a notorious prison in El Salvador, though he later was imprisoned at another facility. So its going to be very interesting to hear what he has to say about the way in which he was treated, the attorney said. The indictment, filed last month and unsealed Friday, lays out a string of allegations that date back to 2016 but were only disclosed now, nearly three months after Abrego Garcia was wrongly deported and following the Trump administrations repeated claims that he is a criminal. It accuses him of smuggling throughout the U.S. thousands of people living in the country illegally, including members of the violent MS-13 gang, from Central America and abusing women he was transporting. A co-conspirator also alleged that he participated in the killing of a gang members mother in El Salvador, prosecutors wrote in papers urging the judge to keep him behind bars while he awaits trial. The indictment does not charge him in connection with that allegation. Later, as part of his immigration proceedings in the United States, the defendant claimed he could not return to El Salvador because he was in fear of retribution from the 18th Street gang, the detention memo states. While partially true the defendant, according to the information received by the Government, was in fear of retaliation by the 18th Street gang the underlying reason for the retaliation was the defendants own actions in participating in the murder of a rival 18th Street gang members mother," prosecutors wrote. The charges stem from a 2022 vehicle stop in which the Tennessee Highway Patrol suspected him of human trafficking. A report released by the Department of Homeland Security in April states that none of the people in the vehicle had luggage, while they listed the same address as Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime, while the officers allowed him to drive on with only a warning about an expired drivers license, according to the DHS report. The report said he was traveling from Texas to Maryland, via Missouri, to bring in people to perform construction work. In response to the reports release in April, Abrego Garcias wife said in a statement that he sometimes transported groups of workers between job sites, so its entirely plausible he would have been pulled over while driving with others in the vehicle. He was not charged with any crime or cited for any wrongdoing. Immigrant rights advocates vs. the Trump administration Abrego Garcia's background and personal life have been a source of dispute and contested facts. Immigrant rights advocates cast his arrest as emblematic of an administration whose deportation policy is haphazard and error-prone, while Trump officials have pointed to prior interactions with police and described him as a gang member who fits the mold they are determined to expel from the country. Abrego Garcia lived in the U.S. for about 14 years, during which he worked construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records. Trump administration officials said he was deported based on a 2019 accusation from Maryland police that he was an MS-13 gang member. Abrego Garcia denied the allegation and was never charged with a crime, his attorneys said. A U.S. immigration judge subsequently shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by gangs. Still, the Trump administration deported him there in March, later describing the mistake as an administrative error but insisting he was in MS-13. Even if Abrego Garcia is convicted of the charges announced Friday, the Trump administration would still have to return to a U.S. immigration court if it wants to deport him to El Salvador, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. He also expects the case in Maryland to continue as the federal judge there considers whether the administration obeyed her orders to return him. Abrego Garcia's return came days after the Trump administration complied with a court order to return a Guatemalan man deported to Mexico despite his fears of being harmed there. The man, identified in court papers as O.C.G, was the first person known to have been returned to U.S. custody after deportation since the start of President Donald Trumps second term. ___ Associated Press reporter Travis Loller in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report. archives 29 Jun - 6 Jul (2) 22 Jun - 29 Jun (4) 15 Jun - 22 Jun (1) 8 Jun - 15 Jun (3) 1 Jun - 8 Jun (4) 25 May - 1 Jun (5) 18 May - 25 May (2) 11 May - 18 May (3) 4 May - 11 May (2) 27 Apr - 4 May (5) 20 Apr - 27 Apr (1) 13 Apr - 20 Apr (2) 30 Mar - 6 Apr (5) 23 Mar - 30 Mar (2) 9 Mar - 16 Mar (1) 2 Mar - 9 Mar (2) 16 Feb - 23 Feb (3) 9 Feb - 16 Feb (1) 2 Feb - 9 Feb (3) 26 Jan - 2 Feb (2) 12 Jan - 19 Jan (1) 5 Jan - 12 Jan (1) 22 Dec - 29 Dec (1) 15 Dec - 22 Dec (2) 8 Dec - 15 Dec (1) 24 Nov - 1 Dec (1) 17 Nov - 24 Nov (4) 10 Nov - 17 Nov (2) 3 Nov - 10 Nov (1) 27 Oct - 3 Nov (4) 20 Oct - 27 Oct (4) 13 Oct - 20 Oct (1) 6 Oct - 13 Oct (1) 29 Sep - 6 Oct (1) 22 Sep - 29 Sep (1) 15 Sep - 22 Sep (1) 18 Aug - 25 Aug (5) 4 Aug - 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14 Sep (22) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (15) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (14) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (9) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (5) Call for businesses to take part in Wrexham Pride 2025 window display competition Wrexham city centre is set to come alive with colour and creativity as a Pride Window Display Competition launches at the monthly street market, bringing together themes of LGBTQIA+ inclusion and environmental responsibility. The initiative is spearheaded by Pride Wrecsam, a community-led organisation that champions diversity, equality, and environmental awareness. The competition coincides with Great Big Green Week (GBGW) the UKs largest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. Organisers hope that the display competition will encourage local businesses and organisations across Wrexham to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community in a fun, visible, and eco-conscious way. Pride Wrecsam spokesperson said, We would love for as many Wrexham businesses and organisations as possible to take part in the window display competition. The idea is to celebrate and show love and support for LGBTQIA community in Wrecsam in an ethical and sustainable way. We hope to see lots of creativity and, of course, plenty of colour! Details of how to enter the competition will go live on the Pride Wrecsam Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pridewrecsam Major enforcement surge disrupts illegal working in Wales A major surge in immigration enforcement in Wales and the West of England has led to over 1,000 arrests since the election, as part of a drive to disable the illegal working trade in the UK, say the Home Office. A visit to a solar farm in Anglesey in March led to 16 arrests and a referral notice was served on the subcontractor. During one visit to a Dairy Farm in Llangedwyn, between Welshpool and Oswestry, in January, officers arrested six Romanian nationals for working in breach of their visit visas. The Home Office say, Immigration Enforcement teams have intensified activity to tackle those abusing the UK immigration system and exploiting vulnerable people. It forms part of the Governments efforts to crack down on organised immigration crime at every level under the Plan for Change. Particular focus has been on tackling employers facilitating illegal working, often subjecting migrants to squalid conditions and illegal working hours below minimum wage. Restaurants, nail bars and construction sites have been among the thousands of businesses targeted. Since 5 July last year, to 31 May, 1,477 visits resulted in 1,057 arrests, marking a 96% and 114% rise respectively compared to the year before (5 July 2023 to 31 May 2024). The action forms part of a nationwide intensification which has seen illegal working visits increase by 48% and arrests spike by 51% across the UK. The new measures come alongside a ramp-up of operational activity to restore control of the immigration system, including the return of nearly 30,000 people with no right to be in the UK. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: These figures send a clear message: Illegal working will not be tolerated in the UK. Under our Plan for Change, we are restoring order to the immigration system by introducing tougher laws and bolstering our enforcement action. On our watch, there will be no hiding place from the law as we work to protect the integrity of our border. The Home Office said, In many cases, individuals travelling to the UK illegally are sold a lie by smuggling gangs that they will be able to live and work freely in the UK, when in reality they often end up facing squalid living conditions, minimal pay and inhumane working hours, with the threat of arrest and removal if they are caught working illegally. In the latest move to restore order to the asylum and immigration system, the Government is also introducing tough new laws to clamp down on illegal working by extending Right to Work checks on those hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery, beauty salons and courier services. Hungarian students connect with Chinese astronauts in "Tiangong Classroom" event Xinhua) 10:43, June 07, 2025 People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Photo by Tamas Szigeti/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, June 6 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. Dubbed the "Tiangong Classroom," the event was co-hosted by the China Manned Space Agency, the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. It aimed to deepen growing cooperation between China and Hungary in the fields of aerospace, education, and innovation. During the session, Shenzhou-20 crew members Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie responded to questions submitted in advance by Hungarian students. In a pre-recorded video, the astronauts also demonstrated zero-gravity science experiments, captivating the audience with examples from space. The event attracted questions from students representing over 100 Hungarian schools, touching on a wide range of space science topics. Many Hungarian students were thrilled to see their questions answered directly by astronauts in space. Tamas Pinter Keresztes, a 16-year-old from Zrinyi Ilona High School in Nyiregyhaza, is the founder and team leader of Hungary's first high school rocket development group, Pannon Space Technologies. He shared his excitement with Xinhua: "I asked what strength-training equipment astronauts use aboard the station, and I also submitted an experiment idea, which got selected. This kind of cooperation between Hungary and China for promoting science makes me really happy." Sara Lovati, 15, from ELTE Trefort Agoston High School in Budapest, asked about how microgravity affects the spinal column. She was curious about the astronauts' real feelings after reading an article about how astronauts grow taller in space. "I love astronomy," she said, adding that she hopes to study astrophysics in the future. From Szekesfehervar, 15-year-old Bence Kovacs of Szechenyi Istvan Technical School focused on the circadian cycle in space. His question is how the absence of a natural day-night rhythm affects the human body. "I've been following China's space program online," he said. "I wish them to have success in their scientific experiments, and of course, a safe return." The student submissions were reviewed anonymously by a panel of scientists, including Adam Boldog, a researcher at the Svabhegy Observatory and one of the event's scientific coordinators. "We evaluated how relevant the questions were to microgravity, how original they were, and whether they reflected a clear scientific mindset," he explained, adding that it was hard to select dozens from hundreds of high-quality questions. Ferenc Hudecz, vice president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the significance of the event. "It highlights China's emergence as a global leader in space research, and its serious commitment to inspiring younger generations and encouraging their curiosity and openness toward the world," he said. Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao hailed the event as a new chapter in China-Hungary aerospace cooperation. "Only through open cooperation can we climb higher and more dangerous peaks of science and technology," he said. The three-member crew aboard the Tiangong space station was launched into orbit on April 24 for a six-month mission. People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Photo by Tamas Szigeti/Xinhua) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Photo by Tamas Szigeti/Xinhua) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Xinhua/Chen Hao) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Xinhua/Chen Hao) People attend a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station in Budapest, Hungary, on June 6, 2025. More than 300 students, scientists, and government officials gathered Friday at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special space science Q&A session with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. (Xinhua/Chen Hao) (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) No targets, no teeth: Welsh Disability Rights Plan criticised by campaigners Campaigners warned it will be impossible to hold the Welsh Government to account on progress against its disabled peoples rights plan due to a lack of concrete targets. Mark Isherwood, who chairs the Senedds cross-party group on disability, raised concerns that many of the long-term objectives in the draft 10-year plan lack firm commitments. He said Natasha Hirst, who was part of ministers disability rights taskforce, pointed to a lack of funding to implement the plan as well as a scarcity of clear, robust targets. Mr Isherwood also quoted Joe Powell, chief executive of All Wales People First, who said: For this plan to succeed we need the appropriate investment into the infrastructure and services to make this aspiration a reality. We need clear targets about how we are going to achieve this. Without these, it is very difficult to see how the plan will make a difference to disabled people in Wales. Reviewed to death The Conservative told the Senedd: Damian Bridgeman, who chaired the disability rights taskforces housing and community working group, said the draft document was a smokescreen rather than a plan. He pointed to the absence of new money and a mechanism to track delivery of the action plan further, adding that, disabled people have been reviewed to death, what we need is action and theres none of that here. He said Mr Bridgeman described the plan as a collection of vague intentions dressed up as progress, with no targets, no teeth and no real-world accountability. Mr Isherwood, who has campaigned on disability rights for decades, warned the plan lacks a commitment to enshrine the UN convention on the rights of disabled people into Welsh law. The north Walian also warned the UK Governments plans to cut benefits risk further disabling people in Wales by compounding poverty and exclusion. Social model During a statement on June 3, Jane Hutt described the plan as a landmark moment in the Welsh Governments commitment to ensuring an inclusive and accessible society for all. Wales social justice secretary said: This plan is a 10-year blueprint for progress, designed to ensure its outcomes are realised through actions taken across government. Ms Hutt cautioned that UK Government welfare reforms risk overlooking the circumstances and needs of disabled people, and more so in Wales than some other parts of the UK. She said the plan seeks to position Wales as a world leader in the social model of disability, which says people are disabled by barriers in society not by their impairment or condition. Ms Hutt urged organisations and disabled people to have their say by responding to a consultation on the draft plan, which runs until August 7. Never forget Sioned Williams warned the plan has been a long time coming, with the taskforce set up after a 2021 report, entitled Locked out, into the impact of the pandemic on disabled people. Ms Williams told the Senedd: We must never forget that disabled people comprised 60% of deaths from Covid-19 in Wales, and many of those deaths were preventable and rooted in socioeconomic inequality. The Plaid Cymru politician stressed the importance of legally enforceable rights rights that can literally be the difference between life and death. Ms Williams warned planned welfare cuts cast a long, dark shadow over the plan, saying: The removal of this vital support doesnt simply reduce income, it rips away the safety net that many disabled people rely on to live with dignity. She called for assurances that disabled and neurodivergent people will no longer be detained in secure hospitals in Wales, as highlighted by the Stolen Lives campaign. Systemic barriers Jenny Rathbone supported efforts to embed the social model of disability because it is society that needs to change, not the individual who happens to have an impairment. But she recognised that a huge amount of work still needs to be done. Julie Morgan, a fellow Labour backbencher, said the plan clearly shows the Welsh Governments commitment to making Wales an open, inclusive and accessible place. But Conservative Laura Anne Jones warned the plan falls short in many critical areas, with disabled people still facing systemic barriers to work, transport and access to services. She said: With rising living costs and sweeping cuts to support services alongside welfare, this plan feels more like a statement of intent than a blueprint for real action. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Royal Mail under fire for failing to replace Brymbo post box The Royal Mail has come under fire from residents and elected representatives in Brymbo after failing to replace a village post box that was removed following a road traffic accident. The post box, previously located at the corner of Coed-y-Felin Road and Green Road, was decommissioned after being damaged beyond repair in a collision. Residents have been directed to nearby post boxes at Brymbo Post Office, the Enterprise Centre, and Plas Dur in Pentre Broughton. However, these locations require a steep climb of over 100 feet, raising accessibility concerns. It has led to complaints from local residents who say they feel let down by the Royal Mail. Now Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has added his voice to calls for the Royal Mail to replace the post box. He recently joined Wrexham County Borough Councillor and Chairman of Brymbo Community Council Paul Rogers and Brymbo Community Councillor Will Martin at the site of the former post box. I was contacted by the councillors after hearing about their concerns over Royal Mail not replacing a post box which had been damaged when it was hit by a vehicle in a road traffic accident, said Sam Rowlands MS. I understand that the post box was taken away and now residents, many of whom are elderly, must walk nearly half a mile up a hill to post their letters. I have since took up the issue personally and contacted the Royal Mail. Despite a clear inconvenience caused to Brymbo residents, the Royal Mail have shown a concerning unwillingness to resolve this issue. In a joint statement, Councillors Paul Rogers and Will Martin said: We have received lots of complaints about the post box being taken away and we share the concerns of local residents who used the facility. Obviously the damaged box had to be taken away, but we cannot understand why it was not simply replaced. We are calling on the Royal Mail to reconsider their position and would like to invite their representatives to a site visit to discuss this issue. A Royal Mail spokesperson said: We understand the concerns of local residents and appreciate how important access to a post box can be for the community. In this case, there are six postboxes within half a mile of the previous location, including two less than 400 metres away Ofcom requires us to ensure that 98% of UK households are within half a mile of a postbox. After taking into account the current level of provision and operational needs, we have decided not to replace this postbox. However, we want to reassure customers that postal access in the area remains well served, and we remain committed to providing reliable and convenient services. Former interim Registrar of Voters Cari-Ann Burgess has filed a lawsuit against Washoe County. The lawsuit alleges the county created a toxic work environment for Burgess and discriminated against her along with inflicting emotional distress. It also alleges the county defamed Burgess by publicly saying she took medical leave due to stress-related issues and subsequently saying she was on leave pending an investigation into her job performance. In response, Washoe County released this statement 2 News Nevada. The County is in the process of reviewing the amended complaint, which was only recently filed and served. The previous Complaint had not been served on the County. We plan to file a response and vigorously defend the action. Due to pending litigation, we have no further comment at this time. After Burgess left, the Washoe County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Deputy Registrar of Voters Andrew McDonald to take the head position. SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 The interim Washoe County Registrar of Voters Cari-Ann Burgess is taking a leave of absence - ahead of the November election. In a release, a spokesperson said that Burgess told Washoe County Manager Eric Brown that she was dealing with stress related health issues. Brown recommended that she take a leave of absence for self-care. "We are committed to the health and well-being of Ms. Burgess and running a smooth and fair election is a top priority for the County," said the statement in part. "The Registrar of Voter's office is prepared and confident for the upcoming Election in November." It is unknown how long Burgess' leave of absence will last. In the meantime, Deputy Registrar Andrew McDonald is stepping in to assist in taking over office functions. All Voting Is Local Nevada senior campaign manager Jennifer Willett released this statement: Our election officials are under a tremendous amount of pressure. They, like voters, are the backbone of our democracy, and we wish Interim Registrar Burgess rest and peace of mind during this time. The continued rise in threats and harassment against, and the constant pressuring of, our election officials is totally unacceptable. Now more than ever, we must support those who keep our democracy strong by running elections. Update (6/6/2025, 3:40 p.m.): Nicholas Powell, who was arrested in connection to a January murder in Incline Village, appeared in court today for a status hearing. During the status hearing, Powell's representation asked the court for the case to be dismissed without prejudice - stating the case should be thrown out because Powell's due process rights were allegedly violated. Powell's team is arguing that when he was ruled incompetent to stand trial on May 6 of this year, he should've been transported to a treatment facility quickly. They cite a Nevada Supreme Court ruling that states that a delay in transporting an individual for the "appropriate restoration to competency" is a violation of due process. The filing states that as of June 4, Powell remains in the county detention facility and has not been transported. Update (1/30/2025, 1:00 p.m.): The man charged with killing a woman in Incline Village is now in Washoe County Jail awaiting a future court appearance. 24-year-old Nicholas Powell is expected to appear in Incline Village Justice Court after he was extradited from Lyon County. He's accused of stabbing to death Susan Powell. Authorities say an arrest warrant was issued for Nicholas Powell on Sunday, by the Incline Village-Crystal Township Justice Court. Then on Saturday, Lyon County deputies were notified of a chase heading towards Smith Valley on Highway 338 involving Powell where a deputy eventually, successfully stopped Powell. Powell was already in custody at the Lyon County jail on charges of Felony Eluding and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle but has since been extradited to Washoe County. JANUARY 27 UPDATE: The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiners Office has identified a woman who was found dead in her Incline Village home by Washoe County Sheriffs deputies on Sunday. Susan Powell, 59, was pronounced dead at the scene. The manner of death has been ruled to be homicide, according to a release from the Medical Examiner's Office. The final determination of cause of death is pending further investigation. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is investigating a death in Incline Village. Deputies say they found a woman dead at a home there on the night of January 25, after responding for a report of trouble unknown. This is an ongoing investigation. The Washoe County Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information related to this case to contact the Detective Division at (775) 328-3320, and reference the case #WC25-452. Governor Lombardo has signed a bill requiring businesses offering inflatable devices, to meet specific safety requirements. Assembly Bill 198, or Lizzy's Law, was named after 9-year-old Lizzy Hammond who died in a bounce house after wind blew the structure into Reno power lines back in 2019. In a statement on Facebook, the Lizzy Hammond Foundation says, "Were incredibly grateful to Assemblywoman Tracy Brown-May, lobbyist Elliot Malin, and every single supporter, volunteer, and advocate who helped make this possible. "Were hopeful for an official signing ceremony to mark this milestone and now, the real work begins: educating, raising awareness, and continuing to protect children." The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2026. FEBRUARY 12, 2025 The Nevada Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss Assembly Bill 198, also known as Lizzy's Law. This bill will require businesses offering inflatable devices, such as bounce houses and water slides, to meet specific safety requirements. This comes after 9-year-old Lizzy Hammond died in a bounce house after the wind picked it up and blew it into power lines back in 2019. Lizzy's Law requires business operators to be licensed, insured, and training the people that are renting the inflatable devices to operate them appropriately. "After that incident we learned that it's due to no regulations, no state laws, and lack of proper operation that the guy really wasn't setting things up correctly," said Wendy Hammond, Lizzy's mother. "So, then that led us to work towards asking for a law to be created statewide." It requires operators and renters to monitor wind speeds and stop using their inflatables if they exceed the manufacturer recommendations or 20 miles an hour. However, the committee has recommended to bring down the max wind speed to be 15 miles per hour, especially since the bounce house Lizzy was in blew over at 17 miles per hour without being secured to the ground. The bill also requires stakes and weights of at least 75 pounds to be use at all times. "The purpose of this is that we learned that 40% of inflatable devices are installed on solid surfaces such as parking lots and using stakes is unrealistic," said Elliot Malin, representative for Lizzy Hammond Foundation. "We don't want to force them to drill into a parking lot." "The whole idea is to give enough time for kids to get out of the bounce house. That's really the premise," said Mitch Hammond, Lizzy's father. Assemblywoman Tracy Bown-May says Clark County already holds all these requirements. If the bill is passed, then it will take effect statewide January of 2026. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is sharing information about an arrest made today in an open murder case. According to officials, on June 1 DCSO deputies were called to a house on Kyle Drive in Wellington, Nevada, near Topaz Lake, for a report of a man found dead. When deputies arrived on scene, they found 83-year-old George Walker Sr. deceased in the house. Officials say Walker Sr. appeared to have been beaten and stabbed multiple times. Walker Sr. was transported to the he Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office, where a full autopsy determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt and sharp force traumas and ruled it a homicide. Investigators with the DCSO identified 70-year-old Brenda Lyon as the primary suspect in the case and made an arrest today, June 6. She was charged with open murder and elder abuse resulting in a death, and booked into the Douglas County Jail. Lyon is currently being held without bail. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israel said Saturday it retrieved the body of a Thai hostage abducted into the Gaza Strip during the Hamas-led attack that sparked the war, as Israel's military continued its offensive, killing at least 95 people in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza's health ministry. Nattapong Pinta had come to Israel to work in agriculture. Israels government said he was seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed early in the war, which began on Oct. 7, 2023. Thailand's foreign ministry said the bodies of two other citizens were yet to be retrieved. Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive. Many lived on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, the first places overrun in the attack. Forty-six Thais have been killed during the war, according to the foreign ministry. Israel's defense minister said Pinta's body was retrieved from the Rafah area in southern Gaza. The army said he was seized by the Mujahideen Brigades, the small armed group that also took two Israeli-American hostages, Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai, whose bodies were retrieved on Thursday. Israels military later said it killed the head of the Mujahideen Brigades, Asad Aby Sharaiya, in Gaza City on Saturday. Fifty-five hostages remain in Gaza. Israel says more than half are dead. Families rallied again Saturday evening in Israel, calling for a ceasefire deal to bring everyone home. Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel's military had surrounded the area where he's held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel's responsibility. Israel's military didn't immediately comment. The decision to expand the (military) ground maneuver is at the cost of Matans life and the lives of all the hostages, Zangauker's mother, Einav, told the rally in Tel Aviv. Israel continues its military offensive A strike in Gaza City killed six members of a family, including two children, according to the Shifa and al-Ahli hospitals. Israel's military said the strike targeted the Mujahideen Brigades leader. This is the real destruction, a man said as he carried the body of a small boy from the scene. Four Israeli strikes hit the Muwasi area in southern Gaza between Rafah and Khan Younis. In northern Gaza, a strike hit an apartment, killing seven people including a mother and five children. Their bodies were taken to Shifa hospital. Stand up, my love, one weeping woman said, touching the shrouded bodies. Israel said it was responding to Hamas barbaric attacks and dismantling its capabilities. It said it takes all feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm. Reports say some of the dead tried to get food aid Staff at Nasser hospital, which received the bodies of six people over the past 24 hours, said they were killed while on their way to get food aid. Much of Gaza's population of over 2 million relies on aid after widespread destruction of agriculture as well as a recent Israeli blockade. Experts have warned of famine. Israels army has warned that the aid distribution area is an active combat zone during nighttime hours. It said several suspects attempted to approach troops operating in the Tel al-Sultan area overnight in a manner that posed a threat." The army said troops called out, then fired warning shots as the suspects advanced. An army official who couldn't be named in line with military procedures said the shots were fired about a kilometer (half-mile) from the distribution site. Over the past two weeks, shootings have occurred frequently near the new hubs where thousands of desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Israel's military has said it fired warning shots or, in some instances, at individuals approaching. The hubs are run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants it to replace a system coordinated by the United Nations and aid groups. A GHF spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with the groups rules, said it didn't feed Gaza residents on Saturday and blamed Hamas threats. There was no immediate Hamas response. Israel accuses Hamas of siphoning off aid under the U.N.-led system. The U.N. and aid groups deny there's significant diversion of aid to militants and say the new system which they have rejected allows Israel to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles and wont be effective. The U.N says it has been unable to distribute much aid under its system because of Israeli military restrictions on movements and insecurity. Separately, Palestinians lined up at a soup kitchen in Gaza City for handouts on the second day of Eid al-Adha. I have been standing here for more than an hour and a half. I feel I have a sunstroke, and I am in need, said Farida al-Sayed, who said she had six people to feed. I only had lentils, and I ran out of them. Death tolls since the war began Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages. Most were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages and recovered dozens of bodies. Israels military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants. The offensive has destroyed large parts of Hamas-run Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population of roughly 2 million Palestinians. Mohammad Jahjouh reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip. Bassem Mroue and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel, contributed to this report. Follow the APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war A previous version of this story was corrected to show that the previous bodies were recovered on Thursday, not Friday. To hear the Trump administration tell it, Kilmar Abrego Garcia smuggled thousands of people across the country who were living in the U.S. illegally, including members of the violent MS-13 gang, long before his mistaken deportation to El Salvador. In allegations made public nearly three months after his removal, U.S. officials say Abrego Garcia abused the women he transported, while a co-conspirator alleged he participated in a gang-related killing in his native El Salvador. Abrego Garcias wife and lawyers offer a much different story. They say the now 29-year-old had as a teenager fled local gangs that terrorized his family in El Salvador for a life in Maryland. He found work in construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities before he was mistakenly deported in March. The fight became a political flashpoint in the administrations stepped-up immigration enforcement. Now it returns to the U.S. court system, where Abrego Garcia appeared Friday after being returned from El Salvador. He faces new charges related to a large human smuggling operation and is in federal custody in Tennessee. Speaking to NBC's Kristen Welken in a phone interview Saturday President Donald Trump said it was not his decision to bring Abrego Garcia back. The Department of Justice decided to do it that way, and thats fine," he said. There are two ways you could have done it, and they decided to do it that way. Trump said it should "be a very easy case. In announcing Abrego Garcia's return Attorney General Pam Bondi called him a smuggler of humans and children and women in announcing the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. His lawyers say a jury won't believe the preposterous allegations. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who visited Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, said his return to the U.S. was long overdue. As I have repeatedly said, this is not about the man, its about his constitutional rights and the rights of all," the Maryland Democrat said in a statement. "The Administration will now have to make its case in the court of law, as it should have all along. Gang threats in El Salvador Abrego Garcia grew up in El Salvadors capital city, San Salvador, according to court documents filed in U.S. immigration court in 2019. His father was a former police officer. His mother, Cecilia, sold pupusas, flat tortilla pouches that hold steaming blends of cheese, beans or pork. The entire family, including his two sisters and brother, ran the business from home, court records state. Everyone in the town knew to get their pupusas from Pupuseria Cecilia, his lawyers wrote. A local gang, Barrio 18, began extorting the family for rent money and threatened to kill his brother Cesar or force him into their gang if they werent paid, court documents state. The family complied but eventually sent Cesar to the U.S. Barrio 18 similarly targeted Abrego Garcia, court records state. When he was 12, the gang threatened to take him away until his father paid them. The family moved but the gang threatened to rape and kill Abrego Garcias sisters, court records state. The family closed the business, moved again, and eventually sent Abrego Garcia to the U.S. The family never went to the authorities because of rampant police corruption, according to court filings. The gang continued to harass the family in Guatemala, which borders El Salvador. Life in the U.S. Abrego Garcia fled to the U.S. illegally around 2011, the year he turned 16, according to documents in his immigration case. He joined Cesar, now a U.S. citizen, in Maryland and found construction work. About five years later, Abrego Garcia met Jennifer Vasquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, the records say. In 2018, after she learned she was pregnant, he moved in with her and her two children. They lived in Prince Georges County, just outside Washington. In March 2019, Abrego Garcia went to a Home Depot seeking work as a laborer when he and three other men were detained by local police, court records say. They were suspected of being in MS-13 based on tattoos and clothing. A criminal informant told police that Abrego Garcia was in MS-13, court records state but Prince Georges County Police did not charge the men. The department said this year it had no further interactions with Abrego Garcia or any new intelligence on him. Abrego Garcia has denied being in MS-13. Although they did not charge him, local police turned Abrego Garcia over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He told a U.S. immigration judge that he would seek asylum and asked to be released because Vasquez Sura was pregnant, according to his immigration case. The Department of Homeland Security alleged Abrego Garcia was a gang member based on the county polices information, according to the case. The immigration judge kept Abrego Garcia in jail as his case continued, the records show. Abrego Garcia later married Vasquez Sura in a Maryland detention center, according to court filings. She gave birth while he was still in jail. In October 2019, an immigration judge denied Abrego Garcias asylum request but granted him protection from being deported back to El Salvador because of a well-founded fear of gang persecution, according to his case. He was released; ICE did not appeal. Abrego Garcia checked in with ICE yearly while Homeland Security issued him a work permit, his attorneys said in court filings. He joined a union and was employed full time as a sheet metal apprentice. In 2021, Vasquez Sura filed a temporary protection order against Abrego Garcia, stating he punched, scratched and ripped off her shirt during an argument. The case was dismissed weeks later, according to court records. Vasquez Sura said in a statement, after the documents release by the Trump administration, that the couple had worked things out privately as a family, including by going to counseling. After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution after a disagreement with Kilmar, she stated. She added that Kilmar has always been a loving partner and father, and I will continue to stand by him." A traffic stop in Tennessee In 2022, according to a report released by the Trump administration, Abrego Garcia was stopped by the Tennessee Highway Patrol for speeding. The vehicle had eight other people and no luggage, prompting an officer to suspect him of human trafficking, the report stated. Abrego Garcia said he was driving them from Texas to Maryland for construction work, the report stated. No citations were issued. Abrego Garcias wife said in a statement in April that he sometimes transported groups of workers between job sites, so its entirely plausible he would have been pulled over while driving with others in the vehicle. He was not charged with any crime or cited for any wrongdoing. The Tennessee Highway Patrol released video body camera footage this May of the 2022 traffic stop. It shows a calm and friendly exchange between officers and Abrego Garcia as well as the officers discussing among themselves their suspicions of human trafficking before sending him on his way. One of the officers said: Hes hauling these people for money. Another said he had $1,400 in an envelope. An attorney for Abrego Garcia, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said in a statement after the release that he saw no evidence of a crime in the footage. Mistaken deportation and new charges Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador in March despite the U.S. immigration judge's order. For nearly three months, his attorneys have fought for his return in a federal court in Maryland. The Trump administration described the mistaken removal as an administrative error but insisted he was in MS-13. His abrupt release from El Salvador closes one chapter and opens another in the months-long standoff. The charges he faces stem from the 2022 vehicle stop in Tennessee but the human smuggling indictment lays out a string of allegations that date back to 2016 but are only being disclosed now. A co-conspirator also alleged that Abrego Garcia participated in the killing of a gang members mother in El Salvador, prosecutors wrote in papers urging the judge to keep him behind bars while he awaits trial. The indictment does not charge him in connection with that allegation. This is what American justice looks like, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in announcing Abrego Garcias return and the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. Speaking to NBC's Kristen Welker in a telephone interview President Donald Trump said it was not his decision to bring Abrego Garcia back. Abrego Garcia's attorney disagreed. "Theres no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy, attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Its a fitful, intermittent eruption thats happening for a 30-foot geyser spouting boiling water on a small property off Alternate 395 South Virginia Street. The water is coming from a pipe next to a long fissure in the ground a fissure that geologists started studying last year when it became home to a collection of springs spewing hot bubbling water, less than a foot tall. The fissure has been there for a very long time, but its been dry, Rachel Micander, Geologic Information Specialist with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, explained to 2 News Nevada on Friday. Last year, in March, we came down and noticed that it was doing what we call perpetual spouting there was this water, boiling water, coming out of the ground, spouting. Jim Faulds called it a mini geyser. She and other scientists studying the area believe that this new geyser is connected to those bubbling water spouts. It began erupting Sunday afternoon, June 1, and spouted water for about 24 hours by resident reports, before the area completely dried up including the small spouts nearby. As of Thursday night, its erupting again. Though its an interesting and scientifically significant sight, scientists are warning the community not to visit. Micander measured the water temperature at 95 degrees Celsius over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause third-degree burns. It can kill you, she said. Also, the ground in that area is incredibly unstable. Theres hot water flowing all underneath it, and because this geyser is unpredictable, the ground is unpredictable. Micander and other geologists arent sure whats behind the geyser activity. Shes currently studying documents outlining the propertys history and permits, to see if they hold clues to whats facilitating the waters path to the surface now. Contrary to rumors, she and other scientists dont believe that the geyser activity is connected to the geothermal plant up the street, operated by Ormat Technologies. According to Micander, Ormat operates on a closed system at a higher elevation the water thats pumped out is reinjected. The geysers at Steamboat have also been around for decades more, and disappeared long before any geothermal activity nearby. Eruptions werent uncommon a century ago. Why the land dried up, and why the water is returning now are questions that Micander and others are studying. Geysers operate on a very delicate system. They have things that they need to do geyser things, and if one of those things is out of whack it could be water, it could be pressure, it could be heat then youre not going to have a geyser, she said. After the site dried out on Tuesday, Micander almost thought that was the last of it that South Renos geysers had officially disappeared once again. But as long as this new, impressive spout continues to erupt, it may hold more clues to the history and future of the hot water just beneath the South Renos surface. A south Alabama mayor is upset with recent comments made by Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch regarding gang violence after he said he wishes we could be put them in the same arena and let them kill the hell out of each other. Burchs comments were made Wednesday after a 2-year-old boy was shot in the face in Prichard as he slept in bed with his parents. Burch said in a press conference that the shooting was gang-related and was frustrated due to innocent people being harmed as a result of the feuds. Its gangs and frankly, I wish we could put them in the same arena and let them kill the hell out of each other, Burch said. That would solve the problem. Its the innocent people who get shot. But Prichard Mayor Jimmie Gardner took exception to Burchs comments and posted a video on Facebook calling them, inhumane and unrealistic. To imply such an inhumane and unrealistic approach to public safety is unacceptable from any public official, especially one in a position of law enforcement leadership, Gardner said. These are not just issues to casually discuss or project personal frustrations onto they are real, devastating tragedies that destroy families, traumatize children, and scar entire neighborhoods. Gardner said that although Burch acknowledged innocent people get hurt as a result of the violence the sheriffs choice of language undermines the seriousness of this crisis. Gardner also rebutted Burchs claim that the Prichard Police Department did not respond to a 4 a.m. shooting on Wednesday. Gardner said that the call logs demonstrated that Prichards dispatcher never received a call at that time and questioned why Burch would make such a claim when evidence proved otherwise. Burch has repeatedly criticized Prichards Police Department and on Wednesday again stated that it was, failing the citizens of that city. Gardner said the focus should be on collaboration not finger-pointing. I have, on many occasions, publicly expressed appreciation for the manpower and resources the Sheriffs Office has provided to the City of Prichard, Gardner said. But I will not stand by in silence while inflammatory, misleading, and harmful rhetoric is used to cast blame or distract from the real work needed to address crime. We must focus on accountability, collaboration, and proactive solutions - not finger-pointing or gaslighting. Love Island USA contestant Yulissa Escobar has released a statement apologizing for using racial slurs in past podcast clips that resurfaced online. In those clips, I used a word I never shouldve used, a racial slur, Escobar wrote on her Instagram account. I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasnt trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesnt excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. Its tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use. She continued: At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesnt take away from how wrong it was. The truth is, I didnt know better then, but I do now. Ive taken the time to reflect, to learn, and to grow from that moment. Escobar was removed from the villa during the second episode of Season 7, which aired on Peacock on Wednesday, with minimal context about the reason behind her departure. Shortly after Peacock announced the original Love Island USA cast ahead of its June 3 premiere, fans exposed the ex-islander for her controversial past, vowing to vote her off the show once submissions opened. In the clips obtained by TMZ, she is heard saying the N-word several times while discussing past relationships. Ive changed a lot since then, not just in how I speak, but in how I show up, how I carry myself, and how I honor the experiences of others, Escobar wrote. Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if its uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability. In her apology, Escobar also addressed claims of false statements about her character circulating online since her exit. There have also been fake statements circulating, things written or said by others that dont reflect me or my heart, Escobar continued in her post. I want to clarify that this is my voice and my words. I dont need anyone to speak for me. Im choosing to speak for myself because I take full ownership of my actions. Do not listen to the fake statements. This is my official statement. This is me speaking directly to you. To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand, and I apologize. I am sorry. 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC An Athens man was taken into custody Friday evening following the discovery of a body at a shooting incident. About 7 p.m. Friday, Limestone County Sheriffs deputies responded to a shooting incident in the 17000 block of Kelley Drive in Athens, according to the sheriffs office. The deputies found the body of Todd Robert Jennett, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Michael Stephen Esposito, 63, was present at the scene. Deputies secured the area and began investigating the scene. According to a news release, deputies preliminary findings suggest that Jennett and Esposito were involved in a verbal altercation that turned violent. Esposito pulled out a firearm and shot Jennett multiple times, the sheriffs department said. Esposito was Jennetts stepfather. He is being held at the Limestone County Jail pending an Aniahs Law hearing. Aniahs Law is an Alabama constitutional amendment that gives judges discretion to deny bond or bail to those charged with certain violent crimes. People in Huntsvilles public housing will have restricted movement this summer as the housing authority imposes a curfew at its facilities. A copy of a lease addendum dated June 5 and reviewed by AL.com says the curfew begins Monday until Sept. 30. Residents must sign the document by 5 p.m. Monday. The authority said this week it was imposing a curfew on the LR Patton Community after a shooting last week killed one person and left another injured. But in a letter that accompanied the addendum, the authority said the curfew will be at all facilities it controls, which according to its website comprises about 3,000 households in Alabamas most populous city. Huntsville Housing Authority did not immediately reply to a request for comment. For the duration of the curfew, residents will be required to remain indoors from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The stated rationale is the need to ensure security. The curfew applies to all outdoor areas of the premises, including porches, balconies, walkways, stairwells, courtyards, parking lots and any other common areas. During these hours, residents and their guests are allowed to come and go but are not allowed to casually hang out and may not be present outdoors or on porches unless a valid exception applies, the addendum stated. Penalties include a written warning, fines or penalties as determined by management and potential lease termination for repeated or serious violations. In light of the recent criminal activity in and around our communities and with the safety and well-being of our residents as our top priority, HHA has made the decision to implement a curfew for all residents across the Authority, the HHA said in the statement that accompanied the lease addendum. This temporary measure will be enforced during the summer months to help prevent adverse environments and promote a safer living experience for everyone. Curfew exceptions include work-related obligations and emergency situations. A fire erupted at a Florida resort condo Friday afternoon and a cause continues to be investigated by officials. According to a Facebook post by the Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, the fire occurred at Long Beach Resort Tower 3 and left several units with damage. However, no injuries have been reported. Happening Now: Crews remain on scene after an extensive fire at Long Beach Resort Tower 3. Several units have been... Posted by Panama City Beach Fire Rescue on Friday, June 6, 2025 WMBB reported that the fire began in one unit on the fifth floor of the tower and then spread to the sixth floor. According to the outlet, Panama City Beach Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Tim Smith said firefighters worked to put the fire out, within minutes. We train for this all the time. So guys made a rapid ascent up the stairs connected into the buildings standpipe and got water on the fire very, very quickly. And, you know, were able to, you know, put the fire out within minutes and ensure that there were no victims anywhere in the area. Smith said two individuals were in the unit where the fire began but were able to escape the without injuries. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the State Fire Marshals Office. A monument to the Presbyterian minister known as Brother Bryan sits at the center of Brother Bryan Park in Birmingham's Five Points South neighborhood on June 6, 2025. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com) ggarrison@al.com Update: This planned event was canceled due to weather. The City of Birmingham has worked with Southside businesses to organized a bounce-back community event Saturday night for Five Points South in the aftermath of a deadly mass shooting last year. The neighborhood remains unsettled by the violence of the Hush Lounge shooting on Sept. 26, 2024, when 21 people were shot and four were killed. This is encouraging people to come back to the Five Points South area after the mass shooting last fall, said Birmingham City Council member Crystal Smitherman. It really hurt the economy and the trust that people have in Five Points South. The Safe Summer concert series block party will be Saturday, June 7, starting at 5 p.m. in Brother Bryan Park. A stage will be set up to feature musical acts. Everything is free and family-friendly, Smitherman said. Food trucks and local merchants will also have food for sale. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol, May 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File) The Associated Press WASHINGTON House Republicans surprised tech industry watchers and outraged state governments when they added a clause to Republicans signature big, beautiful tax bill that would ban states and localities from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade. The brief but consequential provision, tucked into the House Energy and Commerce Committees sweeping markup, would be a major boon to the AI industry, which has lobbied for uniform and light touch regulation as tech firms develop a technology they promise will transform society. However, while the clause would be far-reaching if enacted, it faces long odds in the U.S. Senate, where procedural rules may doom its inclusion in the GOP legislation. I dont know whether it will pass the Byrd Rule, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, referring to a provision that requires that all parts of a budget reconciliation bill, like the GOP plan, focus mainly on the budgetary matters rather than general policy aims. That sounds to me like a policy change. Im not going to speculate what the parliamentarian is going to do but I think it is unlikely to make it, Cornyn said. Senators in both parties have expressed an interest in artificial intelligence and believe that Congress should take the lead in regulating the technology. But while lawmakers have introduced scores of bills, including some bipartisan efforts, that would impact artificial intelligence, few have seen any meaningful advancement in the deeply divided Congress. An exception is a bipartisan bill expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump next week that would enact stricter penalties on the distribution of intimate revenge porn images, both real and AI-generated, without a persons consent. AI doesnt understand state borders, so it is extraordinarily important for the federal government to be the one that sets interstate commerce. Its in our Constitution. You cant have a patchwork of 50 states, said Sen. Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican. But Moreno said he was unsure if the Houses proposed ban could make it through Senate procedure. The AI provision in the bill states that no state or political subdivision may enforce any law or regulation regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, or automated decision systems. The language could bar regulations on systems ranging from popular commercial models like ChatGPT to those that help make decisions about who gets hired or finds housing. State regulations on AIs usage in business, research, public utilities, educational settings and government would be banned. The congressional pushback against state-led AI regulation is part of a broader move led by the Trump administration to do away with policies and business approaches that have sought to limit AIs harms and pervasive bias. Half of all U.S. states, including Alabama, have so far enacted legislation regulating AI deepfakes in political campaigns, according to a tracker from the watchdog organization Public Citizen. Most of those laws were passed within the last year, as incidents in democratic elections around the globe in 2024 highlighted the threat of lifelike AI audio clips, videos and images to deceive voters. California state Sen. Scott Wiener called the Republican proposal truly gross in a social media post. Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, authored landmark legislation last year that would have created first-in-the-nation safety measures for advanced artificial intelligence models. The bill was vetoed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fellow San Francisco Democrat. Congress is incapable of meaningful AI regulation to protect the public. It is, however, quite capable of failing to act while also banning states from acting, Wiener wrote. A bipartisan group of dozens of state attorneys general also sent a letter to Congress on Friday opposing the bill. AI brings real promise, but also real danger, and South Carolina has been doing the hard work to protect our citizens, said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, a Republican, in a statement. Now, instead of stepping up with real solutions, Congress wants to tie our hands and push a one-size-fits-all mandate from Washington without a clear direction. Thats not leadership, thats federal overreach. As the debate unfolds, AI industry leaders are pressing ahead on research while competing with rivals to develop the best and most widely used AI systems. They have pushed federal lawmakers for uniform and unintrusive rules on the technology, saying they need to move quickly on the latest models to compete with Chinese firms. Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, testified in a Senate hearing last week that a patchwork of AI regulations would be quite burdensome and significantly impair our ability to do what we need to do. One federal framework, that is light touch, that we can understand and that lets us move with the speed that this moment calls for seems important and fine, Altman told Sen. Cynthia Lummis, a Wyoming Republican. And Sen. Ted Cruz floated the idea of a 10-year learning period for AI at the same hearing, which included three other tech company executives. Would you support a 10-year learning period on states issuing comprehensive AI regulation, or some form of federal preemption to create an even playing field for AI developers and employers? asked the Texas Republican. Altman responded that he was not sure what a 10-year learning period means, but I think having one federal approach focused on light touch and an even playing field sounds great to me. Microsofts president, Brad Smith, also offered measured support for giving the country time in the way that limited U.S. regulation enabled early internet commerce to flourish. Theres a lot of details that need to be hammered out, but giving the federal government the ability to lead, especially in the areas around product safety and pre-release reviews and the like, would help this industry grow, Smith said. It was a change, at least in tone, for some of the executives. Altman had testified to Congress two years ago on the need for AI regulation, and Smith, five years ago, praised Microsofts home state of Washington for its significant breakthrough in passing first-in-the-nation guardrails on the use of facial recognition, a form of AI. Ten GOP senators said they were sympathetic to the idea of creating a national framework for AI. But whether the majority can work with Democrats to find a filibuster-proof solution is unclear. I am not opposed to the concept. In fact, interstate commerce would suggest that it is the responsibility of Congress to regulate these types of activities and not the states, said Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican. If were going to do it state by state were going to have a real mess on our hands, Rounds said. By Matt Brown and Matt OBrien. OBrien reported from Providence, Rhode Island. AP writers Ali Swenson in New York, Jesse Bedayn in Denver, Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, and Tran Nguyen in Sacramento, California contributed to this report. Khadiyah Lewis, known as "KD," has died at 44. She appeared in seasons 3 and 4 of "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" alongside rapper Yung Joc before building her entrepreneurial career. ALEX BRANDON/Getty Images Khadiyah KD Lewis, a former star on reality show Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta, died May 30, her family said. She was 44. A cause of death has not been disclosed. The Shade Room first reported the news after Khadiyahs brother, Jamaal Lewis, confirmed her passing in a statement. This has been an extremely emotionally devastating time, Jamaal Lewis said. All prayers, condolences, and well wishes are sincerely appreciated. In a June 2 post on Facebook, Khadiyahs younger brother, Elijah Inegbedion, said that she, left behind a legacy most individuals can only dream of. Thank you for loving me the way you did and always having my back no matter what, Inegbedion wrote. God blessed me when he made me your baby brother and for that I am eternally thankful. You are forever on my mind and in my heart. I love you! Khadiyah became a prominent fixture in seasons 3 and 4 of Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta due to her relationship with rapper Yung Joc. Khadiyah was also an entrepreneur and owned several businesses, including a real estate investment firm and a consulting agency. According to an obituary for Khadiyah she will be laid to rest in her birthplace of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Along with her brothers, Khadiyah is survived by her parents, David Clark Lewis Jr. and Debra Body, and two sisters, Rasheedah Lewis and Nia T. Hill. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on June 14 at Earl M. Temple Memorial Chapel in Oklahoma City. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and City Attorney Nicole King huddle during City Council Meeting on May 6, 2025. That morning Woodfin and the council announced the filing of a lawsuit against Gov. Kay Ivey and the state of Alabama to halt the governor from signing SB330 into law. It would transform the Birmingham Water Works Board into a regional board with a majority of seats from the suburbs. Roy S. Johnson Birmingham city leaders have revised their federal lawsuit challenging the state law that wrested control of the Birmingham Water Works from local officials. Birmingham city attorneys filed an amended complaint Friday on behalf of Mayor Randall Woodfin and members of the city council. In part, the complaint adds additional defendants, including the specific names of the new regional water board members and the groups that appointed them. Other defendants include Gov. Kay Ivey, State Attorney General Steve Marshall and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth. The city has filed an amended complaint related to the Water Works lawsuit and will await further court action, City Attorney Nicole King, wrote in a brief statement late Friday. The city maintains that state action is illegal. It reconfigures the utilitys board to include mostly suburban members from Jefferson County and surrounding counties with just two from Birmingham. Birmingham, a predominantly Black city, contends the action is driven by race. While the water works services a five-county area, 92 percent of the customers live in Jefferson County and 44 percent of them live within the Birmingham city limits. The new board configuration with just two members from Birmingham does not represent that population, Birmingham argues in its lawsuit. City attorneys also claim the state legislature violated Alabama law by ignoring binding terms of the water works articles of incorporation. The city did not agree to the contract changes, Birmingham lawyers said. Under Alabama law, the Birmingham City Council must consent to any amendments to the Water Works articles of incorporation, the lawsuit states. The 1999 Articles of the Water Works are still enforceable because no ex post facto law can change the charter of a public non-municipal corporation. The city also claims that the new law violates an existing agreement by ending the annual franchise fees the water works pays to Birmingham for operating on the citys public rights of way. Further, the state law is discriminatory on its face, the city suit claims, because it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution by diluting the participation of a majority of Black ratepayers and giving unequal representation to areas that are mostly white. True to Alabama legislative history, the selection scheme mandated by Act 2025-297 deprives the Ratepayer Plaintiffs of the effective and meaningful participation in the affairs of the Water Works by diluting their ability to select representation to the Water Works, the lawsuit states. The city also takes issue with the states justification for the takeover and notes the utilitys strong credit rating. The Alabama legislature has not sought to restructure or take over other public utility companies with credit ratings equal to or lower than that of the State of Alabama and the Water Works, according to the lawsuit. Also, the city disputes comparisons in the text of the law between the Birmingham water works and other utilities that have suffered major issues from mismanagement. The comparison is not accurate or fair to Birmingham, the city maintains. The bill was sponsored by State Senator Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook and was carried in the House by Rep. Jim Carns of Vestavia Hills. Roberts, in an earlier interview with AL.com, said his bill was not punitive or any attempt to take anything away. Instead, he said it was intended to resolve long-standing problems at the utility. For example, he called the water works rates an impediment to economic development in the region. He also said he was concerned about needed pipe maintenance and replacement while at the same time the utility spends ratepayer money on lawyers, lobbyists and marketing firms. So goes Birmingham, so goes the state, Roberts told AL.com in April before the bill passed. We dont want to become a California. We dont want to become a Detroit, Michigan. We dont want to become a Jackson, Mississippi. We dont want to become a Richmond, Virginia. I have grave concerns with the way things are going. Speaking during the Gary Richardson Morning Show on WJLD radio last month, Woodfin said lawmakers gained support by exaggerating issues of corruption and mismanagement and played on racial stereotypes by comparing the system to Jackson, Miss. and Flint, Mich. I take offense because thats racist on its face because those are two majority-minority cities, he said. Nothing is wrong with our water. Woodfin admitted to complicated feelings about the utility. Still, he said those issues did not justify the states action. I feel the same way that the average ratepayer feels. I dont like the water works, he said. My bills have been wrong as well. But two wrongs dont make a right. What happened in Montgomery, what they did is wrong. It is a taking, and they did it with no remorse, they did it full of lies. As of publication, the state has not filed a response to the amended complaint. Lipscomb Mayor Tonja Baldwin, left, and Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton, right, face off in court over city attorney dispute. The Lipscomb Council hired Newton over Baldwin's objection. Tamika Moore A bitter legal fight that has divided leaders of a small Alabama town, pitting two mayors against each other is over for now. The winner is Lipscomb Mayor Tanja Baldwin. Jefferson County Circuit Judge David Hobdy ended months of wrangling over who has the authority to hire a city attorney for Lipscomb, a town of 2,000 people just west of Bessemer. The ruling settles a months-long feud between Baldwin and the Lipscomb City Council, which had hired Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton to represent the city. Newton is also a lawyer. Hobdy on Wednesday ruled that Lipscombs previous longtime attorney, Lucien Blankenship, remains city attorney, at least until this fall. Hodby set a hearing for Sept. 3 to hear additional arguments. The hearing will occur after the citys August elections for mayor and council. Now that this is over we can move forward with the business of the city, Baldwin told AL.com. There are some things that we need to get done that are important for the city. Lipscomb city leaders remain divided over several ongoing disputes between the mayor and council. Drama escalated in February when the council removed Blankenship and replaced him with Newton, a move that Baldwin opposed. A private citizen in Lipscomb later sued to challenge the action. Newton is also mayor of Tarrant, a nearby town of about 6,000, also known for hostile and litigious politics between its mayor and council. AL.coms efforts to reach Newton for comment have been unsuccessful. In previous interviews, however, Newton dismissed the lawsuit as a political attack from Baldwin to discredit his work. Newton insisted his role as an attorney and the dispute in Lipscomb had no connection to his official duty as mayor of Tarrant. Baldwin insisted the city council illegally hired Newton and called an illegal meeting to do so. Since then, the two mayors have clashed verbally and legally. Baldwin said the council lacked authority to hire an attorney because, as mayor, she is the appointing authority. Lipscomb, like Tarrant, has faced years of gridlock as Newton and the city council continue to disagree over basic government operations and blame each other for the dysfunction. The ruling from Hobdy is the latest legal volley in the dispute. A previous ruling also favored the mayors contention that she was the hiring authority, and that the council had improperly hired Newton. Back in April, Baldwin ejected Newton from Lipscomb City Hall and obtained an arrest warrant against him, accusing him of making threatening comments toward her. The allegations were classified as a misdemeanor. While the initial warrant was revoked by a judge, a second warrant for trespassing was issued this week. Newton is accused of trespassing on city property after he was previously escorted out by Lipscomb police. The current warrant for trespassing that was issued earlier this week is a third-degree misdemeanor that does not require a jail stay and carries no bond. It is unclear whether the charges will be dropped. Im hoping that the council members and myself can come together and move forward now that that big roadblock is out the way, Baldwin said. There is nothing left for us to do but come together and do what we were elected to do. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., left, and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y.,right, speaks at a press conference Monday, May 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) AP Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on Friday answered a key question about the states controversial new law on consumable products that contain ingredients from hemp. It will be illegal to sell or possess smokable hemp products starting July 1, according to William Califf, a spokesman for Marshall. Possession or sale could subject individuals to a Class C felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison. It was already known that the smokable products would be banned - that was clear in the new law. But companies that sell the products told AL.com they were unsure when the products banned by the new law would become illegal. The confusion was the result of two dates in the new law, known as HB445, which the Legislature passed and Gov. Kay Ivey signed in May. The last line of the 25-page bill that the effective date is July 1. But other sections of the bill carry a Jan. 1, 2026, effective date. Store owners said the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which will regulate the products under the new law, had not provided a clear answer on which date applied to the product bans. They said they needed a definite date to make decisions about how to proceed with their business and whether they could continue to sell the smokables until the end of the year. The ABC Board said Friday morning it was consulting with the attorney generals office. An email from Califf on Friday afternoon -- hours after AL.com reported on the concerns of businessowners -- provided the answer on the banned smokable products. The criminal prohibition on the sale or possession of hemp products specifically excluded from the definition of consumable hemp product goes into effect July 1, 2025, Califf wrote. Products specifically excluded from the definition, found on page 3 of the bill, include any smokable hemp product. Smokable hemp products include, but are not limited to, any plant product or raw hemp material that is marketed to consumers as hemp cigarettes, hemp cigars, hemp joints, hemp buds, hemp flowers, hemp leaves, ground hemp flowers, or any variation of these terms to include any product that contains a cannabinoid, whether psychoactive or not, the new law says. Hemp business operators say the smokable flowers are their number one seller. Once this is gone, thats about 75% of my sales will be wiped out, Troy Watts, who works in the Green Room store in Montgomery, told al.com on Thursday. In addition to the smokable products, one other category is specifically excluded from the definition of consumable hemp products in the bill and therefore illegal to sell or possess starting July 1. Any product that contains psychoactive cannabinoids that are created by a chemical synthesis, modification, or chemical conversion from another cannabinoid, utilizing non-cannabis materials, the bill says, and adds some exceptions to that. AL.com will try to get more information on what products that exclusion would ban effective July 1. HB445 will tax, regulate, and restrict the sales of gummies, drinks, and other consumable products containing the chemical THC that is derived from hemp, a form of cannabis. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, said it is a compromise measure that will provide needed regulations for products that are widely available in specialty shops selling products containing THC and CBD derived from hemp, as well as in convenience stores and online. Business owners and advocates said they were not opposed to regulation but said the bill was an overreach that would deprive adult customers of products they depend on to relieve pain, anxiety, sleeplessness and other problems. This story will be updated. Brussels, Belgium (PANA} - As nations mark World Environment Day this week, the European Commissions proposed target of a 90 percent emissions reduction by 2040 faces political, practical and ethical challenges The risk for severe weather isn't over for Alabama despite the state already experiencing a round of storms. Forecasters think more storms will be possible tonight. Above is the outlook for severe weather for tonight through the overnight hours. Areas in yellow have a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather. Isolated severe storms will be possible in the areas in dark green. Storm Prediction Center Alabama has been through one round of severe storms on Saturday. But there could be more tonight, according to forecasters. Severe weather will also be a possibility on Sunday and Monday. North and central parts of the state went through Round 1 of severe weather earlier in the day on Saturday, and the weather service has received numerous reports of downed trees and power outages. Heres a preliminary look at storm reports (as of 6 p.m.): There were multiple reports of wind damage across north and central Alabama on Saturday. These are preliminary reports. SPC A second round of storms is a possibility late tonight or early Sunday morning. And they could also be severe. The weather service on Saturday night was watching storms that have developed to the west of the state and were tracking eastward. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for part of Mississippi and stretches to the Alabama border. Those storms could reach Alabama later tonight and are expected to sink southward during the overnight hours. Damaging straight-line winds will be the main concern with this second round of storms, according to the weather service. However, hail and heavy rain will also be possible. There will again be a lower (but not zero) risk for a tornado. The Storm Prediction Centers severe weather outlook for Saturday night through early Sunday includes a Level 2 out of 5 (slight) risk for parts of west Alabama, including Tuscaloosa. Parts of west and central Alabama will have a Level 1 (marginal) risk overnight. Those areas include Birmingham, Florence and Decatur, amo SUNDAY There will be a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather on Sunday for southeast Alabama (areas in yellow). The areas in dark green will have a Level 1 risk. SPC A large part of Alabama will run some risk of more severe storms on Sunday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Damaging winds will again be the main hazard, but hail and heavy rain will also be possible. There will be a Level 2 risk for the southeast corner of Alabama, including Troy and Dothan, on Sunday. Much of the rest of Alabama will have a Level 1 risk. The exceptions are north Alabama and the northwest part of central Alabama, where there could be general thunderstorms but no organized severe weather. Storms on Sunday could come in the early morning hours and then again during the peak heating of the day in the afternoon. They could last into the evening hours. MONDAY All of Alabama is forecast to have a Level 2 severe weather risk on Monday. SPC Another round of rain and storms looks likely in Alabama on Monday. The Storm Prediction Center has nearly all of the state in a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk for Monday (the immediate coast has a Level 1 risk). The weather service thinks damaging winds will again be the main concern with stronger storms that develop. The timing for the strongest storms will again be in the afternoon and evening hours. TUESDAY AND BEYOND So far, the Storm Prediction Center hasnt added the threat for severe weather to the forecast for Alabama for Tuesday and the rest of next week. However, the weather service expects the weather pattern to remain unsettled and stormy at times, with several disturbances expected that could bring rain and additional storms. Heres more on todays severe weather threat from the National Weather Service: NORTH ALABAMA [4 pm] Another round of severe storms is forecast to occur late tonight. There is still quite a bit of uncertainty of exactly where these develop, but the most likely timing is from 8pm-2am. Damaging winds, heavy rain, and a few tornadoes are the main hazards #HUNwx pic.twitter.com/sZdQcCCvTt NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) June 7, 2025 CENTRAL ALABAMA More storms will be possible tonight in central Alabama. Here's a look at timing. NWS SOUTH ALABAMA English News Nanjing's Hongshan Forest Zoo reinvents itself as a model of modern zoological experience Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 31 Mai 2025 Nanjing is actively developing urban brand assets like Hongshan Forest Zoo and central business district Xinjiekou by cultivating new consumption scenarios and business models. Efforts are underway to promote integrated development across commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and wellness to turn the zoo's popularity into sustained consumer spending. In the first quarter of this year, Nanjing's total retail sales of consumer goods reached 232.31 billion yuan ($32.25 billion), placing the city among the fastest-growing in Jiangsu province. By Yao Xueqing, People's Daily Models strode gracefully to rhythmic music, displaying the latest streetwear collections before an intrigued audience. The setting, however, was not a downtown runway. It was Hongshan Forest Zoo. "It's incredible! Who would've thought this isn't a fashion venue, but a zoo?" exclaimed Yang Jie, a tourist from Suzhou, Jiangsu province. Located in Nanjing, capital city of east China's Jiangsu province, the zoo has become one of China's most popular "internet-famous" destinations, attracting around 8 million visitors last year. In addition to its zoological exhibits, the zoo has become a favored venue for brand events, regularly hosting fashion shows, product launches, and film promotions. Through a constant commitment to innovation and embracing diverse consumer experiences, Hongshan Forest Zoo has successfully transcended the conventional paradigms of zoos and captured attention nationwide. "We want to gradually change people's traditional perception of what a zoo is," said Shen Zhijun, director of the zoo. "By introducing cultural and creative products, co-branded fashion shows, and product promotions, we're integrating scientific research, conservation efforts, culture, and green consumption. This approach offers a wider range of experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, while promoting awareness of animal welfare and environmental protection." Following recommendations found online, Yang and her friends enrolled in the zoo's "Day & Night Camp," hosted by its "Nature School." Under the guidance of instructors, they traversed the grounds quietly, observing the nocturnal behaviors of animals in their naturalistic environment. In the stillness of the night, the scent of earth permeated the air, accompanied by the rustling sounds of nature. A giraffe rested with its neck curled gently upon its body, a red panda slumbered peacefully in a tree, and a lynx watched its surroundings with alert eyes. Most striking to Yang was watching a wolf pack "hold a meeting." The alpha wolf howled, stretching its neck skyward, followed by a chorus of howls from the pack. "There are no staged performances or feeding sessions here. The animals are the true hosts, and visitors are respectful guests," Yang said. She was impressed by the animal-friendly environment and immersive experiences in the zoo. Beyond the "Day & Night Camp," the zoo also offers a wide range of attractions. Visitors can observe koalas during health check-ups, monkeys paddling boats, or brown bears fishing. They can also enjoy coffee beside expansive windows while flamingos roam freely outside. Additionally, the zoo's creative marketplace features irresistible cultural products, ranging from white-faced saki brooches and red panda plush keychains to otter pull-string toys. The zoo now boasts over 1,000 original cultural and creative items, many of which are popular with visitors. The zoo's growing popularity has also stimulated the local economy. Nearby hotel rates now rival those in downtown Nanjing, while local specialties like salted duck, crispy tofu noddles, and duck blood and vermicelli soup have gained prominence on the city's top culinary rankings. The zoo has become the anchor of a burgeoning local consumption zone. "Every year, about 23 percent of our visitors come from Nanjing, 27 percent from other cities in Jiangsu, and nearly half from other provinces," said Bai Yali, deputy director of the zoo. When asked about visitors' subsequent destinations, Bai indicated that the expanding presence of the Hongshan brand across the city plays a significant role. Co-branded retail outlets, themed stores, and creative collaborations linked to the zoo have emerged throughout commercial districts. So far, the zoo has partnered with more than 50 brands. "We collaborated with Hongshan Forest Zoo last year, and we're working together again this year to create more interactive experiences and launch audio-enabled creative products," said a representative from Golden Eagle International Shopping Center Xinjiekou branch, Nanjing. Nanjing is actively developing urban brand assets like Hongshan Forest Zoo and central business district Xinjiekou by cultivating new consumption scenarios and business models. Efforts are underway to promote integrated development across commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and wellness to turn the zoo's popularity into sustained consumer spending. In the first quarter of this year, Nanjing's total retail sales of consumer goods reached 232.31 billion yuan ($32.25 billion), placing the city among the fastest-growing in Jiangsu province. As she left the zoo, Yang Jie was already making plans for her return. "I can't wait to start planning my next trip to Nanjing." Dans la meme rubrique : < > Low-altitude economy lifts off as Chinese automakers enter the eVTOL era China expands efforts to boost global e-commerce cooperation Legacy of Tea-Horse Road lives on at China-Laos border Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) The Warren Commissions basic conclusion was that Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy from the 6th floor of the Texas School Book Depository (TSBD) and that there was no evidence of any conspiracy. Yet the Trump Administrations recent release of thousands of pages of JFK assassination material may well support the skeptics theory that Oswald didnt act alone and that nefarious U.S. intelligence agencies may have been involved in the planning and execution of the assassination. In that regard, a Congressional hearing (May 24, 2025) heard testimony about possible CIA involvement in an assassination cover-up. But what if both the Warren Commission and the conspiracy theorists are wrong about what really happened in Dealey Plaza? What if President Kennedy were actually killed by mistake, and what if the real target was Governor John B. Connally? Thats the fascinating theory of retired IBM engineer Pierre Sundborg, who maintained that Lee Oswald had the means, motive, and opportunity to shoot John Connally. (Pierre Sundborg, Tragic Truth: Oswald Shot Kennedy by Accident). Motive Sundborg argued that Lee Oswald held a strong grudge against John Connallybut none against JFKthat stemmed from Lees discharge from the U.S. Marines. Oswald had served only 3 years in the Marines when he applied for a dependency discharge based on his mothers dire financial condition (Warren Report 688). The Marines went ahead and granted Oswald an early release and an honorable discharge, but then later changed it to undesirable for reasons of unfitness after he fled to Russia (Warren Commission Hearings XIX 699). The Marines claimed that Oswald had renounced his U.S. citizenship in Russia (he hadnt) and that he had threatened to reveal military secrets since he had been a radar operator in Japan (Warren Report 683). In his letters protesting the change in his discharge status, Oswald asserted that neither allegation was true and that the discharge change, therefore, had been unfair and prejudicial. He also wrote that he intended to employ all means to right this great mistake. (Warren Report 710). Indeed, he would. Oswald sent two separate handwritten letters of appeal to the Navy. The first was directed to John B. Connally, Secretary of the Navy, who forwarded it to the U.S. Marine authorities, who then summarily rejected Oswalds appeal (Warren Commission Hearings XIX 693). Strike one. When Oswald left Russia and was back in Texas, he sent a far longer letter to the Navy Discharge Review Board with the same request (Warren Commission Hearings XVII 651657). But Lee Oswald was killed (by Jack Ruby) before the Navy ruled on the matter. Strike two. Oswalds several letters to the Navy were filled with moral outrage over the way his Marine discharge had been handled. (The Marines operate under the authority of the Navy.) He argued that his service in the Marines had been honorabledebatable as he had been court-martialed twice (Warren Report 684)and that his private activity after he left the military (his temporary residence in Russia) broke no U.S. laws. As a consequence, he requested that his discharge circumstances be reviewed and demanded that the damage that had been done to me and my family be repaired (Warren Report 710). But it never was. Strike three. This discharge issue was important for several reasons. The first is that Oswald always admired his older brother Robert, and Robert Oswald had served a full 6-year term in the Marines and had been honorably discharged. Yet, younger brother Lee would forever bear the family shame of an undesirable discharge (a yellow sheet discharge) because he had been declared unfit. The second is that Oswald understood that undesirable on his service record would hinder any serious employment opportunities (true) and, perhaps, even prevent him from getting a drivers license back home in Texas. John Connally, by the way, was now the governor of Texas. But even aside from the discharge controversy, Oswald likely resented John Connally for purely political reasons. Connally, unlike Jack Kennedy, was a far-right conservative on domestic and foreign policy issues. Oswald, the self-proclaimed hunter of fascists (House Select Committee on Assassinations, XII 256) may well have considered him the same way he fashioned General Edwin Walker: a proto-fascist that needed to be eliminated. After all, by November 22, 1963, Oswald had already taken a rifle shot at Walkerand missed. Same shooter, same rifle, same political motivation. All of these factors are relevant to understanding Lee Oswalds deep-felt resentment toward Navy and Marine authorities andgiven Oswalds eccentric personalitytoward John Connally himself. Finally, there may exist some best evidence that Oswald planned to kill John Connally. After the assassination, two Secret Service agentsJames M. Howard and Charles Kunkelrecovered Oswalds diary from Marina Oswald. The two agents read through the diary several times before they turned it over to the FBI. They maintained that Oswald had scribbled a kill list on one of the pages and that John Connallys name (among others, including General Edwin Walker) had been on that list (Tragic Truth, pp 533548). They also claimed that when several pages of the diary were published later by the Warren Commission, the kill list page had been suspiciously removed. The missing page rip is actually visible in the photo exhibit (Warren Commission Hearings, Exhibit 18). That page has never been recovered. Means and Opportunity If John Connally really were the target, why didnt Oswald shoot as the motorcade approached the Texas School Book Depository (TSBD)? That would have been the easier shot. The answer is remarkably simple: Connally could not be seen clearly. (Tragic Truth, pp 530532). Three factors obscured Connally from the snipers nest: one, the large front windshield of the Lincoln with the upturned visors; two, SS Agent Roy Kellerman, who was seated in front of John Connally; and three, a large metal bracket used to secure the bubble top" which, of course, was not in place. Cant see himcant shoot him. However, once the motorcade moved past the TSBD down Elm Street, the car windshield, Agent Kellerman, and the roof brace were no longer an issue. Three shots were then fired from the snipers nest in approximately 68 seconds. The first shot missed the Lincoln limo completely; a fragment hit a bystander in the cheek. The second shot struck JFK in the upper right shoulder area, passed through his throat, hit John Connally in the right back, and continued on to damage his chest, ribs, and wrist. (Nellie Connally immediately pulled her husband toward her and down, probably saving his life.) The third shotlikely aimed where Connally was a moment earlierwent on to strike JFK in the upper right posterior of the skull (Zapruder frame 312). In conclusion, Lee Oswald had strong motives to shoot John Connally but not JFK. Moreover, he was shooting with a cheap bolt-action rifle and 4-power scope that was slightly misalignedHouse Select Committee on Assassinations Vol. VII 371-372 assert this: [T]he very slight misalignment of Oswalds scope may actually have aimed the rifle slightly toward Kennedy if the scope was centered on Connally. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that John Connallyand not President Kennedymay well have been the intended target of the assassination. Final Thoughts If John Connally were the intended target, most of the wild conspiracy theories of the assassination that have been circulating for decades (and selling books) collapse of their own weight. No one fired any shots from the grassy knoll or from the storm drain. The Zapruder film was not altered to hide shots from the front. There was no pre-autopsy surgery of JFKs head wounds at Bethesda. The U.S. intelligence community was not involved in the planning and execution of the assassination. And, most importantly, Kennedy was not murdered to effect any regime change, although changes in U.S. foreign policy may well have been an unintended consequence of the killing. The fact remains that we dont need any conspiracy theory to understand the tragic events in Dallas. Occams razor, motive, physical evidence (the rifle, bullet casings, etc.), and plain common sense can best explain the assassination. According to Tragic Truth, Lee Harvey Oswald was probably just a malcontent with a grudge who intended to murder John Connally (he almost did) but ended up killing JFK instead. Dom Armentano is Professor Emeritus in Economics at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. He is the author of Antitrust & Monopoly: Anatomy of a Policy Failure. Aside from writing hundreds of articles and op/eds on regulatory policy over the years, he has also written often on events surrounding the Kennedy assassination. Image: Public domain. Either leftists are working for the Communist Chinese Party (CCP), or they have certainly read their playbooks. The playbooks of the CCP are The Art of Warfare and Unrestricted Warfareboth of which speak to exploiting the weakness of an enemy and argue that the United States does not consider the wider picture of military strategy, including legal tools (lawfare and economic factors) to leverage ones opponent and circumvent the need for direct military action resulting in the same, if not even greater, destructive force. Three unelected New York federal judges of the Court of International Trade (all of whom are appointed for life) voted to block President Trumps trade tariffs which he put in place using an emergency-powers law. This comes on the heels of other federal judges who have tried to block Trumps policies on deportation of illegal immigrants and mass layoffs of government workers. What part of, the U.S. has a $37 trillion national debt, do these unelected justices not understand? Why is it that the warped challenges to good policy always come out of New York and Washington, D.C.? On Bret Baiers Special Report, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, It seems highly inappropriate for the judiciary to wade in here when the senate had the opportunity to override the president and didnt. So in terms of separation of powers, the Senate has chosen not to exercise their powers, and the president absolutely has the right to set the trade agenda for the U.S. This administration is committed to fare trade, and we are striking the best deals for the American people, and anything that the courts do to get in the way, both harms the American people in terms of trade and in terms of tariff revenue. Regardless of the left loony courts, it seems trade negotiations with Japan and the European Union are proceeding well, but when Bret asked Bessent how he would characterize the talks with China, Bessent said, I would say they are a bit stalled. I believe that we will be having more talks with them in the next few weeks, and I believe we may at some point have a call between the President and Party Chair Xi. Bret stated, So, stalled. There was a time when the president thought it was moving forward pretty significantly. Bessent responded, saying this: Again, I think given the magnitude of the talks, given the complexity, that this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other. They have a very good relationship, and I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table when President Trump makes his preferences known. Its interesting to ask if someone might be behind these attempts to block the Trump agenda, like Soros-funded groups consisting of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which are reported to be behind a lawsuit that is now preventing President Donald Trump from deporting violent criminal illegal aliens to South Sudan all of whom have extensive rap sheetsHuman Rights First joined with two other organizations suing the Trump Administration to block the deportation. From 2016 to 2021, the Soros networks Open Society Foundation threw nearly $6.2 million into the coffers of Human Rights First. In 2021 alone the Open Society Foundation gave more than $2.3 million to Human Rights First. It is also fascinating when you discover that the U.S. currently has at least 75 Soros-backed social justice prosecutors representing 1 in 5 Americans or more than 75 million people, including half of Americas 50 most populous cities and counties. From 2018 to 2021 Soros spent $13 million on just 10 prosecutors races being the biggest spender in the race and covering as much as 90% of progressive candidates campaign spending. As of 2022, Soros had spent more than $40 million to elect prosecutors using a series of shell organizations, affiliates, and pass-through committees to steer contributions to candidates, even providing perks to preferred prosecutors. On top of all of this, Soros has contributed hundreds of millions of dollarspossibly well over a billion dollarsto organizations directly or indirectly that constitute the progressive prosecution infrastructure. Lets follow the money for just a few of these prosecutors. Lets go from west to east in the U.S. and look at the Soros donations. Mike Schmidt of Portland, OR received $33,902. Pamela Price of Oakland, CA received $1,000,610. Diana Becton of Richmond, CA received $1,195,152. George Gascon of Los Angeles, CA received $6,042,934. Mary Moriarty of Minneapolis, MN received $511,231. Kimerly Graham of Des Moines, IA received $321,832. Kimberly Foxx of Chicago, IL received $2,813,00. Kim Gardner of Saint Louis, MO received $309,943. Steve Mulroy of Memphis, TN received $616,100. John Creuzot of Dallas, TX received $1,044,815. Jose Garza of Austin, TX received $447,091. Joe Gonzales of San Antonio, TX received $2,196,632. Brian Middleton of Richmond, TX received $677,000. Jason Williams of New Orleans, LA received $220,000. Jody Owens of Jackson, MS received 205,609. Scott Colom or Columbus, MS received $925,500. Monique Worrell of Orlando, FL received $1,830,000. Shalena Cook Jones of Savannah, GA received $282,125. Santana DeBerry of Durham, NC received $262,491. Stephanie Morales of Portsmouth, VA received $107,000. Ramin Fatehi of Norfolk, VA received $336,145. Parisa Dehghani-Tafti of Arlington, VA received $1,113,074. Steve Descano of Fairfax, VA received $749,345. Buta Biberaj of Leesburg, VA received $1,229,554. Lawrence Krasner of Philadelphia, PA received $2,959,000. Alvin Bragg of Manhattan, NY received $1,072,000. These are the donations we know about. It looks like Soros owns the prosecutors across the U.S. So, who owns these federal justices and how? Can we investigate the finances of federal judges? White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt said that the judges had brazenly abused their judicial power to usurp the authority of President Trump in what she characterized as a pattern of judicial overreach. Ultimately the supreme court must put an end to this. Fortunately, a federal appeals court reinstated Trumps tariff plans while the court considers the motions paper. Now a Biden-appointed federal judge in Colorado, Gordan P. Gallagher, is blocking the deportation of the illegal immigrant family of the Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Egyptian illegal alien who threw firebombs into a crowd of peaceful people trying to draw attention to the 53 hostages still held by the terrorist group Hamas. Something that unrighteous judges may want to consider is they also will have a day coming where they will stand in judgment. Conservatives need a playbook too and the first line should read, use reconciliation to impeach rouge justices who abuse their power. Image: Monica Showalter. The war in Ukraine has entered a volatile new phase. In a bold escalation, Ukrainian drones struck deep into Russian territory, damaging or destroying multiple strategic bombers, including the Tu-95MS and Tu-160cornerstones of Russias long-range nuclear and conventional strike force. While the material losses are significant, the symbolic damage may be greater: The illusion of Russian homeland invulnerability has been shattered. In the aftermath, President Vladimir Putin has vowed a decisive responseone that will test not only Ukraines resilience but the resolve and clarity of the transatlantic alliance. Yet the moment also underscores a geopolitical reality that must no longer be deferred: while the United States remains committed to NATO and Ukraines sovereignty, the burden of leadership in the European theater must increasingly shift to Europe itself. As Washington reorients its strategic posture to counter the growing threat from China, European powers must rise to meet the responsibilities of defending the continents security architecture. Deterrence Shaken, Global Order Tested Ukraines strike into Russias strategic interior marks a decisive inflection point. What was once a regional conflict characterized by slow attrition evolved into a test of 21st-century deterrence. The success of the operation undermines Moscows credibility, revealing that even nuclear power can be strategically embarrassed and militarily exposed. For the Kremlin, the cost is more than operational, it is reputational. Putin must now reassert control to demonstrate that Russia remains a dominant power. His calculus is not merely about regaining battlefield initiative; it is about restoring the fear that once kept both Ukraine and NATO hesitant. But fear is fading. Ukraines boldness, underpinned by increasingly capable Western support, reveals the evolving nature of modern warfare. This transformation holds important lessonsnot only for Moscow, but for Brussels. Putins Options, Europes Stakes Putin has a range of retaliation options. A conventional missile barrage on Ukrainian command centers or drone facilities is likely. It would be a direct demonstration of power yet also risks escalation. More significant for Europe, such strikes would invite deeper commitmentsboth financial and militaryfrom NATO nations whose defense stockpiles and readiness are already strained. Putin may also turn to cyberwarfare, targeting Ukraines infrastructure or the supply chains supporting it through European territory. While this may offer him plausible deniability, it also poses a direct threat to European economic and digital systems. Moreover, asymmetric retaliation may not satisfy the Kremlins demand for public vengeance. More dangerous is strategic nuclear signalingredeploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus or conducting military exercises designed to heighten fear and uncertainty. These moves are aimed less at Ukraine than at Western capitals. Europe must be prepared to respond not only diplomatically, but by reinforcing its own deterrent capabilities. The most provocative path would be an attack on Western ISR assetssuch as drones or satellitesseen as enablers of Ukraines strike. If such a strike were directed at U.S. systems, NATO unity would be tested. But if it were aimed at European platforms, it would signal Moscows willingness to fragment allied resolve and exploit hesitancy in capitals like Berlin or Paris. The Imperative for European Leadership For over two years, the United States has carried the heaviest share of Ukraines defense. American intelligence, logistics, and weapons systems have enabled Kyiv to survive and innovate. But with Chinas ambitions growing in the Indo-Pacificand Taiwan under increased pressureWashington must now recalibrate its global posture. Strategic bandwidth is finite. That means Europe must assume a leading role in the defense of Ukraine and the long-term containment of Russian aggression. This is not abandonment, it is burden-sharing. It is the natural evolution of an alliance where threats are increasingly regional, and where European interests are directly at stake. Europe has the economic power, the industrial base, and the moral imperative to sustain Ukraines fight. It now needs to show the political will. This includes scaling up defense production, delivering long-range precision weapons, securing supply corridors, and investing in cyber resilience. European NATO members must also build contingency plans for hybrid threats and be ready to defend against retaliatory strikes that may target critical infrastructure. Leadership cannot be subcontracted across the Atlantic indefinitely. Washingtons Role: Anchor, Not Atlas As Europe steps forward, the United States must remain the strategic anchordeterring escalation, sustaining transatlantic cohesion, and maintaining forward posture where it matters most. But it can no longer be the exclusive engine of European security. The rise of China demands a generational pivot in American defense strategy, one that prepares for high-tech competition, gray zone conflict, and regional deterrence across the Indo-Pacific. This rebalancing does not diminish Americas commitment to NATO. Rather, it reinforces the alliances core principle: collective defense through shared responsibility. In this new phase of conflict, Europes credibility is on the line as much as Russias. Conclusion: A War for the Future of the Order Putins retaliation, whatever form it takes, will be a response not only to a tactical lossbut to a deeper erosion of the fear-based order he once imposed. The Wests response must be calibrated, credible, and coherent. But it must also be rooted in strategic reality: that the United States cannot shoulder every theater simultaneously. Ukraines courage has opened a window for Western resolve. It is now Europes task to step through itarming for peace, preparing for deterrence, and proving that democracy on the Continent is defended not by slogans, but by readiness and resolve. What comes next is not just about Ukraine. It is about who will define the next chapter of world order, those who threaten it by force, or those willing to defend it with strength. Mr. Maginnis is the President, Maginnis Strategies, LLC, a retired US Army officer and the author of a dozen books to include Preparing for World War III: A Global Conflict That Redefines Tomorrow. Image: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered. Most Americans consider July 4, 1776 as our nations founding. However, I would argue that 1775 is when America, as a nation, actually began. April through December 1775 were some of the most pivotal months in world history. The story of how the United States came to be is one of the greatest chapters in human history. Americas story began when men and women, seeking economic freedom, religious freedom, and freedom from oppression, boldly set out to create better lives for themselves and family; and landed on the shores of a foreign, hostile continent. The first settlers arrived in Jamestown (1607) and in Plymouth (1620). Soon afterwards, the people called for a representative assembly. The Virginia colony established the House of Burgesses in 1619, and the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, while their ship was still at anchor -- these becoming the first forms of representative government in what would become the U.S. Voting rights were limited to male church members. These bodies fell far short of democracy as we know it today, but were giant steps when considered against the European rule of monarchs. These representative bodies developed and established a passion for liberty and self-government which flourished in each colony. The different colonies were established for various reasons but as they were settled, the pattern was similar -- a charter established a colony that was ruled from England but controlled by representatives elected by the local, landed gentry. That worked well for the next 140 years or so. In the 17th and 18th centuries, England had problems at home and largely left the colonies to themselves, provided they paid the agreed-upon taxes, around 1%-1.5%, much lower than back home. Then came the Seven Years War (The French and Indian War), won by England, in 1763, which gained them control over most of North America east of the Mississippi River, but at a large financial cost. Wanting to pass some of the costs onto those who benefited (the Colonies) from their victory, the British imposed new taxes onto the colonists. Additionally, the British decided to maintain a standing army of 7,500 Redcoats in the Colonies. Both (taxes and army) were big mistakes, especially when the secretary of war announced the troops will be supported the first year by England, afterwards by the Colonies. The new taxes included the Sugar Act (1764) that placed a tax on sugar and molasses imported into the colonies; the Stamp Act (1765) that placed a tax on all printed materials (newspapers, magazines, legal documents, etc.) and the Townshend Acts (1767 and 1768) that placed indirect taxes on imported British goods such as tea, glass, paper, paint, etc. It wasnt so much that the taxes overly burdened the colonists, it was they had no input or voice about the taxes forced upon them. No taxation without representation became the rallying cry. The taxes and troop occupations were protested, sometimes violently. The most famous being the Boston Massacre (March 1770) that killed five Bostonians. Another protest was the Boston Tea Party (December 1773) where the Sons of Liberty dumped 300 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor rather than pay taxes on it. To punish the colonists, British Parliament passed the Coercive Acts (1774), called the Intolerable Acts in the Colonies, that took away rights and self-governance in Massachusetts. The Intolerable Acts included a blockade of Boston Harbor and caused more protests which led to a call for the First Continental Congress to decide how the Colonies would respond to the increasingly oppressive and authoritarian actions by the British government. The Congress met in Philadelphia, September 1774, with delegates present from 12 of the 13 colonies. Georgia was not represented. That Congress adopted the Suffolk Resolves (a declaration of grievances by Massachusetts, a boycott of British goods, and urged each colony to establish and train its own militia) and passed the Continental Association (also called Articles of Association) -- an agreement that demonstrated the Colonies' collective resolve to act together in their common interests. The Association became effective on December 1, 1774. Abraham Lincoln, in his first inaugural address, used the Articles of Association as the date of our nations founding. However, most of the representatives present wanted their grievances addressed by Parliament and the King and did not consider independence at that Congress. The delegates did agree to meet the next year for a Second Continental Congress. That background takes us to 1775, the year the United States began to function as a separate, independent nation. Even before the second Congress convened, major events took place, mostly in New England. For weeks and months, tensions had risen in and around Boston. The British had blockaded the harbor, increasing hardships of the people. General Thomas Gage, the British Royal Governor, had dismissed the elected legislature and the courts. He became a one-man ruling body. The people resisted and prepared for possible war by stockpiling arms, ammunition, and provisions in surrounding towns, and training militia forces. Gage decided to send about 700 soldiers on a clandestine mission to Concord, 18 miles from Boston, to find, seize, and destroy the arms and supplies the colonists had stockpiled. The date was April 19, 1775. Early that morning, the British Redcoats encountered a small militia force of Minutemen on Lexington Common and opened fire -- history calls it the shot heard round the world. The following battles at Lexington, Concord, and while the Brits were chased back to Boston, was the start of fighting of the Revolutionary War that continued until the British surrendered at Yorktown, October 1781. That backdrop of fighting is what the Second Continental Congress faced when representatives of 12 colonies met in Philadelphia, May 1775. Georgia sent delegates in July 1775. Imagine being an appointed delegate assembling at Independence Hall, and the tasks/problems that lay before you -- no legal authority to govern, no country, no funds, no army, no navy, no diplomats and no international recognition, yet fighting the most powerful army and navy in the world. On your side was grit, determination, and Divine Providence. Also, present were perhaps the greatest group of selfless servants ever assembled at one time in one location, to include Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Patrick Henry, George Clinton, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Caesar Rodney. In short order, those men undauntedly established the foundations of the greatest nation the world has ever known. They acted as a de facto federal government. They designated and adopted a flag (June 14, 1775), established an army (June 14, 1775), appointed George Washington to lead and command the army (June 15, 1775), established a navy (October 13, 1775) and Marines (Nov. 10, 1775). Also, they raised revenues, appointed ambassadors, equipped the military, and (somewhat) performed the duties and responsibilities of a national government. It wasnt until the following year, July 4, 1776 that independence was declared. However, it was 250 years ago that the Colonies began to dissolve the political bands which connected them with another, to act as a separate nation, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of natures God entitle them. For those reasons, I would argue it was April to December 1775 that was the true founding of the United States of America. Image: New York Public Library In politics and business, access is power. It opens doors, builds alliances, and can forge lasting partnerships. But what happens when access leads not to loyalty, but to arrogance? The recent fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust and the consequences when respect is thrown aside. Access to the highest levels of government or industry isnt given lightly. It reflects not just personal favor but a deep responsibilitythe trust to represent and uphold certain values and relationships. However, when that access is abused or taken for granted, it can quickly lead to fractured bonds and damaging fallout. The Oval Office Access That Went Too Far During Trumps presidency, Elon Musk was granted unusual access to the Oval Office. Unlike typical guests or advisors who maintain a professional demeanor, Musk reportedly walked in and out like he owned the placeoften dressed in a casual, nightclub-like style rather than the formality the White House commands. This wasnt just a fashion statement; it symbolized a deeper problem. In Washington, appearances matter. The Oval Office is not just any office; it is the epicenter of American power and diplomacy. Entering it dressed like youre headed to a nightclub isnt just breaking dress codeits a subtle signal of disrespect to the institution and the officeholder. This kind of casual disregard for decorum can erode respect from colleagues, the public, and even the leader himself. Image: CSPAN. Such casual disrespect sends the wrong message, not just to Trump but to the public. It suggested Musk saw himself as more than a guestas if he held ownership over the relationship, the office, and ultimately, Trump himself. This attitude planted the seeds for a growing divide that would soon surface publicly. Donald Trump showed considerable patience putting up with this behavior longer than most would have expected. But such tolerance only goes so far. Adding to this sense of entitlement, Musk brought his young son, X A-Xii, into the Oval Office during official meetings. This wasnt a mere visit; the child was allowed to play with the Resolute Desk, a sacred symbol of the presidency. Such actions blur the lines between professional and personal and further underscore Musks belief that he could treat the Oval Office as his own domain. This behavior not only disrespects the office but also sets a concerning precedent for future interactions between private individuals and public institutions. When you have access to someone like the President of the United States, it requires humility and respect. Acting otherwise can create tension and misunderstandings, setting the stage for conflict down the road. From Alliance to Betrayal What once appeared as a promising alliance has unraveled into a one-sided betrayal. Musks recent public attacks on Trumpfrom spreading baseless accusations regarding Trumps alleged involvement in the Epstein files to even calling for impeachmentfeel less like principled criticism and more like personal vendettas. Its worth noting how quickly political alliances can shift. In the high-stakes world of politics and influence, friends can become foes overnight, especially when ego and power are involved. Musks attacks have shocked many who saw him as a potential ally or at least a neutral figure. The claims about Trump and the Epstein files are not just politically charged; theyre flat-out false. Musks readiness to amplify these unfounded accusations raises serious questions about his motivations. Is this about justice and truth, or about settling scores and power plays? Musks behavior in this regard seems reckless and harmful, not only to Trump but to the public discourse. Spreading misinformation or unsubstantiated claims undermines trust in leadership and institutionsa dangerous game in todays already divided society. Leadership Demands More Than Power Plays True leadership isnt about staging public feuds or leveraging access for personal gain. Its rooted in integrity, loyalty, and consistency. When someone youve given a seat at the table turns around and attacks you, its not just betrayalits a fundamental breakdown of trust. Leadership requires a steady commitment to values that transcend personal gain or temporary advantage. It demands the ability to disagree respectfully, to uphold shared goals, and to foster unity rather than division. Musks behavior signals a troubling shift. His arrogance, fueled by the access he was given, has clouded judgment and undermined the values that should guide anyone in a position of influence. It serves as a stark reminder: access without respect leads to chaos. Many leaders in history have shown how access combined with humility and loyalty can lead to strong, lasting partnerships. The oppositeaccess combined with arroganceoften ends in conflict and regret. The Myth of Musk as Kingmaker With all due respect, this idea that Musk somehow made Trump or saved the GOP is laughable. Musk wasnt on the ballotTrump was. And Trump won because of his policies, his fight for the American worker, and his ability to take on the establishment. Musk tweets a lot, but tweeting doesnt pass legislation, renegotiate trade deals, or secure the border. Lets also not pretend Musk isnt knee-deep in government money. Billions in subsidies, contracts, and tax breaksall thanks to the very system Trump helped shape and run. If Musk wants to play political kingmaker while cashing government checks, he should expect some consequences. Trumps right to call it out. Loyalty goes both ways. Musk has even claimed Trump would have lost the election without [his] money, and that Trump showed ingratitude toward him. But honestly, Elon got it wrong on both counts. Trump didnt need Musks money to win; his policies and connection with the American people carried the day. And when it comes to gratitude, its Musk who betrayed the loyalty and trust extended to himnot the other way around. Honestly, the pearl-clutching over Trumps comments is tiring. If Musk wants a war, he picked the wrong guy. Trump doesnt need himnever did. The results speak for themselves. The relationship between Musk and Trump offers a clear lesson in humility and loyalty. Access is a privilege, not a right. When that privilege breeds arrogance and betrayal, both partiesand the publicsuffer. As we watch this saga unfold, its a call to demand more from our leaders and influencers: respect the roles youre given, honor the trust placed in you, and above all, lead with integrity. In a world where power is often fleeting, its character and respect that leave a lasting legacy. Musks story with Trump reminds us all to keep those values front and centerno matter how high you rise. The 2028 general election is still years off, yet speculation about the most likely Democrat presidential candidates for 2028 is already underway. As a Catholic, I will never vote for a Democrat as I can't support abortion, chemically sterilizing children, surgically mutilating their genitals, or putting graphic pornography in K-12 classrooms. Still, it's always a good idea to know who you're up against. Although there is as yet no clear frontrunner, five individuals stand out due to their national profiles, political experience, and early positioning: Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Josh Shapiro. As the former Vice President and 2024 Democrat presidential nominee, Kamala Harris has name recognition and an established donor network. It remains to be seen whether those donors see fit to pony up again after she blew through $1 billion in 100 days and still managed to lose. The February 2025 SurveyUSA poll shows her leading, with 37% support among Democrat voters, and a March 2025 Economist/YouGov poll shows that 58% of Democrats would consider voting for her in 2028. While her tenure as Vice President and her 2024 campaign gave her national and international exposure, for the most part, it was detrimental. She speaks in word salads, and her appearances were either staged or recorded and edited afterwards. She failed to win any swing states in 2024, and some Democrats are tying her to Biden's disastrous administration. She is reportedly considering a run for the California governorship in 2026, which would preclude a 2028 presidential bid. Coming in at a distant second is Pete Buttigieg, with the SurveyUSA poll showing him at 11%. While he is praised by the Left for his articulate media appearances, he manages to say very little of substance while using a great many words to do so. His experience as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and Transportation Secretary is not as extensive as that of governors or senators. He did gain some visibility in Biden's cabinet, but like Harris, none of it was beneficial and may even push voters to seek a clean break. He took an extended paternity leave, and even when he was on the job, he accomplished nothing significant. His choice to forgo a 2026 Senate or gubernatorial run in Michigan could signal his intention to make a 2028 presidential run. He'll only be 46 years old in 2028, which might appeal to the base, although many question whether America is ready to elect an openly gay president. Gavin Newsom has been California's governor since 2019 and so has significant executive experience. The Left likes him because he's photogenic and has resisted President Trump. He's built a nationwide donor network and maintains a high public profile through debates and podcasts. The SurveyUSA poll lists him with 9% Democrat support for POTUS. He does not support men playing in women's sports, which has alienated some liberal activists. More damaging, he was one of five Democrat governors who placed COVID-positive patients in nursing homes during the pandemic, resulting in numerous deaths. Not all voters resonate with California's progressive policies, especially in swing states. This is demonstrated by the millions of Californians who have fled the state during Newsom's tenure. While Newsoms executive experience and national network make him a strong contender, he must widen his appeal beyond coastal elites. Continuing down the list of empty suits, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) comes in at 7% on the SurveyUSA poll. She has been appearing with Bernie Sanders and offering vocal opposition to President Trump's policies. This has energized young Leftists who see her as bringing "youthful vigor" to a party struggling with the status quo. Her progressive positions may alienate moderate Democrats and those in swing states. She lacks executive or statewide experience, and routinely suffers from criticism from those in her own district, although her base remains loyal. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is also a contender. He has a growing national profile and unique strengths that could position him as a potential Democrat frontrunner. Pennsylvania is a critical battleground state with its 19 electoral votes, and Shapiro has demonstrated electoral success. He won the 2022 gubernatorial race by a wide margin (56.5% to 41.7%) against Republican Doug Mastriano. One Democrat strategist notes that any path for a Democrat to win the White House in 2028 likely involves Pennsylvania, and Shapiros popularity gives him an edge. Shapiro has a reputation as a pragmatic centrist who works across the aisle in Pennsylvanias divided legislature. He has moderately supported policies like school vouchers and corporate tax cuts, support that has earned praise from some Republicans, enhancing his appeal to moderate and swing voters. His administration quickly repaired I-95 after a 2023 collapse, which has bolstered his image as a competent executive. His primetime speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and extensive campaigning for Harris (raising $9 million for Democrats) have elevated his stature, and he is consistently described as Pennsylvanias most popular elected official. He'll be 55 in 2028, which is attractive for a party looking for a fresh face, and he is comfortable with the media, enhancing his ability to connect with voters. He's proud of his Jewish faith, which could resonate with voters seeking diversity, although it might conflict with the rising antisemitism on the Left. Shapiros support for Israel during the Gaza conflict has drawn flak from the progressive wing. In April, Shapiro's residence was firebombed by a suspect whom the police say "targeted" him. Shapiro handled the incident gracefully and emphasized unity, but such events could raise concerns about polarization. Shapiro is up for re-election in 2026. A strong performance will strengthen any presidential prospects he may have, but a weak one could derail them. Shapiro has swing-state credibility, some bipartisan appeal, and executive experience, making him a top-tier candidate. His fundraising network and media presence position him to compete with established names like Harris and Buttigieg. However, he must overcome progressive skepticism and build national recognition, likely through high-profile media appearances, a potential book, or stumping in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Although the race remains wide open, I believe Shapiro's executive experience and electability make him the one to watch. Other possible contenders, like Mark Cuban, Andy Beshear, or Phil Murphy, are occasionally mentioned, but their paths are as yet unclear. While other names might surface over the next three years, I believe that early polling may reflect more name recognition than firm support. Harris and Shapiro are benefiting from their ties to their party establishment and possess some swing-state credibility. On the other hand, Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC appeal to distinct factions within the Democrat party. One possible candidate who concerned me in the past was Michelle Obama. However, her recent pronouncements on her podcast have alleviated those. She shares a trait with Harris and AOC, and Hillary Clinton, for that matter; the more she speaks, the less people like her. She is coming across as manipulative, entitled, and ungrateful. Whoever the Democrat nominee will be needs to bridge the extreme Left and moderate wings of the party while also appealing to a polarized electorate. Image: AT via Magic Studio Those of us of a certain vintage remember an old sci-fi TV series called Lost in Space, which featured a large robot and his friend, Will Robinson. It had these retractable arms which would shoot out and swing wildly as he proclaimed Danger! Danger, Will Robinson! whenever a space alien or some other threat appeared nearby. Its become something of a cultural touchstone, a joke for those of us who are seasoned adults, mentally balanced, and not riddled with the cancer of progressivism. So youll understand my reaction upon reading this sub-headline from MSNBC (You just knew it had to be them.) from an article entitled Presidents using autopens is not a crime. Trump should know that. Trumps order for the Justice Department to investigate whether Biden aides used an autopen without the presidents knowledge is both absurd and dangerous. (Emphasis mine) I read all 665 words in the article itself, and Ill be darned if I can find anything dangerous about it. Nowhere in the article did it describe any danger. Certainly, the Democrats have been flinging around the word dangeras in danger to our Democracyvery liberally since Trumps re-election and well before, heaven knows. Someone cleverly observed that Trump and what he represents isnt a danger to democracy so much as a threat to bureaucracy, and that seems far more accurate. But still, whats with all this danger stuff? The first time I remember being jarred by a politicians use of the word was with the advent of one Barack Barry Hussein Soetoro Obama. That was waaaay back when he was a state senator in Illinois. I was researching him when he came on the presidential-candidate scene in 2007 and came across an interview he gave in 2004 in which he said: They get confused sometimes, watch Fox News or listen to talk radio. Thats dangerous sometimes. Danger and all its iterations, when uttered by a Democrat, should be regarded as a tell. When they use it, they are telling us what they fear. Nothing else. Theres no danger to listening to opposing ideas, just as theres no danger to simply inquiring whether or not Biden was aware of what he was signing. The only danger I can see is their fear of exposure. Exposure to conservative ideas others find sensible. Exposure to the truth that Biden was non compos mentis during the entirety of his term. No wonder they want to censor and control everything. So, designate it in your mind from now on: whenever you hear a Democrat use the word or some iteration of danger, just know its them being scared to death some truth will be exposed about them; that their ideas are rotten, orthey are. Image created using AI. M. Walter is a pseudonym. In a June 5 letter, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) accuses the FBI of deliberately concealing politically sensitive records, shielding key figures from scrutiny, and obstructing legitimate congressional oversight. Drawing on whistleblower reports, Grassley claims that the Bureau engaged in more than bureaucratic foot-dragging; he says it systematically used internal tools to bury evidence, protect political allies, and avoid accountability. At the heart of the controversy is a little known internal designation called Prohibited Access. Unlike standard classification levels, this status renders documents effectively invisible potentially even to those with top-level security clearances. Grassleys letter warns that the FBI used this mechanism to hide records related to major investigations, including the Mueller probe, raising profound concerns about transparency and abuse of power. As Im sure you are aware, the impact of parking records in a way that impedes, or in some cases prevents, responsive records from being produced to Congress pursuant to a valid request and during the course of court litigation, whether criminal or civil, is wide-ranging and potentially catastrophic to constitutional requirements. Indeed, if the FBI has failed to take steps in the past to access records in Restricted or Prohibited status, the FBI has not fully responded to many years of my oversight requests. This latest letter builds on Grassleys ongoing efforts to expose what he sees as the FBIs systemic suppression of politically sensitive information. On April 29, Grassley sent an eight-page letter to Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI director Kash Patel regarding alleged weaponization of the FBI against Trump adviser Peter Navarro. Grassley also sent a newly declassified document on May 28 proving that Fusion GPS contractor Nellie Ohr lied to Congress and was able to do so in part because the FBI, according to the press release, prevented agents from reviewing all relevant information necessary to perform a full analysis of the extent of Ohrs false testimony by using the Prohibited Access trick. In 2023, Grassley released documents revealing FBI efforts to tamper with far-reaching Biden family investigations. These documents allegedly reveal legally protected disclosures from multiple Justice Department whistleblowers warning of improper tampering with key information streams streams that reportedly stymied investigative activity. Furthermore, according to the October 24, 2023 letter, Grassley states that the FBI maintained over 40 confidential human sources across multiple FBI field offices related to the Biden family investigations. Grassley goes on to say that DOJ and FBI officials lacked the authority to fully investigate the contents of certain records. In 2022, Grassley raised concerns about Restricted Access and the close hold designations used by top federal law enforcement officials related to Biden family investigations, designations that, critics argue, may have shielded the Bidens from legal scrutiny. Among the most troubling names to surface in these disclosures is FBI special agent Walter Giardina, who was allegedly involved in politically sensitive cases including the Mueller investigation and in investigations into Peter Navarro and Hunter Biden. Whistleblowers allege that Giardina and others such as former Mueller team prosecutor Andrew Weissmann may have destroyed federal records, including phone data and files from Hunter Bidens laptop. The specifics of the allegations against Giardina, pictured below, are troubling to say the least: Legal analyst Margot Cleveland asks important questions regarding Prohibited Access files in her June 4 column for The Federalist. Her questions go to the people involved and whether the FBI violated its obligation to provide exculpatory and impeachment evidence to criminal defendants, or failed to meet discovery obligations, because of Sentinels Prohibited Access functionality, including: Who has the authority to mark files this way? What standards are used? Who knows where the files are? When was the Prohibited Access function added to Sentinel? Can Sentinel be audited? Notably, there have been audits of the Sentinel system going back to 2006, when the FBI announced that it had awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin Services, Incorporated to develop the new information and case management system. In 2012, there was an interim report on the system the ninth in a series of reports by the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The published reports focused primarily on the costs (over $451 million projected in 2008), schedule, and system performance of the Sentinel System. Ongoing costs for the system were projected to cost $30 million annually. The 2012 Sentinel Project report details the background of the system (pp. 1924). Notable is the summary of the Sentinel Systems search function on page 31. This section on search functionality highlights a users ability to offer multiple ways in which the results of queries and searches can be examined, formatted, saved, and passed on to other users and external entities, seeming to imply that information can be compartmentalized. However, there is no specific mention of the types of access Prohibited Access or Restricted Access or who controls or has access to them in any of the publicly shared audits or reports. Grassleys investigation poignantly illustrates why so many Americans no longer trust the DOJ and the FBI. As cited in Clevelands article, Jason Foster, the founder and chair of Empower Oversight, explained the dangers of digital record-keeping and the ability to manipulate records. Empower Oversight is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization committed to combatting waste, fraud, and abuse inside and outside government. Making a digital record unsearchable effectively deletes it for all other FBI users and creates the potential to taint thousands of FBI investigations, much like the 1990s FBI crime lab scandal did. That scandal sparked decades of consequences, even as late as 2015 when a DOJ review found errors in FBI hair analysis testimony in dozens of death penalty cases. The implications here for the governments constitutional obligations to disclose evidence could be staggering. Foster added that the new FBI leadership has an opportunity and an obligation to come clean with this information. If public trust in federal law enforcement is to be restored, Americans must be told the truth. Image: J via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The US Governments announcement of sanctions against four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday has been condemned by Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as deeply corrosive of good governance and the due administration of justice Did lefties really think they had President Trump over a barrel, when they got an activist judge to pull the 'return Kilmar' stunt on Salvadoran illegal immigrant Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, who was reputedly a gang member, over an insignificant error in his paperwork? Did they think their calls for "due process" would be the solution they'd like for the man who was held up as their poster boy for open borders, complete with sandalista trips to San Salvador? They don't know the Trump administration very well, do they? After a hullabaloo with a power-mad judge who insisted that Kilmar be brought back, they've got what they wanted and now they've got a lot of explaining to do. 'The grand jury found that over the past nine years Abrego Garcia has played a significant role in an alien smuggling ring. They found this was his full-time job. Not a contractor.' https://t.co/xErPSukvyo Byron York (@ByronYork) June 7, 2025 According to the New York Post: MS-13 gangbanger Kilmar Abrego Garcia entered a Tennessee courtroom in chains hours after he was returned to US soil from El Salvador to face charges of trafficking thousands of illegal immigrants his full-time job for years, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday. He was a smuggler of humans and children and women including members of the murderous prison gang he belonged to, the AG said at a press conference announcing the federal charges. One hundred trips, the grand jury found, of smuggling people throughout our country, Bondi said. Co-conspirators also alleged that Abrego Garcia solicited nude photos of a minor, abused women he was transporting and was involved in the murder of a rival gang members mother, Bondi said. Bondi went on to describe Kilmar's activities here in the U.S.: The grand jury found that over the past nine years, Abrego Garcia has played a significant role in an alien smuggling ring, Bondi said. They found this was his full-time job not a contractor. They were using vehicles, SUVs with added seats in the back, floors that had been ripped out, she said. Guns, narcotics, children, women, MS-13 members that is what the grand jury found. Abrego Garcia at one point demanded asylum in the US, claiming he was afraid gang members would kill him if he returned to El Salvador but thats only because of the defendants own actions in participating in the murder of a rival 18th Street gang members mother, according to an additional court filing calling for his detention. Co-conspirators also alleged that Abrego Garcia solicited nude photos of a minor, abused women he was transporting and was involved in the murder of a rival gang members mother, Bondi said. Sound like the kind of guy who ought to be allowed to stay in this country? Sound like a worthy asylum argument as well as the guy you'd like as your next-door neighbor? Sound like the sweet little daisy the leftists to use to rally the country around the open-borders cause? Not to anyone normal. The Post reports that Abrego Garcia's lawyer called the whole thing "an abuse of power" and said that "Mr. Garcia" (the man has two last names, doofus) will vigorously contest the charges. Good luck with that. When a case builds in this many directions, there's probably something to the argument that the guy was a criminal all along. They touted him as "a father." They echo-chambered that he was the "Maryland Man" just like the rest of us. Now that this very public trial is about to take place, we'll see what the jury says. In the meantime, lefties who championed this foreign thug have the lovely prospect of explaining to their voters why they wanted their "Maryland Man" back in the country. The media will pretend they had no idea the man they championed was a thug. More likely, they will ignore the story and hope it goes away, given the embarrassment over their advocacy. And the lawfare judge who launched this call to bring this foreign thug back in order to Get Trump? He's got egg all over his face; either he will have to say, 'let justice be done,' or he, too, can dig himself in deeper with this Democrat tar baby, having to explain why he spent so much time and energy on bringing this loser back, only to see him head right back on the deportation plane to El Salvador where he will find himself in the famous prison there for real, without the private room and gourmet food service he had reportedly been getting. El Salvador's president certainly had a message about this: As I said in the Oval Office: 1. I would never smuggle a terrorist into the United States. 2. I would never release a gang member onto the streets of El Salvador. That said, we work with the Trump administration, and if they request the return of a gang member to face Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) June 6, 2025 He's right. And Trump got 'im. Not only did he find a way to make Kilmar wish he were back in that Salvadoran prison, he discredited the left for all its lies about Kilmar being just like anyone else, save for his failure to obey immigration law. Trump turned the tables on the left, with all its lawfare, "due process" and other claptrap they couldn't care less about in any other circumstance. The best part is they didn't see this coming. Now they'll have to either stick by this poster boy as details get worse and worse and worse, or try to find a new one ... who will inevitably have the same gamy story in the end. Maybe they shouldn't mess with the man in the White House. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. --Isaac Asimov There can no longer be a shred of doubt that the Democrats, or, the left, loves and uses violence as a tactic in its war against America. They hate Trump and his supporters precisely because they love their country and the traditional values on which this nation was founded. Is there a person on the planet who does not realize that all the protests against ICE deportations are organized, and the participants recruited and paid? Soross billions pay for all manner of these violent leftist actions, dating from Ferguson, where Michael Brown was killed after robbing a store and attempting to kill a cop. Then there was Minneapolis where the death by overdose of George Floyd was blamed on the cop who had to restrain him and billions of dollars in damage was wrought all over the country. No one went to jail after either of those horrific incidents. Kamala Harris begged people to donate to the cause of keeping the rioters out of jail. Black Lives Matter got away with all kinds of violence here, there and everywhere with impunity. Now we have the paid protestors creating havoc wherever ICE shows up to collect and deport a few of the millions of illegal migrants, many of them psychopathic criminals, who freely entered the country during the Biden administration and have murdered untold numbers of innocent American citizens. It is these people, like the Salvadorean thug who was deported to his home country, that the Democrats have invested everything their party has to offer; immigrants over citizens, no matter what the situation. They got their wish; hes back and in custody for the many crimes he has committed: trafficking of migrants, women and children, domestic abuse, gang affiliation and involvement with the murder of the mother of an opposing gang member. What a guy. Sen. Chris Van Hollen must be so proud. The chaos in New Jersey last week, and Los Angeles on Friday was more of the same. Protesters at a detention center that was mobbed by probably recruited/paid goons willing to risk injury and arrest to make a stupid point, got arrested and the media screams bloody murder; as if all those migrants whom Biden invited to invade have a right to be here, to be fed, sheltered, paid, given free medical care, and given a pass on their crimes. They got all of those things when Biden was in office. The left is furious that the ICE agents are masked, but fervently protect Hamas supporters on college campuses who are masked! Do they actually think that foolish moonbattery will win them votes? Apparently, they do. But most Americans are sick to death of their misplaced loyalties, their preference for, their protectiveness of, their reverence for men like Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The truth about the Democrat party, as often observed by many, is that they really do loathe America and the Americans who love their country. They vilify President Trump for the same reason: he refuses to capitulate to their high and mighty opinion of themselves. They cannot abide the faith shown by the voters in Trump. He does care about the American people, the working and middle classes that the left abhors as deplorable and insignificant. They love trying to goad them into the violence they themselves incite. But the Sorosian recruits, no matter which pathetic little NGO is paying them, often cannot even say what they are protesting against when asked. They were handed pre-made signs about an issue about which they know nothing. They are cardboard cutouts, mind-numbed tools of corrupt globalists who embrace a 21st version of communism all of which explains the calculated dumbing-down of American education. When 50% - 60% of students in a major city (Chicago for example) cannot read the words on their high school diplomas, we have a serious, catastrophic problem. Those young people are malleable, ripe for the indoctrination the left has planned for them. Wokery, DEI, ESG, CRT, TikTok, etc. are all part of their plan. And it has worked, probably beyond their wildest dreams. Indoctrinating the kids rather than teaching them to think critically has had appalling consequences and not just in Chicago. That is why Trump was re-elected. Most sentient Americans want their country back from the regressive progressives. Now! Sadly, we are subjects of a fractured Congress addicted to spending taxpayer dollars as if it grows on trees. They cant stop spending money that is not theirs because they lust for lobbyist dollars. Once they get to D.C., there is somehow never such a thing as enough money. The country is $37 trillion in debt but they still cant cut out all the stupid spending they get paid to support. There are exceptions, of course, good men and women who strive to do the right thing when they get there but, no matter which party, they will be punished for deviating from the party line. As for the media, they are paid to play and promote the leftist agenda. Truth is hardly ever a consideration. Telling the truth can get you sent to prison if you are a denizen of D.C. Listen to John Kirakou. The state calls its own violence law, but that of the individual, crime. Max Stirner Its not just violence the left likes to foment, it is totalitarianism/ authoritarianism/globalism a la George Orwell that they hope to impose and enforce. They want to emulate China, not protect us against from that communist nation that means to take over the world economy and control it. Joe Biden gave them free rein to purchase land, surveil and steal U.S. intellectual and military intelligence. The left and the RINO neocon right lobby for extended war in Ukraine; it is how they keep the money flowing into their personal pockets. Lindsey Graham and Mike Pompeo should be arrested for treason. Fixing the damage done by the Obama and Biden administrations (and the numerous leftist administrations going back to Woodrow Wilson) will be a long haul. The lawfare perpetrated against Trump throughout his first term and the judicial coup being perpetrated against him now is the oligarchal lefts version of violence against a president elected by a majority of Americans, all of whom they despise. The DOJ must get to the bottom of these enemies of our republic and hold them accountable. Violence ends up defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers. --Martin Luther King, Jr. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License A Maine familys then-five-year-old son was vaccinated in November 2021 with the Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a public school without his parents consent. After the family filed suit, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled that their state claims for damages were pre-empted by the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act, holding that their parental rights to consent and their childs right to bodily integrity were not violated. By Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the United States Supreme Court dated June 2, 2025, the Hogan family has requested that the U.S. Supreme Court review their case. Most Americans trust their public schools not to inject their children with vaccines without consent, and they expect that if a school did offend this commonsense expectation, it would be legally liable. Yet Maine is not alone in ruling that parents lose traditional legal protections when experimental COVID-19 vaccines are thrust into their childrens arms without consent. Vermonts Supreme Court ruled identically. Maines highest court specifically ruled that the plaintiffs constitutional liberties had not been violated. In their Petition, the Hogans legal counsel disagreed, listing numerous violations of all Americans most fundamental liberties that are undermined if the PREP Act is applied to foreclose their common law state rights. As the petition explains: If the PREP Act purports to authorize covered persons to administer vaccines in violation of state law, even to those who object thereto, then the PREP Act abridges both the constitutional right to bodily integrity and the fundamental liberty interest of the parents in the welfare and health of their child. This process of leaving injured parties without a real remedy or access to the courts in their own state, and without the right to a jury trial there, is violative of both substantive and procedural due process. The PREP Act creates a machinery for the abridgement of these constitutional rights. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court, and other state supreme courts, with the exception of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, have ignored these federally protected rights in deciding the PREP Act preempts state law protecting the rights of persons against common law battery and tortious interference with parental rights. A creative jurisprudential argument in the Hogan petition invokes an evolving principle called the anti-commandeering doctrine, which recognizes that Congressional efforts to commandeer the legislative processes of the States by directly compelling them to enact and enforce a federal regulatory program is unconstitutional. The Hogan petition explains that the U.S. Congress has overstepped its bounds by granting product liability immunity to vaccine manufacturers in derogation of the authority of states to oversee public safety: In the United States, the state governments rather than the federal government possess the police power, and included within this power of the States is the power to regulate, administer and enforce public health laws. There are many threats to liberty and due process within the PREP Act. There are constitutional missteps with the apparent attempt by Congress to impose laws regarding health (especially vaccines) not otherwise connected to its interstate commerce power. There are very real problems with preempting state lawsuits filed in state courts for violations of bodily integrity, and directing state judges to dismiss those lawsuits pending in their courts that somehow relate to injuries suffered after some federal official declares that an emergency exists. Americans must pray that the U.S. Supreme Court scrutinizes this scheme of corporate protection at the expense of longstanding parental and patients rights with a critical eye. More and more evidence has emerged under the Trump administration (and Robert F. Kennedys tenure as Health and Human Services secretary) that COVID vaccines were not safe and effective as advertised. Federal agencies were deeply involved in disseminating misinformation and disinformation to amplify anxiety and pressure Americans to subject themselves and their children to under-tested, overhyped experimental vaccines. Trust in federal agencies such as the NIH, CDC, and FDA will not be restored without accountability. If the U.S. Supreme Court declines to address the egregious miscarriages of justice accomplished under the PREP Act, all American children are at continuous risk, and public schools will attract suspicion. Similarly, public confidence in the nations highest court will be tarnished along with the federal agencies and Congress it is entrusted to hold to the highest law of the land. Author, pastor, and attorney John Klar raises grass-fed beef and sheep in Vermont. His Substack, Small Farm Republic, is based on his 2023 book Small Farm Republic: Why Conservatives Must Embrace Local Agriculture, Reject Climate Alarmism, and Lead an Environmental Revival. John is a staff writer at Liberty Nation News. Image via Pixabay. Everyone grouses about the Social Security system (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - OASDI) now and then. Its my money is the most common refrain. Well, its not so much. Its a lot of peoples money. In 2025, the base that is taxed for social security is the first $176,100 in earned income, with the assessed rate of 6.2% on both the employer and the worker. At the maximum base amount, the worker contributes $10,918, which the employer matches. Self-employed workers contribute it all. For someone making $20/hr working a standard 2080 hours a year, their annual base contribution would be $2,579 out of $41,600 in earnings, or $215/month. Additional funds come into the program through investment in US government bonds of the excess taxes not needed for use immediately. Sometimes, as when a president says that lowering Social Security contributions will help out the taxpayer (looking at you, Barack Obama), the government lowers the taxpayers contribution rate. All that does is short the system. Image created using AI. Im a retired fed. When I came on board as a high school summer hire in 1971 and then formally in 1980, we were covered under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) pension plan. In 1986, Congress created a new pension plan, the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which included the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). As of 1983, employees could choose to stay in CSRS or move to FERS. The TSP is the federal equivalent of an employer-managed 401(k) plan, and 85% of workers who have access to a defined contribution plan participate. About 56% of all workers participate. Its a very popular option for saving toward retirement. Employees can contribute up to the elective deferral limit established by the IRS, plus catch-up contributions. The government automatically contributes 1%, then matches employee contributions up to another 4% of base pay. The employee then selects the mixture of available investments. All carry a degree of risk, some more than others. Employees can change their mix of investments as they wish. At the end of the day, employees have a balance that has been determined by their choices and market forces on various investment portfolios. How about if this were half-duplicated for OASDI? First, it should become the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Program. The disabled should be spun off to the general fund. The amount received from employers, or half the amount received from the self-employed, should go into the standard Social Security investment in U.S. government bonds. This would be untouchable by the employee and form the base of monthly benefits once retirement age has been reached. Cost of Living Increases would be determined based only upon the success of the investments. We the People would hold our own debt. The amount from the employee would go into something very like the TSP, with a variety of investment options for the employee to choose fromchoices they could change as they wish. This might be quite the incentive for some to strive for a better-paying job. This fund could also be split into twoone for the employee and one for a spouse. The employee could determine the rate at which this fund is drawn down at retirement. There would be no COLA on these funds. When the account is empty, it is empty. Should there be a beneficiary for any remaining funds in this account upon the death of the employee? Maybe. Its something to discuss anyway. This would provide a basic minimum income to the elderly, perhaps significantly more depending on investment choices, and be at least partially under the control of the working contributor. I think this looks like as good a win as we can achieve. It ensures we do not lose it all in the market, and gives us significant control over our benefits. What does everybody think about this? Anony Mee is the nom de blog of a retired public servant who X-tweets at oh_yeahMee. The world of smartphone AI is heating up, and it seems Samsung might be making a surprising play by making a deal with Perplexity. Recent reports suggest the tech giant is not only looking to invest in Perplexity AI but could also integrate it as the default AI assistant on the upcoming Galaxy S26 series in 2026. This would be a significant shift, as it means Perplexity could potentially replace Googles own Gemini as the primary AI out of the box, pushing Gemini to an optional role. This news, if true, has sparked a lot of conversation. Why would Samsung, a long-time, close partner of Google in the Android ecosystem, potentially pivot to a newer player like Perplexity for such a critical default integration? Lets dive into the intriguing layers of this potential deal and what it could mean for the future of AI on our phones. Perplexity: A Rising Star in the AI Phone Assistant Game? Perplexity AI has been quietly, yet steadily, gaining traction in the mobile AI space. Many focus on bigger names like Googles Gemini or OpenAIs ChatGPT. Meanwhile, Perplexity has been carving out its niche. This platform has proven to be a very compelling alternative in the AI segment, which has led to big funding rounds. It has also caught the attention of big tech names. Their potential deal with Samsung isnt an isolated incident. Perplexity has already made headlines with its successful integration into Motorolas latest phones, providing a robust AI search experience. Beyond that, the company is also working with a European carrier on an AI phone, further cementing its presence in the mobile hardware landscape. These partnerships indicate that Perplexity is not just a fringe player. Anthropicparent company of Perplexityis actively positioning its chatbot as a serious contender for default AI assistant experiences on smartphones. Its also defying the notion that only the biggest AI giants can offer advancedand really usefulfeatures. The Possible Motive Behind Samsungs Perplexity deal: Googles Clever Strategy Now, for the most intriguing part: why would Samsung, given its deep ties with Google, even consider this move? The answer might lie in Googles delicate dance with antitrust regulators. Google has been facing significant scrutiny, with adverse rulings in areas like AdTech and online search. These legal challenges could severely limit the strategic moves Google might typically make. One such move, which would seem logical from a technology standpoint, would be an even deeper, default integration of Gemini into a dominant Android manufacturer like Samsung. Think about it: Samsung and Google have been close collaborators for years. Samsung has often received early access to Googles cutting-edge AI features. Notably, Circle to Search even debuted on Galaxy flagship devices before Googles own Pixel phones. Considering Samsung doesnt have a sophisticated, advanced AI of its own for smartphones, youd naturally expect a deeper embrace of Gemini. In recent months, weve seen other major Android brands like OPPO, Xiaomi, Honor, and OnePlus announce deeper Gemini integration with their own proprietary apps. This allows Gemini to access data directly from these manufacturer-specific applications. Samsung itself has done something similar with One UI 7. The expectation is that more manufacturers will follow this trend. Logically, Samsung could have taken this even further. Imagine Bixby, Samsungs current, relatively dumb assistant, being supercharged with the brainpower of Gemini. This would be a massive leap in capability for Bixby, turning it into a truly intelligent, deeply integrated assistant within the Galaxy ecosystem. Samsung could also integrate Googles AI into system-level functions. The possibilities are countless, including camera features or even specialized hardware ones, creating a seamless and powerful AI experience exclusive to Galaxy users. More Competition in Mobile AI is Convenient for Google However, despite this seemingly logical path, Samsung appears to be considering an agreement with Perplexity. Why? This is where Googles antitrust predicament could be playing a crucial role. A deep, default, OS-level integration of Googles AI into Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, which command a gigantic global market share, would raise another red flag for antitrust watchdogs. Google has already lost cases in the online search and AdTech segments (with appeals or remedy agreements pending). So, its not a stretch to imagine a similar investigation into potentially anticompetitive practices in the mobile AI space. In this climate, Google might view such a direct, deep integration as too risky. Therefore, it might actually welcome major manufacturers like Samsung (and Motorola) striking deals with Perplexity. Why? Because it sends a powerful message to regulators: there is genuine competition and real choice in the mobile AI segment. This would help Google argue that the market isnt stifled by its dominance. Once the regulatory heat subsides, perhaps in a few years, its entirely plausible that manufacturers like Samsung could then pursue deeper integrations with Googles AI without triggering the same alarm bells. Google would likely see this as a positive long-term outcome. By that time, the firm would have already tackled the immediate antitrust pressure. This theory even extends to other Android brands. We might suspect that some Android manufacturerslike Motorolaare pursuing deals with Perplexity, not just out of independent choice. It could possibly be a product of the quiet counsel of Google itself. Perplexity, being a smaller company compared to OpenAIs ChatGPT, might offer more moldable agreement terms. So, these partnerships are strategically appealing in the short and medium term. A deal with OpenAI will likely require much longer commitments. GPT models native integration into Android phones would also be a potentially major threat to the big G. Googles Big Investments in Perplexitys Parent Company Reinforce the Theory Theres another fact that fuels this strategic narrative. Google has already invested more than $3 billion in Anthropic, Perplexitys parent company. The huge figure translates into Google owning a 14% stake in the AI company. This financial tie-in fundamentally strengthens the argument that these partnerships are, in fact, positive for Google, especially in light of its ongoing antitrust challenges. Googles investment gives it a vested interest in Anthropics (and by extension, Perplexitys) success. This subtly supports the narrative that the AI ecosystem is thriving and competitive, with various players, rather than being dominated by one entity. In essence, Google might be playing a clever game of chess. By having a direct financial stake in a rising competitor like Perplexity and seemingly allowing it to gain ground with key partners like Samsung, Google could be skillfully deflecting immediate antitrust scrutiny while still indirectly influencing the mobile AI landscape. Only time will tell if this intricate strategic dance plays out as expected. Blower cartoon On Wednesday, Rachel Reeves will stand up in the House and announce her latest plans for saving the country from bankruptcy. Somehow, she will have to produce plausible remedies for a crisis that seems insoluble: how to deal with catastrophic levels of government debt when there are endless demands for more public spending including a brand new commitment to provide more funding for defence. Having ruled out tax rises that clearly impinge directly on what they call working people income tax, VAT and employee National Insurance contributions Labour has made this situation more complicated. But, perversely, they have chosen to make it even worse by pushing many of the most productive contributors to the economy out of business. The Labour Government, by putting supposed ideological solidarity over economic reality, has created the perfect formula for the failure of precisely the business sector which contributes most to national vitality and growth. Let me offer an illustration in the hope that it might prove instructive to the present and any future Chancellor. A hairdressing salon that I know in a prosperous North London neighbourhood closed for good several weeks ago. It had been at its current location for over thirty years and was so popular that it often took days to get an appointment. After lockdown it recovered well with its loyal customers delighted to return. The emergence of the four day working week meant that Fridays became as busy as Saturdays and the salon was humming. So what went wrong? The owner was hit simultaneously by the increases in the minimum wage and employer NICS. Added to ever-increasing energy costs (exacerbated by green levies), this burden finally broke them. Even though they were a well-run thriving business, they could not survive. Sadly all of the junior staff and trainees were laid off. Given the economic climate now, they will struggle to find similar jobs anywhere else so they will not be paying any tax for the indefinite future and will almost certainly have to claim unemployment benefit: a double loss for the Treasury. The salon as a company has gone so it will no longer be paying corporation tax. The senior stylists who have carried on working privately are now self-employed which means they can, perfectly legitimately, claim all their work expenses against tax so they will pay less income tax than they did under PAYE when they were employees. You get the picture. The net effect of the Governments measures has been to reduce the tax take for their own coffers and increase unemployment among people starting out in their working lives whose chances are further damaged by the ridiculous stipulation that they must have full rights to secure employment from the day they are hired. What happened to one hair salon might not seem all that significant to the nations future. But this pattern is being repeated in small businesses particularly the ones that provide employment to young people starting out in working life in countless numbers. Retail shops, building services and hospitality outlets are cutting staff and failing to hire new recruits because the cost of employing them is back breaking. As a result, they are not expanding and developing their businesses as they might have and so not contributing to the growth of the economy in the significant way that small businesses, with their inherent dynamism and industriousness, once did. Labour, in its supposed determination to support working people has created a doom loop in which fewer people will be joining the workforce and the consequent reduction in tax revenue will make the government even less able to meet the limitless demands of the welfare system as well as pay off its debts. Needless to say, there have been some obvious winners in the Labour dynamic: public sector employees have had their mouths stuffed with gold not only because Labour is historically inclined to favour the unions which represent them but because they can threaten disruption on a scale that reduces any complaining chorus from the small business sector to an inconsequential squeak. But there is more to it than that, in ideological terms: business generally, and small business in particular, are seen as inherently self-interested enterprises. Because they have been created, developed and run by private individuals in the hope of making a profit, they must be morally suspect and less worthy of support than the services that the state funds and operates for the general good of society. Carry this to its logical conclusion and it becomes admirable to penalise people who want to profit from other peoples need for their services in order to pay for the provision of services dispensed fairly (and without profit) by the government. You know where this ends, dont you? The most innovative, resourceful, determined individuals who might have developed new ways of creating real wealth and employing more people in experimental ways have impossible demands put on them which threaten their survival or, at the very least, make their continued existence as difficult as possible. They are encumbered with inflexible employment conditions which might possibly be appropriate for huge public sector organisations but are death to experimental emerging enterprises. Their tax arrangements are made so horrendously complicated and difficult to master that expensive accountancy advice becomes essential. I know self-employed sole traders in the creative industries who would like to enlarge their practice but are terrified of crossing the income threshold that would require VAT registration which now involves coping with Making Tax Digital a peculiarly sadistic form of monitoring which, as HMRC has just discovered in its attempt to introduce it in self-employed income tax, can be susceptible to cyber hacking. Yes indeed, create a business on your own and try to make it a success just try. The Government, and its agents in HMRC who cant even be bothered to answer the phone, will make your life as difficult as possible. And the more obstacles they put in the way to prevent you from flourishing and expanding, the more virtuous they will feel even though you and the real wealth that you create are the only things that might have saved them. Craig Bellamy promised not to sit back and defend against group favourites Belgium on Monday after brushing aside Liechtenstein to go top of their World Cup qualifying group. Wales coasted to a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein, the worlds 205th ranked team, as second-half goals from Harry Wilson and Kieffer Moore added to Joe Rodons 39th-minute opener. It was defender Rodons first international goal and Wales had complete domination of a one-sided contest with 27 goal attempts to zero. Wales face a far tougher challenge in Brussels, although the Dragons did have the bonus of Belgium being held 1-1 in North Macedonia on Friday night, thanks to a late home equaliser. Bellamy said: We go there and Im not camping. Im not sitting back. Its not in my make-up. I cant do it, I dont want to do it. Ive got a little bit more in my head, but Im really excited about it. Ill try and absorb this one but then, yeah, get ready for that. Victory took Wales to the top of their World Cup qualifying section with seven points from three games but Bellamy could not resist a dig at the Welsh ball boys on the perimeter of the pitch. There is a lot I liked, said Bellamy. Id really like us to make this six, seven, eight. Thats what we need to push. These games have never been easy four our nation. We have a proven record of that. The mentality of the players was really good. Did we expect to win? Of course we did. Did we expect such a slow game? Joe Rodon celebrated after scoring the first goal of his Wales career (Nigel French/PA) I felt our ball boys could have been a bit quicker. We are at home so we have a choice in that as well. Im going to be looking for them in a bit Im not. Im joking! Victory came at a price as Neco Williams, one of Wales best performers since Bellamy took charge last summer, was forced off midway through the first half with a nasty-looking injury. The Nottingham Forest full-back, in trying to cross on the byline midway through the first half, landed awkwardly and was in obvious pain before leaving the field on a stretcher. Neco Williams leaft the pitch distraught after being carried off on a stretcher in Wales 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein (Nigel French/PA) Williams appears a serious doubt for Mondays clash with Belgium. Give us a few hours, said Bellamy. We just dont know. Well find out tomorrow morning (Saturday). The medical staff will be racing with it, well make sure hes looked after. Well find more and relay that message as soon as we know. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg - Fabrizio Villa It was a sight so uncannily ghoulish I felt repelled and fascinated in equal measure. I was watching the coverage of Greta Thunberg and a band of other mouth-frothing young Palestine activists board the Madleen, a yacht that left from the Sicilian port of Catania last weekend, sailing, to our shame, under a British flag (though it is the Palestinian flag that blows aggressively from the prow). The Madleen is heading for Gaza with aid. Say hello to the freedom flotilla on which Swedish climate-turned-Palestine activist Thunberg is joined by the Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, the Irish Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, and Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian European Parliament member. I used to think nautical adventures were romantic, full of derring-do: this one makes me feel more vomitous than even the highest of seas. The website for the Madleens voyage uses exactly the same tone and tactics as Thunbergs horrible climate stunts did: extreme, unbending, threatening, self-loving and bratty all at once. We sail until Palestine is free runs the banner. The site explains: Since 8 October 2023, Israel has escalated its genocidal campaign against Palestinians in Gaza in an attempt to destroy all forms of life. The Israeli military has murdered tens of thousands of people, if not hundreds of thousands. You almost have to laugh. Its not clear whether any of these activists, drunk on their love of themselves, are even aware of October 7 or Hamas. And all forms of life? Are they saying Israelis murder plants and pets too? At any rate, Thunberg and co do not mean freedom from Hamas, against whom thousands of brave Gazans have been protesting. They mean from Israel. Not just Israeli military action but, in accordance with the rest of their playbook of slogans, from the proximity of the Jewish state full stop. Anti-Israel chanting, stickering, posturing and boycotting has been a mainstay of Lefty life for as long as Ive been alive. But since October 7, a new normal has spread and spread; a kind of slow-release pogrom, if you will. The loony Left, once possible to ignore, is now everywhere, and everything. This flotilla is a prime example. Instead of being ignored as wacky trouble-making, it is instead taken seriously, hailed as heroic by millions who should know better. The Palestine solidarity mob peddles lies rooted in the anti-Semitic blood libel of Jewish bloodlust for innocents, making outrageous claims about so-called Israeli atrocities, without a shred of self-awareness or verification, that Israeli forces have murdered hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. For these folks, context is colonialism, racism, murder of a type that only Israel is capable of so there is no understanding or desire to understand the cause of anything that has happened, or what has actually been going on with aid and food. In fact, flotilla wisdom is riddled with so many evil falsehoods there is no space to refute even half of them here. Now that the loonies have taken over, the flotilla is just an emblem of the new normal rather than considered fringe or extreme, or a curiosity. This is because the boundary between the wackiness of grassroots activism and the sobriety of government and the prestige mainstream media both of which are expected to at least look into facts, verify claims and consider bias has evaporated. Raw anti-Israel feeling has simply taken over. Some of it is done terribly respectably. A study by Andrew Fox of the Henry Jackson Society found that 98 per cent of the worlds media, including The New York Times and CNN, simply repeated Hamass casualty figures. Meanwhile, the goings-on of the likes of the Madleen is legitimised by statements made by our government. When Keir Starmer and David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, publicly call into question the motives of Israel and Gaza, insult the valiant Jewish State as appalling and monstrous, threaten to halt trade with its ally, and act like Israel is exactly what Thunberg and friends say it is, then whats the difference? We might as well all be sailing on that flotilla. Thunbergs power seemed likely to fade away; nobody so niche, I used to comfort myself, can stay at the forefront for long. Times change, trends move on. But the reality is even grimmer than I anticipated. All the climate loonies have just migrated to the cause of Palestine. Just Stop Oil has laid down arms to focus on Palestine, which it calls the next all-consuming cause for the world, as urgent as saving the planet from global warming. A thousand new grassroots, student and cultural campaign groups and coalitions have sprouted up to wage war on Israel and celebrate terrorists. Fossil Free Books led debilitating boycotts of British literary festivals last year, deviously and also perplexingly linking sponsors tangential investments in fossil fuels with support for alleged Israeli criminality. Youth Demand, another group of anti-Israel fanatics, does the same. Its ghastly red website screams: The government is engaging in absolute evil. They are enabling genocide in Palestine by sending money and arms to Israel. They are contributing to the murder of billions to keep the fossil fuel profits flowing and urges people to join the resistance. Its barking mad, nightmarish conspiratorial nonsense. And so, under the frenzy of anti-Israel passion, bolstered by years of woke and trans madness, our society has lost decorum, professional standards, and, it often feels, any sphere at all that remains free of the politics of Israel hatred. Even the hushed plush corridors of Harley Street arent safe. A Jewish friend texted me: Went to see a specialist, hadnt realised Id get a thorough indoctrination treatment thrown in for free Palestine badges on lanyards and prominently displayed items wherever you look. She described the experience as chilling and expressed gratitude her kids werent there. No way Id dare wear a Star of David there. How twisted is that? Indeed. As I looked at the pictures she sent through, the menacing black, green and red badges on backpacks demanding freedom for Palestine, I too felt chilled, but only in a way that has become utterly familiar. I live in a mixed area that is, traditionally, also a bastion of the secular Jewish community. Yet I face a constant barrage of vandalism and graffiti disfiguring the area, from F--- Israel sprayed on shop fronts and hoardings to Free Gaza scrawled over my street sign. Out walking with my toddler last week, a car cruised past us, with three Middle Eastern looking men in it who rolled down the windows and sang in a slow, taunting tone: Free, free Pal-es-tine on repeat, deliberately, it seemed, baiting the Jews of the neighbourhood. Yet nobody batted an eyelid. Its everywhere, all the time. No amount of last-minute professional sacrifice and rudeness is off limits: feminist icon Caryl Churchill has pulled her play from the Donmar because the theatre receives support from Barclays. Like most normal, ethical banks, Barclays is said to provide financial services to some defence companies supplying Israel. The defining feature of a totalitarian regime is, well, total. It pervades everything on pain of death. Since October 7 Britain and other countries in the West are starting to feel eerily similar where Israel discourse is concerned. Except unlike the totalitarian regimes of historical fame, we arent being forced: were embracing the madness of our own free will, and that is unforgivable. The Denver Public Schools (DPS) released a new report predicting that enrollment will go down by roughly 8%, equating to 6,005 students, by 2029, which could result in more school closures by 2030. It is expected that the district will recommend school closures of institutions located in the northwest, southwest, and central parts of the city. This is primarily because these regions experience the sharpest enrollment declines. Denver Public Schools Reveal Worrying Enrollment Decline To note, Southwest Denver is expected to lose roughly 2,720 students by 2029, Northwest Denver is set to lose almost 1,200 students, and Central Denver is expected to lose nearly 900 students. The report comes only a few days after DPS announced the closure of seven schools that had low enrollment at the end of this past school year. Furthermore, it also partially closed three others by removing some grade levels from being offered. DPS enrollment peaked in 2019 before consistently decreasing for several years after. While student counts slightly increased in the last two school years, which were driven by an influx of migrant families, the numbers are still far from favorable, according to Chalkbeat. Read more: Hundreds of Epic Charter Schools Employees Laid off Without Notice However, a decrease in birth rates and continued gentrification, which push families out of the city, are expected to result in continued decreases in the number of enrollments in the coming years. The latest report also highlights other trends, such as the far northeast being the only part of the city where officials expect enrollment to increase. It is predicted that the region will see 400 more students by 2029. The report notes that this part of the district will need to have a new elementary school and more middle school seats to accommodate the new students. Potential School Closures Superintendent Alex Marrero is constrained by how frequently he is allowed to propose school closures to the board of education. Executive Limitation 18 limits school closures to once every three years and restricts the superintendent from defending such decisions with low enrollment and test scores only, the Denver Gazette reported. The situation comes as DPS also shuttered several schools late last year after board members approved a controversial round of school closures. However, the vote was quickly met with audience members shouting "shame on you." The board greenlit the closures to help the district make some adjustments amid the ongoing enrollment decline. Board member Michelle Quattlebaum said ahead of the vote that they were making an "incredibly difficult decision," as per the Colorado Sun. Comedian Dawn French has apologised after posting a video online about the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying she clumsily used a mocking tone and it appeared one-sided. The Vicar Of Dibley actress posted a video on social media this week in which she switched between her normal voice and a higher pitched voice. In the video about the conflict, she said: Complicated, no, but nuanced, adding: Bottom line is, no. Then at one point she said in the higher pitched voice: Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us. French has now posted a statement on X saying she has taken down the video and apologised, saying her intention was never to mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened on October 7 2023. The statement, posted on Saturday, says: Ok, its important to address this. I posted a video in the style Ive been using for social media in an effort to convey an important point. I clumsily used a mocking tone. My intention was NEVER to mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened on 7 October 2023 and what continues to unfold from that brutal unthinkable, unforgivable, savage attack. My heart broke for the many innocent people and their families that were killed, tortured, r@ped and kidnapped. The fact that hostages are still held is utterly appalling. My intention was to mock and point the finger of shame at the behaviour of the cruel leaders on ALL sides of this atrocious war, who have continued to behave like the worst, dangerous, sickening bullies and seem to relish the tyrannical and childish oneupmanship of the violence. THEY were my target, but clearly I failed to do that, and thats on me. I apologise unreservedly. Im particularly sorry that my disgust at Hamas didnt figure. It appeared one-sided, and that is wrong. I am a person, who like many others, is feeling increasingly helpless and hopeless as we witness the carnage and destruction worsen. The images of starving and wounded children have haunted me day and night. History has taught us never to stand by and allow this kind of inhumane violence to be wrought on anyone, especially innocent children. I have felt my silence is complicit or even somehow sanctioning. So in my small way I wanted to voice my desire to say NO to BOTH sides to any further violence. I hope you will understand my intention was not to offend, but clearly I have. For which Im sorry and I have removed the video. Comedian Dawn French - Twitter/X Dawn French has become the latest national treasure to betray a complete lack of understanding of the conflict in the Middle East. Following hot off the heels of that other self-styled Professor of Palestine, Gary Lineker, the comedian insisted there was nothing complicated or nuanced about the ongoing war in Gaza. In a video posted on X, she put on a whiny childish voice to mock Israelis over invoking the October 7 attacks, in which 1,195 people were murdered. Credit: X/@Dawn_French Bottom line is no, she insisted. Then, in a childish voice: Yeah but you know they did a bad thing to us. [Serious voice] Yeah but no. [Childish voice] But we want that land and theres a lot of history and urgh [Serious voice] No. [Childish voice] Those people are not even people are they really? [Serious voice] No. Like so much of Frenchs output, she appeared under the illusion that she was being funny. In fact, it amounted to an obnoxious and offensive piece of useful idiocy, dressed up as performance art. Imagine being so warped that you would dismiss the rape and murder of Israeli women the slaying of children and babies as a bad thing. The implication is that Israel does not have a right to defend itself. That it has acted disproportionately. But there is nothing remotely proportionate about recording a video about Gaza without even mentioning Hamas. Almost everyone and everything you can think of is funnier than Dawn French. Whats truly hilarious is that these luvvies think they have enough expertise to emote on such issues. Like your average Free Palestine ranting student marcher, her infantile outburst appeared to have largely been informed by things shes seen on social media. Anyone with any actual knowledge of the region understands that it is, in fact, an extremely complex issue with a very chequered history. Oh, and that it involves terrorists. Stunts like this do nothing to advance the debate. They simply debase it with ignorance and intolerance. The head of the BBK called for a national effort to turn underground tunnels, metro stations and cellars into protective shelters. Photograph: NMelander/Getty Images/iStockphoto Germany is drawing up plans to rapidly expand its network of bomb-proof bunkers and shelters, the governments most senior civilian protection official has said, warning the state needs to be prepared for an attack from Russia within the next four years. Ralph Tiesler, the head of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), said Europes largest economy needed to wake up to the reality of conflict, and that in its current state Germany was inadequately prepared. For a long time, there was a widespread belief in Germany that war was not a scenario for which we needed to prepare. That has changed. We are concerned about the risk of a major war of aggression in Europe, he told the Suddeutsche Zeitung news outlet. Tiesler called for a national effort to pinpoint and turn tunnels, metro stations, underground garages, car parks and the cellars of public buildings into protective shelters to quickly create space for 1 million people. He said his agency will present a comprehensive plan later this summer. He added that the country was in a race against time, and to rely on the construction of new bunker facilities was insufficient. Such shelters would take a long time to plan and construct and be very costly, Tiesler said. As a result, existing structures needed to be closely considered more immediately. Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine has caused fears in other countries, especially in Baltic states but also in Poland and Germany, that Moscow could open new fronts in Europe. Overnight, Russian forces launched missile and bomb strikes on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, leaving three people dead and 22 injured. The mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said in a post on Telegram on Saturday that the city was experiencing the most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war. Of about 2,000 bunkers in Germany and protection rooms left over from the cold war, only about 580 are in working order and most need multimillion-euro revamps. They would shelter about 480,000 people, just half a percent of the German population. In comparison, the BBK said that Finland has 50,000 protection rooms, amounting to space for 4.8 million people, or 85% of its population. Tiesler said efforts also needed to be put into fine-tuning information systems, such as apps and road signs, to share with the public exactly where they could seek shelter, as well as upgrading warning sirens. Existing warning apps also needed to be better protected from hackers, he said. He urged Friedrich Merzs government to ensure funding was in place to enforce his agencys plans. It has agreed the plans are necessary but has yet to formally prescribe funds. Money is expected to be made available from the billions unleashed after parliament suspended Germanys debt brake in March, allowing large amounts of spending to take place in the military, vital infrastructure such as bridges and roads enabling them to carry tanks and supplies and civil defence. Intelligence services and cybersecurity structures, which are in vital need of investment, are also competing for the funds. Tiesler estimated at least 10bn (8.4bn) would be needed over the next four years to cover civil defence needs, and at least 30bn over the next decade. He also called for the establishment of a compulsory or voluntary civil protection service and urged citizens to contribute to making the country more resilient by stocking up on emergency supplies in the case of power and water shortages. Our appeal is: build up enough supplies to last you 10 days, if possible, he told the newspaper, reflecting similar calls by other European governments. But even a supply for at least 72 hours would be very helpful, Tiesler added. This can be used to bridge minor interruptions in everyday life. A poster in Venice objecting to Bezoss wedding plans - Nick Squires When Jeff Bezos and his bride-to-be cruise into Venices lagoon this month, it will not just be gondolas, Gothic palazzi and bell towers that will greet them. The billionaire Amazon founder and Lauren Sanchez, a former television journalist, will arrive on their $500 million (386 million), 410ft-long superyacht, to noisy protests against their star-studded wedding. Activists argue that the nuptials will transform the World Heritage city into a playground for billionaires. The celebrity wedding, which will be held for three days from June 24-26, is set to cost $10 million (8.4 million) and will be the biggest in Venice since George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin a decade ago. Hollywood stars such as Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Katy Perry, as well as members of the Trump dynasty like Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, are expected to attend. Luxury suites in the finest hotels have been booked for the likes of Bill Gates, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria and Leonardo DiCaprio. Jeff Bezoss wedding to Lauren Sanchez will be held in Venice for three days in June and will cost $10 million - Andreas Rentz/Getty Images With a slogan that plays on Bezoss ownership of Blue Origin, his space rocket venture No space for oligarchs, no space for Bezos protesters will march along canal banks and through piazzas during the wedding celebrations, carrying banners and letting off coloured smoke flares. Venice, the protestors argue, should not be put up for sale to the worlds third-richest man, who has an estimated fortune of $225 billion (166 billion). The dignity of Venice needs to be defended. The whole of Venice, all the people who live here, need to do something to protest against Bezos, Alice Bazzoli, an activist from the No space for Bezos campaign, told The Telegraph. Its not about him personally, its about the consequences that the wedding will have for the city. On stone bridges and the walls of alleyways across the citys historic centre, there are posters depicting the American billionaires head superimposed on a rocket blasting into space with the words: Bezos wedding in Venice? No way! Taking over the city Protesters say that a mega-wedding attended by the ultra-rich 1 per cent is the last thing that Venice needs, insisting that it will disrupt daily life for ordinary Venetians and will bring them little benefit. The wedding will also entail the cordoning-off of public areas and the blanket booking of water taxis. No official programme has been disclosed, but locals have a hunch that the nuptials may be held on the island of San Giorgio, which lies at the mouth of the Grand Canal opposite the stone-carved splendour of St Marks Square. A tiny islet, it boasts historic churches, cloisters and libraries. He has booked out at least five luxury hotels. The island of San Giorgio will be completely booked out for the duration of the wedding. It will be hard for locals to move around because there will be security measures for his VIP guests, said Ms Bazzoli. Hell pretty much take over the city for his celebrations, paying a huge amount of money for the privilege. It will compound all our problems daily life is already hard for locals in Venice because of the impact of mass tourism. The nuptials may be held on the tiny islet of San Giorgio - Mike Kline In a quiet street in the Castello district of the city, far from the tourist hordes, Marta Sottoriva, another activist, was busy making giant banners for the protests. The wedding will benefit the very few the owners of luxury hotels, the operators of water taxis all of whom already earn huge amounts of money from tourism. It will bring absolutely no benefits for ordinary Venetians, she said. For many Venetians, the wedding represents an extreme example of the commercialisation of their city a place where locals can no longer afford to live because apartments are sold to outsiders or rented to tourists on platforms such as Airbnb. With an acute lack of affordable public housing, many families move to the mainland, across the lagoon, where rents are cheaper. Venice is being transformed into a vast theme park, a cultural Disneyland, said Ms Sottoriva. The authorities introduced a scheme last year whereby day-trippers have to register online and pay an access fee to enter the city. A lot of friends have said to me that they now feel like animals in a zoo, she said. Always welcome Luigi Brugnaro, the millionaire mayor of Venice, insisted that the Bezos wedding would be a great event that would bring no disruption whatsoever. He said there would only be around 200 guests and that Venice had experience of handling much larger events, such as the Art and Architecture Biennale exhibitions. Bezos and his staff have categorically not booked large numbers of gondolas and water taxis, the mayor asserted. The mayor told The Telegraph that he was grateful that Bezos had chosen Venice as the venue for his wedding. Anyone who loves Venice is always welcome, he said, adding that there would be significant economic benefits because the event would reinforce the role of Venice as a place of encounters and hospitality. The priority would be to ensure that the city functions normally, for everyone, without any inconvenience for anybody, he said. But claims of lavish economic dividends were sharply disputed by critics. I dont think Kim Kardashian will be sitting down at a local trattoria to eat spaghetti. Theyll have private chefs instead, said Ms Bazzoli. The wedding will entail cordoning off public areas and blanket booking water taxis, protestors say - Stefano Rellandini/AFP Giovanni Andrea Martini, an opposition member of the city council, said: Its absolutely false. It wont bring any benefit to ordinary Venetians. It is just going to cause inconvenience. Hosting the wedding was an extreme case of the Disneyfication of Venice, he said. But now that it is a done deal, Mr Martini wants Mr Bezos to make a donation to the city not towards sprucing up ancient monuments or artworks but towards restoring the estimated 1,000 council houses and flats that lie empty and abandoned, fuelling the accommodation crisis. Mr Martini said the official estimate of 48,000 inhabitants was wrong, saying around 18,000 of those were second home owners who had residency but did not live in the city full-time. The true population could therefore be as low as 30,000. Speaking from his office in Venices town hall, he said the real number of annual visitors could be as high as 30 million much greater than the 20 million figure that is often cited. This is the proportion we are dealing with 30 million tourists visiting a city of 30,000 inhabitants. Critics have argued that the decision to host the wedding sends the wrong message for a city which is fighting not to have its spirit and soul snuffed out by the suffocating demands of mass tourism. Hosting the wedding gives the impression that Venice is up for sale, said Matteo Secchi, the founder of Venessia.com, a campaign group which defends the citys heritage. Venice has a 1,000-year-old history. This is a humiliation for the city. I feel like weve been bought by Bezos, he said over an ice-filled glass of Aperol spritz in one of the handful of Venetian bars that is still largely frequented by locals. Venetians are fiercely proud of their citys past as an independent republic that traded throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, the greatest port in late medieval Europe. It was only in 1797 that Napoleon Bonaparte oversaw the dissolution of the Most Serene Republic of Venice. To this day, the city retains a distinct dialect and identity. Theres a sense of submission. The attitude seems to be, You have money? Great, hand it over and you can buy us, Mr Secchi said. This is Venice behaving as a prostitute. The city has always been a bit like that. But there is a way to be a prostitute - only with dignity. Its a matter of pride. Elephants explore their new environment at Werribee. Photograph: Jo Howell After Tricia died, Perth Zoos last remaining female elephant, Permai, became withdrawn. She lost her matriarch that was her whole world, says John Lemon, the zoos acting director of life sciences, of the once cheeky and affectionate elephant. Elephants need the company of other elephants, and we just dont have the space here to accommodate a herd structure. Earlier this year, Permai made the 2,700km trip across the Nullarbor plain to join a makeshift herd at Monarto Safari Park, in regional South Australia. There, she joined Burma from Auckland, and two female elephants from Taronga Zoo Sydney who arrived in April. Perths male, Putra Mas, will arrive later in the year. This year, Australias captive elephants have been on the move, as long-term plans to build communities who can roam come to fruition. In February, Melbourne Zoos herd of nine were also transported to a new 21-hectare habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Soon, of Australias 27 elephants, only two adult males will remain in the city, at the privately owned Sydney Zoo. Elephants are social animals, particularly females. In the wild, they live in multigenerational family groups grandmothers, mothers, aunts, cousins and siblings in herds that can number up to 60 animals. Some say its a historic win for elephant welfare, while others argue the animals shouldnt be kept in captivity at all. Were the only region in the world where all of our elephants are housed in situations where females have opportunities for social contact with at least two other females, says Amanda Embury, species coordinator for the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia. This is a huge milestone. Social bonds and family ties It has taken years of collaboration to get to this point but in some ways the work has only just begun. Introducing elephants to each other and their new environment is a slow and careful process, says Peter Clark, director of Monarto Safari Park. At 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres), the park is one of the largest open range zoos in the world. Its five new elephants will have access to 14 hectares almost the size of Perth Zoo. Each animal is different, he says. Shortly after Pak Boon arrived from Taronga, she walked straight into the first waterhole, he says, and dragged her mate Tang Mo in with her, while the others were still tippy-toeing at that particular pool. Related: Cockatoos start sipping from Sydneys drinking fountains after mastering series of complex moves All the zoos are working together for a successful outcome, with keepers from Auckland, Perth and Sydney staying on as a familiar face. Social bonds and strong family ties are fundamental for elephants, says the University of Nottinghams Assoc prof Dr Lisa Yon, a veterinarian and expert in elephant welfare. In the wild a female calf will often stay in the herd that she was born into for her whole life, she says. Shell be there with mum, sisters, cousins, auntie, sometimes even a grandmother. Elephants live in a fission-fusion society, she says, where larger extended families might split off into smaller groups for a while, before coming together again. When they reunite, theres a tremendous sense of joy and excitement, she says. Theyre very touch oriented. Youll often see them touching each other with their trunks, providing social reassurance or nudging up against each other. They also need large and stimulating environments, she says. Opportunities to swim and splash, mud wallow and dust bathe, knock trees over and strip bark off them, crunch on branches, and play with each other. Males need much larger spaces in which to roam, and the chance to interact with other males and family groups. Bulls often get a really short shrift in captive facilities, she says. A solitary life isnt good for elephants, Yon says, but positive welfare isnt just a question of numbers. It can be hard to predict whether elephants will get along, and there is some evidence to suggest genetically related elephants are more likely to have neutral or positive interactions, while unrelated animals tend to have more unfriendly ones. In those cases, space and the ability to move away is important. Melbourne Zoos multi-generational herd was already well-acquainted and keeping those bonds intact in the move to Werribee is a priority, says Erin Gardiner, life sciences manager of the elephant trail at Werribee. Keepers have been allowing them to settle in slowly introducing them in stages to their new digs, which include an elephant barn, areas of pasture and trees for grazing and deep pools for swimming. Grazing is a new activity and natural behaviour that wasnt available in the city. Gardiner, who has worked with the herd for more than 18 years, says the move has been a career highlight. Sometimes, I honestly get tears when I look out to these habitats and I see these elephants doing these beautiful behaviours like grazing or interacting with each other, swimming, wallowing, she says. I feel so happy that they get to live this life that they deserve. Continuing challenges Not everyone agrees open range zoos are the answer. The RSPCA does not believe elephants should be kept in zoos, as it is difficult to meet all their physical and mental needs in a captive environment, a spokesperson for RSPCA Australia says. The animal welfare organisation has long advocated stopping the importation of elephants into Australia, and has concerns about breeding in captivity. While open plains zoos offer more space to roam, there are continuing challenges, including limited social interactions due to relatively small herd sizes compared to those in the wild, the spokesperson says. Elephants need space to exercise, a stimulating environment to engage their considerable physical and cognitive capabilities, and a nurturing social life, says Peter Stroud, a retired independent zoological consultant. For decades, Stroud worked in Australian zoos as a keeper, curator and director and now advises on elephant welfare, including a stint on the elephant specialist group for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Older elephants in Australia have led chequered lives, he says. Some in their 40s and 50s have experienced dramatic changes from very small and impoverished exhibits and rigid daily routines, to larger more varied spaces with more insightful care although the spaces are still too small, he says. Their lives have improved but its important to acknowledge that some have suffered and been shaped by past experiences, he says. Stroud says the shift from city enclosures to open range zoos is a positive step, but not the end goal. What should happen is we stop destroying our environment, nurture biodiversity, protect wildlife and make a world where elephants can live their lives as the wild animals they are. Yon agrees. Both Asian and African elephants are now endangered, she says, and dying at a rate faster than they are being born. Globally, an estimated 18,000 elephants live in captivity in zoos, logging camps, sanctuaries and tourism facilities. As a species with a long lifespan, even if no more elephants were born in captivity, many would continue to live in those settings for decades to come, she says. Regardless of what we feel, we have a responsibility to try to make the lives of those captive elephants as good as possible. This article was amended on 9 June 2025. Perth zoos acting director of life sciences is John, not Jack, Lemon. Kyle Taylor celebrates the residents compensation payout on the balcony of his flat at the Exchange development in Bermondsey, south London. Photograph: Supplied Residents of a multistorey development in London have received 550,000 in compensation from a housing association for cladding defects in a case they hope will set a precedent for other claims. Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) and the contractor United Living have also completed large-scale works at their own cost to remedy the buildings in the Exchange development in Bermondsey, south London. After the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 it emerged that thousands of buildings had similar combustible cladding and other fire risks. The Exchange development, consisting of five multistorey residential and mixed-use buildings, and constructed for NHG by United Living, had widespread fire safety defects, including aluminium composite material (ACM), combustible insulation and inadequate cavity barriers. In 2020, residents began a legal case to ensure the work was carried out to make the buildings safe and that they would not have to foot the bill. Kyle Taylor, 40, who works in civil society, said he and other Exchange residents had been shocked when they heard people in a nearby building had received bills of up to 40,000 for similar remedial works. It has been stressful, he said. Were a mixed community so we have social tenants, private tenants, and first-time buyers through shared ownership. Were a building of teachers and nurses, key workers and young professionals. I know for myself and for a number of people those bills would not have been payable. We are pleased that NHG and United Living have at last done the right thing, but disappointed it took so long. We bought our homes in good faith and were devastated to discover they were not safe because of cost-cutting construction. We have had to live in unsafe homes for many years and are relieved that we can now start putting this behind us. Taylor, who has lived in the development since it was completed in 2014, and has at times spent 40 hours a week on admin connected to the case, said he was pleased the terms of the settlement were not confidential. It was really important for me, from the perspective of public interest, that we could be an example for people that it is possible to win on the basis of truth and reality and whats correct and just, but also to inspire some [other] people to go for it. The compensation will go to 76 leaseholders and independent freeholders and the terms of the settlement mean that none of the works or legal costs can be passed on to any future leaseholders or residents. Related: Housing ombudsman for England warns of simmering anger over living conditions The residents had sought compensation for costs, including court and expert fees, having to live in unsafe homes and inconvenience caused by the building works. Christian Hansen, of Bindmans, who acted for the claimants on a no-win no-fee basis, said: What weve seen is that a lot of constructors are basically dragging their feet, theyre not keen to do as many works as they should and theyre fighting these cases. I can only hope that settlements like this will be a bit of a wake-up call to them that actually they should be settling these things sooner than they are. An NHG spokesperson said: We are pleased to have reached a resolution on this case, having overseen the required building safety work at the Exchange. Our duty is to ensure the safety of our buildings and residents and this is always our top priority. Our publicly stated policy is that we do not recharge leaseholders for the costs of remediation work to external walls or balconies where they have been deemed to pose a risk of spreading fire. United Living was also approached for comment. A protest outside the federal building in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. Photograph: Damian Dovarganes/AP The Department of Homeland Security conducted raids on multiple locations across Los Angeles on Friday, clashing with the crowds of people who gathered to protest and prompting widespread criticism from California leaders. Masked agents were recorded pulling several people out of two LA-area Home Depot stores and the clothing manufacturer Ambient Apparels headquarters in LAs Fashion District. Immigration advocates said the raids also included four other locations, including a doughnut shop. There has not yet been confirmation of how many people were taken into custody during the coordinated sweeps. At an afternoon press conference, Angelica Salas, executive director for the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights, said at least 45 people were arrested without warrants. Our community is under attack and is being terrorized. These are workers, these are fathers, these are mothers, and this has to stop. Immigration enforcement that is terrorizing our families throughout this country and picking up our people that we love must stop now, Salas told the crowd. The protest only grew as the afternoon wore on. By 6pm local time, hundreds of people assembled around the federal building in downtown Los Angeles, where those taken into custody during the raids are being held. Earlier in the day, armed agents clad in heavy protective and tactical gear, including some who wore gas masks, could be seen on video and through aerial footage pushing individuals and trying to corral large groups that congregated to challenge the raids. Smoke grenades were reportedly thrown near the crowds and pepper spray was used as the federal officers attempted to clear the area. As the demonstrations continued into the evening, videos showed officers firing less-lethal weapons toward protestors. Some people in the crowd attempted to block large armored trucks carrying FBI agents as they departed. One person reportedly threw eggs at the vehicles. The Los Angeles fire department was called to the scene to administer aid to protesters injured by agents and officers, which included the president of the California branch of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), David Huerta. The organization said in statement he was detained and called for his immediate release. Huerta, who was injured and detained, released a statement to the Los Angeles Times from the hospital, saying: What happened to me is not about me. This is about something much bigger. This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice thats happening. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice, he added. We call for an end to the cruel, destructive, and indiscriminate Ice raids that are tearing apart our communities, disrupting our economy, and hurting all working people, Tia Orr, executive director of SEIU California said. Immigrant workers are essential to our society: feeding our nation, caring for our elders, cleaning our workplaces, and building our homes. The Los Angeles police department also assisted the federal officers in dispersing demonstrators, despite the departments insistence that it is not involved in civil immigration enforcement, and would only have a presence to ensure public safety. Advocates used megaphones from the streets outside where the raids were occurring to remind workers inside of their rights, the Los Angeles Times reported. Some called out individual names and demanded they be given access to lawyers. The community is here with you, one person shouted. Your family is here with you. Los Angeles leaders were quick to condemn the actions, which were part of a string of high-profile raids undertaken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement under orders from Donald Trump. In a statement on Friday, California governor Gavin Newsom said: Continued chaotic federal sweeps, across California, to meet an arbitrary arrest quota are as reckless as they are cruel. Donald Trumps chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power Americas economy. Newsom also condemned Huertas arrest, saying: David Huerta is a respected leader, a patriot, and an advocate for working people. No one should ever be harmed for witnessing government action. I am closely monitoring the Ice raids that are currently happening across Los Angeles, including at a Korean-American owned store in my district, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove said in a post on X, along with instructions on how affected constituents could reach her office for help. LA has long been a safe haven for immigrants, she added. Trump claims hes targeting criminals, but hes really just tearing families apart and destabilizing entire communities. Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that she was deeply angered by what has taken place, and that her office was coordinating with immigrant rights community organizations. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city, she said. We will not stand for this. In response, Trumps deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, who has functioned as one of the chief architects of the administrations draconian immigration crackdowns, wrote: You have no say in this at all. Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced. Los Angeles councilmember Eunisses Hernandez said in a statement: These actions are escalating: agents arrive without warning and leave quickly, aware that our communities mobilize fast. I urge Angelenos to stay alert. Meanwhile, the California senator Alex Padilla said: The Ice raids across Los Angeles today are a continuation of a disturbing pattern of extreme and cruel immigration enforcement operations across the country. These indiscriminate raids prove once again that the Trump administration cares about nothing but instilling harm and fear in our communities to drive immigrants into the shadows. It will not work. He added: This fearmongering is not going to change the fact that immigrants are valued members of our communities who contribute to our society and economy, and my office will demand accountability for todays actions. Similarly, the Los Angeles county supervisor Lindsey Horvath called the Ice raids acts of cruelty and bigotry, targeting our immigrant neighbors and tearing families apart. Horvath added: These actions are designed to instill fear in communities of color but we will not be intimidated, and we will not be silent. Im in direct communication with county, state, & community leaders to ensure that all available protections from LA County are activated immediately. We must remain vigilant. We must protect one another. And above all, we will stand together. Maya Yang contributed to this report Alicia Kemp, who has been travelling the world, and was in Australia on a working visa A British backpacker is facing up to 20 years in an Australian jail after being charged with killing a pedestrian she hit while riding an e-scooter. Alicia Kemp, 24, is alleged to have been three times the legal alcohol limit when she collided with Thanh Phan, a 51-year-old engineer said to have been standing on a footpath. Mr Phan, a father of two, had been waiting to cross the road in Perths central business district when Ms Kemp, who had a passenger on the e-scooter, struck him on May 3. Mr Phan died in hospital from brain injuries.The passenger, understood to be a 26-year-old friend of Ms Kemp, suffered a fractured skull and a broken nose. Thanh Phan, a 51-year-old father of two, was waiting to cross the road when the collision happened, prosecutors say Ms Kemp, a psychology graduate from Redditch, Worcs, was denied bail when she appeared in court in Perth charged with dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm and dangerous driving occasioning death. The magistrate said she was too great a flight risk to be freed on bail. If convicted, the maximum penalty is 20 years imprisonment. Ms Kemp was supported in court by her family, who travelled from the UK, and her boyfriend, with whom she was touring the world. She graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BSc in psychology with criminology, before completing a masters in forensic mental health. She went on to work with children in care who had emotional, behavioural, physical and intellectual difficulties. In the summer of 2023, she began a two-year trip around the world, posting her adventures on TikTok and describing herself as a digital nomad. She worked as an English teacher in Vietnam and volunteered at an animal shelter in the Philippines. She was in Australia on a four-month working holiday visa, and had been working at Durty Nellys Irish Pub in Perth. E-scooter hire suspended The police have claimed she was travelling at speeds of up to 15mph before she hit Mr Phan from behind. She was said to have been drinking since 2.30pm and the collision happened after 8pm. Prosecutors told the court her inexplicably dangerous riding was captured by CCTV, and other pedestrians had to take evasive action as she allegedly rode the e-scooter on the footpath. She was said to have had a blood alcohol level of 0.158. Local laws dictate that those riding electric vehicles like e-scooters must have a level below 0.05 to drive. As a result of the collision, the city of Perth suspended the hire of e-scooters. Dr Michael Page, the West Australia president of the Australian Medical Association, told News.Com.Au that at least one person a day was admitted to trauma units in the state with major injuries caused by e-scooters. He added that the number of patients with really serious injuries had been increasing. Its really a scourge in terms of injuries in our society and the problem with these council-endorsed private hire e-scooters in city centres is people are hopping on without any experience [of] riding e-scooters, he said. Theyre often intoxicated. They might be riding at night. They might not be wearing proper protection and so the chance for something to go wrong is very, very high. Dawn French was accused of belittling the Oct 7 attacks in a clip she posted on social media - Dave Benett/Getty Dawn French has apologised unreservedly after she posted a one-sided video in which she appeared to dismiss the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7 2023. The 67-year-old comedian and actress was accused of belittling the attacks in a clip she posted on social media in which she said the murder of 1,200 people was a bad thing. In the video, posted on X on May 5, she mimicked apparent defences of Israels huge military campaign in Gaza and was accused of appearing to belittle the Hamas-led murders of 1,200 people and adopting a mocking tone. On Saturday, she removed that video and issued an apology, adding that she was sorry her disgust at Hamas didnt figure. The message, also on X, said: Ok, its important to address this. I posted a video in the style Ive been using for social media in an effort to convey an important point. I clumsily used a mocking tone. My intention was NEVER to mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened on Oct 7 2023 and what continues to unfold from that brutal, unthinkable, unforgivable, savage attack. She said her heart broke for the innocent people killed, tortured, r@aped [sic] and kidnapped, adding that it was appalling that hostages were still being held. She insisted that her intention was to mock and point the finger of shame at the behaviour of the cruel leaders on ALL sides of this attricious [sic] war, who have continued to behave like the worst, dangerous, sickening bullies and seem to relish the tyrannical and childish one-upmanship of violence. Ms Frenchs apology She added she was feeling increasingly helpless and hopeless as we witness the carnage and destruction worsen, adding that she was haunted day and night by images of starving children. The Vicar of Dibley actress wrote: History has taught us never to stand by and allow this kind of inhumane violence to be wrought on anyone, especially innocent children. I have felt my silence is complicit or even somehow sanctioning. So in my small way, I wanted to voice my desire to say NO to both sides to any further violence. I hope you will understand my intention was not to offend, but clearly I have. For which I am sorry and I have removed the video. She was accused of adopting a baby-like face in the original 40-second video, in which she filmed herself saying: Complicated, no, but nuanced. But [the] bottom line is no. She went on, imitating someone defending Israels actions in Gaza, then replying to them: Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us... Yeah, but no. But we want that land and theres a lot of history No. These people are not even people, are they really? No. The video was viewed more than half a million times in the 24 hours after it was posted. Credit: X/@Dawn_French Tracy-Ann Oberman, an actress who has appeared in numerous West End shows, accused the comedian of adopting a mocking tone. Lee Kern, a comedy writer and self-described champion of Jewish rights, wrote: What you sneeringly mock as a bad thing included the grieving children I met in hospital whose friends and family had been murdered, kidnapped and raped and who themselves were coming to terms with their own life-altering injuries. It also includes the 1,200 people murdered and tortured on October 7 You proactively broadcast with misplaced pride a wicked glee in your mockery and dismissal of Jewish suffering, pain and death. Israel began its ground offensive in Gaza in response to Hamass terrorist attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. There are 56 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israel was criticised by Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, for its recent appalling military action. He described the conduct of Benjamin Netanyahus government as intolerable following claims that more than 50,000 people, including many women and children, had been killed by Israeli forces. The Lady T was taken to Boulogne harbour after being seized, with skipper Phil Parker remaining on board for six days until it was released when he paid a bond - Steve Finn A British fishing skipper whose boat was seized by the French has accused them of threatening his livelihood. Phil Parker said the French maritime authorities had seized 200 whelk pots and robbed him of 6,000 of fishing income by impounding the Lady T for six days before releasing it for a bond of 30,000 (25,200). He also faces a fine of 45,000 (38,000) on top of the bond if found guilty by a French court of non-authorised fishing in French waters in a boat from outside the EU. Speaking publicly about the incident for the first time, Mr Parker told The Telegraph that he intended to fight the case to the bitter end, claiming he had been only 288 metres into EU waters when his boat was stopped by the French. He has the backing of British fishing industry leaders, who have accused the Labour Government of selling out the British fleet, and said the treatment of the Lady T showed the French were not interested in partnership. The Lady T, based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was intercepted by the Pluvier, a French navy ship, on May 22 for non-authorised fishing in French waters. Four days later, the vessel, which was accused of fishing for whelks without an external waters licence, was allowed to return to Britain following the payment of the bond. Mr Parker said that he failed to realise that his boats licence to fish in the waters where he was stopped had not been renewed when he set sail. But he said the French maritime authorities behaved vindictively by impounding his boat rather than letting him off with a warning. He said: I was bang in the middle of the English Channel. Thirty miles from the English coast and 28.9 miles from the French coast. But they stopped me and jumped on board, even though I was only 288 metres inside the 30-mile EU waters line. For some reason, the boats licence to be in those waters had not been reissued, as it is automatically every year, so they said I was fishing illegally. I could understand it if I had been inside their 12-mile French waters limit, but it was in the middle of the English Channel. All I needed to be there legally was a bit of paper I thought we had. The seizure of the Lady T came just days after Sir Keir Starmer granted EU fishermen access to British waters for another 12 years in a deal critics fear will damage the industry. One industry source said: Nobody across the fishing fleet sees any fairness in the deal. Its terrible news for the whole of the industry. We are less protected than they [the French] are under the new deal. And then they go and seize a boat like The Lady T. Yes, the boat should have had the right paperwork, but the French should have exercised some discretion, especially as it came just after the new deal was agreed. They should just have had some stern words with the skipper and sent him on his way, not seize the boat. Youd have thought the French, especially the French government, would have handled it differently given the circumstances of the deal. But thats not how the French seem to do things. Im going to fight this After being seized, the Lady T was taken to Boulogne, where it was held for six days. Its crew stayed in local accommodation, but Mr Parker remained with the boat, with no toilet or shower, to ensure its safety. I couldnt just leave the boat. Eventually, after six days, they got my 30,000 deposit and I got to sail back. I could still get fined on top of that, which Im not very happy about, he said. Mr Parker claims the French maritime authorities appear determined to put him and other fishermen like him out of business. Its not nice having this prosecution hanging over me, he said. But Im going to fight this. Despite the uncertainty Mr Parker, who has a wife and six children, has no choice but to continue fishing, this time with the external waters licence he should have had when his boat was seized. This has now been issued, allowing him to set sail once again. But his task has not been made any easier by the seizure of 200 of his 800 whelk pots, which he will have to replace. These were taken despite Mr Philips maintaining that when his boat was stopped he only had a small number of whelks from the EU side of the Channel in them. Ive been fishing for 14 years and I would never break the law, but for some reason that bit of paper, the licence we needed, hadnt come, so technically I was in the wrong, he said. I thought I was simply doing the job Ive done for years. Youd have thought they could have been a bit more lenient with me. Olivier Lepretre, chairman of northern Frances fishing committee, suggested the Lady Ts seizure could have been a tit-for-tat action - Francois Lo Presti/AFP Following the seizure of the Lady T, Olivier Lepretre, the chairman of the regional fishing committee in northern France, suggested it had been intercepted in a tit-for-tat spat. The skipper and owner of Pierre DAmbre, a French-registered vessel, were fined 40,000 at Newcastle magistrates court in April after pleading guilty to bottom-trawling in a prohibited area of the offshore Brighton marine conservation zone. Mr Lepretre said last week: Until now, the French government has always favoured discussions to repression, as opposed to the British government which always imposes rules that are more and more restrictive, and more and more counterproductive for French fishermen. There comes a moment when you have to say: stop. Another French official said at the time that the Lady T was looking for it after entering exclusive French waters. 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Research by the US-based National Union for Democracy in Iran (Nufdi) found that the UK has become a flashpoint for influence operations in Europe by the Iranian regime and its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). It listed more than a dozen organisations which it claimed were directly linked to Tehran, advancing its agenda by lobbying organisations and MPs. The report came after Dan Jarvis, the security minister, warned that Iran was becoming increasingly emboldened and aggressive in its actions in the UK. Iran is becoming increasingly emboldened in its actions in the UK, Dan Jarvis, the security minister, told Parliament - Heathcliff O'Malley for The Telegraph Nufdi campaigns for a democratic and secular Iran and holds an annual Iran conference in Washington DC. In the report, it warned that Tehran was exerting increasing influence in an attempt to influence the British populace to adopt an appeasement policy. It said this included efforts to radicalise the pre-existing diaspora and UK nationals and whitewash the actions via organisations like cultural centres. These cultural centres enjoy the benefits of being protected by their religious/quasi-religious status and have become deeply rooted in several of the diaspora communities within the UK, the group said. The regimes influence within the cultural realm is particularly difficult to combat due to its leveraging minority Islamic communities and a perception of innocence, appearing as an institution fostering co-operation and community. The report cited several examples of cultural centres in Britain hosting lectures by IRGC commanders. As well as cultural centres, Tehrans influence extended to the lobbying of politicians and a robust and deep-rooted educational network, it added. Whether it is... an inability of the Home Office to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, or operating a vast network of propaganda centres masquerading as cultural centres, the IRIs [Islamic Republic of Iran] influence within the United Kingdom is vast and highly effective, the report concluded. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader (right), with Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Avalon Earlier this year, Mr Jarvis warned Parliament of an increasing threat from Iranian activities in the UK. He cited figures from MI5, which revealed that since the start of 2022, security services had responded to 20 Iran-backed plots against British citizens and residents. The regime has become increasingly emboldened, asserting itself more aggressively to advance their objectives and undermine ours, he told MPs. This is evidenced by the fact that direct action against UK targets has substantially increased over recent years. The Government has not proscribed the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, despite calls for it to do so, for fear of cutting off diplomatic ties with Iran. It has however, put the group on the enhanced tier of a new foreign agents registration scheme, meaning Iranian activities in the UK face greater scrutiny. Lord Hermer has been heavily criticised by Robert Jenrick - James Manning/PA Sir Keir Starmers law chief represented a suspected Iraqi bomb maker who won more than 33,000 in compensation from the Government. Court documents show that Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, represented Abd Ali Hameed Ali Al-Waheed, who was arrested by British troops after a partly assembled IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and explosives were found at his sisters home in Basra. In the case, Al-Waheed won a total of 33,500 for unlawful detention by the British forces, beating by soldiers and inhuman and degrading treatment after an internal review cleared him of any involvement in the insurgency against the British. It is the latest case highlighted by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, who last week published a video claiming Lord Hermer was unfit to be Attorney General because he had spent his life defending Britains enemies. The Attorney General has previously defended his record by pointing to the cab rank principle, which requires barristers to accept cases within their area of expertise regardless of the client. Allies also maintain that his extensive previous private practice as a barrister does not impinge upon his current role providing independent legal advice to the Government. However, Mr Jenrick said: Even Hermers colleagues acknowledge he is an activist lawyer that made his career acting against the British Government. He is uniquely ill-suited to being Attorney General. But Sir Keir Starmer wont sack him because hes cut from the same cloth as Hermer: his loyalty is to the human rights brigade, not the British people. List of clients The shadow justice secretary has previously criticised Lord Hermer for acting for Gerry Adams, Shamima Begum and Al-Qaeda chief Rangzieb Ahmed, Osama bin Ladens right-hand man. A professional friend of Lord Hermer last week noted how the cab rank principle did not prevent barristers from picking and choosing cases. Al-Waheed was arrested after soldiers raided his sisters house looking for his brother-in-law, Ali Jaleel, who was suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. Ali Jaleel was out, but a partly assembled IED and a large quantity of explosives were found in the house. Al-Waheed claimed he was systematically beaten and tortured by soldiers on his arrest and subjected to multiple forms of inhuman and degrading treatment during his detention, including sleep deprivation and denied sight and hearing by being hooded. Despite an internal review clearing him of involvement, he claims he was held for 33 days unlawfully in breach of Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). A spokesman for the Attorney General said: Over a 30-year career the Attorney General has represented very many people including victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, military veterans killed and injured in service, victims of rape and serious sexual abuse, victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, the Ukrainian Legal Taskforce as well as thousands of victims of environmental disasters. How barristers work It is a feature and cornerstone of our legal system that legal professionals operate the cab rank rule when it comes to clients, and barristers do not associate themselves with their clients opinions. The Code of Conduct for Barristers prohibits them from refusing instructions on the basis of their views of the character, reputation, cause, conduct, guilt or innocence of the client. Some Conservatives have criticised the attacks on Lord Hermer as unfair. Dr Ben Spencer, a shadow minister, said: Its absolutely right to question Lord Hermers judgement based on his decisions in role. But, even the worst of us must have legal representation. Former attorney general Dominic Grieve said Mr Jenricks video was a disgraceful attack on the UKs principles of justice and freedoms, which relied on a level playing field for individuals legal representation under the cab rank rule. Lord Hermer has, however, faced a barrage of criticism in recent days after comparing calls by Tory and Reform politicians to leave the ECHR to the rise of Nazism. This was exacerbated by fresh revelations in The Telegraph that he declined to review unduly lenient sentences given to a rapist, a paedophile and a terrorist fundraiser A prison governor has suffered a fractured skull after an inmate attacked him in the latest assault in Britains overcrowded jails. The governor is understood to have been attending a celebratory event held on one of the wings at HMP Ranby in Retford, Nottinghamshire, when he was attacked on May 16. It is rare for a governor to suffer such an assault and he is said to have been so seriously injured that he is still recovering in hospital nearly three weeks after the attack. It has sparked calls by Tom Wheatley, the head of the Prison Governors Association, for the Government to consider US supermax-style regimes within prisons for the most violent and dangerous offenders. Supermax units in the US see inmates confined for most of the day in single cells with facilities made of poured, reinforced concrete to deter self-harm. They have few privileges and are kept under 24-hour supervision, with high staffinmate ratios. Violent assaults His call follows a series of violent assaults over the past month which have seen prison officers stabbed and seriously injured. Hashem Abedi, a plotter of the Manchester Arena bombing, attacked and injured three officers in a separation unit in the high security Frankland jail in County Durham. Abedi, who is serving life, threw hot cooking oil over them and stabbed them with two makeshift knives he had fashioned from baking trays in the kitchen. Police are also investigating an attack by Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer, a who is alleged to have thrown scalding hot water from his kettle over a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh high-security jail in south London. A prison officer was seriously injured this month when he was stabbed in an unprovoked attack by an inmate with a knife believed to have been flown into HMP Long Lartin high-security jail in Worcestershire by a drone. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has ordered a review of separation centres used for dangerous Islamist terrorists, which could see them expanded. This week she also announced front-line prison officers overseeing separation centres and other segregation units in high-security jails will be given stab vests. A trial is also planned for staff to carry Tasers. Hashem Abedi attacked and injured three officers in the high-security Frankland jail - GMP However, Mr Wheatley said the attack on the governor at HMP Ranby, a category C training prison, showed that serious violence was not restricted to only high-security prisons. These attacks are not about the method of the assault, it is about the intent. What we need to change is something about the environment that deals with the intent of people to cause our staff harm, he told The Telegraph. What we need to carefully consider are different regimes for prisoners who exhibit that level of violence. Every prison currently has a segregation unit and these violent prisoners can expect to be segregated. They may get an additional sentence [as a result of the assault] but if you are serving a life sentence like Abedi, that is not going to make a difference. We need to consider things like administrative segregation regimes, like in America, which are about keeping people without very many possessions away from everybody else because they have been violent. There should be proper consideration of that. I am not supporting it but we need to think about it. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has appointed Jonathan Hall KC to review separation units for Islamist terrorists - Ethan Swope Mr Wheatley acknowledged there would be resource implications. It would require extra exercise yard space in prisons as each isolated prisoner would have to get their supervised daily exercise hour on their own, or a change to the requirement for every inmate to have at least an hour every day of fresh air. Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terror legislation, has been appointed by Ms Mahmood to review separation units. He has said he will consider the human consequences of segregating prisoners in such a way that it reduces the risk of violence to near zero, including super-max regimes. Some 10,605 assaults on staff in male and female jails were recorded in 2024, up from 9,204 in 2023 and nearly three times the 3,640 in 2014. Mohammad al-Mail can now be named as the demonstrator who chanted I love Oct 7 A pro-Palestinian activist who evaded terror charges in a two-tier policing row is an Islamist propagandist granted asylum in Britain, The Telegraph can reveal. The demonstrator, who avoided prosecution after chanting I love the 7th of October at a London rally last year, can now be named as Mohammad al-Mail, a 27-year-old Kuwaiti national granted refugee status in the UK in 2017. In May, The Telegraph published footage of Mr Mail glorifying the Hamas massacre and shouting, I like an organisation that starts with H through a megaphone at an anti-Israel protest in Swiss Cottage, north-west London, last September. He was later arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences but never charged. By contrast, a Jewish man who attended a counter-protest on the same day and briefly held a placard mocking Hezbollahs leader was charged after police claimed the sign could cause distress to terrorist sympathisers. It took eight months for the Crown Prosecution Service to admit there was insufficient evidence to prosecute. The Jewish protester, not pictured, briefly held this placard depicting the Hezbollah leader The Telegraph can now reveal that Mr Mail claimed he avoided prosecution by telling counter-terrorism officers that the H in his chant stood for the Home Office, rather than Hamas. In footage obtained by The Telegraph which police confirmed they had not seen Mr Mail appears to boast of misleading investigators. In an Arabic-language podcast aired in March, he said the case fell apart after he gave what appeared to be a knowingly false answer when asked: Who do you mean by the letter H? He said: Immediately, I answered, It could be the Home Office, you know, the ministry of the interior. I love the ministry of the interior, and so on. Truly, as the saying goes, The worst calamity is the one that makes you laugh, he joked, adding that officers wanted to delve into the depths of my conscience to know what I truly believe. Credit: The High Hand Authority The Metropolitan Police twice referred his case to the CPS but he was never charged. A source familiar with the case said prosecutors declined to bring charges, fearing it would be speculation to infer support for a proscribed group from his chant. The Telegraph can also reveal that Mr Mails support for terror groups was not limited to the Sept 20 protest. Since being granted asylum, he has used the Upper Hand Organisation, his campaign group, to promote an Islamist ideology fundamentally at odds with British democratic values. In the same podcast, he urged supporters to seize opportunities created by the October 7 attack the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Not every day is like October 7, he said. If an opportunity arises, we must fully exploit it. If you strike, make it hurt. His website hosts a string of Islamist manifestos and incendiary texts. He has criticised Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and HTS, the Syrian group, for being too pragmatic and failing to advance global jihad. He wrote that such groups have ultimately succumbed to the international system and failed to bring about significant change to the concept of jihad itself jihad, which is understood as a struggle to establish Sharia on earth. Mr Mail has promoted the jihadist cause online and distributed leaflets and stickers at protests. Mail distributed leaflets and stickers, pictured above, during protests On Aug 17 2024, the Upper Hand Organisation issued a pamphlet titled Wake Up! Protect the Honour of Islam, which portrayed the Israel-Palestine conflict as a war of faith. It glorifies jihad, urges mobilisation, and repeats the slogan a new Khaybar awaits a phrase often used to incite violence against Jews. The document claims his group is committed to channelling resources toward strategic projects to achieve Islamic dominance. On Nov 11 2024, Mr Mail announced he would surrender to police over his chants but told supporters to continue the path of jihad. He described peaceful Muslims as slaves and dwarves and issued a warning to Britain: What is coming to you is terrifying either our annihilation or yours. In recent months, he has used his platform to lobby Parliament to de-proscribe Hamas and divert taxpayer funds to sharia courts. He also opposes the banning of child marriage, arguing it discriminates against 16 and 17-year-old Muslim girls. In a statement to The Telegraph, the Met said it was unaware of Mr Mails apparent admission and record of Islamist advocacy until contacted by this newspaper. A spokesman said the force does not believe the material provided to us was known to officers at the time of their initial investigation. It did not form part of the case put to the CPS. Officers will carefully review it to identify any offences so the appropriate action can be taken. The case has been condemned as an example of two-tier policing, deepening embarrassment for Scotland Yard and raising concerns over national security among senior politicians and extremism experts. On Friday evening, Chris Philp, the shadow policing minister, said that, in light of The Telegraphs latest revelations, the police must urgently re-investigate the incident with a view to re-arresting the man concerned. He added: I am deeply worried that someone came here, was granted asylum and then abused the UKs generosity by expressing extremist views. This is why our human rights and asylum laws need to be changed. His comments were echoed by Lord Walney, the Governments former extremism tsar, who described the latest evidence uncovered by this newspaper as disturbing and raises serious questions for the Metropolitan Police. The fact officers were apparently unaware of this open source material when they submitted the case to the Crown Prosecution Service suggests an alarming lack of rigour in their initial investigation, he said. In light of this, it is vital that the police reopen the case to ensure national security can be protected. The Jewish counter-protester, who was charged for causing distress, said the revelations were yet more evidence of two-tier policing. The CPS dropped the case against him last month, eight months after he was first arrested. The police were sufficiently well-resourced to know Id be at the counter-protest the following week and to circulate my photograph among officers on the ground so they could arrest me. Yet counter-terror police were apparently unable to carry out a basic Google search on this man before interviewing him, he said. The CPS said it is urgently reviewing its decision not to press charges against Mr Mail. The Upper Hand Organisation, which he founded in 2012, was already active in Kuwait when Mr Mail arrived in Britain. During his studies, he was convicted in absentia of 13 offences by the Gulf state, including defaming the Emir and spreading subversive ideas, receiving a combined sentence of 53 years. He said these were politically and religiously motivated and was granted asylum in the UK on May 5 2017. He later received a partial pardon but remains in the UK. A Home Office spokesman said: Supporting a proscribed organisation is a serious criminal offence. The investigation and prosecution of criminal offences, including determining whether an offence has been committed or not, is a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service, who are operationally independent. It is our longstanding policy not to comment on individual cases. Mr Mail was approached for comment. The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis assisted The Telegraph with translation. Analysis shows Sir Keir Starmers Holborn and St Pancras constituency could lose up to 1,037 job due to changes to Business Property Relief - AFP/Isabel Infantes Labours tax raid on family businesses is projected to cost hundreds of jobs in Sir Keir Starmers constituency alone, new analysis shows. The revenue-raising scheme is also projected to hit the local economies of Labour constituencies harder than their Conservative, Reform and Liberal Democrat-voting counterparts. Analysis by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which represents nearly 200,000 UK businesses, revealed that the changes to business property relief (BPR) announced in Rachel Reevess October Budget will stifle growth in Labour seats across the country. The CBI claims that the average gross value added (GVA) losses in seats that elected Labour MPs at the last general election will be over 24 million, compared to 20 million in Conservative seats and 18.5 million in Reform constituencies. The projections span from the October 2024 budget to April 2030, after the next general election. Only seats held by the Green Party fared worse with an average GVA loss of around 40 million, suggesting that cities and urban centres will be worst hit by the raid. The CBI expects the economic hit to result in thousands of job losses in the most-exposed constituencies. Sir Keirs seat of Holborn and St Pancras will be the fourth-worst hit constituency in the country with 1,037 jobs expected to be lost, according to the analysis. Cabinet ministers to feel the pinch in their seats Red Wall seats are also set to suffer. The analysis shows that of 14.9 billion in nationwide GVA losses, some 4.6 billion (31 per cent) of that will hit constituencies that the Tories won in 2019 and Labour won back in 2024. These seats include the 31 Red Wall seats in the North and Midlands along with other key marginal constituencies which Labour will hope to win again at the next election if it wants to stay in power. Senior Cabinet ministers will also feel the pinch in their constituencies. The second-worst hit seat in the country, Manchester Central, is currently represented by Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons. The third-worst hit seat is Birmingham Ladywood, represented by Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary. Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, represents the ninth-worst-hit seat of Leeds South. In the October Budget, the Chancellor slashed BPR in an attempt to raise money from family businesses. BPR was originally introduced by a Labour government in the 1970s. It allows company shareholders to leave business assets to loved ones without paying inheritance tax on them. But in a sweeping change that will take effect in April 2026, full business relief will only apply to the first 1 million of a businesss assets upon a shareholders death, with everything above this subject to 20 per cent tax. White British pupils are now the minority in one in four schools in England, official data reveal. Analysis of school census data, collected from more than 21,500 primaries and secondaries in January, shows that in a quarter of them, the majority of the cohort is recorded as ethnic minority or white non-British. In 72 schools, no white British pupils are recorded, and in 454, they make up less than 2 per cent of the student body. The demographic shift is apparent in many of the countrys big cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford and Leicester. At Rockwood Academy, in Birmingham, for instance, none of the 1,084 students were recorded in the census as white British, while just 12 of the 2,779 pupils at Loxford School, in the London borough of Redbridge, were white British. The figures, released by the Department for Education this week, have been published as a report predicted that white British people will become a minority in the UK population within the next 40 years. The Buckingham University study projects a big rise in the proportion of the UK population comprising foreign-born and second-generation immigrants, from below 20 per cent to 33.5 per cent within the next 25 years. By the end of the century, six in 10 people in the UK will either not have been born in the UK, or will have at least one immigrant parent, and one in five will be Muslim, according to the report by Prof Matt Goodwin. The dramatic population change raises profound questions about the capacity of the UK state to both absorb and manage this scale of demographic change, he claimed. Concern about legal and illegal immigration levels, and their long-term impact, is fuelling a surge in support for Reform. In this weeks Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, in Scotland, Labour prised a win from the SNP but only Reform saw a significant swing in its favour, taking 26.1 per cent of the vote. The partys performance has led to predictions that Reform is on course to pick up more than 10 seats in next years Scottish Parliament elections, and poses a real threat in the 2029 general election. The school census data demonstrates that the white British share of the young population is in decline in many areas. Children in state schools in a third of council areas are now mostly ethnic minority or white non-British, up from about a quarter a decade ago. In all 32 London boroughs, apart from Bromley, white British children are in a minority. In Bromley, they make up 50.3 per cent. In Newham, just 5 per cent of children were recorded in the school census as white British. The figure in Harrow was 7 per cent. Other local authority areas in England where the majority of children are not white British include Manchester, Nottingham, Coventry, Luton, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Oldham and Blackburn and Darwen. The analysis of the school census figures excludes independent schools, schools where a high proportion of students had no ethnicity classification, and those where there were a very low number of pupils. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, raised the scandal last week of white working-class educational failure, saying that children had been betrayed and left behind in society. Government data shows that only 21 secondary schools in England where more than a fifth of pupils are white working class had any record of success with this group. Nick Harrison, the chief executive of the Sutton Trust social mobility charity, said white working class underachievement was a ticking time bomb for equality of opportunity in our country. In an attempt to steal ground from Reform, Ms Phillipson announced a new independent inquiry into white working class educational outcomes, which will be led by Sir Hamid Patel, the chief executive of a leading academies trust, and Estelle Morris, a former Labour education secretary. While the issue has been widely researched in the past, it has resulted in little or no action to try and tackle the problem. A comprehensive inquiry undertaken by the Commons education committee in 2021 found a significant educational achievement gap between white working class children and their more advantaged peers, and between this group and their equally disadvantaged ethnic minority counterparts. According to the report, attainment gaps are fuelled by high concentrations of poverty, inadequate resources, low teacher quality, and a lack of aspiration and investment in disadvantaged areas. Use of the term white privilege was also criticised for potentially alienating disadvantaged white communities Birmingham Sharia Council It shows in what strange times we live that it is the chairman of Reform, of all parties, who resigns over the question of banning the burka. Surely his party is the likeliest to favour a ban or at least to be able to contain internal disagreements on the subject. Probably Reforms chairman, Zia Yusuf, had other reasons to go. He is not the first person to find it challenging to work closely with Nigel Farage. In a spooky way, Reform tends to act as a mini-Maga, mirroring Trumpery in its highs and lows. Over there, Donald Trump and Elon Musk explode with a cosmic bang; over here, Farage and Yusuf then go off with a smaller pop. For this reason, I suspect that when Maga falters, as it eventually will, so will Reform. Nevertheless, Mr Yusuf is a Muslim. Partly for that reason, he was a recruitment coup for the supposedly Islamophobic Reform. On Thursday, he said his partys newest MP, Sarah Pochin, had been dumb, at Prime Ministers Questions, to call for a burka ban; then he resigned. Let me take two other recent examples of where attitudes to Islam raise knotty problems. On Monday, Hamit Coskun, an atheist Turk, was found guilty of a religiously aggravated public order offence and fined. He had burnt a copy of the Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London. In an article in this weeks Spectator, Mr Coskun says he was protesting about President Erdogan of Turkey changing his country from a firmly secular state to a base for radical Islamists while trying to create a sharia regime. The magistrate, however, decided otherwise. Mr Coskun had been motivated at least in part by hatred of followers of the [Muslim] religion, he said, and so he was a criminal. My other example comes from events outside Parliament on Wednesday. A noisy mob of anti-Israel demonstrators blocked, insulted and intimidated MPs and peers trying to enter. The protesters proudly announced that they were drawing a red line round the premises, as if they had that right. A disabled peer I know who travels by wheelchair, found it frightening to get through the crowd, though he determinedly persisted. He complained to a police officer, and got the airy reply, Its free speech, isnt it? It indicates the sense of vulnerability such situations arouse that the peer asks me not to print his name. Another peer, Lord Moynihan, was surrounded near the Tube station entrance by black-clad youths who subjected him to an involuntary interview, which they filmed, including the question: Do you condemn the massacres of Gazans? I do indeed condemn the terrible shootings by Hamas of their own people, he bravely answered. It was noticeable and has happened before that when there are Gaza marches the police and the parliamentary authorities are lax about ensuring legislators can enter freely and protesters are kept at a distance. They seem not to acknowledge the vital difference between free speech and threatening behaviour. Obviously, the greatest passion behind the Gaza marches comes from Muslims (though the secular hard-Left is also involved). Have the police made a covert bargain with the march organisers? The fear of being called Islamophobic seems to disable the polices judgment. They do not properly enforce public order or protect the right of MPs, peers or staff, to reach their place of work unimpeded. Nor do they protect the right of ordinary citizens to enter Parliament without fear. They act as if the right to protest allows parliamentary democracy to be made subject to a picket line. Yesterday, with many other peers, I signed a letter to the Lord Speaker, organised by Lord Walney. One of our points was that, on top of normal public-order legislation, there are at least four other laws which specifically protect Parliament from such attacks. Why are these not enforced, we asked, and why do the parliamentary authorities not take a stronger line to insist that they should be? One of the attractions of Britain to immigrants is that we are a free country, treasuring free speech. In many cases, immigrants enhance our freedom. Now that immigration is on such a vast scale, however, we suffer because many immigrants do not come from freedom-loving cultures. To the extent that immigrants can be grouped by religion, by far our largest group are Muslims. For complex political, economic and cultural reasons, Islam is in global ferment. In that ferment, freedom is often scorned, except the freedom to advance interpretations of Islam, often the most extreme ones. Such Islamists have punitive, sometimes violent attitudes to promoting their version of their faith. At worst, this takes the form of terrorism. The words Allahu Akbar! (God is great!) have become the war-cry of an imminent explosion or attack. Even without actual violence, Islamism often involves naked anti-Semitism and unreasoning hatred of Israel. Militant Islam also tries to assert its power against the sort of freedoms which the rest of us (including, do not forget, many Muslims) cherish. Examples include forcing women and girls to cover their heads and even their faces, prohibitions on school swimming or singing, protests against being served by women in the public services and the banning of certain books and films. A leading Islamist demand is for a blasphemy law, although its supporters use other words to describe it. Most Muslims are highly sensitive to any perceived insult to their prophet, Mohammed, or to the Koran. Because they regard the Koran as the unmediated word of God, some take the view that disrespect to the physical object, the book of his word, is a direct attack on him, and therefore must be avenged. Belief in the sacredness of religious scriptures should be respected by non-believers, but it must not be defended by law, no matter how much transgressions may offend Muslims. It is unpleasant and foolish to burn the Koran in public, just as it was which often happened in Britain until quite recently to burn effigies of the Pope. But the only conceivable justification for banning would be in special incidents burning a Koran in front of worshippers entering a mosque, for example which would amount to an incitement to violence. The offence here should not be because the act was religiously aggravated. A modern country should not adjudicate between the sincerity, truth or competing ardour of different religious claims. All it can judge is that some things in some places breach civil peace. In all the cases cited above, you can see politicians and public authorities tiptoeing round the subject. Surefootedness is certainly better than clodhopping where religion is concerned. But there is a growing, justified fear that we shall not continue as a free country if we defer to the angriest Muslim voices. Two concepts need to be faced down. The first is the idea of Islamophobia, to which this Government wants to give legal shape. The word phobia suggests psychological abnormality, yet surely people are entitled to be frightened of any religion, especially of Christianity and Islam, which aims for conversion and claims universal truth. Such fears may be misplaced, but they are not criminal. The other concept embedded in public policy, thanks to the Equality Act, is that of protected characteristics ones religion, sex, sexuality, age, disability, race etc. These are intended to defend people against persecution, but in practice they drive us into warring categories. The only protected characteristic anyone should need is to be a British citizen. That unites. Everything else divides. Artist and business owner Nadia Zarb in her Taree gallery where all the internal walls have been stripped because of damage from record floods that hit the town. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP Nadia Zarb can already see, and smell, the mould in her art gallery in Taree. The building on Victoria Street was inundated during flooding that hit the Hunter and mid-north coast of New South Wales at the end of May. Water filled the storage space below ground, the art supply store on the ground floor, and the loft exhibition space, reaching to just below Zarbs home on the top level. Water and mud still lies thick on the lower levels while her property is now filled with spores. Mould is forming on her art supplies, Zarb says, texting through pictures of wooden art models covered in black and grey mould. Its also in the walls, and areas she cant access. While its cold and damp, its really difficult to dry things and then you start to get that damp smell and that musty, mouldy odour, she says. Related: Its just maths: uninsurable, disaster-hit pockets of Australia pose existential questions requiring radical answers Experts are warning about the huge problem of mould in homes and businesses affected by the recent floods. Because they happened in winter, it will be almost impossible for many homeowners to dry out their properties and eradicate the dangerous spores, they say. This flood is badly timed for mould. Thats going to be a huge problem, says Ian Wright, associate professor in environmental science at Western Sydney University. Because its so cool now and because youre down low in the landscape, so the dew point [is low], its going to be almost impossible to get rid of that moisture. If this flood had happened a couple months ago in early autumn, there [would have been] much better prospects of drying out. But mould absorption into timber, particularly, or chipboard or plasterboard almost everyone is going to have problems with mould. It will make some places unsafe to live in. It makes me feel sick to think about it, actually. Lab research published in the CSIRO journal Microbiology Australia in 2023 found there was an increased risk of fungi and mould after flood events, because of conditions such as high humidity, and an extra nutritional load comprising of debris, vegetation, dead animals, wet surface soils and other displaced materials. The research found that the mould could colonise surfaces and penetrate deep into buildings, leading to a host of well documented associated health risks, including respiratory infections and poisoning from mycotoxins, particularly in already stressed or immunocompromised individuals, who may be suffering from displacement and psychological distress. Elly Bird, the executive director of Resilient Lismore, said mould was a huge concern after the 2022 floods in the Northern Rivers region. After our flood, we had constant rain for three or four months, so managing mould was really a significant issue for our communities, and people were having to really stay on top of constantly cleaning and monitoring and preventing, she said. I think its important to not understate the risk that can come from mould and the impact that it has on peoples health. Its really important to be vigilant and to make sure that youre drying out flood-affected properties as best you can, and treating mould as you find it, so that you can prevent further issues down the track. Wright and Bird recommended people use fans and heaters to dry out their properties completely, and also urged people to consider rebuilding with non-porous building materials less likely to retain water and to become a breeding ground for mould. Theres some really good guidelines that the New South Wales Reconstruction Authority have around flood resilience design that do things like: creating ways for water to move out of the property quickly, thinking about the types of cabinetry that you put back into homes, trying to avoid just using chipboard or gyprock, if at all possible, and using solid doors rather than hollow core doors, said Bird. Theres lots of tips and tricks that you can do to prevent more significant impact next time. And now is the time to start to be really carefully thinking about that. Most of the construction of Zarbs 1950s building is hardwood and plasterboard both of which retain water. After the 2021 flood, she replaced some of the lower boards in her walls with water-resistant weatherboard, and now is ripping out the rest of the walls to replace them this time around. Power is not yet fully reconnected at her property, meaning she cant use fans or heaters to help dry her basement floor, which is still waterlogged and full of mud. Im just airing it out at the moment, and you know, some spots you cant really get air to, so thats where the mould started. Rachel Reeves, centre, during a visit to Mellor bus garage in Rochdale on 4 June, where she announced increased transport spending for the north. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images Red wall Labour MPs are urging Rachel Reeves to fund grassroots social infrastructure such as parks, community centres and libraries, as well as high-profile transport projects, to ensure voters in left-behind areas can benefit from growth. The Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (Icon), chaired by the Labour peer Hilary Armstrong and supported by a string of backbenchers, has identified 613 mission critical local areas. It is calling on the government to pilot community-led regeneration schemes in places like these which are defined as those furthest away from contributing to Labours targets, including on growth and social mobility. Such neighbourhoods are characterised by higher unemployment, dramatically higher welfare spending, and 40% lower productivity than the national average, Icon finds and many voted Reform in last months local elections. Ahead of next weeks spending review, Reeves trumpeted plans for an additional 113bn in capital spending over the next five years, including 15bn on transport projects outside London and the south-east. The chancellors rewritten fiscal rules allow for a significant expansion in borrowing to fund such investment, which Reeves has called the lifeblood of growth. But the commission argues many projects that would be classified as day-to-day spending, which is more tightly constrained under Reevess rules, are essential for improving long-neglected local areas. Buses and trams are important, but theyre not the whole picture, said Armstrong, who was the Labour MP for North West Durham from 1987 to 2010. The problem is that big infrastructure projects, like, you know, trains, bridges, roads, take a long time, and people dont really feel that theyre in control of whats happening. She added: Unless people are getting the skills, feel confident about who they are and what their opportunities are and actually believe that they are able to build real opportunities for their kids, for their families, for their communities, then theyre not going to be doing the work that will add to the growth of the economy. Jake Richards, the MP for Rother Valley, said: Transport and other infrastructure projects are really important, but we must not overlook the importance of social infrastructure, which will be critical to the governments missions. Sure Start is perhaps the best example of this, bringing remarkable benefits for millions of families in our most disadvantaged communities. Armstrong cited a project in Wolverhampton the commission recently visited, which employed a chef to cater for community lunches. They came together and they chatted and they talked and they set things up coming out of it, she said. She called on the Treasury to consider social infrastructure when judging how funds should be disbursed. Its about, how do you get a sense of pride in where you come from, where you live, neighbours that you can talk to because you share a meal with them once a week, or something its actually enabling people to get to know each other a bit better and be more confident in each other. That will absolutely transform peoples lives. Chris Webb, the MP for Blackpool South, said: Towns like Blackpool, the most deprived in England, are poorly served by traditional economic infrastructure, which tends to benefit the big cities more than isolated coastal towns. This government must draw on our partys proud history of rebuilding communities to directly invest in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The North Durham MP, Luke Akehurst, said: Investing in social infrastructure such as community centres, parks and libraries, would start to plug my constituency back into the national economy, which it has been excluded from for far too long. Icon is funded by the Local Trust, which was set up to implement Big Local, a national lottery-funded project due to end next year, that gave more than 150 neighbourhoods more than 1m each to spend over a decade on locally led regeneration and fostering community connections. Analysis of Big Local by Icon suggests these areas saw greater declines in crime and smaller increases in economic inactivity than similar neighbourhoods outside the scheme. At least three people are dead and another 21 injured in the biggest Russian drone strike on Ukraines second-largest city since the start of the war three years ago. Russia launched 48 Iranian-made drones, as well as two missiles and four gliding bombs, towards the northeastern city of Kharkiv overnight, officials said. Ihor Terekhov, mayor to the city of around 1.4 million people, said we have a lot of damage, adding that three high-rise residential buildings were struck. Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the beginning of the full-scale war (in 2022), Mr Terekhov posted on Telegram. Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Synegubov said the wounded included two children. Rescuers carry a wounded person following the Kharkiv attack (AFP) "Medical personnel are providing the necessary assistance," he added. It came less than 24 hours after Vladimir Putins forces launched a huge barrage of missiles against Ukraine following Volodymyr Zelensky's audacious raid on Russian airfields last week. The Ukrainian president said six people were killed and 80 injured the previous night, when Russia attacked almost all of Ukraine with more than 400 drones. Moscow said that the aerial attacks were in response to "terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime", claiming four military bases were targeted inside Russia. City residents walk by following a huge drone strike (Reuters) SBU, Ukraine's security service, said at least 40 Russian warplanes were destroyed during Operation Spiderweb last Sunday. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Donald Trump said that the Ukrainians had given the Russians "a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them. Following a phone call earlier this week, Mr Putin told Mr Trump the Kremlin will retaliate very strongly to Ukraines covert operation. Ukrainian officials have been pushing for an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, issuing its latest proposal during peace talks in Istanbul on Monday. But Russia, which now controls around a fifth of Ukraine's territory, mostly in the east, has repeatedly rejected such offers. Credit: BBC Arnold Schwarzenegger has urged environmentalists to stop whining about Donald Trumps approach to climate change and instead get to work. The veteran actor, 77, said Mr Trump was not a barrier to change and activists should stop using him as an excuse not to act. Ive noticed people always said to me: Well, what is the point of fighting the environmental issue here and to reduce pollution, with Trump in the White House? the activist told the BBC after appearing on stage at a climate conference in Vienna. Mr Trump and his administration have repeatedly called climate change a hoax, despite the scientific evidence. I tell them: Hey, stop whining, he continued. We all have a responsibility. What do you think that action comes only for the whole world out of Washington, the White House? No. You have to be aware of your obstacles, but you should not go and use them as an excuse. The former Republican governor of California, who focused on environmental issues during his time in office, has continued campaigning globally on climate change since leaving politics. The former body builder has continued campaigning globally on climate change since leaving politics - Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Be the mayor that makes buses electric; be the CEO who ends fossil fuel dependence; be the school that puts [up] solar roofs, he said at the Austrian World Summit, a climate event in Vienna he helped to organise. You cant just sit around and make excuses because one guy in a very nice White House on Pennsylvania Avenue doesnt agree with you, said Schwarzenegger. I know that the people are sick and tired of the whining and the complaining and the doom and gloom, he said. The only way we win the peoples hearts and minds is by showing them action that makes their lives better. On his first day in office, Mr Trump fulfilled his energy campaign promises by ending the Democrats war on fossil fuels. He issued executive orders promoting oil and gas production and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. The president also withdrew from other commitments in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Mr Trump has pledged to open hundreds more coal-fired power plants and to halt closures driven by environmental regulations in an effort to compete with China, the worlds largest source of carbon emissions. Donald Trump and his administration have repeatedly called climate change a hoax - Alex Brandon/AP However, Beijing has embarked on its own ambitious clean energy plans, including rolling out affordable electric vehicles domestically and internationally that compete fiercely with Tesla. Much of that has been driven by an interest in boosting the Chinese economy, and to clear the blanket of thick black smoke and smog that has covered China for decades and upset the countrys residents. Coal is the most polluting form of energy, and has contributed to significant health risks and even fatalities in China. As the worlds most populous nation with more than 1.4 billion people more than four times that of the US China has extremely high energy demands to keep the country running. While the US also has energy demands to meet, the country was previously seen as a leader in climate change, particularly under Barack Obama, and in bringing the world together to lower global emissions. However, Mr Trump has reversed his predecessors energy agenda on net zero and incentives for wind and solar, going against what many other countries are doing. The UK, for instance, became the first G7 country to end the use of coal power when it shut down its last coal-fired power station last September. The government has also banned all new fossil fuel extraction in a bid to accelerate the move toward renewable energy sources. Diane Abbot told an anti-austerity march in London on Saturday that immigrants helped to build this country - Lucy North/PA Diane Abbott has said Keir Starmers speech about Britain becoming an island of strangers was fundamentally racist. Ms Abbott, the UKs first black woman MP, said she was very disturbed by the Prime Ministers recent speech in which he said that mass immigration had done incalculable damage to Britain. Speaking at a thousands-strong anti-austerity march in London on Saturday, Ms Abbott said: I was very disturbed to hear Keir Starmer on the subject of immigration. He talked about closing the book on a squalid chapter for our politics immigrants represent a squalid chapter. He talked about how he thought immigration has done incalculable damage to this green and pleasant land, which, of course, is nonsense immigrants built this land. And finally, he said we risk becoming an island of strangers. I thought that was a fundamentally racist thing to say. It is contrary to Britains history. My parents came to this country in the 50s. They were not strangers. They helped to build this country. Sir Keir Starmers speech about Britain becoming an island of strangers left Diane Abbott very disturbed, she said - Tolga Akmen/Bloomberg The Prime Minister faced outrage from Left-wing critics who claimed the reference to an island of strangers had been deliberately lifted from Enoch Powells incendiary 1968 speech on immigration, known as the Rivers of Blood speech. Ms Abbott, who has served as a Labour MP since 1987, also accused Sir Keir of aping Nigel Farage in order to turn around Labours dire poll rating. She said: I think Keir Starmer is quite wrong to say that the way that you beat Reform is to copy Reform. The Prime Minister delivered the speech last month while announcing a new programme of immigration restrictions. He has castigated record-breaking net migration numbers under the Conservative governments of Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak as Britains failed experiment in open borders. The latest figures show that the net flow of people into Britain halved between 2023 and 2024. While Labour sought to take credit for the cut, former Conservative Home Secretary James Cleverly claimed his immigration rule changes were behind the sudden fall in numbers. Latest figures show that the net flow of people into Britain halved between 2023 and 2024 - Gareth Fuller/PA Thousands of Left-wing demonstrators gathered in central London on Saturday to march against the Governments programme of spending cuts and welfare reform. The march was organised by The Peoples Assembly and featured representatives from the Green Party, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, the National Education Union (NEU) and the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP) among other Left-wing groups. A spokesman for The Peoples Assembly slammed the Governments spending cuts and said: Real tough choices would be for a Labour government to tax the rich and their hidden wealth, to fund public services, fair pay, investment in communities and the NHS. The Prime Minister is facing increasing pressure from his Left flank to change direction. He has now announced a U-turn on a cut to winter fuel allowance, which removed the benefit payment from 10 million pensioners. A major change to the two-child benefit cap is also expected after concerns that it increases child poverty. But senior Left-wingers have urged Sir Keir to go further. Splits over economic policy A secret memo from Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, to Rachel Reeves, uncovered by The Telegraph, has also shown the splits over economic policy at the top of Government. In the memo, sent before the Spring Statement, Ms Rayner urged the Chancellor to raise taxes rather than cut spending to plug fiscal holes. Ms Abbott had the whip withdrawn in 2023 after sending a letter to the Observer, for which she later apologised, arguing Jews could suffer prejudice but not racism. In the run-up to the last general election, Ms Abbott was readmitted to the party, but there was rampant speculation that she would not be allowed to stand again as a Labour candidate in her Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat. After political pressure, Sir Keir said that she was free to stand in the seat if she wished. She now sits as Mother of the House, the longest continuously serving woman MP in the House of Commons. Holidaymakers have been warned of the potential for strike action at Glasgow Airport over the summer as more than 800 workers from five companies are involved in pay disputes. Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. The union said on Saturday that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could ground planes and passengers. Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. Unite boss Sharon Graham claimed the companies involved can easily afford better pay and working conditions (PA) It said the company is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives. Unite said some Swissport staff are struggling with chronic fatigue. A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6% pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6% pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25%. The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers. The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions. The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits. Mr McIlvogue said: Unite is in dispute with companies at Glasgow Airport which could ultimately bring hundreds of workers out on strike. The companies can resolve these disputes with Unite before that situation happens by addressing the legitimate concerns and pay aspirations of our members. If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July. A spokesperson for Swissport said: We are in dialogue with Unite the talks so far have been constructive and we remain focused on working together to address the issues being raised. Phil Lloyd, senior vice president UK, Menzies Aviation, said: Following the rejection of recent pay award proposals, we remain committed to seeking a resolution, and have in fact met with Unite today to make an enhanced offer, with a follow-up session scheduled. We hope to reach an agreement which is workable for both the business and our employees at Glasgow Airport. We continue to work towards an agreeable solution to protect services for our airline and airport partners and their customers. Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, and Falck have been contacted for comment. Afghans are among 12 nationalities to be banned from entering the US - AP/Ebrahim Noroozi The Taliban has urged Afghan citizens hoping to emigrate to the US to return home after Donald Trump banned Afghans from entering. This week, the US president signed a sweeping travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, to stop foreign terrorists. Responding to the ban on Saturday, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Afghan prime minister, urged his citizens to return, saying they would be protected even if they had worked with US-led forces in the two-decade fight against the Taliban insurgency. He said: For those who are worried that America has closed its doors to Afghans... I want to tell them: Return to your country, even if you have served the Americans for 20 or 30 years for their ends, and ruined the Islamic system. Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace, he added, in a speech broadcast by state media. The Talibans return to power in 2021, after the withdrawal of US and UK troops and a chaotic evacuation effort, forced millions to flee amid fears of reprisal for working with Washington. Although Taliban authorities declared a general amnesty for those who worked with the Western-backed forces, the UN has since recorded hundreds of reports of extrajudicial killings, detentions and abuses. An investigation by the international body last year found that the authorities were responsible for 218 extrajudicial killings of former government officials and Afghan troops, 14 enforced disappearances, over 144 instances of torture and ill treatment, and 424 arbitrary arrests and detentions between Aug 15 2021 and June 30 2023. Over the past four years, the Taliban government has also imposed harsh restrictions on women and girls, which the UN says amount to gender apartheid. In most provinces, women have been banned from travelling or leaving their houses without a man and prohibited from working, while girls are no longer allowed to attend secondary school or higher education. The UN says gender apartheid exists throughout Afghanistan - AP/Ebrahim Noroozi The US has not had a working embassy in Afghanistan since 2021 and Afghans must apply for visas in third countries, principally Pakistan, which has recently ramped-up campaigns to expel Afghans. The Trump administration said the measure was meant to protect US 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 move, which comes into effect on Monday, follows a terror attack in Colorado that authorities blamed on a man they said was 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, Mr Trump said in a video message from the Oval Office posted on X. We dont want them. Credit: The White House His administration added that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents, and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It claimed that Afghans who visit the US have a high visa-overstay rate. In January, Mr Trump suspended a core refugee programme, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the US, and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. On Saturday, Hibatullah Akhundzada, a leading Taliban figure, weighed in, calling Mr Trump an oppressor. He blamed the US for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza and linked this allegation to the travel ban. You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance, he said. The US president also barred nationals from Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country. The ban is the latest move in Mr Trumps 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. A Hammersmith & Fulham councillor on patrol with law enforcement team officers The days when a law-abiding Englishman could go through his life barely interacting with the state beyond the policeman and the postman are long gone. Even so, it is dispiriting to see the eagerness with which minor government apparatchiks seize every opportunity to infringe on personal freedoms and impose inconveniences on the population. Labour-controlled Hammersmith and Fulham Councils decision to fine a resident 1,000 for putting out his bins a few hours early before travelling away from home is a perfect example of the type of small-minded bureaucracy that permeates life in modern Britain. It fits all too neatly into a schema containing the proliferation of anti-driver Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph zones imposed against the wishes of residents, the excessive taxation of those who dare to own a second home, and the impression that local officials are all too willing to interfere and meddle in the daily lives of their residents with little sense of self-restraint. Hammersmith and Fulham has taken this logic further than most, with uniformed enforcement teams patrolling the borough and issuing fines day and night, seven days a week, without providing the safety and security of police officers. But establishing a specialist unit of jobsworths is merely a logical continuation of a broader trend across the country as a whole. A stranger arriving in Britain for the first time could be forgiven for believing that the primary role of local government is to restrict choice and wage war on convenience. It is hard to otherwise explain the sheer extent to which councils delight in imposing their whims on residents, and the sheer number of rules weighing down daily interactions with the public sector. Rather than viewing their role as providing services to the taxpayers who fund them, however, it seems to be that councils see their job as ensuring adherence to the most rigid interpretation of the rules possible, enforcing ideological conformity with ambitions such as net zero or biodiversity improvement, and potentially levying fines to help balance the books. The result is an unending war on convenience, and ever greater state intrusions into daily life that should rapidly be reined in. Composite: Guardian Design / Guardian / Emma Graham-Harrison default Reem Zeidan was terrified of being separated from her children. As they trudged for hours through the ruins of Gaza towards a food distribution centre, she rehearsed over and over again with her 20-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son what they should do and where they should wait if an Israeli attack turned the column of hungry people into a chaotic, panicking mass and the family were torn apart. It was the last conversation she had with them. She was dead before dawn broke on Tuesday, killed by a single bullet through her forehead. Her daughter and son spent nearly three hours beside her body, pinned down by gunfire. We went there out of desperation. Hunger is what forced my mother to go. She had been going every day for a full week walking six hours to get there and coming back with nothing, Mirvat, her daughter, said in a phone interview. A couple of days before, after Israeli forces had opened fire on the weary crowds approaching new Israeli and US-backed food distribution centres, Mirvat had begged Reem not to risk the trip any more. The walking, waiting, battling the chaos and then returning empty-handed seemed a pointless risk, a waste of what little energy they had left after months of small, irregular meals. But her children were famished. I told my mother it was a sign from God not to go again and that convinced her, Mirvat said. But she would quickly change her mind when my little sister Razan, who is only five years old, cried to her that she was hungry. Reem tried to stretch out what little stocks the family had left after months of siege, but it is hard to trick a hungry child. After one meal of soup, made with just a handful of lentils for the whole family, Razan begged for food, telling their mother water doesnt fill my stomach, Mirvat said. So on Monday, Reem told Mohammad, her husband of 28 years, that she wanted to try again to get some food. They set off before midnight because the distribution point is several hours walk from Khan Younis, where the Zeidan family have been sheltering in the ruins of their old home. Food handouts begin early and end fast. For six days, my wife and I went there and came back with nothing, said Mohammad. She insisted on going [again], hoping we would at least get one kilo of flour. Instead, she came back covered in blood, wrapped in a shroud. It feels like I have lost a part of my body, like someone tore my heart out of my chest. The soul of our home has gone. Reem was praying and worrying the whole journey, as the weary family walked and rested, walked and rested. They were nearly at the food distribution point, when suddenly they heard heavy gunfire. Reem checked one more time that her son and daughter remembered their pre-agreed meeting point. Then she was gone. Her last words were: If we get separated, where will we meet again? Mirvat said. But now weve been separated forever. Both saw their mother being killed. Ahmad turned round after a girl behind him started screaming and watched his mother collapse, face down, behind him. I started trying to wake her up, shaking her and shouting her name, Ahmad said. The sound of explosions grew louder, snipers were firing in all directions, and quadcopters [drones] around us were also shooting. In just one second, everything turned upside down without us knowing why. *** Reems death was a tragedy foretold; her childrens loss a grief that could have been prevented. Humanitarians had warned that mixing guns and food would put civilians at risk since Israel and the US first mooted plans to concentrate food delivery in hubs guarded by private security contractors and the Israeli military. The UN and major charities have fed more than 2 million people since the start of the war, using networks built in Gaza over years, and security protocols without weapons that have been tested in many conflicts and disaster zones. Israel has limited the access allowed to UN and other groups delivering critical aid to Gaza throughout the war, and from March to late May imposed a total siege, causing a starvation crisis. Related: The world does not care if we all die: hunger and despair in the ruins of Gaza City It claims Hamas has diverted and exploited aid throughout the war, and that it needs a new delivery mechanism to starve the group of cash and supplies. But it has never provided evidence to back up that claim, or statistics detailing thefts. It presented the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as an answer to these problems. A secretive group that has not revealed its funding, it is led by an evangelical Christian from the US who has ties to Trump but has no experience delivering humanitarian aid at scale in a war zone. Less than a week after the GHF started operations, at least 27 people were killed trying to reach one of its sites on Sunday 1 June, health authorities said. Mass attacks continued on Monday and Tuesday, when Reem was among the victims. The Red Cross said that in that period, hundreds of casualties were brought to its field hospital in Rafah after attacks on crowds trying to reach GHF sites. The toll over three days was at least 50 killed and more than 400 injured. The GHF acknowledged the Israeli military attacks on Tuesday. It was saddened to learn that a number of civilians were injured and killed after moving beyond the designated safe corridor, a spokesperson told Associated Press. It halted food handouts on Wednesday and part of Thursday to enhance security measures. The Israeli military had previously denied shooting at civilians seeking food but has since said its forces opened fire on Tuesday near a food distribution centre, firing on people troops deemed were moving towards them. Mohammad, who is 46 years old, said that on repeated trips to the centres there was never enough food for even a fraction of the desperate crowds gathered from all over Gaza. The distribution of those limited supplies was brutal and dehumanising, he said. Coverage of the war in Gaza is constrained by Israeli attacks on Palestinian journalists and a bar on international reporters entering the Gaza Strip to report independently on the war. Israel has not allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza since 7 October 2023, unless they are under Israeli military escort. Reporters who join these trips have no control over where they go, and other restrictions include a bar on speaking to Palestinians in Gaza. Palestinian journalists and media workers inside Gaza have paid a heavy price for their work reporting on the war, with over 180 killed since the conflict began. The committee to protect journalists has determined that at least 19 of them were directly targeted by Israeli forces in killings which CPJ classifies as murders. Foreign reporters based in Israel filed a legal petition seeking access to Gaza, but it was rejected by the supreme court on security grounds. Private lobbying by diplomats and public appeals by prominent journalists and media outlets have been ignored by the Israeli government. To ensure accurate reporting from Gaza given these restrictions, the Guardian works with trusted journalists on the ground; our visual teams verify photo and videos from third parties; and we use clearly sourced data from organisations that have a track record of providing accurate information in Gaza during past conflicts, or during other conflicts or humanitarian crises. Emma Graham-Harrison, chief Middle East correspondent These are not aid distribution points. These are traps set for the people, he said. When the shooting begins, you stay down. Someone next to you might get shot or killed, and you cant even look at them or help them. And when theyre done with their fun they open the gates at 6am, and chaos erupts. The soldiers film people fighting over the aid, and once its finished, they throw teargas to disperse the crowd. I saw displaced people who couldnt get any aid picking pasta from the sand. The Zeidans have almost no food left. After the war resumed in March they mostly ate at charity kitchens, but fewer and fewer kept operating as the siege deepened and supplies inside Gaza dwindled. Now, as they should be celebrating Eid, Mohammads children are mourning their mother, their second holiday marked by grief. Last year, at the end of Ramadan, they buried the couples eldest son, Nabil. Our holidays were supposed to be filled with joy, sweets, and feasts. Now, we greet them with death and blood, Mohammad said. What did my children do to lose their mother because she tried to get food for them? The youngest is only five. They still need their mother. *** Mirvat cannot escape the agonising image of her mothers death, etched into her brain since it happened. Every time I close my eyes to sleep, I see the scene of my mother falling and dying. Its like Im reliving it over and over. I watched my mother die before my eyes and I was powerless to do anything. At first, she could not believe her mother had been killed. I ran to her. People around started offering condolences, saying she had been martyred. But I told them: No, shes still alive, Mirvat said. I truly felt that she was still alive. I could feel her pulse. I held her, lay on her chest. I felt her soul was still there. I could hear her heartbeat. I started calling her: Mother, can you hear me? Come on, wake up. Lets get out of here, lets crawl on the ground. Dont worry, youll be OK. Ill pull you with me. But she didnt respond. For three hours, Mirvat and Ahmad waited beside Reems body for the shooting to stop. When it finally did, crowds surged forward for food and the children began looking for a car or cart that could take their mother to a hospital. In the chaos they were separated and Mirvat had to choose between leaving her mothers body or abandoning her little brother. She decided to focus on the living, whispering to Reem: I entrust you to God. By the time she found her brother, emergency workers had taken their mothers body away, so the siblings began a bleak tour of Gazas battered hospitals to find her. First the British hospital, then the American hospital, then the Red Cross. Finally as they reached Nasser hospital, an ambulance arrived carrying unidentified bodies. Reem was among them. A journalist captured Ahmad grieving over the body, stroking, kissing and hugging his mother through tears. No, no, my mother is not dead. Shes still alive, he says. The video spread online, because of his raw grief and also because a video of Reem herself identifying Nabils body had gone viral a year earlier. Nabil was killed in a bombing in January 2024, as civilians fled Khan Younis in the face of an Israeli advance, but Reem could not retrieve her sons body for months. The moment when she recognised his clothes on an unidentified victim, then broke down in agony, captured the pain of so many Palestinians in Gaza. Now her killing is a brutal reminder of the scale of suffering and death visited on the most ordinary families there. Before the war, the family of 10 were poor but had each other. Nabil worked for a cleaning company and earned 50 shekels (about 11) a week alongside Reem for many years. His father worked as a day labourer when he could find employment. Reem was kind and cheerful, Mirvat said, quick to laugh and with a ready smile. She treated her children with respect and kept order in their large family through love, not fear. When a child got upset at being chastised, she would comfort them with their favourite food. Shed come with a smile on her face and start explaining that she did what she did for his own good. She would keep trying until he was happy again, her daughter said. She loved to listen to our thoughts and valued our opinions. Mirvat was in her last year of high school when the war began. Her dreams of going to university to study law have been set aside, replaced by the basic hope that the rest of her family will survive the war, and by new responsibility now her mother is gone. My future is clear. There are children depending on me, so even if education starts up again I wont be able to go back, she said. I cant imagine sitting around the dinner table and seeing my mothers place empty, knowing she died trying to bring us food. Elon Musk and Donald Trump in Philadelphia on 22 March 2025. Photograph: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images After a year of effusive praise and expressions of love for each other, Elon Musk and Donald Trump exploded their political partnership in dramatic fashion this week. The highly public split included, among other highlights, the worlds richest person accusing the president of the United States of associating with a notorious sex offender. Trump said Musk had lost his mind. As Musk and Trump traded insults, each on his own social network, they also issued threats with tangible consequences. Trump suggested that he could cancel all of Musks government contracts and subsidies the best way to save money, he posted a move that would have devastating consequences not only on the tech billionaires companies but also on the federal agencies that have come to depend on them. Musk responded by announcing that he would begin decommissioning the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that Nasa relies on for transport missions, although he later reversed the decision. While the ongoing episode had the tenor of sensational reality TV, the fight between Trump and Musk once again exposed the danger of putting key public goods in the hands of private companies controlled by erratic billionaires. It highlighted how something like space travel, once a vaunted and collective national enterprise, can now be almost entirely derailed by the emotional whims of a single person. Musk and Trumps partnership had already fueled months of concern about corruption and calls for investigations into the Tesla CEOs use of his position in government to benefit his companies. The breakup has highlighted another risk of Musks deep ties with the government, where the services that he provides can now become collateral damage in interpersonal disputes. Tens of billions of dollars hang in the balance of their fight. The messy, public way that the clash has played out also serves as a reminder of how unpredictable their decision-making can be. Musks vow to sideline SpaceXs spacecraft and his reversal, without which the US would have immediately been prevented from reaching the International Space Station (ISS), appeared, for instance, as an emotional lash-out amid a string of other insults against Trump, and it was nearly impossible to discern whether he was serious. In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately, Musk posted without warning on Thursday. Good advice. Ok, we wont decommission Dragon, Musk followed up less than a day later, responding to an anonymous user with about 5,000 followers who said he should cool off and take a step back for a couple days. If Musk and Trumps fight ends up disrupting government services or further turning them into political leverage, it will not have come without warning. Ever since Musk refused in 2023 to let Ukraine use Starlink in Crimea to launch a surprise attack against Russian forces, governments have dealt with the uncomfortable reality of Musks control over global infrastructure. Musks claim that he could hobble Ukraines entire front line by turning off Starlink caused a diplomatic incident earlier this year. Meanwhile, European governments have recently rushed to find alternatives to Starlink amid concerns over Musks unpredictability. While Musk provoked foreign governments and acted as an unaccountable global power broker, the US has by contrast continued to hand him contracts and increase its dependence on his companies. Space operations in particular have become practically synonymous with Musk. Related: Trump and Musks very public feud is like Alien v Predator for political nerds Since SpaceX won its first Nasa contract in 2006, the government has awarded about $15bn worth of contracts to the company and has come to depend on it for ferrying astronauts and cargo into space. Nasa has also contracted SpaceX for its planned crewed mission to the moon, as well as a mission to explore one of Saturns moons. Last year, the agency turned to SpaceX when it needed to rescue two astronauts stuck on the ISS. The governments reliance on Musks empire also extends beyond Nasa. The Pentagon has extensive contracts with Musk, using SpaceX to launch intelligence satellites. SpaceX was also the frontrunner in the Trump administrations plans to build a Golden Dome missile defense shield, which has become a US national defense priority. Starlink, Musks satellite communications service, had also made inroads into the government to the point that it was installed this year at the White House. Musk is still accountable to market forces and the investors backing his companies, as was made evident on Thursday after Teslas shares plunged roughly 14% during his dustup with Trump. Musk has previously stated that he is willing to lose money over his ideology, however, and his immense wealth somewhat insulates him against even large shocks to his companies. When Teslas shares dropped on Thursday, it wiped about $34bn off his total net worth in a single day yet he remained the worlds richest person by a gap of more than $90bn. The extensive reliance on Musk and the privatization of government services has always drawn criticism from ethics watchdogs and some aerospace and defense industry experts, but it appears especially risky now that Musk has threatened to hold certain services hostage. It has also served as a counterpoint to the project of slashing and privatizing the federal government that Musk spent his tenure with the Trump administration carrying out. Musk has furiously campaigned against bureaucracy, courts and regulators as impediments to getting things done, but these also exist as a bulwark against exactly the kind of unaccountable personal power and erratic whims that both he and Trump put on display during their clash. Elon Musk and Donald Trump have been in a well-publicized feud over the last couple of days after months of working together. Photograph: Allison Robbert/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump warned Elon Musk on Saturday that he faces very serious consequences if he funds Democratic candidates following the pairs epic public bust-up this week. The warning, delivered in an interview with NBC News scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, follows days of feuding and threats after Musk called Republicans budget legislation an abomination. Trump told interviewer Kristen Welker his relationship with the tech mogul was over and warned Musk against choosing to fund Democrats after spending close to $300m in support of Trumps re-election last year. Related: The Trump-Musk feud shows danger of handing the keys of power to one person If he does, hell have to pay the consequences for that, Trump told NBC News. Hell have to pay very serious consequences if he does that, he added. Trump was also asked whether he had any wish to repair his relationship with Musk. No, he said. Asked whether he thought their relationship was over, he said: I would assume so, yeah, and said he had no plans to speak with his erstwhile sidekick. Im too busy doing other things, Trump said, adding: I have no intention of speaking to him. But he predicted that the spat had helped to unify the Republican party around him, saying the party has never been united like this before. Its never been. Its actually more so than it was three days ago. Musks opposition to the Republican budget bill, formally the one big beautiful bill act, would not, he predicted, affect its passage through Congress. The bill narrowly passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. However, some conservative Republicans share Musks concerns about the need for significant spending cuts and are considering making changes. The bill extends Trumps 2017 tax cuts and includes new spending for border security and the military. Republicans aimed to offset these costs with cuts to programmes such as Medicaid, food stamps and green-energy tax credits. Projections from the congressional budget office and independent analysts indicate that the bill would add between $2.3tn and $5tn to the deficit over the next 10 years. White House officials contend that the economic growth generated by tax cuts will offset the increased spending. Still, Trump told NBC he is very confident that the bill will pass the Senate before 4 July. I think, actually, Elon brought out the strengths of the bill because people that werent as focused started focusing on it, and they see how good it is, Trump said. So in that sense, there was a big favor. But I think Elon, really, I think its a shame that hes so depressed and so heartbroken. He also accused Musk of being disrespectful to the office of the president. I think its a very bad thing, because hes very disrespectful. You could not disrespect the office of the president, he said. Earlier, Musk deleted a post from X, the social media platform he owns, that asserted links between Trump and disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein. Questioned about the inflammatory post, Trump said: Thats called old news, thats been old news, that has been talked about for years. Even Epsteins lawyer said I had nothing to do with it. Its old news. Musk has also retracted a threat to begin decommissioning SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft used by Nasa to ferry astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. The original threat came after Trump suggested he might cancel SpaceXs federal contracts. On Saturday, the president said he hadnt given the subject any more thought. Id be allowed to do that, he said, but I havent given it any thought. Earlier on Saturday, JD Vance told interviewer and comedian Theo Von that Musk was making a huge mistake going after Trump, but downplayed Musks attacks as being made by an emotional guy who got frustrated. I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe thats not possible now because hes gone so nuclear, the vice-president said. But he added: Look, it happens to everybody. Ive flown off the handle way worse than Elon Musk did in the last 24 hours. I actually think if Elon chilled out a little bit, everything would be fine, Vance said. David Smith contributed reporting Valeria was about to take a bite of pizza when the Iskander landed nearby. The blast from the Russian missile shattered all the windows in the Mykolaiv CHP (combined heat and power) plant in southern Ukraine, igniting a gas fire and propelling shrapnel through the canteen. I had imagined what I might do when a missile or a Shahed [drone] comes, like if it really happens to me, and I had told myself I should be really calm at that moment, says the 27-year-old. She and her twin sister Alyona led a hyperventilating colleague out of the plants office to her car. The trio were still driving away when the second Iskander hit, devastating the plants boiler-room. Valeria Khymnyets and her twin sister Alyona, who fled the Mykolaiv CHP plant when two Iskander missiles struck it in October - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph After that Oct 10 strike, the plant was targeted again, in January, February and May, each time with Shahed drones. On Thursday night, Russia renewed its campaign against Ukraines national energy infrastructure, breaking a loosely followed ceasefire Vladimir Putin agreed with Donald Trump in a phone call on March 18. Power facilities were struck in the western city of Ternopil and targeted in other areas, days after Putin warned he would avenge Ukraines elaborate Spiderweb attack on Russias bomber fleet. The scumbags havent hit the energy sector en masse for five months, wrote Myroshnykov, a Ukrainian military blogger. Ballistics on transformers only the scumbags could do that. Rescue teams stretcher a casualty of Russias punishing attack on Kharkiv to safety - Sofia Gatilova/Reuters On Friday night, Moscow struck the northeastern city of Kharkiv with what the mayor described as the most powerful attack since the start of the war, involving more than 50 Iranian-made drones, one rocket and four guided bombs. At least three people were killed and 22 wounded in the strikes. Bloodied residents were carried out on stretchers from their homes by rescue workers wearing gas masks. Respite is direly needed. Ukraine faces shortfalls in both electricity and natural gas production after the wave of Russian attacks and every hour without further explosions allows for the progress of repairs. Few appreciate the challenges like Dmytro Myroshnychenko, the chairman of Mykolaiv CHP plant. On a tour of the facility, he grimly points out the legacy of Russias bombardment: the boiler-room is a tangle of charred iron and splintered rebar; shrapnel perforates an oil tank; flaps of corrugated roof panelling limp over the walls of the destroyed turbine control centre. In full health, the Mykolaiv CHP heats 160,000 homes and provides 26MW of electricity to the national grid. The latter was ended by a February drone strike. That the plant managed to deliver heat over winter is testament to the grit of its staff. Alyona at work inside the plant, where she has been working on reinsulating pipes - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph The boarded-up windows at the Mykolaiv plant bear witness to the repeated attacks it has endured - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph After the first Iskander strike in October, Mr Myroshnychenko ran through the facility to check if anyone was injured. My first thought was, everyone is lying on the floor, he says. Luckily, everyone survived. The next day, repairs began. Russias attack hit two weeks before the start of Mykolaivs heating season, when residents can turn on their radiators as temperatures sink below freezing. Staff were nervous coming to work but everyone understood the importance, as if we didnt rebuild the city would be left without heat. Only interrupted by air raid alerts, workers frantically shifted pipelines from the two ruined boilers to a 1930s predecessor. When he pushed the button to turn on the heat again, Mr Myroshnychenko felt little relief. I knew more attacks would be coming, he says, so we started preparing for them. The 29.5million needed to build two new boilers is prohibitive; instead, the plant is focused on keeping its elderly system running. Four small metal air raid shelters have been placed on the plant floor, in addition to three underground bunkers. Workers at Mykolaiv are battling to get the plant into good working order for the winter that will bring new demands - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph Gennady, a 47-year-old machinist, escaped the boiler room by touch in one strike, unable to see through the clouds of dust. Now, when sirens warn of an impending strike, he often has to climb up and down several ladders: unlike the destroyed computerised systems, the surviving parts have to be operated by hand. He jokes there is one advantage: It is difficult to break them so easily, as there are no electronics. But they are harder to shut down in an emergency. One new metal air raid shelter stands a few feet from the boiler. As Gennady opens the door, a worker caught in a lunchtime nap guiltily slips out. The most serious challenge facing Ukraine ahead of the next heating season is a shortage of gas, with underground storage badly hit by the Russian strikes: Mykolaiv CHP lost large quantities when the Iskander destroyed a pipeline. We need to find $2.5 billion and purchase gas, putting aside the risk of further strikes. The task is quite clear, but extremely difficult, Oleksandr Kharchenko, the director of Ukraines energy research centre, told RBC-Ukraine, a local news outlet, this month. Last winter, Ukraine avoided a crisis. Record high temperatures and low industrial use spared residents from major power cuts. Experts are calling for small boilers, firewood and coal to be delivered to the worst-hit cities Mykolaiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih before winter. Should there be long-lasting blackouts, further waves of refugees will head west. Others will freeze to death. In Mykolaiv CHP, the workers plough on with gallows humour. The plant knows war: it was destroyed by the Nazis when they were forced out of Mykolaiv by the Red Army in 1943. A portrait of Lenin has been left above the doorway in one workshop, with the name Morozov scrawled underneath; a decades-old reference to a lookalike employee. The portrait of Lenin in one workshop harks back to the plants earlier trials, and a long gone employee who resembled the Soviet leader - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph The shipyard next door built Russias only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetzov, before this invasion began. All the plants staff are protected from conscription. But it needs another 40 people to get up to speed, admits Mr Myroshnychenko. At work, Valeria and her friends no longer eat pizza. The next time they sat down to one after the October strike, an air raid sounded immediately. Its become a joke, she says and another reason to loathe the Russians. Key soft power institutions such as the BBC World Service and the British Council are struggling to cope with financial pressures. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images The US is retreating from international cooperation, cutting support for free media abroad and reducing financial aid. Russia and China are spending up to 8bn on their global media activities to boost their influence. Amid these global tensions, the UK government recognises the dangers of a western retreat but is struggling to fund a response. With such huge shifts in world politics, it is no wonder that some politicians fear the west is losing the soft power battle a phrase coined by the academic Joseph Nye in the 1980s to describe the ability to influence other nations through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. While it may seem a frustratingly abstract concept, recent world events suggest its use has very real consequences. China was viewed favourably by 29% of people studied across 18 countries in 2021. After huge soft power efforts, the figure has now increased to 40%, according to a study by the BBC and Tapestry Research. The study separately surveyed a group across 10 countries made up of people involved in business decisions. Among that group, Chinas favourability had increased from 39% to 51%. It found that watching CGTN or RT, the respective state broadcasters of China and Russia, made viewers more favourable to those countries. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been defunding independent media overseas such as Voice of America, known for delivering independent journalism to countries with restricted press freedoms. Overseas aid is being targeted. Over a longer period, Britains traditionally potent soft power has been misfiring. The UKs soft power has been in decline roughly since Brexit, for the last 10 years, but were still a top-tier player, said Jonathan McClory, an expert on soft power who recently authored a report on the issue for Labour Together, a thinktank with close ties to Downing Street. We havent managed to establish a compelling narrative of who we are and where were going since Brexit Weve got a proper change in government, which gives the opportunity to do that. We have a willing audience, but we have to say what it is were good at and act accordingly, McClory said. UK ministers have recognised the urgency of the situation and also realise the opportunity for Britains economy in fostering stronger international ties. The government set up a soft power council earlier this year and populated it with figures from across media, education, defence and beyond. It was a widely welcomed initiative, plugging in soft power to the top of government. A formal strategy is expected to follow this autumn. However, there is also a conflict at the heart of government. It is clear to most insiders that even the best-designed strategy will require funding. Key soft power institutions are struggling to cope with financial pressures, most notably the BBC World Service, the British Council and universities. Members of the newly formed soft power council are treading carefully, conscious that many ministers are sympathetic to the need for funding but have a tough task in securing it from the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who is facing a myriad of pressing demands. Tristram Hunt, the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum and a member of the council, said: There is an importance in a growing age of autocracy to have that voice [of liberal, democratic values] heard. Budgets are strained and its hard. We cant pick up all the slack left by a retreating America. But if we believe in these values, its important to be on the front foot with them as far as we can. Others on the council are more bullish, arguing that the US retreat creates a strategic opening for Britain. We have this incredible opportunity, said Neil Mendoza, who served as a culture commissioner under the previous government. You have a threat on the one hand but also this opportunity because America has withdrawn. It is also cheap as chips and can work in close partnership with hard power. Why wouldnt you invest in soft power? Kim Jong-un sits captivated. Leaning forward with binoculars raised, the North Korean dictator watches tanks manoeuvring over sandy terrain and troops rappelling down from helicopters. Occasionally, he turns to one of the uniformed officers behind him to point something out or ask a question. The scene, captured on video and shared by North Koreas state media last month, offered a rare glimpse into the secretive regimes expanding military capabilities. The isolated country, known for its intensely authoritarian regime, boasts the worlds fourth-largest military, with nearly 1.3 million troops. It also has 50 nuclear warheads, with plans to build 150 more by 2027. A recent assessment from the US department of defence found North Korea had reached its strongest strategic position in decades. Kim Jong-un at a defence exhibition in Pyongyang in 2024 - AFP North Korea has never been as strong strong militarily as well as strong in oppressing its civilian population as it is right now, said Joanna Hosaniak, deputy director general of the Citizens Alliance for North Korean Human Rights. This is, in part, thanks to a new mutual defence treaty signed between North Korea and Russia in November last year. But it is also down to its increasing ability to source foreign income through hacking and forced labour, despite Western sanctions, as it wages an information war against its enemies and its own population. Taken together, these three factors are allowing North Korea quietly to transform itself. Shopping for an upgrade Since striking a deal with Russia, North Korea has supplied Moscow with 15,000 soldiers, 100 ballistic missiles and millions of munitions to help Moscow wage war against Ukraine. In return, the Kremlin allowed Pyongyang to have its pick of sophisticated hardware a huge boost for a regime that commands predominantly outdated, Soviet-era weaponry. While North Korea still has a long way to go in terms of upgrading all of its inventory, the newly strengthened ties with Moscow have reinforced the regimes strength and power. With a defence budget less than one per cent the size of Chinas, North Korea has had to choose between conventional and nuclear weapons. Kim has largely sided with the nuclear program. Military drills in North Korea last year - KCNA Earlier this year, a new intercontinental ballistic missile site was detected near Pyongyang where Kims Winter Palace once stood, marking the latest developments in the countrys nuclear progress. Expanding these capabilities has allowed North Korea to create an effective deterrent against the US, especially in case of any future conflict with South Korea, but it has done this at the expense of upgrading conventional weapons like tanks, warships and fighter jets. North Korea has a lot of conventional military power lots of troops, lots of tanks, but the aircraft are 1950s era, said Michael Cohen, an associate professor at the Australian National University. I suspect Tom Cruise has had more time flying them than the North Korean pilots. A year before Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed their defence treaty, Kim visited a rocket launch pad at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in far eastern Russia. Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin in a car together in Pyongyang in 2024 - AFP Leonid Petrov, a leading North Korea expert and dean of the International College of Management in Australia, described the visit as a shopping trip for Kim as he named the price for sending North Korean troops and conventional armaments to Russia. North Korea has since received an unspecified number of short-range air-defence systems and advanced electronic warfare systems including jamming equipment from Russia since the visit, according to South Koreas Yonhap News Agency. Pyongyang has also recently shown off a number of new weapons that closely resemble Russian arms, including a supersonic cruise missile, drones, and a new fighter jet. Satellite images have also shown a rapid expansion of North Koreas drone programme. A report from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies said that North Korea was likely incorporating Russian battlefield experience as it enhanced its drone capabilities. North Korea is now getting unlimited access to Russian natural resources, technology, military and ideological support, said Dr Petrov. Bringing in cash North Korea is subject to dozens of sanctions, imposed by the United Nations, the European Union and governments including the United Kingdom, which aim to cut off Pyongyang from the international banking system as well as arms sales. While Russia has become an increasingly important partner in circumventing these restrictions, Pyongyangs relationship with China has also helped keep it afloat. Beijing is believed to have provided Pyongyang with military and nuclear expertise and a huge chunk of its foreign currency. China has been bankrolling the North Korean regime for a long time. About 95% of North Korean trade was with China for decades, said Dr Petrov. Ms Hosaniak explained that North Korea is able to produce commercial goods domestically at a very cheap rate in forced labour camps, then sell them to the international market through China. She said: These goods can be sold in the EU, the UKThere are no restrictions, as long as the labels say Made in China, although the goods were produced in North Korea. Companies facilitating this trade almost always need to have state backing to do so. In order to trade with North Korea you have to have an official North Korean trading partner so this is really a government-to-government kind of business that is operated by so-called private businesses, Ms Hosaniak said. Beyond commercial ties with China, the North Korean regime has also brought in cash through cyber theft, especially from overseas workers. The North Korean leader oversees a cruise missile test in 2023 - KCNA Local news outlet Daily NK reported that dozens of researchers from North Korea had been sent to China and Southeast Asia earlier this year to carry out attacks against cryptocurrency exchanges, engage in illegal cryptocurrency mining and target network firewalls. Pyongyang was also revealed to be carrying out an illegal scheme known as laptop farming, in which dozens of laptops in the US were being remotely controlled by thousands of North Koreans using stolen identities. Through these increasingly refined schemes, North Korean hackers have stolen an estimated $6 billion (4.4 billion) in cryptocurrency, according to analysis firm Chainalysis. Shattering illusions As Kim expands his countrys defence and revenue streams, he also has to contend with a population of over 25 million people. The most effective way of doing this is to wage a full blown information war. The more information that North Koreans get, the more they would know that their government isnt being entirely truthful and life perhaps is better on the other side, said Shreyas Reddy, the lead correspondent at local outlet NK News. Before the advent of the internet, it was significantly easier to do this, but now Pyongyang has had to develop its own technology and enforce new, draconian laws. A key way that outside information has entered the country was through USB sticks and CDs. These contain a wide variety of media, from South Korean media to much more sensitive information about human rights and politics. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a major blow to these efforts, as North Korea shut its borders and erected an electric fence between it and China. A new law introduced in 2020 also increased the punishment for anyone caught consuming or sharing foreign media and in 2023, Kim outlawed common South Korean phrases and made it illegal to speak in a South Korean accent. People walk in front of huge portraits of late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang in May - KIM WON JIN Videos smuggled out of North Korea show people being punished severely for these sorts of incidents and weve heard unverified reports about executions or other permanent punishments for watching or accessing foreign culture, said Mr Reddy. The constant evolution of censorship and propaganda efforts have allowed Kim to retain an upper hand in the long-standing information war upon which his reign depends. Most experts agree that North Korea will continue on the same trajectory. Kim is only 41 years old and has put in place numerous mechanisms to ensure that his grip on power remains ironclad, while also posing a major threat to enemies abroad. His newly cemented partnership with Russia, forged from shared isolation, is the latest of these efforts. Politically, economically, militarily, it makes them stronger, said Dr Petrov. Both need this alliance. Its a mutually beneficial symbiosis of dictatorial regimes, which have been at war with their neighbours for many years. Professor Matt Goodwin of Buckingham University - Eddie Mulholland Within the next 40 years, white British people will become a minority in this country. And by the year 2100, theyll account for only a third of the population. So predicted the academic and commentator Professor Matthew Goodwin in a report this week. And, ever since, Ive been pondering an intriguing question. If his prediction comes to pass, will the Left still support DEI? After all, the whole point of DEI the progressive doctrine of diversity, equity and inclusion is to benefit minorities. So, if white British people become a minority, will Left-wing activists throw all their righteous energies into championing them? Perhaps theyll insist that job adverts give priority to applicants who are white British. And order schools to celebrate White British History Month. And, when political parties are seeking election candidates, demand that they increase white British representation by adopting all-white British shortlists. Equally, perhaps theyll call on the BBC to cast white British actors in non-white British roles. And argue that all non-white workers should undergo unconscious bias training, to check that they arent harbouring prejudice against the white British community or, as theyre properly known, People of No Colour. I suppose its possible. But, for some reason, I have a funny feeling theyll decide theres no longer any need for DEI because, once the white British are a small minority, true social justice will finally have been achieved. The real victims In 2016, the late Canadian comedian Norm MacDonald told the greatest satirical joke of our age. It went like this. What terrifies me is if Isis were to donate a nuclear device and kill 50 million Americans. Imagine the backlash against peaceful Muslims? A perfect skewering of 21st-century liberal priorities. Im reminded of it often. For example, whenever theres a debate in the Commons or on the BBC about the grooming gangs scandal and the talk, as always, turns swiftly to the dangers of Islamophobia. This week, I was reminded of that sublimely dark joke once again. And it was thanks to a truly mind-boggling article in the newspaper USA Today. Last Sunday, in the Colorado city of Boulder, a firebombing attack was launched on a group of Jewish people who had gathered to raise awareness of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Following the arrest, at the scene, of a 45-year-old Egyptian migrant who allegedly told police he wanted to kill all Zionist people, immigration officials began taking steps to deport his family, who are also Egyptian migrants. And how did USA Today choose to cover this development? By publishing a piece with the tear-jerking headline, Boulder Suspects Daughter Dreamed of Studying Medicine. Now She Faces Deportation. Beneath this headline we were informed that 18-year-old Habiba had recently won a Best and Brightest scholarship, and written about her hope of accomplishing great things. Well, I suppose its only natural that a newspaper would wish to focus on Habibas plight. Because of course shes the real victim here. After a backlash from thousands of staggered readers, USA Today revised the article on its website, to give at least a little more prominence to the firebombing attack and the members of the public who were seriously injured in it including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. Anyway, I hope that the newspapers journalists arent feeling too sad about the crushing of Habibas dreams. Because Ive got some wonderful news for them. Incredible though it may sound, the US isnt the only country on Earth where its possible to study medicine. In fact, it can even be studied in Egypt. So theres really no need for Habiba to miss out. And if she doesnt fancy Egypt, theres an exciting alternative. She and her family can simply come and live in Britain. Here, after all, they can rest safe in the knowledge that we never deport anyone. The dystopia to come More and more MPs, reports the BBC, are deciding against the legalisation of assisted suicide or, to use the term preferred by its supporters, assisted dying. These MPs say they supported the idea in principle, but now reluctantly concede that the bill lacks adequate safeguards. Good on them. But I hope that the many MPs who still support the bill will consider another crucial argument against. Which is that, if they legalise assisted suicide, the criteria for eligibility will inevitably widen, as it has in other Western countries. And so, in due course, we could end up like the Netherlands where, last year, a woman in her 20s was granted an assisted suicide. She wasnt terminally ill. In fact, she wasnt physically ill at all. She was just depressed. Its chilling that the state would agree to such a request. But thats the sort of scenario we could easily see here. Itll be like a dystopian inversion of the Samaritans. If you tell the Samaritans that youre so depressed you want to die, its staff will do everything they can to dissuade you. But if you tell the state that youre so depressed you want to die, itll say: Certainly, well book you straight in. Can you do Tuesday, 10 past three? Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines while aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 6am every Tuesday and Saturday Reform UK leader Nigel Farage Did Zia Yusufs dramatic (and as it turns out, temporary) resignation on the day of the Hamilton by-election cost Reform the seat? Of course not. The idea that chaos in Reform puts off its voters is based on a misunderstanding of what motivates those voters. Reform exists because the older parties failed. You might argue that not all of that failure was their fault. Some of the issues that enrage the electorate poor public services, high taxes, rising prices, dwindling social capital are the products of a lockdown that 93 per cent of the country demanded. Others are products of our demographic decline: nations with elderly populations are bound to be less dynamic. Equally, though, there have been unforced errors and broken promises, above all on immigration. Reform is a howl of protest against those betrayals. It is an essentially negative vote, and I say that in no slighting spirit. Every party attracts negative votes. I used to get lots of them as a Conservative MEP when people wanted to punish Labour governments. Negative votes can take you, Trump-like, to the very top. I simply make the point that Reforms supporters show scant interest in their partys policies, let alone its personnel. Reform came from nowhere in the Hamilton by-election despite not having a leader in Scotland. It is hard to imagine the famously resilient electors of Lanarkshire determining their vote on the basis of an unelected party official resigning in London. If we want to play what if, the thing that might have given Reform the extra 1,471 votes it needed was the backing of the local Conservatives. Not every Tory would vote for Reform in the absence of a Conservative candidate, of course. Still, the electoral system used for Holyrood argues strongly for a deal at next years Scottish Parliament election. Just as the SNP and the Scottish Greens used to maximise their representation by focusing respectively on the constituencies and the top-up list, so Reform and the Tories should do the same in 11 months time. In Scotland, as in England and Wales, the parties have similar policies but different electorates. The Scottish Conservatives are strong in the Borders and the north-east, Reform in the more populous Central Belt. An understanding between them would leave both with more MSPs next May. Such a deal in Wales might have put Reform into office had the principality not just ditched that voting system and adopted EU-style proportional representation, but thats another story. How many Tory and Reform voters would co-operate? Although the two manifestos are compatible lower taxes, strong defence, less wokery, secure borders, growth over greenery tonal and aesthetic differences remain. Some Reform supporters will never vote Conservative, either because they cant forgive the tax rises and immigration failures of the last administration or, conversely, because they are former Labour voters who would never back the party of Margaret Thatcher. Some Conservatives a smaller number recoil from a party they see as a Trumpian personality cult. One way to express the difference is this. The Tories, after three and a half centuries, have a sense of the trade-offs and complexities involved in holding office. Reform is in the happy position of being able to claim that it is simply a question of willpower. Consider the issue of immigration. On Friday, Kemi Badenoch embarked on a major overhaul of the Blairite juridical state. She asked her shadow law officers to look at all treaties and domestic laws that hinder elected ministers from fulfilling their promises, and set five tests by which to measure success. Will we be able to deport people who should not be here, protect our veterans from lawfare, prioritise British citizens in housing and welfare, keep malefactors in prison, and get things built? Meeting all five tests is hard, but not impossible. Badenoch wants to take her time and get it right. But, to some, it will come across as equivocation. Why cant you just say now that you would leave the European Convention on Human Rights?, they ask. I have no doubt that that is where she will end up. But we need policies, not slogans. Leaving the ECHR is not a skeleton key that unlocks every door. Our problems go far deeper. Outside the ECHR, we would be constrained by numerous other international accords: the UN Refugee Convention; the Paris Agreement on climate change (under which our Australia Free Trade Agreement is being challenged in court); the Aarhus Convention, which caps costs for activist groups bringing eco-challenges. Even the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has been used both to challenge deportation orders and to block welfare reforms. All these things need to be looked at, calmly and thoroughly. Nor is it just foreign treaties. The last Labour government passed a series of domestic statutes that constrained its successors: the Human Rights Act, the Climate Change Act, the Equality Act and a dozen more. We need to tackle these, too. What, if anything, should replace the ECHR? Do we update our own 1689 Bill of Rights? Do we offer a CANZUK version? Do we rely on pure majoritarianism? Even if all the obnoxious laws were swept away, what would we do about Left-wing activists who become judges rather than go to the bother of getting themselves elected to anything, and who legislate from the bench? Can we return to the pre-Blair arrangements where the lord chancellor is in charge? My point is that all this requires patience, detail and nuance. But a lot of voters are understandably impatient, and regard nuance as the sign of a havering milksop a nuancy-boy, so to speak. They see not a Conservative Party determined to repair the broken state machine so that it can deliver on its manifesto, but a bunch of vacillating wets shying away from simple solutions. This worries me. Suppose that Nigel Farage were to form the next government and leave the ECHR, only to find that illegal immigrants continued to arrive, that judges continued to apply the rules asymmetrically, and that every one of his statutes ended up being snarled up in the courts? What would be the impact on our democracy? I pick the example of immigration because it is the most salient, but much the same applies across government. Reducing spending involves trade-offs, and anyone who pretends that there are huge savings to be made by scrapping DEI programmes or cutting waste has not looked at the figures. The same is true of reducing welfare claims, scrapping quangos, reforming the NHS and raising school standards. The diagnosis may be easy, but the treatment will be long and difficult, and will require more than willpower. In his response to Yusufs resignation, Farage reminded us why he is a successful politician. He blamed Islamophobic trolls for making his party chairmans life impossible, thereby both anticipating the no one can work with Nigel charge and reinforcing his non-racist credentials. The same calculation led him to condemn Tommy Robinson, and played a part in his falling-out with Rupert Lowe. Farage knows that there are hundreds of thousands of disenfranchised Muslims, many of whom, like his white supporters, are former Labour voters in decaying northern towns. Unnoticed by the national media, Farage has been reaching out to these communities. Imagine Farages political nous and personal energy allied to the detailed policy work that the Tories are undertaking. Imagine his reach, whether in Hamilton or in some of those Muslim-dominated old industrial towns, complementing the traditional Conservative appeal to property-owners. Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished. Next years Scottish elections will be the first test of whether figures on the British Right are prepared to put country before party. A possible by-election in Jacob Rees-Moggs old seat may be another. But one thing is already clear. If the two parties are taking lumps out of each other all the way to the next general election, they will lose and they will deserve to. Staff Sgt Anthony Cherrett, pictured with a Mark 1 tank at Bovington Tank Museum, Dorset. Anthony is leading the hunt for the Mother tank. Photograph: Jim Wileman/The Guardian At the height of the second world war, while British authorities were calling on citizens to donate metal to be recycled into weapons and warships, attention at the army base of Bovington Camp in Dorset turned to a collection of historic vehicles dating from the first war among them a legendary tank that had been nicknamed Mother. Mother was the prototype for the worlds first battlefield tank, the Mark 1, which had been developed by Britain in 1915-6 to break the deadlock of the trenches. The vehicles were a huge technological leap forward that caused a sensation when rolled out on the battlefields (astonishing our soldiers no less than they frightened the enemy, as the Manchester Guardian put it) and helped tip the scales in favour of the allies eventual victory. Mother was a unique and hugely important piece of military and technological history. But with people across Britain donating their railings, saucepans and even keys for the war effort, there was no room for sentiment. Mother was surrendered to the scrappers to be melted down and recycled. Or was she? For decades, rumours persisted at Bovington Camp that to save it from being scrapped, the Mother of all tanks had instead been secretly buried somewhere in the military base. Now, an army officer is planning an archaeological survey to search for the mythical tank after finding a historical letter that suggests the rumours are true. Staff Sgt Anthony Cherrett, a tank commander with the Royal Armoured Corps, came across the mystery of what happened to Mother several years ago when listening to a podcast; intrigued by the rumours, he began scouring military records in his free time for evidence of what really happened. He traced the source of the rumours to a former foreman at the British armys Tank Museum, which is based at Bovington Camp, who would frequently tell visitors that his father had been part of the team that hid the prototype. But still, there was no proof. Then, last summer, Cherrett came across a letter written by an officer called Lt Col NM Dillon about the wartime activities of a friend who had been based at Bovington, Maj Bill Brannon. One day, wrote Dillon, Brannon had found the scrap metal staff beginning to demolish some of the old tanks. After waiting for the scrappers to stop at midday for lunch, Bill organised a towing tank and pulled four of the oldest tanks and buried them in the driving area. These four included Mother. It was a eureka moment for Cherrett, who called a small group of fellow enthusiasts, buzzing with the news. I was super-excited, calling everyone [saying] Look, I found this, he says. And they couldnt believe it. Burying a tank in your lunch break may seem no small feat, but the expansive driver training area would have been full of enormous pre-dug holes, says Cherrett, to allow trainees to practise driving the vehicles in rough terrain. But even if Mother was buried, the next challenge is finding her. Bovington Camp stretches to 404 hectares (1,000 acres), and even the section Cherrett has identified as the wartime training area, not in the same spot as today, is enormous. Its a kilometre squared, and thats a huge piece of land, Cherrett says. Now a patch of restricted heathland, its not as if he can just wander around with a metal detector. It was used for driver training for 100 years so its covered in metal. Back in the day, they probably didnt really care about any environmental issues and were just littering everywhere potentially including unexploded ammunition. Undeterred, Cherrett has spent a year petitioning defence authorities to be allowed survey the area; with that permission secured, he is crowdfunding to commission archaeologists to start the search later this autumn. Lidar (light detection and ranging) scans have already identified five spots that hint at a large object buried underground. According to Chris Price, the director of the Tank Museum, finding Mother would be a mic drop moment in the tank world. Jaws hitting the floors everywhere. Theres every possibility that it wont be found but it would be a wonderful thing to find, a wonderful mystery to be solved and given to everyone around the world. It would be insane, agrees Cherrett. Because its not just a tank. Its everything else that she [led] to, the machine that broke the stalemate in world war one. There were no [battlefield] tanks before her. I joke with the Tank Museum all the time, saying Youll have to make space to put her in there, because currently, all they have for her is a drawing. This article was amended on 8 June 2025. An earlier version misspelled the surname of Staff Sgt Anthony Cherrett as Sherritt. Yusuf resigned as party chair on Thursday. Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA Zia Yusuf has said he will return to Nigel Farages Reform UK, just two days after quitting the party. Yusuf was the rightwing partys chair but resigned on Thursday after suggesting it was dumb of the partys newest MP to ask the prime minister if he would ban the burqa. Less than 48 hours later, Yusuf said his decision to quit was a mistake that had resulted from exhaustion after working long hours and facing reams of racist abuse on social media. Farage and Yusuf announced on Saturday that Yusuf would return to the fold and would take on several jobs, though his formal title has not been announced. One of his roles will be to lead what the party is calling its Doge team based on the department of government efficiency set up in the US by Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Yusuf will also act as a spokesperson for Reform and have a say in its policymaking and fundraising efforts. In an interview with the Sunday Times, Yusuf said his intervention over the burqa had been an error. Yusuf tweeted on Thursday that Sarah Pochin, the Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, had been dumb to ask Keir Starmer at prime ministers questions whether he would ban it. Hours later he announced he was quitting, saying he did not believe working to get a Reform government elected was a good use of his time. When I pushed that tweet out it was a coming together of a bit of exhaustion and a feeling that all I got in return for it was abuse, he said on Saturday. I was doing so many things, in the foreground and in the background. What has happened since then is that Ive been inundated with messages from Reform members and supporters who were saying they were devastated and heartbroken and asking me to really reconsider my decision. I left my business interests behind, Ive volunteered full-time, because I love my country and I believe the best way to save it and turn it into a great one is for Nigel to be prime minister. It made me realise that in that moment I was turning my back on that and I didnt want to do that. Yusuf, who is a practising Muslim, insisted he did not have any strong views about the burqa itself and said that if there were a vote and I was in parliament, I would probably vote to ban it actually. He described the fallout over Pochins comments as an internal miscommunication issue and said he had found out about her remarks for the first time on X. I dont mind saying that it frustrated me, he said. He added that he did not think the issue of burqas is one of the most important [to] British people when they go about their day-to-day lives. Earlier on Saturday, Farage said: When Zia says anything you cannot believe the absolute tirade of personal racist abuse that he gets I just think he snapped. The Reform leader told Times Radio the abuse came from the very hard extreme right and blamed Indian bots. Yusuf was brought in by Farage to be Reforms chair last year, months after he donated 200,000 to the party. He 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 and by overseeing the departures of several long-serving former members of staff. Some of Reforms members have turned against Yusuf over his role in the departure of one of the partys most rightwing MPs, Rupert Lowe, after the pair clashed earlier this year. The Sunday Times reported that Yusufs former role of chair will now be split into two. There will be a front-facing chair tasked with touring the country and speaking to the media, and a deputy in charge of organisational matters. Ellie Reeves, the Labour party chair, said: Reforms revolving door shows that the party is all about one person Nigel Farage. Zia Yusufs humiliating hokey cokey is laughable but there is nothing funny about Farages 80bn in unfunded commitments. A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said: It looks like Reform are playing musical chairman. The former Arkansas police chief who escaped prison disguised as a guard only made it about a mile-and-a-half away from the facility in the 12 days before he was captured, officials said. Convicted murderer and rapist Grant Hardin was found at about 3 p.m. on June 6 west of the North Central Unit state prison near Moccasin Creek in Izard County, Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion said in a statement. In a photo of his arrest, Hardin is seen sitting on the ground in a vegetated area with his hands behind his back in a baseball cap and dirty T-shirt and pants. Hardin, 56, was in prison serving a decadeslong sentence for the 2017 murder of water department employee James Appleton in Gateway, Arkansas, and the 1997 rape of a school teacher in nearby Rogers. He's known as the "Devil in the Ozarks," the name of a 2023 TV documentary about his crimes. A photo of Grant Hardin, a 56-year-old former police chief was escaped an Arkansas prison and was captured 12 days later on June 6. His escape on May 25 involved dressing up in a makeshift outfit to disguise himself as a corrections officer, tricking a real officer into opening a gate and allowing him to walk out of the medium-security facility, court records said. He will now be housed at the high-security Varner Unit in Gould, Arkansas, Champion said. Here's what we know about Hardin's capture and escape: Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more How was Hardin caught, ending 12-day manhunt? Authorities said tracking dogs picked up Hardin's scent and were able to lead them to Hardin. Hundreds of law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal level spent nearly two weeks searching for Hardin, using dogs, drones and aircraft, at times hampered by severe weather. Moccasin Creek where he was found has seen high water due to heavy rainfall in the last two weeks, which may have limited Hardin's ability to move around. It also prevented authorities from finding him sooner. Champion said search teams had looked through the area before but couldn't fully investigate because of the high water. Authorities capture Arkansas prison escapee Grant Hardin near Moccasin Creek in Izard County on June 6. Hardin, 56, was serving time for rape and murder. Though Hardin was previously thought to have left the state, Champion said investigators now believe he never got very far at all from the prison. He was fingerprinted and assessed at the North Central Unit before being moved to the Varner Unit, Champion said. He will be interviewed in the coming days. How did he escape? Hardin slipped away from the prison the afternoon of May 25 wearing a "makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement," the Arkansas Department of Corrections said. "Inmate Hardin impersonated a corrections officer in dress and manner causing the Corrections Officer operating a secure gate to open the gate and allow Inmate Hardin to walk away from the North Central Unit," Special Agent Dennis Simons of the Izard County Sheriff's Office wrote in an arrest affidavit. A photo from surveillance footage showed Hardin wearing the outfit and pushing a loaded cart as he escaped. Champion said Hardin was gone for about 20 minutes when an officer noticed he was missing. 'Devil in the Ozarks' killer: Why was it so hard to find Grant Hardin? His escape came amid an ongoing weekslong search for escaped inmates in Louisiana. On May 16, 10 inmates broke out of a New Orleans jail; two are still on the run as of June 7. Grant Hardin, a former police chief serving decades-long prison sentences for murder and rape, is seen escaping in a makeshift Arkansas Department of Corrections uniform and pushing a cart loaded with materials. Who is Grant Hardin? Hardin pleaded guilty to the Feb. 23, 2017, murder of Appleton. Appleton's brother-in-law and the mayor of Gateway at the time, Andrew Tillman, told police he was on the phone with Appleton while Appleton was driving his truck. Appleton pulled over so he wouldn't lose signal while on the phone with Tillman, Tillman told investigators. Tillman heard what sounded like a car door slamming shut, then nothing. A witness also told police they saw someone pulled over behind the truck in a car and heard a gunshot, and identified the driver as Hardin. Appleton was found dead in his truck with a gunshot to the side of his head and face. After his conviction, his DNA was matched with that from an unsolved rape case in 1997, in which a teacher said she was attacked while at school by a man who held her at gunpoint, according to court records. Hardin pleaded guilty to charges related to the rape. Hardins combined convictions added up to 80 years in prison sentences. Hardin was the chief of police in Gateway for about four months in 2016, the Associated Press reported. He was also terminated from roles at other police departments, local outlets have reported. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Devil in the Ozarks' killer captured: How Grant Hardin was caught Freshwater fish in the U.S. now carry parasites once rare in the region, posing a new health risk for raw fish lovers. (CREDIT: iStock / FtLaudGirl) In Southern California, a quiet but widespread public health risk has taken root in the regions freshwater fishing spots. Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego recently found that two types of parasitic flatworms, known as trematodes, are commonly infecting freshwater fish caught by local anglers. These parasites, known to cause digestive problems and, in rare cases, more serious health issues in people, have raised concerns about a once-overlooked threat: fishborne trematodiasis. Parasites Hiding in Plain Sight A 2023 study examined 84 fish across seven commonly caught species, including largemouth bass and bluegill. These fish came from five popular fishing areas in San Diego County. More than 90% of the fish were infected with at least one species of trematode. One parasite, Haplorchis pumilio, appeared in 93% of the sampled fish. In some cases, individual fish harbored thousands of the parasites. The second parasite, Centrocestus formosanus, was found in 91% of fish at two of the study sites. The infectious stages (metacercariae) of 2 introduced, zoonotic trematodes occur in commonly captured and eaten freshwater fish species in southern California. (CREDIT: Nature) Both parasites are originally from Southeast Asia. They entered the U.S. inside an invasive aquatic snail, Melanoides tuberculata, also called the red-rimmed melania or Malaysian trumpet snail. This snail now lives in at least 17 states and Puerto Rico. As the snail spread, so did the parasites it carries. The parasites are here in the U.S., and theyre infecting fish that people are eating, said Ryan Hechinger, an ecologist and parasitologist at Scripps and the senior author of the study. We hope this study can help make public health officials, doctors, and the public more aware. A Perfect Storm for Infection For many years, Americans didnt worry much about parasites in freshwater fish. Thats because the snails that serve as the first host for these trematodes were not found in the U.S., and few cases of human infection had been reported. But that has changed with the widespread introduction of M. tuberculata and its parasites. These snails now live in areas where people fish, increasing the chances of human exposure. Related Stories The trematode life cycle moves through three hosts. It begins with the snail, where the parasite matures and releases free-swimming larvae called cercariae. These larvae infect freshwater fish, forming cysts in the fish's flesh. When a bird, mammal, or human eats the raw or undercooked fish, the parasite completes its cycle in the hosts small intestine. There, it grows into a 12 mm adult worm that can cause a range of symptoms. These include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and in severe cases, even strokes or heart attacks. This hasnt historically been an issue here, Hechinger said. But these trematodes have now been widely introduced in the U.S., and that means that doctors and the public should be aware. A New Food Trend Meets an Old Threat Eating raw fish has grown more popular in the United States, thanks to dishes like sushi, poke, and ceviche. The danger isnt in the food itself, but in how its prepared. When fish is eaten raw or unfrozen, any parasites inside can survive and infect whoever eats it. The abundance and prevalence of metacercariae of 2 zoonotic trematodes, Haplorchis pumilio and Centrocestus formosanus, in game fishes sampled at southern California fishing localities. (CREDIT: Nature) To understand how common this risk might be, the researchers studied 125 YouTube videos of people preparing and eating freshwater fish. These videos had nearly 5 million total views. About 65% of them did not mention freezing or properly cooking the fish. That lack of care is exactly what allows trematodes to spread. Nearly 5 million views shows there is widespread interest and possibly a widespread practice of folks eating freshwater fish raw, said Emma Palmer, a marine scientist at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center who worked on the study during her graduate research at Scripps. Freezing fish for at least one week or cooking it to safe temperatures kills the parasites. The Food and Drug Administration recommends these methods to prevent infection. For most people, minor infections may cause few symptoms. But long-term or repeated infections could lead to more serious health problems. Public Awareness Is Key The findings, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, have caught the attention of researchers and health officials alike. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study urges better awareness among both the public and medical professionals. The proportional abundance of all counted Haplorchis pumilio metacercariae among different host tissues for each of the examined host species. (CREDIT: Nature) Theres no need to panic, Hechinger said. The risks are easy to mitigate. But he stressed that more education is needed to help people understand those risks. That includes anglers who bring home their catch and anyone who eats freshwater fish in raw or lightly cooked forms. Hechinger, Palmer, and co-author Daniel Metz from the University of Nebraska are now working to share their results with public health departments in Southern California. They hope doctors will begin to consider trematode infection when diagnosing digestive complaints, especially in patients who regularly eat freshwater fish. There havent been any reported cases of these parasites infecting Americans, Hechinger said. But nobody is looking for cases, and doctors arent required to report them. The researchers recommend that fishborne trematode infection be added to the list of diseases that must be reported by medical professionals. That change could lead to better tracking and faster responses to outbreaks if they occur. Videos posted on YouTube indicate that people in the United States do eat raw, unfrozen fish, including each species that we document as harboring infectious metacercariae of Haplorchis pumilio and Centrocestus formosanus. (CREDIT: Nature) An Overlooked Threat, Now on the Radar Fishborne trematodiases are recognized as major public health issues in parts of Asia and the western Pacific. In those areas, these parasites infect millions and cause serious illness. But in the U.S., they have mostly flown under the radar until now. At least 11 human-infecting trematodes use M. tuberculata as their first host. Three have already been found in the United States. As invasive snails continue to spread and more people eat freshwater fish in risky ways, the chances of local transmission increase. This kind of research is so important to identifying new public health threats, Hechinger said. And it wouldnt have been possible without NIH funding. This is research a private company would never fund because it wont make anyone rich, but it might make the general public a little healthier. The story of these parasites is still unfolding. But for now, one message is clear: freezing or fully cooking freshwater fish is a simple step that can protect your health and prevent a parasite from turning your next meal into a medical problem. Note: The article above provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News' newsletter. Kabul Dr. Najmussama Shefajo is probably Afghanistan's best known and most experienced OB-GYN. She became a household name from her regular appearances on Afghan television, where she talked openly about women's reproductive health, a subject still considered taboo in Afghanistan. Over the past decade, CBS News has made several visits to her private clinic in central Kabul, but it has never looked as busy as it does now. Her clinic was flooded with new patients after the Taliban banned women from nursing and midwife training courses back in December. It's a move that has started to take its toll on Shefajo, who told CBS News she has been suffering from migraines for quite some time "because of the tension." "I see my patients are very poor, they cannot pay, I cannot help them, and all the pressure comes on me and I get a headache," Shefajo said. Still, Shefajo has remained a committed teacher. She found a way to get around the Taliban's education ban for her student nurses and midwives by giving them all jobs at her clinic. This means they are technically no longer students, but employees, even as she continues to train them. She says that if the current policies remain in place though, the situation in Afghanistan will worsen. "The previous doctors, midwives, nurses are getting older and older and they will die," Shefajo said. "Who will provide services?" Following the U.S. withdrawal and immediately after taking power in 2021, the Taliban also banned girls over the age of 12 from attending school. But the results of such a health care shortage could be catastrophic, Shefajo believes. Under Taliban rule, women and girls can only be treated by female doctors. Male doctors can only treat women when a male guardian is present. "For sure the number of deaths will be increasing, and one day there will not be female in Afghanistan," Shefajo said. An Afghanistan without women the Taliban insists that is not what its policies are aimed at. In the courtyard outside her clinic, CBS News tried to ask some of the husbands, fathers and guardians what they thought about the Taliban's ban on maternal health education for women, but no one wanted to talk. Shefajo said her message to the Taliban is to rescind the policy on women's health education. "As a doctor, as a mother, as a woman, as a Muslim, I request themto give a chance for the female to help you to build the country." Musk alleges Trump's name appeared in Epstein files as feud escalates What to know about President Trump's travel ban on nationals from 12 countries Trump says he's disappointed by Musk criticism of budget bill, Musk says he got Trump elected NBC Amy Preasmyer (L). NEED TO KNOW Richard "Ricky" Cowles Jr. was found shot in the California apartment he shared with his girlfriend Amy Preasmyer, who was 16 and pregnant William "Billy" Hoffman was convicted of murder, and witnesses claimed during his trial that Preasmyer asked him to kill her boyfriend Preasmyer was convicted of orchestrating Cowles' death in 2007 In August 1997, 21-year-old Richard Ricky Cowles Jr. was found beaten and shot inside the Lancaster, Calif., apartment he shared with his 16-year-old pregnant girlfriend Amy Lynn Preasmyer. A re-aired 2023 Dateline investigation is shedding new light on the old case, which saw Preasmyer eventually convicted for conspiring to kill her boyfriend. Police initially arrested William Billy Hoffman, who had allegedly told several people that he killed the young electrician, according to the National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Murderers. He was found guilty in 1999 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Though he argued his innocence at trial, Hoffman later admitted his guilt in a letter to Cowles' parents. He not only confessed to killing their son, but also told investigators that he would testify against Preasmyer for orchestrating the whole thing. She had reached a point, I believe, where in her own words, she blamed the victim for the pregnancy and basically told other people he had ruined her birthday and ruined her life, Deputy District Attorney Michael Blake told the Los Angeles Daily News. He continued, There was other evidence she despised the victim. By August 1997, she is actively looking for someone to kill him. Heres everything to know about the murder of Ricky Cowles Jr., and where Amy Preasmyer is now. What happened to Ricky Cowles Jr.? NBC Ricky Cowles' father. On Aug. 12, 1997, Cowles was found beaten and shot in his apartment by Preasmyer, who had been out for a drive with a friend. Though he was alive, he became comatose and died two days later, according to Dateline. Months later, police arrested Hoffman, a store clerk, and he was found guilty of beating the young father-to-be with a claw hammer and shooting him. He had reportedly told several people about the murder and had asked for help disposing of evidence. At his trial, Hoffman tried to testify that another man was responsible for Cowles' death, but he later confessed to his role in the murder in a 2002 letter to the victims family, per Los Angeles Daily News. According to the outlet, though witnesses testified during his trial that Hoffman had said he committed the murder for Cowles' girlfriend, Preasmyer denied any involvement. She was, however, later arrested in 2005. What was Amy Preasmyer convicted of? In 2007, Preasmyer was found guilty of orchestrating her boyfriends death. She was convicted of murder with the special-circumstance allegations of lying in wait, conspiracy and solicitation of murder, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. Two other people were also convicted on charges related to Cowles' murder. Jennifer Kellogg, who stayed with the couple the week of the killing, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 17 years in prison, according to Antelope Valley Press. Hoffman testified in court that Kellogg was the one who asked him if he was willing to kill somebody and that Cowles had wanted her out of his apartment. She and Preasmyer also brought him to the residence and suggested places where he could hide. The girls suggested hiding places and how to commit the murder, District Attorney Blake told the Los Angeles Daily News. Because they believed the victim would fight back, it was decided Hoffman would disable him and shoot him. Blake also told the Antelope Valley Press that Hoffman believed he would be paid for killing the young man, but never was. In 2006, David Ashbury was sentenced to two years in prison for supplying the pistol used in the murder, per Antelope Valley Press. Where is Amy Preasmyer now? In 2008, Preasmyer was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. While incarcerated at Central California Womens Facility in Chowchilla, Calif., she was falsely accused of sexual assault and moved to Administrative Segregation (Ad-Seg). She wrote about her experience and the conditions of Ad-Seg in a 2013 essay for the San Francisco Bay View. Preasmyer is also a contributing writer for a nonprofit writing platform for incarcerated individuals called Prison Writers. Where is William Hoffman now? NBC Billy Hoffmann is interviewed on 'Dateline'. In 1999, Hoffman was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His sentence was later commuted by former California Governor Jerry Brown, and he was released in 2020. He told Dateline in 2023 that since hes been out, hes been living a life of amends and wants to educate young people on the consequences of committing violent crimes. [Cowles' murder] is something I dont like to think about, but theres also part of it that I dont want to forget what Ive done either, Hoffman told journalist Keith Morrison. I cant make it go away, and I dont feel it would be right to make it go away. Read the original article on People Since launching only a few years ago, Annecys Contrechamp section has been a haven for powerful independent features, and this years selection proves to be especially strong. Selected to compete among those very few is Nimuendaju, the debut feature of Minas Gerais-based director Tania Anaya. A Brazilian-Peruvian co-production, the film tells the story of German-born Curt Nimuendaju Unckel (18831945), a social scientist who lived with Indigenous people for 40 years. More from Variety Curt, portrayed by German actor Peter Ketnath, who also co-produces the film, was baptized in 1906 by the Guarani tribe: Nimuendaju, or the one who made himself a home in Guarani, and dedicated his life to studying and understanding different cultures. As such, he witnessed firsthand the persecution of Indigenous people and was one of the first Western activists who tried to shed light on these brutal expulsions. Nimuendaju heads to Annecy with Brazilian international distributor O2 Play already on board, handling both Brazilian and worldwide rights. Ahead of sharing her film with Annecys audience, Variety spoke with director Tania Anaya about the experience of creating such a feature, a journey thirteen years in the making. What brought you to animation in the first place? I was studying at the School of Fine Arts at UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais), and I didnt think much about animation because I knew little about it apart from Disney and TV cartoons, which didnt interest me a lot. At that time, a collaboration agreement was being created between Brazil and Canada, and this included the creation of animation centers in Brazil in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada. A Brazilian animator, Marcos Magalhaes, came to the School of Fine Arts to present this collaboration, and I was delighted by the films he showcased. There were films with vastly different techniques, using oil pastels, colored pencils, acetate, cut-outs, painting, pinscreen A center for animation was created at the School, and I started studying at the Minas Gerais Animation Center. From then on, I immersed myself in this universe. To this day, Norman McLaren, an incredible artist and one of the founders of the NFB, remains one of my greatest inspirations. How did you encounter the figure of Curt Nimuendaju? I wanted to talk about Curt Nimuendaju because he lived between two worlds. Nimuendaju is the story of a self-taught man who abandoned his last name and adopted the Indigenous one. Nimuendaju spent years living between those two worlds: six months in Indigenous villages in the interior of Brazil and six months at home in the city of Belem, recording everything he had researched and experienced. He lived a life interlinked between the white world and the Indigenous world, between the countryside and the city. Studious, focused, passionate and observant, he reinvented himself with each Indigenous people, creating bonds of affection, learning and recording. Curt Nimuendaju managed to gather and organize the largest amount of data about Brazilian Indigenous peoples to date, studying almost 50 of them. His work is still relevant today. To me, his passionate dedication is inspiring, and Nimuendajus trajectory allows us to tackle Indigenous issues. How has the material youve found throughout your research influenced your creative process? Our Nimuendaju is based on historical references, ethnographic material he wrote, and on memorial records either left by himself in his diaries and letters or by other researchers who studied him. His texts and photographs transmit his passionate first-person presence, yet since this subject addresses complex issues beyond historical research, we had to devise a unique approach. We invited anthropologist Elena Welper, a specialist on Curt Nimuendaju, to advise us throughout the entire process of making the film. In addition to her great knowledge in Nimuendajus collections, she also translated much of the material from German and transmitted to us her enthusiasm, pointing out details that would otherwise go unnoticed. During the scriptwriting stage, we also had the assistance of anthropologist Julio Cezar Melatti, an expert on the Timbira people, studied by Nimuendaju and presented in the film. Our greatest challenge was to synthesize all this in an 80-minute film. How has the involvement of the Indigenous communities youve worked with influenced the film? Filming on location, experiencing and feeling the daily life of each Indigenous people, listening to their languages and songs were fundamental to making this film. This choice was made to avoid general concepts and cliches about Indigenous peoples and to show that each people is a universe in itself, unique, with its own aesthetic, cultural, social and political repertoire. This experience had a strong impact on our team as it brought a layer of understanding that the script and storyboard did not cover. Peter Ketnaths interpretation as Curt Nimuendaju was especially enriched by this experience. Another important aspect of the on-location filming was the ambient sounds, dialogues and ritual songs recorded in the Indigenous villages. This material was the basis for building the soundtrack on which the entire animation was based. The opportunity to shoot in the Indigenous villages revealed layers that we hadnt even thought of before and prepared us to animate from a new basis. The acting with the Indigenous people worked well, there was curiosity, collaboration and the most delicate situations were solved. For the filming, the Apinaye re-enacted a custom described and photographed by Curt Nimuendaju, which hadnt taken place for 40 years. The re-enactment involved the whole village and ended with a song in which they asked their ancestors to forgive them for forgetting. Among the Canela-Rankokamekra, the generation of uncles, grandparents and relatives who were involved with Curt Nimuendaju in the 1930s were played by their grandchildren, nephews and relatives, consequently giving the film a moving and powerful tone. Its interesting to see that in the film, your main character isnt all perfect and heroic. Why was it important to question his own heroism? To quote Eisenstein: How must I write so that the man, no matter who he may be, shall emerge from the pages of the story about him with that strength of physical palpability of his existence, with that cogency of his half-imaginary reality, with which I see and feel him? Curt Nimuendaju was a man of his time, full of imperfections and wrong choices, which in todays eyes are even more serious. However, his tenacious struggle and undeniable affection for the Indigenous peoples with whom he lived and allied himself is still very relevant today. His imperfections are also part of his humanity. What were the main technical challenges of creating this feature film? From the start, I chose to film before animating. We filmed in 2012, with a very small crew, and our stay in the Indigenous villages was an adventure full of surprises and improvisations. We didnt have access to tools like the internet, telephone or sometimes electricity, so we only used natural light. Although the differences in language sometimes caused confusion, filming in an Indigenous area is a physical and metaphysical experience, and Im very happy to have experienced it. Getting to know the people and environments better transformed the story we wanted to tell. As I mentioned earlier, we made significant changes to the script after going to the Indigenous villages. Being a period film, even with actual footage, many adaptations had to be made during the animation. For example, the Indigenous people wore shorts during filming, but were animated as if they were naked. Most had short hair and had to be animated with long hair. Everything had to be adjusted to characterize the early 20th century. Our team of animators also had to be trained to make realistic drawings of the human body, as most of them came from animations with a cartoonish style. We didnt want to use the filmed images as simple rotoscopy, strictly following the photographs. We wanted to imprint our own aesthetic to the film, with variations in lines and emphasis on anatomy, in the style of Austrian artist Egon Schiele. We wanted to stylize the characters, free ourselves from the imposition of the filmed image and enter the realm of imagination. To do so, we only used the filmed images for the key drawings; everything else was done in traditional 2D animation. At each stage, new challenges presented themselves. In Brazil, there are still few feature-length animation productions, so we still lack some specialized professionals and systematic paths. There was a lot of doing and learning in this fascinating process, which is still taking place today. How would you describe the state of animation in Brazil today, and has it evolved during your career? With the return of the Lula government in 2023, audiovisual public policies were resumed, and we found ourselves with a certain stability and opportunities for the sector. Associations, unions and groups are also helping to regulate the animation market, which has grown and now has many people working in it, consolidating an ecosystem. However, it is still necessary to make adjustments to these public policies, taking into account animations particularities. An animated movie takes years to make, Nimuendaju took 13 years. Thats why it needs more support. Animation is more expensive, but it has been scaled down below live-action production budgets. Even in this context, there has been a significant increase in the production of series, video games and feature films in Brazil. This stimulates the training of new artists and technicians and also increases interest in animation schools and international co-productions. The films topic is very relevant today, as minorities all over the world face threats of harassment and sometimes their very extermination. How do you feel sharing this film today? The heart of the film is the conflict between the white world and the Indigenous world in the first half of the 20th century. Unfortunately, this conflict is still relevant more than a century later. Bloody conflicts continued to occur throughout the 20th century. For example, in 1950, in southern Brazil, the Xeta people were exterminated. In the 1960s, the construction of an extensive highway in the southwest of the Amazon wiped out dozens of Indigenous communities. The same thing happened in the early 1970s in the region where the Trans-Amazonian highway was constructed. The Indigenous peoples who survived all this barbarity are now facing the same list of homicidal intolerance. The legacy of Bolsonaros far-right government, from 2019 to 2022, still has a strong impact and leaves its mark in arsons, murders of Indigenous leaders and land invasions by miners and loggers. This ancestral conflict had to be presented in Nimuendaju, as our character, when relating to his Indigenous companions, finds himself in the epicenter of these issues. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. June 7, 2025: The United States provided Ukraine with a software system that uses a lot of statistical analysis and Artificial Intelligence/AI to keep track of forces on both sides. Initially this involved developing a data collection and analysis system to accurately predict where the Russians will attack next and how to deal with that most effectively. This is nothing new as similar systems were used nearly two decades ago in Iran and Afghanistan by American forces to successfully predict where roadside bombs were and the location of those manufacturing and placing these bombs. The new system is based on the work done since the 1990s by Palantir, one of the pioneers in this field, especially the use of Predictive Analysis. This is a system that uses known data on the enemy to develop estimates of what they will do next. This sort of thing has been around for a long time and became more useful as more data became available and new software allowed that data to be analyzed and acted on in real time. Now such systems can not only predict but also show what the enemy is doing right now and recently. NATO is involved because they have the financial resources to get this done quickly and Ukraine is at war where the new system can be tested realistically. Palantir AI software has also been used to improve how the Ukraine government supplies and supports combat operations, including aid for refugees and reports from refugees of Russian activities. This includes where supplies are stored, particularly fuel and munitions. Misbehavior by Russian forces is also important to document, and it too goes into databases for use in locating as-yet unknown bodies of victims and identifying individual perpetrators for suitable attention. Massacring civilians and rape are considered war crimes. Worse, such activity is considered newsworthy and quickly covered by the media in countries not responsible. For the nation that is responsible its a troublesome public relations problem that never completely goes away. This is what Russia has been dealing with since it invaded Ukraine, plus the suitable attention already given to some of the many perpetrators. For nearly a decade the American military has been using software incorporating AI to select targets for air strikes for a human to approve or modify. In most cases the air force personnel assigned to check what this software finds discover there is nothing requiring modification. In 2023 the software-based target selection system averaged was able to quickly identify 85 targets in seven different areas in Iraq and Syria. This use of enhanced mission planning software has been around for a short time, but the concept has been around for decades until technology and software capabilities reached the point that such systems became reliable and useful. While some civilians regard AI enhanced target selection as a nightmarish and improbable effort, the reality is that it works for the troops whose lives depend on it. The success in using the AI based software for target selections is being expanded to include other types of intelligence collection. The fact of the matter is that the AI-based system can make accurate decisions more quickly than human analysts. Human operators must constantly monitor this process to watch out for errors. Some of those problems were caused by faulty software which is ultimately created by human software engineers. There are always humans in the loop, either directly or indirectly. U.S. Central Command, while responsible for American operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and some parts of South Asia, has regularly used algorithms to help decide the state of these regions and what actions the United States should take. Central Command began using Project Maven's computer vision systems in real campaigns after Hamas' surprise attack on Israel during October 2023. Israeli intelligence was criticized for not detecting the Hamas operation. Israeli intelligence did detect the Hamas plans, but Hamas devised a deception that persuaded the Israelis that there was no danger. Successful deception and surprise are one of the most effective military techniques if you can make it work. Hamas did make it work. Project Maven scrutinizes large quantities of video and still photos of a combat zone, or potential combat zone, looking for patterns that identify or indicate the possibility of combat or violence occurring. The AI bases system is trained to detect such possibilities and provide warnings of attacks or unexpected military or militant movements. The October 2023 Hamas surprise attack was the sort of thing Project Maven could have convincingly predicted. More so than the Israeli intelligence analysis that did not indicate any dangerous actions by Hamas. Project Maven can monitor trouble spots in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Far East where North Korea remains an unstable threat. In combat situations Project Maven can determine where targets are and what impact attacking them would have. Project Maven can also examine past combat situations, if there is enough visual and textual data available, and clarify what happened, how it happened and how that contributed to the outcome. This is a form of predicting the past, which is a standard tool for determining if a prediction system will be accurate and used in situations that have not taken place yet. Currently there are several active combat zones in the Middle East and Ukraine that would be more effectively monitored with a system like Project Maven, while also using Project Maven to see how useful Project Maven would have been in predicting if these situations would occur and how they will develop in the future. Project Maven doesnt predict the future but can provide likely future developments. Compared to current intelligence prediction techniques, Project Maven would be faster and incorporate actual outcomes to develop a real-time prediction of how these events are likely to evolve. Intelligence organizations already try to do this manually and have done so for a long time. The results have often not been timely enough or accurate enough to be useful to combat commanders or even planning staff. Having an AI give the same warning that humans give also provides intelligence officials a little bit more credibility with their civilian bosses impending trouble. With Project Maven the combat commanders and their intelligence staff personnel can quickly evaluate actual or potential combat situations and do so in real time, or at least quickly if potential situations are being examined and evaluated for useful predictions. Project Maven will also strive to overcome the old problem of no combat plan surviving contact with the enemy. Warfare has two sides, and Project Maven strives to better understand what the enemy is likely to do. One lesson of military history is that while enemy reactions to your moves are difficult to predict, it would be a major advantage if you could come up with accurate estimates of future reactions by the enemy. Experience has shown that such estimates, at least accurate and useful ones, are nearly impossible to achieve. Project Maven will try to overcome that problem. Project Maven is already being used but the results are kept secret. If actual or potential enemies know what Project Maven is predicting they will do, the enemy will change their plans. This has always been a problem with intelligence work, but Project Maven does it in more detail and can change predictions in real time to adapt to changes in enemy activity. Project Maven may prove to be a major new intelligence tool, or maybe not because there may be unexpected pitfalls. Youll never know unless you try and then you may find yourself reminded of the ancient ironic expression; may you live in interesting times. buffalo wild wings Everyone loves Buffalo Wild Wings, but let's be honest: it's not the best road trip food. Those irresistibly spicy, sauced pieces of fried chicken are best enjoyed when the wet napkins aren't stowed behind a glove compartment button. You're better off making them your pit stop than your road food. But it doesn't have to be that way anymore. What if you could get the great taste of chicken wings into the perfect vessel of the Slim Jim? The meat stick brand has branched out quite a bit since it introduced its original blend of chicken, beef, and pork in a single bar, adding a variety of flavors such as Tabasco, Teriyaki, Dill Pickle, Nacho, and more to its lineup. Now, the brand is collaborating with Buffalo Wild Wings, maker of 26 flavors of wings, for an all-new variety of Slim Jim. Slim Jim Launches New Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Meat Stick Flavors Slim Jim premiered two new chicken meat sticks in collaboration with Buffalo Wild Wings at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis in May. Allrecipes editor Bailey Fink was there and got to get a first taste of the brand new snacks, available in Buffalo style and Hot. "While there isn't necessarily chicken flavor, you can definitely tell it's a bit leaner than traditional [meat] sticks because it's softer and easier to chew," she says. "Much like plain chicken, it pretty much takes on the flavor it's marinated in, which, in this case, is Buffalo Wild Wings sauce." She also thought it was a little wild that the flavor of the chicken sticks had the "spot on" flavor of a B-Dubs chicken wing. "The Buffalo style has a nice kick, but still provides that buttery, rich flavor of Buffalo sauce, whereas the "Hot" style is just that: spicy," Bailey says. "Overall, I did enjoy these, and they're a nice break from regular jerky flavor." Both Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Sticks flavors are available in the Slim Jim Giant Stick size of .97 ounces, and their suggested price is just under $2, making them an affordable snack to keep on hand for a quick protein boost any time of day. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES Reaction to President Donald Trump's new travel bans was swift in South Florida, home to what are believed to be the largest Venezuelan, Haitian and Cuban communities in the United States. "I am deeply concerned by this decision which further divides us as Americans and harms hardworking families contributing to the essential fabric of our community," Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a June 5 social media post. "The work of our federal government should be to protect our borders and pass comprehensive immigration reform, not tear down our communities." Trump's proclamation, signed on June 4, takes effect June 9. The administration cited security reasons for the bans on travelers from a dozen countries and restrictions on those from seven others. It prohibits entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Travel restrictions, including suspensions, will be placed on those from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Of the nearly 1.7 million visas issued to people from those countries between 2014 and 2023, almost half were from Venezuela. They reunited with family, shopped and visited Disney World and other theme parks and attractions, according to recent media and social media accounts. Venezuelans and Haitians speak out against the travel ban The proclamation suspends entry into the United States for Venezuelan nationals with temporary work, study and tourist visas. "Venezuela lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures," the proclamation said. It also mentioned the overstay rate on visas from the country is nearly 10%. A mother from Venezuela who moved to South Florida six years ago told CBS News she's unsure whether her adult son, who remains in the South American country, will be allowed to visit her. The announcement also prompted concern among bloggers who write about Disney parks in California and Florida, who questioned the impact the restrictions could have on the thousands who visit the parks each year from Venezuela. Members of South Florida's Haitian community also spoke out about the ban. More than 230,000 native Haitians live in the metropolitan area, roughly 4% of the region's population, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Marleine Bastien, who was born in Haiti and now serves on the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, said she's "deeply disheartened" by the ban. In a statement, she called it "cruel and xenophobic" and a "blatant attempt to scapegoat an already suffering people." "This unjust policy will sow chaos in our communities, separating families, and disrupting lives," said Bastien, founder of Family Action Network Movement, a South Florida-based organization. The decision is a "betrayal of the values America claims to uphold compassion, justice, and opportunity for all," she said. Haitians averaged 24,337 non-immigrant visas for the U.S. over a decade and Cubans averaged 12,464. Travel from the countries plunged during the pandemic but had begun to increase again by 2023. Haitians received 10,515 non-immigrant visas that year and Cubans received 6,146. Trump's proclamation stated he had directed the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and others to identify countries where the vetting and screening information is "so deficient as to warrant a full or partial suspension" of nationals of those countries into the U.S. and the group had found a number of countries deficient. Rubio, a South Florida native whose parents migrated from Cuba in 1956, shared on X a post from the White House, attributed to Trump: "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." USA TODAY looked at how many visas were distributed to foreign nationals from the countries in question over the past decade. A nonimmigrant visa is a temporary document, issued for tourism, temporary work, medical care, study or business. Jesus Diaz, with the Latin America Region team from Barquisimeto, Venezuela meets with Mickey Mouse after throwing a ceremonial first pitch before the International Championship game during the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Aug. 24, 2024. How many visitor's visas were issued? Combined, foreign nationals in the countries now facing travel bans accounted for fewer than 63,000 non-immigrant visas in 2023, the most recent year for which statistics are available. At least two dozen other countries not included in the ban each accounted for more visitor visas that year. While Venezuela leads all the 19 recently restricted countries in visitors to the U.S., Iranians received 17,634 non-immigrant visas in 2023, more than any of the dozen countries facing total travel bans. Myanmar, which U.S. documents recognize as Burma, received the next-most with 13,284. Here are the number of non-immigrant visas granted to nationalities of the other countries facing bans: Sudan, 4,506 Yemen, 4,204 Afghanistan, 2,665 Libya, 2,259 Congo Republic, 2,175 Chad, 2,090 Equatorial Guinea, 1,534 Eritrea, 931 Somalia, 463 Looking at the decade overall, Haitians topped the list, receiving the most non-immigrant visas among the banned countries at 243,369. Iran was second with 162,356 and Burma/Myanmar was third with 115,520. Among the countries facing travel restrictions rather than bans, foreign nationals from five of those Sierra Leone, Togo, Laos, Turkmenistan and Burundi received fewer than 8,500 non immigrant visas combined in 2023. Which country's residents received the most non-immigrant visas? Mexico led the world at 2.3 million non-immigrant visas in 2023. The figure also includes border crossing cards, laminated cards that allow Mexicans to cross the border between the nations for periods of less than 30 days. More than 1.3 million people planning to visit the U.S. from India received non-immigrant visas in 2023 and 1.06 million from Brazil. Other countries whose nationalities received the most visiting visas in 2023 include: Colombia, 476,293 China, 417,008 Argentina, 291,892 Ecuador, 274,799 Philippines, 285,860 Israel, 190,415 Vietnam, 133,781 Dominican Republic, 130,360 Turkey, 130,168 Nigeria, 113,695 Peru, 111,851 Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writes about climate change, violent weather and other news. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's new travel restrictions hit tourists, families Members of the Texas National Guard in an encampment of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, in 2024. (Justin Hamel / Bloomberg / Getty Images file) A Department of Homeland Security request for 21,000 National Guard troops to support expansive interior immigration enforcement operations includes a call for troops to search for unaccompanied children in some cases and transport them between states, three sources briefed on the plan told NBC News. Having National Guard troops perform such tasks, which are not explained in detail in the DHS request, has prompted concern among Democrats in Congress and some military and law enforcement officials. The tasks are laid out in a May 9 request for assistance from the Department of Homeland Security to the Pentagon. The document states that this represents the first formal request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the deployment of National Guard personnel in support of interior immigration enforcement operations. The request calls for National Guard troops to be used for Search and Rescue for UACs [Unaccompanied Alien Children] in remote or hostile terrain, and Intra- and inter-state transport of detainees/ unaccompanied alien children (UACs), without clearly explaining what that would entail. Most of the troops, about 10,000, would be used for transporting detained individuals, DHS said. Roughly 2,500 troops would be used for detention support, but the document does not specify where. Another 1,000 troops would be assigned to administrative support, such as processing detainees. The request also asks for up to 3,500 troops to Attempt to Locate Fugitives and to conduct surveillance and canvassing missions, as well as night operations and rural interdictions. It also asks for support for ICE in joint task force operations for absconder/fugitive tracking, according to the three sources familiar with the plans. NPR first reported the details of the DHS request. Concerns about the use of troops Democrats in Congress and military and law enforcement officials have expressed concern about the use of National Guard troops to perform what they say are civilian law enforcement duties. One characterized the plan as the Trump administration finding a way to get the National Guard into the streets and into American homes, saying, I fear its going to look like a police state. A second source said, Trump has said he wants to use the National Guard for law enforcement, and the Pentagon and other entities have always said, Oh, dont worry, it will never come to that. But this is it. Pentagon officials did not respond to a request for comment. Defense officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said the request has not been approved and is being evaluated by Pentagon policy officials, the general counsels office and other Pentagon leadership. The officials say the most likely course of action would be for some parts of the request to be approved and others rejected. But one source briefed on the plans said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is close to approving some elements of the request and is considering which state governors to approach first regarding National Guard units. We are so much closer to this being real, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. DHS is requesting the National Guard troops under Title 32 status, which means they would remain on state active duty under the command of their governor but would be federally funded. Title 32 status generally allows National Guard troops to conduct law enforcement activities without violating the Posse Comitatus Act, an 1878 law that bars the use of federal troops in law enforcement operations. A National Guard member who opposes troops performing such tasks told NBC News, I plan to leave the National Guard soon over this. The Texas National Guard uses a pepper spray gun to disperse migrants maintaining a camp within the Rio Grande on the border between Mexico and the United States in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on April 20, 2024. (David Peinado / Anadolu / Getty Images) Tensions between DOD and DHS over cost The Pentagon is also being asked by DHS to pay the full cost of deploying the 21,000 National Guard troops. That comes amid growing tension between the Pentagon and DHS over the cost of border and other immigrant-related operations. The DHS request for National Guard troops arrives when the Pentagon is already footing a $23 million-a-month bill to hold as many as 2,500 undocumented immigrants in a military facility in Texas. Defense officials say they are frustrated that the camp is holding far fewer individuals than they were told to expect, and they would like a reprieve. The Defense Department is in a contract with DHS to help support DHS and ICE officers who are under pressure from deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller to arrest 3,000 undocumented immigrants a day. But it has been slow going for ICE agents, resulting in fewer arrests across the country. That has resulted in many empty beds at facilities like the one in El Paso, owned and operated by the Defense Department. Military officials say the facility has been holding an average of 150 undocumented immigrants each day over the last several weeks a fraction of its 2,500 beds. On one recent day, they said, the facility housed fewer than 80 people. Pentagon officials are asking to cut the number of beds in the facility from 2,500 to about 1,000, which they say would save $12 million per month. It is not clear if the DHS request for National Guard troops will increase the need for beds in the El Paso facility. The DHS request also comes as the Pentagon is struggling to fund critical projects to support U.S. troops. Congress is aware that the department is redirecting funds from existing military construction projects like barracks improvements for lower enlisted personnel and long-standing infrastructure projects elsewhere in the world in favor of southwest border missions, a Senate aide who spoke on condition of anonymity told NBC News. They are pretty frustrated with the way that the department is ordering them to support DHS out of their own pockets for a grossly disproportionate cost compared to what ICE facilities would cost the government, added the aide, referring to military officials. Last month, the Pentagon notified Congress that it planned to transfer more than $1.74 million in the current DOD budget to the southwest border mission, a step that will take money away from renovating barracks and base facilities. Service member advocacy groups have criticized the move. Rob Evans, the founder of Hots&Cots, where service members can post reviews of barracks, dining areas and other facilities, says he sees evidence daily of barracks with sewage leaks, mold, failing HVAC systems and more. When funding is pulled from this line, troops pay the price in real ways: delayed repairs, worsening conditions, and a growing sense that their well-being comes second to optics and operations, Evans said. Service members deserve clean, safe, and dignified living conditions. Theyve earned at least that much. BOULDER, CO In sandals and winter boots, in rain and snow and sun, their feet tread the red bricks with a silent request: Bring them home. They push strollers and wheelchairs, carrying flags and signs with that same message: Bring them home. They ignore the taunts and epithets flung by college students and counterprotesters, focusing on their goal: Bring them home. These moments, these footsteps, they weren't political. It wasn't about their personal views on the Israel-Hamas war. "We just want them home," said longtime marcher Lisa Turnquist, 66. "That's why we do this," she said. The small group of "Run for their Lives" marchers in this college town were sharing their message on June 1 603 days since Hamas snatched concertgoers and ordinary people from southern Israel and vanished them into Gaza's tunnels. But halfway through the Sunday afternoon march, a suicidal Muslim immigrant attacked them with a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails, injuring 12, including an elderly Holocaust survivor. Many regular marchers are Jewish. Six of the injured in what federal officials have described as a terrorist attack were from the same synagogue, Bonai Shalom. But instead of bringing the community together, the attack appears to have exacerbated fault lines across this wealthy, liberal city where pro-Palestinian protests verging on outright antisemitism have become a way of life for elected leaders and college students. After the attack, someone posted "Wanted" signs on the Pearl Street Mall just steps from the scene, naming the majority of city council members guilty of "complicity in genocide" for refusing to pass a ceasefire resolution and not divesting from businesses that are helping Israel wage its war against Hamas. A person walks down the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 6, 2025, near anonymously posted "Wanted" fliers criticizing the Boulder City Council for not doing enough to oppose Israel's actions during the Gaza War, just days after an alleged terrorist attacked a group of peaceful protesters asking for the return of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas. "Not only has the rhetoric become increasingly centered around violence and division, but we have an increasing amount of cowardice, from cowardly administrators, cowardly government officials," said Adam Rovner, who directs the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver. "We're seeing it much more clearly now. And unfortunately Jewish communities are paying the cost." Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, faces more than 118 state and federal charges in connection with the attack, including hate crime accusations. Investigators say he confessed and remains unrepentant, telling them he deliberately targeted the marchers because he considered them a "Zionist group." Divisions continue after Pearl Street attack Amid the extreme positions on the Israel-Hamas war, Run for their Lives believed most people could get behind their message. The national Run for their Lives organization has sponsored walks or runs in hundreds of cities and towns since Oct. 7, 2023, the day of the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, in which more than 1,000 people were killed and 240 taken hostage. As of June 5, 56 hostages were still being held by Hamas; that number includes the living and the presumed dead. The Hamas-run Gazan Health Ministry says more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the war. On June 1, as she had dozens of times before, Turnquist was pushing her Australian shepherd, Jake, in a stroller as the group made its way past the historic Boulder County Courthouse on Pearl Street pedestrian mall. She saw a man dressed like a landscaper odd, she thought, since it was a Sunday and thought it would be best to just keep walking, as she had done so many times before when counterprotesters screamed and yelled. There had never been physical violence against the group, but there were insults, jeers, accusations that the marchers themselves support genocide. Turnquist and others who have marched said they often felt unsafe. "We ignore the people who are against us," said Turnquist, who is Jewish. "We can't let Boulder tell us what to do. We can't let university students tell us we can't do stuff like this, because that's what they do. Week after week, people are yelling at us all the time, saying we are causing genocide. We're not causing genocide. We were attacked and we are fighting to get our hostages back." The conflict between the marchers and counterprotesters is a microcosm of the vicious disputes that have long been on display in Boulder, where Palestinian students disrupted classes earlier this year. Turnquist, the protest marcher, said knowing the group lacked the full support of local elected officials made it harder to feel comfortable during those Sunday protests. She said she went into a Boulder shop at the start of the Gaza war while wearing a necklace with a Jewish symbol on it. The shopkeeper suggested she hide it so she didn't become a target, she said. "One of the things I remember saying was ... the masks are going to come off and we're going to see who the antisemites are. We're going to see them for who they are. And sure enough it started happening all over," Turnquist said. "It was people that I didn't even think would be antisemites it was some friends." Nationally, polls have shown that younger Americans are more likely to side with Palestinians than with Israel in the conflict, including young Jews. And a poll in April 2024 by the Pew Research Center found 31% of Jews younger than 35 felt Hamas' reasons for fighting were valid, compared with just 10% for Jews ages 35 and older. A stop sign on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder bears a sticker referring to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Turnquist said the Sunday marches were deliberately nonpolitical: They didn't call for attacks on Hamas or for more retaliation by Israel. Instead, they focused on the one thing they thought everyone would agree with. To Soliman, that apparently didn't matter. According to investigators, he researched the protest group online, took concealed-weapons classes and planned his attack for a year. Video recordings captured Soliman shouting "Free Palestine" as he threw Molotov cocktails into the crowd of marchers, setting fire to several people, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. "Mohamed said it was revenge as the Zionist group did not care about thousands of hostages from Palestine," Boulder police wrote in an arrest affidavit. "Mohamed 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)." Soliman's motivation, as reported by police, mirrored similar language used by the sole member of the Boulder City Council who declined to sign on to a group statement from city leaders condemning the attack. Councilmember Taishya Adams condemned the attack but said she declined to sign the group statement, which identified Soliman's actions as antisemitic, because it didn't specifically note that he was also motivated by what she considers anti-Zionism. "If we are to prevent future violence and additional attacks in our community, I believe we need to be real about the possible motivations for this heinous act," Adams wrote in a statement explaining her decision. "Denying our community the full truth about the attack denies us the ability to fully protect ourselves and each other." Responded council member Mark Wallach: "Your efforts to make what I think is a pedantic distinction as to whether a man who attempted to burn peaceful elderly demonstrators alive to burn them alive, Taishya was acting as an antisemite or an anti-Zionist is simply grotesque." Jewish groups in Boulder have tangled with Adams before over what they say are her own antisemitic remarks regarding the Palestinian conflict, and pro-Palestinian protesters repeatedly disrupted city council meetings. Adams did not return a request for comment from USA TODAY. On June 5, the first meeting after the attack, the mayor announced that in-person public comment would be prohibited because pro-Palestinian protesters have so often disrupted meetings. Among those who have watched protesters disrupt council meetings was Barbara Steinmetz, a Holocaust survivor burned in the June 1 attack. In a video interview last year, Steinmetz recounted what it was like to attend council meetings alongside pro-Palestinian protesters, including one interaction with a woman carrying a sign referencing "from the river to the sea," the rallying cry of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which called for erasing Israel. "I turned to her and said: 'Do you realize that that means you want to kill me? You want me destroyed?' But she just turned away," Steinmetz said. "Jews in Boulder and maybe Denver and probably in cities all around the world are afraid of wearing their Jewish stars. They're taking down their mezuzahs so that no one will know that it's a Jewish house. They're not identifying themselves because they're frightened." Lisa Turnquist of Louisville, Colorado, lays flowers and a flag at the site of the attack outside the Boulder County Courthouse on June 2, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado. The suspect, an Egyptian citizen who had overstayed his visa, has been charged with a hate crime by the FBI. Soliman's attack didn't happen in a vacuum Rovner, from the University of Denver, said pro-Palestinian college protests helped lay the groundwork for increased violence, in part because many students don't truly appreciate what it means to repeat and thus desensitize the meaning of chants like "globalize the intifada" and declarations that a Palestinian state should run "from the river to the sea." Says the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs: "Calls to 'globalize the intifada' are not calls for civil disobedience, general strikes, or negotiations. They are calls for the murder of Israelis and Jews around the world and must be taken seriously by governments and law enforcement agencies." Like CU-Boulder, the University of Denver was home to an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters last year, and Rovner said there were repeated confrontations between the protesters and Jewish students walking to class. Rovner has a close friend who often joined the Boulder walks. "These are precisely the kinds of things that cause terrorist groups to pick up weapons to attack people," Rovner said. "When you heighten the rhetoric of hatred and demonize one country and claim to only be opposing an ideology, you are almost inevitably going to see action based on that rhetoric." Jewish scholars and community leaders say the attack on Boulder was frustratingly predictable given the sharp rise in antisemitism sparked by the war in Gaza, with escalating rhetoric, protests and demonstrations nationwide, particularly on college campuses and college towns. In response to those warnings, President Donald Trump specifically targeted pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses, launching investigations into 40 campuses that his administration has accused of not doing enough to protect the Jewish community from participants. Security and extremism experts say a significant factor in driving violence is that many protesters draw no distinction between someone who is Jewish and someone who supports Israel's attacks on Hamas in Gaza, which is home to about 2.1 million Palestinians. In April, a man firebombed Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's house hours after a Passover celebration, telling police he targeted Shapiro over "what he wants to do to the Palestinian people." And on May 22, a man shot and killed a young couple outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. "Free Palestine," the man shouted. "I did it for Gaza," he later told investigators. "These attacks and many more in recent months on campus, at Jewish institutions and this time at a peaceful gathering here in Boulder have targeted people whose only 'offense' is that they are Jewish. Or someone thought they were Jewish. Or they were standing as allies alongside Jews," the Rocky Mountain Anti-Defamation League said in a statement to USA TODAY. A report released last month found that antisemitic incidents across the United States in 2024 hit a record high for the fourth consecutive year. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a security alert June 5 warning that more antisemitic violence could be coming. "The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may motivate other violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators with similar grievances to conduct violence against Jewish and Israeli communities and their supporters," the security agencies said in the warning. "Foreign terrorist organizations also may try to exploit narratives related to the conflict to inspire attacks in the United States." Survivor returns to site of attack Run for their Lives organizers say they remain undeterred as they gear up for this weekend's march. "This didnt happen in a vacuum. It is the result of increasingly normalized hate, dehumanizing rhetoric, and silence in the face of rising antisemitism. But we will not be deterred," Rachel Amaru, the founder of Boulder Run For Their Lives said at a June 4 rally for the victims. "We invite everyone to join us, not just with your feet, but with open hearts and minds. Choose humanity over hate, curiosity over judgment, and learning over condemnation." The day after the attack, Turnquist returned to the scene of the attack to lay flowers and display a small Israeli flag on behalf of her injured friends. Still shaken by the attack just 24 hours earlier, she visibly shook as she recounted her efforts to help the victims. "I woke up this morning and didn't want to get out of bed. I didn't want to get out of bed and didn't want to talk to my friends who were calling me. But this is when we have to get up and stand up, and we have to push back." And she promised to be back walking every Sunday until all the hostages are home. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mohamed Soliman's antisemitic attack deepens divisions in Boulder For Tesla investors, Elon Musks involvement with Donald Trump has been a car wreck thats unfolded in two chapters: one in slow motion, the next on dizzying fast-forward. During Musks 130 days running DOGE, a crusade whose dogged aggression virtually defined the administrations mindset in the early months, the EV chief infuriated European customers by backing far-right politicians. And as Tesla sales dropped in the likes of Germany and France, and severe competition shrank its market share in China, Musk neglected tackling Teslas mounting problems and doubled down, famously battling to slash departments and headcount from the White House. In his absence, Teslas stock and earnings tanked. Bad as that episode proved for Tesla, it at least provided a potential upside. Even before DOGE, Musk clearly had too many spoons in too many pots through SpaceX, Neuralink, X, and his other ventures; then he got even more preoccupied by putting another spoon in another pot, says Eric Talley, a professor of law and business at Columbia University. But being in the White House also included a bit of an insurance policy for Tesla Sitting close to the seat of decision-making was a big potential advantage. Now, says Talley, Musk has single-handedly turned that insurance policy into a liabilitythe threat that the administration will penalize the EV-maker, or at best do nothing to protect it. When Musk departed DOGE on May 30 amid the fanfare of Trumps Oval Office send-off, Tesla shareholders still had little to toast, since the CEO wasnt off-loading his empires myriad duties to refocus on the troubled manufacturer. Then the Musk-Trump feud, which exploded on June 5, triggered by the formers lacerating takedown of the presidents signature budget bill, put Tesla overnight into a spot where its threatened not only by poor finances but the insults unleashed at his former sponsor, which both invite retaliation by Trump and endanger Musks survival as the enterprises leader thats so critical to its gigantic valuation. The thing thats different in the last 24 hours, says Talley, is that Musk not only walked away from an insurance policy of having a CEO situated high in government. He took out an antiinsurance policy. Any moment could erupt in a flameout from either side over social media that puts a target on Teslas back. He notes that Teslas rivals are confronting the same headwinds from the wind-down in EV subsidies to purchasers proposed in the so-called Great Big Beautiful Bill, but the overhang from antagonizing the president is a target its competitors dont have. Indeed, the day it detonated, the blowup sent Tesla shares reeling 14.3% in a free fall that erased $153 billion in market cap, the biggest one-day drop in the companys history. Though it clawed back around a third of those losses the following day, the stocks still sitting 40% below its recent summit in mid-December. Musks outrageous behavior would normally get him booted as CEO Charles Elson, founding director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, and one of the leading experts on the rules and ethics governing boards, told Fortune that at any other major public company but Tesla, Musk would be goneand the dumping would have happened well before the new hurricane. If his name had been Joe Doakes, hed be gone in a nanosecond, says Elson, given the reputational damage he did alienating a good number of customers by going into politics at DOGE. Its a mess. No other board would have let a CEO get involved in that way. You dont have time to be a CEO! What keeps Musk in the job is his iron grip on the board, says Elson. He notes that Musk controls 30% of the shares, and that his influence extends beyond the power of that stake owing to the loyalty built, in part, by awarding directors large options grants that made many of them extremely rich. Elson reckons that it would be extremely difficult for disgruntled shareholders to prevail in lawsuits versus board members that might work toward forcing out Musk. The road to winning liability cases against directors is a twisting, bumpy one, he avows. That Tesla reincorporated from Delaware to Texas makes it much tougher. Thats why Tesla moved to Texas. It was a race to the bottom, and they ran all the way to the bottom of the barrel. According to Elson, Musk cant be forced to leave, and wont go unless he wants to, and theres nothing anybody can do about it. Nevertheless, the size of Musks ownership stake thats the source of his control, and his attachment to Tesla going forward thats dependent upon that position, are being tested by a landmark decision in the Delaware courts. The ruling, handed down last year, negated the $56 billion stock package awarded by the board in 2018 that accounts for two-thirds of Musks holdings. Tesla is now appealing to get that compensation restored. If the Delaware Supreme Court upholds the decision, Tesla is certain to attempt getting that compensation reinstated. But that route courts much higher risks now. According to Talley, the board under Texas law could either attempt to restore the package unilaterally, or put the issue to a shareholder vote. He reckons that the former, more direct approach is now looking a lot less attractive to the directors than a few days ago. The board may prefer now to go with a shareholder vote, he says, given the potential backlash from rewarding Musk so royally when Teslas struggling, mainly because of his own actions. It might appeal to the board to go that way and count on a rejection, he adds. A turndown raises another potentially ghoulish outcome. If they have a shareholder vote, and it goes negative, then you have a succession problem. You dont want a CEO to take vengeance on the company, a path the mercurial legend could take. Its also unclear how Musk will react if the Delaware Supreme Court rules against himsame upshot: He owns far less of Tesla, and his incentive to rebuild the greatest source of his wealth would be greatly diminished. Despite the selloff, Teslas still sporting a giant premium because of Elon Musk Tesla enjoys a gigantic premium courtesy of Musks iconic status and the serial promises of delivering self-driving technology that will transform Tesla from a metal-bender into a fabulously lucrative tech player. As I detailed after Tesla reported Q1 results, it actually lost money selling cars and batteries and only managed a tiny profit through the sales of regulatory credits. Its hardcore, repeatable earnings from the auto and battery franchises over the previous four quarters totaled just $3.5 billion, down from $12 billion in 2022. At a P/E of 30thats three times the auto industry averageTesla, based on bedrock fundamentals, might be worth $100 billion. But even after the recent selloff, its valuation stands at $960 billion. Hence, the difference of well over $800 billion arises from what Ill call the Musk magic premium, created by his promises of epic innovations to come. If Musk were to depart, a big part of that magic premium exits with him. It may be fading already. So for Tesla shareholders, its bad either way. Musk leaves and a hands-on leader arrives, but the geniuss halo no longer shields the stock; or he stays and keeps starting fights that undermine the brand and spreads his time among half a dozen pioneering ventures that he may find more riveting. As Elson puts it, Anyone else would be fired after this, but he feels he cant be. He has this aura that makes him feel untouchable. Hes got a cult status that seems to follow him and make folks think its okay that he doesnt operate in a normal way. But, Elson cautions, as Musks behavior gets more and more outrageous, the burden hes heaping on Tesla, now and what investors increasingly perceive is looming, is catching up with him. Weve just seen a shocking example of how fast that can happen, and how rapidly the myth can dissolve. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com For more than a decade, Chinas aspirational shoppers, spurred by a fast-growing economy and rising wages, snapped up products from cosmetics giants like LOreal, Estee Lauder, and Shiseido. Before the COVID pandemic hit, China appeared set to overtake the U.S. as the worlds largest makeup market. Those boom times are over, as more Chinese consumers now turn to up-and-coming local brands, like Mao Geping and Florasis. LOreals sales in Mainland China dropped last year, shrinking its overall North Asia sales by around 3%. The Chinese market, the bulk of the firms North Asia revenue, now accounts for 17% of group sales, down from 23% in 2022. The French firm continues to call China an important market, but has reportedly started cutting its retail workforce due to slower Chinese demand. As China stagnates, LOreal is now looking to regions, like the Middle East and Southeast Asia, as a source of growth. SAPMENALOreals term for South Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africawill soon play a much bigger role when it comes to beauty, says Vismay Sharma, who oversees the region for the French cosmetics firm. LOreal, No. 91 on Fortunes Europe 500, reported sales of 1.1 billion euros ($1.19 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, up 12.2% year-on-year, across SAPMENA and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Thats still small compared to other regions, sitting far behind Europe, North America and North Asia. But while SAPMENA-SSA only contributed 9.2% of LOreals quarterly revenue, it was the only region to log double-digit growth. SAPMENA covers a huge swathe of the globe, stretching from Morocco all the way down to New Zealand just under 19,000 kilometers away. The regions 35 markets cover 3 billion people, or about 40% of the worlds population, yet only accounts for 10% of global beauty sales. It has to come together, and eventually demographics have to win, Sharma says. SAPMENAs quick growth doesnt surprise Sharma. The consumers in this part of the world are about 5 years younger than the rest of the world, live in aspirational societies and in economies that are growing fast, he says. China has proved to be a tricky market for global cosmetics firms post-pandemic. Sluggish China sales have dragged down the financial results of U.S. firm Estee Lauder and Japans Shiseido. A sluggish economy and stagnant consumption are partly to blame. But theres also new competition. C-Beauty brands are starting to pick up steam among Chinese shoppers, with new brands going viral on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, and other social media platforms. (LOreal is paying attention, investing in local Chinese brands like To Summer) Still, Sharma thinks China offers lessons for SAPMENA. Southeast Asia, like China, has highly connected consumers who are used to e-commerce and livestreaming. For example, Sharma notes that over 50% of LOreals business in Vietnam comes from e-commerce. This is less true of the Middle East and North Africa. When you look at the ecosystem of beauty over there, you still dont have TikTok Shop. Theyre still a few years behind platforms like Shopee, like Lazada, he says. Yet consumers in the Middle East share similar preferences to those in Southeast Asia. Expectations for beauty are very similar. We can see aspirations in terms of kind of hair, skin, lips, and eyes, Sharma says, pointing to a preference for longer black hair as an example. That gives LOreal a chance to grow in the region. Our ability to create content at scale in the GCC becomes a huge advantage, Sharma says. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Hours before the Capital Pride Parade during WorldPride in Washington, D.C., fencing at a key gathering spot for Pride celebrations is being taken down, two sources told ABC News. The decision comes following public outcry and a reversal by the U.S. Park Police and the National Park Service, which had made the decision to close off Dupont Circle Park ahead of Saturdays parade, which marks the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride. Two sources confirmed to ABC News that the park, long the site of unofficial Pride parties and gatherings in the city, is being reopened ahead of the event. The fencing was initially requested by the Metropolitan Police Department in April due to safety concerns following past incidents during Pride events, though there are no known credible threats to the nation's capital as tens of thousands gather to celebrate, officials told ABC News. After a debate between federal officials, city police and LGBTQ+ activists, the U.S. Park Police announced the park would close from 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, through approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. Leigh Vogel/UPI via Shutterstock - PHOTO: A firefighter attaches a pride flag to a firetruck as thousands of people gather to celebrate the WorldPride 2025 Parade in Washington D.C., on June 7, 2025. MORE: Trump's military parade includes a dog and pony show. And the dog is named Doc Holliday While D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith later rescinded the request to close the park, the National Park Service continued with the plan, prompting backlash from local politicians and activists. "D.C. is no stranger to high-profile gatherings," said Smith, the first African American woman to lead the U.S. Park Police in its 200-year-plus history, after attempting to get the closure rescinded after public backlash. "We have a proven track record of hosting them safely and successfully, and this year will be no different." Mayor Muriel Bowser then called for the decision to be reversed, and the reversal was granted. We are pleased that the Mayors office and the National Park Service could work together overnight on a solution that protects the historic features of this park while also ensuring the safety of all who enjoy it," the office of the mayor and NPS said in a statement as the fencing was coming down. "We want this weekend to be a safe and fun celebration in our nations capital -- and one that includes one of the best parks and community spaces in our city, Dupont Circle," they added. "We look forward to working together on future initiatives that keep DC safe and beautiful. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: A U.S. Park Police vehicle stands by as workers put up fencing around Dupont Circle ahead of the World Pride Parade, June 6, 2025, in Washington. Preparations for the international celebration have been years in the making, and at least one party promoter had already advertised an event in the park before the closing was announced. Federal officials had said that closing the park was part of a broader federal security plan amid what they said were concerns about crowd control and potential disruptions. In recent years, the space has seen several incidents that that officials say prompted concern from law enforcement. Leigh Vogel/UPI via Shutterstock - PHOTO: Mayor Muriel Bowser joins marchers in the WorldPride 2025 Parade in Washington D.C., on June 7, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith attends the World Pride parade, June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. According to authorities, in 2019, a person was arrested after gunshots caused crowds to flee. In 2023, the park was vandalized, resulting in $175,000 in damage to the historic fountain. In 2024, a group of minors was found drinking, smoking marijuana and fighting in the park. They later ran into nearby businesses and reportedly stole items. In a letter obtained by ABC News, the U.S. Park Police initially wrote that the closure was necessary to "secure the park, deter potential violence, reduce the risk of destructive acts and decrease the need for extensive law enforcement presences." Jacquelyn Martin/AP - PHOTO: People stage a pride flag during the World Pride parade, June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. MORE: 'We see you': In Trump-era Washington, World Pride 2025 organizers aim to bring 'hope' to LGBTQ+ community MPD will have an increased presence throughout D.C. during WorldPride and Capital Pride. It will coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and activate special units to assist with crowd management and traffic. Police will also increase patrols in high-crime areas starting this weekend through the end of August. "MPD, alongside all of our district agencies and public safety partners, have been working for many months to plan for these large-scale events that are happening this summer, and our joint planning efforts have included site visits, tabletop exercise, intelligence coordination and layered security strategies tailored uniquely to these events to ensure that we can keep our city safe for World Pride 2025," Smith said. "We have been planning for over a year." Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP - PHOTO: People ride motorcycles during the World Pride parade, June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Days after WorldPride, the nation's capital will host a June 14 military parade marking the 250th anniversary of the Army, though officials said there aren't any known credible threats for that event either. That Army parade will be the sixth National Special Security Event that Washington has hosted this year. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: Participants from the Modern Military Association of America attend the World Pride Parade, June 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. "There's no place more experienced than the District of Columbia in executing these large-scale events," Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah said last week. LOS ANGELES Federal immigration authorities raided three locations across the city on Friday, officials said, in chaotic action that drew immediate rebuke from local lawmakers and a distanced response from L.A. law enforcement. Today, ICE officers and agents alongside partner law enforcement agencies, executed four federal search warrants at three location in central Los Angeles, a statement from Homeland Security Investigations said. As federal agents often wearing camouflage and bulletproof vests with their faces covered burst into buildings, protesters and supporters soon showed up, creating tense scenes throughout the city. Witnesses reported tear gas being employed at least one of the locations to clear a path for federal agents to take in their prisoners. Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested and one person was arrested on an obstruction charge, the HSI statement said. Gov. Gavin Newsom strongly denounced the raids. Continued chaotic federal sweeps, across California, to meet an arbitrary arrest quota are as reckless as they are cruel, Newsom said in a statement. Donald Trumps chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power Americas economy. Among those arrested was SEIU California President David Huerta, who represents an estimated 750,000 service workers across the state. He was booked by federal law enforcement at the site of one of the raids, according to Bill Essayli, the L.A.-based U.S. attorney for the Central District of California. David Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle, he said on X Friday night. He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment in federal court on Monday. The labor union said Huerta was released from a hospital Friday afternoon after being transported for unknown reasons. He remained in custody early Friday evening, it said in a statement. The union said he was exercising his First Amendment right to observe and document law enforcement activity when he was taken into custody. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass visited Huerta in the hospital and spoke to NBC Los Angeles afterward. He is doing OK physically, but I know what really impacted him the most was the emotional trauma of watching parents and kids being separated, she said. Among the sites targeted by federal agents was clothing manufacturer, importer and wholesaler Ambiance Apparel in the citys Fashion District, Essayli told NBC Los Angeles. The agents served a search warrant and were looking for fictitious employee documents, Essayli said. A representative for Ambiance Apparel could not be immediately reached for comment on Friday. People look inside importer and wholesaler Ambiance Apparel in the Los Angeles Fashion District on Friday. (NBC LA) U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., called the ICE action a continuation of a disturbing pattern of extreme and cruel immigration enforcement. These indiscriminate raids prove once again that the Trump administration cares about nothing but instilling harm and fear in our communities to drive immigrants into the shadows, Padilla, a Los Angeles native and the son of Mexican immigrants, said in a statement. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Sheriff Robert Luna were both quick to state that their personnel had no role in the federal action. Today the LAPD became aware that ICE was conducting operations in the City of Los Angeles, McDonnell said in a statement. Im aware that these actions cause anxiety for many Angelenos, so I want to make it clear: the LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. Video posted to social media by the Peoples City Council shows LAPD officers outside the Ambiance Apparel location. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Luna acknowledged that raids have caused fear but asked residents to remain calm and peaceful as we continue to place your safety and well-being at the forefront of our efforts. A protester attempts to evade a Department of Homeland Security officer after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation on Friday in Los Angeles. (Jae C. Hong / AP) On Friday afternoon, multiple immigrant rights groups rallied in downtown Los Angeles to express anger over the raids and Huertas arrest. Outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal lockup, federal agents stood guard amid shouting protesters and ultimately fired less-lethal rounds to clear the area in front of the structure, according to NBC Los Angeles video and imagery posted to social media verified by NBC News. Yvonne Wheeler, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, spoke onstage nearby earlier, decrying the raids as a swipe at working class L.A. Today was a dark day in Los Angeles, she said. This administration is cruel and inhumane. Protesters held up signs that said Stop Deportations, and some chanted, Free David, free them all, referring to Huerta and the arrested immigrants. A spokesperson for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles estimated 1,000 people had gathered following its call for supporters to join the group downtown. Crowd members dodge pepper balls fired by officers during a protest after U.S. immigration authorities conducted an operation Friday in Los Angeles. (Jae C. Hong / AP) LAPD officer Drake Madison said it was not yet known how many arrests, if any, had taken place as protesters marched to the complex that includes the detention center and the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. Los Angles City Council member Ysabel Jurado also took the temporary stage, decrying the raids timing during Pride Month and graduation season. It was a calculated attempt to take joy from our community, she said. Im heartbroken. But Im ready to fight. She was among the 11 of the citys 15 council members who condemned the federal action. This indiscriminate targeting of children and families not only harms the individuals who are directly impacted, but destroys our communities sense of trust and safety in their own homes, the lawmakers said in a joint statement. We condemn this in no uncertain terms: Los Angeles was built by immigrants and it thrives because of immigrants. We will not abide by fear tactics to support extreme political agendas that aim to stoke fear and spread discord in our city. Andrew Blankstein and Erick Mendoza reported from Los Angeles and David K. Li from New York City. Palestinians at the Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip react as they await news of a relative who was injured in Israeli strikes in Khan Younis on Tuesday. (AFP - Getty Images) Local health officials said Israeli forces killed six Palestinians near an aid distribution center in southern Gaza on Saturday night, the fourth such incident in a week. The Palestinians were killed in west Rafah as citizens gathered in the hope of receiving aid near the distribution point, according to Marwan Al-Hams, director of field hospitals for the Palestinian Health Ministry. None of the victims have been identified at this time. NBC News was not immediately able to verify the number of casualties. The World Health Organization has said it considers the Health Ministrys data reliable. Displaced Palestinians walk along a road to receive humanitarian aid packages in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday. (AFP - Getty Images) In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces acknowledged the incident, saying that troops fired warning shots on several suspects in the Tel al-Sultan refugee camp who they felt posed a threat. Despite prior warnings that the area is an active combat zone during nighttime hours, several suspects attempted to approach IDF troops operating in the Tel al-Sultan area overnight, in a manner that posed a threat to the troops, the IDF said. The troops called out to the suspects to drive them away, but as they continued advancing in a way that endangered the troops, the soldiers responded with warning shots. The IDF did not specify what threat the suspects posed and did not take accountability for the reported deaths but said it is aware of the reports of casualties. Palestinians mourn relatives who were killed by Israeli fire as they gathered near a U.S.-backed aid center in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. (AFP - Getty Images) This is the fourth incident in a week where local health officials said Palestinians were killed near aid distribution centers. On Sunday, more than 30 people were killed in Rafah and hundreds were injured, according to local health officials and aid workers. Speaking with NBC News crew on the ground, four witnesses said they came under fire from the air and on the ground while they were waiting to collect aid near a distribution site. An Israeli military official told NBC News that troops fired warning shots at several suspects about a half-mile from the aid distribution center, calling reports of casualties at the site false claims. On Monday, three Palestinians were killed and dozens of others were injured when Israeli forces opened fire at a food distribution site in Rafah, Gaza health officials said. The next day, at least 27 people were killed in the early morning after IDF troops opened fire near an aid distribution point in Rafah, according to local health officials. More than 160 others were injured, including a 5-year-old girl. Video captured by NBC News crew on the ground showed people, some dead and others wounded, being rushed to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The IDF said its troops fired warning fire at people who they believed posed a threat to them about 0.3 miles from an aid distribution site in Rafah, adding that it was aware of and looking into reports of casualties. It did not elaborate on what threat those people posed. Eric Hoffman visits the grave most every weekend. He places fresh flowers there to honor his mother, a spray of color amid the darkness that haunts him. Carol Ann Zastudil died in a brutal and bloody slaying when he was only 12. She was stabbed in the face, neck, chest and back. Her throat was cut, her head nearly severed. Her murder remains unsolved more than four decades later. Im tired of it, Eric said, standing beside his mothers grave in Akron, Ohio, one recent chilly Sunday morning. Its got to be closed. Eric, now 54, and his stepfather found Carol, then 36, slain in a bedroom in their Perry Township home when Eric went home from school early because he was sick. In addition to the stab wounds, authorities later noted, her skull was fractured, possibly from being struck by a blunt object or a fall. Eric Hoffman visits the grave of his mother Carol Zastudil at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Zastudil, who was found stabbed to death in her Perry Township home in December 1983. Police initially investigated Carols slaying on Dec. 21, 1983, as a robbery-murder because her husband Richard reported cash had been taken from the home. At the request of Eric, police took a fresh look at the case in 2020, teaming up with the Ohio Attorney Generals Cold Case Unit. New DNA testing was done, but there were no conclusive results. Still, detective Danielle Paciorek, who has been with the Perry Township police for nine years, hasnt given up hope. She said shed like to give Eric the closure he deserves. What needs to happen has to be something substantial there whether it be someone said something to somebody, someone put something in writing, or we have some piece of physical evidence that comes back and points us in the right direction, she said during a recent interview. Paciorek said shed love to get a confession or to hear from someone who has information that theyve long withheld. If the killer would like to come tell me what happened, Im all ears. Anytime. Any place, she said. Well, not necessarily the killer, but somebody that knows what happened. I would think, as a human, we have a hard time keeping things to ourselves, especially if its bothering us. So, maybe that person said something to someone else. That would be helpful very helpful. 'Things werent quite right' Carol Ann Zastudil was born in Akron and graduated from Green High School in 1968. Her first marriage to James Hoffman ended in divorce but gave her two children, Wendy and Eric. She dated several men, but fell for Richard Zastudil, who, like her, had two children a boy and a girl from his first marriage. More: Unresolved: Looking back at unsolved cold case murders from the Akron area and beyond The couple married in 1982, and the blended family moved into a new brick ranch on a quiet cul-de-sac in Perry Township. The kids split their time between this house and their other parents' homes. Eric described his mother as absolutely amazing and a hard worker. He said she was his best friend. Everybody she came in contact with just loved her, he said during a recent interview in his Canton home. Eric Hoffman holds his favorite picture of his mother, Carol Zastudil, during a recent interview in his Canton home. Zastudil was killed in 1983 and Hoffman is still hoping for justice in her murder. Carol worked as a secretary for Dr. Rajnikant Kothari, a psychiatrist in Jackson Township, and sold home furnishings through a popular direct sales company called Home Interiors. She made time for her family members, who enjoyed camping, roller skating in the basement and going to the drive-in. Eric Hoffman talks about the unsolved murder of his mother, Carol Zastudil, who was killed in 1983. In the weeks leading up to her murder, though, Eric said his mother seemed upset. He sensed a strain between her and Richard. You could kind of tell some things werent quite right, he said. I did see Mom cry a little bit more than she used to. She was a pretty soft-hearted person, so things did get to her pretty easy. I picked up that trait from her. Eric and his stepdad find Carol slain in their home In late December 1983, the family was busy getting ready for the holidays. Their home was decorated inside and out, and some presents had been bought, while others still needed to be purchased. This meant Carol had extra cash stashed in her dresser. On Dec. 21, Eric woke up with a fever, but, because it was the last day before the holiday break, his mother encouraged him to go to school anyway. Eric and Wendy walked to the bus stop at their neighbors house about 7:45 a.m. and Richard left for his job at Perry Rubber Co. That left Carol with enough time to get ready before leaving for work about 8:45 a.m. Eric went to school but began feeling worse and went to the nurses office. The school called Carol but couldnt reach her. They called Richard and he picked Eric up and took him home about noon. Incident report about Carol Zastudil's murder by Stephanie Lawrence on Scribd Eric and Richard saw his mothers car in the garage and realized she hadnt gone to work. As they walked through the house, they yelled for her but got no response. They found her lying bloody on the floor of Wendys room, where she kept her work clothes in the closet. The room was a wreck, Eric recalled. Drawers were pulled out. There was obviously a struggle. Things were thrown. My sister had a poster bed. The post was broken off. Carol was fully dressed like she was ready to go to work. She wore a beige wool coat with a brown scarf beneath the collar, a beige skirt with a brown belt, a white blouse, and panty hose. She had stab wounds and cuts from her head to her feet, as well as defensive wounds to her hands and arms, according to the coroners report. Eric and Richard tried a couple of phones and realized all the line cords had been cut, including to a phone that Eric kept hidden under his bed. Richard told Eric to run to a neighbors house and call the police. Eric watched from his neighbors window as police, paramedics and then the coroner arrived. Thats when it hit him. All this time, I still did not believe she was dead, he said. I thought maybe there was hope. And then I saw a coroner vehicle show up. And that pretty much told me: This was it. Carol knew her killer, behavioral assessment finds Detectives initially thought they were dealing with a robbery that turned into a brutal murder. Richard told them hundreds of dollars had been stolen. Detectives interviewed 40 of Carols family members, friends and neighbors. They even had several people hypnotized to see if they could recall anything from the morning Carol was killed. Detectives also interviewed Carols past boyfriends and patients at the psychiatrists office where she worked. Neighbors reported hearing and seeing nothing out of the ordinary. Detectives found no signs of forced entry and no murder weapon, though several knives in the home were tested. None of them were the murder weapon, Paciorek said. The coroner ruled Carols cause of death as hypovolemia, which is when the plasma is too low from excessive bleeding; multiple stab and incised wounds from a sharp instrument; and a blunt force injury that fractured the skull, according to the coroners report. The FBI did a behavioral assessment that said Carols killer was male and likely had a personal relationship with her, Paciorek said. So, thats the angle that the police were going on then and now, she said. Perry Township Detective Danielle Paciorek holds a photo of Carol Zastudil as she discusses Zastudil's unsolved murder in her home in December 1983. Carol had reportedly seen someone in their home one night about two months before her slaying, but the intruder disappeared before Richard could get a gun and load it, according to news accounts at the time of her murder. No police report was filed. Investigators explore potential link between womens murders Nearly two years after Carols murder, investigators looked into whether her slaying could be linked to that of Kay Elaine Gulosh, who was killed Sept. 19, 1985, in her Plain Township home. Both women were home alone in a bedroom when an intruder entered, cut their throats and stabbed them repeatedly. Gulosh was also strangled. Eric recalled talking to two FBI agents after Guloshs murder. He said one of the reasons they were looking into a potential tie was because Gulosh and his mother had dated the same man before they were married. However, the Stark County Sheriffs Office, which investigated Guloshs murder, and the Perry police concluded that the womens slayings werent related. We have no information at this time that links the two cases, Perry police Lt. George Jordan in 1985 told the Canton Repository, part of the USA TODAY Network. Guloshs murder remains unsolved. Kenneth Roth, the man suspected in her slaying as well as several other womens murders, died of COVID-19 in prison in 2020. Roth was released from prison in June 1985 after serving 16 years for the fatal shooting of a Topeka taxi driver. That meant he was in prison when Carol was killed. Perry police take a new look at Carols slaying After their mothers murder, Eric and his sister, Wendy, lived with Richard for the rest of the school year, then moved in with their biological father. As Eric grew older, his mothers slaying and how it remained unsolved plagued him. Theres not a day that goes by that I dont think of this, said Eric, who works at a Chevrolet dealership. It is etched in my mind til the day I die. The visions everything I have sometimes are uncontrollable. Eric reached out to former Perry Police Chief Mike Pomesky in the fall of 2020, asking him to reopen his mothers case. They met at a Dunkin and Eric shared how he thought his mothers killer was someone close to the family. He pointed to information that few people knew, like how he had a phone hidden under his bed because he didnt like the look of it on display. The chief promised theyd take a new look at the case. Carols case was among the first examined by the new Cold Case Unit within the Ohio Attorney General's Office, which includes the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), the state's crime lab. Paciorek said DNA testing was conducted that hadnt been done before but it didnt net a profile or partial profile for the killer. Carols family members hope case can be solved By 1986, Richard Zastudil had married for a third time and moved out of Ohio. Hes now 81 and living in Tennessee. In a recent phone interview, he said he is clueless about who killed Carol. I have no idea, he said. I dont know who did it or why. Richard said detectives had him take a polygraph test. It went fine, I guess, he said. Its been a long time ago. Richard said hed like to see the case solved. Eric and his partner, Rodney Roberts, share this sentiment. There just needs to be closure, Roberts, Erics partner of seven years, said during a recent visit to Holy Cross Cemetery. Let her finally rest in peace. Eric Hoffman replaces the flowers on Carol Zastudil, his mother's, grave at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. Hoffman puts fresh flowers on Zastudil's grave once a week. Zastudil was found slain in her Perry Township home in 1983. Carol Zastudil, who was killed in 1983, is buried next to her father, Michael Eisele, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. Carols mother and sister died without knowing who killed her. Carol has grandchildren and great-grandchildren she never got to meet. Her life was taken too soon, Roberts said. The couple visit Holy Cross cemetery together each week to put flowers on their mothers graves. Mary Roberts, Rodneys mother, died from health problems shortly after Mothers Day last year. This will be Roberts first Mothers Day without her. To mark the occasion, he and Eric plan to lay flowers on their mothers' graves. Eric is bringing red roses, which were his mothers favorite. Its the least we can do to bring them flowers and let them know they are not forgotten and never will be, Roberts said. Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Paula Schleis can be reached at feedback@ohiomysteries.com. Nancy Molnar can be reached at nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. About the Unresolved series: Since 2021, Beacon Journal reporter Stephanie Warsmith and retired reporter Paula Schleis, co-producer of the Ohio Mysteries podcast, have teamed up to shed new light on these cold cases, with the hope of uncovering new leads. The oldest case they've featured dates back to 1928. With each case, both detectives and family members hold out hope that they will one day be solved. To read past stories in this series, visit Beacon Journal.com. To listen to podcasts that are part of the series, visit the Ohio Mysteries' website. Send tips for future stories to Beacon Journal reporter Stephanie Warsmith at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Beacon Journal package: 'This case is going to be solved': Taylor Robinson's family seeks answers after 12 years This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Son seeks answers in mom Carol Zastudil's brutal 1983 slaying Chinese FM to attend FOCAC ministerial meeting of coordinators, 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo Xinhua) 10:48, June 07, 2025 BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, from June 10 to 12, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will also attend the opening ceremony of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, also to be held in Changsha, said the spokesperson. When answering a related query at a regular press briefing, spokesperson Lin Jian said Wang Yi and representatives from the 54 African members of the FOCAC will attend the events. The FOCAC Beijing Summit was successfully held in September last year. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the summit and delivered a keynote speech. China and Africa reached extensive common understandings on joining hands to advance modernization and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. The China-Africa relationship has been at its best in history, Lin noted. He added that following the summit, the two sides have been working closely together to actively implement the common understandings reached by the leaders and the outcomes of the summit, and have made important progress and achieved many early harvests. He said that China will enhance coordination with African countries with a focus on implementing the six proposals and 10 partnership initiatives put forward by President Xi for jointly advancing modernization, so that people in China and Africa will benefit more from the outcomes of the FOCAC summit. The two sides will work together to create more great stories about the high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation and send a strong message of solidarity and collaboration among members of the Global South, Lin said. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) June 7, 2025: After decades of delays, North Korea is trying to upgrade its navy. This includes replacing 76 submarines from the 1960s and 80s with a dozen or more Chinese models, some of which can be equipped with ballistic missiles. North Korea is building these Type 33 subs with some Chinese components. In April the first of several 4,000-ton destroyers was launched. The second destroyer of this class was damaged while under construction and may be a total loss. This was a disaster as the ship capsized and sank at the dock. North Korean leader Ki m Jong Un was furious because North Korea had no dry docks to hold damaged ships during repairs. North Korea is also building a nuclear powered submarine carrying ballistic missiles. This will not be successful unless they get more technical help from Russia or China. Equipping subs with nuclear power is very difficult and both China and Russia took decades to get it right. The rest of the North Korean navy consists of ten elderly frigates and corvettes. Another one of these was converted into a mine sweeper. The remainder of the fleet consists of about a hundred patrol and missile boats, most of them built in the 1970s and 80s. Few are currently seaworthy. Similar situation with over 2,000 amphibious ships and boats. The North Korean army has profited from its involvement in the Ukraine War. As a longtime ally of Russia, North Korea responded when Russia needed help and provided weapons and munitions. Eventually troops were sent to fight in Ukraine. North Korean support began in 2022 when they supplied Russia with 152mm shells. As a reward, they wanted access to Russian military technologies, and assistance in countering economic sanctions. North Korea currently has one of the worlds largest armies with over a million soldiers, few of whom do anything except serve as slave labor for superior officers. North Korea has not been directly involved in any major wars since the Korean War ended in 1955. Lack of battlefield experience is a major concern when facing South Koreas more technologically advanced military. In Ukraine North Korean soldiers are learning the realities of modern drone warfare first-hand. That included learning how to shoot down drones. These soldiers are young, motivated, disciplined, physically fit, and well-trained. Russia pays North Korea $2,000 per soldier each month. The real prize for North Korea was access to advanced Russian military technology. North Korea received support in increasing its anti-aircraft, submarine, and missile capabilities. Ukraine was a valuable testing ground for North Korea to assess the effectiveness of the weapons it supplied to Russia. Now North Korea can improve the quality of its own domestic arms industry and adapt future output to the realities of the modern battlefield. Troops who survive their time on the Ukrainian front lines are expected to return home and become instructors, sharing their knowledge of modern warfare with colleagues. North Koreas participation in the Ukraine War is less about supporting Russia's needs and more about improving the North Korean military. In the short term, the presence of North Korean soldiers allowed Russia to overcome growing manpower shortages. At the time Russia was losing tens of thousands of troops each month. For the first time in decades, the North Korean army is gaining real military experience and that makes North Korea more capable of waging war against South Korea or Japan. In 2023 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss trade issues related to the Ukraine War. Russia needed more munitions, as in artillery shells and unguided artillery rockets. North Korea could also supply rifle and machine-gun ammunition, but Putin was most interested in the artillery munitions, which Russian troops did not have enough of in Ukraine and Russia could not produce enough to meet the demand. In return North Korea wanted technology related to advanced nuclear weapons. Russia was able to send more food, but the nuclear technology was another matter. North Korea uses its primitive nuclear weapons to threaten South Korea and Japan. North Korea is militarily belligerent but has relatively primitive military capabilities compared to South Korea, Japan and the United States. China has long refused to supply North Korea with this kind of assistance, fearing that North Korea would use it carelessly and recklessly. China disapproves of Russia providing this assistance to North Korea. As a major economic trading partner with Russia, Putin cannot ignore the Chinese concerns. In the long-term Russia needs China more than North Korea, but in the short-term Russia needs more artillery ammunition, which North Korea will supply but China wont. Russia also needed replacements for artillery systems lost since early 2022. This included 5,300 mortars and howitzers as well as 729 MLRS rocket systems. Russia still had reserves of artillery weapons and is refurbishing them as quickly as it can. Munitions for these weapons is another matter. The 122mm and 152mm howitzers are firing so many shells that some of them have worn out their barrels and need replacements. North Korea had a lot of artillery compatible with Russian guns, but money shortages delayed needed refurbishments of these weapons, and access to refurbishment services is something North Korea will trade artillery munitions for. Russia can provide more food as well as assistance with refurbishing North Koreas elderly howitzers. What Russia needs most is artillery munitions. Quantities were limited by how much Russia could transport over the Trans-Siberian rail line. The trip from North Korea to southern Russia takes about 10 days. Sending the munitions by sea was too risky, because of energetic NATO sanctions enforcement and the long distances the ships would have to travel, especially because these ammo vessels wont be allowed to use the Panama or Suez canals. The trip involved leaving from a Russian or North Korean Pacific Coast port and traveling around southern Africa or South America to reach a Russian port in northwest Russia. Yet another problem is the Ukrainian effort to damage portions of the Trans-Siberian rail line. In 2023 there were at least six acts of sabotage, mainly signal or rail switching equipment. There was much more of this in 2024 and that forced Russia to increase security in areas where the Ukrainian or pro-Ukraine Russian saboteurs were operating. There are millions of ethnic Ukrainians living in Russia, far too many for Russia to monitor. There were also many pro-Ukraine Russians who were against the war. Image Credit: Holland America Line. If youve ever dreamed of watching a total solar eclipse from the middle of the ocean, Holland America Line is making that dream a reality in 2027. The cruise line just announced two special itineraries that will take guests straight into the path of totality for one of the most anticipated celestial events of the decade. And in true Holland America fashion, its all wrapped in luxury, comfort, and adventure on the high seas! Two Cruise Options, One Epic Eclipse On April 8, 2027, the moon will pass directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a rare and stunning shadow across parts of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. To capture the magic, Holland America is offering two carefully timed voyages. The first, a 22-day Solar Eclipse cruise aboard the Koningsdam, departs from San Diego on March 23, 2027. This longer journey includes stops in popular Mexican ports like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, plus a breathtaking passage to Hawaii. On eclipse day, the ship will be stationed at sea in the exact right spot to offer guests a clear, open-sky view of the total eclipse. The second cruise, a 14-day itinerary on the Zaandam, also leaves from San Diego on March 30, 2027. It will remain closer to the Mexican Riviera, spending the eclipse day in sunny Mazatlan, one of the best land-based spots for viewing the event. An Astronomical Learning Experience These cruises arent just about watching the eclipse, but theyre about understanding it, too. Holland America is bringing astronomy experts onboard both ships to offer lectures, hands-on workshops, and guided viewing experiences. Whether youre a seasoned skywatcher or just eclipse-curious, youll come away with a deeper appreciation for the science and wonder behind this once-in-a-lifetime event. There will even be opportunities for guests to build their own viewing tools and learn eclipse safety tips from the pros. Its the kind of interactive, enriching programming that turns a good trip into an unforgettable one. Travel, Relaxation, and Rare Adventure Of course, it wouldnt be a Holland America cruise without the little luxuries. Think elegant dining, live music, spa treatments, and immersive cultural shore excursions. Whether youre sipping wine under the stars or whale watching off the coast of Hawaii, these cruises are about more than the eclipse; theyre about experiencing the world in a way that few ever do. So, if youve been waiting for a sign to plan your next great adventure, this might just be it. A total solar eclipse, two stunning cruise itineraries, and the comfort of Holland Americas signature service. Its a cosmic trifecta. Steve Granitz/FilmMagic Mindy Kaling NEED TO KNOW Mindy Kaling is explaining why she momentarily hit the breaks on her acting career The mom of three detailed to The Hollywood Reporter Thursday, June 5, that she has superstitions about the subject matter "I would like to write or co-create a show for me to act in soon," she revealed If youve missed seeing Mindy Kaling on screen, shes right there with you! The mom of three, 45, recently explained why she's taken a step back from acting, during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter as part of the Paley Media Council Series on Thursday, June 5. Kaling detailed how her superstitions played a role in that decision while explaining why she didnt make a cameo in her Netflix series Never Have I Ever. Kaling and Lang Fisher co-created the teen comedy, which ran for four seasons and takes inspiration from Kaling's cultural upbringing. A show literally about an Indian American family in Southern California, and if I wasnt on thatwhats wrong with me? Kaling began. I think there is a part of me that feels a little superstitious. Im like, 'these seem to have gone well and Im not in them so maybe Ill wait.' However, Kaling admitted fans may see more of her on screen soon. Savion Washington/FilmMagic Mindy Kaling I miss it, Kaling confessed. I would like to write or co-create a show for me to act in soon. For Kaling, she would love to have the opportunity to double as an actor and director in her next project, which is unbelievably fun and its so efficient. I would love to do that again, she shared. Thats the thing that maybe in the next couple of years, when I launch a couple of other things that are earlier in the pipeline, that would be something that would be fun to do again. In February, Kalings co-created and executive-produced Netflix show Running Point was released, starring Kate Hudson in the lead role. While attending an Emmy consideration event for their Netflix show, Hudson praised Kalings work ethic, especially after giving birth. Robin L Marshall/Getty Mindy Kaling and Kate Hudson I have to say, I've fallen in love with this woman, Hudson, 46, said of Kaling. And she's just not only so brilliant, but so trusting she puts the best team together. And she was pregnant, Hudson continued. We had a script, like our first table read. She's on Zoom. She then has the baby and is sending notes, like an hour after she has the baby. I was like, Isnt Mindy literally in labor? 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. Hudson added, She is a powerhouse and delivers what she says she's going to deliver. Kaling, who has never revealed the identity of the father of her children, is a mom to daughter Katherine Swati and son Spencer Avu. In February 2024, she quietly welcomed her third child, a daughter named Anne. Read the original article on People Under the damaged dome of al-Albani Mosque in Khan Younis, families stood, some barefoot, on broken stone and dust, raising their voices in takbir to mark the first morning of Eid al-Adha on Friday. In Gaza, the holiest of the two major Muslim holidays is traditionally a time for communal worship, the sacrifice of lambs, and shared meals. Families gather around piles of bread baked on the saj and morsels of liver fresh from the slaughter. But this year in Khan Younis, there was no feast. No lambs to sacrifice. No smell of meat cooking, no joyful reunions. The celebration, stripped of its customs, pressed on in grief. Men greet each other after morning prayers on the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha festival in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, on Friday. (EYAD BABA / AFP - Getty Images) We dont eat meat, we dont eat liver, we are not happy like other times waiting for the Eid with joy, Eftarag Abou Sabaa told NBC News team in Khan Younis. Rather than the ritual sacrifice of a lamb, Abou Sabaa said, we sacrifice the blood of martyrs. We sacrifice our sons, our daughters and our mothers; we sacrifice ourselves in a way that sets us apart from other people. That morning, crowds moved quietly to the Khan Younis cemetery to visit loved ones lost to the war, and greeted each other by the tombstones of children, parents and friends. Only the buzz of Israeli drones overhead filled the solemn silence. Ahmed Darwish, left, prays at a cemetery in Khan Younis on Friday. (NBC News) This is not an Eid of joy; it is an Eid of mourning and death, Ahmed Darwish, displaced from Rafah to west Khan Younis, told NBC News as he stood beside the graves. Our children and women are in pieces. Instead of sacrificing animals, we collected body parts this morning. On Eid, Israeli strikes continued as families wept by the bodies of their loved ones, killed before celebrations could begin. Reda Abdel Rahim Eljara told an NBC News team that Israeli airstrikes had already killed her husband and one of her sons. On the first day of Eid al-Adha, she lost two more sons and her daughter-in-law. Reda Abdel Rahim Eljara mourns over her sons who were killed by an Israeli strike on the first day of Eid al-Adha. (NBC News) Three months ago, on Eid al-Fitr, my son Qais got married, she told NBC News. Today, on the main Eid, he is martyred with his wife. Umm Ahmad Al-Qatati said her son, Omar, 11, was shot as he left his tent to shower and get ready for a visit to see his father. He was so excited for Eid morning, but they sent him to the morgue instead, she said. Instead of celebrating Eid, he went to be with his Lord. The attacks continued into Saturday, the second day of Eid al-Adha. According to Gazas health ministry, Israeli strikes had killed 95 people and injured more than 300 in the last 48 hours. A woman at the grave of a loved one in Nuseirat. (EYAD BABA / AFP - Getty Images) A child at the cemetery. (EYAD BABA / AFP - Getty Images) Those for whom death had not come trudged forward. At the ruins of al-Albani Mosque, Thaer al-Salmi, 14, continued to pray. We try to find some joy by praying and wearing a few clothes to feel the Eid spirit, he said. I hope this war ends, and that next Eid will be like it was two years ago a real celebration without war. An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Lori Vallow Daybell stands in an Idaho court as the jury reads a guilty verdict on May 12, 2023, Image 2 shows A courtroom sketch of Brandon Boudreaux testifying during Lori Vallow Daybell's murder trial in Boise, Idaho on April 10, 2023 Convicted killer Doomsday mom Lori Vallow Daybell clashed with an Arizona judge and was kicked out of the courtroom during a contentious attempted murder trial. Vallow Daybell, who is representing herself in the case, was removed from a Phoenix courtroom Friday afternoon by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Justin Beresky, the same day she cross-examined the man she is accused of plotting to kill. The 51-year-old mom is on trial for allegedly conspiring to kill her nieces ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux. Lori Vallow Daybell stands in an Idaho court as the jury reads a guilty verdict on May 12, 2023. AP Boudreaux claimed he was shot at from a Jeep as he was driving home in Gilbert, AZ. on Oct. 2, 2019. Prosecutors allege Vallow Daybell and her now-deceased brother Alex Cox conspired to kill Boudreaux and that Cox fired the shot that was inches away from hitting the estranged relatives head. She had argued for an additional hearing where she could introduce her good character, despite prosecutors bringing up her four murder convictions. Do we get a hearing on what 404b (character evidence) can come in, Vallow Daybell said, according to courtroom footage by East Idaho News. If I opened the door, do I get a hearing do we stop the trial and I get a hearing? Beresky cut off Vallow Daybells inquiries, saying there could be a brief hearing if she wanted. If you are going to introduce how you have great character and good character we will have a short hearing on what evidence they can bring in to rebut that character which could include that you have been convicted of four murders, Beresky interjected. Vallow Daybell is serving three life sentences for her role in killing her two children and Tammy Daybell in killing her two children and Tammy Daybell. Idaho Department of Corrections During Fridays contentious exchange, Vallow Daybell accused the judge of yelling at her You do not need to talk to me like that, Im being very courteous to you, she added. The fed-up judge called for court security to remove the child killer from the room. Take her out, take her out, Beresky ordered. You have been nothing near courteous to me during the course of these proceedings. A courtroom sketch of Brandon Boudreaux testifying during Lori Vallow Daybells murder trial in Boise, Idaho on April 10, 2023. AP Vallow Daybell was escorted out of the courtroom as the trial took a 15-minute recess. Beresky threatened to remove the defendants right to self-representation because of her courtroom antics. Ms. Daybell, if you continue to ask lines of questions where Ive sustained an objection, into areas where Ive sustained an objection, if you continue to speak over me or the prosecutor I may be forced to revoke your pro se status, Beresky said, according to KSL.com. Vallow Daybell and invoked her pro se status before the trial started. Vallow Daybell was found guilty in 2023 for the murders of her two youngest children Joshua JJ Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16 in 2019. Their bodies were discovered on a property owned by Chad Daybell, Vallow Daybells fifth husband. The couple were the leaders of a doomsday cult and were also found guilty of killing Daybells ex-wife Tammy Daybell, who died of asphyxiation in October 2019. The trial began with jury selection on May 30, and the second day of selection was halted because Vallow Daybell claimed to be sick. She appeared in court on June 2 in a wheelchair and claimed she still felt nauseous and was crying loudly, according to East Idaho News. Vallow Daybell was found guilty in 2023 for the murders of her two youngest children Joshua JJ Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16 in 2019. Madison County Jail Chad Daybell sits at the defense table after he was convicted of murder at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho on May 30, 2024. AP Beresky found that Vallow Daybell was not suffering from any documented medical condition and proceeded with the trial. Vallow Daybell cross-examined Boudreaux during the hearing, where she asked about her character and how they got along. Boudreaux contested that they had argued and didnt always have a good relationship, according to KSL.com. Vallow Daybell is serving three life sentences for her role in killing her two children and Tammy Daybell in killing her two children and Tammy Daybell. Chad Daybell was sentenced to death. Lori Vallow Daybells fourth husband, Charles Vallow. Handout In April, Vallow Daybell was convicted of conspiring to kill her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, with the help of her brother Alex Cox. She will be sentenced in the Charles Vallow murder case after the Boudreaux trial ends. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March, has been returned to the United States to face federal criminal charges, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday. For months, the Trump administration has been locked in an intense standoff with the federal judiciary over court orders for the government to facilitate Abrego Garcias return from El Salvador, where he was mistakenly deported in mid-March, in a situation that one federal judge warned could present an incipient crisis between the two branches. Abrego Garcia has been indicted on two criminal counts in the Middle District of Tennessee: conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain. The indictment unsealed Friday afternoon accuses Abrego Garcia and others of partaking in a conspiracy in recent years in which they knowingly and unlawfully transported thousands of undocumented aliens who had no authorization to be present in the United States, and many of whom were MS-13 members and associates. Abrego Garcia and his family say he fled gang violence in El Salvador and have denied allegations hes associated with MS-13. The White House signed off on the decision to return Abrego Garcia to the US to face criminal charges, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The decision to return Abrego Garcia was made in the last few days, the sources said. The State Department was also involved in the decision-making, one of the sources said. However, President Donald Trump on Friday praised Bondi and the Justice Department for Abrego Garcias return, and he said it was the departments decision to bring him back. He should have never had to be returned, take a look at whats happened with it. Take a look at what they found in the grand jury, the president told reporters aboard Air Force One. I thought Pam Bondi did a great job. While Trump administration officials pointed to the charges as justifying their effort to remove Abrego Garcia from the United States, the decision to prosecute prompted the resignation of the chief of the Justice Departments criminal division in Nashville, people briefed on the matter told CNN. Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, an attorney for Abrego Garcia, accused the Trump administration of playing games with the legal system and said his client should appear in immigration court, not criminal court. The government disappeared Kilmar to a foreign prison in violation of a court order. Now, after months of delay and secrecy, theyre bringing him back, not to correct their error but to prosecute him. This shows that they were playing games with the court all along, Sandoval-Moshenberg said in a statement to CNN. Due process means the chance to defend yourself before youre punished, not after. This is an abuse of power, not justice. ABC News first reported that Abrego Garcia was en route to the US. Indictment alleges trafficking conspiracy Abrego Garcia has landed in the United States to face justice, Bondi said as she announced the charges at a news conference on Friday. She thanked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for agreeing to return Abrego Garcia to the US to face prosecution. The allegations date back to 2016 and involve a half-dozen alleged unnamed co-conspirators, with one, identified as CC-6 of Guatemala, described as being a primary sources of supply of undocumented aliens for the conspiracy. The conspiracy allegations outline how, over the years, Abrego Garcia and others worked to move undocumented aliens between Texas and Maryland and other states more than 100 times. Working with another co-conspirator, referred to as CC-1, Abrego Garcia and that unnamed individual ordinarily picked up the undocumented aliens in the Houston, Texas area after the aliens had unlawfully crossed the Southern border of the United States from Mexico, the indictment said. The two then transported the undocumented aliens from Texas to other parts of the United States to further the aliens unlawful presence in the United States. Prosecutors said in the indictment that to cover up the alleged conspiracy, Abrego Garcia and his co-conspirators routinely devised and employed knowingly false cover stories to provide to law enforcement if they were stopped during a transport, including claims that the migrants being transported were headed to construction jobs. Though prosecutors portrayed Abrego Garcia as being central to a crime-driven conspiracy, they did not describe him as the mastermind of the yearslong plot. Instead, hes identified as just one part of a sprawling conspiracy that was led by an unnamed co-conspirator. His conspiracy charges specifically relate to a trip in November 2022 where Abrego Garcia is accused of driving a Chevrolet Suburban and was pulled over on a Tennessee interstate highway, with nine other Hispanic male passengers who didnt have any identification or luggage. The indictment also describes the co-conspirator CC-1 as being part of an alleged scheme of transferring money alongside Abrego Garcia. Another co-conspirator, CC-2, is alleged with Abrego Garcia and another co-conspirator to have managed the cell phones of undocumented aliens to ensure (they) could not and would not contact anyone else during the trip within the US. Prosecutors allege that Abrego Garcia also transported narcotics to Maryland, though he wasnt charged with any crimes related to illegal drugs. Federal Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville, Tennessee, determined that Abrego Garcia will be held in custody until at least next Friday, when there will be an arraignment and detention hearing, the Associated Press reported. Abrego Garcia appeared in court wearing a short-sleeved, white, button-down shirt, according to the AP. When asked if he understood the charges, he told the judge: Si. Lo entiendo. An interpreter then said: Yes. I understand. Chief of DOJ criminal division in Nashville resigned over the case The chief of Justice Departments criminal division in Nashville resigned over the decision to charge Abrego Garcia, people briefed on the matter said. The Justice Departments push to pursue human trafficking charges against Abrego Garcia had caused some disagreement among prosecutors in the Nashville US attorneys office, sources said. Ben Schrader, the chief of the criminal division in the US Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, resigned the same week of the grand jury indictment last month. He posted a message on LinkedIn, which did not mention the Abrego Garcia case, saying he had resigned after nearly 15 years. Schrader added, It has been an incredible privilege to serve as a prosecutor with the Department of Justice, where the only job description Ive ever known is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons. Schrader, the Nashville US attorneys office and the Justice Department headquarters declined comment to CNN. A US official pointed CNN to the seriousness of the allegations in the indictment and said the administrations priority to pursue immigration enforcement means that anyone who didnt want to be a part of the use priorities can leave. Democratic lawmakers continue to criticize administration Democratic lawmakers celebrated Abrego Garcias return, while criticizing the Trump administration for deporting him in the first place and denying due process. As I have repeatedly said, this is not about the man, its about his constitutional rights and the rights of all. The Administration will now have to make its case in the court of law, as it should have all along, said Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who met with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador earlier this year. Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost said constitutional rights are not subject to the whims of any president, past or present. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said, Mr. Abrego Garcia was kidnapped in front of his young child, and disappeared to El Salvador with no due process, referring to the March traffic stop during which Abrego Gacia was taken into custody while his son was in the car. Republican members of Congress have commented publicly, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Bukele and Bondi in a Friday post on X, saying Abrego Garcias can now face justice for his crimes. Standoff between Trump and judiciary Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported in March to El Salvador due to an administrative error, according to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official. He was sent to the countrys notorious mega-prison where he was held for weeks before being moved to another facility. The case became a political lightning rod for the Trump administration and its deportation program, while Trumps shifting rhetoric about whether he could return the Maryland father had raised questions about the administrations willingness to comply with the courts. But the administrations initial acknowledgement in a court filing that it mistakenly deported him opened it up to heightened scrutiny, even among Republicans otherwise supportive of Trumps agenda. Across the aisle, Van Hollen drew headlines when he visited Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, but his party has debated how much to embrace the Salvadoran nationals removal and the due process argument as a rallying cry of opposition to the administration. An image posted on X by El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele shows US Sen. Chris Van Hollen meeting with Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man mistakenly deported from the United States. Sen. Van Hollen said the salt rimmed glasses were placed on the table by Bukele's staff and were not touched by Van Hollen, nor Abrego Garcia. - Nayib Bukele/X Trump had said this spring that he could secure Abrego Garcias return contradicting previous remarks made by him and his top aides who said the US did not have the ability to bring him back because he was in the custody of a foreign government, despite the Supreme Court ruling that the Trump administration must facilitate his return. The administrations posture and legal arguments in the case had consistently frustrated both conservative and liberal jurists alike, who raised alarm bells about officials apparent disregard for due process rights given their cavalier response to the deportation, which several different administration lawyers described as an administrative error that they were powerless to rectify. In April, for instance, Bondi insisted that Abrego Garcia is not coming back to our country. Bukele and Trump previously made clear during an April Oval Office meeting that Abrego Garcia would not be returned to the US. But on Friday, he said in a post on X: We work with the Trump administration, and if they request the return of a gang member to face charges, of course we wouldnt refuse. US District Judge Paula Xinis has allowed a fact-finding process to unfold so she can figure out what the government has been doing to comply with her directive that officials bring Abrego Garcia back to the US. But the case largely faded into the background in recent weeks as that discovery process has dragged on mostly out of public view. In the Maryland case, the Justice Department told the judge on Friday that they had complied with her order to bring Abrego Garcia back to the US, in a bid to end the political standoff that had put pressure on administration attorneys in court. Abrego Garcia was returned to the United States today, to stand trial on criminal charges in the Middle District of Tennessee. Considering this development, the Courts preliminary injunction should be dissolved, and the underlying case should be dismissed as moot, DOJ attorneys wrote in a brief filing. Judge had barred Abrego Garcias removal Abrego Garcias return is far from a guarantee that he will remain in the US long-term. The administrations decision to deport him to El Salvador violated a 2019 order from a judge that said he could not be deported to his home country because of fears that he would face gang violence. That mandate, however, did not preclude the government from removing him to a third country. Officials have previously said if he were returned to the US, they may deport him to another country or attempt to wipe away the 2019 order. Abrego Garicas case this year went all the way to the Supreme Court, where the justices in April required the administration to facilitate his return but not effectuate it. That somewhat cryptic language allowed the administration to claim a victory for weeks as Abrego Garcia remained in detention. The Supreme Court did not give the administration a deadline for when Abrego Garcia should be returned. The opinion was unsigned and no dissents were noted. As the Trump administration continues its aggressive crackdown on immigration, it has been accused of wrongly deporting at least two other men. Earlier this week, one of the men a Guatemalan national who was hastily deported to Mexico was returned to the US. This story has been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Kaitlan Collins and Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Tom Polansek (Reuters) - Missouri authorities are investigating a fake press release about the damaging livestock pest New World screwworm that sparked a selloff in U.S. cattle futures markets last week, the state's agriculture department said on Friday. U.S. agriculture officials and farmers are on high alert for screwworm as it has moved north in Mexico from Central America, arriving within about 700 miles (1,125 km) of the Texas border. The U.S. Department of Agriculture indefinitely halted U.S. cattle imports from Mexico last month in a bid to keep out the parasite, which eats livestock and other wild animals alive. Screwworm infestations can kill cattle if left untreated and make them susceptible to secondary infections. On May 27, a false press release was sent to a northwest Missouri radio station about screwworm, the Missouri Department of Agriculture said. A report on the radio station's website pressured Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures before being taken offline, livestock traders said. Live cattle futures fell nearly 2% before paring losses, as daily trading volumes in the market spiked 77% from a week earlier. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Rural Crimes Investigative Unit, the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force, and state attorney general are investigating the matter, Missouri's agriculture department said in a press release. State officials want to determine "if this was an act with malicious intent to cause panic in agricultural markets," the department added. U.S. cattle producers' group R-CALF USA last week asked the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which regulates futures markets, to investigate. The commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and exchange operator CME Group declined to comment. (Reporting by Tom Polansek in Chicago; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) By Jack Queen and Mike Scarcella (Reuters) -President Donald Trump is free to bar the Associated Press from some White House media events for now, after a U.S. appeals court on Friday paused a lower court ruling mandating that AP journalists be given access. The divided ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit temporarily blocks an order by U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, who ruled on April 8 that the Trump administration must allow AP journalists access to the Oval Office, Air Force One and White House events while the news agency's lawsuit moves forward. The 2-1 ruling was written by U.S. Circuit Judge Neomi Rao, joined by fellow Trump appointee U.S. Circuit Judge Gregory Katsas. Rao wrote that the lower court injunction "impinges on the Presidents independence and control over his private workspaces" and that the White House was likely to ultimately defeat the Associated Press' lawsuit. The Associated Press in a statement said it was disappointed by the decision and weighing its options. Trump in a statement on his social media platform Truth Social called the D.C. Circuit order a "Big WIN over AP today." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement on X said the Associated Press "is not guaranteed special access to cover President Trump in the Oval Office, aboard Air Force One, and in other sensitive locations." She said the White House "will continue to expand access to new media." In a dissent, Circuit Judge Cornelia Pillard, an appointee of President Barack Obama, said her two colleagues' ruling cannot be squared with "any sensible understanding of the role of a free press in our constitutional democracy." The AP sued in February after the White House restricted the news outlets access over its decision to continue referring to the Gulf of Mexico in its coverage despite Trump renaming the body of water the Gulf of America. The AP's lawyers argued the new policy violated the First Amendment of the Constitution, which protects free speech rights. McFadden, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, said in his ruling that if the White House opens its doors to some journalists it cannot exclude others based on their viewpoints. Trump administration lawyers said the president has absolute discretion over media access to the White House and that McFaddens ruling infringed on his ability to decide whom to admit to sensitive spaces. The Constitution does not prohibit the President from considering a journalists prior coverage in evaluating how much access he will grant that journalist, lawyers for the administration said in a court filing. On April 16, the AP accused the Trump administration of defying the court order by continuing to exclude its journalists from some events and then limiting access to Trump for all news wires, including Reuters and Bloomberg. Reuters and the AP both issued statements denouncing the new policy, which puts wire services in a larger rotation with about 30 other newspaper and print outlets. Other media customers, including local news organizations that have no presence in Washington, rely on the wire services' real-time reports of presidential statements as do global financial markets. The AP says in its stylebook that the Gulf of Mexico has carried that name for more than 400 years and, as a global news agency, the AP will refer to it by its original name while acknowledging the new name Trump has chosen. (Reporting by Jack Queen in New York and Mike Scarcella in Washington; Editing by Amy Stevens, Bill Berkrot, David Gregorio and Diane Craft) By Andrew Chung (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court passed up a chance to give politicians more power over how federal elections are conducted, declining on Friday to hear a Republican challenge to a Pennsylvania judicial decision requiring the counting of provisional ballots cast by voters who make mistakes on their mail-in ballots. The justices turned away an appeal by the Republican National Committee and Republican Party of Pennsylvania of a decision by Pennsylvania's top court on provisional ballots that the plaintiffs said ran afoul of legislature-crafted voting rules, violating the U.S. Constitution's election-related provisions. The dispute returned to the Supreme Court after the justices, on the eve of the November 2024 presidential election, rejected the emergency bid by the Republicans to block tallying the provisional ballots. The Republicans objected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's October ruling in favor of two Butler County voters who sought to have their provisional ballots counted after their mail-in ballots were rejected during that state's 2024 presidential primary election for lacking secrecy envelopes. Election rules in states like Pennsylvania that often play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of U.S. presidential elections are a particularly sensitive issue. Republican President Donald Trump prevailed in Pennsylvania last November, but lost the state in 2020 to his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, who won the presidency that year. The case follows a major 2023 Supreme Court ruling that allows the justices to second-guess state courts if they undermine the power that the Constitution gives state legislatures to craft election rules. That 6-3 ruling, which upheld a North Carolina state court's decision that invalidated a Republican-drawn congressional map as unlawfully disadvantaging Democrats, also rejected a more extreme theory advanced by many Republicans and conservatives that would have removed any role of state courts and state constitutions in regulating federal elections. The ruling, however, stopped short of announcing a legal test for determining when state courts have ventured too far in "arrogating to themselves" a legislature's power. In the Pennsylvania case, Republicans asked the Supreme Court to answer that question, contending that the state supreme court's ruling violated the Constitution's elections provisions, including that the "times, places and manner" of federal elections "shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof." Provisional ballots generally protect voters from being excluded from the voting process if their eligibility is uncertain on Election Day. The vote is counted once officials confirm eligibility. Republicans intervened to defend Butler County's decision not to count the ballots from these voters, saying Pennsylvania's election law does not allow provisional ballots to be counted if a mail-in ballot was received on time by a county board of elections. Democrats intervened on the side of the voters, contending that if a mail-in ballot is defective and cannot be counted, that person has not yet voted and a provisional ballot must be counted. A divided Pennsylvania Supreme Court last October sided with the voters, saying that provisional ballots prevent double voting while protecting voters' right to have one vote counted. Friday's action by the court was unexpected. The court had planned to release it on Monday along with its other regularly scheduled orders, but a software glitch on Friday prematurely sent email notifications concerning the court's decision in the case. "As a result, the court is issuing that order list now," said court spokesperson Patricia McCabe. It is not the first time the court has inadvertently disclosed action in sensitive cases. Last year, an apparent draft of a ruling in a case involving emergency abortion access in Idaho was briefly uploaded to the courts website before being taken down. That disclosure represented an embarrassment for the top U.S. judicial body, coming two years after the draft of a blockbuster ruling rolling back abortion rights was leaked in advance. (Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham and Lisa Shumaker) By John Kruzel WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Friday to hear an appeal by Alabama officials of a judicial decision that a man convicted of a 1997 murder is intellectually disabled - a finding that spared him from the death penalty - as they press ahead with the Republican-governed state's bid to execute him. A lower court ruled that Joseph Clifton Smith is intellectually disabled based on its analysis of his IQ test scores and expert testimony. Under a 2002 Supreme Court precedent, executing an intellectually disabled person violates the U.S. Constitution's Eighth Amendment bar on cruel and unusual punishment. The justices are due to hear the case in their next term, which starts in October. Smith, now 54, was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1997 murder of a man named Durk Van Dam in Alabama's Mobile County. Smith fatally beat the man with a hammer and saw in order to steal his boots, some tools and $140, according to evidence in the case. The victim's body was found in his mud-bound Ford Ranger truck in an isolated, wooded area. The Supreme Court's 2002 precedent in a case called Atkins v. Virginia barred executing intellectually disabled people. President Donald Trump's administration backed Alabama's appeal in the case. At issue in Smith's case is whether and how courts may consider the cumulative effect of multiple intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in assessing a death row inmate's intellectual disability. Like many states, conservative-leaning Alabama considers evidence of IQ test scores of 70 or below as part of the standard for determining intellectual disability. Supreme Court rulings in 2014 and 2017 allowed courts to consider IQ score ranges that are close to 70 along with other evidence of intellectual disability, such as testimony of "adaptive deficits." Smith had five IQ test scores, the lowest of which was 72. A federal judge noted that Smith's score could be as low as 69, given the standard of error of plus or minus three points. The judge then found that Smith had significant deficits from an early age in social and interpersonal skills, independent living and academics. The Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the judge's conclusions in 2023, setting aside Smith's death sentence. This prompted Alabama officials to file their first of two appeals to the Supreme Court in the case. In November, the justices threw out the 11th Circuit's decision, saying that the lower court's evaluation of Smith's IQ scores can be read two ways, and requires clarification. Ten days later, the 11th Circuit issued an opinion clarifying that its evaluation was based on "a holistic approach to multiple IQ scores" that also considered additional relevant evidence, including expert testimony. This prompted a second appeal by Alabama officials to the Supreme Court. Alabama in its filing to the Supreme Court argued that the lower courts in the case applied the wrong legal standard in establishing Smith's intellectual disability and urged the justices to take up the appeal to provide clarity on the issue. Friday's action by the court was unexpected. The court had planned to release it on Monday along with its other regularly scheduled orders, but a software glitch on Friday prematurely sent email notifications concerning the courts decision in the case. "As a result, the court is issuing that order list now," said court spokesperson Patricia McCabe. It is not the first time the court has inadvertently disclosed action in sensitive cases. Last year, an apparent draft of a ruling in a case involving emergency abortion access in Idaho was briefly uploaded to the courts website before being taken down. That disclosure represented an embarrassment for the top U.S. judicial body, coming two years after the draft of a blockbuster ruling rolling back abortion rights was leaked. (Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham and Lisa Shumaker) By Wen-Yee Lee and Makiko Yamazaki TAIPEI/TOKYO (Reuters) -Taiwans Yageo said it will implement strict controls to prevent technology from leaking if it succeeds in acquiring Japans Shibaura Electronics, responding to concerns in Japan over what the deal could mean for national security. Chairman Pierre Chen told reporters in Taipei on Saturday that the company will meet with Shibaura in mid-June in Tokyo to discuss potential cooperation. Yageo, the worlds largest maker of chip resistors, launched an unsolicited tender offer for Shibaura in February, seeking full control of the Japanese firm, which specialises in thermistor technology. Yageo offered to buy Shibaura at 4,300 yen per share, valuing the company at more than 65 billion yen ($450 million). Spurning Yageo's overture, Shibaura tapped Japanese components supplier Minebea Mitsumi as a white knight. Minebea and Yageo entered a bidding war, with the latter now offering 6,200 yen. The stock closed at 6,100 yen on Friday. "Our strategy is to inject resources and strengthen R&D for advanced technologies. We're also preparing to make larger investments to expand their facilities in Japan," Chen said. Asked about Japan's national security concerns, he said: "We will implement strict controls to ensure technology does not leak." Unsolicited takeovers were once rare in Japan, where companies often mounted elaborate defences. The Japanese industry ministry's M&A guidelines in 2023 cracked down on what it considered excessive defence tactics, de-stigmatising unsolicited buyouts and leading some of such deals to succeed. Chen said that negotiations with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry had been going smoothly. He said that if Yageo acquires Shibaura, the deal would address a gap in its portfolio of thermistors, making Yageos offerings more complete for global customers and helping Shibaura expand its access to markets outside of Japan. Yageo said it aims to ease the burden of managing smaller component suppliers for its major clients, including Apple and Nvidia, by offering more comprehensive product portfolios and solutions. Yageo is also the world's number three manufacturers of multilayer ceramic capacitors and provides key components used in Apples iPhones, Nvidias AI servers, and Tesla's electric vehicles. ($1 = 144.8500 yen) (Reporting by Wen-Yee Lee in Taipei and Makiko Yamazaki in Tokyo; Editing by William Mallard) Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Ricky Moore still calls himself a cook, despite being a James Beard Award-winning chef. Its a small detail that says a lot about his humble spirit. As the owner of Saltbox Seafood Joint in Durham, North Carolina, hes become an evangelist for local seafood and the power of collaboration in the kitchen. Its the latter that inspired his annual Juneteenth celebration, called the Durmnik (Durham picnic) because, as he says, The idea of Juneteenth is community. This holiday commemorates the reading of General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued about two and half years prior, this was when the news of freedom first made it to an estimated 250,000 enslaved people in Texas. From then on, the day became one for celebration, although it wasnt established as an official holiday across the United States until 2021. The Event Moores Durmnik gathering highlights several North Carolina chefs, and each prepares a dish to contribute to the events to-go lunch boxes. Offerings include flavors from around the world, which is by design. When you have a picnic, get-together, or party, youve got a bunch of [different] people bringing something to the table, he says. Last year, Moore made his Trini-Style Soused North Carolina Shrimp, Cucumber, Corn, and Peppers, which he describes as the great-grandmama of pickled shrimp. Served ice-cold, its ideal on a hot, humid summer day. The term soused refers to marinating an ingredient in a pickling liquid, like these shrimp dressed in a seasoned lime juice brine. Its also a nod to Caribbean souse, a cold dish made with pigs feet. Moore says you either love souse or you dont, but he adds that it shouldnt rattle Southerners. How many times do you go into a corner store [in the South] and see pickled pigs feet? he asks, drawing on the connection between the African diaspora and Southern foodways. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Get the Recipe Take the green seasoning in the recipe: Moore likens it to the holy trinity of Cajun cookingonion, celery, and bell pepper. Although its formula varies across the Caribbean, green seasoning is generally composed of onion, peppers, scallions, garlic, and chadon benian herb related to cilantro that is often sold as culantro and has a bold citrus flavor. If youre not up for all that chopping, he says Walkerswood (a Jamaican food brand) makes a good store-bought alternative. Keep Up With Chef Moore Moore has already sold out this year's Juneteenth Durmnik, featuring new dishes and local chefs. But he's always hosting events, learn more about what he's up to next at chefrickymoore.com. The Participants Alongside his own cooking, the roster of talented chefs bring their own tastes to the picnic. Moore considers it one way to pay his success forward. Theres enough room for everyone to be recognized, he says, calling himself a cheerleader for the local culinary up-and-comers. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Get the Recipe The 2024 Durmnik lineup also featured Sweet-and-Sour Watermelon Salad from Sera Cuni of The Root Cellar Cafe & Catering in Chapel Hill and Cafe Root Cellar in Pittsboro. This refreshing combo calls for cubes of melon and the pickled rind. To wash it all down, Adrian Lindsay of Missy Lanes Assembly Room in Durham mixed up the spirit-free cocktail A Mockery, which is infused with hibiscus tea, cherry juice, and sage. The hibiscus lends it a holiday hue, as red drinks are an important symbol of Juneteenth, tied to West African beverages made from this flower or kola nuts. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Get the Recipe Moore hopes to continue to grow the event each year and include more people. But at the end of the day, he says, If Im able to have a platform to showcase folks and everybody gets a win, thats super fulfilling for me. Related: Virginia Chef Celebrates Juneteenth And Her Heritage Through Ice Cream Read the original article on Southern Living As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this year, it is important to reflect on what the worlds most prominent multilateral institution has achieved and why it remains indispensable. Since its founding in 1945, the U.N. has deployed over 70 peacekeeping missions, helped stabilize conflict zones, protected civilians and delivered vital humanitarian aid to millions affected by war, famine and natural disasters. It has led major environmental efforts; ensures smooth transition towards the digital world; and remains the worlds central forum for diplomacy, uniting 193 member states around peace, development and human rights. Yet this anniversary comes amid rising criticism. The U.N. faces growing scrutiny for its limited enforcement powers and frequent Security Council deadlocks due to vetoes. Concerns also persist about inequitable global governance, with developing and middle powers especially from Africa, Asia and Latin America underrepresented in global decision-making. Some argue that the U.N. is outdated and should be bypassed in a multipolar world. But that would be a mistake. Instead, we must modernize multilateralism to make the U.N. more responsive to regional priorities and more reflective of todays global realities. Central to this is empowering developing and middle powers to lead on regional issues supported by the legitimacy of the U.N. system. This would amplify the voices of countries with the knowledge and stakes to act effectively, while reducing the downsides of overly centralized responses. A concrete example of this approach is the establishment of the U.N. Regional Center on Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, Kazakhstans largest city, following the adoption of a resolution by the General Assembly on March 4. The regional center will serve as a hub for practical solutions, supporting regional cooperation on issues such as climate change, economic integration and water security. Working closely with the U.N., the regional center will empower countries in the region to address shared challenges through coordinated, results-focused action. For Kazakhstan and its neighbors, it reflects the simple truth that those who live in a region are best placed to shape peace, development and lasting progress. The center brings the Sustainable Development Goals closer to the people theyre meant to serve, translating global goals into local impact. The regional center also offers a forward-looking model. Globally, the U.N. should partner with regional actors, enabling developing and middle powers to lead on locally relevant issues, whether in the Sahel, Southeast Asia or Latin America. This approach will foster a more inclusive, flexible and effective multilateral system. Developing countries and middle powers are the ones who often believe most deeply in the U.N.s purpose. They see it as the only universal platform where all states large and small can speak, negotiate and build consensus. If the U.N. is to truly serve the global community, then its structures, particularly the Security Council, must be reformed to include more voices from outside the permanent five members (the U.S., the U.K., France, Russia and China). Only then can the U.N. better address the diverse and urgent regional challenges of our time. Kazakhstan, for its part, has long demonstrated its commitment to lead regionally and to act responsibly on the global stage when given the opportunity. Regionally, our country has worked to support the development and reintegration of Afghanistan. We have provided humanitarian assistance, championed educational programs for Afghan youth and pushed for the countrys integration into regional trade and energy networks. We believe that stability in Afghanistan is essential to the prosperity of Central Asia. Our region cannot unlock its full potential while one of our neighbors remains isolated. This engagement must be undertaken by the countries that understand the local context working in partnership with the U.N., not from the distant desks of global bureaucracies. Globally, Kazakhstan has supported peaceful conflict resolution and responsible diplomacy. We have hosted negotiations under the Astana Process on Syria, facilitated peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan last year and consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine. We have also deployed peacekeeping personnel to the Golan Heights and participate in various other U.N. missions, including the Mission in South Sudan, the Truce Supervision Organization and the Interim Security Force for Abyei. We were also honored to serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council from 2017 to 2018. I believe the U.N. can become an even more vital organization if reforms are implemented. That is why we positively assess the UN80 Initiative, launched by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in March, which aims to modernize and strengthen the U.N.s operations, review outdated mandates, improve efficiency and ensure that it can respond effectively to todays global challenges. If we succeed in making the U.N. more representative, more regionally grounded and more results-focused, we will have an institution fit for the 21st century one that can lead the charge on issues ranging from climate change and food insecurity to conflict prevention and technological governance. For its part, Kazakhstan will remain a proactive partner in these efforts. For instance, we renounced the worlds fourth-largest nuclear weapons arsenal upon gaining independence in 1991 and contributed to the establishment of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in 2006. Since then, we have advocated globally for the elimination of nuclear weapons, including by signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2018, and have promoted the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We will continue to push for a world free of nuclear weapons by the U.N.s centenary in 2045 and to champion diplomacy, dialogue and multilateral cooperation at every level. In the spirit of this anniversary, the international community must not give up on the United Nations, but rather recommit to it, reform it and strengthen it. This universal organization is absolutely essential for humanity there is no alternative. Working together, member states can enhance the U.N.s authority and ensure that it delivers tangible benefits to people around the world. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has served as the president of Kazakhstan since 2019. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Meghan Markle/Instagram; Mike Forster/Daily Mail/Shutterstock Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Archie, Lilibet, Disneyland, June 2025; Princess Diana - Holiday To Florida Faces Lit With Excitement Princes William And Harry Rode Splash Mountain At Disney World August 23, 1993 NEED TO KNOW Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated daughter Princess Lilibet's fourth birthday at Disneyland Harry recreated a special moment by riding the same Disney attraction he enjoyed with his mother, Princess Diana, in 1993 Meghan shared several photos of the family trip on Instagram Prince Harry revisited a special chapter from his childhood by taking his own family to Disneyland, recreating a magical moment he once shared with his late mother, Princess Diana. Back in August 1993, an eight-year-old Harry, along with his older brother Prince William, then 11, enjoyed a private visit to Walt Disney World in Florida with Princess Diana. The trip, just months after Dianas separation from her husband, Prince Charles, was a rare moment of joy and normalcy for the family. The trio was treated to an exclusive ride on Splash Mountain, which was closed off to other guests. Diana and the boys were escorted through Disneys secret underground tunnels for VIPs, accompanied by close friends and security. A waiter at Flagler's restaurant (now Citricos) in the Grand Floridian, recalled to PEOPLE, They were all very nice, very well behaved. She was a sweetheart. Meghan Markle /Instagram Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet at Disneyland Fast forward 31 years to June 6, when Meghan Markle shared a video montage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs family trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, celebrating their daughter Princess Lilibets fourth birthday, just two days after she turned four. Joining them was their son, Prince Archie, 6. "Thank you @disneyland for giving our family two days of pure joy!" the Duchess of Sussex Meghan wrote on Instagram, with Peggy Lees Its a Good Day playing in the background. 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! The celebration included a detailed two-tiered birthday cake inspired by The Little Mermaid a possible nod to Lilibets favorite (fellow red-headed!) Disney princess. Meghan Markle /Instagram Prince Harry, Prince Archie and Meghan Markle at Disneyland The post featured Meghan, Harry, Lilibet and Archie, all sporting Mickey Mouse ears. The family enjoyed several attractions, including the newly updated Splash Mountain, now known as Tianas Bayou Adventure since 2024. They also stopped to meet Star Wars stormtroopers and Elsa from Frozen, while sampling classic park treats like corndogs and pickles. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON A Republican congresswoman from Illinois is under bipartisan criticism after saying that a Sikh man should "never have been allowed" to serve as the guest chaplain in the U.S. House of Representatives. In a since-deleted post on X, Rep. Mary Miller wrote on June 6 that it was "deeply troubling that a Sikh was allowed to lead prayer" in the U.S. Capitol. "This should have never been allowed to happen," she wrote. "America was founded as a Christian nation, and I believe our government should reflect that truth, not drift further from it." Initially, Miller misidentified the man, Giani Surinder Singh of the Gurdwara South Jersey Sikh Society, as Muslim. Her X account later edited the post to correctly describe him as Sikh before deleting the comment entirely. Muslims are adherents to Islam. Sikhism is a different religion, the fifth largest in the world. It was founded in the Punjab region of South Asia. There are roughly 750,000 Sikhs in the United States, according to the Sikh Coalition. A spokesperson for Miller did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Miller's remarks swiftly prompted backlash from Democrats and Republicans. "A Sikh prayer on the House floorfollowed by a Christian prayer one week and a Jewish prayer the nextdoesnt violate the Constitution, offend my Catholic faith, or throttle my support for Israel," wrote Rep. Nick LaLota, R-New York, on X. "Live and let live." Rep. David Valadao, R-California, also said he was "troubled" by Miller's post. Democratic leadership denounced Miller's comments, too. "Its deeply troubling that such an ignorant and hateful extremist is serving in the United States Congress," Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X. "That would be you, Mary." Zachary Schermele is an education reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP lawmaker slammed for 'hateful' post about congressional chaplain realronhoward/Instagram Ron and Cheryl Howard's love story is decades in the making. The couple, who met in high school and went on their first date in 1970, have been by each other's sides for all of life's big moments. Cheryl, who is a published author, and Oscar-winning director Ron expanded their family four times over with the addition of their children, daughters Bryce Dallas, Jocelyn Carlyle and Paige Carlyle, as well as son Reed Cross. From their early days as a pair to their more recent outings, take a look back at some of the sweetest photos of the long-term couple as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary! Longtime Love Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard in the 1970s Ron Howard and Cheryl Alley met while attending John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California, and had their first date in 1970. "Nov 1 1970 Cheryl & I went on our 1st date," Ron wrote alongside an Instagram post commemorating the 50th anniversary of the moment in 2020. "We went to see a re-release of Stanley Kramer's It's a Mad Mad Mad World and then got some pizza at now defunct Barnone's in Toluca Lake. Quite a start, right?" He added a sweet detail sharing that to celebrate, "We'll be driving in the same '70 VW Bug I picked Cheryl up in 5 decades ago. It runs great. So do we." Sporting what appears to be a signature look for a young Ron Howard, the couple is seen here in the 1970s. Happy Days Howard has posted a few angles of this snapshot from the early days of dating, saying that this moment of him "showing off my Super8" was captured about a month into their relationship. "What a journey," he wrote. "Today we're blessed w/4 amazing kids & 6 incredible grandkids & still goin' on some pretty great dates, too." Sweetheart Style "This is from the Backwards dance where the girl asks the guy out. Cheryl made that dress from store bought pattern as I recall," Howard wrote on this sweet '70s throwback photo. Black-Eyed Cheese realronhoward/Instagram Howard shared a throwback from the year before they wed, sporting a shiner but still looking pretty cute with his bride-to-be. "Me and Cheryl late 74. These kinda things like this used to happen even in fender benders before seat belts became law. I actually had a lap belt and still got knocked cold," he recalled. Wedding Bells Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard's wedding in 1975 After Ron Howard proposed three times, the two tied the knot in 1975 in Burbank. Special guests for their big day included the actor's famous costars from The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days, including his TV dads Andy Griffith and Tom Bosley. Happily Newlywed Kevin John Berry/Fairfax Media via Getty Ron and Cheryl Howard in 1975 Three months into their marriage, Ron and Cheryl were pictured smiling from ear-to-ear while backstage at a press reception for Happy Days. Eyes for You Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard in 1975 The two couldn't keep their eyes off each other in this red carpet photo taken the same year. Sweet Moment Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard in 1979 The two took their date night to the 31st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1979. Baby Makes Three Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Ron Howard, Cheryl Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard in 1982 In 1981 the couple expanded their family when they welcomed their first daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard seen here with her parents in 1982. Their family continued to grow over the years with the addition of twins Paige Carlyle Howard and Jocelyn Carlyle Howard in 1985 and later son Reed Cross Howard in 1987. Bring It In Alan Berliner/BEI/Shutterstock Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard in 1983 Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard were all smiles when they attended the third annual Carousel Ball of Hope in Denver in 1983. Beaming with Pride AP Photo/Bob Galbraith Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard in 1989 And Cheryl Howard was of course on deck to celebrate her husband's film Parenthood at the L.A. premiere in 1989. Winner's Circle Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard in 1996 The two were all dressed up in 1996 when Ron Howard won the Directors Guild of America award for Apollo 13. Family Matters Bryce Dallas Howard The Howard family (eldest daughter Bryce, twins Paige and Jocelyn and son Reed) took a classic '90s photo at Niagara Falls. To the Nines Bei/Shutterstock Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard in 1996 The same year, the couple stepped out for the Oscars, where Ron Howard opted for a classic black tux while Cheryl Howard wore a blue gown. Celebrating Dad Albert L. Ortega/Getty Ron and Cheryl Howard's family In 2015, the entire Howard gang showed up to support their patriarch as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fancy Date Night John Shearer/Getty Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard in 2017 The couple, who are now grandparents six times over, are still each other's favorite dates decades later. Over the years, Cheryl Howard has also "been in everything" that Ron Howard has directed since "11th grade in high school," he's said. "At a certain point, I became very superstitious about making sure that she appears, that she's at least identifiable in one frame," Ron explained to the Television Academy, calling Cheryl his "good luck charm." "They don't have to be big cameos, but she's gotta be in there." Five Decades Strong David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage Cheryl Howard and Ron Howard in 2022 From high school sweethearts to grandparents, Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard have a love story for the ages. "I met her, and there was never anybody else," Ron, seen here with his wife in 2022, told PEOPLE in 2019. "She's unbelievably supportive and always has been. Our compatibility has endured through all kinds of experiences." Forever Date realronhoward/Instagram The couple was as happy as ever to be sitting across the table from each other in London in 2021. Cheryl and Ron Today Cindy Ord/Getty Ron and Cheryl Howard at the 'Eden' premiere Fifty years in, Ron and Cheryl continue to live happily ever after. Above, the couple is pictured at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Eden, which Ron directed. View Finder realronhoward/Instagram "The adventure continues," Howard captioned this 2024 shot from Iceland. Read the original article on People Note: Carmen Gayheart's killer was executed on Tuesday night. Read about it here. Brick by brick, Carmen and Ricky Gayheart watched as their dream home took shape on a 5-acre piece of heaven in northern Florida. They chose the tiny town of Fort White to raise their family and escape the crime in South Florida. The high school sweethearts spent two years living in a trailer on the wooded property as they worked on the house and finally moved in with their 3-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. Once the home was finished, the young couple hung a sign outside: "Welcome to the Gayheart Corral." Then on April 27, 1994, the stuff of nightmares befell the Gayhearts. Carmen, who was just 23, was raped and murdered after two North Carolina prison escapees kidnapped her while she was on a grocery store run in the middle of the day and fled. Carmen's family was among dozens who searched for any sign of her for five days before sheriff's deputies found her brutalized body off a remote dirt road. Carmen Gayheart is pictured before her murder at the age of 23. She left behind a husband, two children, both parents, a sister and a large extended family. Her husband and children moved out of the dream home soon after. "It was a beautiful house and she didn't even get a chance to enjoy it," her sister, Maria David, told USA TODAY in an exclusive interview. "She had just moved in and she was excited. She couldn't wait for us to see it." David added: "I was so happy for her." Now more than 30 years later, Carmen's family is preparing to close at least one chapter of their tragic story as one of her killers, Anthony Wainwright, is executed in Florida on Tuesday. As U.S. executions ramp up this year, USA TODAY is revisiting the criminal cases that led to the tragic deaths of victims and the ongoing trauma for their families and communities. What happened to Carmen Gayheart? On April 24, 1994, Anthony Wainwright and Richard Hamilton escaped from prison in Newport, North Carolina. Wainwright was serving 10 years for breaking and entering, Hamilton 25 years for armed robbery. The men stole a Cadillac and guns and headed south. Three days and nearly 600 miles later, Wainwright and Hamilton spotted a pretty brunette walking into a Winn-Dixie grocery store in Lake City, Florida. It was Carmen Gayheart. She had just finished up a class at nursing school and was stopping at the store on her way to pick up her 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son from daycare. Carmen's arms were full of groceries when the men attacked her at gunpoint in the parking lot and shoved her into her blue Bronco. Though it was broad daylight, no one is believed to have witnessed her abduction. Anthony Wainwright is pictured in a prison mugshot. Carmen's disappearance set off a frantic search, during which hundreds of volunteers scoured the area for any sign of her. Her body was found five days later. She had been raped and shot twice in the back of the head. She was still wearing a shirt in her favorite color: pink. Wainwright and Hamilton were captured the next day following a shootout with police in Brookhaven, Mississippi, about 520 miles west of the murder scene. The men, who both survived gunshot wounds, had been driving Carmen's Bronco. Wainwright initially told police that he raped Carmen and that Hamilton killed her. He now denies doing either, though he says he was there, according to his spiritual adviser, the Rev. Jeff Hood. Both men were convicted and sentenced to death. Hamilton died in 2023 of natural causes at the age of 59. Wainwright, 54, is set to be executed on Tuesday by lethal injection about an hour before Alabama executes Greg Hunt by nitrogen gas for the 1988 beating death of a woman he had been dating for a month named Karen Lane. Carmen Gayheart: animal lover, nursing student, doting mother Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Carmen and Maria Tortora were sisters and best friends. As the oldest, Maria was always looking out for Carmen, whom she described as "beautiful inside and out." Carmen loved animals and respected all creatures so much, that she wouldn't even kill a cockroach, her sister told USA TODAY. "She would catch the bug and take it out. I am so serious," said Maria, whose last name is now David. "She would find a way to capture it safely, not hurt it in any way shape or form. She was one of a kind thats for sure." The sisters grew up around the family of Carmen's future husband, Ricky Gayheart, but the couple didn't experience a spark until high school, David said. "We were walking around campus and he started following us around," the 56-year-old West Palm Beach resident recalled. "He said to her, 'I want you to come with me and take a ride in my truck.' And I was like, 'What? She's not going anywhere without me.' I was very protective over her." Carmen Gayheart (center) is pictured on her wedding day with her sister Maria David (left) and friend Renee Glowth The young couple soon fell in love and had their first baby when Carmen was 18. They married before the birth of their son two years later. Carmen loved being a mom so much she was planning on a third baby, David said. She had also returned to school to become a nurse and loved taking care of their dogs, cats and one horse. "She loved animals, she loved people, she loved her children, she loved her husband," David said. "She was building something beautiful." Ricky Gayheart, who did not respond to an interview request for this story, previously told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that his wife's murder shattered him. "I loved her very much," he said through tears in an interview just a couple weeks after the murder. "We moved up here to get away from everything down there. We're in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the woods . . . It can happen anywhere. It goes to show you." He added: "She didn't have a mean bone in her body. She's too good for this world." Carmen Gayheart is pictured with her son Chad. Witnessing a killer's execution David plans on being front and center at Wainwright's execution for "accountability" and because her heartbroken parents can't. Her father died in 2013 and her mother died in 2023. Her mother, Joanne Tortora, told WPBF-TV in 2014 that she had been waiting for justice for 20 years after Carmen's murder. "I have friends who say, 'Oh, you can't move on with your life until you forgive them,' and it's just not going to happen," she said of Wainwright and Hamilton. "I can't find it in my heart. I feel it's a betrayal to my daughter. No, they deserve everything they get and more." David said that her emotions have been running high as she relives terrible memories leading up to the execution and that it's been difficult seeing Wainwright's fiancee post photos on Facebook of the two of them smiling and embracing. "He's had 31 years breathing, phone calls, letters, all of that," she said. "Carmen didnt have 31 seconds." Not only were Carmen's children deprived of their mother but now her son Chad is a father to a 9-year-old daughter named Gabriela, named after her slain grandmother's middle name. Carmen's daughter Jessica also married and is a world traveler in the medical field. To help keep Carmen's memory alive, David started a Facebook page and regularly posts about her sister. "She was here, she was loved, she deserves to be remembered, she mattered," she said. David and her family are holding a prayer vigil outside for Gayheart outside the Florida State Prison in Raiford. The vigil will be streamed live here on Tuesday evening, just before David goes inside to watch Wainwright die. "I look a lot like my sister and Im hoping that he sees a glimpse of Carmen one more time before he goes to where he's going," she said. "It is pretty intimidating to be in the same room with the people that killed your sister but I feel like the strength will be there and it's something I really have to do." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mom murdered after grocery store run. Now her killer's time is up. The St. Regis Aruba Resort The facade of the St. Regis Aruba Resort during sunset. The St. Regis Aruba Resort The butler-serviced guest rooms and suites exude a timeless beachy aesthetic and feature floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors looking out to the Caribbean. The hotel sits on beautiful Palm Beach, at the northwest corner of the island, and is within walking distance of a livelier downtown area, while still being away from the hustle and bustle. Akira Back, the rooftop restaurant by the stellar Michelin-starred chef, serves Japanese and Korean fare set against jaw-dropping sea views. The resort is home to the first casino in The St. Regis portfolio, which welcomes hotel guests and local residents. See at Hotels.com I often self-describe as a cynic who looks at beautiful ocean photos and thinks they must be Photoshopped. However, flying into Aruba for the first time gave me the best kind of reality check: the waters are truly that picture-perfect stunning. And fortunately for me, I was staying at the newest hotel on the island, which has no shortage of turquoise ocean views: The St. Regis Aruba Resort. The hotel feels like an extension of the sandy beach it occupies, with shades of white and beige paired with wooden furniture and decorative accents. Along with the nature-inspired palette and decor, another recurring theme throughout the accommodations and public areas is spaciousness, which also felt like a continuation of the endless turquoise expanse just outside the hotel's doors. Oliver Reschreiter, the resort's general manager, explained that the interiors indeed draw inspiration from the islands abundant natural beauty and cultural richness, as well as the Casibari Rock Formations, Aruba's monolithic boulder phenomena. "The St. Regis Aruba Resorts design blends Dutch-Caribbean culture with the storied legacy of The St. Regis Brand," Reschreiter added. "The property brings an elevated and luxury hospitality experience, which cannot be found elsewhere on the island. The St. Regis Brands signature service brings a new standard to the island, allowing guests to have a truly luxurious stay when visiting one of the Caribbeans best destinations." Below, my full review of Aruba's newest luxury stay. The Rooms The St. Regis Aruba Resort has 252 guest rooms, including 52 suites, and nearly all have balconies with ocean views. Even the smallest guest room, at 516 square feet, provides guests with ample space to spread out, with double vanities and a deep soaking tub in the bathroom. I stayed in an oceanfront suite that was twice the size of a standard room and felt like a spacious (and very luxurious) home with a living/dining area and a four-posted king bed (this room category is also available with two queen beds). However, the main attraction was the unobstructed Caribbean views that I enjoyed from both the floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom and the balcony outside the living room. If you're looking to splurge, consider the 2,637-square-foot John Jacob Astor Presidential suite, the largest in the resort, which treats guests to a sprawling living room with a breakfast bar, a dining table for eight, and a private furnished balcony, from which you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktails. According to Reschreiter, this one-bedroom suite "provides guests with the highest standard of The St. Regis signature hospitality experience." Food and Drink The St. Regis Aruba Resort offers six food and beverage options: Grano Cafe, a grab-and-go coffee shop; The St. Regis Bar; Nuba, a poolside restaurant serving lunch fare; Eskama, a breakfast and dinner spot; and Akira Back, a Japanese and Korean-inspired restaurant. Eskama is an indoor-outdoor dining space that doubles as a breakfast spot during the day and a Mediterranean eatery in the evening. Morning choices include a classic buffet with standard fare, such as an omelette station, fresh fruit, and local cheeses. Meanwhile, dishes like roasted Jidori chicken, Australian lamb chop, and mezze are the highlights of the a la carte menu. Nuba, set up on Eskama's outdoor patio, stands out with classic poolside options like ceviche, shrimp cocktail, blackened mahi mahi, burgers, poke, and fish tacos. (It also services hotel guests at the cabanas and beach chairs.) While The St. Regis Bar is an ideal spot for a drink, afternoon tea ($70; 24-hour reservations) is also a favored daily activity here. The bar's food menu leans toward Asian-inspired farethink hamachi crudo, oysters, wagyu carpaccio, and sushi rolls. But Chef Akira Back's eponymous restaurant is the crown jewel of the resort's culinary program. (Back earned a Michelin star for Dosa, his restaurant in Seoul, back in 2018.) The rooftop space stuns with its panoramic views (which Reschreiter said are the best on the island, and I tend to believe him), which seem to envelop diners. Start off with an order of salmon tataki and yellowtail carpaccio from the raw bar, and move on to tuna tacos, a refreshing cucumber salad, or an eggplant miso. Seafood dishes, such as lobster tail or butterfish, are a foolproof option, but so is steak (of which there are options). My personal favorite was the giant prawns, served with corn and chojang. Activities and Experiences The hotel has a casinoa first for The St. Regis brandwith table games and slot machines, open to guests and island residents. "Locals and travelers alike enjoy the nightlife scene that Aruba is known for, so adding a casino was important for the property, but we also wanted to make sure it was still an elevated experience that guests expect of a St. Regis hotel," Reschreiter said. St. Regis is famous for creating the bloody mary back in 1934 at The St. Regis New York's King Cole Bar, and here, guests can take a complimentary daily class to learn how to prepare the classic cocktail, or one with an Aruban twistthe Bon Bini Mary is made with lime, habanero, and the island's iconic papaya hot sauce. Private classes are also available for $60 per person. During my visit, the hotel coordinated a private tour of the island with De Palm Tours that took us to key spots like California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, the Ayo Rock Formations, Baby Natural Bridge, and a detour to San Nicolaas, the island's second largest city boasting a thriving street art scene. However, if you would rather spend your days being pampered at the hotel, book a cabana ($350; excluding the service charge) and enjoy some snorkelling time. Don't miss another St. Regis staplethe evening Champagne sabrage taking place daily on the hotel's terrace. Travel Guide | How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Aruba | Learn More The Spa The St. Regis Aruba Resort Interior of a Spa Treatment Room. All guests have access to the sauna and steam room, with add-on spa services including massages, manicures and pedicures, body scrubs, and facials. Some treatments feature Aruba aloe: the island is known as "The Island of Aloes" with some of the world's best aloe grown here. Family-friendly Offerings The resort has a curated list of activitieswhat it refers to as "family traditions"for groups traveling with kids. "The programming includes Little Chefs Academy, Family Yoga, Tiny Afternoon Tea, Memory Journals, and Cultural Storytelling, all celebrating the art of play and connection," Reschreiter said. Additionally, the hotel's youngest guests can keep busy at the on-site children's club, offering educational experiences rooted in Aruba's rich heritage. Accessibility and Sustainability Accessibility features at The St. Regis Aruba Resort include mobility-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, bathtub grab rails, and non-slip bathroom surfaces. The common areaslike the spa, fitness center, restaurants, and poolare wheelchair-accessible, with elevators and ramps readily available throughout the hotel. Reschreiter told T+L service animals are welcome on-site, and the pools have self-operating lifts and sloped entries for guests with mobility needs. Location The St. Regis Aruba Resort sits on Palm Beach along the northwest coast of the island. Eagle Beach, another beautiful stretch of sand named the best beach in the Caribbean, is a six-minute drive (or a 20-minute walk) from the hotel. Butterfly Farm and downtown Oranjestad are also easily accessible. The resort is a 20-minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay The hotel is part of the Marriott International portfolio and guests can use earn and redeem points for free stays through Marriott Bonvoy, the company's rewards program. At the time of publication, the hotel is offering a 25 percent discount and a 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus point offer. For the latest on member deals and offers, visit the hotel's "Offers" page. Nightly rates at St. Regis Aruba Resort start from $719. See at Hotels.com Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Adobe Stock/Allrecipes Key Takeaways At Taco Bell's Live Mas Live event in 2024, two company execs shared their go-to orders from the chain. The "life-changing" orders feature classic menu itemsplus, one of its newest, fan-loved innovations. Fast food companies create catchy jingles and splashy ad campaigns to get the word out about their latest products and new deals on menu items, but sometimes the best advertisement of all is finding out what the people behind the brand themselves like to order. Taco Bells Chief Marketing Officer is (not surprisingly) a big fan of the companys tacos and quesadillas, even describing the food at the popular fast food chain life-changing. Taylor Montgomery, who has worked at the franchise for more than nine years, shares that he regularly eats Taco Bell as a part of his daily routine. How often does he get a serving from the Bell? Every other day. The Best Thing on Taco Bells Menu, According to Its Execs At Live Mas Live 2024, the companys first-ever superfan convention, the CMO said he is a loyal devotee of the chains menu and places the same order every time. Two to three crunchy tacosnot supreme, just regular crunchy tacos. And a bean burrito with extra onions, grilled," shared Montgomery. "You have to try it, its life-changing." Montgomery is also a fan of Taco Bells chicken quesadilla, but he has a secret ordering hack to make it an even more filling and flavorful experience. Double chicken on the quesadilla, he says. It will change your life. You can do that? You sure can! The chicken quesadilla already has a generous portion of meat, melted three-cheese blend, and creamy jalapeno sauce. A double serving of the grilled chicken does sound like a hack we have to try the next time we place an order. Montgomery isnt the only Taco Bell executive who likes to "live mas" on a regular basis. Sean Tresvant has been in the role of CEO for a little over a year now and he places his usual order for Taco Bell three to four times a week. Tresvant is also a fan of the crunchy tacos filled with seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, and shredded Cheddar cheese. However, there is a difference in the way these two employees like to indulge a taco craving. The CEO likes his tacos supreme style, prepared with tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream along with cheese, lettuce, and a protein. His personal preference includes one beef and one chicken, and he rounds out his order with a bean burrito. There is a Taco Bell in the cafeteria of the chains headquarters in Irvine, California, where Tresvant gets his daily orders. He also frequently visits the top-secret test kitchen to try new menu items with Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Chief Food Innovation Officer. Both Montgomery and Tresvant recommend Taco Bell's Cantina Chicken menu, which features five dishes: the Cantina chicken burrito, the Cantina chicken taco (available soft or crispy), the Cantina chicken bowl, and the Cantina chicken quesadilla. And, if you like a little heat, the Caliente Chicken Cantina menu, which adds new Caliente Sauce to those five dishes is the way to go. With all the new items constantly coming to Taco Bell's menu, it's great to see some tried and true tacos and burritos getting the love they deserveeven from the execs. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES Alaska Airlines is canceling more than a dozen flights a day as tariffs hinder its ability to accept delivery of new aircraft, according to the carrier. The Seattle, Washington-based airline said it wouldn't immediately accept delivery of two Embraer 175 regional jets in order to avoid incurring the extra tariff-related costs. The aircraft were meant to serve Horizon Air, a regional subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. President Trump's tariff agenda has upended supply chains for a range of businesses, and has forced many companies to raise prices on consumers in order to protect their margins. The aviation industry has also warned that the levies will affect its business. "We deeply regret the impact this situation will have on our guests this summer," Alaska Airlines said in a statement to CBS News Wednesday. "Amid the ongoing uncertain economic environment, we are focused on controlling what we can control including costs, productivity, operational performance and taking care of our guests to the best of our ability. As part of this effort to control our costs, Alaska will not accept additional costs imposed by tariffs throughout our supply chain," it added. Without the new aircraft, Alaska said it must cancel 14 flights a day through the end of July. Horizon operates all of its flights on Embraer jets. Alaska operates an all-Boeing fleet. The delayed aircraft were expected to arrive from Brazil in May. Brazilian imports to the United States have been subject to a 10% tariff since April. Delta Air Lines also took steps to avoid paying tariffs on new aircraft earlier this year. In April, it had new Airbus A350 airlines delivered from France to Japan, and flew the planes internationally first, before bringing them to the U.S. Because the aircraft were not new on arrival in the U.S., the airline was not on the hook for paying tariffs on them. Which routes is Alaska canceling? The new planes had been scheduled to arrive by the end of May and were expected to go into service during the summer season for Horizon, which serves the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, Colorado, Utah and western Canada. Alaska said it is cutting routes that are served by multiple flights, so that no single route is eliminated entirely, even temporarily. "When deciding which flights to cancel, we put our guests at the center of consideration. We don't take these decisions lightly as we know it means disruption for our guests and their travel plans. We assessed our network and protected the communities we serve that already have limited service. Our teams are working to reaccommodate all impacted guests on the next best option for their travel plans," Alaska said in a statement. Musk alleges Trump's name appeared in Epstein files as feud escalates What to know about President Trump's travel ban on nationals from 12 countries Trump says he's disappointed by Musk criticism of budget bill, Musk says he got Trump elected Getty Stock image of a young woman laying out in the sun. NEED TO KNOW As misinformation runs rampant online, Dr. Raman Madan, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Northwell Health, tells PEOPLE the truth about sun exposure Some influencers claim sunscreen causes cancer due to ingredients, but Dr. Madan insists sunscreen is crucial and recommends wearing mineral sunscreen if you are concerned Base tans are not a protection against the sun and can cause wrinkles and skin damage, Dr. Madan says Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with 1 in 5 Americans developing it in their lifetimes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The majority of melanoma cases are attributable to UV exposure. While there are health benefits to sun exposure, doctors recommend wearing sunscreen when spending more than a few minutes outside. So why are so many influencers saying that sunscreen causes cancer, or that a "base tan" will protect you? PEOPLE checked in with Dr. Raman Madan, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Northwell Health to sort through misinformation and find out the real story on vitamin D, sunscreen and base tans. Is there a healthy amount of sun exposure? It is definitely beneficial to get some sun because in moderation, it helps with vitamin D synthesis. It can improve your mood, Dr. Madan tells PEOPLE. But you can still get these benefits with sunscreen, he emphasizes. That said, for patients with specific medical conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or vitiligo, he says, I recommend just 5, 10 minutes outside without sunscreen, as natural UV light actually helps stimulate their body's defense against these inflammatory molecules. Getty Stock image of a woman applying sunscreen. How much SPF should you wear? Forget about complicated equations, he says. Honestly, SPF 30 and above is more than enough, Dr. Madan explains. With SPF 30, it basically gives you about 97% coverage from the sun. There's nothing to calculate. Dr. Madan says as long as you are cognizant about reapplying it every two to three hours when you're outside or if you go in the water, you'll be fine. Is a base tan the best protection against the sun? A base tan, I don't think is a good idea, because tanning, no matter how minimal, causes UV radiation to damage the DNA in your cells, he explains. Your body basically reacts by producing more melanin, which is more of a defense, not a health benefit. And when it comes to protecting you from the sun, a base tan may give you the equivalent of SPF 3, he says, compared to sunscreens which start at basically SPF 15 or 30. Besides, with a base tan, you have an increased risk of skin cancer, and [it] also accelerates aging. So you can get wrinkles, age spots, from having this 'base tan.' So. I'm not a fan of base tans. What about reports that sunscreen can be toxic? There's been a lot of negative [reports] towards sunscreen out there, and it kind of stems from different reasons. One of them is that people say that sunscreen can be absorbed into the bloodstream, he says, explaining, it's a small, small, small amount with some chemical sunscreens. However, he says, you can wear mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and those won't be absorbed by your body. Regarding the environmental impact of sunscreens, some can harm coral reefs in some locations like in Hawaii and parts of Mexico, but if you're wearing the mineral-based zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, this is reef-safe, so it will be a non-issue again. There's a lot of misinformation out there, and I think people are just trying to find reasons not to wear sunscreen he said. Getty Stock image of a bad sunburn. What kind of sunscreen should you put on a child? I have 4 kids under the age of 6. They all wear sunscreen. I do use the mineral-based sunscreen on them again, with the zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, because it's not going to be absorbed by their skin." But as Dr. Madan points out, "if you're willing to put diaper cream on a baby, then you should have no problem putting sunscreen on them. Truly, how bad is a sunburn? People come in with first and second-degree burns sometimes over their entire body when they're outside without sunscreen, he tells PEOPLE. In the short term, just having a sunburn is uncomfortable. But what ends up happening is each time you get a sunburn or each time you have the UVB rays hits your cells, it can cause one of them to mutate, and even one of them mutating can turn into skin cancer. 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. Read the original article on People Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton at SXWX London on June 7, 2025 NEED TO KNOW Zawe Ashton revealed to Vogue on June 7 that she is pregnant and expecting a second baby with Tom Hiddleston The couple showed off Ashtons baby bump at the U.K. premiere of Hiddlestons The Life of Chuck during SXSW London After meeting in 2019, they welcomed their first child in 2022 Zawe Ashton and Tom Hiddleston are expanding their family! The Broadway actress, 40, and the Loki star, 44, are expecting their second baby together, Ashton revealed in a pregnancy announcement to Vogue. Following the announcement on Saturday, June 7, the couple attended the U.K. premiere of Hiddlestons The Life of Chuck during SXSW London, where Ashton showed off her baby bump on the red carpet. For the bump reveal, Ashton wore an Emilia Wickstead sky-blue silk crepe gown. Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton at SXWX London on June 7, 2025 Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Vogue referred to Hiddleston as Ashtons husband in the June 7 pregnancy announcement story. PEOPLE previously confirmed in March 2022 that the pair had gotten engaged. PEOPLE reached out to Hiddleston and Ashtons representatives for comment about the pregnancy news and the potential marriage news on June 7, but did not immediately hear back. The couple, who met while costarring in the 2019 play Betrayal, welcomed their first baby in October 2022. In June of that year, Ashton debuted her baby bump at a special screening of her movie Mr. Malcolm's List. At the time, the actress made her way down the red carpet wearing a bead-embellished tulle gown by Sabina Bilenko Couture, per Vogue, who gave a behind-the-scenes look at her glam session before the event. Karwai Tang/WireImage Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton at Wimbledon in 2023 In March 2022, the Essex Serpent actor made a rare comment about their relationship in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. "I'm very happy," Hiddleston said at the time, just months after they had made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2021 Tony Awards. Read the original article on People Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russian truck drivers who transported what would become platforms for Ukraine's large-scale surprise drone attack on Russian warplanes a week ago did so unwittingly. In the attack, drones used to conduct the attack were hidden in "mobile houses" that had retractable roofs, which were loaded on the trucks and then opened remotely to conduct the operation, a source told ABC News. "They didn't know anything," Zelenskyy told Martha Raddatz in an exclusive interview. Watch Martha Raddatz's full interview with Volodymyr Zelenskyy airing Sunday on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." "They just did their job," he said. ABC News - PHOTO: The full interview between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Martha Raddatz, co-anchor of This Week with George Stephanopoulos, will air on Sunday morning on This Week. MORE: Zelenskyy rejects Trump's playground characterization of Ukraine war, calling Putin 'murderer' Zelenskyy said the drivers were unaware the mobile cottages and other containers they transported were clandestinely equipped with drones that would assault Russian airfields and damage billions of dollars of military hardware. Ukraine has said it damaged over 40 Russian bombers in the attacks, amounting to about a third of Russia's strategic bomber fleet. Office of the President of Ukraine - PHOTO: The full interview between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Martha Raddatz, co-anchor of This Week with George Stephanopoulos, will air on Sunday morning on This Week. MORE: Aftermath of Ukraine drone strike on Russian airfields shown in satellite imagery The Ukrainian president also told Raddatz that the nation's secret services "used only our weapon[s]" and did not deploy equipment originating in an ally's arsenal. "I wanted very much to use only what we produce and to have the separation [be] very clear," Zelenskyy said. The well-known pro-democracy activist has been charged again under the infamous national security law for "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. This is an attempt by Hong Kong authorities to keep him in prison. He risks a life sentence, human rights groups warn. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) New serious charges have been levelled at Joshua Wong, a well-known Hong Kong activist already in detention; he was charged yesterday with collusion with foreign forces under the National Security Law. The new charges against Wong are arbitrary, cruel and outrageous, said Maya Wong, China director at Human Rights Watch. While imprisoned under one trumped-up charge, Joshua Wong has been suddenly slapped with yet another, she added. According to Amnesty International, the government wants to keep him behind bars. Hong Kongs National Security Law is turning five years old at the end of the month, and these new charges against Joshua Wong show that its capacity to be used by the Hong Kong authorities to threaten human rights in the city is as potent and present as ever, said Sarah Brooks, China director at Amnesty International. Brooks noted that the charge, which is vague and open to interpretation, is being misused. Once again, the vague and sweeping offence of collusion with foreign forces is being weaponised to justify an attack on the freedoms of expression and association. Joshua Wong, who was previously jailed for his participation in informal primary elections, was due to be released in about a year and a half. However, if this new case were to proceed, he could face up to life in prison. For Brooks, This latest charge against him underscores the authorities fear of prominent dissidents and shows the lengths they will go to keep them behind bars for as long as possible in so doing, continuing a chilling effect on civic activism in the city. The Hong Kong government must drop these charges and cease enforcing the National Security Law immediately, as called for by UN bodies. All people jailed simply for exercising their human rights must be set free. Specifically, Wong is accused of conspiring with exiled activist Nathan Law and other persons unknown between July and November 2020 to urge foreign countries and organisations to impose sanctions, blockades, or engage in other hostile activities against Hong Kong and China. The new charge carries a potential life sentence. Wong was previously sentenced to four years and eight months for "conspiracy to commit subversion. The human rights situation in Hong Kong has terribly deteriorated since 2020, with more than 300 people arrested for violating Beijing's National Security Law. In addition, Article 23, introduced by local authorities last year, has further intensified the crackdown and silenced opposition voices in the city. by Mathias Hariyadi The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) office of the Capuchins in Medan, North Sumatra, issued a strong appeal for the protection of the Lake Toba region. Speaking out against rising environmental exploitation and the threat to the rights of indigenous peoples, they ask the government to act and slam the devastation caused by business interests, in particular by Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk. Medan (AsiaNews) Faced with growing environmental exploitation in the Lake Toba region, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) office of the Capuchins in Medan, North Sumatra, issued a statement on 3 June to all interested parties. In it, the friars reject all forms of environmental destruction and express their support for the rights of indigenous peoples. Fr Sumitro Sihombing, an important member of the JPIC, expressed deep concern about the worsening environmental crisis. Justice, peace and integrity of creation are not just slogans; they are a way of life for which we must fight together. This Earth is our common home, and any form of exploitation against nature is a betrayal of our future generations, he said. The JPIC Capuchins in Medan, which is registered with Indonesias Ministry of Law and Human Rights, noted that the increase in floods, landslides, prolonged droughts, and land conflicts are direct consequences of exploitative activities that ignore the environmental balance. In its statement, the JPIC strongly reiterated its commitment, calling for the conservation of the Lake Toba region and the rejection of all forms of exploitation of natural resources that threatens the integrity of nature. In particular, the Capuchins stand against exploitative actions driven purely by business interests, disregarding social and environmental justice. They reject the presence of the businesses like the Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk, a pulp and paper company that has harmed local biodiversity. The men religious also call on the government to protect the rights of indigenous communities who have long safeguarded nature through traditional knowledge and to end the intimidation of which they are victims. Finally, the JPIC has petitioned the Supreme Court for the release of Sorbatua Siallagan, who was convicted for defending indigenous land rights. Fr Sumitro Sihombing stressed that the indigenous Batak people are not obstacles to development, but custodians of age-old environmental values and wisdom. We call on all stakeholders to treat the Lake Toba region as a shared home that brings peace and prosperity, not as a conflict zone or a venue for the commodification of nature, he explained. The JPIC hopes that its statement will serve as a warning to all parties government, industry, and civil society to take moral responsibility for the protection and preservation of the Lake Toba region as a living heritage for future generations. A local journalist shared with AsiaNews a disturbing account about the massive destruction of Lake Tobas environment. I speak as someone who has seen and experienced firsthand the ongoing destruction of the Lake Toba region over the past two or three decades, they write. What we are facing is not only ecological devastation, but also the unravelling of the social and cultural fabric that once held the indigenous Batak community together. The journalist describes the gradual breakdown of social structures; traditional values like Dalihan Na Tolu (a complex system of Batak social relations and ceremonies) has vanished. Customary practices survive only as ceremonial formalities. This is not an academic exercise or rhetorical question by an NGO. This is a lived reality that we face every day: environmental destruction is all too visible. The once lush tropical forest has been replaced by eucalyptus monoculture, leading to a situation where artificial rain must be produced during the dry season, because the natural ecosystem has collapsed. Rivers have been degraded, lake biodiversity destroyed and endemic fish species extinct. People now have to buy cement to build huts because wood is no longer available as freely as it once was." Lake Toba is not simply a tourist destination; it is a legacy for the people who have lived there for centuries. "I write this not to condemn, but to remember: we all have a moral responsibility. The Church, the state, civil society, scholars, anyone with a conscience, must unite to defend Lake Toba, not only as an icon of ecotourism, but as a living home that deserves reverence and care," the journalist said. The lake is located in the middle of the northern part of the island of Sumatra, at an altitude of about 900 metres. This body of water is about 100 kilometres long, 30 kilometres wide, and up to 505 metres deep, and is the largest lake in Indonesia and the largest volcanic lake in the world. The Toba Caldera was recognised in July 2020 as a UNESCO geopark, one of 20 of its kind in the country. by Stefano Caprio Moscow recently marked the 1,700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council when the profession of faith was drafted. Coincidentally, Putin and Pope Leo XIV spoke on the phone, providing an opportunity to renew the dialogue between the Church of Rome and the Russian Orthodox Church. Like in the 4th century AD, after the end of the persecutions, the challenge today for the bishops of the East and West is to show modern emperors a truth greater than any claim to dominion. Orthodox Churches do not celebrate the Jubilee of Hope together with the Catholics, which follows the timetable of the great celebrations of the Latin Catholic tradition, and have never been adopted by the Orthodox, except in the case of millennia. This year, however, unites everyone with the great event of the 1,700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, when the first version of the Symbol of Faith shared by all Christian confessions was given, which the Orthodox attribute particularly to their own tradition, since it was proclaimed in Constantinople, the place where the second Rome was emerging. The Patriarchate of Moscow also solemnly celebrated this anniversary, as a Church directly born from the Byzantine tradition, making it a Nicene-Constantinopolitan Church, even though it was created almost seven centuries after the Council of Nicaea, and more than two centuries after the last of the great councils of the patristic era, the Second Council of Nicaea in AD 787. Russia was evangelised in the first millennium, with the choice of the baptism of Constantinople after the investigation of faiths narrated by the ancient chronicles, exalting the great beauty of the Byzantine rite and tradition. A century earlier, at the time of Patriarch Photius of Constantinople, disputes had developed precisely over the Nicene Creed, with the accusation that the Latins had distorted the profession of faith by adding the Filioque, the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Son as well as from the Father, also seen as an attempt to subordinate to the papist power the free dissemination of the gifts of the Spirit, in centuries of monasticism as the main expression of the ecclesial body. The New Christians of Kievan Rus did not inherit the dogmatic subtleties of the Byzantine-Latin confrontation, and in ancient Russian chronicles the Latins are condemned with confused arguments about satanic rites in which Catholic priests are seen as trampling on crosses and uniting with several wives. The controversy over the formulations of faith remained in the background, and, at the end of the 11th century, the Russians joyfully welcomed the news of the transfer to Bari of the remains of Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra of Lycia who, according to tradition, had participated in the Council of Nicaea, an event that the Greeks deemed as one of the most serious insults by the Latins against the ancient Eastern Churches. Even today the Russians celebrate "Spring Nicholas" on 8/21 May, even recognising that it was a "swindle by the Latins", when in fact it is the feast of the patron saint of Rus', testimony to a shared faith. Moscow Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) presided over the ceremony marking the anniversary of the opening of the first great council in AD 325, convened by Constantine in the hope of using the Christian faith to support the ideology of the deification of the emperor, near the construction sites of the New Rome, on 1 June (20 May according to the Gregorian calendar). He stressed that 318 bishops had come to Nicaea from all parts of the Christian world, obviously almost all from the East, with a few Latin emissaries, and certainly not the bishop of Rome. Kirill mentioned the Arian heresy that sought to rationalise faith and reduce the great mystery of godliness to an abstract philosophical doctrine, quoting a great Russian Church historian, Vasily Bolotov, who explained how the symbol of Nicaea was so precise that it was impossible to interpret it in any other way one could only accept it or reject it. The patriarch explained that the history of the Church is not just academic research on past events and traditions buried in a distant time, like yellowed pages of a dusty book. The study of these ancient events must help us better understand contemporary religious life, distinguishing what is important from all that is secondary. The Holy Spirit teaches the Church to respond to the challenges of her time with a communal reason (sobornaya) in fraternal dialogue. What happened since the first council of the apostles in Jerusalem, insists Kirill, and in that of Nicaea in AD 325 with the dogmatic victory over the heretic Arius, must be an example until the end of time. And so today, when world Orthodoxy is going through a period that is anything but simple, a deep theological understanding of ecclesial problems is needed, and again it is necessary to beat witness faithfully to the apostolic doctrine and to the canonical principles that are the pillar and foundation of truth, as the great theologian Pavel Florensky put it, in the unity of spirit through the bond of peace, insists the patriarch quoting from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (4,3). Patriarch Kirills statements are certainly not surprising for their content, linked to the conciliar anniversary, but rather for the references to ecclesial dialogue in a universal perspective, which seems to open a new phase in relations between Christians of different confessions, including Catholics. Three days after this relative overture, perhaps only by coincidence, a telephone conversation took place between Pope Leo XIV and President Vladimir Putin, in which the tsar conveyed to the pontiff, Patriarch Kirills good wishes for the beginning of his pastoral ministry, as the Kremlin press office was keen to report. The pope himself expressed the desire for the continuation of the important dialogue of the Roman Catholic Church with the Russian Orthodox Church, precisely in the conciliar spirit (soborny according to the version reported by Moscow). Of course, Putin took advantage of this opportunity to defend Russian interests, emphasising the violations of the rights of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church linked to Moscow, which met in recent days in a synodal assembly, effectively maintaining its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate and challenging the authorities in Kyiv, bent on suppressing the hostile jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The Russian president expressed the desire that the Holy See actively work to support the freedom of religion in Ukraine, although in this case it is certainly not a question of dogmatic subtleties or different interpretations of conciliar formulations, but rather a load of enmities accumulated in the complex history of relations between Moscow Orthodox and Kyiv Orthodox. During the conversation, Pope Leo thanked Patriarch Kirill for his warm wishes, stressing that shared Christian values can be a light that helps to seek peace, defend life, and pursue genuine religious freedom, as the Holy See spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said in a press release. The reference to values is certainly not pleonastic, since it is the most insistent motivation with which Russia justifies its initiatives towards Ukraine and the West as a whole, and determines new possibilities of dialogue with the successor of Pope Francis, who focused mainly on humanitarian aspects. With the American Pope, the Russians feel they can turn to an interlocutor of a dogmatic level, pointing to the new heresies of betrayed values as the topic of a new conciliar path. The message passed on by the patriarch to the pontiff therefore expresses the hope that relations between Rome and Moscow "can develop more and more to bear witness together to faith in Christ, and the manifestation to humanity of an everlasting beauty of existence, founded on the divine commandments. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that, Until now, however, there had been no contact between Putin and the Pope. Putin took this opportunity to congratulate the Pope on his election at the conclave, thanking him for undertaking this initiative "in an attempt to contribute to solving the conflict with Ukraine". Previous humanitarian mediations were not considered. Rumours about a possible meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in the Vatican, therefore, appear to be based on key and detailed diplomatic initiatives, not only on rumours from the corridors of power or the international media. The pope, for his part, asked Putin to make a gesture that would favour peace", first and foremost regarding the release of prisoners. The telephone conversation itself appears to be a sign of a possible turning point in the endless and futile series of declarations and meetings, due largely to US president Donald Trump playing prima donna, which so far has only allowed the two sides to reorganise and prepare for their respective offensives on the ground. Dialogue under the gaze of the Church brings us back to the age of the ancient councils, when political and social enmities were certainly not unheard, since even then the dogmas of faith were confronted with the principles and ideologies of power. As in the 4th century AD, after the end of the persecutions, the bishops of the East and West were able to show the emperors a truth greater than any claim to dominion. Even today, as in ancient times, the Churches of Rome, Moscow, Constantinople and the whole world can show that there is a way to achieve peace between peoples and rebuild destroyed civilisations. RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. 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. 7 June 2025 20:35 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more As Azerbaijan and Armenia edge closer to finalizing a long-anticipated peace agreement, a wave of provocations from Armenian revanchist and nationalist circles threatens to destabilize what could be a historic turning point. These factions, many of whom operate both within Armenia and across its diaspora networks, are not only engaging in smear campaigns against Azerbaijani officials but also working to reintroduce irredentist narratives into the political discourse. Their aim is clear: to repackage outdated territorial ambitions under the guise of minority rights or historic grievances, hoping to regain relevance in a rapidly changing regional reality. The recent smear campaign launched by a fringe Armenian group in Argentina is emblematic of this effort. Using obscure media platforms, they have attempted to fabricate claims that Armenia remains in an active state of war with Azerbaijana narrative directly contradicted by the Armenian governments own steps toward peace. Such disinformation campaigns reflect a deeper truth: while the Armenian state appears to be gradually reconciling with its geopolitical limitations, elements within its society remain unwilling to accept the current realities. These voices seek not peace, but a return to a past shaped by occupation and confrontationan option that is neither viable nor acceptable in the current regional and international context. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans administration has signaled a willingness to normalize relations with Azerbaijan, despite facing significant internal resistance. The sincerity and consistency of Yerevans position remain subjects of debate, but compared to previous decades, there is now at least a perceptible shift in tone. Still, political ambiguity persists. In Armenias fragmented political landscape, words and deeds often diverge. A conciliatory message from Yerevan does not necessarily translate into coordinated policy action on the ground. Moreover, Armenian domestic politics are influenced not only by internal nationalist opposition but also by external diaspora structures, particularly those rooted in the West. These groups, deeply invested in the mythology of a Greater Armenia, often act independently of Yerevan and are driven more by sentiment than strategy. They amplify outdated territorial narratives, launch public campaigns rooted in misinformation, and attempt to frame any Armenian concession as betrayal. These efforts do little to advance Armenias national interests; on the contrary, they risk isolating the country further. In the current geopolitical climate, major international actors are increasingly reluctant to engage with or support entities that defy international law or propagate frozen conflicts. The global energy transition, shifting power balances, and growing emphasis on regional connectivity place a premium on stability. Armenias irredentist fringe is thus swimming against the tide. Their provocations are not only ineffectual but counterproductive. No serious international stakeholder is willing to jeopardize strategic partnerships for the sake of outdated illusions. It is worth noting that despite the challenges, Azerbaijans diplomacy has remained restrained. In contrast to the iron-fist policy that defined the military operations of 2020, Baku has opted to respond to these provocations with measured firmness. Azerbaijan continues to articulate its commitment to regional peace and sovereignty through diplomatic channels while remaining unequivocal in its red lines. However, patience has limits. The revival of false narratives about ethnic cleansing, fabricated statehood claims, and distorted histories of Garabagh only serves to re-aggravate tensions and undermine progress. These narratives do not reflect present-day realities, where Azerbaijan exercises full sovereignty over its internationally recognized territory, and where the emphasis is on reconstruction, reintegration, and forward-looking development. The real danger for Armenia is not external; it is internal. If the revanchist elements succeed in infiltrating future governments or driving public discourse, the consequences could be catastrophicnot just for Yerevan, but for the entire South Caucasus. The seeds of peace currently being planted risk being uprooted before they bear fruit. For Armenia, the path ahead is clear but narrow. Either it moves toward genuine normalizationrecognizing the sovereignty of its neighbors and focusing on economic integrationor it remains hostage to a self-defeating ideology that has already led to strategic collapse. Clinging to outdated illusions about Garabagh will only prolong suffering and defer Armenias reintegration into regional processes. Azerbaijan has made it clear: Garabagh is an indivisible part of its sovereign territory. It cannot and will not be the battleground for another generation of conflict. Attempts to relaunch conflict narratives will not rewrite the facts established by diplomacy, law, or force. This is perhaps the final call for Armenias political elite to act responsibly. Peace is not merely an optionit is a necessity. And in this post-conflict environment, it is no longer rhetoric but action that will define legacies. Those who continue to gamble with the futurestoking tensions for personal or ideological gaindo so at great peril, not only to themselves but to the fragile peace of the region. If the past was about the clash of arms, the future must be about the maturity of statecraft. In that future, there is no room for territorial claims, proxy propaganda, or nostalgia for lost wars. What remains is the choice between reconciliation and regression. And that choice, more than ever, belongs to Yerevan. 7 June 2025 15:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan has issued a serious warning on the deteriorating state of the Caspian Sea and the Kura River, urging neighboring countries to unite in a coordinated and immediate effort to prevent a regional ecological disaster. Speaking at the Astana International Forum (AIF2025), Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's presidential envoy for climate issues, emphasized that the Caspian must not become another environmental tragedy like Irans Lake Urmia or the Aral Sea in Central Asia. Babayev revealed that Azerbaijan has initiated a high-level summit dedicated to addressing the sharp and accelerating decline in Caspian Sea water levels. We have invited all Caspian littoral states to engage in consultations and open dialogue on this critical issue, he said, adding that government bodies from these countries are actively working on defining the summits scope and timeline. The date and agenda will be announced in the coming weeks. While Babayev's statement echoed Azerbaijans leading diplomatic initiative, the broader water crisis stems from a complex mix of climate change, declining river inflows, and inadequate interstate coordinationparticularly concerning the Kura River, Azerbaijans primary freshwater source. Flowing for 1,515 kilometers, the Kura originates in Turkey and travels through Armenia and Georgia before reaching Azerbaijan. Along the way, various reservoirs, mismanagement, and pollution have severely reduced the river's flow by the time it reaches Azerbaijani territory. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Armenia has refused to sign binding interstate water agreements and has been accused of polluting the river and allowing unchecked water loss. Meanwhile, Georgia's upstream usage has also contributed to dwindling water levels. This has directly impacted Azerbaijan's ability to maintain water security and preserve the balance of the Caspian Sea, which receives its inflow from several rivers, including the Volga and Kura. The Caspian Sea, the worlds largest enclosed inland body of water, has witnessed a consistent decline in its water levels since the mid-1990s. In 2021, a drop of 35 centimeters was recorded, followed by another 2025 centimeters in 2022 alone. Experts attribute this alarming trend to rising temperatures and shifting climate patterns. Cyclonic precipitation that once fed the Volga basin has shifted further north toward Moscow and St. Petersburg, now flowing into the Arctic Ocean instead of the Caspian. This change has drastically reduced freshwater input into the sea. An additional factor contributing to the Caspians shrinking is the Kara-Bogaz-Gol bay in Turkmenistan, which continues to siphon off large volumes of water from the Caspian only for it to evaporate rapidly. As a closed system with no natural outlet to the worlds oceans, the Caspian cannot replenish lost water through oceanic tides or inflows, making evaporation a critical threat. In Azerbaijan itself, efforts to manage and store water more efficiently have included the construction of 140 large and small reservoirs with a combined volume of nearly 22 billion cubic meters. The Mingachevir Reservoir alone holds 16 billion cubic meters. While these measures aim to support future water needs, they are insufficient without broader regional coordination and reform in transboundary water use. The drying up of the Kura River is causing not only a shortage of water for agriculture and domestic use but also increasing soil salinity in affected areas. This process damages ecosystems and reduces land productivity, threatening the livelihoods of tens of thousands of residents. Babayev stressed that increased irrigation efficiency and more strategic water managementsuch as controlled use of reservoirs and investment in solar-powered infrastructure in high-evaporation areasare now essential. Every gram of water must be used carefully, Babayev said. In areas with high solar radiation, we can combine solar energy collection with efficient irrigation and water reuse systems. These regions host nearly a third of our population, and we must ensure their energy and water security. Looking ahead, scientists warn that a broader climatic shift may be unfolding. Some speculate that the current phase of drought may be part of a natural cycle leading to a semi-glacial period by 2050. If true, this would only increase the need for resilience strategies now. The consequences of inaction are dire. The Caspian Seas shallowing is already disrupting marine ecosystems, especially for species like the endangered Caspian seal and sturgeon. Economically, shrinking fish stocks and deteriorating port infrastructure pose serious risks to regional economies reliant on fishing and shipping. Azerbaijan's leadership in convening a summit and engaging with international organizations, including the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), marks a crucial step toward regional consensus and sustainable policy. However, Babayev made it clear that only a collective, multinational approachgrounded in shared responsibility and supported by scientific expertisecan effectively tackle the looming water crisis. We must act nowbefore the Caspian becomes the next Aral Sea, he concluded. 7 June 2025 13:33 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Azerbaijan was listed among the importers of veterinary products exported from Russias Mari El region between January and May this year, Azernews reports, citing the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor). 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! 7 June 2025 18:00 (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. 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! 7 June 2025 16:30 (UTC+04:00) Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) Arif Aghayev met with a delegation led by Lin Keqiang, Chairman of the Political Consultative Conference of Chinas Guangdong Province, at the Baku International Sea Trade Port to discuss opportunities for deepening port cooperation, Azernews reports. According to ADY, the meeting focused on strengthening ties between Baku Port and several major ports in Guangdong Province, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shantou, and Jiangxi. Discussions highlighted the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor as a central segment of the East-West transport route and its role in ensuring efficient and secure cargo transit between China and Europe. The Azerbaijani side briefed the Chinese delegation on ADYs contributions to developing international transit corridors and emphasized the Baku Ports growing role in multimodal cargo transportation. With an annual cargo handling capacity of 15 million tons and modern infrastructure, Baku Port serves as a key hub in facilitating East-West trade flows. The Chinese delegation also visited the port facilities, noting Baku Ports increasing logistical potential in the region and its capacity to support multimodal shipping options. Currently, regular container block trains are being dispatched from Chinas Xian port along the Central Corridor, underlining the growing momentum of this strategic trade route. 7 June 2025 11:00 (UTC+04:00) In the lower reaches of the Kura River: water levels rose by 10 cm in Kur-Zardab, 11 cm in Kur-Surra and Kur-Banka, 20 cm in Kur-Shirvan, and 45 cm in Kur-Salyan. In rivers flowing from the Karabakh and East-Zangezur regions: Guruchay rose by 11 cm, Tartarchay by 5 cm, and Tutgunchay by 3 cm. In the Lesser Caucasus: Asrikchay increased by 4 cm, Kurekchay by 3 cm, and Zayamchay by 2 cm. In the Greater Caucasus: Garasuchay rose by 63 cm, Velvelachay by 12 cm, Gudiyalchay by 5 cm, and Katekhchay by 3 cm. According to information released by the National Hydrometeorological Service, notable increases have been recorded in the following rivers: Due to intense rainfall continuing for several days in various regions of Azerbaijan, water levels in several rivers have risen, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 7 June 2025 12:30 (UTC+04:00) The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has denied claims circulating in Armenian media that two teenagers were allegedly abducted by Azerbaijani forces, Azernews reports. According to the NSS, residents of the Tegh community of RA Syunik province Karen Armen Jhangiryan (born on 27.06.2007) and Andrey Armen Gyagunts (born on 13.01.2008) got lost on June 6, 2025 at around 1:20 a.m. in the area adjacent to Aravus village of Syunik province, and ended up in the territory of Azerbaijan. arlier, on June 6, the NSS reported that the two teenagers had strayed near the village of Aravus and unintentionally crossed into Azerbaijani territory. Despite this clarification, Armenias Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under the article Theft. The incident comes amid renewed sensitivity in border areas and heightened media scrutiny of cross-border movements. 7 June 2025 12:00 (UTC+04:00) On the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union, the distribution of sacrificial shares to low-income families continues on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Azernews reports. IDEA reports that the latest destination of this charitable campaigncarried out within the framework of the Our Kitchen social projectwas the Garadagh district of Baku, where 200 low-income families received sacrificial meat as part of the holiday initiative. The main goal of the Our Kitchen project, launched on Leyla Aliyevas initiative, is to strengthen social solidarity by delivering hot meals and food aid to vulnerable groups across Azerbaijan. Since its inception, Our Kitchen volunteers have brought comfort and hope to hundreds of thousands of people in Baku and surrounding areas by supporting their daily nutritional needs. The project's website, bizimmetbex.az, is now live, allowing individuals to make donations or sign up as volunteers to support the ongoing mission. 7 June 2025 14:00 (UTC+04:00) The Hajj pilgrimage for Azerbaijani pilgrims will be completed in two days, Azernews reports via local media. This was announced by Vusal Jahangiri, Head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) and Head of the Hajj Electronic System. According to him, the main Hajj rituals will conclude on June 9: The first group of our pilgrims will return to their homeland on June 16. It is planned that 176 people will arrive with the first group. It should be noted that the first group of Azerbaijani pilgrims departed for Hajj on May 25. The cost of the pilgrimage package for one person is 5,950 US dollars. This year, 1,250 quota places were allocated for Azerbaijani pilgrims wishing to participate in the pilgrimage. 7 June 2025 14:56 (UTC+04:00) On June 7, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a telephone conversation with Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Azernews reports. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations to President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the holy Eid al-Adha and conveyed his wishes for progress and prosperity to the country. In return, the President of Azerbaijan congratulated the Prime Minister and people of Pakistan on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, wishing happiness, development, and well-being to the Pakistani nation. The President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan fondly recalled the recent bilateral meeting held in Lachin, as well as the trilateral meeting in the AzerbaijanTurkiyePakistan format. They noted with satisfaction that the discussions during these meetings had given a further boost to the development of relations between the two countries. During the phone call, the sides exchanged views on the prospects of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the fields of economy, trade, energy, industry, defense, science, education, tourism, and other areas. Touching on the upcoming Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit to be held this summer in the city of Khankendi, Azerbaijan, both parties expressed hope that the event would contribute to the further development of relations among the member states. Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the conversation. 7 June 2025 17:00 (UTC+04:00) June 7 In celebration of World Food Safety Day, the Azerbaijan Food Safety Institute has launched its newly updated website, offering expanded tools for entrepreneurs and educational resources for consumers, Azernews reports. The new platform features interactive sections that allow users to stay informed on the latest developments in food safety and easily access services. Entrepreneurs can now apply for various services directly through the website, including halal certification, consulting, training, design, and external assessments. Visitors to the site can also explore detailed information on the Institute's specialized laboratories operating across Baku and the regions, and even take a virtual tour of these facilities. One of the websites key innovations is a newly added Calculator section, which allows entrepreneurs applying for a HALAL conformity certificate to estimate assessment fees by entering relevant information. The Institute noted that the website will also serve as a valuable source of daily-updated articles designed to enhance consumer awareness and education in the field of food safety. 7 June 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday that his country's delegation will meet with the representatives from China to discuss a trade deal in London on June 9, Azernews reports. "I am pleased to announce that Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, will be meeting in London on Monday, June 9, 2025, with Representatives of China, with reference to the Trade Deal," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding that the meeting "should go very well." Trump's announcement follows his phone call with China's President Xi Jinping, during which the two leaders discussed trade relations and agreed to start a new round of trade talks. 7 June 2025 18:30 (UTC+04:00) Ukrainian air defenses said Saturday they repelled a major Russian overnight assault, disabling 174 of 215 air attack units, Azernews reports. According to the Air Force, the attack began late Friday and included 206 Shahed drones and simulators launched from Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and occupied Crimea. In addition, Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Voronezh, six Kh-59/69 guided missiles from Zaporizhzhia's airspace, and one Iskander-K cruise missile from Rostov. Ukraine's defense forces claimed to have destroyed 87 drones and neutralized 80 others using electronic warfare. All six Kh-59/69 guided missiles and the cruise missile were also intercepted. The assault affected 10 locations, with debris reported in seven. 7 June 2025 19:00 (UTC+04:00) The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that its uranium enrichment to 60% is consistent with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and remains under full IAEA supervision, Azernews reports. Responding to a letter sent to the IAEA and seen by local media on Saturday, Iran underlined that its nuclear program is "peaceful," and its enriched uranium stockpiles are "fully declared and monitored." Tehran maintains there is no indication of any shift toward military use. " The absence of any evidence indicating diversion to military purposes reaffirms the peaceful nature of Irans nuclear program. There is no credible evidence to prove that the remaining issues posed a proliferation risk," an extract of the letter published by ISNA said. The document also noted that "Iran continues to cooperate with the Agency on matters related to the routine implementation of safeguards." 7 June 2025 20:00 (UTC+04:00) Britain is at war with Russia already, one of the authors of the governments strategic defence review has warned, while arguing that we can no longer depend on the US as a reliable ally, Azernews reports. Dr Fiona Hill, who served as the White Houses chief Russia adviser during Donald Trumps first term in office, said the UK is in pretty big trouble, warning that the country is stuck between the rock of Russia and the hard place of an increasingly unreliable US under Mr Trump. It comes after the governments strategic defence review - unveiled last week - found that the armed forces are not ready to fight opponents like Russia or China. Russia has hardened as an adversary in ways that we probably hadnt fully anticipated, Dr Hill told the Guardian, concluding that Russia is at war with us. Arguing that the Kremlin has been menacing the UK in various different ways for years, she pointed to the poisonings, assassinations, sabotage operations, all kinds of cyber-attacks and influence operations. The sensors that we see that theyre putting down around critical pipelines, efforts to butcher undersea cables. Unveiling the SDR last week - authored by Dr Hill, Lord Robertson and General Sir Richard Barrons - defence secretary John Healey said Britains army needed to become 10 times more lethal in the face of the immediate and pressing threat" from Russia and the rise of China. We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK defence, he told MPs. 7 June 2025 22:06 (UTC+04:00) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is working to arrange a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at this months Group of Seven summit in Canada, Zelenskyys Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak said, Azernews reports. One of the aims of a visit to Washington earlier this week by a delegation from Kyiv was to prepare for a potential Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the G7 gathering set for June 15-17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, Yermak said on a national broadcast late Friday. Our visit was part of the preparation, including for what I believe will be a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, which is taking place in 10 days time, Yermak said. This was a key step in preparing for this conversation. The Ukrainian delegation also held discussions in Washington on continuing military aid to Ukraine, Yermak said. There is a shared understanding on this issue; we need to keep working, Yermak said. President Zelenskyy clearly outlined our position: Under the signed agreement on economic cooperation, we are also ready to buy some of the equipment, especially missile defense systems, etc., Yermak said. The Ukrainian visit came as U.S. lawmakers are weighing sweeping sanctions measures aimed at Russia and its biggest energy customers. The delegation met with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal, who are pushing for a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate that would impose steep tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy resources. We hope this new sanctions package will be adopted, Yermak said. But even the process that should begin in the Senate next week will be a very important signal because everyone understands what its about. Its quite clearly about reducing Russias revenues from energy exports, primarily oil, he said. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, was nearly a day that would live in infamy for the residents of Snow Hill, North Carolina. By a narrow 3-2 vote, the Town Council chose to disband the Snow Hill Police Department a decision that risked altering the very character and safety of this small town. The stated reason? Cost savings. But the facts, the public outcry, and the gravity of the moment suggested something deeper was at stake. Thankfully, this story doesnt end in tragedy. Just days later, after an emergency meeting and, I believe, much reflection, the Board reversed course. This time, the vote was unanimous to retain the police department an extraordinary act of humility and leadership worthy of high praise. We must not forget what was nearly lost: a trusted local department made up of officers who know the people, the streets, and the rhythms of Snow Hill. Familiarity, quick response, and a visible, personalized presence these cannot easily be replaced by county deputies stretched thin across a broader area. When a town gives up its local police force, it doesnt just lose patrols. It loses relationships, institutional memory, and a sense of shared responsibility. The initial vote was troubling not just for its practical implications but also for what it suggested a shift in values. Public safety was treated as a budget line rather than a civic pillar. Ideology seemed to outweigh experience. Yet residents rose in gracious but passionate defense of a department that had served them faithfully. As someone who grew up in Snow Hill, owns property there, and whose 85-year-old mother still lives in the home where I was raised, I felt this decision deeply. But I was not without hope. When good citizens show up, as they did, positive outcomes tend to follow when the cause is just. U.S. Congressman Don Davis, a former mayor of Snow Hill, spoke out strongly in support of the police department. But the victory belongs not to any one person or political party. I believe the clarity that ultimately came to the Board was the result of Gods hand moving among them. Many citizens prayed earnestly for their leaders to be given wisdom, and, notably, Board members were praying for the same. I believe divine influence was unmistakable. Even Chief Josh Smith told WCTI News, Anyone who doesnt believe that the Jesus I pray to is real needs to reconsider. In the end, this victory belongs to the people of Snow Hill residents who spoke up, leaders who humbled themselves to reconsider, and a community that sought God together for guidance and unity. Commissioners who initially voted to dissolve the department Lorrine Washington, Geraldine Shackleford, and Faye Daniels, showed commendable integrity by leading the motion to reverse course. That is servant leadership: prioritizing the public good over personal pride or politics. Chief Josh Smith, whose steady, heartfelt advocacy never wavered, now has the opportunity to lead a revitalized department into a stronger future. This moment should not only be celebrated but also studied. Snow Hill has been given a second chance. What the towns citizens do with it profoundly matters. Here are some vital lessons worth remembering. First, public safety is never optional. It is foundational. Any future debate must begin with this principle firmly in place. Second, community engagement works. When citizens speak with respect and clarity, and leaders respond with humility and sagacity, good governance prevails. Third, change remains possible. Preserving the police department doesnt mean rejecting any needed reforms. It opens the door to a new spirit of collaboration, one that improves coverage, accountability, and trust between officers and citizens alike. Snow Hills future is not behind it. I still believe in that little town that gave me so much. Its path forward is bright and strong as ever even stronger. Citizens and leaders should move forward, not as fractured factions but as neighbors bound by love for their town and a renewed commitment to its well-being. The events of the past week have been a powerful reminder that our blessed system of government still works whenever people care enough to engage and when leaders care enough to listen. Indeed, Snow Hill may now be on its way to becoming not only one of North Carolinas most charming towns but also one of its safest. God bless Snow Hill, my beloved hometown. https://revmarkcreech.org/snow-hill-stands-a-story-of-prayer-protest-and-purpose/ Pensioner seeking refund from bank he claims fell short in protecting him A grandad from Northern Ireland has described the massive shock of being conned out of 100,000 by scammers posing as M&S Bank. The 70-year-old from Co Antrim, who does not want to be named, thought he was investing in a three-year bond in May last year to save money for his kids and eight grandchildren. Two firefighters among five people taken to hospital The NI Fire & Rescue Service responded to the incident overnight. Stock photo. Two firefighters were among five people taken to hospital as emergency services dealt with a major incident linked to chemicals in Co Down.. The alert centred on Leprino, a cheese factory, on the Steps Road near Magheralin, and began around 10.20pm last night. Police, ambulance and fire crews responded. A senior fire officer said it followed an accidental mixing of chemicals, which sparked a chemical reaction. At one stage a 100-metre exclusion zone was in place around the scene. People were warned to stay away during the alert, which continued until 4.50am this morning. The five patients were taken to three local hospitals and have since been discharged. Their injuries were not serious. There is no wider risk to the public, officials said. The NI Fire & Rescue Service responded to the incident overnight. Stock photo. "These are very dark days, and Gaza is a stain on society" - Claire Hanna MP questions Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on peace in Gaza The NIFRS said four fire appliances and a command support unit attended the scene along with ambulances, a Hazardous Area Response Team, a doctor and the PSNI. Alan ONeill, Group Commander with the NIFRS, told the Belfast Telegraph: Large factories will carry quite a significant stock of chemicals. Normally there is no issue - this has been an accidental mixing of chemicals which has led to a chemical reaction. So generally, whilst its not ideal, it does occasionally happen. Thankfully the factory itself had really good protocols in place to manage that. Mr ONeill said any incident involving chemicals has to be treated with caution. There was a 100-metre exclusion zone, he added. The factory itself is on the outskirts of Magheralin so that meant that there was limited impact on residents in the area. Five people went to hospital, that was following a triage on the scene by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Two of those were our firefighters and thankfully all five have been discharged and declared fit and well at this stage. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: "NIAS received reports of a potential chemical incident at an industrial site near Magheralin and dispatched a number of emergency ambulances, ambulance officers, a Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor to the scene with a major incident being declared as a result of the number of reported casualties. "Seventeen potential patients were assessed and five transferred to hospital (Craigavon Area Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital and Daisy Hill) though none are thought to be in a life-threatening condition. "A further 12 patients were monitored and then discharged from the scene. NIAS worked alongside colleagues from NIFRS and PSNI to manage the incident. It is not believed that there is any wider risk to local residents as a result of the incident." A PSNI spokesperson said: Police received a request for traffic management assistance from colleagues at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service at around 11pm on Friday. The request followed a reported chemical spill at a factory in the Steps Road area of Magheralin. After a number of people were identified as affected by the spillage, a major incident was declared. It was established that there was no risk to the wider public and all emergency services left the scene at around 4.45am. The incident took place at Springbank Industrial estate in Dunmurry (PA) The burning of a 5G mast on the outskirt of Belfast is being treated as a suspected deliberate attack. The incident happened in the Springbank Industrial estate in Dunmurry on Saturday. A police spokesperson said they received a report shortly after 2.40pm that a 5G mast has been set alight in the area. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire, they said. Inquiries are continuing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition. We are appealing to anyone who was in the area and who may have information, dash-cam or other footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 801 07/06/25. Sinn Fein West Belfast MP Paul Maskey condemned the incident. I want to strongly condemn the latest suspected arson attack on a 5G mast, he said. This behaviour is both ludicrous and absolutely nonsensical. Just a few weeks ago, Sinn Fein published the results of a survey highlighting widespread mobile signal black spots across the west of the city some of which are due to damage caused to masts. We will continue our efforts to secure better mobile coverage for our communities. Those responsible for this disgraceful vandalism must be brought to justice, and I urge anyone with information to come forward and contact the PSNI. Lord Eames on a life of ministry and heroes found amidst the hate Lord Eames, the former Church of Ireland Primate, has paid a warm tribute to the people of Derry who taught him about the realities of bridge-building which stood him in good stead during his long career as one of the best-known senior clerics in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Speaking exclusively to the Belfast Telegraph ahead of a service in St Columbs Cathedral on Monday to mark the 50th anniversary of his consecration as Bishop of Derry and Raphoe in 1975, he said: This is one of the most touching invitations of my career and it has brought back so many memories of the vast changes in church life and politics during the last half-century. Robin Eames, now in his 89th year, came to Derry as bishop when he was only 37. At his Consecration in St Patricks Cathedral, Armagh he invited the Catholic Bishop of Derry Edward Daly to walk with him down the aisle. I believe that this was the first time it happened. I wanted to show that he and I were friends, and that I was holding out the hand of friendship to the whole Catholic community in Derry. Lord Eames also made a point of visiting the homes of people in the Bogside. This was to let them know that I was not their enemy and that I wanted to understand their feelings. During one of the first meetings a man opened the door, shook my hand and said Welcome to Derry, my name is John Hume. We met frequently afterwards and he always impressed me greatly. After five years in Derry, Eames became Bishop of Down and Dromore. The divisions in Belfast were deeper than in Derry, and the attitudes had hardened. These were some of the worst years of the Troubles, he said. My experience in Derry had taught me much about bridge-building and I received great warmth and support from all sides in that city. In Belfast I got on well with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor Cahal Daly, and the relationships between all the main Churches improved greatly. In 1986 Eames became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, a post which he held until his retirement in 2006. He worked closely with Catholic Primates Tomas OFiach, Cahal Daly, and Sean Brady. I always related to them as human beings and not only as senior Church figures. I asked them to take me as I am, and they did the same for me. Our friendships helped us through some very testing situations. It was a privilege to work with them. One of the most difficult challenges he faced as Archbishop was the prolonged stand-off at Drumcree between residents and members of the Orange Order which led to widespread violence. I received many demands, particularly from the Irish Republic, to close the Drumcree parish church, but I could not shut a building where people from all backgrounds came to worship. I was severely criticized, which was personally hurtful, but closing the church was something I could not do in all conscience. "I deeply regret that the Drumcree dispute lasted so long and showed the world the deep divisions in our community. However, I believe it was the right decision to keep the church open. In 2009 Lord Eames and the former Catholic priest Denis Bradley produced their report for the Consultative Group on the Past which was shelved amid controversy over its recommendations. Lord Eames Obviously I was disappointed but if people look at the small print it still has the seeds of a solution to our divisions. A former Northern Ireland Secretary told me if he had accepted the report it would have prevented what took place later on. Robin Eames also travelled the world as a clerical trouble-shooter dealing with major issues facing the Anglican Communion. I was sent by Archbishop Robert Runcie, and my experience in Derry helped me build bridges that would last. I became friends with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who once stayed in our home in Armagh. We shared many of the same problems in Northern Ireland and South Africa as prisoners of our past. Lord Eames also played a key role behind the scenes in the creation of the 1993 Downing Street Declaration which, he believes, formed the path towards the Good Friday Agreement. I had the highest regard for Sir John Major and Albert Reynolds who played such a major part in producing the Declaration. He has also been a cross-bencher in the Lords since his retirement as Archbishop, something he says has taught him that basic understanding of Englishness and Irishness has been one of the root causes of a great many problems between the two parts of the UK. Lord Eames has served as chairman of some of the Anglican Communions most important Commissions. He has received numerous awards, and is a member of the Order of Merit a very special honour bestowed on him personally by the late Queen Elizabeth . It is confined to a maximum of 24 people, and the current members include Sir David Attenborough and the artist David Hockney Badly injured in a fall last year, Lord Eames is making a steady recovery, and reflected on the past and present. There have been so many changes in all the churches but for me the basic message and challenge of Christianity remain the same. I had very difficult times in my ministry trying to comfort victims of violence and their families, and sometimes I am still overwhelmed when I recall how bad it all was. Yet I also remember those who impressed us with their courage and faith from the depths of adversity. I was with Gordon and Joan Wilson on the day their daughter Marie was killed in the Enniskillen bomb. Their Christianity and example in dealing with that immense personal tragedy was an inspiration to all of us, and they were not the only ones. They are real heroes. I look back on my life and praise God for giving me strength to minister to all sorts of people. I also pay tribute to my wife Christine who has been a tower of strength to me throughout my ministry. I have so much for which to be thankful. Nora Quoirin was found dead after going missing in 2019. The Belfast mother of a teenager found dead in a Malaysian jungle says she fears she will never find out the full story of what happened. Nora Quoirin, who would have turned 21 last week, vanished from her room at the Dusun rainforest resort in 2019. Her body was found nine days after she went missing. An inquest initially recorded her death was by misadventure, but her mother Meabh has always believed her child was abducted. A second inquest returned an open verdict, with the judge agreeing with the family that Nora could not have made her way through the jungle on her own. In a new interview with The Irish Times, Meabh said she does not believe anyone will ever be brought to justice for Noras death. The judge did say it was highly probable Nora had been abducted and led there by someone else, but of course we just dont have proof of that, and I dont think well ever have answers, she said. She added: I have zero faith in Malaysia ever paying attention to Noras case again. In the end, I try not to carry any anger. I dont think I do carry any anger. Nora lived in London and was the daughter of French-Irish parents Sebastien and Meabh, who is from Belfast. The 15-year-old was born with holoprosencephaly, which affects brain development, and was described by her family as vulnerable. When she disappeared from her hotel room her parents raised fears she had been taken. However, police in Malaysia said they found no evidence of abduction or kidnapping. A post-mortem examination revealed Nora died from internal bleeding probably caused by hunger and stress. Her funeral took place in Belfast, and she is buried in Milltown Cemetery. Meabh told The Irish Times she still has photographs of her daughter on her walls. I cant bring myself to take any of them off the wall, she added. So I just go around the house looking at them and talking to her and laughing about the stupid stuff she would laugh at and crying. Every day has tears. Meabh marked what would have been Noras 21st birthday with a trip to Hillsborough Forest Park. We went to Hillsborough for a picnic, with her [favourite] chocolate cake, and there were purple rhododendrons and purple flowers absolutely everywhere, and it was almost like this display had been put on for her birthday, she added. She might not be standing physically beside me, but my universe is still filled with Nora, constantly. Police have said the fire was started deliberately Firefighters have battled a blaze at a 5G mast in west Belfast. Emergency services responded to reports of an ongoing fire in the Springbank Industrial estate in Poleglass, west Belfast. Two fire appliances and an aerial platform were tasked to the area at around 2.30pm on Saturday. Its understood that the fire was started deliberately. Detective Sergeant McVeagh said: Shortly after 2:40pm, it was reported that a 5G mast has been set alight in the area. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition. Firefighters battle a fire at a 5g mast in the Springbank Industrial Estate in Poleglass on June 7th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey described the incident as ludicrous. "I want to strongly condemn the latest suspected arson attack on a 5G mast, said the West Belfast MP. This behaviour is both ludicrous and absolutely nonsensical. Just a few weeks ago, Sinn Fein published the results of a survey highlighting widespread mobile signal black spots across the west of the city some of which are due to damage caused to masts. We will continue our efforts to secure better mobile coverage for our communities. Those responsible for this disgraceful vandalism must be brought to justice, and I urge anyone with information to come forward and contact the PSNI. The attack brings the total of 5G masts destroyed in west Belfast in the last two years to more than twelve. In June 2023, five 5G masts were set alight in a coordinated attack over four hours. Masts on Donegall Road, Owenvarragh Park, Monagh Bypass, Springfield Road, and Stewartstown Road were all attacked. One year later, on June 24, 2024, A mast on Distillery Street was extensively damaged by fire, leading to the temporary closure of the Westlink motorway due to safety concerns. Firefighters deal with a 5G mast fire at Distillery Street in west Belfast on June 24th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Just one month later, on July 30, 2024, four further masts were targeted within 48 hours. Two were set alight on the Upper Springfield Road, followed by two more on Stewartstown Road and the Monagh Bypass. On November 13, 2024, A mast on Andersonstown Road near Owenvarragh Park was deliberately set on fire, causing extensive damage and impacting nearby businesses and services. A survey carried out by Sinn Fein, published in the Andersonstown News in May, revealed that 87 percent of people in west Belfast reported that their phone signal was poor or very poor. Only three percent of the 2,600 respondents stated their signal was good or excellent. The report listed the top three areas for poor signal across West Belfast as being the Glen Road, Turf Lodge, and Andersonstown areas. Firefighters battle a fire at a 5g mast in the Springbank Industrial Estate in Poleglass on June 7th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott) One respondent who works on-call for the NHS Cardiology department said: Ive missed emergency updates and had to rely on text messages." While one local mother responded, Ive had to sit in car parks for hours waiting for doctors to call me back after having a new baby because I have no signal at home." A police investigation into the attacks on 5G mast remains ongoing. Hayley Thompson, interior designer at Ikea in Belfast, and Alan Kennedy, head of retail at NI Hospice Hayley Thompson, interior designer at Ikea in Belfast, and Alan Kennedy, head of retail at NI Hospice with staff in the store Ikea in Belfast has stepped in to assist NI Hospice in Glengormley by providing a new look for its pre-loved wedding dress department shop In a perfect marriage of a big-name brand and a local charity shop, Ikea in Belfast has stepped in to support a new pre-loved wedding dress outlet. The retailer has partnered with Northern Ireland Hospice to transform the bridal section in the charitys Glengormley store into a purpose-built space. Designed and fitted out by Ikea workers, it will provide brides-to-be with a glamorous wedding dress shopping experience at an affordable price. Alan Kennedy, head of retail at Northern Ireland Hospice, found it easy to accept the furnishing retailers proposal to assist the project aimed at adding an extra sparkle to the big day. We are delighted to partner with Ikea on this initiative, which will transform and enhance customers joyous rite-of-passage shopping experience when choosing the perfect wedding gown or formal dress, he said. Buying second-hand at your local hospice shop or by generously donating items you no longer need, including special occasion wear, is a great way to play your part in protecting the planet, while also supporting local people with life-limiting illnesses and who need hospices specialist palliative care. Hayley Thompson, interior designer at Ikea in Belfast, and Alan Kennedy, head of retail at NI Hospice with staff in the store As part of the renovation to ensure products are displayed in fitting surroundings to match the occasion, Ikea has donated wardrobe frames, rugs, curtains, armchairs, dressing tables, soft furnishings, and large mirrors to provide the perfect setting for wedding planning. Additionally, bespoke decor has been crafted for the area, with carpenters from the Belfast branch of Ikea creating a purpose-built mirror wall and podium for brides to stand on before saying yes to the dress. The redesign has been complimented by the Scandinavian chains large, eye-catching graphics which have been designed in-house to be displayed across the charity shops windows. The renovated bridal section will allow the charity to properly display its stock of over 40 high-quality wedding dresses, encouraging brides to buy pre-loved dresses and accessories. It is also hoped that it will inspire more women to consider donating their wedding dresses to support the charity. All proceeds from the sales of the pre-owned gowns and accessories will go directly to support the vital work of Northern Ireland Hospice, enabling it to continue offering specialist respite, symptom management and end-of-life palliative care to 4,000 infants, children and adults each year. Hayley Thompson, interior designer at Ikea in Belfast, and Alan Kennedy, head of retail at NI Hospice Hayley Thompson, interior designer at Ikea in Belfast, is delighted to help usher in a new look to enhance the wedding planning experience. Shopping for a wedding dress is such a special occasion and one that we wanted to make accessible to all brides in the local community, she said. This partnership represents Ikeas commitment to sustainability and community, providing brides-to-be with a special shopping experience, as well as affordable access to pre-loved wedding gowns. We hope that the new bridal store will encourage more brides to donate their own wedding dresses, giving them a second life while supporting an incredible cause. Ikea in Belfast has a long relationship with the Northern Ireland Hospice, having previously worked hand-in-hand on a project for the charitys Somerton House store. It said the latest engagement is a key part of Ikeas broader goal to provide services that help customers build a better and more sustainable everyday life. A trailer was discovered containing a large quantity of alcohol, which was seized. Photo: PSNI/Facebook A lorry-load of alcohol has been seized by revenue officials in Northern Ireland. It followed reports of a vehicle acting suspiciously. Roads Policing interceptors from Enniskillen and Omagh assisted in the multi-agency operation after the lorry-tractor unit failed to stop. Police said the vehicle was being driven in a dangerous manner before crossing into the Irish Republic. Officers then attended an operating centre linked to the vehicle. Whilst on site, a trailer was discovered containing a large quantity of alcohol. HM Revenue and Customs was contacted and the trailer was seized. A total of 46,473 of revenue was being evaded, police said. Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been returned to the US (Murray Osorio PLLC via AP) A man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador has been returned to the United States to face criminal charges. Kilmar Abrego Garcia faces charges related to what US President Donald Trumps government said was a large human smuggling operation that brought immigrants into the country illegally. His abrupt release from El Salvador is the latest twist in a saga that sparked a months-long standoff between Trump administration officials and the courts over a deportation that officials initially acknowledged was done in error but then continued to stand behind in apparent defiance of orders by judges to facilitate his return to the US. The development occurred after US officials presented El Salvador President Nayib Bukele with an arrest warrant for federal charges in Tennessee accusing Abrego Garcia of playing a key role in smuggling immigrants into the country for money. He is expected to be prosecuted in the US and, if convicted, will be returned to his home country of El Salvador at the conclusion of the case, officials said. This is what American justice looks like, US attorney general Pam Bondi said in announcing Abrego Garcias return and the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. Abrego Garcias lawyers called the case baseless. Theres no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy, lawyer Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Federal magistrate judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville, Tennessee, determined that Abrego Garcia will be held in custody until at least next Friday, when there will be an arraignment and detention hearing. The indictment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia that charges him with transporting people who were in the United States illegally (AP Photo/Jon Elswick) Abrego Garcia appeared in court wearing a short-sleeved, white, buttoned shirt. When asked if he understood the charges, he told the judge through an interpreter: Yes. I understand. Democrats and immigrant rights groups had pressed for Abrego Garcias release, with several politicians including senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, where Abrego Garcia had lived for years even travelling to El Salvador to visit him. A federal judge had ordered him to be returned in April and the US Supreme Court rejected an emergency appeal by directing the government to work to bring him back. But the news that Abrego Garcia, who had an immigration court order preventing his deportation to his native country over fears he would face persecution from local gangs, was being brought back for the purpose of prosecution was greeted with dismay by his lawyers. The case also prompted the resignation of a top supervisor in the US attorneys office in Nashville, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel matter. Ben Schrader, who was chief of the offices criminal division, did not explain the reason for his resignation but posted to social media around the time the indictment was being handed down, saying: It has been an incredible privilege to serve as a prosecutor with the Department of Justice, where the only job description Ive ever known is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons. He declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press on Friday. Tens of thousands of people have marched through the streets of Rome in protest against the war in Gaza in a demonstration called by Italys main opposition parties, who accuse the right-wing government of being too silent. Protesters held a banner reading Stop the massacre, stop complicity! at the start of the march, which moved peacefully through the centre of Rome amid a massive display of rainbow, Palestinian and political party flags. The protest attracted a diverse crowd from across the country, including many families with children. Giorgia Melonis government has been accused of a timid response on the issue (LaPresse via AP) According to organisers, up to 300,000 people participated in the rally organised by the leftist opposition to ask the government for a clear position on the conflict in Gaza. This is an an enormous popular response to say enough to the massacre of Palestinians and the crimes of (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahus government, the leader of Italys centre-left Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, told reporters at the march. There is another Italy that doesnt remain silent as the Meloni government does, she said, referring to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Ms Meloni was recently pushed by the opposition to publicly condemn Mr Netanyahus offensive in Gaza, but many observers considered her criticism too timid. The demo attracted a diverse crowd (AP) (The Italian government) is not reacting despite an abnormal massacre, despite an absolutely cruel and inappropriate reaction. The (Italian) government remains silent, said Nadin Unali, a Tunisian demonstrator at the march. Earlier this week, the Italian premier urged Israel to immediately halt its military campaign in Gaza, saying its attacks had grown disproportionately and should be brought to an end to protect civilians. Israel faces mounting international criticism for its offensive and pressure to let aid into Gaza during a humanitarian crisis. Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for nearly three months, with experts warning that many of its two million residents are at high risk of famine. More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed (LaPresse via AP) The war broke out on October 7 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 hostages. They are still holding 56 hostages, around a third of them believed to be alive. Since then, Israel has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians in its military campaign, primarily women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its figures. There is no sign of any rapprochement between Mr Musk and the US President (AP) US President Donald Trump said he has no desire to repair his relationship with Elon Musk, and warned that his former ally and campaign benefactor could face serious consequences if he tries to help Democrats in upcoming elections. Mr Trump told NBCs Kristen Welker in a phone interview that he has no plans to make up with tech entrepreneur Mr Musk. Asked specifically if he thought his relationship with the mega-billionaire chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX was over, Mr Trump responded: I would assume so, yeah. Im too busy doing other things, Mr Trump continued. 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 You know, I won an election in a landslide. I gave him (Mr Musk) a lot of breaks, long before this happened, I gave him breaks in my first administration, and saved his life in my first administration, I have no intention of speaking to him. The US President also issued a warning amid speculation that Mr Musk could back Democratic legislators and candidates in the 2026 mid-term elections. If he does, hell have to pay the consequences for that, Mr Trump told NBC, though he declined to share what those consequences would be. Mr Musks businesses have many lucrative federal contracts. The US Presidents latest comments suggest Mr Musk is moving from close ally to a potential new target for Mr Trump, who has aggressively wielded the powers of his office to crack down on critics and punish perceived enemies. As a major government contractor, Mr Musks businesses could be particularly vulnerable to retribution. Mr Trump has already threatened to cut Mr Musks contracts, calling it an easy way to save money. The dramatic rupture between the President and the worlds richest man began this week with Mr Musks public criticism of Mr Trumps big beautiful bill pending on Capitol Hill. Mr Musk has warned that the bill will increase the federal deficit and called it a disgusting abomination. Mr Trump criticised Mr Musk in the Oval Office, and before long, he and Mr Musk began trading bitterly personal attacks on social media, sending the White House and Republican congressional leaders scrambling to assess the fallout. As the back-and-forth intensified, Mr Musk suggested Mr Trump should be impeached and claimed without evidence that the government was concealing information about the Presidents association with infamous paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Trumps spending plans appeared to cause the rift initially (AP) Mr Musk appeared by Saturday morning to have deleted his posts about Epstein. In an interview, US vice president JD Vance tried to downplay the feud. He said Mr Musk was making a huge mistake going after Mr Trump, but called him an emotional guy who was becoming frustrated. I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe thats not possible now because hes gone so nuclear, Mr Vance said. Mr Vance called Mr Musk an incredible entrepreneur, and said that Mr Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which sought to cut US government spending and laid off or pushed out thousands of workers, was really good. Mr Vance made the comments in an interview with manosphere comedian Theo Von, who last month joked about snorting drugs off a mixed-race baby and the sexuality of men in the US Navy when he opened for Mr Trump at a military base in Qatar. The Vance interview was taped on Thursday as Musks posts were unfurling on X, the social media network the billionaire owns. During the interview, Mr Von showed the vice president Mr Musks claim that Mr Trumps administration has not released all the records related to Epstein because Mr Trump is mentioned in them. 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 Mr Vance responded to that, saying: Absolutely not. Donald Trump didnt do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein. This stuff is just not helpful, Mr Vance said in response to another post shared by Mr Musk calling for Mr Trump to be impeached and replaced with Mr Vance. Its totally insane. The President is doing a good job. Vance also defended the bill that has drawn Mr Musks ire, and said its central goal was not to cut spending but to extend the 2017 tax cuts approved in Mr Trumps first term. The bill would slash spending and taxes but also leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance and spike deficits by 2.4 trillion dollars (1.77 trillion) over the decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Its a good bill, Mr Vance said. Its not a perfect bill. Kids need to understand how hard it is to earn: Experts on how much pocket money we should give to children Bennington, VT (05201) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. James Taylor and his All-Star Band returned to the Koussevitzky Music Shed Thursday night with a mix of songs about highways, byways and destinations, as road songs from the folk-singers catalogue take center stage at Tanglewood. 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. 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 Dalton Delan can be reached at berkshireeaglereels@gmail.com and @UnspinRoom on X. His Eagle Reels conversations can be found on YouTube. People on jet skis bounce over wakes to catch some air on Onota Lake in Pittsfield on Wednesday. After periods of rain heavy at times on Saturday, partly sunny skies should prevail on Sunday with seasonable highs in the 70s. The White Lotus co-stars Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins have both denied rumours that either of them are in a feud as ridiculous. There has been speculation that the two co-stars had drifted apart after being on the HBO show, which follows the lives of guests and staff at a luxury resort as dark secrets are revealed and tensions rise over the course of the holiday. Advertisement The third series sees the positive Chelsea, played by British actress Wood, 31, try to keep her mysterious older boyfriend, Rick, played by 53-year-old US actor Goggins, calm in Thailand. Walton Goggins. (Ian West/PA) Following the 2025 series, Goggins appeared to step away from his fellow co-stars, and unfollow Greater Manchester-born Wood on Instagram. They both addressed the swirling rumours during a joint interview for US publication Variety, which was published on Wednesday. Goggins said: There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman (Aimee) madly, and she is so important to me. Advertisement He added that shes special, and explained he had not addressed the reports before as he did not want to talk about Wood when she was not there. I think its such a comment on where were at culturally. Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We dont give a shite about Instagram, Wood said. Goggins said that when he finished The White Lotus he needed to just back away from everyone, as it is his process when filming a project ends. Its all so ridiculous, he said. Advertisement Its just a part of me just saying goodbye to this character so that now Aimee and I will be friends for f****** ever. Wood previously criticised a Saturday Night Live sketch, with an cast member impersonating her with exaggerated prosthetic teeth, calling it mean and unfunny on Instagram. She told Variety that it felt misogynistic. It felt like the punchline was a womans appearance, which is just not funny. Its not cool. Goggins shared the same sketch online and praised Jon Hamm for playing a version of his character, before deleting the Instagram post, ahead of hosting SNL> Advertisement He said he was gonna say it (something) to your face, and added: I dont use social media in any way, and Im not a mean guy. SNL apologised for the April sketch, according to Wood, and the comedian and cast member who impersonated her, Sarah Sherman, sent her flowers to apologise. Wood is also known for Netflix teen show Sex Education, BBC comedy Daddy Issues and the 2022 drama film Living with Bill Nighy. Goggins has been in Western series Justified, post-apocalyptic series Fallout, and drama Sons Of Anarchy. Advertisement He has had two Emmy nods, while Wood has won a TV Bafta for Sex Education and been given a Rising Star Bafta nomination. 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. Advertisement 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 Ireland and the UK from November 21st and will cover the years after Elphaba, played by Erivo, parted ways with her friend Glinda (Grande). Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 2nd to 4th. The Heroes Issue of British GQ is available via digital download and on newsstands on June 10th. Invasive species like pigs are wreacking havoc on rural land, leaving the agricultural industry footing the bill. A drone photo highlights the extent of the damage caused by an invasive pest. Source: Facebook/EDGE of the Outback An Australian pest controller has highlighted a destructive issue impacting rural Australia, causing a $100 million burden on the agricultural industry every year. Incredible drone images of an oat paddock on the mid North Coast of New South Wales highlight just how effectively and systematically feral pigs can dig up crops in search of their next meal. Licensed shooter Nathan told Yahoo News that pigs are "prolific" in the area. It took him just four hours to take down 75 of the invasive beasts earlier this week. "It looks like a WW2 field in Normandy after a mortar barrage," he said of the destruction caused by the pests. To Nathan, it highlights exactly what a population of feral pigs can do in a "very short space of time" on soft, wet ground. In NSW, it's estimated that pigs occupy up to 60 per cent of the state. They spread weeds, disease, and outcompete native species. While it's widely accepted that feral pigs will never be completely eradicated in mainland Australia, the shocking images have prompted calls for a "realistic" approach to tackling the issue. The aftermath of feral pigs in an oat paddock. Source: Facebook/EDGE of the Outback Feral pigs 'well known' for rural destruction Dr Carol Booth from the Invasive Species Council told Yahoo News pigs are "well known" for causing such damage, adding that it's a "real problem". The omnivorous animals will "eat all sorts", even digging up native turtles and their eggs. ADVERTISEMENT "Theyre after roots and grubs and insects and seeds and worms, so theres a lot of food for them in the soil," she explained. "Its not just in paddocks but in natural habitats, and you often come across diggings and instantly recognise them as pigs." The economic burden of such destruction falls heavily on crop growers and pastoralists. "If they get a big mob of pigs, they'll lose some of their crop or pasture," Booth said. President of the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA), Ned Makim previously told Yahoo the onus has fallen on landowners to eliminate the species who he likened to rodents. Some land owners are calling in vertebrate pest controllers like Nathan while others are offering free accommodation to shooters whose sole responsibility is to keep their populations down. Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association's Ned Makin said hunters and regional landowners desperately need help in the effort to eradicate feral pigs. Pictured is one example of how the pests can overrun farms in the bush. Source: APDHA/Supplied What is the solution to huge feral pig problem? Dr Booth said that authorities need to be "totally realistic" about what it will take to solve the huge problem of feral pigs. ADVERTISEMENT "They are highly adaptable and they are very widespread," she said, adding that it's "not feasible" to control their populations across the entirety of our vast country. Many have called for bounties for feral pigs, foxes and cats, with one politician telling Yahoo we're "losing the battle" against the species. But Dr Booth doesn't think it's the right solution, arguing ground shooting alone is "fairly limited" across large areas. 'If youre trying to control pigs at a landscape level, hunters are not the solution because they are not effective enough," she explained. She argues a combination of aerial shooting, ground shooting, baiting and trapping is required to manage feral pig numbers, all while focusing on key at-risk areas. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. A principal at a Dublin primary school which lost two of its young pupils earlier this week after they were picked up by immigration officers for deportation said that their sudden departure felt like a death to their classmates. Thirty five people, including five children, were deported on a flight from Dublin to Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday night. Advertisement Gardai from the National Immigration Bureau carried out the operation of removing individuals from the State. The children involved were deported as part of family groups. Principal of St James Primary School in Dublin 8, Ciaran Cronin, told Newstalk that two of the boys who were deported had been in his school for three years. In 2022 we enrolled 32 children that were living in the Red Cow Hotel. Were on the Luas line, theres no school based out there, so we thought it would be a good fit. They all joined our school on a Tuesday, and they were just the most fantastic addition to our school. Advertisement 'Visibly distressed' Mr Cronin said that while some of this original group of children had since been moved to different place across the country, there are still about 14 children enrolled at his school. He said that those children came to school in a visibly distressed state on Wednesday. They were so upset shaking, there were tears; and when we were asking them what happened, they told us that two of the boys that are in second class and sixth class, theyd been taken away in a minivan with all their stuff to go to the airport to be deported. We were just flummoxed by it, how do you explain that to children? Advertisement Mr Cronin said that he was aware that the parents of the boys had entered the deportation process. He knew that the father of the youngsters had already been arrested pending his deportation. However, Mr Cronin was of the belief that their mother had an appointment with immigration services next month. This wont leave children for the rest of their lives, that have witnessed that, that have seen that they're going to be scarred for life from this. Mr Cronin said he wasnt commenting on deportation laws as such. However, he feels that the way children are treated in the process should be given the utmost priority". That that things are done in a respectful; a trauma-informed way. Advertisement This wont leave children for the rest of their lives, that have witnessed that, that have seen that they're going to be scarred for life from this. Mr Cronin said there is such a sombre mood about the school following what unfolded on Wednesday. Its as if someones passed away. Its as if someones passed away, he added. Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan told RTEs News at One earlier this week that persons on the flight to Nigeria were served with a deportation order and did not comply with it so a consequence was needed. People need to know if they are served with a deportation order, it has meaning, and the meaning is that you are not entitled to stay in Ireland. "If it is the case that youre not permitted to stay whether you have overstayed your work visa or havent been granted asylum there must be a consequence. He added that gardai, Department of Justice staff and prison officers had carried out a difficult and challenging job". The 21 men, nine women and five children departed on a chartered flight which left Dublin airport on Wednesday evening for Lagos. Fine Gael TD Catherine Callaghan has said the current debate over changes to Irelands triple lock needs to be grounded in facts and not misinformation. Ms Callaghan is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security. Advertisement Ms Callaghan, a TD for Carlow-Kilkenny and a former member of the Defence Forces who served in Lebanon, has said that under the current triple lock system, countries like Russia and leaders like Vladimir Putin have the power to veto Irelands participation in peacekeeping. We dont believe that Putin or others should have a veto on whether our troops can be deployed on peacekeeping missions. Currently members of the UN Security Council bind Irelands hands on peacekeeping missions, when these are decisions that should be made by our Government and the Dail." Ms Callaghan pointed to the fact that no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014. Advertisement "This has meant that Irish peacekeepers have in some instances been delayed from engaging in missions to disrupt human smuggling and trafficking and maritime drug seizure operations," she added. This shows the absolute need to reform the UN Security Council which Ireland will continue to push for, but with that unlikely in the immediate future, we need to act in our own interests as an independent country in accordance with International Law and the UN Charter. In recent days, I have heard opponents of the proposals currently being examined by the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security claim the UN General Assembly can approve peacekeeping missions and there is no need for a green light from the UN Security Council. But this is simply not the reality of how the system has worked over the last seven decades. While the General Assembly can make recommendations about deployments, it cannot compel countries to act. Advertisement Only once in history has the General Assembly invoked a Resolution to recommend a peacekeeping operation - and that was nearly 70 years ago when it established the first UN Emergency Force in the Middle East in 1956." Ms Callaghan is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security. Ms Callaghan added: The context back then was absolutely unique where it had the consent of the parties involved - Egypt, France, Israel, and the UK - and the recommendation was in line with the priorities of four of the permanent members of the Security Council. The reality for the last nearly 70 years has been that every Defence Forces peacekeeping deployment has only ever taken place on the basis of a Security Council mandate. This underscores the rationale for removing the Putin veto." Ireland Neutrality 'completely unaffected' by triple lock... Read More She said removing the triple lock has "nothing whatsoever to do with military neutrality". Advertisement We value our neutrality and we are remaining militarily neutral. Ireland was militarily neutral for decades before the advent of the term triple lock around the time of the Nice and Lisbon Treaty debates and it will continue to be neutral if these changes are passed through the Oireachtas and become law. In an interview with BreakingNews.ie in April, Minister of State Neale Richmond said: "Irelands triple lock mechanism for deploying troops abroad is an archaic tool that is hindering our ability to be a global force for good whilst surrendering our sovereign decision making to the veto powers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. "Given a UN mandate can be vetoed by any of the five permanent Security Council members, we are effectively giving the likes of Russia and China a veto of where and when we send our own troops." Russian attacks targeting the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv have killed at least four people and wounded more than two dozen others, officials said. The first wave on Ukraines second-largest city was a large Russian drone-and-missile attack in the early hours. Advertisement It killed at least three people and wounded 21 others, according to local officials. I received a report from our team on their visit and meetings in the United States. Defense support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, diplomatic prospects, as well as the defense of freedom and countering Russian disinformation. We gave our partners a detailed overview of pic.twitter.com/8Y5ZMReBKz Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 6, 2025 In the afternoon, Russia dropped aerial bombs on the city centre, killing at least one person and wounding five more, Kharkivs mayor said. The warring sides also accused each other of trying to sabotage a planned prisoner exchange, nearly a week after Kyiv embarrassed the Kremlin with a surprise drone attack on military airfields deep inside Russia. Saturdays barrage the latest in near daily widescale attacks on Ukraine included aerial glide bombs that have become part of a fierce Russian onslaught in the all-out war, which began on February 24 2022. Advertisement Ukraines air force said that Russia struck with 215 missiles and drones overnight, and Ukrainian air defences shot down 87 drones and seven missiles. Russian strikes hit a residential building in Kharkiv (AP) Several other areas in Ukraine were also hit, including the regions of Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and the city of Ternopil, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in an X post. To put an end to Russias killing and destruction, more pressure on Moscow is required, as are more steps to strengthen Ukraine, he said. The Russian defence ministry said its forces carried out a night-time strike on Ukrainian military targets, including ammunition depots, drone assembly workshops, and weaponry repair stations. There was no comment from Moscow on the reports of casualties in Kharkiv. Advertisement Kharkivs mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said that the strikes also damaged 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes. Mr Terekhov said that it was the most powerful attack on the city since the start of Russias full-scale invasion. At least four people were killed (AP) Kharkivs regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said the mornings attacks saw two districts in the city struck with three missiles, five aerial glide bombs and 48 drones. Among the wounded were two children, a baby boy and a 14-year-old girl, he added. Six people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of an industrial facility in Kharkivs Kyiv district, The Kharkiv prosecutors office said in a statement on Telegram. Contact with those trapped was lost and rescue attempts have been ongoing since early afternoon, it said, without naming the facility. On Saturday afternoon, Russian aerial bombs struck Kharkiv again, killing at least one person and wounding five others, the mayor said. Advertisement Today, rescue and emergency operations continued all day across various regions and cities of our country. Over 400 drones, more than 40 missiles were launched by the Russians. 80 people were injured, and some may still be under the debris. And unfortunately, not everyone in the pic.twitter.com/NaKk8B8AZO Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 6, 2025 The morning strikes also wounded two people in the Dnipropetrovsk province further south, according to local governor Serhii Lysak. Meanwhile, Russias defence ministry said that its forces shot down 36 Ukrainian drones overnight, over the countrys south and west, including near the capital. Drone debris wounded two civilians in the suburbs of Moscow, governor Andrei Vorobyov reported. A US-led diplomatic push for a settlement has brought two rounds of direct peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine, though the negotiations delivered no significant breakthroughs. But both sides remain far apart on their terms for an end to the fighting. Kemi Badenoch has refused to kick former UK prime minister Liz Truss out of the Conservative Party. The Tory leader suggested such a move would be neither here nor there for voters perception of the party. Advertisement In a speech on Thursday, shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride sought to distance the Conservatives from Ms Truss mini-budget, saying the party needed to show contrition to restore its economic credibility. In a furious response, Ms Truss accused Mr Stride of having kowtowed to the failed Treasury orthodoxy and being set on undermining my plan for growth. Asked by the BBC on Friday whether she would consider throwing former prime minister Ms Truss out of the Conservatives in a symbolic break with her short-lived, turbulent time in No 10, Mrs Badenoch replied: Is she still in the party? Ms Truss, the former Conservative MP for South West Norfolk, is understood to be a Tory party member still. Advertisement Speaking to the BBC, Mrs Badenoch said: What is really important is what Mel was saying yesterday. What he was saying was that the mini-budget did not balance. It wasnt tax cuts, it was the 150 billion of spending increases on energy bills that did not make sense. Pressed whether she believed the mini-budget had damaged the Conservative brand, Mrs Badenoch said: Well, look at what happened, people didnt understand why we had done that, and so our reputation for economic competence was damaged. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the party needed to focus on how were going to get this country back on track (Stefan Rousseau/PA) When asked again why she would not consider kicking Ms Truss out of the party, the Tory leader said: It is not about any particular individual. I dont want to be commenting on previous prime ministers. Theyve had their time. What am I going to do now? Removing people from a political party is neither here nor there in terms of what it is your viewers want to see. Advertisement After insisting Ms Truss was not in Parliament anymore, Mrs Badenoch said her party needed to focus on how were going to get this country back on track. What we have right now is a Labour Government, its Keir Starmer. We need to stop talking about several prime ministers ago and talk about the Prime Minister weve got now and what hes doing to the country, the Tory leader said. Ms Truss this week appeared in a video to promote the Irish whiskey brand of bare-knuckle fighter Dougie Joyce, who was once jailed for attacking a 78-year-old man in a pub in 2022. A large Russian drone and missile attack has targeted the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine, killing at least three people and injuring 21, local Ukrainian officials said. The Russian barrage the latest in near daily widescale attacks by Moscow included deadly aerial glide bombs that have become part of fierce Russian attacks in the three-year war. Advertisement The intensity of the Russian attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks has further dampened hopes that the warring sides could reach a peace deal soon especially after Kyiv recently embarrassed the Kremlin with a surprising drone attack on military airfields deep inside Russia. According to Ukraines Air Force, Russia struck with 215 missiles and drones overnight, and Ukrainian air defences shot down and neutralised 87 drones and seven missiles. Several other areas in Ukraine were also hit, including the regions of Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and the city of Ternopil, Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. To put an end to Russias killing and destruction, more pressure on Moscow is required, as are more steps to strengthen Ukraine, he said. Advertisement A woman reacts as she looks at the aftermath of a drone and missile attack on a building in Kharkiv (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko) The Russian Defence Ministry said on Saturday its forces carried out a night-time strike on Ukrainian military targets, including ammunition depots, drone assembly workshops, and weaponry repair stations. There was no comment from Moscow on the reports of casualties in Kharkiv. Kharkivs mayor Ihor Terekhov said the strikes also damaged 18 blocks of flats and 13 private homes. Mr Terekhov said it was the most powerful attack on the city since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kharkivs regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said two districts in the city were struck with three missiles, five aerial glide bombs and 48 drones. Among the injured were two children, a baby boy and a 14-year-old girl, he added. In the Dnipropetrovsk province further south, two women aged 45 and 88 were injured, according to local governor Serhii Lysak. Advertisement Russian shelling also killed a couple in their 50s in the southern city of Kherson, close to the front lines, local governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said its forces shot down 36 Ukrainian drones overnight, over southern and western Russia, including near the capital. Drone debris injured two civilians in the suburbs of Moscow, local governor Andrei Vorobyov reported. Firefighters tackle a blaze after a Russian attack that hit a residential building in Kharkiv (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko) The attack on Kharkiv comes one day after Russia launched one of the fiercest barrages on Ukraine, striking six Ukrainian territories and killing at least six people and injuring about 80. Among the dead were three emergency responders in Kyiv, one person in Lutsk and two people in Chernihiv. A US-led diplomatic push for a settlement has brought two rounds of direct peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine, though the negotiations delivered no significant breakthroughs. The sides remain far apart on their terms for an end to the fighting. Advertisement Ukraine has offered an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and a meeting between its President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin to break the deadlock. But the Kremlin has effectively rejected a truce and has not budged from its demands. US President Donald Trump said this week that Mr Putin told him Moscow would respond to Ukraines attack on Russian military airfields last Sunday. The strikes in Kharkiv are the latest in near daily widescale attacks by Moscow (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko) Mr Trump also said that it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia fight for a while before pulling them apart and pursuing peace. Mr Trumps comments were a remarkable detour from his often-stated appeals to stop the war and signalled he may be giving up on recent peace efforts. Later on Saturday, Russia and Ukraine each accused the other of endangering plans to swap 6,000 bodies of soldiers killed in action, agreed upon during direct talks in Istanbul on Monday that otherwise made no progress towards ending the war. Advertisement Vladimir Medinsky, an aide of Mr Putin who led the Russian delegation, said that Kyiv called a last-minute halt to an imminent swap. In a Telegram post, Mr Medinsky said that refrigerated trucks carrying more than 1,200 bodies of Ukrainian troops from Russia had already reached the agreed exchange site at the border when the news came. In response, Ukraine said Russia was playing dirty games and manipulating facts. According to the main Ukrainian authority dealing with such swaps, no date had been set for repatriating the bodies. In a statement on Saturday, the agency also accused Russia of submitting lists of prisoners of war for repatriation that did not correspond to agreements reached on Monday. It was not immediately possible to reconcile the conflicting claims. Mondays talks unfolded a day after a string of stunning long-range attacks by both sides, with Ukraine launching the devastating drone assault on Russian air bases, and Moscow launching its largest drone attack of the war against Ukraine. A previous round of negotiations in Istanbul, the first time Russian and Ukrainian negotiators sat at the same table since the early weeks of the full-scale invasion, led to 1,000 prisoners on both sides being exchanged. US President Donald Trump said he has no desire to repair his relationship with Elon Musk, and warned that his former ally and campaign benefactor could face serious consequences if he tries to help Democrats in upcoming elections. Mr Trump told NBCs Kristen Welker in a phone interview that he has no plans to make up with tech entrepreneur Mr Musk. Advertisement Asked specifically if he thought his relationship with the mega-billionaire chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX was over, Mr Trump responded: I would assume so, yeah. Im too busy doing other things, Mr Trump continued. You know, I won an election in a landslide. I gave him (Mr Musk) a lot of breaks, long before this happened, I gave him breaks in my first administration, and saved his life in my first administration, I have no intention of speaking to him. The US President also issued a warning amid speculation that Mr Musk could back Democratic legislators and candidates in the 2026 mid-term elections. Advertisement If he does, hell have to pay the consequences for that, Mr Trump told NBC, though he declined to share what those consequences would be. Mr Musks businesses have many lucrative federal contracts. The US Presidents latest comments suggest Mr Musk is moving from close ally to a potential new target for Mr Trump, who has aggressively wielded the powers of his office to crack down on critics and punish perceived enemies. As a major government contractor, Mr Musks businesses could be particularly vulnerable to retribution. Mr Trump has already threatened to cut Mr Musks contracts, calling it an easy way to save money. The dramatic rupture between the President and the worlds richest man began this week with Mr Musks public criticism of Mr Trumps big beautiful bill pending on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Mr Musk has warned that the bill will increase the federal deficit and called it a disgusting abomination. Mr Trump criticised Mr Musk in the Oval Office, and before long, he and Mr Musk began trading bitterly personal attacks on social media, sending the White House and Republican congressional leaders scrambling to assess the fallout. As the back-and-forth intensified, Mr Musk suggested Mr Trump should be impeached and claimed without evidence that the government was concealing information about the Presidents association with infamous paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Trumps spending plans appeared to cause the rift initially (AP) Mr Musk appeared by Saturday morning to have deleted his posts about Epstein. Advertisement In an interview, US vice president JD Vance tried to downplay the feud. He said Mr Musk was making a huge mistake going after Mr Trump, but called him an emotional guy who was becoming frustrated. I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe thats not possible now because hes gone so nuclear, Mr Vance said. Mr Vance called Mr Musk an incredible entrepreneur, and said that Mr Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which sought to cut US government spending and laid off or pushed out thousands of workers, was really good. Mr Vance made the comments in an interview with manosphere comedian Theo Von, who last month joked about snorting drugs off a mixed-race baby and the sexuality of men in the US Navy when he opened for Mr Trump at a military base in Qatar. Advertisement The Vance interview was taped on Thursday as Musks posts were unfurling on X, the social media network the billionaire owns. During the interview, Mr Von showed the vice president Mr Musks claim that Mr Trumps administration has not released all the records related to Epstein because Mr Trump is mentioned in them. Mr Vance responded to that, saying: Absolutely not. Donald Trump didnt do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein. This stuff is just not helpful, Mr Vance said in response to another post shared by Mr Musk calling for Mr Trump to be impeached and replaced with Mr Vance. Its totally insane. The President is doing a good job. Vance also defended the bill that has drawn Mr Musks ire, and said its central goal was not to cut spending but to extend the 2017 tax cuts approved in Mr Trumps first term. The bill would slash spending and taxes but also leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance and spike deficits by 2.4 trillion dollars (1.77 trillion) over the decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Its a good bill, Mr Vance said. Its not a perfect bill. 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. Loading The registered nurse met him as he was wheeled in off the ambulance. Seeing your 11-year-old get intubated and not be able to support their own breathing functions is a sobering thing, she says. Gavin had suffered a skull fracture and brain haematoma. With the possibility a major artery had also been cut, an urgent decision was made to airlift him to Brisbane. Boldt and her husband sped to the citys childrens hospital, where they were met outside by a neurosurgeon. It was a bad sign. The doctors discovered Gavin had almost severed the artery in the back of his head, which was pumping blood into his skull. The impact of the fall had also forced his brain into a corner of his bone framework. The family was warned that Gavin had just the barest chance of survival, in the realm of 1 per cent. I just dropped to the floor, Boldt says. They were encouraged to give their boy last messages of hope, which Boldt whispered in his ear. Ill always be with him and I love him, and hes the centre point of my life, she recalls saying. Gavin miraculously survived, but a year later, hes still recovering after learning to walk, talk, use his hands and feed himself again. In 12 per cent of e-scooter accidents, two people were riding at the same time. Credit: Eddie Jim Its been a really long, painful journey, but full of gratitude, Boldt says. Gavins memories of the accident are restricted to riding down a large hill when the scooters handlebars started wobbling before he was catapulted over them. He hadnt been wearing a helmet. Instead, it was slung over the handlebars. He was found 30 metres from where his scooter lay. Gavin has no desire to ride an e-scooter again. His mother destroyed the one he fell from with her car, determined that it would never again operate. Hes one of almost 180 kids who suffered e-scooter injuries and attended Sunshine Coast University Hospital in 2023 and 2024. Research has found the scenario for one in 10 of them was life-threatening. Loading Most alarming was that almost half the kids were not wearing a helmet, despite them being mandatory. More than a third of the accidents involved speeds greater than the limit of 25km/h, while the practice of two kids riding a scooter at the same time was a feature in 12 per cent. Collisions with cars occurred in 13 per cent of the cases, while 8 per cent involved other e-scooters or mobility devices. Dr Matthew Clanfield was working in the hospitals paediatric department during the survey period and witnessed kids arriving with injuries every couple of days. I was thinking, this cant be right, he said. The injuries ranged from a simple fall and scraping a knee ... to some kids needing to be flown down to Brisbane to receive urgent neurosurgery to save their lives. Now thats a pretty serious level of injury. Clanfield said some kids were lucky to be alive. There are that many near misses that I cant even count, he says. We had one child who hit a car at approximately 70km/h and they survived, luckily, but there are so many kids who arent as lucky. Queenslands most recent fatality occurred when an 18-year-old crashed on Flinders Highway near Townsville on May 31. Road safety expert Dr Milad Haghani suspects Queensland laws allowing children under 16 to ride e-scooters is contributing to the high number of child deaths in the state. The Sunshine State, South Australia and the ACT allow kids aged 12 to 15 to ride e-scooters under adult supervision. NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania users must be over 16, and those in the Northern Territory over 18. Queensland police are cracking down on illegal use amid a skyrocketing injury rate. During a recent Gold Coast sting, a 10-year-old boy was seen on a scooter doing wheelies. His mum told police it was hers, and she was fined. Twelve-year-old Melbourne boy Khye Brickell was one of 12 Australian children killed while riding an e-scooter in the past five years. Credit: Facebook The incidents underline the alarming risk kids are taking, and theyre reflected in data showing one in three e-scooter deaths in Australia involve children. In the past five years, there have been 36 fatalities, 12 of them children. Its a gross over-representation ... and its indicative of a very clear overexposure to risk, says University of Melbournes Milad Haghani. Sometimes the data is fuzzy and not very clear, but in this particular case, it is actually quite clear. Perth has suspended e-scooter hire after 51-year-old pedestrian Thanh Phan was killed on May 31. More than half the child fatalities were in Queensland. Haghani suspects the states early uptake of e-scooters and the laws allowing children under 16 to ride them are contributing to the deaths. Loading Researchers say the age limit should be raised to 16 to try to slow the injury rate. Queensland has established a parliamentary inquiry into e-scooter benefits, risks, rules and their enforcement. But as Clanfield says, an inquiry isnt needed to raise the age limit. Our government really needs to take action now, he says. It doesnt need to wait for a statewide inquiry to be published to see what other states are doing and do the right thing and make our kids safe. Perth has suspended e-scooter hire after a 51-year-old pedestrian was killed on May 31 in the CBD, amid calls for a legislative overhaul. Boldt is calling for e-scooter speeds to be capped, saying no device should be able to travel 50km/h. She also wants more support for victim families trying to cope with the physical and emotional trauma. Clanfields research has been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 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 One Sunday in mid-April, two weeks into the federal election campaign, the global leader of the extremist Christian sect formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren recorded a brief audio message to his followers. To the Brethren, the words of Man of God Bruce Hales are close to holy writ. The message was only a minute-or-so long and narrowcast to the flock on a Brethren-only app called the Global Media Stream, according to a church source who has requested anonymity for fear of recrimination. That message gave permission for an unprecedented electoral effort by the church. The following week, thousands of members of whats now known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church began appearing at pre-polling stations throughout the country, handing out election material and swamping booths in signage to try to get Peter Dutton elected. Plymouth Brethren Christian Church members at a polling booth in Sydney in April. Instead, this mass movement of sect members may have helped turn voters against the then-opposition leader. It has caused deep rifts within the Liberal Party and outrage in Labor, and its sparked a push to scrutinise the Brethrens secretive support of conservative politicians, and whether disclosure requirements have been met. It has also led to one young man, who transgressed the Brethrens stringent rules, facing a church punishment that could separate him from his family forever. Advertisement Its game on To people not versed in the peculiar language of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, Hales April 13 audio recording was obscure in the extreme. Government in Australia needed the Brethrens prayers, he told his members. Australia needs to smile again. Gareth Hales (centre, in blue Scott Yung T-shirt), the multimillionaire son of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church leader Bruce Hales, at the Bennelong polling booth on April 30. In the weeks leading up to this message, a large number of Brethren members had already been working quietly with the Liberal Party at the local level, phone canvassing or behind the scenes, on what they described as Kings business hoping to sway marginal Labor seats for Dutton. Hales message signalled a step-change: 16,000 Brethren members were encouraged to get involved. The government needed to change. Another church insider, who also asked to remain anonymous for fear of recriminations, said Hales sons amped the effort. In the week before pre-polling opened, a message went out from local Brethren leaders calling members to gather at one of a number of locations near where they lived. Across the nation, inside the houses of elders, church halls or business premises, the Brethren were played a video featuring Gareth, Charles and Dean Hales. Advertisement How awesome was it to hear that recording on [Global Media Stream]? the Hales boys enthused. Then, in the tones of a high-pressure sales call, they exhorted their members to step up their election efforts: Make sure our booths are manned and volunteers fired up each day to dominate the play. Loading According to a summary obtained by this masthead, one of them added: Its game on ... Pray and take action ... Its all in the extra 1 per cents. Make sure we dont leave any gas in the tank! Days later, the Brethren army was unleashed on the public. Members of this church generally are exempt from voting they claim a conscientious objection, arguing that government is of God and should not be chosen by men. They are also taught to despise the world and worldly people because they will defile and contaminate them. Despite this doctrine, thousands took time off from Brethren company jobs and fanned out to marginal Labor seats nationally to hand out for the Coalition. A booth roster from the seat of Gilmore, obtained by this masthead, shows them listed as friends. Gareth Hales was spotted at a booth in Bennelong. Make Australia smile again, they would say, parroting the words of their leader. Advertisement A significant third party? A Liberal source, who asked not be named to discuss internal matters, said numbers of the Brethren had long donated to the Coalition parties and had been well known by candidates for helping on the periphery in campaigning. This year, the source said, the effort was turbocharged. It was driven by the Brethren and welcomed by the Liberal Party, and unprecedented numbers 20, 30 or more at some polling booths turned out. The Brethren insider said the whole church had been geared towards it. Businesses lost up to three weeks of work. Everyone was active. Everyone was out. This campaign controlled what time the [church] meetings were. This was the priority. It was clear, both from the word of Labor members on the ground, and from church insiders, that the Brethren were required to travel outside their areas to campaign where they would not be recognised. Labors member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, told ABC Radio after the election that Brethren members were being flown into remote areas of her huge, central Australian electorate each morning to campaign, then flown back out again to stay the night in a resort on Groote Eylandt. The spending in cash and kind raises crucial questions about political campaign disclosures. Advertisement Outside groups that spend more than $250,000 trying to persuade people during a campaign must register as a significant third party, which brings clear disclosure obligations. The ACTU, Advance and Climate 200 are examples. But the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church does not have this registration, and nor do any of its businesses, charities or trusts. A spokesman for the church has denied multiple times that the church was involved in any campaigning or spending. Anything done by members was simply the work of individual people or businesses, he said. Campaign finance expert Joo-Cheong Tham, a professor at Melbourne Law School and director of the Centre for Public Integrity, said the churchs behaviour deserved an inquiry. Its critical that there be transparency in relation to third-party expenditure, he said. Tham said the Brethren effort appeared highly co-ordinated but was not necessarily funded by a single entity, which exposed a regulatory gap that deserved scrutiny. Apart from the campaigning, the Brethren insider said church members were also told to open their wallets to make donations, but to make sure each individual amount was under the federal disclosure threshold of $16,900. That way nobody would know it was them, the source said. Ex-Brethren member Lavinia Richardson explained that to avoid public scrutiny, Brethren businessmen would gift amounts of money, or make distributions from a trust, to multiple family members or trusted staff to pass onto a candidate. Each individual donation fell under the threshold but together it could be tens of thousands of dollars. Advertisement In todays Australia, the new default should be that patriotism is a love of country that is democratic and egalitarian. It is something that includes those of different races and backgrounds, he wrote in this masthead a couple of weeks ago. With his political authority unquestioned, Albanese has an opportunity to craft a nation-building agenda. The significance is more than just national. At the moment, parties of the centre-left are struggling to find compelling alternatives to Trumpist populism. Albaneses defiance of America doesnt come out of nowhere. It rings a Labor bell. It resonates with the decision by Labors celebrated wartime leader, John Curtin, to defy Australias great and powerful friend of his time, Britain. Im conscious about the leadership of John Curtin, choosing to stand up to Winston Churchill and say, No, Im bringing the Australian troops home to defend our own continent, were not going to just let it go, Albanese said last year as he prepared to walk the Kokoda Track, where Australia and Papua New Guinea halted Imperial Japans southward march of conquest in World War II. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG counterpart James Marape on the Kokoda Track last year. Credit: Matthew Knott Defiance of allies is one thing. Defeat of the enemy is another. In a moment of truth-telling, the Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, this week said that Australia now had to plan to wage war from its own continental territory rather than preparing for war in far-off locations. We are having to reconsider Australia as a homeland from which we will conduct combat operations, Johnston told a conference held by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. That is a very different way almost since the Second World War of how we think of national resilience and preparedness. We may need to operate and conduct combat operations from this country. He didnt spell it out, but hes evidently contemplating the possibility that China will cut off Australias seaborne supply routes, either because its waging war in the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea, or because its seeking to coerce Australia. The chief of the defence force is speaking truth, says Professor Peter Dean, co-author of the governments Defence Strategic Review, now at the US Studies Centre at Sydney University. Theres a line in the Defence Strategic Review that most people overlook it talks about the defence of Australia against potential threats arising from major power competition, including the prospect of conflict. And theres only one major power posing a threat in our region. History accelerates week by week. Trump, chaos factory, wantonly discards Americas unique sources of power and abuses its allies. Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin are emboldened, seeing Americas credibility crumbling. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alarmed at the rising risks, this week declared a campaign to make Britain battle ready to face down Russian aggression. Loading Starmer plans to enlarge the army, commission up to a dozen new nuclear-powered submarines jointly built with Australia under AUKUS, build six new munitions factories, manufacture 7000 long-range weapons, renew the nuclear warheads on Britains strategic missiles, and put new emphasis on drones and cyberwar as war evolves daily on the battlefields of Ukraine. Starmer intends to increase defence outlays to the equivalent of 2.5 per cent of GDP with an eventual target of 3 per cent. Ukraines impressive drone strike on Russias bombers this week knocked out a third of Moscows force, with AI guiding the drones to their targets. The Australian retired major-general Mick Ryan observes that Ukraine and Russia are upgrading and adapting drone warfare weekly. The Australian government has worked hard to ignore these hard-earned lessons and these cheaper military solutions, he wrote scathingly in this masthead this week, while building a dense bureaucracy in Canberra that innovative drone-makers in Australia cannot penetrate in any reasonable amount of time. At the same time, the FBI charged two Chinese researchers with attempting to smuggle a toxic fungus into the US. Its banned because it can cause mass destruction of crops. A potential bioweapon, in other words. What would John Curtin do today? Curtin, like Albanese, was from the left of the Labor Party, says Dean. He was not an internationalist, he was very domestic focused. Indeed, he was an avowed Marxist who believed that capitalism was in its late phase and bound to fail, leading to world peace. He abandoned his idealism when confronted by the reality of World War II. He realised that a leader has to lead for his times. He had to bend his interests from the domestic sphere to the international. Curtin famously wrote that, after Britains impregnable fortress of Singapore fell to the Japanese in just a few days, Australia looked to America as its great and powerful friend. Albanese cant repeat that, observes Dean, because theres no one else to turn to. A modern John Curtin, says the head of the National Security College at ANU, Rory Medcalf, would take account of the strategic risk facing the unique multicultural democratic experiment of Australia. Hed unite the community and bring the trade unions, industry, the states and territories together in a national effort. Its certainly not about beating the drums of war, but we do need a much more open conversation about national preparedness. Australia might be directly involved in war, but, even if we arent, we will be affected indirectly [by war to our north] because of risks to our fuel security, risks to the normal functioning of the economy and risks to the cohesion of our society. Is there scope to use national cabinet which includes the states and territories to talk about these issues? Keir Starmer wants to commission up to a dozen new nuclear-powered submarines jointly built with Australia under the AUKUS agreement. Credit: US Navy And the defence budget? Albanese is dismissive of calls to peg spending by set percentages of GDP. Apply that to any other area of the budget and youd be laughed out of the room. The prime minister prefers to decide on capability thats needed, then to fund it accordingly. How big a gun do you need, then find money to pay for it. Medcalf endorses this approach of deciding capability before funding, but says that risk should come before both. And if you look at risk first, it will push spending well above 2 per cent of GDP and much closer to 3 or 4 per cent. Regardless of what the Americans say or do. Do they turn out to be dependable but demanding? Or uselessly absent? Australia will need to spend more either way, says Medcalf. The only future where we dont need to increase our security investment is one where we accept greatly reduced sovereignty in a China-dominated region. The move comes amid growing community frustration over the environmental and social impacts of visitors illegally setting up camp on council land. A crackdown on illegal campers is coming this summer to Margaret River. Source: Shire of Augusta-Margraret River Authorities in one of the country's most popular travel destinations are preparing for a more coordinated crackdown on illegal camping ahead of the 202526 summer season. It follows a noticeable spike in unauthorised stays and local complaints during peak tourism months. The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council, south of Perth, said the new approach will see rangers working more closely with Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), to crack down on illegal camping, bad behaviour and littering. "DBCA faces similar peak season challenges as the Shire managing larger areas, multiple responsibilities and limited resources," Shire President Andrea Selvey said this week. '"To protect our regions unique environment, were working more closely with DBCA and plan to coordinate our response to peak season in future. Were also engaging with the community to identify measures to address illegal camping and increased day use at popular sites." ADVERTISEMENT A Shire representative told Yahoo News on Wednesday further details would become available in the coming months. The move comes amid growing community frustration over the environmental and social impacts of illegal camping, which has in the past included increased public defecation and heightened fire risks. Despite the problem, WAs Parks and Wildlife Service reportedly issued fines in fewer than 10 per cent of its interactions with campers last summer, prompting renewed scrutiny of enforcement practices. The issue is particularly prevalent at the Margaret River Barrett Street Weir site. Source: Source: Facebook/Ravi Lingam Back in February, Yahoo News reported on locals' frustration over what they described as a lack of action in managing the annual surge. After the Shire posted to social media urging tolerance and environmental responsibility among residents, locals hit back and argued that the call for responsibility should be directed at visitors, not the rate-payers. "It's like Groundhog Day at the Shire. Every year, without fail, the issue of illegal camping, waste disposal, sanitation and bushfire risk catches the Shire by 'surprise'. It's long past due that the Shire got proactive and managed this annual problem," one passionate man wrote. ADVERTISEMENT "It's not the Shire residents causing the issues, its the travellers. Theyre the ones who need this message, a local woman said, adding that most visitors likely dont follow the Shires social media pages. Council vows to crack down on Margaret River's illegal campers The council said it is also working to involve the broader community, consulting locals to develop solutions around illegal camping and overcrowded day-use areas. A DBCA spokesperson said the department is committed to upholding the laws and preserving the area. The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has come under fire for perceived inaction over soaring levels of illegal camping in the region. Source: Facebook/Ravi Lingam "The department continues to work closely with stakeholders like the shire to strike the right balance between welcoming visitors, keeping them safe, and protecting the regions environmental and cultural values," the spokesperson said. ADVERTISEMENT "Ahead of the 202526 peak visitation season, DBCA will continue to identify and implement compliance priorities and strategies, including focusing on illegal camping hotspots, coordinating efforts with local government, and disrupting large-scale illegal gatherings in collaboration with WA Police." The region, known for its natural beauty and growing popularity with tourists and van travellers, has faced increasing strain on public spaces, prompting mounting calls for clearer regulation, better signage, and more sustainable planning. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. It was a polling booth in Turramurra that broke the deadlock in the battle for the seat of Bradfield. The initial count had already revealed the tightest federal contest in years, and when it finally concluded, the Liberal contender Gisele Kapterian was ahead of her teal independent rival Nicolette Boele by just eight votes. That tiny margin triggered an automatic recount. Teal MP Nicolette Boele was formally declared the winner of Bradfield on Friday. Credit: Janie Barrett For days Kapterian held on to her wafer-thin advantage, but about 6.45pm last Saturday the momentum shifted. Election officials had just recounted 6400 votes cast at the Turramurra pre-polling station on Bobbin Head Road and the outcome posted on the Australian Electoral Commission website was good news for Boele. Kapterian had lost 16 votes, putting the teal independent ahead by 12. It was the last time the lead in this see-sawing contest would change, and when the recount eventually wrapped up on Wednesday, Boele had won the battle for Bradfield by 26 votes. Rolling my eyes, I correct myself to be more specific. Alexa, turn on the kitchen light. Understood. Im sorry, the contrary virtual assistant replies. Which light do you mean? The outside light? The deck light? The bathroom light? Stepping out of the bubbles into a fluffy white robe as stars start to twinkle above, I retreat inside through sliding glass doors, the autumn chill tempered by a roaring wood fire. Alexa, I command, turn the lights on. Glass of chardonnay in hand, I recline in an egg-shaped bathtub watching the sky fade from brilliant orange to a dusky violet. Kangaroos bound across distant slopes, while a resident herd of Dorper sheep trots past on a foraging mission. Smart hotels may be common these days, but this is, after all, a tent the last place I expect to be arguing with technology. However, Mudgees Sierra Escape is more than just a bunch of fancy-pants tents with great views it has elevated the concept of glamping to rival the comforts of a luxury hotel. In fact, this is done so convincingly that the property recently won a gold award for unique accommodation in the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, hot on the heels of its victory in the NSW state awards. Outdoor fire pit for romantic nights under the stars. What, then, makes this particular adults-only eco-retreat so special? Our home for two nights a safari-style tent named Wirra (meaning to rest in Wiradjuri) is one of five (an original smaller tent plus four premium additions), along with one tiny home scattered across 180 hectares of rolling farmland 20 minutes north of Mudgee. With each structure perched on its own hillside, the seclusion is absolute theres no sign of any other tents from our elevated deck, and no one in earshot either. While staff are present on the property, there is limited face-to-face contact unless specifically requested. Access through the front gate is via numberplate recognition, entry to the tents is via a pre-sent digital code, and welcome messages are sent by text. 2025 college entrance exam kicks off nationwide Xinhua) 10:57, June 07, 2025 Students walk into a national college entrance examination site in Beijing, capital of China, June 7, 2025. This year's national college entrance exam, also known as the gaokao, kicked off Saturday nationwide. A total of 13.35 million Chinese students are set to sit this year's exam. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) Students walk into a national college entrance examination site in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 7, 2025. This year's national college entrance exam, also known as the gaokao, kicked off Saturday nationwide. A total of 13.35 million Chinese students are set to sit this year's exam. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) One business owner's clever idea means that Aussies can get a new home in 12 days for less than $70,000. The ongoing housing crisis is a topic of conversation on the tip of most Australians' lips, whether you're a renter or a property owner. Many are quick to point to high demand, low supply and skyrocketing prices as causes of the problem, but few can come up with solutions that keep all stakeholders happy. A former tradie has been quietly working away on an answer to the problem, which costs under $100,000 and takes just 12 days to build. Brad Busuttil, an electrician turned business owner, transforms shipping containers into homes. The low-cost alternative to traditional housing won't be right for everyone, but select Aussies are snapping them up to put on their land, and freeing up housing stock elsewhere while doing so. Brad, from Victoria, told Yahoo News he built his first shipping container home "for a little bit of fun" before realising just how "cheap and quick and easy it was to do". With a background in affordable housing, he decided to offer the product to the public and has been astounded by their popularity. Brad walking through one of his tiny homes (left) and one under construction. Source: TikTok/deluxetinyhomes He now sells container homes to Aussies around the country through his business, Deluxe Tiny Homes, which cost between $45,000 to $70,000 to buy. ADVERTISEMENT This year, he's already delivered 15 tiny homes to clients around the country, with his main customers fitting into three different demographics. "There are investors, so people who have plots of land they don't know what to do with and don't want to do a half-million-dollar build," he explained. "There are then people who are about to build a new home, and rather than rent out another property for 12 months, they pop it in the backyard and live there. The third one, which is most common, is people with elderly parents close to retirement age," he said. How are tiny homes made? Brad explained that the container homes are built "exactly like a normal house", with the same set of standards as a new build house. "That way we have no issues," he said. ADVERTISEMENT The shipping containers are brand new, and are "heavily insulated" and water sealed before framing, plastering, floorboards, as well as a kitchen, laundry and bathroom are installed. The entire build is done off-site, and delivered, where customers are given instructions on how to connect the electrical and plumbing. With the housing crisis an ever-present threat, he believes it's a short-term option for those in need. "People can't get into houses, this is a good short-term solution," he said, explaining that while the homes are "comfortable", they're " not massive". Despite admitting they are not going to be a long-term solution for most people, Brad believes his tiny houses will "outlive any of us". "There's a misconception they'll rust and fall apart, but a lot of people forget these containers are designed to spend their entire life out at sea with corrosive water," he said. Tiny houses to serve as 'part of a suite' of solutions Dr Peter Davies, a leading sustainability researcher at Macquarie University, told Yahoo News tiny houses have a place in helping Aussies afford housing. He'd like to see the concept used as "part of a suite" of solutions, but not a "reactive response" to a lack of housing supply. ADVERTISEMENT Davies believes that one factor exacerbating the housing problem in Australia is that, for the most part, people want larger homes. But smaller, and even tiny houses, are "generally something that needs to be explored more fully in the suite of housing solutions", he said. Davies said he wouldn't underestimate the value of the low time and financial investment needed to build a tiny home, but what he doesn't want to see is it being used as a "substitute for poor planning outcomes", and a longer-term solution is still required. So, what would a longer-term solution look like? Dr Heather Shearer, an engineering and built environment academic at Griffith University, believes that this comes as an increase in medium-density zoning in Australia's big cities. "It's what they call the missing middle," she said. These properties include smaller townhouses and duplexes as opposed to larger family homes or apartment complexes. "Suburbs need to have higher density but not vertical sprawl high rises," she explained. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. James Cox Fine Gael TD Catherine Callaghan has said the current debate over changes to Irelands triple lock needs to be grounded in facts and not misinformation. Ms Callaghan is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security. Ms Callaghan, a TD for Carlow-Kilkenny and a former member of the Defence Forces who served in Lebanon, has said that under the current triple lock system, countries like Russia and leaders like Vladimir Putin have the power to veto Irelands participation in peacekeeping. We dont believe that Putin or others should have a veto on whether our troops can be deployed on peacekeeping missions. Currently members of the UN Security Council bind Irelands hands on peacekeeping missions, when these are decisions that should be made by our Government and the Dail." Ms Callaghan pointed to the fact that no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014. "This has meant that Irish peacekeepers have in some instances been delayed from engaging in missions to disrupt human smuggling and trafficking and maritime drug seizure operations," she added. This shows the absolute need to reform the UN Security Council which Ireland will continue to push for, but with that unlikely in the immediate future, we need to act in our own interests as an independent country in accordance with International Law and the UN Charter. In recent days, I have heard opponents of the proposals currently being examined by the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security claim the UN General Assembly can approve peacekeeping missions and there is no need for a green light from the UN Security Council. But this is simply not the reality of how the system has worked over the last seven decades. While the General Assembly can make recommendations about deployments, it cannot compel countries to act. Only once in history has the General Assembly invoked a Resolution to recommend a peacekeeping operation - and that was nearly 70 years ago when it established the first UN Emergency Force in the Middle East in 1956." Ms Callaghan is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security. Ms Callaghan added: The context back then was absolutely unique where it had the consent of the parties involved - Egypt, France, Israel, and the UK - and the recommendation was in line with the priorities of four of the permanent members of the Security Council. The reality for the last nearly 70 years has been that every Defence Forces peacekeeping deployment has only ever taken place on the basis of a Security Council mandate. This underscores the rationale for removing the Putin veto." She said removing the triple lock has "nothing whatsoever to do with military neutrality". We value our neutrality and we are remaining militarily neutral. Ireland was militarily neutral for decades before the advent of the term triple lock around the time of the Nice and Lisbon Treaty debates and it will continue to be neutral if these changes are passed through the Oireachtas and become law. In an interview with BreakingNews.ie in April, Minister of State Neale Richmond said: "Irelands triple lock mechanism for deploying troops abroad is an archaic tool that is hindering our ability to be a global force for good whilst surrendering our sovereign decision making to the veto powers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. "Given a UN mandate can be vetoed by any of the five permanent Security Council members, we are effectively giving the likes of Russia and China a veto of where and when we send our own troops." Tomas Doherty Cork generated more tax per person than any other county in 2024, overtaking Dublin thanks to an 11 billion windfall from Apple. The State's highly concentrated tax base has been revealed in new data that breaks down how much each county contributed last year. The figures from Revenue include receipts from income taxes, corporation tax, capital gains tax and VAT in each of the 26 counties. More than half the income tax and VAT in 2024 was generated in Dublin, while more than 50 per cent of the record corporate tax take last year came from Cork. When these tax receipts are analysed per head of population, Cork comes out as the county that generated the most tax per person, followed by Dublin. Westmeath is ranked third on this metric mainly due to the almost 1.5 billion in income taxes generated there. The 2024 figures are skewed somewhat due to corporation tax receipts from Cork-based Apple, which soared last year as a result of a one-0ff European court ruling. Cork was responsible for 21.4 billion of the States record 39 billion corporate tax haul last year, which included 11 billion of the Apple tax money, plus the iPhone makers annual corporate tax liability for 2024. The tech giant's Cork campus serves as its European headquarters and employs over 6,000 people. The company is the biggest payer of corporate tax in the Republic. Dublin was responsible for 14.1 billion of corporate tax in 2024, meaning Dublin and Cork combined made up 35.5 of the 39 billion total in business tax receipts collected last year. A similar pattern is seen when the tax receipts are broken down by industry. The wholesale and retail trade sector generated the most tax in 2024 at 26.4 billion, though this was again mostly due to the 11 billion in one-off taxes from Apple. In 2023 the sector generated 2.7 billion in corporation taxes by 2024 that had ballooned to more than 14 billion. The manufacturing sector is usually the greatest contributor to the State's finances, thanks to the large technology and pharmaceutical industries in 2024 the sector generated 14.6 billion in taxes, of which 9.4 billion was corporate. This tax bonanza won't be repeated again in 2025. Figures from the Department of Finance this week showed growth in the State's underlying tax revenue for the first five months of the year slowed to 3.6 per cent. This was due to a sharp dip in corporate tax receipts in May that the department said was due to one-off factors from a year ago falling away. Corporate tax receipts were 9.4 per cent lower year-to-date at the end of May, even when excluding the Apple back taxes. The department forecasts corporate receipts, excluding the Apple proceeds, to post an annual decline this year and fall back by 2 per cent. Growth elsewhere is expected to push overall tax receipts 3 per cent higher on an underlying basis. Growth of 4.5 per cent in income tax receipts and 5.5 per cent in VAT so far this year has kept that forecast on track. An underlying exchequer surplus of 0.7 billion in May was broadly similar to a year ago. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. A new production company has risen from the ashes of Axis Studios, which was Scotlands largest animation and vfx company before collapsing last summer. Zaratan is founded by Paula Bird and Andrew Pearce, longtime veterans of Axis who held producing and management roles at the former studio. Their new company, based in Glasgow, Scotland, focuses on older-skewing animation, continuing the path of Axiss work, which included projects like Eyes of Wakanda and Love Death & Robots. Heres everything we know that has been announced about the new operation: Breaking News Would you like to receive our breaking news news? Signup today! e-Edition Subscribers e-Edition Only - $39.00 Year This is the exact replica of our weekly printed paper. Great for searching archives! General Interest Imported List: General Interest A woman, 41, was killed Friday afternoon in a wreck on Highway 58. She was identified as Kari Parsons by her family through a GoFundMe page. At approximately 2 p.m., Chattanooga Police responded to the two-vehicle crash in the 4700 block of Highway 58. Cherokee Strategic Solutions will upgrade systems to deliver more precise, real-time weather data to air traffic controllers and pilots, improving flight planning, routing and responsiveness to changing conditions. Home News What is Pentecost Sunday? And why do some churches celebrate and others don't? Pentecost Sunday is a special day on the Christian liturgical calendar that marks the anniversary of when the Holy Spirit descended upon the early church, as documented in Acts 2:1-13. The Christian Post spoke with Evangelical clergy about the significance of celebrating the event during worship services for Pentecost Sunday. The Holy Spirit coming down to the Apostles led them to speak in diverse languages while tongues of fire were said to be above them, according to the biblical account. Known as "the birthday of the Church," Pentecost takes place 50 days after Easter, and, like Easter, it doesn't have a fixed date on the calendar. This year, it falls on June 8. 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 Many churches that adhere to more traditional worship practices will celebrate the occasion with special elements, such as wearing red and confirming new members. However, some churches from less liturgically-centered denominations, including non-denominational Evangelical congregations, tend not to hold a special worship service or events for Pentecost. In a 2011 interview with The Christian Post, Michigan Evangelical Pastor Ron Benson said that most free-wheeling Evangelicals don't follow the church calendar at all, except for Christmas and Easter. Benson also believed that many non-denominational churches that don't celebrate Pentecost refuse to do so because of a discomfort associated with charismatic worship. Ironically, a second reason we don't pay much attention to Pentecost Sunday is that we're afraid of the edgy displays of Holy Ghost-ism, Benson explained at the time. It's sad, but the more outrageous expressions of Pentecostalism and Charismatics make a celebration of Pentecost a little risky. However, some non-denominational congregations do make an effort to at least acknowledge the significance of the biblical event that Pentecost celebrates. Matty Hupp, associate pastor at Life City Church Pickerington, Ohio, told CP that while his congregation may not do anything overtly special for Pentecost, they don't ignore it, either. On Pentecost Sunday, we typically preach from Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit empowered the believers, and they began to witness in power, he explained. If Acts 2 isnt the main passage we preach from on Pentecost, then it is most definitely referenced as a supporting scripture for the passage that is being preached from. Hupp told CP that while we dont put the same planning efforts and advertising campaign into Pentecost that we put into Christmas or Easter, this isnt to minimize the importance of what happened to the Church on Pentecost. Theologically speaking, Life City Church leans toward Pentecostal and Renewal Theology, according to Hupp, so the congregation focuses every Sunday on three things: the life of Jesus, the cross and resurrection, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through the believer. We may not celebrate in a major special way on Pentecost Sunday, but thats because we celebrate Pentecost Sunday in how we live daily, he continued. If we only celebrate Pentecost (or Christmas and Easter, for that matter) as a memorial on a Sunday once a year but miss the significance of what that historical event actually means in the life of the believer and the hope for the world then weve terribly missed the mark. While believing that churches can acknowledge Pentecost Sunday each year if they want, Hupp said he felt that it was of the utmost importance that churches and believers would live a life based on what God did on Good Friday, Resurrection Sunday and Pentecost Sunday. In other words, its good to celebrate Pentecost, but its absolutely essential to live a life of Holy Spirit empowerment, he added. By contrast, Galen Carey, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Evangelicals, belongs to a congregation affiliated with the Anglican Church in North America. ACNA was originally formed in 2009 by congregations seeking to leave The Episcopal Church in response to that denominations increased theological liberalism, and maintains a higher church style of worship and hierarchy. As a result, Carey told CP his church has special prayers, hymns and readings on Pentecost Sunday. The observance also frames the worship and witness of the church over the next six months. Like Christmas and Easter, Pentecost Sunday marks a foundational event in church history: the coming of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2, said Carey. Church traditions vary in how Pentecost is remembered. What is important is not the mode of celebration, but that churches are helping their members to live Spirit-filled lives that manifest both the gifts and the fruit that the Holy Spirit brings. In the power of the Spirit, the church demonstrates and proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ. Carey also told CP that he believed many Evangelical churches are recovering an appreciation for the rhythms of the Church calendar, and so are giving more thought to how Pentecost is celebrated. Of course, for the many Evangelical churches in the Pentecostal tradition, every Sunday is a celebration of Pentecost and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, he added. Home Opinion Biblical numerology of 40: Understand and use it The number 40 has profound biblical significance. Rain fell for 40 days and nights after Noah built the ark. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving Gods law. Jesus fasted for 40 days before His ministry started. In each case, God worked powerfully during these 40 days. He used this time to bring about transformation and set eternally consequential events in motion. Might that be precisely what the Church and Christians worldwide need today? Could God be calling each of us to a period of deep communion and intentional time in His presence? I certainly think so. And its already underway. 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 April, the Barna Group reported that belief in Jesus was rising. This is encouraging, but there is more. All we need to do is look at the witness of Scripture. Belief is never a solitary event. It is an inflection point, a beginning. Acts 10 tells the story of Cornelius, a respected and God-fearing centurion in the Roman army. God sends him a vision telling him to invite the Apostle Peter to his house. Peter preaches the Gospel and the Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers. We see similar sequences across the biblical narrative: the blessing and power of the Holy Spirit come after belief. While this pattern should be the normal state of a believer's life, too many Christians today are settling for survival. They are content with complacency and checking off boxes. This is not what God has for His people. God is a God of fullness and abundance, with unmatched power leveraged for unparalleled good in the lives of those who trust Him. Yet, many believers are not living in light of these promises. We often dont take seriously Jesuss words that it is better for Him to leave Earth, because if He doesnt, the Holy Spirit wont come. The Spirit whom Jesus promises will empower His followers to do greater things than He did. That is an extraordinary promise. Think about it: What would our world, our nation, our communities, our churches, and our families look like if we lived into this promise? It would be a beautiful rejuvenation of hope, goodness, beauty and life. I want this for our world, and our world is crying out for it as well. Look around. War, strife, hate, division, and chaos are rampant everywhere. The world is dark, and its getting darker. The message of the Gospel is that light shines brightly in the darkness and darkness cannot overcome the light. This is our responsibility. We are Gods hands and feet on this earth. However, we will fail if we try to do it on our own. God is the source of our power, hope, and life. His Spirit is what animates and empowers our good work. Psalm 127 says that Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. We cannot try to do Gods work without using the resources He has given us in the Holy Spirit. Oftentimes, our modern sensibilities can get in the way. We can be lulled into thinking that God only worked in miraculous, extraordinary ways in the Bible, that the wonders we read about were for then, not now. That couldnt be further from the truth. We serve the same God who kept the widows oil jar full, parted the Red Sea, and turned water into wine. In Romans 8, Paul tells his audience that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. That is the power offered to those who believe. Its not a watered-down version. It is the same transformation-bringing, death-defying power. And I believe God wants His people to reclaim His power. The question is, are we ready? Are we ready to see God do mighty things in our midst? Are we prepared to see giants slain, the sick healed, and the broken restored? I am, and so is our world. So, my challenge is this: Over the next 40 days, seek Gods face and ask Him to fill you with a fresh movement of His Spirit. Expect Him to answer. Dare to believe that His promises are still yes and amen. Home News Afghan Christian refugees facing deportation still in limbo; advocate rejects claim it's safe to return A woman advocating for around two dozen Afghan Christian refugees facing deportation who attend her North Carolina church has pushed back against the Trump administration's assertions that conditions in Afghanistan have improved enough for them to return and is still looking for someone in Washington to champion their cause. Julie Tisdale, a seminary student who attends the Church of the Apostles in Raleigh, has expressed her disappointment that the Trump administration appears to be "doubling down" on its push to remove Afghan Christians from the country. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced last month that it is ending temporary protected status for Afghanistan effective July 14. Two months ago, Julie Tisdale wrote an op-ed for The Christian Post expressing concern about the plight of the refugees who attended her church after they had received a notice from the Trump administration informing them they had one week to leave the U.S. 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 After the week came and went without incident, Tisdale told CP in an interview a week later that members of her church had engaged in conversations with members of Congress on behalf of the Afghan Christian refugees. "We are continuing to try to reach out to senators and congressmen and other people who may know, have contacts in the administration," she told CP this week. "We have lots of people who have told us that they understand, they're sympathetic, but we have yet to find anybody who's willing to really be the champion for this and raise the issue very publicly." Temporary Protected Status has enabled Afghan nationals to remain in the U.S. after the Taliban retook control of the country following the withdrawal of U.S. troops in the summer of 2021. In a May 14 statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem insisted, "Afghanistan has an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevent them from returning to their home country." Weve reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation," she said, adding that "DHS records indicate that there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security." Tisdale strongly disagrees that protection from deportation is no longer necessary for the Afghan Christian refugees who attend her church. "The issue for these people is not economic insecurity," she said. "Afghanistan's a poor country. We all know that. That is not the issue. The issue is that these people are vulnerable not because they're poor but because they are Christians and targeted by the Taliban for converting." Afghanistan ranks as the 10th worst country for Christian persecution, according to global watchdog Open Doors' World Watch List. The group warns it is nearly impossible for most Afghan Christians to practice their faith openly because conversion is punishable by death under Islamic law. Such restrictions have been "increasingly enforced since the Taliban took control of the country in 2021." In addition to those who face persecution from the Taliban for their embrace of Christianity, Tisdale cited others who are vulnerable "because they worked with the U.S. military and therefore, the Taliban, which is the Afghan government, views them as enemies." In her previous interview with CP, Tisdale expressed certainty that the Afghan Christian refugees who attend her church face certain death if they return to their home country. "And they know that's certain because they have already experienced torture for no crime other than conversion," she asserted. "I have heard those stories firsthand. I've heard stories about the ways in which the authorities were made aware of their conversion and then promptly arrested them." "They disappeared for days, weeks, possibly longer," she recalled. "They suffered all sorts of torture while in prison, and so having endured that once, were they to be returned, there is no way that the Taliban would allow them to survive," she predicted. "It would not be a quick death. It will be significant torture, and they will die." The Afghan Christians who attend Church of the Apostles are "at different stages" in the process of "applying for asylum or appealing asylum rulings or waiting for green cards to be processed," Tisdale said. "All of them continue to take the next steps in the legal process to try to get their status secured so that they do not face a threat of deportation," she explained. "There are multiple different statuses that these folks are under. So, it is not one blanket thing that applies to all of them. There are a small number that either already have green cards or are waiting for those to arrive, like literally waiting for them to arrive in the mail. So, some are further along, some are under temporary protected status." The church is trying to ensure that the refugees have adequate legal representation. "Lawyers are very expensive," she said, "and so we're trying to make sure that they have good legal counsel and we're helping with those fees." "We just continue to advocate and support financially and provide practical assistance and continue to be very concerned." Church members assist the refugees in many other ways, such as picking their children up from school if necessary and "helping with some of the financial burden." Franklin Graham, who heads the North Carolina-based Evangelical humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse and is the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham, has also connected with leaders in Washington. He previously told CP that he is not "aware of any Afghan Christians that have been deported at this point, and I know this is being discussed in Washington at the highest levels." "I spoke with Senator Lindsey Graham about it, and I know that other leaders are discussing the issue with the President," Graham said in an April statement. "I have been told that the deadline has been pushed back in order for cases to be reviewed. We believe this will be resolved, and I appreciate the efforts to try and help Afghan Christians." Home News Biden-era FBI memo warning of 'extremist' Catholic ideology sent to over 1,000 employees: report The FBIs Richmond Memo, which suggested a link between traditional Catholicism and violent extremism, was distributed to more than 1,000 FBI employees nationwide during the Biden administration, according to new documents obtained by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Judiciary Committee. According to Grassley, the documents show that the FBI produced at least 13 additional documents and five attachments that used the terminology radical traditionalist Catholic. These reports also relied on information from the Southern Poverty Law Center, a far-left advocacy group. The Iowa senator also noted that the FBI Richmond field office drafted an additional memo that it intended to distribute to the entire Bureau, but it was never published due to the controversy surrounding the Richmond Memo. 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 Remarking on Grassleys findings, CatholicVote co-founder Joshua Mercer called for the authors of the memo to be held accountable, asserting that the senators investigation shows the document was much worse than initially thought. This frontal assault on the First Amendment should horrify every American and it must never be allowed to happen again, Mercer said in a statement provided to The Christian Post. CatholicVote calls on FBI Director Kash Patel to make public the measures his agency is taking to make sure these directives are immediately rescinded, their authors fired, and any ongoing surveillance of Catholics brought to a halt. The FBI did not immediately respond to The Christian Posts request for comment. In the January 2023 field office memo, the FBI warned about the connections between "racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists and radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology." As Grassley recounted in a Monday letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, he had sent multiple letters in March, August and October of 2023 and January 2024 to then-FBI Director Christopher Wray seeking answers about the Richmond Memo. These letters focused on the preparation of the memo, its dissemination, the use of biased sources such as the radical Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and later, the FBIs misleading representations to Congress, including those of former Director Wray, Grassley wrote. The FBI under Director Wray consistently failed to provide full responses to these requests, he asserted. Grassley also accused Wray of evading questions about the memo when the former FBI director testified before the House Judiciary Committee in July 2023, where he repeatedly evaded questions by claiming the internal review hadnt been completed even though by then it most assuredly was. Regarding the scope of the memo, Wray had claimed it was a single product by a single field office that was immediately withdrawn and removed from FBI systems. Grassley wrote in his letter to Patel that FBI offices in Louisville, Kentucky, Portland, Oregon, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, assisted with the Richmond memos preparation. When questioned by Grassley in December 2023 about his initial testimony, Wray maintained that a single office produced the Richmond memo. The former FBI director claimed that other FBI field offices' contributions to the memo 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? According to the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Wrays testimony is further proof that the FBI must provide Congress with all records related to the agencys response to the memo and the timing of Wrays review of it. As Grassley wrote in the letter to Patel, Wrays testimony was inaccurate not only because it failed to reveal the scope of the memos production and dissemination, but also because it failed to reveal the existence of a second draft product on the same topic intended for external distribution to the whole FBI. The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee urged Patel to continue producing records related to the Richmond Memos origins. During Patels January confirmation hearing, when asked by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., about the Richmond memo, he vowed to hold the responsible parties accountable. Home News Christians living in fear as Taliban carries out executions, amputations as punishments Afghan Christians are living in fear as the Taliban has declared they will carry out executions and other brutal punishments, including amputations, under Islamic Sharia law as part of their rule in Afghanistan. Cutting off of hands is very necessary for security, Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, a member of the Talibans interim government and chief enforcer of the groups strict interpretation of Sharia law, told The Associated Press. Everyone criticized us for the punishments in the stadium, but we have never said anything about their laws and their punishments, he continued. No one will tell us what our laws should be. We will follow Islam and we will make our laws on the Quran. 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 Turabi, who is under U.N. sanctions, also said the new government may consider carrying out such punishments in public. Turabis announcement has many Afghan Christians bracing for persecution, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern reported, explaining that the Talibans strict interpretation of Sharia is a threat to Afghan Christians due to their conversions from Islam to Christianity. As apostates, Afghan Christians will be subject to Sharias deadliest consequences, including execution, ICC said. Almost all Afghan Christians estimated to be between 8,000 and 12,000 are converts from Islam and remain largely closeted and hidden from the public eye due to severe persecution. When the Taliban took control of much of Afghanistan following the drawing down of U.S. troops in August, many ministries working with the countrys underground church worked tirelessly to evacuate at-risk Christians, William Stark, ICCs regional manager for South Asia, told The Christian Post earlier this month. Christians are now in hiding because of active threats against their community, Stark said. He shared stories of how Christians continue to face threats from members of the Taliban. In one situation, an Islamic extremist threatened to kidnap a Christian mans daughters and marry them off to members of the Taliban. In another, a Christian man received a letter from the Taliban saying his house belonged to them. Christians have also been warned to refrain from gathering. Even within the networks that we have, a number of people have changed their phone numbers because its simply not safe anymore, Stark said. Their work to lie low in the country makes it hard for someone on the outside to stay in contact. As persecution continues to increase, Afghan Christians need help from the outside to escape their circumstances, he said. Its going to take a diplomatic process by the U.S., the U.K. and other countries that are going to allow them to leave that country, he said. Essentially, what they need is some sort of special status that would allow them to travel outside of Afghanistan. The Taliban have banned all demonstrations and have violently cracked down on protests, including beating women, and killed demonstrators. We call on the Taliban to immediately cease the use of force towards, and the arbitrary detention of, those exercising their right to peaceful assembly and the journalists covering the protests, a spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights previously said in a press statement. The Taliban are arresting, and in some instances executing, people they perceive as their enemies, Christian missionary David Eubank, a former U.S. Army Special Forces and Ranger officer, said in a recent interview with CBN News. Eubank also said recent photos and video suggest theyre killing as many as 30 to 40 at a time, They [the Taliban] are hunting down people right now, trying to get all the names of anyone they perceive as an enemy, Eubank said, adding that the enemies include people who work with the U.S. government, people who are with other governments, people who work with non-governmental organizations they dont agree with. Five of the Taliban-appointed leaders in the interim government were in detention in Guantanamo and later exchanged for Bowe Bergdahl in 2014, according to Long War Journal. Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the current Emir of the Faithful or top leader of the Taliban, issued religious decrees justifying the Talibans operations, including suicide attacks, from 1996 to 2001, the Journal said. Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the acting head of state, refused to turn over Osama bin Laden after the al Qaeda terror group bombed the U.S. Embassy in August 1998. Akhundzada and Akhund are among more than a dozen new leaders who were sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council in early 2001. Home News PCA announces 'transition plan' in wake of stated clerk's retirement over 'scandalizers' list The administrative committee of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) laid out a transition plan Friday in response to their former stated clerk retiring after falsely and publicly accusing some ministers of grave sin weeks before the denominations 52nd General Assembly. The committee noted that during their Thursday meeting, they accepted the Rev. Bryan Chapells request to retire as stated clerk, which they said was effective immediately, according to a statement published in byFaith, the denominations online magazine. The committee also said that Chapell will be given the opportunity to publicly apologize to the denomination later this month at General Assembly in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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 Given the abrupt timing of Chapells retirement, the committee said they decided unanimously to employ Ruling Elder John Bise as a provisional replacement pending his examination by the Theological Examining Committee. Bise is a ruling elder and clerk of the session at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, and served as moderator of the PCAs 49th General Assembly in 2022, according to the committee, which plans to bring a formal nominee for a new stated clerk at its General Assembly next year. Chapell, who served as the administrative head of the PCA since 2020, made headlines last week for appearing on The Gospel Coalitions Gospelbound podcast and briefly displaying a handwritten list of people on his desk whom he accused of being scandalizers. He claimed every name on that list had abandoned their families, left the faith or died by suicide. Viewers who paused the video and zoomed in on Chapells list found that it included men who are alive, married and ministers in good standing with their denomination, which prompted widespread backlash and Chapells eventual announcement last Thursday that he had repented and would step down as stated clerk. Chapell issued two apologies, the second of which acknowledged the seriousness of these errors and sin while thanking Jesus Christ for His graciousness. The administrative committee said Friday it had met with Chapell and has gratefully received his repentance and apology for his comments on The Gospel Coalition podcast. While recognizing the seriousness of the situation and with regret for its consequences, the Administrative Committee wishes to extend its great gratitude for the years of faithful service Dr. Chapell has given to the PCA and the broader church. In our meeting, we had the opportunity to grieve together, pray together, and rejoice together in the grace extended to us all in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The committee will provide an opportunity for Chapell to address the Assembly when it convenes in Chattanooga for him to present his personal apology. The committee also addressed the damage Chapells public accusations potentially did to the relationship the PCA has with its sister denominations in the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC), which includes Reformed churches in both the U.S. and Canada. The committee acknowledges the need for reconciliation and healing between the PCA and some of its sister denominations, as well as specific ministers and members within them, the committee said. Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure our fellow Reformed and Presbyterian branches of Christs church know our deep love for them and desire to continue [to] work alongside them for the advance of Christs Kingdom. The committee urges churches to pray for our denomination and the upcoming Assembly, that it will prove effective for promoting the unity, purity, and peace of the Presbyterian Church in America, the committee added. The Rev. Zachary Groff, who pastors Antioch Presbyterian Church in Woodruff, South Carolina, approved of the committees statement, writing on X that the committee has shown it acknowledged the severity of the offense and urgency of the matter. Groff also praised the choice of Bise as most excellent, noting he is the PCAs competent and honorable clean-up man. He also praised the administrative committee for addressing the potential relational fracture with its sister churches. Im sure that theres a lot of work the PCA needs to do to repair the breach with our NAPARC partners, but this is a huge and good first step, he said, adding, I am much encouraged. God bless the PCA! The Rev. Andy Webb, who serves as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and was named on Chapells list, issued a Friday statement on X praising Chapell for his courage to step down. He also expressed hope that the administrative committees announcement would mark the end of the scandal, despite lingering claims within the denomination that Chapell did not lie and that blame rests on those who zoomed in on his list. Webb, who has speculated that he landed on Chapells list because of a disagreement they had nearly a quarter-century ago, noted last week that he had forgiven Chapell following a gracious apology call he received after news of Chapell's list appeared on the Drudge Report. Two thoughts: 1) I hope that I will never be in circumstances similar to this, but I hope that if I am, I will have the courage to do likewise. 2) I hope this will bring an end to any further articles attempting to minimize what happened or change the outcome, Webb wrote. Please, Lord, let this be the end of the matter, he added. Home News TD Jakes defamation lawsuit against man alleging abuse mired in dispute over AI and errors Lawyers for both megachurch founder Bishop T.D. Jakes and former-pastor-turned-registered sex offender Duane Youngblood, who alleges he was sexually assaulted by Jakes when he was a teenager some 40 years ago, have accused each other of making errors and improperly using artificial intelligence in an ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by Jakes. The 67-year-old pastor who founded The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas, nearly 30 years ago, and now serves as chairman of the T.D. Jakes Foundation, initially filed the defamation lawsuit against Youngblood, 58, last November, a day after suffering a heart attack while preaching. In court filings last month, Jakes high-profile attorney, Dustin Pusch, argued that Youngbloods motion to dismiss his lawsuit pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 12(b)(6), which allows a defendant to move to dismiss a complaint if it doesn't allege enough facts to support a plausible legal claim, should be denied for "many reasons," including what he calls "counterfeit caselaw." 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 reality, the Complaint more than adequately pleads each and every necessary element for his defamation and conspiracy claims. It is unclear whether the Motion to Dismiss is the product of a fever dream, generated through improper use of AI software, or some combination of the two," Pusch wrote. "Regardless, Youngblood's Motion is without legal or factual merit, his perversions of cited case law and the record in this case must be ignored and accounted for, and the Motion should be denied so that Bishop Jakes can proceed with proving his case and vindicating his name," he added. In a flurry of filings in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania this week, Youngbloods attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, redirected the allegations Jakes attorneys made against him of fabricating or misquoting caselaw. Plaintiff accuses Defendant of relying on fabricated or inapplicable case law, yet a LexisNexis Document Analysis of Plaintiffs own opposition brief reveals a pattern of misquotation, superficial citation, and invocation of authorities that are either inapposite or do not support the propositions for which they are cited. Lexis Quote-Check identifies at least 20 incorrect quotations in Plaintiffs brief, Blackburn argued. Numerous cases cited by Plaintiff are referenced without pinpoints, quoted inaccurately, or applied without any legal or factual context. This rhetorical sleight-of-hand stands in direct contradiction to Plaintiffs demands for precision and undermines the credibility of the opposition brief. Federal courts do not accept citation as performancea case reference must meaningfully connect to the legal standard and be applied to the facts at hand, he added. Blackburn also doubled down on his position that Jakes defamation lawsuit should be dismissed because it mainly relies on the megachurch founders denial of the allegations of abuse. The claims for defamation and civil conspiracy are not merely insufficient; they fall well short of the constitutional and procedural thresholds required to proceed. As a self-identified public figure, Plaintiff is obligated to plead falsity and actual malice with factual specificity. He has not done so, Blackburn argued in the conclusion of his filing on Monday. The Complaint relies on inference, implication, and generalized accusations without identifying any provably false statement by Defendant Youngblood made with the requisite culpable state of mind. Jakes attorneys rejected Blackburns claim that they made similar mistakes like he did in his filing as false. They argued that the errors he picked up in using the LexisNexis AI tool were mostly from quotations of his filing. First, in the Reply, Defendant and his counsel lob false accusations at Plaintiffs counsel, accusing them of making misrepresentations much like the ones he made in the Motion to Dismiss (and failed to defend), Jakes attorneys wrote. In making these false accusations, Defendant and his counsel claim to have conducted an AI analysis through LexisNexis showing a pattern of misquotation, superficial citation, and invocation of authorities that are either inapposite or do not support the propositions for which they are cited and at least 20 incorrect quotations in Plaintiffs brief. Jakes attorneys argued that Blackburn did not include his AI report in his filing and insisted that the two examples he cited from their filing were properly quoted. Plaintiffs counsel recreated the very same analysis through LexisNexis., which confirms that there are in fact no misquotations, superficial citations, inapposite authorities, or any other sort of malfeasance with regard to the Oppositionrather, the system flags a variety of actual quotations (including the two cited in Defendants Reply). The only truly incorrect quotes it flagged were instances where Plaintiff was discussing Defendants brief, they added. The megachurch founders lawyers further argued that Blackburns latest filing on behalf of Youngblood fabricated new quotes and misrepresented additional holdings, rulings, and cases. They also highlighted inconsistencies in Youngbloods allegations about where he was sexually assaulted by Jakes. Youngblood claimed in interviews with internet personality Larry Reid on his "Larry Reid Live" show on Oct. 28 and Nov. 3, 2024, that Jakes assaulted him when he was about 18 or 19 years old. Youngblood claimed to Reid that he had been talking with Jakes for about two hours at the home of an older adult clergywoman, where he was staying during a local church revival approximately 40 years ago, when Jakes allegedly tried to kiss him. "After sitting there and having this long discourse with him, I finally looked at my watch, and I'm like, 'Oh my goodness, I got to go. I got to get this car back to my mother. She's gonna kill me.' So I said to bishop, 'I got to get up,'" Youngblood recalled. "And I got up from the table, he got up from the table, he walked around toward the way I had to exit quicker than I got over there, and when I started to walk past him, he pulled me to himself, wrapped his arms around me, and tried to kiss me. And in that moment, I literally died." The morning after the encounter, Youngblood alleges Jakes called his home and intimated that he wanted him to become a local sex partner. "My mother answers the phone, and she says to me, 'Duane, it's Elder Jakes.' Jakes and I get on that phone and when I get on that telephone, I can hear water. He is sitting in a bathtub, and in that thing, he says to me, without any hesitation, 'there's three things I need you to do. The first one is, when I come to Pittsburgh, you're going to be the only person I sleep with. The second one is, you can't sleep with anybody else because I don't want to give my wife anything. And thirdly, I will take care of you the rest of your life,'" Youngblood alleged. Days after making those allegations public, Jakes' attorneys said an attorney representing Youngblood had sent a demand letter to Jakes on Nov. 24 demanding $6 million "to 'resolve this matter quickly and privately;' otherwise, Youngblood would bring a lawsuit against Bishop Jakes for sexual assault and harassment." Defendantfor the first timeclaims that the attempted sexual assault story he told on Larry Reid Live, which forms the basis for the defamation and conspiracy claims in this case, occurred not in the dining room of a home, but rather during that drive and inside the car, Jakes lawyers noted. Indeed, Blackburns filing on behalf of Youngblood states: In short, beyond a blanket denial, Plaintiffs Opposition never confrontsmuch less contradictsthe specific building-block facts of Youngbloods account: that (1) Youngblood was a teenager at the time; (2) Bishop Jakes first encountered him while preaching as a guest at Youngbloods Pennsylvania church; (3) Jakes later offered pastoral counseling; (4) Youngblood, using his mothers car, drove Plaintiff home after the service; and (5) during that drive, when Youngblood realized he was late returning the vehicle, Jakes hugged him, physically cornered him, and attempted to kiss him inside the car. The Opposition supplies no alternative timeline, no different venue, no witness, and no documentary contradictiononly the refrain that it never happened. This material change to Defendants story from what he said on the October 28 and November 3 LRL episodes is not only powerful evidence of falsity and a reckless disregard of the truth, but shows that he knows it is false, Jakes attorneys wrote in response to Youngbloods filing. That is more-than sufficient for actual malice at this stage of the case. Home News Texas ends in-state tuition rates for college students in the US illegally State halts practice under Texas Dream Act signed in 2001 under Gov. Rick Perry Students who are in the United States illegally are no longer eligible to receive a discount on tuition rates at public universities in Texas. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state of Texas Wednesday over a law that grants residents who are in the U.S. illegally in-state tuition rates with proof they lived in the state three years prior to graduation, which federal prosecutors said "unconstitutionally discriminates against U.S. citizens. The lawsuit claimed Texas practice violated federal law prohibiting colleges from offering benefits to non-citizen students unless out-of-state residents and other U.S. citizens are also eligible. 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 Within hours of the DOJs lawsuit, Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton sided with the DOJ. Paxtons legal filing asked the court to rule that the law favoring illegal aliens was unconstitutional because it was in direct and express conflict with federal law. Texas education law, wrote Paxton, specifically allows an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States to qualify for in-state tuition based on residence within the state, while explicitly denying resident-based tuition rates to U.S. citizens that do not qualify as Texas residents. Today, I entered a joint motion along with the Trump Administration opposing a law that unconstitutionally and unlawfully gave benefits to illegal aliens that were not available to American citizens, Paxton said in a statement. Ending this discriminatory and un-American provision is a major victory for Texas. Under the Texas DREAM Act signed by Perry, a Republican, in 2001, Texas became the first state to offer in-state tuition to illegal residents. Following the passage of HB 1403, nearly 20 other states passed similar legislation. Because the law is tied to residency and not legal immigration status, U.S. citizens, permanent residents or, in some cases, international students are eligible for in-state tuition if they have lived in Texas for at least a year, compared to three years for undocumented students. An estimated 57,000 students in the U.S. illegally are enrolled in Texas universities and colleges, according to the nonprofit Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. Calling the move harmful and self-defeating, Monica Andrade, an attorney and director of State Policy and Legal Strategy at the Presidents Alliance, claimed, The Department of Justices lawsuit challenging Texas in-state tuition policy is fundamentally flawed and misrepresents how these policies work. To suggest that undocumented students are receiving benefits denied to citizens is false and misleading. In fact, any U.S. citizen who meets the same criteria such as attending and graduating from a Texas high school qualifies for in-state tuition. These requirements apply regardless of immigration status, Andrade added. Last month, state lawmakers considered a proposal to repeal the Texas Dream Act. Senate Bill 1798, authored by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, would eliminate provisions of the 2001 Texas DREAM Act, which allows non-U.S. citizens who were brought to the U.S. illegally and graduate from Texas high schools and have lived in the state for at least three years to pay in-state tuition. Under SB 1798, those students must also sign an affidavit pledging to pursue U.S. citizenship when possible. Immigration advocacy groups have warned that the repeal would mean those students illegally in the country would have to pay out-of-state tuition, which is about three times higher than in-state tuition rates. A study from 2023 by the American Immigration Council projects that Texas could lose $461 million annually if the law is repealed, citing increased earning potential from college-educated undocumented students, which it claims boosts tax revenue and fills workforce needs. 1 U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, U.S., June 6, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to let rare earth minerals and magnets flow to the United States, a move that could lower tensions between the world's biggest economies. Asked by a reporter aboard Air Force One whether Xi had agreed to do so, Trump replied: "Yes, he did." The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump's comment came one day after a rare call with Xi aimed at resolving trade tensions that have been brewing over the topic for weeks. At that time, Trump said there had been "a very positive conclusion" to the talks, adding that "there should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products." In another sign of easing tensions over the issue, China has granted temporary export licenses to rare-earth suppliers of the top three U.S. automakers, two sources familiar with the matter said. The U.S. president's top aides are set to meet their Chinese counterparts in London on Monday for further talks. "We're very far advanced on the China deal," Trump told reporters on Friday. The countries struck an agreement on May 12 in Geneva, Switzerland, to roll back for 90 days most of the triple-digit, tit-for-tat tariffs they had placed on each other since Trump's January inauguration. Financial markets that had worried about trade disruptions rallied on the news. But China's decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets has continued to disrupt supplies needed by automakers, computer chip manufacturers and military contractors around the world. Trump had accused China of violating the Geneva agreement and ordered curbs on chip-design software and other shipments to China. Beijing rejected the claim and threatened counter measures. Rare earths and other critical minerals are a source of leverage for China as Trump could come under domestic political pressure if economic growth sags because companies cannot make mineral-powered products. 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. The Taihuttus on a ski trip to Sierra Nevada in southern Spain. They sold everything they owned in 2017 to bet on bitcoin and now travel full-time as a family of five. Didi Taihuttu A wave of high-profile kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency executives has rattled the industry and prompted a quiet security revolution among some of its most visible evangelists. Didi Taihuttu, patriarch of the so-called Bitcoin Family, said he overhauled the family's entire security setup after a string of threats. The Taihuttus who sold everything they owned in 2017, from their house to their shoes, to go all in on bitcoin when it was trading around $900 have long lived on the outer edge of crypto ideology. They travel full time with their three daughters and remain entirely unbanked. Over the past eight months, he said, the family ditched hardware wallets in favor of a hybrid system: Part analog, part digital, with seed phrases encrypted, split and stored either through blockchain-based encryption services or hidden across four continents. "We have changed everything," Taihuttu told CNBC on a call from Phuket, Thailand. "Even if someone held me at gunpoint, I can't give them more than what's on my wallet on my phone. And that's not a lot." CNBC first reported on the family's unconventional storage system in 2022, when Taihuttu described hiding hardware wallets across multiple continents in places ranging from rental apartments in Europe to self-storage units in South America. The Taihuttu family dressed up for Halloween in Phuket, Thailand, where they recently moved homes after receiving disturbing messages pinpointing their location from YouTube videos. Didi Taihuttu As physical attacks on crypto holders become more frequent, even they are rethinking their exposure. This week, Moroccan police arrested a 24-year-old suspected of orchestrating a series of brutal kidnappings targeting crypto executives. One victim, the father of a crypto millionaire, was allegedly held for days in a house south of Paris and reportedly had a finger severed during the ordeal. In a separate case earlier this year, a co-founder of French wallet firm Ledger and his wife were abducted from their home in central France in a ransom scheme that also targeted another Ledger executive. Last month in New York, authorities said, a 28-year-old Italian tourist was kidnapped and tortured for 17 days in a Manhattan apartment by attackers trying to extract his bitcoin password shocking him with wires, beating him with a gun and strapping an Apple AirTag around his neck to track his movements. The common thread: the pursuit of crypto credentials that enable instant, irreversible transfers of virtual assets. watch now "It is definitely frightening to see a lot of these kidnappings happen," said JP Richardson, CEO of crypto wallet company Exodus. He urged users to take security into their own hands by choosing self-custody, storing larger sums on hardware wallets, and for those holding significant assets exploring multi-signature wallets, a setup typically used by institutions. Richardson also recommended spreading funds across different wallet types and avoiding large balances in hot wallets to reduce risk without sacrificing flexibility. That rising sense of vulnerability is fueling a new demand for physical protection with insurance firms now racing to offer kidnap and ransom, or K&R, policies tailored to crypto holders. But Taihuttu isn't waiting for corporate solutions. He's opted for complete decentralization of not just his finances, but his personal risk profile. As the family prepares to return to Europe from Thailand, safety has become a constant topic of conversation. "We've been talking about it a lot as a family," Taihuttu said. "My kids read the news, too especially that story in France, where the daughter of a CEO was almost kidnapped on the street." Now, he said, his daughters are asking difficult questions: What if someone tries to kidnap us? What's the plan? One of the steel plates the Taihuttu family uses to store part of their bitcoin seed phrase. Didi etched it by hand using a hammer and letter punch part of a decentralized storage system spread across four continents. Didi Taihuttu Though the girls carry only small amounts of crypto in their personal wallets, the family has decided to avoid France entirely. "We got a little bit famous in a niche market but that niche is becoming a really big market now," Taihuttu said. "And I think we'll see more and more of these robberies. So yeah, we're definitely going to skip France." Even in Thailand, Taihuttu recently stopped posting travel updates and filming at home after receiving disturbing messages from strangers who claimed to have identified his location from YouTube vlogs. "We stayed in a very beautiful house for six months then I started getting emails from people who figured out which house it was. They warned me to be careful, told me not to leave my kids alone," he said. "So we moved. And now we don't film anything at all." "It's a strange world at the moment," he said. "So we're taking our own precautions and when it comes to wallets, we're now completely hardware wallet-less. We don't use any hardware wallets anymore." To throw off would-be attackers, Didi Taihuttu encrypts select words from each 24-word seed phrase then splits the phrases into four sets of six and hides them around the world. Didi Taihuttu The family's new system involves splitting a single 24-word bitcoin seed phrase the cryptographic key that unlocks access to their crypto holdings into four sets of six words, each stored in a different geographic location. Some are kept digitally through blockchain-based encryption platforms, while others are etched by hand into fireproof steel plates using a hammer and letter punch, then hidden in physical locations across four continents. "Even if someone finds 18 of the 24 words, they can't do anything," Taihuttu explained. On top of that, he's added a layer of personal encryption, swapping out select words to throw off would-be attackers. The method is simple, but effective. "You only need to remember which ones you changed," he said. Part of the reason for ditching hardware wallets, Taihuttu said, was a growing mistrust of third-party devices. Concerns about backdoors and remote access features including a controversial update by Ledger in 2023 prompted the family to abandon physical hardware altogether in favor of encrypted paper and steel backups. While the family still holds some crypto in "hot" wallets for daily spending or to run their algorithmic trading strategy those funds are protected by multi-signature approvals, which require multiple parties to sign off before a transaction can be executed. The Taihuttus use Safe formerly Gnosis Safe for ether and other altcoins, and similarly layered setups for bitcoin stored on centralized platforms like Bybit. Didi Taihuttu during a recent visit to Sierra Nevada, Spain. The familys lifestyle unbanked, nomadic, and all-in on bitcoin makes them outliers even in the crypto world. Didi Taihuttu About 65% of the family's crypto is locked in cold storage across four continents a decentralized system Taihuttu prefers to centralized vaults like the Swiss Alps bunker used by Coinbase -owned Xapo. Those facilities may offer physical protection and inheritance services, but Taihuttu said they require too much trust. "What happens if one of those companies goes bankrupt? Will I still have access?" he said. "You're putting your capital back in someone else's hands." Instead, Taihuttu holds his own keys hidden across the globe. He can top up the wallets remotely with new deposits, but accessing them would require at least one international trip, depending on which fragments of the seed phrase are needed. The funds, he added, are intended as a long-term pension to be accessed only if bitcoin hits $1 million a milestone he's targeting for 2033. The shift toward multi-party protections extends beyond just multi-signature. Multi-party computation, or MPC, is gaining traction as a more advanced security model. Didi, Romaine, and their three daughters live largely off-grid, managing crypto through decentralized exchanges, algorithmic trading bots, and a globally distributed cold storage system. Didi Taihuttu Instead of storing private keys in one place a vulnerability known as a "single point of compromise" MPC splits a key into encrypted shares distributed across multiple parties. Transactions can only go through when a threshold number of those parties approve, sharply reducing the risk of theft or unauthorized access. Multi-signature wallets require several parties to approve a transaction. MPC takes that further by cryptographically splitting the private key itself, ensuring that no single individual ever holds the full key not even their own complete share. The shift comes amid renewed scrutiny of centralized crypto platforms like Coinbase, which recently disclosed a data breach affecting tens of thousands of customers. Taihuttu, for his part, says 80% of his trading now happens on decentralized exchanges like Apex a peer-to-peer platform that allows users to set buy and sell orders without relinquishing custody of their funds, marking a return to crypto's original ethos. While he declined to reveal his total holdings, Taihuttu did share his goal for the current bull cycle: a $100 million net worth, with 60% still held in bitcoin. The rest is a mix of ether, layer-1 tokens like solana , link , sui, and a growing number of AI and education-focused startups including his own platform offering blockchain and life skills courses for kids. Lately, he's also considering stepping back from the spotlight. "It's really my passion to create content. It's really what I love to do every day," he said. "But if it's not safe anymore for my daughters ... I really need to think about them." WATCH: 'Bitcoin Family' tracks moon cycles to make crypto investment decisions Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's economic revitalization minster, speaks to members of the media at the Japanese embassy in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Japan had made some progress in a fifth round of trade talks with U.S. officials aimed at ending tariffs that are hurting Japan's economy, Tokyo's chief tariff negotiator said. "Tariffs have already been imposed on autos, auto parts, steel and aluminum, and some of them have doubled to 50% along with 10% general tariff. These are causing daily losses to Japan's economy," Ryosei Akazawa, said in Washington on Friday after talks with officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Akazawa declined to say what progress they had made. The latest round of talks may be the last in-person meeting between senior Japanese and U.S. officials before the Group of Seven (G-7) leaders summit that starts on June 15, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Japan also faces a 24% tariff rate starting in July unless it can negotiate a deal with Washington. "We want an agreement as soon as possible. The G7 summit is on our radar, and if our leaders meet, we want to show what progress has been made," Akazawa said. "Still, we must balance urgency with a need to guard our national interests," he added. Last month, Japan's trade negotiator said U.S. defense equipment purchases, shipbuilding technology collaboration, a revision of automobile import standards, and an increase in agricultural imports could be bargaining chips in tariff talks. In a bid to reach an agreement with the U.S., Japan is also proposing a mechanism to reduce the auto tariff rate based on how much countries contribute to the U.S. auto industry, the Asahi newspaper reported on Friday. Akazawa said Japan's position has not changed and that the tariffs are not acceptable. Slate Auto electric vehicles inside the startup's beta production facility in Lake Orion Township, Michigan. Slate Auto LAKE ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. In a nondescript supplier park in suburban Detroit, an electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is building what it hopes will be America's newest automaker. The facility is filled with dozens of prototypes, crash-tested vehicles, a crude lab vehicle skeleton adorned with wires and, most importantly, a busy "beta" assembly line that has been building electric vehicles since December for the startup, Slate Auto. Slate is using the location a stone's throw away from a massive General Motors assembly plant to produce more than 70 vehicles for internal testing, certification and everything else a company needs to prepare to produce and sell vehicles in the United States. The beta production line features roughly a dozen labeled stations for things such as the vehicle's doors, tailgate and front ends that sit in bins or on surface areas made out of wood and steel parts. Employees move back and forth between the bins, tables and assembly line as songs such as Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love for You" and Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield" echo throughout the lively facility. The largely hand-built vehicles being made are bare-bones, two-seat, two-door electric pickup trucks that can also be converted to different body styles of SUVs, such as a five-seat fastback or into a squared-off look like a Jeep Wrangler. A Slate Auto employee walks into the startup's "beta" manufacturing facility on May 16 in Lake Orion Township, Michigan. Michael Wayland / CNBC The vehicles have injected-molded composite exteriors, crank windows, no infotainment systems and a litany of do-it yourself options. The plan is for every vehicle coming off the line to be the same to reduce complexity, before adding any additional features or different covers/tops. Auto executives have tossed around the idea for such a modular, stripped-down vehicle amid the rise of connectivity and affordability concerns, but so far the challenges have outweighed the potential opportunities, or companies have struggled to keep prices down. Slate believes it can succeed where others have failed through simplified manufacturing and lower costs two areas where other EV startups have failed in recent years. "This one's going to be different for a number of reasons," Eric Keipper, an auto veteran and Slate's head of engineering, told CNBC after a tour of the company's manufacturing facility. "We took the back-to-basics, only-the-essentials approach, and, really, we're building a completely new category of product." Slate exited its "stealth mode" in late April by revealing its first vehicles several two-door electric pickup trucks and converted SUVs that it expects to begin deliveries of by the end of next year. It's in the process of building out a full production facility at a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, where it expects to have capacity for up to 150,000 vehicles a year. It's a daunting timeframe even for an established automaker, let alone a new startup that's establishing its supply chains, production processes and workforce, among other things. Hand-building vehicles at a small facility is one thing; mass producing them is another. "We've put together a really solid plan, and we're working to achieve the plan," Slate CEO Chris Barman told CNBC. "It doesn't mean that we follow the plan exactly. We gotta pivot when different information comes, but we understand what we've got to do to ultimately get to the goal of having vehicles that meet all of our requirements." The Slate Truck. Courtesy: Slate Auto Slate revealed its unnamed vehicle (the company is telling customers to name it themselves) to notable fanfare, attracting more than 100,000 reservations that required a $50 deposit. For other companies, however, vehicles reservations have fallen significantly short of actual sales. The company said it is conducting a Series C round of financing after raising $700 million in its first two rounds of financing. TechCrunch first reported the Series A round in 2023 raised $111 million from 16 investors, including Bezos. Other EV startups have needed significantly more funding and have quickly blown through billions of dollars annually attempting to get a vehicle into production. But Slate believes it can be far less capital intense thanks to the engineering and production of the vehicle. "We are building the affordable vehicle that has long been promised but never been delivered," Barman said during the April 24 debut. "But with a twist, it's a vehicle people are actually going to love and be proud to own." The company declined to discuss future targets such as sales and profitability, as well as expected capital requirements, other than that it plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in its Indiana plant. 'A blank Slate' Barman and Keipper veterans of Stellantis predecessor Fiat Chrysler, among other companies met nearly three years ago to discuss the vehicle and Slate's business plan as the first employees of the startup. "It started with a blank slate," said Keipper. "The CEO and I sat together on the fifth of July in 2022 and looked at a blank whiteboard, and I filled it. I said, 'Here's the plan. Let's do this.'" Slate Auto CEO, Chris Barman. Courtesy: Slate During the reveal, the company positioned itself and its vehicle as a "a radically simple, radically affordable, radically personalizable car." The vehicle which has a targeted starting price of under $20,000 with an up to $7,500 EV credit features many "off the shelf" parts from suppliers, lowering costs. Its body also is exclusively injected molded composite instead of steel or aluminum, bringing down cost and weight. It does not feature any "connectivity" such as a modem or large screens, just a small driver information screen. Instead of a center infotainment system, drivers can use their own devices such as a smartphone or tablet for navigation and music. Speakers also are optional. The exteriors of the Slate vehicles also won't be painted. The company says it was engineered to be wrapped with a vinyl film, eliminating the need for a costly paint shop a massive investment for automakers. The basis for the company is for consumers to be able to easily change the vehicle themselves or add whatever they'd like to it after purchase through the removal or addition of bolts. The company plans to offer some services such as the vehicle wrapping, but customers aren't required to do those things through Slate and can purchase add-ons later. Slate says the truck about the length of a two-door Ford Bronco features roughly a fifth less parts compared to a typical vehicle, including only 500 to 700 "end items," or parts, for final assembly. That compares with a Slate estimate of 2,500-end item parts for other competitors and thousands of more overall pieces. "Fundamentally, there's no new technology because technology costs money to develop," said Jamie Standring, formerly with Karma Automotive and Stellantis/Fiat Chrysler, standing by the beta assembly line. Standring said the initial idea was to have the vehicle's frame that everything is built upon be bolted together almost like an erector set to remove the need for a full body shop, much like it's attempting to not use a paint shop. But the drawbacks eventually outweighed the benefits, he said. The Slate truck is expected to ship with a standard 52.7-kWh battery with an estimated range of around 150 miles, or a 84.3-kWh pack with a target of 240 miles of range. Its battery supplier is SK On, according to the company. Its top speed is only 90 miles per hour. "I'm really proud of the team for how they really thought out of the box," Barman said. "We'll have kits, and we're doing it in a way that's lean as well, but we want to offer people many choices." Significant hurdles remain But more choices for consumers mean more complexity. On the company's website, there are 11 categories for customers to customize with a combined 160 options, excluding customizable exterior colors for wraps. That's a lot of options ranging from dozens of decals to lighting, audio and tires and wheels for a customer to pick and a company to store and offer. Slate executives say the point of the customization is for customers to be able to make the vehicle their own and easily upgrade or change it when they'd like, but auto analysts see it as one of many potential problem areas. Slate Auto reveal. Courtesy: Slate In addition to traditional startup challenges such as capital, profitability and scaling up, other hurdles include: A limited market for two-door vehicles, slower-than-expected adoption of EVs and regulatory uncertainty regarding federal tax credits that Slate is relying on for the vehicle's affordability, among other things. "They have an interesting idea," said Stephanie Brinley, associate director in AutoIntelligence at S&P Global Mobility. "The question is, how many people really want to do that much themselves, and how big is the addressable market?" The sale of two-door regular cab pickup trucks like Slate's debut vehicle only accounted for less than 90,400 registrations in 2024. That compares to more than 2.5 million registered four-door crew cab trucks. Brinley, who attended Slate's reveal event in California, said if the company wants to be sustainable, it would need to expand its product lineup to four-door models, which the platform seems to be able to support, as well as additional vehicles in the future. "Just like every other startup before it, their sustainability is not going to be determined by the first product in the first six months," Brinley said. "The first product just gets you in the door." A handful of auto startups such as Lordstown Motors, Electric Last Mile Solutions, Fisker, Canoo and Nikola all made it into various forms of production but went bankrupt. Even better capitalized EV startups such as Rivian Automotive and Lucid Group have continually had to raise capital to stay afloat. Industry insiders also have raised concerns about the affordability of Slate's vehicle once customers add options or a new SUV top, which can be installed and uninstalled using bolts. The Slate Truck interior. Courtesy: Slate Auto A Thai soldier stands guard in the area of Prasat Ta Muen Thom, a disputed border area between Thailand and Cambodia in Surin province, Thailand, on March 5, 2025. Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia, following an increase in troops on the other side, Thailand's defense minister said on Saturday. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have been simmering since a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 in a brief conflict in an undemarcated border area. For days, the two Southeast Asian governments have been exchanging carefully worded statements committing to dialogue. But Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Thailand's deputy prime minister, said Cambodia had rejected proposals in bilateral talks held on Thursday that could have led to a de-escalation. "Furthermore, there has been a reinforcement of military presence, which has exacerbated tensions along the border," Phumtham said in a statement. "Consequently, the Royal Thai Government has deemed it necessary to implement additional measures and to reinforce our military posture accordingly." He did not provide details on the extent of reinforcements by either side. In a separate statement on Saturday, the Thai army said Cambodian soldiers and civilians had repeatedly made incursions into Thailand's territory. "These provocations, and the build-up of military forces, indicate a clear intent to use force," the Thai army said, adding that it would take control of all Thai checkpoints along the border with Cambodia. Although border checkpoints between the two countries remain open, they may gradually become more restrictive, ranging from earlier closing times to complete closures, depending on security assessments in each area, Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said. Thailand currently operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817-km (508 miles) frontier, government data shows. A spokesperson for Cambodia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters on the Thai army's announcement. "This is our stance, not to initiate conflict, but to defend ourselves," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a speech earlier on Saturday. "Our guiding principles are ... respect for international legal frameworks. These grounded strategies are key to safeguarding our nation's sovereignty," he said, adding that its armed forces were ready to defend against aggression. Thailand remains committed to pursuing bilateral dialogue as a means to restore stability, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday. "The Thai side reaffirms its readiness to engage through established bilateral mechanisms, particularly the upcoming meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), scheduled for June 14," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters. "We sincerely hope that the negotiations will proceed in good faith," he added. The military reinforcements come despite efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the current chair of the Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc, and China to reduce tensions. For more than a century, Thailand and Cambodia have contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. Tension escalated in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a week-long exchange of artillery in 2011. Current governments in both countries, however, have enjoyed warm ties. Former leaders Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand and Cambodia's Hun Sen have had a close relationship, and Thaksin's daughter and Hun Sen's son are now the incumbent prime ministers of their countries. Still, nationalist sentiment has risen in Thailand and the Thai military said on Friday it is ready to launch a "high-level operation" to counter any violation of its sovereignty. Cambodia said this week it would refer disputes over four parts of the border to the International Court of Justice and asked Thailand to cooperate. Phumtham reiterated in his Saturday statement that Thailand does not recognise the jurisdiction of the court and proposed that all boundary-related issues be resolved through bilateral negotiations. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, U.S., June 6, 2025. President Donald Trump on Saturday said that it wasn't his decision to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, back to the U.S. to face federal charges, saying the "Department of Justice decided to do it that way, and that's fine." "That wasn't my decision," Trump said of Abrego Garcia's return in a phone call with NBC News on Saturday. "It should be a very easy case" for federal prosecutors, the president added. Trump added that he did not speak with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele about Abrego Garcia's return, even though the two men spoke about Abrego Garcia during an April meeting in the Oval Office. His remarks came after Abrego Garcia arrived back in the U.S. on Friday and was charged in an indictment alleging he transported people who were not legally in the country. The indictment came amid a protracted legal battle over whether to bring him back from El Salvador that escalated all the way up to the Supreme Court. Abrego Garcia's family and lawyers have called him a family man, while Trump and his administration have alleged that he is a member of the gang MS-13. The case drew national attention amid the Trump administration's broader push for mass deportations. After Abrego Garcia's deportation, lawyers for the Trump administration said he was deported in an "administrative error," as Abrego Garcia had previous legal protection from deportation to El Salvador. Still, the Trump administration did not attempt to bring Abrego Garcia back, even as the Supreme Court ruled that it had to "facilitate" his return to the U.S. Democrats, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., had for weeks said that Abrego Garcia was denied due process when he was detained and deported, arguing that he should have been allowed to defend himself from deportation before he was sent to El Salvador. Trump on Saturday called Van Hollen, who went to visit Abrego Garcia in jail in El Salvador in April, a "loser" for defending the man's right to due process. "He's a loser. The guy's a loser. They're going to lose because of that same thing. That's not what people want to hear," the president said about Van Hollen. "He's trying to defend a man who's got a horrible record of abuse, abuse of women in particular. No, he's a total loser, this guy." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday, June 7, said that any act of terror from Pakistan will be considered an act of war as he outlined the Modi's governments firm stance of zero tolerance against terrorism. "Its now our policy that we will proactively eradicate terrorists wherever they are. Any act of terror is now considered an act of war," he said in an opinion piece in The Times of India. Highlighting Indias resilience in the face of repeated attacksfrom 26/11 to the 2001 Parliament attack and the recent Pahalgam incidentSingh said India remains taller, stronger and more resolute than ever. He accused Pakistan of sponsoring a recent attack in Pahalgam where terrorists reportedly targeted tourists based on religion and referred to attacks on religious sites as efforts to fracture Indian unity. To crack down on terror networks, Singh proposed five global measures including maintaining a clear definition of terrorism, freezing terror funding and sanctioning state sponsors, placing Pakistans nuclear arsenal under international watch, holding proxy sponsors accountable, among others. Also Read: India, Pakistan conflict among issues discussed during Putin-Trump phone call: Kremlin aide It's time for all countries to come together and sign the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism, Singh wrote, adding that terror bases in Pakistan pose risks far beyond Indias borders. Singh called terrorism a scourge on humanity and rejected the notion that one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter as a dangerous misnomer. True freedom can never be built on fear and bloodshed, he wrote. Unless Pakistan acts against UN-designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, Singh reiterated that Indias future dialogue with Pakistan will focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan, on the other hand, had suggested to engage in comprehensive dialogue that covers all areas of disputes. The minister also outlined Indias strategy beyond military action, citing diplomatic and economic isolation efforts, including keeping the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan renounces terrorism. People are "disappointed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunuss announcement to hold elections in April 2026, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said on Saturday, June 7, reiterating the partys demand for polls by December this year.Peoples victory was achieved through the immense sacrifices made by students and the masses during the July uprising. But the unwarranted delay in arranging the election has disappointed and angered the people, Dhaka Tribune quoted the party as saying in a statement.The statement said BNPs national standing committee, in an emergency virtual meeting, reiterated its proposal to hold the election by December this year, taking into consideration Ramadan, secondary and higher secondary or equivalent examinations, and weather conditions.The meeting, presided over by BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, was convened following the chief advisers announcement that ignored the aspirations of a nation striving to reclaim its right to vote through prolonged struggles.The people of this country, deprived of their basic voting rights for almost a decade and a half, have continued their struggle to restore democracy through voting, despite being disappeared, murdered, imprisoned, injured, and tortured, it said.The meeting believes the people of the country may be rightly concerned about the possibility of a free and fair election under this government. The BNP standing committee observed that holding the election in early April could lead to complications, both due to adverse weather conditions and the challenges of conducting campaigns and election-related activities during Ramadan, which may ultimately be used as grounds for deferring the polls.It said the chief advisers address did not provide any clear justification as to why holding the election by December would not be feasible.It said Yunus in his speech touched upon issues like ports and corridors topics that did not fall within the interim governments three mandates justice, reform and elections.The meeting expressed anger at his choice of words in the speech, which crossed the limits of political decorum, the statement said.Yunus, who took charge after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime in August last year, said the interim governments key responsibility was to hold a clean, peaceful, festive, and inclusive election.Yunuss announcement comes amid mounting pressure from former prime minister Khaleda Zias BNP and several other groups to hold the election by December.The student-led NCP and several rightwing groups, however, said the polls must wait until the reforms and justice were done. The US stands strong with India in the fight against terrorism, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau told Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led all-party delegation here to convey India's stance on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.The Indian delegation met Landau here on Friday as it wrapped up the crucial US leg of its multi-nation tour, briefing key interlocutors about Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.The all-party parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor had a warm and candid conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State Landau. The Indian delegation briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the Indian Embassy said on X.Landau, in a post on X, said it was a GREAT meeting with the Indian parliamentary representatives.I reaffirmed that the US stands strong with India in the fight against terrorism. We discussed the US-India strategic relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster growth and prosperity for both countries, he said.A statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Landau reaffirmed the United States strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries".The delegation discussed with Landau the importance of advancing key areas of the bilateral relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster economic growth and prosperity in both countries, according to the statement.The embassy in a statement said that during the meeting with Landau, the delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed Indias subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth Indias firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms.The deputy secretary reaffirmed the United States strong support for India in the fight against terrorism. The two sides also had a wide-ranging conversation on the importance of strengthening bilateral relationships through advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, it said.The delegation also had a productive meeting with Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.The delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed Indias subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth Indias firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms, the embassy said on X.The senator sympathised with the victims of repeated terror attacks in India, saying the US stood with India in the fight against terrorism, and expressed support for New Delhi's right to defend itself.Tharoor also spoke over the phone with Senator Cory Booker, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and described the conversation as warm and productive.He briefed Booker on the monstrous terror attack in Pahalgam and outlined the repeated provocations of terrorism emanating from across the border, laid out the details of Operation Sindoor, and emphasised Indias firm resolve in countering any future acts of terrorism.Senator Booker unequivocally condemned terrorism and expressed sympathies with the victims. The conversation also touched upon broader themes in the India-US strategic partnership, which enjoys robust support, Tharoor said, adding that he hopes to meet Booker Next time in person.Apart from Tharoor, the delegation comprises MPs Sarfaraz Ahmad, Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, and Indias former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu.Several prominent American lawmakers and congressmen, as well as policy experts, attended a special reception hosted by the Indian Embassy on Thursday night and interacted with the delegation. 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 In a rare and public interaction, Washington Post columnist Ishaan Tharoor questioned his father, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, over Indias stance on Pakistans involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. The Thiruvananthapuram MP is leading an all-party delegation as a part of Indias diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor to build global consensus on cross-border terrorism. Ishaan, on Thursday, asked Tharoor senior whether any country had asked for evidence against Pakistans involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack.In response, Shashi Tharoor asserted that India would not have accused Pakistan or would not have carried out Operation Sindoor without convincing evidence.Born in 1984 in Singapore, Ishaan Tharoor is a global affairs columnist at The Washington Post. He authors the Todays WorldView column and newsletter at the publication.Ishaan Tharoor has a twin brother, Kanishk Tharoor, who is a writer.The Washington Post journalist graduated from Yale University in 2006, majoring in history, ethnicity, race and migration. Tharoor Junior is a recipient of the Sudler fellowship.He began his career at Time Magazine, where he rose to the rank of senior editor in New York before he joined The Washington Post in 2014. Since then, he has established a reputation as a global affairs commentator specialising in geopolitics, international diplomacy, and migration.Ishaan Tharoor, as per his author bio, won the American Academy of Diplomacy-administered Arthur Ross Media Award in Commentary.Between 2018 and 2020, he served as an adjunct instructor at Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, teaching Global Affairs in the Digital Age.Responding to Ishaans question, Shashi Tharoor defended Indias position. He replied that no nation doubted India and did not ask for evidence. He also highlighted Pakistans long-standing record of both conducting and denying involvement in terrorist activities.The Congress MP elaborated that India has witnessed a 37-year pattern of terror attacks originating from Pakistan, followed by repeated denials.He referenced Osama Bin Laden being found living in a safe house in Abbottabad, right next to a military camp, while Pakistan claimed not to know. He also cited the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, saying Pakistan had denied any involvement until compelling evidence surfaced. Gambling Help in Tennessee: What to Expect from Counseling Gambling begins as an entertaining pastime for many people, yet it develops into an addictive problem that destroys personal relationships and financial security and generates psychological distress. Professional help exists to assist those who detect problem gambling behaviors within their family members or themselves in Tennessee. Getting a clearer outlook on counseling and treatment programs enables people to begin their recovery journey more easily after recognizing their need for help. What to Expect During Counseling The initial sessions within treatment primarily concentrate on evaluation procedures. A counselor will: Discuss your gambling history. Identify triggers and high-risk situations. Professional counselors will investigate fundamental problems, which include anxiety tendencies and depression symptoms, as well as exposure to traumatic experiences. The professional will help you develop an individualized treatment approach that fits your needs. The primary objective goes beyond gambling cessation since the main purpose involves developing a life full of wellbeing and fulfillment. The discussion will address the improvement of coping techniques, together with partnership work, monetary management skills, and stress management methods. Types of Gambling Treatment Available in Tennessee Gambling help in Tennessee provides multiple resources, such as treatment facilities for those dealing with gambling addiction. Several primary options are available for gambling treatment in Tennessee. 1. Free Counseling Services Residents of Tennessee can access free gambling treatment through funding from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Achieving contact with qualified professionals will provide the opportunity to receive a recommendation for gambling counselors who specialize in treating gambling addiction. Counseling often includes: Individual therapy sessions Family counseling Group therapy Financial counseling support 2. Outpatient Treatment Programs You can participate in outpatient programs by staying at home while attending day-daily therapy appointments. These programs often combine: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) creates positive transformation by modifying unsafe gambling actions, together with problematic thoughts. Skills training to manage urges Stress and anger management Relapse prevention planning People who need to balance their treatment and workforce, as well as family obligations, benefit most from outpatient programs. 3. Inpatient and Residential Programs Some extreme gambling cases could use inpatient treatment that requires patients to reside in treatment facilities for determined periods, but such programs tend to be less frequent. These programs offer: Intensive therapy 24-hour supervision Structured daily schedules Individuals recovering from addiction receive important assistance from other people going through their recovery process. Your physician, along with your counselor, must evaluate whether this treatment level matches your needs. 4. Support Groups Large numbers of Gamblers Anonymous programs exist throughout the state of Tennessee. The gamblers' recovery program based on Alcoholics Anonymous provides a 12-step treatment combined with a peer support structure for gambling recovery. The recovery process becomes stronger when people receive professional therapy alongside peer support group participation. A feeling of loneliness often affects people with gambling addiction, while treatment options are available. The treatment programs in Tennessee operate as a complete support system for every stage of recovery from initial contact through recreation of a stable, happy life. The decision to seek help today will transform the reality for both you and someone you love. Originally published on natureworldnews.com After more than a decade marked by heartbreak, betrayal and unimaginable grief, Kaitlin Palmieri finally got her happy ending. The 40-year-old school psychologist from Long Island tied the knot this spring with her high school acquaintance-turned-soulmate, Sean - marking a joyful chapter that once seemed impossible. But her journey to 'I do' wasn't just complicated. It was nearly cursed, as she calls herself 'luckiest unluckiest girl in the world'. Palmieri was just about to turn 30 when her boyfriend Mike, whom she described as 'a literal saint', died in a freak accident at her birthday party. He was found floating face down in the pool and placed on life support. Doctors later discovered he had broken his neck. 'It was by far the worst thing that had happened to me up to that point,' she said. 'We don't know exactly what happened. It was probably a diving accident, but nobody really saw it. He was perfectly healthy. It was just tragic.' After years of healing and therapy, Palmieri found love again with a man named Eric. The two moved in together, got engaged in December 2019, and planned to marry in a small summer wedding. But on August 22, 2020 - their wedding day - Eric died of a heart attack. 'They (doctors) told me he had a bad heart. Like a Black Widow-type condition. No symptoms, no signs. He was perfectly healthy. It was just sudden,' she told the Daily Mail. After more than a decade of heartbreak and loss, Kaitlin Palmieri, a 40-year-old school psychologist from Long Island, has finally found happiness with her new husband, Sean (Photos by Daniel Badalato/@_danbphotography_/danbphotography60.mypixieset.com) The two reconnected in early 2024 through a dating app, having known each other in high school, and quietly married in a courthouse ceremony this spring 'The doctors said he had signs of past heart attacks. But there was no way to know unless he had open heart surgery. I didn't even know something like that could happen.' That loss could have broken her. But what came next changed everything. In November 2023, on what would have been Eric's birthday, Palmieri made a chilling discovery. She came across an Instagram post from a woman who had previously messaged her about a grief blog she wrote. The woman posted yellow heart emojis in a tribute to Eric - a detail that hit Palmieri hard. 'Yellow was my favorite color. That was my thing with him. It p***ed me off more than anything,' she said. She messaged the woman for clarification. The response she got turned her world upside down. 'She told me she'd been seeing him since basically the beginning. Since April 2019. That was before we were even engaged. She said they slept together whenever he was in Arizona for work,' Palmieri said. Kaitlin Palmieri, 38, from Long Island mourned the loss of her late fiance Eric, who died aged 33 after a heart attack on the day he was due to marry her The two lovers pictured before Eric's death, due to marry in 2020, coinciding with his affair with another woman he met on a dating app Even more devastating: the woman provided proof. 'The last messages he sent her were two weeks before our wedding,' she said. 'They were disgusting. Sexual. I was beside myself. I couldn't believe it.' As she began to go public with her story, more women came forward. 'I met a couple of his exes. One of them is married with kids now. She told me he cheated on her, too. Another one said they were sleeping together up until January 2020 and she was traveling to see him while we were living together.' The betrayal cut as deep as the grief. 'I was grieving someone I thought I knew. But that person never existed. It was a total mindf**k,' Palmieri said. 'It made me question everything. Was he two people? Was anything we had even real?' For a while, she swore off dating. 'I went on like one date a year for three years. I was solidly single,' she said. Their relationship blossomed quickly but intentionally, and Palmieri says Sean has been a pillar of support through her ongoing healing Eric had proposed in an elaborate public display, which is why Palmieri chose to keep everything low-key with Sean - favoring authenticity over spectacle She admits the wedding was emotionally difficult and that she struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and trust issues, but credits therapy, medication, and support groups with helping her through But now, after years of unthinkable grief and trauma, Palmieri has finally found her happy ending. She married her husband, Sean, this spring in a quiet courthouse ceremony. A month later, they hosted a backyard party with friends and family. It was low-key, heartfelt, and just right. She sweetly captioned a photo she shared to Instagram of their celebrations, 'the luckiest unluckiest girl in the world'. 'I had no desire to do the whole wedding thing. And thank God he didn't either,' Palmieri told DailyMail.com. 'I didn't know how I'd feel. I didn't know if I was going to have a mental breakdown. So I had to break it up into two events. But it ended up being perfect.' Palmieri reconnected with Sean through a dating app in January 2024. They had gone to high school together but hadn't kept in touch. 'It was platonic at first. Just like, "Oh hey, I remember you!" But we had mutual friends, and once we started hanging out, it was just like... when you know, you know,' she said. By June, they were talking about marriage. By Christmas, they were planning a spring wedding. 'It was very transactional,' she laughed. 'I said, I have spring break. You wanna do it then? It was mature, it was adult. And it was exactly where we were at.' Sean, she says, is emotionally grounded and unbothered by her past, offering her space to grieve without judgment Despite lingering fears and the difficulty of planning for the future, Palmieri now feels a sense of hope she thought she'd lost forever They used rings from her family. The night before the ceremony, Sean surprised her with an engagement ring. 'It was really sweet,' she said. 'I didn't want any of the big proposal stuff. Eric had proposed in Central Park with our families there. It was this big to-do. His family flew in from all over the country. Every friend I'd ever met was at the bar afterward. It was like a show-stopping proposal.' She explained: 'That's why I wanted nothing to do with any of that with Sean. 'After what happened with Eric, I didn't want the spectacle. I wanted something real, quiet and grounded. And thank God, Sean felt the same.' Sean, she says, has been a pillar. 'He's annoyingly healthy,' she joked. 'He gives me space to grieve, to be angry. He was the first person I called when I found out about the second woman. And he was like, "Of course you can call me." No jealousy, no ego.' 'He just handles it better than I probably would. I guess when you're that secure in yourself, you don't feel threatened by someone's past,' she added. 'He's just a good man.' Though she still struggles with anxiety and PTSD, Palmieri says she feels safe with him. 'You don't have to be healed to be happy. That's what I'm learning.' She shares her story to remind others that healing is not linear, and that happiness can coexist with grief 'I never thought I'd be here. I thought I was done. But somehow, here I am,' Palmieri told the Daily Mail 'The wedding was hard. I was a disaster, honestly,' she admitted. 'I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't want to plan it. I bought my dress the week before. I couldn't go shopping with people. I had to protect myself.' She credits therapy, medication, and her support group with helping her navigate the emotions. 'There were days where I felt okay. And others where I felt paralyzed,' she said. 'I'm in constant therapy. I'm trying ketamine treatment this summer for PTSD.' As for the future? 'I try to take it day by day. I'm terrified of making plans. Excitement is hard for me. But I feel really lucky,' she said. 'I never thought I'd be here. I thought I was done. But somehow, here I am.' For anyone struggling with grief, she has one message: 'The best feeling wasn't when I was "over it". It was when I wasn't alone anymore. There is help. There are people. It can get better.' Dear Jana, My newly divorced best friend has just started seeing someone new, and she's head over heels. The issue is I used to sleep with him. It was never serious, just a fling in the early 2000s when we worked at the same big bank. However, it was definitely more than a one-night stand. She has no idea. And while I don't have any lingering feelings for this man - it's been more than two decades - I feel I should tell her. My big fear is she finds out from him and thinks of it as a betrayal. Dilemma. A woman tells Mail+ agony aunt Jana Hocking she used to sleep with her friend's new boyfriend - and she isn't sure if she should tell her (stock image posed by models) Dear Dilemma, I'll be honest with you - there are few phrases more terrifying to a woman than: 'I've slept with him too.' But I've heard it before, and I've said it before. Because these are the times we're living in. I learned pretty quickly that once you hit your mid-30s, it becomes surprisingly common to be 'spit sisters' with your friends - excuse the gross term - especially if you all live in the same city. The important thing to note is that you're not the villain here. It happens. There's no denying you have seen your bestie's new boyfriend's pecker, and that's going to cause dramas if it's not revealed in a timely and sensitive manner. And it has to come from you, because it would be weird coming from him. So hike up your big-girl pants and tell her. And remember, you're not causing drama; this isn't betrayal. You're just covering your bases so this doesn't spiral into an issue in five years' time when these two are about to walk down the aisle and suddenly you find yourself blocked from the bridal party WhatsApp group wondering, 'What did I do wrong?' We're all allowed to have a past. But if she finds out later - especially from him - she won't be mad about the fling. She'll be hurt that you didn't say anything. And, to be honest, it does feel a bit dodgy if you don't pipe up. So take a deep breath, pour her a glass of wine, and say: 'Right, this is awkward, but full disclosure - I had a brief, pants-off moment with Craig in the 2000s. Nothing serious, but I just didn't want you to hear it from anyone else.' She'll laugh. Or wince. Or both. It may be awkward for a while, but she'll get over it. And, whatever you do, don't be overly friendly with him when you all hang out. Your friend will be watching you both like a hawk. A worried wife tells Jana her husband has an OnlyFans subscription, but it's the single account he is subscribed to that has her worried Dear Jana, My husband and I share a laptop. Recently, while typing in the Chrome search tab, I noticed OnlyFans come up as a previously visited website. I clicked and discovered an email and password was saved. My heart sank because I never thought this was something my husband, who is 51, would do behind my back. But I logged in. He was subscribed to one account. Just one. And she wasn't a stranger - she was a woman we both knew. The 21-year-old friend of our daughter. I felt sick to my stomach. The only thing that stopped me from divorcing him on the spot was the knowledge this girl was 18 when she met our daughter at university - thank God. If she had been a friend from school, you bet he'd be out the door. I haven't said anything to him yet, but I am devastated. I know he has crossed a line, but so have I by logging into his account. I understand men watch pornography online, but this feels different. Should I confront him? Torn. Dear Torn, The problem with male sexual desire is that it often shows up in ways that disgust women. I lust after older gents with beards, maybe a tattoo or two, and that lived-a-life energy that says, 'I can build you a bookshelf and make you a dirty martini.' Men, on the other hand, seem to prefer their women young, perky, and (let me be perfectly blunt here) controllable. It's gross, but not illegal. And, if we're being fair, what a man looks at in his own private time isn't something we should shame - unless it crosses an obvious line. Which, in this case, it does. Because this isn't just porn. It isn't anonymous Tits McGee. It's someone he knows in real life - namely a 21-year-old girl who has met you both in a family situation and probably laughed at your husband's lame dad jokes. It's cringe and inappropriate. So let's not dress it up: your husband is being a creepy old man. He crossed a line the moment he subscribed. You may not know this, but this means she knows he's watching. (Yes, OnlyFans models can see who subscribes to them.) So, it's possible he is doing more than just perving on her photos. He may well want her to know that he is watching. If this is the case, then we are talking about more than just harmless, occasional porn consumption. You absolutely should confront him. Tell him to unsubscribe or your marriage is over - giving him all the time in the world to message girls on OnlyFans. 'Let's not dress it up: he's being a creepy old man,' Jana writes (picture posed by model) Dear Jana, A few weeks ago, I had 'the talk' with my new boyfriend about him staying in touch with exes and old Hinge matches. He was still friends with them on Facebook and followed them on Instagram, which is fine, but I wasn't comfortable with the messages, comments and story replies. It felt like he was talking to them literally every day, even in my presence. His friendships are his business, but it felt to me like he was keeping one foot in his old single life. So he agreed to stop the messages and comments, and everything seemed to be back to normal. Then I discovered he was still in touch with them on Strava. It's a running app for fitness types that he knows I don't use and I only cottoned on to what he was doing because I saw email alerts on his phone when one of these girls replied to him. I feel betrayed. I asked him to stop and he's still doing it, hoping he won't get caught. What should I do? Running from Commitment. Dear Running from Commitment, You're both in the wrong here. You're giving off controlling and he's giving off 'don't tell me what to do' admittedly in a passive way. The fact that you know who his exes are, and how he communicates with them, tells me you have turned into a super sleuth, tracking his every move. That's not healthy. It's taking up far too much energy that you could be using elsewhere - like your career or the bedroom. A male friend recently told me his girlfriend goes through his Instagram and demands to know how he knows each woman he follows. I could think was 'red flag'. And you are giving the same kind of energy. In a secure relationship, you wouldn't feel the need to do that. So ask yourself - is this coming from baggage you're still lugging around from past relationships, or is it because, deep down, you know he's up to something? Figure out which one, because that's your starting point. Psychologically, when you tell someone they can't have something, their brain starts obsessing over it. It's the same reason we all want to cut carbs until someone mentions garlic bread, and then all we can think about is garlic bread. You told him to stop messaging girls and all of a sudden he found a crafty way around it. I wonder what would have happened if you simply didn't react or put hard and fast rules in place? But here's where he loses me: he knew what you meant. He agreed to stop. And instead of being upfront or negotiating a boundary that worked for both of you, he just shifted the behaviour to a new platform. That's telling. So perhaps your spidey senses were on to something. To me, it appears he's passive-aggressively fighting a rule you put in place, rather than just telling you 'No, I get to choose who I stay friends with, not you.' But on the flip side, it also could be proof he's not ready to close the door to his single life fully. He clearly likes the idea of being in a relationship, but he also likes keeping a fan club on standby. It's a dopamine hit and an ego boost. That tiny thrill of knowing someone out there still thinks he's hot in bike shorts. So, yes, you helped create this dynamic by trying to police his inbox. But he escalated it by lying through omission. Tell him you're not interested in being the social media police. Either he wants to be in the relationship fully, or he wants to keep one foot in his single life. He can't have both. The Prince of Wales is marking World Oceans Day this year with an interview with Sir David Attenborough ahead of the release of his new documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough. Kensington Palace has released a new film of Prince William and the 99-year-old broadcaster and environmental activist, which sees the pair discussing the current state of the oceans. David's new documentary is set to release on Sunday June 8, which is World Oceans Day. The film has been created to shine a light on the damage humankind has wreaked on the ocean, as well as the opportunities we have to heal it. In their conversation, William and David spoke of the legendary biologist's work in ocean exploration, as well as reasons to remain optimistic for ocean recovery. At the start of the short film, David recalled the first time he ever put on a diving helmet - and nearly drowned as it filled with water. 'I suddenly felt water coming up,' he said, gesturing around his chin to show where the water level rose to inside the helmet when he first went underwater. 'I thought, 'This can't be right'. And by the time it got to about here,' he said, gesturing to his nose, 'I thought, 'I'm sure this is not right'. 'And of course if you've got this thing screwed on top of you, you can't breathe. You can't even make yourself heard, you know. Get it off me!' The Prince of Wales and Sir David Attenborough have released a short film ahead of the premiere of Ocean with David Attenborough on World Oceans Day The documentary maker said his director at the time, Alastair Fothergill, then took the helmet from him and ignored a warning that it was faulty. 'I said, "It's a fault," and he said, "No, Lord, come on". And he put it on. I'm happy to say that he went under the water and he came up even quicker than I did because there was actually a fault on the thing.' In a 2016 interview in The Telegraph, Alastair also remembered the moment he resurfaced after trying to show David that there wasn't a problem with the helmet. 'I can still remember his gentle smile of satisfaction when he saw how quickly the helmet nearly drowned me as well,' the director said. Later in their conversation, William, who founded the Earthshot Prize in 2020, asked Sir David about how he felt when he got the chance to scuba dive for the first time and talk about it on camera. 'Once [Jacques] Cousteau invented the Aqua-Lung and the face mask, that was the moment when suddenly you moved into a new world, you were flying alongside fish, which was an extraordinary experience and the fish, of course, have no reaction to you really because they've never seen anything like you before.' The 99-year-old broadcaster and environmental activist has said the forthcoming documentary is the most important of his career Sir David recalled the first time he wore a dive helmet and how he almost drowned because it was faulty and filled with water He and Prince William also discussed the best and worst things Sir David has seen over the years of filming in the ocean Sir David also praised the underwater camera crew he has worked with over the years, who he described as 'fantastic' and 'happier underwater than they are on land'. William also asked Sir David what state he would say the oceans are in, based on what he has seen over the years. 'The awful thing is that it's hidden from you and from me, and most people,' he replied. Describing a scene in the documentary which shows deep sea trawling - a way of fishing that uses heavy nets and chains dragged along the ocean floor that is extremely destructive - Sir David said he had been 'appalled' at what humanity has done. 'It is just unspeakably awful,' he said. 'If you did anything remotely like it on land, everybody would be up in arms. 'If this film does anything, if it just shifts the public awareness, it'll be very, very important. I can only hope people who see it will recognise that something must be done before we destroy this great treasure.' Searching for reasons to be optimistic, William asked: 'What gives you hope? What inspires you? Have you seen any stories where you feel that there is hope that we can turn this around?' Sir David said that what has been 'heartening' to see is the ability to broadcast what's happening to the environment directly into 'people's front rooms'. 'Whole families sitting at home in comfort can actually suddenly see this coming up. Films like this can expose something new.' The prince also asked the broadcaster for reasons to be optimistic about the recovery of the ocean and its future Sir David hopes his documentary will 'shift the public awareness' and that people 'will recognise that something must be done before we destroy this great treasure' A pod of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins swimming across the coral reefs of the Red Sea, Egypt Sir David also said it was 'heartening' to be able to broadcast his documentary straight into people's homes The prince's final question to Sir David probed into the deep, mysterious unknown, as he asked: 'Do you think there are things down there we've never seen?' 'Beyond question,' the broadcaster answered. 'We're in the situation now when in fact it's possible to go into places where nothing like you has ever been there before. It's a huge privilege and excitement.' Earlier this month - as he celebrated his 99th birthday - Sir David said that his forthcoming documentary is one of the most important of his career. He said in a statement: 'After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.' Prince William also released a new wildlife documentary that was released in May, and said that Sir David was a 'big inspiration' to him when he was growing up. His six-part series, titled Guardians, hopes to 'remind people that there are still wonderful parts of the world and there is still hope, and there's still amazing work to be done'. The prince's passion for protecting the environment and encouraging new initiatives that focus on conservation and recovery is clear through his Earthshot Prize, which awards five winners each year for their contributions towards environmentalism. Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their two children recently took a family trip to Disneyland - and shared some of the details. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, shared special moments from their Disney visit in a post on Instagram. It appears the special time away was, at least in part, to celebrate their daughter Lillibet's fourth birthday. And according to Meghan's post, it appears the family had a good time - sharing details of their trip, including some of the somewhat unusual snacks they enjoyed. Notably, one picture show a large pile of corndogs and pickles on a table. The cost of a two-day trip for a four person family to Disneyland can depend on a range of factors, but it can cost around $5,000. It is not known what the family paid for their holiday, but the pictures certainly made it appear as though they made the most of their time away. As well as having a blast on numerous rides, both Lillibet and their son Archie, six, had the chance to meet Disney princess Elsa from Frozen. Meghan Markle, 43, and husband Prince Harry, 40, whisked themselves and their two kids, Archie, six, and Lillibet, four, away for a memorable family trip to Disneyland Meghan held her children's hands as they slowly walked over to take pictures with the character in a sweet moment. Meghan and Harry's kids also had fun on some rides at the amusement park such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Cars ride. The couple - who tied the knot in 2018 - were spotted having a blast of their own as they sat at the front while on Space Mountain together. One short reel included in the post was taken as the family-of-four excitedly explored Disneyland and also visited the Star Wars troopers. Harry flashed a cheerful smile as he turned towards the camera while sitting next to Lillibet on another ride. At one point, Markle and her family were also seen sporting matching Mickey and Minnie Mouse hats on top of their heads. Prince Harry (pictured) appeared to be delighted as he enjoyed a family getaway to Disneyland recently The family shared an insight into their somewhat unusual snacks - one picture was taken to show a pile of corndogs and pickles on a table For her birthday, Lillibet received a Little Mermaid-themed cake that was covered in blue sugary frosting while 'Happy Birthday Lili' was written in pink icing. The Instagram post also had a sweet family photo as they posed outside with a small river behind them. In the caption, Meghan penned to her 3.6 million followers: 'Thank you @disneyland for giving our family two days of pure joy!' Earlier this week on Wednesday, Markle jumped to her main Instagram page to share a rare photo of herself with daughter Lillibet to celebrate her birthday which took place on June 4. In the black and white image, the actress could be seen holding her daughter as they enjoyed a boat ride on the water. She also wrote, 'Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives - and each day is brighter and better because of it. Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!' The couple - who tied the knot in 2018 - were spotted having a blast of their own as they sat at the front while on Space Mountain together Meghan revealed the family had enjoyed 'two days of pure joy' during their trip to Disneyland in a post on Instagram In a separate post, Meghan uploaded a snap of her husband Harry gently holding Lillibet when she was a newborn. Another picture was taken a couple years later as the pair ran along a dirt path at a scenic tropical location. 'The sweetest bond to watch unfold. Daddy's little girl and favorite adventurer. Happy birthday Lili!' Meghan typed out. Meghan and Prince Harry reside in a Montecito home with Archie and Lillibet - and the Suits alum has previously opened up about their family life. During an interview with People a few months earlier in March, Markle reflected on how they go about each day with 'normalcy.' Lillibet also received a Little Mermaid-themed cake that was covered in hues of blue sugary frosting while 'Happy Birthday Lili' was written in pink icing 'Once you know us, I think you want us to have the same normalcy as parents and for our children as they do, despite however unique our situation is,' she explained to the outlet. 'We go to a lot of dinners, and not just in people's homes or private rooms; we just go into the restaurant. I really love that we can just have fun.' She has been keeping busy and back in March, her Netflix series With Love, Meghan premiered and has also been renewed for a second season. Later this month, Markle will also make an appearance at the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County's Night of Wonder event on Saturday, June 14. It is not known if Prince Harry will also attend with Meghan - but the ball will take place on the same day as Trooping the Colour in the U.K. Dakota Middleby found a small lump at 28. It was stage three cancer Just three weeks before her 29th birthday, Dakota Middleby's life changed in an instant. It was March 26 when she received the call that confirmed her worst fears. What began as seemingly innocuous swelling under her right arm turned out to be something far more serious: stage 3, grade 3 HER2-positive breast cancer - a rare and aggressive form of the disease most often associated with older women. 'I initially went to the doctors seven years ago for a lump I found in my breast, but I was told it was a fatty lump and not harmful,' Dakota told FEMAIL. 'The only thing I noticed this time was some swollen lymph nodes under my arm. My doctor initially thought it was viral, and that I'd start to get sick because of it. But weeks went by and they weren't going down.' Eventually, she was sent for an ultrasound. 'I put it off for a week because I couldn't get an appointment and I didn't think it was serious. I mean, I was 28 and extremely healthy - what could it actually have been? 'But then I saw the ultrasound technician's face change and I knew something was wrong,' she recalled. Just three weeks before her 29th birthday, Dakota Middleby's life changed in an instant Dakota's doctor told her it was suspected breast cancer. 'I was in shock,' she recalled. 'There's no cancer in my family. I felt completely healthy. I didn't know people in their twenties could get breast cancer.' What followed was a blur of medical tests: two biopsies, a PET scan, a CT scan, and a flurry of bloodwork. Then came the official diagnosis - stage 3 HER2-positive breast cancer, known for how quickly it spreads. 'I literally thought I was going to die. My whole life flashed before my eyes,' she said. She had just moved from the Gold Coast to Melbourne for a new job, but within six months, she was forced to resign to focus on treatment. 'I resigned when I was diagnosed, just because mentally it was too much to try and manage both,' she said. What began as a seemingly harmless swelling under her right arm turned out to be something far more serious: stage 3, grade 3 HER2-positive breast cancer What followed was a blur of medical tests: two biopsies, a PET scan, a CT scan, and a flurry of bloodwork Dakota quickly discovered how aggressive her treatment would need to be. HER2-positive cancers require a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and often surgery. There wasn't time to do traditional egg freezing to preserve her fertility. Instead, she underwent emergency ovarian tissue freezing - a relatively uncommon procedure - and began monthly Zoladex injections to shut down her ovaries and protect them from the harsh effects of chemo. 'I had to go into early menopause almost overnight,' she said, suffering menopause-like symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and more changes and puts your body through a physical toll. Dakota's chemotherapy began shortly after. Every three weeks, she receives a round of powerful drugs designed to kill the cancer cells. 'I get mouth ulcers, nausea, heartburn, memory fog, and even temporary vision issues,' she said. 'It takes about a week to even feel semi-human again. By the second week, I start feeling slightly better. The third week is my only good week - then it all starts again.' Two weeks after her first treatment, her hair started to fall out. 'My skin changed overnight. I've gone from having clear skin to acne on my face, chest and back,' she said. 'It's not something I can hide, and that's been one of the hardest parts.' In September, Dakota is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the lymph nodes from her right side. If chemotherapy hasn't shrunk the tumour enough by then, doctors will perform a mastectomy. Determined to keep her mind active, she recently began an internship with a marketing agency. 'I just wanted to keep my brain moving and keep learning as much as I can,' she explained. Dakota quickly discovered how aggressive her treatment would need to be 'He's been incredible. His workplace has been so understanding, and not everyone is that lucky,' she said of her partner (pictured) Still, daily life looks dramatically different now. Even something as simple as leaving the house has become a challenge. 'It's whether you're brave enough to go to the grocery store with no hair and have everyone look,' she said. 'Otherwise it's, "Where's my wig? I've got to put my wig on". Those appearance-based things mean a lot more now. You're looked at differently.' Being 29 and living in Melbourne, she used to thrive on a busy social life. 'There was always something happening - going out for a wine during the week, seeing friends, just being out and about,' she said. 'Now it feels like everything's been put on hold.' Even the small things - those most people wouldn't think twice about - have shifted. 'I have to be so careful about what I eat, make sure all my vegetables are washed properly, make sure I'm walking, moving my body, keeping on top of everything. It's a lot. A lot of things have changed,' she said. The experience has made her re-evaluate everything - including how long the cancer may have been growing. 'I was told I had a fatty lump in my breast when I was 21. I didn't get it checked again until now,' she said. 'Looking back, I wonder if that was the start of it.' Despite everything, Dakota has found strength in unexpected places. She's continued doing Pilates and is completing her internship to stay mentally stimulated between treatments. 'There were a couple of weeks where I was in a 'poor me' headspace,' she said. 'But I've had to shift my mindset. I don't want cancer to take more from me than it already has.' She's also been buoyed by support from her loved ones. Dakota has continued doing Pilates and has even started a remote internship to stay mentally stimulated between treatments Dakota is working on launching a donation fund to help women under 40 access early breast cancer screening - even if they don't have symptoms or family history Her mum has flown to Melbourne twice to help care for her, and her partner has remained by her side. 'He's been incredible. His workplace has been so understanding, and not everyone is that lucky,' she said. But Dakota knows many other women don't have the same support - or access to early screenings. Since sharing her story, she's been contacted by other women in their twenties who are also battling breast cancer. 'I've heard from girls as young as 20 who have it. We're not anomalies - it's happening more and more,' she said. 'But there's still a massive age bias. We're told we're "too young" for breast cancer. We're not taught to check our breasts. Screenings aren't offered to us. And when we do speak up, we're often dismissed.' That's why she's launching a donation fund to help women under 40 access early breast cancer screenings - even if they don't have symptoms or family history. 'There's just no help for us,' she said. 'You shouldn't have to find a lump or wait until it's stage 3 to get answers.' Her goal is to have the fund up and running by the end of the year. 'I don't want to just survive this. I want to do something with it,' she said. Framed by lush woodlands, rolling farmland and glistening springs, the sedate town of Vernon in northeastern Florida has a fairly blissful appeal. But the tucked-away community of just over 700 residents has a grisly history lurking under the surface. When industry in the rural town died out during the first half of the 20th century, with the closure of the sawmill and steamboat port, many residents struggled to make ends meet. And that's when a bizarre and horrifying money-making scheme made its rounds and earned the town its nickname: Nub City. In a New York Times article published in 1972, insurance investigator John Healy reveals how people in Vernon started chopping off their own limbs to make false accident claims. Mr Healy, who worked for the Continental National American insurance group at the time, told how a 'threeyear orgy of selfmaiming that started with a claim for about $5,000 and petered out with one around the $300,000 level.' The piece reports that around a dozen of the town's residents were 'missing feet, arms, hands or eyes,' but other reports state that the number of maimed locals was closer to 50. Giving an insight into Vernon life at the time, Mr Healy wrote: 'To sit in your car on a sweltering summer evening on the main street of Nub City watching anywhere from eight to a dozen cripples walking along the street, gives the place a ghoulish, eerie atmosphere.' Framed by lush woodlands, rolling farmland and glistening springs, the sedate town of Vernon in northeastern Florida has a blissful appeal Your browser does not support iframes. L.W. Burdeshaw, who also worked as insurance agent in the area during the 1970s, said that the incidents were put down to a variety of incidents which later transpired to be false. He said his list of policyholders in Vernon included a man who accidently shot his foot off while protecting chickens, another man who lost his hand while trying to shoot a hawk and a man who purchased insurance and then, less than 12 hours later, shot off his foot while aiming for a squirrel. While numerous claims went through, insurance investigator Mr Healy said suspicions were raised when the claims started reaching the six figure mark. He revealed: 'We got in on the thing with a claim at about the $100,000 level. I solved it pretty quickly.' One insurance investigator told the St. Petersburg Times that a local farmer made more than $1 million after taking out policies with '28 or 38 companies' before losing his foot. Before making the claim, he was apparently 'paying premiums that cost more than his income.' While the man's injury looked suspicious, with a tourniquet in his pocket and the fact that he had swapped his car that day for his wife's which was an automatic instead of a stick shift, the jury found it difficult to believe he would shoot off his foot. One brawl, which took place during a local council meeting in Vernon in 1984, was caught on camera and it shows resident James Armstrong wearing a hook in place of a missing left hand However, eventually the insurance companies cracked down on the insurance scam that was circulating through Vernon and the trend petered out. Mr Healy said when he was interviewed in 1972: 'After the first few times, nobody could collect anything more than nuisance value, and then nothing at all. 'We informed the local authorities about the thing, though there's not much they can do about it. 'And don't think those people down there can get accident insurance any more. I haven't heard anything from there for at least two years.' In some online threads, Vernon residents talk about the town's mysterious history and their memories of what was going on. Kelly Crocker wrote on YouTube in response to the 1981 documentary simply titled 'Vernon, Florida': 'My hometown. Was once called Nub City. 'When I grew up, there were seven local men with nubs. Some were legitimate accidents and others said to be fraud.' Meanwhile, another commenter added: 'Yep, from there too and there were plenty of "accidents" before the 80's fraud charges.' There is little in the way of imagery from Vernon's darker days. However one brawl, which took place during a local council meeting in 1984, was caught on camera and it shows resident James Armstrong wearing a hook in place of a missing left hand. Today, Vernon has moved on from its gruesome past with no amputations in sight Touching on what it is like in the 21st century, one resident writes: 'I grew up near Vernon and live there now. The town is still full of eccentrics (we have a guy who exclusively rides his lawnmower around town) but it's nothing like it used to be' When a reporter later asked his councilor wife Narvel how he lost his hand, she implied it was the result of self mutilation, by simply responding: 'I think you know.' Errol Morris, who was the film director behind the aforementioned documentary 'Vernon, Florida', originally set out to make a movie about Nub City and the insurance claim saga. However, he claimed that threats from residents who didn't not want the story being made public made him rethink his narrative. He told one reporter, following a particularly harrowing encounter: 'I knocked on the door of a double-amputee, who was missing an arm and a leg on opposite sides of the body - the preferred technique, so that you could use a crutch. 'His buff son-in-law, a Marine, beat me up. I decided whatever I was doing was really, really stupid and dangerous.' Instead of insurance 'scammers', Morris' documentary purely focuses on what life was like in Vernon in 1981, with a worm farmer and a turkey hunter among his subjects. Today, Vernon has moved on from its gruesome past with no amputations in sight. Touching on what it is like in the 21st century, one resident explains: 'I grew up near Vernon and live there now. 'The town is still full of eccentrics (we have a guy who exclusively rides his lawnmower around town) but it's nothing like it used to be. 'State highway 79 was expanded to four lanes a while back, and it's construction knocked out dozens of little shops and homes. 'The whole place has been taken over by asphalt. I wish it would go back to how it was before.' Another person familiar with the community reflects: 'Vernon is a great small town filled with the kindest people. Real salt of the earth hard working honest people. This story [of Nub City] is in their past.' Taking statins can improve the chances of surviving sepsis by 40 per cent, a trial has found. Sepsis can occur when the bodys immune system overreacts to an infection and attacks its own organs. It is notoriously difficult to spot because the telltale symptoms, such as a fever and muscle pain, can be easily mistaken for signs of a common cold or other infection. Statins lower cholesterol to prevent heart attacks and strokes and are taken by around 5 million adults in the UK. But experts say they have other benefits, including reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria that can ultimately lead to sepsis. The study compared survival rates of sepsis patients given statins and those who were not during a hospital stay. It found the pills reduced the risk of death for those critically ill with the condition by 39 per cent. Taking statins can improve the chances of surviving sepsis by 40 per cent, a trial has found. Statins lower cholesterol to prevent heart attacks and strokes and are taken by around 5 million adults in the UK (file image) The study compared survival rates of sepsis patients given statins and those who were not during a hospital stay. It found the pills reduced the risk of death for those critically ill with the condition by 39 per cent (file image) In intensive care, 14.3 per cent of 6,000 sepsis patients given statins died within 28 days, compared with 23.4 per cent of 6,000 patients who were not. For those no longer in a critical condition, 11 per cent given statins died compared to 19 per cent who were not. Dr Caifeng Li, of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital in China and the studys author said: These results suggest that statins may provide a protective effect and improve clinical outcomes for patients with sepsis. Researchers believe the drugs may help with sepsis by helping to combat bacteria directly, reducing the toll infection takes on the body. Earlier this year another study found the pills could also slash dementia risk even in patients who dont have high cholesterol. The sepsis study, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, was based on data from thousands of patients at an Israeli hospital over a decade. Dr Ron Daniels, founder and chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, said: This study supports calls for a large, multi-country, randomised control trial. The sepsis study, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, was based on data from thousands of patients at an Israeli hospital over a decade (file image) 'Anything which might reduce the burden of a condition which claims one in five lives worldwide needs to be rigorously explored. Sepsis is known as the silent killer. For every hour of delay in treatment, a patients chance of dying increases 8 per cent. If caught early, it can be treated with antibiotics and fluids. Symptoms include slurred speech or confusion, shivering or muscle pain, passing no urine in a day, severe breathlessness and mottled or discoloured skin. Blood test to spot Alzheimer's early A Blood test for Alzheimers can accurately detect the disease early, a study suggests. The test was 95 per cent accurate in identifying people with memory problems. It also scored 82 per cent for specificity, which means it was highly accurate in ruling out people without dementia. The study, published in the journal Alzheimers and Dementia, found proteins amyloid beta 42/40 and p-tau217 in blood plasma can be examined to diagnose the condition. The study was carried out on more than 500 people in an outpatient memory clinic. The blood test has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration regulator in the US. Gen Z: I am and I dont say this lightly so busy. Boomer: Whats with all the dashes? Is Morse code having a moment? Em dashes are a vibe. One X user calls them the coolest punctuation ever the Charli XCX of grammar. Confusing and jarring? Sassy and smart they draw attention. More like a fax machine: clunky, awkward and best left in the last century. The em dash is everywhere, according to The Washington Post, because its ChatGPTs favourite punctuation mark. Is that a new Turing test component: asking if AI prefers dashes or colons? We and ChatGPT have a soft spot for the em dash, an OpenAI employee told the Post. A journalist called it my emotional support punctuation mark. Once used by Emily Dickinson in her poetry; now therapy for chatbots. Why the winky face? Is that a joke about my bad eye? No, I mean the ; Its actually called a semicolon and its the most elegant and elusive of punctuation marks to both The Spectator and myself. So jarring. You know theyre used only half as much now as they were in 2000? Because of your generations inability to practise decent grammar? Because the semicolon is old and stuffy. Its a monocle in punctuation form. Excuse me but I agree with The Spectator: Like napkins, black tie and having a glass of champagne before lunch, the semicolon remains a bulwark against civilisational decline. Forget mad dictators and ravaging wars. Boomers say the semicolon will save us! Im sorry that we value the English language. The semicolon: it was the best of punctuation; it was the worst of punctuation But I saw on X some old bloke named Kurt Vonnegut said semicolons represent absolutely nothing and are only used to show you went to college. Im not taking literary advice from someone who calls the author of Slaughterhouse-Five some old bloke named Kurt. Stop being aggy. Youre giving hostile punctuator vibes. Is that the 2025-friendly way of calling someone a grammar Nazi? Its when you overuse punctuation so your texts look like theyre from a thriller. How can a tiny mark come across as hostile? Take the Boomer obsession with ellipsis. Go on Exactly what I mean! TikToker Ela got 527,000 likes on her clip noting everyone over 60 insists on ending texts with It softens the end of a sentence. It seems like youre planning something sinister. Eg My mum always texts me like dads not home And whats wrong with that? It makes it sound like shes buried him in the backyard. Ironic from someone who thinks a skull emoji is an appropriate reaction to a joke. Weve spoken about this, it means Im dying from laughter. So what should I end my texts with? A full stop? If you want to be shady, sure. Its shady to end a clause with good grammar? Full stops give such sus energy! According to Stylist, if someone uses a full stop theyre angry and want you to know theyre angry, but theyre not in the mood for a direct confrontation. Or maybe theyre just proficient in English? Put it this way: if my mum texts saying Im not annoyed. I know to turn up with flowers and a bottle of Whispering Angel. Its three words and a dot, youre reading too much into it. No cap, Ive had friendships end over a bitchy full stop instead of a kissy face. Im not sure what no cap means, but that really does bring things to a full stop. Your jokes are as cringey as your punctuation habits. This has got me thinking about the difference between your generation and the semicolon. Only one has valid use in the 21st century? Only one is capable of stringing together complex thoughts. Ding dong, here we go again. Wedding seasons back. Jeff Bezos is getting hitched this month in Venice; Selena Gomez is rumoured to be doing it in California, and will Zendaya go full meringue when she walks down the aisle towards Tom Holland? What to wear! Hat or no hat? And do you really have to contribute to the happy couples honeymoon fund? Over the past decade or so, Ive been to upwards of 60 weddings. Splendid, on the one hand. Church bells, big white dress, glass of fizz dont mind if I do. At a conservative estimate, Ive eaten hundreds of salmon canapes and sat through hours of speeches (sitting if I was lucky; standing if I wasnt). Back in the day, my mother is fond of telling me, weddings meant church, then a glass of champagne and a piece of cake at the reception before everyone went home in time for dinner. No big party, no black tie, no photo booth, no hashtags, certainly no doughnut wall. Because weddings now have become an extravagant and competitive spectacle, no detail overlooked. A basket of flip-flops to the side of the dance floor for when guests get sick of their heels, monogrammed napkins, Aesop soap in the posh Portaloos are you at a wedding or a fancy corporate do? Heres how to survive this summer, whether youve been invited to Venice or not 1 The invitation will arrive with 43 inserts about nearby hotels, local taxi firms, the church, the reception address and timings. Do not lose these, as I often do, meaning you have no idea where to be and when. Recently, I texted the maid of honour to check the time of the service on the wedding day itself. This was unpopular. 2 Pace yourself. There may be more than one day of celebrations, there could even be several, especially if the ceremony is abroad. I know of a destination wedding that lasted a week where every single night had its own theme. Worse still, some of these nights were fancy dress. The packing was horrendous. 3 Observe the weddings social-media policy, which may be stipulated on one of the 43 invitation inserts. Several years ago, every bride and groom had their own hashtag for guests to use whenever they posted a picture. Thankfully, this trend has cooled a bit, and couples often say they dont want any photos going online at all. 4 If the wedding is somewhere desperately rural, remember to book a taxi weeks in advance. Once, for a wedding in Dorset, I called five local cab firms the day before a friends wedding only to find they were all fully booked. This resulted in me sleeping in my car after the reception because Id drunk too much champagne to drive back to my B&B. I now book taxis good and early. 5 Details of whether the couple have a wedding list will also be on the invitation. Nowadays, there may a disclaimer saying they really dont need a present your presence is our present! but they include details of their wedding list anyway, just in case you do want to buy them a set of salad servers or donate towards their honeymoon. If its a close friend, I tend to ignore the wedding list and buy them something more personal, even though they would almost certainly have preferred the salad servers or donation towards their holiday in Antigua. (You can also have a wedding list on Amazon, if you like, which is no doubt what Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez are doing.) 6 You dont have to wear something new for every wedding you go to. In recent years, as weddings have become bigger and glitzier and more designed for social media, so has the pressure on everyone to dress as if theyre off to the Oscars. New dress, new shoes, new bag, new earrings, perfect nails, perfect hair. People spend hundreds more! on their outfits. And theyre not even the ones getting married. We can also blame fast fashion. But guess what? Nobody will die of shock if you wear a dress you already own. Alternatively you could hire something, which means you feel shiny and new but havent had to splurge. You also dont have to wear a hat although, if you fancy it, this years Royal Ascot guide mentions something called a hatinator. This is larger and sturdier than a fascinator, less intimidating than a hat. 7 Work out where the canapes are coming from at the reception. Stand there. A friend and I recently hovered near the kitchen area at a wedding, which meant we were offered trays of everything as soon as they emerged mini blinis, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, tuna tartare and so on. Eventually, this greed became embarrassing and we had to move away. But at least we were full 8 which was lucky as the speeches went on for a while. Brides often make speeches these days and, yay for feminism and all that, but in addition to the father of the bride, the groom and one, two or even three best men (if youre really unlucky), this makes for a long reception. Short and sweet, please, everyone. Weve been on our feet drinking for two hours. 9 If you used Chat GPT to write your speech, dont mention it to try to impress us all. It seemed innovative and interesting three years ago, but lazy and thoughtless now. 10 Talk to people either side of you at dinner. This may seem a very obvious rule but, without wishing to sound like my grandmother, people can forget nowadays. Not long ago, a friend resorted to shouting through the candelabra at a wedding guest on the opposite side of the table because both men either side of her spent the entire dinner talking to their other sides. If you notice someone stranded without anyone to talk to, include them. It is good manners. 11 Quick glass of water? Sophia Money-Coutts has been to 60 weddings in the past decade 12 Similarly, do you really need that paloma cocktail after dinner? (Espresso martinis have had their day; now its often the grapefruit-and-tequila paloma instead.) OK, maybe one, but do you need four? The bar area of any wedding after dinner often develops a feeding-time-at-the-zoo vibe people who were just hours earlier sitting primly in church suddenly elbowing others out of the way as if theyll die of dehydration unless they get another martini. A little decorum, please. 13 Doughnut walls literally a wall covered with doughnuts and cupcake stacks were a craze a few years ago, largely for social-media purposes. But old-fashioned tiered cakes are back. Elegant. Classic. Pieces will often be cut and circulated after dinner, for when guests need a sugar hit. Ive been known to take a couple and stash them in my clutch for the journey home. Tip: wrap them well in napkins as rural taxi drivers dont like crumbs. 14 Never, ever take your shoes off on a dance floor. I know its tempting when youve been wearing heels for nearly eight hours, your toes have gone numb and you want to have a Kate Bush moment. But take it from one who once lacerated her foot on a shard of broken champagne flute, and subsequently left the sort of bloody trail from the dancefloor to the Portaloos that would interest a murder detective: leave your shoes on. 15 Try not to get so drunk that you walk into a marquee pole, mistake it for a person and try to start a fight with it, as my friend Tom did last year at a wedding in the Cotswolds. 16 Another glass of water? 17 On the invitation that you may or may not have lost, there will be a finish time. Carriages at midnight, it may have said, despite the fact that most people (if we exclude royals) havent left a wedding in a carriage for centuries. At this point, there will be a mass exodus and dozens of drunk people squabbling over taxis. All too often, Ive found myself shivering in a Gloucestershire field at midnight while screams of Jakey! Come on, this is ours! Hes going to the Dog and Duck! echo around me. Do not steal anyone elses taxi. This happened a few years ago, in December, at a wedding just outside Hull, and it took the taxi firm 45 minutes to despatch another. Three of us stood huddled together for warmth, although wed also managed to steal half a wheel of brie from the cheeseboard, so we ate that to pass the time. Thats the thing about weddings: they can start out so glamorous, and yet often end standing in a field, cold, tired, drunk and eating cheese. 18 Turn down the recovery brunch next day. Itll seem like a fun idea when you receive the invitation, but the morning after the wedding youll wake up in a lumpy B&B bed with a tongue like a flip-flop and will in no way feel like making yourself presentable for polite chit-chat with people you dont know terribly well. Save yourself. Say no. 7.15am We arrive at Paddington early to get the 7.29am Great Western train to Bath Spa. On board, we eat miniature pots of porridge and zip past Reading, Swindon and Wiltshire until, at 8.43am, we hit Bath. The weather is, this morning at least, grey and windy. Still, Bath is the countrys only city to be designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in its entirety and, even in the drizzle, its obvious why. There are 5,000 listed buildings in this 112,000- person city. We leave the station and begin ogling the cobbled streets and limestone houses. All aboard! YOUs Jackie and Sam 9am Time to head to the Roman Baths for a guided tour of one of Europes largest and best-preserved Roman ruins. The baths were built around 70AD on top of a geothermal spring that, thanks to some canny ancient plumbing, gave citizens a constant supply of 46C bathing water. Men and women would come here to wash, socialise and seek revenge on their enemies as shown by the curse tablets on display at the Baths museum. Apparently, disgruntled Romans would inscribe curses on to metal sheets, then toss them into the bathing pools where they believed the goddess Minerva lived. Yikes. Fancy a dip? The citys Roman Baths are among the best preserved ruins in Europe 10.15am We head to Sally Lunns a bunn restaurant inside one of Baths oldest buildings (the site dates back to approximately 1480). If youre a bunn ignoramus, some context: in 1680 a young Huguenot called Solange Luyon fled France and came to Bath. She rebranded herself as Sally Lunn, got a job in a bakery and began selling her own special bunns to locals. A Sally Lunns bunn is a bit like a brioche roll, only bigger and more savoury. We order a stack of breakfast bunns, sliced in half, toasted and topped with bacon, smoked salmon and avocado. Somewhat underestimating their size, we also get a few sweet bunns to share. The group consensus is that the 6.50 cinnamon-butter one is the best. Nice bunns: Sally Lunns restaurant 11.20am Buoyed by our bunns and the improving weather, we meet the Jane Austen tour guide Theresa Roche (below, in lilac costume) for an Austen-themed march around Bath. Theresa, who is part of the Strictly Jane Austen Tours company, wears a traditional Regency dress and takes us to various Austen-related places: the market Jane might have shopped in, the flat on Gay Street where she moved after her father died. When asked and after careful consideration Theresa says that her favourite Austen man is either Henry Tilney from Northanger Abbey or Captain Wentworth from Persuasion. Excellent choices. It is a truth universally acknowledged that Bath rocks, says teamYOU 1.20pm The sun is properly out now, so we buy supplies from The Beckford Bottle Shop and sit in the Royal Crescent as YOUs drinks columnist Charlotte conducts an impromptu wine tasting. (Highlights include a rose fizz from Sussex and a Chablis-like Assyrtiko from Crete.) Built between 1767 and 1775, the Royal Crescent was designed by John Wood the younger, and contains 30 identical Georgian terraced houses. Or, rather, almost identical. In 1972, one resident Miss Wellesley-Colley painted her front door primrose yellow, rather than the street-established white. She was consequently given two enforcement orders from Bath City Council and forced to undergo a public inquiry. Impressively, Wellesley-Colley won; the door remains yellow today. What a corker! The Beckford Bottle Shop 3pm We drive 15 minutes to Homewood, an 18th-century country house that became a hotel in 2018. Alongside 31 bedrooms, it has an excellent spa. So, in appropriately Roman fashion, we spend the afternoon bathing. The kit here is bougier than the spas of 70AD; theres an indoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, outdoor pool and a bucket you stand under that douses you with freezing water. An hour or so later its time for Homewoods afternoon tea, then back to the station for the 18.13 train home. On board, we google Royal Crescent property prices (around 4.5m for a house, sadly) and dream of cinnamon bunns. Bliss. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Mrs J.O. writes: In March 2022 we placed an order with John Lewis to supply and fit carpeting for two rooms, hall, stairs and landing, for which we paid 8,480. We agreed with John Lewis that because one room was not ready, it would do most of the job that year and store the rest of the carpet, which was all from the same batch, until a later date. Because of unforeseen problems we were not ready for the second fitting until earlier this year, but now John Lewis has told us it has 'disposed of' our carpet. Floored: The final part of the carpet order vanished from John Lewis' storage Tony Hetherington replies: John Lewis gave you no warning that it was planning to dispose of your carpet, and when you complained you were told there would be no refund or payment. You have no idea whether your carpet was resold, given away or thrown out. The closest this retail giant came to an explanation was when one of its customer advisers blamed the long gap between your original purchase and fitting, and your request to finish the job. When you questioned this explanation, a more senior figure told you the cost of storage could have been significant. You offered to allow John Lewis to deduct that cost from any refund, but it became clear that even they had no idea how long your carpet had been held or when it was dumped. I asked John Lewis to comment on all this. In particular, I reminded it that its own terms and conditions said that if you had not made contact with the store within three months of a failed appointment to fit the carpet, then this would give John Lewis the right to cancel the deal and give you a refund after deducting any costs. But this would apply only after a failed appointment so when was this failed appointment, I asked? If there was an agreement in 2022 to postpone the second fitting, when was an appointment made to go ahead with it? And even if there was a failed appointment, the terms and conditions say that John Lewis reserves the right to cancel the deal which is not the same as saying that cancellation is automatic. If John Lewis felt entitled to cancel the deal, then when did it tell you this? John Lewis replied that as you had not booked a second fitting of the carpet, it regarded this as technically a failed appointment! But it also admitted that it had never contacted you. It then promised what it described as a 'goodwill payment'. You agreed that the lost carpet and the fitting costs, which you had paid in advance, were together worth 1,824. John Lewis offered to refund half of this, telling you that the long delay in making a second fitting appointment was unreasonable. 'We consider a timeframe of over three months as justifiable for disposing of any goods,' it said. You rightly rejected the offer. John Lewis had not even stuck to its own terms and conditions, but was holding you responsible for half the financial consequences. I am pleased to say you have now accepted 1,448, which allows John Lewis to keep the balance of more than 300 to cover its storage costs. John Lewis told me: 'We take pride in our customer service and have countless happy customers, so we are really sorry to hear of Mr & Mrs O's case.' But they had heard of this from you, before you contacted me, so it is a shame that it took an intervention from The Mail on Sunday to remind it what customer service should look like. Big claims big debts Talking the talk: Elite's boss Ian Hill A will-writing firm run by an unauthorised financial adviser has been forced to take down false claims on its website. Elite Wills & Estate Planning, in Worthing, West Sussex, offered funeral plans but did not have Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) approval, and also claimed to be a member of the Master Guild of Will Writers and follow its strict code of practice. In fact, the organisation had ceased to exist some time ago and never had regulatory powers. Elite's boss Ian Hill blamed his website operator for failing to delete both claims. In February I reported how Elite's sister company Thurlow Wealth Ltd also run by Ian Hill had failed to repay an elderly investor 25,000 that was due in 2023, and its accounts showed it owes around 1.6 million. But according to Hill, his investors are high net worth individuals who can afford the losses, so he does not need FCA authorisation to offer them high-risk schemes. He also claims his investors' money has been passed on to market traders who are backed by one of the world's biggest insurance companies. The arrangement is secret, he says. The investor's family have now reported this to the police. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. Tesla shares were sent into freefall on Thursday after Elon Musk sounded off about Donald Trump and his policies on social media this week. The debacle saw roughly $150billion wiped from Tesla's market value in one of the worst days in months. While the electric car maker's share price tumbled 14 per cent on Thursday, it rebounded slightly on Friday following some indications tempers were cooling between the duo. Earlier this week, Trump threatened to cut off government contracts to Musk's businesses, including rocket firm SpaceX, which has contracts worth tens of billions of dollars with the US government. In response, Musk fired back and said: 'Go ahead, make my day.' Ups and downs: Tesla's share price rebounded on Friday after falling 14% on Thursday The saga seemed to quieten somewhat on Friday as Musk broke his silence by agreeing with an X post that claimed he never attacked Trump personally. The initial 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 was 'in the Epstein files. Trump quickly branded Musk 'crazy' and said he has 'lost his mind'. The president also moved to sell his Tesla that he bought from Musk when their relationship was rosier in March, in a parting insult after saying he ousted Musk from his White House. US subsidies and contracts at Federal and state level are worth billions to Tesla, which also currently benefits from a $7,500 tax credit available for electric vehicle purchases. Your browser does not support iframes. Tesla shares closed at $295.14 this week, down around 14 per cent on less than a week ago and down nearly a quarter on where they were six months ago. But the shares are still around 66 higher than they were a year ago. Tesla shares rose more than 60 per cent between the start of November when Trump was elected to the end of 2024. But investor pressure over Musks controversial role in the White House ultimately led to him to stepping down from his unofficial DOGE department, which had sparked protests and vandalism directed at Tesla. Tesla shares were on a run more recently, however, after Musk confirmed the group would be testing an autonomous, driverless robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, this month. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said this week: 'Tesla shareholders are stuck in the middle of the battle zone as whatever happens to Musk will act as a proxy for the car companys share price. 'Trump has signalled he could terminate US government contracts with Musks companies, causing Teslas share price to crash 14 per cent in a day.' He added: 'Musks outspokenness is becoming a liability for Tesla shareholders. 'He recently pledged to stay on as CEO for at least another five years, but if he cannot be restrained from stoking fires on the public stage, Teslas board might have to think long and hard about his future with the business.' Neil Wilson, UK investor strategist at Saxo Markets, said on Friday: 'I spoke almost a year ago to Mark Spiegel of Stanphyl Capital in New York. 'He said it was just a matter of time before Musk and Trump fell out the only question was who would shaft who first but his view was that sooner or later everyone "gets Musked". 'An ugly, name-calling, chest-thumping public brawl on Twitter between the richest guy in the world and the most powerful guy in the world it's what the platform was made for. 'Its also whacked Tesla stock as bulls need to reassess their upside case for the carmaker. 'Both probably realise that this is doing each of them a lot of harm Musk could lose billions of dollars in government contracts and tax credits, while Trump could see his big beautiful bill fail to pass.' After more than 11 years, Guinness European Equity Income is emerging from the shadows. Having been left to lie fallow as a result of the success of its sister fund Guinness Global Equity Income, it is beginning to gain some traction with investors and wealth managers. The fund, valued at a meagre 8 million a year ago, has now broken through 50 million. And co-fund manager Will James is confident it won't be long before it gets to 100million maybe by the end of this year, but more likely within the next 12 months. To put these numbers into perspective, Global Equity Income, launched three years before European Equity Income, now has 4.9 billion of assets under its wing. 'The fund has momentum,' insists James. 'It's six times bigger than it was a year ago and it's in growth mode. It's rather encouraging.' James, who joined Nicholas Edwards on the fund in early 2024, believes one of the key drivers has been an improvement in the wider investment case for Europe. He says: 'As an investment proposition, Europe struggled to compete with US exceptionalism for many years. The result was that most investors' portfolios were underweight in Europe. 'But that US exceptionalism has now unwound, resulting in the appeal of dividend-friendly European companies being brought to a wider investor audience.' The fund's focus is on identifying European companies that are undervalued but which have strong balance sheets and cash flows largely impervious to the state of the economic backdrop. It side-steps businesses which have lots of debt. All these demands reduce an investible universe from 1,400 down to 200. Like other Guinness funds, European Equity Income then builds its portfolio around just 30 stocks, with holdings having broadly equal weightings. If a new company is brought into the fund, one has to be pushed out. The fund's exposure is determined by the companies it buys, not a view on the relative attractiveness of individual markets. This year, stakes in two businesses have been sold: Swiss-Swedish electrical engineering giant ABB and Finnish IT software company Tietoevry. They were replaced by energy technical specialist SPIE and Dutch-based BE Semiconductor Industries. James says: 'SPIE is generating an attractive dividend, and its work is essential in improving Europe's electrical infrastructure. 'BE Semiconductor Industries is a specialist in hybrid bonding, a process which enables semiconductors to be built that are more powerful and efficient than ever before.' Fund changes are infrequent two holdings were sold last year, three the year before. Eight stocks have been in the fund from the word go, including Finnish industrial company Konecranes, Norwegian fish farm specialist Salmar, London-listed Unilever and French consumer staples business Danone. The fund's performance numbers stack up. Over the past one, three and five years it has outperformed the average for its peer group. Over five years, returns of 71 per cent compare with 56 per cent for the average European fund. Income is paid twice yearly and it has been in growth mode since 2020. An annual dividend last year of 6.21 a share compares with 3.13 in 2020. Later this month James and Edwards will meet financial experts in Bournemouth, Bristol and Leicester all part of a mission to get the fund to 100 million. Annual fund charges are reasonable at 0.89 per cent and the annual dividend is around 3.6 per cent. US trade tariffs have dealt a 150 million blow to the UK steel industry as a wave of cheap products driven from American shores are being dumped in Britain, senior industry figures warn. The UK risks being hit harder than other countries in the tariff chaos despite having negotiated a deal with Donald Trump on exports of steel to the US. This, steel bosses say, is because the UK does not have 'the right defences' to prevent countries such as China from flooding our market with cheap steel that would have been sold to the US. That will drive down prices and crowd out domestic British steelmakers. By contrast, EU countries have erected barriers to protect their steel industries. Trade body UK Steel said imports were 'flooding on to the UK market depressing prices' as a result of the US tariffs, which last week rose to 50 per cent for steel and aluminium from a previous rate of 25 per cent. The UK managed to avoid the higher levy after securing a last-minute exemption. Warning: US trade tariffs have dealt a 150 million blow to the UK steel industry as a wave of cheap products driven from American shores are being dumped in Britain But Russell Codling, commercial director at Tata Steel, told MPs urgent measures were needed to protect UK industry. He said steel prices in the UK were tanking below those in Europe following the US tariffs a price difference 'leading to something like a 100 million- 150 million-a-year loss in the UK compared with Europe.' The UK industry is already struggling to remain profitable due to high energy costs and environmental taxes, which are heavier than those on EU manufacturers. Codling added that the UK market for foreign steel imports was 'far more free-flowing than into mainland Europe'. The latest crisis comes hard on the heels of Government intervention to prevent the country's last blast furnaces at the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, from being closed by Chinese owners Jingye in April. Codling, whose firm employs 8,000 people, said the UK needed to bring in measures to shield producers against cheap imports that 'are as least as good as our trading partners around the world.' A 25 per cent levy will still apply until the Government finalises a proposed trade deal with the US which should see tariffs cut to zero. Pointing the finger: UK risks being hit harder than others in the tariff chaos despite having negotiated a deal with Donald Trump Steel exports from Britain to the US are worth 400 million a year, making it the sector's second-biggest market. But UK bosses fear the Trump administration could alter the terms of any deal before it is signed. Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel, said the Government needed to take 'decisive action' to protect producers. He added: 'The EU has stepped up its trade defences, and now we must do the same.' Respected industrialist Andrew Cook warned that the dumping of cheap steel would cause 'great damage'. He said: 'China built 600 million tons of surplus steel-making capacity to dump on foreign markets. This is the main reason why Britain's steel industry has suffered so badly.' Currently, the UK sets a quota for steel imports allowed into the country tariff-free. Imports above that level incur a 25 per cent levy. But UK Steel says the quotas do not offer 'adequate protection'. The UK's Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), which monitors unfair practices, is reviewing whether the measures, which are based on EU controls from 2018, suffice. Industry minister Sarah Jones insisted the Government which is set to unveil its 2.5 billion steel strategy later this year is backing the industry 'to the hilt'. She said: 'The TRA has been working at pace to identify stronger measures to defend the industry.' Rajesh Nair, head of Tata Steel UK, urged Ministers to ensure the US doesn't require British exports to have been 'melted and poured' in the UK to be tariff-exempt. This process now only happens at British Steel's Scunthorpe blast furnaces. Tata, which closed its UK blast furnace last year, is having to import steel until electric arc furnace steelmaking starts in Port Talbot in late 2027, Nair said. BP is determined to preserve its status as an independent UK-listed oil company amid speculation that a sinking share price and uncertainty over leadership could push it into an unwanted merger. The firm's shares have plunged 22 per cent over the past year (see chart). With a market value of just 56 billion, it is seen as a tempting bid target for one of the US oil giants or a British bid from Anglo-Dutch rival Shell. Predators see the temporary power vacuum caused by the impending departure of chairman Helge Lund as a vulnerability. An urgent hunt for a strong replacement is being led by Amanda Blanc, BP's senior non-executive director, who is also boss of the insurer Aviva. BP is seeking to convince investors that it can dial down the radical green transition led by former boss Bernard Looney by embracing an aggressive drilling and cost cutting agenda. Chief executive Murray Auchincloss, former finance director, is seeking to restore the company's stock market rating by focusing on capital spend and cost cutting. Man on a mission: Murray Auchincloss is seeking to restore the company's stock market rating by focusing on capital spend and cost cutting He has so far failed to convince activist investor Elliott Management, which has built a 5 per cent stake in BP, that the company can drill its way out of difficulty and that his cost cuts are sufficient. However, BP has long history of successful exploration and production, and has recently secured valuable drilling rights in India and Azerbaijan, where it has become the leading oil company. Since taking over as chief executive last year, Auchincloss has consulted 70 per cent of the company's shareholding base. It is thought that long-standing British shareholders would be deeply unhappy if BP were to be taken over. It is also thought that the UK Government is supportive of BP as a national champion which is developing the country's biggest electric vehicle network of charging stations with Marks & Spencer. A bid by Shell for BP, favoured by some investment bankers, is seen as much harder to accomplish than generally thought. Both companies, as international explorers, have large trading operations and a deal would almost certainly cause competition problems. Some 35 per cent of the two London-listed firms' operations are understood to overlap. US rivals Chevron and Exxon Mobil, mentioned as possible bidders for BP, have in recent times virtually withdrawn from exploration beyond the Americas, unlike the two big London-listed players. They have instead focused on the riches of the Permian Basin in Texas and Guyana in South America. Chevron is seeking to complete its $53 billion merger with US group Hess. Oil mergers are seen as notoriously tricky to navigate. A quarter of a century after BP, then led by John Browne, took over Amoco, the group is still wrestling with integration of complex accounting systems. BP believes that if it can lift its annual cashflow from $8 billion in 2024 to $14 billion by 2027, it can raise the value of the group, securing its status. Keir Starmer has sought to portray his hastily stitched together trade deals with the United States, the European Union and India as unalloyed triumphs. The way he tells it, you'd think he is so persuasive at the negotiating table that he could sell ice to Eskimos and sand to Arabs. But the truth is that a Prime Minister in need of an economic success story to sell to an increasingly disillusioned electorate has sugar-coated the outcomes of these talks and misleadingly presented them as 'win-wins' for UK plc. In fact, he has been bamboozled and outmanoeuvred at every turn by representatives of foreign powers who really do know how to play hardball. Take the French president Emmanuel Macron's outrageous piece of brinkmanship over fishing rights. Aware of how desperate the embattled Starmer was to announce a new trade deal with Brussels, he ambushed him at the 11th hour with a demand that EU fishermen be given further rights to our waters for 12 years. No wonder one member of an influential French fisheries committee later gloated: 'We couldn't have hoped for better.' Naive: Keir Starmer has been bamboozled and outmanoeuvred at every turn by representatives of foreign powers who really do know how to play hardball And what did we get in return? A vague promise to allow British travellers to use e-gates at European airports at some unspecified point in the future. Starmer's willingness to sign agreements that have concessions to the other party baked in but only airy promises about reciprocal benefits is a feature of all the deals he has signed to date. The American deal, for example, has more holes than a sieve. Under the terms of the 'US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal', we were told that Britain would be freed from a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium, for example. (A tariff, incidentally, that was later doubled to 50 per cent but is currently on hold until July 9.) The dash for a carbon-free economy means that there is only one UK blast furnace producing vital virgin steel currently operating at full capacity. As a result, the White House is concerned about the prospect of Britain sending cheaper imported steel to the US that has been pressed or rolled in this country. So the US negotiators are insisting that only steel that is 'melted and poured' in the UK (in other words, smelted in a furnace) is covered by the trade deal. All very well, but one of Britain's biggest steel exporters is Tata Steel. It shut down its blast furnaces at Port Talbot in South Wales last year, so must currently import raw steel from the Netherlands and India both subject to American tariffs. This is a knotty problem and the clock is ticking. Unless an agreement can be reached by July 9 when the new tariff rates kick in, Britain's steel exports will be hit by that punitive 50 per cent rate. So much for the US deal. The EU one is even worse. While Starmer surrendered to Macron's ultimatum over fishing, Brussels remained characteristically obdurate when it came to its 150 billion (125 billion) defence fund. Despite the growing threat from Russia, the US's coolness towards Nato and Britain's leadership in high-tech warfare not to mention our control of the Eurofighter Typhoon platform Starmer extracted only the woolliest of commitments from the EU. The bloc merely said the new deal 'will pave the way' for Britain's defence industry to participate in the EU's fund. There were similarly weasel words when it came to the use of e-gates by British travellers to the Continent. Under the terms of the deal, access would be given as 'soon as possible', yet we could be queuing for years to come. Even the recently agreed trade deal with India has its critics. It included an extension from one to three years to a scheme that offered Indian workers employed here on a temporary basis an exemption from National Insurance Contributions a totally toxic clause given Chancellor Rachel Reeves' now notorious October Budget, which raised Employer National Insurance Contributions. What is particularly shameful is the dishonest way in which the Government has presented the deals to the British people as if they are a big win for everyone. Tell that to the working men and women and fishing crews whose livelihoods are threatened by the weakness and incompetence of the man at No 10. Dave Lavery knew something was wrong as he made his way towards the terminal exit at Kabul Airport. His wife was anxiously waiting for their reunion after he had texted her from the plane the moment its wheels had touched down on the runway. She was expecting the former Canadian soldier and UN security advisor, who is known better as 'Canadian Dave', to emerge. But Lavery's training was kicking in as he spotted men surveilling him and communicating via phones. By then, he had spent decades in the worlds most dangerous zones. He had survived death repeatedly: from almost stepping on an unexploded ordnance, receiving a post-injury cancer diagnosis and losing a kidney, to walking away from a 2011 Kabul market attack. He had carried his injured future wife, Junping, out of the rubble of that attack. They had met only the previous day. Ten years later I carried her on the beaches of the Seychelles and married her, Lavery told the Daily Mail. The couple and their team were instrumental in helping 100 Afghan nationals escape from Kabul when Western troops withdrew in 2021. Desperate evacuees had been told to wear red and shout for Canadian Dave at the airport as Lavery combed the perimeter to pull those with documentation to safety. His heroic actions helped kickstart his legacy. 'Canadian Dave' Lavery, 64, is pictured with his wife, Junping. She was waiting for him outside Kabul Airport last November on the day he was detained by the Taliban Lavery pulled an injured Junping from the rubble of a Kabul supermarket attack in 2011, just one day after they had first met. The pair had been shopping for dim sum ingredients The couple married in the Seychelles a decade later. Just a few years after that Lavery found himself detained by the Taliban in Kabul He had lived in Afghanistan on and off for 15 years so knew the dangers of a country torn apart by decades of wars. Now, three years and three months later, Canadian Dave, 64, was back at Kabul airport, having flown in to lay wreaths for Remembrance Day and to conduct business for the private security and consultancy firm he ran with his son. That included helping facilitate the exit of 18 Afghans whose travel documents he was carrying. As Lavery quickly began clocking Taliban surveillance around him at the airport, he scrambled to text Junping and his team outside in a bid to inform them he was being followed and tell them to get back in the car. He never got the chance. Next came an agonizing 77 days wondering when, if ever, he would see his wife and family again. On November 11, 2024, Lavery was detained by two guards and ordered to return inside the airport. He was told to empty his bags and lay out all possessions and the travel documents for the two Afghan families. Then he was bundled into a car, blindfolded and tied up in the backseat. Thats when I realized it was for real, Lavery said. It was game on. And everything started to kick in from that. The former special forces service member had received and given training in security and survival for most of his life. He rolled down the car window and sat upright in the back seat, hoping futilely that his wife or team would spot him in the vehicle. Your primary senses do kick in and you realize that this is not good, so you need to be prepared for the worst, Lavery said. Paying close attention to the direction and noise and speed and slowdowns and the turns, he worked out that he had been taken to the old government compound housing the Talibans intelligence service, the General Directorate of Intelligence. Lavery was worried for his wifes safety but, at the same time, he was in a high state of emotion and alertness, he said. I was numb. What the heck has just happened? 'Then youre realizing, youre trying to play a role very quickly so youre not seen as a threat, he said, noting how he emphasized his age and health problems, playing the 'old, busted man'. Lavery is a Canadian veteran and former UN security advisor who runs a consultancy firm with his adult son. He credits his training with helping him get through 77 days of captivity Lavery, left, worked with his wife and team to help more than 100 Afghans leave the country amid Joe Biden's chaotic withdrawal of Western troops in 2021. He warned the nickname 'Canadian Dave', which is what refugees were told to shout as they scrambled for help at the airport They basically told me, We could kill you or torture you but why would we do that when we want something? he said. Interrogators demanded that he open his devices but Lavery refused. He considers himself lucky that, physically, it wasnt hard on me. They put him in a cell relatively quickly, where he began focusing on the day-to-day. He had no idea how long it might take international negotiators to secure his freedom. The first thing you do is you look at every single corner or anything that could assist you or go against you. Always youre looking at: How can I get out of here? What are they going to do to me? Are they going to torture me? Are they going to kill me? Are they going to leave me in this room? Lavery said. So that room actually ends up to be your little temple and your haven. That is your comfort zone. He described his cell as being four meters by six meters by three and a half meters tall. '[It was] an empty room, very dirty, old and industrial [with a] thin carpet. It had: a little Afghan cotton bed roll, with a filthy blanket and pillow; a small, plastic garbage can in the corner; a little red plastic cup; a small electrical heater on the wall, hanging behind me; and two small windows with iron grills. There were two lights on the ceiling and a CCTV camera in the corner watching everything. Lavery kept himself in the dark for most of his month-long stay in the cell so that they couldnt see me or my emotions. And, for all his training and experience, those emotions ran the gamut. Lavery pictured with dignitaries and his wife and son in Qatar on January 26, the night of his release. When the plane touched down in Doha, he says: I just stood there and looked outside and took a huge, big gulp of fresh breath' The first two or three days were brutal because I didnt know where my wife was, he said. You have two heads: You have your good head, your one on your side, thenthat bad head on the other side. 'You can see one head talk, saying Youll be all right; the other one saying, No, youre not going to be all right, youre going to be here for the long haul", or worse, "Theyre going to kill you. At one point of time I succumbed to the fact that, okay, theyre going to kill me, Lavery said. I lived with that thought for probably about two days. For me the dying part was okay, Ill get it over with. The only thing that I did struggle with was was thinking about how they were going to kill me? Are they going to cut my head off? Are they going to shoot me? It was really dark and difficult,' he said. 'Everything was bizarre. Dreams are bizarre but you didnt really sleep. You pass out because youre so tired, and youd be thinking, Whats happening? Are you here? Is this real? What grounded him, Lavery said, was sticking to the training that teaches do not go outside that 24-hour period, focus on routine, on the now, on specifics in real time. Try to keep track of what day it is, what time it is, so you dont want to complicate things. Because the minute you go outside and say, Ill be out hopefully in one week, well that one week comes and goes, youre not out of there, he said. Then what? Then what happens to you? 'Canadian Dave' had spent decades as a soldier and consultant in conflict zones before his November detention. After his 77 days of detention he says he hopes to help more people 'specifically in conduct-after-capture resilience training He tried not to focus on events that he was looking forward to, such as the upcoming birth of his son Brants child or the annual training he did with friends and fellow security personnel that was planned for Brazil. Every day I prayed to my family and just said, Im so sorry I put you in this position." I was really brutal on myself. I was saying, What kind of a security professional are you to go down this track? But he snapped out of that sort of mindset quickly, Lavery said, telling himself that all you have to do is survive. I just had the easiest job: to survive every day, he said. My family had to endure every second... and they didnt know. My job was to stay healthy, stay fit, play the gray man, the old man, busted man, which I am, he said. And I let them know, every day, every time they talked to me and gave me an opportunity to speak: Im hurting. Im old. I had a new hip put in. I need to do a checkup on my kidney function. He was vigilant about water, looking after his sole kidney. Though he avoided the meat he was served in paltry rations he still ended up in the hospital after becoming violently ill. After that he was moved to a new location. Lavery says he focused solely on getting through 24-hour periods while imprisoned, rather than on events he was missing. He had been looking forward to the birth of his son's child and once freed met the newborn They pulled in, took the hood off and Im at a secured villa, he said. There, he walked into a room with a television but next to no other furniture - and four other American hostages who had already spent years in captivity. They knew who Lavery was from TV news reports but were initially wary. Theyd seen a lot of people come and go so it wasnt like jumping and joy and all that kind of stuff,' he said. 'They looked at [it as] Im possibly a threat to them, which could increase their time of stay because they would see me as probably the first guy to get out, and they would still be waiting. And it came to that, pretty much.' Dave notes that his life perspective is informed by years of training, risk assessment and comfort with danger but said: 'I carry a lot of guilt. I felt very guilty putting [my family] in that situation' Lavery was released on January 26 after 77 days in Taliban custody. Two Americans - Ryan Corbett and William McKenty - were sent home days beforehand but George Glezmann would remain in detention for another two months. Shortly before his own release, Lavery was granted a particular privilege: he was moved from the shared safe house to his own four-story villa and base in Kabul. As guards stood watch, he cooked for himself, fed a stray cat that Junping had previously befriended, and worked out in a rooftop gym. He also found a forgotten phone in one of the rooms. Hiding under the covers late one night, he used it to make a call in which he tried to convince his son, through whispers, that it really was him. Thats when he discovered that serious efforts were under way for his release. His son told Lavery that he had been due to come home earlier that month. I slept well and then I started preparing my bags, he said. He also chose mementos and tidied up the villa knowing that he would never return. Within days he was on a flight to Qatar, though he refused to get his hopes up until he saw the lights of Doha. When the plane doors opened, he said: I just stood there and looked outside and took a huge, big gulp of fresh breath there.' He was greeted by international diplomats before entering the airport. Then he spotted 'a head pop out from down the corridor.' It was Junping. When Lavery was reunited with his terrified wife upon his release, he says, You could feel the intensity . It was like she wasnt letting go' I started walking while she started running towards me, and then my son came out, and she jumped on me, he said. You could feel the intensity. It was like she wasnt letting go. That was nearly four months ago. Since his release, Lavery has been traveling consistently from the Middle East to meet his new grandson and to Mississippi for training. He admitted, however, that things have changed. I carry a lot of guilt, Lavery said. I felt very guilty for putting [my family] in that situation. He is still in contact with fellow detainees Corbett and Glezmann. When Lavery landed in Qatar, he was told: You are our first successful case that was resolved in such a short time frame. Dave hopes his experience can serve some positive purpose. He has volunteered his services to help with negotiating in other similar cases. He also told the Daily Mail he wants to do more training to help people with 'conduct-after-capture' resilience training. Petrol thefts have soared to an all-time high, figures suggest. MailOnline can reveal that 110,000 charges for alleged 'pump and dash' thefts were issued by two major fuel security firms last year. This marks a 20-fold rise in just six years. Industry bigwigs insist there has been genuine increase in drivers fleeing forecourts without paying, or 'bilking', especially in the wake of the cost of living crisis. Yet drivers say they have been incorrectly stung with threatening letters demanding hefty 'admin fees' on top of their supposedly unpaid petrol or diesel. In an attempt to recoup the costs of stolen fuel for petrol stations, many of which are independently owned, Forecourt Eye and British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) scan forecourts with numberplate-recognition technology. Your browser does not support iframes. The two companies work with hundreds of filling sites and are considered among the biggest in the sector. Between the duo, they fired off nearly 113,000 requests to the DVLA for driver details last year. This is up from around 5,500 in 2018, according to data MailOnline obtained from the DVLA through Freedom of Information. Firms only request such data, which costs 2.50 a time and includes the car owner's name and address, if they intend to recover costs for non-payment of fuel. As well as seeking to recuperate the alleged unpaid fuel, companies may slap on their own admin fees. Forecourt Eye bolts on a 60 add-on. Drivers may feel pressured into paying up, even if they already forked out at the time. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Some claim to have been threatened with being banned from forecourts up and down the country. There are several ways motorists can wrongly be accused of a 'pump and dash'. For example, if your card was declined and neither you nor the cashier noticed before you drove off, you are likely to be sent a demand. If a criminal has cloned your plates and genuinely steals petrol, you could also be on the hook for any fuel they have stolen. Criminal gangs have also been known to use entirely fake plates to dodge paying for fuel. Drivers also risk being falsely accused of bilking if a cashier selected the wrong pump (or failed to select one at all) when totting up your bill. If this happened, it would mean your fuel was technically never paid for, even if you paid for someone else's. This is the equivalent of a supermarket cashier failing to scan an item at checkout. Chris Mullen, for example, was accused of not paying 7.80 for petrol even though he was driving a diesel car and filled up 30 worth of fuel. Despite fighting the claim from Forecourt Eye, thought to be caused by staff error, the 63-year-old from Stalham, Norfolk, said the firm 'insisted this was the case'. He was slapped with a 60 admin charge on top of the petrol he allegedly owed. One forecourt in Hythe, Kent, last summer shared CCTV footage of a blue car filling up with 120 of petrol before the driver got straight back into his vehicle and casually zoomed off without attempting to pay After appealing, Tesco did issue a refund and an apology to him as well as a 10 gift card, which the motorist branded 'something of an insult'. Tesco told the Great Yarmouth Mercury that its processes were 'regularly reviewed' with regular meetings and new staff training to 'prevent errors from occurring'. Social media and forums are littered with similar stories of motorists claiming to have been falsely accused of driving off without paying. MailOnline's analysis can't prove genuine thefts have risen, it only shows that reports have gone up. Police data, however, suggests more than 27,000 alleged thefts occurred last year, in line with levels in 2020. About 95 per cent of cases are canned with no suspect being identified. Cops themselves moan they have 'finite resources' to probe suspected thefts. The Petrol Retailers Association, whose members run two-thirds of forecourts, says bilking robs them of around 100million a year. Petrol stations themselves have resorted to shaming 'pump and dashers' online in a bid to claw back the stolen fuel. One forecourt in Hythe, Kent, last summer shared CCTV footage of a blue car filling up with 120 of petrol before the driver got straight back into his vehicle and casually zoomed off without attempting to pay. Owner Sutha Hari, 49, claimed she wasn't going to bother alerting the police because 'nothing ever comes of it'. While there is no specific offence code for robbing from fuel pumps, it falls under the 'making off without payment' umbrella. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. It also covers restaurant 'dine and dashers', as well as people who make off without paying taxi drivers at the end of journeys. Thieves can be jailed for up to two years. Experts say petrol theft pushes up prices for law-abiding motorists. Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: 'It would be tempting to suspect that the cost-of-living crisis is pushing normally law-abiding people into committing this type of offence, but that would be an insult to the vast majority of people who continue to obey the law whatever their circumstances. 'Repeat criminals might well be pushing their luck more than ever because they believe other pressures on the police are such that they'll get away with it. 'Drive-offs might be seen as relatively low-level crimes in the grand scheme of things but they are corrosive to society, damaging to businesses and ultimately push up pump prices for law-abiding motorists and riders. 'More is being done to prevent these crimes through adoption of better surveillance systems and pay-at-pump options, but the numbers suggest the problem has been getting worse, with tens of thousands of drive-away fuel thefts each year. 'Those tempted to refuel without paying need to feel there is a real threat of being caught and punished.' Forecourt Eye and BOSS have been contacted for comment. Australians thinking of moving to a regional area are being cautioned to check first whether their affordable dream property could turn out to be uninsurable. Young workers priced out of buying in Australia's increasingly unaffordable capital cities are looking to regional areas to secure a house, especially if they can work from home. But buying regional real estate presents some issues much less likely in a big city, such as the risk of floods or bushfires. Last month, 16 local government areas in the NSW Hunter and on the state's Mid-North Coast were declared natural disaster areas after floods triggered 6,000 insurance claims - 80 per cent of which were for damaged homes. The Climate Council has warned that up to half of the homes in these areas are at a high to moderate risk of being affected by a natural disaster. This will lead to insurance premiums rising to levels where they are unaffordable for the average-income earner, with premiums of $30,000 no longer considered unusual in areas located near rivers. Of Australia's 10 zones most prone to a natural disaster, seven are in regional areas. In NSW, five regional areas north of Sydney are in the high-risk category, along with northern Victoria, southern Queensland and areas around Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Australians thinking of moving to a regional areas are being urged to reconsider making a lifestyle change because their bargain-priced house could be uninsurable Economist Nicki Hutley, a consultant with the Climate Council, said the risk warranted a serious revision of any plans to move to those areas, regardless of how cheap the land may appear to be. 'They need to reconsider moving to some higher-risk regional areas,' Ms Hutley told Daily Mail Australia. 'This is a really hard message to sell but we want people to really understand what is the risk. 'The answer may not be "don't move there", the answer may be that community infrastructure reduces the risks significantly.' Maitland, in the NSW Hunter Valley, is Australia's fifth most popular local government area for internal migration, based on Commonwealth Bank customer data provided to the Regional Australia Institute. The Mid-Coast council area, covering flood-ravaged Taree, was 13th on the list for relocators, and was recently soaked with 500mm of rain in just four days. Both of these council areas, with population centres along a major river, fall within the federal electorate of Lyne. Climate Council mapping showed a whopping 45.7 per cent of homes in this electorate were at a moderate to high risk of natural disasters. The Mid-Coast council area, covering flood-ravaged Taree, was 13th on the list for relocators in an area that received 500mm of rain in just days, only four days after devastating floods They are also near the Labor-held Hunter electorate where 50.3 per cent of properties are at risk, with 12.9 per cent at high risk. Port Macquarie, which also suffered from recent flooding, is eighth on the list of popular regional locations for those moving from another part of Australia. This part of the NSW mid-north coast falls within the Nationals-held seat of Cowper, where a majority or 57.2 per cent of homes are at risk of a climate hazard. The Tweed council area, on the NSW far north coast, was 15th on the list of relocation hotspots, and falls within the Labor-held seat of Richmond where 47 per cent of properties are at risk, including 28.9 per cent at high risk. On the NSW South Coast, the Shoalhaven area was the seventh most popular spot for movers, and fell within the Labor-held seat of Gilmore where 36.9 per cent of properties are at risk. The Climate Council also listed 10 federal electorates where average, insurance costs are more likely to be unaffordable, because damage from natural disasters was likely to cost one per cent of a home's value in repairs. 'Uninsurable is saying that the premiums are at such a level that a person on average income could not possibly afford them and/or insurance companies have pulled that product from the market,' Ms Hutley said. 'Sometimes there are areas where house and contents insurance is available but not for specific kinds of risks like flood or fire because the area is considered too risky for the insurance company.' Port Macquarie, which also suffered from recent flooding, is eighth on the list of popular regional locations for those moving from another part of Australia. This part of the NSW mid-north coast falls within the Nationals-held seat of Cowper, where a majority or 57.2 per cent of homes are at risk of a climate hazard Seven out of 10 of these hotspots were in regional areas, where it would be unaffordable to insure homes and businesses. 'Clearly, people move there because property is cheaper and it's not just because of climate risk,' she said. 'As the events recur, that is likely to have further impact on property prices.' Lismore, on the NSW far north coast, is particularly affordable after a series of devastating floods, having a median house price of just $472,923, based on CoreLogic data. This is less than half the national house price of $898,604. 'People expect they were snapping up a bargain, that they would take on the insurance risk themselves,' Ms Hutley said. The city is also in the federal Nationals seat of Page, where 51.8 per cent of properties are at risk, with 16.9 per cent deemed high risk. This makes regional living a particularly fraught decision for many people unless they were able to spend tens of thousands of dollars on raising the level of their house. 'You don't want to be buying a house in an area where you know there are designated risks of flooding and you're one block back from the river that's got no levees or flood protection unless you're able to do something with the property,' she said. 'That's obviously very expensive and not everybody can do that type of thing. 'Clearly, climate change is exacerbating - what we're now calling "unnatural disasters" and particularly flood risk is getting worse so there are areas where people are still moving to which, if not today, then certainly within the next couple of decades; they're facing significantly elevated risk.' Aussies have questioned the use of force used by officers during the arrest of a young Aboriginal woman in Western Australia. Officers detained the 25-year-old woman from Millars Well, a town about 540km northeast of Exmouth, after she allegedly breached bail conditions on Monday. Footage of the arrest, shared on Facebook, shows the woman screaming as she is pulled from a car, handcuffed on the ground and carried by two officers to a van. As a crowd gathered outside the home, a female officer was seen gesturing with a can of pepper spray to try and stop them from approaching. Another police vehicle with more officers arrived as the woman was put in the van. At least two male officers could then be seen approaching the group and pushing them away from the police van. Shocked viewers questioned the officers' use of force in the comments. 'I legit got tears. This is very triggering,' one person wrote. Two police officers attempted to handcuff a 25-year-old Aboriginal woman on the ground as she yelled and kicked during an arrest (pictured) 'There was no need for this kind of force,' a second said. 'If they don't know how to work with mob, why don't they talk to the elders in community and get help,' a third commented. 'This town is not far from where I live,' a fourth added. 'This behaviour by police is so unnecessary!' The woman was not injured during the arrest and no medical assistance was required, WA Police told Daily Mail Australia in a statement. The woman was arrested for allegedly breaching her bail conditions by being at a home in Millars Well. 'It will be alleged as the woman was being arrested, she obstructed police, locking herself in a vehicle,' police said in a statement. Officers were called to the home about 10:30am on Monday after an alleged physical altercation between people known to each other. Shocked viewers questioned the officers' use of force in the comments (stock) Police had responded to an incident at the same location earlier that day. WA Police declined to comment on the way officers handled the incident. The woman has since been charged with one count each of obstructing public officers, common assault in circumstances of aggravation or racial aggravation and possessing a prohibited drug, methylamphetamine. She appeared in court on Monday and is next due to appear before the Karratha Magistrates Court on July 29. The arrest video came just days after the shocking death of an Indigenous man Kumanjayi White at a supermarket in Alice Springs on May 27. NT Police last week said White 'stopped breathing' after he was restrained by two officers and confirmed the death is being investigated on behalf of the coroner. It is the second death to rock the small Yuendumu community and comes six years after Kumanjayi Walker was shot dead by NT Police officer Zachary Rolfe. She's one of the most recognisable women in Australia, yet few people know that the Prime Minister's fiancee Jodie Haydon is not even the most famous member of her own clan. Jodie's great grandfather Bill Haydon - who her own father was named after - was known as the 'Cedar King' on account of his remarkable ability to discover and extract the high-value timber from deep and dangerous bush. But he suddenly and inexplicably disappeared in 1965 making Haydon the central figure in one of Australia's most enduring and perplexing mysteries. It sparked a massive, weeks-long search involving the army, spotter planes and the most experienced Aboriginal bush trackers. But when they failed to turn up any sign of Bill - something trackers thought was 'really weird' - the disappearance triggered a series of conspiracy theories, each one more wild than the last. At the centre of it all, of course, is a devastated family left grappling for answers. The mystery was only partially solved in 2008 following a coronial inquest, offering some closure to the Haydon clan. It is perhaps fitting that on the 60th anniversary of her great grandfather's disappearance, Jodie will also enter the history books when she marries Anthony Albanese later this year. Here, Daily Mail Australia charts the intrepid, trail-blazing life of the Cedar King - and his mysterious end. She's one of the most recognisable women in Australia, yet few people know that the Prime Minister's fiancee Jodie Haydon is not even the most famous member of her own clan (pictured: the happy couple following their Valentine's Day engagement last year) Jodie's great grandfather Bill Haydon (pictured) - who her own father was named after - was known as the 'Cedar King' on account of his remarkable ability to discover and extract the high-value timber from deep and dangerous bush. But he suddenly vanished in 1965 making Haydon the central figure in one of Australia's most enduring and perplexing mysteries Self-made man William Edward Haydon was born on August 10, 1890 in the village of Hannam Vale, surrounded by dense forest around 30km inland from NSW's Mid North Coast. He had little formal secondary education but was well-read and exceptionally quick at numbers. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he followed his father John into the timber industry and by the age of 15, decided to leave home with just two shillings in his pocket. Two years later, he had bought his first bullock team - a pair of harnessed bulls used to haul logs and other supplies for long miles - for 200 pounds. He would go on to buy 50 more, making a name for himself in the region as an extremely hard worker and a highly effective logger. 'He was a very formidable man,' his granddaughter Geraldine Yabsley - Jodie's first cousin once removed - told Daily Mail Australia. 'He could walk 30-40 miles in a day armed with just his bush hook and a bag filled with sugar and tea.' It was in 1934 when, gazing across the remote and inaccessible Carrai Plateau in northern NSW, Bill spied an opportunity: the large number of enormous red cedar trees. It was in 1934 when, gazing across the remote and inaccessible Carrai Plateau (pictured) in northern NSW, Bill spied an opportunity: the large number of enormous red cedar trees Most of the accessible, low-lying cedars had been cleared in the previous century. The rich red timber, which was so valuable it was known as 'Red Gold' by settlers, was easy to work with and was used for furniture, wood pannelling, coffins and even shipbuilding. Cedar wood was in very high demand because it took so long for the trees to mature, Phil Lee, President of the Kempsey Museum, said. By the time Bill was working in the timber industry, most of Australia's native cedars had already been felled. There was money to be made if he could somehow cut down and transport these remote trees to towns and settlements. Yet there was the small problem of 50km of thick bush and steep terrain to overcome. Blazing a trail The Forestry Commission said they would support a licence for Bill to harvest the wood, but stopped short of building a road, according to the Macleay Argus. So, with the help of the first Caterpillar bulldozer in the area, he built one himself. 'He was an entrepreneur, ahead of his time,' Geraldine said. 'In the 50s he was talking about using helicopters to fly timber out of the bush years before it was done. It is perhaps fitting that on the 60th anniversary of her great grandfather's disappearance, Jodie Haydon will also enter the history books when she marries Anthony Albanese later this year (pictured: Jodie celebrating Labor's landslide election victory last month with the Prime Minister and his son Nathan) The toil was worth it: the money poured in and he was able to start building sawmills across the mid-North Coast. 'He opened up a lot of country. He helped pave the way to build roads and towns,' Geraldine said. These places and people were there because of him.' In all, Bill built ten sawmills over his lifetime, creating hundreds, if not thousands of jobs in the area. He was a very, very well-known man,' Geraldine added. 'He was a local legend in his lifetime. Everyone knew him. He was a fine figure of a man, six-foot-something, handsome. A very powerful personality.' The logging they did back then was a lot more selective to ensure regrowth. Unlike today, when timber companies clear whole tracts of forests, Bill and his team would travel far and wide to extract a few prized cedars. John Vader, author of Red Cedar: The Tree of Australian History, described how a typical day for Bill's team would involve setting off into the New England Escarpment with in a convoy of Land rovers equipped with snow chains and accompanied by tractors. In all, Bill built ten sawmills over his lifetime, creating hundreds, if not thousands of jobs in the area (pictured: Bill, circled, on one of his trail-blazing cedar drives) 'From a basecamp they would descend 11 miles into the gorge, sometimes on spurs only a vehicle width and nearly perpendicular drops into breathtaking hidden valleys,' the Dorrigo Heritage Defenders page notes. 'On many occasions the only option was to drag the tractors to safety in reverse using rear mounted winches attached to a nominated sturdy tree cutting their way as they went.' One 'pretty decent' haul involved a cedar tree trunk 5.5 metres in circumference - roughly the equivalent of ten people standing with their arms outstretched just to encircle it once. It was tough but rewarding work and Bill shared the spoils around. He reportedly built 80 houses, two schools, donated the rich red cedar to Catholic churches in the area and sponsored the local footy team. He was a very generous man. He was always helping out the nuns and after the floods in 1949-50, he helped relocate a number of families from downtown to higher land near the Kempsey hospital,' Geraldine added. Bill commissioned a film called 'Red Gold' in the 1950s charting the history of cedar getters on the north coast. By the morning of April 28, 1965, his reputation as the 'Cedar King' was firmly established. But just 24 hours later, he disappeared forever. The dark red timber from cedar trees (pictured), which was so valuable it was know as 'Red Gold' by settlers, was used for furniture, wood pannelling, coffins and even shipbuilding The vanishing Bill, his son Jack and a local Kempsey man called Jack Clarke had set out for the Washpool State Forest in northern NSW a couple of days earlier. They had a government contract to find red cedar for new double decker railway carriages and, at the age of 75, it was, with bitter irony, to be Bill's last job before retirement. On April 28, Bill's son and Jack Clarke left their camp in the Willowie Scrub to look for cedar in a nearby gully while Bill decided to stay behind to scout for the red gold nearby. The going was harder than they'd anticipated and the two Jacks were forced to camp overnight. They returned to camp the next day but there was no sign whatsoever of Bill. A massive search party was launched - one of the largest in NSW history - involving hundreds of bushmen, soldiers and police. But they failed to turn up any trace of Bill - apart from some markings he'd left on red cedar trunks. Geraldine was just six years old when he went missing. But I remember it was clear as day,' she said. 'All the people coming and going in the house. All of the crying. Mum and my sister went up to the forest to help look and to help feed the men. By the morning of April 28, 1965, Bill's reputation as the 'Cedar King' was firmly established. But just 24 hours later, he would disappear forever in the Washpool State Forest (pictured) The mystery Geraldine, 67, published a book in 2009 alongside a journalist Kathleen Davies called: 'Bill Haydon, The Cedar King - The man behind the legend'. 'When writing the book I spoke to people who were there and who were involved in the massive search party,' she said. 'They all said it was very strange. Really renowned trackers, some of them aboriginals, were able to follow his trail through some cedar trees where he had left markings. 'They found that he had walked off a little bit and then stepped on to a fallen, moss-covered log. But the curious thing they all said was that he never got off that log. His tracks just stopped there. It was as if he had vanished on the spot. 'The trail just ended. Some of the trackers said they expected to find his body there but there was nothing. 'They all said it was really weird. And this was coming from expert bushmen. One 'pretty decent' haul involved a cedar tree trunk 5.5 metres in circumference -roughly the equivalent of ten people standing with their arms outstretched just to encircle it once Mr Lee, who is also President of the Macleay River Historical Society, agreed that his disappearance was 'certainly strange'. He was an expert bushman so he probably left the markings on the trees to find his back to camp. But he just never got there,' Mr Lee added. The search was eventually bolstered by 120 soldiers and a Cessna aircraft sent down from Queensland. But after weeks of combing the dense bush it was eventually called off. The investigation His disappearance had a devastating impact on the family that echoed for years afterwards. 'My grandfathers wife - Olivetta - Granny Haydon to us, they said she cried to the day she died in her nineties. She missed him something terrible,' Geraldine said. He was a very strong personality so when you took the rudder away they were lost. The lack of closure of not finding a body gave rise to wild conspiracies, especially given that northern NSW is full of strange happenings. There have been well-documented sightings of a black panthers and UFOs in the regions dark forests. I know people that swear they have seen a Yowie in the Upper Macleay valley,' Mr Lee said. Some claim that Bill was taken by one of the mythical Aussie beasts. People said all sorts of silly nonsense about his disappearance. We've heard every story going,' Geraldine said. 'Some people claim he actually staged the whole thing and ran away. 'Some swore that they saw him at a race course years afterwards, others claimed hed been taken by aliens. But he would never ever have left our granny. He was a very family-oriented man. The lack of closure was exacerbated by the fact that a death certificate was never issued. In the process of writing and researching her book, Geraldine pushed for a coronial inquest into Bill's disappearance. 'The police investigated it. They even visited my mother Winnifred in her care home and took DNA in case her grandfather ever shows up, she said. 'The magistrate was very apologetic and couldnt believe a death certificate had never been issued. Bill Haydon's legacy continues in the current generation, with Jodie's father Bill being named after him. Her branch of the family settled further south, on the Central Coast where she and Albanese bought a $4.3 million clifftop home in Copacabana. Her branch of the family settled further south, on the Central Coast where she and Albanese bought a $4.3 million clifftop home in Copacabana (pictured) Searching for answers So what happened to the Cedar King? Mr Lee, who is also President of the Macleay River Historical Society, believes he knows the answer. 'There had been mining in the area so he could have easily fallen into the mouth of an overgrown mine shaft,' he said. It's a conclusion that Geraldine also thinks is most likely. The area had been mined for tin in the 1880s. Miners would dig holes just a couple of metres in diameter, which would eventually fill with water and be covered by foliage. 'It was thick bush back then. Very much like a rainforest so it is absolutely possible that even an experienced bushman, which Bill very much was, could have taken a step and fallen into one of the shafts,' Geraldine said. 'If there was water down there and it was wet and cold, he would have died from exposure before anyone could have heard him.' While that remains the most likely outcome, theories will always swirl without a body. If only we could find his body the story would end. But there is no closure,' Geraldine added. 'We know he went into the bush but he never came out. It is the big mystery its what carries on his legend. But lets be real: its national park. Its a complete wilderness. Theres as much chance of you or I winning the lottery as them finding him. Geraldine's book, co-authored with journalist Kathleen Davies, will be reprinted in the coming weeks. The Taliban are using a former SAS base to develop an air force of kamikaze drones capable of striking well beyond their countrys borders, the Mail can reveal. Used by British special forces during the UKs two decades in Afghanistan, the base in Logar Province is now the main test site for the deadly fleet. To the alarm of Western security agencies, more than three years after seizing back power in Afghanistan, the brutal Taliban regime has recruited international experts to produce hundreds of drones. They include an engineer suspected of links to Osama Bin Ladens terror group Al Qaeda and a specialist said to have studied in the UK, the Mail can reveal. The drones are being constructed at another former base, Camp Phoenix which was a major US hub for logistics and training Afghan troops during the war with the Taliban in which 457 British servicemen and women lost their lives. Troops at Pheonix, near the capital Kabul, had a cinema, library, coffee shop, post office and a British pub. After the chaotic exodus from Afghanistan in 2021, masses of abandoned military hardware was studied by the Talibans engineers. It is unclear if components of the drones were among the arsenal of equipment left behind, but the Mail can reveal the base now houses a secretive production line for unmanned warplanes. Taliban chiefs showcased this home-made drone - looking suspiciously like a copy of the Americans' unmanned MQ9 Reaper, below A real MQ9 Reaper drone flying over Afghanistan Outskirts of former base Camp Phoenix which was a major US hub during the war - along with British troops. It is now where Taliban kamikaze drones are being manufactured A number of test flights of suicide or kamikaze warplanes that explode on impact with their targets have been successfully carried out at the former SAS base in Logar Province, south of Kabul, intelligence sources say. Some were used recently in an attack on the border area of Pakistan. The Taliban developers are said to be copying several drone models - including the MQ9 Reaper, an American system, and the Shahed 136 which is Iranian. Both are said to have been supplied by Tehran to Moscow and used in Ukraine. They are also believed to have been used by Iran during recent attacks on Israel. The Talibans engineers several of whom studied at Kabul Universitys faculty of engineering during the two decades British and US forces were in Afghanistan - are looking to increase both the distance they can travel and the size of the explosive payloads. Intelligence sources revealed the Taliban drone development programme had been in place for at least two years and that its capability is expanding significantly. Sources say that the Taliban has recently showcased the growing drone programme to potential partners and customers in Afghanistan that included demonstration flights. The project will concern Western intelligence agencies as the notoriously-primitive Taliban seeks to develop sophisticated drones capable of attacking enemies beyond its borders. Taliban chiefs also showcased this home-made drone - which appears strikingly similar to one made by Iran, the Shahed 136, below An Iranian-designed Shahed 136 drone streaking through the skies above Ukraine. Russia uses the Shahed 136 model which it acquired from Iran to strike targets in Ukraine Camp Phoenix, in Afghanistan, when it was a major US base used by British forces A Shahed 136 drone spotted in the skies above Ukraine. Russia uses the model which it bought from the Iranians This is the Taliban version, which Western intelligence agencies fear looks like a close copy of the United States's MQ9 Reaper drone Flames rise as people stand near an object that the Houthi military media in Yemen said was an American MQ9 Reaper drone they shot down The alarm will be further heightened by the involvement of an engineer with links to Al Qaeda - whose figurehead Bin Laden plotted the 9/11 atrocity from his bolthole in Afghanistan which triggered the 20-year military campaign by the US and UK. One source claimed the Al Qaeda engineer once studied in the UK. Al Qaeda and other terrorist training camps are said to have returned to Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in August 2021. The engineers are considered prized assets by the Taliban and have been assigned personal bodyguards. It emerged recently an Afghan drone technician who helped MI6 spy on the Taliban has been forced to live his life on the run after the UK refused to give him sanctuary. Described as potentially a prized asset to the Taliban, the Afghan is said to have worked for MI6 from 2017, at first helping to intercept Taliban phonecalls, before flying drones alongside British agents. After western forces left the country in 2021 he was approached by the Taliban, who tried to recruit him because his skills were deemed to be so valuable. He turned them down and applied for relocation to the UK but has twice been refused and is appealing the case from hiding. Footage obtained by the Mail of a Taliban kamikaze drone attack on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan Firefighters at a residential building destroyed by a Shahed 136 drone attack in Kiev, Ukraine, in 2022 Shahed 136 drone attacks on Kiev launched by Russia have caused widespread damage to residential buildings An engine of an Iranian made suicide drone believed to be a Shahed 136, found in Ukraine Footage obtained by the Mail of a Taliban kamikaze drone attack on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan One source said: With his expertise, he would be an easy fit for the drone programme which is why the Taliban have been looking for him over many months. He has knowledge of many of the types of drone under development. The Iranian version of the MQ9 Reaper can currently fly at heights up to 24,000ft at speeds of 130mph while carrying a bomb up to 660lb which the Talibans engineers have been asked to increase. Dubbed the hunter-killer because of its ability for intelligence gathering and surveillance of a target prior to attack, it is remotely piloted. The US version has been successfully used against Taliban targets. The Shahed 136 is cheap to build and can be used to devastating effect as a kamikaze drone. It can fly low, at speeds up to 115mph, and travel distances of 1,200 miles before exploding on targets. It has been extensively used by Russia in Ukraine to devastating effect. It is also been used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen during attacks on shipping and during attacks on Israel. Taliban engineers are experimenting with different quantities of explosives, detonation techniques and means of launch. According to intelligence officials, expertise from Turkey, China, Russia, Belarus and Bangladesh is being drawn on, for the drone programme. Intelligence sources say a Russian is working closely with the drone programme and has accompanied the Taliban engineers on fact-finding trips to other countries working developing drones. Drone components have been purchased in China and Turkey, the sources said. While many American prisoners awaiting the death penalty are able to choose their final meal before execution, inmates in Texas no longer have this privilege thanks to the actions of one man. White supremacist Lawrence Brewer was executed in 2011 after he was convicted of helping to kill a black man by dragging him behind a truck in what some call the most notorious race crime of the post-Civil Rights era. Brewer, 44 - who was convicted of capital murder along with two other men also found guilty of taking part in the kidnapping and slaying of James Byrd Jr. in 1998 - was given a lethal injection of drugs on September 21 and was pronounced dead shortly after. He had no final words, but he did put in a request for his last meal - two chicken steaks, a triple bacon cheeseburger, fried okra, three fajitas, a pizza, a pint of ice cream, and a slab of peanut butter fudge. Guards did their best to bring Brewer his favourite foods before his death. But as his dinner was plated up and presented to him on a table, Brewer refused to eat a single bite. His refusal to eat the multi-course meal angered Texas senator John Whitmire, prompting him to put an end to the tradition, saying 'it's long overdue.' 'Enough is enough', the senator declared, stating that the last meal request is an 'extremely inappropriate' privilege, 'one which the perpetrators did not provide to their victim.' Lawrence Brewer was executed in 2011 after he was convicted of helping to kill a black man His outrageous request for his final meal prompted Texas officials to stop taking requests from inmates Lawrence Russell Brewer waits for his trial to begin Monday, Sept. 13, 1999, at the Brazos County Courthouse in Bryan, Texas 'Mr Byrd didn't get to choose his last meal. The whole deal is so illogical', he added. Executive director of the Texas criminal justice department, Brad Livingston, agreed with Sen. Whitmire. He said: 'I believe Senator Whitmire's concerns regarding the practice of allowing death row offenders to choose their last meal are valid. 'Effective immediately, no such accommodations will be made. They will receive the same meal served to other offenders on the unit.' Brewer had been on death row for 12 years before his 2011 execution. Speaking to local media before receiving his lethal injection, he said death would be a 'good out' and that he was 'glad it's about to come to an end.' Asked if he had any last words, he replied: 'No. I have no final statement', as a single tear rolled down his cheek. Brewer was executed for his part in the 1998 killing of Byrd in Jasper, East Texas, after Brewer and two friends offered him a lift along a remote country road. Brewer was convicted of capital murder along with two other men also found guilty of taking part in the kidnapping and slaying of James Byrd Jr. (pictured) in 1998 Sisters of the late James Byrd Jr., from left, Mary Verrett, Mylinda Washington and Bobbie Brown smile after thanking several people during a news conference as they leave the Brazos County Courthouse after Lawrence Russell Brewer was sentenced to die Thursday, Sept. 23, 1999 in Bryan, Texas Byrd, aged 49 at the time, was beaten unconscious and urinated upon before being bound to the vehicle by his ankles with a heavy logging chain and driven for three miles. Forensic evidence showed that he was alive for much of the ordeal but was killed when the vehicle hit a concrete drainage channel causing his head and arm to be ripped from his body. John William King, 36, was also convicted of capital murder and sent to death row. The third man, Shawn Berry, 36, received a life prison term. After dumping his remains in an African-American cemetery his killers drove off to a barbeque. In an interview from death row, Brewer told KFDM that he participated in the assault on Byrd but had 'nothing to do with the killing as far as dragging him or driving the truck or anything'. Before receiving his lethal injection, Brewer's family was allowed to see him one last time. He was then taken from the Polunsky Unit in Livingston to an isolation cell in Huntsville where the sentence was carried out. Convicted killer Lawrence Russell Brewer reacts after being sentenced to death Thursday, Sept. 23, 1999 in Bryan, Texas Byrd's brutal killing led to the 'Federal October 22, 2009 Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act', commonly known as the 'Matthew Shepard Act'. Then-President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on October 28, 2009. The horrific death put Jasper, a typical East Texas town with a Dairy Queen, Walmart and a handful of fast-food places some 60 miles from the nearest interstate highway, under a national spotlight. 'Everywhere you went, anywhere in the country, once people found out you were from Jasper, Texas, they wanted to ask you about it,' said Mike Lout, mayor and the town radio station owner. 'Everybody first was shocked and appalled and not proud of it. They talked about it so much in the days past it, I think most people wanted to put it out of their minds.' 'It's heartbreaking,' said Billy Rowles, who was sheriff at the time of Mr Byrd's murder. 'A lot of effort and hard work and soul-searching went into trying to live down the stereotype. It's so easy to get back into that mode.' His huge last meal had echoes of that enjoyed by Robert Harris in 1992, who killed two teenage boys. He had a chicken bucket, two large pizzas, a Pepsi six-pack, jelly beans and Camel cigarettes. The subject of last meals before execution has thrown up some interesting results over the last few decades, with infamous killer James Smith being refused a request of dirt in 1990 and instead eating yoghurt. While not a mandatory requirement for prisoners on death row in countries where the death penalty still exists, the request is often granted in the US, with the final meals written into public records of executions. Despite Texas' decision to no longer allow prisoners to choose their last meals, other states continue to give inmates the option to. Some states, however, have a final meal price limit, while others require the meal to be served within a specific time. It is not uncommon for prisoners to order nostalgic meals that offer them a last flavour of happiness before they face the most extreme punishment possible for their heinous crimes. While extensive, Brewer's request was far from the largest or most bizarre death row meal orders. Back in 2011, prisoner Cleve Foster's requested two fried chickens, French fries and a 19-litre bucket of peaches. In 2000, Odell Barnes Jr. from Texas, who was sentenced to death for the 1989 murder of Helen Bass, requested 'justice, equality and world peace.' In 2002, Robert Anthony Buell, from Ohio, was executed by lethal injection for the 1982 murder of 11-year-old Krista Lea Harrison. For his final meal, he requested a single, black, un-pitted olive. It was early on the morning of October 1, 2019, when Travelers Rest Police Chief Ben Ford's phone began to ring. The person on the end of the line had news: A 42-year-old man had been found dead from a suspected drug overdose inside a home in the small South Carolina town. When he heard the man's name, Ford was instantly suspicious. Rickey Shaun Shirley had long been eyed as the main person of interest and the 'closest thing to a suspect' in the disappearance of his girlfriend Brooke Henson. Henson, 20, had been missing for 20 years, vanishing after a party at her home on July 4, 1999. Shirley was one of the last people to see her alive and that night the young couple were reportedly seen arguing. But, police said Henson had 'lawyered up' and refused to cooperate. There was never enough evidence to charge him. Then, two decades later, police received a major tip that might finally crack the department's only unsolved case. Brooke Henson, 20, vanished after a party at her home in Travelers Rest on July 4, 1999 Word that there was movement in the missing persons case that had long plagued the community spread like wildfire. Only a few hours later, Henson's boyfriend was dead. For Ford, the timing was suspicious. 'I don't believe in coincidences like that. I don't believe that he died of a simple drug overdose. I believe someone was behind it, intentionally,' Ford tells Daily Mail. 'I have no proof or concrete evidence, but that's what I believe.' Ford reveals that two individuals later told police Shirley had been about to come forward and spill everything he knew about Henson's disappearance in order to finally, as he put it, 'clear his name'. Instead, Shirley took whatever information he had to the grave. Property in River Falls where police carried out a new search for Brooke Henson's body Ford will not reveal what exactly that information was - but it was significant enough to secure a warrant for a new search of Henson's home and on Monday September 30, 2019, multiple police officers descended on the property. 'I don't know how you explain that. It's awfully convenient that he died of a drug overdose when allegedly he was going to come and talk,' Ford says. Who or what exactly was behind Shirley's sudden, 'suspicious' death, Ford isn't sure. That search of Henson's home ultimately proved futile. But, the police believe Shirley's death may hold the key to solving the two-decade mystery about his missing girlfriend. 'I think it's bigger than people realize and that's who people have been scared of for the last 26 years,' Ford says. 'If I could figure out who they are scared of, then I could probably solve the case.' Ford, who is leading a new multi-agency task force dedicated to solving Henson's case, has no doubt that multiple people within the community know what happened to her. He tells Daily Mail he has his eye on a pool of around 50 to 60 people who were in the same social circles as Henson and her boyfriend. Among this group are people he is convinced have the information needed to solve the case - including a man whose property was the focus of a bombshell search for her remains this May. Rickey Shaun Shirley died in 2019 amid a new search connected to his girlfriend's disappearance In the 26 years since the night Henson went missing, police have conducted hundreds of interviews, multiple searches of properties and a water treatment plant, chased dead end rumors and even dealt with a wild twist of stolen identity. But investigators continue to face a wall of silence from parts of the community. Lying in the foothills of the South Carolina mountains, Travelers Rest was a close-knit town back in the 90s where everyone knew each other and parents let their kids play in the parks and along the old railroad trail leading to the vibrant city of Greenville. But it was also a place where drug abuse was high and where cops found themselves up against the so-called 'Mountain Code' where parts of the community would close ranks and resolve matters themselves. The summer of 1999 was an especially busy time for the small police department. 'We had an America's Most Wanted case we had some cop killers out of Virginia that the FBI were tracking, and in the middle of them tracking them down, they discovered the first meth lab we ever had,' John Campbell, retired South Carolina Law Enforcement Division special agent and former Travelers Rest police officer, tells the Daily Mail. Over the July 4 weekend parties were taking place all across the small, rural town. It was against this backdrop that Henson vanished in the early hours of Independence Day, following a party at her home on Henderson Drive. Her parents said they returned from a concert and saw their daughter sitting on the front porch. The disappearance of Brooke Henson is the only unsolved case in Travelers Rest Police believe multiple people know what happened to Brooke Henson (seen in missing poster) Some time later, they said she left the home on foot, telling them she was going to buy cigarettes - despite no stores being open at the time. Other witnesses claimed to have seen Henson later that night at a party around 14 miles away in River Falls. When she was reported missing, local police expected her to simply show up again in a few days, predicting the free-spirited party girl had simply got carried away with friends over the holiday weekend. Campbell, a sergeant at Travelers Rest PD at the time, remembers seeing the 20-year-old days before her disappearance while driving his patrol car. 'I saw her walking down the street by her house. She was like a barefoot country girl kind of girl, just a local country, jeans and a t-shirt kind of girl,' he says. When she went missing, that encounter came back to him vividly. He adds: 'We didn't expect it to be a murder.' But, as the days passed, it became clear Henson wasn't coming home. There's little doubt among both current and retired cops on the case that Henson met a tragic end the night she was last seen alive. Travelers Rest Police Chief Ben Ford doesn't believe that Shirley's death is a coincidence But how she died, at whose hands and what happened to her body has stumped investigators ever since. In 2001, Campbell took over the case and began investigating it as a murder. He pursued several leads - including tracking down a red Corvette rumored to have been used to move her body and searching a lake for her remains. During that search, a 'very long hair' was found on a diver's suit. It was tested but DNA advancements were unable to trace it at the time. 'The Corvette we traced through multiple owners to a scrapyard when we finally found it, there was nothing left but an engine,' he says. 'Most [things] just didn't work out.' Another tip came in from a witness who claimed to have discovered Shirley's confession letter in a tin hidden behind a loose brick in the basement of one of his relative's homes. The tipster claimed they stumbled across the folded-up note while looking to steal Shirley's drug stash. The case took another twist when Esther Reed (pictured) stole Henson's identity But, police were unable to confirm the note's existence. Campbell says a search warrant for the property was denied. Not long later, that house burned down. The unsolved case took another bizarre turn when a woman named Brooke Henson graduated from Columbia University and tried to get a housekeeping job in Manhattan. It transpired the woman's real name was Esther Reed and she had stolen Henson's name, birthday and Social Security. Reed was sentenced to prison for four years for identity theft. Though never able to prove it, Campbell believes Henson's remains are buried under concrete at a 27-acre water treatment plant in Travelers Rest, which was under construction around the time of her disappearance. Some bizarre circumstances have further convinced him of this theory. He says that, whenever police honed in on the plant, a tip would be called in diverting law enforcement elsewhere. 'People are watching, people have eyes, the mountains have eyes they tipped people off,' he says. Retired cop John Campbell believes Henson's body was buried at the local water treatment plant (pictured) Campbell has also long suspected Shirley was involved in Henson's disappearance and death. For his part, he remembers pulling Shirley over for a traffic violation not long after she went missing - and finding him 'really nervous.' 'I didn't know he was the suspect at that time. He could have been moving the body, you think back, "oh, we should have searched there," he says. He also recalls one day when he was leading the case and he learned Shirley was seriously ill. He says he raced to hospital thinking he could get a deathbed confession. 'Somebody tipped him off that I was coming, and he ran out the back door in a robe. He never even put his clothes on... So I think, you know, that kind of indicates that he was afraid,' he says. However, the years following Shirley's death have led both Ford and Campbell to rethink their main person of interest. Both thought his death would lead people to finally speak up, 'because they would no longer be afraid of him'. In May, this five-acre property in River Falls was the focus of a new search for her remains Homeowner Kevin Sides was arrested and charged with unrelated drugs charges The search found no human remains or clues about the missing 20-year-old woman 'If Shirley killed her there would probably be people coming out of the woodworks right now to tell us about it because he's dead and you can't charge him anyway. So why are people still scared [now] he's gone? If he did it and he's gone, why won't people talk?' Ford questions. 'I believe he had knowledge of what happened. I am not convinced 100 percent he was responsible.' Campbell suggests it indicates 'there were several people involved in killing her and they're still alive and there's still fear, there could be shadowy figures that we don't even know about.' Some people have braved coming forward with information over the years - but, in true small town fashion, it's been challenging to wade through the rumors. Just last month, a new lead prompted a days-long search of a five-acre property in River Falls for Henson's remains. The homeowner Kevin Sides, a man who was part of Henson's friendship group, was arrested on unrelated drugs charges. Ford says Sides is not a suspect or person of interest in Henson's disappearance - but he believes he has information he isn't sharing. Local police hope to finally solve the case and find the remains of Brooke Henson For Ford, cracking the small town's sole unsolved case is personal. 'I grew up in the area. I'm three years older than Brooke would be now. I have a brother the same age as her,' he says. 'These types of things don't happen in this town. We don't have missing people cases that end up going on for 26 years and their remains are never found. That's never happened here I'd love to be able to solve it... So yeah, the pressure's on.' Anyone with information about Henson's disappearance can report it anonymously to the Greenville County Crime Stoppers at 864-23-CRIME, by contacting Chief Ford at 864-834-9029 or ford@trpolice.com, or by contacting Investigators Guy at guy@trpolice.com and Bradshaw at Bradshaw@trpolice.com Drug pushers on every corner, baton-wielding cops and revellers passed out on the ground. Welcome to Albufeira, the once family-focused resort in Portugal's Algarve region facing an exodus unless it cracks down on excessive partying. Brits have already vowed to 'never return' after seeing a 'dramatic change' over the past couple of years. They claim a surge in hen and stag dos has created a party mecca that has brought more violence, drugs and loutish behaviour. In response to a series of incidents - including Brits exposing their genitals in public - the local government is bringing in new laws for tourists in July. Albufeira was in the spotlight this week after the body of Scotsman Greg Monks, 38, was found in a ravine - some eight days after he vanished from the strip during a pal's stag do. 'He's another victim of the strip,' one local hotel worker told MailOnline this week. 'It encourages heavy drinking and drugs are too easily available, it's easy to lose control. Albufeira was a once family-focused resort in Portugal's Algarve region but it is now home to excessive partying People have claimed a surge in hen and stag dos has created a party mecca that has brought more violence, drugs and loutish behaviour Brits have already vowed to 'never return' to Albufeira after seeing a 'dramatic change' over the past couple of years 'Brits come on stag dos and buy drugs straight away, and have no idea what they are cut with, there are some really dangerous people here.' There is no suggestion that Greg had taken drugs on the night he disappeared. The worker, who asked not to be named over fear of reprisals, said he believes he may have seen Greg walking alone shortly before 2am on the night he vanished. 'He seemed really intoxicated and was carrying a traffic sign,' he recalled, 'I was scared to approach him but now I feel really bad, because if it was him I could have helped.' The local said he informed Greg's family of what he saw when he came across the missing person's report. Another hotel worker, Tadeu, told MailOnline: 'I'm so tired of the tourists who come here, they behave like mental asylum escapees, it's dangerous. 'They walk around like they own the place and with an air of entitlement.' Tadeu's hotel has tried to take matters into its own hands by creating a 'behaviour booklet' for its guests, which tells them how to be a 'good' visitor - including being properly dressed, respecting the area and not drinking to excess. Greg Monks, 38, (pictured with his girlfriend) was found dead in a ravine - some eight days after he vanished from the strip during a pal's stag do Albufeira in Portugal is a popular spot for hen and stag dos Police keep a watchful eye on the party strip in Albufeira in Portgual Picture shows a board advertising alcohol in Albufeira this week He said there was an incident last year that 'shocked' the country and made national news. He recalled: 'Some English guys got on top of a table completely naked and exposed themselves while shouting chants, it was awful, they have no respect. 'I've decided to move to another city later this year, I just don't feel very safe, it's not a nice place to live at times.' Eight British tourists were identified by the GNR after footage of them crawling on a bar top fully naked and in broad daylight went viral last June. It sparked outcry from Albufeira mayor Jose Carlos Rolo, who said at the time: 'It doesn't make sense for us to have a strategy and spend money on promotion only to have these deeply negative incidents that dignify no one.' The case was forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office but it remains unclear what further action was taken. Tadeu accused the authorities of not doing enough to tackle the bad behaviour. He showed MailOnline photos of his friend who was beaten to a pulp on the strip last summer. He said: 'He bumped into an Irish guy by accident and he and his group of six mates just started beating him up, he had to go to hospital, but the tourists were never found or arrested. We have not stepped foot on the strip since.' MailOnline visited both the Old Town and the infamous party strip this Tuesday. Emergency services are seen in Albufeira on a night this week Tributes poured in for the plant mechanic, who was described as an 'amazing guy' These were the first pictures of the scrub-land where Greg Monks' body was found on the Algarve after a week-long search The former has traditionally been a more 'chilled' environment for families. But this week, it was filled with partying crowds, stag dos and hen parties, with some streets completely blocked off by dancing revellers - and with music still blasting after 3am, despite it being the one of the quietest days of the week. The infamous party strip on Avenida Francisco Sa Carneiro is around an eight-minute drive eastwards from the Old Town. On the night MailOnline visited, misbehaving Brits were seen being chased and dragged away by police and passing out on the ground. Cocaine was offered at least four times by brazen street sellers. Towards the end of the night, our cameraman was also assaulted by two Scottish revellers. Multiple teams of Red Cross staff were seen patrolling the strip in the event of injury, either by violence or intoxication. One paramedic warned: 'This is nothing compared to the weekends, and in a few weeks it will be on another level.' It comes as forums dedicated to 'wild' videos from Albufeira are growing in popularity online. A video shared in May shows multiple GNR officers whacking British tourists with batons. Albufeira in Portugal's Algarve region is facing an exodus unless it cracks down on excessive partying This is the last known photo of Mr Monks, a plant mechanic from Glasgow, who was last seen in the early hours of May 28 during the first night out of a five-day stag do CCTV footage showing the 38-year-old jumping over a wall after a night out with his stag-do friends had enabled police to narrow down his last movements to this area Holidaymakers are later seen running away from officers while being chased through the resort's cobbled streets. Elsewhere, visitors are seen passed out drunk on the ground and gyrating against monuments. Briton Carp Breck commented on one clip: 'I'd rather go to Benidorm place is a disgrace and gone dirty and not nice anymore!' Stuart Coppell added: 'Sadly it's not the place it was when we started coming there 15 years ago.' Another photo shared on a forum showed a tourist pulling out his penis in the middle of the street. Cheryl Dockerty commented: 'It's getting like Magaluf, but that's what happens when they try and clean up a place, these idiots just go elsewhere and cause mayhem.' Doreen Burywood said: 'We used to go every year, loved the place, but stopped when the hen and stag parties started arriving, such a shame.' Karen Yeadon said: 'We've been coming here for the past 10 years, definitely felt a difference these past two years. 'Here again this year, but told hubby I don't want to come next year. I used to feel safe here, now it is a different story, so so sad.' In a bid to crackdown on bad behaviour, Albufeira is set to bring in new rules this summer. The highly-anticipated 'code of conduct' will include fines for not dressing properly in public areas, public nudity or sex acts, and for camping in unauthorised areas. The code of conduct - which will issue sanctions of up to 1,800 - will go through a final vote at the municipal level on June 30 before becoming official. Albufeira mayor Jose Carlos Rolo hopes it will be in effect by mid-July of this year. MailOnline has contacted Albufeira City Council for comment. Stockton Rush, the mastermind behind the Titan submersible expedition of 2023, didn't just want to tour the wreck of the Titanic - he intended to die there. That's the disturbing claim made by a close friend of the late OceanGate CEO, who alleges that the multimillionaire engineer was suicidal and hellbent on writing himself into the mythology of the world's most infamous shipwreck, even if it meant sacrificing four others in the process. Karl Stanley, an expert in commercial submersibles, told Matthew Gavin Frank for his new book, Submersed: Wonder, Obsession and Murder in the World of Amateur Submarines, that: 'Rush's ego was so big, he was willing to die and kill to be pivotal to the character of this story. 'He wanted to go [die] at the wreck [of the Titanic]. The more high-profile, the better. He didn't just murder four wealthy people and get paid a cool mill to do it - they are all part of the Titanic mythology now.' Twelve days after Titan imploded in the North Atlantic in June 2023, killing five, Stanley messaged Frank via WhatsApp with a chilling declaration: that Rush had known exactly what would happen during the vessel's final fateful trip. Stanley claimed that Rush actively plotted for the fatal plunge to be a one-way trip - a deliberate death dive engineered to cement his legacy in the history books, aboard a 'futile' vessel that had never been intended to return. 'He was in fact a good engineer,' said Stanley. 'He set a new standard for going out with a bang.' Stockton Rush founded OceanGate in 2009. A former business associate claimsthat he wanted to be the Elon Musk of ocean exploration The Titan submersible disaster shocked the world in June 2023. All five passengers aboard the vessel, including Rush, were killed following a catastrophic implosion According to Stanley, Rush named his doomed sub after the fictional British oceanliner Titan, from the 1898 novella Futility by Morgan Robertson, in which the fictional ship sinks in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg, in an eerily similar fashion to how the Titanic met its fate 14 years later. Stanley alleged that in order to extend, and to be a part of the wider Titanic folklore, 'Rush needed to compel more than just his own death, and he needed to knowingly fabricate a 'futile' vessel, costumed in a titanic name, as his murder weapon,' Frank writes. The fellow sub enthusiast further claimed that Rush designed the Titan to be a 'mousetrap for billionaires'. Asked if he truly believed that Rush actively intended to kill everyone on board as part of a suicidal vanity project, Stanley didn't waver: 'I know this is what happened.' Four years before the Titan disaster, Stanley had accompanied Rush on one of the vessel's test dives in the Bahamas, where the pair and two others dived to a record-breaking, Titanic-level depth of 12,336 feet. The day after the voyage, he wrote an email to Rush, raising alarm bells about what he deemed to be significant safety issues. His concerns stemmed from ominous gunshot-like sounds thundering out every three to four minutes during their hours-long descent. Stanley feared that the deafening noise was the sub's hull buckling under the immense pressure of the deep. 'The sounds we observed yesterday sounded like a flaw/defect in one area being acted on by the tremendous pressures and being crushed/damaged,' he wrote. 'From the intensity of the sounds [and] the fact that they never totally stopped at depth [it] would indicate that there is an area of the hull that is breaking down/getting spongy.' Matthew Gavin Frank's new book, Submersed: Wonder, Obsession and Murder in the World of Amateur Submarines, includes insights into the disaster from those who knew Rush Stanley implored Rush to postpone any further dives, particularly with paying passengers, until the issue could be properly investigated. 'I don't think you push forward with dives to the Titanic this season... I think it will be succumbing to pressures of your own creation in some part dictated by ego to do what people said couldn't be done,' he wrote. In a heated reply, Rush ordered Stanley to keep his opinions to himself, insisting that he hadn't been invited to take part in the test dive to give feedback on the design or safety of Titan. 'I value your experience and advice on many things, but not on the assessment of carbon fiber pressure hulls I hope you, of all people, will think twice before expressing opinions on subjects in which you are not fully versed,' wrote Rush. But, refusing to back down, Stanley laid out a grim and vivid image for Rush about what awaited him at the end of the reckless path he appeared to be treading. 'How I like to make decisions is by considering the worst-case scenarios. The worst-case scenario of delaying diving until you have identified the defect, making all that noise, is some disappointed customers and financial woes,' wrote Stanley. 'The worst-case scenario of pushing ahead and not listening to the hull yelling at you involves [rival sub builder and CEO of Triton Submarines] Patrick Lahey and some Russian oligarch tooling around a Russian nesting dolls version of a wreck site in a made-for-TV special, telling his version of how things went wrong. 'I hope you see option B as unacceptable as I do.' Four years later, Stanley's worst-case scenario would be realized in front of the world's watching eyes. Karl Stanley, an expert in commercial submersibles, believes that his long-term friend Rush was suicidal and planned to die at the Titanic wreck to write himself into the ship's mythology Rush (left) was related by marriage to Isidor and Ida Straus, who died on the Titanic Titan's implosion was triggered when the vessel's carbon fiber hull failed Damage to the vessel's carbon fiber hull is show in the above image On June 18, 2023, Rush, 61, and four passengers - British billionaire Hamish Harding, 58, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, his son Suleman Dawood, 19, and French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77 - were sealed into the Titan to descend thousands of feet through the dark waters of the North Atlantic to catch a glimpse of the Titanic wreck. One hour and 45 minutes into their dive, the Titan lost contact with its support ship, the Polar Prince, and vanished. For four days, the world held its breath as a dramatic international search and rescue mission unfolded in the remote waters several hundred miles southeast of Newfoundland. It was a race against time, with oxygen supplies aboard the Titan dwindling with each passing minute. But Stanley, watching from afar, said he had known from the outset: the sub had imploded and there would be no survivors, just as he had warned. 'It was the carbon fiber tube that failed,' he said. 'Stockton was fixated on a larger number of people getting to the depth of the Titanic, and every other decision was secondary. He put too much faith in carbon fiber as a material, financial pressures from investors, causes this was only dive fourteen to the Titanic. 'I suggested to Stockton he should have at least fifty dives under his belt before going commercial he should have listened.' On June 22, the US Coast Guard held a press conference in Boston, Massachusetts, confirming that the sub had suffered a catastrophic implosion at the time it lost contact with the Polar Prince. All five on board were killed instantly. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Rush was hailed by OceanGate colleagues as one of the last great American dreamers and a pioneer of exploration whose love for adventure was as palpable as it was infectious. However, troubling information soon came to light that Rush had for years ignored glaring warning signs that Titan might be unsafe - and that a disaster of this magnitude had long been predicted. Victims: British billionaire Hamish Harding, 58, (left) and French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, (right) died alongside Rush, 61 As did Shahzada Dawood, 48, (left) his son Suleman Dawood, 19, (right) The debris from Titan was discovered approximately 1,600 feet from the Titanic's bow But Rush was accused of venturing on regardless because he was strapped for cash and needed his wealthy client's money to keep OceanGate afloat. David Lochridge, the former director of marine operations at OceanGate, claimed in a complaint filed in Seattle's US District Court that he was fired by Rush after questioning the design and safety of the Titan in 2018. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount. In later testimony during the US Coast Guard's inquiry into the catastrophe last year, Lochridge said: 'The whole idea behind the company was to make money. There was very little in the way of science.' In his book, Submersed, Frank highlights that just a year before the Titan disaster, Rush publicly claimed that there was a 'limit' on safety. 'At some point,' he said, 'safety is just a pure waste. I mean, if you want to be safe, don't get out of bed.' He also described the safety regulations imposed on submersibles seeking certification as 'obscene'. Stanley testified during last year's inquiry. He told the panel that Rush had known what he was doing, and that the fatal outcome of his risky venture suited him just fine. 'He knew that eventually it was going to end like this and he wasn't going to be held accountable,' said Stanley. 'But he was going to be the most famous of all his famous relatives,' he added of the mindset of Rush, who claimed to be a descendant of a pair of Declaration of Independence signers, Richard Stockton and Benjamin Rush. He was also related by marriage to Isidor and Ida Straus, who died on the Titanic. A former business associate of Rush's told Frank that the OceanGate CEO was a frustrated astronaut who, when his efforts to venture into space faltered, turned to ocean exploration in the hope of becoming the Elon Musk of the sea. Rush - a Princeton grad, an aerospace engineer and a former pilot - founded OceanGate Expeditions in 2009. The company started offering tours of the Titanic site in 2021, charging guests up to $250,000 per seat to catch a first-hand glimpse of the 'unsinkable ship' that went down during its ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912. After the disaster, OceanGate permanently ceased all operations. The debris from Titan's wreckage was discovered around 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic. There has been no response to the Daily Mail's request for comment from Rush's former business partners. Submersed: Wonder, Obsession, and Murder In The World of Amateur Submarines, by Matthew Gavin Frank (Pantheon), is available now. Keep your friends close... Josh Frydenberg's former spinner Kane Silom has been appointed director of communications for the much-diminished federal opposition. Silom had an, at times, terse relationship with the Canberra press gallery, but we won't hold that against him. After all, many in the gallery aren't capable of seeing any virtue in the right-wing side of major party politicking. But is Silom a stalking horse for a Frydenberg return, rather than all in with new leader Sussan Ley? The former Treasurer MP for Kooyong hasn't exactly dismissed rumours he might try to return to the political fold. The 'will he, won't he' speculation about a Frydenberg comeback was the bane of Peter Dutton's existence during his time at the top of the Liberal Party tree, and the size of the election defeat shouldn't blind us to the reality that his authority was absolute. At least until he lost the election and his seat. But judging by some post-election comments Silom made about where Liberals have gone wrong in recent years, it certainly doesn't sound like he's remotely interested in Josh returning to parliament. Why? Because he poured a bucket of you-know-what all over the party for its lack of 'philosophical backbone' during the very time his old boss was deputy leader. The carve-up included accusing the Liberals of acting like 'Labor-lite', lamenting a lack of 'prudent economic management', and saying that the party needs to reject the idea that 'government is the solution to every problem' as displayed during Covid. Is Josh Frydenberg (pictured) going to make a comeback now his former spinner Kane Silom has been appointed director of communications for the federal opposition? Don't count on it If the Liberals have fallen short on all those fronts - and I don't disagree, for the record - the failure lies with Frydenberg more than most, given he was treasurer and deputy leader at the time. I guess staff loyalty can't be expected to continue when they are no longer working for you! Perhaps Silom is an old-fashioned believer of giving frank and fearless advice, but I didn't see a whole lot of evidence of that while he was working for Josh. 'Another Albo acolyte' Boy, oh boy, is there disquiet over Anthony Albanese's captain's call to accept defecting Greens WA senator Dorinda Cox into the Labor fold. Even putting aside the hypocrisy of slamming Fatima Payman for failing to give up her senate seat when she left Labor only to now accept a Green doing the same, Cox is a controversial figure given bullying allegations made against her which are said to remain unresolved. She has also been highly critical of the Labor Party in recent years. And it's hard to see the upside in accepting her traitorous desire to switch parties. Labor doesn't need the extra vote in the senate for any practical purpose, and it doesn't change the Greens retaining the balance of power. All it does is upset the minor party, which might come back to bite Albo sooner or later. Senator Cox (left) previously said: 'Labor and the Coalition are puppets for the fossil fuel industry' One Labor MP put it rather succinctly, and bluntly: 'He's an idiot, seriously. 'I can only assume he's done it because she'll join the left [faction] and become another Albo acolyte. He loves nothing more than being loved by adoring fans.' Degrees of separation Tensions between the PM and his No. 3 economic adviser are growing. And not just because Jim Chalmers says he's not prepared to negotiate with the Coalition to reach a compromise on how to progress plans to tax super more. Albo has now twice indicated a willingness to do exactly that, both before and after his treasurer said it wasn't happening. The latter was a deliberate slap down to remind Jim who's boss. But the real tensions likely to keep growing over the next three - or six - years come from Albo's decision to promote Dan Mulino into the assistant treasury role and Andrew Charlton to the role of cabinet secretary. The pair hold PhDs in economics from Yale and Oxford, which is why they are understandably now the PM's top two economic advisers ahead of their more senior ranking minister Chalmers. Albo's decision to promote Dan Mulino into the assistant treasurer role could explain some of the tension with Jim Chalmers While Jim is always happy to leave people to assume that he, too, has a doctorate in economics, in reality his PhD is in politics. Chalmers' only economic training (if that's the right wording) is serving on the staff of former treasurer Wayne Swan. Hardly on a par with learning the economic ropes from the likes of Nobel prize-winning economists such as Joseph Stiglitz, who wrote a book with Charlton, or Yale professor Robert J. Shiller, who helped guide Mulino's studies. Another dummy spit Finally, with the tight contest for Bradfield having flipped in the recount - the Liberals won initially by eight votes but lost the recount to the teals by 26 - it's looking like the party will take action in the court of disputed returns. If successful, they might get another recount, or perhaps a fresh by-election. While I can see why the party might want to go down that path to prevent another blue ribbon seat falling to the teals, it's not likely to be a winning strategy. The appearance of sour grapes, not accepting the voters' judgement, not abiding by the referee's decision (pick your way to phrase the dummy spit) surely is likely to turn many voters off? Including some who voted Liberal the first time around. By-elections are also expensive, and turnout is usually lower than at general elections. You'd think such factors favour the teals, not the newly minted opposition that was decimated at the polls. I suspect the Liberals are hoping a new female leader from the moderate wing of the party helps them do better than they did at a general election with Dutton in charge. But it's a gamble and it risks knee-capping Ley very early on if it goes against them. A woman accused of helping dispose of the bodies of two men allegedly shot dead by ex-NSW cop Beau Lamarre-Condon is a longtime friend he met through her partner, Daily Mail Australia can reveal. Lamarre-Condon has been charged with the murders of television presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and his Qantas flight attendant boyfriend Luke Davies, 29, at Paddington in Sydney's eastern suburbs in February 2024. The 29-year-old has not entered pleas to two counts of murder but says he has offered to provide information about a second person he claims helped dump Mr Davies and Mr Baird's remains. A source close to Lamarre-Condon told Daily Mail Australia he had made the offer to police and the Director of Public Prosecutions but they had not responded to his approach. '[He] wants to do the right thing for the families and is happy to assist investigators with information about who else played a part in the incident,' the source claimed. 'So far both the DPP and the officer in charge have failed to reply to the offer made by [Lamarre-Condon's] legal team for assistance.' Lamarre-Condon is accused of bundling Mr Davies and Mr Baird's bodies into surfboard bags after he allegedly killed the couple and dumping them about 180km south-west of Sydney. The source said Lamarre-Condon disputed a witness's statement to investigators that she had waited at the fence line of a Bungonia property where the bodies were first dumped for 15 to 20 minutes. The woman who accused killer cop Beau Lamarre-Condon says helped dispose of the bodies of two men he allegedly murdered is a longtime friend he met through her partner. Lamarre-Condon is pictured Phone records indicated Lamarre-Condon and the witness, previously described by police as 'an innocent agent', were at the farm for almost two hours, the source claimed. 'Police also located two sets of white overalls at the scene where bodies were located which indicates it was a two-person job,' the source said. A NSW Police spokeswoman said: 'As this matter is before the court, we are unable to comment.' A spokeswoman for the DPP said the same thing. The woman Lamarre-Condon claims helped dispose of the bodies lives in Sydney and got to know him through her partner, who had been a schoolmate. Police located Mr Davies and Mr Baird's remains on February 27 last year, eight days after Lamarre-Condon allegedly shot them dead with his Glock service pistol. A day before the bodies were found, Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson revealed an alleged timeline of events leading up to and following the men's deaths. Mr Hudson said gunshots were heard coming from Mr Baird's home on the morning of February 19. Later that evening, Lamarre-Condon allegedly hired a Toyota HiAce van from Sydney Airport and on February 21 drove the vehicle to the Southern Tablelands with a female companion. Lamarre-Condon is accused of shooting dead TV presenter Jesse Baird (left) and Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies (right) at Paddington in Sydney's eastern suburbs in February 2024 The woman allegedly helped Lamarre-Condon buy an angle grinder and padlock from a hardware store then the pair drove to a property at Bungonia. Mr Hudson said the angle grinder was used to cut a padlock from a gate and that padlock was then replaced. 'The acquaintance was left at the top of the property for a period of 30 minutes,' he told reporters at a press conference. 'The accused disappeared for that period in the HiAce van, returning to pick up the acquaintance and then they returned to Sydney later that afternoon. Mr Hudson said Lamarre-Condon's companion was not involved in the alleged murders and was merely an 'innocent agent'. 'The acquaintance is not a suspect in this matter,' he said. 'We don't believe that she was fully aware of what had taken place.' Mr Hudson alleged Lamarre-Condon later returned to the Bungonia property carrying two torches provided by the woman, having bought weights from a department store about 11pm. Police allege Lamarre-Condon moved the bodies from their original location to another Bungonia property because he became concerned his female friend was suspicious of him. Police are pictured at a property in Bungonia, about 180km south-west of Sydney, searching for the bodies of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies on February 26 last year Lamarre-Condon allegedly left the property about 4.30am and drove to Newcastle where he asked a former policewoman if he could borrow a hose to clean the van. She is not accused of any wrongdoing and had spoken to police when her suspicions were raised. About 10.30am the next day, February 23, Lamarre-Condon walked into Bondi police station and was arrested. The bodies of Mr Davies and Mr Baird were found at the second Bungonia location on February 27 several hours after detectives spoke with Lamarre-Condon in the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre in Silverwater. Lamarre-Condon has spent more than a year in prison since the shootings, which were allegedly the result of a months-long campaign of 'predatory behaviour' targeting Mr Baird. The former celebrity chaser reportedly briefly dated Mr Baird before the Studio Ten and Totally Wild presenter began a relationship with Mr Davies. The case returned to Downing Centre Local Court last month after confidential discussions between prosecutors and the alleged killer's Legal Aid lawyer Alex Curnick. Both sides agreed 'things are progressing,' magistrate Megan Greenwood was told. A man is pictured leaving flowers at the Paddington terrace where Jesse Baird and Luke Davies were allegedly shot dead A forensic psychiatrist's report was also tendered after Lamarre-Condon was assessed in previous weeks. Lamarre-Condon, who was sacked from the police force in March last year, is also charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit an indictable offence. Before becoming a police officer, Lamarre-Condon ran a celebrity blog, posing in photos with dozens of celebrities including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles and Katy Perry. Lamarre-Condon is expected to appear via an audiovisual link when his case returns to court on June 17. South African minister eyes sci-tech cooperation with China Xinhua) 13:39, June 07, 2025 JOHANNESBURG, June 6 (Xinhua) -- South Africa is ready to deepen cooperation with China in the technology sector, said a senior government official on Friday. South African Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Blade Nzimande made the remarks ahead of his departure for the Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, scheduled to take place in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, from June 10 to 12. "The Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange presents South Africa with a unique opportunity to enhance cooperation with China in key areas such as artificial intelligence, future energy, transport systems, and traditional medicines. These technologies are essential for South Africa's long-term development," said Nzimande. Nzimande is scheduled to have a high-level meeting with Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun in China to explore new areas of cooperation. He will also meet with representatives from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China Association for Science and Technology, the National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy, and Chinese tech giant Huawei. "Through this visit, we aim to strengthen strategic partnership with China in sci-tech and innovation, and encourage young scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs from South Africa to participate in global innovation networks, with a strong focus on strengthening cooperation and advancing Africa's science agenda," Nzimande said. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie) An American tourist has died after taking a hallucinogenic herbal tea at a spiritual retreat in the Peruvian Amazon. Aaron Wayne Castranova, 41, died on Monday in Loreto, a region on the border with Brazil, after drinking the trance-inducing brew in a spiritual session. According to the regional prosecutor's forensic pathologist, Narciso Lopez, the tourist, understood to be from Alabama, suffered a 'breakdown that led to his death', from the brew, known as ayahuasca, which triggered a multi-organ reaction in his body. The ritual is said to have taken place in a hostel called La Casa de Guillermo ICONA in the indigenous community of Santa Maria de Ojeda, which has been largely associated with 'spiritual tourism' in recent years. According to the hostel's managers, Castranova failed to tell ceremony organizers that he was taking antibiotics. Ayahuasca, which Lopez warned can cause 'not only death, but also permanent, irreversible damage', is a concoction traditionally used by Indigenous cultures in the Amazon, often for spiritual and healing rituals. The bitter-tasting drink is made from the bark of a vine and the leaves of a bush found in the Amazon that contains N-N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic. Ayahuasca tourism in Peru has surged in recent years, with dozens of jungle retreats offering the traditional indigenous brew to visitors under the supervision of a guide or shaman. An American tourist has died after taking ayahuasca in the Peruvian Amazon Amazonian tribes in South Americs use ayahuasca, or yage, as an important spiritual and medicinal tool Many tourists seek the drug out because of its reputation as a way to help ease depression and other mental troubles. Amazonian tribes in South America use ayahuasca, or yage, as an important spiritual and medicinal tool. It is the same drug that Prince Harry admitted to taking to help him cope after the death of his mother Princess Diana, saying it 'brought me a sense of relaxation, release, comfort, a lightness that I managed to hold on to for a period of time'. The US Embassy in Peru recommends that American citizens visiting the South American nation should not 'ingest or use traditional hallucinogenics' such as ayahuasca. 'These dangerous substances are often marketed to travelers in Peru as ceremonial or spiritual cleansers. However, Ayahuasca is a psychoactive substance containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the United States and many other countries,' the US embassy website says. More than half of people who take the popular and potent psychedelic drug suffer from mental health problems related to their trip, data suggests. In addition, one in 10 need prolonged professional support. In some rarer cases, use of the plant can prove fatal due to its effect on the heart. The tragedy in Peru comes a year after a British mother died at a Bolivian retreat that specialises in the psychedelic drug. Social worker Maureen Rainford booked a ten-day stay in October 2024 at the Ayahuasca and San Pedro Pisatahua Retreat, an Amazon commune billed as a wellness and detox retreat. Social worker Maureen Rainford, 54, (pictured) booked a ten-day stay at the Ayahuasca and San Pedro Pisatahua Retreat, an Amazon commune billed as a wellness and detox retreat Despite CPR efforts Ms Rainford died an hour she collapsed with a doctor not arriving until after, the family heard The family of the mum-of-three, who paid 800 for the trip, stressed that she was fit and healthy ahead of the visit. Her daughter Rochel, 32, was told by a resort official named Eric that Ms Rainford suffered a 'medical emergency' while on site. Others told her that her mother collapsed ten minutes after drinking the ayahuasca and she was complaining of feeling ill as her breathing and heart rate dropped. Despite CPR efforts Ms Rainford died an hour after she collapsed with a doctor not arriving until after, the family heard. Despite the risks, interest in ayahuasca is rising. Almost 4.5 million people reported using the drug in their lifetime, according to a report by the International Center of Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service. The group, a non-for-profit that explores the use of traditional indigenous medicines, also found 820,000 people globally tried the drug in 2019 alone, the latest figure available. In another shocking incident in the Loreto region of Peru last year, a Ukranian tourist killed and dismembered a Russian woman after taking ayahuasca. Bereaved mother Whitney Decker never imagined that her ex-husband Travis might be on the verge of carrying out a heinous act when he arrived to pick up their three young daughters for a scheduled three-hour visitation last Friday evening. To Whitney, it was a routine handoff. But those around Travis expressed to the grieving mother after her daughters did not return home that they had seen the warning signs. According to Whitney's attorney, a supervisor at his construction job told Whitney shortly after Travis vanished that he had seemed 'on the brink of something extreme' earlier that day while on the job. Even her ever-reliable neighbor, who Whitney trusted with the messy details of their divorce, recalled that Travis appeared 'very sad' during a brief exchange outside the house just before he abducted Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight and Olivia, five. He would go on to allegedly murder all three, suffocating them with plastic bags. Yet, as Whitney's lawyer told Daily Mail in an exclusive interview on Thursday, there was nothing in Travis's behavior at the time of pickup at 5pm on Friday that raised any red flags. 'She had no reason to suspect anything was wrong,' the attorney said. Whitney did know, however that he was having a hard week, having crashed his uninsured vehicle days earlier. Travis, who was living in his truck at the time, spent about 15 minutes talking with her, mostly about what to do with his pet dog for the hot summer, wondering if she'd take care of the animal, as she had in the past, or whether he should just give it to the Humane Society. It was only after Travis failed to return with the kids Friday night did she learn that he'd had some sort of mental health breakdown at his construction job earlier in the day. Whitney Decker (center) had no idea that a routine visit with their father Travis would be the last time she saw her daughters - (from left) Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five - alive Travis' supervisor on the construction site he worked at said the father-of-three appeared 'on the brink of something extreme' as he had an unspecified nervous breakdown on the job that day Travis arrived at Whitney's home for their scheduled three-hour visitation before driving the girls 20 miles away to a campsite in Leavenworth where he allegedly murdered them by asphyxiation with a plastic bag over their heads 'The supervisor told her he was acting like he was on the brink of something extreme on Friday,' Whitney's lawyer Arianna Cozart said, but said Whitney still doesn't know the specifics Decker did to raise such alarm in his higher-ups. As Whitney desperately waited for news of her children and ex's whereabouts over the weekend, her next-door neighbor Binh Nguyen also shared details of his own strange conversation with Travis when he showed up that night. Whitney, through her attorney Arianna Cozart (pictured), told the Daily Mail that she knew he was having a tough week after he had crashed his uninsured vehicle, but never suspected he might harm their children 'He looked very sad and kept asking how I'd been many times over and over,' he texted her. It wouldn't be until Monday that Whitney was informed by police that the unthinkable happened: Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's bodies were found at a campsite in Leavenworth, 20 miles from their Washington state home. Their wrists had been bound with zip ties and each of them had been suffocated with a plastic bag. The tragedy appeared to stem back to when the Deckers divorced in 2022, and the father-of-three was supposed to seek mental health treatment and anger management counseling as part of a parenting plan. However, there was no sign that he followed through, court documents show. Nguyen told the Daily Mail that Whitney had told him in the past that he had beaten her and had gone 'crazy,' leading to their divorce. Before Travis took the girls, his conversation with Whitney was normal, asking his ex if she could take his dog for the hot summer or if he should relinquish ownership to the local Humane Society But Whitney's trustworthy neighbor Binh Nguyen, 58, told the Daily Mail that he informed the mother of his strange conversation with Travis on the fateful Friday night and that he was 'really sad' and kept asking 'over and over' how he was doing A text message between Nguyen and Whitney where she informed him that all three of her daughters had been found dead, with suspected 'killer' dad Travis missing Authorities released photos of Decker from before he went missing, showing him with sunglasses that obscured his eyes and tattoos all down his arm The former couple had a messy divorce in 2022 where he was court-ordered to undergo counseling for his mental health issues. Cozart, who represented Whitney in their custody case, said there were never allegations of violence against their children 'She said she can't work it out, that he's crazy and he beat me,' he said. But Whitney's lawyer, who represented her in the custody case, said there were never allegations of violence and that she doesn't believe Travis ever hit her or the children. 'Travis could be abrasive,' she said. She also said that while Whitney filed for the divorce, it was Travis who initiated it. 'He's the one who left the home and said I want a divorce,' the lawyer said. 'She's the one who ended up filing, but at his request. 'I think he just really suffered from some self-worth issues as far as having the mental issues that he had, seeing the combat that he saw, and then feeling like he wasn't worthy of his wife and children,' Cozart added. But even after he left, the lawyer said, they remained close, talking with each other daily. Travis's (right) mental health issues stemmed from his time as a former Army ranger and National Guardsman. Whitney said he suffered from borderline personality disorder and complex PTSD The home where Whitney and her three daughters lived and where Travis picked them up on Friday Whitney said she knows her ex is responsible for their girl's deaths, but said she knows he would have never hurt them had the lack of mental health services provided for veterans been addressed The children's lifeless bodies were discovered in a campsite in rural Washington state 'These were just good co-parents and friends,' she said. Whitney's faith in Travis even extended to the point where her lawyer told the Daily Mail that the bereaved mother of three feels 'almost purely empathy' for her dead children's father. The lawyer clarified that the grieving mother has no doubts her ex-husband is responsible for her children's horrific death but also knows that he was a good father who loved his children and would never hurt them if it hadn't been for the lack of mental health services provided for veterans. She now wants Decker, a former Army ranger and National Guardsman, found not so he could be punished, but so he can finally receive treatment for borderline personality disorder and possibly post-traumatic stress disorder, left untreated by a broken VA system. She knows that the monster that came and out and killed her babies is not Travis,' said Cozart, who has spoken with the grieving mom extensively since the kids were found near a campsite Monday. 'She has a lot of empathy still for Travis,' Cozart said and recalled Whitney telling her to 'think about what he must have fought and struggled with all these years. For this to come out of this man who was a loving father, he's broken, a broken man. It's not him.' 'She just wants him to come back to humanity here because obviously he suffered some sort of break,' Cozart told the Daily Mail. Travis remains on the run, as law enforcement has fanned across the vast wilderness of Wenatchee National Forest searching for the 'killer' dad. Flowers and tributes pile up in the Wenatchee Memorial Park (the national forest the girl's bodies were discovered in) dedicated to the three murdered Decker sisters Travis remains on the run, as law enforcement has fanned across the vast wilderness of Wenatchee National Forest searching for the 'killer' dad A search helicopter can be seen working a ridgeline atop the Icicle gorge area of the Wenatchee mountains as authorities search for Travis Whitney is staying out of town while the search for her ex continues, and she is being supported by friends and family. 'She is surrounded by love and support from not only her own friends and family who have always been amazing, but also Travis's family,' Cozart said. 'And she's very grateful for that. I think she's holding up as best as one could hope.' Even though her children have yet to be buried and her ex-husband is being hunted down for their murder, she has already begun channeling her grief into advocacy. Whitney criticized the state for failing to issue an AMBER Alert the night the children went missing and called for expanded mental health services for veterans. 'We are putting together a task force of local attorneys, emergency management professionals, law enforcement to work on these issues in memory of the Decker girls,' Cozart said. 'I absolutely think she'll get through this, and I think she'll get through this by helping others. 'She knows she can't save her babies, but she wants to save other babies.' Are you from food hygiene? It was an odd question to be asked, but 46-year-old restaurateur Sameh Houeidi seemed anxious to know. I was looking at the official hygiene rating sticker on the window of his Lebanese restaurant near Aldgate in London. The green sign the kind on display in food outlets and takeaways all over the country recorded a four out of five rating for the little diner, optimistically called Bon Appetit. The problem was that only four months ago, a concerned food inspector from Tower Hamlets council had given it a hygiene rating of just one. Records available on the website of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) which collates inspection results in England, Wales and Northern Ireland show that the inspector felt 'major improvement was necessary' when it came to 'cleanliness and condition of facilities (including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand-washing facilities and pest control) to enable good food hygiene'. When it came to 'hygienic handling of food, including preparation, cooking and storage', Bon Appetit required further improvement. After I had told Mr Houeidi that I wasn't a food inspector, I asked why there was a sign in the window claiming the restaurant had been rated four out of five for hygiene when it had actually been rated at just one. 'Because I don't agree with the rating,' he said. 'I want to appeal it. The inspector didn't know the law. He asked me to show him a pest control certificate but I'm not required to have one. It's just a waste of money. It's not required by law as long as my restaurant is clean, which it is.' Sadly, this attitude is not unusual, while many hospitality businesses strive for perfection in hygiene, others appear not to care, misleading customers by displaying fake or out-of-date ratings. Indeed, no less than 37 per cent of businesses either don't display a sticker, or display one that is fake. Recently, curious about some of the eateries near my home in east London, I checked out almost 30 and found problems with more than a third of them. None of those given a rating of one had displayed the damning results in their windows. Two were claiming they had ratings of four when they really had ratings of one. And another two were displaying ratings of five when records showed they hadn't even been inspected. Korean restaurant Bento Bab on Commercial Street was displaying misleading ratings of four The Food Hygiene Ratings System was introduced by the FSA in 2010 with the intention of driving up standards. Annual inspections check for how food is handled, prepared, cooked and stored. They also examine the physical condition of a business its cleanliness, layout, ventilation, pest control regime and check if staff are adequately trained in hygiene. Within a couple of weeks, a premises will be given a rating from zero, meaning 'urgent' improvement is necessary, to five, which denotes 'very good' hygiene standards. Local authorities then provide the outlets with rating stickers to display. If poorly-rated premises show no signs of improvement, enforcement action can be taken, which ranges from seizing food suspected of being unfit for consumption, to issuing legal notices requiring or forbidding the use of certain processes or equipment. Breaching the Food Safety Act can result in fines of up to 5,000 per offence and/or a prison sentence of up to six months. However, there is an enormous problem with the way the Food Hygiene Rating System is administered. While it is compulsory for food outlets to publicly display the findings of inspections in Wales and Northern Ireland, there is no requirement in England. This means a restaurant or takeaway with a poor hygiene rating can choose to keep that a secret from its unwitting customers. Six of the eight one-rated outlets I visited had no ratings on display while two, Bon Appetit and Korean restaurant Bento Bab on Commercial Street, were displaying misleading ratings of four. When I asked Bento Bab why it was displaying a four-rating, a male staff member said: 'We have applied to the council for a reinspection.' Pressed on why a one-rated sticker was not on display, he claimed the inspector hadn't provided one. Among the one-rated establishments that did not display their ratings was La Dolce Vita on Leman Street. The owner Khaled Nasrai told me he disagreed with the rating from his last inspection in February. 'There was just a broken freezer door, that's all,' he said. 'There were no problems with hygiene. We got a new freezer door. I thought the rating I was given was unfair.' Asked why he had not displayed his inspection rating, he said: 'No-one wants to come somewhere with a one-rating.' Both one-rated establishments did not display their rating Another not displaying a one-rating was chicken takeaway PFC Watney Market also on Commercial Road. Owner Mohammad Afraz Miah said the rating came as a result of his failing to fill in some forms, but he had addressed the situation and hoped another inspection would raise his rating. When I asked the unnamed manager of Wings Of East nearby the same question, he said he was 'too busy' and hung up. Pizza restaurant Circle & Slice on Whitechapel Road was given a one-rating in February. The manager, who declined to give her name, said: 'We used to have a four-star rating but it went down a few months ago. The inspector told us what to do, and we've done that. We're now waiting for a reinspection.' Shalamar Kebab House on Commercial Road displayed a five-rating, but the FSA register said it was 'awaiting inspection'. However, the proprietor, Ahmed Nazir, blamed Tower Hamlets for this confusion because another of his businesses, Shalamar Catering, located in the basement of an adjoining building, has a five rating which the register confirms. 'We keep asking them to do an inspection here, but they don't come,' he says. An inquiry into food standards by the National Audit Office in 2019 found that 'the cost of delivering food controls in England in 2016-17 was an estimated 164million'. But if businesses in England can choose not to display the findings of food hygiene inspections, isn't much of this a waste of money? The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) thinks so and has called for compulsory display in England. Its vice president, Chris Elliott, a professor of food safety, says: 'In Wales, 92 per cent of food businesses display a hygiene rating sticker, and in Northern Ireland 91 per cent. But in England it's only 69 per cent.' He says England chose not to make the system compulsory during the David Cameron era, when it was considered to have 'nanny state' connotations. 'It really sets people in England at a big disadvantage,' he says. 'Where businesses have lower food hygiene ratings, more people get food poisoning, so more people are off work, which is a cost to business and, in serious cases, to the NHS.' The CIEH isn't alone in wanting display to be made compulsory in England so does the FSA. Its head of delivery standards, Karen McCloskey, says: 'Food hygiene standards remain very high, with 97 per cent of businesses achieving a satisfactory rating of three or above. Our annual audits show most businesses display the correct rating, but we take reports about inaccurate display very seriously. 'The FSA would like to see display of food hygiene ratings made mandatory through legislation in England.' Its latest audit found 91 per cent of food outlets in England that did display their rating were the correct ones meaning that almost one in ten weren't. If you add those that didn't display anything the ones with dreadful ratings to hide the picture looks grim. As Professor Elliott says, it isn't just chicanery there's fakery too. I was able to buy a 'novelty' five-rated food hygiene sticker on eBay within five minutes for less than 20. It features an almost identical logo as the real one and claims to be a 'Food Quality Rating'. It even provides a handy website address food.agency/review that goes nowhere. Small print on the top right hand corner of the certificate declares: 'This rating is self-proclaimed and operate[d] solely by the owner'. To the average passerby, the sticker appears genuine. When I challenged the seller whose details I will not reveal he replied: 'There are many shops, both on and off eBay, selling such stickers. They are meant for personal use. Why would anyone want to use this or any other novelty sticker to represent their business? Additionally, anyone could print their own sticker, laminate it and use it.' I asked the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether there were any plans to make the display of hygiene ratings compulsory in England. It did not respond. Neither did Tower Hamlets council, on whose patch this is happening. All of which leaves a pretty nasty taste in the mouth. Vice President JD Vance revealed behind-the-scenes details of Elon Musks blow-up on social media on Friday and President Donald Trumps reaction. Vance spoke about the incident in a podcast interview with comedian Theo Von that was recorded on Thursday as the fight between the pair of billionaires escalated. The vice president found himself reacting in real time to some of Musk's posts on X during the interview, including an awkward post where Musk endorsed the idea of impeaching President Trump and installing Vance as president. 'I just think the idea that the president should be impeached, I'm sorry, it's insane. It's totally insane, Vance said, describing Musk's social media tirade as 'not helpful.' He said that obviously Musk had the First Amendment right to disagree with the president but that it was a mistake for him to attack Trump. Vance also shot down Musk's claim that the president was 'in the Epstein files' even though he admitted he hadn't even seen the post before the interview. 'Absolutely not. Donald Trump didnt do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein. Like, theres the guy is whatever the Democrats and the media says about him, thats totally BS,' he said. The vice president was with the president when Musks criticism of Trump began, but had not seen all the posts as he traveled to Nashville for the interview with Vonn. JD Vance appears on a podcast with comedian Theo Vonn Theo Von asks JD Vance about Elon Musk's attacks against President Trump JD Vance appears with comedian Theo Von for a podcast interview 'I know the president, for a couple of days, I'll tell you, I don't want to reveal too many confidences, but he was getting a little frustrated, feeling like some of the criticisms were unfair coming from Elon,' he said. Vance said that Trump was actually quite restrained in his response to Musk, again asserting that Musk's attacks were not good for the country. 'But I think it's been very restrained because the president doesn't think that he needs to be in a blood feud with Elon Musk. I actually think if Elon chilled out a little bit, everything would be fine,' he said. Vance described Musk as 'new to politics' and admitted there would be 'some frustrations there' because of how his businesses came under attack, but that it was a 'huge mistake' for him to turn on the president. 'I hope that eventually Elon kind of comes back into the fold. Maybe thats not possible now because hes gone so nuclear,' he wrote. Musk signaled his opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill on Thursday and posted criticism of the president on social media. Trump responded to Musk in real time, speaking to reporters during his meeting with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio sat beside the president as he spoke, but did not speak about Musk themselves. The president's comments in the Oval Office further aggravated Musk, after clips of the news conference made their way to his social media feed. The highly-anticipated interview between Vance and Von was the first time the vice president spoke on camera about the feud. He reserved his public reaction for several hours as Musk fumed on social media about the president. The vice president defended President Trump on social media Friday morning. 'There are many lies the corporate media tells about President Trump. One of the most glaring is that he's impulsive or short-tempered,' Vance wrote on X. 'Anyone who has seen him operate under pressure knows that's ridiculous. It's (maybe) the single biggest disconnect between fake media perception and reality,' he continued. The vice president teased his interview with Von on social media, joking that he had no idea what they would talk about. Musk shared the post with a laugh-crying emoji, suggesting that the vice president had lightened the mood. Vice President JD Vance speaks at the American Compass's The New World Gala in Washington, Elon Musk reacts to a joke from Vice President JD Vance on X Elon Musk, Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance talk to reporters back stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show Vance also posted a statement in support of Trump late in the evening. 'President Trump has done more than any person in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads. I'm proud to stand beside him,' Vance wrote at 10:30 pm EST on X. Vance has sided with Trump, but has demonstrated caution about attacking Musk, as he is still a very powerful and influential political donor. The vice president considers Musk a friend, and he defended the unpredictable billionaire as he prepared to exit the administration as a special advisor. 'I am going to miss him. Elons become a very good friend,' Vance told Newsmax host Greg Kelly in an interview last week. Vance and Musk already had a relationship prior to the campaign, but their friendship has deepened since the election. He and his kids have come to our house and had dinner with our kids. Im very close to him,' Vance said. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk shared a delicate political dance in the 130 days that the presidents one-time first buddy who professed to love him as much as a straight man can love another man. It appeared to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship that sparked fascination as the world's richest man enjoyed the company of the world's soon-to-be inaugurated world's most powerful man. After Trump won the presidential election with historic margins, Musk was among the euphoric crowd that gathered at Mar-a-lago and began plotting the future of the administration. The eclectic billionaire was gleeful as a he hung around Mar-a-lago with his son Little X, even renting one of the cottages at the club and appeared with the president frequently throughout the holidays. Trump was grateful for Musks support and allowed him to attend meetings where they discussed cabinet nominees. He sat on calls with foreign leaders, attended personal meetings and even helped vet potential candidates. Musks presence and unfamiliarity with politics frustrated some of the presidents staffers as he tried to insert his preferred choices ahead of other potential candidates, according to reports. But Trump appreciated having Musk around, as they celebrated his election victory. US President-elect Donald Trump, US musician Kid Rock and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pose for a photo as they attend UFC 309 U.S President Donald Trump and Elon Musk attend the UFC 314, Elon wont go home. I cant get rid of him. Until I dont like him, Trump told Republicans during a speech after the election. Just weeks after the election, Musk openly solicited social media reaction for Trumps choice for Secretary of Treasury describing Scott Bessent as a business-as-usual candidate and said that Howard Lutnick would actually enact change. Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change one way or another, he wrote. Musk was personally closer with Lutnick, but Trump ultimately chose Bessent, despite lobbying from Musk. Trump ultimately directed Musk to the DOGE effort, as the billionaire famously claimed he could save the federal government up to $2 trillion dollars. But putting Musk in charge of government cuts was a headache for cabinet members as Musk tried to control their agencies. Rubio never liked him, but a lot of them did not like him, a person familiar with the dynamics of the presidents cabinet told the Daily Mail. The State Department dismissed the claim. 'Nobody has time for silly gossip. Secretary Rubio is completely focused on carrying out the Presidents agenda on behalf of the American people,' a senior State Department official told the Daily Mail. Bessent clashed with Musk after he convinced Trump to drop Musks choice as acting Internal Revenue Service commissioner for a nominee of his own choosing. Details of the disagreement leaked into the media, as both men reportedly shouted at each other as reports described the scene as quite loud. A March incident with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Musk was also reported, as the New York Times reported he was incensed after Musk said he had fired nobody in his agency. The pair debated in front of the president, but Trump conceded that secretaries would be in charge of firing employees in their agencies. Transportation secretary Sean Duffy also debated with Musk, complaining he was trying to fire his air traffic controllers at a time of multiple plane crashes in the. United States. Elon Musk, left, listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, April 30, 2025 Leader of the Department of Government Efficiency Elon Musk wears a shirt that says "Tech Support" Trump remained patient with Elon despite criticisms behind the scenes about his efforts, and publicly supported him in front of the press. Is anybody unhappy with Elon? If you are, we will throw him out of here, Trump said after a cabinet meeting in February. Trumps cabinet members laughed but nobody voiced any dissent from Musks presence in the meeting. Elons efforts to insert himself into major government policy and infrastructure deals were also frustrated. Musks dream, a person familiar told the Daily Mail, was to implement his xAI throughout the entire federal government in an effort to both make the government more efficient, but to also make his AI stronger with the federal governments data. But Trump continued to work with other major tech billionaires on the AI issue, even some of Musk's enemies. In February, Trump sidestepped Musk to announce a major AI infrastructure deal branded as Stargate with OpenAIs Sam Altman, Musks former business partner and current nemesis. After Trump appeared with Altman to announce the $500,000 billion project, Musk was left fuming on social media asserting they actually dont have the money. Elon also tried to block the Stargate investment partnership in the United Arab Emirates after learning his xAI company would be excluded. Despite Musks protests, the deal was announced when Trump visited the UAE. White House Senior Advisor, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk (R) attends a Cabinet meeting at the White House on April 30, 2025 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attend a Cabinet meeting at the White House on April 30, 2025 Musk was also opposed to Trumps Big Beautiful Bill after learning included a ten-year ban on state regulations, a provision sought by Altman to boost the development of AI, according to a source. Musk was also thwarted when he tried to convince Duffy and Republican lawmakers to use his Starlink satellite internet system to modernize and replace the current FAA air traffic control system. Although Musk claimed he had no interest in saving government subsidies for electric cars, the Republican Big Beautiful Bill passed in the House of Representatives included provisions to repeal tax credits for the purchase of electric cars, as administration officials posited it might be why he was upset by the bill. The most crippling blow in the Trump/Musk relationship happened after details leaked to the New York Times in March that the Pentagon set up a briefing for Musk that would include plans for any war that could break out with China. Behind the scenes, Trump reacted quickly. 'What the f**k is Elon doing there? Make sure he doesn't go,' he said, according to Axios. He later insisted on social media that China will not even be mentioned or discussed in the briefing with Musk. Once that leaked, it really had a dramatic transformation on Trumps opinion of him, it was really a big turning point,' a person familiar with the administration told the Daily Mail. U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media, next to Tesla CEO Elon Musk with his son Elon Musk receives a golden key from U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House Trump remained patient with Musk although support for him started to fray within the administration as they waited for his 130 day period as a special advisor to the president. Even after Musk voiced concerns with the Republican bill making its way through the House of Representatives, Trump wanted to make sure they were leaving on good terms. Together they defended Musk's efforts to slash government waste, fraud, and abuse even as the billionaire appeared wistful as he prepared to leave the White House. Trump even gave Musk an elaborate golden key to the White House, as a sign he valued his service. When reporters asked if Musk would remain an informal advisor to Trump, the billionaire replied, 'I mean, yeah, I expect to remain a friend and an advisor, and certainly if there's anything the president wants me to do, I'm at the President's service.' Six days later, he erupted on social media, marking another chapter in the long history of frustrated business and political leaders failing to work together. An eight-year-old Ohio boy, who was found dead in plastic bags in an attic was allegedly killed by his own mother. Martonio Wilder was found wrapped in a garbage bag in the attic of his Columbus home on June 28, 2024, around six hours after his mom, Lashanda Wilder, reported the boy missing. Martonio's mother, 33, and her girlfriend Johnna Lowe, 34, were both charged with murder, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and felonious assault. Wilder had told police that Martonio had run away and that it had happened before, before his body was found at around 6.30pm. Martonio was found severely malnourished, weighing only 35 pounds, and dehydrated with signs of blunt force trauma, including multiple bruises and cuts on his face and head, according to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney. The Franklin County Coroner's Office determined that the young boy had died from 'deep neck compression.' His autopsy report said his eyes and stomach were 'sunken' and he had a 'severe loss of muscle mass' allowing for his bones to be clearly visible through his skin. Lowe, Wilder, and two other children left the home after police arrived with a cadaver dog to assist in the search for Martonio prompting an amber alert for the two kids. Martonio Wilder was found wrapped in a garbage bag in the attic of his Columbus home on June 28, 2024, around six hours after his mom, Lashanda Wilder, reported the boy missing Wilder, 33, and her girlfriend Johnna Lowe, 34, were both charged with murder, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and felonious assault Prosecutor's described Martonio's life as 'brutal' and detailed the unusual punishments the boy was allegedly forced to endure, including restricting food They were later located with Lowe's mother, 68-year-old Mary Johnson, who is facing obstruction of justice charges. Lowe pled guilty to murder and abuse of a corpse and was sentenced to twelve months as well as fifteen years to life with the possibility of parole, according to court documents. The boy's life was described by prosecutor's as 'brutal,' according to ABC News. 'Multiple witnesses and some family members told detectives that Miss Wilder treated Martonio Wilder different than her other sons,' a prosecutor said. 'They spoke about unusual punishments for Martonio, including holding a weighted ball and walking up and down the steps while naked and restricting food. Witnesses also stated Martonio was always hungry and stole food from other homes he was at, including his school.' Lowe had turned herself in to police and prosecutors said she admitted that the couple intended to blame one of Martonio's siblings for his death, the Dispatch reported. Wilder remains in custody in Franklin County Jail on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court in July. A Republican congresswoman is under fire after she misidentified a Sikh religious leader as Muslim and declared he should never have been allowed to deliver the House's morning prayer. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois), a far-right lawmaker with a history of inflammatory remarks, drew immediate condemnation from both sides of the aisle after the shocking social media post on Friday. Miller claimed it was 'deeply troubling' for a non-Christian to lead the prayer and falsely stated the United States was founded as a Christian nation. The backlash was swift, and within hours, Miller had deleted the post without explanation. Leaders in both parties slammed her remarks as ignorant, bigoted, and fundamentally un-American. The controversy began after Miller misidentified Giani Surinder Singh, a Sikh religious leader from New Jersey, as a Muslim declaring on X that he 'should have never been allowed' to lead the House of Representatives' morning prayer. Even worse, she invoked a debunked claim that America was 'founded as a Christian nation' and demanded the government 'reflect that truth.' Her comments, posted in the early morning hours, were later edited and saw her replacing 'Muslim' with 'Sikh', before ultimately being hastily deleted altogether. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois), a far-right lawmaker with a history of inflammatory remarks, drew immediate condemnation from both sides of the aisle Miller claimed it was 'deeply troubling' for a non-Christian to lead the prayer and falsely stated the United States was founded as a Christian nation. She also misidentified Giani Surinder Singh, a Sikh religious leader from New Jersey, as a Muslim Miller later edited her tweet which saw her replacing 'Muslim' with 'Sikh', before ultimately being hastily deleted altogether But the damage was done and Miller was condemned with a ferocity rarely seen in the capital's often polarized chambers. 'It's deeply troubling that such an ignorant and hateful extremist is serving in the United States Congress. That would be you, Mary,' House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) blasted on X, leading a chorus of denunciations that crossed party lines. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-New York), one of the first Republicans to speak out, didn't mince words. 'A Sikh prayer on the House floor doesn't violate the Constitution, offend my Catholic faith, or throttle my support for Israel,' he posted. 'Live and let live.' LaLota later expanded: 'While our nation's founding was indeed shaped by Judeo-Christian values, the First Amendment unequivocally guarantees that our government remains neutral toward all religions.' Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-New Jersey), who invited Singh to offer the prayer, stood firmly behind his guest. 'As a Catholic, I take my faith seriously and I also believe part of being American is respecting other people's faiths too,' Van Drew said in a statement. 'The Sikh community is peaceful, generous, and deeply rooted in family and service - values we should all appreciate, no matter our religion.' Miller was condemned with a ferocity rarely seen in the capital's often polarized chambers Rep. Nick LaLota (R-New York), one of the first Republicans to speak out, didn't mince words Democrat Rep. Grace Meng (D-New York) was fuming at Miller's actions Democrats were no less scathing. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-New Jersey) wrote: 'It's deeply troubling that someone with such contempt for religious freedom is allowed to serve in this body.' 'What's deeply disturbing is the blatant ignorance and anti-Sikh, anti-Muslim xenophobia coming from my colleague across the aisle,' Rep. Grace Meng (D-New York) fumed, adding, 'The tweet may have been deleted, but we still have the receipts.' Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California) couldn't resist a biting historical jab: 'I often say that I serve in Congress with some of the greatest minds of the 18th century. With Miller, I may need to take it back a few more centuries.' The uproar extended far beyond Capitol Hill as civil rights groups, religious organizations and advocacy coalitions piled on. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued a blistering statement accusing Miller of 'anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim bigotry.' 'Sikhs and Muslims practice two separate and distinct religions, and conflating the two based on how someone looks is not only ignorant but also racist,' the group said. The Sikh Coalition demanded a formal apology, with Executive Director Harman Singh declaring: 'Congresswoman Miller should apologize for her remarks - to both the Sikh and Muslim communities, because no one should be targeted on the basis of their identity.' Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-New Jersey) wrote: 'It's deeply troubling that someone with such contempt for religious freedom is allowed to serve in this body.' Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California) couldn't resist a biting historical jab House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) blasted Miller on X, leading to a chorus of denunciations that crossed party lines The Muslim Public Affairs Council echoed the call. 'We were intentionally founded as a nation of all faiths,' said Haris Tarin, the group's vice president. 'Apparently she must have forgotten about the First Amendment in this country.' Even the Hindu American Foundation weighed in, lambasting Miller's comments as 'racist, xenophobic, and plainly un-American.' For Miller, this was not a first offense. Her political career has been punctuated by repeated incendiary remarks. In 2021, she faced fierce criticism for stating, 'Hitler was right on one thing: Whoever has the youth has the future,' a comment for which she later apologized. In 2022, at a Trump rally celebrating the fall of Roe v. Wade, Miller raised eyebrows again when she declared it a 'victory for white life,' a gaffe her office attributed to a misread of prepared remarks. Despite Miller's claims, the United States was not founded as a Christian nation. The First Amendment expressly prohibits any establishment of religion, safeguarding the rights of all faiths - or none at all. Article VI of the Constitution further enshrines this principle, stating: 'No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.' The tradition of opening House sessions with prayer dates back centuries, with faith leaders from a wide array of religious backgrounds - including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism - offering invocations. Giani Surinder Singh, the man at the center of this controversy, was praised by Van Drew for embodying American values through his 'peace, humility, and service toward all.' 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow Daybell was kicked out of the courtroom after arguing with the judge during her murder conspiracy trial. Vallow Daybell, 51, is facing charges in Arizona for the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of her niece. In April, she was convicted of conspiring to kill her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, in 2019 and faces another possible life sentence. She is already serving three life sentences for killing her daughter Tylee, 16, and son JJ, seven, in 2019, as well as conspiring to kill her fifth husband, Chad Daybell's, previous wife, Tammy Daybell. During the second day of Vallow Daybell's third trial, Judge Justin Beresky had her escorted out of the courtroom after a fiery exchange of words, reported AZ Family. The prosecution argued Vallow Daybell, who is representing herself in court, opened the door for them to mention her previous convictions during her opening statement by claiming she is 'loving and peaceful.' Tensions escalated when Vallow Daybell interrupted the judge and demanded a hearing over the character evidence. Beresky interrupted and said, 'Stop. We'll have a very short hearing. If you're going to introduce how you have good character and great character, we're going to have a short hearing on what evidence they can bring in to rebut which could including being convicted of four murders.' Lori Vallow Daybell was kicked out of the courtroom after arguing with the judge during her murder conspiracy trial Tensions escalated when Vallow Daybell interrupted the judge and demanded a hearing over the character evidence 'You don't get to yell at me either,' Vallow Daybell said. The judge replied, 'I'm not yelling, OK.' 'Yeah, you are. You're not in charge of me that way,' Vallow Daybell quipped. 'I'm very courteous to you.' Beresky shut it down and had her escorted away, saying, 'Okay, take her out. Take her out. Take her out.' 'No, you have been nothing near courteous to me during these proceedings,' Beresky told her and suggested she talk with her advisory counsel. Prosecutors claim that while Vallow Daybell's brother, Alex Cox, shot at Boudreaux in 2019, they believe the 'Doomsday mom' conspired to have him killed. Vallow Daybell denied any involvement and claimed in her opening statement that Boudreaux blamed her because he didn't like her. She will not be sentence for her the murder conspiracy of her ex-husband, Charles Vallow, until the Boudreaux murder conspiracy trial is complete. Prosecutors said Vallow Daybell had help from her brother, Cox, in the July 2019 shooting death of Vallow at her home in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler. Vallow Daybell (pictured), 51, is facing charges in Arizona for the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of her niece In April, she was convicted of conspiring to kill her estranged husband, Charles Vallow (right), in 2019 and faces another possible life sentence She is already serving three life sentences for killing her daughter Tylee (left), 16, and son JJ (right), seven, in 2019, as well as conspiring to kill her fifth husband's previous wife They said she was motivated by an opportunity to cash in on Vallow's life insurance policy and a marriage to then-boyfriend, Chad Daybell, who wrote several religious novels about prophecies and the end of the world. Daybell was sentenced to death for the deaths of Vallow Daybell's children, 7-year-old Joshua 'JJ' Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and his wife, Tammy. Authorities in Idaho said the case included bizarre claims by the couple that the children were zombies and that Vallow Daybell was a goddess tasked with ushering in an apocalypse. Vallow Daybell gave a rare jailhouse interview after her conviction in April, claiming she was shocked to have been found guilty. 'I mean, obviously I knew that was a possibility, yeah, so, it was a bit of a surprise actually,' Vallow Daybell said. Lawyers in England and Wales have been warned they could face 'severe sanctions' including potential criminal prosecution if they present false material generated by AI in court. The ruling, by one of Britain's most senior judges, comes on the back of a string of cases in which which artificially intelligence software has produced fictitious legal cases and completely invented quotes. The first case saw AI fabricate 'inaccurate and fictitious' material in a lawsuit brought against two banks, The New York Times reported. Meanwhile, the second involved a lawyer for a man suing his local council who was unable to explain the origin of the nonexistent precedents in his legal argument. While large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini are capable of producing long accurate-sounding texts, they are technically only focused on producing a 'statistically plausible' reply. The programs are also prone to what researchers call 'hallucinations' - outputs that are misleading or lack any factual basis. AI Agent and Assistance platform Vectera has monitored the accuracy of AI chatbots since 2023 and found that the top programs hallucinate between 0.7 per cent and 2.2 per cent of the time - with others dramatically higher. However, those figures become astronomically higher when the chatbots are prompted to produce longer texts from scratch, with market leader OpenAI recently acknowledging that its flagship ChatGPT system hallucinates between 51 per cent and 79 per cent of the time if asked open-ended questions. Dame Victoria Sharp, president of the King's Bench Division of the High Court, and Justice Jeremy Johnson KC, is one of the authors of a new ruling on the use of AI in the British court system While large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini are capable of producing long accurate-sounding texts, they are technically only focused on producing a 'statistically plausible' reply - which can lead to them 'hallucinating' false information Dame Victoria Sharp, president of the King's Bench Division of the High Court, and Justice Jeremy Johnson KC, authored the new ruling. In it they say: 'The referrals arise out of the actual or suspected use by lawyers of generative artificial intelligence tools to produce written legal arguments or witness statements which are not then checked, so that false information (typically a fake citation or quotation) is put before the court. 'The facts of these cases raise concerns about the competence and conduct of the individual lawyers who have been referred to this court. 'They raise broader areas of concern however as to the adequacy of the training, supervision and regulation of those who practice before the courts, and as to the practical steps taken by those with responsibilities in those areas to ensure that lawyers who conduct litigation understand and comply with their professional and ethical responsibilities and their duties to the court.' The pair argued that existing guidance around AI was 'insufficient to address the misuse of artificial intelligence'. Judge Sharp wrote: 'There are serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system if artificial intelligence is misused,' While acknowledging that AI remained a 'powerful technology' with legitimate use cases, she nevertheless reiterated that the technology brought 'risks as well as opportunities.' In the first case cited in the judgment, a British man sought millions in damages from two banks. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during Snowflake Summit 2025 at Moscone Center on June 02, 2025 in San Francisco, California The court discovered that 18 out of 45 citations included in the legal arguments featured past cases that simply did not exist. Even in instances in which the cases did exist, often the quotations were inaccurate or did not support the legal argument being presented. The second case, which dates to May 2023, involved a man who was turned down for emergency accommodation from the local authority and ultimately became homeless. His legal team cited five past cases, which the opposing lawyers discovered simply did not exist - tipped off by the fact by the US spellings and formulaic prose style. Rapid improvements in AI systems means its use is becoming a global issue in the field of law, as the judicial sector figures out how to incorporate artificial intelligence into what is frequently a very traditional, rules-bound work environment. Earlier this year a New York lawyer faced disciplinary proceedings after being caught using ChatGPT for research and citing a none-existent case in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Attorney Jae Lee was referred to the grievance panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in February 2025 after she cited a fabricated case about a Queens doctor botching an abortion in an appeal to revive her client's lawsuit. The case did not exist and had been conjured up by OpenAI's ChatGPT and the case was dismissed. Earlier this year New York City-based lawyer Steven Schwartz submitted a 10-page brief featuring half a dozen relevant court decisions that turned out to be 'hallucinated' by ChatGPT Colombian airline Avianca had asked the judge to throw out the claim against it because the statute of limitations had expired - which is when the lawyers intervened with what they thought were relevant submissions created by ChatGPT Judge Kevin Castel said there was nothing wrong with using ChatGPT to make a case, but lawyers are still responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their submissions The court ordered Lee to submit a copy of the cited decision after it was not able to find the case. She responded that she was 'unable to furnish a copy of the decision.' Lee said she had included a case 'suggested' by ChatGPT but that there was 'no bad faith, willfulness, or prejudice towards the opposing party or the judicial system' in doing so. The conduct 'falls well below the basic obligations of counsel,' a three-judge panel for the Manhattan-based appeals court wrote. In June two New York lawyers were fined $5,000 after they relied on fake research created by ChatGPT for a submission in an injury claim against Avianca airline. Judge Kevin Castel said attorneys Steven Schwartz and Peter LoDuca acted in bad faith by using the AI bot's submissions - some of which contained 'gibberish' - even after judicial orders questioned their authenticity. Bodies believed to be those of a missing couple who disappeared while sightseeing in Tasmania have been found three days after a frantic search was launched. Leannedra Kang and her boyfriend Takahiro Toya, both 25, had been sightseeing in the St Helens and Scamander area on the northeast coast in a rental car. A search was launched after they failed to board their flight to Brisbane on June 4. Officers located the white Toyota Corolla rental car the pair had been driving in water off Tebrakunna Road around 5:30pm on Friday. The deceased pair were found a short time later near the crashed vehicle. 'Police can confirm bodies, believed to be that of missing tourists Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya, have been located,' police said in a statement. 'At this early stage it appears they were travelling over a bridge when the vehicle has left the roadway and ended up in the water.' It comes just days after Kang's sister, Cassandra, took to Facebook after discovering her phone's last known location was in Goshen, a remote area in northeast Tasmania. Takahiro Toya (left) and Leannedra Kang (right) did not board their flight from their flight back to Brisbane from Tasmania on June 4 Tasmania Police said on Friday they had found the couple dead near a crashed vehicle The pair had been sightseeing on the northeast coast in a rental white Toyota Corolla (pictured) The car was located in water off Tebrakunna Road, with the bodies of the couple nearby She said that location was 'out of the way for her itinerary'. 'Please let me know if anyone has been in contact with her or seen her,' she wrote. 'My family is beyond worried.' Police on Friday said the loss of the pair was a 'tragic outcome' and that their 'thoughts are with their families and loved ones'. 'Our initial investigations suggest there are no suspicious circumstances, but further forensic examinations will now take place', police said. A report will be prepared for the coroner. With its lush green fields and horses grazing on sun-dappled pastures, it's hard to imagine a more tranquil spot than the country lanes on the outskirts of the Cheshire village of Burtonwood on a summer's day. So, on the evening of Friday, May 23, the residents of the houses dotted along Tan House Lane and Farmer's Lane, which it curves into, were looking forward to enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend in their bucolic hideaways. But they were in for a very rude awakening. 'They came in en masse, truck after truck after truck, all through the night as they got to work,' says one despairing local. 'It was a massive convoy, like an Army operation. The noise was unbearable you couldn't sleep.' This invasion of machines, including bulldozers, headed for a six-acre plot of greenbelt land recently acquired by travellers. Once there, the vehicles 'tore it apart', in the words of another horrified homeowner who lives about a hundred yards away. 'The machinery was so big some of the fixtures in the house were shaking,' he says. 'It was scary, like an earthquake. At first we didn't know what it was.' In fact, what was happening over last month's bank holiday weekend was the building of a traveller camp cynically and carefully timed to avoid being stopped by the local council, because it was effectively shut until the following Tuesday. On the evening of Friday, May 23, the residents of the houses dotted along Tan House Lane and Farmer's Lane were looking forward to enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend. But they were in for a very rude awakening. Pictured: the six-acre green belt field on the outskirts of Burntwood, Cheshire, that has been developed by a group of travellers who own the land What was happening over last month's bank holiday weekend was the building of a traveller camp cynically and carefully timed to avoid being stopped by the local council, because it was effectively shut until the following Tuesday The work was carried out with such ruthless efficiency that after 72 hours of near non-stop labour, the once green and pleasant plot now resembles a soulless gravel car park surrounded by an inhospitable 10ft-high wooden fence. (Pictured: the front entrance of the site) The work was carried out with such ruthless efficiency that after 72 hours of near non-stop labour (with the site lit up like 'Blackpool Illuminations' at night, according to another resident who does not want to be named) the once green and pleasant plot now resembles a soulless gravel car park surrounded by an inhospitable 10ft-high wooden fence. It is a modus operandi which has become depressingly familiar across the country over bank holiday weekends in recent years. Travellers carry out brazen 'landgrabs' when the authorities go on a three-day holiday, after either purchasing sites or setting up camp on land they don't own without permission. Either way, they know that time is on their side. In the case of Burtonwood, near Warrington, it all began that Friday evening with caravans driving on to a far corner of the plot, followed by the heavy machinery and trucks at about 6pm. Then the work began. One local estimates it involved taking up and removing 53 loads of soil and putting down 53 loads of hardcore. 'With all the machinery and the fencing they put up, I'd say the work cost 40,000 to 50,000,' he adds. The triangular plot of land off Tan House Lane previously owned by former village residents had been advertised for sale with an asking price of 85,000 on property website Rightmove. 'Nestled in the serene surroundings of Burtonwood, this plot presents a rare chance to provide a spacious paddock,' read the Rightmove blurb. The previous owners of the land, who are understood to have moved out of the village two years ago but kept the six-acre plot until its recent sale, were unavailable for comment. Villagers have not blamed them for what has happened, because they take the view they could not have foreseen what the new owners would do. One local estimates it involved taking up and removing 53 loads of soil and putting down 53 loads of hardcore. 'With all the machinery and the fencing they put up, I'd say the work cost 40,000 to 50,000,' he adds The triangular plot of land off Tan House Lane previously owned by former village residents had been advertised for sale with an asking price of 85,000 on property website Rightmove At least two locals are believed to have put in alternative offers, thought to have been for the full asking price, with the intention of using it as a paddock. The talk in Burtonwood when the Mail visited this week was that the land had been bought for above the asking price, with some claiming that the travellers, or one of them, paid 100,000 for it, although that figure has not been officially confirmed. What is clear is that the travellers apart from apparently having deep pockets seem hell-bent on making the plot a permanent home. They have called it 'Burtonwood Park', with that grandiose-sounding name now emblazoned in gold letters on a black sign they have put up near the camp's entrance, along with a small, black, metal letterbox. While they appear to have purchased the land legitimately, by converting it into a camp and carrying out unauthorised work they have ridden roughshod over planning regulations. 'Green Belt' is a well known land protection that prevents urban sprawl, helps preserve the countryside and maintain the character of existing settlements. The travellers have told villagers that they can do what they want because they own the land and they are making a retrospective planning application. Meanwhile, Warrington Borough Council has said it is aware of the 'potential breach of planning control' and is 'investigating' the development as well as issuing an enforcement notice. The travellers have told villagers that they can do what they want because they own the land and they are making a retrospective planning application While the travellers appear to have purchased the land legitimately, by converting it into a camp and carrying out unauthorised work they have ridden roughshod over planning regulations In a statement on Thursday it added: 'The national planning system allows for an application to be made retrospectively, and we understand that the developer may seek to submit a valid planning application.' Villagers have described the situation as 'ridiculous' and said they don't expect the travellers to be gone soon if ever. 'Similar council investigations have dragged on for months. And if the retrospective planning application is refused, the travellers can always appeal and drag it out even longer,' says one. Tensions in the village are now running so high that many of the nearly 50 people who attended a surgery held by local independent councillor Stuart Mann, coincidentally arranged for the day after the 'invasion', were 'in tears' because of the 'shock and awe' manner of the interlopers' arrival the night before and the speed with which the work was done. Another worried resident says: 'Travellers are a law unto themselves. My gut feeling is that they won't get moved and we're stuck with them. It's devastating. 'We've worked so hard to get where we are and have a nice house here, and then somebody just comes and annihilates everything we've strived for in life. It's bound to devalue properties here, no matter how lovely those properties are, or make them difficult to sell. Who'd want to move near to that?' Burtonwood was famous during the Second World War for having a major US airbase nearby. Nowadays the village, not far from the M62, has a population of about 3,500, with the main residential area, pub and shops at the other end of Farmer's Lane from the traveller camp. Burtonwood resident, 32, an accountant, and her husband, 33, a sales director, only moved into their five-bedroom detached house two months ago. In a tucked away position, the estimated worth of the building was 750,000. But recent events have cast a pall over what they hoped would be a dream move to the countryside with their two children. Tensions in the village are now running so high that many of the nearly 50 people who attended a surgery held by local independent councillor Stuart Mann (pictured), coincidentally arranged for the day after the 'invasion', were 'in tears' because of the 'shock and awe' manner of the interlopers' arrival the night before and the speed with which the work was done Warrington Borough Council has said it is aware of the 'potential breach of planning control' and is 'investigating' the development as well as issuing an enforcement notice The accountant, new to the village, says: 'On the Friday when it started we heard it all through the night. My partner rang the police, we couldn't sleep. The police said it was a council issue in terms of noise and we'd have to wait till the Tuesday when the council came back. 'The travellers timed it perfectly. They know what they're doing and how to time it to make the most out of it. 'We moved here from a Victorian terrace house in Salford. We wanted outside space for the children and rural surroundings. Now we're thinking what does it mean for the value of our house if we wanted to sell in the future? 'It was a big investment for us. Some people are speculating as much as 200,000 could be knocked off the value of their houses.' The owners of another house, which has three bedrooms and several acres of land with an estimated value of 800,000, said they were also worried about the 'stigma' attached to traveller sites and how being near to one might impact property prices. Sharon Saunders, 68, a retired legal assistant who has lived in her detached house nearby for 34 years, has concerns, too. 'We never have any trouble here, it's a quiet place,' she says. 'I've always walked my German shepherd, Tia, along the dirt track in front of where they've built the camp. 'Now it's unnerving going down there. There are fears the prices of properties will depreciate, and whereas it was all fields it's not any more. In the past, that plot has been rented out and horses kept there. It annoys me that the council can't put a stop to what's going on more quickly. 'Another resident was talking to one of the travellers in the Co-op in the village who told him the reason they bought the land was because they were sick of being moved on from one car park to another.' Villagers are angry that, while strict planning controls apply to them, the travellers appear to be able to 'get away with anything' by flouting the rules. Around 120 people attended a meeting with local councillors in the village hall on Monday. They pointed to a recent planning decision which is available to read on the council's website. Villagers are angry that, while strict planning controls apply to them, the travellers appear to be able to 'get away with anything' by flouting the rules Aerial photographs show that behind the perimeter fence, the plot is being partitioned into individual, smaller plots The proposal was to convert a barn in a field opposite where the traveller camp now is, and also on Green Belt, into three dwellings. It was refused because the design of the proposed buildings 'would not adequately reflect the agricultural character of the area' and would be contrary to the Warrington Local Plan. When the Mail visited the traveller camp on Wednesday in the week when thousands of travellers and gipsies were heading for the annual Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria the diggers and trucks had long since departed and the site was occupied instead by 13 caravans, six vans and two cars. Aerial photographs also showed that behind the perimeter fence, the plot is being partitioned into individual, smaller plots. An attempt to give the travellers the opportunity to comment was gruffly rebuffed and they closed the front gate. Later that day, they put a metal gate up across the dirt track where Miss Saunders likes to walk her dog. Mr Mann, the councillor, said the track is a public right of way and he has contacted the council's public rights of way officer. Mr Mann has been at the forefront of raising residents' concerns about the camp with the Labour-run council after receiving 'hundreds' of emails. Scottish Power, which supplies electricity to the area and investigates alleged unauthorised attempts to tap into the mains supply, had also been informed, he says. 'As a member of the community myself, I'm dismayed at what happened and how it happened and would hope everyone involved would get due permissions in order to change the use of their property.' Nigel Catlow, vice chairman of Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council, has described it as a 'very serious and fast-moving issue'. In a letter to the council, he wrote: 'The landowners appear to be in serious breach, making the most of the Bank Holiday and the council being on a long weekend. 'This is of great concern to many residents and council taxpayers in Burtonwood and the wider area of Warrington West.' For its part, Warrington Borough Council says it is monitoring the situation and the public are free to express their comments once a valid retrospective planning application is received. 'We appreciate there may be strong feeling within the community in relation to the works undertaken and, subsequently, to any related planning application,' says a spokesman. 'Any representation should be made in writing to the council, based on the details submitted within a valid application, so that they can be considered in the decision-making process. 'In the meantime, we will continue to monitor and investigate the situation on-site.' For the time-being and probably months and months to come it seems the unlucky residents of Burtonwood are likely to be stuck with the unwanted new arrivals. A crime scene in an extremely remote part of a national park overrun by wild pigs and dogs is under police guard following the discovery of human remains believed to be that of murdered teenager Pheobe Bishop. Police discovered the remains in the sprawling Good Night Scrub National Park at 2.30pm on Friday, bringing the three-week search for the missing 17-year-old to a tragic end. Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal a crime scene is under police guard within the remote area, as of early on Saturday morning. The area is about an hour from Pheobe's hometown of Gin Gin, near Bundaberg in central Queensland, where she lived with Tanika Bromley and James Wood and is about 9km from where forensics found 'items of interest' last week. The couple have been charged with her murder, along with two counts of interfering with a corpse, and are in police custody. The new location is extremely remote and dotted with the prints of wild pigs and dogs that run rampant in the dense bushland. The remains are believed to have lain in the open at the isolated site for three weeks. A source told this publication they faced a 'daunting' night guarding the scene. 'The dogs made their presence and their displeasure known during the night,' they said. Police are seen at a cordoned-off section of Good Night Scrub National Park on Saturday The location is extremely report and is inhabited by wild dogs and pigs (pictured) Forensic teams working at the location where suspected human remains were discovered Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson was last night informed that police had found human remains A makeshift memorial has appeared at the ramshackle, rubbish-strewn Gin Gin home In a press conference on Saturday, police confirmed the human remains believed to be those of Pheobe Bishop had not been buried at the second site. Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield said the remains had been at the location since Pheobe first went missing, over three weeks ago on May 15. He told reporters telecommunications data had led them to the second site. 'The national park is vast and unforgiving terrain,' Insp Mansfield said. He confirmed Pheobe's luggage is yet to be located and that police are still waiting for forensics to come back from the Gin Gin house. 'Significant forensic procedures still need to take place,' he said. Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson was last night informed that police had found human remains. 'I didn't think my heart could break anymore then it did when you went missing, or when the charges were laid, but this! This is ripping me apart,' she said. A forensic officer is seen entering the dense bushland armed with a camera Officers were seen entering the cordoned-off scene in the Good Night Scrub National Park Queensland Police slapped Bundaberg couple James Wood, 34 (pictured, left) and Tanika Bromley, 33 (pictured, right) with one charge of murder each The area of dense bushland is being scoured by detectives on Saturday Kaylea Bishop, 18, is seen outside Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday, dressed in black with her eyes red, where Pheobe's housemates James Wood and Tanika Bromley were accused of Pheobe's murder Earlier on Friday, Pheobe's older sister, Kaylea, 18, had begged for help finding her sister's body in an impassioned plea outside Bundaberg Magistrates Court after Bromley and Wood's murder charges were heard. She sat in the far corner of the front row, staring straight ahead flanked by friends, family and a court security guard as details of the murder charges against the couple were read out. Neither Wood nor Bromley appeared in person or by video link for the hearing and afterwards Kaylea walked outside to make her heartbreaking statement. 'We just want her home,' she said tearfully through red-rimmed eyes. 'I don't know what to say, if you've got any information about Pheobe or the car, just come forward. 'Three weeks is too long for us as a family. She was loved, she's missed dearly.' The new location is extremely remote and dotted with the prints of wild pigs and dogs Wild pigs and dogs run rampant in the national park where the remains were discovered A large pink teddy bear stood guard over the Gin Gin property on Saturday (pictured) It comes as the house where Pheobe lived has been turned into a shrine. A makeshift memorial has appeared at the ramshackle, rubbish-strewn Gin Gin home Pheobe shared with Bromley and Wood. A large pink teddy bear stood guard over the property, surrounded with bouquets of flowers. A poignant message left by one mourner read, 'Pheobe, you grew your wings too early beautiful girl. Now, you will no longer feel pain or heartache. 'You can spread your wings, and know you will be loved.' The house has been extensively searched by forensics since Pheobe was reported missing. The teen's family and Gin Gin locals are preparing to honour her memory at a community ceremony tomorrow night. A candlelight vigil will be held at Kolan Community Park from 4pm. A tense, two-week manhunt ended in the dense Arkansas woods on Friday afternoon as authorities captured Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and rapist whose notoriety led to a TV documentary, 'Devil in the Ozarks.' Hardin's escape from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock had terrified communities and sparked a massive multi-agency dragnet. The Arkansas Department of Corrections confirmed Hardin's capture roughly a mile from where his brazen breakout began on May 25. Officials say Hardin, a former police chief turned violent felon, managed to evade authorities for 13 days before being tracked down and apprehended near the rugged terrain he likely thought would be his shield. Hardin briefly attempted to run from officers when he saw them approach, but he was quickly tackled to the ground, said Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas prison system. 'He'd been on the run for a week and a half and probably didnt have any energy left in him,' he added. The escape of Hardin, once tasked with upholding the law as the police chief of the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, had left Arkansans on edge. After slipping free from the high-security facility at 2:25pm on a Saturday afternoon, the 60-year-old fugitive disappeared into the wilderness, igniting a search that stretched across local, state, and federal agencies. A tense, two-week manhunt ended in the dense Arkansas woods on Friday afternoon as authorities captured Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and rapist and known as the 'Devil in the Ozarks' Hardin, a former police chief turned violent felon, managed to evade authorities for 13 days before being tracked down and apprehended in Arkansas woods 'I'm so proud of our Department staff and all the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for being steadfast as they always are,' said Benny Magness, Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections. 'They sacrificed everything to make sure Hardin was captured and the community could finally feel safe again.' For nearly two weeks, armed officers combed miles of forest and rocky terrain, backed by helicopters, drones, and K-9 units, in a desperate bid to catch a man many feared had nothing left to lose. 'Thanks to the great work of local, state, and federal law enforcement, Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief,' Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said after news of Hardin's capture broke. 'I'm grateful to every officer who contributed and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a specialized Border Patrol team that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin.' That specialized unit, part of the elite U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), was credited with key assistance in pinning down Hardin's location - a patch of rugged woods near Calico Rock. Hardin's fall from law enforcement officer to convicted killer is as stunning as it is chilling. Once sworn to protect and serve, Hardin is now best known for the brutal slaying that sent him to prison in 2017. He was convicted of first-degree murder and later found guilty of rape, stacking a 30-year sentence on top of his already damning record. His escape only amplified public concern. Hardin, already classified as a violent offender, vanished with a ruthlessness that alarmed even seasoned law enforcement officers. For residents near Calico Rock and Mountain View, news of Hardin's capture ended days of lockdowns, sleepless nights, and constant fear Once sworn to protect and serve, Hardin is now best known for the brutal slaying that sent him to prison in 2017 Hardin was convicted of first-degree murder and later found guilty of rape, stacking a 30-year sentence on top of his already damning record Police set up checkpoints in their search for escaped prisoner Grant Hardin. Pictured last Thursday near downtown Calico Rock, Arkansas 'I'm incredibly appreciative to all of our dedicated law enforcement agencies that spent countless hours, both day and night, sacrificing their time, utilizing their resources, and lending their invaluable expertise to this search,' said Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace. 'To every Department staff member who assisted in this manhunt, I offer my heartfelt thanks.' The capture itself unfolded without bloodshed. Officials said Hardin was found deep in the brush, his body had been battered by the elements but he was alive. It is the final chapter to a manhunt that had gripped the state and left many communities living in fear. 'They got him about a mile from the prison, in the woods,' Magness confirmed. For residents near Calico Rock and Mountain View, news of Hardin's capture ended days of lockdowns, sleepless nights, and constant fear. Many had been warned to lock their doors, keep watch, and stay alert for a man authorities described as extremely dangerous. Law enforcement leaders stressed the dangers of the operation - a manhunt over rough terrain under a blistering summer sun, with officers working around the clock, often with little sleep and under the constant threat that Hardin could lash out at any moment. Hardin slipped free from the high-security facility at 2:25pm on a Saturday afternoon Hardin has been returned to the custody of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, where he faces not just his previous sentences but new charges stemming from his escape Hardin escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. His escape terrified communities and sparked a massive multi-agency dragnet A search was set up that stretched across local, state, and federal agencies By Friday evening, a palpable sense of relief had settled over Stone County. Local officials thanked the law enforcement officers who had flooded their communities and praised the cooperation between agencies that many say was essential to ending the manhunt safely. The Arkansas Department of Corrections has not yet released details on how Hardin managed to escape in the first place but an investigation that is sure to follow in the days ahead. Hardin had been 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 order to escape, he had impersonated a corrections officer 'in dress and manner,' according to a court document. A prison officer in one of the guard towers opened a secure gate, allowing him to simply walk out of the facility. Rand Champion said that someone should have checked Hardin's identity before he was allowed to leave, describing the lack of verification as a 'lapse' that's being investigated. Hardin has now been returned to the custody of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, where he faces not just his previous sentences but new charges stemming from his escape. In October 2017, Hardin pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 59-year-old James Appleton (pictured) Hardin has never provided a motive for the violent murder and was sentenced to 30 years behind bars. Pictured are investigating officers at the scene of the fatal shooting Hardin is also serving 50 years in prison for the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher in Rogers north of Fayetteville. He is pictured in court in 2019 as he plead guilty to the rape Cheryl Tillman, pictured, Appleton's sister said that Hardin's capture was a 'big sigh of relief' for her whole family. Tillman is now the mayor of Gateway where Hardin had been police chief Hardin pleaded guilty in 2017 to first-degree murder for the killing of James Appleton, 59. Appleton worked for the Gateway water department when he was shot in the head February 23, 2017, near Garfield. Police found Appleton's body inside a car. Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Hardins DNA was also matched to the 1997 rape of a teacher at an elementary school in Rogers, north of Fayetteville. He was sentenced to 50 years for that crime. Cheryl Tillman, Appleton's sister said that Hardin's capture was a 'big sigh of relief' for her whole family. 'We don't have to walk around, turning around all the time, thinking somebodys on our back,' Tillman said, emphasizing her appreciation for the officers who helped capture Hardin. Transgender people must accept a 'period of correction' over their rights after the Supreme Court ruling on gender because they have been 'lied to' about their legal status for years, an equalities chief says. Akua Reindorf, who is drafting guidance on how to treat trans people following April's ruling on the definition of a woman, added that the blame lay with their lobbyists. Ms Reindorf, a barrister and one of eight commissioners on the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), made her remarks in a personal capacity during a debate hosted by the London School of Economics. She said: 'Unfortunately, young people and trans people have been lied to over many years about what their rights are.' The EHRC has been given the task of developing new guidelines on transgender people for public buildings such as cafes, schools and hospitals, after the Supreme Court ruled transgender women are not legally women. Shortly after the ruling the EHRC released interim guidance advising: 'Trans women (biological men) should not be permitted to use the women's facilities.' Ms Reindorf's words came as the NHS Confederation, which represents hospital trusts, scrapped its old guidance allowing transgender patients to use the toilets of the sex they identify with. A spokesman for the NHS Confederation said their old guidance is now 'dated' and requires updating to align with the Supreme Court ruling. The two developments will be seen as a major blow to transgender activists, who have been petitioning for public organisations such as the NHS to ignore the court's decision. Transgender people must accept a 'period of correction' over their rights after the Supreme Court ruling on gender because they have been 'lied to' about their legal status for years, an equalities chief says (Stock Image) Akua Reindorf, who is drafting guidance on how to treat trans people following April's ruling on the definition of a woman, added that the blame lay with their lobbyists (Pictured: A trans flag is waived in front of Big Ben during a protest to the Supreme Court ruling) Ms Reindorf, a barrister and one of eight commissioners on the Equality and Human Rights Commission, made her remarks in a personal capacity during a debate hosted by the London School of Economics (Pictured: Campaigners protesting the Supreme Court ruling) The Girl Guides and Refuge, the largest domestic abuse charity for women, have both said they have no intention in changing their policy on allowing trans women to use their female facilities. Ms Reindorf described their approach as ridiculous, arguing it amounted to a 'huge farce'. She said transgender people 'have been lied to and there has to be a period of correction'. She added: 'The fact is that, until now, trans people without Gender Recognition Certificates, were being grievously misled about their legal rights. 'The correction of self-ID policies and practices will inevitably feel like a loss of rights for trans people. 'This unfortunate position is overwhelmingly a product of the misinformation which was systematically disseminated over a long period by lobby groups and activists.' Federal immigration officials clashed with protesters as they raided several downtown Los Angeles locations on Friday. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were spotted at a Home Depot, an apartment complex, federal courts and even in the fashion district. The raids come just days after Donald Trump's watch dog Stephen Miller demanded ICE crackdown on migrants at popular shopping destinations to bolster their arrest numbers. Crowds of protesters swarmed the officers on Friday in an attempt to stop the detentions, reported KTLA. However, there efforts were unsuccessful and at least 45 people across seven locations were detained, according to Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Executive Director Angelica Salas. One of those detainees has been identified as Service Employees International Union California President David Huerta, who was pepper-sprayed and injured while being taken into custody, Mayor Karen Bass told NBC Los Angeles. 'He is doing ok physically, but I know what really impacted him the most was the emotional trauma of watching parents and kids being separated,' said Bass. 'He's going into ICE custody and we hope to get him out very soon.' Footage from local news station KABC showed officers throwing smoke bombs or flash bangs on the street to disperse the people so they could drive away in SUVs, vans and military-style vehicles. Federal immigration officials raided several downtown Los Angeles locations on Friday In one video, a person was seen running backward with their hands on the hood of a moving white SUV in an effort to block the vehicle. The person fell backward, landing flat on the ground. The SUV backed up, drove around the individual and sped off as others on the street threw objects at it. Crowds of protesters swarmed the officers in an attempt to stop their detentions Other video showed people being handcuffed by federal authorities in a Home Depot parking lot. At one of the spots, immigrant-rights advocates used megaphones to speak to the workers inside a store, reminding them of their constitutional rights and instructing them not to sign anything or say anything to federal agents, the Los Angeles Times reported. The advocates also told the federal agents that lawyers wanted access to the workers, and sometimes yelled out specific names. Mayor Bass said neither her nor the Los Angeles Police Department were warned about the activity. 'As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place,' Bass said. 'These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this. Police Chief Jim McDonnell released a statement claiming the department is not involved in 'civil immigration enforcement.' 'We will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individual's immigration status,' McDonnell said. ICE agents taped off one building to control the crowds while they loaded detainees into vans Mayor Karen Bass (pictured) said neither her nor the Los Angeles Police Department were warned about the activity Protesters took to the streets to try and block ICE vehicles carrying detained immigrants 'I want everyone, including our immigrant community, to feel safe calling the police in their time of need and know that the LAPD will be there for you without regard to one's immigration status.' The Los Angeles raids come as White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has reportedly demanded ICE agents raid Home Depots and 7-Elevens as part of his lofty new target for arrests of illegal migrants. Miller, one of Donald Trump's biggest hawks on immigration, said last week that Trump wants the agency to conduct 3,000 arrests every single day in an ambitious effort to ramp up his deportation agenda. He and 'border czar' Tom Homan have both suggested that the numbers are not currently where they want them. Homan backed the ambitious new benchmark on Thursday morning, insisting: 'We've gotta' increase these arrests and removals.' 'The numbers are good, but I'm not satisfied. I haven't been satisfied all year long.' During Trump's first 100 days back in office, ICE officials arrested 66,463 illegal immigrants. A Post Office boss who backed compensation for Horizon IT scandal victims has left his position as Sir Alan Bates raised 'serious concerns' about schemes. Leader of the Post Office's Remediation Unit, Simon Recaldin, is believed to have opted for voluntary redundancy and left his post this week. It comes as the first part of a public inquiry report into the controversy, analysing the compensation process as well as the affect on victims, is anticipated to be released in the coming weeks. More than 900 sub-postmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 after faulty accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their accounts. Hundreds are still waiting for payouts despite the previous government announcing that those who have had convictions quashed are eligible for 600,000. A Post Office spokesperson said yesterday Mr Recaldin's departure was a part of an 'organisational design exercise' across the firm. Now Joanne Hanley, who was previously a managing director and global head of client servicing, data and operations for Lloyds', is understood to have taken up a large portion of the former Post Office chief, according to The Telegraph. It comes as Post Office hero Sir Alan Bates accused the government of running a 'quasi kangaroo court' payout system for the scandal's victims last month. More recently, Sir Alan said he would prefer to see the compensation schemes thrown out rather the people working on them. Leader of the Post Office's Remediation Unit, Simon Recaldin (pictured) , is believed to have opted for voluntary redundancy and left his post this week, according to The Telegraph Pictured: Former sub-postmaster Sir Alan Bates who has long led the campaign to get justice for those affected by the Post Office scandal More than 900 sub-postmasters were prosecuted between after faulty accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their accounts (file photo) 'We have got serious concerns about the transparency and the parity across the schemes,' he told The Telegraph. Last November, Mr Recaldin giving evidence to the inquiry, apologised after it was unearthed staff who were managing compensation claims had also been embroiled in prosecutions relating to the scandal. When queried about ex Post Office investigators he said: 'So my regret and it is a genuine regret is that when I came in, in January 2022, that I didnt do that conflicts check, check back on my inherited team, and challenge that.' It comes as the Sir Alan, who famously won his High Court battle with the Post Office in 2019 revealed that he had been handed a 'take it or leave it' compensation offer of less than half his original claim. Mr Bates, 70, said the first offer, made in January last year, was just one sixth of what he was asking for, adding that it rose to a third in the second offer. He has now been given a 'final take it or leave it offer' - which he said amounts to 49.2 per cent of his original claim. He, alongside 500 other sub-postmasters, will now have to lodge their bid for compensation via the Group Litigation order, managed by the Government. Former Post Office sub-postmasters celebrate after 42 of the victims were cleared in April 2021 Bates, who led the sub-postmasters' campaign for justice, attacked the government for reneging on assurances given when the compensation schemes were set up Last year, ITV bosses announced the first episode of Mr Bates vs. the Post Office had been watched by 9.2million viewers The Post Office currently manages the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, which is separate to the aforementioned. This scheme was organised for victims who have not been compensated but believe they experienced financial loses due to the IT scandal. A Post Office spokesman said: 'As part of the Post Office's commitment to deliver a 'new deal for postmasters', we have undertaken a review of our operating model to ensure we have the right structure in place. 'We have been in consultation with a number of colleagues from across the business, including the Remediation Unit. As a result of this Post Office-wide organisational design exercise, Simon Recaldin has left the business.' Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who infamously met with alleged gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, celebrated his return to the United States to face criminal charges. On Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi said that controversially deported 'Maryland man' Abrego Garcia, 29, had landed 'to face justice' over allegations of people smuggling and conspiracy to commit smuggling. Bondi also made the bombshell claim that Garcia had 'abused some of the female undocumented aliens' while he was transporting them. She additionally accused him of soliciting nude photos of a minor and playing a role in the murder of a rival. Garcia, however, has not been charged in relation to those crimes. Democrat Senator Van Hollen lobbied to meet with the man who was his constituent as his party raged over his detention in the El Salvadoran prison. That meeting sparked controversy when El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele posted a photo of Van Hollen and Abrego Garcia at a table with what appear to be margaritas, though Van Hollen claimed they were fake. Despite the disturbing criminal charges against Abrego Garcia, Van Hollen took a victory lap Friday suggesting he had done his job while taking shots at Donald Trump. 'For months, the Trump Administration flouted the Supreme Court and our Constitution,' Van Hollen said in a statement Friday. 'Today, they appear to have finally relented to our demands for compliance with court orders and with the due process rights afforded to everyone in the United States.' Van Hollen refused to give much mention of the charges against his constituent, saying it was not the point. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen (pictured right), who infamously met with alleged gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia (pictured left) in El Salvador, celebrated his return to the United States to face criminal charges Democrat Senator Van Hollen lobbied to meet with the man who was his constituent as his party raged over his detention in the El Salvadoran prison 'As I have repeatedly said, this is not about the man, it's about his constitutional rights and the rights of all. The Administration will now have to make its case in the court of law, as it should have all along.' The Trump administration initially accepted it had made a mistake in deporting Abrego Garcia, a father-of-three who arrived in the US illegally more than a decade ago. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also championed his return, saying it proved the 'unhinged Democrat Party' was wrong about Abrego Garcia, who liberals had dubbed a 'Maryland father-of-three'. Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador after being accused of being an MS-13 gang member. The deportation went ahead despite a court order forbidding his return which claimed he was at risk of persecution by the gang. Prior to this he had several brushes with the law in the US over the years, although none resulted in arrest or conviction. After initially ignoring a court order to facilitate his repatriation to the US, Bondi announced that Abrego Garcia has been hauled back to America to face charges stemming from one of these encounters. A federal grand jury indicted Abrego Garcia over claims he participated in a years- long operation trafficking people through the Texas border. Sources told ABC News that amongst those allegedly transported were members of the infamous Salvadoran gang MS-13. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the U.S. legally with a work permit and was erroneously deported to El Salvador, is seen here in this handout image In this undated photo provided by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, a man identified by Jennifer Vasquez Sura as her husband, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, is led by force by guards through the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador The conspiracy is said to have spanned nearly ten years and involved the transportation of thousands of migrants from Mexico and Central America. He is expected to be prosecuted and, if convicted, will be returned to his home country at the conclusion of the case, officials said. The investigation into the charges started after federal authorities started probing a 2022 traffic stop of Abrego Garcia by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, source said. He was stopped with eight people in his car and told officers he was driving them from Texas to Maryland for a construction job. The exchange led the officer to, 'suspect this was a human trafficking incident', according to a report produced at the time. But Abrego Garcia was let go with out any arrest or charge, despite having an expired license, per the document. Abrego Garcia was deported in March to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison after the administration claimed he was a member of MS-13. Something he and his family have denied. President Donald Trump had repeatedly maintained in an interview with ABC's Terry Moran that Abrego Garcia has M-S-1-3 tattooed on his hand. The investigation into the charges started after federal authorities started probing a 2022 traffic stop of Abrego Garcia by the Tennessee Highway Patrol President Donald Trump had repeatedly maintained in an interview with ABC's Terry Moran that Abrego Garcia has M-S-1-3 tattooed on his hand Trump had posted multiple times showing knuckle tattoos, but Moran told him the actual M-S-1-3 letters and numbers had simply been photoshopped onto the image above Abrego Garcia's actual tattoos as a code to decipher them. His deportation saga began when he was pulled over by immigration officers on March 12 and was told his immigration status had changed. Within days he was on a plane to El Salvador and his family recognized him in CECOT from media images which showed off distinctive tattoos on his arm. Abrego Garcia was granted 'withholding of removal' status in 2019 after a judge determined his claims that he would be persecuted if he returned to El Salvador were legitimate. President Trump had said that he could retrieve Abrego Garcia with one phone call to El Salvador's president, but refused to do it. Abrego Garcias American wife sued over his deportation, and U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered his return on April 4. The Supreme Court ruled on April 10 that the administration must work to bring him back. Late last month the administration asked a judge to throw out the lawsuit, arguing the court lacked jurisdiction because he was no longer in the US. Abrego Garcias American wifex Jennifer Vasquez Sura sued over his deportation, and U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered his return on April 4 Abrego Garcia's saga sparked a debate about whether the Trump administration followed due process with his deportation Attorneys for the administration have also argued that information about returning Abrego Garcia is protected under state secrets privilege. U.S. attorneys said releasing such details in open court - or even to the judge in private - would jeopardize national security by revealing sensitive diplomatic negotiations. Many filings in the case have been sealed. The case has raised questions about whether due process was followed and highlighted the extent to which the White House is trying to exert control over the courts to bolster its immigration policy. In a statement about his return, Abrego Garcia's attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said: 'From the beginning, this case has made one thing painfully clear: The government had the power to bring him back at any time. 'Instead, they chose to play games with the court and with a man's life. We're not just fighting for Kilmar - we're fighting to ensure due process rights are protected for everyone. 'Because tomorrow, this could be any one of us -- if we let power go unchecked, if we ignore our Constitution.' Abrego Garcia's wife has stood by him throughout the saga, despite previously filing a report of domestic abuse against her husband. The Salvadoran was never charged over the report which was later retracted. Boulder authorities have not ruled out further charges or victims in the terror attack last weekend on the citys famed pedestrian mall, District Attorney Michael Dougherty told the Daily Mail on Friday. Three victims, meanwhile, remain in the hospital, he told the Mail in an exclusive interview. His office filed 118 charges Thursday against suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, who allegedly drove 100 miles north on June 1 from his home in Colorado Springs to carry out the attack on a gathering in support of hostages being held by Hamas. Soliman told authorities he wanted to kill Zionists and had searched for meetings of Jewish groups before zeroing in on Run For Their Lives, which gathers weekly in Boulder. Shirtless, he launched homemade Molotov cocktails at the group around 1.30pm, injuring at least 15 people and a dog. While some victims were immediately obviously wounded, cared for by emergency services at the scene and transported to the hospital,leading to an initial count of six, the number kept growing and could continuem Dougherty said. As the day went on and as the days have gone on since, weve identified more people who were injured but did not require hospitalization, or who were not injured but were close enough to be classified as victims of attempted murder, he said. The 118 charges include multiple counts of attempted murder, assault, illegal use of incendiary devices and cruelty to animals. For each one of the attempted murder victims, there are two counts. Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty told Daily Mail he'd been on his way to give a speech about hate crimes prevention when he was informed of the June 1 terror attack on a gathering in support of hostages held by Hamas Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was arrested after the attack and has since been charged with a federal hate crime in addition to 1118 other charges filed by Dougherty's office on Thursday There are two different theories under which we can prosecute attempted murder in the state of Colorado, Dougherty said. One is with intent, which is what it sounds like this is. The other is with extreme indifference, which means someones acting with universal malice and creates a great risk of death to others. Soliman is being prosecuted for both. He has also been charged with a federal hate crime. 'If additional victims come forward, we would file additional charges,' Dougherty said. 'The charges we were able to put together in a rahter short period of time were based on the extensive investigation by law enforcement.' Soliman is currently being held in Boulder County Jail on $10million bond. Dougherty said hed been on his way to give a speech about hate crimes prevention on Sunday when he got the call about the attack. He made a U-turn and headed back to Boulder. Just last year, hed prosecuted the trial in the 2021 King Soopers Boulder shooting, in which ten people were killed. Im really worried about our community, he said. Its a strong and resilient community. Weve come together in response to fires, floods and mass attacks before, but ... I see the amount of fear and anger all swirling around right now. And I just would ask and encourage people to comfort one another, support one another and come out in solidarity together for this great community. Soliman, an Egyptian national and Uber driver who'd been living with his wife and five children in Colorado Springs, has been charged after allegedly injuring 15 people and a dog; according to his arrest affidavit, he wanted to kill Zionists and had been planning the attack from a year Boulders Jewish Festival takes place on Sunday, exactly one week after the attack on the citys close-knit community. Authorities said in a press conference Thursday that there would be a large security presence, including drones, SWAT 'elements' and plainclothes officers. Dougherty said hed attended the event every year since 2018 and hoped community members turn out to show support and love for one another and also for the Jewish community thats been so deeply impacted. He said there would actually be a DA booth at the festival this year, which was all lined up before the attack. I think our presence there now will be particularly important, he said. So well be there on Sunday, our team. He said prosecutors and investigators continued to work many hours into the night on the case against Soliman, whom he reiterated was innocent until proven guilty. Dougherty added that mental health counselors were available for members of his office. The attack happened just a few blocks from where we sit now, he said. Its part of our community. If youre going to fight for justice in a case like this, you need a team and an office that has good mental and emotional health for themselves, as well. Were encouraging victims and witnesses to come forward, he said. We have a significant amount of evidence to still go through to see if there are other victims that were present who should be accounted for. And I would encourage people to contact law enforcement if they believe they were a victim and certainly if theyre a witness. To hear from them would be fantastic. The public has backed mandatory eye tests for drivers amid alarm over crashes caused by poor sight. Nearly one in four drivers (24 per cent) have not had an eye test in the past two years, a new survey suggests. The poll, commissioned by insurer Churchill, comes amid growing concern over the lack of checks on drivers once they pass their test. Drivers in the UK must read a number plate 20 metres away as part of their driving test, but that is the only time they are required to prove their sight is good enough to drive. The NHS recommends people have their eyes tested every two years. Motorists are required to self-declare if they have a medical condition that could affect their ability to drive. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander received a prevention of future deaths report from HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley in April, which related to the deaths of four people killed by drivers with failing eyesight. Nearly one in four drivers (24 per cent) have not had an eye test in the past two years, a new survey suggests. The poll, commissioned by insurer Churchill, comes amid growing concern over the lack of checks on drivers once they pass their test (file image) Drivers in the UK must read a number plate 20 metres away as part of their driving test, but that is the only time they are required to prove their sight is good enough to drive. The NHS recommends people have their eyes tested every two years (file image) The motorists had ignored the advice of opticians that their sight had deteriorated to a level where they should no longer drive. The Churchill survey suggested that 83 per cent of UK adults would support compulsory eye tests for drivers every decade. The figure rises to 88 per cent for those who would be in favour of sight exams every three years once drivers reach 70 years old. Some 12 per cent of drivers surveyed admitted they either thought their sight was not road legal, or were not sure it was. Department of Transport (DfT) figures show 240 people were injured and seven were killed in crashes on Britains roads in 2023 in which defective eyesight was a factor. That was the most casualties since 2017, when the total was 262. Nicholas Mantel, head of motor insurance at Churchill, said: It seems surprising that UK drivers never need to prove that their eyesight is safe enough for driving once they have passed their driving test. Department of Transport (DfT) figures show 240 people were injured and seven were killed in crashes on Britains roads in 2023 in which defective eyesight was a factor. That was the most casualties since 2017, when the total was 262 (file image) 'What is even more remarkable is that some people continue to drive despite suspecting that their eyesight isnt good enough - or are doing so without wearing their prescription lenses or glasses. Our research suggests that theres overwhelming public support to make our roads safer by introducing compulsory eyesight tests for drivers. Ms Alexander recently told the Commons Transport Select Committee she is open to considering requiring older motorists to pass eye tests to keep their driving licence. This could be part of the Governments upcoming road safety strategy. A DfT spokesman said: Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way. The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years and drivers are legally required to inform the DVLA if they have a condition which affects their eyesight. We are committed to improving road safety and continue to explore ways to achieve this. The survey was conducted by research company Opinium between May 20-23 among 2,000 UK adults, of whom 1,312 were drivers. The parents of a British backpacker accused of 'killing a pedestrian after ploughing into him while riding an e-scooter drunk' have flown to Australia to support their daughter. Alicia Kemp, 24, a psychology graduate from Redditch, Worcestershire, was arrested and charged with riding the e-scooter on a footpath that fatally knocked down 51-year-old engineer Thanh Phan, 51. The father-of-two later died in hospital of brain injuries following the tragedy which occurred on May 31. Now, Kemp's anxious parents have flown to Australia to be with their daughter who is charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, the Times has reported. It comes shortly after the young backpacker was told that she could not be bailed out as she posed too great a flight risk. Kemp, who could face up to 20 years in prison, had been travelling through southeast Asia and Australia with her boyfriend on a four-month tourist visa. At the time of the tragic crash, she had been working at Durty Nelly's Irish pub. Describing herself on Linkedin as a digital nomad, Kemp had said that she was taking a 'career break' in order to travel and had also taken to social media platform TikTok to document the experience. Alicia Kemp, 24, (pictured) who was arrested and charged with fatally knocking down engineer Thanh Phan, 51, while riding an e-scooter Kemp(pictured) has been documenting her travels around southeast Asia on her TikTok Phan (pictured) died in hospital of brain injuries following the tragedy on May 31 Kemp added to the social media platform: 'I aim to immerse myself within the different cultures Asia has to offer. 'This includes working as an English second language teacher in Vietnam, in both public and private schools.' Kemp hired an e-scooter at around 8.30pm on Saturday May 31. Police told the court that she was the main driver, while her friend was a passenger. Phan was hit in the back by the scooter travelling at a speed at 15mph which prosecutors said 'careered' into his back, causing him to fall forward and hit his head. Immediately taken to the Royal Perth Hospital for surgery, Phan suffered a 'significant brain bleed' and died on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Kemp's friend, aged 26 and who has not yet been identified, suffered a fractured skull and broken nose. In a heartbreaking statement given following Phan's death, his family paid tribute to a 'beloved husband, father of two, brother, and dear friend'. The statement added: 'We received the heartbreaking news that Thanh passed away as a result of his injuries. Phan (pictured) was described as a 'beloved husband, father of two, brother, and dear friend' Kemp had been working at Durty Nelly's Irish pub (pictured) at the time of the crash Kemp (pictured) hired an e-scooter at around 8.30pm on Saturday May 31. Police told the court that she was the main driver, while her friend was a passenger The psychology graduate (pictured) from Redditch, Worcestershire, describes herself on Linkedin as a digital nomad 'We ask that the media respect the privacy of Thanh's family as they grieve their loss. 'The family has no other comment to make on the issue at this time.' The magistrate said that the significant prospect of a long prison sentence if Kemp were to be convicted means that there was a risk of her 'not returning to court to answer the charges'. They added: 'The temptation might be that (she) won't return. I can't manage that risk'. Kemp, who remains in custody, is set to appear before the court again on July 15. A Yellowstone County jury convicted a man Friday of raping and robbing a blind woman at her Billings home. Bryan Leigh Anderson was found guilty in Yellowstone County District Court of three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, with jurors hearing firsthand from the woman who survived his abuse. During the trial, which began Monday, she spoke in unrelentingly blunt terms about what she felt, smelled and tasted nearly two years ago after Anderson broke into her apartment. It hurt so much, she said during her testimony earlier this week. The woman survived a nightmare, with Deputy Chief Yellowstone County Attorney Arielle Dean saying she was physically unable to see the danger that was watching her. Anderson first entered the womans apartment in the Heights on July 24, 2022. Anderson, 63, was living out of a sedan. Upon entering the apartment, according to court testimony, he raped the woman just after she got out of the shower. He forced his penis into her mouth and her vulva. Anderson also used a vibrator to again penetrate the woman before leaving. The woman called the police and underwent a sexual assault examination. During the initial investigation, she also discovered that Anderson had stolen her debit and credit cards. (The survivor) is blind, said Deputy Yellowstone County Attorney Sabrina Currie. Shes been blind from birth. She can see nothing. She engages her other senses. She describes things that she smells and feels and hears. Over a year later, in September 2023, Anderson returned to the womans apartment. Security footage showed Anderson, wearing a skirt and a hot pink wig, knock at her front door and slip past the woman when she answered. Seconds later, security footage revealed Anderson exiting out the back sliding door of the apartment. Hed stolen the womans wallet. That same day, officers with the Billings Police Department spoke with Anderson after he was allegedly harassing children in Pioneer Park. They asked Anderson, who was wearing a red wig and lace bra, to leave the park. Hours later, Anderson again returned to the survivors apartment. Anderson would later testify that he came back to the womans home, now dressed in an orange hoodie and not wearing a wig, to give her back her wallet. The womans sister called police when she found Anderson hiding in a closet in the same room where hed raped the woman in 2022. Upon being arrested by police and cited for trespassing, Andersons statements to law enforcement instigated a re-opening of the sexual assault case. In November 2023, law enforcement apprehended Anderson again and BPD detectives took buccal swabs for his DNA. About a month later, DNA analysis by the Montana State Crime Lab determined that Andersons DNA was found on the survivors body. Criminal charges were filed against Anderson, along with a $500,000 warrant for his arrest. He was apprehended and booked into Yellowstone County Detention Facility without incident, the Gazette previously reported, and he has remained in custody since. Along with the three counts of rape, Yellowstone County prosecutors charged Anderson with two counts of felony burglary. Leading up to his trial, Anderson entered a plea agreement in which he admitted stealing the womans wallet after invading her home in September 2023. Barring the single count of burglary, Anderson and his attorneys denied the rape allegations. In his closing argument to jurors, defense attorney Blaine McGivern reminded the jurors that Andersons character was reprehensible. Hed broken into the home of a blind woman and robbed her. That did not prove that Anderson had raped her, McGivern said, nor did it prove that any sexual contact between the two had been nonconsensual. McGivern respected the seriousness of the crime of rape and acknowledged that many cases of sexual violence go unreported. In this specific case, he said the woman had a lot to lose by solely reporting that her banking cards were stolen after she let a stranger into her home. The survivor lied, McGivern argued, because she was afraid of being placed under guardianship or in a group home, losing her independence. The presence of Andersons DNA on the womans body only proved what Anderson already admitted: that he was in her home and had stolen her property. Less than 10% of rape accusations made in the United States over the past two decades have been disproven, according to multiple studies published through academia and the FBI. Out of 1,000 cases of sexual assault in the U.S., only about a third get reported to the police, per the latest data from the Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network. While four of five cases of rape are committed by someone who his known to the victim, roughly 20% involve cases of strangers committing sexual violence. When Anderson broke into the womans house a second time and hid in her closet, Dean said in a rebuttal to McGivern, his intention was either to steal from her again or rape her again. It is hard to believe that something like this could even happen in our community, she said. But just because its hard to believe that someone could do these things to someone so vulnerable doesnt make it not true. It did happen here. Jurors began their deliberations late Friday morning and reached their verdict 3 and a half hours later, finding him guilty of three counts of rape and an additional count of burglary. Anderson remained stoic throughout the reading of the verdict. District Judge Brett Linneweber, who presided over the trial, ordered him back into custody. For each count of sexual intercourse without consent, Anderson faces up to life in prison. His sentencing will be held at a later date. In federal court, a man was convicted of kidnapping a woman after he already admitted to trafficking narcotics. Adolfo Lepe-Vargas physically and sexually assaulted his victims, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme wrote in a statement published Thursday, shooting one of them in the leg and transporting them throughout the U.S. and into Mexico. He is facing up to life in federal prison. The mother of the three young girls who were allegedly killed by her now-missing ex-husband shared a bizarre Father's Day tribute to him before their tragic deaths. Whitney Decker made a 20-second video featuring a slideshow of photos of her daughters, Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, Olivia Decker, 5, and their father, Travis Decker. The video was made as a Father's Day tribute to her veteran ex-husband who is now wanted on suspicion of murdering their three daughters. Her attorney, Arianna Cozart, provided the video to People. It's unclear when the video, which features Pharrell Williams' song Happy, was posted. Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's bodies were found at a campsite in Leavenworth on Monday, after Travis failed to return them after his visitation on Friday. The girls were found 20 miles from their Washington home with their wrists bound with zip ties and each having been suffocated with a plastic bag. Travis reportedly suffers from 'complex PTSD' and 'other mental issues,' and has since been on the run after vanishing into the woods. Yet, the girls' mother spoke out through Cozart and alleged that their murder 'was a tragedy that could've been completely' avoided had officials intervened. Whitney Decker shared a 20-second video with People through her attorney, Arianna Cozart, featuring a slideshow of photos of her daughters, Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, Olivia Decker, 5 , and their father, Travis Decker Travis reportedly suffers from 'complex PTSD' and 'other mental issues,' and has since been on the run after vanishing into the woods The video was made as a Father's Day tribute to her veteran ex-husband who is now wanted on suspicion of murdering their three daughters 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. 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'. 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 girls were found 20 miles from their Washington home with their wrists bound with zip ties and each having been suffocated with a plastic bag Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's bodies were found at a campsite in Leavenworth on Monday, after Travis failed to return them after his visitation on Friday On Tuesday, a judge issued a warrant for Decker's arrest and ordered he be held without bail 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. '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. 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 Whitney believes 'something broke inside' of Decker and that he 'would not have done what he did if he was himself' '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 said 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. Australia's worst mass murderer, Martin Bryant, is now so overweight he reportedly needs to sleep on three mattresses stacked on top of each other. The 58-year-old also spends his time in Risdon Prison Complex boasting to inmates about a supposed long-distance romance with a woman he calls his 'girlfriend'. Byrant is serving 35 life sentences over the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania. In new details obtained exclusively by the National News Network, it was revealed Bryant is considered 'lower than zero' on the food chain by his fellow inmates. Former inmate Jackson, who was cell neighbours with Bryant, gave a bleak account of his condition behind bars, describing him as untidy, dirty and suffering from acne. The mass murderer is reportedly now so large he sleeps on three 10cm thick mattresses stacked on top of each other in his tiny cell bed, which he rarely leaves. Most bizarrely, Jackson revealed Bryant had a reputation for previously giving sexual favours, in return for chocolates and sweets. 'He's had a few sexual experiences in jail so someone will tease him and go "How about you swap me a head job for a Mars Bar" with such and such,' he said, the publication reported. Port Arthur killer Martin Bryant (pictured) is serving 35 life sentences in the prison An inmate has claimed that Bryant has previously exchanged sexual favours for chocolate Jackson recalled the moment he finally summoned the courage to ask Bryant about the Port Arthur massacre, saying the killer's face immediately shifted. He added that he wasn't sure Bryant's mother still visited him but that the killer would speak frequently about a woman he claimed to be in a relationship with. The woman, said to own a horse property in Victoria, was one of 10 people approved by the jail service to have phone calls with Bryant. Jackson said he wasn't sure if the woman ever visited Bryant in jail but that he had once been shown a photo of her by the notorious killer. Former prison guard Tony Burley told the publication he had caught the murderer fixating on himself and other guards with an intense stare. He said this only added to his reputation as an odd and isolated figure. 'In terms of the food chain, he's lower than zero,' Mr Burley said. 'It's not that people don't like him, he just doesn't exist.' 'No one would know who he was, he's not a concern to anybody. He's not targeted, he's nobody.' Bryant is said to be massively overweight, needing three mattresses to sleep on The Port Arthur massacre remains one of the darkest days in Australia's history. At the time, it was considered the world's worst massacre, with 35 people killed and 23 injured by Martin Byrant, who is serving 35 life sentences and more than a thousand additional years' jail without parole. Bryant has never explained his actions but investigators have speculated the murders were sparked out of retribution for grievances. Others were collateral damage. The shooting prompted significant gun reform under then-prime minister John Howard via the 1996 National Firearms Agreement. The laws banned rapid-fire guns from civilian ownership except under certain, restricted licences. It also tightened requirements for firearms licensing, registration and safe storage and established a government buyback of semi-automatic and pump-action rifles and shotguns. The foreign men convicted of crimes who were placed on a deportation flight headed for the chaotic nation of South Sudan were originally from countries as far away as Vietnam. They had lived in various places from California to Iowa, Nebraska to Florida, with one serving a sentence of nearly 30 years. They were accused and convicted of crimes ranging from murder, to rape, robbery and assault. Despite their criminal records, a federal judge says the White House violated a court order on deportations to third countries, adding these eight migrants aboard the plane were not given a meaningful opportunity to object that the deportation could put them in danger. Judge Brian E. Murphy in Boston ordered a new set of interviews with the migrants, either back in the U.S. or abroad. Trump administration officials accused 'activist judges' of advocating the release of dangerous criminals. 'No country on Earth wanted to accept them because their crimes are so uniquely monstrous and barbaric,' said Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. At least one of the victim's family members has come out to oppose the way the deportation was conducted and the fact that her family wasn't notified, while saying she had long hoped the man would leave the United States. These are the migrants who were part of the deportation flight. Dian Peter Domach, 33, South Sudan The only man from South Sudan on the flight was 33-year-old Dian Peter Domach. The only man from South Sudan on the flight was 33-year-old Dian Peter Domach. He was convicted in 2013 of robbery, for which he was sentenced to 8 to 14 years in prison He was convicted in 2013 of robbery, for which he was sentenced to 8 to 14 years in prison; and of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, for which he was sentenced to 6 to 10 years. Those sentences were to be served one after the other. The Department of Homeland Security said Domach was also convicted of driving under the influence. While in prison, he was convicted of 'assault by a confined person' and sentenced to an additional 18 to 20 months. According to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, Domach was released on 'discretionary parole' on May 2 and arrested by immigration authorities six days later. Records said he represented himself on appeal and in the most recent prison assault case. Thongxay Nilakout, 48, Laos One of the two deportees with life sentences is 48-year-old Thongxay Nilakout from Laos. He was convicted of killing a German woman and wounding her husband in 1994 when he was 17. The couple was visiting a popular tourist lookout east of Los Angeles during a trip to see their daughter. One of the two deportees with life sentences is 48-year-old Thongxay Nilakout from Laos. He was convicted of killing a German woman and wounding her husband in 1994 when he was 17 Nilakout was sentenced to life in prison but was released in 2023 after his case was reviewed following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said mandatory life sentences for minors were unconstitutional. Nilakout was ordered removed to Laos by an immigration judge in 2023 and waived appeal, court records show. The couple's daughter, Birte Pfleger, is now a history professor at California State University, Los Angeles. She called it a 'real moral dilemma,' explaining she is not happy with the way the deportation was conducted. 'No matter which way you slice it, you cannot violate people's due process. That's a fundamental constitutional right that has existed for well over 250 years,' she said. But she hopes the man chooses to return voluntarily to Laos. Pfleger said she filled out forms that she has to be notified of any changes in Nilakout's case, but wasn't notified when the man was arrested by immigration authorities in January or when he was put on the flight. 'He supposedly had plans for that because he still has some relatives in Laos,' she said. 'Well, guess what? Now's the time. Go call those relatives. Go home. Don't come back.' Kyaw Mya, a man from Myanmar who lived in Iowa, was convicted of sexually abusing a child under 12 years of age and sentenced to 10 years in prison Kyaw Mya, Myanmar Kyaw Mya, a man from Myanmar who lived in Iowa, was convicted of sexually abusing a child under 12 years of age and sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Mya was ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2021, and lost his appeal of that order in 2023, according to a statement from Marcos Charles, an assistant director of field operations with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in a court filing late Thursday. He was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in February. An attorney for Mya did not respond to phone calls seeking comment. Nyo Myint, Myanmar Nyo Myint, another Burmese deportee, lived in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was accused in 2017 of sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman with 'diminished mental capacity' who ended up pregnant. The woman's sister said the victim had a mental capacity equal to a 3-year-old and that Myint had told her he was the child's father. Nyo Myint, another Burmese deportee, lived in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was accused in 2017 of sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman with 'diminished mental capacity' who ended up pregnant An arrest affidavit filed by the police said Myint admitted to having sex with the woman at least two times, saying he knew her since 2003 and knew she had gone to a school for children with mental disabilities. He admitted he made a mistake and felt it was wrong to have sex with her. He was given a 12- to 14-year prison sentence in 2020 but released on probation in May 2023. He was ordered removed by an immigration judge that same year and waived appeal, court records show. ICE took custody of Myint in February. Nathan Sohriakoff remembers defending Myint in the Nebraska case and communicating with him via interpreters. He hadn't heard he was part of the deportee group, which Trump administration officials are calling 'barbaric monsters.' 'He was a small man, very petite. He didn't speak a word of English and didn't resist the charges,' Sohriakoff said. 'I don't remember feeling like he was dangerous. My general feeling of him was that he was limited in his ability as well, like cognitively, but not to the degree that I felt he was incompetent.' The Department of Homeland Security says the flight included a Vietnamese man. Tuan Thanh Phan was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree assault and sentenced to 22 years in prison. Tuan Thanh Phan, Vietnam The Department of Homeland Security says the flight included a Vietnamese man. Tuan Thanh Phan was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree assault and sentenced to 22 years in prison. An immigration judge ordered Phan removed to Vietnam in 2009, and he waived his appeal, court records show. He was arrested by ICE earlier this month. Enrique Arias-Hierro, 46, Cuba The Department of Homeland Security says the flight included two men from Cuba: Enrique Arias-Hierro and Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones. Florida court records show Arias-Hierro, now 46, served 15 years in a state prison after being convicted of robbery, kidnapping and falsely impersonating an officer in 2007 Florida court records show Arias-Hierro, now 46, served 15 years in a state prison after being convicted of robbery, kidnapping and falsely impersonating an officer in 2007. Homeland Security officials say he was also convicted of homicide and armed robbery, but the records in Miami-Dade County did not include that. Arias-Hierro had already been ordered removed to Cuba by an immigration judge back in 1999, and did not file an appeal, court records show. The attorney who last served as his public defender in 2024 did not respond to an email and phone call seeking comment. Arias-Hierro was taken by ICE earlier this month. Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones, Cuba Immigration officials said in a court filing that Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones was sentenced to 15 years in prison being convicted of arson in 2008 in Florida Immigration officials said in a court filing that Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones was sentenced to 15 years in prison being convicted of arson in 2008 in Florida. Additional convictions for drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of a weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia followed, said Charles, ICE's assistant director of field operations, in a statement filed in court. In 2022, he was convicted of attempted first-degree murder and sentenced to four years in prison, the document shows. Charles' declaration did not say if Rodriguez-Quinones was ever seen by an immigration judge. He was arrested by ICE in April. A Mexican man was also placed on the deportation flight. Immigration officials say Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez was recently 'identified as and admitted to being a member of a criminal organization.' Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez, Mexico A Mexican man was also placed on the deportation flight. Immigration officials say Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez was recently 'identified as and admitted to being a member of a criminal organization.' The Department of Homeland Security says Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. An immigration judge ordered him deported to Mexico in 2005, and Munoz-Gutierrez waived his appeal, court records show. It was unclear why he would be flown to South Sudan or beyond when Mexico is just south of the United States. Five members of the same family have been jailed for their involvement in a plot to conceal over 130,000 stolen from a Post Office in a staged armed robbery. Taxi driver Rajvinder Kahlon, 43, pretended to be an armed robber as part of the plot at the branch in Hounslow, west London. Kahlon, of Great West Road, Hounslow, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday after being convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, conspiracy to steal from the Post Office, and conspiracy to money launder. Metropolitan Police officers had responded to reports on April 1 last year of an armed robbery at the Post Office within a convenience store in Brabazon Road, Hounslow. Two women working at the branch, sub-postmistress Sunaver Dhillon, 68, and Ramandeep Dhillon, 40, both of Lyne Road, Virginia Water, lied to officers that they had been threatened by a man with a pistol who stole 50,000, as well as the branch's CCTV system. The court heard that money from a safe and a CCTV hard disc had already been removed by Kahlon's cousin Sukhvir Dhillon, the husband of Ramandeep Dhillon and son of Sunaver Dhillon, before the staged robbery. Police analysis of Kahlon's phone showed he was in regular contact with Sukhvir Dhillon, 38, the court heard. Her Honour Judge Lindsey Rose said of the family's fake robbery: 'It meant many resources were deployed to the Post Office when they could have been deployed elsewhere where they may have saved others, all because of your greed and conniving in pretending this was an armed robbery.' Taxi driver Rajvinder Kahlon, 43, pretended to be an armed robber as part of the plot at the branch in Hounslow, west London in April last year Sub-postmistress Sunaver Dhillon, 68, lied to officers that she had been threatened by a man with a pistol who stole 50,000. She was sentenced to three years and one months imprisonment Ramandeep Dhillon, 40, was sentenced to two years and five months in prison for her part in the conspiracy Kahlon was initially arrested and appeared at Isleworth Crown Court charged with the armed robbery of Ramandeep Dhillon and Sunaver Dhillon before the inside job was revealed. Kahlon indicated at a pre-trial review that he was willing to plead guilty to the bogus charge before the prosecution requested he was not arraigned. Sentencing Kahlon, Judge Rose said: 'You were the fall guy for this, the robber who failed at his role. 'You were even willing to enter a guilty plea that would have seen you serve a sentence of years' imprisonment for a crime you didn't commit.' The judge said Kahlon was 'hoping to be paid handsomely by Sukhvir Dhillon' for keeping quiet, adding that the family's lies were 'maintained over the investigation and prosecution of Mr Kahlon'. Detectives from the Met's Flying Squad identified Kahlon from CCTV, tracking him to a nearby car which was registered to him. Kahlon's DNA was also found on a metal fence that he cut himself on as he fled the scene. Elroy Claxton, mitigating for Kahlon, said his client became involved in the plot because of 'an overpowering of his mind by brotherly love'. The court heard that money from a safe and a CCTV hard disc had already been removed by Kahlon's cousin Sukhvir Dhillon, the husband of Ramandeep Dhillon and son of Sunaver Dhillon. He was sentenced to five years in prison Metropolitan Police officers had responded to reports on April 1 last year of an armed robbery at the Post Office within a convenience store in Brabazon Road, Hounslow (not branch pictured) He added that Kahlon was 'remorseful' and denied ever having a firearm in his possession or transferring money over borders. An audit by the Post Office found that the actual amount of money missing from the store was around 136,000 - none of the money was ever recovered. The court heard that some of the stolen money may have been sent to India and Canada while they travelled to those countries. Sentencing the family, the judge said: 'You carefully planned a false robbery at a time when you knew the maximum amount of money would be at the Post Office. 'You lied and lied again to try to get away with this.' Judge Rose said the Dhillon family's expenditure and lifestyle far exceeded their income. The judge told them: 'You enjoyed multiple expensive cars, holidays and houses - including a very large house in Virginia Water that enjoyed an expensive renovation.' Sukhvir Dhillon, of Lyne Road, Virginia Water, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for his part in the conspiracy after being found guilty of the same charges as Kahlon at Isleworth Crown Court on March 27. Mandeep Gill was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment for her part in the plot The five defendants were all handed jail sentences at the Crown Court at Isleworth (pictured) Sentencing Sukhvir Dhillon, Judge Rose said: 'You were the person that was the lead of this offence, you planned what would happen, organised it and put everyone in place.' Sunaver Dhillon, mother of Sukhvir Dhillon, was sentenced to three years and one months' imprisonment for her part in the conspiracy after being found guilty of the same charges as Kahlon. Sentencing her, Judge Rose said: 'You went to work to give an air of authenticity to this crime, making sure the safe was open and using your role as sub-postmistress to make sure the maximum amount could be taken.' Ramandeep Dhillon, the wife of Sukhvir Dhillon, was sentenced to two years and five months' imprisonment for the same charges. Sentencing her, Judge Rose said: 'You were no doubt brought in for your acting abilities, happy to play your part in acting scared and upset by this fake robbery. You even lied about there being a gun.' Another family member, Mandeep Gill, 45, was sentenced to two years and four months' imprisonment, after being found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to money launder. Gill was not brought into the conspiracy until after the false police report was made, with prosecutor Richard Reynolds adding that her role was 'lesser than the others'. Mr Reynolds said the conspiracy was a 'particularly cynical plan' in light of the Post Office Horizon controversy, adding that it came at a time when 'public awareness and concern around the Horizon scandal was at its absolute peak'. A Post Office spokesperson said: 'We want to publicly thank the Metropolitan Police for its very thorough investigation into this staged armed robbery which was solved using CCTV footage, DNA evidence and other data to identify those involved with this crime.' Police have foiled a terror plot on the King's guards after a 'lone actor' caused a 'huge security scare'. The 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and arson in Slough last week at the Salt Hill Activity Centre, near Windsor Castle. It comes as military personnel at a barracks close by were warned not to leave the grounds in uniform, with the alert remaining in place for two days. Military personnel at a barracks close by were warned not to leave the grounds in uniform, with the alert remaining in place for two days (file image) A source told The Sun: 'The suspect is feared to have been plotting an attack. 'Police informed bosses at the barracks and measures were taken immediately despite him already being in custody. 'It was a huge security scare. But it was in the interests of everyone's safety.' Police have foiled a terror plot on the King's guards after a 'lone actor' caused a 'huge security scare' (file image) Thames Valley Police confirmed that while in custody on Sunday, the man was re-arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. Counter terrorism Policing South East are now leading an investigation into the events which took place at Victoria Barracks - home to the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. Police have confirmed they are stepping up patrols to reassure the public of their safety. Five former members of the Proud Boys are looking for a little revenge after getting a pardon from Donald Trump, filing a $100million lawsuit against the Department of Justice. One of the first moves of Donald Trump's second term was to pardon all January 6 defendants which included members of the far right Proud Boys. Former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, Ethan Nordean and Dominic Pezzola have filed the suit in Orlando federal court. While Tarrio received a pardon, the other four plaintiffs had their sentences commuted. The lawsuit said all four applied for pardons on May 13. They claim their constitutional rights were violated when they were prosecuted for their participation in the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The suit seeks unspecified compensatory damages plus 6% interest and $100 million plus interest in punitive damages. 'There was hostages in this country,' Tarrio said during a news conference Friday afternoon. 'It's not about any other country today, and that's why this lawsuit is so important to bring back law and order into our system.' Five members of the Proud Boys - including ex-chairman Enrique Tarrio (pictured second from left), Joseph Biggs (pictured front and center), Zachary Rehl (second from right) and Dom Pezzola (pictured right) are looking for a little revenge after getting a pardon from Donald Trump, filing a $100million lawsuit against the Department of Justice One of the first moves of Donald Trump's second term was to pardon all January 6 defendants which included members of the far right Proud Boys The lawsuit claims the men were arrested with insufficient probable cause and that government agents later 'found' fake incriminating evidence. They also claim they were held for years in pretrial detention, often in solitary confinement. 'The Plaintiffs themselves did not obstruct the proceedings at the Capitol, destroy government property, resist arrest, conspire to impede the police, or participate in civil disorder, nor did they plan for or order anyone else to do so,' the lawsuit said. Tarrio, Biggs, Rehl and Nordean were all convicted of seditious conspiracy and other crimes for their participation in the Capitol riot that sought to stop Congress from certifying former U.S. President Joe Bidens win over President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. Pezzola was acquitted on the conspiracy charge but convicted of stealing a police officer's riot shield and using it to smash a window. After returning to office earlier this year, Trump granted pardons to almost all of the more than 1,500 people who stormed the Capitol. The U.S. Justice Department didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Speaking to a media gaggle packed into his White House office the night of the inauguration, Trump said he was pardoning about 1,500 defendants and issuing six commutations. Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was a guest of honor at the Reagan Tribute at Mar-a-Lago just two weeks after his prison sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump's executive order Zachary Rehl (pictured left) and Ethan Nordean (pictured right) are two of the plaintiffs in the suit He also directed the attorney general to seek dismissal of about 450 pending criminal cases against Jan. 6 defendants. The pardons fulfill Trump's promise to release supporters who tried to help him overturn his election defeat four years ago. 'These are the hostages,' he said while signing the paperwork in the Oval Office. Trump declared at his indoor parade earlier that day that he will sign pardons for 'a lot of people' who were convicted for the attack on the U.S. Capitol as the crowd cheered enthusiastically. 'We won, we won, but now the work begins,' Trump said to start his remarks at the end of the parade in the packed Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC. Tarrio, one of the biggest names to get a pardon, has since said he plans to run for public office. He was sentenced in September 2023 to serve 22 years in prison after he was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6 attack even though he was not present at the Capitol that day. And just two weeks later, Tarrio was among the guests of honor during a Reagan Tribute event at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. Dominic Pezzola (pictured left) and Joseph Biggs (pictured right) are also plaintiffs in the nine-figure lawsuit Tarrio, who was chairman of the Proud Boys at the time of the Capitol attack, said he would neither 'support' nor 'condemn' the riot. The far-right activist did insist, however, that he did not 'sympathize' with lawmakers who were terrified in their offices that day. At least 37 members of the Proud Boys were arrested, charged or indicted for alleged roles in the Capitol riot by January 2022. By then, Tarrio was no longer a leader of the group. He served as chairman from 2018 to 2021. The House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack subpoenaed Tarrio to testify in November 2021 and in February 2022, he gave a deposition to the committee investigators and two members. North Carolina police 'arrested' a gigantic alligator and hit him with hilarious charges for crossing the road. Onslow County Sheriff's deputies along with officers from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission captured the massive beast on May 28 on Old 30 Road. '[Officials] wrangled this prehistoric perp off the pavement today after he was caught loitering near the double yellow line,' the sheriff's office said. Deputies decided to have some fun announcing their impressive catch and released a statement playfully claiming the gator had 'scaly intentions' and was charged with a crime. 'Witnesses say he was just chilling and snapping, clearly ignoring the "no loitering or lounging on roadways" sign,' said the sheriff's office. The reptile was named 'Pepe the Gator' and measured up at 400 pounds and almost 10 feet-long. The sheriff's office jokingly said, '[Pepe] has been cited for Suspicion of Being a Dinosaur Without Proper Papers, Public Loitering with Intent to Sunbathe, and Obstructing Traffic.' 'Deputies reported no injuries, unless you count his pride when the gator refused to be cuffed. Onslow County Sheriff's deputies captured a gigantic alligator named 'Pepe the Gator' (pictured) The sheriff's office playfully charged the beast for 'clearly ignoring the "no loitering or lounging on roadways" sign' 'Were told the gator has been safely relocated and no, he didnt get to ride shotgun.' The cops also posed for some hilarious photos with Pepe, including one image of a deputy standing behind the beast with his thumb. Another photo showed three deputies sitting on the gator while they restrained him after they covered his with a towel and taped his mouth shut. Community members loved the cheeky post, commenting that they loved seeing the deputies have fun, but thought Pepe's charges were unfair. 'I'm so weak the one on the glasses is having the time of his life,' one person said. 'Y'all are brave riding the bronco-gator,' said another. '#FreePepe my homie did nothing wrong,' a third person said. 'Had he just called Uber instead of trying to walk, he wouldnt be in this mess,' added a fourth. A representative from the Onslow County Sheriffs office told PEOPLE that Pepe was was transported safely to Camp Geiger, a Marine Corps base in Jacksonville. The sheriff's office believed that Pepe had traveled at least three miles from the nearest body of water and needed some help getting to safety in case he hurt himself or injured anyone. Deputies posed for some hilarious photos with Pepe, who weighs 400 pounds and is almost 10 feet-long According to NC Wildlife, male alligators in the Tar Heel state can reach up to 13 feet and weight up to 500 pounds or more. They are common in freshwater areas and the largest populations live in the coastal counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Columbus, Onslow and Pender. A Wisconsin man killed and dismembered a 19-year-old college student on their first date after watching a Netflix show that depicted an eerily similar mutilation. Maxwell Anderson was convicted of homicide and dismembering a corpse on Friday for the horrific slaying of Sade Robinson on April 1 of last year - just days after the two met at a bar. They had spent the evening of their fateful date getting dinner and drinks at the Twisted Fisherman in Milwaukee before eventually going back to Anderson's apartment. At one point, Anderson turned on the Netflix series Love, Death & Robots. The show's Season 2 finale, 'The Drowned Giant,' depicts the gruesome dismantling of a gigantic human body on a beach. Prosecutors claimed that Anderson mutilated Robinson's body on a Wisconsin beach overlooking Lake Michigan - a jarring detail that was almost too much to stomach for the jury. 'I was like... that's disgusting because that could have been where he got some of his ideas or fantasies,' juror Melissa Blascoe told the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel. 'I physically felt like I was gonna throw up at that point. I know a lot of people were shaking and crying.' Anderson was also charged with arson and hiding a corpse in connection with her death. He was found guilty on all counts. Sade Robinson (pictured), 19, was killed and dismembered by Maxwell Anderson after the pair went on a first date in April last year Anderson (pictured) was found guilty on all four counts after being charged with first-degree intentional homicide, dismembering a corpse, arson and hiding a corpse Robinson's mother, Sheena Scarbrough (pictured left), said that her daughter was a 'loving daughter, a cherished sister, and a dear friend to many' Investigators said that Anderson is believed to have spread her remains around Milwaukee County and burned her car to hide evidence. Disturbing images showed Robinson being groped by Anderson while she lay face down on his couch, and prosecutors said she was far too incapacitated to have resisted. One image shows Anderson holding Robinson's right breast as she lay unconscious. That breast would later be cut off her body. 'This is his trophy in a way,' Blascoe said about the images taken by Anderson. 'Those pictures will be in my mind for quite some time.' Surveillance video showed Robinson's car leaving the apartment in the early hours of April 2 before arriving at the beach along Lake Michigan shores. The young student's disappearance sparked concern when she didn't appear for work the next day. Her manager, Justin Romano, told CNN that Robinson was 'very outgoing, she would talk to everybody here. She was always there to lighten the mood.' Romano said her not showing up for work 'wasn't like her at all,' and added: 'We kind of knew something was up; we had been calling her all day.' Anderson is believed to have cut her body into pieces and burned her car behind an abandoned building before taking a bus back to his apartment. Within the car, despite 'extreme fire damage,' investigator's identified the outfit Robinson had been wearing on the night of the date as well as part of an iPhone consistent with hers burned in the car, CNN reported. Anderson is believed to have dismembered her body into pieces and burned her car behind an abandoned building before taking a bus back to his apartment Her manager, Justin Romano, said that Robinson was 'very outgoing, she would talk to everybody here. She was always there to lighten the mood' Police then were called to Warnimont Park where a human leg, that appeared to have been 'sawn off' at the hip, was discovered. The leg was then identified as Robinson's. A 'confidential informant' claimed that Anderson had planned to kill Robinson weeks prior to her death, Fox News reported. Anderson's attorney, Tony Cotton, argued, however, that the prosecution showed no evidence of Anderson's intention to kill Robinson. Cotton also pointed out he made no attempt to conceal himself on public transport home, and was wearing clean clothes despite having allegedly cut up her body in a muddy park. Jurors reached their verdict within an hour on the ninth day of trial. 'While we are satisfied with this verdict, our hearts go out to the family of Sade Robinson,' Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan said. Milwaukee County Sheriff's Det. JoAnn Donner spent months working on the case and said: 'My heart goes out to the family and [Robinson's] friends and really, the community at large. 'It's everyone's come together, and it's really hard to take that step back as a law enforcement officer and not get that really emotionally involved during the case,' she continued. 'I will admit that I did go back to my office after the verdict, and I had a good cry because I finally got to have that emotion. It does affect us too.' Robinson's mother, Sheena Scarbrough, said in a GoFundMe for her daughter's memorial service that Robinson was a 'loving daughter, a cherished sister, and a dear friend to many.' Anderson is set for sentencing on August 15, where he faces a mandatory life sentence in prison. Veteran MP Bob Katter has launched an attack on Dr Terri Irwin after she criticised his party's bill to cull crocodile populations in Queensland. The Irwin matriarch was among 175 submissions made to the state government on the proposed legislation and described it as 'more dangerous than previous efforts'. 'It is such a lazy and sloppy attempt to recycle old draft legislation,' she said on behalf of Australia Zoo. She noted the bill referenced the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection which has not been referred to as that since 2017. 'The Introductory Speech and Explanatory Notes is very selective in its use of statistics and contains many inaccuracies and "fake news",' Dr Irwin continued. 'However, it is the new, poorly-designed parts of the Bill which make this proposed legislation even more dangerous than previous efforts.' Katter's Australian Party (KAP) introduced the Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2025 in February to 'eliminate crocodiles which pose a threat to human life' while protecting them from going extinct. In response to Dr Irwin's 21-page submission, the party founder took to his Facebook page on Friday to attack her credentials. Queensland MP Bob Katter (pictured) has criticised Dr Terri Irwin for speaking out against his party's proposed bill that calls to cull crocodiles in Queensland The Irwin matriarch (pictured, left) claimed Mr Katter's bill was full of 'fake news' 'A lady, Mrs Irwin. She said that I'm a dangerous person, and it's the only time I've ever agreed with her in my life,' Katter said to the camera. 'She knows all about crocodiles. Well, that's rather fascinating for me because she lives in Brisbane, and I work with the top crocodile handlers in the world. 'Versace and the other big fashion houses have huge crocodile farms here. 'How would you know all about crocodiles if you live in Brisbane? Oh that's right, she's got them all locked up in a cage in Brisbane.' KAP MP for Hill Shane Knuth, who submitted the bill, joined the pile-on. 'The Irwin's built a multimillion dollar business off the back of crocodiles,' he wrote on Facebook. 'And now they're lecturing North Queenslanders on how to enjoy our recreational waterways while they're infested with crocs - and getting worse. 'Spare us the patronising 'Crocwise' slogans. We don't need a zoo telling us how to survive in our own backyard.' Dr Irwin joined PETA Australia and a crocodile farm in unleashing on the 'dangerous' legislation Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dr Irwin and Australia Zoo for comment. Australia Zoo is not the only organisation to oppose the proposed legislation, with PETA Australia raising two concerns in its own submission. 'We highlight crocodiles' sentience and individuality and refute that they are 'pest' animals who must be eradicated so humans can occupy their natural habitats,' it said. The group secondly opposed the Bill's proposed 'payment from a quota of 'High-End Clients' who wish to live harvest the crocodile'. It suggested the detail 'hints at allowing safari-style hunting of crocodiles'. Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farming Company also opposed the bill, suggesting that it would 'destroy the export industry'. A public hearing and briefing on the proposed legislation is due to be held in Brisbane on June 11. The circumstances surrounding the death of a teen mother whose body was found at a home in Western Australia almost a week ago remain unknown. Officers received a Triple-0 call about an unresponsive 18-year-old woman at a demountable property in Calingiri, north-east of Perth, on Monday at about 8.45pm. Police and paramedics arrived at the property on Harrington Street where they carried out emergency first aid. The young woman was declared dead at the scene. Emergency services are understood to have found a baby unharmed in a nearby bedroom. 'Being a small little community town, I think a lot of people are still shocked to see what happened,' neighbour Clint Hansen told 9News on Friday. 'And you know, there's that many different stories going around, so nobody actually knows what happened.' WA Police would not confirm the condition of the baby. Officers received a Triple-0 call about an unresponsive 18-year-old woman at a demountable property in Calingiri, north-east of Perth, on Monday at about 8.45pm When ambulance staff arrived at a demountable home at the rear of Harrington Street, they did not enter the property until police arrived due to 'safety concerns'. It is understood police received the emergency call from a man in an agitated state. Neighbours have said the owners of the property were not in town regularly and that the building was built less than two weeks before the incident. Detectives have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the woman's death. By mid-December of this year, Little Big Horn College was close to deserted. The complex of buildings in Crow Agency had concluded yet another semester. On the second floor of the Driftwood Lodge Learning Center, an employee with the community college was meeting with one of her most dedicated students, a woman who had invested years into earning her high school diploma. Adult education is an area that is overlooked and underfunded, said Jennifer Morsette, the coordinator for the colleges HiSET and GED programs for nearly five years, especially for Native American students who are historically marginalized and have limited access to academic opportunities. Sitting next to her was Charlotte Bad Bear, a mother and grandmother living in Crow Agency who decided to shoot for her high school equivalency certification in her late 40s. In Montana, Native American students, for a litany of reasons, consistently drop out of high school at higher rates than their white counterparts. Although Indigenous kids in the state have managed to improve their graduation rates in recent years, according to the latest data from the Montana Office of Public Instruction, the average graduation rate for American Indian students in 2023 was 67.5% after a typical four years of high school. With a headcount totaling just over 15,000 during the 2023 through 2024 school year, Native Americans make up roughly 10% of the student body in public schools in Montana. Over the past six years, per OPI data, Indigenous students on and off the reservations in the state have had nearly identical graduation rates. In the fallout of the COVID-19 epidemic, according to reporting from the Associated Press and ICT, chronic absenteeism stifled the education of many Indigenous students in the United States. That absenteeism seems to be on the mend, with one school district in Arizona showing the absenteeism rate went from 76% to 59%, according to data collected by the Associated Press. Strict federal and state standards push adult students to earn their high school credentials within a certain set of parameters, Morsette said. And that can be challenging for adult students. When Morsette accepted her role at the college, she didnt expect to be serving as a teacher and mentor within a few years. Since becoming the coordinator for Little Big Horn Colleges HiSET and GED program, Morsette has had to adjust her approach to recruiting and retaining students whose circumstances are unique to a reservation. Of the roughly 300 people who have applied for the program, many are well into their recovery from addiction, are dedicated parents and live several miles away from the college. From those hundreds of applicants, Morsette said 21 people have earned their high school equivalency certificate. To meet those needs, Morsette has partnered with tribal social services on the Crow Reservation, and with the Lincoln Center in Billings, to extend the programs reach as far as possible. In Crow Agency, she hosts a class in the Driftwood Lodge Learning Center from Monday through Thursday every semester. When shes not in the classroom, Morsette visits the outlying towns of the reservation, such as Wyola and her hometown of Lodge Grass. A key strategy in retaining applicants, Morsette said, is making the program welcoming and available. When they walk in through the doors here, sometimes theyre really hesitant. If its a man, a lot of times theyll be dragged in by their girlfriend or their grandmother, Morsette said. Often times, mothers will bring their daughters in to apply. Earlier this year, Morsette was in Lodge Grass for the expansion of the Mountain Shadow Associations Community Family Wellness Center. Along with the expansion, Little Big Horn College administrators had donated several computers to the center with the aim of local residents using them to complete their education. To encourage reading among her attendees, Morsette started adding Indigenous literature to the curriculum such as Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine, They Call Me Agnes, and Grandmothers Grandchild: My Crow Indian Life. Id love to write a book, said Charlotte Bad Bear. Bad Bear dropped out of high school in her teens, she said, because life happened. She was renting her own place and got a job to support herself. Soon after, she got a second job to support her children. About 25 years ago, she tried to earn her GED through a course at the library in Hardin, but she wasnt able to meet the demands of the program all while taking care of her family. A quarter of a century later, Little Big Horn College received funding to bolster its HiSET and GED program. Bad Bear was exercising at the wellness center in Crow Agency when Patricia Whiteman, the colleges dean of students and Bad Bears soul sister, invited her friend to be a part of the pilot. Bad Bear, who in recent years has taken up distance running, saw it as a challenge worth committing herself to. The HiSET, shorthand for the High School Equivalency Test, is a battery of five tests. Each test has a maximum score of 20, and students need a combined score of 45 to receive their high school credential. Bad Bear is currently just two points shy of earning her certificate. Although she lives less than two miles away from the college campus, Bad Bear and the rest of the programs attendees have to take their HiSET tests in either Billings or Hardin. Bad Bear has spent several early mornings catching a bus from Crow Agency to Billings to take her HiSET test at the Lincoln Center. Along with the drive to continue her education through college, Bad Bear said she wants to be able to help her grandchildren with their homework and serve as an example for them to follow. Look at me. Watch me, said Bad Bear, translating a phrase from Apsaalooke into English. Thats how youre going to learn. Although registration for the program has ended for 2024, Morsette said it will be open again at the start of the new year. Even if (applicants) are not here at the end of the semester, the doors always open, Morsette said. Theyre always welcome back. Well pick up where they left off. I know that life happens. An Aussie traveller has shared her surprise after spotting a mysterious code on her boarding pass. Ruby, was preparing to fly from Brisbane International Airport to the United States when she noticed the four letters 'SSSS' printed on her ticket. Posting to social media, Ruby, who now lives full-time in Chicago, said it was 'the four letters no traveller wants to see on their boarding pass'. The code stands for 'Secondary Security Screening Selection', enforced by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that flags certain passengers for additional checks before boarding. Travellers marked with SSSS should brace for a more intense screening process than usual. These enhanced checks can involve luggage being fully searched, including swabs for explosives and narcotics, and electronics being switched on and inspected. Some passengers have even reported having their feet swabbed or being taken aside for a private screening. TSA agents may also ask detailed questions about the passenger's travel plans, destination, and who packed their bags. There's no set timeframe for how long the SSSS process takes, but it can significantly delay boarding. As a result, anyone flying to or from the US is advised to arrive early, just in case they are selected. 'I've travelled to over 30 countries so am aware of the stigma around it,' Ruby told Yahoo News. Her boarding pass had the SSSS printed before she even made it past airport security. 'They didn't check my paperwork or say anything, which was surprising,' she said. It wasn't until she arrived at the gate that the extra screening kicked in. 'After I scanned my boarding pass, they said, "go over there", and had me hand over my passport, which they reviewed,' Ruby recalled. 'I put all of my stuff out on the table and they swabbed everything, my bag, laptop, hands, and even my stomach. I've never had that before.' The SSSS printed on Ruby's boarding pass flagged her for extra security screening After landing in the US, Ruby said border agents grilled her further before ultimately allowing her to continue on her way. The 'Secondary Security Screening Selection' process was introduced after the September 11 attacks in 2001, as part of strict security reforms under then-President George W. Bush. The TSA has never disclosed exactly how or why passengers are chosen, with the criteria remaining a tightly held secret. In response to Ruby's video, dozens of fellow travellers chimed in with their own SSSS experiences. 'Happens to me EVERY time, they say it's random, but I know it's not,' one person wrote. Another added, 'I got the Super Special Security Screening in Lisbon. It wasn't bad they just unpacked my carry-on and searched every square inch of everything.' 'It's a huge inconvenience,' someone else commented, 'BUT way less scary knowing what it is beforehand. I had no idea when I got the SSSS in Barcelona flying home.' The SSSS rules were introduced after the September 11 attacks Another jetsetter, a US citizen was left scratching her head after spotting the cryptic code on her boyfriend's ticket during a recent airport run. She found herself separated from her partner after they passed through security, before she captured the moment he was cleared after undergoing further questioning at passport control. Sharing her experience to social media, the American content creator detailed 'On flights to/from the US, you can get 'randomly' selected to undergo a much higher level of security. 'For my partner, this meant separating all of his things from mine, pulling absolutely everything out of his bag, swabbing everything, and then making sure that his laptop turned on (so that they could inspect it).' A community grieving the devastating loss of Pheobe Bishop have organised a fundraiser in her memory as her heartbroken mum makes a symbolic gesture. Queensland Police discovered what was believed to be the missing 17-year-old's remains in sprawling Good Night Scrub National Park at 2.30pm on Friday, ending the three-week search. Following the heartbreaking news, family friend Tracey Berends started a GoFundMe on Saturday in loving memory of Pheobe. 'After speaking with Pheobes family, we have decided to honour her memory in a way that reflects the compassion and light she brought into the lives of so many,' Ms Berends wrote. 'Pheobe had a gentle soul and a generous spirit - always caring for others and standing up for what was right. 'We want her legacy to live on and by paying it forward to the amazing volunteers and community.' The donations will go towards supporting volunteer services like the SES and providing funds for the teenager's school in Bundaberg. Pheobe's mum Kylie Johnson changed her profile picture to a vigil candle with her daughter's name written on its base, surrounded by flowers and butterfly wings. Missing 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop (pictured) has been remembered as a 'gentle soul' Pheobe's family (pictured) have supported a fundraiser to give back to the community in the same spirit as the 17-year-old Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson changed her profile picture on Facebook to a vigil candle which has her daughter's name on it, surrounded by flowers (pictured) She shared the fundraiser to her Facebook account on Saturday. 'This is supported by the family. Everyone is wanting to assist and this is how we can give back in honour of Phee,' she wrote. Ms Johnson previously described the discovery of her daughters remains as 'ripping her apart', has shared the fundraiser on Facebook. The GoFundMe, which was only started three hours ago at the time of publishing, has raised $1,745 of the $17,000 goal. It comes as a makeshift memorial has appeared at the ramshackle, rubbish-strewn Gin Gin home Pheobe shared with Bromley and Wood. The house has been surrounded by bouquets of flowers with a large pink teddy bear standing guard over the property. A poignant message left by one mourner read: 'Pheobe, you grew your wings too early beautiful girl. Now, you will no longer feel pain or heartache. 'You can spread your wings, and know you will be loved.' A three-week search for Pheobe was concluded on Friday when police found her remains in Good Night Scrub National Park in east Queensland Ms Johnson (left) said there will be a vigil for the community on Sunday night to start healing The teen's family and Gin Gin locals are preparing to honour her memory at a community ceremony tomorrow night. A candlelight vigil will be held at Kolan Community Park from 4pm. Ms Johnson has said the vigil is a way for the family to acknowledge Pheobe's impact on the community. 'Like most rural families we are resilient, proud and strong but this has brought us to our knees like no drought ever could,' she said. 'While we don't have Phee home to put to rest just yet, our community needs the healing process to start.' Pheobe went missing after she failed to board a flight at Bundaberg Airport to Brisbane and then onto Western Australia to see her boyfriend on May 15. Her luggage hasn't been found, and police say neither her phone or bank accounts have been accessed. James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were both charged with murder and interfering with a corpse in relation to Pheobe's disappearance. The 17-year-old had been living with the pair at a house in Gin Gin before she vanished on May 15. They were the last people to see her alive after dropping her off at Bundaberg Airport. They remain in custody and were due to front Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday morning but did not appear in person or via video link. The government is spending around 2.2billion a year of foreign aid on housing asylum seekers in hotels in the UK. Figures released by the Home Office show Labour only managed to reduce its spending on official development assistance between 2024/25 by around 1million, the BBC reports. That is despite the party's election manifesto pledge to 'end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds'. Official development assistance (ODA) is known at the UK's overseas aid budget and is used to promote the economic development and welfare in developing countries around the world. The Home Office is allocated a portion of this money to support refugees and asylum seekers shortly after their arrival into Britain, of which a large amount is spent on their accommodation. At the end of December 42,000 asylum seekers were in Home Office 'contingency accommodation', including 38,000 in hotels, a report National Audit Office (NAO) showed last month. This includes 735 people being housed in large accommodation sites built by the previous Conservative government, including former RAF base Wethersfield, in Essex, and Napier former barracks in Kent. Previous figures show the government spent around 2.3billion of Home Office ODA on asylum accommodation in 2024/25 while around 2.5billion was spent in 2023/24, when the Conservatives were in power. The government is spending around 2.2billion a year of foreign aid on housing asylum seekers in hotels in the UK. Pictured: A group of migrants pictured outside a migrant hotel in Cheshire Your browser does not support iframes. Last month, it was revealed that asylum accommodation - including hotels - will cost the taxpayer 15billion over 10 years. Data from the National Audit Office (NAO) showed that contracts originally forecast to cost 4.5billion over a decade from 2019 are now expected to run to 15.3billion over same period. It means that on average the taxpayer will spend 4,191,780 a day on housing asylum seekers over the life of the contracts. A separate breakdown from the NAO showed overall costs in 2024-25 were 1.67billion. That amounted to 4,567,123 a day on average, or 3,172 a minute. The report also found that asylum hotels 'may be more profitable' for companies holding the contracts than other types of housing. The Home Office awarded the contracts to three suppliers Clearsprings Ready Homes, Mears Group and Serco which operate two or three UK regions each. They are responsible for finding a range of self-catering accommodation for asylum seekers who are dispersed across the country, and for sub-contracting hotels for tens of thousands of migrants coming across the Channel by small boat. Migrants pictured outside former Best Western Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham, Cheshire, which has now been re-purposed as migrant accommodation Migrants at a hotel in Cheshire earlier this year, with properties paid for by the Home Office through contracts with private suppliers which have now been scrutinised by the National Audit Office The report found Clearsprings is now set to be paid 7.3billion over the 10 years from 2019 to 2029, the NAO said, while Serco is expected to get 5.5billion and Mears will receive 2.5billion. Earlier this year it was reported that Deputy pm Angela Rayner wants the Government to terminate contracts they have made with private companies to house migrants. In its election manifesto, Labour vowed to 'hire additional caseworkers to clear the Conservatives backlog and end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds'. But, despite the pledge, the Home Office is yet to set a definite end date on migrant hotels as it does not want to commit to 'arbitrary targets'. The only vague timeframe given by the department was by Matthew Rycroft, the department's top civil servant, in February. He told MP's that the aim is to get to 'zero by the end of the parliament', leaving open the possibility migrant hotels could stay until August 2029. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We inherited an asylum system under exceptional pressure, and continue to take action, restoring order, and reduce costs. 'This will ultimately reduce the amount of Official Development Assistance spent to support asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. 'We are immediately speeding up decisions and increasing returns so that we can end the use of hotels and save the taxpayer 4bn by 2026. 'The Rwanda Scheme also wasted 700m to remove just four volunteers instead, we have surged removals to nearly 30,000 since the election, are giving law enforcement new counter-terror style powers, and increasing intelligence sharing through our Border Security Command to tackle the heart of the issue, vile people-smuggling gangs.' Arrests for illegal work have surged 51 per cent this past year after the Home Office raided restaurants, nail bars and construction sites throughout the UK. More than 6,400 people have been arrested over the last 12 months as police focus on 'unscrupulous' employers who exploit undocumented migrants. The data from the Home Office reveals that more than 9,000 businesses were visited for checks to be made on paperwork and working conditions. It did not provide how many of the arrests led to charges, convictions or deportations but said immigration enforcement officials had 'intensified' their work to 'tackle those abusing the UK immigration system and exploiting vulnerable people'. The Home Office said said there were a range of industries exploiting migrant workers with businesses often subjecting migrants to 'squalid conditions and illegal working hours' and below-minimum wages. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: 'For too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit migrants, with people allowed to arrive and work here illegally. 'This will no longer be tolerated on our watch. Thats why we are ramping up our enforcement activity and introducing tougher laws to finally get a grip of our immigration and asylum system. 'Under our Plan for Change, we will continue to root out unscrupulous employers and disrupt illegal workers who undermine our border security.' Immigration enforcement officers have targeted thousands of premises, including one at a car wash in August Car wash workers being led away during the raid over the summer The video was released as part of the Home Office's attempts to project a tough stance on immigration enforcement Immigration officials carrying out a dawn raid on the home of a suspected people smuggler in Southampton In Oldham, immigration Enforcement officers found makeshift shipping containers that had been turned into a kitchen and living room The shipping containers had been set up on a scrapyard to house the illegal workers It is a legal requirement for employers to carry out Right to Work checks and those who fail to do so face hefty penalties including fines of up to 60,000 per worker, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years. Over the past year, the government said it had returned almost 30,000 people who did not have the right to be in the UK. In one case at a construction site in Belfasts historic Titanic Quarter in March, officers made 36 arrests with offences ranged from breaching visa conditions to illegal entry in the UK with no permission to work. Elsewhere, 9 arrests were made at a caravan park in Surrey last month following intelligence individuals were working illegally as delivery drivers in the gig economy. Meanwhile, 9 people were also arrested in Bradford in March as officers intercepted a popular illegal working pick up point in Naples Street. Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement Eddy Montgomery said: 'Our work to tackle illegal working is vital in not only bringing the guilty to account, but also in protecting vulnerable people from exploitation. 'Im incredibly proud of our enforcement teams across the country for their hard work, skill and co-operation on these often challenging but highly important operations.' Survivors were pulled from the rubble after Russia pummelled Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv overnight with missiles, drones and bombs. At least two people were killed and dozens were wounded in the attacks which US President Donald Trump has since blamed on Ukraine. More than 40 explosions were heard as Kremlin forces unleashed 48 kamikaze drones plus six aerial bombs and missiles on Kharkiv just before dawn today. Maria Simonenkova, 26, was rescued after three hours buried under a slab of rubble and was seen being stretchered into an ambulance. She was 'screaming' and 'begging' to be rescued, said her mother Iryna, 45, who was helpless to shift the slab. The strike occurred while Maria - a graduate of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, a police training institution - was asleep in her home. 'She was lying on the bed, in the middle of the room,' said Iryna, who fears her daughter has suffered serious injuries from Putin's latest onslaught. 'And [the strike] turned her over. She ended up under a slab and under the bed. Pictured: Maria Simonenkova, 26, who was rescued after three hours buried under a slab of rubble Rescuers carry Maria Simonenkova, 26, who spent several hours under a concrete slab that collapsed on her after the strike More than 40 explosions were heard as Kremlin forces unleashed 48 kamikaze drones plus six aerial bombs and missiles on Kharkiv just before dawn today 'Maria could only stretch out her hand like that, asking, begging me to get her out.' Iryna said: 'There was an explosion, but not as loud as it usually is. I realised that they hit somewhere nearby. 'But I didn't think that they [had] hit us, our apartment. I opened the doors, opened them... and far, far away, my daughter was screaming and asking for help. 'I couldn't help. The plastic was burning badly. Burning badly. The stench was terrible. 'She asked me to help her pull it out. I couldn't do anything. I tried to lift that slab, but it was impossible.' Maria - who had travelled widely in the West but was home with her mother in the war-ravaged city - was seen being stretchered into an ambulance after her rescue. 'I want to go to my daughter and find out what [she suffered],' said her distraught mother. 'An X-ray, [to find out] what's wrong with her legs and arms.' Eighteen multi-storey buildings and 13 private houses were hit and damaged in Saturday's strikes. Speaking on board Air Force One, Trump said Ukraine had provoked Vladimir Putin with Operation Spiderweb which disabled dozens of his nuclear strike aircraft. Rescuers and a paramedic speak with an injured man after he was released from debris of a building hit by a Russian drone strike Firefighters work at the site of a building hit by a Russian drone strike Fire is seen among the smoke clouds billowing from a Russian attack on Kharkiv 'They gave Putin a reason to go and bomb the hell out of them last night,' Trump said. 'That's what I didn't like. When I saw it, I said, 'Here we go, now it's going to be a strike'.' Kharkiv's mayor has described last night's assault as the 'most powerful attack' on the city since the start of the war. 'Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the beginning of the full-scale war,' Igor Terekhov posted on Telegram. 'As of now, at least 40 explosions have been heard in the city over the past hour and a half,' he wrote at 4.40am local time. Two people were killed and 17 wounded, the mayor said. A woman was also pulled alive from the rubble of a high-rise building. Kharkiv regional Governor Oleg Synegubov said the wounded included two children. 'Medical personnel are providing the necessary assistance,' he wrote. The northeastern city was already reeling from an attack on Thursday that wounded at least 18 people, including four children. Rescuers carry a wounded person out of the ruins of a civilian plant following Russian powerful attacks on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv Two people were killed and 17 wounded, the mayor said. A woman was also pulled alive from the rubble of a high-rise building Firefighters extinguish a fire at a civilian plant following powerful attacks to Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early on June 7 Firefighters extinguish a fire at a multi-storey residential building following powerful attacks to Ukrainian city of Kharkiv In the western city of Lutsk, near the Polish border, rescuers on Saturday discovered a second fatality from the previous day's strikes, describing the victim as a woman in her 20s. The aerial bombardments come just days after Ukraine launched a brazen attack well beyond the frontlines, damaging nuclear-capable military planes at Russian air bases. This in turn prompted vows of revenge from Russian president Vladimir Putin. Ukraine has been pushing for an unconditional and immediate 30-day truce, issuing its latest proposal during peace talks in Istanbul on Monday. But Russia, which now controls around one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, has repeatedly rejected such offers. In other overnight strikes, Russia hit Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk, along with Odesa, Poltava, and Vinnytsia regions. Footage showed brutal multiple strikes on Ternopil, the second night in succession it was targeted. Russia was forced to close two major airports in Moscow - Domodedovo and Zhukovsky - amid drone threats. The city's mayor Sergei Sobyanin said: 'The Defence Ministry's air defence forces shot down four drones that attacked Moscow. 'Emergency services are working at the site of the debris fall.' Russian forces alleged a Ukrainian drone had been shot down near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Kurchatov, Kursk region. Ukrainian drones also targeted Ryazan and western city Smolensk, according to reports. Shocking footage has captured the moment heroic bystanders stepped into detain a man who attacked a French Rabbi at a cafe in a wealthy Paris suburb. Elie Lummel was sitting at a cafe in the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine on Friday when he sustained a 'really violent blow to the head' with a chair. 'I found myself on the ground,' he said. 'I immediately felt blood flowing and then I saw people running after this person who had attacked me and I congratulated them. 'I congratulated them because it's wonderful to have people who had the courage to ensure that the person was arrested and really, well done.' Footage posted on X/Twitter captured the aftermaths of the attack showing three male passersby detaining the suspect and dragging him through the streets of Paris by the scruff of his neck. In a second clip, a police officer is seen arrested the man after removing his striped outer layer. 'As soon as I heard "arrest him, arrest him", I understood that it was an assault,' Mr Lummel said. The suspect was held for questioning at the Neuilly-sur-Seine police station and underwent a psychiatric examination that required his hospitalisation, the prosecutor's office in Nanterre said. Elie Lummel (pictured) was sitting at a cafe in the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine on Friday when he sustained a 'really violent blow to the head' with a chair Three male passersby detain the suspect and drag him through the streets of Paris by the scruff of his neck The suspect was held for questioning at the Neuilly-sur-Seine police station According to German-language identity documents found in his possession, the 28-year-old man was born in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. The prosecutor's office in Nanterre confirmed it had opened an investigation into the attack for violence aggravated by the fact that it was committed on religious grounds. 'Yes, well, for me, it's profiling,' Mr Lummel said. 'Here, clearly, it's not a rabbi, it's an identifiable Jew 'Unfortunately, given my beard and my kippah, well, I suspected that was probably why, and it's such a shame.' This is the second time in two weeks that the French Rabbi has been the victim of an assault. Mr Lummel revealed he was also attacked in the town of Deauville in Normandy last week when he was punched in the stomach by an unknown assailant. It comes as five Jewish institutions, including synagogues, a restaurant and the Shoah Memorial, were vandalised with emerald green paint last week. France has seen a marked rise in hate crimes. Last year, police recorded an 11 per cent rise in racist, xenophobic or antireligious crimes, according to official data published in March. It should be noted that the figures did not include a breakdown by attacks on different religions. A police officer arrests the suspect after removing his striped outer layer Mr Lummel sustained a 'really violent blow to the head' with a chair The French Rabbi, who revealed he was attacked in the town of Deauville in Normandy, is interviewed by a member of the French media Addressing the rise in hate crimes, Mr Lummel said: 'Listen, I know someone well the other day who found themselves in a cafe with someone throwing a Mein Kampf in their face. 'I thought, well, people feel they can, not everyone, thank God. 'There's a vast majority of people who are clear in their minds. Even if they don't share the same opinions, they respect each other. 'The problem here is that some don't share the same opinions; that's their right, but we no longer respect each other. And then, on the other hand, it becomes a real problem.' Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said on X that he was disgusted by these 'despicable acts targeting the Jewish community'. Responding to the attack on Mr Lummel, he tweeted: 'I condemn in the strongest terms the anti-Semitic attack that targeted a rabbi in Neuilly today. 'I want to tell our Jewish compatriots that we stand with them. 'The perpetrator, who had no business being in France, must be severely punished and removed.' Addressing the rise in hate crimes, Mr Lummel said: 'We no longer respect each other' Both Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau (left) and former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal (right) have condemned the act Mr Retailleau also acknowledged the 'composure and courage' of the heroic men who made the arrest possible. 'Attacking a person because of their faith is shameful,' he added. 'The increase in anti-religious acts requires everyone's mobilisation.' 'This act sickens us,' former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal wrote on X regarding Friday's incident involving Lemmel. 'Thanks to the municipal police officers who were able to immediately arrest the attacker. 'Antisemitism, like all forms of hatred, is a deadly poison for our society. 'We will always fight it,' he added. A pro-Palestine activist who avoided prosecution after he chanted 'I love the 7th of October' is a Muslim refugee granted asylum in the UK, it emerged today. Mohammad al-Mail, a 27-year-old Kuwaiti national granted refugee status in the UK in 2017, also shouted 'I like an organisation that starts with H' through a megaphone at an anti-Israel protest in Swiss Cottage, north-west London, last September. Mr Al-Mail was arrested by police after the chants over alleged terrorism offences, but after eight months a decision was taken by the CPS not to charge him. He is said to have avoided prosecution by telling officers that the organisation he claimed to love was actually the Home Office, and not terror group Hamas. This is despite him operating a campaign group which states its aim is to achieve 'Islamic supremity' and which has criticised terror groups such as Al-Qaeda for failing to advance global jihad. Meanwhile at the same rally, a Jewish counter-protester was also arrested for holding a placard mocking deaths during attacks involving explosive pagers in Lebanon. The attack targeted Hezbollah members and leaders, and the placard depicted the leader of the proscribed terror group holding a pager, with the word 'beep' repeated three times. The man was charged over the incident in May, but the case has since been dropped. Earlier this year, Mr Al-Mail appeared to make light of the accusations against him, telling an Arabic language podcast the case 'fell apart', the Telegraph reports. Mohammad al-Mail (pictured with megaphone), a 27-year-old Kuwaiti national granted refugee status in the UK in 2017, shouted 'I like an organisation that starts with H' through a megaphone at an anti-Israel protest last September Appearing on a podcast Mr Al-Mail told his followers to 'take advantage' of a moment like October 7 A Jewish counter-protester was also arrested after the rally for holding up this poster depicting Hezbollah's former leader - he was charged but the case against him was dropped last month He described his answer to police when asked what he meant by the letter H: 'Immediately, I answered, 'It could be the Home Office', you know, the ministry of the interior. 'I love the ministry of the interior', and so on. 'Truly, as the saying goes, 'The worst calamity is the one that makes you laugh'. The Met referred the case twice to the CPS, but both times it decided not to press charges - reportedly due to the issue of it relying on 'speculation' to infer support for a proscribed terror organisation. During the podcast, Mr Al-Mail told listeners to 'take advantage' of October 7, which saw 1,200 people killed by an Hamas incursion into Israel. The resulting war has resulted in almost 55,000 Gazans being killed, many civilians. 'Not every day is like October 7,' Mr Al-Mail added. 'If an opportunity arises, we must fully exploit it. If you strike, make it hurt.' The refugee's views are reiterated by his campaign group Upper Hand Organization, which lists its 'pillars' as 'rightism' and 'Islamic Supremacy'. The English version of his site reveals the group was founded in 2016 in Kuwait, before being banned. It states: 'The Upper Hand Organization is a global movement dedicated to working with and for Muslims worldwide through all means and fields - committed to channeling resources toward strategic projects to achieve Islamic dominance.' It adds that the group 'operates as an entity that asserts its responsibilities extend beyond national borders, with a revolutionary agenda grounded in Islam.' He was also filmed shouting 'I love the 7th of October' - his case was referred twice to the CPS but he was not charged with any offence The rally was met by counter-protesters in a series of marches which have taken place regularly since the start of the conflict In November, some two months after the march, Mr Al-Mail told his supporters he would surrender to police over the chants but told his followers to 'continue the path of Jihad', claiming peaceful followers of Islam are 'slaves and dwarves'. He added: 'What is coming to you is terrifying either our annihilation or yours.' After leaving Kuwait, Mr Al-Mail was convicted of 13 offences including defaming the Emir and sentenced in his absence to 53 years in prison. Claiming asylum, he said these were politically and religiously motivated and was granted allowed to remain in the UK on May 5 2017. He later received a partial pardon. Shadow Policing Minister and Conservative MP Chris Philp told the Telegraph: 'The police must urgently re-investigate the incident with a view to re-arresting the man concerned'. He added: 'I am deeply worried that someone came here, was granted asylum and then abused the UK's generosity by expressing extremist views. This is why our human rights and asylum laws need to be changed.' Lord Walney, the Government's former extremism tsar, said the revelations are 'disturbing and raises serious questions for the Metropolitan Police'. 'The fact officers were apparently unaware of this open source material when they submitted the case to the Crown Prosecution Service suggests an alarming lack of rigour in their initial investigation,' he said. 'In light of this, it is vital that the police reopen the case to ensure national security can be protected.' It is understood the CPS is 'urgently' reviewing the decision not to charge Mr Al-Mail. A Met Police spokesperson said: 'We do not believe the material provided to us was known to officers at the time of their initial investigation. It did not form part of the case put to the CPS. 'Officers will carefully review it to identify any offences so the appropriate action can be taken.' A 50-year-old man has died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the sea in South Wales. Coastguard crews, police and paramedics rushed to Tor Bay near Penmaen village on the Gower Peninsula on Friday afternoon after being alerted of the incident. When they arrived, a 50-year-old man was pulled from the water at around 1pm, South Wales Police said. The man, from Sandfields, Swansea, was declared dead at the scene by paramedics at around 4pm. Coastguard crews, police and paramedics rushed to Tor Bay near Penmaen village on the Gower Peninsula on Friday afternoon after being alerted of the incident. Picture: Stock image The man, from Sandfields, Swansea, was declared dead at the scene by paramedics at around 4pm. Picture: Stock image SWP said the man's family has been informed. A witness to the tragic scene told The Sun that a coast guard member had cautioned the area is known for 'dangerous waters' and 'frequent riptides'. They continued: 'There were many emergency services working together to recover the man. They added: 'It looked like they were trying to resuscitate him in the helicopter. 'Afterwards, the climbing team returned to their vehicles and when we spoke to them, he said the man didn't survive.' Three boys aged 12 to 13 who 'gang-raped' a Jewish girl in an abandoned hanger in a Paris suburb while hurling anti-Semitic insults at her will go on trial. The trial is part of an investigation into 'gang rape, death threats, insults, and anti-Semitic violence.' It will take place behind closed doors inside a juvenile court. Last June, local prosecutors opened an investigation into the rape and the alleged perpetrators were identified as three boys aged 12, 13 and 14 from Rueil-Malmaison, in the Hauts-de-Seine suburb northwest of the French capital. The boys were charged with counts of aggravated rape, aggravated sexual assault, attempted extortion, invasion of privacy, threat of death, violence and insults. With the latter two being aggravated due to them admitting the attack was related to the girl's religion. The 12-year-old girl from Courbevoie, also in Hauts-de-Seine reported the rape to police in June 2024. She said she went to the Henri Regnault square with her boyfriend when three teenagers grabbed her and took her to an abandoned hangar on the site of an old nursery nearby. Three boys aged 12 to 13 who 'gang-raped' a Jewish girl in an abandoned hanger in a Paris suburb while hurling anti-Semitic insults at her will go on trial The three boys allegedly beat the girl and insulted her religion before raping her. She told police that she had been called a 'dirty Jew' by her attackers, who had asked her questions about Israel. The boys appeared in front of the police and reportedly admitted to the rape. Afterwards rallies against anti-Semitism were organised across the country. According to the French Ministry of the Interior, in 2024, a total of 1,570 anti-Semitic acts were recorded in France. Breaking ground on delivering 1.2million homes starts by untangling the maze of bureaucratic approvals, the federal government says. Housing Minister Clare O'Neil has signalled a second-term Labor administration will move quickly to boost construction. 'We've just been elected with a really clear mandate to improve our housing system in this country,' she told reporters on Saturday. 'We've got big reforms to implement, and not a day to waste in getting on with them.' The minister vowed to simplify local, state and federal planning regulations by leading a council of planning ministers. 'If we are going to address the housing needs of Australians, it is going to require the three levels of government to work together in new ways,' she said. She will work with the building sector to implement innovative technologies to move past time consuming and costly methods of construction. Her comments come after an interview with ABC on Friday where she said 'builders face a ridiculous thicket of red tape that is preventing them building the homes we need.' It costs 40 per cent more to build a house now than it did five years ago The Labor government wants to build 1.2million new homes Housing Minister Clare O'Neil wants to address the housing needs of Australia Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the cost of building a home had skyrocketed by 40 per cent over the past five years while construction times had ballooned by 80 per cent over the past decade. 'It is critical that we remove the red tape that is hampering our capacity to build homes,' she said. Ms Wawn was hopeful the ambitious goal of 1.2million homes coming onto the market would be achieved, but said the group's projections showed there could be a slight drop-off. She argued that along with the focus on reducing red tape, there was an urgent need to apprenticeships and fast-tracking migration for skilled people. 'For the first time, the federal government is leaning in and trying to ensure that there is a focused attention on housing,' she said. But opposition housing spokesman Andrew Bragg said the government's plans were a 'joke' and described Labor as 'red tape champions.' 'Labor's signature housing policy, the Housing Australia Future Fund has built zero new homes in three years,' Senator Bragg said. 'Approvals are way down under their watch and their 1.2million new home target is a dead duck.' The Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development warned Australia on Tuesday to boost housing supply and address falling affordability. The OECD said easing zoning restrictions would strengthen competition and productivity, as well as raise housing investment to 'reverse the long-standing decline in housing affordability'. Campaigners have called on King Charles to help them stop Britain's biggest solar farm set to spread across the Blenheim Estate where Sir Winston Churchill was born. The 800million Botley West project is expected to cover almost 3,500 acres of land in Oxfordshire with solar panels. This includes 2,000 acres of the Blenheim Estate, which the Duke of Marlborough's half-brother Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill, who runs the property, has agreed to lease. Locals branded the plans an outrage and Tim Summer has written a letter to the King citing an act from the early 18th century to explain that he must intervene. He claimed that the Blenheim Estate does not officially own the land, explaining that it is leased by the Crown to the Duke of Marlborough. He supports this claim using the 1705 Queen Anne Act of Parliament, which gave the Blenheim Estate to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough. Mr Summer said: 'Leasing and giving ownership of Blenheim land to a third party who will directly enjoy financial benefits is against the 1705 Queen Anne Act. '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.' Pictured: An artist's impression of the view once the 800million Botley West project is built Campaigners have called on King Charles to help them stop Britain's biggest solar farm set to spread across the Blenheim Estate where Sir Winston Churchill was born If the Blenheim Palace plan goes ahead, protesters said children being born now will be middle-aged before they see the green fields surrounding their homes Since May, the Planning Inspectorate has been examining the scheme and will eventually send a recommendation to Energy and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband. The King, a lifelong environmental campaigner has not commented on the Botley West project. But the argument was presented at a hearing in Oxford and the Planning Inspectorate has asked for further clarification from Blenheim. A spokesperson for the estate said: 'We are aware of the comments made during the public examination which are not correct in relation to this project.' Slide me The Unesco world heritage site of Blenheim Palace is set to be surrounded by Britain's largest solar panel park Slide me Left: The view from Purwell Farm over the Evenlode valley towards Church Hanborough. Right: An artist's impression of the view once the solar farm is built The King, has installed solar panels at Windsor Castle and a solar farm on a former horse grazing paddock at Sandringham. If the Blenheim Palace plan goes ahead, protesters said children being born now will be middle-aged before they see the green fields surrounding their homes. Meanwhile, Blenheim Estate is set to make 128million from leasing their land to German company Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP), which has created UK company SolarFive Ltd specially for the project. At the moment Blenheim are said to make 150 per acre per year from its land. Slide me The area in red denotes where solar panels will be placed on the massive solar project Sir Winston Churchill's ancestral home is Blenheim Palace and he is said to have cherished views in the area PVDP said the going rate for leasing land for solar panels is 1,000 per acre, a 567 per cent increase. Mark Owen-Lloyd the director of PVDP 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.' More than 11,000 homes across 15 villages within a mile of the panels will be affected, with the panels visible from most of the land in the 60 square miles surrounding the massive solar farm. Angela Rayner could face a backbench rebellion from Labour MPs over the party's drive to build 1.5 million homes in England by 2029. The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary is fronting the Government's 'radical' overhaul of the planning system, which aims to revive housing targets for local councils and 'get Britain building again'. Its plans would require 370,000 homes to be built each year, which industry leaders claim there is 'little chance' of reaching as figures show the party is already falling short of its target by 170,000. And now, in the latest a blow to Ms Rayner's housebuilding goals, one Labour MP has threatened to trigger civil war over his demands to find a 'progressive alternative' to parts of her proposals. Labour's Chris Hinchliff has proposed a suite of changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill ahead of its debate in Parliament on Monday. The North East Hertfordshire MP has suggested arming town halls with the power to block developers' housebuilding plans, if they have failed to finish their previous projects. He has also suggested housebuilding objectors should be able to appeal against green-lit large developments, if they are not on sites which a council has set aside for building. Mr Hinchliff has claimed he does not 'want to rebel' but said he would be prepared to trigger a vote over his proposals. Angela Rayner (pictured) could face a backbench rebellion from Labour MPs over the party's drive to build 1.5 million homes in England by 2029 Labour's Chris Hinchliff (pictured) has proposed a suite of changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill ahead of its debate in Parliament on Monday He added his ambition was for 'a progressive alternative to our planning system and the developer-led profit-motivated model that we have at the moment'. Mr Hinchliff said: 'Frankly, to deliver the genuinely affordable housing that we need for communities like those I represent, we just have to smash that model. 'So, what I'm setting out is a set of proposals that would focus on delivering the genuinely affordable homes that we need, empowering local communities and councils to have a driving say over what happens in the local area, and also securing genuine protection for the environment going forwards.' Mr Hinchliff warned that the current system results in 'speculative' applications on land which falls outside of councils' local housebuilding strategies, 'putting significant pressure on inadequate local infrastructure'. In his constituency, which lies between London and Cambridge, 'the properties that are being built are not there to meet local need', Mr Hinchliff said, but were instead 'there to be sold for the maximum profit the developer can make'. Asked whether his proposals chimed with the first of Labour's five 'missions' at last year's general election - 'growth' - he replied: 'If we want to have the key workers that our communities need - the nurses, the social care workers, the bus drivers, the posties - they need to have genuinely affordable homes. 'You can't have that thriving economy without the workforce there, but at the moment, the housing that we are delivering is not likely to be affordable for those sorts of roles. 'It's effectively turning the towns into commuter dormitories rather than having thriving local economies, so for me, yes, it is about supporting the local economy.' Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Hinchliff warned that the 'bottleneck' which slows housebuilding 'is not process, it's profit'. Among the proposed reforms is a power for ministers to decide which schemes should come before councillors, and which should be delegated to local authority staff, so that committees can 'focus their resources on complex or contentious development where local democratic oversight is required'. Natural England will also be able to draft 'environmental delivery plans (EDPs)' and acquire land compulsorily to bolster conservation efforts. Mr Hinchliff has suggested these EDPs must come with a timeline for their implementation, and that developers should improve the conservation status of any environmental features before causing 'damage' - a proposal which has support from at least 43 cross-party MP backers. MPs will spend two days debating the Bill on Monday and Tuesday. Chris Curtis, the Labour MP for Milton Keynes North, warned that some of Mr Hinchliff's proposals 'if enacted, would deepen our housing crisis and push more families into poverty'. He said: 'I won't stand by and watch more children in the country end up struggling in temporary accommodation to appease pressure groups. No Labour MP should. 'It's morally reprehensible to play games with this issue. These amendments should be withdrawn.' Labour has promised to build 1.5 million homes by 2029, but many industry insiders believe the home building target won't be met (Stock image) The prospect of a backbench rebellion sparks another blow to the Government's housebuilding plans just one day after a report cast doubt on whether it would be able to meet its 2029 target at all. A bleak report by the Home Builders Federation yesterday showed Labour is falling short of its target by 170,000 homes a year. Industry leaders said the data was 'disastrous' and without urgent support from ministers there is 'little chance' of reaching the goal. Just 39,170 homes were given planning permission in England in the first three months of the year the lowest quarterly figure since records began. That was a 55 per cent drop on the previous quarter and almost 32 per cent lower than a year earlier. The 225,067 units given approval in the 12 months to the end of March was the worst performance in 12 years. The federation said its data 'starkly illustrates the urgent need for Government to address the barriers to housing supply' if they are to get 'anywhere near the much-vaunted' target. Holidaymakers have been warned of the potential for strike action at a major British airport as more than 800 workers from five companies are involved in pay disputes. Glasgow Airport could be balloted for walkouts alongside, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck, Unite the Union confirmed earlier today. The union added that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could 'ground planes and passengers'. Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6 per cent pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6 per cent pay increase was also rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25 per cent. Glasgow Airport could be balloted for walkouts alongside, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck, Unite said on Saturday. Pictured: Aerial drone view of Glasgow Airport The union added that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. Pictured: Planes landing at Glasgow Airport A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6 per cent pay increase. Pictured: Aerial drone view of Glasgow Airport More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. It said the company 'is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives'. Unite said some Swissport staff are 'struggling with chronic fatigue'. A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers. 'The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions. 'The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits.' Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. PIctured: Departure and arrivals exit at Glasgow Airport Mr McIlvogue said: 'Unite is in dispute with companies at Glasgow Airport which could ultimately bring hundreds of workers out on strike. 'The companies can resolve these disputes with Unite before that situation happens by addressing the legitimate concerns and pay aspirations of our members. 'If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.' A spokesperson for Swissport said: 'We are in dialogue with Unite - the talks so far have been constructive and we remain focused on working together to address the issues being raised.' Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Menzies Aviation and Falck have been contacted for comment. A disqualified driver has been denied bail after allegedly fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run on a busy Sydney roadway. Police allege a 20-year-old disqualified driver fatally struck a woman believed to be aged in her 60s on Macquarie Avenue, Penrith, about 5.30pm on Thursday. Nine News and the Daily Telegraph identified the driver as Lasaro Tavai. Emergency services were called to the scene by which time Tavai had allegedly fled without stopping. The female pedestrian succumbed to injuries at the scene. Police released two pieces of footage as part of their investigation. In the first video, filmed on dashcam, a ute appeared to make a right-hand turn onto a busy roadway before barreling towards the woman's position. In the following frame, an orange ute could be seen waiting at the intersection while indicating before making the turn. Following inquiries and an appeal for information, the 20-year-old man was arrested the following evening at a Taloma Street home in Penrith at 10.40pm on Friday. Pictured is an outtake from the dashcam footage released by NSW Police in which a ute can be seen barrelling towards a woman pedestrian in Penrith on Friday evening CCTV footage released by NSW Police depicted an orange ute preparing to make a right-hand turn at an intersection in Sydney's south-west Officers attached to the Nepean Police Area Command established a crime scene where crash investigators conducted forensic examinations. Tavai was taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged with a raft of offences including dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), fail to stop and assist after impact cause death. Police also charged Tavai with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, and use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday. According to the Daily Telegraph, Tavai did not appear in court on Saturday where no bail application was made and was formally refused. His matter is reportedly listed for the same court on June 13. Elon Musk has backed away from his extraordinary claim that President Donald Trump was implicated in 'the Epstein files.' As the commander-in-chief and the X boss battled it out in a war of the words over social media, Musk said on Thursday 'it was time to drop a really big bomb.' In doing so he, posted: '@RealDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. 'Have a nice day, DJT!' The post recently disappeared from his X profile, and Musk appeared to backtrack on some of the remarks he made against Trump during their war of the words this week. On Friday, Trump said he would look into canceling the loans and subsidies for Musk's companies, telling reporters: 'I would certainly think about it, but it has to be fair.' He also told reporters that he wished the billionaire 'well,' to which Musk replied in a post on X saying: 'Likewise.' Musk then responded to the clip of Trump talking about canceling his grants, saying: 'Fair enough'. Trump threatened to cut off huge federal loans and subsidies to Musk's companies after they fell out over the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' As the commander-in-chief and the X boss battled it out in a war of words over social media, Musk said on Thursday 'it was time to drop a really big bomb' On Friday night Trump said he would look into canceling loans and subsidies for Musk's companies Elon Musk dramatically charged that President Donald Trump's name appears in the files of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein The remarks from Musk came after he lost around $27 billion from his net worth when Tesla's stock price tanked on Thursday. Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI also sent executives to meet with Morgan Stanley bosses to pitch why the bank should lend them billions as the feud between the two played out. In a report from The Wall Street Journal, bankers are now worried that the bust-up could affect the deal worth $5 billion - in another blow to Musk's finances. 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.' Following the outbreak of their feud, Trump and his allies have said Musk turned on the bill because it cuts the subsidies. Musk has said he doesn't need them anyway. The 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 disturbed him.' Trump didn't directly respond to Musk's Epstein charge, instead posting what amounted to a shrug on Truth Social. He is seen here alongside Epstein in a 1997 picture In a series of posts to his X account Musk, seemed to have cooled off on going after the president Over the weekend, Trump pulled the nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Isaacman worked alongside Musk at SpaceX. 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. Musk publicly endorsed Trump on the heels of the July 13th assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania and poured around $290 million 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. Musk looks on during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2025 After his meeting with Merz, Trump continued to throw punches online. He asserted that he had asked Musk to leave his administration and said he was '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. It was after that post that he then threatened to pull SpaceX and Tesla's government contracts. 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.' Trump continued his 'crazy' remarks on Friday when speaking with CNN Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash. He said: 'I'm not even thinking about Elon. He's got a problem. The poor guy's got a problem.' Their explosive feud comes after a report from the New York Times in which he was accused of using a cocktail of drugs on the campaign trail. He also made an apparent Nazi salute during a his speech at the inaugural parade inside Capitol One Arena, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025 The Tesla CEO has previously said he was prescribed ketamine for depression and was taking the drug roughly every two weeks. But insiders allege Musk, 53, was taking the powerful anesthetic, which is known to have hallucinogenic properties, so frequently that it was affecting his bladder, the bombshell report claims. He also took ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms and travelled with a daily pill box that contained about 20 different drugs, including Adderall, sources allege. Those around him claim that his consumption blurred the lines between medicinal and recreational, with Musk allegedly having taken drugs at private gathering across the US and in at least one foreign country, according to the NYT report which was based on a series of texts the outlet reviewed, as well as interviews with insiders. Musk has claimed in interviews that he only takes 'a small amount' of ketamine and that 'I really don't like doing illegal drugs', but his erratic behaviors, including making an apparent Nazi salute at Trump's election day event, seemingly suggest otherwise. It is unclear if Musk was taking drugs when Trump put him in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he has since stepped down from. An 18-year-old French woman could face life behind bars after allegedly bringing more than 10kg of methamphetamine into Australia on a flight from Paris. Australian Border Force (ABF) officials detained the teen upon arrival at Perth Airport on April 25, allegedly with plans to travel onwards to Sydney. Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege border officials discovered five sealed, plastic pouches inside her suitcase containing a white, crystalline substance. Initial testing of the substance, estimated to weigh 10.7kg, allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine. Border officials immediately reported the results to the AFP, who then seized the 18-year-old's suitcase and contents for testing along with her mobile phone. AFP and ABF released footage of the casually-dressed woman being escorted to an unmarked police vehicle by two officers while handcuffed. Separate images also showed the woman standing beside her opened suitcase during an inspection and seated across from two officials in an interview room. Authorities also released images of the plastic pouches allegedly removed from her suitcase. The 18-year-old French woman is pictured undergoing a baggage search at Perth Airport on April 25 following a flight from Paris Border officials allegedly removed five pouches from the woman's suitcase which they claim returned a positive result for methamphetamine following initial testing The 18-year-old is pictured in an interview room across from two officials. She has been charged with an offence carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment Federal police charged the woman with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. ABF acting superintendent Tim Sutton said border officials would continue to search for passengers suspected of acting as drug mules or smugglers. 'The ABF is at the frontline protecting Australias border from these acts and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to make sure these plans are thwarted,' he said. The detainee appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court in Perth on April 26 and was remanded in custody to reappear on Friday. Actress Dawn French has 'unreservedly' apologised after she was accused by the relatives of the victims of Hamas of a 'smug dismissal' of their suffering. The Vicar of Dibley star, 67, today took down the video she posted to X on Thursday in which she appeared to mimic Israel's supporters amid the war in Gaza. During the 40-second clip, she seemingly parodied justifications for the country's continued military response to October 7, saying 'yeah but you know they did a bad thing to us'. However, Heidi Bachram, who lost two of her husband's cousin's immediate family in the Hamas-led massacre, accused French of appearing to 'minimise or dismiss the severity and horror inflicted that terrible day'. Tracy-Ann Oberman, a West End star and playwright, also branded French's tone as 'mocking' in a viral social media post. Now French has apologised, saying she clumsily used a 'mocking tone' and that her intention was never to dismiss the horror of what happened on October 7. She said: 'My intention was to mock and point the finger of shame at the behaviour of the cruel leaders on all sides of this atrocious war, who have continued to behave like the worst, dangerous sickening bullies and seem to relish the tyrannical and childish one-upmanship of violence. 'They were my target, but clearly I failed to do that, and that's on me. 'I apologise unreservedly. I am particularly sorry that my disgust did not figure. It appeared one-sided and that is wrong.' Dawn French sparked a ferocious backlash after describing the October 7 attacks unleashed by Hamas terrorists on Israel as 'a bad thing' during a bizarre social media rant Heidi Bachram has accused French of appearing to 'minimise or dismiss the severity and horror inflicted that terrible day' French added: 'My intention was NEVER to mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened on October 7, 2023, and what continues to unfold from that brutal unthinkable, unforgivable, savage attack. 'My heart broke for the many innocent people and their families that were killed, tortured, r@ped and kidnapped. 'The fact that hostages are still being held is utterly appalling.' During the 40-second video posted earlier this week, French said about the conflict in the Middle East: 'Complicated, no, but nuanced. But [the] bottom line is no.' Describing the reasons some Israelis give for continuing the war despite the high civilian death toll in Gaza, the British comedian said: 'Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us... and we want that land... and we have history Those people aren't really even people, are they?' While agreeing that the October 7 attacks were 'a bad thing', French followed each reason with the word 'no', implying Israel should halt its renewed offensive. While the video has received widespread support from those against Israeli actions, Ms Bachram was amongst several prominent figures to rail against her statement and accused her of a 'smug dismissal' of Israeli victims. In an emotional statement on X, Ms Bachram wrote: 'My husband's cousin Tsachi Idan was at home asleep when the terrorists invaded his kibbutz. The family hid in the safe room but there was no lock so he held it shut. 'The terrorists forced, at gunpoint, a local teenager to try to lure them out. When that did not work they fired at head height at the door. 'Tsachi's eldest daughter Ma'ayan was helping her father protect the family. The bullet hit her in the head and she died instantly. 'We know every detail of this horror because Hamas were live streaming and recording. Ms Bachram posted a photo of her two relatives who were killed by Hamas terrorists - Ma'ayan (left) in the kibbutz and Tsachi (right) somewhere in Gaza The Vicar of Dibley star, 67, posted her thoughts on the 'nuanced' situation in Israel and Gaza - but appeared to belittle supporters of Israel's actions amid the ongoing war against Hamas Ms Bachram posted a photo of her family hiding on the floor of their kibbutz 'They then held the family inside their home for five hours and it became their base of operations while they murdered and kidnapped dozens of civilians on the kibbutz. 'They marched Tsachi to Gaza covered in his child's blood. There he was held hostage for many months until at some point he was killed. His body was returned in February.' She added: 'To describe this so glibly adds to a deep well of pain.' Jewish Actress and playwright Tracy-Ann Oberman also said she was 'saddened' by the post. 'This mocking voice 'bad thing' of October 7 that Dawn (who I revere by the way) appears to be mocking involved the most horrific terrorist attack involving rape, sexual violence, burning alive child, mutilation and the taking of civilian hostages. 'Why would Dawn seem to deny that which has affected so many of us personally in the most painful way possible. 'I can mourn the horrors of the war in Gaza whilst also remembering the horrors of what started it. Is this how most of our industry feels now Oct 7 was a 'little thing'? NO!' Reacting to those who accused her of diminishing the horrors of October 7, French posted on X and said: 'I do not say 'a little thing' . In NO WAY do I support the atrocities of Oct 7th. 'Of course not. Appalling. Horrific. But starving innocent children is not the answer. NO is the answer to ALL of it Tracy.' Palestinians search for casualties at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City this morning Two young children receive medical treatment at the Al-Shifa hospital after being injured by Israeli strikes The body of hostage Nattapong Pinta (left, with wife and son) has been retrieved from Gaza, it was confirmed this morning It comes as the Hamas-led health ministry said at least 95 Palestinians have been killed over the past 24 hours. Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli forces have killed at least six people in a shooting incident near a US-backed aid distribution centre in the territory's south. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said that at around 7:00 am (0400 GMT), 'six people were killed and several others wounded by the forces of the Israeli occupation near the Al-Alam roundabout' in southern Gaza's Rafah area. Gazans have massed at Al-Alam almost daily since late May to collect humanitarian aid at a centre about one kilometre (0.6 miles) away, operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Samir Abu Hadid, who was witnessed the shooting, said thousands of people had gathered near the roundabout. 'As soon as some people tried to advance towards the aid centre, the Israeli occupation forces opened fire from armoured vehicles stationed near the centre, firing into the air and then at civilians,' Abu Hadid said. The Israeli military said it was looking into the incident, the latest deadly fire near the Al-Alam aid point. The GHF began operations in late May as Israel partially eased a more than two-month blockade on the Gaza Strip. The United Nations, which has refused to cooperate with the GHF over neutrality concerns, has warned that Gaza's entire population of more than two million people was at risk of starvation. In the territory's north early Saturday, Bassal said seven people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a house near Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital. French, pictured in The Vicar of Dibley, later responded to Oberman's post to emphasise she did not 'support the atrocities of Oct 7' Actress and playwright Tracy-Ann Oberman said she was 'saddened' by the post At least 95 people have been killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said A Palestinian child holds his younger sister as they seek medical attention after airstrikes Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also said today that the IDF had recovered the body of a Thai hostage taken on October 7. Nattapong Pinta's body was held by a Palestinian militant group called the Mujahedeen Brigades, and was recovered from the area of Rafah in southern Gaza, Katz said. His family in Thailand has been notified. Pinta, an agricultural worker, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a small Israeli community near the Gaza border where a quarter of the population was killed or taken hostage during the Hamas attack that triggered the devastating war in Gaza. Israel's military said Pinta had been abducted alive and killed by his captors, who had also killed and taken to Gaza the bodies of two more Israeli-American hostages that were retrieved earlier this week. Israel has been waging a military campaign in Gaza since Hamas' incursion on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. At least 20 of the remaining 55 hostages still held by Hamas are thought to be alive. According to official Hamas figures, at least 54,772 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war. The Israeli military issued an evacuation order on Friday for residents of parts of Gaza City ahead of an attack that 'will strike all areas from which rockets are launched'. Israel has recently stepped up its campaign in Gaza in what it says is a renewed push to defeat Hamas amid growing international calls for a negotiated ceasefire. MailOnline has contacted French for comment. A supermarket worker who claimed he was jetting off on a family holiday when he was found with 1.2million in his suitcase has been jailed. Mazen Al Shaar, 48, was stopped by Border Force officers on March 15 as he was about to fly from Terminal Three at Heathrow to Beirut. The supermarket worker, of Marsworth Close, Middlesex, said he only had 500 in cash on him and that he was leaving the UK to visit family. But officers searched his three suitcases and two of them contained a total of 1,232,880. Al Shaar, was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday after admitting one count of money laundering. Peter Jones, NCA operations manager, said: Money launderers are at the absolute centre of serious and organised crime because they enable other offenders to make money from their offences. Mazen Al Shaar, 48, was stopped by Border Force officers on March 15 as he was about to fly from Terminal Three at Heathrow to Beirut officers searched his three suitcases and two of them contained the cash A total of 1,232,880 was found in two of the suitcases Criminals who deal drugs, firearms, smuggle migrants and commit other organised crime offences do so because of their greed. And its offenders like Al Shaar who work hand in glove with them to make it all worthwhile. By seizing this money and bringing him to justice, we have broken one crucial link in the chain and weve deprived an organised crime group of the profit they expected to receive. That money cannot now be ploughed back into further offending. A Home Office spokesperson said: This seizure highlights Border Forces dedicated efforts to protect our borders and keep the public safe. Our officers are trained to spot suspicious behaviour and identify attempts to move illicit cash and other prohibited items across our borders. We continue to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the NCA to disrupt criminal networks. A confiscation timetable was set for the forfeiture of the money. Crowds have taken to the streets across Sydney and Brisbane in the second day of nationwide protests following the death of an Indigenous man in custody. Kumanjayi White, 24, died last Tuesday after he was restrained by two police officers at a Coles supermarket in Alice Springs. Police allege the 24-year-old was involved in an altercation with security guards after being seen placing items down the front of his clothing. He was placed on the ground by two plain-clothed arresting officers before he lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead at Alice Springs Hospital. Hundreds of protesters gathered on the steps of Sydney's Town Hall on George Street on Saturday night where the lawyer for Mr White's family addressed the crowd. 'I've just come back from Alice Springs and Yuendumu, I'm angry there are mothers grieving there tonight,' lawyer George Newhouse said. 'I am angry there was a disabled young man calling out for his mother in Coles last week.' Protesters led chants across Sydney's CBD on Saturday night to raise awareness following the death of Indigenous man Kumanjayi White Pictured are protestors outside Sydney's Town Hall on Saturday night before the attendees made their way to Surry Hills Police Station Mr Newhouse read a statement from Mr White's family, mourning the death of the 24-year-old and calling for an independent investigation. The proceedings opened with a smoking ceremony before the crowd moved south towards the Surry Hills Police Station following speeches and music. Police attended the scene on horseback and watched on as protestors held signs reading 'Stop black deaths in custody' and 'Justice for Kumanjayi'. This year alone there have been 12 Indigenous deaths in custody and 597 since the 1987 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody was established. Meanwhile, similar scenes unfolded at King George Square in Brisbane where organisers also issued calls for an independent investigation. 'No more stolen lives' a banner read, behind a stage where Gungarri woman Dr Raylene Nixon opened up about her own son's death in police custody. 'Today I carry with me, the weight of my own loss of my son Steven Lee,' she said, according to the National Indigenous Times. 'First they criminalise us, then they brutalise us and then they justify it.' Protesters held signs reading: 'Justice for Kumanjayi' and 'Stop black deaths in custody'. Pictured is a banner reading: 'No more killer cops. Internal investigations must stop' Her son, Steven Lee Nixon-Mckellar, 27, died in October 2021 shortly after being arrested by a senior constable outside his relative's home in Toowoomba, Queensland. Rallies and vigils commemorating Mr White's death were also held nationwide on Friday, stretching as far as Victoria's state parliament to Alice Springs. Northern Territory Police said in a statement last week that the cause of the 24-year-old's death remained undetermined and was before forensic pathologists. They allege he assaulted a woman that was not known to him near a Commonwealth Bank on Gregory Terrace just prior to the incident at Coles. Investigations into the alleged assault are ongoing. The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement attacked high-profile Democrats for 'putting my people in danger' after they criticized how agents do their jobs - with one liberal mayor comparing ICE officers to a neo-Nazi group. Todd M. Lyons took specific aim at Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries in a recorded statement. Wu had previously commented about how ICE agents and the white supremacist group Nationalist Social Club-131 both wear masks. 'I don't know of any police department that routinely wears masks. We know that there are other groups who routinely wear masks. NSC-131 routinely wears masks,' the progressive mayor told reporters this week. The Nationalist Social Club-131, better known as NSC-131, is a neo-Nazi group based in the New England area that claims to have chapters in France, Hungary and Germany, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Last week, Wu described ICE agents as a 'secret police' force that has 'snatched' illegal immigrants off the streets of Boston. Lyons said the rhetoric of Wu and other Democrats is dangerous to ICE agents in the field, some of whom have been doxxed by communities facing immigration raids. 'Politicians need to stop putting my people in danger. I'm not asking them to stop. I'm demanding that they stop,' he said in his video message. 'Here's what I have to say to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, and anyone else stirring up outrage about ICE does,' Lyons said. 'These are real people with real families that you're hurting with your ridiculous rhetoric and inflammatory comments.' ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons attacked Democrats for their rhetoric around immigration raids, claiming their words are 'putting my people in danger' One of his targets was Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who compared ICE agents to neo-Nazi group NSC-131. Both wear masks, she said, adding that ICE agents are akin to a 'secret police' force Roughly 20 members of NSC-131 are pictured during Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2022 holding up a banner that reads: 'Keep Boston Irish' Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, said Tuesday during a press conference that ICE agents concealing their identities with masks is a futile exercise. 'Every single ICE agent who is engaged in this aggressive overreach and are trying to hide their identities from the American people will be unsuccessful in doing that,' he said. 'This is America. This is not the Soviet Union. We're not behind the Iron Curtain. This is not the 1930s. And every single one of them, no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes, will of course be identified. That, in fact, is the law,' Jeffries added. Federal regulations stipulate that any US official making an immigration-related arrest must identify themselves as an immigration enforcement officer. There is nothing in federal code requiring them to share their name with suspects, nor are there any rules about face coverings. A May 23 joint letter penned by Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine accused the Trump administration of allowing ICE agents to wear masks when arresting 'nonviolent individuals without a prior criminal history.' In the letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Border Czar Tom Homan and Lyons, the Democratic senators said the practice of ICE agents covering their faces used to be 'reserved for undercover or sensitive operations.' 'We remain deeply concerned that ICEs lack of transparency will lead the public to intercede in enforcement efforts, escalating an already tense interaction, and risking an entirely avoidable violent situation,' the letter read. 'Increased use of face coverings and lack of prompt and clear identification by ICE officers and agents in public is also having unintended consequences. Criminals are taking advantage of ICEs anonymity and impersonating law enforcement officers and ICE agents,' the senators claimed. Lyons also took aim at House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in his fiery rebuke. During a press conference on Tuesday, Jeffries made known his disagreement with ICE agents concealing their identities A May 23 joint letter penned by Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine accused the Trump administration of allowing ICE agents to wear masks when arresting 'nonviolent individuals without a prior criminal history' Lyons, who has been leading Immigration and Customs Enforcement on an acting basis since March 9, has an explanation for why his agents have been covering their faces since Trump took office (Pictured: Plain clothes federal agents wearing masks arrest a man in New York City on June 4) Lyons, who has been leading ICE on an acting basis since March 9, has an explanation for why his agents have been covering their faces since Trump took office. At a Monday press conference in Boston, he talked at length about how people leaked the personal information of ICE agents conducting a raid in Los Angeles, leading to death threats against them. 'People are out there taking photos of the names, their faces and posting them online with death threats to their families and themselves,' he said. He described a joint operation between ICE and the Secret Service where they arrested a person who was 'going online, taking [ICE agents'] photos, posting their families, their kid's Instagram, their kids' Facebooks and targeting them.' 'So let me ask, is that the issue here, that we're just upset about the masks? Or is anyone upset with the fact that ICE officers' families were labeled terrorists,' he said while holding back tears. Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, introduced a bill Wednesday that would make it a crime to dox federal law enforcement officials. The bill would impose a maximum criminal penalty of five years in prison for anyone convicted. The government is considering measures to ban children from spending more than two hours on any one mobile phone app at a time. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is mulling a move to cap the amount of time per app youngsters can spend on their phone as part of a swathe of measures designed to reduce 'doomscrolling'. The package could also include preventing children from accessing social media apps, such as TikTok or Snapchat, after 10pm and during school hours. 'My approach will nail down some of the safety challenges that people face online, but also start to embrace those measures that deliver a much healthier life for children online,' Mr Kyle told the Mirror. 'That's what I want young people to have, a developmental safe and nourishing childhood online, just as we strive to for young people offline.' He is focused on exploring how curfews and restrictions on accessibility to apps as a starting point and is aware such measures may not solve the problem entirely. The MP for Hove and Portslade has reportedly held discussions with former and current employees of social media sites, who are open to the idea of preventing access to apps at night or during school. They are also said to be willing to restrict how long children can use an app for, by blocking access once they have reached a certain time limit. There have been suggestions this could be up to two hours. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle (pictured) is considering measures to ban children from spending more than two hours on any one mobile phone app at a time His package of measures could also include preventing children from accessing social media apps, such as TikTok or Snapchat , after 10 and during school hours (Stock image) However, Mr Kyle has not yet made a decision on what age bracket these changes could apply to, according to The Mirror. He is also reportedly exploring raising the age at which children consent for their personal data to be processed by online sites. This currently applies to youngsters aged 13 and above, although ministers could raise this to 16. Mr Kyle has previously said that he has taken a keen interest in TikTok's recent introduction of various tools to limit screen time. These include a 10pm curfew for under-16s, which features the device screen being taken over and calming music played, although the tool can be dismissed to continue using the app. Another tool, Time Away, allows parents to set specific times that TikTok is available on their teen's devices. Children can request extra time to remain on the app, but their parents must approve it. Mr Kyle said he wanted to see evidence of how these tools are helping young people before implementing anything, but said he was especially interested in anything that will 'empower parents' to control how long their children are spending on social media platforms. Experts have long cited social media as a factor that can disrupt young people's sleep, relationships and socialisation skills. Experts have long cited social media as a factor that can disrupt young people's sleep, relationships and socialisation skills Data from the Millennium Cohort study, published last January, revealed 48 per cent of 16 to 18-year-olds felt they had lost control over how much time they spent online. A team at the University of Cambridge examined data from the study which tracks the lives of 19,000 Britons born in 2000-2002. When those in the cohort were aged between 16 and 18, they were asked about their social media use. The survey revealed 48 per cent of the 7,000 respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: 'I think I am addicted to social media.' Girls were most affected with 57 per cent agreeing, compared with 37 per cent of boys, according to the data reported by the Guardian. The Ukrainian military has released new footage of its devastating drone attack that left dozens of Vladimir Putin's irreplaceable nuclear bombers up in flames. Ukraine's most daring attack of the war to date, dubbed Operation Spiderweb, saw more than 100 first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones smuggled into Russia in wooden containers disguised as modular homes. They were loaded onto civilian trucks and driven behind enemy lines by Russian lorry drivers seemingly unaware of what they were carrying. The vehicles were parked within range of five airfields stretching from northern Russia down to Siberia, at which point the hidden roofs of the wooden cabins were opened remotely and the FPV drones took to the skies. What happened next served as a devastating blow to Putin's forces, as 41 of his prized aircraft - worth some 1.5billion - were decimated in just a matter of minutes. Footage shared by the Ukrainian military earlier today shows the exact moment one kamikaze drone dramatically burst out of its wooden crate and sped across the Russian countryside towards an airbase. As it reaches it target, huge plumes of smoke can be seen rising from several nuclear bombers already alight, with one jet engulfed by a devastating fireball. Amid the destruction, the drone spots one jet still in tact, a TU-22 nuclear bomber, and immediately races towards it before inevitably self destructing. The Ukrainian military has released this new footage of its devastating drone attack that left dozens of Vladimir Putin's irreplaceable nuclear bombers up in flames One of hundreds of first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones can be seen targeting a TU-22 nuclear bomber, before racing towards it and inevitably self destructing The devastating strikes took place on Sunday, with dramatic videos posted by pro-Kremlin military bloggers showing flames engulfing aircraft at multiple locations, including one deep inside Siberia. At least four more Russian strategic airbases were struck: Olenya in the Arctic region of Murmansk; Dyagilevo in western Russia; Ivanovo, northeast of Moscow; and Podmoskovye in Moscow. Sources inside Ukraine's SBU security service claimed the operation crippled 34 per cent of Russia's long-range strategic bombers often used to launch cruise missiles into Ukraine. In a statement, the SBU said at least 41 long-range bombers had been damaged or destroyed. These, they say, include the nuclear capable Tu-95 and Tu-22M as well as the surveillance A-50 'Mainstay' plane, worth an estimated 250,000,000 that is used as a radar and command centre, of which Russia is only believed to have around ten in operation. 'Mainstays' are critical to coordinating Russian fighter jets and air defences, meaning that this will have severely hampered Putin's war effort. Moscow has long stopped producing any of these aircraft meaning, if confirmed, these assets could not be replaced. There are only around 120 Tu-95s and Tu-22Ms in operation and they are vital for Putin's nightly bombing raids on Ukraine. They had been moved to bases thousands of miles away from Ukraine, out of reach of Western-donated Storm Shadows and ATACMS which have a range of up to 185 miles. Footage shared by the Ukrainian military earlier today, shows the exact moment one kamikaze dramatically burst out of its wooden crate and speed across the Russian countryside As it reaches it target, huge plumes of smoke can be seen rising from several nuclear bombers already, with one jet engulfed by a devastating fireball Russian Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk region, Siberia, was ablaze on Sunday after a suspected drone strike linked to Ukrain Russian TU-95 Bear strategic bombers at the Olenya airbase on the Kola Peninsula being destroyed by Ukrainian drones thousands of miles away from the front line In images released by the Ukrainian secret services, the wooden containers are seen packed with 117 FPV kamikaze drones which allow pilots to control them remotely through a live feed. Dozens of black drones are lined side-by-side in the mobile wooden cabins. The roofs had hidden compartments into which the small flying weapons were stashed. With the help of front-positioned cameras, the missile-loaded drones headed straight for Russia's highly expensive bomber planes. Amid the drone blasts, one Russian man recalled to Mash Telegram channel throwing stones into the backs of the trucks in an attempt to stop the drones from taking off. Footage captured the moment dozens of other Russian locals launched rocks towards the trucks with some climbing on top of the vehicles to get a better shot. A video surfaced showing one of the trucks used to launch the Ukrainian (FPV) drones against Russian airbases, moments before it self-destructed. The footage captures a Russian man entering the cargo truck, unaware of the built-in self-destruction mechanism, which ignites seconds later, resulting in a massive explosion. The trucks self-destruct system activates to ensure that no evidence or technology can be recovered by Russian forces. This method prevents reverse engineering and eliminates any traceable Ukrainian assets left behind. The first-person view (FPV) Ukrainian attack drones were smuggled into Russia in wooden containers disguised as modular homes A truck filled with Ukrainian drones was seen in footage posted to Telegram channel Mash exploding in the Amur region The vehicle had reportedly been driving along the Chita-Khabarovsk highway and caught fire while moving The trucks are all linked to a mysterious man named Artem, 37, believed to be Ukrainian, and had reportedly been loaded in Chelyabinsk. All drivers reported receiving cryptic phone calls with instructions on exactly where to stop just hours before the drone launches. The trucks involved were seen in clips shared on social media with smoke billowing from the roofs as slabs of the wooden crates lay on the side of the road. In drone footage, several Russian planes were seen erupting in a blaze as they soared over the Russian aircrafts. As they continued their journey, the drones blasted the planes stationed ahead, sending them into a ball of fire. Separate images revealed the destruction as plumes of black clouds billowed into the sky behind buildings as the attack was carried out. Footage appeared to show black smoke at the scene on the Kola Peninsula following explosions at the secret base. According to Baza, Russian officials have launched a terrorism investigation and are now hunting Artem, who is believed to have fled. Russia was left reeling after the attack which left Putin and his army humiliated on Sunday Russian Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk region, Siberia, was ablaze after a suspected drone strike linked to Ukraine 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 Putin has stayed out of sight since the attacks but an insider has warned: 'He will hit back at Ukraine, but also avenge his underlings who allowed this humiliation to happen'. Meanwhile, the SBU says all Ukrainian personnel involved in preparing and guiding the mission are already safely back in Ukraine, dismissing Moscow's response as a 'another staged performance for the domestic audience'. In a statement, President Zelensky hailed the 'perfectly prepared' operation, which he claimed was run out of a building located near an office of the Federal Security Service, Russia's principle security service. The sleeping FSB security service - headed by close ally Alexander Bortnikov, 73 - now faces blame over Ukraine using a warehouse next door to an intelligence HQ in Chelyabinsk to prepare the drone strikes on his airbases. Operation Spiderweb was 18 months in the making and under the control of Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the Ukrainian security service, the SBU. Zelensky also noted its symbolic timing as the operation came exactly 29 years after Ukraine handed over its own strategic bombers to Russia as part of the ill-fated Budapest Memorandum, under which Moscow promised never to attack its neighbour. 'We can say with confidence that this is an absolutely unique operation,' he said in statement on social media, revealing that 117 drones were used to target bombers 'used to fire at our cities.' 'What's most interesting, is that the 'office' of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions,' he added. Ukraine took out an estimated 1.5billion worth of Russian military equipment, including several Tu-95s (pictured) Also destroyed were several Tu-22Ms (pictured), of which less than 500 were manufactured Ukraine managed to destroy an A-50 Mainstay (pictured), which is used as an aerial command and radar centre 'In total, 117 drones were used in the operation, with a corresponding number of drone operators involved, and 34 per cent of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit. We will continue this work.' He assessed that the attack on Putin's irreplaceable bombers 'will undoubtedly be in [the] history books'. Military blogger Roman Alekhin said the incident will go down as 'Russia's Pearl Harbour' - a reference to the Japanese attack against the US in 1941 that prompted Washington to enter the Second World War. Pro-Russian Telegram channel Fighterbomb, believed to be run by Capt. Ilya Tumanov of the Russian Army, acknowledged that Sunday would 'later be called a black day for Russian long-range aviation,' adding: 'And the day is not over yet.' Former RAF pilot and military analyst Mikey Kay told the BBC: 'The Russians would never have expected something like this. I mean, it's genius, if you think about just the devastating effect that it's had on strategic assets of Putin.' Philip O'Brien, professor of strategic studies at St Andrews University, said the raid was 'the most remarkable and successful operation of the war.' He told The Times: 'This is a big blow to Russian strategic air power, which is hard to overestimate. We do not know what the Russian reaction will be, however we can assume it will be violent.' Elon Musk's father said it was like watching two male gorillas fighting for dominance over their troop. But it already appears that the explosive feud between the Tesla boss and President Donald Trump might be cooling off after their high-profile spat exploded on Thursday. By Friday evening, they both said that they wished each other well, in an easing of tensions after trading heated barbs the day prior. Musk, and some inside the White House, have already picked the director of the Presidential Personnel Office, Sergio Gor, as their scapegoat for the dispute. Damaging leaks from the pro-Musk camp suggest that Gor sabotaged the SpaceX founder's friend Jared Isaacman from taking over at NASA last week. Aside from the NASA snub, the dramatic Musk-Trump split was fueled by the billionaires fury over Trumps 'Big Beautiful Bill,' which he slammed as a path to 'debt slavery.' If the bill fails to make it through the Senate, it could prove tumultuous for Trump and force him to bring Musk back in an attempt to steady the ship. Some Republicans have already voiced their support for Musk's outrage, saying they feel the same way about the bill. Trump could offer an olive branch to prevent a mutiny. Musk has already shown signs of attempting to de-escalate the situation between himself and Trump Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One Trump and Musk exit the Oval Office as they depart the White House on the way to Trump's residence at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida on March 14, 2025 The bill is estimated to add another $3.8 trillion to the national debt, which currently stands at a whopping $36 trillion. Conservative firebrand and Trump supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene has already aired her grievances over the bill due to a AI provision that she admits she overlooked. Musk went public with his criticism in a series of posts on X, arguing that the spending would wipe out the efforts of his DOGE team. The real crux of his pain, however, is said to have been Isaacman's NASA nomination being canceled, which Trump attributed to Isaacman's past donations to Democrats. The president even admitted that the decision had 'upset' Musk. The New York Times had first reported that those inside the White House had pinned the blame on Gor. Musk and Gor have had a sour relationship for months, stemming from what Axios described as Gor's 'resentment' of Musk's involvement in personnel issues. Tensions came to a head in March when Musk accused Gor of leaking a story to the New York Times, according to The Washington Post. The story in question concerned a meeting in which Musk clashed with members of Trump's cabinet. Musk believed it was Gor who leaked it, as the story failed to mention his own criticism of Gor's office, a source told the outlet. The outlet said that Gor had made it clear that he was looking for a way to get back at Musk prior to him bombarding Trump with proof of Isaacman's donations. Trump said he pulled the nomination due to these donations - something the president knew about months ago. The move was a dent in Musk's dreams of space including his plan to colonize Mars. Musk, and some inside the White House, have also already started pinning the blame for the fight on director of the presidential personnel office Sergio Gor, seen here Musk receives a golden key from U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on May 30 (L-R) Aide Walt Nauta, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Assistant to the President Sergio Gor, and an aide, wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to board Marine One on the South Lawn White House spokesman Steven Cheung told the Post: 'Sergio is a vital member of the team, and he has helped President Trump put together an Administration that is second to none. 'As a long-time advisor, there is nobody more capable of ensuring the government is staffed with people who are aligned with the mission to make America great again and work towards implementing the Presidents agenda.' Musk has already deleted a post to his X account in which he claimed Trump was named in the Jeffrey Epstein files, and his own father urged him to make amends. Errol Musk urged his son to get back on Trump's 'good side,' telling The Times of London that the two are kindred spirits. 'In any successful group of animals, whether gorillas, elephants or human beings, the dominant males will always fight for dominance,' Errol Musk said. 'The problem you get with really good quality people is that the men all think they should be the general.' He added: 'They will have to sort it out and because Trump is the one who was elected, Elon is going to have to accept he is not going to be the general.' The president, known for his put-downs of fellow politicians, is also fond of reconciliation and bringing former enemies back on side. He has had contentious relationships with world leaders including the likes of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, referring to him as 'little rocket man.' Some believe that Gor sabotaged Musk's friend Jared Isaacman (pictured) from taking over at NASA last week Musk speaks with Trump as they watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on November 19, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas Conservative firebrand and Trump supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene has already aired her grievances over the bill due to a AI provision that she admits she overlooked Florida representative Anna Paulina Luna, seen here, has backed the bill His barbs prompted the Supreme Leader to promise a 'thousands-fold revenge' against the US. Their war of the words seemingly ended with a handshake during a summit on neutral ground in Singapore in 2018. The next year Trump traveled to North Korea. Trump has also spoken down on the likes of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, as the two have gone from allies to enemies, and then back again over the years. The president backed in him in his gubernatorial race, but started labeling him 'Ron DeSanctimonious' after the governor started to rise up the GOP ranks. As Trump ran again for the White House, his insults against DeSantis continued until the latter dropped out of the presidential race - and endorsed Trump. Musk has already indicated his intent to de-escalate the situation. After announcing on Thursday that he was decommissioning his SpaceX 'Dragon' spacecraft, he quickly pulled a U-turn. His retreat, while not necessarily a white flag, is a clear sign he is willing to stay on side. If he had pulled Dragon, the US would have had to resort to using Russian spacecraft once again to piggyback into space. Trump had also said he would be canceling loans and subsidies for Musk's companies, but then admitted on Friday that such a move 'would need to be fair'. This was welcomed by Musk, who responded to a short clip of Trump making the comments by writing: 'Fair enough'. In the same talk with reporters, Trump added: 'I look at everything. Hes got a lot of money. He gets a lot of subsidy. So well take a look at that.' One White House ally also told the post: 'Theres hope that theres going to be a reconciliation. But it'll never be the same.' Musk also might want to cozy back up to the president to protect his own personal wealth, after $27 billion was wiped from his net worth in a few hours after the feud went public. On Thursday evening, Musk had already signaled he was open to de-escalating the situation. White House officials have said that there are no plans for President Trump to call Musk. Advertisement A week before Trooping the Colour, excitement is mounting among royal fans. The occasion transforms the Mall as crowds line up the streets waving flags as 1400 soldiers parade alongside 200 horses and 400 musicians from Horse Guard's Parade to Buckingham Palace. Many fans treat today as a stirring preview of the majesty to come. The Colonels Review, a dazzling full-dress rehearsal steeped in pageantry, unfolds in central London, offering a taste of the splendour that will accompany His Majesty the Kings official Birthday Parade next week. In their ceremonial uniforms, the British Armys finest soldiers march with precision and pride as they rehearse for one of the most iconic events in the royal calendar. Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old tradition that marks the Sovereigns official birthday. It dates back to the 17th century and is rooted in battlefield custom, when regimental flags, or 'colours,' were trooped in front of soldiers to ensure they could be recognised amid the smoke of combat. A horse rears up during The Colonel's Review 2025 ahead of Trooping the Colour happening next weekend A soldier stands with two children dressed in uniform ahead of The Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade The Colonel's Review Major General James Bowder, Major-General commanding the Household Division, during The Colonel's Review A member of the Household Division is carried away on a stretcher during The Colonel's Review 2025 Today, it has evolved into a grand ceremonial event featuring over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, showcasing the discipline, heritage, and pageantry of the British Armed Forces. This full-dress rehearsal, rich with pomp and ceremony, serves as the final run-through before the Kings official celebration, though this year, it comes with an unexpected twist. This year, the honour of trooping the Colour falls to the Coldstream Guards, who will officially present their regimental flag, known as the Colour, to King Charles III at Horse Guards Parade on June 14. The Coldstream Guards are part of the esteemed Household Division, which includes the two regiments of the Household Cavalry (the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals) and the five regiments of Foot Guards (the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, and Welsh Guards). Yet, todays Colonels Review near Buckingham Palace holds a notable distinction. Unlike their fellow regiments, the Coldstream Guards currently do not have a Royal Colonel, making them the only Foot Guards regiment without a royal figurehead. As a result, this final rehearsal will unfold without the presence of a member of the Royal Family, marking a subtle but poignant departure from tradition. The Colonel's Review comes before the King's official birthday celebrations on Saturday, June 14, including their traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance. It is identical to The King's Birthday Parade, with the exception that some additional mounted officers ride on the latter. But while today's Colonels Review follows the familiar rhythms of tradition, it comes with one quiet but significant change. Alexander Middleton, 3 years old, dressed up in uniform as he stands with soldiers ahead of The Colonel's Review The Massed Bands during The Colonel's Review ahead of the King's Birthday Parade Members of the King's Troops, the Royal Horse Artillery rehearse for Trooping the Colour The King's guard filled up the Mall as the colours of the Union Jack drip the 930 metre stretch Soldier of the Household Division during The Colonel's Review 2025 as the Household Cavalry Regiment walk past Members of the Household Division on horseback during The Colonel's Review leaving Buckingham Palace More members of the division leaving through Buckingham Palace's gate today A member of the Household Division on horseback during The Colonel's Review Many royal fans took the afternoon to watch the Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade 1400 soldiers of the Household Division and The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands take part in The Colonel's Review A royal carriage is drawn as regiments of the British Army's Household Division Soldiers of the Household Division during The Colonel's Review ahead of Trooping the Colour next weekend The Coldstream Guards, unlike their fellow Foot Guards, currently have no Royal Colonel. As such, todays rehearsal will proceed without a member of the Royal Family in attendance, a rare and poignant detail in an otherwise meticulously orchestrated affair. Still, the spirit of ceremony remains undiminished, as plumed helmets, gleaming medals, and the stirring sound of military bands bring timeless grandeur to the heart of London. Last year, following the announcement that Princess Kate was being treated for cancer, the Princess of Wales apologised for missing out on the key rehearsal. The Princess of Wales wrote a letter to the Irish Guards, who were presenting their colours to the King, saying: 'I hope I am able to represent you all very soon'. Insiders emphasised that every cancer 'journey' is individual and sought to dampen speculation over whether Kate would attend key events in order to stop unnecessary pressure. It meant the Princess missed what would have been her first Colonel's Review. The event is a dress rehearsal for Trooping The Colour and would have seen her take the salute as the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Irish Guards. The letter said: 'I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel's Review and Trooping the Colour. 'I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practising for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate. 'Being your Colonel remains a great honour and I am very sorry that I'm unable to take the salute at this year's Colonel's Review. Please pass my apologies to the whole regiment, however, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon. 'Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.' The Irish Guards later responded to the Princess's letter on Twitter, writing: 'The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our Colonel, Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales this morning. 'We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send her our very best wishes.' The French are set to ask for more money before police start intercepting migrants trying to board small boats to cross the English Channel, it was revealed today. Britain already has a deal with France to try and prevent refugees and and migrants from crossing the Channel, but until now, authorities have resisted entering the water themselves and only prevent those they catch on the shoreline. The French government has now indicated its willingness to change tactic and turn back boats in the shallows, but says it needs more money to do so. The extra funds would be spent on deploying drones and more police officers to ensure that policing of the coastline can also be maintained. Representatives from both governments are currently negotiating a new deal aimed at cracking down on smuggling gangs which is said to be in the early stages. The UK's current deal with France was due to expire next year, but Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has now agreed to extend it into 2027 as long as France builds its own long-promised detention centre. Since 2015, British governments have spent 800 million to France to stop the crossings of people across the world's busiest shipping lane in small boats. An agreement made under Rishi Sunak's premiership in 2023 pledged 480 million, but not all of that has yet been spent. A man carries a young child to a small boat off the coast of France in a bid to reach the UK by crossing the Channel last Saturday A group of men and women, which included multiple small children, was seen boarding a dinghy last week at a beach in Gravelines, which lies between Calais and Dunkirk French police stood back and watched as entire families packed themselves into an overcrowded small boat heading across the Channel to the UK last Saturday So far this year, almost 15,000 people have made the highly dangerous crossing, up 42 percent on this time last year. The government has blamed better and calmer weather for the increase. French officials are now expected to push for extra funding for the Compagnie de Marche, an elite policing unit with special public order powers and that was formed specifically to tackle an increase in violence on the nation's beaches. A government source told the Times that the French may be 'pitch-rolling for more money' but that talks were in the early stages. It is understood that President Macron is currently in the process of drafting the new strategy ahead of a planned state visit to the UK next month. It comes after last Saturday saw the highest number of people arrive by small boats this year. The home secretary described the fact that 1,195 people arrived in 19 boats on one day as 'disgraceful'. On the same day, French authorities rescued 184 people from the water, with current rules meaning they can only interfere in boats at sea if people are in distress. It has led to a change of tactics by people smugglers in recent years which has seen them blow up and put dinghies into the water in the shallows, before others wade out, sometimes to chest or neck height, to be pulled onboard. The Defence Secretary John Healey said this creates a 'big problem' for policing. Last week dozens of people were seen cramming themselves onto small boats, including entire families with multiple young children. Police officers in France were accused of standing and watching without intervening, with one even spotted appearing to take photographs on his phone A young boy and his family prepare to board a boat in a bid to reach the UK from France last week The Home Secretary has previously said gangs have been taking advantage of a higher number of calm weather days to make crossings Groups gathered in the early hours of the morning to make the perilous journey across the Channel last Saturday It was the first time in a week that anyone had made the crossing, perhaps contributing to the high figure. In the seven days since, no boats have landed from France on UK shores. The crossings last Saturday came just weeks after the Prime Minister announced plans for 'return hubs' to send migrants back to the country they came to the UK from more easily. The Prime Minister is eyeing up deals with Balkan countries, and some in Africa, to house failed asylum seekers. Labour is looking to strike deals with the likes of Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. 'The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice. 'That is why this government has put together a serious plan to take down these networks at every stage. 'Through international intelligence sharing under our Border Security Command, enhanced enforcement operations in Northern France and tougher legislation in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, we are strengthening international partnerships and boosting our ability to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal gangs whilst strengthening the security of our borders.' George Osborne is negotiating a 'reciprocal loan deal' that would send the Elgin Marbles back to Greece. The former chancellor, now the chairman of the British Museum, is understood to be discussions with Greek government over a deal that would return the marbles to Athens on a long-term basis. As part of the deal, Athens would provide the museum with ancient Greek artefacts, many of which have never been shown in the UK. Importantly, the British Museum would not give up its legal ownership of the sculptures, which would require a change in the law. The deal is to hoped to come into effect later this decade when the British Museum closes for refurbishment as part of the upcoming redevelopment of the Bloomsbury site in London. Sources, however, have told the Times that no deal has been finalised and an announcement is not expected in the near future.. The marbles, also known as The Parthenon Sculptures, are a series of Ancient Greek sculptures created between 447BC and 432BC by Greek architect Phidias. After standing for 2,000 years, the Acropolis was for the most part destroyed as the Ottoman Empire - who at the time ruled Greece - became embroiled in a war with Venice. The Elgin Marbles also known as the Parthenon marbles was sculpted by Phidias, are a series of Ancient Greek sculptures created between 447BC and 432BC. The former chancellor, now the chairman of the British Museum, George Osborne is negotiating the deal with Greek government that would return the marbles on a long-term loan deal The marbles were previously housed in the Parthenon in Athens (pictured) The remaining sculptures were removed from the ruins of the Parthenon by Lord Elgin, then British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and brought to Britain between 1802 and 1812. In 1816, the marbles were handed over to the care of the British Museum, where they have remained ever since. Talks between the British Museum and Greece over the return of the Elgin marbles have been ongoing since 2021. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said that the 'care and management' of the sculptures was a matter for the British Museum and a long-term loan deal would not need explicit government approval. It has been claimed that, while Labour won't change a law that stops the British Museum permanently handing back the artefacts, Sir Keir would allow the 'loan' of some of the carvings to Athens. The fifth-century BC Parthenon sculptures were moved from Athens between 1801 to 1812 by the Earl of Elgin, when it was still part of the Ottoman Empire. The empire was crumbling at the time, with Greece securing independence in the following decades. The peer, who was the British ambassador, planned to set up a private museum before transferring them to the British Museum. Talks between the British Museum and Greece over the return of the Elgin marbles have been ongoing since 2021 The Elgin Marbles (pictured) are a 17-figure collection of classical Greek marble sculptures made by architect and sculptor Phidias, a Greek sculptor whose statue of Zeus, the god of the sky in ancient Greek mytholgy, was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world The Elgin Marbles were were taken from the Parthenon in Athens by the then British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Lord Elgin, between 1801 and 1805, and are now on display at the British Museum (pictured) Elgin alleged he was granted permission from the Ottoman Empire to bring the sculptures to the UK. Even though, there was quite a paper trail during this time period, no documents have been discovered to support his claims (Pictured: The Elgin Marbles) Greece insists the artefacts were obtained illegally by Lord Elgin, but the UK is adamant that Lord Elgin had the permission of the Ottoman authorities. A 1963 law prevents the British Museum from permanently disposing of key items from its collection, although it would not stop a loan deal. It has been reported by the Critic magazine that Osborne has already agreed to give the Elgin Marbles to Greece as part of a permanent loan deal. Since the greek government still claims legal ownership of the sculptures, it was 'extremely unlikely that they would ever return to Britain', the report added. In responde, the museum said that talks has not advances sinc late last year when the PM hosted Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis at No10. A No 10 spokesman said also denied reports of an imminent deal. 'It remains the case that decisions relating to the management of the Parthenon sculptures are a matter for the trustees of the British Museum, which is operationally independent of the government,' the spokesman said. 'We have no plans to change the law that would allow the permanent loan of the Elgin Marbles.' When asked about the deal, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she had 'never been someone who thought we should send the Elgin Marbles back'. A Greek official involved in the talks said the deal would need to see the marbles being transferred for an 'extended period; not 50 or 100 years, nor one or two years'. A Labour council who fined a resident 1,000 for putting his bins out a few hours early has been accused of acting like the 'Stasi'. Clyde Strachan, 37, decided to help refuse collectors by placing his rubbish outside his West Kensington home shortly before midday in May. He then went away for a week and when he returned was faced with an 'environmental enforcement notice', which demanded he make contact with Hammersmith and Fulham Council. The engineer then received an 1,000 fixed penalty notice, stating: 'There was one large box, six bags of waste, and one food bin deposited on the pavement and left. 'It isn't collection day so it shouldn't be there. 'There is no formal right to appeal, however the council will accept representations from you within seven days.' Mr Strachan told The Telegraph: 'I spoke on the phone to one of the council officers and said I was willing to receive a warning but felt a 1,000 fine was excessive. 'I said I had put the bins out early as I was not available the next day. It was an honest mistake. I didn't feel as though I needed to grovel, but it felt like that was what he was after.' A Labour council who fined a resident 1,000 for putting his bins out a few hours early has been accused of acting like the 'Stasi' Clyde Strachan, 37, (pictured) decided to help refuse collectors by placing his rubbish outside his West Kensington home shortly before midday in May Mr Stratchan returned home and was faced with an 'environmental enforcement notice', which demanded he make contact with Hammersmith and Fulham Council The fine has sparked criticism towards the council's 'law enforcement team'. Likening it to the 'Stasi' - the secret police who helped maintain communist power in East Germany through spying and violence. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary said: 'Instead of cracking down on genuine anti-social behaviour, the state tries to reassert itself by punishing well-meaning people for tiny infringements. 'This huge fine for putting the bins out a few hours early veers into Stasi-like control of people's lives. This man was clearly doing the right thing in the circumstances.' The fine has since been retracted. A council spokesman said: 'Mr Strachan asked for a review of the FPN on May 28 when he let us know that the reason he put the rubbish out early was that he had been going on holiday the following day. 'The following day, the council froze the fine pending a review. 'We have since cancelled the FPN as we agree that Mr Strachan made an honest mistake and is not a persistent fly-tipper.' The TSA is developing a high-tech tool that could revolutionize airport security: pat-downs using virtual reality gear that let agents 'feel' for threats - without ever laying a finger on passengers. The concept, called the Wearable Sensor for Contactless Physical Assessment (WSCPA), is still in early development. If approved, it would allow officers to employ VR headsets, haptic gloves, and touchless sensors to simulate the feeling of touch - helping them identify hidden objects without intruding on a passenger's personal space. 'The innovation uses touchless sensors to register the object's contours and generate feedback to physically replicate the target object,' according to a Department of Homeland Security overview of the project. 'It enables physical sensation and assessment without direct contact.' Here's how it works: The WSCPA system scans the body using advanced imaging methods like millimeter wave, LiDAR, or backscatter X-ray. That information is turned into a 'contour map' of the object or body part being examined. This map is relayed to the glove, where haptic feedback - subtle vibrations or pressure - mimics the sensation of touching the mapped area in real time. 'A user fits the device over their hand. When the touchless sensors in the device are within range of the targeted object, the sensors in the pad detect the target object's contours to produce sensor data,' the DHS said. The TSA is developing a futuristic screening device called the Wearable Sensor for Contactless Physical Assessment (WSCPA) that would allow agents to perform virtual pat-downs without physical contact Using VR headsets, haptic feedback gloves, and touchless sensors like millimeter wave and LiDAR, the system would simulate the feeling of touching a passenger by mapping body contours and translating them into real-time sensations Pictured: Sketch of the proposed product found in its' US Patent Application 'The contour detection data runs through a mapping algorithm... then relayed to the back surface that contacts the user's hand through haptic feedback.' The result is a virtual pat-down that still allows for a physical assessment - but one that's private, contactless, and more dignified for passengers. DHS describes several key advantages to the system, including the ability to 'preserve privacy during body scanning and pat-down screening,' 'elevate user safety when assessing a potentially dangerous object,' and 'enhance situational awareness for visually impaired individuals.' Beyond transportation security, DHS suggests the device could eventually be adapted for medical exams, visual assistance tools, and immersive educational programs. The project is being led by TSA researcher William Hastings, and the DHS's Office of Industry Partnerships is currently seeking commercial partners to help advance the technology. It's being offered for licensing through the agency's Technology Transfer and Commercialization Branch (T2C). The technology is currently in the 'conceptual' phase, according to DHS, but it is protected under a U.S. Patent Application. Illustrations included in the patent show a user strapping the device to their hand and holding it near a body part or object to conduct a contactless assessment - a process that could one day replace the standard pat-down at TSA checkpoints. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the technology is designed to improve privacy, reduce risk, and enhance screening efficiency The device is still in the conceptual stage but is being offered for commercial licensing If fully realized, the WSCPA system could offer a more respectful and streamlined experience for passengers while maintaining the effectiveness of airport security protocols. Instead of being physically searched, travelers might one day be assessed by an officer using what amounts to virtual fingertips - all powered by sensors and simulation. While it may sound futuristic, the TSA is actively exploring ways to bring this technology to life, signaling a broader shift toward noninvasive, tech-driven screening methods. As DHS puts it, the WSCPA could provide 'realistic virtual reality immersion' while remaining 'handheld and portable for use in small spaces.' A Labour-run council has apologised after it flew the Romani flag upside down in what was supposed to be a gesture to mark 'Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month'. Cambridge City Council had put the flag, which was adopted in the 1970s, up outside the Guildhall in the city centre for the month of June. The blue, which is supposed to be at the top of the flag represents the heavens, while the green at the bottom represents the earth. However, up until yesterday these colours in the flag flown from the Market Square building in Cambridge were the wrong way up. Sam Scharf, director of communities at the council, said: 'Cambridge City Council sincerely apologises for any upset caused by flying the Romany flag upside down. 'This was not the council's intention and was an honest mistake. As soon as our error was spotted, we worked to correct it as quickly as possible. 'The flag is now flying the right way up and we will take greater care to ensure this doesn't repeat itself. 'We fly the Romany flag at the Guildhall to mark the importance of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month and are committed to strengthening equality and diversity in Cambridge.' Cambridge City Council had put the flag, which was adopted in the 1970s, up outside the Guildhall in the city centre for the month of June The blue at the top of the flag represents the heavens, while the green at the bottom represents the earth Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month was first marked in Britain in 2008. Its aims include promoting knowledge of the groups' histories and heritages, alongside offsetting negative stereotypes and prejudices. Kent Police previously sparked hundreds of complaints after it flew the Romani flag to mark 'Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month'. The force, which has had to deal with a number of illegal traveller sites in the past, also posted a photo of three members of staff with the colourful banner. But the social media post prompted over a thousand responses, with most of them negative. One web user accused the force of being 'out of touch', while others declared they should leave 'left wing woke politics' behind. Bea Johanssen simply asked 'When's Crime-fighting Day?' while another questioned 'Is this a joke? We do not pay the police force to support certain groups. They should police without fear nor favour.' X user Blue Geordie said: 'Virtue signalling that means nothing to no one but will undoubtedly p*** off a lot of people who just want the police to turn up when they call them and lock up the bad guys when they find them. Simple stuff.' However, Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker of Kent Police said: 'Kent Police employs staff from all strands of society, including people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds, and this flag was flown in response to a request from serving officers in Kent. 'British policing is by consent and Kent Police seeks to positively engage with all our communities, and in doing so we regularly show our support for other national and international events and religious festivals.' Michelle Mone and her billionaire husband Doug Barrowman are offloading some of their British property empire as friends say they are looking to start a new life in Miami, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Records show tycoons Baroness Bra and Mr Barrowman have sold two Glasgow townhouses to celebrity friends in the last 12 months - making 2m in profit. New owners are the photographer who shot one of Ms Mones most risque Ultimo push-up bra campaigns and a Scottish musician. Meanwhile, a quaint Chelsea mews house linked to Ms Mones son Declans company has been sold for 2.185million to a senior member of a Middle Eastern Royal Family. And last year the couple sold their 19million London townhouse as well as their famous 6.8m Lady M Yacht. Ms Mones friends last night said she had told them she is seeking to start afresh in Miami, Florida. It comes as the Scots business moguls are at the centre of an anti-corruption PPE fraud probe which saw 75m worth of their assets frozen by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Investigators are focused on PPE Medpro, a company led by Mr Barrowman, which was placed in a VIP priority lane for government contracts worth 203 million of taxpayers money following a recommendation by Ms Mone. Michelle Mone and husband Doug Barrowman are offloading some of their property empire. The couple have already sold a 19million London house and their 6.8m Lady M Yacht. Two of their Glasgow 'Park Circus' townhouses have been sold to friends in the last 12 months. Paperwork suggests the company paid Mr Barrowman 60 million in profit, prompting him to put 29 million of it into a trust benefiting Ms Mone and her children, Rebecca, Declan and Bethany. Soon after they received the huge cash boost, firms registered on the Isle of Man and linked to Mr Barrowmans Knox group - Breck Ltd, Bagshaw Ltd and Praeban Ltd - embarked on an enormous property buying spree in Glasgows Park Circus costing 10,025,000. Between December 2020 and August 2022 the companies bought nine townhouses and flats in the leafy West End district, preferred by Scotlands elite. Yet in December 2023, a number of the properties were frozen under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Now, amid a streamlining of Ms Mone and Mr Barrowmans British assets, a Mail on Sunday investigation shows that the couple have begun to offload some of their empire. There is no suggestion that any of the sales breached any existing orders. Next stop Miami, Florida? Ms Mone's friends say she is hoping to start afresh in the USA. 'Baroness Bra' lost the Conservative whip and took a leave of absence from the House of Lords in the wake of concerns over PPE Medpro. One house has been bought by Ms Mones friend Nick Haddow, a photographer who has worked with Hollywood stars including Uma Thurman, Lauren Bacall and Dame Helen Mirren. Notably, he also shot Ms Mones Ultimo bra campaign with supermodel Helena Christensen in 2006, and has spoken fondly of Park Circus. The house was bought in 2020 for 1.7 million by a company co-owned by Mr Barrowmans Knox business group, but property records show it was transferred to Mr Haddows company called Haddow and Lobjani Ltd last year for 2million. Meanwhile, another nearby townhouse, which was bought in July 2020 for 1.425m, has been sold to a Scottish rockstar. A planning application for the address put into Glasgow City Council in 2021 listed a firm registered at the same address as the Knox Group, Chapman Lang Ltd as the applicant. Records then show the house was transferred to another company or individual for a non-monetary reason in March 2024. And in January 2025, Ms Mone and Mr Barrowman were pictured leaving the address with removal boxes. Images show the pair struggling out of the townhouses grand stone steps with bin bags, cardboard boxes and bags for life. Ms Mone was pictured leaving a Glasgow house in January 2025 with some of her belongings. Mr Barrowman helped Ms Mone with packing boxes as they appeared to vacate a property. Now we can reveal that just months after those pictures were taken, the property was sold for 2.8million - almost double what was paid in 2020 - to a musician. It means the companies linked to the couple are believed to have made around 2m in profits on the two Glasgow homes. Meanwhile, our probe shows they could be bringing in around 21,500pcm by renting some of the other properties out. Registers show the new owner of the second townhouse was living in another of Ms Mones properties, 6 Park Circus before completing the sale in March. Archived letting agent adverts show 6 Park Circus was available to rent for 6,500pcm. Internal pictures of the grand three-bedroom duplex noted that it was situated on one of Glasgows finest addresses. The neutral but modern decor had hardly changed since Michelle Mone was herself videoed at the address for a Hello! Magazine shoot in 2013. Breck Ltd, one of the Knox companies, currently holds the landlord registration for the property, as well as 7 Park Circus. Two flats in 15 Park Circus are also registered to let out, with Bagshaw limited, another Knox-linked company holding the licences. Mr Haddow shot Ms Mone's Ultimo bra campaign featuring Helena Christensen in 2006. An advert for one of the stunning flats was recently available to rent for 3,500 per month. Meanwhile a third Knox-linked company Praeban Ltd is the registered landlord for two flats in 20 Park Circus. With three-bedroom flats claiming rents of up to 3,000 per calendar month on the exclusive street, firms linked to the businesswoman could be earning 21,500 a month. It comes as in February last year, it was revealed Ms Mone and Mr Barrowman had sold their 19million Belgravia townhouse, despite it previously being listed as a frozen asset. The six-bedroom home in Eaton Terrace, central London, was reportedly sold along with their 6.8m Lady M Yacht, which became famous after Ms Mone posed on the mega boat for her Instagram followers, captioning the image: Business isnt easy. But it is rewarding. A small Chelsea mews house which was the company address for Ms Mones son Declan's company, Winmore Partners Ltd, was sold in October 2023 for 2,185,000 to a Sheikh. The NCA investigation into PPE Medpro is ongoing. A spokesman said: The NCA opened an investigation in May 2021 into suspected criminal offences committed in the procurement of PPE contracts by PPE Medpro. This ongoing investigation remains a priority for the agency. Ms Mone and Mr Barrowman sold their 19million Belgravia townhouse last year. Firms linked to the pair could be earning 21,500 a month in rent off their Glasgow homes. Investigations must pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry. In serious economic crime investigations these lines of enquiry can be incredibly complex from worldwide financial tracing exercises to the need to examine large volumes of digital material. In such cases it can take considerable time to ensure that a thorough, independent and objective investigation is conducted. The Department of Health and Social Care is suing PPE Medpro, amid claims that gowns supplied by the firm were not fit for use. Michelle Mone was approached for comment. A murderer who killed his own stepmother and raped and fathered a child with a 14-year-old girl has died in prison. Mohammed Fethaullah, 64, previously of Wandsworth, London, died at HMP High Down on May 13 this year. He was jailed for life in 2003 after being convicted of kidnapping and murdering Yasmin Akhtar, 35, who was in the process of divorcing Fethaullah's father at the time. With three other men, Fethaullah took Ms Akhtar from her property in Redhill to a shop on Old Kent Road, where she was strangled with black tape. Her body was then wrapped in a carpet before petrol was poured over her face and she was set ablaze in Larkhall Park, Clapham. The Old Bailey heard during Fethaullah's murder trial that Ms Akhtar had been asking her then-66-year-old husband for a 250,000 divorce settlement - which was said to have threatened Fethaullah's inheritance prospects. All four men were sentenced to life imprisonment. During Fethaullah's life sentence it then came to light that he had raped and impregnated a 14-year-old girl in 1999, several years before he killed his stepmother. Mohammed Fethaullah (above), who killed his own stepmother and raped and fathered a child with a 14-year-old girl, has died in prison Fethaullah died at HMP High Down (above) on May 13 this year Pictured: Police tape at the scene in Larkhall Park, Clapham, after Yasmin Akhtar's body was discovered in 2002 A police statement said the victim had been waiting to collect her wages from Fethaullah's shop in Brixton, where she worked, when he asked her to collect some cigarettes from the front of the shop. After returning the girl finished a drink she had left on the office desk, before almost immediately collapsing. She believed Fethaullah had spiked her. Drifting in and out of consciousness, she then woke up to find Fethaullah raping her in the back seat of a car after he had driven it to a secluded location. Fethaullah believed the girl was not aware of what had happened and afterwards drove her home. But the victim found out she was pregnant a short time later, and decided to raise the child despite knowing there was a chance it could be the product of rape. A DNA test in 2016 proved Fethaullah was the father and she took this evidence to police. Fethaullah was convicted of rape in 2019 after a two-year investigation, and he was sentenced to a further 16 years in prison. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman said the investigation into Fethaullah's death is 'in progress'. Some 75 people have been rescued from two 'house of horrors' illegal care homes in Bulgaria where residents had their feet tied and were sedated and beaten. The facilities, in the village of Yagoda, near city Stara Zagora, were run as so-called health centres for the elderly, offering 'rooms for rent' for around 400 Euros per month. But in reality, they were 'houses of horrors', according to Justice Minister Georgy Georgiev. Bulgarian officials announced the rescue mission today, which saved dozens of residents from being locked in rooms with no bedding and window handles removed. Shocking images show a frail, thin elderly person with their legs tightly tied together with a rag, as they lie on a dirty mattress with one sock missing. Other outrageous pictures feature variously an older person being removed from the facility on a stretcher, and a dirty, dilapidated bathroom. Five people have been arrested and an investigation opened into 'kidnapping, violence and negligence', according to the regional prosecutor's office in Stara Zagora. The office said in a statement: 'According to testimonies, one older woman had not left the establishment for four years. The facilities, in the village of Yagoda, near city Stara Zagora, were run as so-called health centres for the elderly, offering 'rooms for rent' for around 400 Euros per month. Pictured: An elderly person transported out of the facilities by a healthcare worker But in reality, they were 'houses of horrors', according to Justice Minister Georgy Georgiev. Pictured: An image of a victim at the facilities which the minister held up at a press conference today about the rescue mission The facilities were 'houses of horrors', according to Justice Minister Georgy Georgiev. Pictured: A bathroom in one of the illegal care homes 'Another resident, who tried to flee, was caught, beaten and left unconscious.' The Bulgarian justice ministry added some of those rescued had 'their feet tied and were sedated' and were locked in rooms 'without bedding, the window handles removed and cut off from the outside world'. Minister Georgiev displayed disturbing images showing residents restrained and the facilities' horrific living conditions at a press conference in the region today, according to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He said some victims were found in critical condition, with 18 taken to hospital by ambulance. Doctors at the hospital in Stara Zagora confirmed to BTA later today all patients admitted had been stabilised, with none in life-threatening condition. All had been treated for dehydration and malnutrition - and some for 'severe heart failure'. Officials had made several attempts in recent weeks to inspect the facilities - but they had been obstructed from doing so, Georgiev added, speaking to reporters. Some residents had been 'kept under the influence of power tranquilisers': 'Blood tests are now being conducted to determine the substances involved.' Five people have been arrested and an investigation opened into 'kidnapping, violence and negligence', according to the regional prosecutor's office in Stara Zagora. Pictured: File photo of Yagoda, the village where the care homes were He described the hygiene in the facilities as 'appalling' - with unqualified staff administering injections and no permanent medical care on site, with doctors only attending if there was a death. Georgiev added residents had no access to their phones or ID , having been told their handsets would be returned if relatives called. The centres, registered as rental properties not licensed health or social care providers, have since been searched, with documents seized, he said. The minister emphasised the government was now undertaking widespread inspections of nursing homes and hospices to stop vulnerable individuals being targeted by property fraud. He said: 'These revelations are linked to ongoing investigations into property mafia schemes involving helpless people. 'The Executive Agency Medical Supervision and the Agency for Quality of Social Services have conducted over 100 inspections, uncovering numerous violations. 'Four licenses have been revoked, one operator voluntarily relinquished their license, and another facility is currently under a license withdrawal procedure. 'Several others have received compliance orders.' Minister Georgiev displayed disturbing images showing residents restrained and the facilities' horrific living conditions at a press conference in the region today (pictured), according to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) The lack of provision for older people in Bulgaria has led to the development of illegal centres in the country. Nine older people died in a fire in November 2021 at a nursing home near the city of Varna. Four others died in a similar incident in May 2022 at another facility in the same area. International organisations often criticise the poor state of health facilities in Bulgaria, the poorest country in the European Union. The Council of Europe's European Committee For The Prevention of Torture (CPT) for instance, spoke out on social care institution and psychiatric hospitals specifically in 2021. It said in a statement: 'For more than 25 years now, the CPT has consistently expressed its deep concern regarding a number of issues concerning the treatment, conditions and legal safeguards offered to patients with psychiatric disorders and residents of social care institutions.' Despite strongly recommending 'decisive action', it added: 'Unfortunately, in the course of the Committees most recent visits to Bulgaria in 2017, 2020, and 2021, the CPTs delegations have witnessed a continuing lack of such action.' Grace Spence Green was just 22 years old when a man plummeted from 120 feet and landed directly on top of her, crushing her spine and leaving her paralysed. The medical student had been walking through Westfield shopping centre in east London when the intoxicated man leapt from the third-floor balcony and violently collided into her. Her next memory was waking up on the floor screaming, frantically telling those around her that she had no feeling in her legs. Ms Green, who was later taken to surgery, had been left with a broken spine, paralysing her from the chest down. Meanwhile, the man who had fallen on top of her, Amsumana Sillah Trawally, had suffered a mere leg fracture. Following the incident in October 2018, he has since been deported. The 25-year-old was jailed in 2019 for four years after admitting causing grievous bodily harm. It was concluded that he had likely been under the influence of cannabis at the time he vaulted the third floor barrier at Westfield Stratford. Recalling the day of the terrifying crash in a previous Radio 4 interview with Jane Garvey, Ms Green said: 'It was the most surreal, bizarre experience. I can't describe waking up when you thought you were already awake. 'Because it was Westfield and state-of-the-art, all I could see was this brilliant white light. It felt like I was in a dream or in heaven or something. Medical student Grace Spence Green, 29 (pictured), had been walking through Westfield shopping centre in east London in October 2018 when the intoxicated man leapt from the third-floor balcony and violently collided into her Ms Green's next memory was waking up on the floor screaming, urgently telling those around her that she had no feeling in her legs. Pictured: the scene of the collision at Westfield Stratford that left Ms Green paralysed from the waist down 'Apparently I was out for about eight minutes. 'My first thought was this brilliant white ceiling, then my second thought was, "oh my god I can't feel my legs." 'It really did feel like that movie scene you see. Then, as you say, I realised I was the one screaming. I remember screaming to the police officers nearby me screaming, "I can't feel my legs." 'I was desperately trying to tell them something was wrong. It was the absence of feeling that was the shocking thing. It was like my legs just ceased to exist. I always describe it as like when you unplug a cord. It felt like I'd been unplugged from half of my body.' Ms Green was immediately rushed to King's College Hospital where she underwent eight hours of spinal surgery. Titanium was then bolted into her spine in a bid to keep her shattered vertebrae in place. After an initial two weeks in hospital, the then trainee doctor was later admitted to the Royal National Orthopaedic hospital in Stanmore, Middlesex. There, she endured endless nights of desperately trying to wiggle a toe, learning the skills required to navigate life in a wheelchair and eventually coming to terms with her new reality. Now, nearly seven years on, in her new book To Exist As I Am, the now 29-year-old has relived the horrendous experience, alongside her road towards a mental and physical recovery. But, despite the trauma of her life-changing ordeal, Ms Green insists that she still wouldn't change a thing. The man who had fallen on top of her, Amsumana Sillah Trawally (pictured), suffered a mere leg fracture. The 25-year-old was jailed for four years in 2019 after admitting causing grievous bodily harm. It was concluded that he had likely been under the influence of cannabis at the time he fell from the third floor. He has since been deported from the UK Now, seven years on, in her new book To Exist As I Am, Ms Green has relived the horrendous experience, alongside her road towards a mental and physical recovery. But, despite the trauma of her life-changing ordeal, Ms Green insists that she still wouldn't change a thing Speaking to The Mirror, she said: 'As the years went by, what I gained through my disability, how it's changed me, the relationships that have changed - I can now say I wouldn't change it because of all I've gained from it'. Remarkably, she also doesn't harbour any bitterness towards the man responsible for her injury. Adding that she had taken comfort in the fact that she likely saved Trawally's life, she said: 'That made it much easier to start navigating all of the emotions I felt because what I was going through was really difficult. But I wouldn't have changed it'. Ms Green added that while she had initially experienced a 'sense of denial' towards her injury, her partner of three years, Nathan, was by her side throughout it all. The couple are set to marry in July. Describing her beloved partner as a 'constant' source of strength, she said: 'It always felt like we were dealing with this together. It wasn't just my burden to bear'. 10 months after her injury, Ms Green returned to medical school. Since graduating in 2021, she has now begun her career as a doctor. Not once, even at her lowest point, did she consider giving up her aspiration for a career in medicine. Now, she hopes to use her traumatic injury as an opportunity to inspire and advocate for other disabled individuals who can face a daily barrage of micro-aggressions and inappropriate comments. Believing that disability remains a highly stigmatised topic in society, she feels assured that while challenging, sharing her vulnerable experience offers a unique chance for others to listen and learn. To Exist As I Am: A Doctors Notes On Recovery And Radical Acceptance by Grace Spence Green (Wellcome Collection), 16.99 is out now. Free needles and vapes should be handed out to prisoners so they can take Class A drugs in a safer way behind bars, a majority taxpayer-funded group has claimed. The Scottish Drugs Forum which received almost 2 million from the public purse last year has suggested the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) should provide drug paraphernalia so inmates can inject narcotics in prison. That is despite guards battling a drug crisis as more than a third of inmates have admitted taking illegal substances in prison, with more than a quarter saying their drug use only started or increased while in custody. The appalling suggestion comes just weeks after The Mail told how drones found laden with drugs and needles had been flown into jails, as organised crime groups target addicts in the prison estate. The forums plan set out as Health Secretary Neil Gray last week said a heroin shooting gallery in Glasgow may be extended to allow addicts to inhale crack cocaine sparked anger last night. Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: The public will be appalled at the prospect of inmates being handed these substances directly. Taxpayers shouldnt be funding prisoners drug habits. This is symptomatic of the SNPs soft-touch justice agenda which panders to the needs of criminals. Annemarie Ward of Favor UK is railing against 'state-sanctioned' drug zones in prisons. Drug paraphernalia could be given out to prisoners so they can take Class A's 'safely'. Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray has said the safe consumption room should be extended. Annemarie Ward, chief executive of the charity Faces and Voices of Recovery, said: Prisons should be places of rehabilitation and safety, not state-sanctioned drug zones. This isnt compassion. Its abdication. According to the latest Scottish Prisoners Survey, 35 per cent said they used illegal drugs, up from 29 per cent in 2019. Inmates have told third sector organisations the most common drugs are synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines and opioids, some of which they put into vapes, mix into hot drinks or inject. Meanwhile, prison officers are dealing with an epidemic of violence as figures show there have been more than 250 assaults on staff on average each year over the past decade. A Mail investigation laid bare how crooks are increasingly using cutting-edge technology, including drones, to evade security and get drugs into prisons. According to the prison service, an increase in nominals senior gangsters sent to jail over the past four years has led to new technologies being used to get drugs behind bars. Jail staff have seen drugs soaked into clothing and sent to prisoners, which the inmates then wash with water to release the product. Scottish Drugs Forum CEO Kirsten Horsburgh told a recent Holyrood committee meeting that decriminalising drug use could be the answer to the SPSs plight. Soon, The Thistle consumption room in Glasgow may allow for the smoking of crack cocaine. She said a huge majority of people in prison will not necessarily pose a risk to the general public but are in prison because their drug use is criminalised. Ms Horsburgh told The Mail on Sunday last night that as long as drugs are being used, there is a need to reduce any related harms. She added: For decades, in other countries sterile injecting equipment has been available in prison settings as they are available in communities across Scotland. The SPS said: We are determined to do everything we can, working with partners, to reduce the supply of substances, support people in their recovery journey, and create better environments for everyone to live and work. A Scottish Government spokesman said: The criminal justice committee is taking evidence for its inquiry into drug use in prison and is seeking views from experts with a range of views. Former banker Zia Yusuf has rejoined the Reform Party just 48 hours after dramatically resigning as chairman. His shock departure on Thursday threatened to plunge the Nigel Farage-led party into fresh chaos and 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. The multi-millionaire businessman 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. At the time of his resignation, he said he no longer believed that working for Reform to win power at the next general election was 'a good use of my time'. Mr Farage in response 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.' But tonight the 38-year-old businessman, who is a practising Muslim, apparently performed a U-turn and will rejoin Reform in a new role. Former banker Zia Yusuf has rejoined the Reform Party just 48 hours after dramatically resigning as chairman Farewell and hello again: Mr Yusuf quit from his role as chairman on Thursday, but is now set to take on a new role as head of Reform UK's DOGE team Mr Yusuf's shock departure threatened to plunge the Nigel Farage-led party into fresh chaos He is now set to take over from Nathaniel Fried, who also quit on Thursday, after being drafted in by Reform to lead the party's 'DOGE' cost-cutting unit in local councils. Mr Farage welcomed Mr Yusuf's return in a post on X and said the former chairman would be 'an important part of the team'. He wrote: 'I am delighted that @ZiaYusufUK will head up Reform UK's DOGE department. 'He will also assist the party with policy, fundraising and media appearances. 'Zia will continue to be an important part of the team we are building to fight and win the next general election.' Explaining his decision to return, Mr Yusuf said he had been persuaded by the 'huge number' of 'heartfelt messages' he had received since his resignation, adding that he was doing so because 'the mission is too important and I cannot let people down.' He added that he would come back with his 'commitment redoubled'. In his full statement, Mr Yusuf said: 'Over the last 24 hours I have received a huge number of lovely and heartfelt messages from people who have expressed their dismay at my resignation, urging me to reconsider. The political chaos was triggered after Mr Yusuf publicly questioned why Sarah Pochin, Reform's recently-elected MP for Runcorn and Helsby, had challenged the Prime Minister about banning the burka on Wednesday Nigel Farage welcomed Mr Yusuf's return in a post on X and said the former chairman would be 'an important part of the team' Mr Yusuf (pictured left) said in a post on X that he believed 'more than ever' that Nigel Farage (centre) was 'still the man' to deliver on Reform UK's promises Mr Yusuf said in a statement on X that he would come back with his 'commitment redoubled' 'Utter shambles': Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, who was kicked out of the party in March, expressed dismay at Mr Yusuf's return Rupert Lowe, who left the party after his criticism of Nigel Farage, was not so welcoming of the news that Mr Yusuf is set to return to Reform UK 'After 11 months of working as a volunteer to build a political party from scratch, with barely a single day off, my tweet was a decision born of exhaustion. 'I only came into politics out of a sense of duty, to serve the country I love. The country that had been so kind to my parents and presented me with immense opportunity. 'Out of a sense of duty to do whatever I could to reverse decades of decline and make this a country one in which we could be excited for our children to grow up. 'I came into politics out of belief that Nigel Farage was the man to deliver that. 'Having read the messages, I believe in these things more than ever. I know the mission is too important and I cannot let people down. 'So, I will be continuing my work with Reform, my commitment redoubled. Reform has come a long way since I was appointed Chairman, and has moved from 'startup' to 'scaleup'. 'Given this, and that we have now won power at a local level, I will focus on a new role. 'I will be running the UK DOGE team to fight for taxpayers, as well as working on party policy and representing it in the media. 'I will continue to give all my time to the most important project of my life, getting a Reform government elected with Nigel as Prime Minister.' Not all however were welcoming of the news. Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, who was kicked out of the party in March after he criticised Mr Farage's leadership, expressed dismay at Mr Yusuf's return and called the party an 'utter shambles'. In a post on X he wrote: 'Zia Yusuf is back in Reform. 'I have never been more convinced that we need a credible alternative to the utter shambles that is Reform UK.' He then tantalisingly told his 371,000 followers: 'I am working on that, and will have more news to share soon.' Labour branded Mr Yusuf's return a 'humiliating hokey-cokey' and said working people could not afford 'the risk of economic chaos with Reform UK'. Party chairwoman Ellie Reeves said: 'Reform's revolving door shows that the party is all about one person - Nigel Farage. 'Zia Yusuf's humiliating hokey-cokey is laughable but there is nothing funny about Farage's 80 billion in unfunded commitments. 'His reckless plan is Liz Truss's disastrous mini-budget on steroids and would spark economic chaos that increases bills and mortgages. 'Working people simply can't afford the risk of economic chaos with Reform UK.' A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: 'It looks like Reform are playing musical chairman.' The bodies of another two hillwalkers have been found in the Highlands as the number of people who have died in Scotland's mountains this week rose to four. The tragic incidents happened in a week that saw blizzards hit some of the countrys highest peaks just weeks after a spring heatwave had created perfect climbing conditions. The latest tragedy took place on a 2,920ft hill in Wester Ross. A Police Scotland spokesman said: Around 1.20am on Saturday, June 7, the body of a 70-year-old man was recovered by mountain rescue teams from An Ruadh-stac. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. The climber has not yet been named. The police statement came just hours after officers announced that a body had been found in the search for a hillwalker who went missing on the Isle of Skye. Roddy MacPherson was last seen walking towards Sligachan Bridge. The 67-year-old had not been heard from since, sparking a major search. Police have said a body was found at Harta Quarry in the Cuillins on Friday. It was spotted by a mountain rescue team and extracted by the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter. Roddy MacPherson was last seen walking towards Sligachan Bridge on Skye Police said a body was found at Harta Quarry in the Cuillins in the search for Mr MacPherson A body was also found on Monday in the search for missing Swiss hiker Bernard Trottet Neil Urquhart, leader of Skye MRT, said it appeared the hillwalker had fallen. His team had searched for three days in what was their seventh call-out in six days. A Police Scotland spokesman said: There would appear to be no suspicious circumstances. Formal identification has yet to be made. The family of Roddy MacPherson, 67, who had been reported missing from Skye on Wednesday, June 4 have been informed. It comes after the death of two other hillwalkers this week. On Thursday a 46-year-old climber plunged 650 feet to his death on Ben Nevis. His female companion was rescued by visiting members of Cockermouth MRT who were on the UKs highest mountain at the time. Members of Lochaber MRT and a Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick extracted the body of the climber who was on the Great Tower of Tower Ridge about 600 feet below the 4,413ft summit. Astie Cameron, deputy leader of Lochaber MRT, said. It was very difficult conditions a return to winter. It was a full-on blizzard. The chap must have fallen 200 metres [656 feet]. Fortunately, there were mountain rescue team members from Cockermouth nearby and they were able to get the other climber to safety. But because of the conditions we had to get the mans body round to Observatory Gully so the helicopter could get in. It was very difficult. Police Scotland said it was made aware of a hillwalker having fallen from Tower Ridge around 1.45pm on Thursday, June 6. It said the Coastguard attended and located the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A body was also found on Monday in the search for a missing Swiss hiker who was on a long distance trek through the Highlands. Bernard Trottet was last known to be at Corryhully Bothy near Glenfinnan on May 27. The 65-year-old had been heading north towards Kinloch Hourn in Knoydart on the Cape Wrath trail. Police discovered a mans body in the water of the Kinloch Hourn area. Again, there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances. While formal identification is yet to take place, Mr Trottets family has been informed. It is believed Mr Trottet may have been trying to cross a river when he was swept away. Meghan Markle has continued her social media blitz, boasting of her excitement of 'all the good to come' while strutting on a sunny beach. The Duchess of Sussex gloated of 'running into the weekend' as she frolicked in the water in her most recent Instagram post on her As Ever account. The 43-year-old was pictured prancing in the water on a sunny beach, sporting a flowing white sundress as she boasted of her excitement 'for all the good to come'. It comes just hours after she shared snaps of herself, Prince Harry as well as Archie, six, and Lillibet, four, as they enjoyed a memorable family trip to Disneyland. Sharing the montage earlier yesterday evening, the mother-of-two described their two-day Disneyland vacation as 'pure joy' while thanking the firm for the getaway. The mother-of-two also showcased the immense fun their family while they enjoyed numerous rides and indulged in yummy treats. Giving a glimpse into the Sussexes' US life, she shared the adorable moment Lillibet and Archie met Elsa from Frozen for the very first time, while another snap showed the Duke and his daughter enjoying a theme park ride together. Her recent social media blitz comes after she posted a cringey video of her and Prince Harry dancing in a hospital room in a bid to induce Lillibet's birth. Meghan Markle has continued her social media blitz, boasting of her excitement of 'all the good to come' while strutting on a sunny beach It comes after the Duchess, and husband Prince Harry, 40, whisked themselves and their two kids, Archie, six, and Lillibet, four, away for a memorable family trip to Disneyland To mark her daughter's fourth birthday, the Duchess shared the throwback clip where she and Harry dance to Starrkeisha's viral Baby Mama song. In 2018, the popular craze known as the 'Baby Mama Dance' saw the likes of Shay Mitchell as well as Chloe and Lauryn Goodman boogey to the song heavily pregnant. And Ms Markle was no different, showing off her dance moves while cutting shapes to the tune. Alongside the clip, she said 'there was nothing left to do' as Lillibet was a week overdue. Shortly Harry is seen coming into view of the camera as the song begins to play. A heavily pregnant Meghan then starts twerking in front of a hospital bed before she gyrates around the room. 'Four years ago today, this also happened,' Meghan wrote on her Instagram: '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!' Earlier that day, the Duchess had shared previously unseen photos of Harry and their daughter. One snap showed the Duke of Sussex holding his daughter's hand as they walked along a sandy road barefoot in the sunshine, while he held his shoes and a cap. The other image was of Harry holding Lilibet as a baby while they gazed at one another. The couple - who tied the knot in 2018 - were spotted having a blast of their own as they sat at the front while on Space Mountain together One short reel included in the post was taken as the family-of-four excitedly explored Disneyland and also visited the Star Wars troopers Harry flashed a cheerful smile as he turned towards the camera while sitting next to Lillibet on another ride Accompanying the touching pictures, Meghan said: 'The sweetest bond to watch unfold. Daddy's little girl and favorite adventurer. Happy birthday Lili!' The post was made at 7.40am California time (3.40pm UK) on June 4, just under eight hours after Meghan earlier posted two other intimate family photos of her with Lilibet. In that post, the Duchess shared a black-and-white snap of herself cuddling Lili, who was sat on her lap, with the pair both sporting windswept hair, seemingly on a boat. The second image in this post showed the Duchess tenderly cradling newborn Lilibet as she enjoyed skin-to-skin time with the new addition to her family in 2021. She penned: 'Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives - and each day is brighter and better because of it. 'Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!' Typically, Meghan only publishes images of Lillibet from behind in a bid to protect her privacy, but in a more recent images Lili's eyes as well as the top half of her face could be seen. However, the rest of her face covered by Meghan's arms as she lovingly hugged her daughter. Meghan Markle has posted a video of her and Prince Harry dancing in a hospital room ahead of Lilibet's birth. Trolls haves used it to spread wild conjecture including baseless claims she was not pregnant at all. An academic has suggested it may have been an attempt by Meghan to dispel these conspiracy theories The Duchess of Sussex is seen twerking in the throwback clip in a bid to bring on labour - but it has been weaponised by trolls A hooded Prince Harry also joins in with the dance as he performs in front of the camera Meghan's moodboard to mark her wedding anniversary to Harry had an ultrasound image of Archie and a picture of her bare baby bump Lili - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's youngest child - was born on June 4 2021 and was named Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. She only became entitled to be a princess when her grandfather the King acceded to the throne, because of rules set out by King George V in 1917. Harry and Meghan started using prince and princess for Archie and Lili after the princess's christening in 2023, following correspondence with Charles about the matter. Meghan Markle's social media blitz comes as questions began to swirl about her her lifestyle brand 'As Ever' after her sold-out products were not restocked despite being sold out for two months. Shortly after the Duchess confirmed she 'paused' restocking the line, posting an image fruit resting on a kitchen counter, captioned: 'To all who've been wondering and waiting, thank you! 'Your favorites are returning, plus a few NEW things we can't wait to show you. Coming this month... get excited!' Earlier this week, Meghan expressed her dream of launching a future business with Lili as she chatted to Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles on her podcast. 'I wonder if one day I'll be in business with Lili and we'll be building something,' the Duchess said, with Knowles adding: 'That's the best.' Last week, the Duchess shared a clip of her and her daughter beekeeping in matching protective suits, writing: 'Harvesting honey with my little honey. (Like mother, like daughter; she's even wearing my gloves).' Princess Elizabeth had difficulty pronouncing her own name as a toddler and her grandfather George V would affectionately call her Lilibet, imitating her own attempts to say Elizabeth. A new photograph of the Duke of Sussex holding Princess Lilibet's hand as they walked along a sandy road barefoot in the sunshine, while he held his shoes and a cap The Duchess of Sussex shared the black and white photo of herself cuddling Princess Lilibet, who was sat on her lap, with the pair both sporting windswept hair A second image also posted today by Meghan showed her tenderly cradling newborn Princess Lilibet as she enjoyed skin-to-skin time with the new addition to her family in 2021. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie and daughter Lilibet in December 2021 In a post in April, Meghan was seen smiling and showing her daughter Lilibet a large rose The sweet nickname stuck and she became known as Lilibet to her family from then on. But the late Queen was reportedly 'as angry as I'd ever seen her' after Harry and Meghan claimed they had her blessing to use the name for their daughter Lilibet, a royal aide said. Royal author Robert Hardman, in his biography of the King, told how a member of staff recounted Elizabeth II's fury following Harry and Meghan's announcement in 2021 over the use of her childhood family nickname. He said: 'One privately recalled that Elizabeth II had been ''as angry as I'd ever seen her'' in 2021 after the Sussexes announced that she had given them her blessing to call their baby daughter ''Lilibet'', the Queen's childhood nickname.' The BBC later reported a Palace source said the Queen was not asked by the Sussexes whether they could use Lilibet. The Sussexes' lawyers fired off legal letters to the broadcaster and other publishers, saying the claim was false and defamatory. A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan insisted at the time that the duke spoke to his grandmother in advance and would not have used the name had the monarch not been supportive. The threat to wild salmon from sea lice could be worse than feared as a new study shows the parasite is building up resistance to the chemical used in fish farming pens to tackle it. Campaigners also believe emamectin benzoate known as Slice is leaking out and causing environmental damage and want the toxic compound banned. However, despite these concerns, the Scottish Government last year extended its use in Scottish waters to 2028. Now the Irish government has sounded a warning that Slice is becoming less effective in killing the lice that infest fish farms. New research shows young wild salmon passing coastal fish farms on their migratory routes are increasingly falling prey to lice coming out of pens. The report by the Inland Fisheries Ireland agency is based on almost 20 years of tagging wild salmon. It concludes: Results of the present analysis provide clear evidence of significantly reduced return of adult salmon linked to salmon lice infestation from salmon farms. Data also suggests the effects of lice from salmon farms on wild stocks are underestimated because of growing resistance to Slice. Slice can damage human DNA, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has found it leaking from fish farm pens and harming sea life. Campaign group WildFish Scotland said the latest studys conclusions are exactly what we have been saying for years. A drop in returning adult salmon has been linked to salmon lice infestation from salmon farms The industry is worth 760 million to the Scottish economy and employs 2,500 people Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon faced criticism after she and her husband were treated to hospitality worth 1,500 as guests of Salmon Scotland Interim director Andrew Graham-Stewart added: Successive Scottish Governments have enabled the salmon farming industry to expand rapidly without meaningful safeguards to protect the environment and wild salmon. It is permitted to use a host of highly toxic chemicals, including Slice, for the treatment of parasites and diseases. However, regulatory change has seen substantial watering down and delay, in response to heavy lobbying of Scottish ministers by the major salmon farming companies in Scotland. Make no mistake, this industry, as it is currently run, is driving many wild Atlantic salmon sub-populations inexorably towards extinction. The ruling allowing the industry to continue using Slice came shortly after industry body Salmon Scotland treated Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon and her husband Baptiste to hospitality worth 1,500 as guests of chief executive Tavish Scott at Scotlands Six Nations rugby clash against France in February last year. There is no note of what was discussed but the Scottish Government has repeatedly stated that the Slice decision was not Ms Gougeons to make and it was not discussed at Murrayfield. The industry is worth 760 million to the Scottish economy and employs 2,500 people, but in 2023 a total of 17.4 million fish died prematurely in captivity amid enduring concerns over animal welfare. A Scottish Government spokesman said: To protect wild fish, Sepa introduced a new framework to manage the risk of sea lice from fish farms in February 2024. Salmon Scotland said: Fish farmers use Slice as a fully-licensed product, approved by vets and regulators. Almost half of all pet owners have cancelled a holiday to stay with their animals, new figures have shown. Four out of ten have declined the chance to take a trip away, purely due to the fear of leaving their pets at home, according to a study by Virgin Media O2 (VMO2). Meanwhile, a whopping 63 per cent of pet owners confessed they do not like to leave furry friends behind to make a foreign getaway, the merged mobile and broadband company showed. For Brits who do choose to take some time out, pets are what they miss most while away - more than even family, as per the research commissioned from Censuswide. And the yearning for their furry friends from afar sees nearly half (48 per cent) of pet owners video call their pets while on holiday, with a fifth checking an animal cam. In fact, almost a third of Brits spend as much as half an hour to an hour per day on the phone to their pets back home, using up valuable time away. For pet owners who find absence makes the heart grow fonder, dog trainer Rob Alleyne offered some advice - and it was not to call so often, or perhaps even at all. The founder of Canine Instructor Academy explained: 'Although it may make you feel better to call five times a day, for some dogs, it feels like you abandon them again every time you end the call, so they can become unsettled. Almost half of all pet owners have cancelled a holiday to stay with their animals, new figures have shown. Pictured: File photo 'Check your indoor camera and see how your dog is coping after each call. 'If they're being left with someone who is holding the phone, they can, of course, let you know how the dog reacts post-call.' It may even be better to put aside your yearning entirely - and not call at all: 'Some dogs may find it confusing to hear their owner's voice but not be able to find them... 'If they seem a bit out of sorts [after the call], perhaps video calling is not for them.' Pet owners explained the reasons why they call their animals while abroad - from easing their own homesickness, to believing their pets recognise their voice. But they should be aware it is not just our four-legged friends who might find themselves feeling bad after a call from a place in the sun. With as many as a third of us being served unexpected roaming charges after a trip abroad, costing on average more than 90 per trip, needy pet owners could be in financial hot water. They may be running up massive phone bills - perhaps just to keep in touch with their pooch. The yearning for their furry friends from afar sees nearly half (48 per cent) of pet owners video call their pets while on holiday, with a fifth checking an animal cam. Pictured: File photo Gen Z pet parents should watch out for this the most - they are the neediest of all animal owners, with 70 per cent of them admitting to calling their pets while away. An enormous 61 per cent of Gen Z animal owners also confessed speaking to their pets while on holiday helps them feel less homesick. For those who do choose to FaceTime their pets, Mr Alleyne said like anything, preparation is key to managing any adverse reactions from your furry friend. He said: 'Familiarise your pet with a particular piece of music or a favourite song for a few weeks before you leave them for longer periods, particularly playing it at times when the dog is relaxed, chewing or resting. 'Have it playing in the background when you call. This can help to manage your dog's excitement or confusion levels during your call.' Mr Alleyne also had some suggestions as to how to make the most out of any time spent on the phone to our four-legged friends. He reminded animal lovers as much as we like to think our pets understand everything we say, it is sadly not the truth. Tone of voice and a couple of meaningful words or phrases are more important: 'Excitable, high-pitched voices will arouse the dog, increasing the likelihood of them becoming anxious and frustrated when you hang up. For pet owners who find absence makes the heart grow fonder, dog trainer Rob Alleyne offered some advice - and it was not to call so often, or perhaps even at all. Pictured: File photo 'Instead, adopt a calm, soothing tone to help keep your pet calm. 'Spend some time creating words and phrases that will mean something to your pet when they hear them.' An O2 spokesperson said: 'We know how important it is to keep connected whilst on holiday, which is why O2 is the only major UK network to offer inclusive EU roaming as standard to 49 European destinations. 'Our new research shows that it's not just friends and family that we want to stay in touch with, but our pets too. 'With more reasons to call home than ever before, it's even more important that your mobile provider has your back while you're abroad and that you check your tariff before travelling.' Diane Abbott today labelled Sir Keir Starmer's speech about Britain becoming an 'island of strangers' as 'fundamentally racist'. Announcing his immigration white paper last month, the Prime Minister said his new strategy would 'finally take back control of our borders and close the book on a squalid chapter'. He added: 'Without [rules], we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together.' The speech quickly caused uproar within the Labour left, with some likening it to Enoch Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech - claims which Sir Keir has since rejected. The comparison was drawn due to the similarity of tone in Mr Powell's speech in 1968, in which the former Tory MP said the white population could become 'strangers in their own country' due to future migration. And Ms Abbott, who was the first-ever black female MP, continued to stoke the flames against the Prime Minister today when speaking at an anti-austerity march in London. She said: 'I was very disturbed to hear Keir Starmer on the subject of immigration. 'He talked about closing the book on a squalid chapter for our politics immigrants represent a squalid chapter. Dianne Abbott (above) today labelled Sir Keir Starmer 's speech about Britain becoming an 'island of strangers' as 'fundamentally racist' Announcing his immigration white paper last month, the Prime Minister (above) said his new strategy would 'finally take back control of our borders and close the book on a squalid chapter' The speech quickly caused uproar within the Labour left, with some likening it to Enoch Powell's (above) 'Rivers of Blood' speech - claims which Sir Keir has since rejected 'He talked about how he thought immigration has done incalculable damage to this green and pleasant land, which, of course, is nonsense immigrants built this land. 'And finally, he said we risk becoming an island of strangers. I thought that was a fundamentally racist thing to say. It is contrary to Britain's history. 'My parents came to this country in the 50s. They were not strangers. They helped to build this country.' Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell joined Ms Abbott in the criticism of Sir Keir's last month, saying his comments were 'shockingly divisive' and that it 'reflected the language of Enoch Powell'. Fellow left-winger Zarah Sultana, who like Mr McDonnell also has the Labour whip suspended, said that the PM 'imitating' Mr Powell's speech was 'sickening'. Labour MP Olivia Blake said: 'Moves to cast migrants as strangers are divisive and hostile.' A Government source said Sir Keir had not been aware of a similarity with Mr Powell's speech, adding: 'It was absolutely not a reference to Powell. The PM's speech was about the need for integration.' Ms Abbott led speeches today as demonstrators gathered to march against the Government's spending cuts at an event organised by The People's Assembly Ms Abbott, who has served as an MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987, took further aim at Sir Keir by saying he was imitating Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in a bid to improve his popularity. She said: 'I think Keir Starmer is quite wrong to say that the way that you beat Reform is to copy Reform.' Ms Abbott led speeches today as demonstrators gathered to march against the Government's spending cuts at an event organised by The People's Assembly (TPA). When promoting the march, TPA said 'Keir Starmers government is making spending cuts that target the poorest, most vulnerable in society.' The event featured representatives from the Green Party, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, the National Education Union and the Revolutionary Communist Party. President Donald Trump warned that Elon Musk would face 'very serious consequences' if he was to start bankrolling Democratic candidates. Their relationship disintegrated earlier this week as the former allies battled it out on social media after disagreeing on Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill.' Speaking with NBC News' Kristen Welker on Saturday, Trump was asked what he would do if Musk crossed the political aisle and donated to Democrats. 'If he does, he'll have to pay the consequences for that. He'll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that', he told out the outlet. Musk, who is worth $330 billion, was a major contributor to Trump's presidential campaign - spending at least $250 million in supporting his race for the White House last year. Asked specifically if he thought his relationship with the mega-billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is over, Trump responded: 'I would assume so, yeah.' 'I'm too busy doing other things. I won an election in a landslide. I gave him a lot of breaks, long before this happened,' he said. 'I gave him breaks in my first administration, and saved his life in my first administration, I have no intention of speaking to him', Trump added. Their relationship disintegrated earlier this week as the former allies battled it out on social media after disagreeing on Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' Musk, worth $330 billion, was a major contributor to Trump's presidential campaign Musk already said that he would be cutting back on spending on political campaigns ahead of next years midterm elections. The president also accused Musk of being 'disrespectful to the office of the president.' 'I think it's a very bad thing, because he's very disrespectful,' Trump said. 'You could not disrespect the office of the president.' During their spat, Musk even suggested in a since-deleted post that Trump had been named in the government files involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Responding to that remark, Trump said: 'That's called "old news," that's been old news, that has been talked about for years. 'Even Epstein's lawyer said I had nothing to do with it. It's old news.' The two dialed back their barbs at each other by Friday night, with both saying that they wished each other well. But by that point, the damage to their relationship looked to be done. Following the outbreak of their feud, Trump and his allies have said Musk turned on the bill because it cuts subsidies for electric vehicles. Musk has said he doesn't need them anyway. Musk has already said that he would be cutting back on spending on political campaigns ahead of next years midterm elections Musk, Trump and Vance are seen here during a campaign event in October of last year The bill is estimated to add another $3.8 trillion to the national debt, which currently stands at a whopping $36 trillion. Musk went public with his criticism in a series of posts on X, arguing that the spending would wipe out the efforts of his DOGE team. 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 a 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 disturbed him.' Over the weekend, Trump pulled the nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Isaacman worked alongside Musk at SpaceX. Musk receives a golden key from U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on May 30 Reports have since emerged that the nomination of Isaacman being rescinded was in part because of the interference of Sergio Gor, the director of the Presidential Personnel Office. The New York Times had first reported that both Musk and some of those inside the White House had pinned the blame for the dust-up on Gor. Musk and Gor have had a sour relationship for months, stemming from what Axios described as Gor's 'resentment' of Musk's involvement in personnel issues. The Washington Post also reported that Gor had made it clear that he would find a way to get back at Musk, which turned out to be Isaacman's nomination. Trump had said he rescinded the nomination due to donations he had made to the Democrats over the years. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview tried to downplay the feud. He said Musk was making a 'huge mistake' going after Trump, but called him an 'emotional guy' getting frustrated. 'I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe thats not possible now because hes gone so nuclear,' Vance said. Vance said that Musks DOGE, which sought to cut government spending and laid off thousands of workers, was 'really good.' He had made the comments as he spoke with comedian Theo Von, which was taped on Thursday as Musk's posts were unfurling on X. Von showed the veep Musks claim that Trumps administration hasnt released all the records related to Epstein because Trump is mentioned in them. Vance responded to that, saying, 'Absolutely not. Donald Trump didnt do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein.' 'This stuff is just not helpful,' Vance said in response to another post shared by Musk calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced with Vance. 'Its totally insane. The president is doing a good job.' Vance also defended the bill that has drawn Musk's ire, and said its central goal was not to cut spending but to extend the 2017 tax cuts approved in Trump's first term. A body has been found by police probing the disappearance of a Colombian woman after she left her east London home, as a man appeared in court today charged with her murder. Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, was reported missing to the Metropolitan Police on May 31 having left her home in Ilford on the morning of May 29. Her family has been told about the discovery of the body, which was found during searches in Hampshire's Bolderwood area on Saturday, but formal identification has yet to be made. Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. 'We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.' A post-mortem examination has yet to take place. The police said a man who was known to Ms Castro Mendez appeared in court on Friday charged with her murder and was remanded into custody. Her disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers. A body has been discovered by police probing the disappearance of Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, (pictured) who was reported missing last Saturday, May 31 A man known to the Colombian national appeared in court on Friday charged with her murder, as the force continue to appeal for information from the public The investigation was then transferred to the Met's Specialist Crime Command on June 5, after a range of extensive further inquiries suggested she had come to harm. Police were at a scene in Gray's Inn Road, Camden, on Friday as part of their investigation. Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden said in a statement yesterday that the investigation is ongoing. He said: 'Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and there are crime scenes in place across Camden and Lambeth. 'We thank the community for their patience while we carry out our enquiries and ask that any one with information please comes forward.' Anyone with information relating to Ms Mendez's disappearance has been urged to contact the police via 101 or @MetCC quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25. Alternatively you can remain anonymous by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting Crimestoppers-uk.org. A mass arrest of undocumented immigrants in New York City sparked chaos, with protestors swarming the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in an attempt to block agency vehicles from leaving. Around 100 protestors gathered Saturday afternoon outside ICE's Manhattan field office in Tribeca, staging an hours-long demonstration and holding their ground amid a heavy law enforcement presence. 'New York will protect their neighbors,' a bystander, who wished to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com. The clash came just a day after federal immigration agents faced off with protesters during a series of raids across downtown Los Angeles. On Saturday, tensions boiled over in New York as protestors screamed in officers' faces, some lunging forward in a show of defiance, while police stood locked in formation behind barricades, unmoved amid the chaos. Amid the uproar, some protesters waved signs reading 'F*** ICE' as police struggled to push the crowd back behind barricades, ordering demonstrators onto the sidewalk to regain control of the scene. Some protesters came equipped with goggles and various types of masks, seemingly bracing to be potentially hit with tear gas. some protesters waved signs reading 'F*** ICE' as police struggled to push the crowd back behind barricades, ordering demonstrators onto the sidewalk to regain control of the scene Around 100 protestors gathered Saturday afternoon outside ICE's Manhattan field office in Tribeca, staging an hours-long demonstration and holding their ground amid a heavy law enforcement presence The demonstration quickly escalated as defiant New Yorkers held their ground in the streets. Tensions peaked when police began zip-tying protesters - at least six or seven, according to witnesses - as the standoff intensified. It remains unclear whether the New York protest was directly connected to the demonstrations that erupted in California. At the same time as the unrest in New York City, protests were also erupting across the country outside ICEs Los Angeles headquarters. On Saturday afternoon, ICE agents launched a large scale raid at a Home Depot, as rioters rapidly converged on the scene. The day before, ICE agents were spotted at another Home Depot, an apartment complex, federal courts and even in the fashion district in downtown Los Angeles. All protests came just days after Donald Trump's watch dog Stephen Miller demanded ICE crackdown on migrants at popular shopping destinations to bolster their arrest numbers. Crowds of protesters swarmed the officers on Friday in an attempt to stop the detentions. Tensions peaked when police began zip-tying protesters - at least six or seven, according to witnesses - as the standoff intensified The demonstration quickly escalated as defiant New Yorkers held their ground in the streets The clash came just a day after federal immigration agents faced off with protesters during a series of raids across downtown Los Angeles However, the efforts of the LA protests were unsuccessful Friday and at least 45 people across seven locations were detained, according to Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Executive Director Angelica Salas. One of those detainees has been identified as Service Employees International Union California President David Huerta, who was pepper-sprayed and injured while being taken into custody, Mayor Karen Bass told NBC Los Angeles. Footage from local news station KABC showed officers throwing smoke bombs or flash bangs on the street to disperse the people so they could drive away in SUVs, vans and military-style vehicles. In one video, a person was seen running backward with their hands on the hood of a moving white SUV in an effort to block the vehicle. The person fell backward, landing flat on the ground. The SUV backed up, drove around the individual and sped off as others on the street threw objects at it. Other video showed people being handcuffed by federal authorities in a Home Depot parking lot. At one of the spots, immigrant-rights advocates used megaphones to speak to the workers inside a store, reminding them of their constitutional rights and instructing them not to sign anything or say anything to federal agents. The advocates also told the federal agents that lawyers wanted access to the workers, and sometimes yelled out specific names. Crowds of protesters swarmed the officers in an attempt to stop their detentions ICE agents taped off one building to control the crowds while they loaded detainees into vans Protesters took to the streets to try and block ICE vehicles carrying detained immigrants Mayor Bass said neither her nor the Los Angeles Police Department were warned about the activity. The Los Angeles raids come as White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has reportedly demanded ICE agents raid Home Depots and 7-Elevens as part of his lofty new target for arrests of illegal migrants. Miller, one of Donald Trump's biggest hawks on immigration, said last week that Trump wants the agency to conduct 3,000 arrests every single day in an ambitious effort to ramp up his deportation agenda. He and 'border czar' Tom Homan have both suggested that the numbers are not currently where they want them. Homan backed the ambitious new benchmark on Thursday morning, insisting: 'We've gotta' increase these arrests and removals.' 'The numbers are good, but I'm not satisfied. I haven't been satisfied all year long.' During Trump's first 100 days back in office, ICE officials arrested 66,463 illegal immigrants. A pro-Israel campaigner was left stunned when a police officer explained that saying 'Jews are baby killers' was 'in the same vein' as holding a placard stating 'Hamas are rapists'. The visibly shocked man was provided with that answer during a vigil in Brighton, East Sussex, which was held on Saturday to remember victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, as well as the 55 hostages that remain in Gaza. Campaign group Sussex Friends of Israel, which has shared footage of the incident on social media, tonight accused Sussex Police of 'downplaying' anti-Semitism after the officer 'disagreed' that the evocative words amounted to racial incitement. The incident was sparked after a group of youths allegedly heckled vigil participants by saying 'Jews are baby killers'. As seen on the footage, one of the pro-Israel supporters approached a police officer to complain. He tells the officer: 'This man has just said that Jews kill children. That is a racially aggravated barb intended to incite hatred. 'I wanted to stress [that by saying that] he intends harm to me and other Jews.' The officer then responded that while he had heard the comment, people were allowed to 'express views'. A pro-Israel campaigner was left stunned when a police officer explained that saying 'Jews are baby killers' was 'in the same vein' as holding a placard stating ' Hamas are rapists' The incident was sparked after a group of youths allegedly heckled vigil participants in Brighton, East Sussex, by saying 'Jews are baby killers' Campaign group Sussex Friends of Israel, which has shared footage of the incident on social media, tonight accused Sussex Police of 'downplaying' antisemitism after the officer 'disagreed' that the evocative words amounted to racial incitement He explained: 'I heard him say that, I'm not going to disagree that he didn't say it, but we are in a public forum where people can express views. 'I disagree that its a racially aggravated remark and at the same time there was a sign up there not too long ago saying 'Hamas Are Rapists', which I would suggest is in the same vein as the argument you have just made.' A second campaigner then stepped forward to say that he 'takes a great objection' to what the officer has just told them. 'Think about this for a second. 'Jews are baby killers' is in the same vein as stating 'Hamas are rapists'. Think about it,' he urges the officer. The officer responds: 'I'm simply saying that the tone of the messages that are used are very similar. 'I'm not going to get into an argument with you in the street...[they are] simply expressing their views in relative calmness. 'If they are going to start causing issues, we will be there to prevent them from doing that. 'But while we are having an argument and a simple back and forth discussion on the street we're not going to get anywhere are we?' After a pair of vigil participants approached an officer to complain he told them: 'We will agree to disagree on that aspect' The officer asked the pair to return to the rest of the group 'to stop an unnecessary escalation' The vigil participant however disagrees. He tells him: 'Jews are an ethnicity, Hamas are a proscribed terrorist organisation. Having a poster saying 'Hamas Are Rapists' is not in the same vein as saying 'Jews are baby killers.' There's no similarity whatsoever.' The officer shakes his head and tells the men: 'We will agree to disagree on that aspect.' He then asks the pair to return to the rest of the group 'to stop an unnecessary escalation.' One of the men however tells the officer: 'If they come and heckle us we have a right to respond.' In a post on X tonight, Sussex Friends of Israel accused Sussex Police of making a 'shocking false equivalence'. The group said: 'At today's peaceful rally in support of Israel, held to remember the hostages murdered and taken on October 7th, we were confronted by a group of masked, aggressive youths shouting anti-Semitic slurs, including 'Jews are baby killers.' 'When we raised this with the police, the liaison sergeant in charge refused to recognise the comment as racially aggravated. In a post on X tonight, Sussex Friends of Israel accused Sussex Police of making a 'shocking false equivalence'. 'Incredibly, he claimed it was 'in the same vein' as our placard stating 'Hamas are rapists.' 'This shocking false equivalence not only downplays vile antisemitism, but shows a complete failure by the police to uphold their duty throughout the event.' Tonight antisemitism campaigners told MailOnline the officer had seemingly failed to 'tell the difference between a minority and a terrorist organisation' and described the incident as 'appalling'. Stephen Silverman, director of Investigations and Enforcement at Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: 'Britain has descended to a place where police officers cannot tell the difference between incitement against a minority that they are supposed to be protecting and a proscribed terrorist organisation that they are supposed to be defending our country against. 'This embarrassing, pathetic excuse for policing is the product of the appeasement of extremists and racists that our police have engaged in since 'Free Palestine' thugs first started shouting abuse and mobbing our streets 20 months ago. 'Sussex Police need to apologise for this appalling incident and find the perpetrator who had been right under their officers' noses, but more importantly the Government needs to take charge and tell our police forces to get a grip. 'When police can't tell the difference between a minority and a terrorist organisation, it's not just demoralising, it's actually dangerous.' In a statement to MailOnline Sussex Police said: 'We are aware of a video on social media and concerns raised at demonstrations at the Clock Tower in Brighton on June 7. 'This footage is being reviewed and we will ensure any offences are fully investigated in line with relevant legislation, taking all factors into account. 'Officers facilitate peaceful protest, and a police presence was in place to keep people safe and minimise disruption to the wider community. 'This was a complex policing operation, and we are aware that the ongoing conflict in Israel and in Gaza is generating public concern that impacts communities globally and locally. 'Officers are engaging with communities and partners to ensure people feel safe and protected. 'Anyone who experiences threatening behaviour is urged to contact Sussex Police.' A Labour politician who lobbied for the Fire Brigades Union in Parliament was last night under fire for failing to declare her marriage to one of its senior policy officers. Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana married the FBUs Craig Lloyd last August - and then went on to speak up for key FBU demands in the Commons, including calling for more funding for fire services. In the months leading up to the wedding, when the pair were living together in London, Corbynista Ms Sultana accepted a 10,000 donation from the union for her re-election campaign. Both before and after the wedding she has also been the chair of the FBUs Parliamentary Group, the unions political campaign team. Under the parliamentary code of conduct, MPs are meant to declare anything that could be seen to influence them as well as declaring any family members involved in lobbying the Government. Last night, Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the committee on standards in public life, said he had no doubt that Ms Sultana should declare that relationship as part of her interests as an MP. He added: In the role that she admits that he has, clearly he is bound to have a dialogue with the MP about the issues and about his relationship with Ministers. So I think it would be absolutely appropriate for her to declare that relationship. Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty said: Ms Sultana should declare this relationship in the interests of openness and transparency. As MPs, we all have a duty to let voters know if our family life has any bearing on our work at Westminster. Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana (right) married the Fire Brigades Union's Craig Lloyd (left) last August - and then went on to speak up for key FBU demands in the Commons In the months leading up to the wedding, when the pair were living together in London , Corbynista Ms Sultana (centre) accepted a 10,000 donation from the union for her re-election campaign (Pictured with Jeremy Corbyn and Mick Lynch) Under the parliamentary code of conduct, MPs are meant to declare anything that could be seen to influence them as well as declaring any family members involved in lobbying the Government Approached for comment by the MoS, Ms Sultana launched an astonishing attack on the Labour Party, making unsubstantiated and false claims that it was a smear from the Labour right and that it was revenge for her remarks linking Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein. She did not respond to repeated questions of whether she should have declared the relationship. These latest revelations come just a week after the MoS revealed that Labour MP Mary Foy is in an undeclared relationship with militant former fireman Matt Wrack, who led the FBU for two decades until January. Ms Foy introduced Early Day Motions on behalf of the union, had a union staff member seconded to her office and accepted its 2,000 donation - all while in a relationship with its boss. She has since referred herself to Parliaments standards watchdog. MPs are required to declare any relevant interests which might reasonably be thought by others to influence their actions, according to the code of conduct. They are also required to declare any family members involved in lobbying, including their spouses and cohabiting partners. Lobbying is defined as those working in a professional capacity to attempt to influence, or advise those who want to influence, the Government or public sector at any level. It is not limited to only those who are employed as lobbyists. Mr Lloyd was behind an FBU guide called how to lobby your MP published in 2022. In the guide, which told union members how to ask for their MPs support for union demands, his email was listed as being available to help follow up on all contacts with politicians. Approached for comment by the MoS, Ms Sultana (above) launched an astonishing attack on the Labour Party, making unsubstantiated and false claims that it was a smear from the Labour right and that it was revenge for her remarks linking Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein Mr Lloyd (above) was behind an FBU guide called how to lobby your MP published in 2022. In the guide, which told union members how to ask for their MPs support for union demands, his email was listed as being available to help follow up on all contacts with politicians As a senior researcher and policy officer, Mr Lloyd was involved in various FBU policy campaigns. Last year he was publicly thanked by a senior official for working on the contribution that this union made to the Scottish Governments budget considerations. He was also seconded by the FBU in 2021 to work with Momentum - a leftwing pressure group which campaigns to change the Labour Party - according to a report published by the Campaign for a Democratic FBU. His wife Ms Sultana has called for proper funding and resources for the fire service and has pledged her support for two Early Day Motions introduced on the FBUs behalf in Parliament. During the relationship, she also voted against a Bill requiring unions to provide minimum service levels during strikes - in line with FBU demands. Approached by the MoS, Ms Sultana refused to say whether she thought she should have declared the relationship. Ms Sultana was suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party last summer alongside six other Labour MPs after voting against the Government on the two-child benefit cap. She said: As the right wing of the Labour Party are devoid of principles, they cant understand that I support the FBU and other trade unions not because of personal relationships or personal gain, but because I am a trade unionist. Ive always stood with workers across the country long before I met my partner, who has never had a role lobbying MPs. His role in the FBU is Senior Researcher, which involves engaging with internal Labour Party processes and liaison with Ministers, neither of which involve me as a backbench MP. Ms Sultana (above) was suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party last summer alongside six other Labour MPs after voting against the Government on the two-child benefit cap She said: As the right wing of the Labour Party are devoid of principles, they cant understand that I support the FBU and other trade unions not because of personal relationships or personal gain, but because I am a trade unionist' Trade unions are not lobbyists. They represent working people, the majority of the public, unlike the lobbyists for private business and powerful Governments who have the ear of many other politicians, including Sir Keir Starmer. Unlike them, I dont work for the wealthy or the well-connected. This is nothing more than a desperate smear from the Labour right because I called out Peter Mandelsons links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and Morgan McSweeney for copying Enoch Powells fascist language. For reference: I wouldnt use [the MoS] even if I ran out of toilet paper. Last night an FBU spokesman said: The FBU is proud to campaign for and work closely with Labour MPs who champion the cause of workers rights at Westminster. Our staff and officials played a pivotal role in campaigning to ensure that Labours General Election manifesto included a plan to extend employment rights such as banning zero-hour contracts and outlawing fire and rehire. That was a highly positive intervention by the FBU and a huge step forward for working people. 'The FBUs funding of the Labour Party and election campaigns is completely transparent. It is the cleanest money in politics and is in stark contrast to that of the Tories and Reform UK who are bankrolled by the super rich. Every political donation made by the union goes through a democratic process and is agreed by the FBUs elected executive council. At least four people have been killed and more than 60 people injured after Russia unleashed 'the most powerful attack' since the start of the war with Ukraine, officials said on Saturday. Drones, missiles and guided bombs pelted down on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv during the overnight assault, with the injured said to include a baby. One of Ukraine's largest cities, Kharkiv is located just a few dozen kilometres from the Russian border and has been under constant Russian shelling during more than three years of war. 'Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war,' city mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said on Telegram on Saturday. Dozens of explosions were heard in the city throughout Friday night and Russian troops were striking simultaneously with missiles, drones and guided aerial bombs, he said. Multi-storey and private residential buildings, educational and infrastructure facilities were attacked, Terekhov noted. Photographs released by local authorities and Reuters showed burnt and partially destroyed houses and vehicles, and of rescuers carrying those injured to safety and removing debris. Kharkiv governor Oleh Syniehubov said that one of the city's civilian industrial facilities was attacked by 40 drones, one missile and four bombs, causing a fire, adding there may still be people under the rubble. At least four people have been killed and more than 60 people injured after Russia unleashed 'the most powerful attack' since the start of the war with Ukraine Drones, missiles and guided bombs pelted down on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv during the overnight assault Kharkiv has been under constant Russian shelling during more than three years of war In the evening, Russian aircraft once again attacked Kharkiv with guided bombs, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called 'another brutal murder'. 'It was a brutal blow to the city in broad daylight, and in fact, they have been attacking our city of Kharkiv for the entire day,' Zelenskiy said in his evening statement. 'Last night, there was a massive drone strike on Kharkiv, and now there are aerial bombs. Dozens of people have been injured in the past 24 hours.' he said. The Ukrainian military said Russia launched 206 drones, two ballistic and seven other missiles against Ukraine overnight. It said its air defence units shot down 87 drones while another 80 drones were lost - in reference to the Ukrainian military using electronic warfare to redirect them - or they were drone simulators that did not carry warheads. Ten locations were hit, the military reported. The attack took place amid a stalling of a large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine expected to have taken place this weekend. Both sides accused the other of delaying and thwarting the swap, which has been the only concrete outcome of peace talks to date. Dozens of explosions were heard in the city throughout Friday night and Russian troops were striking simultaneously with missiles, drones and guided aerial bombs Multi-storey and private residential buildings, educational and infrastructure facilities were attacked on Saturday Rescuers have warned there could still be survivors amongst the rubble and smouldering remains of buildings Buildings were set ablaze during the massive Russian attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine Emergency crews turned out in force to deal with the aftermath of the attack on Saturday Smoke rises above one of multiple buildings hit during the Russian attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine Firefighters were out in force to extinguish any smouldering buildings set alight by missiles At talks in Istanbul on Monday, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to release all wounded soldiers and those aged under 25 who had been captured - more than 1,000 people on each side. Russia said it would also hand back the remains of 6,000 killed Ukrainian soldiers. Moscow on Saturday accused Ukraine of not turning up to collect the bodies and not agreeing a date to swap the captured soldiers, while Kyiv said Russia was playing 'dirty games' by not sticking to the agreed parameters for the exchange. 'The Ukrainian side has unexpectedly postponed for an indefinite period both the acceptance of the bodies and the exchange of prisoners of war,' Russia's top negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said on social media. A defence ministry spokesman said 'the Ukrainian side is still refraining from setting a date' for the first stage of the prisoner swap. The exchange was set to be the largest of the war, topping last month's 1,000-for-1,000 swap that was agreed at a first round of talks in Istanbul. After the Istanbul talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it would take place this weekend, while Russia said it was ready for Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Responding to Russia's accusations, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said no date had been agreed for the return of bodies. A Ukrainian woman looks distressed in the aftermath of the massive Russian attack Ukrainian police and medical workers help an injured teenager in the aftermath of the attack One of the Russian bombs hit the Children's Railway in Khrakiv, where youngsters could train as railway engineers The Children's Railway was all but decimated following a barrage of missiles and bombs Civilians are seen following the two-hour Russian attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine A police officer gives first aid to a civilian heavily wounded in Russia's attack on Saturday A woman looks on at her damaged residential building after Kharkiv endured a heavy attack A resident of Kharkiv looks at his surroundings following the 'most powerful attack' on Ukraine since the start of the war It also said a list of names Russia said would be released did not match the terms of the agreement. 'Unfortunately, instead of constructive dialogue, we are again faced with manipulations,' it said in a statement on social media. 'We call on the Russian side to stop playing dirty games and return to constructive work to bring people back to both sides and to clearly implement the agreement in the coming days,' it added. Following the attack on Kharkiv, Zelensky urged Kyiv's Western backers to heap more 'pressure' on Russia, with at least 10 people killed in the barrage. Three people were also killed in the frontline Donetsk region, which has seen the most intense fighting of the war, and three more in the Kherson region, also partially occupied by Moscow's forces. Since Russia invaded in February 2022, tens of thousands have been killed, with millions forced to flee their homes as cities and villages across eastern Ukraine have been destroyed. The Ukrainian air force said Russia had fired 206 drones and nine missiles in the overnight barrage. Russia's defence ministry said it had launched a 'group strike' against 'military-industrial' facilities in Ukraine. A woman reacts as she looks on a multi-storey building damaged by the Russian strike A local resident holds a dog as they look at firefighters extinguishing a fire at a multi-storey residential building in the Ukrainian city A destroyed house lies in rubble after Russian shelling pounded the Ukrainian city on Saturday A man throws his hands into the air in disbelief as emergency services arrive to help residents Despite talks, the two sides have made no progress towards halting the fighting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a host of sweeping demands on Ukraine as preconditions to a truce. They include completely pulling troops out of four regions claimed by Russia, but which its army does not fully control, an end to Western military support and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO. Zelensky has rejected them as 'old ultimatums' and on Saturday repeated his call for sanctions on Moscow. 'The Russians are preparing to continue the war, ignoring all peace proposals. They must be held accountable for this,' he said in his evening address. 'Pressure forced Russia to enter the negotiation process. Pressure can force Russia to become realistic in the negotiation process,' he added. A British businessman accused of spying for China ran a campaign of harassment against a US-based Chinese dissident artist from his 1.5m home in Tunbridge Wells, according to court documents. John Miller, who the MoS last week revealed was the subject of an FBI sting operation, is accused of targeting Hui Bo, 67, a vocal critic of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. An FBI indictment reveals that at the time, Miller who has permanent residency right in the US was living in Britain. Along with his handler Cui Guanghai, he is accused of organising surveillance and even plans to assault and shoot Mr Hui. Last week Mr Hui revealed FBI agents visited his home in Los Angeles in October 2023 and told him his life was in danger. He said: 'They told me that my behaviour and my artwork had p***** off the Chinese government and that [the government] had organised a plot to catch me and hurt me.' Mr Hui was told to move, but he refused, and so was put under FBI guard, while cameras were installed at his home. Court documents claimed Miller and Cui wanted to dissuade the artist from protesting against President Xi Jinping during his visit to San Francisco in November 2023. John Miller (pictured), who the MoS last week revealed was the subject of an FBI sting operation, is accused of targeting Hui Bo, 67, a vocal critic of Chinese leader Xi Jinping Along with his handler Cui Guanghai (pictured together), he is accused of organising surveillance and even plans to assault and shoot Mr Hui Court documents claimed Miller and Cui (pictured together) wanted to dissaude the artist from protesting against President Xi Jinping during his visit to San Francisco in November 2023 Miller and Cui continued harassing him even after the visit, say investigators. But the two 'henchmen' they hired to plant a GPS device in Mr Hui's car and slash his tyres were actually undercover FBI agents. Father-of-two Mr Hui, said: 'I could never have imagined that they [Chinese regime] would hire a British person to commit transnational repression against me.' He helped the FBI agents in their sting by allowing them to take the air out his tyres to make it seem as if they had been slashed. In bugged telephone chats, Miller told the FBI agents he wanted Mr Hui shot or assaulted, so that the 'message is, you're not walkingthat's the sort of extreme message.' Miller and Cui then attempted to buy an embarrassing sculpture Mr Hui made of Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, sitting down naked from waist-up, for 26,000. Mr Hui also revealed how his ageing parents in China were harassed every time he took part in protests against the Beijing regime in the US. But as his parents are now out of China, he will continue to criticise the regime. He said: 'My biggest weakness was my parents, but now that they have moved ... I can start speaking up about what we have been through. I cannot succumb to fear. I cannot give up.' A female knife attacker has reportedly injured two people in Munich's famed Oktoberfest square before she was shot by police. The 30-year-old perpetrator is said to have first stabbed a 56-year-old man in the German city's Westendstrasse. She then went on to attack a 25-year-old woman on Schwanthalerhohe are of the Bavarian city. The woman was shot by police near Theresienweise, where Munich's world-renowned Oktoberfest takes place, at around 8pm (CEST). Emergency surgery was performed on the woman following the incident, but police have confirmed that she has since died from her injuries. According to a police spokesperson, the victims and the attacker are not believed to have been known to one another. The motives of the attacker, who is said to have lived nearby the scene, are currently unknown. The force have also said there is no further danger posed to the public. A female knife attacker has reportedly injured two people in Munich's famed Oktoberfest square The 30-year-old perpetrator is said to have first stabbed a 56-year-old man in the German city's Westendstrasse, before then attacking a 25-year-old woman Armed officers as well as Munich's Criminal Investigation Department remain on the scene, which is currently cordoned off to the public. Sniffer dogs remain on the hunt for clues at the Oktoberfest site, as bandages were seen laying the ground. Joachim Herrman, Bavaria's Interior Minister, told Bild: 'I am very grateful to the Munich police for their swift intervention and stopping the knife attacker. 'Her death is regrettable, but unfortunately, it was probably unavoidable.' In a statment, Munich Police sadi: 'On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Munich police were notified at around 7:45 p.m. that a woman had injured a person with a knife in the Theresienwiese area. 'According to current information, she injured a 56-year-old man with a knife in the Westendstrae area. Shortly thereafter, she also injured a 25-year-old woman with a knife near Schwanthaler Hohe. 'When the perpetrator was encountered by officers in the Bavariaring area at St. Pauls-Platz and was about to be arrested, police used firearms. 'The woman was injured and subsequently taken to a hospital. She died there shortly thereafter. The woman was a 30-year-old resident of Munich. 'The further investigation was taken over on site by Police Department 11. Regarding the police use of firearms, the investigation is being conducted by the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office. 'Further verified information cannot be provided at this time, as the necessary investigations are currently underway by the Criminal Investigation Department.' Palm reading is out, and foot reading is in. That's according to the UK's leading expert, Jane Sheehan, who has a host of celebrity clients and has been in the business for more than 25 years. There's a belief that our toes and soles give a glimpse into our character and motivations, much like palm-reading. According to Jane, the top of the foot is what you want the world to know, and the bottom is what's really going on. The celebrity foot reader works by studying the shapes and positions of toes to analyse a person's personality and behaviour. When it comes to royal feet, Jane told MailOnline she expects to see leadership, which is seen in a foot through an elongated second toe. In ancient Greece, a longer second toe was considered an ideal of physical perfection and was often depicted in sculptures. In some forms of psychic foot reading, a long second toe is interpreted as a sign of royal ancestry. Princess Eugenie, Sarah Ferguson and Princess Beatrice are pictured barefoot. Both sisters have an elongated second toe, according to foot reader Jane Sheehan Meghan Markle is pictured wearing open-toe sandals. The former actress is previously said to have disliked her feet The foot expert said Kate Middleton has toes which are straight, symbolising balance Jane said this trait can be seen in sisters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. Eugenie has an elongated second toe only but Beatrice has a longer second and third toe. Jane said: 'Beatrice has extra drive and determination that she can do twice as much as the next person, given the time and resources.' This trait can also be seen in Charlene of Monaco, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and the late Princess Diana. Meghan Markle has an elongated second toe but Kate hasn't. She said: 'In this photograph of Meghan, it says that she's motivated to help others, has natural leadership qualities, but if she's not in a leadership role she could become bossy. 'It shows that she's a multitasker. Her little toe is very short which indicates a childlike sense of fun and appreciation of the simple things in life. 'The other toes are pretty straight, unlike some of the other members of the Royal Family I have seen. 'To me, that says balance, which doesn't fit what is portrayed about her in the media. In some forms of psychic foot reading, a long second toe is interpreted as a sign of royal ancestry Jane said: 'Beatrice has extra drive and determination that she can do twice as much as the next person, given the time and resources' 'She's got a mix of qualities. She's got a very wide top of the foot and a very narrow bottom of the foot. 'I see this as someone a bit like the Duracell bunny. They keep going and it takes a long time to get them to sit down. But once they do, that's it. They're full on or they're off and not much in between.' In the past it has been claimed in the past that Meghan 'hated' her feet and she would usually wear long hemlines, heeled pumps, ballet flats, boots or trainers - meaning her toes were always hidden from view. But in recent years she has opted for open-toe sandals more often. Jane said: 'I always say in my classes, ask people what they think about their feet, because it's a metaphorical clue about how they feel about themselves. 'If you always wear closed shoes, you want more privacy. 'If your preference is for more open shoes it's like "this is me, take it or leave it, this is who I am". 'To me this would indicate that before, she wanted privacy, and now she wants people to know who she is. She wants to be more natural.' 'White nail polish is the idea of unity and peace, which Meghan chose to wear in this photo,' according to Jane Jane said: 'Kate's toes appear more in line with each other, which suggests methodical, detail-oriented traits and that she doesn't like to be interrupted in the middle of something' Jane added: 'Kate's toes appear more in line with each other, which suggests methodical, detail-oriented traits and that she doesn't like to be interrupted in the middle of something. 'Added to that she has a short big toe which means multi-tasker. She's quite different from the others.' Another royal whose feet provide a different reading is Zara Tindall. Jane said: 'Her third toe is leaning towards the big toe and titled which means she has a 360 degree approach to what she's doing. 'She analyses what's already happened and then looks ahead at the next steps. 'Her fourth toe is titled with the nail looking towards the little toe which shows she is excited to meet new people rather than hang around with people she's known for years. 'She also has her little toe on its side, which means unconventional and rebellious. Sophie has this as well.' Jane said: 'Zara's third toe is leaning towards the big toe and titled which means she has a 360 degree approach to what she's doing' 'I would read Sophie's nail polish colour as her wanting more fun and love in her life,' said the expert According to Jane, there are similarities between Kate and Diana's personalities, as shown through her feet. She said: 'Kate's feet show that she has big shoulders for other people to cry on. She's a good listener which you can see through the extra ledge by the little toe. 'Oprah Winfrey has the same thing. In the photo Diana also has this extra ledge but she also has a joint that is sticking up on the top of the foot. 'This shows having responsibilities dumped on your shoulders which you didn't ask for and you feel resistance to it. 'Like Kate, Diana's feet show she valued people she had known for years. This is indicated by the curve of the fourth toe towards the big toe.' Diana has a crease on the top joint of the second toe which indicates secrecy, according to the celebrity foot reader. 'This indicates being emotionally adaptable, knowing when to hold on to her feelings and when to show them.' Jane added that the nail polish colour people choose to wear reflects what they want more of in their life. Diana has a crease on the top joint of the second toe which indicates secrecy, according to the celebrity foot reader 'White nail polish is the idea of unity and peace, which Meghan chose to wear in this photo. 'If it was a French manicure, that would indicate a person wanting more perfectionism in their life. 'Sophie is wearing an orangey-pink colour. 'Orange painted nails signal wanting more fun. Pink signifies wanting more love. 'I would read this colour as Sophie wanting fun - love has to be involved with how she's doing that. 'She has to enjoy what she's doing and like the people involved or she's not going to bother. 'Diana is wearing either brown or dark red. 'Brown signifies wanting to feel more safe, grounded, comfortable and focused. 'Dark red says "I want more energy to fulfil my ambitions but I'm feeling tired". Jane said: 'King Charles has an elongated second and third toe which indicates a natural leadership quality and the extra drive and determination that he can do twice as much as the next person given the same time and resources' Jane said Prince William has similar feet to Charles. His toes are long and narrow which indicates more creative expression 'Prince Harry's second toe is narrow at the base and wide at the tip. This indicates that when he expresses an emotion, he express it bigger than he feels it. His heart is ruling his head,' said the foot expert And it's not just royal women whose feet give away some of their innermost thoughts and feelings. Jane said: 'King Charles has an elongated second and third toe which indicates a natural leadership quality. 'He also has the extra drive and determination to do do twice as much as the next person given the same time and resources.' His toes are long and wide which, according to the foot expert, indicates he is expressive but has a natural inclination towards practical matters and problem-solving. 'Compare that to Prince William who has similar feet to Charles. His toes are long and narrow which indicates more creative expression,' she continued. 'Prince Harry's second toe is narrow at the base and wide at the tip. 'This indicates that when he expresses an emotion, he express it bigger than he feels it. 'His heart is ruling his head.' The biggest outlier of the royals was Charlene whose feet, says the foot reader, indicate having discipline imposed on her The biggest outlier of the royals was Charlene whose feet, says Jane, indicate having discipline imposed on her. The foot reader said: 'She is the only one who has tendons showing. This is something I see in ballerinas and keen athletes.' Before her marriage to Prince Albert II, Charlene was an Olympic swimmer representing South Africa. 'I don't read this self-discipline in the other royal's feet, who are a lot more go with the flow,' said Jane. A handful of cities in Texas are grabbing the attention of international buyers, who are coming mainly from India, China, and Mexico to find low prices amid a possible housing crash. Houston, Austin, and San Antonio all made the list of destinations where homebuyers from around the world are purchasing investment properties, second homes for their kids, or a home they will retire in. Houston was the number 5 most searched US city by non-US consumers throughout the month of April, according to a new report from Realtor.com. International demand also grew noticeably in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio. None of the metros appeared in the top rankings for international buyers last year. 'The growing appeal of Texas markets to international buyers signals a noteworthy regional shift in investment focus,' said Danielle Hale, Realtor's chief economist. International buyers see Texas as a place for a long-term investment due to its lower cost of living and lack of state income tax. Many high-profile businesses have also relocated to the state, which has led to economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development and housing demand. Texas markets have a growing appeal to international buyers Texas' cultural diversity and easy international travel connections also help its global appeal. For instance, San Antonio landed in the top destinations for Mexican homebuyers due to its proximity to the US-Mexico border. 'Mexican buyers likely tend to favor US border cities because of their proximity to home, strong cultural and language connections, established family and business networks, and easier access to education, healthcare and cross-border travel making these areas both practical and familiar for living and investment,' said Hale. Texas realtor Cesar Amezcua explained the appeal of the Lone Star State in particular San Antonio. 'We are just two hours from Mexico's border. We're literally 156 miles from the closest border town so we have always had a big influx of people from foreign nations, especially from Mexico,' he told the Daily Mail. Amezcua says a mix of buyers are using the purchases as investments to rent out, for their college age kids to live in, of for themselves as a main home. 'Some use it while they stay in the US for a couple weeks, other people use it for their children who want to go to college,' he said. 'They often work for big corporations in the technology sector, and they're always looking for the best schools.' Texas realtor Cesar Amezcua explains the appeal of the Lone Star State San Antonio made the list of destinations where homebuyers from around the world are purchasing investment properties The diverse culture in many Texas cities is often what draws international buyers too (Pictured: San Antonio) International buyers have also been looking at buying in Houston, which is reinventing itself as a booming tech hotspot. Apple and Nvidia are leading the push with new AI factories in the city, which is set to create jobs, develop real estate and solidify Houston's future as America's next tech city. Amezcua added that the diverse culture in many Texas cities is often what draws international buyers too. 'There's plenty of nightlife depending on what it is that you're looking for,' Amezcua added. 'There are upscale restaurants and bars and cocktail places. 'We really are spoiled here in San Antonio. There's a little bit of everything because we're such a such a diverse town. For food, there's Peruvian, Colombian, Indian, Mexican, Tex-Mex, American Continental you name it, we have it.' Amezcua says a buyer could likely get a three-bedroom, two-bath, two-car garage for anywhere between $250,000 and $300,000 in the city. 'For that you're going to end up in a nice neighborhood with nice amenities like water parks and pools,' he said. For decades, Houston's entire reputation was tied to the oil industry. But now Big Tech is stepping in San Antonio landed in the top destinations for Mexican homebuyers due to its proximity to the US-Mexico border San Antonio is still an up-and-coming place in Texas with affordable housing and great schools Meanwhile, Texas has the most cities which have seen falling house prices over the last year. From April 2024 to April 2025, San Antonio saw prices drop 1.8 percent. Austin has seen a 1.2 percent fall, Dallas is down 0.8 percent and Fort Worth has dropped 0.2 percent. Texas became a boom state during the pandemic due to its warm weather, low tax rates and affordable housing compared to major coastal cities. For Americans, places like Dallas and Austin were once seen as affordable alternatives to high-cost cities like San Francisco and New York. But prices are now on the way down in part due to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate disasters such as hurricanes. This has led to skyrocketing insurance premiums and rising HOA costs across many major cities. Garrison city officials recently voted to disband their police department and reinstate a partnership with the McLean County Sheriff's Office, more than five years after abruptly deciding to set up their own police force due to increasing contract costs and because they believed the Sheriff's Office had not been diligent enough in enforcing city ordinances. The council's vote on Monday cements the city's return to county law enforcement, approving a contract with the Sheriff's Office that will be in place through 2026. It comes weeks after Garrison leaders struck a similar deal to finish out 2025, following their decision last month to disband the city's short-lived police force. The decision to disband the department came after years of struggles with hiring and retaining qualified employees for the staff originally slated to have four members, Mayor Stuart Merry and council President Shannon Jeffers said. "We were down to two people," Merry said. "You can't run a department on two people. No, they were getting tired, burned out. We'd had advertisements out for months, and it just wasn't working anymore. We had to face the music." At its peak, the police force had three officers, including former Police Chief Travis Tesch, according to Merry. What happened between Garrison PD and MCSO? The decision brings back an arrangement that previous council members terminated in late 2019, when city leaders voted to cancel a previously existing contract and start the city's own department, according to previous Tribune reporting. Reasons given for canceling that contract and forming the department centered around sentiments by the council that sheriff's deputies weren't thoroughly enforcing city ordinances. McLean County Sheriff JR Kerzmann said deputies then were reactive to ordinance complaints originating from City Hall, and that practice will continue under the new contract. Additionally, Kerzmann said he didn't feel deputies should be responsible for actively seeking out violations of city ordinances. "I just don't think that's an efficient use of our resources," he said. Why is Garrison returning to county policing? Jeffers said the decision to disband the police department was ultimately "in the best interests of the community" -- of approximately 1,500 residents -- especially given how hard it was to retain officers and the total costs involved in keeping the department afloat. In total, $300,000 annually was being spent to keep the department, which included salaries, benefits, vehicles, equipment, maintenance and other ancillary expenses. "Nobody said life was fair," Jeffers continued. "And you can't keep paying out the kind of money we were paying in perpetuity just because you don't want to let somebody go or disband. You're here for the community. That comes first." It was Jeffers who first recommended disbanding the department, raising the issue during a May 1 special meeting. According to meeting minutes, a motion to dissolve the force was withdrawn after a lengthy discussion among council members. The topic resurfaced at a May 5 special meeting, where residents were invited to weigh in. Merry said public sentiment strongly supported going back to the county. After further discussion, Jeffers reintroduced the motion, authorizing Merry to sign a contract with the Sheriffs Office. Under the 2025 agreement, Garrison will pay the county $115,200 for 12-hour-per-day police coverage within city limits through Dec. 31, according to meeting records. Deputies will also respond to 911 calls outside of those hours. The 2026 contract, priced at $175,200, provides the same level of service. Jeffers and Merry said response times should remain steady, with several deputies already living in Garrison. What happened to those who served in Garrison PD? Following the City Council's May 5 decision to disband the department, a special meeting held May 12 discussed proposed severance packages for Tesch and officer Kaare Hallesy. Tesch, who previously served as chief of police in Fessenden, had been with the department since its formation. Those packages were formally approved on Monday, and City Attorney Jim Wilson reported the majority of the benefits have already been paid out. Hallsey had been with the department for less than a year and has already left town; Tesch still resides in Garrison, according to Merry. In addition to those severance packages, city leaders authorized a committee to sell certain items of police equipment and approved a recommendation by Kerzmann to sell two patrol vehicles to the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department for $55,000. Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben said the purchase was made with existing funds in his department's budget. "It was a very good deal; basically, it was two for the price of one," Leben said. "They're fully equipped." Kerzmann and Leben both said they sympathize with the decision to disband the police department made by Garrison city leaders. "It is hard," Kerzmann said about attracting and retaining employees. He acknowledged his department is one of the agencies that's hired officers away from Garrison in the past. "I can simply give them more money," he said. Besides the financial rewards, Mayor Merry said in some cases, previous officers left because they found life in a small town almost too quiet. "They go into law enforcement for the action, and Garrison isn't Mayberry, we discovered, but by and large, (a) relatively quiet, safe community, but it just wasn't what some of them wanted," Merry said. Jeffers said the phenomenon of constantly advertising, hiring and training employees only to see them leave for "greener pastures" is not confined solely to Garrison. "I've done some research on it and I've seen it in other places," he said. Leben and Kerzmann have, too, to an extent. Even though those departments have a hiring advantage over small departments, both said they've lost deputies to agencies such as the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the North Dakota Highway Patrol. America's heartland housing market is heating up quickly. Homebuyers are ditching coastal cities and major metros like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago only to discover that Des Moines, Iowa once a so-called 'flyover' area no one thought twice about is actually a compelling alternative. Local experts say it's the hottest city in the Midwest right now for its bustling downtown and vibrant arts and food scene. According to Tiffany Tauscheck, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines area has seen a 6.3 percent population surge since 2020, making it the fastest-growing major city in the Midwest. With single family homes available at around $120,000, an exploding restaurant scene, and a safe, family-friendly vibe, the once-sleepy city is on the rise. 'With the cost of living 12 percent below the national average and one of the lowest income tax rates in the country, Greater Des Moines is both affordable and livable,' Tauscheck told the Daily Mail. 'We're investing heavily in infrastructure, placemaking, and strategic development to ensure Des Moines remains a great place to live, work, and grow.' It's not all cornfields and political caucuses, local realtor Jason Stuyvesant added. Local experts say Des Moines is the hottest city in the Midwest right now Tiffany Tauscheck, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership Des Moines is now home to many remote workers, retirees, families, and even bi-coastal expats fleeing $5,000 a month shoebox apartments, he explained. According to a new study by Extra Space Storage, it's number three on the list of the best mid-sized cities in the US. Reader's Digest this year named Des Moines the most livable city in America. Plus, it's the number seven safest city to live in the US, according to US News & World Report. Forbes, meanwhile, names it among the top 10 places to kickstart a career. Stuyvesant says people come to visit and are pleasantly surprised. 'Des Moines has a lot of the things that you find in bigger Midwest cities like Kansas City or Minneapolis award-winning chefs, a nationally recognized art center, several music venues with big acts coming through but we remain much more affordable,' he told the Daily Mail. 'People want more for their money and a better quality of life. Des Moines delivers both.' Reader's Digest this year named Des Moines the most livable city in America People want more for their money and a better quality of life Des Moines delivers both Homebuyers are ditching coastal cities and major metros for the picturesque city Local Des Moines realtor Jason Stuyvesant The low cost of living helps too. With a median home price of just $120,000 and average rents at $775 a month, Des Moines is nearly 25 percent cheaper than the national average. Compared to New York and LA, it's about 40 percent cheaper. Stuyvesant says that overall, Des Moines offers value that few other cities can match. 'I've helped people from the coasts move here,' he said. 'They're like, "I'm paying $5,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. I could go pay half of that and own a four-bedroom house in Iowa and keep my remote job."' Des Moines is also family-friendly and culturally rich. 'There are lots of young families both in the city and in the suburbs,' Stuyvesant added. The city is about to hit one million residents, but it is expanding to accommodate the influx Des Moines is also home to a a world-class arts center designed in part by I.M. Pei, and is home to a sculpture park valued at over $15 million Des Moines is also a major hub for several key industries, including the insurance business 'You can find your people here. Des Moines has a pretty big political mix compared to the rest of Iowa different viewpoints and belief systems. You can find your tribe. 'I have friends from larger cities who come visit, and they're always surprised by just how much we offer.' It has also become a pretty big foodie city, he said, with the city boasting multiple James Beard-nominated chefs. 'We've got tons of farmers' markets. When people in Brooklyn advertise "farm-to-table" restaurants, I joke in Iowa, we just call that food. Anything you want to eat can be grown within a 100-mile radius.' Des Moines is also home to a world-class arts center designed in part by I.M. Pei, and is home to a sculpture park valued at over $15 million. Despite its smaller size, Des Moines is also a major hub for several key industries, including the insurance business. 'We've got Principal here, we've got EMC, Blue Cross Blue Shield, a lot of really big carriers,' Stuyvesant said. Despite its smaller size, Des Moines also has a hot job market with many businesses Des Moines has plenty of year-round festivals, fairs, and lots of local farmer's markets The Raccoon River and the Des Moines River both flow through Des Moines It's also a safe place to raise a family. 'There's not a single place in Des Moines that I'm afraid of, compared to other cities I've been to,' Stuyvesant said. 'The worst neighborhood in Des Moines would probably be like a mid-level neighborhood in a lot of cities in America.' And the city's growth isn't slowing down anytime soon. Nearly 1,400 brand-new apartments are expected downtown by 2026, and a $400 million civic campus is under development in nearby Waukee. The population is nearing one million people yet it still feels manageable. 'It's quite frankly why I'm still here,' Stuyvesant said. There's no doubt the humble potato chip is an icon of the great British cookbook. From the fanciest bistro to the lowliest greasy spoon, where wouldn't you find a nice hot serving of chips? And whether they're served alongside a posh steak or wrapped in paper with battered fish, there's certainly no shortage of serving options. What's more up for debate, however, is the greatest accompaniment to have with this most beloved of fast food. The burning question of the best chip topping is one that has been debated across pubs, chip shops and households for decades. But now, the debate may just have been put to bed for good and it's bad news for gravy fans. Scientists reveal the ultimate condiment to put on chips and there's one clear winner. Charles Spence, professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University, says salt & vinegar is the top choice, followed by mushy peas. There's no doubt the humble potato chip is an icon of the great British cookbook - but what makes the best accompaniment is rather more up for debate (stock image) Experts agree that the ultimate topping for chips is salt and vinegar The multi-sensory food expert who is also the son of a chip-shop owner in Leeds said the malt vinegar is effective at cutting through the oiliness. 'It always end up over chips underneath so the salt and vinegar combination becomes the familiar option and then gets extended to crisps,' he told MailOnline. Although popular, tomato ketchup is 'perhaps an infantile condiment' because of its sweetness typically containing one teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon of ketchup. According to the expert, this may be why ketchup is so favoured in the US, which has long had a predilection for oversweet food. Mayonnaise on chips, meanwhile, is an import from continental Europe likely originating in Belgium, France or the Netherlands. Mayo on 'French fries' memorably triggers the disgust of Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film 'Pulp Fiction'. But Professor Spence is in agreement that there's 'something about the eggy oily texture and insipid colour' that quite rightly puts people off. Dr Sue Bailey, culinary historian and independent lecturer in food science, agreed that acidic condiments like vinegar and ketchup cut through the fatty coating of the chips. Mayonnaise on chips seems to a be a continental European invention that has crossed the shores into Britain. In the US, meanwhile, mayonnaise on 'fries ' isn't common The scientists back up findings from YouGov in 2020, which found salt & vinegar 'dominates everywhere' across Britain. This map shows the chip topping by English county, after salt and vinegar Britain's most popular chip toppings Salt and vinegar Tomato ketchup Mushy peas Curry sauce Gravy Source: YouGov Advertisement But the best sauces with chips are either mayonnaise or tartare sauce, she claims. These have an unctuous consistency but don't fall off the chips when we raise them to our mouth. 'Adhesive viscous or thicker sauces are always popular and the most favoured ones have good clinging or "thixotropic" properties so mayonnaise and ketchup, possibly curry sauce depending on if a starchy thickener is used in it,' she told MailOnline. Gravy, meanwhile, is just too runny and makes a mess meaning chips with gravy requires a knife and fork, which is not preferable. As Professor Spence puts it, 'the first taste is with the hand', as the food we feel in the hands influences our perception in the mouth so when it comes to chips it's best to avoid cutlery. Professor Spence also thinks eating something with a range of colours can 'make what we eat look more attractive' and in turn increase our enjoyment of it. A good example here is pairing the vibrant yellow of chips with the vibrant, glimmering red of tomato ketchup or the almost radioactive green of mushy peas. Conversely, curry sauce and mustard despite packing a big punch of flavour rank somewhere near the bottom when it comes to colourful chip toppings. Gravy lacks the required physical properties to stick to chips - namely it's too viscous liquid - making cutlery necessary The 2020 YouGov poll asked Brits what they have on their chip. They found tomato ketchup is a popular chip topping in England and Scotland, but in Wales people are more likely to favour curry sauce 'You dont get much colour contrast with curry or mustard and fish and chips,' Professor Spence told MailOnline. Slightly more 'posh' or alternative options at the chippy are a sprinkle of black pepper or a smear of mustard, but these are far from ideal. 'Mustard or black pepper are not standard choices they're a bit overpowering flavour wise,' Dr Bailey told MailOnline. Professor Spence added that part of what makes a perfect food combination 'depends on what we are familiar with because we have grown up with it'. And this may be why there's so much variation regarding what exactly Brits put on their fries. According to a 2020 poll of more than 36,000 Brits, the most popular chip toppings are tomato ketchup, curry sauce and mushy peas, in that order. However, salt and vinegar was excluded as a choice in the YouGov poll because they simply dominate everywhere. Interestingly, tomato ketchup is a popular chip topping in England and Scotland, but in Wales people are more likely to favour curry sauce. Tomato ketchup triumphs by some margin in England (34 per cent) and Scotland (25 per cent), whereas in Wales curry sauce reigns supreme (35 per cent). Archaeologists have uncovered 6,000-year-old skeletons in Colombia that belonged to a mysterious group of people that could rewrite human history. The remains, discovered at the ancient preceramic site of Checua near Bogota, were of hunter-gatherers whose DNA does not match that of any known Indigenous population in the region today. Instead, their genetic signature reveals a distinct and now-extinct lineage that may have descended from the earliest humans to reach South America, one that diverged early and remained genetically isolated for thousands of years. By analyzing ancient DNA from 21 individuals who lived in the Bogota Altiplano between 6,000 and 500 years ago, researchers reconstructed a rare genetic timeline spanning nearly six millennia. The DNA samples, extracted from bones and teeth, show that the oldest individuals at Checua carried a unique ancestral signature that has completely vanished from the modern gene pool. Their lineage didnt simply blend into others, but it disappeared entirely. 'This area is key to understanding how the Americas were populated,' said Kim-Louise Krettek, lead author and a Ph.D. student at the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution in Germany. 'It was the land bridge between North and South America and the meeting point of three major cultural regions: Mesoamerica, Amazonia, and the Andes.' The skeletons of two hunter-gatherer individuals excavated at the Checua archaeological site (Bogota Altiplano). Genetically, these early people were not related to other ancient groups in South America, such as those found in Chile or Brazil, nor did they share ancestry with early North American populations, including those from Californias Channel Islands. The study also offers new insights into the so-called Isthmo-Colombian area, a cultural and genetic transition zone that stretches from Honduras through Panama and into the northern Andes of Colombia. 'Our results show that the Checua individuals derive from the earliest population that spread and differentiated across South America very rapidly,' explained Kim-Louise Krettek, the study's first author and a Ph.D. student at the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution in Germany. 'We couldn't find descendants of these early hunter-gatherers of the Colombian high plains, the genes were not passed on. 'That means in the area around Bogota there was a complete exchange of the population.' Around 2,000 years ago, the genetic landscape of the Bogota highlands changed dramatically. The unique lineage found in the earliest Checua remains disappeared, replaced by a new population with DNA closely resembling that of ancient Panamanians and modern Chibchan-speaking groups in Costa Rica and Panama. Andrea Casas-Vargas, co-author and researcher at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, said genetic evidence suggests the culture that followed in the Altiplano arrived with migrants from Central America. Researchers found that the oldest individuals at Checua carried a unique ancestral signature that has completely disappeared from the gene pool. Their bloodline didn't simply mix or fade, but it vanished entirely. Along with technological advances like ceramics, these migrants likely introduced the Chibchan languages to what is now Colombia. 'Branches of this language family are still spoken in Central America today,' Casas-Vargas said. She also noted that the complete disappearance of the original population's genetic traces is rare in South America. 'Up to now, strong genetic continuity has been observed in the population of the Andes and the southern cone of South America over long time periods and cultural changes,' she said. These new arrivals are connected to Central America and show that the population of the Bogota highlands changed significantly over time. They brought with them the Herrera tradition, a culture known for its pottery and early farming. Their descendants helped shape the Muisca civilization, which dominated the region until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. But the shift didn't come with signs of war or invasion. Archaeologists found no evidence of violence. Instead, the change may have come gradually through migration, cultural exchange, or intermarriage. Over time, the Checua people's unique DNA faded, diluted and eventually erased. Scientists analyzed both maternal DNA and broader markers to trace ancestry. While Checua males carried a common Native American Y-DNA signature (Q1b1a), the rest of their genetic profile showed deep isolation and no link to later populations. Panoramic view of the Altiplano, the high plains around Bogota. Later groups who lived on the plateau had stronger ties to Venezuela and Central America, suggesting the region eventually became part of a larger network stretching across the northern part of the continent. Even though Chibchan languages are still spoken in Costa Rica, Panama, and northern Colombia, today's Indigenous Colombians are not directly descended from the Checua or even from the early Chibchan-linked Herrera people. Professor Cosimo Posth emphasized the importance of distinguishing genetics from culture: 'Questions about history and origins touch upon a sensitive area of the self-perception and identity of the Indigenous population. 'The genetic disposition must not be viewed as equal to cultural identity.' He added that the research team engaged with the Guardia Indigena Muisca, the living descendants of the Muisca culture in the high plains of Bogota, to respect and incorporate community-based knowledge. 'As scientists addressing questions relevant to the Indigenous communities in Colombia, we respect and value the wealth of community-based knowledge.' This research marks Colombia's first look at ancient DNA, and scientists believe it's just the beginning. Many surrounding regions like western Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador have never been genetically analyzed. They could hold more clues about the waves of people who helped shape the continent. Scientists say this is just the beginning. Since this marks Colombia's first ancient genomic dataset, many unsampled and potentially unknown populations may still lie hidden beneath the soil. 'Ancient DNA from those areas will be crucial in understanding how humans migrated into South America,' Krettek said. A decorated former U.S. Air Force officer has issued a sobering warning about the real threat posed by UFOs. Robert Salas, now 84, claims to have witnessed unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) disable 10 nuclear warheads at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana in 1967 - a chilling event he insisted was 'not an act of aggression' but a deliberate signal to humanity. 'Within the span of six months, there were 30 nuclear missiles or ICBMs that were disabled during UFO encounters,' Salas told the Daily Mail. 'They were not damaged - just temporarily taken offline. It was a message, not an attack.' Salas, who testified before the Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) last year, said the biggest public misconception was that extraterrestrials were hostile. 'The Department of Defense seems to suggest these are threats to national security. But they didn't destroy anything. If they wanted to, they could have,' he said. 'What they're doing is warning us: 'Get rid of these damn weapons.' Despite repeated denials from officials, Salas claimed the U.S. government had long known about these incidents. 'My testimony - along with [Retired Air Force Captain] David Schindele and [former Air Force Lieutenant] Robert Jacobs - is now part of the official historical record at the Department of Defense,' he said. 'But the public still hasn't been told the truth.' TV writer and journalist Bryce Zabel, who joined Salas on a panel at the UFO conference 'Contact in the Desert' in Indian Wells, California, last week, said that the incidents weren't limited to the U.S. A decorated former U.S. Air Force officer has issued a sobering warning about the real threat posed by UFOs - and it's not what most people might think. Pictured: Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana US Air Force ICBM launch officer Robert Salas (pictured left, and as a young man, right) testified before Congress and detailed his encounter with an orange flying disc that turned off 10 warheads at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, in 1967 The Pentagon declassified and officially released three UFO videos - including the infamous 'Tic Tac' clip - taken by US Navy pilots and confirm the aircraft are 'unidentified' 'There have been similar shutdowns in Russia, France, the UK, Chile, Japan - even Ukraine,' Zabel, who co-authored A.D. After Disclosure: When the Government Finally Reveals the Truth About Alien Contact, told the Daily Mail. 'In one 1982 case in Soviet Ukraine, a saucer-shaped object hovered over a missile base and actually activated launch sequences for several ICBMs. They shut down just seconds before launch.' Zabel believes that the repeated interactions suggest 'targeted, surgical interest - not random activity', adding: 'If this were a foreign adversary, we'd be at war.' But, unlike Salas, he is open to more ominous interpretations. 'One theory is indirect communication. Another is monitoring. But we have to consider the darker possibility: battlefield prep. Intelligence gathering for future control,' he said. 'If we were preparing to intervene in a foreign conflict, we'd study their nukes first. Maybe they're doing the same.' Salas, however, rejects the threat narrative. 'There's no evidence these beings are enemies,' he said. 'The real danger is us - our own nuclear stockpile, our false sense of security. Deterrence isn't foolproof. If even one small nuke is used, retaliation is guaranteed. There's no turning back.' He argued that the current U.S. nuclear doctrine of mutually assured destruction was dangerously misguided. TV writer and journalist Bryce Zabel, who joined Salas on a panel at the UFO conference 'Contact in the Desert', says the incidents aren't limited to the U.S. 'Nuclear deterrence is simply a policy that if we, the United States, have a superior nuclear force to any other in the world, that we will be safe from nuclear attack,' Salas said. 'Well, nuclear deterrence has its flaws. The number one flaw is that it does not keep other nations from developing nuclear weapons.' With at least nine countries possessing nuclear arms and others possibly joining them, Salas warned: 'Even if a small nuclear weapon is used, it will quickly escalate into larger-size weapons there's no turning back. There will be retaliation.' He pointed to historical moments when top U.S. military leaders - including Generals MacArthur and Westmoreland - requested permission to deploy nuclear weapons in Korea and Vietnam. 'Once military has what they think is a weapon that they can use in warfare, they're going to ask to use it,' Salas said. 'And so these things have actually happened.' Both Salas and Zabel agreed, however, that full government disclosure in the future was unlikely. 'There's an international cabal embedded in intelligence agencies - not just here, but globally - working to keep this secret,' Salas said. 'They're motivated by greed, power, and advanced tech they think they can weaponize.' 'Within the span of six months, there were 30 nuclear missiles or ICBMs that were disabled during UFO encounters,' Salas told DailyMail.com. 'They were not damaged - just temporarily taken offline. It was a message, not an attack' (Pictured: Malmstrom Airforce Base) Above, a missile combat crew member at Captain Salas's old post - Malmstrom Air Force Base - prepares to close a three-foot thick door inside a nuclear launch control center 70-feet underground Zabel echoed the sentiment. 'We're seeing more leaks, more whistleblowers but, until governments drop the veil entirely, we're stuck in the dark.' Still, Salas remained hopeful. 'I've spoken before Congress in Mexico and Brazil,' he said. 'We need global cooperation - a united front - if we ever hope to understand what's really going on.' That sense of urgency is underscored by a 2024 study analyzing more than 500 well-supported Cold War-era UFO cases, which concluded: 'This intelligence understands atomics, and they understand atomic weaponry.' Led by retired Air Force staff sergeant Larry Hancock and Harvard Galileo Project affiliate Ian Porritt, the team focused on U.S. military and police reports from 1945 to 1975, emphasizing cases with radar or multiple witnesses. They found that UFO activity appeared to shift from nuclear production sites to missile silos and air bases as the arms race escalated - suggesting an evolving awareness. According to the researchers, as the UFOs were more frequently seen over armed and ready nuclear weapons sites, the apparent craft also started to appear more at night (above) A document recording a report of flying saucers hovering over the Hanford nuclear production complex in 1949. 'UFO's were faster than jet,' Air Force investigators noted (above) These patterns in the historical UFO record, according to the researchers, was also accompanied by another clear trend in which the apparent craft also started to appear more at night than during the day. In one case from May 21, 1949, personnel at Washington state's Hanford nuclear production complex spotted a 'silvery, disc-shaped' UFO hovering over the plant, whose B Reactor had generated the plutonium used in the first atomic bomb test at Trinity. 'UFO's were faster than jet,' Air Force investigators noted. As a test, the team compared sightings at nuclear facilities with those at non-nuclear bases and nearby towns, strengthening their claim for deliberate surveillance. 'This intelligence understands the developmental cycle. They have some contextual knowledge of what they're looking at and what they're looking for,' Hancock previously told the Daily Mail. 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 Festival season in the UK is officially about to kick off, with major events such as Glastonbury and Download taking place in June, followed by Wireless and Latitude in July. Second most important to securing tickets and sorting your camping gear is finding the perfect festival outfit, and its important to strike a balance between cute and comfortable (after all, you will be dancing all day long, so comfort is key). Luckily, women-founded brand Mint Velvet has everything you need to get ready for festival season, from staples such as biker jackets and denim shorts to accessories such as cowboy boots and cross body bags. And because we advocate for wearing an outfit far more than once, everything in Mint Velvets festival edit will pair well with almost anything in your wardrobe, so youll get your wear out of whatever you choose. Take the stress out of festival outfit planning and browse our top picks from Mint Velvet below. Now all you need to worry about is remembering your tent pegs. Solo travel is having a moment - with nearly half of all Brits planning to go it alone in the next year. If you're one of those wanting to step out on your own for your next holiday, we've got you covered, as MailOnline caught up with experienced solo traveller Liz Parry, 50, to get her top tips for first-timers. Liz, who runs PR company Liz Parry PR, has travelled to 70 countries, and explains that she considers herself a 'late starter in terms of solo travel'. She says: 'The first time I really went on my own was a six month trip to South America when I was 30. 'I started with a month in a homestay in Cusco in Peru which was great and really threw me into the culture. Then I did the Inca trail and was meant to continue with a tour group but I quickly realised I didn't like the formula. 'I didn't like being told where to go and how long we had there so I ended up doing it myself. And after that trip, the passion just continued. 'I loved South America, so I started going back every year to a different country and then after about a decade I'd seen all the countries in Central and South America.' Read on to discover where Liz's favourite countries are, where she wouldn't go back to, and her top tips for first-time travellers... Liz Parry has travelled to 70 countries and explains that she considers herself a 'late starter in terms of solo travel'. She's pictured above in Barcelona Liz has visited every country in South America and is pictured above in Ecuador The traveller counts Morocco among her favourite countries and is pictured above in Marrakech The best countries As a huge fan of the continent, it's no surprise that one of Liz's two favourite destinations is Colombia in South America. 'It's really misunderstood and it has this reputation for being dangerous,' she says. 'But it's this really fabulous country with amazing culture.' The solo traveller, who previously lived in Marrakech, also ranks Morocco as one of her favourite destinations. 'It's amazing,' says Liz. 'If you take the time to understand the local culture, then you can have such a rewarding experience.' The countries to avoid Although Liz is no stranger to going off-the-beaten track, and even once spent her birthday sleeping in the 'super creepy' prison on Devil's Island in French Guiana, there's one destination that left her feeling extremely unsafe. She reveals she wouldn't return to Venezuela. Liz recommends staying in hostels to get recommendations from other travellers. She's pictured above in Guyana Liz explains that she 'felt really fearful' in Caracas (above) and didn't leave her hotel room 'I think the most memorable place where I felt really fearful was in Caracas in Venezuela. The energy was just very foreboding,' explains Liz. 'I literally got into my hotel room and didn't leave. 'I called in food and ate it in the room. I just did not want to go and explore at all, I was really keen to get out of there. I think I stayed one night and then left.' And there's another country where Liz wouldn't want to get behind the wheel. She says: 'I certainly wouldn't drive again in Lithuania. 'I did a road trip from Estonia and by the time I got to Lithuania, the driving was so insane. It would be pouring with rain and you'd have three cars all overtaking on a blind bend with a bus and a lorry. 'I just turned the car around and went back. I felt emotionally drained by the situation.' The most underrated destinations Guatemala is one of the world's most underrated countries, explains Liz. Pictured above is Lake Atilan While Mexico is a popular holiday destination, Liz urges travellers to explore the rest of Central America. 'Below Mexico, you've got Guatemala which is amazing and Panama which has the most fantastic islands. 'It's a joy to take an overland bus there. You can go through all the villages and see everything unfold.' Liz's top tips for first-time travellers Stay in hostels 'If you don't know somewhere very well, it's quite a useful experience to be able to speak to some people staying at a hostel. 'A lot of people that stay in hostels have been there an awfully long time and their recommendations are better than any guidebook.' Opt for a female-only dorm Liz started holidaying solo at aged 30. She's seen above on a boat in Goa in India Liz recommends avoiding early morning flights. She's seen above in Iceland's Blue Lagoon 'Female-only dorms are great for solo women travellers.' Liz likes to stay in Generator Hostels where available. Avoid flights that arrive at awkward times 'Don't take a really cheap flight that arrives at 2am in the morning. 'You'll have to find your way across the city in the darkness. Always pay close attention to the timing of flights.' Don't flash the cash 'Don't walk around with your phone in your hand looking at it constantly.' Do some research Liz lived in Marrakech and reveals that Morocco is one of her two favourite destinations for travel She loves Colombia which she describes as really misunderstood. Pictured above is the Rock of Guatape 'Gem up a little bit before you go, have a flick through the guidebooks and get to know a little about the culture and some key phrases.' Avoid tourist hotspots 'Try and stay away from the really touristic hotspots because you're going to pay an awful lot more money there. 'You're not going to have a particularly enriching experience.' One of Spain's holiday hotspot hotels has been flagged by tourists as having the 'worst breakfast in Europe'. Hotel Atlantico, a four-star hotel nestled in the heart of Madrid, has received scathing reviews from diners on TripAdvisor. 'The rooms are nice and comfortable. Sadly that's where it ends,' one dissatisfied guest wrote. As well as complaining about lack of sleep due to hearing 'every creak and step in this place', the guest who stayed in Hotel Atlantico in May 2025, had strong feelings about the 'bad tasting' breakfast. 'The breakfast is the worst I have come across in all of Europe,' they warned. 'Do not have it.' Describing the food in more detail, a second guest wrote: 'My only complaint is the poor quality of the breakfast experience; self-service machine coffee, wet slices of ham, tasteless slices of plastic cheese and slightly stale bread one morning. 'One member of staff only each day and they couldn't keep up with everything that needed doing.' 'Plenty of Cava though,' they added, 'so not all bad.' Hotel Atlantico (pictured) is a four-star hotel nestled in the heart of Madrid The Spanish hotel has been flagged by tourists as having the 'worst breakfast in Europe' One guest described it as 'wet slices of ham, tasteless slices of plastic cheese and slightly stale bread one morning' Other 'disappointed' reviews pointed to the 'poor selection' at breakfast and its 'weird layout configuration'. More diplomatic TripAdvisor users suggested skipping the substandard breakfast entirely. Instead, they recommend eating at one of the many cafes available a stone's throw away from the hotel on La Gran Via - one of Madrid's most popular shopping areas. There were a range of other opinions on the breakfast with one guest describing it as 'very good' while Mick from Ayrshire in south-west Scotland labelling it as 'ok'. 'The lack of chopped fruit and plain yogurt limited out healthy options compared with hotels on our travels,' Mick, who stayed at the hotel with his family in September 2024, penned. 'Otherwise all the staff were friendly and helpful and I would recommend this hotel if you want a central venue in Madrid,' he added. Despite mixed feedback, Hotel Atlantico advertises itself as having an 'excellent breakfast according to clients' on its website. A double room at the central hotel will set punters back around 250 for one night. Breakfast costs an additional 10. The four-star hotel is located on La Gran Via. Some guests have suggested skipping the hotel breakfast entirely and opting for a cafe on the busy shopping street instead Reviews of the hotel breakfast are mixed with one disgruntled guest describing it as the 'worst I have come across in all of Europe' while others said it was 'OK' or 'very good' Eva Garcia, Hotel Atlantico's Assistant Director, responded to one user's scathing review of the breakfast buffet by 'apologising for not exceeding your expectations'. 'We have a buffet style breakfast with hot and cold meals (different types of eggs, sausages, bacon, cheese, cured ham, ham, turkey, cakes, jam, honey, yogurts, different types of bread, fruits, vegetables, coffees and juices, and also Cava),' she wrote. 'We strive to ensure each and every guest experience is satisfying. The rate is 12 euros. Please consider the value for money.' MailOnline has approached Hotel Atlantico for comment. The Project made headlines this week as reports emerged the Channel Ten show is set to get the axe in favour of a new current affairs show. However, hosts Georgie Tunny, Max Rushden and Susie Youssef refused to address the 'cancellation' rumours on Friday evening. As the show closed out, Georgie, 34, told viewers they would be back on Sunday, but made no mention of claims the network will pull the plug on the show. 'That is it for tonight. Please thank Max Rushden, Susie, and we will see you Sunday,' she said, despite expectations she would announce the show's cancellation. Confused viewers took to Xformerly known as Twitterto ask: 'Wait... is it still on?!' 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. The Project made headlines this week as reports emerged the Channel Ten show is set to get the axe in favour of a new current affairs show. Pictured: host Susie Youssef 'I heard the project is dead?' remarked another. Reports emerged on Thursday saying The Project is set to get the axe following years of sliding ratings. Industry insiders revealed to TV Blackbox a brand new current affairs show is in development to replace the show, 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, 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 the replacement program is being quietly prepared for a launch as early as July or August. It will be a significant shift in tone and volume, with the new show to run 30 minutes per episode, down from The Project's six-hour-per-week live broadcast format. The dramatic cut to Ten's primetime output has left some questioning how the network plans to fill the additional airtime. However, hosts Georgie Tunny (right), Max Rushden (left) and Susie Youssef refused to address the 'cancellation' rumours on Friday evening There is also questions about whether the savings from winding down the show's productioncurrently managed by Roving Enterpriseswill be reinvested elsewhere. Daily Mail Australia previously revealed Ten has poached several high-profile journalists from Channel Seven. Veteran reporter Denham Hitchcock, 7News Sydney's Bill Hogan, and award-winning former foreign correspondent Amelia Brace are set to become Ten stars. The trio are believed to have signed on to front a new current affairs program backed by Ten's head of news Martin White. Amelia and Denham left Seven's Sydney newsroom within hours of quitting and began work at Ten on Monday, while Bill is expected to start in a few weeks. The departures fuel speculation Ten is preparing to launch a prime-time news 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 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 10News we are investing in an investigative unit that will work on long-form stories.' Ten's new current affairs program is expected to launch later this year. Coronation Street's Eileen Grimshaw officially said goodbye to Weatherfield on Friday as fans branded the send off 'dragged out' and 'boring'. Sue Cleaver, who played the iconic ITV character, bid an emotional farewell to the iconic cobbles 25 years after her debut. The actress first appeared on the soap in 2000 when her character moved into number 11 with sons Jason and Todd Grimshaw. And despite the character capturing the hearts of the nation for more than two decades, fans felt show bosses had not given her the send off she deserved as she made a big move to Thailand. Eileen was being suspected in her sister Julie's tragic death but was thankfully was cleared by the police of any wrongdoing. 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. Coronation Street 's Eileen Grimshaw officially said goodbye to Weatherfield on Friday as fans branded the send off 'dragged out' and 'boring' Sue Cleaver , who played the iconic ITV character, bid an emotional farewell to the iconic cobbles 25 years after her debut She first appeared on the show in 2000 (pictured) when her character moved into number 11 with sons Jason (L) and Todd Grimshaw (R) The beloved resident then decided to make the move to Thailand, and invest in her son Jason's bar. And it wasn't the only big change for her as she also ended her relationship with George after admitting she only loved him as a friend. In her final scenes, Eileen who worked at the StreetCars taxi service alongside Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), was seen hopping into the back of his cab with Jason. Flocking to social media, TV buffs dubbed the episode as 'boring' which will 'go down in history as one of the most drawn out exits ever'. One penned: 'This will go down in history as one of the most drawn out exits ever,' as another wrote: 'This is a dreadful last episode for a long term character.' 'Well, that send off, wasn't very exciting,' tweeted a third, while another agreed: 'Goodness. Eileen's exit storyline is very, very, VERY bland.' Back in January it was revealed that Sue would be leaving the Cobbles to pursue other projects and two months later it was confirmed that the soap star had already filmed her final scenes. Eileen's exit from the show also included her son Jason, meaning that actor Ryan Thomas, 40, would be reprised his role for the storyline. And despite the character capturing the hearts of the nation for more than two decades, fans felt show bosses had not given her the send off she deserved Eileen's exit from the show also included her son Jason, meaning that actor Ryan Thomas (right), 40, would be reprised his role for the storyline (pictured alongside Todd Grimshaw - Gareth Pierce who replaced Bruno Langley) Flocking to social media, TV buffs dubbed the episode as 'boring' which will 'go down in history as one of the most drawn out exits ever' Speaking to The Mirror about her on-screen son Ryan's involvement in the storyline, Sue said: 'Ryan was there from the start, and he was inconveniently living in Thailand, and it wouldn't be too far of a jump to expect that if Eileen was going to make a leap, that she would involve her son. 'And so when I decided to leave, like over a year ago, I rang Ryan, and I said, 'Ryan, I'm going to tell them that I'm going, and if they ask me about exits, I'd really like to say that you'd come back and take me out, but I don't know whether they'd go for it or not'. 'And he just went, 'Oh my gosh, of course, I would' Which was so lovely for me. 'And it was just so nice to have him back and filming those final scenes with him. It just felt like I'd come full circle really.' Sue isn't the only star who is saying goodbye to the cobbled streets. Mick (Joe Layton and Lou Michaelis (Farrel Hegarty) are leaving in the summer, as well as Adam Hussain who plays Adam Hussain. Sue Devaney, who plays Debbie Webster, is leaving the soap next year, as well as Billy Mayhew star Daniel Brocklebank. Yazmeen Nazir, Max Turner, Rob Donovan, Daisy Midgeley, Julie Carp and Craig Tinker have also left the show. Simon Barlow, Tommy Oprington and Beth Tinker left last year. Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX. At long last, eastern suburbs exes Dina Broadhurst and Max Shepherd have finally offloaded the Darling Point apartment they'd been trying to sell since last November. As exclusively revealed by society scribe Lucy Manly, the former couple, who dated from 2018 to 2023 and share a 15-year age gap, found a buyer for their renovated three-bedroom unit just before it was scheduled to go to auction on Thursday. It sold for 'around' its $8.4million guide, according to Highland Double Bay director David Malouf who handled the seven-month campaign. 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. They initially couldn't find a buyer at $11.5million, so the listing was pulled in January, with Dina telling us she'd had second thoughts about letting the unit go. 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. Society spies have noticed some of Dina Broadhurst's selfies - such as this one - were taken at her eastern suburbs bachelorette pad which she rents... ... while other photos - such as this one - were taken at the luxury unit she renovated with her ex Max Shepherd but never moved into. It was vacant until selling prior to auction on Thursday But sentiment only stretches so far. The apartment - described in its listing as having 'house-like proportions' - was rescheduled with a more realistic guide and eventually found a buyer, whose identity remains unknown. Last week, during the final days of the campaign, our eastern suburbs spies alerted us to a rather interesting bit of gossip... The apartment may have been vacant and prepped for the auction - which ended up moving from the property itself to Highland Double Bay's offices at the eleventh hour - but that didn't stop Dina from returning there regularly to take spicy selfies. Despite renting somewhere else nearby, the 48-year-old socialite clearly found the Etham Avenue address to be a more suitable backdrop for her tasteful nudes. Several recent shots on her Instagram page, which has 367,000 followers, were clearly taken at the unit she and Max renovated but never 'fully moved into'. They included suggestive photos of her in various states of undress, as well as pictures of her acclaimed mixed-media collage artworks. Perhaps she felt an empty unit that resembled a display home was more aesthetic than her bachelorette pad (which still seems very nice, by the way). She may have found an empty unit that resembles a show home more aesthetic than her rental Dina resides in a nearby rental that can be easily identified by its small courtyard, as seen here As recently as Tuesday she posted a gallery of snaps captioned 'art at home' that appeared to include photos taken both at her rental and the luxury unit that was mere days away from going under the hammer. Whatever her reasons for doing so, we hear society types were scrolling through her Instagram galleries in the lead-up to the auction, pointing out which snaps were taken at Dina's 'real home' and which were from the 'show home'. Generally they aren't difficult to tell apart. The blue-chip flat in Darling Point has a clean, white aesthetic, whereas Dina's own place has splashes of colour. Her current residence also has pale green bifold doors which open to a small courtyard, whereas the apartment that was just sold is easily identifiable by its stunning views of nearby Double Bay. It's worth clarifying here that what Dina was doing was hardly break-and-enter. As recently as Tuesday she posted a gallery of snaps captioned 'art at home' that appeared to include photos taken both at her rental (seen here)... ...and photos of her in the luxury unit that was mere days away from going under the hammer She did own the home until it found a buyer on Thursday. Indeed, in January she told us she was 'considering retaining the property for myself' so it's hardly surprising she was spending time there. It comes months after Dina and Max reunited in Sydney in December to discuss the logistics of offloading their unit... only for that trip to cause a little brouhaha. In between meetings with realtors and valuers, the exes ducked off to Kutti Beach for a sunbathing session during which Dina went topless in front of her former flame. The eyebrow-raising moment was captured by a nearby paparazzi photographer. Max and Dina (pictured together), who share a 15-year age gap, dated from 2018 to 2023. After their split, they remained friends and co-owners of the luxury apartment in Darling Point Located 3km from the CBD, the property features stunning views of nearby Double Bay Dina purchased the home with her then-partner Max Shepherd in 2022 for $5.2million. They broke up during the renovation process and it's believed they never lived in it as a couple At the time, Max was in a relationship with American actress and mother-of-two Vail Bloom, with whom he had gone 'Instagram official' in November 2023. But the publication of our photos caused a break in trust and the two split in February. Shortly before her beachside reunion with Max, Dina had split from millionaire refrigerator heir John Winning Jr. after being together for about eight months. She was most recently linked to 23-year-old Belgian toyboy Kengi Meert. The North Dakota Legislatures legal counsel on Friday said only a special session can constitutionally correct a $35 million budgeting mistake made in a recent line-item veto by Gov. Kelly Armstrong's office -- rejecting the governors claim that a veto letter could clarify the error. The line-item veto was intended to only cut a $150,000 passthrough grant to a Native American-focused organization to hire a homelessness liaison via Senate Bill 2014 -- which encompasses the Industrial Commissions budget, according to the governors veto letter. Instead, the office inadvertently crossed out an entire section of the bill given to the Secretary of States Office, which included $25 million for housing projects and programs and $10 million for homelessness assistance during the 2025-27 biennium. The Office of the Governor has requested a legal opinion from Attorney General Drew Wrigley on whether the intent outlined in a veto letter can override the pen marks on the bill. The office argues that the bill is a visual aid. The Office of the Attorney General has not yet released its opinion but told the Tribune that it would be releasing it soon. In the June 6 memorandum, Legislative Council made an argument directly opposed to the Governors Office. Legislative Council said that precedent supports the assertion (that) the bill, not the governor's objection letter, is the official veto document. Their argument is that the markings on the bill are unambiguous. If the veto letter were decided as the official veto document, they argue that there is a significant risk of ambiguity that would be difficult to resolve without involving the courts. The written statement of the governor's objections is ambiguous at best, the memorandum said. Unlike certain objection letters issued by former administrations, Gov. Armstrong's letter simply describes his objections to Section 7, rather than quoting the objectionable language he seeks to remove. As such, reasonable minds may disagree as to whether the governor intended to veto all or part of the provision. They say that the level of specificity in veto letters varies from administration to administration, and if the letter is chosen as the official veto document, they argue it leaves open an avenue for future administrations to write their veto letters in a way that is intentionally vague, which could lead to the frequent need for judicial resolution and would give power to a small group of legislative leaders to make decisions on the intent of a bill without the input of the rest of the legislative body. Interpretation of a gubernatorial veto would no longer be a matter of objective interpretation and would instead require an analysis and determination of executive intent, the memorandum said. It also stated that the nature of the veto error makes it so neither the governor nor the attorney general has the authority to fix it on their own accord. Legislative Council contends the Legislature does have the power to fix the error but only by returning to the Capitol for a special session. There are two ways the Legislature could return to Bismarck to fix the veto fiasco. The Legislative Management Committee could reconvene the Legislature, which would count toward the constitutionally allotted 80-day limit the Legislature is bound to for each biennium. The Legislature has six days left of that allotment after wrapping up the 2025 legislative session in 74 days. Alternatively, the governor could call a special session which does not count toward the 80-day constitutional limit. Either way, calling the Legislature back into session is estimated to cost roughly $65,000 a day, according to Legislative Council. Because the governor has characterized this veto as an honest mistake and publicly stated he would call the Legislature back to ensure the appropriate funding is delivered the prudent remedy would be for the governor to call a special session to allow the Legislative Assembly to remedy the veto error, the memorandum said in its concluding paragraph. Engaging in interpretive gymnastics to attempt to disregard the clear markings on the face of the bill to provide a quick fix for an admitted error will have the effect of establishing a precedent that may lead to future unintended and detrimental consequences for both the legislative and executive branch. Armstrong told the Tribune that he has not read the memorandum yet, but said his offices veto letter had been very specific. A hypothetical risk of a future vague letter is significantly less concerning to me than saving taxpayers money when our letter was very specific and clear as to the intent (of the veto), Armstrong said. He also disagreed with Legislative Councils assertion that the bill is the only official submission to the secretary of state. By law, Armstrong said his office must state its objection to a bill for a veto to be valid. Armstrong said his office will abide by the attorney generals opinion. Wrigley stressed that the memorandum released by Legislative Council has no legal weight. They have zero authority, no authority whatsoever, to issue a binding, some sort of a binding opinion, Wrigley said. He said the only purpose of a memorandum released by Legislative Council is to influence the Legislature in the event they decide to appeal the decision made by Wrigley because the only opinion that would hold legal weight was that of the attorney general. The attorney generals opinion has the effect of a legal ruling until there is an actual court ruling on the matter, according to Wrigley. He said the matter was of first impression in the state -- meaning it has never been presented before -- but he said the issue was not particularly legally complex. He said he would be issuing his opinion as quickly as he could. Senate Majority Leader, and chair of the Legislative Management Committee, David Hogue said there was more research to be done before Legislative Management would take any kind of action, but he said he shared some of the concerns laid out in the memorandum. I think it's always tempting to reach for the duct tape when you see a hole spring in the dike and their (Legislative Councils) approach is, No this is -- we need to be a little more careful about constitutional precedent than that, Hogue said. He said some of the research that still needed to be done was determining how quickly the funds erroneously cut in the line-item veto would be needed by the Housing Finance Agency, but some of it would be on other issues that could cause a legislative session, such as the recent ruling of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on the states redistricting map which may require legislative action to determine what legislative district map is used for the 2026 elections. He said the redistricting issue is as important in his mind as resolving the line-item veto and that if a special session was called, the Legislature would attempt to resolve as many potential causes of a legislative session as possible. During a recent Legislative Management meeting, he laid out five potential concerns that could result in a special session. That's part of the reasoning behind the research is ensuring, you know, if we're going to have a special session, let's address as many of these as possible, Hogue said. Aimee Lou Wood has been spotted in a passionate embrace with Adam Long in London. The actors, who star together in upcoming BBC series Film Club, looked smitten as they enjoyed a cuddle and a kiss outside of a cafe. In pictures obtained by The Sun, Aimee, 31, looked effortlessly stylish for the romantic outing in a denim waistcoat that she paired with wide-legged jeans and red ballet pumps. Adam, 34 - who is best known for his role as convict Lewis Whippey in Happy Valley - was also dressed down on the outing, pairing a Levi's T-shirt with shorts and trainers. While the pair have not commented on their relationship status, they looked incredibly close as they cosied up to one another on their day out. 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. Has Aimee Lou Wood found love? White Lotus star has been seen in a passionate embrace with Happy Valley star Adam Long on al fresco date, (pictured in February) Adam, 34, is best known for his role as convict Lewis Whippey in Happy Valley Aimee has liked all of Adam's social media posts since their Film Club casting was announced last November. She was also quick to praise the star after he completed a sponsored run in aid of Movember and men's mental health awareness. On a snap of the actor and his running buddies, Aimee penned: 'YOU DID IT!!!!!!! ' It's believed the pair met last year working on their upcoming BBC Three series, written by Aimee, in which they play a couple. The pair play lovers in the series, which follows Evie (Aimee) who sets up a film club with her best friend Noa (Nabhaan Rizwaan). A BBC synopsis reads: 'Its Friday night. 7pm. Film Club Week 198. Evie hasnt left the house in six months after a wobble, and tonight, things are different. 'Noas got big news. A dream job is taking him across the other side of the country, which means that all of this is ending. That reality is hitting. That theyre going to be forced to consider for the first time they might be more than just friends. 'Neither of them are the best when it comes to emotions but this time those emotions might be impossible to ignore... The pair star in BBC Three's Film Club, playing lovers in the series, which follows Evie (Aimee) who sets up a film club with her best friend Noa (Nabhaan Rizwaan) pictured Aimee has liked all of Adam's social media posts since their Film Club casting was announced last November (Adam is pictured right in a post from November 30) She was also quick to praise the star after he completed a sponsored run in aid of Movember and men's mental health awareness Adam's most famous role to date was in BAFTA-winning Happy Valley, in which he played a convict who aided James Norton's (left)Tommy Lee Royce in kidnapping the daughter of a wealthy businessman for ransom 'As if life werent challenging enough already, Evie is going to be navigating this amongst the eccentricity of her family home - living with her fiercely loving single mum Suz (Suranne Jones), sister Izzie (Liv Hill), and handsome boyfriend/sometime man of the house Josh (Adam). 'Film Club is a witty and emotional show about love and family, about whether we should follow our hearts or heads, and being in love with a friend.' Speaking about the series, Aimee - who created the show with Ralph Davies - said in a statement: 'Im thrilled that our beloved TV series Film Club, a project that Ralph and I have been writing for the past decade, starts shooting this week. 'We couldnt be more excited, and grateful, to the incredible team we have assembled with the BBC. 'To bring this to life with Nabhaan and Suranne, two exceptional actors I have always admired, is a real honour.' The series was filmed in Manchester last year and is set for release on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three later this year. Adam, who also starred in Day Of The Jackal and Waterloo Road, has not spoken publicly about his love life. Aimee's last known relationship was with her Sex Education co-star Connor Swindells, who she split from in 2020 after two years together. Connor, 28, who stars in SAS Rogue Heroes, is now married to the Peaky Blinders star, Amber Anderson, 32, who he wed last year. Discussing the reason behind their split, Aimee noted that relationships don't have to consist of a 'goodie' and a 'baddie', but sometimes the combination of two personalities in a dynamic can result in 'unhealthy themes'. She said in an interview with Grazia: 'We'd had some time apart and then we realised that maybe the relationship wasn't serving us both,' before stating that she and Connor still love each other and respect each other. According to Aimee the breakup was amicable and wasn't dramatic. She compared the moment she became single to a dam bursting wide open. She added: 'When I'm in a relationship I find it hard to maintain my sense of self. I'm very independent but also quite impressionable.' MailOnline has contacted Amy and Adam's representatives for comment. In recent months, the star has catapulted to global fame, owing to her role in HBO hit, The White Lotus. Aimee's last known relationship was with her Sex Education co-star Connor Swindells, who she split from in 2020 after two years together (pictured in 2020) However, the actress' personal life caused more headlines than the series itself, with Aimee hitting out at Saturday Night Live for their 'mean and unfunny' parody of the show that mocked her teeth; as well as being embroiled in claims of a 'feud' with her on-screen lover. The SNL sketch featured comedian Sarah Sherman, 32, parodying Aimee's character Chelsea while using fake teeth to mock her, which prompted in widespread outrage. The sketch poked fun at her Manchester U.K. accent and her teeth, with Sarah exclaiming: 'Fluoride? What's that?' In response, Aimee took aim at the 'cheap' joke, writing on Instagram: 'Such a shame cuz I had such a great time watching it a couple weeks ago. Yes, take the p**s for sure - that's what the show is about- but there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?' She also shared messages of support from her followers and sister Emily, admitting she'd received 'thousands' of messages backing her up. Aimee continued: 'Last thing I'll say on the matter. I am not thin skinned. I actually love being taken the p**s out of when it's clever and in good spirits. But the joke was about fluoride. I have big gap teeth not bad teeth. 'I don't mind caricature - I understand that's what SNL is. But the rest of the skit was punching up and I/ Chelsea was the only one punched down On... Okay end of.' To conclude, she shared a comment from a fan that read: 'It was a sharp and funny skit until it suddenly took a screeching turn into 1970's misogyny', she added: 'This sums up my view'. Aimee was also at the centre of numerous stories questioning her relationship with co-star Walton, 53, who have now insisted they are good friends. The pair 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. But something appeared afoot between Walton and Aimee, as it emerged after the series aired that they were no longer following each other on Instagram. Fans even speculated that Walton may have blocked Aimee because her comments and likes on his past posts had disappeared. Adding fuel to the rumours, Walton took to Instagram to praise the SNL skit that had mocked Aimee, as well as going on to host the show. The pair have since started following each other again and on Thursday, the pair finally addressed the feud rumours. 'There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me,' Walton insisted during a joint interview for Variety. The father-of-one, who has been married to Nadia Conners since 2011, proceeded to sing 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. Walton's wife Nadia spoke out about the feud, telling Hello: 'It's odd to see it, but it's an indication of how much people were invested in the fictional characters. 'I take it as a sign that he's become quite popular.' In recent months, the star has catapulted to global fame, owing to her role in HBO hit, The White Lotus and her rumoured feud with on-screen lover Walton Goggins (pictured) Her personal life caused more headlines than the series itself, with Aimee hitting out at Saturday Night Live for their 'mean and unfunny' parody of the show that mocked her teeth As well as her role in Film Club, Aimee has been kept busy filming series two of her BBC sitcom Daddy Issues. This year will also see her star in crime-thriller film Sweet Dreams, which has been pitched as 'a British Fargo'. Adam's most recent TV role was in the ITV drama Protection, which saw him reunite with Happy Valley co-star Siobhan Finneran. His most famous role to date was in the BAFTA-winning Happy Valley, in which he played a convict who aided James Norton's Tommy Lee Royce in kidnapping the daughter of a wealthy businessman, for ransom. LadBaby's Roxanne Hoyle has opened up on the 'deepest, darkest moments' she and husband Mark endured before they shot to fame, including living on just 20 a week. Roxanne, 41, and Mark, 38, celebrate 10 years of marriage this year after a decade which saw them go from a normal happy couple to some of the most successful social media stars in the country. It all started with Mark making parody songs on his new YouTube channel around 2016, and within just two years the duo had managed to bag the top spot on the UK Singles Chart with We Built This City (On Sausage Rolls). The comedians come musicians amazingly secured number ones in each of the proceeding five years with playful remixes of famous songs - including I Love Sausage Rolls in 2019 and Don't Stop Me Eating in 2021. After years of success, the couple now boast more than a million followers each on Instagram and over a million subscribers on YouTube. 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. LadBaby - consisting of Roxanne, 41, and Mark Hoyle, 38 - have admitted they used to live on 20 a week as they opened up about 'tough' past before bagging FIVE number one singles In the almost 10 years since Mark started their YouTube channel, LadBaby have amazingly bagged five numbers ones on the UK Singles Chart Their first number one came with We Built This City (On Sausage Rolls) in 2018 and their most recent with Food Aid in 2022 But it certainly wasn't all plain sailing for the two members of LadBaby before all their success. In a new interview with New Magazine, Roxanne - better known as LadBaby mum - revealed she and Mark used to live on 20 a week when they first moved in together. 'Well, we met over cocktails in London and fell in love - cheesy but true,' she said. 'When we got pregnant with our first, Mark worked a couple of jobs and I stayed home. We literally had 20 a week to live on - it was joyful, but it was so hard. 'That's why we'll never forget where we came from. That's why we give back, support food banks and do what we do now.' Mark and Roxanne share two sons together - nine-year-old Phoenix and seven-year-old Kobe who have lived through their success. But - as many a celebrity has - LadBaby have struggled with their fair share of online trolls. Roxanne told new! Magazine that even when 'trying to do something nice like a charity song with Ed Sheeran and Elton John', she and her husband have been trolled. But it certainly wasn't all plain sailing for the two members of LadBaby before all their success In a new interview with New Magazine, Roxanne - better known as LadBaby mum - revealed she and Mark used to live on 20 a week when they first moved in together The 41-year-old previously revealed that LadBaby first received backlash after unfounded allegations were spread online that they were pocketing money they raised for the Trussell Trust. They received thousands of abusive messages online along with threats in public with Mr Hoyle being confronted in a pub and having to be escorted to safety by bouncers. And after Mark refused to tell The Guardian the couple's political preference in a 2019 interview, they were attacked for being 'Tories'. The abuse became so severe that Mark started to suffer from panic attacks. The police took the case seriously and anti-terror officers were assigned to advise the couple at their home. 'I don't think people realise the impact of that level of trolling, where the police came to support us through that time,' Roxanne said. Most severely, in 2022 the couple were rocked by a video circulating on social media allegedly showing Mark hugging and rubbing up against an unknown woman in a Nottingham nightclub. An 18-second video of the incident had been sent to Mark and Roxanne along with a demand for 10,000 to prevent it from being released. In 2022 the couple were rocked by a video circulating on social media allegedly showing Mark hugging and rubbing up against an unknown woman in a Nottingham nightclub In their new memoir - Our LadBaby Journey: Success, Sacrifice and Sausage Rolls - the couple opened up about the reality of getting through the situation The couple ignored the message hoping the blackmail was just a hoax, but months later the clip was widely shared online. There is no suggestion the touching in the video is non-consensual and the clip was later deleted from TikTok for violating its content terms. In their new memoir - Our LadBaby Journey: Success, Sacrifice and Sausage Rolls - the couple opened up about the reality of getting through the situation. Ahead of the book's release, Mark told The Guardian: 'We were lucky we had each other that's what we've always said about LadBaby, the good and the bad.' And as the couple celebrate a decade of marriage, Roxanne said they're still 'best mates' having 'been through so much and come out stronger'. The Robards are on the move! Anna Robards exclusively revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she and her husband Tim are leaving Sydney and moving their young family to the Gold Coast next week. The couple share daughters Elle, four, and Ruby, one, and met and fell in love on The Bachelor back in 2013 and have called Sydney their home ever since. She said the happy family purchased a residence at lavish hotel Mondrian in Burleigh Heads and will be settling in there on Monday. 'We're heading up to the Gold Coast. We brought a property up there called the Mondrian. They've got different hotels around the world,' she said. 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. Anna Robards has exclusively revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she and her husband Tim are leaving Sydney and moving their young family to the Gold Coast next week The happy family purchased a residence at lavish hotel Mondrian in Burleigh Heads and will be settling in there on Monday The Mondrian residences are described as 'coastal luxury' with restaurants, bars and a pool club sitting on the ground floor on the shore of Burleigh Heads 'We brought a property there around four years ago and it's only just settling now. So we're actually going to be moving up there.' 'Everything is happening this week. We're moving up there on Monday. I'm staying for a day and then I'll be coming back [to Sydney],' Anna added. 'We wanted a bit of a change. We don't know how long we'll be there. We're still going to keep our place here [in Sydney]. 'So we will be back and forth a lot for work. We just thought it would be really nice to get away from Sydney winter for a little bit. 'My business partner lives up there too. I've never lived overseas. We've never done anything like this as a family, or even individually.' The Mondrian residences are described as 'coastal luxury' with restaurants, bars and a pool club sitting on the ground floor on the shore of Burleigh Heads. Spa and wellness treatments are also offered on site and all properties have a stunning view of Burleigh Beach. As for her daughters, Anna said Elle is at an age where she is beginning to make friends so is 'a little bit sad' to be moving away from Sydney. 'I think [Elle's] a little bit sad going to the Gold Coast because she won't be able to see her friends,' she said. The family are moving in to the luxury residences next week Spa and wellness treatments are also offered on site and all properties have a stunning view of Burleigh Beach The couple share daughters Elle, four, and Ruby, one, and met and fell in love on The Bachelor back in 2013 and have called Sydney their home ever since 'They're starting to get to that age where they're making good friends and they don't want to leave them. 'But I know she'll make a lot of good friends while on the Gold Coast... She's great at making friends.' Anna added that Elle will officially be in primary school next year, which the influencer feels 'nervous' about but says she knows her daughter will 'thrive'. As for Anna's husband Tim, 42, who she married in 2018, he will be handling the initial set-up of the move. The blonde beauty will only get to spend one day on the Gold Coast after they move in before she has to fly back to Sydney for work. She will be attending a Huggies activation event at Westfield Bondi Junction, which will start next Wednesday on June 11 from 9am. Anna has been an ambassador for the nappy brand for four years, and is currently promoting the company's latest 'hero range' Huggies SkinProtect Nappies. Huggies, in collaboration with Hello Skin, has produced 'cheeky' limited edition Bum Masks for parents and will celebrate with an immersive pop-up at Bondi Junction. Anna said she has to fly back to Sydney to attend a Huggies activation event at Westfield Bondi Junction, which will start next Wednesday on June 11 from 9am Anna and pediatric skincare expert Dr Deshan Sebaratnam will be in attendance at the four-day event as they invite parents along for the free experience. Thousands of visitors can receive skincare tips from Dr Deshan, take part in fun family photo moments and enjoy free pastries and babycinos. They will also be treated to take home samples of the new Huggies range and the limited edition Huggies Bum Mask. 'It's cheeky, pun intended,' Anna joked, adding the Bum Mask is a 'tongue-in-cheek' way of Huggies saying they'll 'look after parents' as well as their babies. 'I actually tried it,' she laughed, when asked if she had sampled the product which she describes is a 'face mask for your bottom'. 'Nobody was home. You have to lie on your stomach. You can either get someone to help or you can put it on yourself. It is quite relaxing,' she said. 'I was just working on my phone... It's interesting. It's nice and cold. It's just like a face mask for your bottom.' Luann de Lesseps' love life is taking an intriguing new turn. DailyMail.com has learned the countess is not currently engaged despite recent rumors, however she is dating Hamptons real estate salesperson Michael Riemerschmid. The couple was recently seen sharing a passionate kiss as they picked up their mail, and by the looks of things, Riemerschmid definitely appeared smitten as he wrapped his arms around her. DailyMail.com has contacted Riemerschmid and representatives for de Lesseps, 60, for comment. Adorably, Riemerschmid is already following his new lady love on social media, however the RHONY alum has yet to return the gesture. The dating rumors sprung up earlier this week after de Lesseps was seen wearing an accessory that looked suspiciously like an engagement ring. DailyMail.com has learned the countess is not currently engaged despite recent rumors, however she is dating Hamptons real estate salesperson Michael Riemerschmid (pictured) The dating rumors sprung up earlier this week after de Lesseps was seen wearing an accessory that looked suspiciously like an engagement ring However, a source told Page Six that the ring was a gift from one of her suitors on her new Bravo dating show, Love Hotel. 'Its not a diamond. Its an aquamarine that one of her suitors from the show gave her. It didnt fit right so she put it on her ring finger,' the source said. Riemerschmid even attended an event in place of Luann, who was out of town for a wellness retreat with her daughter, Page Six reports. He dropped by a Memorial Day weekend event for Grey/Ven x Aroma360 with Andre Bojanic, who is dating Luann's daughter. A source told Page Six Riemerschmid described himself as Luann's boyfriend and was 'sent' there by the RHONY alum to support her friend Dorinda Medley, whose DJ stylings were being featured at the event. According to his bio online, Riemerschmid enjoys fishing and has a background in Wall Street. de Lesseps has really been putting herself out there lately to find love. She is one of the Bravolebrities looking for love on the inaugural season of the Bravo series Love Hotel, which is now airing. Riemerschmid is a Hamptons real estate salesperson who also enjoys fishing and has a background in Wall Street Michael is currently following the Countess on Instagram, however she has yet to return the favor Luann was seen filing a segment for Good Day New York on Friday She wore the same jumpsuit that she sported at the Echo Valley premiere on Wednesday night She seemed in good spirits during the day of doing press However, clearly Luann didn't find her match with any of the suitors, instead linking up with Michael at some point. de Lesseps previously revealed to reporter Derek Zagami that she went on a date with a 62-year-old model. 'He continues to model to this day, does very well, is the salt-and-pepper gray,' de Lesseps said back in February. The reality star described the man who she went out as a 'husband commercial type of guy, but very nice.' Before that date, the Berlin, Connecticut-born celebrity was linked with Southern Hospitality personality Joe Bradley, 28. In January, an insider told Us Weekly that the pair appeared to be cozy while spending time with one another at New York City's Dream Hotel. There was no sign of her massive ring while Luann attended the premiere of Echo Valley on Wednesday, however a source told Page Six the jewelry was just a gift The two were 'all over each other,' a source said, after a January 24 Watch What Happens Live taping. The next month, she addressed the night out with her fellow Bravolebrity while speaking to TMZ. 'We definitely had great chemistry and we went out to have drinks - what's wrong with that?' she told the outlet. de Lesseps then acknowledged that Bradley had 'a girlfriend' but would date him if they broke up. Michael in a 2020 photo posted to his Instagram 'Hell yeah! Are you kidding me? Well, I'm a little bit of a cougar, let's put it that way,' she admitted. Bradley addressed his relationship with de Lesseps during the Southern Hospitality reunion episode for season two, saying that there was chemistry between them, but no physical intimacy. 'This is the truth - me and Luann got a drink, and we hit it off,' Bradley said. 'I did cross a line at the hotel, but I did not kiss her. We did not hook up.' Bradley conceded he 'probably was too flirtatious' with the Big Apple socialite. Previously, de Lesseps was married to Count Alexandre de Lesseps. During their marriage they welcomed their two children, Noel and Victoria. She was also briefly married to Tom DAgostino Jr. between 2016 to 2017. Disgraced former Channel Seven star Andrew O'Keefe cut a very eye-catching figure in Sydney this week. The former Deal or No Deal host, 53, was spotted out and about in Bondi on Friday. Not wanting to hide his sartorial light under a bushel, O'Keefe put on a very colourful display in a multicoloured animal print jacket. He matched the quirky garment with a pair of bone-coloured chinos as well as a pair of sky blue sneakers that he wore over ruby red socks. Keeping the theme going, O'Keefe finished his ensemble with a pair of lime green-framed sunglasses. He accessorised with a beige crossbody bag. As he perched outside a unit block on the suburban street to smoke a cigarette, Andrew appeared completely engrossed in his phone. Disgraced former Channel Seven star Andrew O'Keefe cut a very eye-catching figure in Sydney this week The former Deal or No Deal host, 53, was spotted out and about in Bondi on Friday, perched outside a unit block on a suburban street smoking a cigarette O'Keefe has waged a public battle against drug addiction and been in and out of rehabilitation centres for the past few years. He faced Waverley Local Court in February to plead guilty to driving with meth in his system but escaped with a $440 fine and a disqualification from driving for six months. The former Deal or No Deal host tested positive to meth while driving his Mercedes C200 in Sydney's eastern suburbs on July 28 last year. O'Keefe appeared relaxed and refreshed after three months overseas in rehab and chatted happily with lawyers and police while waiting to have his matter heard. His solicitor Jahan Kalantar told the court his client accepted he had a poor traffic record and had spent a substantial period of time struggling with his illicit drug abuse. Mr Kalantar said O'Keefe had taken serious steps to address his drug problems and produced evidence he had spent three months as an in-patient at a rehab facility. The disgraced ex-TV star pleaded guilty in October to trespassing, breaching an an apprehended violence order and meth possession. Shortly before O'Keefe was pulled over on July 28, he had confronted a man at a Point Piper property he was banned from attending. Andrew O'Keefe O'Keefe has waged a public battle against drug addiction and been in and out of rehabilitation centres for the past few years He faced Waverley Local Court in February to plead guilty to driving with meth in his system but escaped with a $440 fine and a disqualification from driving for six months O'Keefe raised his phone to capture a photo when he noticed the presence of a photographer Magistrate Michael Barko read a letter of apology O'Keefe wrote to the court, which he accepted as being 'sincere and genuine'. 'I can assure you the next step is jail. I'm not just saying that, I absolutely mean it,' he told the disgraced Seven star. O'Keefe was released on bail after appearing in Waverley Local Court but was arrested again at Rose Bay police station in September when police found meth in his car during a search. Two days earlier, O'Keefe had overdosed on heroin at a party and needed to be revived by paramedics. Elisha Dalah, 38, performed CPR to save O'Keefe after supplying him with the heroin that led to the overdose at his Vaucluse home in Sydney's eastern suburbs on September 14 last year. Dalah's millionaire father, Michael, who is a former co-owner of Elizabeth Bay Marina, has spoken out after harrowing details of the incident emerged. The Sydney socialite cleaned vomit from the disgraced TV star's nose and mouth, and gave him Narcan, a drug which counteracts the effects of heroin before O'Keefe was taken to St Vincent's Hospital. O'Keefe allegedly tested positive to meth while driving in Sydney's eastern suburbs six months before he was charged in November 2024. He is seen during a previous arrest Magistrate Milledge previously told O'Keefe that his life had 'just completely gone off the rails' and it was his responsibility to fix it Dalah pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and was ordered to undertake a rehabilitation program. Meanwhile, O'Keefe was fined $1,500 and handed a 30-month community corrections order which required him to attend rehab. Magistrate Milledge said his life had 'just completely gone off the rails' and it was his responsibility to fix it. 'I know domestic violence is a factor in your offending and that is awful, truly awful,' she said. 'You got into the grip of something awful and the wheels fell off.' He was found guilty in January last year of domestic violence and drug offences after a 'degrading' attack on a woman who cannot be identified. The drug conviction was later quashed but O'Keefe lost an appeal against the assault convictions in August. He has an annual income of more than $300,000 despite not having appeared on television for more than four years. Andrew O'Keefe has an annual income of more than $300,000 despite not having appeared on television for more than four years The former presenter of The Chase Australia and Weekend Sunrise is paid $26,000 a month 'through insurance', according to court documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia. O'Keefe spends about $17,000 of that sum on tax and supporting his two youngest children, leaving him with approximately $9,000 a month or $2,250 a week. It is not known what the insurance payments are for but they equate to $312,000 - or $108,000 once deductions are made - a year. O'Keefe's income, which is still dwarfed by the millions of dollars he made from television, was outlined in a statement of facts tendered in Sydney's Waverley Local Court on Friday. His contract with the Seven Network was not renewed at the end of 2020 amid concerns over his erratic behaviour and domestic violence charges. 'Seven is obviously very concerned to read the reports regarding Andrew OKeefe,' a spokesman said in February 2021. 'Seven has had a 17-year relationship with Andrew across a number of programs, although he is no longer with the network.' Like so many little girls, Nicola Peltz has always idolised her father. From when she was tiny, she would watch intently as the abrasive businessman conducted his work affairs ruthlessly. This approach, say those who have worked for Nelson Peltz, is why he became a billionaire. If there was something he wanted, he got it and he took no prisoners on the way. It doesnt take a psychologist to deduce that as young Nicola watched her father succeed in every field he turned his hand to an activist investor who made his name in frozen foods she would have absorbed his hardball tactics. So perhaps we shouldnt be surprised at what steely Nicola has done now. With her reputation in tatters following her public fall-out with her in-laws David and Victoria Beckham, after she and husband Brooklyn snubbed all of the former England captains 50th birthday celebrations, Nicola has begun her fightback. And just like her father, I can reveal shes going in hard by hiring Harvey Weinsteins former attack dog to act for her. This week Nicola, 30, took on Matthew Hiltzik, a crisis management specialist, who acted for the disgraced former Hollywood mogul. Hiltzik is known for his aggressive manner, which he employs with relish when attempting to bulldoze the press on both sides of the Atlantic into not printing any negative stories about his clients. Those who know Nicola say shes desperate to manage her reputation after she was accused of controlling Brooklyn, with some in the Beckham camp referring to Brooklyn as the hostage A source who knows the Peltz family told me: Nicola grew up watching her dad throw money at everything. If there was a problem, cash would solve it. Now it seems like shes doing the same. Nicolas dad was and still is a proper rottweiler when it comes to business. He gets what he wants. Hiltzik is very much like that. He will go to war for Nicola. Hiltzik is regarded as the most hardcore PR in America, he can be rude and aggressive and thats why people hire him. It is a real statement that Nicola wants to bullishly lead the narrative. Its very telling just how desperate she is to come out of this looking good. I can attest to Hiltziks tirades, having recently been bombarded with threatening text messages from him, after the PR man was set on me by a famous friend who didnt like an article I had written. Recently, the controversial American influencer Jimmy Mr Beast Donaldson hired Hiltzik after a series of allegations were made against the YouTube star, including accusations of rigging giveaways, hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds and mistreating video participants, which he denies. He also represented actor Johnny Depp in his fight against ex-wife Amber Heard. Hiltzik, pictured, is known for his aggressive manner, which he employs with relish when attempting to bulldoze the press on both sides of the Atlantic into not printing any negative stories about his clients The Peltz Beckhams have also instructed Harry and Meghans lawyer Jenny Afia, a senior partner at London law firm Schillings, to represent them just weeks after the two couples met at a dinner party in Montecito, California. What, then, do these expensive hires indicate about Nicola and Brooklyns plans for the future? Those who know Nicola say shes desperate to manage her reputation after she was accused of controlling Brooklyn, with some in the Beckham camp referring to Brooklyn as the hostage. This determination to wrestle back control of the media narrative is rooted in Nicolas laser-focus on growing her movie career. She got her first agent aged 12, and a year later had made her film debut in Christmas Comedy Deck The Halls. In 2008 she appeared in comedy Harold and starred in the music video for Miley Cyruss 7 Things. While her professional output has been mixed recently and thats a kind interpretation of some of the scathing reviews Nicola has received lately she believes she can still make it in Hollywood. There is talk there is something in the pipeline, said one insider. But it wont be a blockbuster. Nicola is also fighting another battle: her court case against dog groomer Jony Ceballos, manager of the HoundSpa, who treated her beloved chihuahua Nala before she died. Nicola has now been ordered to appear for a deposition before October 30. Nicola said her pet was fit and healthy before the appointment, but came out struggling to breathe and died within hours. David and Victoria Beckham at the Portrait Gala in 2019. While the Beckhams are keen to become grandparents, a new arrival in the middle of a feud would be tricky She is leaving nothing to chance now, said one source. And thats for good reason as one source said: Many believe that she has already lost the PR war against Victoria and David. There is a lot of drama and directors dont like that. There is a lot at stake for Nicola. Acting is where her heart is and there is no way she will want all of this noise going on to affect her chances of succeeding. Its somewhat ironic, then, that the man who inspired her tenacity has also caused her problems with prospective employers. Sources say Nicola was furious at the negative press around her fathers proxy battle against The Walt Disney Company which saw him fail to gain seats on the board. Following the defeat, Nelson sold his entire stake in Disney, including the shares owned by his firm Trian Fund Management. The sale left a bad taste in Hollywood. Some say Nicola believed it could have ended her career. Nor do the omens look good for an imminent rapprochement between Brooklyn, 26, and his parents. Two weeks ago, Brooklyn took to social media to make it clear whose side he was taking. In an Instagram post, Brooklyn wrote alongside a clip of him and Nicola speeding around Beverly Hills: My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x youre the most amazing person I know xx me and you forever baby. Just days before, the couple visited London for a photoshoot with clothing brand Moncler but didnt tell his family they would be in town. This week, they took part in a joint interview and steamy photoshoot for the German edition of Glamour magazine. There will always be people who talk. The important thing is were happy together, said Brooklyn, before Nicola added: Its not always easy. The couple added that they are looking forward to having their own family something which would be difficult for David and Victoria to hear. While the Beckhams are keen to become grandparents, a new arrival in the middle of a feud would be tricky. A month ago, I revealed that David and Victoria, 51, were done with Nicola. Meanwhile, Brooklyn has stopped seeing some friends whose parents are close to his mother and father. This includes Gordon Ramsays son, Jack, and Guy Ritchies son Rocco. David and Victoria had been angered by associates of Nicola briefing TMZ that they didnt attend any birthday celebrations because Romeos girlfriend Kim Turnbull would also be present, claiming this would be uncomfortable as Kim dated Brooklyn. This was false she had enjoyed a romance with Rocco Ritchie. This week, though, the Mail revealed Romeo and Kim, a well-known DJ, had split. A family source said: Kim unfairly was put at the centre of the feud. But it will be interesting now to see what reason they will give to avoid the gatherings. Surely with their new crack PR team, Nicola and Brooklyn will concoct a reason though whether anyone will believe them is another matter entirely. Eternal bachelor Ryan Seacrest appears to have a new love in his life, and they may have even crossed paths once before whether he knows it or not. The Daily Mail is told that the 50-year-old media mogul is now dating 32-year-old entrepreneur Camille Orders, as the two were spotted on a romantic stroll in Rome. Intriguingly, the pair could have encountered one another years prior as Camille once claimed that she had moved to Los Angeles to work as an intern at E! News in 2014 when Ryan was still working for the network. However, another source close the TV star maintains: 'Ryan is currently single.' The rumored romance comes at a great time for the eternal bachelor as Ryan has been single for just over a year and recently admitted that he was 'depressed' about being alone. Camille proudly states on her LinkedIn profile that she travelled to LA for an internship at E! while studying Media Communications at the University of New South Wales from 2013 to 2014. Eternal bachelor Ryan Seacrest appears to have a new love in his life, and they may have even crossed paths before whether he knows it or not Ryan started at E! back in 2006 and hosted its red carpet coverage until February 2021. Despite being known as one of the most eligible bachelors in Hollywood, it seems like Ryan is finally ready for the next chapter of his personal life. A source told the Daily Mail: 'Ryan has all the qualities of a great dad, but hes spent so many years laser-focused on his career that time has quietly slipped by. 'Camille embodies everything Ryan looks for in a partnerphysically, mentally, and spiritually. Hes truly enjoying his time with her, and she helps him pause, unwind, and appreciate the life hes worked so hard to build.' Meanwhile, another insider compared Ryan to a different - and more famous - A-list former bachelor. This second source said: 'Ryan doesn't know how to settle down in his work life. He is always searching for his next thing even though his plate is always full with Wheel [of Fortune], [American] Idol, his radio show and everything else. 'The times that he has a relationship, they have been amazing, but he usually doesn't consider taking the next step of marriage, kids and all of that. If he were to become a father, he'd think of doing it a little later in life, something like what [George] Clooney did.' Representatives for Ryan declined to comment. DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal that the 50-year-old media mogul is now dating 32-year-old entrepreneur Camille Orders as the two were spotted on a romantic stroll in Rome Intriguingly, the pair could have encountered one another years prior as Camille once worked as an intern at E! in 2014 when Ryan was still working for the network No doubt a new ladylove comes at a great time for the longtime bachelor as Ryan has been single for just over a year and recently admitted that he was 'depressed' about being alone Despite being known as one of the most eligible bachelors in Hollywood, it seems like Ryan is finally ready for the next chapter of his personal life Meanwhile, the new couple seemed to enjoy their holiday as they were accompanied on the outing with his beloved Labrador named Dogryan He pulled out all the stops for his new ladylove and treasured pooch as the group hopped on a helicopter for a sightseeing trip around Rome The new couple seemed to enjoy their Rome holiday, accompanied on their outing by Ryan's beloved Labrador, Dogryan. He even pulled out all the stops for his new ladylove and treasured pooch as the group hopped on a helicopter for a sightseeing trip around Rome. Camille showcased her stunning figure as she donned a brown Prada cropped top which showcased her ripped abs along with a white mini skirt. The blonde beauty gave Ryan plenty of physical affirmation as she touched him on his shoulder several times as they walked side-by-side. Ryan has been one of the busiest people in showbusiness in recent years, serving as a television host, producer, and radio personality including hosting gigs for game show Wheel Of Fortune and the aforementioned American Idol, where he made his name. His tenure at E! did come with some controversy, however, as, back in November 2017, his former stylist had accused him of sexual harassment and he was put under investigation. A source told DailyMail.com: 'Ryan has all the qualities of a great dad, but hes spent so many years laser-focused on his career that time has quietly slipped by' The source added: 'Camille embodies everything Ryan looks for in a partnerphysically, mentally, and spiritually' Meanwhile a different insider said: 'Ryan doesn't know how to settle down in his work life. He is always searching for his next thing even though his plate is always full with Wheel, Idol, his radio show and everything else' The source added: 'The times that he has a relationship, they have been amazing, but he usually doesn't consider taking the next step of marriage, kids and all of that. Camille showcased her stunning figure as she donned a brown Prada cropped top which showcased her ripped abs along with a white mini skirt The blonde beauty gave Ryan plenty of physical affirmation as she touched him on his shoulder several times as they walked side-by-side Ryan has been one of the busiest people in showbusiness over several years as he serves as a television host, producer, and radio personality He denied the allegations at the time as released a statement which read: 'This person who has accused me of horrible things offered, on multiple occasions, to withdraw her claims if I paid her millions of dollars. I refused.' In February 2018, the investigation was closed due to insufficient evidence. Meanwhile, since her time at E!, Camille has served as a studio assistant at Smudge Studio in LA in 2014, was a talent coordinator for Treats! magazine from 2014 to 2017, an editor/producer for sweets! magazine from 2016 and 2018, and a director of communications under Greg Lansky from 2022 to 2014 according to her LinkedIn page. More recently, she has flexed her entrepreneurial muscle as she manages Lalita Loft - a unique, artistic space in Greenpoint, New York which she designed - as it is available for production and event rentals. Earlier this year she also became a newly licensed real estate agent in New York as her Instagram bio tags include Serhant Real Estate which is operated by Ryan Serhant and is featured on Netflix reality series Owning Manhattan. The reality show is set to release season 2 sometime this year. Ryan has quite the dating history as he has been romantically linked to numerous models and television personalities. His most relationship was with model Aubrey Paige, now 28, who was 22 years his junior at the time. Ryan and Aubrey went public with their relationship in May 2021 after the good looking pair were spotted on Memorial Day at a party in the Hamptons. The two split in April 2024 after dating for three years. His longest relationship was with chef Shayna Taylor whom he dated on-off for eight years before ultimately splitting in 2020. As mentioned earlier, Camille shared the same workplace with Ryan when she interned at E! while studying Media Communications at the University of New South Wales from 2013 to 2014 The media mogul began with E! News in 2006 and hosted its red carpet coverage until February 2021 More recently, she has flexed her entrepreneurial muscle as she manages Lalita Loft - a unique, artistic space in Greenpoint, New York which she designed Earlier this year Camille (seen in February) also became a newly licensed real estate agent in New York as her Instagram bio tags include Serhant Real Estate Ryan and Shayna first met at a restaurant in LA in 2013 as they moved in together in 2017 and split multiple times including in 2014 and 2019. A source told People of their split in June 2020 that Shayna 'wanted more out of their relationship.' The insider explained: 'It felt like the natural next step for her. She was ready to get married, but Ryan wasn't there yet.' During one of his romantic breaks with Shayna, he dated model Renee Hall and former Miss Teen USA Hilary Cruz, both in 2015. Before getting together with Shayna, Ryan enjoyed a two-year romance with Julianne Hough from 2010 to 2013. He also counts former Playboy Playmate Of The Year Sara Jean Underwood among his former girlfriends. They dated on and off for a couple of years beginning in 2009. In March 2006, during an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Ryan confirmed that he was dating Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher. It came after photos of the two sharing a somewhat awkward kiss were published. His first high-profile relationship came early on in his career as host of American Idol as he dated model/actress Shana Wall from 2003 to 2005. Sex And The City icon Kristin Davis has finally revealed whether she dated her co-star Chris Noth after years of swirling romance rumors. Noth famously played Mr. Big, the central on-off love interest of Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw, on the original series and in the two films. Davis meanwhile featured as Charlotte York, one of the four main friends on the show including Carrie, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Samantha (Kim Cattrall). When the show's spin-off And Just Like That... debuted in 2021, Mr. Big briefly appeared as Carrie's husband - only to quickly die of a heart attack on a Peloton. Right after his character was killed off, Noth's career was upended by a string of sexual misconduct allegations, which he has since strenuously denied. Now Davis, 60, has used her Instagram page to address the years of speculation that she and Noth, 70, were once romantically involved in real life. Sex And The City icon Kristin Davis has finally revealed whether she dated her co-star Chris Noth after years of swirling romance rumors Right after his character was killed off, Noth's career was upended by a string of sexual misconduct allegations, which he has since strenuously denied; pictured 2021 She dropped the bombshell in the comments section of a podcast clip in which she and Megan Thee Stallion discussed Mr. Big as a character. One fan wrote under the footage: 'Maam didnt you date him??' prompting Davis to clarify to the public once and for all: 'No i didnit!!!' In 2023, Noth firmly denied multiple allegation allegations of sexual misconduct in his first interview about the charges that infamously put his career on hold. Noth, who has insisted he is still close to his former Sex and the City co-stars, told USA Today that any encounters he has had outside his marriage were consensual. 'I strayed on my wife, and it's devastating to her and not a very pretty picture,' he told the outlet. 'What it isn't, is a crime.' The former Law and Order star has been married to his wife since 2012. The couple were together for 10 years before tying the knot and are parents to two children - Orion, 16, and Keats. Noth said he has spoken to his teenager about the situation. The SAG nominee admitted his infidelity saying, 'You give yourself the same excuses that many men do; it's just a little side dance, and it's fun. One fan wrote in Davis' Instagram comments: 'Maam didnt you date him??' prompting Davis to clarify to the public once and for all: 'No i didnit!!!' Noth is pictured with Sarah Jessica Parker during the original run of Sex And The City, which aired on HBO for six seasons from 1998 to 2004 He said he justified by telling himself, 'You're not hurting anybody. No one's going to know about this, you know, and sex is just enjoyable.' 'And suddenly, a lot of people want to have sex with you. It's like, 'Well, I'm not going to get this chance again."' Noth denied those allegations, along with the claims of a fourth woman who also accused him of misconduct. Noth's character, Big,' was killed off in the first episode of the Sex and the City spinoff And Just Like That, a move that was planned as part of the plotline. The veteran star was fired from his job on the CBS drama The Equalizer shortly after the allegations were made public. Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis issued a joint statement saying, 'We support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences. We know it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it.' No criminal charges have been filed yet. New York does not have a statute of limitations on rape. The actor hinted the women who accused him may have a financial motive. Davis featured as Charlotte York, one of the four main friends on the show and a role she is pictured reprising on the new season of the spin-off And Just Like That... Four women have told very different stories about their experiences with the Sex and the City star. In Dec. 2021, just weeks after his character was killed off on the in the SATC spin-off And Just Like That, two women went public with their allegations of sexual misconduct. One claimed he raped her in 2015 after she met the actor while working as a server at a nightclub. The second told The Hollywood Reporter Noth raped her in 2004. The actor's rep called the allegations 'categorically false.' A third woman came forward shortly after the THR article, and told The Daily Beast she had been assaulted by the Gone actor when she was 18 and working at a restaurant in New York. 'That's a money train for a lot of people,' he said. No lawsuits against the Manhunt actor have been filed. Noth is pictured at the Vienna Opera Ball in February 2023 'There's nothing I can say to change anyone's mind when you have that kind of a tidal wave,' he claimed. 'It sounds defensive. I'm not. There's no criminal court. There's no criminal trial. There's nothing for me to get on the stand about and get my story out, get witnesses.' The Good Wife actor had at the time been directing and performing at a theater in Massachusetts. He was working for Samuelsohn, a suit company launching a campaign to raise awareness about men's mental health when he spoke with the reporter from USA Today. 'I'm an actor,' he stated. 'I have other things that I want to do creatively. And I have children to support. I can't just rest on my laurels,' he said of his limited opportunities. 'I have enough to let a year drift, but I don't know how to gauge or judge getting back into the club, the business, because corporations are frightened.' 'Fear is the overriding operative word when it comes to whether they believe it or not,' he explained. 'I have to just continue on. It's rough, because people are scared, and their fear leads them. And I have to just persevere because I still have a creative life.' Hugh Jackman has given a huge shout out to a little local theatre in regional Victoria. The Aussie A-lister, 56, took to his Instagram Stories on Saturday to drum up support for his old drama school mate, Mark Constable, who is putting on an Australian comedy in Macdeon. 'I recommend you go and check out this gem of a play. It's an Aussie play. 'For people who are in Australia, or wherever you are in the world, if you want to go down to Mount Macedon just outside Melbourne - there is an incredible little theatre called the Mountview theatre,' Hugh said. 'And they are doing a production of the Appleton Ladies Potato Race. It's a gem of a play. It will move you. It will make you laugh. You will laugh your heads off. 'It's directed by a great mate of mine that I went to drama school with, Mark Constable, who is awesome. He told me to say he's a genius. He's great.' Hugh Jackman has given a huge shout out to a little local theatre in regional Victoria The Aussie A-lister, 56, took to his Instagram Stories on Saturday to drum up support for his old drama school mate, Mark Constable, who is putting on an Australian comedy 'The Appleton Ladies Potato Race' at the Mountview Theatre in Macedon from June 13 'It's at a regional theatre and it's going to be phenomenal,' the Wolverine star continued in his glowing endorsement. The Mountview theatre has a capacity of 100 and the play will run for three weekends from June 13 to June 29. 'Although I have a funny feeling it may get extended,' Hugh said. 'When Penny Anderson, the towns new GP, returns to her childhood home of Appleton, shes shocked to find the local potato race prize still sits at $1000 for men and just $200 for women,' a synopsis for the play reads. 'Determined to change this outdated tradition, she sets out on a mission to even the playing field. But not everyone is on board, especially the no-nonsense Bev, who sees Penny as another city slicker disrupting country ways.' Margot Knight, Shayne Francis, Sharnie Page, Sophie Cleary and Sheila Kumar star in the 'big-hearted Australian comedy.' Hugh, who is currently starring in his one-man live show at Radio City and his new off-Broadway play 'Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes', recently appeared on Good Morning America to talk about why he returned to the stage. 'I felt I wasn't doing the thing I loved to do enough,' he revealed. 'I wasn't acting enough. I love the theatre. I think it should be available for everyone.' In Hugh's 'stripped down' off-Broadway show, the Greatest Showman actor swears liberally, speaks graphically about sex and engages in multiple steamy make-out sessions with his 25-year-old co-star Ella Beatty (pictured) The pair were seen larking around in rehearsals this week. 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 'Sometimes I feel more relaxed on stage than I do in life,' Hugh admitted during his sit down interview. 'I don't know what it is. I'm living the dream.' In Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, Hugh engages in multiple steamy make-out sessions with his 25-year-old co-star, Ella Beatty. The pair were seen larking around in rehearsals this week. 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. It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster. 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, who reportedly struck up an offstage relationship with the Greatest Showman star while playing his love interest onstage. Adding more fuel to the gossip mill, fresh photos of the pair holding hands during the curtain call have sent tongues wagging. It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster Offstage, Hugh's own split from Deborra-Lee Furness seems to mirror the emotional storm 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***' 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 Maura Higgins has reportedly been replaced as host of Love Island USA's spin-off series Aftersun after just one series. The Irish beauty, 34, was also social media presenter for the US' main show but now Sophie Monk, who is no stranger to fans and fronts the Aussie version, will be taking her place. According to The Sun Maura was unable to continue in the role due to scheduling conflicts, with fans speculating she's signed up for the new series of Traitors US. A source told the publication: 'Maura wasn't able to commit to hosting Aftersun this season due to other work commitments, but she will be back on screen in some capacity later in the run.' Love Island USA's offical Instagram account shared a stunning snap of Sophie as they welcomed her to the 'Aftersun family' to which Maura herself, gushed: 'Yess Queen!'. 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. Maura Higgins, 34, has reportedly been replaced as host of Love Island USA 's spin-off series Aftersun after just one series (Pictured on the show) The Irish beauty, was also social media presenter for the US show but now Sophie Monk (pictured) who is no stranger to fans and fronts the Aussie version, will be taking her place Following the announcement one fan asked: 'Where's Maura?' while another replied: 'She's going to be on Traitors'. MailOnline have contacted Maura's representatives for comment. Maura has had a long-standing connection to Love Island, starting off in 2019 when she starred in series five alongside the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury. She finished up in fourth place alongside then partner Curtis Pritchard. Then in 2023, she returned to the Love Island family as the social media presenter for Love Island USA and the Love Island Games. The following year, she landed a role as host of Love Island USA: Aftersun, where she proved popular with viewers and is now reportedly set to return to the job for 2025. Following her most recent stint on Love Island, Maura jetted to Australia to star on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, where she first met Danny. At the time, Maura was involved with former TOWIE hunk Pete Wicks, with the Irish beauty even opening up on their romance on the show. According to reports Maura was unable to continue in the role due to scheduling conflicts, with fans speculating she'd signed up for the new series of Traitors US Maura has had a long-standing connection to Love Island, starting off in 2019 when she starred in series five alongside the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury [Maura pictured hosting Love Island USA: Aftersun last year] Love Island USA's offical Instagram account shared a stunning snap of Sophie as they welcomed her to the 'Aftersun family' to which Maura herself, commented: 'Yess Queen!' Following the announcement fan asked: 'Where's Maura?' while another replied: 'She's going to be on Traitors' However, things were not meant to be and the couple called off their romance earlier this year. Just weeks later, Maura was spotted kissing rocker Danny at a BRITs after party, which resulted in Danny's wife Georgia Horsley temporarily moving out of the family home amid the scandal. Meanwhile, Maura's name is one of those attached to a Love Island spin-off, which will air this year and will feature some of the biggest names in the show's history. Love Island will commemorate its 10th anniversary on screen by welcoming back a series of its biggest stars for a spin-off where they reveal their juiciest secrets. According to The Sun, other names attached to the series include Zara McDermott, Dani Dyer and Ekin-Su Culculoglu. The series is expected to air ahead of the upcoming series in June, with the publication reporting it will take on a 'Gogglebox style format'. Some of the show's biggest success stories will look back on clips of the most memorable moments from the past 10 years. A source said: 'You can expect quite a few of them to reveal some seriously behind-the-scenes stories from their time in the villa. 'Love Island fans will be thrilled at the prospect, not least because ITV have brought back some of the show's best known stars.